Newbie looking for best logging software for Icom 735 - if that is even possible

[Ross Fox]

Hello everyone, well back into Ham Radio after being away for nearly 30 years. Back then my last station the antenna blew down and the wind damaged the house. So, I couldn't put the antenna back up due to the physical circumstances. Then we moved several times with no real place for my station or antenna. So, now I am back with a ocf dipole, and dusted off my Icom 735. It works and I can get out. My question is this, I am interested in some type - free - of logging software, and if it could work with my Icom 735. So much has changed with computers and how they can connect with a HF rig. I am somewhat computer savvy, but I see all of this stuff I may need besides just the software. I don't think I can just plug my radio into my Windows 10 computer???? without some type of interface - CV17 ???? or CI-V ??? Or is the CI-V and CV17 just needed for controlling the radio with the computer and not needed for logging. I don't necessarily need to control my radio by the computer, but I would like the info on the radio to migrate to the logging software if possible. And if not possible, just a recommendation as to a good logging program that's fairly simple to use with manual entry. Sorry for such a long post and I would presume someone with an Icom 735 might be interested in giving me a pointer or two. Thanks, Ross

[5B4AJB]

The software reads the radio state when you log a callsign, eliminating the need for you to enter frequency/mode etc.

As far as I know, a CI-V interface is pretty easy to homebrew and there's tons of software out there for logging...