Review of ACARS Log Analyser

Reviewed in Monitoring Times , "Plane Talk" column, October 2002, by Jean Baker. Reprinted by permission.

I have used the ACARS Log Analyzer program, developed by Mark Avey, with both PC-HFDL and AirNav ACARS Decoder, and it's really great. Let's see what this program can do for you: Here are the primary program functions:

Log Importing - (Where it all begins.) "The current release will import WACARS (Airmaster Mode), PC-HFDL (Airmaster mode), SkySpy, AirNav ACARS decoder, ZCARS, and Airmaster 3/2000 logs.

DDE Link - "Log Analyser allows you to establish a DDE link with SkySpy, Airmaster 2000, AirNav's ACARS decoder, and PC-HFDL. This means live data is passed to Log Analyser in real-time."

Photo Lookup - (I think this is one of the best features - being able to see a photo of the aircraft of a selected aircraft- jb.) "If you have an Internet connection, you can right-click on any aircraft in the list views and view a photograph of the currently selected aircraft."

Display Log Data - "The main interface of the program comprises four main views on your log data (see screen shots on their website at http://www.acarsonline.co.uk/loganaly.htm). All Log Records show all of the data imported, and can be filtered by Registration, Flight Number, or Date. Unique Aircraft/Flight Number and Unique Aircraft show filtered views of your data, providing details about when the aircraft was first/last heard and the number of times it has been heard. Also, double-clicking an entry in the log view pops up detailed information relating to the aircraft selected."
Reports - "Version 1.3 onwards can export a file in Aviation Databases 2002 TripLog format which allows the user to transfer their list of 'heard' aircraft without having to manually type the data into Aviation Databases."

Data Base - "The data base includes lookup tables for Aircraft and Carriers (companies, jb). These are used for the Aircraft Detail popup window and can be added to and edited by the user" (so you can add new aircraft).

Alerts - "From version 1.3.0, Log Analyser supports Alerts. This allows the user to enter any text (i.e. a registration number), which Log Analyser will look for in any messages in DDE mode."

Statistics - "New in version 1.0.15 is the Statistics screen. From here, you can see detailed statistics about the database and can also see how many aircraft from a particular carrier you have heard." (This is something that you have to see to appreciate! jb)

The Log Analyser Version 2 will shortly be available at the current price. Users who registered ACARS Log Analyser after July1st, 2002, qualify for a free upgrade to version 2. As the program author states, "It will be a constant evolving project, being improved over time using feedback provided by users.

You can follow development work by watching our WebLog." Well, folks, I don't know how much better the program can get, because right now it is a mega-asset for all of us who keep logs of our ACARS decodes.

Bottom line: The program costs $45 in US dollars - and I believe it's worth every cent. They accept PayPal, and all major credit cards. By the way, I didn't go into all of the details and goodies that this program contains; why spoil your fun? Go to their website and download the program. The proof is in the pudding. Don't forget to check out the Online Forum and Mailing List details on their website. Both of these are great assets for ACARS decode fans.