HamLog vs Valiance Backbone for CW
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
HamLog
This application serves as a comprehensive logging and tool suite for amateur radio operators. It facilitates contact logging, rig control, and offers numerous utilities for field and mobile operations. Features include callsign resolution, data export/import, and various radio-related calculators and information resources.
- Contact logging and search
- Rig control via Pigtail device
- QRZ/HamQTH XML integration
- ADIF/CSV export and import
- Automatic callsign resolution
- Cloud synchronization
- QSO recording
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Now with rig control! See http://pignology.net/pigtail HamLog is an amateur radio logging and tools application. It is meant for use when operating portable from the field or mobile (drive safe!). It does a lot more than just logging, see the list below. HamLog supports iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Features: * Contact Logging and search * Rig control via the Pigtail device from Pignology http://pignology.net/pigtail * Create A Log - Custom Log * QRZ XML Integration for QRZ Subscribers * HamQTH XML Integration * Export via email as ADIF, CSV, or eQSL.cc * Import ADIF * Automatic name/QTH resolution based on callsign (either QRZ XML, HamQTH (free), or Pignology DB (free)) * Independent callsign look up tool * QRZ XML Subscriber Support * CloudSynch: Synch your contacts to the web and other iOS/Mac devices. See http://hamlog.it for more information. * Voice Macros: record yourself and play to VOX * HamStack Control interface: see http://hamstack.com for more information. * QSO Recording * Great Circle Maps * Q signal list * IARU Prefixes List * DXCC Entities List * US Band Plan * International Band Plans * QRZ Look Up via Web * Dupe Finder * Latest DX Spots from DX Summit * ADIF Export, both full and time range * CSV Export * Grid Square tool using GPS * Manual Grid Square Calculator given lat/long * Bearing (and long path) calculation given two grid squares, * WWV Propagation report * Contest Calendar * DXpedition Calendar * Wavelength Calculator * UTC Clock * ITU Phonetic Alphabet * CW Helper: plays single character upon selection * Temperature Converter * Length Converter * RST Explained info * DX Cluster - real time telnet access * Grid to map - enter gridsquare and it will display it on a map * Solar Data from N0NBH (www.hamqsl.com/solar) * DTMF Tone Generator * Net Lists and notifications * Part 97 - Full Text * Field Day Logging * iTunes File Sharing - For data backup and ADIF import - Drop somelogfile.adi into the file sharing pane and press Tools -> Import ADIF. somelogfile.adi should be lowercase until I get an update to recognize uppercase filenames. * Landscape and Portrait on the iPad *** I try to implement just about every request I receive and fix just about every complaint I receive or see in the reviews. If you leave a complaint in a review please leave your callsign so I can get in touch with you to fix your problem, or email me directly. I cannot reply to reviews. Please NOTE: This application is not meant to replace a more formal method of logging such as a computer based logging application or the classic paper method. It is more for quick logging while portable or mobile. Personally, I transfer all contacts to paper after coming back from field QRP fun. Regarding IMPORTING: As of December 8, 2010, HamLog support importing ADIF files. Please visit http://n3wg.com/hamlog for an example of how to import. I will happily respond to feedback, entertain feature requests, and answer questions directly, please contact me at the email address listed on n3wg.com or QRZ. Field Day Logging Info: Sections logged include: Date/time,Mode, Band, Callsign, Class, Section, Operator, Comment Exporting: Exporting logs from the Field Day tool is via e-mail in the form of a CSV file that any spreadsheet program can open. Dup Detection: The app does the standard dup detection you would see in a PC/Mac based app. There is no inter-device dup detection. Dup detection between devices is an exercise left to the exported spreadsheet application of choice. iPad Specifics: Sections worked are shown vs sections not worked for each zone. NOTE: While I try my best to ensure this Field Day logger is fault tolerant, I can make no guarantees or warranties. Please test and become familiar with it before using it live during Field Day. 73, N3WG http://pignology.net
Valiance Backbone for CW
Decode Morse code signals in real-time using your device's microphone. This app employs advanced FFT technology to accurately distinguish transceiver signals from noise, offering a high success rate for radio communications. It features a range of tools for signal analysis and log management.
- Real-time Morse code decoding via microphone
- Advanced FFT technology for signal detection
- Minimizes false decodes from noise
- Morse Sound Recorder & Player
- Export text logs and audio data
- Predictive decoding for difficult codes
- Tone and sound pressure measurement
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Morse Decoder: Valiance Backbone for CW (VBC) VBC is the No. 1 Morse code decoder in the Japanese market, encompassing both paid and free categories. This app allows you to decode Morse code using the built-in microphone of your iPhone or iPod touch. VBC utilizes the world's fastest FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) technology to detect and decode carriers. It is specifically designed to minimize false decodes from atmospheric noise, voices, or beep sounds (square or trapezoidal waves). While it will not decode vocalized "dit-dah" sounds, it offers an extremely high success rate for decoding actual transceiver signals. (Please check our videos of real DX station communications). We believe its decoding capability surpasses that of many expensive dedicated hardware units and PC software. The carrier detection mode is highly effective, making it a truly practical tool for active hunting and pouncing in real-world radio operations. The default settings are optimized for the best performance balance. We recommend testing it with an actual radio (800Hz tone) at a short distance using the default configuration. Key Features: Morse Sound Recorder & Player Export text logs, audio data, and history via email Timestamp and cancel stamp insertion in logs Predictive decoding for difficult or connected Morse codes Zero-in Tone Indicator / Shift-in Indicator Tone frequency measurement (±5Hz) Sound pressure measurement (dB) Audio frequency response measurement & automatic correction Peak search / Manual frequency setting (double-tap screen) Automatic speed tracking / Manual speed setting (double-tap screen) Auto Level / Auto Threshold / Manual Threshold (double-tap screen) Noise reduction & waveform shaping via carrier detection Japanese (Wabun) Morse support Signal level adjustment Input Level Over-Range Indicator When the input level exceeds the range (Over-Range), the waveform becomes distorted, leading to poor decoding accuracy. If this happens, please move your device further away from the radio. (Avoid placing the device directly on a vibrating radio; maintain a sufficient distance. The app is designed to decode accurately even from a significant distance.)Supports decoding speeds from 5 to 40 WPM For more information and to see the app in action, please visit our YouTube channel for Real-DX videos and more: http://goo.gl/ALXAqH http://goo.gl/yEu3d1 http://goo.gl/7gp4yw Note: Due to scrolling issues on the decode screen since iOS 8, we utilize the following library for text display. Our sincere thanks to the developer: SECoreTextView Created by kishikawa katsumi on 2015/03/25. Copyright (c) 2013-2015 kishikawa katsumi. All rights reserved.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: HamLog at 3.6 against Valiance Backbone for CW's 2.0. HamLog also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (monthly vs every 11 months). On review sentiment, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
HamLog costs $0.99 and Valiance Backbone for CW $3.99 up front. Valiance Backbone for CW sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. HamLog asks for nothing beyond the download.
HamLog holds the better App Store score, 3.6 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HamLog has 60 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of HamLog's written reviews are positive against 73% of Valiance Backbone for CW's.
HamLog ships an update monthly, Valiance Backbone for CW every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HamLog | Valiance Backbone for CW |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 — better | $3.99 |
| Rating | 3.6 (60 ratings) — better | 2.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 76.4% of reviews — better | 72.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 60 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 11 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 13 MB | 28 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Pignology, LLC | Nob |
Customer experience
HamLog
Valiance Backbone for CW
Bugs and requests
HamLog
Reported bugs
16 issues- App crashes on iOS 17.1 with formatting issues
- QRZ connection errors and login failures
- Call sign lookup not functioning
- Export functionality causing crashes
- Blank black screen on startup
Show 11 moreShow fewer
- Cloud sync failures
- Custom template rendering issues in dark mode
- Automatic time reset when editing log entries
- Crash when deleting first log entry
- Number row hidden by keyboard predictive text on iPad
- Server dependency causing tool failures
- ADIF export missing required Band field for POTA
- Help page returning Error 404
- HF Net List link outdated
- Solar data and weather tools non-functional
- Transport Security policy errors on older iOS versions
Requested features
20 requests- CABRILLO file export for contests
- Band field inclusion in ADIF exports for POTA compatibility
- Dark mode support for custom templates
- Dupe check feature for contest logging
- Ability to delete custom logs and entries
Show 15 moreShow fewer
- Single-row log list view option
- Larger notes field for data entry
- Contest-specific features (SOTA/POTA summit designation tracking)
- International callsign lookup support
- WSJTX and JS8CALL sync capability
- Landscape orientation support for all features
- Favorite tools customization to reduce scrolling
- Countries worked text list view
- 1.2 GHz band inclusion in band plan
- eQSL.cc access integration
- Fahrenheit/Celsius converter
- LightningMaps.org integration
- Voice recognition for phonetic alphabet entry
- Offline logging with paper-to-digital transfer capability
- Date format options (dd/mm/yy for European users)
Valiance Backbone for CW
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
HamLog
No in-app purchases
Valiance Backbone for CW
- Tip for the Developer$0.99
- Standard Support$4.99
- Premium$9.99
Show 1 moreShow fewer
- Ultimate Supporter$29.99
Questions
Is HamLog free?
Is Valiance Backbone for CW free?
Which has better reviews, HamLog or Valiance Backbone for CW?
Do HamLog or Valiance Backbone for CW have ads?
Which is updated more often, HamLog or Valiance Backbone for CW?
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