NOTOM 011 LOG4OM: The gem of logging software
The real dilemma is how to navigate the dozens of freeware and payware logging software options available. Which one is the best? The answer is simple: the one that best meets your needs.
I've tried almost every logging software for Windows, both payware and freeware. While I found most of them quite functional, each had its strengths and weaknesses. What I was looking for was a program that offered CAT control, a solid cluster system, smooth performance even with thousands of QSOs, support for digital QSLs like LOTW and eQSL, comprehensive award tracking, and an advanced filtering system to display specific fields.
I had found a decent suite, but it struggled to handle the 50,000+ QSOs in my log, taking several seconds even for basic operations. On top of that, its cluster system was a nightmare. So, I decided to start a new search online. I downloaded four or five programs—one of them was Log4OM version 2.
First Glance
As soon as I installed it, I was greeted by a clean and well-organized interface, intuitive menus, and impressive fluidity. My approach to testing software is simple: I first explore the basic functionality by navigating the menus and trying out a few features—without reading the manual. Why do I do this, even though studying documentation is essential? Because it helps me gauge how intuitive the software is and assess its learning curve.
I can accomplish basic tasks right away, that’s a great start.
Next step: download the manual. I was immediately impressed by its quality. For context, I downloaded the English version. As a technical manual writer myself, I tend to be quite critical of software documentation. This one, however, was well-structured, rich with images, and—most importantly—explained the program’s features clearly, without assuming prior knowledge. It avoided the common pitfall of skipping over steps that might seem obvious to a developer but could be challenging for a first-time user.
Before diving into the software, I took the time to read the entire manual. The more I read, the more amazed I was. If the software delivered even 50% of what was described, it was going to be an absolute game-changer.
I loaded an old log of mine (54,000 QSOs) and started using Log4OM, carefully following the manual. The settings section was incredibly comprehensive, and I immediately realized just how powerful the software was. I resisted the temptation to dive in and start using it right away—I wanted to follow the manual step by step.
After configuring some basic functions, I continued exploring the program, focusing on its usability in daily operations. I checked statistics, simulated new QSOs, and reviewed my standings across various awards. Finally, I had found exactly what I was looking for. Log4OM was the program I would be using from now on, officially retiring my previous, excellent but now outdated, logging software.
The Italian Style
One thing that pleasantly surprised me was discovering that the developer was Italian. No, this isn’t about patriotism—it’s about a specific frame of mind in programming. In the IT world, every programmer has their own style, but there are also different schools of thought when it comes to data management, interface design, and menu structures.
Italian developers have a unique approach to organizing menus, handling data, and structuring functions—one that differs from other programming methodologies. There’s no redundancy, no cluttered menus, no convoluted logic. Everything feels smooth.
Earlier, I mentioned the learning curve. Typically, Italian developers write code in a way that keeps functions simple yet complete. When multiple ways exist to perform a task, they excel at choosing the most logical and intuitive one. This makes the user experience not just efficient, but also naturally fluid.
A special applause to Daniele Pistollato IW3HMH, the programmer, for the excellent work. His "baby" is the result of passion and dedication. There’s no fluff in the program. Everything on the screen is functional for radio operations, without distractions from unnecessary information. Even the button layout is smart—comprehensive, yet never overcrowded, keeping things simple and intuitive.
The program, however, is in English. The manual and documentation are in English, and the language is flawless. There must be at least one native English speaker behind it. In fact, the Log4Om team is international.
Om Playroom
The features of this program are numerous, and I’ll list the main ones as found on the Log4Om website:
- Accurate call sign lookup data. 6 different sources of data.
- Award tracking and display fully configurable by the user. 40+ awards configured and growing.
- Band mapping of cluster spots with multiple band viewers individually filtered by mode and band by the user.
- Call lookup by multiple external sources QRZ, HamQTH, QRZCQ, HamCall and internal Clublog aggregated with automatic fallback to secondary source if primary contains no data
- Call sign online QSL graphics and large scale
- Scrollable location map displays up to the street level. Where are you on my map?
- Propagation analysis using VOACAP linked to call sign lookup and cluster which predicts probability of a connection (Contact)
- Dynamic UDP inbound / outbound support over multiple ports and services. You probably will never reach the limit of our integration engine.
- NET control interface
- Lazy Log fast logging interface
- Ease of use via mouse or keyboard. Because 2 hands are not enough.
- Enhanced standalone contest support with integral CAT display.
- Expanded Winkeyer support with integral CAT display.
- Full management of confirmations of the QSO data is available with different methods of delivery of the most appropriate confirmation type, including merging of QSO confirmation data.
- Full SOTA & IOTA support, along of many other.
- Fully integrated with LOTW, eQSL, QRZ.com, HamCall, Clublog, HamQTH, HRDlog.net etc.
- Improved QSO search engine with support for complex queries without SQL knowledge requirements (AND, OR, nested conditions). You can explore your database at byte level.
- Integration with N1MM, PSTRotator, QARTest, WSJT-x, JTDX, JTAlert and FLDigi
- Our superior Intelligent cluster aggregates the information from multiple cluster servers and HRDLog Super cluster with spot quality display.
- Intelligent cluster filtering provides automatic collection of award references.
- Multiple Cluster viewer band maps by band and mode. 6 clusters connected are enough for you?
- Radio CAT control via either Omnirig or Hamlib
- Real time grey line presentation with long and short path tracks and headings.
- Security of user information and data with multiple backup options and locations.
- User configured layouts for cluster and logbook grids
A Huge Info Dump
This is just a list. Try downloading the program and you’ll see its full potential.
Enter a callsign, and if connected to an online service, you’ll see the fields populate. At the same time, you’ll see the station’s location on two side-by-side maps: one global map with a line connecting your QTH to the station, and another showing a detailed view of the transmitter’s position. You’ll also have a table indicating whether the station has been contacted, if the country has ever been worked, the band, and whether it has been logged or confirmed on LoTW, Eqsl, or qrz.com.
You can add all sorts of information about the connected station, such as the QSL message, how to send the confirmation, the power, the radio used, the antenna, propagation details, awards, and much more. In short, if I want to create a history of the station I’ve contacted, there are plenty of fields available, giving me a substantial amount of information for future reference.
Imagine being able to control two radios simultaneously, as well as the rotor, both automatically and manually. We also have the ability to visualize propagation for the station we’ve entered, with a real-time propagation map split by band. While other programs present propagation as incomprehensible numbers for newcomers, with Log4Om everything is clear and understandable thanks to charts and graphical representations.
The IMF Mission Console: The Cluster
Let’s talk about the cluster. Log4Om has the most comprehensive cluster I’ve ever seen. I can set filters by mode, band, callsign, choose the sources of the spots, and set the signal reliability threshold. You can even select the direction of the signal to display by hiding all other spots; for example, you could show only signals coming from the South or only Long Path, etc. The choices and filters are endless. We can also apply sound or visual warnings for certain spots, like specific callsigns, countries, or modes of operation. Want to be notified when an Antarctic station is transmitting on 80m? No problem, just set an alert. Away from your PC? No worries, just set up the email service and you'll get an email notification. There’s so much to explore. You can even open a second, fully independent cluster window.
Then, think about the possibility of selecting more than one server as a data source. For example, I use three servers plus the CWSkimmer server so I can also see what’s coming into my antenna. But it doesn’t stop there. There’s also the Supercluster mode, which shows stations that aren’t directly spotted on a server but are online using Log4Om. Let me explain. Let’s say I’m listening on 14.265 MHz. If another user activates Supercluster, a special spot will be emitted, indicating activity on that frequency. This is really useful when searching for a specific friend or station. There's also a built-in chat system for those using this amazing program.
The Award Maker Gizmo and the Multiform features
Another cool feature: the ability to create new awards in addition to the dozens already available. Here’s a practical example. I’m part of a club with members all around the world. How can I know if a station I’m contacting is part of the club? Simple, I create an award with the list of all the stations in the club. When I enter the callsign into the program, the member code will show up in the awards section, if present. Pretty amazing, right? Additionally, in the statistics, I can see all the stations from my club that have been contacted.
The program also manages contests in a basic way and fully integrates with Winkeyer. You'll also find a DVK system for sending pre-recorded messages, and much, much more.
Log4Om fully integrates with many of the software options available.
How does it perform under stress? I used the program while in the OA9 area, deep in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. The pileup was intense, yet the program never skipped a beat. During FT8/4 operations (I made about 25,000 QSOs in this digital mode), I had two radios transmitting simultaneously and sending data to Log4Om. Once again, there was no lag or slowdown at all.
Support
Another strong point is that the program is always being updated, and there’s a complete forum system for managing both requests and issues. Terry, G4POP, professionally and exemplarily handles all inquiries. Speaking of Terry, I want to highlight how priceless professionalism is. Occasionally, though rarely, someone on the forum may write in a less-than-friendly or impatient manner. Terry always manages to maintain a professional and empathetic tone. This not only adds value to Terry himself but also to the entire team. It’s an excellent way of operating.
The ability to engage with the team is a very interesting plus. Equally valuable is the fact that you can post requests in the forum about what you’d like to see added to the program. From personal experience, I can say that the programmer and all the team members highly consider customer requests, and when possible, they try to implement the new features requested.
The ZERO Cost Protocol
Of course, all this organization comes with a cost in terms of resources—both financial and software/hardware. So, how much does the program cost? And what’s the cost of the annual subscription?
Well, it seems incredible, but all of this is free! Yes, you heard that right. There’s no subscription, no one-time purchase, nothing. Ladies and gentlemen, here we have cutting-edge software that works flawlessly with top-notch support, all completely free. In a world where money often reigns supreme, having such a comprehensive suite available for free is truly amazing.
The way the software has been programmed, the features implemented, and the support offered make Log4Om a competitive program, easily beating even software that costs dozens and dozens of dollars.
Keyboard Warriors and nonsense reviews
What do other users think? Let's take a look at some reviews found on important sites. Unfortunately, there are some users who give a low rating for reasons that, with all due respect, are quite silly. "I give it two stars because it doesn't handle the Kentucky Fried Chicken award and doesn't calculate points for the Broken Flip-Flop award," or "my PC says the installation has a virus, so it’s worthless".
C'mon guys, let's be serious!
I’m convinced that before writing a single line about anything, one should: Know computers, know the software, read the manual, and engage the brain.
When all these points get the "go green," then it’s time to decide to write something.
No, I’m not friends with Daniele, I’m not getting paid, and I don’t have shares in the company. I’m writing because I’m certain that this software, based on how it’s programmed and the support provided, could easily cost 100 USD or more. Lowering the rating out of sheer ignorance is both grotesque and unfair.
Go and Get It
Are you looking for a flexible and complete logger program with an excellent manual? Log4Om is the one for you. Give it a try, you won’t regret it.
What do you think? Leave a comment below.
Comments
Jd
lele HMH