Shortwave Log provides logging, radio control, recording, and scheduling functionality in a single suite. Shortwave Log has a long history in that it is the oldest shortwave logging program in existence, having been created in 1989. SWLog started as an MS-DOS program and was distributed over FIDOnet and BBS. Today SWLog is highly integrated with the web and databases.
While initially designed for shortwave and mediumwave listening, the program is quite adept for listening to other modes such as longwave, utility, or amateur radio. The amateur radio functionality includes integrated support for for eQSL.cc.
When adding to the logbook, Shortwave Log will search against over twenty databases to find matches. No other application provides such an extensive support for databases and provides the identification features of SWLog.
In addition to traditional logging features, the Radio Control Server component allows a receiver to be controlled over a home network or the Internet. Any supported receiver can be published on this web page for remote access.
SWLog supports the importing of frequency lists and schedules from fourteen external databases, and the Community logs. Plus it searches against the existing logbook to also aid inidentifying transmissions. The following external databases are supported:
- ADDX (Association of German DXers)
- AOKI/Nagoya DXers Circle
- Canadian Amateur Radio Callsign
- ClassAxe Beacon List
- DRM Schedules
- EiBi
- Euro-African Mediumwave Guide [no longer offering an electronic version]
- FCC AM Engineering
- FCC Amateur Callsign
- FCC FM Engineering
- FCC Seasonal Operating Frequency Schedules
- HFCC
- ILGRadio [defunct]
- IOCHAM [defunct]
- NIMA Non-directional Longwave Beacons [defunct]
- Prime Time Shortwave
- SWBC Schedules
- Existing logbook entries
- Community logs from other Shortwave Log users
- Personal Schedules from other Shortwave Log users
The WPN function performs a search across all databases to determine exactly what transmissions are being broadcast at a particular time. This greatly aids in the identification of the broadcast. The list of transmissions can be presented in a data grid or can be plotted on a world map to show the exact location of the transmitters.
Are the conditions right for that dream DX catch from the other side of the earth? Calculate the MUF and LUF from a remote transmitter to your listening post or any other location. The algorithm is quick and accurate.
Management and tracking of reception reports is integrated into the program. QSL cards can be directly scanned from within Shortwave Log. A web page to display all the QSL cards with can be automatically created.
Shortwave Log was reviewed in the September 2005 edition of Monitoring Times. Download a copy of the review.