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MacLoggerDX
4 July 2015 | by  |
| The layout of MacLogger DX on my Mac |
I recently tweeted that I had dropped Ham Radio Deluxe in favour for MacLoggerDX. Amongst the re-tweets and comments i received, Danny (PA3DM) did mention that HRD is not just a logbook, but a full suite of digital modes, rotor and a rig control system. This I completely agree with, and my time using HRD was always a great experience and I would recommend the software to anyone.
My issue with HRD is this. I use a Mac. I transitioned from PC to Mac around 3 years ago, and have been using a Virtual PC to do my PC based tasks (including my day job) and this is the issue. HRD over a Virtual Machine, using RS-232 connectors is unpredictable, slow and frankly unusable. Its not the fault of HRD, nor is it the fault of the Virtual Machine, The RS-232 – USB connectors. It’s a combination of all the elements tethered together that makes the experience unusable.
So the solution ? well its not a solution to be fair. It’s a compromise. Its not HRD, its not an all in one solution, its a log book that can use the radios VFO, the rotor and DX cluster all together. That is basically what I used HRD for. And on the odd occasion I did venture into digital modes.
I will complete a review of MacLoggerDX in future posts, but for now I thought I would explain my rationale of making the switch. So far, so good.
2 Responses to “MacLoggerDX”
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Hello Dan, I’d love to read your review of Mac Logger when you finish it. I’ve looked into Mac for ham radio applications. The thing that holds me back is the dearth of ham radio programs. PC programs are a dime a dozen but scarce as hen’s teeth for Mac.
Until that changes, I’ll be continuing to ‘hate MS Windows’ while using all the PC based ham radio programs that I find ‘indispensable’!
I just made the switch as well for the exact same reasons. I paid for MaLoggerDX and am impressed with how well it works for me and how quickly questions are answered by VE3VRW Don Agro, the writer. I’d recommend it without reservation.