QSO Logging - John's Vademecum

Try to learn something about everything, and everything about somethingThomas Huxley “Darwin's bulldog” (1824-1895)
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====== QSO Logging ======

** 2023 Logging setup **

===== Paper Logbook =====

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.

=== Update July 2023 ===

  * I initially started to make notes of each day's activity and QSOs here, in the wiki
  * 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"

<WRAP GROUP>

<WRAP COLUMN HALF>

{{:public:radio:active:journal1.jpg?500|}}

{{:public:radio:active:journal2.jpg?500|}}

</WRAP>
<WRAP COLUMN HALF>

{{:public:radio:active:journal3.jpg?500|}}

{{:public:radio:active:journal4.jpg?500|}}

</WRAP>
</WRAP>


===== Electronic Logs =====

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.

<note>
As of August 26th 2023 I no longer keep an electronic log. 

I have ceased LOTW uploads. QSLs are now **direct only** if anyone wants/needs confirmation of a QSO 
</note>

==== LOTW ====

<del>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.... </del>

==== Club Log ====

<del>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.</del>

=== Update July 2023 ===

  * 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

=== Update August 28 2023 ===

  * 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?

/*

===== Integration =====

  - flrig connects to the IC-7200 via USB
  - fldigi uses flrig to control the radio
  - xlog uses flrig (via Hamlib's inbuilt support for flrig as a radio type) to obtain frequency and mode from the radio

=== Simpler ===

  * don't use flrig
  * configure Xlog to use hamlib to talk to the IC-7200 directly
    * don't use "polling" - only read from radio when you click on the FREQ button or use <CTLR-K> to "click-all"
  * fldigi can still be run - and configured to use **RIGCAT** as usual (not flrig) and there's no conflict with Xlog
    * in general fldigi isn't used very often, as I'm now almost 100% CW (July 2023)
*/
===== Workflow =====

  * <del>start flrig & ensure correct communication with IC-7200</del>
  * <del>start fldigi & ensure it controls the IC-7200 via flrig</del>
  * <del>start xlog & ensure it shows the correct radio frequency (when the freq. log button is pressed)</del>
  * have QSOs  in <del>fldigi or</del> CW and log in paper logbook <del>as appropriate</del>
  * <del>export log ADIF file from xlog - selecting the latest QSO numbers, rather than the whole log</del>
  * <del>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</del>


--- //John Pumford-Green 19/06/23 12:55//


===== Further Information =====


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