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SADARS

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12 May 2022 - Logbook of the world, presented by Fred, G4BWP

Posted: 13 May 2022 05:39 AM PDT
https://sadars.co.uk/wp/archives/3155


A former member of this society paid us a visit to explain the ins and outs
of LoTW. Fred started by explaining the usual problems sending and
receiving QSL cards and why someone might not want to do it.  Mainly, the
cost of postage and the long wait for a response. Other then collecting
cards because they look nice,  they can be used to gain awards from the
ARRL  (American Radio Relay League), the equivalent to our RSGB.  The first award, the DXCC Century Club is awarded for working and confirming radio contacts with one hundred different listed countries. Of course, back in
1935 when this award was first offered, it was much more difficult to gain
the necessary one hundred than now. In 1945 the award criteria were altered
and along the way some countries were dropped from the list, while new were added.

Fred showed pages from the LoTW  website 
(www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world  ) that includes all the information you need to get started. You do not have to be a member to install and use the small programme (called TQSL) that does the necessary authentications for
you when you upload your contacts.  As other radio ops upload their logs,
your contacts can be cofirmed without sending cards. Updates to the
programme can be installed over your existing TQSL programme when they are released.

There followed a live demonstration of accessing the website and the items
that needed to be filled in to get started.

After the demo, Fred signed up three new applicants, saving them the
copying and sending of their licence and ID through the post.
(Left)    Fred, G4BWP in discussion with Ian, G3ORG

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