StarSoftware Overview of the StarSoftware suite "From the first QSO to the last QSL"

The StarSoftware suite

DXpeditions on the scale undertaken by the Five Star DXers Association create unique challenges for the software used to keep track of QSOs and the QSLing process.  Recognising this, and building on our experiences at 9M0C and D68C, a major project has been under way for the past three years that will radically redefine the way that software is used to support major DXpeditions.

StarSoftware is a complete DXpedition lifecycle support system.  It comprises a number of programs, briefly described below, designed to assist with the DXpedition from initial planning through to completion of the QSLing process, potentially several years later.  This software was used for the first time on the FSDXA Project StarReach DXpedition to Rodrigues, 3B9C, in March/April 2004. 

The StarSoftware project has been conceived by the members of FSDXA and developed by G3WGV.  It is a wholly British development. As a contribution to the Amateur Radio community, StarSoftware will be made available to other DXpedition organisers, free of charge.

StarSoftware is a Windows-based development, comprising the following major components:

StarServer (server)

StarServer is the hub of all computer activity for the DXpedition.  StarServer maintains the complete DXpedition log in real time and provides on-the-fly statistics via StarMonitor for DXpedition management decision support.  It also provides services such as a local PacketCluster, enabling all team members to communicate with one another from anywhere on the site.  If available, Internet links can provide real time QSO information to a web site.  Alternatively, StarServer can provide batch updates of QSOs in the log for e-mail despatch.  StarServer supports eight different types of client, described below, which cooperate to provide a complete end-to-end DXpedition support system.  StarServer can support up to 64 simultaneous client connections.

StarLog (client)

This is the workhorse of the software suite.  It is the way that literally hundreds of thousands of QSOs can be quickly, safely and efficiently logged.  StarLog can be used in a standalone configuration, or it can be networked with up to 31 other logging stations located anywhere in the world.  The ability to network using the Internet makes it easy to train operators before they arrive at the DXpedition site. 

From the outset, the design philosophy was that everything that we have come to expect from DOS applications, including reliable CW generation, should be supported and improved in StarLog.  This has been fully achieved, in most cases with considerable improvements in functionality.  StarLog fully implements WinKey, which is a joint development between K1EL and StarSoftware author G3WGV.

StarLog fully and seamlessly implements RTTY and PSK support.  It also implements voice mode keying through operator specific recorded WAV files.  All audio routing is performed under software control with no operator intervention required.

StarSchedule (client)

A major problem in organising a major DXpedition is scheduling operator slots to maximise use of operator skills, equipment and band openings.  StarSchedule provides an on-line management system to assist with this process.  In addition, operators can manage their own operating slot bids, directly via the StarLog interface.  Generally there will only be one StarSchedule client in the campus.

StarMonitor (client)

The StarMonitor client provides a research facility for DXpedition operators and other interested parties. It implements full statistics-based real time access to the logging database. It also provides access to propagation modelling and on-line operator scheduling. There can be multiple StarMonitor clients in a DXpedition set up.

StarPublic (client)

Designed specifically for special event stations, the StarPublic client provides a window on the Special Event station's activities in a format that can be understood by ordinary members of the public. There may be several StarPublic clients in a StarSoftware system.  StarPublic has been designed in outline but has not yet been implemented.

StarNet (client)

StarNet is a simple client that handles the interface between StarSoftware and the Internet.  This may be simply an occasional FTP upload of the logs to a web site supporting the G4ZFE log lookup applet or if an always on connection is available then log data can be sent on a QSO by QSO basis is near real time.  StarNet is generally run on the PC that has Internet access and there is only one such client in a complete StarSoftware system.

StarSysop (client)

StarSysop lets you manage StarServer remotely, even via the Internet.  Whilst there is no substitute for sitting directly in front of the server,  StarSysop makes it possible to do most routine Sysop functions from a distance.  There may be multiple StarSysop clients but only one can have management control at any instant.

StarQSL (client)

Managing the QSL cards for a DXpedition of the size undertaken by FSDXA is an enormous task.  We have learned from experience that one person simply cannot cope with the workload but equally it is hard to maintain adequate control over the process if many people are involved.  StarQSL is designed to overcome this problem by linking many QSL managers together, via StarServer.  The result is that all managers, regardless of location, can see the entire QSL process and can quickly and efficiently respond to QSL requests.  There may be up to sixteen StarQSL clients in the StarSoftware campus.

StarLOTW (client)

StarLOTW is still at the concept stage.  The principle is that it will provide a fully integrated support for the ARRL's Logbook of the World project, enabling DXpedition organisers to easily manage the transfer of DXpedition logs to LOTW.

StarEntity (client)

StarEntity is a support client, which provides one-stop management of the ever-changing DXCC database.  This client is more of a maintenance utility and would not normally be an operational part of the StarSoftware campus.

About the StarSoftware "campus"

From the outset, StarSoftware has been designed as a true Client/Server application suite, using IP as the networking protocol. The use of IP ensures that a wide range of WAN and LAN technologies can be used interchangeably within the StarSoftware campus.  The campus may be a group of clients physically located in close proximity and connected via a LAN (e.g. during a DXpedition) or the campus might be distributed over an IP WAN such as the Internet.