February 11, 2011

Ham Radio Deluxe and HRD Log

For several years now I've been using Ham Radio Deluxe a tour de force by Simon Brown, HB9DRV, as a poor man's SDR (software designed radio).  This free program, while not perfect, is under constant revision and improvement and seems to do it all: rig control (works flawlessly with my Icom 746 Pro), logging (can't  beat the QSL management tools), interfacing with just about all digital modes through it's companion program DM780 together with my trusty Tigertronics SignalLink USB interface.  Recently, I've discovered the internet-based companion HRD Log written by Claudio,  IW1QLH.  HRD Log uses data from your HRD logbook and posts it on the internet for public viewing if desired - and so  much more. In the process, it also creates a nice "cloud-based" backup for the logbook.  What I really thought interesting though was the mapping of logged QSOs - it's great to see a pictorial rendering of just where your signal has been heard!  (The "live" version of the map is interactive and will provide details of the displayed logged QSOs.)  Check it out.