DXtreme Station Log — Multimedia Edition
Version 8.0
Product Summary

The latest version of our Amateur Radio logging program just got even better!

Above: The enhanced DX Spot Checker and main DXtreme Station Log window.
Below: The new DXCC Analytics window and integration with Afreet's DX Atlas.*

DXtreme Station Log — Multimedia Edition runs in 32- and 64-bit versions of Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista, and XP.
* — A software license for DX Atlas is required to use it.

Take the DXtreme Station Log Tour!
  Overview

DXtreme Station Log — Multimedia Edition™ combines the features you'd expect in a ham radio logging program with the multimedia features you'd expect from DXtreme Software.

With DXtreme Station Log, you can:

  • Use the DX Spot Checker™ to see whether you need to work incoming stations for a new or verified DXCC entity or VUCC grid.

  • Perform a DX Atlas azimuth plot from your location to that of a spotted station if you own a copy of Afreet DX Atlas and subscribe to Buckmaster™ HamCall™ or QRZ XML Logbook Data.

  • Tune your radio to the frequency and mode of a desired spot.

  • Log the stations you work, retrieving the frequency and mode from your transceiver.

  • Perform a DX Atlas azimuth plot from your location to that of a logged station if you own a copy of DX Atlas.

  • Import ADIF files.

  • Record an audio archive of your QSOs.

  • Manage outgoing and incoming QSLs, physical and LoTW.

  • Perform DXCC Analytics™. Analyze your DXCC data and quickly access the specific log entries upon which you need to take some kind of action, such as submitting or re-submitting a QSL or e-mailing the ham you contacted.

  • Create reports that track the performance of your station. And, if desired, FTP reports to the Web.

  • Generate DX Atlas maps when running Grids, Entities, and Stations reports if you own a copy of DX Atlas.

  • And much, much more.

To make a long story short, DXtreme Station Log™ makes it fun to maintain your electronic logbook and manage your QSLs!

  DX Spot Checker™

Station Log includes a DX Spot Checker™ facility that lets you receive incoming DX spot announcements from Telnet-based DX Cluster and DXSpider servers.1

DXCC Status Indication

As each spot arrives, the DX Spot Checker checks your Station Log database and lets you know by means of colorful rich-text and audio whether you need a:

    QSO with the station for a new DXCC entity

    QSL from the station to confirm a DXCC entity

    QSO with the station for a new band-entity

    QSL from the station to confirm a band-entity

The audio announcements are useful when you cannot see the DX Spot Checker window — like when you're busy working on a project in the shack and you can't see your monitor. The announcements ensure that you won't miss the DXCC entities you need. A button on the DX Spot Checker toolbar lets you toggle the audio announcements off when you crave silence.

You can customize the rich-text messages and audio announcements per DXCC status category so the messages and announcements look and sound the way you want them to. You can even assign different font colors to each DXCC status message. We like red for spots representing new DXCC entities, blue for new band-entities, and gray for entities we don't need.

DXCC Mode Status Indication

The DX Spot Checker also displays the mode status of each entity on its window. You can use this information to determine whether you need to contact the station for a new or verified mode-entity.

These DXCC and Mode Status Indications Can Also Be Turned Off

But if you prefer not to receive visual and audible DXCC and Mode announcements, you can turn them off in DX Spot Checker Options. If you do, only the spots themselves appear. You can turn the announcements back on whenever you want to.

Grid/VUCC Status Indication

For Grid and VUCC aficionados, the DX Spot Checker can automatically or manually display Grid/VUCC Status information for incoming spots, per band, along with a history of status checks that you can peruse whenever you want.

Note: Though not shown above, the history list box for automatic Grid/VUCC status checks also includes the times the spots were made.

A setting in DX Spot Checker Options lets you turn automatic Grid/VUCC checking on and off. Another setting lets you suppress the display of verified items in the Grid/VUCC History list box.

Whether automatic checking is on or off, you can perform manual Grid/VUCC Status checks by double-clicking the frequency of a spot, right-clicking, and then clicking Grid/VUCC Status Check on the shortcut menu.

An optional Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data subscription is required for the Grid/VUCC Status feature, and the Maidenhead grid locator must be known to Buckmaster or QRZ. You can use this information to determine whether you need to contact the station for a new or verified grid.

The scope of and captions for Grid/VUCC Status checks on the DX Spot Checker window are determined by the settings you make in Preferences.

  • VUCC — When you select the VHF/UHF/SHF Freqs Only check box, grid status is displayed for VHF, UHF, and SHF frequencies only. This mode will be popular with users who track VUCC status.

  • Grid — When you clear the VHF/UHF/SHF Freqs Only check box, grid status is displayed for all frequencies. A mode that will be popular with PSK31 enthusiasts who like to track grids on all frequencies, including HF.

    • The adjacent text box lets you specify the desired four-character caption for related fields and menu items throughout the application. We suggest VUCC when the VHF/UHF/SHF Freqs Only check box is selected, and Grid when the check box is cleared.

Logbook of the World User Indication

The DX Spot Checker can be set so the spots of hams who are LoTW users appear in font attributes and colors that are different from the spots of non-LoTW users, making it possible to tell at a glance whether the ham is using LoTW.

In the example above, the green italic spot indicates a LoTW user.

You set these font attributes in DX Spot Checker Options.

Additional Functions

In addition, the DX Spot Checker lets you:

  • Recall spots in a separate window so you can view the history of spots for a single station in one place.

  • Send spot announcements to others by e-mail.

  • Perform Web-based, callsign lookups on stations spotted, including Grid/VUCC History items.

  • Tune your radio to the last-reported frequency and mode of a desired spot or Grid/VUCC History item2

  • Start a log entry for a desired spot or Grid/VUCC History item.

    Note: It is not necessary to select the entire frequency. In the example above, the Checker captures the entire frequency of 14081.6.

  • Quickly check your DXCC status information without having to leave the DX Spot Checker window.

DX Atlas Integration

If you own a copy of Afreet DX Atlas3, you can perform a DX Atlas azimuth plot from your location to that of a spotted station via the Shortcut menu or action bar. Azimuth plots give you a way of determining the long- and short-path beam headings required to work a spotted station. Plot colors and fonts are configurable in Preferences.

Your coordinates must be present in Preferences and a subscription to either Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data is required to obtain the specific coordinates of the destination station. Whether the station's coordinates exist in Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data is not guaranteed by DXtreme Software.

If you don't subscribe to Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data, or if the station's coordinates are not available from the lookup service you choose, you can perform an azimuth plot based on the default coordinates of the station's DXCC entity. These coordinates exist in the Entities module of DXtreme Station Log. In this context, a subscription to DX Atlas is the only requirement.

Options

The DX Spot Checker has a separate Options dialog box that lets you specify server addresses, server commands, rig-control mode definitions, custom text audio messages, and DXCC message suppression exceptions.

1 — Requires an Internet connection.

2 — Requires installation and configuration of Afreet Omni-Rig or Ham Radio Deluxe. Refer to "Rig Control in DXtreme Station Log" later on this page for important information.

3 — A software license for DX Atlas is required to use it. You can obtain a license from Afreet Software, Inc.
Afreet Software, Inc. produces DX Atlas and supports it on versions of Windows® up to Microsoft Windows® XP, according to its Web site. DXtreme Software has found DX Atlas to work well with Microsoft Windows Vista® and Microsoft Windows 7® although a little patience and a few workarounds are required to use it on those versions of Windows. All are covered in the documentation.

Check out these resources for more information about the DX Spot Checker:

  All-Mode — Full-Spectrum Logging

Station Log lets you log all kinds of Amateur Radio stations! You can log contacts in any transmission mode across the entire radio spectrum — from VLF, to HF, to VHF/UHF, and beyond!

When Omni-Rig or Ham Radio Deluxe is installed and configured on your computer, Station Log enters the frequency and mode from your transceiver in the Frequency and Mode fields. Refer to "Rig Control in DXtreme Station Log" next for important information.

If you subscribe to Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data, Station Log obtains information from HamCall or QRZ and includes that information in the appropriate fields. This information can include:

  • Operator name and address
  • QSL manager name, call, and address
  • Grid
  • Latitude
  • Longitude
If the latitude and longitude are included, Station Log calculates and displays the great-circle distance to the station you worked and makes integration with Afreet DX Atlas possible.

  Rig Control in DXtreme Station Log

To provide our users with a robust logging program that also provides a degree of rig control, DXtreme Station Log — Multimedia Edition integrates with Omni-Rig and Ham Radio Deluxe V5.0, both free-for-amateur-use rig control programs that are available over Web.

When Omni-Rig or Ham Radio Deluxe V5.0 is installed and configured on your PC:

  • Station Log's DX Spot Checker can tune your rig to a frequency on the DX Spot Checker window. The DX Spot Checker can also set your rig to the mode you specify for the frequency in the DX Spot Checker Options window.

  • The main window of Station Log enters the frequency and mode from your rig in the Frequency and Mode fields whenever you add a new log entry or double-click the Frequency field.

You can then use Omni-Rig or Ham Radio Deluxe V5.0 to perform other rig-control functions provided for your radio.

While ...

Making maximum use of the advanced, general-purpose logging functions provided by DXtreme Station Log — Multimedia Edition, many of which are not provided by any other vendor on the market today.

Using rig control is optional. To enable it:

  1. Install a copy of Omni-Rig or Ham Radio Deluxe V5.0 on your system.

  2. Configure it to work with your radio. (Omni-Rig makes it possible for users to create a rig descriptor file that provides rig control functions for a radio not currently supported; although, most popular radios are supported.)

  3. In the Preferences window of DXtreme Station Log, click the Afreet Omni-Rig or Ham Radio Deluxe option button as desired.

  4. In the case of Ham Radio Deluxe V5.0, invoke a single instance of it running in the background. It is not necessary to invoke an instance of Omni-Rig.

Refer to the Omni-Rig Web site or the Ham Radio Deluxe Web site for support when using their software with your radio.

Contact us for support on our integration with those products.

  Support for Logbook of the World (LoTW)

Logbook of the World User Indication

As spot appear on the DX Spot Checker, hams who are LoTW users appear in font attributes and colors that are different from the spots of non-LoTW users, making it possible to tell at a glance whether the ham is using LoTW.

As you add log entries, DXtreme Station Log indicates whether the ham radio operator you worked is a registered user of LoTW.

You can use these indications to decide whether to send and request a paper QSL, or simply rely on the anticipated LoTW QSL for verification of the QSO.1

Outgoing Logbook of the World QSLs

When the time comes to update the LoTW server, DXtreme Station Log creates a LoTW-specific ADIF and passes it automatically to the TQSL application for processing, which creates a TQ8 file in your Station Log database folder. You must be running Version 1.13 or higher of TQSL to use this feature.

Station Log also invokes the LoTW Web site so you can use it to upload the TQ8 file.

Incoming Logbook of the World QSLs

When Logbook of the World indicates that you have LoTW QSL records, you can use Station Log's LoTW QSL Update Utility to update your Station Log database with LoTW QSLs.

Refer to the DXtreme Station Log Tour for more information about Station Log's support for Logbook of the World.

Click here for more information about Logbook of the World.

1 — Must download the lotw.txt file from the HB9BZA Web site and import it using the LoTW Users module.

  Audio Archive Feature

Station Log's audio archive feature lets you record and play back audio clips of your QSOs.

Station Log saves the audio clips as WAV files in your audio repository. Later, whenever you browse your log, you'll be able to listen to and re-live your memorable contacts!

  Outgoing QSL Features

DXtreme Station Log can help you manage your outgoing QSLs. Specifically, you can:

  • Print QSL labels and address labels directly on your printer. No other software is required for this feature.

    • QSO Label

    Address Label

  • Create QSL labels and address labels in Microsoft® Word templates for printing later. Microsoft Word is required for this feature.

  • Generate QSL labels automatically for cards being sent via an outgoing QSL bureau. When the Auto Bureau QSL Generator is enabled, it produces QSL labels automatically for DX stations worked the first time:

    • Overall
    • Per band
    • Per mode

    This feature is ideal for contest operators because it generates bureau QSL labels automatically for the stations most likely to QSL you when the contest is over. If you optionally specify that no return card is required when you send the cards via the bureau, you can save yourself the time and effort of processing individual QSL cards as they "trickle in" months later. You can just as easily, of course, welcome reciprocal cards. It's entirely up to you.

    The Auto Bureau QSL Generator can be set so it operates in the ADIF Import Utility only, the main Station Log window only, or in both applications. Microsoft® Word is required for this feature.

  • Send eQSLs to Web sites that specialize in the delivery of eQSLs.

  • Send eQSLs directly to hams by Internet e-mail.

  • Track relevant information about the physical and electronic QSLs you send! You can track the:

    • Date you sent the QSL.
    • Return postage you sent with it.
    • Type of QSL sent.
    • Entity to whom you sent the QSL.
 Incoming QSL Features

DXtreme Station Log can help you manage your incoming QSLs. Specifically, you can:

  • Scan your QSLs and save them as digital images using DXtreme Software's highly-acclaimed QSL Imaging™ facility!

  • Use the included LoTW QSL Update Utility to update your Station Log database with Logbook of the World (LoTW) QSLs.

  • Capture eQSLs and LoTW QSL records from the Internet and save them as digital images!

  • Display your scanned and captured QSL images on your screen!

  • Track relevant information about the physical and electronic QSLs you receive! You can track the:

    • Date you received the QSL.
    • Type of QSL received.
    • Entity from which you received the QSL.
Imagine how much fun you'll have with QSL Imaging and your Audio Archive! Whenever you browse your log, you'll be able to listen to previous contacts while you view related QSLs ... just the thing for re-living the thrill of a pileup chase or the warmth of a memorable conversation.

Refer to the DXtreme Station Log Data Sheet section of this Web site for more information and screenshots.

DXCC Analytics

DXCC Analytics is a window-based tool that lets you analyze your DXCC data and quickly access the specific log entries upon which you need to take some kind of action, such as submitting or re-submitting a QSL or e-mailing the ham you contacted.

You begin by selecting a desired mode, or all modes. DXCC Analytics then goes to work, building and displaying a record set showing the number of band entities Worked, Verified, and Worked But Not Verified (labeled Delta) for each band and for all bands.

When you double-click a Worked, Verified, or Delta data element for a desired band, or for all bands, you see a list of entities that satisfy the element you chose, along with the number of QSOs in each entity.

When you double-click a desired entity, you see a list of its QSOs, including the band and date. You can sort this list by Station, Band, Date Ascending, or Date Descending.

You can then load one or all of the QSOs into the Station Log window so you can perform the desired action on them ... while the DXCC Analytics window persists for further analysis.

DXCC Analytics works with lots of data, so if your database has thousands of QSOs, give it some time. The results are worth the wait.

When you build a record set for all modes, your DXCC Challenge status is also displayed for informational purposes.

Reporting

Station Log has an array of reports that let you track the performance of your station.

You can run the following types of reports:

  • Performance — Lets you track the overall performance of your station.

    Performance reports show the number of contacts per subject and whether the subject is worked or verified overall and on each mode and band. You can produce Performance reports for each of the following subjects:

    • Entities
    • Continents
    • US-CA Counties
    • CQ Zones
    • Grid Locators
    • IOTA Numbers
    • States and Provinces
    • Propagation Modes
    • User-defined fields (UDFs)

  • Bands — Lets you analyze the performance of your station from a bands perspective. The Bands report shows the number of contacts you have made per band, overall and on each mode. The report also shows grand totals for all bands and for each mode.

  • Stations — Lets you see a list of the stations in your log.

Filter Reports

Station Log lets you filter your Performance, Bands, and Stations reports. You can run a report that contains:

  • All of the information in your log, or
  • Specific information from your log that satisfies criteria you specify.

For example, you can run a report that shows results for a particular:

  • Band
  • Mode
  • Date range
  • Rig, antenna, and/or power range
  • Propagation Mode
  • Incoming QSL type
  • Solar Flux, A-Index, and/or K-Index range
  • And so on ...
Just the thing for seeing how well a particular rig, antenna, or amplifier is performing; for producing QRP reports; or for analyzing the effects of specific propagation conditions.

Output Devices

You can output the reports to the following devices:

  • Printer — To the printer you select.

  • Active Report Viewer — To the DXtreme Active Report Viewer. The Active Report Viewer lets you view and sort reports within Microsoft® Internet Explorer®.

  • Standard Report Viewer — To the DXtreme Standard Report Viewer. The Standard Report Viewer lets you view reports in Apple® Safari® and Google™ Chrome™.

    • Note: We have tested Mozilla® Firefox® and have found it to be slower than the previous two browsers when displaying Standard reports.

  • FTP — Upload your Performance, Bands, and Stations reports to the Web automatically, where you and your friends can access them remotely.1 When accessed from the Web, the reports appear within the Active Report Viewer.

Check out Spotlight on the FTP Report Upload Feature for more information.

And then refer to the "Monitoring Performance" section of the DXtreme Station Log Tour for screenshots and access to sample reports.

DX Atlas Integration

The following reports integrate with DX Atlas:2

  • Grids — When you run a Performance report for Grids, Station Log integrates with DX Atlas to produce a map showing the grids you've worked and verified. Different colors indicate verification status (black background for verified, blue background for worked but not verified). The colors are controlled by DX Atlas and do not appear to be editable.

    • This map shows grid status for two-meter, meteor-scatter contacts from New Hampshire. You can pan and resize and zoom the map as desired.

  • Entities — When you run a Performance report for Entities, Station Log integrates with DX Atlas to produce a map of pins; one color for worked entities, another color for verified entities. You can set the colors in Station Log's Preferences module.

    • This map shows overall entity status. You can change the projection and rotate and resize and zoom the map as desired.

  • Stations — When you run a Stations report, Station Log integrates with DX Atlas to produce a map of pins; one color for worked stations, another color for verified stations. You can set the colors in Station Log's Preferences module.

    • This map shows two-meter, moonbounce entity status from New Hampshire. You can change the projection and rotate and resize and zoom the map as desired.

1 — Requires an Internet connection with available Web space.

2 — A software license for DX Atlas is required to use it. You can obtain a license from Afreet Software, Inc.
Afreet Software, Inc. produces DX Atlas and supports it on versions of Windows® up to Microsoft Windows® XP, according to its Web site. DXtreme Software has found DX Atlas to work well with Microsoft Windows Vista® and Microsoft Windows 7® although a little patience and a few workarounds are required to use it on those versions of Windows. All are covered in the documentation.

Implementation Options

Station Log supports two implementation options.

1) Enter or Import all of your log entries.

You can enter all of your log entries manually, or use the ADIF Import Utility to import log entries in the ADIF format.

With this option, you will be able to run all of Station Log's reports, and use all of Station Log's features.

2) Enter your existing DXCC data and begin logging thereafter.

You can enter your existing DXCC data into Station Log's Entities module and then begin logging contacts thereafter.

This implementation option lets you avoid entering all of your contacts.

While you will not be able to run all of Station Log's reports, you will be able to run a subset of the reports. All of Station Log's other features will be available to you.

  But wait ... there's more!

DXtreme Station Log has other exciting features!

For more information ...

DXtreme Station Log runs on the following 32- and 64-bit operating systems:
  • Microsoft® Windows® 7
  • Microsoft Windows Vista®
  • Microsoft Windows XP
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