Log into LoTW Here
What's New with Logbook of The World
The LoTW status page will be updated daily to convey information of interest to the user community, including planned downtime and changes that will impact operations. In addition, the state of LoTW's processing queue is now updated hourly on the Logbook Queue Status page.
May 20, 2013: From the Trusted QSL software development team — We announced last week that TQSL 1.14 would be available today (20 May 2013). However, three defects were reported last week:
- Incorrect behavior when the user specifies the wrong ITU zone
- Incorrect behavior when TQSL is invoked via command line without the –l switch present
- Incorrect behavior when processing an ADIF file containing duplicate QSOs when TQSL is running on MacOS
These defects have been corrected, but we must test the corrected version before publicly releasing it. Expect the public release within the next 10 days.
May 14, 2013: Most problems can easily be solved by following the Troubleshooting Checklist. If, after completion of the checklist, you are still experiencing difficulty, please complete a Help Ticket. The ticket system allows us to quickly and accurately diagnose your problem.
May 13, 2013: If you have uploaded a QSO with incorrect data, you may correct the QSO by following the steps outlined in the QSO correction tutorial.
May 9, 2013: While you are using the LoTW webpages, if you see a message on a white screen that says LoTW is Offline, please just refresh the page and your desired page should come up. The problem is at HQ and staff is investigating. Sorry for the inconvenience.
May 8, 2013: Tutorials specifically written for LoTW configuration with logging programs can be found on the LoTW Resources page. Your program may greatly simplify the upload process when properly configured.
May 7, 2013: The Advanced LoTW page contains many helpful tips for users. Remember to check this page if you have questions on moving certificates, changing your call sign, or setting up your club on LoTW.
Introduction
What is Logbook of The World?
Logbook of The World - LoTW - is an exciting way for Radio Amateurs to confirm two-way contacts they have made and use the confirmations as credit toward various awards.
Because Logbook of The World uses double blind comparison, users cannot see what other users have uploaded unless there is a matched QSO. All files uploaded to LoTW are electronically signed by verified users. Logbook of The World maintains the integrity of the QSO verification process that has long been the hallmark of ARRL awards.
How does it work?
Logbook of The World is a very powerful system capable of collecting and matching QSO data from users all over the world. When properly configured, LoTW can accommodate a variety of operating situations, such as DXpeditions, previously held call signs and QSL managers.
By using digitally signed certificates with QSO date ranges and station locations for geographic information, Logbook of The World is able to accommodate clubs, QSL managers, Dxpeditions, mobile and rover operators just as easily as it handles the individual user with one call sign and one location.
The Nuts and Bolts
-
LoTW uses software called Trusted QSL.
Trusted QSL software is free to download and use.
- Trusted QSL contains two programs – TQSL CERT and TQSL .
- Digital certificates are managed in TQSL CERT.
- Station location management and log signing is done with TQSL.
- Trusted QSL contains two programs – TQSL CERT and TQSL .
-
All unique call signs receive a digital certificate.
- The primary call sign certificate is UNSIGNED.
- Subordinate call sign certificates are SIGNED by the primary call sign certificate. Subordinate call signs can be your old call sign, a DX call sign that was issued to you or portable calls such as W1AW/7, KP4/W1AW.
- By using signed certificates all data that is associated with the primary user is maintained in the primary account.
- Digital certificates use QSO date ranges to lock in the date range when a call was used. Certificates issued for currently active call signs will have a defined QSO start date and an open end date.
- The primary call sign certificate is UNSIGNED.
-
Logbook of The World users are verified before they can open an account.
- USA operators are verified when they enter a special code they receive from a postcard which is mailed to them at the address in the FCC database. Postcards will not be mailed to an address other than what is listed in the FCC database.
- DX operators are verified when they mail a copy of their Amateur Radio operator permit and another form of identification such as a driver license or first page of a passport or front page of a utility bill. These copies must be mailed so that they receive a post mark on the envelope.
A note about postcards and documents: These are only used when you open your loTW acount. Future certificate request for call signs within the same DXCC entity do not require documentation or postcards.
- USA operators are verified when they enter a special code they receive from a postcard which is mailed to them at the address in the FCC database. Postcards will not be mailed to an address other than what is listed in the FCC database.
-
All files uploaded to Logbook of The World Trusted QSL (TQ) files.
When you sign a log using Trusted QSL you create a TQ8 file to upload to LoTW. The TQ8 file is digitally signed and contains Information about the QSO, your geographic information, your call sign and your DXCC entity.Let's look at what makes a TQ8 file.
- The call sign and DXCC entity are derived from your certificate.
- The QSO info such as the station worked, date, time, band and mode come from the ADIF or Cabrillo log file.
- The geographic information such as US State, County, grid and zones all come from your station location.
- Station locations are associated with your certificate.
You can create as many station locations as necessary to accommodate your operations.
- The call sign and DXCC entity are derived from your certificate.
