SkookumLogger

SkookumLogger is a single-op possibly-assisted CW and SSB contesting program for Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or later running on 64-bit-capable Apple computers. This is a personal project that I am sharing free of charge, as-is. The Xcode project is available by contacting me and I’d be happy to collaborate on extensions.

Jonathan, GØDVJ, has prepared a very nice user guide and tutorial: SkookumLogger for Dummies. The Help menu in SkookumLogger has a link that will always point at the current version of this document.

SkookumLogger uses a K1EL Winkeyer USB to send CW. The contesting-oriented radio interface supports some Elecraft, ICOM, Kenwood, TenTec, and Yaesu models. If you need support for other hardware and you are willing to help develop and/or test it, ask.

If the prerequisites above aren’t what you are looking for, take a look at RUMPed for contest logging, MacLoggerDX for general-purpose logging, and cocoaModem for digital modes.

To use SkookumLogger, download the zip file and move the SkookumLogger application to your Applications folder. You will also need to do one-time installs of the driver for your radio USB-serial device and the FTDI driver for your Winkeyer USB.

I update SkookumLogger frequently; the application will let you know when an update is available. Some SkookumLogger updates may require updates to Mac OS X.

SkookumLogger Features

• Standard Mac OS X user interface
• Any number of QSOs per log
• Instant duplicate checking as callsigns are entered
• Partial callsign matching against Super Check Partials (SCP) database and log
• Integrated download of the SCP and cty.dat databases
• Separate activity tables (like band maps) for each contest band
• Multiplier checksheets for countries, regions, prefixes, zones, locators, other
• Time Tracker and Rate Tracker panels
• Score window with band breakdown and scoring for most contests
• Bidirectional DXSpider packet spotting interface, with QSX support
• Reverse Beacon Network skimmer interface
• CW keyboard mode
• Great circle map with terminator overlay
• Green Heron and SARTEK rotator interfaces
• Elecraft KPA500 and Alpha 87A amplifier interfaces
• Cabrillo export for submitting log entries

Log Window

The boxes at the bottom of the window contains the logging data entry fields. The number of fields depends on the contest type. To complete a QSO, type a call into the Call field, navigate to the remaining fields and fill them, then press the return key. Duplicate and multiplier status text is displayed with user-defined fonts and colors. The pane between the log table and the entry boxes shows candidate partial-call completions.

The log table columns can be resized, reordered, and hidden/shown. The table can be sorted on any column. You can filter the log table on the Band, Call, Mode, Notes, Received, and Sent columns using the search field above the table.

Contests

It takes me about an hour to add a new contest, as long as the rules for determining duplicates and multipliers aren’t overly complex. Every contest supported by SkookumLogger is either one that I operate myself, or one that a user has asked for. A representative list is below.

Sparkle appcast