About
MacLoggerDX by Dog Park Software is the leading ham radio logging and rig control application for macOS, used by amateur radio operators in 148 countries. Built as a 100% native Mac application, it leverages a super-fast SQLite database to manage thousands of QSO log entries with ease. The software provides seamless integration with DX Cluster networks, filtering and color-coding spots by worked/confirmed status, and automatically tuning supported radios to frequencies of interest. It supports over 100 transceivers from Elecraft, Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu, Ten-Tec, and more via CAT/serial control. For digital mode operators, MacLoggerDX integrates directly with WSJT-X, JTDX, and JS8Call, automatically logging contacts and uploading them to Club Log, LoTW, HRDLOG, and eQSL. Awards tracking covers DXCC, IOTA, SOTA, POTA, and VUCC, with confirmation status pulled live from LoTW and eQSL. Visualisation features include 2D, 3D, and satellite world maps showing DX propagation by band, a DXpedition Tracker with band/mode alarms, NCDXF/IARU beacon tracking, and Google Earth Pro support. Operators can receive SMS or email alerts for band openings or rare DX spots. Additional tools include a CW keyer (WinKeyer, ZLPsDigi), QSL printing and emailing, ADIF/SOTA CSV/KML import-export, contest dupe checking, label printing, and AppleScript automation. A free demo is available for download.
Key Features
- Rig Control for 100+ Radios: Automatically tunes supported transceivers from Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, Elecraft, Ten-Tec, and more to DX cluster spots via CAT/serial control.
- DX Cluster Filtering & Alerts: Filters and color-codes spots from DX clusters, POTA, and DXSummit by worked/confirmed status, with SMS and email alerts for band openings and rare DX.
- WSJT-X & Digital Mode Integration: Logs contacts directly from WSJT-X, JTDX, and JS8Call and automatically uploads them to Club Log, LoTW, HRDLOG, and eQSL.
- 2D, 3D & Satellite Map Display: Visualises DX propagation by band on 2D, 3D, and satellite world maps with VUCC grid square overlay and Google Earth Pro support.
- Awards & Confirmation Tracking: Tracks DXCC, IOTA, SOTA, POTA, and VUCC awards with live confirmation status from LoTW, eQSL, and QRZ Logbook.
Use Cases
- DX chasing and rare entity logging with real-time DX cluster spots, automated rig tuning, and worked/confirmed tracking
- Contest operating with by-band dupe checking, fast DX/contest data entry mode, and contest helper call completion
- FT8 and digital mode logging via WSJT-X or JTDX with automatic upload to LoTW, Club Log, and eQSL
- Awards chasing for DXCC, IOTA, SOTA, POTA, and VUCC with live confirmation status and band/mode alarms
- QSL card management including printing address labels, generating QSL cards, and sending confirmations via email
Pros
- Unmatched Radio Compatibility: Supports over 100 transceivers from all major manufacturers, making it suitable for virtually any ham radio shack setup.
- Deep Online Logbook Integration: Seamlessly syncs with LoTW, Club Log, eQSL, HRDLOG, and QRZ Logbook for automatic QSO upload and confirmation tracking.
- Native macOS Performance: Built 100% natively for macOS with a fast SQLite database, ensuring a smooth, responsive experience without compatibility layers.
- Comprehensive Feature Set: Covers the full spectrum of amateur radio activities — DXing, contesting, digital modes, satellite tracking, awards, and QSL management — in a single application.
Cons
- macOS Exclusive: Only available for Mac; Windows and Linux amateur radio operators cannot use this software.
- Niche Audience: Designed specifically for licensed amateur radio operators, limiting its relevance outside the ham radio community.
- Learning Curve: The extensive feature set can be overwhelming for new or casual amateur radio operators unfamiliar with DX logging conventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What radios does MacLoggerDX support?
MacLoggerDX supports over 100 transceivers from Elecraft, Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu, Ten-Tec, JRC, Drake, Alinco, XieGu, ELAD, SunSDR, and more, controlled via CAT over serial or TCP connections.
Can I import my existing paper or digital logs?
Yes. MacLoggerDX supports ADIF and SOTA CSV import, allowing you to bring in logs from other software or digitise old paper logs using the built-in Speed Log entry mode.
Does MacLoggerDX support FT8 and other digital modes?
Yes. It integrates directly with WSJT-X, JTDX, and JS8Call to log FT8, FT4, JS8, and other digital mode contacts automatically, with immediate upload to major online logbooks.
Is there a free trial available?
Yes. Dog Park Software offers a free demo download of MacLoggerDX so you can evaluate all features before purchasing the full version.
Which online logbook services does MacLoggerDX integrate with?
MacLoggerDX integrates with LoTW, Club Log, QRZ Logbook, eQSL, HRDLOG, and QRZ XML/HamCall/HamQTH callbooks for QSO upload, confirmation tracking, and call lookups.
