DXLab DXKeeper Configuration For Beginners

DXKeeper is the logging program in the DXlab Suite of software programs for Ham Radio operators. I started using it for a few reasons. It's free, has excellent support and help files, works with JT Alert (WSJT-X) and uploads QSO's to LOTW and eQSL.cc. I have another small application that uploads automatically to HRDLog.net and QRZ.com.

DXKeeper

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

YouTube player

 

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

K0PIR

I'm an Amateur Radio enthusiast. I love the hobby and experimenting with radios, antennas and software. On my YouTube channel I upload videos on the Icom 7300 and Icom 7610 along with Ham radio software programs. I hope to inspire people to try new things in Amateur Radio.

Subscribe
Notify of
Call
2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Guest
Paul
1 year ago

Hi, I just found your site, so I have not had a chance to get familiar with it much. However, I discovered a typo in the 2nd sentence in this page at the top:
“I started using it for a few reason reasons.” should be “I started using it for a few reasons.”
Your site looks great, so please don’t interpret this as overly critical.
Take care,
Paul

Callsign
W5FDK
Translate »
2
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x