Logbook of The World — On-line eQSL system

Geoffrey Levey
Amateur Radio Chat
Published in
2 min readNov 8, 2017

What is Logbook of The World? ARRL’s Logbook of the World (LoTW) system is a repository of log records submitted by users from around the world. When both participants in a QSO submit matching QSO records to LoTW, the result is a QSL that can be used for ARRL award credit.

Logbook of the World can accommodate every possible user scenario.

Is LoTW Secure? To minimize the chance of fraudulent submissions to LoTW, all QSO records must be digitally signed using a digital certificate obtained from ARRL.

What about software? LoTW uses software called TQSL. TQSL is free to download and use. http://www.arrl.org/tqsl-download — TQSL works with: •MS Windows (All versions currently supported by MS), •Mac OS X (V 10.4 and later)and Linux. Trusted QSL contains one program. All program functions are handled in three specific tabs.

  1. Log Operations : Used to electronically sign your log files and send them to the LoTW server.
  2. Station Locations : Used to manage you stations geographic information such as US State, County, Grid square, Zones, IOTA, etc.

3. Callsign Certificates: Used for requesting and managing your digital certificates.

How much does it cost? Logbook of The World is FREE to all radio amateurs around the world. Membership in ARRL is not required. Users may upload logs and view data anytime with no charges or fees.

What About Application Fees? When applying for awards users pay the appropriate application fees and QSO fees. This is no different than when making a paper application for an award.

What About QSL Cards? LoTW does not replace QSL collecting. ARRL QSL Bureau is still a member benefit. LoTW saves money and time. no postage or IRCs, no QSL card printing expense and no waiting for QSL cards to arrive.

How is LoTW different than e-QSL or other online QSL services? Because LoTW uses private key and public key technology, users are verified and data uploaded to the system is secure. LoTW is constantly comparing uploaded data for matches. There are no paper cards printed that have the potential to be altered.

What can I do with LoTW? LoTW helps you to do the following:- Apply for awards, Track DXCC credits, View DXCC Matrix, Track WAS Credits, Search QSOs and QSLs, View QSL Details and more.

Check out my next article LoTW made easy

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Geoffrey Levey
Amateur Radio Chat

I became a Amateur Radio Operator in 2006. I enjoy chasing DX and Contesting. For more information look at my QRZ.com page. https://www.qrz.com/lookup/zs6c