Software

When it comes to Ham Radio and computers, you have many different software programs from which to choose. There are applications for digital modes, such as RTTY, PSK, Slow-Scan, and others for logging in daily use or contesting environments. I will provide a few links of my favorite programs and the Internet will provide you with a multitude of free and purchased programs for most anything you can imagine.

Logging programs are something that is almost personal in nature. For my daily logging, I like to use Ham Radio Deluxe. HRD is a free application that is jam packed with features for not only logging your QSOs, but has digital interfaces, which can be used to send and receive CW and the Digital modes.

For contesting in all modes, I use WriteLog for Windows. This is a very configurable program, which supports many radios (for radio control) and a large portion of the contests being run today, both in the US and Internationally. There is a purchase price for WriteLog, but the small price is well worth it for the flexibility and ease of use.

DX4WIN is another full featured logging program for everyday use. It too is a purchased product, but has many features that are well liked by many Ham Operators. You can download a trial copy to see if you feel it is a good fit for you.