Contest logging software

Main article on the sport of Amateur Radio Contesting

The use of a computer to log contacts has become an integral part of radio contesting.

Contest logging software refers to specialized computer software programs designed for use by competitors in amateur radio contesting. Most contest logging software is written by individual programmers who are active radio contesters.

Purpose

The primary purpose of contest logging software is to record the details of two-way radio contacts made during amateur radio contests. At a minimum, these details include the time, band or frequency of operation, the call sign of the other station, and the received "exchange" data. This log data is recorded in a binary or ASCII format. Most contest logging software packages will also compute a running score for the contest during operation and will help track which multipliers have been "worked" and which have not. Typical contest logging software includes features for post-contest processing of the log to prepare it for submission to the contest sponsor. There is great variation in the features offered and their specific implementation, which can lead to passionate debates among the supporters of specific software packages.

Common features

Many programs offer advanced features for controlling external devices; this can include controlling the frequency of a radio, sending Morse code over a serial port or parallel port interface, interfacing with sound cards used for the transmission and reception of digital modes such as RTTY, or controlling antenna or amplifier hardware. Some software programs include specific features for single operator two radios (SO2R) operations. A related market exists for software designed to analyze, convert, or manipulate log data recorded during radio contests.

Contest logging software, whether free or commercial, is available for DOS, Linux, and Windows platforms. Some contesters dedicate older computers specifically to running their favorite contest logging software.

Available software packages

The following contest logging software packages are widely used and available. Some are offered for sale, and others are available without charge under various licenses.

Contesting logging software

'Free'

CT by K1EA Development discontinued
CQ/X de NO5W GPS Enabled for Mobile Contesting
MINOS by G0GJV For European VHF/UHF contests
N1MM Logger
QARTest Only in Italian
KLog Linux Based^{[citation needed]}
RCKLog
roverlog by N1MU Multiplatform, VHF/UHF for fixed stations and rovers
SD by EI5DI
TLF by PA0R Linux Based - Development discontinued
Tucnak by OK1ZIA Multiplatform, for VHF/HF contests
VHFCONT by KC6TEU - Development discontinued
VHFTEST by WG3E - Development discontinued

'Commercial'

MobileLog by N0HR PocketPC/Windows Mobile PDA - Development discontinued
N3FJP Log
NA by K8CC DOS Based - Development discontinued
TR Log by N6TR DOS Based - Development discontinued
VHFCTest4Win by S52AA VHF Reg1Test
Win-Test by F5MZN
WriteLog by W5XD

Post-contest log analysis and conversion software

References

Allison, George K5IJ (1985). "The Super Duper--Part 1". QST. Sep. 1985, p. 27.
Allison, George K5IJ (1985). "The Super Duper--Part 2". QST. Nov. 1985, p. 44.
"eHam User Reviews" of logging software.
Newstead, Richard G3CWI (2001). "Contest Software Reviewed". Retrieved Dec. 7, 2005.

External links

Logging Software by AC6V

Contesting Software complete list by The DXZone