FAQ VAQP Logging Programs
Question:
Which logging program should I consider?
Answer:
Just for the record printable log sheets are available on the www.w4va.org web site if you are only going to make a few QSOs.
As for software, there seem to be many titles out there, but the three that keep coming up regularly as “pretty good” are “Virginia QSO Party Log” from www.n3fjp.com, N1MM from www.n1mm.com and WriteLog from www.writelog.com.
- N3FJP costs $6
- N1MM is free
- WriteLog costs $30
- N3FJP has a free demo
- N1MM is free so it is the demo
- WriteLog has no demo
- N3FJP has a very simple one file install
- N1MM has a single file for install, with more helper files and an apparent requirement to reboot – a necessity that went out with Windows 98
- WriteLog, well, I don’t know what they do because they don’t have a demo.
N3FJP has a big full screen interface showing counties and cities, worked, state and provinces work, live score, etc.
N1MM has a small master window with other windows as needed. This is more suited when you are running multiple applications during the contest.
Note sure about WriteLog either, but will know more soon.
Club users of note using N3FJP with success include me, Rick, Arno, Carlton, Kyle.
Club users of note using N1MM with success include Andy, Mark, Tom Z.
Club users of note using WriteLog with success is Dave K3SK. I am going to purchase this software to review it for this web site.
I am compiling some reviews of software at http://www.qsoparty.com/?cat=15. N3FJP is covered with some critical tips and techniques.
If I were you I would just get the N3FJP software, load it, try it, buy it. It is perfectly adequate for the job. You can download your QSOs later via ADIF and import them into your award tracking logging software if you like.
If you must stay free, go for N1MM.
I will be available to support N3FJP and Andy will, I’m sure, help out with N1MM.
Time is getting short and, in my opinion, N3FJP will get you up and running soonest. Next year you can try other programs.
All the above programs must be excellent judging by all the great reports we hear from their users in our club. The point is to not bother with any other home-brew program or one of those slapped-together specials created by a well meaning, but obviously amateur programmer.
Like the saying goes “The best Bible translation is the one you read.” Likewise, the best software choice is the one you use. Go for it.
My two cents.
Not sure what the issue is with N1MM install. I don’t remember it being a problem at all. Once it is installed, you can update it very easily when updates are available. I have been extremely happy with it as a basic Contest logger (that is all I use it for). It is free and the coupole Cabrillo file issues I had were easily remedied.
The N1MM install went more smoothly than expected so I amended the text above. It certainly looks feature rich and I know Andy is using some of its advanced features with success.