QSO Logging

2023 Logging setup

I've always (when I remember) used a Paper Logbook for CW and SSB contacts. I'm on the third book after starting the 1st one in March 1983.

I usually don't (but sometimes do) log Digimode QSOs on paper, as fldigi has its own ADIF logbook. However I've moved/installed/upgraded/deleted various fldigi installations on so many different PCs that I've actually lost all the logs anyway. I've recently started logging all QSOs in the paper logbook. There's no chance of “accidentally deleting” a real, paper logbook, after all.

• I initially started to make notes of each day's activity and QSOs here, in the wiki
  • Later I moved all diary entries to blog : for example : Mon 10 July 2023
• This became a chore, too many separate things to do during/after a QSO
• I ditched the wiki-diary idea but want to have more of a record of QSOs, and other notes on condx etc. than a simple one line entry in the logbook
• I started keeping a paper “journal” - basically a more carefully created scratch-pad - with entries being done during the QSO - my notes done at the time.
• The left hand page of the spread is a scribble/rough notes area and the right hand page of the spread has notes of activity, CQs made, CQs replied to, QSOs, callsigns, propagation data (SFI, A, K etc), beacons heard, anything really.
• I still add an entry to both paper logbook and Xlog, but they don't need too much additional detail, as it's all in the “journal”

I've tried various PC based log systems over the years. A few years ago I had a major project to add all the old data from my paper logs into an electronic log - I think I used “logger32” on a windows PC. I started from August 2003, the date I re-activated my dormant interest in amateur radio, and I built my Elecraft K1.

I count this as “day zero” of my current radio incarnation.

I could then export the ADIF file and could use it to “pre-populate” any new log system I fancied trying.

I now use xlog on my shack's old Linux laptop. It has all the QSO data from August 2003 to the present (except most Digimode QSOs) and I continue to use xlog in parallel with a good old fashioned paper logbook.

I have also discovered that fldigi will automatically add each logged QSO to Xlog, if they are running on the same machine, which means I can now ensure my digimode QSOs are recorded alongside my CW and SSB QSOs.

While I was adding all my historical QSO data to an electronic log I decided to “join” the ARRL Logbook Of The World and add my QSO data. I did it in various stages, but I think I've now got all my QSO records uploaded to LOTW. This is mainly to assist others in their paper chasing goals, as I'm not generally interested in getting QSLs in order to claim awards (I've only got 84 DXCC “confirmed” on LOTW for “Mixed”, with 65 in Phone and 65 in CW). If my uploads allow other people to reach targets, without me needing to write and post physical QSL cards, then it's easy enough to oblige with LOTW. I had to download the sourcecode and compile the latest version of TQSL from the ARRL website to run on Linux. I forget how I got the necessary certificates from ARRL….

I created a ClubLog account and I also upload my ADIF exports at regular intervals. I embed the “last 30” QSOs on my qrz.com page.

• I decided it's too cumbersome, and with no obvious benefit, to upload ADIF files to ClubLog as well as to LOTW
  • ClubLog has no purpose, really, for me at the moment

• I have decided to drop ALL computer logging
  • this means no LOTW either
• I want a simpler radio shack, without reliance on computer for logging or any other purpose.
• Logging : paper log book
• Notes : on paper in separate “diary” made during QSO - these can be dated and kept as a reference
  • Notes on radio setup, antennas, beacons etc., solar conditions etc. are in the same “diary” - as a record of day to day activity alongside any QSOs etc.
• No RBN checking, no QRZ.COM checking.
• Re-start card-index of stations worked, if not too time-consuming?

• start flrig & ensure correct communication with IC-7200
• start fldigi & ensure it controls the IC-7200 via flrig
• start xlog & ensure it shows the correct radio frequency (when the freq. log button is pressed)
• have QSOs in fldigi or CW and log in paper logbook as appropriate
• export log ADIF file from xlog - selecting the latest QSO numbers, rather than the whole log
• use TQSL to sign and upload this latest ADIF export to my LOTW account<?del> * <del>use the ClubLog website to upload this latest ADIF export to my CLubLog account

— John Pumford-Green 19/06/23 12:55