What log book do you use? QSL Cards

[radiokatz]

How about some suggestions for a good log book?

I wouldn't mind a "pen & paper" book, but I feel a logbook/software for the pc would be more efficient, maybe enabling one to do a quick search for a callsign previously entered?

I don't know what is available out there & figured you fellows would be the best to ask about this.

And a side question - where do you gents order your QSL cards from?

Thanks for any & all suggestions!

 

[cellblock776]

I log contacts at QRZ. I don't have or trade QSL cards.

 

[LtDoc]

The best logging software is the one that you get familiar with and are comfortable using. I don't use a software logging program so can't recommend one. I started a long time ago and use the old fashion paper logging, I'm comfortable with it, it works just fine for me.
What QSL printer/maker? Just about anyone who produces one that you like and that you can afford. I used to do a LOT of QSL'ing. Figured up what it cost me at one point and scared my self! So, being naturally cheap, I make my own. There are certain 'facts' that are on any/all QSL cards. If you include those things then the 'form' doesn't make a lot of difference. It may not be 'pretty', but it serves it's purpose if those 'facts' are there. Mine have a certain 'basic' information format, and then I 'add' things, pictures, jokes, whatever till I'm 'happy' with it. They change quite often. So find something you like and stay with it till you want to change it!
Have fun.
- 'Doc

 

[wo4r]

I use ham radio deluxe. Home This is a suite of tools including radio control, digital mode operation and logging. It will send your contacts to eqsl and lotw. I also do old fashioned qsl cards.

WO4R Jeff

 

[KD8TZC]

I started using a paper log, but then I switched over to a computer based log (MacLogger DX). For me it works, but for others it may not. As others have said, it depends on what you like and are comfortable with.

The problem with the computer based logger is that you must have your computer with you or it can't be utilized. Not a problem as all my HF and logged entries are done at home and with my computer. If I start to do things in the field though, I may need to augment that with a paper log.

 

[n9mxq]

I like the logbook with HRD suite. But have used N1MM and others. I also use HamLog on my iPhone and like it a bunch for mobile work, and keep it sync'd to my logbook on the home computer.

I agree with Doc, the best is the one you like and are used to.

As for QSL cards, I print my own. If you do a search on the interweb you can find the software..

 

[elk2370bruce]

I've developed my own log and QSL tracker using Microsoft Access. Along with the flat file, I have an imput form for entering QSO's and query for QSL's received. Reports can easily be made and sorted by date, country, state, or callsign as needed, Summary reports for WAS and DXCC are readily available once I've designed my various reports. I usually download a date/time sorted sequence on a quarterly basis that I use as a paper log. A little tricky setting the whole thing up at first but it serves my needs well.

 

[radiokatz]

Thanks for all the replies. I did find a selection of logging software, a lot of it for free over at DXZone. I will most likely be at my PC when I am transmitting, so this type of log should suit me well.

Logging / Software: Logging

 

[vagrant]

I use ham radio deluxe. Home This is a suite of tools including radio control, digital mode operation and logging. It will send your contacts to eqsl and lotw. I also do old fashioned qsl cards.
WO4R Jeff

I used Ham Radio Deluxe myself. It is free and fantastic. After I log a contact, I then upload it to eqsl.cc and LOTW via the same program. Personally I find it wise to keep my logs at three different locations. If I am out in the middle of nowhere and talking away, I do keep a little paper logbook I later enter into HRD and then upload to eQSL and LOTW.

They're all free, so why not? Enter once, right click and upload...done.

 

[n9mxq]

HRD version 6 and after are no longer free..

 

[scannerboy01]

I use Ham Radio Deluxe and find that it is a really nice program that is us friendly once you learn the basic operations of it.

 

[k3td]

The DXLab Suite of products are free, robust, easy to use and extremely well supported. DXKeeper is the logging program and it makes using Logbook of the World for awards completely painless. For contesting I use N1MM and then download the completed contest log into DXKeeper, just a couple of mouse clicks.
DXLab
N1MM Logger Website | HomePage

 

[peterwo2e]

log eqf for windows is really good had it since it was a DOS program back in the early 80s. great for contest etc. as for qsl's they are cheap on the net or make them yourself is you going to use the qsl bureau there is a certain size preference, look it up.

 

[KZ9G]

N3fjp. He has a general log and a log for nearly every contest out there.

 

[N0IU]

Put down another vote for HRD... the free version!

As far as QSL cards, also put down another vote for making them yourself. Every contact I make goes into LoTW. I have made DXCC and WAS with multiple endorsements all using LoTW. Of course I submitted over 20 years worth of logs when I first started using LoTW, but it does show that there are plenty of people throughout the world using LoTW.

I looked at my log and so far this year I have made 481 contacts and I would have to say that I have sent out maybe 10 paper cards. I usually only send out a card when I make a "rare" DX contact that does not use LoTW and I really, really, really need to confirm that country or if the other station (foreign or domestic) specifically requests a paper card.

 

[radiokatz]

How does LoTW & EQSL work?

In other words, can you view a QSL card that your contact has uploaded & possibly print it out? I ask because I am not yet a member of ARRL so I cannot log in to view any of this information.

For me, part of the fun with QSO's will actually be collecting the physical cards.

 

[n9mxq]

How does LoTW & EQSL work?

In other words, can you view a QSL card that your contact has uploaded & possibly print it out? I ask because I am not yet a member of ARRL so I cannot log into view any of this information.

For me, part of the fun with QSO's will actually be collecting the physical cards.

Short answer:

LOTW No You still have to send a card if they want one.

eQSL yes, if they've designed one to be sent.

 

[KD8DVR]

I use Microlog. I also upload to LOTW and EQSL. I do have paper cards; but mostly send to satellite contacts; but will send if one received by other methods.

 

[N0IU]

How does LoTW & EQSL work?

The major difference is that even though there is no viewable "QSL card" with LoTW, the confirmations are good for all of the ARRL's operating awards. I guess they figure what's more imortant, the card or the award? It really doesn't bother me that there is no card associated with each contact.

OTOH...

While there is a way to print a card from eQSL, those confirmations are only good for eQSL awards, NOT ARRL awards.

I also send my contact information to eQSL in addition to LoTW mostly for the benefit of those who do want the awards from eQSL.

 

[K4APR]

Call me old fashioned, but I still use the ARRL spiral log books and I like "QSL Man" W4MPY QSL cards. I still send traditional cards for all of my logged QSO's and I always include a SASE envelope for domestics or $2 worth of greenbacks for international.

Personally, I find sending and receiving traditional cards one the best parts of this hobby!

I detest eQSL and LoTW.

EDIT: I forgot to mention one thing. When I send QSL's out, I like to use the standard Avery label sheets. I bring up the Avery wizard in Microsoft Word and then I cut and paste each station's address into the sheet right from QRZ.com. Doesn't take very long to run through them, since I have to look them up anyways to validate the callsign. If and I mean IF I could find logging software that would not only look up the call, grab the address info but also format these into the same label format to print out, then I would consider making the switch over. I am surprised it has not been done yet since the Avery label format has been a standard for 15+ years and I see many other cards coming in from hams that use the same labels I do. I actually started to write something in VB.net to do this, but getting the whole thing to work with the qrz.com backend was just too much for my feeble coding skills. I got the look up to work...that was about it