HAM LOG VERSION 4 b y V K 2 V N HAM LOG is the sophisticated, professional IBM log program for Amateurs and SWLs. Version one was released in February 1992, and reviewed in A.R.A. by Neil Duncan in August 1992. Version two was released in March 1993. On version two, Len Shaw wrote in A.R.A.: "In version 2.0 the author has gone considerably further (on features) than in any log program... ...you are unlikely to find a better log-keeping program anywhere, having seen and used a wide variety of shareware and commercial programs." Since then, Ham Log has been reviewed in France's "Megahertz" noting: "Installation: Easy! ...neat professional which remains simple to use". In Canada's "The CANADIAN Amateur" (Nov. '94) version 2.5 was described as: "I keep trying the Ham Radio logging programs that I come across, and keep erasing them. .. Ham Log comes with a professionally bound manual, very well written and presenting everything from installation, upgrading and the use of the program in a concise, easy to understand manner. ... With so much information available [in Ham Log] you might think it would be difficult to use. Quite the contrary! .. I found the program became a natural part of operating, not an obtrusive tool for logging contacts. .. The reports provide the information required, in the form required. .. At no time did it exhibit any 'bugs' at all; I wish this could be said of programs costing far more. This is the first computer program I have in years that I really cannot find anything to improve on. With so many features, it is beyond this reviewer's ability to do it full justice. I rank it [Ham Log] as one of the 'breakthroughs' in computer technology applied to t his fine hobby, ranking with Baycom, JVFax and Hamcom." In 1994, version 3 was released to great acclaim. It reflected the wishes and great suggestions from users throughout the world. Ham Log became the definitive logging program for all amateur radio operators. On version 3, in Amateur Radio Action (Dec. '94), the editor Len Shaw wrote: "It would seem Robin Gandevia, VK2VN, is never satisfied with his product - even in the opinion of many, myself included, it is already the best such product on the market. In my position as editor, I get to see and use most logging programs at some time or other and from my first encounter with Ham Log, I have believed it to be the best available - and that includes some quite expensive American programs." Nearly five years later, in 1999 version 4 is presented to the discerning amateur who requires the most sophisticated logging program that remains simple to use. The thoughts of amateurs over the years were included. Version Four of Ham Log includes improvements that make Ham Log easier and faster to use, especially for existing users. The program has been fine tuned so that it remains the definitive logging program for discerning amateurs - world-wide. Version 4 includes full years 2000 compliance, is compatible with the new ARRL DXCC entity changes, is reduced in price with the environmentally friendly version with the manual on disk, has better performance especially when run under multi-tasking environments (such as Windows), is faster to add QSOs, includes more user options and defaults, has simpler text editor functions plus much more. Generally, it is an even greater pleasure to use. H A M L O G 's ENHANCED FEATURES INCLUDE . . . Six Separate (and Combinable) Logs... * Use different logs for different modes, portable, special call sign, contests, special awards. * Create a log from your main log based solely on QSOs of a particular frequency and/or mode and/or specific contents of the Custom Field Super Fast Contest Mode... * Rapidly add QSOs * See all details if station worked before * Points and Multipliers * Automatic reports * Ideal also for DXpeditions. QSL Label Printing... * Print in unlimited formats * Include your own text on labels * Ham Log keeps track of QSLs sent (and received) for all of your six logs Entity (Country) Information, Statistics... Ham Log shows immediately about the QSO's entity: Whether worked before, in which modes and if QSL(s) received, Beam Headings, Distance, Continent, ITU & CQ Zones, DXCC status, Entity's Local Time (as well as UTC and your own time), plus much more Foreign Language Support... As you work an entity, not only will Ham Log tell you whether to say Good Morning, Afternoon or Evening, but it can tell you how to say it in their foreign language! Translations for many common phrases and words are provided for over 150 entities (greatly appreciated by the station you are working) General Station Information... * Vast Amount of useful information available at any time in the program - includes: H.F. Band Plans, H.F. & 6m Beacons, WWV Data, Temperature & metric conversions, Q Code, C.W. abbreviations & procedures (over 100) * Record your own useful information like: ATU / Linear settings (charts supplied), Scheds / Nets / Repeaters, Rig's Memories, Digital Modes, the list is endless Extensive Lists and Information... 100's of different useful lists. (View, Print or send to a DOS file.) Lists of entities, prefixes or QSOs can be confined to Current, Deleted or Non DXCC Entities. A few examples: * Entities - Worked, Confirmed, Not Confirmed (by mode if required) * Prefixes - Main Amateur or All * QSOs - Specify: Mode, Band, Specific Entity (or DXCC Entity types), Dates Worked; Various formats and orders. Fulfils stringent French requirements * Statistics - Entities, QSOs per mode and per band, Log's DXCC Status * Contest - Log formats with points and multipliers calculated * Hundreds of different useful lists in version 3. (View, Print or send to a DOS file.) Lists of countries, prefixes or QSOs can be confined to Current DXCC Countries, Deleted DXCC Countries or Non-DXCC Countries. Examples of lists are: * Countries - Worked, Confirmed, Not Confirmed, in specific modes if required. * Prefixes - Amateur & All (ITU) * QSOs - Specific Country (or DXCC type of country), Range of dates, Mode, Band; Various formats and orders * Statistics - Countries, QSO's, per mode per band * Contest - Log with points and multipliers calculated. QSOs "Custom Field"... * Allows you to separate or group QSOs within a log * Ideal generic multiple award and contest logging system * QSOs can be searched, scrolled or listed (or a new log created) on it specific contents * Great for IOTA and Maidenhead data * Can automatically include information such as ITU or CQ Zones, Continent, Prefix and more. * Its powerful uses are endless. QSO's "Text Editor Field"... The text editor (effectively an unlimited notes field for a QSO), can be applied to all subsequent contacts with the same station, in any log, or remain specific to one QSO. * Can be used to import other ASCII files into Ham Log Automation, Ease of Use and Fast... * More time for QSOs, none writing logs and QSLs * Ham Log automatically applies: UTC dates and times, Modes, Band (Name and QTH for subsequent QSOs), reports and more * Fully Menu driven & prolific Help * Superior, easy and rapid searches * Large and comprehensive manual on disk (or printed) * Fast - use it "on the fly". * Easy to update your old log's QSO and QSL info * Latest Entities (Countries) and Prefixes * Text field for each QSO or each station worked - great for Notes, CW, import terminal mode data * QSL Manager and DXpedition facilities And Also... * It is easy to make country QSO and QSL information correct from your old log * Log format complies with detailed French regulations * Special QSL Manager and DXpedition facilities * Proudly an Australian product acclaimed world-wide, that has by far the most sophisticated features * Requires IBM or compatible, hard disk, 640k RAM, DOS 6 or higher. (Runs under both DOS and Windows) A great functional demonstration copy of Ham Log can be down- loaded from packet and phone BBS's. The file is HL4DEMO.EXE, which is a self-expanding archived file. It includes a detailed manual. If you would like a copy direct, or further information, please don't hesitate to contact the author: Mr. Robin Gandevia VK2VN, (Applied Bytes - a Division of Dr. Hi Fi Pty. Ltd. ACN No: 002 266 239) 76 Carrington Road, WAVERLEY NSW 2024, AUSTRALIA (SYDNEY) Phone: 9369 2218 (BUS. HRS.) Fax: 9369 3069 (Int'l.: 612; VK: 02) Email: rhg@bigpond.com I am certain you will be delighted with Ham Log. 73's Robin