Logging software for the Mac?

[G6NHU]

Now that I'm back active again I feel as though I ought to start tracking countries and squares worked on VHF and the best way to do this has to be electronically.

I've been using Minos for my logging in a Windows virtual machine so I can export the logs in .EDI format (if that's any use) but I'd rather have some native OS X software that I can import those logs into and add entries manually. If I give away a few points in a contest then I'm not going to fire up Minos for that, I write them in my logbook. Yes, I still keep a paper log!

So is there any logging software for the Mac that I can use which will import my Minos log files and allow me to enter QSOs manually as well? I'd then like to be able to pull off stats such as squares and countries and even plot a map showing which squares I've worked over a set period of time (because it's good to know what I do each year).

[M0TZO]

When I had a Mac, the only one I really found was not free, and I couldn't afford at the time.

The website is www.dogparksoftware.com, but this is Not an endorsement as I never actually purchased the software, but it was getting good reviews at the time on other ham websites.

[G6NHU]

I looked at that one but it's serious overkill for what I want.

[5B4AJB]

Let me begin by saying I know nothing about Macs.

That said, surely it's an easy enough task to create a database purpose built?
One you can edit, add fields when needed, make it look all buttony and shiny?

Half the fun is making something you use frequently...

Google showed me this page, "Filemaker" seems to give the most hits.
http://mac.sofotex.com/Development_Tools/Database/

[G6NHU]

Well I've grabbed the trial of Filemaker but I know really nothing about creating databases so it's going to be a pretty major learning curve.

/edit - I think Bento by the same people might be a better option, I'm downloading the trial for that now.

[2e0sql]

jLog might be ok for normal day to day logging http://jlog.org/ I've not used it in a couple of years though.

[techiesteve]

Has anyone used jLog with OS X 10.6.7? jLog installer launches, but fails to run with a Fatal Error message, Please install the RXTX-Files. These weren't mentioned in the install instructions, found them in the download area, but it fails to install. The instructions to install state this should be installed before jLog, the jLog uninstaller fails to run, so dump manually, still no change. It seems to be very flakey. Shame as it could be useful.

[G6NHU]

Nope, sorry Steve, I haven't. I ended up using Aether as my logger, it's an excellent piece of software.

[techiesteve]

Aether looks a nice piece of Mac software, shame is doesn't support my rig, an Alinco DX-77. MacLoggerDX does, one of the few, perhaps even the only one. I shall carry on looking before I make my mind up.

[G6NHU]

Andrew, the author of Aether is really good, I exchange a lot of emails with him. It's worth a note asking if he can support that wireless as the chances are that he can add the code and will be keen to have someone to test it out. If you email him, mention that I suggested it.

[techiesteve]

I was thinking along those lines after seeing the option to email and request on his web site. I'll send him the link to Alinco's command set for the DX-77.

Andrew, the author of Aether is really good, I exchange a lot of emails with him. It's worth a note asking if he can support that wireless as the chances are that he can add the code and will be keen to have someone to test it out. If you email him, mention that I suggested it.

[KC0EZH]

Hi -

I know a ton about Macs, as I'm a certified Apple Consultant and write for one of the biggest Apple blogs. Other than Aether, if Filemaker looks like overkill for a general database management system you might want to look at its less-powerful sibling, Bento. Like Filemaker, Bento can easily import a lot of different text file formats delimited in a myriad of ways...

Steve

KC0EZH