the DXLab Suite

Better DXing Through Software

the DXLab Suite2012-03-19 v1.4

Eight free applications that run individuallybutwhen run simultaneously sense each others presenceand interoperate automatically

Better DXing Through Software

the DXLab Suite

Original Architecture: Monolithic

Re-architecture (2000): Modular

the DXLab Suite

A Suite of Interoperating DXing Applications

Single Point of Control: DXLab Launcher

Development Drivers1. User-driven iterative developmentOpen Yahoo group with ~3700 participantsDefect repairs get highest priority; goal is < 24 hoursPublic enhancement listsClosed source, one developerFrequent releasesFull releases for first-time installationIncremental updates for defect repairs and enhancementsAutomated installation and updates Easy to Use AND Powerful

Automated Installation and Updates: Apps

Automated Installation and Updates: Databases

Development DriversUser-driven iterative development Easy to Use AND PowerfulNo menusGraphical Controls with popup explanationsOnline and PDF reference documentationOnline step-by-step explanations (Wiki)User feedback from frequent releasesImproves usabilityImproves documentation

Documentation: Online Reference

Documentation: PDF Reference

Documentation: Step-by-Step

Documentation: Explanatory Popups

the DXLab Suite

Commander: Transceiver ControlControls and displaysFrequency & ModeReceiver bandwidthSplit & Dual ReceiveOther CAT-accessible settings via user-defined controlsTransverters on 6m, 4m, 2m, 70cmManages frequency-dependent devicesDisplays settings for Tuners and AmplifiersSupports automatic Antenna and Transceiver switchingSwitches among 4 primary radios Secondary CAT PortFrequency and mode tracking by an independent radioSDR-based panadaptors (SpectraVue, CW Skimmer, BobCAT)

Commander: Transceiver Control

Commander: Transceiver ControlControls and displaysFrequency & ModeReceiver bandwidthSplit & Dual ReceiveOther CAT-accessible settings (standard and user-defined controls)Transverters on 6m, 4m, 2m, 70cmManages frequency-dependent devicesDisplays settings for Tuners and AmplifiersSupports automatic Antenna and Transceiver switchingSwitches among 4 primary radios Secondary CAT PortFrequency and mode tracking by an independent radioSDR-based panadaptors (SpectraVue, CW Skimmer, BobCAT)

Commander: Multiple Radio SupportSelect one of four primary radiosBy button clickAutomatically as a function of frequency

Commander: Multiple Radio SupportThe Secondary radio canFollow the active primary radioLead the active primary radio

Commander Memories: 10 Banks of 10

Commander Memories: Scanning

Commander: Bandspread

Commander: More Than 100 Radios SupportedHardwareAlinco DZElecraftIcom JRCKachinaKenwoodTenTecYaesuSDR ConsolesBobCATCWSkimmerPowerSDRSpectraVueSDR-Radio SDRFlexRadioHPSDR MercuryMicrotelecom PerseusRFSpace SDR-IQ, SDR-14SoftRockSRL QuickSilver QS1R

the DXLab Suite

DXView Informationby Callsignby Prefixby IOTA tagby Gridby Latitude/Longitude

DXView Information: Phrase TranslationLanguage selection by DXCC entity70 languages50 phrases

DXView Databases

DXView Information: USAP Databaseby Callsignby Prefixby IOTA tagby Gridby Latitude/Longitude

DXView Rotator ControlAlfaSpidARSWINHeathHygain

LP-RotorM2N1MMProsistelSARtekTICTrackBoxYaesu

DXView: World Map DisplayBeam headingSolar terminatorAuroral Zone BoundariesPoint & ClickAntenna RotationPropagation Prediction

DXView: CQ Zone OverlayBeam headingSolar terminatorAuroral Zone BoundariesPoint & ClickAntenna RotationPropagation Prediction

DXView: ITU Zone OverlayBeam headingSolar terminatorAuroral Zone BoundariesPoint & ClickAntenna RotationPropagation Prediction

DXView: Maidenhead Field OverlayBeam headingSolar terminatorAuroral Zone BoundariesPoint & ClickAntenna RotationPropagation Prediction

DXView: Solar Terminator

DXView Sunrise/Sunset Times

DXView: Country Maps

DXView: Google Maps

the DXLab Suite

DXKeeperLoggingQSLingAward Tracking

Multiple QTHs per logImport QSOs from fileExport QSOs to file

DXKeeper: LoggingComprehensive log databasePowerful QSO searching, sorting, and editingCapture window optimized for operatingCallbook access

DXKeeper Main Window

DXKeeper Main Window: Previous QSOs

DXKeeper Main Window: Award Panel

DXKeeper Main Window: Subdivision Selector

DXKeeper Main Window: QSL Panel

DXKeeper Main Window: Online QSL Panel

DXKeeper Main Window: User-defined Fields

DXKeeper: LoggingComprehensive databasePowerful QSO searching, sorting, and editingCapture window optimized for operatingCallbook access

DXKeeper Capture Window

DXKeeper: LoggingComprehensive databasePowerful QSO searching, sorting, and editingCapture window optimized for operatingCallbook accessThe usual suspectsRadio Amateurs Callbook CDROMBuckmaster HamCall CDROMHamCall.netHamQTH.com (free with no advertising)QRZ local databaseQRZ.com (free with advertising, or data subscription)Update logged QSOs en masse

DXKeeper: QSLingGenerates QSL cards and LabelsGenerates Address labels or prints envelopesSupport for eQSL.cc and ARRLs LotWOne-click uploadOne-click download and updateIndependent trackingAutomatic upload to Club LogGenerates files for BV, QSL Maker, QSL Design and PrintOnline QSL Request Service (OQRS), Global QSL

DXKeeper: QSLing with Cards

DXKeeper: QSL Card Print Preview

DXKeeper: QSL Card

DXKeeper: QSL Card with Background Image

DXKeeper: QSLing with Labels

DXKeeper: QSL Card Label Preview

DXKeeper: QSLing with Labels

DXKeeper: QSLing with Logbook of the World

DXKeeper: Award Tracking

DXKeeper: Award TrackingDXCC* & Challenge*generates submissiontracks verificationCQ DX*CQ DX MarathonCQ Field*Gridsquares IOTA* TOPLIST*VUCC*Worked All Continents*Worked All Europe Worked All Prefixes* Worked All Zones** identifies needed confirmationsWorked All British Areas Worked All Canadian ProvincesWorked All French DepartmentsWorked All German DOKsWorked All Holyland AreasWorked All Hungarian CountiesWorked All Italian ProvincesWorked All Japanese CitiesWorked All Japanese GunsWorked All Japanese PrefecturesWorked All Russian OblastsWorked All Russian DistrictsWorked All US States*Worked All US Counties*

DXKeeper: Realtime DXCC Award Tracking

DXKeeper: Realtime Marathon Award Tracking

DXKeeper: Realtime WAZ Award Tracking

DXKeeper: by QSL Kind

DXKeeper: QSL Aging

DXKeeper: DXCC SubmissionChooses confirmed QSOs to submitGenerates applicationSupports ARRLs new Online DXCC

DXKeeper: DXCC Credit ManagementCompare granted DXCC Credits to logged QSOsDownload Granted DXCC Credits from ARRLLink DXCC Credits to logged QSOsUpdate logged QSOs to reflect DXCC Credit Granted

the DXLab Suite

WinWarblerSupports PSK31, PSK63, PSK125, RTTY, CW, and Phone32 macros, comprehensive macro languageLoggingTransceiver Control

WinWarbler: PSK31/63/125 Support

PSK31/63/125 Broadband Decoding

WinWarbler RTTY SupportSoundcard RTTY uses JE3HHTs MMTTY engineExternal modem: diversity decodingKAMPK232PK900MFJSCS

WinWarbler RTTY Support

WinWarblerCW transmissionsoftware-generatedWinKeyVia transceiver CAT commandexternal modemPhone voice keyerLoggingBuilt-in minilogAutomatically logs to DXKeeper if runningTransceiver control via CommanderLogs correct frequenciesOne-click QSY to optimize tone within transceiver bandwidthRX-TX switching

the DXLab Suite

SpotCollectorConnects to six spot sourcesFour telnet clustersDX Summit web cluster Local packet cluster via external TNCCaptures DX spots and places them into a database with one entry for each active DX stationHighlights and announces needed stationsDXCC, Challenge, & TopListCQ MarathonCQ WAZCaptures WWV spots

SpotCollector: DX Spot DatabaseDiscards bogus spots (B0ZO, SL1M, etc.) Combines spots of same DX stationFilters database byNeedCallsignCountryColors database entriesby Needby LotW participation and date of last uploadBy eQSL AG membershipby Callsign matchingPlotsSpots and QSOs on DXViews world mapSpots on Commanders bandspread

FrequencyBandModeContinentOriginDistance from spotting station

SpotCollector: DX Spot Database

SpotCollector: Cumulative Spot Notes

SpotCollector: DX Spot Database

SpotCollector: Needed

SpotCollector: Needed and spotted from NA-E

SpotCollector: DX Spot DatabaseDiscards bogus spots (B0ZO, SL1M, etc.) Combines spots of same DX stationFilters database byNeedCallsignCountryColors database entriesby Needby LotW participation and date of last uploadBy eQSL AG membershipby Callsign matchingPlotsSpots and QSOs on DXViews world mapSpots on Commanders bandspread

FrequencyBandModeContinentOriginDistance from spotting station

SpotCollector: Plotted DX

SpotCollector: Plotted 160m DX

SpotCollector: Plotted DX spotted from NA-E

SpotCollector: DX on Commanders Bandspread

SpotCollector: DX Spot DatabaseDouble-click Database, Map, or Bandspread toQSY the transceiver (freq, mode, split, dual rcv, QSX)Rotate the antennaPopulate DXKeepers Capture windowWinWarblers QSO Info panelAnnounces needed spots via the soundcardTracks statisticsby bandBy continent Built-in web server for local spot distribution

SpotCollector: Built-in Web ServerDroid Does DX!

SpotCollector: Messages & Announcements

SpotCollector: WWV Spots (all parameters)

SpotCollector: WWV Spots (SFI & A only)

the DXLab Suite

PropViewPredicts propagationMonitors propagation

PropView: Propagation PredictionIncludes three prediction enginesICEPACIONCAPVOACAPGets solar flux and K-index from SpotCollectorGets locations from DXViewProduces graphical prediction

PropView: Propagation Prediction

PropView: Propagation MonitoringMonitors NCDXF/IARU beacon networkBuilds beacon schedulesby bandby bearingby specified beaconsQSYs transceiver per beacon scheduleRotates antenna per beacon schedule

PropView: Propagation Monitoring

the DXLab Suite

Pathfinder: QSO Information from the WebSourcesCountry-specific callbooks (~80)QSL sites (~40)DX Summit spot archives12 user-assignable search keysCaptures callsigns selected via DXViewDXKeeperWinWarblerSpotCollector

Pathfinder

the DXLab Ecosystem

the DXLab EcosystemInteroperationMultiPSKMMSSTVMMVARICWSkimmerDM780FLDigiIZ8BLY Hellschreiber Ham Radio DeluxeN1MM and N1MM RotorWinContestDX Atlas($)LP StepLink ($)MixW($)

Add-insAlpha 87a controlBMUtilCW SkimmerDXLPlus Frequency/S-meter displayHamSked DXing calendarSpotSpyWeb-site generation

DXLab: Continuing DevelopmentCommanderSecond Secondary CAT Port DXKeeperMore realtime award tracking DXViewInteroperation with Google Earth WinWarblerImprove MMTTYs RTTY decoderCW decodingAdditional digital modes PropViewLong-term beacon analysis

DXLab: PrerequisitesMinimum (1 application) 133 MHz Pentium64 MB DRAM800x600 SVGA monitorWindows 98SE

OK (all applications) 600 MHz Pentium 2512 MB DRAM1280x1024 XVGA monitorWindows 2000 or Windows XP

Optimum (all applications)2 GHz dual-core2 GB DRAM1600x1200 XVGA monitor or multiple smaller monitorsWindows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)

www.dxlabsuite.com/download.htm

DXLab: Better DXing Through Software

Documents

the DXLab Suite