John Macfarlane VE7AXU/VA7PX presented several logging programs and their respective pros and cons.
John talked on Write-log, MixW, N3FJP, N1MM and Hamradio Deluxe giving us and overview. He touched on the use of Macros and how each program used the code in different ways. He compared each program strengths and weaknesses and showed how one program may be more suited to a particular need, such as contesting.
John pointed out that some logging programs are free and some cost a few dollars. Hamradio Deluxe is a popular and powerful program that is free for the downloading. N1MM is also another free program and is somewhat complicated to get up and running. This program is very robust for contesting and is used by many contesters because of its features.
The programs that have to be purchased are MixW and Writelog. MixW is a great program well supported and is used a lot by hams oper- ating PSK31 and other digital modes. The cost is $50.00 USD but the authors provide updates at no cost.
WriteLog is another program that requires purchasing and I am not sure what the current cost is it used to be $60.00 USD. WriteLog is another program used by DXpeditions and contesters. WriteLog charges an annual fee for updates and can get quite expensive.
N3FJP has a number of programs for variousneeds such as general logging and many contests including Field Day. SARC used thislogging program for several years and it worked well for networking computers. Scott, the author of N3FJP charges for each module or you can by the entire package for $49.00 USD and he provides all the updates at no additional cost.
If you need more information on any of the programs John talked about please get in touch with him.
For those who want to check out some of the logging programs that John was discussing:
WriteLog
N1MM
N3FJP
MixW
Hamradio Deluxe
Bill Gipps VE7ISV/VE7XS, who has just taken over as BC/Yukon Director for RAC, gave us a brief outline of some of the items he will be dealing with in the future. Bill steps into the role of Director following Ed Frazer who was director of two terms. We wish Bill success in his endeavors to represent BC/Yukon amateur radio operator's interest.
Bill had a mini DXpedition to Belize recently and had a Power Point presentation on his activities which we all enjoyed. Bill spent roughly two weeks on Belize and operated as V31BG making over 4200 Q's. He plans to return to Belize soon with some of his own gear and hopes to overcome some of the operating issues he faced on the first trip.
The presentation covered the operating site, which was a turn key operation, and some of the surrounding area.
For those who worked him he has QSL cards if you would like to confirm your contact.
Bill operated most bands on SSB and plans to expand his next operation to CW and possibly RTTY.
You can check out Bill's website for Belize:
Bill's website for Belize
His website as RAC director
Bill's website as RAC director