What does DXKeeper do?

This neat little logging program records and manages QSOs, connects with callbook CDROMs and online callbooks such as QRZ.com (with or without subscription) and uploads automatically to eQSL.cc and LOTW. DXKeeper will also download QSLs from LOTW and eQSL.cc. There is much, much more it can do. It's arguably the best program for paper QSLs. Please visit the DXKeeper webpage here.

Getting Started with DXKeeper

First, install DXLab Launcher and then install Commander and DXKeeper. If you're using another logging program it's easy to import your log and get started right away. There are a few caveats when importing and you should pay close attention to the options on the import tab. See my previous article, DXLab Suite Automatic Installation Using Launcher – Installing Commander & DXKeeper and there's also a video on that page that shows more.

Configuration for Beginners

You'll want to get a few things done before using DXKeeper. See the video.

1. If you haven't already, on the my QTH tab add an entry for MYQTHID. If you entered it when installing the program, you can edit it from there too.
2. Complete the DXKeeper Callbook configuration. If you use QRZ.com like I do it doesn't matter if you have a subscriptiopn or not. Just enter your callsign and password on the Callbook configuration tab. It's good to have a secondary callbook and I use HamQTH. It's a free service.
3. Go to the Defaults tab in the DXKeeper Configuration and enter a default QSL message. Also set default transmit power either by band or by mode. Enter or edit your station information from this tab as well.
4. DXKeeper QSL Configuration - I configured eQSL, LOTW and Clublog so every time I log a QSO it uploads to those three automatically. The wonders of Internet connections!
5. Log Page Display - You can use the default log page display, but eventually you'll probably want to customize it for yourself. This was probably the most difficult for me and it took some getting used to. I'll show how I did it in the video below.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

There are a lot of options to go over in the configuration and my advice is to install it, dive in and have fun, the rest will follow.

There is a Help button on every tab, so if you get stuck, click on Help and it'll probably have the answer you're looking for. There's a lot to read!

The DXLab Group on Yahoo is a great resource too.

Video

Are you using DXLab Suite or thinking about it? Please comment below.

Thanks again, best 73 and good DX – Rich, K0PIR

Sources:

DXLab Yahoo Group

DXKeeper Webpage

LogPublisher as seen in the video