SYS: ONLINE|UTC --:--:--|BAND: All bands
SWR: 1.2PWR: 100WQTH: EN52
Operating & Logging

Logbook Software

The record of every contact, and the engine behind awards and confirmations.

Logbook Software engineering reference drawing
Specification summary
RecordsDate, UTC time, call, band, mode, RST, exchange, notes
Import and exportADIF is the interchange standard; Cabrillo for contests
Rig controlCAT over serial or USB, with frequency and mode tracking
Call sign lookupIntegrated callbook data, online or offline
QSL trackingPaper, bureau, and electronic confirmation services
AwardsDXCC, WAS, WAC and similar progress tracking
BackupRegular export to ADIF, kept off the machine
Stage: Operate
fmt: ADIFcat: USBqsl: TRACKEDutc: REQUIRED

Overview

A station log records the date, time, frequency, mode, call sign and signal report for every contact. In many countries it is a legal requirement, and in all of them it is the evidence behind award claims and QSL confirmations.

Modern logging software does far more than store rows. It reads the radio's frequency and mode over a CAT interface, looks up call signs to fill in name and location, tracks which contacts have been confirmed, and exports in ADIF — the standard interchange format that lets you move your log between programs without retyping anything.

Bands and modes

Band coverage

All bands

Modes

All modes

Safety note

Nothing in logging software is dangerous, but an unbacked-up log is a single point of failure for years of work. Export to ADIF on a schedule and keep a copy somewhere other than the computer that runs the log.

Using it well

  • Log in UTC, always — local time causes confusion in confirmations.
  • Export to ADIF weekly and keep the file off the machine.
  • Connect rig control early; manual frequency entry is where errors come from.
  • Check your log against the awards rules before submitting a claim.
Reference material for educational use. Nothing on this page is a recommendation to buy a particular product, and no communication distance or performance is promised. Confirm figures against the equipment you actually have and against the regulations that apply where you operate.
Related

References that go with this one

QSL Cards engineering reference drawing
Operate

QSL Cards

The paper confirmation of a contact — still the traditional evidence for an award.

size: 90x140 mmutc: REQUIRED
Operating→
HF Transceiver engineering reference drawing
Setup

HF Transceiver

The main station radio: 160 through 10 metres, all-mode, 100 W class.

f: 1.8-30 MHzP: 100 W
Transceivers→
CW Keyer engineering reference drawing
Operate

CW Keyer

Electronic timing for Morse, so your sending is clean regardless of your hand.

wpm: 5-40tone: 600 Hz
Operating→
Microphone engineering reference drawing
Operate

Microphone

The first stage of your transmitted signal. Cheap to improve, hard to fake.

f: 300-3000 HzZ: 600 ohm
Operating→

Tool Categories

Transceivers & AntennasFeedline & ConnectorsPower & GroundingTest EquipmentOperating & Logging

Site

AboutContactPrivacyBlog3D StudioSearch