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Do you still use a pen and paper to write down call-signs of radio amateurs that report in to your weekly bulletin/s? Nothing wrong if you use the pen and paper logging system. However you and all those that report in can use a program called Netlogger to view and log stations. The NSN Net will use Netlogger this coming Sunday to test the program. I am sure it will be of great help to a net controller and also to all participants to see who is on the net and to receive Net information.
What is NetLogger
NetLogger is a logging program that can use the internet to transmit check-in information to other users of NetLogger. Net participants that are ‘monitoring’ the net with NetLogger receive updated information every twenty seconds.
NetLogger also has features designed to make logging check-ins easier. For instance, if you use a callbook program like QRZ!, ClubLog, LOTW, HamCall, Sam Database, or Radio Amateur Callbook, information like name, city, and state can be filled in for you automatically.
There is also a “Club Profile” feature that enables you to store and automatically display station information not found in a callbook database.
Other features of NetLogger include support for importing/exporting data in ADIF and CSV format, a built-in contact database that supports complex searching, automatic entry of UTC, date and time when logging contacts, viewing of upcoming net schedules on-line, ability to post your own net schedule, ability to send a list of check-ins to an email reflector, ability to print QSL labels, mailing labels and contacts, plus many other features.
Who uses NetLogger?
NetLogger can be used by anyone. As net control operator I use the program to track all check-ins to the NSN-Net. With the built-in “almost instant messaging” window, participants can send messages between net control operator or other members using the app to monitor the net.
Within our Net, members can use the program to just monitor who has checked-in, as well as communicate using the built-in “Almost Instant Messaging” window.
How do I get Net Logger?
You can download Net Logger by going to this page: http://netlogger.org/download.php
Select your version based on your computer and version of windows or mac.
Enter your Callsign and e-mail address
Click “Download”
Once Net Logger has been downloaded, run it to install the program.
Open Net Logger
How do I use Net Logger?
For most of our net participants, all you have to do is start the program, click on the “Select Net” button, and then click on our net “NSN-Net Mossel Bay South Africa” and then click on “Monitor Net”. If you want to, you can then click on the button “AIM Window” to open the Almost Instant Messenger window.
At this point, you should be able to use NetLogger.
To end the net, Click on the “Close Net” button, and when the next screen pop’s up, select “Yes”
(These directions assume you are using the latest version of NetLogger 3.1.7)
If you get stuck, GOOGLE is your friend.
PS. In future we will try to get all the NSN-Net participants to use NetLogger if they so wish. It will definately of great use especially the "Almost Instant Messaging" feature.
Do give NetLogger a try, you will not be disappointed!!
