I’m hoping this topic will generate some interest - some folks like to “log” stations they hear but there are many opinions and methods on how best to do that. I figured I’d start things off with some methods I’ve used (with comments/reviews where appropriate).
- Paper/Notebook - some folks prefer this method since it doesn’t require any power, it’s portable and perhaps feels the most natural. I used this method for many years - both with a notebook style and pre-formatted sheets in a binder (you can find all kinds of templates online). An added benefit might be that you can pick the format YOU want to use, not what others tell you use. A downside might be searching a large dataset for specific info or the ability to analyze logs in a computer (if that’s your thing).
- Text Files - you can use your favorite text editor and simply store the files in plain text. Advanced editors such as Notepad++ include features that make sorting and cleaning quite easy. May require some way to manage files as they get larger.
- Spreadsheet program (Excel, Google Sheets etc) - this is a very popular way to log. You can find templates online or “roll your own”. Search features, analysis and other aspects can be built into your sheet if you have the patience to set those things up. Not many cons overall, but as files get larger you’ll need to come up with some way to manage that.
- KB6IBB SWL Logger - I used this for some time and found it to be quite good, especially for free!. In the end I needed other features so I moved on. Pros: Free! You can use with EiBi, HFCC and AOKI shortwave databases. Feature rich, regularly updated. You can run on both Linux and Windows. Cons - few I can think of, other than I wanted more features relating to the non-broadcast listening I do sometimes. I also experienced a situation where they changed database formats between versions and there was a compatibility issue for me - I sorted it in the end but by that time I was ready to move on. Free software sometimes means you have to put up with these sorts of issues.
- DXtreme Monitor Log - I tried this a number of years back after reading reviews and talking to other folks about it. It’s loaded with a lot of options, many not found elsewhere. I only used it for a short time however (18 months or so) - I found the program to be very “clunky” and slow to enter logs into. In addition I found after purchasing the program there was an update within a month that would require more money to upgrade to (would have preferred a window of time where upgrades are included free). Pros: Large number of features. Continuous upgrade cycle with new features added regularly. Ability to log various radio activities, including non-broadcast items (i.e. Utility stations). Cons: Cost may be prohibitive for some budget-minded users ($59.99), especially compared to other options out there. Clumsy, heavy interface (in my opinion). This may have been addressed in later versions but I’ve since moved on.
- SWLog Shortwave & Amateur Radio Log - This is my current favorite. Feature rich and regularly updated. The author is very responsive to trouble reports, help requests and feature ideas. There’s a free version available although some of the features are limited in that version. Pros - can work with a wide assortment of schedule databases, virtually all that are out there. Great, natural-feeling workflow that isn’t cumbersome. Underlying database (MS SQL Server) can be tapped for other uses. Has virtually any feature I can think of for the type of monitoring I do. Cons - subscription model for full use. Cost for “Broadcast/Utility” version is $19 USD per year - reasonable to me but may be turnoff for people wanting free or “one and done” pricing. Some features such as radio control are complex to setup. The author has also decided to include some Ham Radio logging features in the “full” version of the program which is a bit weird to me - that kind of logging is very different.
- Custom Database/Application - I’m a bit of computer geek but I wouldn’t call myself a coder. Having said that I play around on the computer quite a bit and have tried building an app for logging with some limited success. I put together a fairly useable Access Database a few years back that worked well, but in the end I wanted features that I simply didn’t feel like trying to feature out so I moved on from that. I’m currently working on another project for some facets of my hobby that includes some logging, but is more analysis oriented. Bottom line, this might be an option if you’re so inclined.
What do you use? Looking forward to ideas, constructive comments and reviews!