Log Book of the World.

[KR6ER]

After getting the LoTW program up and running I found it was a good alternative to the old fashion QSL card in the mail or via the Bureau. #I have 101 confirmed contacts out of about 1000, so it runs about 10% contacts via LoTW. #This seems to be about the number most HAMS are getting using this software. #So you might consider using it, if for no other reason than the cost of cards and the mail and to help out those of us who are trying it out. #When I sent in my log I had contacts from 1995, that were confirmed, not just on my side, but the other HAM as well. #

Jon
Kr6ER

[N6WK]

I use it, But I still prefer to get the actual PAPER card in the mail.
Nothing like bringing in the mail and finding that rare DX card you have been waiting for.

Gordon
N6WK

[KE5FRF]

I use it too. I have not entered most of my stateside QSOs that were on my paper log, only the DX and the stateside when I started using my computer logger. I have only 20 confirmations out of about 300..so I'm less than 10%...but its better than nothing and free.

I'm with Gordon. I prefer the paper QSLs, and reply when I get a good stack... but I'm not one to initiate QSLs much. I am on a tight budget.

I'll add that they made the program MUCH more complicated to get up and running than they needed to, but once you get your certificate, its pretty easy to use.

My biggest gripe is that they don't explain how it works well enough when you are trying to get it going, and the software is really not very "ergonomic".

[K6BBC]

When I was chasing the DXCC, I would send my qsl card with an addressed envelope and a couple of dollars. My confirmation rate was over 95%.

K6bbc

[wg7x]

I've been using the LOTW since the beginning. Currently, I'm running about 16% return rate.

Like the others, I too, like the hard copy QSLs but the postage is a killer. As time goes on participation in the lOTW is increasing and my percentage rates increase.

The paper QSL's are great to look at and put on the wall. I still treasure all of them, and fully intend to paper a wall of the shack when I get around to building it!

I think that LOTW or something like it (I don't like E-QSL, personal preference), will be the way of the future.

73 Gary

[KC9ECI]

I use it. eQSL too. I prefer them to dead tree QSL's, but I'll send one out if need be. Eventually.

[KB3LIX]

No,

I like going to the mailbox and finding a surprize.

Most recent surprizes:

Vatican City
Djibouti
The Gambia
Namibia

Used to hate to check the mail, that has all changed.

[k7mh]

Quote[/b] ]Most recent surprizes:

Vatican City
Djibouti
The Gambia
Namibia
Who was the Namibia card from? Was it V51AS? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[KB3LIX]

Gerd V51GB

[K9STH]

Of course the fact that W1AW QSOs are not in the system just might indicate something!

Glen, K9STH

[KG4RUL]

When a contact strikes my fancy, I send out a card. I always respond to incoming cards with a return card and I don't demand a SASE. As far as LOTW, it is a case study of a really bad user interface. And, since eQSL is pretty much useless for awards, I don't participate in it either.

[kc7gnm]

Quote[/b] (KG4RUL @ May 05 2007,23:55)]When a contact strikes my fancy, I send out a card. I always respond to incoming cards with a return card and I don't demand a SASE. As far as LOTW, it is a case study of a really bad user interface. And, since eQSL is pretty much useless for awards, I don't participate in it either.
Used to use it but don't anymore. Returns were low and no picture of your QSL card to view or even modify on your own. I use EQSL now only. With the price of postage going up constantly and the ease of use of EQSL and the fact that you can make your own cards makes it well worth it. Plus the ARRL went encryption crazy with LOTW. I don't think my bank uses that much encryption and authentication.

[KB5FSV]

I'm like most of you who have said they prefer hardcopy actual QSL cards but still use LotW. I finally broke down and registered and then started uploading all of my log. I got 290 contacts uploaded and about 29 of those were confirmed. My purpose was to try and fast track my DXCC. I really like the card though, and I have a custom designed and printed card of my own.

[cu2jt]

I upload to LoTW almost every night. I have about 27,450 QSO's in the system and (at writing time) 7,158 confirmations. So far, I have 127 countries confirmed, of which 104 are on 40M. I have not applied for DXCC yet but I have a WAS based on LoTW confirmations.

As a county hunter, I am still not sure if the CQ Magazine would accept screen prints from LoTW as a confirmation. I have 850 counties confirmed on paper and another 100-some on LoTW.

I believe that the Post Offices has made enough money on Amateur Radio by selling stamps and IRC's. I like LoTW but think the red tape to get into the system is a little overkill.

[w0wls]

I'm thinking of switching to LoTW. #I am currently using HRD and paper QSL's. #Since receiving my general ticket I've sent out many paper QSL's and received only two. #My first DX contact was to I2ROO in Italy. #I was very excited about my contact. #I carefully computer printed my envelope and triple checked my mailing information, enclosed $2 for return postage. #Never got a reply. #Maybe my letter got lost, maybe his did who knows. #$3.00 invested for no reply. #I've got better things to do with my money so e-QSL looks like the way to go. #If I receive a paper card, I will return a paper card. #If I make contact with a special event station I will send a paper card but no more DX investments for me. #On another note, my local post office refused to order IRC's for me. #Screw the post office. #Let em lose there butt to the internet.
Jeff

[KI4ITV]

I upload my logs to both LOTW a eQSL.
LOTW has a better return rate now. but it did not always seem to be like that.
LOTW-You have 1,155 QSO records
You have 263 QSL records

eQSL- 1172 qso records
201 returned qsl's

I like both services. Different people use the two so you often get different contacts confirmed from using both.

[wg7x]

See... Here's the breakdown.

A new HF operator starts making DX and domestic QSO's.

Naturally they want a QSL for the wall. QSL's are ordered, sent out, sometimes with cash inside sometimes not.

Then the waiting begins... Since the card has gone out, the expectations begin.

1. I sent a QSL with cash, why has the other not responded?

2. Why has that deadbeat not returned my card? I sent a QSL and cash in good faith, and I expect, No! I demand a return post haste!

3. A post to an internet site: DX ham abc7xxx is a deadbeat and I expect that something be done immediately if not sooner!

On the DX side:

1. Oh Joy! Another bushel of stateside cards has arrived! I'll get to them when I have time.

2. Months go by...

3. DX ham finally gets to your card, goes to the log... You're not in the log! (NIL)

4. DX ham puts your $ into the local beer fund and goes back to CQ'ing. Thanks for the brew, mate!

5. Or, he finds your QSO and fills out a card to go to the Buro or possibly uses your $ to fund postage like he was supposed to; but you have already trashed his reputation on the internet so he's in no hurry to send the QSL.

6. Or same scenario as above, but this guy is big hearted and did not find the internet bashing to be a big deal and he puts the card in the mail.

Either way, time has passed. Patience is a virtue, especially when QSL'ing.

LOTW looks pretty good about now, and the award is the same. The scene is almost the same for a domestic QSL, but normally cash is not required, only an SASE.

QSL'ing is an art form; and the old mantra of "A QSL is the final courtesy of a QSO" is no longer valid in many circles.

Good luck with your QSL'ing and be patient!

73 http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

Gary

[K3STX]

I use LOTW and I thinks its great. I like cards too, but for 5BDXCC it gets expensive. I try for an actual QSL card for each new country, but I don't need it for all 5 bands!

On 80 meters I have 40 on LOTW and only about 20 paper cards. Still waiting for the others for the QSL cards via buro/mail (which I love), but there is no reason in my mind to get my five cards direct from V51AS when each costs an IRC and airmail stamp (and even then, I have had some never to make it to him, so had to repeat whole process).

It is a real money saver, and nobody stops you from getting cards too.

paul

[K9STH]

I get an envelope from the "bureau" every month or two. The envelope that I got last week had the following cards (date of QSO indicated).

ED1RCM 5 March 2005
EA8ZS 5 March 2006
S53M 18 February 2006
EA3BOX 5 March 2005
JH1AEP 30 October 2004
VQ5L 27 March 2005
RA0QD 29 September 2006
V31RV 25 March 2006
EA8ZS 26 October 2003
VC3AT 26 October 2003
VE3AT 30 March 2003

Those QSOs happened from 7 months to over 4 years ago.

The "average" time for receiving a card is over 1 year.

Glen, K9STH

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (K9STH @ May 05 2007,22:27)]Of course the fact that W1AW QSOs are not in the system just might indicate something!

Glen, K9STH
That's not true, Glen.

A quick check from my LoTW account shows that they do upload:

Quote[/b] ]Last upload for W1AW: 2007-04-24 16:29:12Z

In fact I did confirm W1AW/4 for the last IARU contest.

[KF0RT]

Quote[/b] ]You have 2,946 QSO records
You have 928 QSL records

31.5% QSL rate on LoTW as of now... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Like Gordon, I prefer paper, though. I really only send paper on stuff I'm looking for -- return rate on that is about 95%, but I always send return postage to make it easy on the other guy.

73, Rob

[n9vo]

Quote[/b] (K9STH @ May 05 2007,20:27)]Of course the fact that W1AW QSOs are not in the system just might indicate something!

Glen, K9STH
I have 4 hits on w1aw in lotw. I just don't think they do it to often.

[kj3n]

Quote[/b] ]Log Book of the World., Are you using it?

Nope.

[cu2jt]

Quote[/b] (wg7x @ May 06 2007,08:58)]1. I sent a QSL with cash, why has the other not responded?

2. Why has that deadbeat not returned my card? I sent a QSL and cash in good faith, and I expect, No! I demand a return post haste!


On the DX side:

1. Oh Joy! Another bushel of stateside cards has arrived! I'll get to them when I have time.

2. Months go by...

3. DX ham finally gets to your card, goes to the log... You're not in the log! (NIL)

4. DX ham puts your $ into the local beer fund and goes back to CQ'ing. Thanks for the brew, mate!

5. Or, he finds your QSO and fills out a card to go to the Buro or possibly uses your $ to fund postage like he was supposed to; but you have already trashed his reputation on the internet so he's in no hurry to send the QSL.

6. Or same scenario as above, but this guy is big hearted and did not find the internet bashing to be a big deal and he puts the card in the mail.

Either way, time has passed. Patience is a virtue, especially when QSL'ing.

LOTW looks pretty good about now, and the award is the same. The scene is almost the same for a domestic QSL, but normally cash is not required, only an SASE.

QSL'ing is an art form; and the old mantra of "A QSL is the final courtesy of a QSO" is no longer valid in many circles.

Good luck with your QSL'ing and be patient!

73 http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

Gary
... or:

The DX encourage the station to use LoTW or sign up with LoTW. - Cheaper and quicker.

The DX Side:

Postman arrives with a lot of US covers. Deal with it and check if any new counties.

Some green stamps - put them in the pile. Some IRC's (why can't the guy use a $ and save some money??)

Fill in cards and mail them at next time we pass the post office.

Chit, this guy is not in the log and nothing that resembles his call either at that approx time. Return the $$ with a "sorry pal" at my expense or at the expense of those sending more than one dollar.

Hey, this guy did not include any SAE or postage funds. OK, card goes to the bureau or, if I feel good, what the hekk, I can afford the return postage.

That's the procedure at CU2JT.

[K9STH]

I am glad to see that W1AW is now using LOTW. In the past when one checked to see if they were uploading it came out blank!

Glen, K9STH

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (K9STH @ May 06 2007,18:30)]I am glad to see that W1AW is now using LOTW. In the past when one checked to see if they were uploading it came out blank!

Glen, K9STH
How long ago was that? My earliest confirmation from them was in early 2006.

[KC7UP]

I use lotw however the return rate sucks..I have 25994 qso's into the system and only 2878 qsl's. Usually its the same people returning qsl's from contests. I have only gotten two new countries from lotw. On eqsl its a much brighter picture.
Curt

[WA3KYY]

Quote[/b] (KC7UP @ May 06 2007,22:48)]I use lotw however the return rate sucks..I have 25994 qso's into the system and only 2878 qsl's. Usually its the same people returning qsl's from contests. I have only gotten two new countries from lotw. On eqsl its a much brighter picture.
Curt
For me LoTW has better return than eQSL. I achieved DXCC mixed soley using LoTW and now have DXCC CW confirmed via LoTW. On eQSL I only have 75 entities confirmed. This with 15,000 QSOs uploaded and 3600 confirmed.

YMMV. 73,
Mike WA3KYY

[KI4ITV]

My return rate on DX stations has been better on eQSL, but LOTW is starting to catch up quickly.

[N2RJ]

I don't participate in eQSL for a few reasons:

- Software patents
- They often "hijack" your callsign (making it by default eqsl only)
- It discourages actual paper cards
- It's not valid for awards
- It isn't verified, and even "busted" callsigns can get you a confirmation.

I don't like LoTW because:

- It's a pain in the neck if you lose your software
- If I drop ARRL, I lose LoTW
- It discourages actual paper cards


But I would say that LoTW is the lesser of two evils. At least I can get credit towards DXCC and WAS.

[VE3LXL]

I don't use LOTW yet, but I do plan on signing up for it at some point. I just work contests and DX casually, so it isn't so important to me yet to get onto LOTW.

Regarding eQSL: I do use this service, and I like it, but the lack of security is real, and so I understand why a lot of amateurs don't trust it.

[NN3W]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ May 06 2007,09:36)]That's not true, Glen.

A quick check from my LoTW account shows that they do upload:

Quote[/b] ]Last upload for W1AW: 2007-04-24 16:29:12Z

In fact I did confirm W1AW/4 for the last IARU contest.
Perhaps, because that contact is not with the real W1AW, but with a contest group acting as the IARU in the IARU contest. Was it FCG or TCG?

[NN3W]

Lots of stuff to respond to.

I've got about 30,000 QSOs and 5,250 confirmations - for a hit rate of about 17.50%. #The number includes about 2,000 QSOs from my old call sign - KI6ZH - with the activity period stretching from about 1988 to 1992. #If I exlcuded those contacts, I'm closer to 19%.

Quote[/b] (CU2JT @ May 06 2007,15:21)]
Some green stamps - put them in the pile. Some IRC's (why can't the guy use a $ and save some money??)


Gary, its because the US$ doesnt cut it postagewise to many countries anymore. #The default has become $2.00. #You can obtain IRCs for as little as $1.25 (closer to $1.50 these days owing to demand for them). #So, the IRC technically wins.


My return rate on DX stations has been better on eQSL, but LOTW is starting to catch up quickly.[QUOTE=Quote ]

Agreed. #eQSL used to be much bigger, but many DX stations have signed up recently. #Heck, I got HV0A confirmed via LoTW last week. #That was a big addition...

[quote=AB2MH,May 07 2007,08:57]
If I drop ARRL, I lose LoTW

That is NOT true. #There is NO requirement to be a League member to load QSOs up to LoTW or to receive matched QSOs via LoTW. #Not true at all.

And has been explained previously, some awards are accepting LoTW screen prints as long as the necessary info is clearly discernible (e.g., name of DXCC entity, ability state that the entire DXCC entity is within one CQ zone, etc.).

I'll also point out that i am starting to use GlobalQSL (www.globalqsl.com) for sending bureau cards. 95% of my bureau cards are "TNX QSL" cards, and I find their system cost-effective over ARRL's bureau. So, while I do use LoTW, I remain a paper card user and take advantage of similar technologies (i.e., Cabrillo files, ADIF files) for simplifying tasks and reducing costs.

[kc7gnm]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ May 07 2007,11:57)]I don't participate in eQSL for a few reasons:

- Software patents
- They often "hijack" your callsign (making it by default eqsl only)
- It discourages actual paper cards
- It's not valid for awards
- It isn't verified, and even "busted" callsigns can get you a confirmation.

I don't like LoTW because:

- It's a pain in the neck if you lose your software
- If I drop ARRL, I lose LoTW
- It discourages actual paper cards


But I would say that LoTW is the lesser of two evils. #At least I can get credit towards DXCC and WAS.
Explain how they hijack your call sign? If you are referring to the qsl method then you are incorrect. They run that server so why not make that default. You can change it to qsl route you like. ARRL does the same thing.

Also with EQsl you can print out your cards. LOTW you cannot. Besides I hope you are a rich man and love paying the post office all that money because I am sure getting sick of them raising the rates a couple times every year.

[KR6ER]

Well, I never thought I'd get so many HAMS to reply to #my postings about LoTW from the ARRL. LOL #

# The return rate for LoTW seems to be between 10-20%, but I feel that this will increase in the near future. #Perhaps the ARRL could have people at all the local conventions as well as Dayton to sign people up on the spot. #

# #They could produce a copy of their FCC license and drivers license or passport to prove who they are and they could get their Certifications on the spot. #The ARRL could have demo's of how to upload logs and use their system once they are certified!

# This would make things much easier and boost their reputation with the general HAM public. #The idea would be to get as many HAMS involved with LoTW as possible. #

Jon
Kr6ER

[wv6z]

Hmmm, sounds like I need to jump into the 21st century and check out LoTW, huh? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif Maybe I can save a ton on postage and having my expensive cards printed up.

[KI4ITV]

Quote[/b] (NN3W @ May 07 2007,05:28)]Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ May 06 2007,09:36)]That's not true, Glen.

A quick check from my LoTW account shows that they do upload:

Quote[/b] ]Last upload for W1AW: 2007-04-24 16:29:12Z

In fact I did confirm W1AW/4 for the last IARU contest.
Perhaps, because that contact is not with the real W1AW, but with a contest group acting as the IARU in the IARU contest. Was it FCG or TCG?
I had a LOTW confirmation of W1AW in the NEQP the following day. (26 hrs. later) I was surprised.

Station
Call Sign W1AW
DXCC UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
CQ Zone 5
ITU Zone 8
Grid FN31
State CT
County HARTFORD
Worked Station
Worked KI4ITV
DXCC UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (291)
CQ Zone 5
ITU Zone 2
Grid FM17fp
State VA
County HENRICO
Date/Time 2007-05-06 13:59:54
Mode SSB (PHONE)
Band 40M
Frequency 7.275
QSL 2007-05-07 15:43:20

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (kc7gnm @ May 07 2007,13:57)]Explain how they hijack your call sign? If you are referring to the qsl method then you are incorrect. They run that server so why not make that default. You can change it to qsl route you like. ARRL does the same thing.
Sure, it's their server, but it's not fair that they make it "eqsl only" once you sign up for eQSL. That is never implied anywhere when you sign up. It is one of the reasons I shut off my eQSL account.

Quote[/b] ]
Also with EQsl you can print out your cards. LOTW you cannot. Besides I hope you are a rich man and love paying the post office all that money because I am sure getting sick of them raising the rates a couple times every year.

I thought the whole point of eQSL was to get rid of paper cards?

At any rate, no I don't pay the post office "all that money." I get a lot of cards via the bureau (I'm a sorter). Cards that I really want, I send direct. I am getting LoTW back in gear because it is the only way to get electronic confirmation without cheating.

[KB1KIX]

It's amazing how many use EQSL when it's pretty much useless when chasing paper awards.

Jonathan

[KR6ER]

OK for the record, when I started this post I did not nor do I feel that LoTW should take the place completly of QSL cards. #I still send out cards and like getting them in the mail. #But LoTW can help fill in the gaps.


Jon
Kr6ER

[kj3n]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ May 11 2007,14:41)]I am getting LoTW back in gear because it is the only way to get electronic confirmation without cheating.
I see this implication all the time. Explain to me how one cheats on eQSL?

I have to manually confirm each and every eQSL I get. If it's not in the log, I don't confirm it. Pretty much negates the cheating bit.

[k8jd]

I am an occasional user of e-qsl, I check into it now and then and check my logbook to see if the incoming qsls are accurate and then send a return.
Since I have no computer log and 45 years on paper logs It makes no sense to bother with LoTw

[N8UZE]

Each method of qsling has its strong points and weak points.

LOTW - It is intended solely and only for getting credit for awards, initially DXCC and WAS. It is NOT and never was intended to trade cards only confirmations. The nice thing is you can combine cards and LOTW confirmations to use for the awards. When I did my CW DXCC, I only had to have 20 cards checked since I had 80 LOTW confirmations.

eQSL - It is intended to be a method of exchanging electronic cards that can be printed out if desired. I've printed out a few of the exceptional ones for display. They are not accepted for ARRL's awards although some other organizations do accept them.

Cards - Nice way to confirm a contact and have a memento of that contact. They are except for all awards EXCEPT those sponsored by eQSL.

Personally I use all three methods. I upload my adif to LOTW and eQSL regularly. I send cards to those that I particularly want a card from (DXpeditions and special events). I also send cards to those that I are special in some way to me and ones that I don't get confirmed via LOTW but need for an award.

My return rates are:
eQSL - 12.2%
LOTW - 21.6%

The return rate for cards is much higher. The last I checked it was about 75%.

Keep in mind that nearly everyone can send and receive ordinary mail so this method can be expected to have the highest rate of return. Not every is set up for computer logging. Even if someone does use computer logs, they may not be signed up for eQSL or LOTW.

Although I would like to see a better rate of return on my LOTW and eQSL uploads, it's not really an issue. Uploading the files is an insignificant amount of effort so I will continue to do so.

I'm also trying out Global QSL. It is intended to send actual physical cards via the bureau system to your contacts. It's quite different from LOTW or eQSL. You design a card and upload it, send them your adif files, and then they print the cards and send them to the appropriate bureaus. It's like a combination QSL card printer and QSL manager so to speak.

[KR6ER]

Well thanks guys for all your postings.


Jon
Kr6ER