What Software are 'must have' items?

[KC5JMU]

This is KC5JMU. While I've had my call for a while, I'm just now getting into HF work. I bought my first rig, Yeasu 450AT, a few weeks ago. What I am asking for is suggestions as to what software out there is 'must have' software to learn my way around the HF bands. What do you fine folks suggest as helpful software? I have no clue what would be the right stuff to get to start getting my computer to help me as I explore what is a "New World" to me. Do I need datatbase type software to track QSO's? Is there something out there that shows propogation? All input GREATLY appreciated!

Mark
KC5JMU near
Anahuac, Texas
;)

[KA9INV]

It really depends on what you want to do! I guess the first question is, which operating system are you running? If you're using some flavor of Linux, you will find that most of the main distributions already have a ton of amateur radio software in their repositories that will accomplish almost any task imaginable, from logging to propagation to digital modes.

[M0GVZ]

This is KC5JMU. While I've had my call for a while, I'm just now getting into HF work. I bought my first rig, Yeasu 450AT, a few weeks ago. What I am asking for is suggestions as to what software out there is 'must have' software to learn my way around the HF bands. What do you fine folks suggest as helpful software? I have no clue what would be the right stuff to get to start getting my computer to help me as I explore what is a "New World" to me. Do I need datatbase type software to track QSO's? Is there something out there that shows propogation? All input GREATLY appreciated!

Mark
KC5JMU near
Anahuac, Texas
;)


Ham Radio Deluxe V5 which is FREE. You don't need anything else for normal use. It'll do your logbook, upload QSOs to LOTW and eQSL, manage your radio, rotator, do clusters, digital modes, QRZ.com lookups, the lot. Everything is integrated even though they're all done by seperate programs they all talk to each other so the Logbook talks to HRD which does the radio running. DM780, the digimode program talks to both HRD and the logbook etc etc.

A video of HRD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd7sIuIzA10

When set up properly, you can double click on a callsign spotted in the cluster, it'll tune your radio, move your rotator if you're using one and put up their details from QRZ.com in the lookup. Taking that further with the DM780, you can set up a macro so it'll automatically add the QSO to your log.

Oh, forgot. HRD runs a server so you can operate your radio from another computer.

For contests, N1MM gets my vote.

[W8ZNX]

Hello Mark

..... so let's put it this way
what do you want to do

i have been a ham op for over 45 years

have yet to need any
' must have software "

yours truly
mac

[KC9QVL]

DXlab with Fldigi is also a good do it all tool.

[G0VQY]

From a disabled ham operators point of view, Ham Radio Deluxe is a vital piece of software that enables me to use my equipment totally independently.

Can not only can you operate most, if not all of your radio from your computer, you can also set it up to follow the frequency and bands. You can connect it to QRZ which means as soon as you put the persons call sign in, it fills in all the information for you if they are in QRZ, the majority of people are nowadays. It really is an excellent piece of software, I know some people have a few problems configuring it but normally it configures without any problems.

I used to use the rotator control within ham radio Deluxe but I kept having problems with it, sometimes it would stop working so I have now started using PSTrotator which is another piece of software I would now not be without.

[N0AZZ]

If you want free HRD it is a jack of all trades, if you want start with one you will never out grow and need the best e-logging program it's Logic8 has more features that any others not free.

There are several very good simple digital programs for free Rtty is MMTTY, for PSK31 and others Digipan for a stand alone all digital CW and all other modes FLdigi is one of the best none of these programs are bloat ware.

The best way if to download and try the programs and see what you like some are simple and others are complex.

[AB9LZ]

have yet to need any
' must have software "


I agree, software/computers are purely optional...in many respects, the radio experience is better with out them.

73 m/4

[2E0OZI]

I'm just new to HF - got a pen, a notebook and a page to a day diary. And a copy of the bandplan.

[G0VQY]

I agree, software/computers are purely optional...in many respects, the radio experience is better with out them.

73 m/4

How many people really want to sit there at the end of the day filling out a logbook? sometimes I work dozens of contacts.

I don't see how the radio is better off without the computer. If you don't use a computer then you're not going to miss it. However, in my experience, the computer not only aids me in my operating, but it also enhances the enjoyment. I have my live stream running when I'm operating so people can tune in and see me as I'm talking to them. I'm able to check out people's profiles on QRZ whilst I'm talking to them, I found that reading about the person you're talking to you can help make a QSO that much more enjoyable as you can bring details of their profile into the discussion.

I can send eQSL cards almost immediately after I have spoken to somebody. The logging program will inform me if I have spoken to the person before, I really is nice to know if you have work someone previously.

If I had my computer taken away from me I don't think I would use the radio half as much as I do.

[AC0H]

Ham Radio survived and flourished for 50 years without computers.
What happens when, not if but when, the computer goes down?
Do you remember how to use the radio without it?

I started of with a paper log and i have to say those first contacts were some of my most memorable. I filled out the log while in conversation with the other guy.


How many people really want to sit there at the end of the day filling out a logbook? sometimes I work dozens of contacts.

I don't see how the radio is better off without the computer. If you don't use a computer then you're not going to miss it. However, in my experience, the computer not only aids me in my operating, but it also enhances the enjoyment. I have my live stream running when I'm operating so people can tune in and see me as I'm talking to them. I'm able to check out people's profiles on QRZ whilst I'm talking to them, I found that reading about the person you're talking to you can help make a QSO that much more enjoyable as you can bring details of their profile into the discussion.

I can send eQSL cards almost immediately after I have spoken to somebody. The logging program will inform me if I have spoken to the person before, I really is nice to know if you have work someone previously.

If I had my computer taken away from me I don't think I would use the radio half as much as I do.

[KC5JMU]

Thanks folks! I'm going to try by looking at the Ham Radio Delux. One thing great about this hobby is that you can never learn it all and there's no end to the great people willing and ready to hand down information to the new guys and gals!

Mark
KC5JMU

[VE3FMC]

I use HRD all the time.

However I do know how to operate my radio without it ;)

I also know how to load a hybrid up, so no computer does not mean I can not get on the air!

HRD simplifies operating some of the new rigs, that is what it was designed for.

Plus I use that software and DM780 for the digital modes.

I fill in the computer log while having a conversation with someone, same as the paper log.

I am not new to ham radio either, but I like the fact that the computer is part of the operating.

I still like to turn on my hybrids and talk on them too.

One small program I like and use often is EZCalls. It is a simple small program that allows you to look up call signs on QRZ. Comes in very handy when running a net such as The Turkey Day Net or the upcoming New Years Day Net.

[M0GVZ]

Ham Radio survived and flourished for 50 years without computers.
What happens when, not if but when, the computer goes down?
Do you remember how to use the radio without it?


Amazingly, yes. I use mine hooked up to HRD. Fully integrated, log book, lookups, digimodes the full works. I however prefer using the front panel controls on the radio. So to me, if the computer goes down (not that I've had one do that to me in the last decade), it just means getting out a pen and paper to write down QSOs to put in the log. If you think its a "when" with a computer going down, maybe you should get someone competent to put one together and put the software on.

It does mean I may miss the rare DX or a country I'm looking for, not having access to the cluster, I don't have the opportunity to look up a station and have something to talk about for those nervous ops you get - knowing something about them enables you to "break the ice".

I can only say that until you've actually done it, you're not really in a position to talk about it other than to come out with stupid comments like "Do you remember how to use the radio if the computer breaks?"

[N5MDT]

This is KC5JMU. While I've had my call for a while, I'm just now getting into HF work. I bought my first rig, Yeasu 450AT, a few weeks ago. What I am asking for is suggestions as to what software out there is 'must have' software to learn my way around the HF bands. What do you fine folks suggest as helpful software? I have no clue what would be the right stuff to get to start getting my computer to help me as I explore what is a "New World" to me. Do I need datatbase type software to track QSO's? Is there something out there that shows propogation? All input GREATLY appreciated!

Mark
KC5JMU near
Anahuac, Texas
;)
"To learn my way around the HF bands"

The band plan from ARRL, in color, posted on the wall above your radio. There is no 'must have' software for this purpose that I know of. I do use HRD on occasion but mostly the Logbook and DM780. If I try to use all three I get a BSOD after some time.

With HRD you can separate the bands display so that the digital portion is separate from the phone portion of each band and you are visually notified if you approach the band edge...


Mark
near Dayton, Texas

[K8JD]

The only ham-related (?) software I have is Windows XP so I can get on the internet to reply to this silly stuff on Zed .
I tune my radio manualy,
Send and recieve (CW) manually,
and log all my QSOs manually,
fill out and address all my QSL cards manually,
without any stinkin' computer.

[N0AZZ]

Hum spotting program, QRZ call look up subscription, band scope software, grayline software I would not know where to stop plus I use LP-Pan IQ a pan-adapter and SDR do I need to go on. In this day and time I would guess that over 90% of hams in developed countries use computers with there radios talk to to many that can tell me when there last QSO was with me and on what band but I'm a DXer.

No paper logs here just electronic log backed up every 5 min to 3 devices and where would we be without LoTW they are the only way to get some QSL's.

I would hate to be handicapped with no computer in this day and time.

[KA5S]

What Mac said.

You do not need a computer to learn your way around the bands. THAT. you get from operating.

There are modes it is possible to operate only with a computer; PSK, PACTOR, Olivia, etc. Computers are not yet up to receiving voice, and they are unreliable at decoding hand-sent or even manually typed CW. So for those modes, you are pretty much stuck with your ears...

Cortland
KA5S

[WM3O]

i prefer Logger32 over HRD for my general ham activity suite. right now i'm only doing phone and cw so i can't speak to the abilities of the program with other modes, but i hear it's rather good.

i use a few programs to massage my ADIF data for various uses...

check out
http://www.sp7dqr.waw.pl/en/all_apps.php

[WA4OTD]

In order:
HRD5.0 latest download (I use and really like)
Ham Radio Delux Utilities (manages uploads and downloads for HRD)
LOTW, yes hard to sign up for, but just go through the steps.

Second tier:
CW Send
CW Get
LT Spice circuit simulation program (also free)
EZNEC for antenna modelling
Audacity (to record and edit audio from your radio)
N1MM logger if you get into contests.

[KD0CAC]

Leroy ,
I waiting for some of the other software's , antenna modeling , circuit modeling .
Found this a while back , Atanua ,
http://sol.gfxile.net/atanua/
I have used & like HRD , but haven't used for some time .
I was surprised it took 2 pages .
As a new ham , 3 yrs. , I haven't warmed up to the digital modes , and a little bothered by the Eco-link type things on the repeaters , even though it is nice on a repeater to talk to someone out of area / DX .
There seems to be a lot of lack of announcing / stating calls signs / interruptions .

[AB9LZ]

Leroy ,
I waiting for some of the other software's , antenna modeling , circuit modeling

...thats the sweet spot for computers in ham radio, I use GEDA spice (circuit modeling), Eagle (PCB CAD), and Octave (Computer algebra) and C, C++ (when I can't fine what I need).

For the once in a great while that I do RTTY and or Psk31 (both are too much like using the ZED and with only half the fun), I use Fldigi.

73 m/4

[G0VQY]

Ham Radio survived and flourished for 50 years without computers.
What happens when, not if but when, the computer goes down?
Do you remember how to use the radio without it?

I started of with a paper log and i have to say those first contacts were some of my most memorable. I filled out the log while in conversation with the other guy.

I have got more than one computer so that is not a problem.

Of course there was a time that we didn't have computers and everybody used a paper log, there was a time before cars so everyone had to walk, how many people walk everywhere nowadays?

In my situation, computer is a vital component not only for ham radio, but for lots of other things as well.

I suppose some people still prefer to use paper log, why, I have no idea, some people just like doing it the hard way I suppose. My ex-girlfriend would insist on using a push lawnmower, even though I bought an electric one for Christmas.

[G0GQK]

Try these, there's plenty here to give you all the knowledge you need

www.stroobandt.com/
www.w1wc.com
www.ac6v.com
www.sk6aw.net/cluster/
www.qrz.com/atlas
http://members.cox.net/jrehak/PSK31.htm
www.g8bcg.org.uk/find-your-locator-map.html

G0GQK