Computer Logging and Logbook of the World (LOTW)(an update)

Federal Way Amateur Radio ClubApril 2009

Presented byDan Camp, AF7O

Computer Logging

● Contest Logging● Logging Incidental to Specialized

Software● Day To Day Logging

Contest Logging Software

● Real Time Scoring– Even in a Multi-User Environment!

● Help with Rules Compliance● Multiplier Tracking● Real Time Dupe Checking● Easy Log Submission via Cabrillo files

– Standard contest data format– Recognized by LOTW Software

● Memory Keyer/Voice Keyer● Rig Control● Packet Spotting: “Assisted Mode”

November Sweepstakes Log

Graphical Progress Reports

Specialty Logging

● Net Control Op● Specialty Operations

– 10-10– Lighthouse Chasing

● “Exotic” modes—Logging often built in– SSTV– Satellite/Meteor– PSK31

SSTV Software with Logging

General Purpose Logging

● Keep track of your day-to-day contacts● Replaces the paper log● Import data from contest & specialty

logs● Keep track of award progress● Upload LOTW and e-QSL data● Rig control● DX-Cluster support● Info from previous QSOs, QRZ address

and “Etc., Etc. and So Forth!”

General Purpose Logging

LOTW—Logbook of the World

● ARRL's Logbook of the World

● You do NOT have to be and ARRL member to use LOTW

● Hosted/Supported by ARRL HQ Staff on ARRL servers for the benefit of amateurs worldwide

What LOTW Isn't

● Not an online QSL Card exchange– For card images, try e-QSL

● Not a Buro● Not a bulletin board for QSO info● Not a replacement for “collecting

wallpaper”● Also

– Not unsupported– Not all that hard to use!

What LOTW Is

● Secure means of matching QSL information submitted by two stations to confirm QSOs

● Designed with INTEGRETY in mind– Open Source & Peer Reviewed code base– Safeguards for operator verification

● As of 9 April, 2009– 26,000+ users– 40,000 Certificates– 218,000,000 QSO Records– 20,000,000 QSL Records

Requirements

● Current address in the FCC database– If address is not current it must be updated

before proceeding– Other mailing requirements apply for non-

US Hams● Computer

– Windows, Mac & Linux/Unix all Supported● Copy of TQSL installation file for your OS

– Download from the ARRL website● Logging Software HIGHLY

RECOMMENDED– Hand entry possible, but unnecessarily

complex.

TQSL 101

● TQSL comprised of two modules

● TQSLCert—manages your certificates

● TQSL—manages your QSO Data

● Both install from the same installer package

TQSL 102

● Certificate– Electronic “ID Card” stating that you are

who you say you are– Issued by a “Certifying Authority”

● ARRL only authority currently issuing certificates● System is designed to allow other entities to

participate– RAC?– RSGB?– FWARC?

– Used by TQSL to mark QSO data as genuinely from you

“Sign Me Up”

● Download/Install TQSL Package● Run TQSLCert● Enter Pertinent Data

– Call Sign– Date of Issue

● Generate Certificate Request – Creates *.tq5 file

● Email .tq5 file to lotw-logs@arrl.org● “Stop, oh yes, wait a minute, Mr.

Postman”

“It Came, It Came!”

● Enter password from postcard on LOTW website

● *.tq6 file emailed overnight● Open .tq6 file● YOU ARE NOW CERTIFIED!● BACK IT UP!

– Create *.p12 file– Keep it on another machine—or offsite

Now What?

● Import QSO data– From logging software– ADIF Format– Cabrillo Format

● Individual QSO's can entered in TQSL's data entry tool

● Sign the data with your certificate.

● Email signed data to LOTW

LOTW Does the Matching

Matching Criteria

● Same Calls● Same Band● Same Mode● Same Date/Time in UTC

– Allowance made for small clock errors● If it all matches, It's a QSL!

The LOTW Website

LOTW-Aware Logging Software

Awards

● DXCC & 5BDXC● WAS● “Triple Play” Award● Other awards can be added to the

system– Not limited to ARRL based awards

● Awards based on QSL Records● Paid for with “Payment Credits”

– $.15-$.25/QSL

Any Questions?

GO FOR IT!GO FOR IT!