New Logging Program

**ki4jgt** · Wed 20th Oct 2010, 05:59

Hey guys,
I wanted to get your opinions on a project I've been working on for the past few weeks and I think I finally have it where it's glitch and error free. It's a logger for Field Day at http://www.smashindex.com

I was wondering if you would mind giving me suggestions as to how to make it better. It currently does not install on your computer. You must open it and extract/unzip it into a folder and then run SIL.exe I didn't see the point in actually having people install it since it was only used once a year. If you like please say so. If you hate it, please (using constructive criticism) explain why. Thanks.

**VK3HAF** · Wed 24th Nov 2010, 06:25

I think any logging software is good. I got my f-call 2 and half months ago and am still not on the air so having time on my hands, I wrote one as well. Ran afoul of a scanner forum mod who 'told' me what to do rather than ask but he had 2 good ideas.

In the end, I started looking at other logging software and tried to classify where mine would fit in to give me more ideas and that was a good start. Some of the ones had so many bells and whistles that I could never compete but I found that I didn't have to.

Portability first. Simple feature set. Export/import with a common format so people could exchange data (if that is relevant to your situation). And, just looking at your screenshot, make whatever compiler you are using reject duplicates from being saved as they are not necessary, just an opinion.

**ki4jgt** · Fri 1st Apr 2011, 00:29

I have added a few great features to this. program for anyone who is interested and thanks Fangles for your suggestions. The program doesn't reject calls, but it does notify the user there are duplicates. If it rejected them then the user wouldn't be able to contest on multiple bands. Anyway, here is the updated software: and a copy and paste from another forum. I am getting quite lazy :-(

Hey guys,
I came back to mention my field day program and how far it had gotten off the ground. I now have it able to count the different modes. So it can tell you how many of each mode you've logged. The original thread (Very old) has been closed, so I had to get a new one.

The download link is:
http://adf.ly/351619/sil2011

Sorry for the inconvenience. I haven't got the program packed to install to the user's computer yet, but here's how to use it without installing it.

- Right click on downloaded file
- Click Extract/Extract to (Haven't used Windows in forever)
- Open the folder where you extracted the files

If you're using Windows 7/Vista:
- Right click SIL2011.exe
- Click run as an administrator (If you want to run a virus scan first be my guest)

If you're using all other versions of Windows:
- Simply double click the SIL2011.exe file

Looking forward to hearing your responses KI4JGT 73

**ki4jgt** · Sun 3rd Apr 2011, 04:52

Just For Your Information:
The Original site has been moved to http://www.smashindex.org

**VK3HAF** · Sun 3rd Apr 2011, 05:53

[QUOTE=ki4jgt;12332]The program doesn't reject calls, but it does notify the user there are duplicates. If it rejected them then the user wouldn't be able to contest on multiple bands./QUOTE]

Yes, I wasn't thinking correctly there and an amateur who kindly tested my software pointed it out to me. So, I fixed that (and other things).

**ki4jgt** · Sun 3rd Apr 2011, 08:50

We all do it. Mine started out that way. I was told to leave it, but it just didn't seem right to me. Mine is a field day logger, so it had to be possible to contest on different frequencies. I'm thinking of making mine WIFI compatible, so if more than one laptop is used, the station can network the loggers and keep up with both stations from both computers. I'm currently writing a Python Script for it now. Hopefully it will be finished before Field Day 2012.

**VK3HAF** · Tue 5th Apr 2011, 10:35

Phew!!! I could learn a lot from you.

**ki4jgt** · Tue 5th Apr 2011, 22:54

Nah, I'm simply using BASIC and Python. Simple computer logic. . . It is I who could learn from you.

**VK3HAF** · Wed 6th Apr 2011, 08:49

We could form a mutual logging admiration society and give each other ideas LOL!!! (I'm out of them for now)

**ki4jgt** · Wed 6th Apr 2011, 09:54

Well, I am about to convert mine from BASIC, to a fully functional Python logger with networking capabilities. Also going to build a lot of the web features into the program, so no more loading webpages to find callsign information. Everything on file with the FCC will be able to be shown right in the command terminal, but before then, I have to leave and go on a long journey, so I won't be able to return until next year. :-( I just wanted to finish this before then. I'm thinking of allowing businesses buy the GMR$ space so I can pay for my logger. I've already been told that most of the information is incorrect anyway, so if they buy space from me for about $5 a business or maybe $10 then they'll have advertising on Field Day. I only have 100 spots though, so I'm thinking about having people bid on Ebay or something :-( didn't want to see it come to this, but haven't got any other choice. Even a few donations aren't enough to really do what I've got planned for this program.