11-13-2007  - LoTW
Finally took the time to get the ARRL logbook of the World (LoTW) setup. A bit of a pain to get setup, but the security and integrity of the system is essential.  You have to apply online and then wait for a Post Card in the US Mail - mine took a week.  The Post Card is mailed to your FCC registered address and contains a password that is then used to request a certificate that gets emailed to you in a couple of days.  Once you get the certificate file, you are good-to-go.  You need a logging program that will at least make a file that can be signed and uploaded to LoTW.  Many logging programs will do the uploading and downloading for you - which makes it easier to upload your data.  You can learn more at:  http://www.arrl.org/lotw/
 

After a long QRT of about 8 years, I got back on the air in 2003.  In that time period computers and internet access in the ham shack went from being a luxury to commonplace.  Computers have become very affordable and a hamshack PC doesn't need to be the latest-greatest.   I messed around with writing my own logging software but soon found that it was difficult to improve on some of the logging software that is available and affordable.  I use the N3FJP software, but this isn't about which is better, but instead about the concept of computer logging.

Wow, you call CQ, I hear you, enter your call into the log software, and instantly I can see that we've worked 3 times before, last QSO was December 9, 2006, your name is 'CJ' - not Charles as on QRZ.com, you were running QRP with a K1 using a longwire antenna at 20 feet, you're 63 years old and been a ham 43 years.  "Hello old friend!"

My standard reply is to immediately remind you that "Last QSO was December 9 of 2K6".  Now, if you have a paper log, you can go look it up.

Most software can interface with your radio (if it has a data port) and automatically enter mode, frequency, and band info.  If not - no big deal.  Some have a DX spotting window that shows DX stations that are being logged live from the internet.  Just click on the DX Spot and the radio switches to that mode and frequency - very cool if you can do it.  Otherwise - no big deal.  The big thing is the instant access to your log.

Just something to think about.  Find an old PC.  Get some logging software - shareware is available.  Then decide if you want to just start logging from this point forward or maybe start entering those old logs into the computer log.  My good friend Tom-N9DD has entered ALL of his old paper logbooks - going back to about 1972.  It is a lot of fun and it helps to turn random CW contacts into ongoing friendships and conversations.