Logging on-the-go often presents a problem. Portable radio specialist SOTABEAMS has come up with a neat solution in the form of a log pad. The product has been developed based on customer feedback and is now shipping. SOTABEAMS ship worldwide from their UK factory. www.sotabeams.com
Stateside, ARRL offers the 50-page 3"x5" spiral-bound All Weather Amateur Radio Minilog: http://www.arrl.org/shop/All-Weather-Amateur-Radio-Minilog/
KS2G, that is exactly what I was thinking, as I have been using these for years... although at the price, these Sotabeams pads seem to be quite a bargain, although not float-able. (If that's important) AB3JF, I will make three contacts, and have them all logged with pencil while you are poking around on your toy email appliance, trying to log something you worked on the radio. Yes, I do own an iPad, and no, it is not a valuable tool for logging. EDIT: "...not a valuable tool for logging." Before the high-tech haters start complaining, yes I am an old timer. Yes, I do use pencil. This is only my opinion, Your opinion may be wrong, but you are entitled to it. Other disclaimers include, but are not limited to: Your mileage may vary. Operators are standing by. Batteries not included. Void where prohibited. To avoid COD charges, don't tell the postman where you live... and get off my lawn.
Fine for in the shack. But for SOTA operating -- when you're toting all your equipment to a summit, every ounce counts ... and a paper log is a lot lighter than a iPad or other electronic tablet.
This may seem true at first, but when you factor in all the uses this has that can eliminate other items in my pack: GPS, Compass, Trail maps, flashlight, phone/data communication (since I'm usually carrying my phone with me on the trail as well) that would save me the weight of the pad of paper, and other equipment. I'm not against paper logging, sometimes it's the best way, but I like using the tool with the most efficient use of my time. Now we just need to start embracing inter-technological uses better (Yes, pen and paper are technology too). The logging options for mobile devices are not simple enough. We need a better push for great polished Ham apps. I just downloaded HamLog to see if it will work for my next NPOTA activation, but after playing with it briefly, I have a feeling it'll get tossed once a pileup gets going.
