Software We use...
Only Software I personally use!!!
I mentioned that I love digital mode, specifically Ft8. I have used WSJT-X and JTDX. Now I use JTDX improved, and I love it. It has more features than JTDX and is faster with better decodes than WSJT-X. Although WSJT-X has the ability to decode many more addtional modes, I still prefer JTDX because I mainly deal with FT 8 and FT 4. They are all great pieces of software but like anyone else I have my Preferences... listed below are links to download WSJT-X as well as JTDX Improved:
WSJT-X Homepage https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/wsjtx.html
JTDX Improved Homepage. https://jtdx-improved.sourceforge.io/
Also, if you are using 2 different radios, one in your shack and one for portable ops, watch this video https://youtu.be/E95pnwd2jZE . I used it as a guide to setup my FT-991A and FT891 on one laptop. I don't use JTAlert so I disregarded that portion.
Another piece of software that I use is called Gridtracker. It us useful in showing you what grids you have worked on various bands and to actually see who can here you..Similar to PSK Reporter. It reads the data coming in from WSJT-X or JTDX.
My primary logging program that I use is Log4OM. It ties to gridtracker so when a station I have called replies with his 73 call or "Goodbye", gridtracker passes the information from wsjt-x or jtdx to my logs, both Log4OM and ACLog simulateously. I do uploads with Log4OM. If I'm doing POTA I only use ACLog then import to Log4OM and upload to the POTA website.
I also use another logging program produced by N3FJP called ACLog. I use this for logbook backup and for Parks on the Air (POTA).
I upload all of my logs to Logbook of the world. There is a process to sign up with LOTW. If I am doing digital with Log4OM I upload to LOTW. I run Log4OM and ACLog at the same time as a backup. I was just running ACLog every so often but noticed that I was not getting times or signal reports downloaded. I do all uploading with Log4OM. I can log into qrz.com and download from LOTW also for those operators that do not use LOTW. So essentially I have quad backup.. Log4OM, AClog, LOTW and QRZ.
To setup JTDX or WSJT-x with Gridtracker, Log4OM and ACLog together at the same time follow the links below. The first one is for JTDX/WSJT-X and Gridtracker. The second link is for Log4OM and ACLog.
Setup JTDX/WSJT-X and GridTracker Setup Log4OM and ACLog to run together
Visit this link for more info on LOTW
Another logging program I use for POTA is called HAMRS. It is available for many platforms; MacOS, Windows, Ubuntu, Raspberry pi as well as Android and AppleOS. The great thing with this program is that you don't have to carry a laptop to the field for Field Day or POTA. You can log on your phone or tablet. Less is more. The downside is that you have to export your log and import it into your logging software and to upload to POTA.
A very popular time synchronization program that synchronization your computers time with the internet can be found at the link below.
Download Dimension 4 time sync program here
When doing digital ops it is vitally important to keep your computer time sync'd. One program I use is JTSync. It works well for syncing time with other stations if you are not connected to the internet but still receiving stations. But if your time setting is too far off your compute still will not sync because you will not receive anything then you will need an internet or gps connection.
Another useful tool to sync your computers time is bkt time sync, It allows you to sync the computer time whether you are using the internet or gps.