Mt Washington Wx CAM
WriteLog Contest Logging Software
WriteLog Contest Logging Software
I have been using WriteLog for Windows Contest Logging Software for about 10 years or more now. I started using it after using CT, NA, and TRLog DOS Contesting Software. I had used CT for a number of years and was fairly proficient with it. When I moved here from Oklahoma, some of the contesters here used NA and I tried that for a while. But with newer versions of Windows not playing well with DOS applications, I decided to take the plunge and start using a Windows based contesting package. At work we tried almost every trick in the book to get some of the old DOS packages to play well with Windows 7 and never got some of them to work. We had a good bit of trouble with drivers. I had a lot of conversations with some of my serious contesting buddies from across the country and a good number of them had started migrating to WriteLog.
It took a while to figure out how to interface it to computer and radios and soon I was off and running with it. I used it solely for a number of years, but as of late I have been trying N1MM contest logging software and did not like it and I have now moved to using Win-Test. I have used WriteLog successfully in CW, RTTY, and Phone contests over the years. Let's look at some of the features:
WriteLog for Windows Options
- QSO Entry Screen
- Super Check Partial Window
- Check Call Window
- Color Coded Band Map
- Rate Window
- Packet Spot Window
- Packet Window
- Beam Heading Window
- Search and Pounce Memory Window
- Call Schedule Window
- Band Summary Window
- Contest Setup Memory
WriteLog integrates well with my computer and rig. When I first started using it I also purchased one of the W5XD Multi-Keyers. I have migrated to the K1EL WinKeyer USB keyer and put it together. The K1EL WinKeyer works flawlessly and I have had very good service. I cannot run WriteLog and DX4WIN together without getting some COM Port conflicts. But this is because of the station setup. Overall it is a robust contesting software package.
WriteLog charges $30 a year for support and updates.
WriteLog for Windows is a mature package that works very well. I have probably logged over 30,000 contest QSO's with it over the years. I have operated CW, RTTY, and Phone contests with this software. It can automatically create your Cabrillo file to submit with the contest sponsor. I know it is a big issue among contesters, but some sort of log review/cleanup features would be nice. This is my two cents worth on WriteLog. Yes, there are some issues, but it is a mature, full featured, and stable package that I have gotten good use from over the years.
Follow me on Facebook!