computer logging and logbook of the world (lotw) (an update) federal way amateur radio club april...

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!