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Kendall Amateur Radio Society |
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Software, LoTW and Club Log
The DX world is still using QSL cards.
A good way to send a card is to use the But what if the Country has no
bureau? Many don’t.
You can find this list on sub-pages on the Outgoing QSL Service page,
and in the Operating Manual.
So then, if you really need the card, QSL direct with a SASE and
“green stamps.” To
insure (as much as you can) that the card and money reaches the DX, hide
the money, and address the envelope with name only, no call. ARRL’s Logbook of the World (LoTW) is becoming more and more popular. I have experienced a 50% return overall since 1975. The return rate was relatively low in the early years, 85% return rate over the past five and improving. Most DX and many DX-peditions will eventually post their contacts to LoTW. But if you use Club Log and OCRS (Online Card Request System.) you should expect a 99% response rate, and a quick return.. Logging Software You must have an electronic log to use Logbook of
the World and Club Log. Today's logging software makes this
easy. Mac is coming on strong. See <https://dogparksoftware.com/MacLoggerDX.html>for
all the details about MacLoggerDX. Look at the On-Line Manual and
then the FAQs for an overview of what is offered. I was a Mac user
years ago and wished for a logging package for Mac, but it
didn't exist. So, I and other Mac users struggled with DOS contest
logging programs which appeared in the mid-90s so we could commence with
computer contest logging. Then, Windows based logging software
appeared; DX4Win appeared to be the best, and I use it.
DX4Win This logging software is supported by an active reflector and updated as needed. The current version being V9.03xx and contains helpful utilities to import an ADIF file from WSJT-X or N1MM or from whatever into the master log file and then other utilities to submit what are now new contacts in the master log to LoTW along with other QSOs.. A helpful feature is "Reports", where one can quickly see one's status for WAS, DXCC and other awards. The following screen shots show three layouts using dual-screen. Being Windows based, the layout options are infinite and completely dependent upon the whims of the user. The following are mine.
General logging layout
from left to right: Left screen: world map showing gray zone with Country Call prefixes and Log. Right Screen contents: Band map
showing spots, the logging window, and packet window which tests the
spot against the log, the color codes showing priority. These utilities
tell one at a glance if the contact is needed. For
example, red indicates the spotted country is needed for band
credit, blue for mode, green for either mode or band. A new
country is shown in yellow. White, already worked and confirmed.
RTTY from left to right. Here the log has been put away and MMTTY selected in its place. The windows on the right remain the same but the user's choice is almost infinite.
PSK from left to right. Here the log has been put away and PSK window selected in its place. The windows on the right remain the same but the user's choice is almost infinite. DX4Win users continue to wait for a fully integrated module for WSJT so one can see at a glance if call (FT8 or FT4) is needed for award count. N1MM Many use N1MM for
general logging.
N1MM Setup Example for November SS-CW
N1MM Setup Example for November SS-SSB So one can see, there are many good choices for general logging and contesting
software. DX4Win and N1MM are discussed here because these two
packages are what I use and know.
Go to the
sponsors webpage at
https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/ and read what N1NN offers. Then download the user
manual to see if this will work for you.
Regardless of what you choose, you must have an electronic log to use Logbook of the World and Club Log. Your electronic logging package will have a means (one way or another) add the QSO's from your paper log, to the electronic log. You will want to do this and, if you can, submit your entire QSO record to LoTW. No way around it, this is drudgery one way or another. I used "Basic Log Import" to convert my paper log from 1975 through early 1995 to digital format. Although pure drudgery as mentioned before, this seemed easy enough. Basic Log Import is a Freeware program, no longer shown on the Internet. But I have it and will send it to any requestor. Email me at K5NOF@ARRL.net .
Logbook of The World (LoTW) The process to join LoTW is not exactly easy but can be done if you pay attention to the instructions. Visit http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world and read the entire site to see what is involved and to gain a sense of what must be done. And then:
Follow the instructions step by step! Once you are recognized by ARRL, your electronic submissions to LoTW will be merged with all your paper QSL card submissions for a complete record for DXCC and related awards, and look something like this:
Club Log On-line Card Request System (OCRS) is almost a sure way to obtain a QSL. Most rare entity operators use the system. Some simply post a link on their web page to show if you are in their log and if so, a utility to request a QSL and a link to Pay-Pal to pay for it. Normally the cost is about the same as a SASE, international postage stamp and "green stamps" and far more secure and reliable. To get started, visit https://clublog.org/loginform.php. You will be greeted by a screen that looks like this. Register and then "click around" to see all the features offered by this great utility. Upload your log in .adi format to Club Log and then update your Club Log record periodically. I send the same .adi file to Club Log that I uploaded to ARRL to update my LoTW record.
DXpedition version of FT8 Dave Moore (N7RF) reports the DXpedition mode
for FT8 is being widely used. It
allows them to work multiple stations very rapidly with multiple
response channels. You must be running
FT8_v2.0 or later. Download: |
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