How I Got Started
DXtreme Monitor Log 15™ |
Let me to tell you a little about:
|
How I Got My Paper-Based Logs into DXtreme Monitor Log 15 InitiallyWhen I first got what was then called DXtreme Reception Log, I had about 300 log entries in my paper logbook and around 150 QSL cards in my collection. I really wanted all of my data in the Reception Log database and I certainly wanted one-click access to my QSL images. Note: For later versions, I used the Update Utility to update my database — all the way up to Monitor Log 15. More on this later. What I decided to do was to take some time after work and on weekends to gradually get my data and QSLs into the Reception Log software. I started with my QSL cards, entering each one as a log entry before scanning it in. When I was finished with my cards, I added a log entry for each unverified record. What a trip down memory lane! It was actually fun to look at each QSL card and read each log entry as I processed them. And it's nice to know that I can now use the power of my PC to quickly recall and analyze my monitoring records and view my QSLs! I had all of my logs and QSL cards entered within a few weeks. Although, I admit I got excited toward the end and spent most of the final weekend finishing the project! Note: With the release of optional DXtreme Interchange you can digitize your paper logbooks (or other non-ADIF sources) quicker than ever before using a combination of essential data entry; dictation, type, and paste; and active-importation. Read the DXtreme Interchange Data Sheet for more information. How You Can Update to DXtreme Monitor Log 15If you're a registered user of DXtreme Monitor Log 14, DXtreme Monitor Log 12, DXtreme Monitor Log 11, DXtreme Reception Log X, or DXtreme Reception Log — Advanced Edition V6.0, V7.0, V8.0, or V9.0, you can use the DXtreme Monitor Log 15 Update Utility to move to DXtreme Monitor Log 15.
How You Can Get Logs From Other Sources Into Monitor Log 15The ADIF Import Facility lets you import ADIF-formatted log entries into your current database. ADIF stands for Amateur Data Interchange Format, a specification that defines the rules for exchanging data between ham radio applications. Even though there's no equivalent for exchanging non-ham data, Monitor Log 15 lets you use ADIF to import log entries resulting from all monitoring activities — both ham and non-ham. For a desired station class, you begin by producing an ADIF file for import, either manually in a text editor or by exporting an ADIF log from another application, such as FLdigi, WSJT-X, etc. You import log entries one station class at a time. Here's a sample record in ADIF:
The Import Log From ADIF facility recognizes the following ADIF tags (* — denotes required tags):
ImportingOn the File menu of the Import Log From ADIF facility, click Open and select the ADIF file to import.
In the Class list box, click the station class of the log entries to be imported. You import log entries one station class at a time. In the Signal Report box, type the default signal report value you want the facility to write into each imported log record (unless the signal report is included in the source ADIF file). In the Prop Mode list box, click the default propagation mode you want the facility to write into each imported log record (unless the propagation mode is included in the source ADIF file). For Ham-class log entries, in the eQSL.cc Account Nickname list box, click the eQSL.cc account for which a QSL request workfile will be created. Click Execute to begin the import operation. When the facility encounters information in the ADIF file that is incompatible with the module information in the Monitor Log database, it prompts you to specify the appropriate information. When the facility completes its work, the log entries are in your database. If desired, view the Records Added During Import or Update on the Reports menu. How You Can Protect and Preserve Your Monitoring RecordsLet's face it ... paper fades and gets musty with age! Entering your log entries and scanning your QSL cards and other documents into your computer is one way to protect and preserve your QSL cards and monitoring records! I had some 37-year-old QSL cards and other documents in my collection that were starting to fade. I'm glad that Monitor Log's QSL Imaging and Improv Imaging features let me capture them before they got worse. And I'm really glad that QSL Imaging lets me capture my new QSLs right out of my Mailbox, Inbox, and eQSL.cc! But even more importantly... Say you experience a fire or some other unfortunate event that destroys your monitoring equipment, records, and QSL cards. Sorry to bring this up, but it does happen. Your homeowners insurance will likely replace your monitoring equipment. But how do you replace your monitoring records and QSL cards? If you use Monitor Log 15, you can copy your data, QSL image files, Improv image files, and audio files to the Cloud or to CDs, DVDs, USB drives, or some other removable media you can place at another location, such as a relative's house, work, or safe deposit box. That way, if something bad happens, you'll be able to retrieve a copy of your records and files. Buh-bye Everybody!See you on the rail trail! 73, 88, and, most of all, good DX and health to you all!
Your DXtreme Monitor Log 15 Happy User |
