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January 21, 2014

Electronic Logging and QSL's

One thing that I have been wanting to share my thoughts on is Qsl's and the online logbooks. When I first earned my ticket the only way to confirm a contact was through the regular mail in the form of a regular QSL card commonly called Wall Paper. As technology has progressed we have moved into communications by computers and keeping logs on a computer instead of a paper log. Which brings me to my thoughts on logging and qsl's. Today there are 3 major players in online logging and qsl's. My top 2 are the LoTW and EQSL, there are also some others. LoTW is the ARRL's version of online logging as you may know. Many people use this free service and you can obtain ARRL awards by having confirmed contacts on their online logbook and if needed you can do a combination of old hard copy QSL's and what is on their online logbook. The draw back not everyone choices to use them and they do not except confirmations from other online logbooks. There is no real qsl card involved in their logbook just text copies of the contact information.
Next comes EQSL a very unique service! On EQSL offers a few more features than LoTW. One really nice feature is they have printable e-qsl cards. You basically can design your own or upload one you had made. They have their own awards which I believe is to follow suit with Lotw. They do have different member levels. The first level is a absolutely free and as you donate (if you choose to) you can get a few more features.

Both LoTW and EQSL are tied for my top logbook/qsl services. One worth mentioning is QRZ.com, they are the number one source for call sign look up. They are a bit costly in my book, you buy features to make life easier using their sight. You can elect to have no ads on the website, the ability to upload adif's for a fee. My problem with that is I like many other ham's are on a fixed income and its very difficult to make those lump sum payments instead of making payments. I have also found out by my personal  experience that even fewer hams use their logbook service. 

January 20, 2014

Wolverine SSB Net

I have been working on my membership requirements to join the Wolverine SSB net. A min of participating of 4 nets for 3 months. I now have 5 for January and 4 for this month. They are a fun bunch to chat with.

January 18, 2014

N. A. QSO Party

Tried my luck at a little contesting. I have found I need to work on understanding logbook programs. All in all it was a lot of fun!