Hello all my name is Scott McDonald KF7HEZ I have been a ham since 2013. I hold a general class license and finally have the time to study for my extra class license. I am looking to learn about logging software and how it integrates with computers and radios.
Scott
KF7HEZ
Welcome. It’s a big topic. Do you have any specific questions we could try to help with?
Hey Scott, you are in the right place.
I also got licensed in 2013 and jumped in as a General. I bought my first HF radio in 2019 & was overwhelmed by all the logging software options. They all seemed too complex. So I just started hunting POTA activators & not logging at all. I had a good time just doing that. But just this year I decided it was time to get this logging thing figured out so I looked around at the current options.
My local club uses N1MM for our POTA outings & I have been able to use it once they have it setup, but when I tried to set it up at home, well lets just say there is a steep learning curve. But it is free & powerful if you can use it.
Anyway I looked at the other free logging apps & found this one WRL. I have been using it since January & after 2 months decided to become a paid subscriber because I have found it easy to use (though still a little learning curve) & the help and responsive ness of the staff & members on the forums has been awesome.
Now to be honest, the WRL platform is still growing & changing. You may find things are not perfect. But what is perfect anyway? I have seen others & myself make suggestions & request options and watched the WRL team jump in and make it happen.
Watch all the getting started videos and dive in.
I think if you dive into the WRL you will really enjoy yourself & the experience.
73,
Barry
N2FSM
@W7YBY I have not yet nailed down digital mode yet. Is there a software program that covers all modes?
@N2FSM You are very correct it can be overwhelming! I will check out the videos for sure! Thanks for your suggestions and advice!
73
Scott
KF7HEZ
@KF7HEZ Scott,
WSJTX is probably a good place to start. It seems to do a lot of digital modes.
I have not done much with digital modes yet myself. I am having too much fun on SSB hunting POTA & activating POTA as well as various QSO parties & contests.
There are so many aspects to this hobby & so many paths to go down I doubt anyone can do them all but its fun to dive in to the things that I find intesting.
Good luck & 73,
Barry
N2FSM
H Scott and Welcome to WRL . I have tried just about every kind of logging software and every kind of digital mode I can find and for the most part WSJT-X is defiantly a great place to dive into it. The WRL Cat control does a very good job of integrating it to their logging software. I am one of the Beta testers for that software so I can give you some assistance in the operating and setup. I do recommend the SourceForge page of DR Uwe Rissie for the download and install and depending on what kind of computer you have you will want the 3.1 version of WSJT-X Plus. I also Highly recommend downloading GridTracker2 as an added bonus. If there is anything I can help with just give me a shout and there are many others here who are very knowledgeable and are always happy to help.
73 de KB2TDH
Tom
@KB2TDH Hey Tom thank you! I will definitely look into WSJT-X, and check out the other options you mentioned. Thanks again for taking the time it’s really appreciated! If I have any questions I will give you a shout.
73,
Scott