Logging QSOs

[SpaceForceCmdr]

The quick ones are easy, but if you're chatting with someone for a while, when time do you use for the log, the time you made first contact, or when you said 73? I've been logging my contacts on QRZ.

 

[K4EET]

Most hams would probably say that they use the QSO start time for the log. Some logs have a place for both the start and finish times but if there is only a single entry, use the start time.

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

Good to know, thanks!

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

Another question: what is some good, free logging software I can use to log my contacts. If it integrates with LOTW, that would be great. I've been logging QSOs on the QRZ website, but a lot of the features require a subscription. Heck, I can't even download a copy of my logbook without subscribing, which is kind of annoying

 

[K4EET]

There is some very robust and free contest oriented software known as N1MM Logger+ out there. The homepage for the software can be found here. I have used it previously and IIRC, it does interact with LOTW.

Nowadays, I use Ham Radio Deluxe. HRD is very nice software but it is not free.

73, Dave K4EET

 

[AK9R]

N1MM+ is great for contest logging, but it does not have LotW uploading capabilities and there are other logging programs that are better for general purpose logging.

DX Lab Suite is very full-featured and free. It uses a modular approach, so you only have to load and use the modules you want. For basic logging with no other features, you could get by with the Commander (radio control) and DXKeeper (logging) modules. DXKeeper does interact very well with LotW (the author of DX Lab Suite was on an LotW committee a few years ago).

I'm currently using Log4OM which is also free. It is more integrated than DX Lab Suite and looks a little prettier, in my opinion.

I am assuming you are using a Windows computer. There are Mac and Linux logging programs out there, but I have no familiarity with them.

 

[alcahuete]

I have used N3FJP series of software for years. Works great and interfaces with everything...QRZ, LOTW, Clublog, etc.. Not free unfortunately. If you get the entire package, you also have the custom logs for contests, etc.

 

[k6cpo]

Another question: what is some good, free logging software I can use to log my contacts. If it integrates with LOTW, that would be great. I've been logging QSOs on the QRZ website, but a lot of the features require a subscription. Heck, I can't even download a copy of my logbook without subscribing, which is kind of annoying

In addition, the QRZ logbook isn't accepted by the ARRL for a lot of their awards.

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

Thanks, guys! I will check out these suggestions

 

[freqhopping]

This is another option. HAMRS

 

[AK9R]

Does HAMRS interact with LotW?

 

[SpaceForceCmdr]

Was wondering about that, too. I didn't see much info on the download page.

 

[freqhopping]

Does HAMRS interact with LotW?

Export an adi for upload with TQSL.