PZTLog

The PZTLog project came about, in early 2012, because I wanted an easy-to-use logging application with simple/quick entry of various QSO fields plus the ability to export the data into a mapping format – at the time, GoogleMaps allowed you to reference a KML file in the search box and it would display the contents.

Over the years it has been refined into a solid logger with a couple of extra goodies bolted-on: Telnet DX Cluster, PSK+RTTY plus DX Stats and more…

PZTLog serves as a general-purpose logger (whether live or typing-up later) for ragchews as well as helping me keep track of contest QSOs on HF/VHF.  There’s built-in PSK31 (and 63/125) + RTTY Datamodes, QRZ.com XML lookup, GoogleMaps KML output (eg: display QSOs in Google Earth), ADIF export, eQSL upload, DX Spot database with archive facility, CQ Voice Keyer, Contest “dupe-checking”, WSJT-X viewer and more. The software can run over a network, such as a multiband contest with a shared log and dupe/new-band alerts.

There are 2 “modes” that you can run PZTLog in: Full Mode offers a single-window with all of the log/cluster/datamode functions whilst Simple Mode offers a “windows” feature with a low-profile logger and optional Datamodes, DX Cluster and Log Viewer windows which can be moved/sized accordingly.

Features:

  • Flexi-Input of QSO Data – in almost any order you like!
    Enter Callsign, RST-Sent, RST-Received, QRA Locator, IOTA/WAB, CQ/ITU Zone and Comments/Multiplier in the same textbox and PZTLog will place it in the correct field for you – No more tabbing!
  • QRZ.com XML Lookup
    With a subscription to QRZ, you can look-up the Name, City, Locator Square, IOTA and State when entering a Callsign in either the Logbook Entry or QSO Edit windows.
  • DX Cluster via Telnet and DX Spot Archive
    Keep an eye on the latest DX spots, and filter via the band/s you are interested in. A DX Spot archive can be created within the DXSpots.mdb file – this is used to keep a list of previous DX Spots.
  • Contest-friendly
    You can tell PZTLog to only commit a QSO to the Logbook once a Locator and/or Serial Number has been entered. The current Serial Exchange is shown in large text for easy viewing. A “dupe” alert is also shown if configured.
  • Datamodes : PSK31, PSK63, PSK125 and RTTY
    Using the MMVari engine you can operate PSK/RTTY at a variety of speeds – A waterfall display, TX/RX window plus QSO Macros are available. With built-in PSK/RTTY, CQ Voice-Keyer and PTT control – you can easily switch between data+phone without having to fiddle with cables, buttons or settings on the radio. Double-click received text to set Callsign, Locator, RST/Serial, Name/QTH etc – great for a face-pased RTTY contest or PSK QSOs.
  • eQSL Automatic (or manual) Upload
    Each QSO, when saved, can be automatically uploaded to eQSL.
  • WSJT-X Traffic Window
    You can display recent entries from the ALL.txt file from WSJT-X and easily add QSOs to PZTLog by double-clicking the messages/exchanges.
  • CAT Control via OmniRig
    Using the add-on OmniRig software, you can access your transceivers from multiple applications at the same time: Display frequency/band data as well as set the frequency from PZTLog – You can also control the PTT using the F12 key. OmniRig needs to be downloaded and installed from this website
  • Networkable
    Multiple PZTLog workstations can be linked to use a shared logbook file
  • QSO Log Window
    Displays the QSOs in the log for easy look-up as well as “have we worked before”, new band/mode slot and new locator square etc..
  • Distance and Bearing Calculator
    When using QRA Locators, PZTLog will give you distance (in miles+kilometres) plus bearing for the target locator square.
  • Audio Voice Keyer and CW Keyer
    Play up to 4 MP3/WAV file CQ messages with PTT keying via COM port – this requires an opto-isolator for PTT switching, eg: a “soundcard” interface as used with AGW/PSK31/WSPR etc. A new CW Keyer using the CWType API can be used to send CW – great for quick CW QSOs. Basic Macros for CW are supported.
  • Export to ADIF/eQSL, CSV, GPX, GoogleMaps KML, Text
    You can export your Logbook Database to a ADIF/eQSL, CSV or simple Tabbed Text File. You can also export to GPX and GoogleMaps KML for plotting of worked stations on a map. There is also a basic ADIF import routine so you can easily upload the exported ADIF file to ClubLog/eQSL etc.

Despite the variety of features, PZTLog is easy-to-use and great for Club-events as an alternative to paper logging. The Flexi-Input allows for rapid-entry of QSO details so great for single-op working or even the non-computer-literate! You are given Logbook Entry, LogView, DX Cluster and Datamodes in a single window. A separate Log Viewer window is also available. This caters for most requirements, screen resolutions as well as operating preferences.

PZTLog Downloads
This software is free to use and offered here on the basis that you may find it useful – I do not provide any support for it but I do issue updates from time-to-time, so please check the version you are running against the one below.

The software works best when installed to C:\PZTLog. Some of my programs have their main EXE file compressed which can cause enthusiastic virus scanners to complain.

If upgrading from an existing install of PZTLog, you are advised to keep a spare copy of your PZTLog.exe , PZTLog.ini (settings) and Log.mdb (logbook file, or whatever you have called it)

Download PZTLog v1.46 Setup.exe   [31st May 2023]
This can be used by new and existing users – Simply run the installer (as Administrator) and enjoy.   Your existing settings+logbook will remain in place.

Most recent changes are:

  • Added : GPX Export to Log Viewer
  • Added : ZQ* to DXCC prefix database (Gibraltar)
  • Added : Datamodes now has a larger (and coloured) button-set for Set Callsign/Locator/Name/QTH rather than a right-click menu.
  • Added : Solar Data (SSN, SN, A/K levels) to bottom status-bar in “Full Mode”.

CAT Control : Requires OmniRig – download from here… OmniRig test client
(if you can’t get any CAT functions from PZTLog, try the test client software to verify CAT connectivity)
CW Keyer : Requires CWType – download from here

PZTLog Simple Mode – Logbook Entry
PZTLog Simple Mode - basic logbook entry

Datamodes Skimmer – 5 additional channels of PSK/RTTY decoding
Supports “click and log” so ideal for simple split operating
PZTLog Datamodes Skimmer

Log Viewer Window
PZTLog Log Viewer - click for a larger image...