Ham Radio Deluxe® Blog

Ham Radio Deluxe v6.5.0.199 Release Announcement

The 6.5.0.199 version of Ham Radio Deluxe is now available for download.

This is a small release to take action on a handful of issues reported following the 6.5.0.196 release. This version corrects the Doppler shift for the uplink frequency, saves eQSL settings, corrects a couple awards reporting issues, and speeds up the launching of the great circle map in Rotator.

Ham Radio Deluxe Pre-Release Announcement

We are pleased to provide an update on the November 2020 release of Ham Radio Deluxe. There are just a few minor items left to tend. A release is imminent.

Here is what will be included in this release:

Bulk Callsign Lookup – this feature will allow you to select multiple QSOs in your log and perform the callsign lookup function on them. You will be able to choose whether to fill only empty fields or fill all fields in the QSO. If your enabled lookup sources have data to fill those fields, it will do so automatically. This will be very helpful for those who import logs into HRD Logbook from other programs. This feature will be perpetually available to customers whose Software Maintenance and Support expiration date is beyond the release date for this release.

Many other improvements. Read this story for more information.

Microsoft has ended support for Windows 7. Now what?

In the April 2014 issue of QST, I wrote an article entitled “Windows XP – Goodbye, Old Friend” where I discussed Microsoft’s planned end-of-support for Windows XP.I don’t plan on writing another article for QST on this topic, but I wanted to pass this along to our friends via the newsletter.Feel free to share this with your friends.

At the time I wrote the article, I said that Windows XP SP3 was the most stable operating system ever made by Microsoft – and it was!Much of the discussion was about the lack of an upgrade path to Windows 7 or 8 from Windows XP.I provided tips for migrating to a new PC (unrelated to Ham Radio Deluxe or any specific software).

Annual Auto Renewal Explained

Greetings and Happy Holidays again!

I am writing this in “newsletter style” but sending it as a promotion (I never talk about sales in the newsletters).

In my last newsletter, I made mention that we have a deal where you can buy a 12-month renewal of Software Maintenance and Support for just $29.97 (a 40% discount). In the 24 hours that followed, we have sold a ton of these and we have gotten a few questions about this. I thought it would be helpful to explain how this all works as briefly as I can. That is the purpose of this email.

TO: Ham Radio Deluxe Customers Who Use JTAlert

This is an open letter to the JTAlert user community. My goal is not to drive wedges or to continue a rift. But some things we said in a post in the JTAlert groups.io forum recently that I feel deserves to have further explanation to "set the record straight."

The legacy software activation key platform was decommissioned today (26-April 2020).

This is the platform that generated and managed software activation keys for Ham Radio Deluxe prior to v6.6 (released July 2019).

Ham Radio Deluxe version 6.6 was the first version that moved away from the legacy license server and onto Soraco QLM. This move was necessary because the legacy license server was not able to sustain the growth in our business. It also had numerous defects that were causing inconveniences for our customers and dealers.

The Case for Moving Ham Radio Deluxe off of Microsoft Access

Though Microsoft put Windows 7 on the end-of-live junk heap in January, lots of people are running this operating system that is no longer supported by Microsoft for security vulnerabilities and patches.There's (at least) one remaining problem that a few folks will face - particularly if they have done in-place upgrades from Windows XP and/or 7 to Windows 10. It has to do with Microsoft Access.

Though the frequency of serious problems has dropped considerably as hams have moved to Windows 10, we still get calls from customer running Windows 7 (or in some cases, after an in-place upgrade from Windows 7 to 10) where customers complain that Logbook is slow. We often advise them about how to upgrade to Access Runtime 2013 32-bit. After the customer creates a new database and restores their log to it - problem solved!

The purpose of this post is to raise your awareness to this problem. I'll describe what you can do and what our plans are to deal with the problem.

Reverse Beacon (Skimmer) Spots Now Available on DX Cluster

The author of DX Spider - the popular DX cluster software that runs many DX nodes around the world, including WA9PIE-2 - has updated the cluster software to add "skimmer spots" from the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN).

Ham Radio Deluxe Newsletter | Understanding DX Clusters

I often get questions about the use of DX cluster connections. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. The purpose of this newsletter is to explain a bit more about DX clusters. This will help you get the best out of your DXing. Understanding how DX clusters work will enable you to get the best out of the DX aspects of amateur radio.

The purpose of a DX cluster is to alert interested hams (DXers) that there’s a DX station on-the-air.

Are you chasing DXCC, WAS, or competing in the 2026 CQ DX Marathon? Stop tracking your contacts on paper and let Ham Radio Deluxe v6.9 do the heavy lifting for you.

Discover how Worked Status Indicators (WSI) can alert you to "New Ones" in real-time and how our automated logging ensures your QSLs are synced instantly to LoTW and eQSL.

Remember: Your HRD license entitles you to all version updates for free. Stay current with the latest award databases at no charge.

Start your award chase...

Just picked up a new Icom IC-7300 or Yaesu FTDX10? Ensure you are getting the most out of your rig with our 2026 Transceiver Compatibility Guide.

Discover how Ham Radio Deluxe v6.9 provides deep CAT control, visual Panadapter support, and automated logging for over 100 modern and classic transceivers.

Our Commitment: Licensed users always receive free updates to support new radio hardware. We do not sell "version" upgrades.

Check your radio's compatibility...

Are you tired of manually exporting ADIF files from WSJT-X into your logbook? In this 2026 Master Guide, we show you how to seamlessly integrate FT8 and WSJT-X with Ham Radio Deluxe.

Learn how to automate real-time logging and resolve COM port conflicts using HRD Rig Control as your station's "traffic cop."

Important: If you have ever purchased a license, this update to the latest v6.9 release is 100% free.

Stop fighting with data...

We are pleased to announce the release of Ham Radio Deluxe v6.9.0.17616. This significant update includes 76 improvements and fixes, with a major focus on CQ DX Marathon enhancements, Worked Status Indicators (WSIs), and expanded award tracking for DXCC and WAS.

As always: If you have ever purchased Ham Radio Deluxe, this release is available to you at no charge. We do not sell upgrades; we provide continuous improvement.

Read the full release notes to see how we’ve streamlined our support-to-development workflow and added new features for active operators...

Running an older version of Ham Radio Deluxe? You might be missing out on critical stability fixes and modern features. Version 6.9 represents our most stable branch in years, featuring full integration for WSJT-X (FT8/FT4), updated rig control for the latest transceivers, and advanced award tracking.

Best of all: If you have ever purchased Ham Radio Deluxe, this upgrade is 100% free. We do not sell versions or upgrades.

Discover why thousands of operators have already made the switch to the modern era of HRD.

Windows 10 End of Support: What You Need to Know

After nearly a decade of service, Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025—meaning no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance from Microsoft. While your PC won’t suddenly stop working, it will become vulnerable to threats and compatibility issues. Now is the time to prepare: check if your machine meets Windows 11 requirements, back up your data, consider Extended Security Updates, or buy a new PC preloaded with Windows 11. Acting early ensures a safe and smooth transition into the next generation of Windows.

Join us at Hamvention 2025!

Come see the pre-beta of Ham Radio Deluxe v6.9 — a complete rewrite of our logging software. Visit our booth for a hands-on preview of powerful new features, including Dark Mode, support for POTA/SOTA, QRZ image integration, and more.

Major highlights include:

• New backend: Microsoft Access replaced with SQLite
• Modern UI framework: MFC replaced by QT
• Support for unlimited station locations and split/microwave frequencies
• OAuth integration for Gmail/Yahoo alarms
• Contextual help linking directly to the online manual
• Dark Mode in Logbook
• QRZ image and map display in Lookup pane and ALE
• Support for POTA, SOTA, and WWFF
• Embrava Blynclight support for visual alerts
• Solar data back to 1899, new ATNO WSIs, and more...

🔔 Windows 10 Is Ending—Here’s What You Need to Know

Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 10 support in October 2025. What does that mean for your PC—and your data?

Whether you're planning to upgrade, buy a new device, or just want to avoid costly surprises, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect and how to prepare.

💡 Learn about:

• What “end of support” actually means
• Whether your PC can run Windows 11
• The smartest way to back up your data
• What to do before you buy a new computer
• How to avoid losing your apps, files, or licenses in the process

👉 Don’t wait until it’s too late—[read the full guide now].

Ham Radio Deluxe Video Newsletter | 13-October 2023

This blog post is transcribed from the Ham Radio Deluxe October 2023 Update video on our YouTube channel.

Hello, ham radio enthusiasts! Lindy (KB9PIE) and Mike (WA9PIE) here, bringing you an exciting update on Ham Radio Deluxe. We understand you've been eagerly awaiting news about the next release, and we're here to provide some insights into what's been happening behind the scenes.

Ham Radio Deluxe Release Announcement v6.8.0.266

The 6.8.0.266 version of Ham Radio Deluxe is now available for download at www.HamRadioDeluxe.com.

This is a fantastic release with a lot to talk about. Highlights include Label Printing — as of this release, 100% of the open defects related to printing are resolved.

Ham Radio Deluxe v6.8.0.71 Maintenance Release

The purpose of this email is two-fold. One - we're announcing the first Ham Radio Deluxe v6.8.0.71 maintenance release. And two - we want to tell you about our revised plan for maintenance releases.

Please download this version of Ham Radio Deluxe Software from our Downloads page at www.HamRadioDeluxe.com.

First and foremost - YOU WANT THIS RELEASE. A lot of work has gone into addressing things that customers have raised since we returned from Dayton.

Pre-Release Status Update | HRD Alert

The purpose of this newsletter is to provide an update on product development.

Ham Radio Deluxe v6.7.0.391 Released

We are pleased to announce the 6.7.0.391 release of Ham Radio Deluxe. Download it from the Downloads page at www.HamRadioDeluxe.com.

This release introduces phase one of a very exciting enhancement along with several customer requests across a number of areas — 30 items resolved from the development backlog in all.

PRESS RELEASE | HRD Software, Makers of Ham Radio Deluxe, Ownership Change

We are at once happy and sad to announce the departure of our admired and respected partner, Randy Gawtry.

As of July 31, 2021, HRD Software has acquired Randy Gawtry's equity in the company, leaving Dr. Michael Carper, WA9PIE as sole owner of HRD Software.

Ham Radio Deluxe Newsletter for 24-June 2018

I wanted to take a few minutes to let folks know what our plan is for the next 90 days.

Next release of Ham Radio Deluxe, Software License Server, Other Development, Status on Development Backlog, and Hamfest Calendar