1. Computer Logging and Logbook of the World (LOTW) (an update) Federal Way Amateur Radio Club April 2009 Presented by Dan Camp, AF7O

2. Computer Logging ● Contest Logging ● Logging Incidental to Specialized Software ● Day To Day Logging

3. 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”

4. November Sweepstakes Log

5. Graphical Progress Reports

6. Specialty Logging ● Net Control Op ● Specialty Operations – 10-10 – Lighthouse Chasing ● “Exotic” modes—Logging often built in – SSTV – Satellite/Meteor – PSK31

7. SSTV Software with Logging

8. 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!”

9. General Purpose Logging

10. 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

11. 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!

12. 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

13. 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.

14. TQSL 101 ● TQSL comprised of two modules ● TQSLCert—manages your certificates ● TQSL—manages your QSO Data ● Both install from the same installer package

15. 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

16. “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”

17. “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

18. 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

19. LOTW Does the Matching

20. 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!

21. The LOTW Website

22. LOTW-Aware Logging Software

23. 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

24. Any Questions? GO FOR IT!