Logbook Software for QRZ Database...

[AI4IJ]

As a Christmas gift, I received a copy of the QRZ callsign database; and, I was wondering what is the best call logging software to use that will interface with it.

I know that there are quite a few available for download; but, rather than wade through them all to find what I want, I would like some experienced opinions, if I may.

Basically, I would like for the software to automatically retrieve the callsign information from the database, either off the CD or my hard disk drive, or the internet if a connection is available. I would also like for it to be able to upload my call logs to Logbook of the World for eQSLs. It would also be nice if it could provide reporting on how many contacts I have made in the various states and countries by band, time, mode, etc. for studying propagation patterns.

Currently, I keep a manual log in Notebook that tracks the callsign, date and time of contact, name, band, frequency, and any particular notes about the contact, like the antennas being used at each end, power level, signal report, equipment used by the other operator, and anything else of particular interest for that QSO.

I know that this has likely been discussed many many times before; but, rather than wade through a bunch of old posts that might not address my specific desired criteria, I'm hoping someone can make a recommendation for me. I don't mind spending money on the software, if it will do what I need it to do; but, if it's available free for download, that's all the better.

Thanks, and 73
Richard
AI4IJ

[W5MEJ]

ACLog by N3FJP meets most of your requirements, I think. #I don't use it with the QRZ database (I use another one) but it has that option in the setup menu. #It has a pretty nice tracking function for awards that can search using several different filters. #Using it with Logbook of the World is supported pretty well also.

It's not freeware, but it is very reasonably priced. I've been really pleased with it so far, and he also has programs for most of the major contests that work really well.

http://www.n3fjp.com/

Chuck

[W3GER]

Quote[/b] (ai4ij @ Jan. 27 2005,17:57)]As a Christmas gift, I received a copy of the QRZ callsign database; and, I was wondering what is the best call logging software to use that will interface with it.

I know that there are quite a few available for download; but, rather than wade through them all to find what I want, I would like some experienced opinions, if I may.

Basically, I would like for the software to automatically retrieve the callsign information from the database, either off the CD or my hard #disk drive, or the internet if a connection is available. #
#It would also be nice if it could provide reporting on how many contacts I have made in the various states and countries by band, time, mode, etc. for studying propagation patterns.

Currently, I keep a manual log in Notebook that tracks the callsign, date and time of contact, name, band, frequency, and any particular notes about the contact, like the antennas being used at each end, power level, signal report, equipment used by the other operator, and anything else of particular interest for that QSO. #

I know that this has likely been discussed many many times before; but, rather than wade through a bunch of old posts that might not address my specific desired criteria, I'm hoping someone can make a recommendation for me. #I don't mind spending money on the software, if it will do what I need it to do; but, if it's available free for download, that's all the better.

Thanks, and 73
Richard
AI4IJ

Hi Richard--

I use XMLog, available free from www.xmlog.com. It does all the things you want. I'm quite pleased with it; it's a good general and awards logger (as opposed to a contest logger).

YOU SAY
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I would like for the software to automatically retrieve the callsign information from the database, either off the CD or my hard disk drive, or the internet if a connection is available.
----------
Yes, it does all three of those.

YOU SAY
------------
I would also like for it to be able to upload my call logs to Logbook of the World for eQSLs.
-------------
I routinely do that by exporting from XMLog to ADIF files, which are accepted (after signing) by LotW.

YOU SAY
------------
It would also be nice if it could provide reporting on how many contacts I have made in the various states and countries by band, time, mode, etc. for studying propagation patterns
--------------
XMLog has a number of useful reports predefined in it, each of which can be produced for "ALL ENTRIES" or for "SELECTED ENTRIES". You could, for example, select entries (using the program's comprehensive searching features) to select (in combination, if desired) a particular band, mode, date range, time-of-day range etc. and then run a state report or countries report or.........well, the possibilities are extensive.

Give it a try! You can't lose any money on it.

Another thing-- there's a support reflector (XMLog@yahoogroups.com) in which the author (Mike McAmis) is present and responsive.


73 de W3GERry

[KC7UP]

I second the AC Log by N3FJP. It has lookup for all kinds of sources.
Curt

[AG8A]

I have used the ACLog by N3FJP and it works great with the QRZ disk. If you like the disk you might think about subscibing to the online version and that way you don't have to keep updating the CD.

By the way you can download it and try it for free to see if it does what you want.

Go to his web site at N3FJP.com and down load. If you have any questions e-mail him as his support is outstanding. There is also a yahoo support group that is great at fielding questions too.

Randy
AG8A

[SP7CHR]

I have used the ACLog by N3FJP and it works great but it doesnt want to connect with QRZ Premium Internet Service Who know how to do it. I can see: " There was an error into QRZ lookup. Please veryfy that your system is online (IS) and that you have entered (I had) correct user name and password "
Thanks, and 73
Richard
SP7CHR

[AI4IJ]

I've been using the ACLog v2.7 for the last couple of months; and, I really do like it. It is my understanding that you have to pay a monthly subscription fee to QRZ for internet access to the call sign database through ACLog, though. Perhaps, that is the problem. I've just been using the QRZ CD.

Hope this helps.

73
Richard
AI4IJ

[KA7RRA]

Quote[/b] (sp7chr @ April 22 2005,05:27)]I have used the ACLog by N3FJP and it works great but it doesnt want to connect with QRZ Premium

You have to sine up for the sevice and you want to use your same name and pass word that you use on QRZ.COM

I think you go to www.qrz.com/online I cant remember
Dave