ARRL

Instructions

Getting Started

  • Instructions

    Use the following set of instructions for setting up your Logbook of the World account.

  • Step 1 - Download and install the software

    Logbook of the world uses software called Trusted QSL.  

    The software is free to download and use.

    Trusted QSL contains two programs: TQSL Certificates and TQSL.

    Trusted QSL works with MS Windows;  there are versions for Mac OS X and Linux as well.

    Click here for illustrated instructions to download and install software.

     

    If you are using anti-spyware programs such as Bit Defender you must configure your software to allow Trusted QSL to run.  Click here for instructions to configure Bit Defender.

     

    Download Trusted QSL software for Microsoft Windows here.

    Trusted QSL software is compatable with all versions of the Windows operating systems that Microsoft currently supports; for Windows 98, please download version 1.13.

     

    Download Trusted QSL software for Mac OS X here.

    Universal binary for PPC and Intel processors; OS X versions 10.4 and later.

     

    Linux users can build the software from the source code for the tqsllib library and the Trusted QSL applications. (ARRL does not maintain packages for the plethora of Linux distributions. For assistance with obtaining a packaged version for your Linux distribution, contact your distribution's maintainer.)

     

  • Step 2 - Request a certificate for your callsign

    Requesting a certificate is a simple process of entering some basic information and saving a file that you will send to LoTW.
    Go Now

  • Step 3 - Authenticate your location (USA)

    For radio amateurs in USA authentication is done with a postcard that is mailed to your address that is in the FCC database.  If this address is not current please go to the FCC ULS website and update your address information < http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ > 

    You will go to the LoTW web page and enter an eight digit code from the postcard after which the TQ6 file will be e-mailed to the user.

     
    Go Now

  • Step 3 - Authenticate your location (non-USA)

    Non US stations will have to send a copy of your radio amateur operator permit and a copy of another identification such as a driver's license, passport or utility bill.

    Send to:

     

    ARRL LoTW Administrator

    225 Main St.

    Newington, CT 06111

     

    Please, no electronic submissions.  This must be postmarked from your location.

     

    Follow this link for a complete list of acceptable documents.
    Go Now

  • Step 4 - Load your certificate (TQ6 file)

    At this point you have received an e-mail from LoTW with your TQ6 file.  This e-mail also contains your username (your call sign) and a password to log onto the LoTW userpage.  This information is lower in the text of the e-mail message.

     

    These instructions will show you how to load the TQ6 file and more importantly how to save the certificate.  The TQ6 file by itself is not your complete certificate so please be sure to use the instructions to load and save your certificate.

     
    Go Now

  • Step 5 - Create a station location

    The station location contains all of the geographic information for your operation.  This includes ITU and CQ zones, grid square, US State and county and IOTA number if you operated from an IOTA island.

     

    Please be accurate and complete when entering the information in this step because this is how the other station will receive credit for your geographic positions from a QSO with you.
    Go Now

  • Step 6 - Sign upload your log files

    Logbook of the world accepts digitally signed files call Trusted QSL files.  You have already used these type of files in the certificate process - TQ5 and TQ6.

     

    When you digitally sign an ADIF or Cabrillo log file you are making a new file called a TQ8 file.  The information in this new TQ8 file is much like what is on a QSL card.  Your call sign and DXCC entity is taken from your certificate, the QSO information comes from your ADIF or Cabrillo log file and all the geographic information is in your station location in TQSL.

     

    Some logging programs feature a shortcut for signing and uploading your log.  Check with your logging program developer's page for information on features like this.

     

    Signing logs only takes a few mouse clicks.
    Go Now

Non English Instructions

Back to Top

Having Trouble?

Home >> On The Air >> Logbook of the World >> Instructions