Comparison

HamLog vs HamAntCal

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

About

HamAntCal

This app helps amateur radio operators calculate the starting lengths for various antenna types. It supports both imperial and metric units and offers adjustable calculations for inverted vee antennas based on wire angle. Results require final trimming for precise tuning.

Highlights
  • Calculate antenna starting lengths
  • Supports feet/inches and metric units
  • Calculates for Dipoles, Inverted Vee, and Verticals
  • Adjustable Inverted Vee angle calculation
  • Frequency range 30 KHz to 500 MHz (Inverted Vee up to 60 MHz)
  • Updated interface and settings
Features
Read full description

HamAntCal Version 3.5 (Ham Antenna Calculator) will simply and intuitively calculate for you the starting length needed for constructing your antennas in feet/inches or in metric. It will calculate the starting length for "Dipole's", "Inverted Vee's", "Vertical's" and has a page for calculating 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 5/8 and "Full Wave" length. In this update: ▪HamAntCal has been updated to 64 bit and iPhone X ▪New updated interface and settings menu ▪New in app purchase to update features ▪This update requires iOS 8.2 and above. --------------------------------------- ▪ HamAntCal works in feet/inches as well as metric. ▪ The easy to use and intuitive interface makes it easy to calculate starting lengths for building your antennas. It will calculate the starting length for "Dipoles", "Verticals" and "Inverted Vee" antennas. There is also a page for calculating 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 5/8 and "Full Wave" length. ▪ I have come across a lot of different and conflicting information for calculating the length of an "Inverted Vee" antenna. Some say subtract 2 to 5 percent based on the angle of the wires. Others say to add a percentage based on the angle of the wires down from horizontal. I decided to test this before releasing this app. First I calculated for a "Dipole" using the "Dipole" calculator. Then I put together a "Dipole" with a support for the center insulator as well as the ends. I measured the resonant frequency with an antenna analyzer. Then I brought the ends down towards 45 degrees from horizontal. As the ends were lowered the resonant frequency increased. This means that the length of the "Inverted Vee" would need to be increased to stay resonant at the same frequency as the dipole. The "Inverted Vee" calculator has a slider that starts up with an angle of 45 degrees and can be adjusted down to 20 degrees continuously re-calculating as it is moved. This corresponds to about 4.5 to 2 percent added to the length of the "Inverted Vee". ▪ No antenna calculator can give exact results in every case. Much will depend on the wire used, the height above ground, the ground itself, nearby objects, etc…. It's always a good practice to add a little extra wire and then trim up to the desired frequency. ▪ This calculator will calculate from 30 Khz to 500Mhz for the "Dipole", "Vertical" and "Length" calculators. The maximum for the "Inverted Vee" calculator is 60MHz. ▪ This calculator does not give exact measurements and the results will need to be trimmed using an antenna analyzer or SWR meter to the exact frequency after installation. Leave some extra wire on each section for trimming and wrapping around the insulators. ▪ Keep in mind that there are a lot of factors that can affect the resonant frequency of an antenna. At VHF and above even a small change in the length or diameter of an element can make a large change in the resonant frequency of an antenna even more so than at lower frequencies. This calculator just provides the starting length for building an antenna and proper matching methods will need to be used. ▪ Please be safe while building your antennas. Always use the proper safety equipment. Never build your antenna where it can come in contact with power lines, this includes the supports as well as the antenna itself and feed lines. BE SAFE! ▪ Although I have had good results using this calculator the results are not guaranteed. Always add some extra length and trim the antenna to frequency (it's much easier to trim than it is to add wire to the antenna). Please feel free to contact me with suggestions, problems, compliments, ideas for improvements or additions to HamAntCal. Your ratings are appreciated.

Screenshots

HamLog4 screens
HamAntCal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: HamAntCal at 4.6 against HamLog's 3.7. HamAntCal also leads on review sentiment (90% vs 76%). HamLog's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (monthly vs every 31 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

HamLog costs $0.99 and HamAntCal $0.99 up front. HamAntCal sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. HamLog asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

HamAntCal holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 59 and 57 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of HamLog's written reviews are positive against 90% of HamAntCal's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HamLog ships an update monthly, HamAntCal every 31 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
HamLog versus HamAntCal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHamLogHamAntCal
Price$0.99$0.99
Rating3.7 (59 ratings)4.6 (57 ratings) — better
Positive reviews76.4% of reviews90.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings59 — better57
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 31 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPignology, LLCState Road 41 Apps LLC

Customer experience

HamLog

All ratings59 ratings
Positive59.3%
Neutral11.9%
Negative28.8%
Written reviews148 reviews
Positive76.4%
Neutral8.1%
Negative15.5%

HamAntCal

All ratings57 ratings
Positive86.0%
Neutral7.0%
Negative7.0%
Written reviews60 reviews
Positive90.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative5.0%

User reviews

HamLog

From 59 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Comprehensive logging functionality with quick entry
  • 🛠️ Extensive built-in tools (65+) including QRZ lookup, DX cluster, grid calculator
  • 💰 Excellent value for money (originally $0.99)
  • ☁️ Cloud sync feature across devices
  • 📧 Easy ADIF export via email

Room to improve

  • ⚠️ Lack of active maintenance since 2023
  • 🐛 Frequent crashes on newer iOS versions
  • 🔗 Server-dependent features frequently non-functional
  • ❌ QRZ lookup and call sign search broken
  • 📱 Poor iPad usability with hidden number row

HamAntCal

From 57 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Quick calculations
  • 💡 Visually clear concepts
  • 👍 Great tool for ham radio
  • 👍 Useful for field use

Room to improve

  • 🤔 Lacks visual aids/pictures
  • 🤔 Limited to basic calculations
  • 🐛 Not working with iOS 11 (historical)
  • 🐛 Needs UHF & above support
  • 🐛 Incorrect calculation for inverted V

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 more
  • 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 more
  • 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)

HamAntCal

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • No longer works with IOS 11 (historical)
  • App is wrong on inverted V
  • Inverted V issue: leg length calculation seems incorrect
  • Calculation for inverted V seems incorrect

Requested features

10 requests
  • Add support for UHF frequencies and higher
  • Add velocity factor and radiating element size as variables
  • Add suggestion: input target and measured frequency to show trim/add amount
  • Add Inverted Vee mode to calculate height to top and end-to-end distance
  • Add trap calculations for common bands
Show 5 more
  • Add full wave loop calculation
  • Improve UI: one page for frequency entry, browse antenna options with more room for info
  • Add 5/8 wave vertical calculation
  • Show how to build a yagi antenna
  • Add metric units

In-app purchases

None

HamLog

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

HamAntCal

One-time1
  • Features upgrade$0.99

Questions

Is HamLog free?
HamLog costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is HamAntCal free?
HamAntCal costs $0.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, HamLog or HamAntCal?
HamAntCal is rated higher. HamLog averages 3.7 out of 5 from 59 ratings, while HamAntCal averages 4.6 from 57 ratings.
Do HamLog or HamAntCal have ads?
Neither HamLog nor HamAntCal shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HamLog or HamAntCal?
HamLog ships an update monthly, and HamAntCal every 31 months. Most recently, HamLog was updated on September 30, 2026 and HamAntCal on September 24, 2026.

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