Dave,

It sounds like you are really looking for a logging program and then for a contesting program.  There is a world of difference between these two things.  A logging program is generally poor for contesting and a contest program does not have most of the features of a logging program.

I have been using DXLab for logging and it is wonderful.  More importantly, the support is excellent as the creator is on-line 28 hours a day ready to answer any questions.  You can make it as simple or as complicated as you want by adding modules.  I currently have all of them installed except the RTTY program and combined they are awesome.  As is the case with n1mm, they are free.

When it comes to contesting, I have used n1mm for a number of years and it is also excellent and also, as you know, free.  Again the support is excellent.  It too is easy to set-up and a little patience and reading is the main requirement to getting going.

You will be amazed at how much difference using an interface makes.  It means not putting in the wrong band.  It also allows you to use bandmapping which is a great help in seeing what is on the bands.  It does take a little time to set it up but you can do it.  I did and I am definitely not a techie.

As a start, I suggest you read the manuals for both, which are on-line, and look at the various features. 

Have fun and GL.

73,

Dennis, K2SX

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From: David Thompson [mailto:thompson@mindspring.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2011 1:50 PM
To: SECC@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [SECC] Contest Logging

I still have Writelog but I see no reason to hook up my Yaesu Transceivers to  the PC again as it makes the program very complicated. I usually operate just a few hours now and usually single band as a Single Op. 

I would try n1mm just as a logging program as its free and I know the support folks from running the CQ 160 Contests. 

Is n1mm easy to use as a logging program only or do I have to fight all the complications as I do with writelog?

73 Dave K4JRB