Development to continue on HRD....

Jusrt telling it like it is.


Another poster nailed it...


O. I. E.

 

I learned a lot in that post. Thank you.

f

 

I just wnet to dowload V 5.0, file says mann industries , I dont know but Usually non profit ventures are not classified as "industries" I think one poster put if right on when he said that is a nail in the coffin of free hrd.
If they wanna both lose lots of money and ruin a great program then let them, it is thier money to waste and the lessons learned by trying to hijack this and make a lot of cash from hams worldwide, I predict in all fairness, it ISN't going to last long I think before they begin telling users to delete it from thier hard drives as they now own this intellectual property.
Yeha, I can just see them, guy on 20 says he is using hrd, then gets a letter from someone telling him to stop using it unles he pays for the rights to use it?
I do not know what happened to the guy selling heathkit manuals who bought the rights to them a year or two ago,think he lost money as hams were not going to pay for something where it was formerly free.
Maybe if HRD has others who gave thier time to an open source project believing it wouldnt be sold might come forward and say something it is IMO thier time givein to develop something for the good of the hobby, whats next advertise in QST?
When it is the princi;l\ple of the matter then why pay a cent at all??
I am not against commercialism but not for hijacking soemthing with intent of marketing it and yeah I agree about the 49.95 program not worth the price.
I will get off the soapbox now, 73 al just my opinions nothing else, Sincerely, Michelle

 

i cannot see hrd being free for to much longer..i think these guys will need to get a return from their investment... i use hrd every day but if i have to pay for the privlage well that will be it.. like one guy said.. nail in the coffin for hrd... great shame if this happens...
please keep it free..

 

I wouldn't mind paying something reasonable for the HRD suite of programs. Personally, I think, 50 bucks, maybe 100$ max, for the whole suite. With free updates until a new substantial version upgrade. Has to have a forum if the existing ones die. Perhaps the programs can be broken up into components and sold for less A la carte.

This probably would have been better accepted if, with the announcement, came a new, free (at least at first), release of HRD v5.5. Then start charging at v6.0.

Going commercial will probably kill the free callsign lookups non-payers of QRZ are currently enjoying in HRD.

This could be interesting. Hope it's handled well!

f

 

Geeze, a lot of people aren't happy about paying. Yeah, nobody likes to dole out funds when you can avoid it, but come on. Adapt.

If the price is reasonable, a lot of sales will still be made, in spite of all the complaints. I know I'll eventually buy a copy if it's worth it.

f

 

Just because Simon sold off HRD doesn't necessarily mean that he is out of the game.

So far there has been nothing mentioned about a Non competition clause and if there is one in place they are only in force for an agreed upon duration.

remember Simon said that he started the 5.0 version because 4.0 was running out of resources and the executable was becoming unmanageable?

Maybe he is silently working on a whole new approach with a new name, along with a completely new look and feel. A HRD Killer!! With the Most up to date programming package and a super tight compiler............

Time will tell

 

I think if you read his web site it is more a case of him spending all of his time developing for Software Defined Radio. I think the days of free software are behind us. The part the bothers me the most is the fact that the people that were the most help to Mr. Brown and helped fellow hams with HRD issues were not notified of the pending sale and had to read about it on the Internet. One would think if you could trust them to represent your product you could give them a heads up.

 

HRD is the pits. I tried it a few times and each time removed it from my computer. Learning curve is almost vertical and IMHO, it just does too much. Takes the human out of the equation. I'l continue to use my good ol MixW, and Logic8 for logging thank you.

K2WH

 

That's nonsense. There's no way they can rescind the current license.

I assume they can change the license for new downloads or sales. Perhaps they'll have a free version and a paid for "deluxe" version. I guess that would be called HRDD

I think they will have to be a little careful with the parts that are GPL. They're allowed to charge money for those but must release their source code if they make any changes. Simon is doing that now on his web site. I'm no expert but I think if they keep those parts as separate DLLs then they don't need to release the source of the application that uses those DLLs.

Good luck to all involved.[/QUOTE]

 

Yeah, I agree. HRD does too much.

I like Logic 8 also because it only does the following:

Complete logging ٠ customizable log forms ٠ log unlimited notes ٠ log unlimited pictures ٠ auto logging of frequency, band, mode ٠ auto callbook lookup (built-in, CD, and web-based) ٠ tracking for any award ٠ prints QSL cards/labels ٠ WYSIWIG custom report writer ٠ memberships database (1010, SMIRK, etc.) ٠ one-step LOTW & eQSL support ٠ update membership and awards lists from web ٠ DXer's paradise ٠ unsurpassed spotting and alerts ٠ radio interfacing (up to 8 simultaneously) ٠ rotor interfacing (up to 4 simultaneously) ٠ CW keying ٠ integrates seamlessly with TRX Manager ٠ digital communications ٠ station automation ٠ ADIF-compatible (we developed the ADIF format) ٠ powerful search capabilities ٠ transparent forms ٠ multiple monitor support ٠ human and web-based tech support ٠ instructional videos ٠ fully-illustrated manual ٠ and more! ٠ all this for only $129.

Store complete digital QSOs or unlimited notes with each QSO.

LOGic's picture logging facility permits storage of any number of images with each QSO. Store SSTV pictures, eQSL cards, scans of your paper QSLs, etc. You may enter a caption for each picture.

Log anything you want by creating your own user-defined fields. Input fields may be simple text fields, numeric fields, or single or multiple-line boxes that scroll horizontally or vertically. You may enter a list of predefined values (the rig or antenna used to make the QSO for example), and the acceptable values appear in a dropdown menu on the log form. Yes/No fields such as YL are represented with a checkbox. The sizes of user-defined as well as normal fields may be changed by the user.

User-defined fields have all the functionality of normal fields -- you can search on them or use them for awards tracking.

You have complete control of the log form layout. Drag and drop fields to the desired location. Remove unwanted fields.

Quickly search your data using any field or combination thereof, regardless of how big your log is, using our easy fill-in-the-blank filter form.

You may open several log forms simultaneously. You could log a QSO in one form, while searching with another. Or have one log form for HF DXing and another customized form for VHF/UHF work.

When you log a station, information is automatically logged from your computer-interfaced rig, callbook databases, and previous QSOs. A separate window automatically displays all previous QSOs with that station, complete with QSL status for each QSO. Another window shows all memberships that a station holds--1010, smirk, FISTS, etc. An Info window shows the DXCC country, zones, UTC and local times, ARRL bureau status, and distance and direction to and from the DX station.

Of course DXCC and zones are logged automatically. LOGic also can log any item from previous QSOs with the same station (great for contest exchanges). Membership numbers (1010, SMIRK, etc. may also be logged automatically using LOGic's Memberships database. Name, address, grid square, county, etc. may be automatically logged from free and subscription web-based callbook databases, LOGic's built-in callbook database, and any of the popular CD-ROM callbooks. All available callbook databases are automatically searched until the call is found!

A variety of maps (gray line, political, and road maps) are available, as well as demographic and political information. Get real-time WX reports for yourself or the station you are in QSO with.

LOGic may be optimized for single or multiple monitors. Normally LOGic's windows are contained within the main LOGic application window. If you have multiple monitors, selected windows may be moved out of the LOGic application window and into the Windows desktop, where they may be placed in a second (or third or...!) monitor.

Further customize LOGic by choosing your favorite colors. Use your favorite photos for form backgrounds. Make your software uniquely yours! Transparent screens maximize screen space utilization and aesthetics.

Band & mode setup is fully customizable. Supports all bands & modes, including MARS. Set bands up for your license class, and you will be warned if you operate out of your allowed band segment.

Up to eight radios and four rotors may be controlled simultaneously.

Share data with other logging programs using the industry-standard ADIF format pioneered by Personal Database Applications. Also export in several other popular formats including Excel, MXL, CSV, and others for use in other applications. LOGic's generic import facility imports Excel and CSV log data that you entered in spreadsheets or generic database programs, or from older logging programs that do not support ADIF.

We provide free assistance in importing your log data to new customers.

LOGic is fully networkable and multi-user. Access your log from any computer on your LAN or VPN.

All of LOGic's features -- Spotting, Awards Tracking, Info Center, Rig & Rotor control, Gray Line, QSL printing and management, and QSL Manager's database -- work together to make LOGic the DXer's dream.
When you log a station or see him in LOGic's spot log, you will know instantly if you need him on a particular band or mode. You can see at a glance his name and QTH , details of all your past QSOs, if you have his QSL or are waiting for it. LOGic interfaces to the HB9BZA Logbook of the World database. See instantly if the station uses LoTW. If he does, you can expect a rapid confirmation.

LOGic features Azimuthal-equidistant map centered on your QTH. It shows gray line, sun position, QTH of station being worked, and plots of worldwide spot activity. Zoomable for VHF work. Create map graphics to use with other programs.

The Gray Line report shows all DXCC countries that are on the gray line, and what is the best time to try to work them.

The QSLs Needed for Award report displays all QSOs for worked but unconfirmed entities. This shows you where to concentrate your efforts in re-sending QSLs. Many new LOGic customers are pleasantly surprised when they easily confirm several new countries without working through a single pileup.

The SubawardTM feature tracks QRP DXCC just as easily as regular DXCC.

Short and long beam headings are shown, as well as return headings, which permit you to tell the other station how to point his antenna towards you.

Control for up to four rotors, with automatic selecton and offset based on frequency. Band switch support is included.

The Units Conversion calculator allows you to converse with a DX station using terms that are familiar to him. Tell him your temperature un Celsius or how far you are from a major city in Kilometers.

LOGic's DX spotting feature collects and manages spots from up to two TNC's, two Telnet sessions, DX Summit, DXScape, and Who's on the Air (coming soon).
Announcements are generated not only for needed DXCC, but for zones, continent, WPX prefix, IOTA, and grid squares.

Spots may be plotted on LOGic's gray line map to graphically illustrate global propagation. Filtering permits you to ignore spots based on any criteria--for example, band, mode, or even the country of the station posting the spot or his distance from you.

The Alerts feature displays and announces spots of interest regardless of awards progress status. Use to watch for a DX friend, for example.

Descriptive announcements are given in voice. For instance, "Tango Five on ten meters CW" or "IOTA oscar charlie zero one five on 20 meters phone". Conventional CW announcements are also available.

Spots and alerts may be emailed to you -- great for monitoring activity on your cell phone or pager. Email may be sent for alerts only, notifying you only of highly-desirable spots.

The spot log is coordinated with LOGic's info center, Previous QSO display, Memberships display, callbook, and LoTW Users database, so you may see all info about the station being spotted at a glance.

The test spot generator makes it easy to simulate the reception of any spot to test your spotting or alert setup.

LOGic's awards progress tracking is absolutely unsurpassed.

Thanks to LOGic's user-defined fields, it can easily track any award. Lists are provided for all popular awards so that the count and list of worked/confirmed as well unworked entities is displayed. You may create own lists. It is not necessary to create a list to track awards -- LOGic simply builds a list of entities as you work them.

All of LOGic's awards tracking facilities -- its several real-time displays and reports -- function exactly the same way regardless of which award you are tracking, be it DXCC or Worked All Podunk. Simply select the award and SubawardTM from a dropdown menu.

Paper chasers will appreciate LOGic's huge database of 1010, SMIRK, FIST, IOTA, CIA, USI, counties, etc., which may be kept up-to-date via the internet.

LOGic's exclusive Subawardtm feature makes tracking "combination" awards such as QRP DXCC, or 1010 WAS as easy as tracking "regular" awards. For instance, to set LOGic up to track progress for 1010 WAS, simply fill out LOGic's filter screen for State tracking to specify that the 1010 number field must be filled in. All of LOGic's progress tracking displays will track Subawards the same way the track "normal" awards.

Those active in organizations such as 1010, SMIRK, OMISS, etc. will appreciate LOGic's Memberships Database.

LOGic also tracks awards in which points are assigned, such as FISTS and FISTS millionaire, which are essentially ongoing contests. Just log all contacts as usual, and if something is entered in the FISTS# field, points will be added to your score.

A Cards Needed report shows worked but unconfirmed QSOs for DXCC or other awards that would increase your totals if only you had the QSL. This report shows you where to concentrate your QSLing efforts. Confirm new ones without getting in a single pileup!

A QSL route database with 50,000+ entries and frequent free internet updates is provided.

Logbook of The World and eQSL are fully supported, with simple one-step upload and download/check-in of QSLs.

DXCC Challenge is supported.

LOGic's electronic callbook feature far surpasses anything else on the market. Not only does it provide support for the usual commercial CD-ROM and Web-based subscriptions, it formats data from callbook web sites so that it may be utilized by LOGic.

Additionally, LOGic includes a built-in database which is a compilation of all callsign databases available via the internet. This super-fast database is so fast it may be used while contesting. You may update it while online, and access it when you are operating mobile or portable and not online.

Perhaps the best feature of LOGic's callbook is the ability to automatically search multiple databases and web sites until the call is found. This search is done intelligently -- LOGic will not search a US database for a French call, for instance. You may specify that a database is comprehensive for the country in question. For instance, if a US call does not exist in the FCC web site database, it is not a valid call, and there is no use in searching further. (Manual database selection is provided for looking for expired calls).

You can specify the order in which LOGic searches the databases. For instance, you may specify LOGic's internal database is to be searched first, since practically no waiting is involved. Putting the FCC and other country's government web sites next will search for calls not in LOGic's internal database. Then you may put QRZ.COM after that, asnd so forth.

Web sites are processed in background so that you may continue to log while waiting for a response from the web site. The data to be logged will pop into the log when it is returned.

Unattended batch mode updates imported data.

Advertisements from commercial sites such as QRZ.COM are displayed to comply with fair usage standards and to keep these valuable sites available for future use.

LOGic's membership database keeps lists of stations who are members of organizations such as 1010, SMIRK, FISTS, etc. You can see at a glance all organizations that a station belongs to when you log it, or when it is received in LOGic's spot log.

Suppose you are working a station on 15 meters, and see that she is a 1010 member. LOGic lets you know that you have not worked him on 10 meters before, and you need his state on 10. You ask her to QSY, and pick up a new 1010# and state!

Membership number, as well as name if provided, is logged automatically. This is perfect for Net Control Stations. Auto-logging may be done conditionally -- for instance, the 1010# is logged only when operating on ten meters.

LOGic will update its memberships database via the internet from organizations' web sites. If your organization has an online memberships list that is not currently included in LOGic, we will add it. You may also enter menberships lists manually, then export to share with other LOGic users.

The memberships database also contains the HB9BZA Logbook of The World users database, updateable from the internet. It includes over 12,000 entries, and is growing daily, thanks in part to LOGic, which can automatically send your confirmations to be added to the database.

LOGic includes dozens of reports for log reporting, awards tracking, QSLing and mailing, MRC, and even gray line and beam heading charts (in case you are ever forced to operate without LOGic by your side)!

QSL cards and labels are provided for all popular stock, including label printers with Windows drivers. Reports with multiple QSOs per label/card is provided. Print address labels, return address labels, or complete envelopes -- anything your printer will feed! County hunter MRCs may also be printed.

You do not waste labels when printing a partial sheet. Simply feed the same sheet back thru your printer the next time you print labels. LOGic will ask how many used label positions to skip.

All reports may be previewed to screen.

LOGic's report writer prints beautiful QSL cards. You may even design your own card with a photo background. (If you prefer electronic QSL cards, LOGic fully supports Logbook of the World and eQSL, with easy one-step upload and download.)

Customize LOGic's reports reports or write your own using a desktop publishing-style interface. Select fonts and colors, use line drawing tools, and print graphics or photographs. Print on any form or label size.

After importing your data from LoTW, click a button to email your log for inclusion in HB9BZA Logbook of The World users database. This database contains over 12,000 entries, thanks in part to LOGic.

LOGic incorporates a robust contesting system that features real-time scoring and duping, which is exceptional for a general-purpose logger.

LOGic keeps contest QSOs in the same database as the rest of your QSOs, using a contest identifier and dates to separate contest QSOs when scoring or exporting. Having contesting integrated with your main logging system has two big advantages. Firstly, progress status for DXCC and other awards is available just as when doing normal DX logging. A station down in the mud that may take some time to work may not be worth the time for another point or even a multiplier, but a serious paper chaser will want to know if this station would increase his totals. Secondly, since previous year's contests are stored in the same database, LOGic automatically logs contest exchanges using previous QSOs!

LOGic's contest logging facility utilizes LOGic's custom log forms feature to provide user-setup for nearly any contest. You may specify the rules for scoring and duping. However, LOGic comes with about 75 contests already set up for you, and more are added to our web site regularly.

LOGic's features partial-callsign lookup that is common in dedicated contesting programs. Download and import any of the popular callsign lists. However, LOGic carries busted call lookup a big step further. In addition to searching against a list of known contesters, LOGic may be configured to additionally search any or all of the following: your log, LOGic's spot log, LOGic's memberships database and LoTW Users Database, LOGic's callbook, and LOGic's QSL Routes database (both managers and managees).

The busted call lookup feature need not be used only for contesting. Use it while DXing, operating NCS, or just rag-chewing.

Programmable function keys automate exchanges when operating CW or digital modes. LOGic's voice keyer saves your voice in SSB contests.

LOGic is fully networkable and multi-user for multi-station operations. Standard networking hardware is used.

For contesters who prefer to use a dedicated contesting program, LOGic is ideal for after-the-contest QSL management and awards tracking. LOGic imports from all popular contest software.

For the ultimate in station automation, LOGic interfaces to up to eight radios, providing auto logging, remote control, and auto spot QSY. All radios are active simultaneously!
All popular radios are supported.

LOGic's rig interface provides the functionality expected in a logging program -- automatic logging of frequency, band, and mode, and setting the rig to incoming spots. Additionally, its control panel supports tuning of the rig using keyboard or mouse clicks or mouse wheel, setting of mode and filters and control of VFO A/B and split (rig control features implemented by LOGic may be limited by the capabilities of the rig used).

A radio memory database provides unlimited memories for any radio interfaced to LOGic. It comes pre-loaded with many interesting frequency databases, including amateur beacons, Aero, Marine, Railroad, NOAA, FEMA, GMRS and more.

For the ultimate in rig control, including remote station operation, LOGic integrates seamlessly with the TRX-Manager rig control program.

LOGic's Rotor control provides auto rotor selection based on band. Any or all rotors may be aimed simultaneously, with separate offsets for each rotor. Automatically aim phased arrays, or turn an unused beam 90 degrees with respect to the active beam to minimize coupling. Up to four rotors are supported.

Automatic band switches are supported.

Integrated backup utility archives log data. You may back up to hard disk, flash drive, ZIP disk, etc. Compression stores up to 25,000 QSOs per megabyte. If using floppy disks, multiple floppies may be spanned for larger backups. A globally unique identifier assigned to each QSO allows you to merge logs without danger of creating duplcate QSOs in your log.

SafetyLog™ writes each QSO to an ADIF backup file in real-time. SafetyLog file may be placed on a floppy, flash drive, or alternate hard drive for total protection against system failure.

Import data from most other logging software. Imports industry standard ADIF log data, a standard we pioneered, that is supported by most if not all software currently on the market. Choose which fields get imported and exported, and freely convert import and export field names to handle user-defined fields in any ADIF data.


An intelligent import agent analyzes and successfully imports most spreadsheet and delimited ASCII data.

Import support for all of the popular older programs is provided. In most cases we can import other data at no charge.

A mass-change utility is provided for bulk-editing your data.

LOGic uses a globally unique identifier for every QSO to prevent duplicates when importing and merging logs. When importing data from other software, it is easy to end up with duplicates. In this case LOGic intelligently removes duplicate QSOs from your log.

LOGic is fully networkable and muilt-user for multiop contesting or DXpeditions.

Active-X interface allows controlling LOGic from other programs. A Visual Basic example is at ftp://hosenose.com/radio/logiclogic_com_example/

Full scripting language allows advanced users to write utilities and functions. Structured Query Language (SQL) is included.

Interactive database command facility for mass changes that are too complicated for the GUI Mass Change facility, and other database manipulation tasks.

ADO driver for accessing LOGic's data from other applications. See http://hosenose.com/dl2obo/ for an example.





Jon Pearl - W4ABC
www.w4abc.com

 

Okay folks, it's time to differentiate between the meanings of "free" when it comes to software. First is the costless free, or gratis, where users aren't charged a sum for using the software. In this case the author(s) may retain all rights to the source code, its distribution, and distribution of the object (executable) files. Many times you'll find this referred to as "free as in beer".

The second definition of "free" comes from the Free Software Foundation (FSF) where software authors license their source code under a "copyleft" license which uses existing copyright law but turns it on its head a bit by providing the code under a license where subsequent users can read, compile, modify, and redistribute the source, if they desire. This form of licensing has led to many community driven software projects. The Linux kernel is one such famous example. Fldigi is a popular digi modes program licensed under the GNU Public License (GPL). The GPL requires that distributed modifications to GPL source be licensed under the GPL as well.

There was a remark of HRD being made up of "open source" code. Do note that "Open Source" encompasses many software licenses. Some Free as defined by the FSF, and many not considered Free by the same FSF. Also, because an author releases source code under a Free license, nothing prohibits the same author from releasing the same source under a non-Free license. Source code can be released under multiple licenses to satisfy the author's desire.

Also, some licenses recognized as Free do not place a restriction on the source being used in closed-source or non-Free software. The non-attribution BSD license is one such example. The base OS of OS-X, called Darwin, is licensed under the BSD license and allows Apple to include it in its commercial offerings. The BSD license does not require redistributed modifications to the source to be released at all.

With regard to HRD, it is possible that Simon received the code under a separate license from the original authors. I would venture a guess that the purchasers have legally vetted the code base to be sure they can purchase the rights as they intend. If there are to be any challenges, it will have to come from the authors of any such contributed code and then it will depend on the licensing terms and other agreements between Simon and those authors.

I am not a legal expert, just one who has been absorbing this stuff for 15 years now.

 

How it really works

NO, No, No.....It does not work like that i.e. Cisco bought Network Magic a few years ago a $19.95 package that is great for managing a home network that handles IP and non IP devices, a Geek favorite.....Now downloading and installing version 5.0, installing version 5.0.....Welcome to Cisco...This new version will be active for 30 days.....If you you wish to have full use of this program after your trial period has expired, please connect to the link for your $39.95 payment......That is the way it works in the real world! You have to add one or two new useless features, then be a con artist to stay honest...strike that.....legal.

 

When it comes to GPL code, it gets a bit more complicated than that. The stance of the Free Software Foundation (do check with them for certain) is that any code that links to GPL code at run time is considered "derived" code and must also be released under a GPL compatible license. For example, the Linux kernel, although GPL, contains a special exemption to the GPL 2.0 license that allows any software under any license to use the published system APIs the kernel provides. In other words, the Linux kernel does not consider use of the system calls to be "linking" or creating a "derived" work of the kernel. Kernel modules, which use a private API, are a different matter altogether. An example of a GPL library is the GNU Readline library used by various GPL'ed programs.

An alternative does exist, the Lesser GNU Public License, which enforces a GPL like license on the source code licensed under it, but does not enforce derived works using the API. It is commonly used for libraries (DLLs). The Hamlib library is licensed under the LGPL so that authors of non-GPL compatible software may make use of its API. The Glibc library included in every Linux based distribution is also licensed under the LGPL.

Software shims to link a non-GPL program to a GPL library have been around for some time. I am not sure of their legality, however, and one would need to consult other authorities on such a matter. The FSF people would likely say that such a shim violates the GPL. Others may disagree. What matters is how the author(s)/copyright holder(s) of the GPL library in question view the issue as they can bring a suit for a license violation if they believe one exists.

I hope that helps to clear the issue a slight bit.

 

Good lord fellas...
Use the old HRD program on your free computers, to control your free radios, and free rotators...
What you already have, was free, and remains yours.