Software - SimpleARDB

SimpleARDB - Simple Amateur Radio Database - By VK7AAL

Developed in Python. Works on Windows and Android Devices.

What is SimpleARDB?
As an amateur radio enthusiast, I've always sought a straightforward, effective way to log my contacts and findings. While many tools exist, none quite match the specific needs of someone who enjoys categorizing, sorting, and keeping track of their radio activities. This inspired me to develop SimpleARDB, a lightweight, Python-based database system tailored for logging amateur radio data. This has been designed to work on both Windows and Android devices.

SimpleARDB is a specialized tool that simplifies the process of logging contacts and frequency data. Built from the ground up, it helps radio enthusiasts like me easily track, update, and reference information. Unlike generic software, SimpleARDB was designed to address the unique requirements of radio logging in a low-cost, customizable, and flexible way.

Key Features of SimpleARDB

• Efficient Frequency Logging: SimpleARDB is optimized for logging frequencies. It allows you to add and sort frequency data, record signal strengths, locations, and any other details you find relevant. With a couple of useful buttons and no complex menus, it is as slimline as possible.

• Searching and Data Export: A major advantage of using a database like SimpleARDB is its powerful sorting and searching capabilities. The search feature makes it easy to retrieve specific contacts or frequencies, which is perfect for quickly revisiting past logs. All logs can be exported to a CSV file, for easy review and further data analysis as needed.

• QRZ Search: I have added a features where you can enter a callsign to search on QRZ, this helps with confirming details of contacts.

• Minimalist and Lightweight: True to my passion for low-cost, low-footprint hobbies, SimpleARDB is lightweight and doesn’t require heavy software resources. It runs on both Windows and Andriod systems without needing much in the way of storage or processing power—perfect for keeping your setup neat and efficient.

• Built for Personal Use: Unlike large commercial databases, SimpleARDB was designed with individual users in mind. This means it’s free from unnecessary complexity, focusing solely on the essential features for logging and retrieving your radio data.

• Test Mode: To ensure your database is not damaged, I have also included a "test mode", which has all the same features enabled but saves any entered data to a test file.

Why Python?
Python was the natural choice because it’s a versatile and accessible programming language with excellent support for data handling and storage. With Python, I can easily incorporate features like data export, custom logging formats, and report generation. Python also offers the flexibility to update and enhance SimpleARDB as my needs evolve, ensuring that it stays adaptable over time.

In Summary
If you’re an amateur radio enthusiast looking for a flexible and customizable logging solution, SimpleARDB is a perfect tool for your needs. Designed with radio discoveries in mind, this Python-based system has made my logging process smoother and more enjoyable. SimpleARDB will help you stay organized and efficient while tracking your amateur radio activities.

I am currently using a third party solution for syncing my database between a Windows PC and my Android phone, I will be looking at adding this as a built-in feature in the near future.

Update - 16/02/2025

Build 26

I have made a number of changes:
- A log file is written on program run, for all actions and when SimpleARDB is closed.
- The build number is now also saved on each run.
- The search button is now marked "PC Only". On Android, it does nothing.
- Additional pop ups have now added, to confirm when various actions are undertaken.
- Date and Time now default to the current date and time, this can be overwritten if needed.

- The location field now also stays "sticky" between logs, it can also be overwritten if needed.

- Export to CSV, now also exports to a plain TXT file.

- Minor updates to wording and layout of title bar, including adding version and if the "test" database is in use.

Update - 19/02/2025

Build 30

Windows 11 - Download Link - Build 30
Android - Coming Soon

This build has seen a number of changes.
- The search feature now works on both Windows and Android. It displays the search results in a popup window on both.

- The record number is now shown against each log, when searching.
- The code has been reviewed and a number of changes have been made to increase reliability and performance.

Please Note - This has only been tested as working on Windows 11.

Update - 07/03/2025

Build 35

This build has seen some changes.
- All logs are now displayed on the right side of the screen, beside the log entry screen. By default this shows all logs, with the newest logs shown at the top. This works on both Windows 11 and Android (see images below)

- Minor changes to some other layouts and wording.

- Increased logging of actions to the log file.

- I have also started the process to have a shadow file, where all logs are also saved separately, on Windows 11 and Android.

Main Screen - Windows 11

Main Screen - Android