DX Logging Software for Amateur Radio
 
	
DXtreme Station Log — Multimedia Edition
Data Sheet and Screenshots

Version 8.0

Overview


DXtreme
Station Log

Multimedia
Logging
System
for
Windows® 7, Vista®, and XP

Like other logging programs on the market today, DXtreme Station Log — Multimedia Edition™ lets you log your contacts.

But what makes DXtreme Station Log special are its multimedia and advanced features, which work together to enhance your Amateur Radio operating and logging experience.

This data sheet describes all of the features and functions of the program. It'll take a while to read it.

So go grab yourself a cool 807 from the fridge ...

    beer

and then come back and read on.

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where screenshots are available for viewing.

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Features


DX Spot Checker
Facility


The DX Spot Checker™ 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.

DXCC Announcement Supression and Exception Lists

The DX Spot Checker includes a Suppress DXCC Announcements feature, which, when activated, suppresses the display of spots for entities you already have verified on all of the bands you operate on.

If deisred, you can create an exception list of callsigns and bands for use by the DX Spot Checker when suppression is activated.

When the exception callsigns you specify are spotted, suppression is overridden and the spots appear anyway, complete with their DXCC announcements. This feature ensures that you won't miss a DXpedition you want to work anyway, or one operating at a location that will soon become a separate DXCC entity.

When spots for the exception bands you specify occur, suppression is overridden and the spots appear anyway, along with their DXCC announcements. This feature makes sure that you won't miss a mode-entity, IOTA, or grid-square contact you need on the bands specified.

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 at all, 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 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.

Logging Functions

You can start a log entry within the DX Spot Checker by double-clicking the frequency of a spot, right-clicking, and then by clicking Log Spotted Frequency and Station on the shortcut menu. This action pre-fills the Station Log window with the callsign and the frequency. Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Data then performs its lookup if your system is so configured.

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

You can also double-click the callsign of a spot, right-click, and then click Log Spotted Station on the shortcut menu. Or you can click Log Spot in the Action box at the top of the window, select the callsign in the Call box, and click Exec.

Additional Features

Additional features let 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

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

  • Access your favorite propagation Web page with the click of a button.

  • Send saved DX Cluster- and DXSpider-supported commands to the server by clicking the desired menu item, or pressing its corresponding Function key on your keyboard.

  • Send ad hoc commands to the server by typing them in the text box at the top of the window.

  • Export the content of the DX Spot Checker window to WordPad, where you can scroll through the history of spots received thus far and, if desired, save, send, or print the information.

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.

  • Rig-control mode definitions.

  • Standard server commands.

  • Additional commands that can be sent from menu and Function key combinations.

  • Custom DXCC text messages for each DXCC message type.

  • Custom DXCC audio WAV files for each DXCC message type.

  • Separate font and color attributes for LoTW and non-LoTW user spots as well as each DXCC message type.

  • Whether to display spot recalls in ascending or descending order.

  • Whether to turn off the display of DXCC and mode announcements.

  • Whether to suppress the display of spots whose DXCC entities are verified on all bands.

  • DXCC message suppression exceptions.

  • Whether automatic Grid/VUCC checking occurs, and whether the display of verified items is suppressed in the Grid/VUCC History list box.

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.

Read Spotlight on the DX Spot Checker for more information.

Screenshots — DX Spot Checker

    Note: You must have JavaScript enabled to see the sample window on your browser. For best results, please click the button at the bottom of the sample window when you've finished viewing it. If you don't, the sample window may appear behind the main browser window.


Station Log
Window


The Station Log window has five tabs that organize and provide access to the fields of your electronic logbook:

Station Log Tab

The Station Log tab lets you enter information about the contact, such as the:
  • Callsign and location of the station.

  • Name of the ham radio operator.

  • Date and time of the contact. (The date can be retained over several log entries by selecting the Retain Date check box; the current time can be updated by double-clicking the Start and End captions.)

  • Frequency and mode of transmission.

    Note: When Afreet Omni-Rig or Ham Radio Deluxe V5.0 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" for important information.

  • Signal quality and propagation mode.

  • Equipment you used to work the station. (Defaults for which can be set per band within the Bands module.)

The Station Log tab can also display information, such as:

  • DXCC and Grid/VUCC status information.

    DXCC, Band, and Mode fields display DXCC entity status information when the entity, band, and mode are known to Station Log. The entity status information that can appear includes New, Worked, and Verified.

    The Grid/VUCC field (labeled VUCC below) displays grid status by band when the Maidenhead grid locator and band are known to Station Log. The Grid/VUCC status information that can appear includes New, Worked, and Verified. (A subscription to Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data is not required to display Grid/VUCC status on the Station Log tab.)

    The scope of and captions for Grid/VUCC status are determined by the settings you make in Preferences, as described earlier in the "DX Spot Checker Facility" section.

    DXCC status appears immediately after entering a valid callsign when Station Log has been configured to work with a rig control application. Grid/VUCC status appears immediately as soon as the grid locator is known.

    If you have not configured a rig control application, DXCC and Grid/VUCC status appears after you type a frequency and select a mode.

  • The distance between your station and the station worked.

  • Whether the amateur radio operator you worked is a user of Logbook of The World (LoTW).1

  • The Solar Flux, A-Index, and K-Index values in effect at the time of
    the QSO!2

1 — Must download the lotw.txt file from the HB9BZA Web site and import it using the LoTW Users module.
2 — Requires an Internet connection. Users can update existing log entries with solar data at any time, provided the QSOs took place on or after January 1, 1997.

Station Information Tab

The Station Information tab lets you enter the postal address of the station you worked or its QSL manager. It also lets you enter or obtain the coordinates, Web, and e-mail address of the station. You only have to enter this information once because Station Log recalls it every time you work the station.

If desired, you can drag and drop address information from a Web callsign lookup page or any OLE-compatible Windows program. You can click the Call field at any time to perform a Web callsign lookup.

When you subscribe to Buckmaster HamCall™ or QRZ XML Logbook Data, Station Log fills location and address fields automatically when you enter a log entry — if the information is provided by HamCall or QRZ.

If a QSL manager is defined in Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data, Station Log displays a dialog box that lets you confirm the callsign of the manager. Once confirmed, Station Log queries HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data for the address of the QSL manager and enters that address in the fields of the Station Information tab. If Buckmaster or QRZ XML Logbook Data doesn't know the identity of a QSL manager, but you do, you can have Buckmaster or QRZ XML Logbook Data populate the address fields with the address of the QSL manager.

The address information on the Station Information tab appears in the Create Direct Print QSL Labels window and the Create Word Template QSL Labels window so you can create address labels for your outgoing QSLs.

Station Log uses the coordinates to calculate the great circle distance between your QTH and that of the station you contacted. The distance appears in the DX field on the Station Log tab and in Stations reports that you print or display in the Active Report Viewer or Standard Report Viewer.

Clicking the Web caption on the tab displays the Web page of the station in the browser designated in Preferences; clicking the E-Mail caption displays a pre-addressed Message window in Microsoft Windows Live Mail, Windows Mail, Outlook Express, or Microsoft Office Outlook.

Clicking the Click for Map hyperlinks displays a map of the address or coordinates if available on the MapQuest™ Web site. (requires an Internet connection).

The name of the audio archive file appears on this tab as well.

MapQuest™ is a registered trademark of MapQuest.com, Inc.

Verification Status Tab

The Verification Status tab lets you specify information regarding outgoing and incoming QSLs.

  • For Outgoing QSLs — You can specify:

    • Whether you're sending a QSL.
    • Date you're sending the QSL.
    • Return postage you're sending with the QSL.
    • Type of QSL you're sending (Card, LoTW, eQSL.cc).
    • Entity to whom you're sending the QSL (bureau, QSL manager, etc.).

  • For Incoming QSLs — You can specify:

    • Whether you have received a QSL.
    • Date you received the QSL.
    • Entity from whom you received the QSL (bureau, QSL manager, etc.).
    • Type of QSL you received (Card, LoTW, eQSL.cc).
    • Name of the QSL image file.

The Verification Status tab also displays information, such as:

  • DXCC and Grid/VUCC QSL Recommendations.
  • In the above illustration, the DXCC, Band, and Mode fields indicate that France is verified as a DXCC country overall, on 2 meters, and in the JT65B mode, and that no QSL needs to be sent. The VUCC field indicates that the French grid of IN97 — while not new on 2 meters — is not verified, hence the recommendation to QSL.

  • Thumbnail previews of the front and back of QSLs — provided you have either scanned or captured them.

Comments - Station + QSO Tab

The Comments - Station + QSO tab has two memo fields that let you enter comments about the station and/or QSO.

User Defined Fields Tab

The User Defined Fields tab has seven fields that you can define and then use to enter and track information that is important to you.

There are two kinds of user defined fields (UDFs): Text Box Fields and List Box Fields.

  • Text Box Fields — Station Log's four text box fields let you type the information you desire. (The information you enter can be retained over several log entries by selecting the adjacent Retain check box.)

  • List Box Fields — Station Log's three list box fields let you select the information you desire from a list of items that you also define.

You define the UDFs in Station Log's Preferences window (described later). Defining UDFs involves:
  1. Labeling each field, and

  2. Entering the list items you want to appear in each list box field.

For example, you could define and use UDFs this way:

  • Text Box UDF — Specify "Age of Ham" as the label in Preferences. Then on the Station Log window, type the current age of the ham you contacted into the Age of Ham box. When you run a Performance, Bands, or Stations report, you can track a specific age value.
  • List Box UDF — Specify "Location" as the label in Preferences and then define a list of the locations from which you operate. These locations could be Home, Vacation, DXpedition, and so on. Then on the Station Log window, select the current operating location as you log each contact. When you run a Performance, Bands, or Stations report, you can track a specific operating location.
  • Note: If you use a UDF list box field to track your operating locations, Station Log can calculate distance based on the specific coordinates of each operating location.

Fields and Maintenance Modules

Most of the fields on the Station Log window are drop-down list box fields that make entering consistent data easy. These fields are populated with list items that you can maintain in Station Log's maintenance modules (described later).

Menu Bar and Toolbar

Station Log's menu bar lets you access the other functions of Station Log. These functions let you access the DX Spot Checker, search for log entries, perform maintenance functions, manage QSLing, perform audio processing, perform QSL imaging, run performance reports, display maps — including azimuthal plot maps in DX Atlas if you own a copy of DX Atlas — and more.

Station Log's toolbar lets you quickly and conveniently access the functions you use most often.

Contest Duplicate QSO Checking

You can set Station Log so it flags duplicate contacts (dupes) per band and mode when you attempt to log them. A message box appears, giving you the option of whether to continue logging.

Dupe checking begins at the date and time you specify in Preferences, and continues until you turn it off.

You specify the name of the contest in Preferences, linking the name to one of your text-based user-defined fields (UDFs) if desired. At your option, you can also request the generation of incremental serial numbers, linking the numbers to another of your text-based UDFs. A provision to reset the serial number is provided.

This feature is intended for casual contest operators only. There is no output to Cabrillo due the number of different QSO templates required. Serious contesters should use a contest logging program, and then import their logs into DXtreme Station Log.

Screenshots — DXtreme Station Log Window

    Note: Remember to click the button at the bottom of the sample window when you've finished viewing it.



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 double-clicked 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.

With DXtreme Station Log — Multimedia Edition and either Omni-Rig or Ham Radio Deluxe V5.0, you'll have the best of both worlds!

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 V5.0 Web site for support when using their software with your radio.

Contact us for support on our integration with those products.



Audio Archive

Station Log's audio archive facility lets you record and play audio clips of the stations you work.

The audio toolbar on the Station Log window ...

    Audio Toolbar

... lets you quickly and easily record and play audio as you are logging a station.

Station Log also integrates with the Windows Sound Recorder to let you edit and compress audio files.

Requirements and Format

To use Station Log's audio archive facility, your computer must have sound capabilities that are supported by Windows® 7, Windows Vista® or Windows XP.

Station Log saves the audio clip as a WAV file in the Audio Repository you specify in Preferences.



ADIF Import Utility

Several contesting, RTTY, PSK, and other data-mode programs enable you to output contact information in the Amateur Data Interchange Format (ADIF). DXtreme Station Log has an ADIF Import Utility that lets you import log entries from such ADIF files.

Options

Options on the ADIF Import Utility window let you specify:

  • The ADIF tag from which you want to import states and provinces.

  • Default information for the log entries being imported, such as UDF information and RST and propagation mode values that are not in the ADIF.

  • Whether to perform callsign lookups on each station being imported (if you subscribe to Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data).

  • Whether you want to approve each entity selection the utility makes based on standard and special prefixes if ADIF DXCC tag numbers, which identify the entity, are not in the ADIF. If DXCC tag numbers are in the ADIF, entity selection occurs automatically.

  • Whether to suppress deleted entities from being considered as potential entities when the ADIF does not contain DXCC Entity tags.
  • Whether you want to be prompted for the CQ zone when the ADIF file has no CQ zone information of its own and the entity has more than one CQ zone assigned. (When the entity has a single CQ zone assigned, or when a state or province has a single CQ zone assigned, the utility selects the appropriate zone automatically.)

  • Whether you want to be prompted for a state or province when the ADIF file has no state or province information of its own.

  • The number of months it typically takes to obtain a QSL from the stations you have worked and verified in the past. The import utility uses this information to set an approximate QSL received date when the ADIF file contains QSL information, but no <QSLRDATE> tags.

  • Whether to create Web eQSLs as you import the ADIF file.

When It Runs

As the ADIF Import Utility runs, it:

  • Uses the Auto Bureau QSL Generator (if enabled) to produce QSL labels 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. The Auto Bureau QSL Generator requires Microsoft® Word on your system.

    Note: A pre-sort facility comes with ADIF Import Utility. The facility pre-sorts the source ADIF file by callsign instead of by date and time. This action ensures that the maximum number of multi-QSO QSL labels will be generated because the incoming log entries will be contiguous by call sign.

  • Writes default information into each imported contact record, such as the rig, antenna, accessory, and power used; the QSL type; the QSL Via entity; and the return postage.

  • Produces a report that indicates for each contact:
    • DXCC Entity Status: overall, by band, and by mode.
    • Grid/VUCC Status when the Maidenhead grid locator is included in the ADIF file.
    • Whether the amateur radio operator is a user of Logbook of the World.

ADIF Tags Recognized

The import utility recognizes the following ADIF tags:

  • <ARRL_SECT>
  • <BAND>
  • <CALL>
  • <CNTY>
  • <COMMENT>
  • <CQZ>
  • <DXCC>
  • <FREQ>
  • <GRIDSQUARE>
  • <IOTA>
  • <PROP_MODE>
  • <MODE>
  • <NAME>
  • <QSL_RCVD>
  • <QSL_SENT>
  • <QSL_VIA>
  • <QSLRDATE>
  • <QSLSDATE>
  • <QSO_DATE>
  • <QTH>
  • <RST_RCVD>
  • <RST_SENT>
  • <STATE>
  • <TIME>
  • <TIME_OFF>
  • <TIME_ON>
  • <VE_PROV>

Sample Report

The following is a sample report generated by the utility after every import operation. The New Entity Status, Grid/VUCC Status, Propagation Mode, and LoTW User information appear in bold for emphasis.

Station: VE2/WA1Z
Entity: Canada
DXCC Entity Tag: 1
CQ Zone: 05
County:
State/Prov: QC
IOTA:
Grid: FN35
Date: 11/20/2011
Time: 20:05
Freq: 50150
Band: 6
Mode: Phone
Rig: Elecraft K3
Ant: 5-El Yagi
Acc: None
Power: 100
DXCC: No
Band: Yes-QSL
Mode: Yes-QSL
VUCC: New
Propagation Mode: F2
LoTW User: Yes

Screenshot — ADIF Import Utility

    Note: Remember to click the button at the bottom of the sample window when you've finished viewing it.



Outgoing QSLs

Physical and eQSL.cc


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.
  • Create QSL labels and address labels in Microsoft® Word templates.
    Microsoft® Word is required for this feature. As such, rich text attributes can be applied to labels.

  • Optionally generate QSL labels automatically for cards being sent via an outgoing QSL bureau. The Auto Bureau QSL Generator requires Microsoft® Word.

    QSO Label

    Address Label

Address Information

The Create Direct Print QSL Labels window and the Create Word Template QSL Labels window get address information from the Station Information fields on the Station Log window. If you subscribe to Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data, the address information appears automatically.

If you don't subscribe to Buckmaster HamCall or QRZ XML Logbook Data, you can click the Web button on the Create QSL Labels windows to perform a callsign lookup. When the Callsign Lookup Web page appears, you can select the address information on the Web page and then drag and drop it onto the a box on the window. The address must be in text format on the Web page. You can also drag and drop address text from any OLE-compatible Windows program.

You can also click the Change to QSL Via button to produce a QSL-Via label for the bureau.

Closing Expression - QSL Request - Signature Workflow

The Create Direct Print QSL Labels and Create Word Template QSL Labels windows provide a workflow for printing a closing expression, QSL request, and signature on the last line of multiline labels.

The Closing Expression list box on the Create QSL Labels window (shown above) contains ADIF propagation modes from the ADIF Propagation Modes module.

Plus it contains any custom entries you have added by means of the Closing Expression Text module (shown below), which is accessible in Preferences.

For a given label, you can:

  1. Select the closing expression you want from the Closing Expression list box.
  2. Click the option button representing the desired QSL Request (Pse QSL or Tnx QSL).
  3. Select the check box if you want to include the Signature text, which is also defined on the Outgoing QSLs tab in Preferences.
  4. This action produces a label similar to the following:

Properties

Properties windows are available that let you set label properties for Direct Print and Word Template QSL Labels.

Screenshots — Outgoing QSLs

    Note: Remember to click the button at the bottom of the sample window when you've finished viewing it.


Outgoing QSLs

Logbook of the World


DXtreme Station Log creates a LoTW-specific ADIF file and passes it to the TQSL application for the automatic creation of a TQ8 file.

You can then upload the TQ8 file using the LoTW Web site, which Station Log invokes automatically.

Click here for more information about Logbook of the World.



Incoming QSLs

LoTW QSL Update
Utility


DXtreme Station Log's LoTW QSL Update Utility lets you update your Station Log database with QSL records downloaded from the ARRL's Logbook of the World (LoTW) server.

The utility marks as verified only those log entries that have not been verified by other QSLs, such as traditional QSL cards.

If your database does not contain log entries that correspond to downloaded LoTW QSL records, the utility gives you the option of importing those LoTW QSL records as new log entries.

The utility produces a verification report after every update operation. The following is a sample.

Station: EA6/NR1M
Entity: Balearic Is.
CQ Zone: 14
State/Prov:
County:
IOTA: EU-004
Grid: JM08
Date: Nov 16 2011
Time: 06:44
Freq: 1812
Band: 160
Mode: CW
New Entity Status fields before LoTW QSL:
DXCC? No
Band? Yes-QSL
Mode? No

Screenshot — LoTW QSL Update Utility

    Note: Remember to click the button at the bottom of the sample window when you've finished viewing it.



Incoming QSLs

QSL Imaging


DXtreme Station Log comes with DXtreme Software's highly acclaimed QSL Imaging™ facility.

QSL Imaging lets you scan, capture, view, edit, format, and annotate your QSLs and related documents.

With QSL Imaging, you never again have to look through boxes or photo albums to answer the question:

"What did that QSL look like?"

Just search Station Log for the confirmed log entry and then click View QSL to see the QSL card! As an alternative, you can use the QSL Repository Explorer (described later) to browse or explore your QSL Repository.

By default, QSL Imaging saves QSLs in the Tagged Image File Format (TIFF). The TIFF format lets you save the front and back of each QSL as individual pages in a single image file — similar to how a word processor lets you save individual text pages in a single document file. If you want to save your QSL images in other formats, you can.

With QSL Imaging you can perform the following functions:

Basic Functions

  • Scan QSLs and other documents into your computer (industry-standard TWAIN scanner required).

  • Capture eQSLs from the Internet.

  • Capture Logbook of the World (LoTW) QSLs from the LoTW Web site.

  • View QSLs and related documents.

  • Magnify and zoom QSL images.

  • Navigate the pages of QSL image files.

Page Manipulation Functions

  • Annotate QSL images.

  • Alter, crop, and delete image pages.

  • Copy, cut, and paste image pages to and from the Clipboard.

Formatting Functions

  • Change the brightness, contrast, hue, color saturation, and gamma of image pages.

  • Sharpen, resize, reverse, rotate, flip, and shear image pages.

Filing Functions

  • Print QSL images on your printer.

  • Send QSL image files to others by e-mail.

  • Save QSL images in other formats, such as:

    • BMP
    • JPG
    • PCX (multipage)
    • PNG
    • TGA
Screenshots — QSL Imaging

Note: Remember to click the button at the bottom of each sample window when you've finished viewing it.



Incoming QSLs

QSL Repository
Explorer


DXtreme Station Log's QSL Repository Explorer lets you explore the QSL image files in your QSL Repository.

The QSL Repository Explorer has the following components:

  • QSL Repository File List
  • QSL Thumbnail Browser
  • QSL Image Display

There are two ways to explore the repository. You can:

  • Click the desired file in the QSL Repository File List and view the QSL in the QSL Image Display area.

  • Browse the repository three QSLs at a time using the scrollable thumbnail viewer in the QSL Thumbnail Browser area.

Screenshot — QSL Repository Explorer

    Note: Remember to click the button at the bottom of the sample window when you've finished viewing it.



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.



Performance,
Bands,
and
Stations
Reports


DXtreme 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.

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

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

  • Bands — Lets you analyze the performance of your station from a bands perspective. The 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
  • Solar Flux, A-Index, and/or K-Index range
  • Propagation mode
  • 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™.
  • 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.

1 — Requires an Internet connection with available Web space.

View a Sample Report

Click here to view a sample Performance report in the Active Report Viewer.
Microsoft Internet Explorer only. See Active Report Viewer Notes.

Click here to view a sample Performance report in the Standard Report Viewer.
Apple Safari or Google Chrome only. See Standard Report Viewer Notes.

Active Report Viewer Notes

  • You must be using Microsoft Internet Explorer and have cookies enabled.

  • The report will begin by having you specify preferences.

  • Report section hyperlinks appear under DXtreme Station Log on the upper-left side of the Active Report Viewer. If you cannot see the report hyperlinks, place your mouse cursor just above the scroll bar on the left side of the browser until you see a double-arrow cursor. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse to adjust the size of the top frame.

  • A report hyperlink invites non-IE users to view a standard version of the report in the Standard Report Viewer.
Standard Report Viewer Notes

  • You must be using Apple Safari or Google™ Chrome™ and have cookies enabled.
  • We have tested Mozilla® Firefox® and have found it to be slower than the previous two browsers when displaying Standard reports.
  • Report section hyperlinks appear under DXtreme Station Log on the upper-left side of the Stardard Report Viewer. If you cannot see the report hyperlinks, place your mouse cursor just above the scroll bar on the left side of the browser until you see a double-arrow cursor. Hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse to adjust the size of the top frame.

  • A report hyperlink invites IE users to view an active version of the report in the Active Report Viewer.

DX Atlas Integration

The following reports integrate with DX Atlas:1

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 — 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.



Maintenance Modules

DXtreme Station Log has 23 maintenance modules that let you enter and maintain the information that appears in the list box fields of the system.

Maintaining module information enables you to make consistent entries when you manage your log, import ADIF files, or run reports.

Station Log has the following modules:

  • Entities
  • Bands (access screenshot below)
  • Prefix Cross-Reference
  • Callsign Cross-Reference
  • Closing Expressions
  • Logbook of the World Users1
  • States and Provinces
  • IOTA
  • Grids
  • Modes
  • Rigs
  • Antennas
  • Accessories
  • Power
  • Postage
  • QSL Type
  • QSL Via
  • ADIF Propagation Modes
  • Abbreviations
  • Symbols and Special Characters
  • HTML Elements
  • ADIF Import States and Provinces Tags
  • Suppress DXCC Exceptions

Where applicable, DXtreme Software populates these maintenance modules with pertinent information prior to shipment.

1 — Lets you import the lotw.txt file you download from the HB9BZA Web site.

Screenshot — Bands Module

    Note: Remember to click the button at the bottom of the sample window when you've finished viewing it.



Preferences

The Preferences window lets you specify information that controls the overall operation of Station Log.

You can set preferences in the following functional areas:

  • User
  • Database + UDF
  • General
  • Internet
  • Exports
  • Outgoing QSLs
  • Auto QSL
  • Incoming QSLs
  • Audio
  • Auto Backups
  • Report Viewer
  • LoTW
  • Maps
  • DX Atlas
  • Contests

Screenshots — Preferences



On-Line
Help


If you don't know how to perform a task, you can access procedural help for Station Log by clicking Help Topics on the Help menu.

Click the following button to see the Procedural Help System window:

If you want to find out what a particular field or button does, you can access What's This? help by clicking the ? at the top of the window and then the desired item.

Click the following button to see a What's This? Help topic:

If you want to view status information as you perform a task, you can read the messages that appear in the microhelp panel at the bottom of every window in Station Log.

For even more help when using Station Log, you can click InformationCenter on the Help menu. The InformationCenter is a users-only area on the Web where you can learn more about Station Log.


Pricing


More
Information
and
Pricing

More Information

If you'd like more information...


Pricing

Electronic Distribution

  • Electronic Distribution to New Users Worldwide — Only $89.95 USD

  • Electronic Distribution to Upgrading Users1 Worldwide — Only $39.95 USD

    CD Distribution — North America

  • CD Distribution to New Users in North America — Only $93.95 USD

  • CD Distribution to Upgrading Users1 in North America — Only $43.95 USD

    CD Distribution — Outside North America

  • CD Distribution to New Users Outside North America — Only $97.95 USD

  • CD Distribution to Upgrading Users1 Outside North America — Only $47.95 USD

    All prices include lifetime e-mail support. CD prices include shipping and handling. There is no sales tax.

    1 — Upgrading users must currently be running a registered copy of DXtreme Station Log Version 6.0 or greater

    Upgrading users, check out:

    Click Here to Buy DXtreme Station Log Now!