Seven-Page Review of
DXtreme Monitor Log 11™ Inside the ...
International Shortwave Broadcast Guide
By Gayle Van Horn
Winter 2017-2018 / 9th Edition
Available from Amazon.com
DXtreme Launches New Monitor Log 11 Review
Written by Larry Van Horn N5FPW
"DXtreme Software™ ... has released a new version of its popular logging
program for radio monitoring enthusiasts: DXtreme Monitor Log 11 and it is the SWL/radio monitor
logbook I have been looking for all these years.
"To say that this is an extremely feature rich
program is probably an understatement.
"Overall, the work flow for entering and tracking information into
Monitor Log 11 is quite easy and accessible to even the most computer-befuddled individual. If
you just need the basics, Monitor Log 11 will pass that test with flying colors. If you are the
type of DX’er, though, that needs more enhancements, this program has plenty here to keep you
happy and your mouse and keyboard busy."
Read the remainder of the review by purchasing this excellent 624-page book today.
Copyright © 2013-2018 by Teak Publishing
Brasstown, North Carolina
"Latest Version ... Now Available!"
NASWA Notes
by Richard A. D'Angelo
DXtreme Monitor Log 11
The NASWA Journal —
December 2017
"The Schedule Checker™ lets users import schedules from Aoki, EiBi, and
FCC AM web sites and display schedule data according to the filter criteria they specify. A
list box lets users switch between schedule types, and depending on the schedule type selected,
users can filter schedule information by band, frequency, station, country, city, state,
time of day, language, antenna direction, and target area. When the What’s On Now? function is
activated, the schedule refreshes automatically at the top of each hour for Aoki and
EiBi schedules.
"Users can create customized paper and e-mail reception reports for sending
to stations plus club report entries for reporting catches to clubs and magazines. When users add or
display a log entry, Monitor Log 11 prepares a post announcing their DX catch and displays it on the
Social Media Post tab. From there, users can drag the post to their favorite social media web sites
to share their catch with others.
"There are a lot more features available in the package, which can be seen
on the [DXtreme Software] website."
"DXtreme Launches Monitor Log 11™"
Radio Horizons
by TSM Staff
DXtreme Launches New Monitor Log 11™
The Spectrum Monitor —
November 2017
Finding Broadcast Stations to Monitor
"The Schedule Checker™ lets users import schedules
from Aoki, EiBi, and FCC AM web sites and display schedule
data according to the filter criteria they specify.
For each schedule item, Schedule Checker queries
the Monitor Log 11 database to let users know – through
user-defined, foreground and background display colors –
whether they need to monitor a station for a brand-new or
verified country.
Finding Amateur Radio Stations to Monitor
"Monitor Log 11 integrates with optional Afreet Band
Master to let users see, on its graphical interface, where
hams are operating. Monitor Log 11 supplies Band Master
with an Entity Needed List based on the user’s Monitor
Log database, making it possible for Band Master to indicate
the stations whose entities (countries) users need to
monitor.
Finding Utility Stations to Monitor
"Links menu provides convenient access to user-specified
blogs and web sites that can inform users as to where
utility and other stations may be operating.
Logging Stations
"Monitor Log 11 lets users log all kinds of stations —
radio stations, television stations, broadcast stations, Amateur
Radio stations, utility stations, military stations, and
more! And it lets them log stations across the radio spectrum
— from long wave, to medium wave, to short wave, and
beyond.
Reporting Reception
"Users can create customized paper and e-mail
reception reports for sending to stations plus club
report entries for reporting catches to clubs and magazines.
Imaging
"Improv Imaging™ lets users associate ad hoc
images with log entries using Capture, Scan, and
Clipboard functions. Captures of stations received on
digital applications,
waterfall displays, facsimile and Amateur TV pictures
are popular. The Improv Imaging tab and
Application let users view images anytime, and an
Improv Image Explorer lets them peruse their entire
collection and display associated log entries. QSL
Imaging™ functions the same as Improv Imaging,
but specializes in associating QSL cards and eQSLs
with log entries.
Rig Control
"Retrieves the frequency and mode
from supported radios and permits tuning from the
Schedule Checker and Direct Tune interface. Rig
control is provided through integration with Afreet
Omni-Rig and the SDR applications, currently HDSDR4 (High Definition Software
Defined Radio) and SDR Console.
Reporting
"Produces Performance, Stations, and
Log Entry reports that track the performance and
progress of the user’s monitoring station."
eHam.net Reviews
Click here for eHam.net reviews.
Note
DXtreme Monitor Log 11 is the latest update in the DXtreme Reception Log Series.
"Ham CAP Integration ... Dedicated Tab For Associating Photos and Images ... Reception Report Generator ..."
New Products
by QST Staff
DXtreme Reception Log X
Software
QST —
June 2016
"In addition to the usual logging functions, the software integrates with
Afreet Ham CAP for propagation predictions. [And] a dedicated tab on the Reception Log
window allows users to associate photos or other images with log entries.
"The Schedule Checker lets users import schedules from Aoki, EiBi, and
FCC AM websites and filter and display the data. The software includes a customized paper and e-mail
reception report generator."
"Ham CAP Integration ... Improv Imaging ... User Experience Enhancements ...
Schedule Checker ..."
What's New
by CQ Staff
DXtreme Reception Log X
(Version 10.0)
CQ Amateur Radio —
January 2016
"Afreet Ham CAP Integration — Lets users run short- and long-path
propagation predictions from the Schedule Checker, Reception Log, Countries,
and Transmitter Sites windows. Reception Log X sends data to Ham CAP which
displays a chart showing the signal-to-noise-ratio prediction by time and frequency and a
Mercator projection showing the current propagation prediction for the path between the user and the
station.
"Improv Imaging™ — A dedicated tab on the Reception Log window,
Improv Imaging lets users associate ad hoc images with log entries. Users can capture from
their screen, scan from their image scanner, or paste from the Clipboard any images they want to
associate with a displayed log entry. An Improv Image Explorer lets uses peruse their collection of
Improv images, and call up the log entries with which they are associated.
"Colorful User Experience Enhancements — Lets users set the
foreground and background colors of heading and data rows on grids throughout the program
making it easier to view schedules ... log entries ... and data in Reports.
"Schedule Checker™ — Lets users import schedules from Aoki, EiBi, and
FCC AM web sites and display that schedule data according to the filter criteria they specify.
For each schedule item, Schedule Checker queries the Reception Log X database to let users know ...
whether they need to monitor a station for a brand-new or verified country.
"Last Log Entries Grid — On the Reception Log window, the grid shows up to
5000 of the most recent log entries added. Its records can be sorted, and double-clicking records
displays detailed data on the Reception Log window. [And] because the names of stations and NASWA
countries can be quite long, users can also display a resizable Last Log Entries window.
"Reception Reports — Users can create customized paper and e-mail reception
reports.
"Social Media Posting — Reception Log X prepares a post announcing
their DX catch. From there, users can drag the post to their favorite social media web site(s) to share
their catch with others."
"New Features in Version 10.0"
Radio Horizons
by TSM Staff
DXtreme Reception Log X
(Version 10.0)
The Spectrum Monitor —
November 2015
"Afreet Ham CAP Integration lets users run short- and long path
propagation predictions from [many] windows. Reception Log X sends key data to Ham CAP, which in turn
displays a chart showing the signal-to-noise-ratio prediction by time and frequency and a Mercator projection
showing the current propagation prediction for the path between the user and the target station.
"Improv Imaging™ [is] a dedicated tab on the Reception Log window,
[which] lets users associate ad hoc images with log entries. Users can capture from their screen, scan from
their image scanner, or paste from the clipboard any images they want to associate with a displayed log entry,
such as screen captures of stations received on digital applications, waterfall displays, amateur TV pictures,
Ham CAP maps showing propagation conditions at the time of reception, etc. An
Improv Image Explorer lets uses peruse their collection of Improv images, and call up the
log entries with which they are associated.
"Colorful User Experience Enhancements let users set the foreground
and background colors of heading and data rows on grids throughout the program"
"Quality and Extremely Useful Program."
"I would like to truly thank you for taking the time over the years and
having the patience to make sure I get these programs working correctly. I not only get a quality
and extremely useful program and as a bonus an education besides."
Ed
North Carolina
"I LOVE the software."
“I just wanted to drop you a quick email and let you know how much
I LOVE the software. I am not a HAM, but put about as much effort and time into monitoring
and Shortwave DXing as the most dedicated HAMs do with the hobby. Keeping accurate records
was always such a huge hassle for me, as all of the resources were there but in different
places. There was no way to streamline or integrate. Your software has taken every bit of
the juggling act out of Shortwave listening and allows me to get back to what matters:
the radio."
PSM, WA4237SWL
Rome, GA
"I highly recommend DXtreme Reception Log to anyone who is
ready to make that leap into the 21st Century."
First Look
by Loyd Van Horn, W4LVH
DXtreme Reception Log — Advanced Edition
Monitoring Times —
November 2012
"Anyone with any experience using
Windows-based programs, especially DX-related programs such as DX Atlas,
should have no problem getting adjusted to the interface. The interface
for logging catches is extremely intuitive.
"My absolute favorite part of DXtreme is the user-defined fields. I like
to get very granular with the statistics that I track in regards to my DX.
I don't want to know just how many stations I have heard from one state or
on one frequency, but how many daytime versus nighttime, how many during
sunrise or sunset periods, where I was when I heard it (for separating
my lifetime contacts), what the transmitter power was during reception,
etc. These are all fields that I was able to do with the user-defined
fields’ setup.
"For an example, under the user-defined fields 'tab 1' I have setup
a pick-list for 'time of day.' From here, I have created options called
daytime, nighttime, sunrise and sunset. Whenever I log a new station,
I not only enter my time on the main logging page, but also the time of
day the station was logged. This will come in very handy when we discuss
reports later.
Performance Test
"As I went through the AM broadcast band, logging new
stations, I did a side-by-side comparison of entering the information into
my old spiral logbook and typing it into DXtreme. I wanted to get a feel for how easy
entering information was into the program. My guess was that my handwritten
log would be considerably easier. I was actually pretty surprised.
"For instance: one of the stations I logged was
WWWC – 1240 kHz in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Once I turned to the frequency
and was waiting to hear station ID, I started entering information such as
country … day, time, time of day, reception location and my comments (yes, there is a
large comments field on a separate tab. Outstanding!) By the time I heard
the station slogan and call letters, all I had to do was complete my notes
and add the ending time.
"Entering the information was no more cumbersome than
my handwritten log. On the contrary, it was easier ... and I have much more
room to enter comments than my handwritten log has.
"Some of the other features I found interesting and even
quite usable were the reception report builder and verification tab (to track verified
stations) [and] the QSL imager (Get a QSL back? Scan it and keep an image
of it in your logbook!).
"As I mentioned earlier, I am a report junkie. I used
to sit for hours, counting manually every contact on a hand-drawn chart that showed every
statistical category I wanted to track. DXtreme takes care of that for me!
"There is a robust reporting package in DXtreme. In a
matter of seconds, I can run exportable reports that will show me performance
and data from any field that can be tracked in my log entries. I can tell you how many
graveyard stations I have logged on 1230 kHz from the state of Georgia.
I can tell you how many sunset DX stations I have logged on 1580 kHz
during the month of October. If you have entered it into your log, the
report package has a way to manipulate the data to show you just about
anything you want.
The Final Word
"From an ease of operation standpoint, from the
plethora of customization options and features available, not to mention
the sheer amount of reporting and data crunching you can do once your DX
session is complete, I highly recommend DXtreme Reception Log to anyone
who is ready to make that leap into the 21st Century."
Ed: You can read the entire two-page review in the
November 2012 issue of
Monitoring Times.
"You guys are awesome."
“You guys are awesome. I can't believe the level of customer
satisfaction that the DXtreme team goes to. You are top notch in my book. I really
appreciate everything that you do to help solve customers' questions or needs.”
Ed, K9EGS
Thornton, IL
"The new functionality is superb!"
"Thank you for the support.
"And as for DXtreme Reception Log, the
new functionality is superb! The DX Atlas integration is way better than I
had expected; absolutely seamless. I particularly like the configuration
options for how the maps are displayed. There isn't a better logging
program (and I've tried a few)."
Martin Kitt
United Kingdom
"DXtreme Reception Log: Get With the Program ...
there's a lot to like!"
Two Approaches to Logging
by Dan Srebnick, K2DLS
The Intersection Of Computers and Radio — RF Bits
Popular Communications
July 2010
"Logging entries directly into [DXtreme Reception Log —
Advanced Edition (DXRL)] was quite painless. If you're a Omni-Rig user, DXRL will
pick up the tuned frequency automatically. The program contains example script
templates to auto generate a reception report, complete with program details.
The templates are fairly easy to understand, and there are samples in English, French,
Spanish, and Portuguese. Different types of letters can be easily generated, such as an
SWBC report or an SWL report on a ham QSO. HTML can also be generated for a more visually appealing
email.
"DXRL has the ability to download historical data about
propagation conditions, including the solar flux, A and K indices. Click on Edit,
Global Update of Solar Flux and A- and K- Indexes and the indices since
January 1, 1997 are downloaded. Corresponding log entries are updated, giving you
the opportunity to check out the propagation metrics on some of your better
DX catches.
"[The program also] contains a very nice Schedule Checker,
in case you want to see what is on now or at a given time.
"I wanted to produce a sequential report showing all of
my documented SWDX efforts. This was fairly straightforward. I used the
“Stations by Class” report and the result [appeared in my Web browser]. To produce
this report, I used the report screen to request that All Classes be shown and
to sort the report by date. Then, under Fields, I selected those column headings
that I wanted on the printed report. The report is generated using Internet Explorer,
but the program is also configurable to use Firefox, or most any other browser.
You can then print the report, if desired.
"DXtreme Reception Log is a capable program and I don't think
I'll be going back to my quick and dirty MySQL database anytime soon. It is easy to
use, the help system is well documented, and I cannot say enough about
[DXtreme Software owner] Bob Raymond's responsiveness acting on
my desire to [include] an import utility [with the program]."
"Thanks to your Wonderful Software, I’m Hooked
on the Hobby Again!"
"I’ve been an on-again-off-again SWL hobbyist for
40 years. I bought your software in late December 2010 (a Christmas present) to help me
find stations with the new radio I got for my birthday earlier in the year.
Now, thanks to your wonderful software, I’m hooked on the hobby once again."
"Where in the past I had depended on the WRTH and other
printed listings, now I can use your Schedule Checker and see what’s on the
air at any time."
"I’m still learning how to use the many features of DXtreme
Reception Log, but it’s fun. Someday, I’m going to blow the dust off my old QSLs and scan
them into [my] database so I can refer to them."
"Thanks again for a great program."
Bill Doubledee
Tulsa, OK
"My Only SWL Logging Program!"
"I use DXtreme Reception Log [Advanced Edition]
as my only SWL logging program. Don't let looks deceive you, this software
has many, many features and, in my opinion, is the best available!"
"Support is second only to the expertise with which
[they] program! If you couldn't tell by my excitement, Reception Log works fine!"
John Schneider, KB2COP
Shoreham, NY
"Has Never Let Me Down!"
"I have been a satisfied user of DXtreme Reception Log for
several years now, and have used it as my primary means of logging shortwave and
utility transmissions. It has always met my logging needs, and has never let
me down."
Joe Cooper, VE3FMQ
East York, ON, Canada
"Works Great!"
"Just received my Reception Log disk and
installed it on the new computer. After loading my logs for the
new year, all I can say is so far it works
great! Thank you for the great and prompt service."
David
New Mexico
"Running Perfectly!"
"Program has been installed and is
running perfectly! Great program! Congratulations!"
Hector E. Perez
San Juan, PR
"DXtreme Reception Log is an Outstanding Program!"
"DXtreme Reception Log is an outstanding program. It
has an awesome amount of features and covers just
about every logging and reception reporting requirement
of the radio hobby.
"Bob (the owner of DXtreme Software) was an excellent
help to me with any questions that I had about its
installation and features. Great job Bob!"
Larry Flaitz
Rochester, NY
"DXtreme Reception Log is the Best Yet!"
"Thanks a lot for a great program! I will be mentioning
it to at least two groups that I hang with on the
Internet.
"Some people don't just do Ham, or AM-FM, or Utes —
they do it all. DXtreme Reception Log is the only
application that addresses all of the various radio
monitors and users. Good luck with what is a great
product. DXtreme Reception Log is one of a kind!"
Al Bowers, KA6FBB
Apple Valley, CA
"DXtreme Reception Log Has It All!"
"Couldn't wait to load DXtreme Reception Log and check out all
the new features. Looks like you outdid yourself on this one!
"As I've said before, the Gold version (DXtreme SWRLgold)
was just about all you could ask for in a logging
program, but DXtreme Reception Log has it all!
"Keep up the great work!"
Paul Mijatovich, NG8Z
Harper Woods, MI
"DXtreme Reception Log is a Winner!"
"I have got DXtreme Reception Log up and running and I have
imported my DXtreme SWRLgold [the previous version of DXtreme Reception Log — ed]
data. From everything I see it is a winner!
"I have enjoyed using SWRLgold since I purchased it, and
I see no reason for that to change (with DXtreme Reception Log)."
Bob Merritt, KE4BMT
Douglas, GA
"I'm Having a Blast With DXtreme Reception Log!"
"Jeez!
"The new QSL Repository Explorer is fantastic! Even
a thumbnail browser!
"And I love the new look of the Stations Report when
run in the Window.
"You have made a great program even better. The
features are superb and dependable.
"Great job!!"
Michael Shaw, N1XTV
Palm Harbor, FL
Version 11.0
