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Author Topic: Contest logging  (Read 333 times)

KC4YDY

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Contest logging
« on: September 27, 2021, 10:10:14 AM »

OK, another contesting newbie question...  This contesting "back office" stuff is kinda getting to be a PITA...

I've always just logged by hand, scratching my contacts on paper and then transferring them to Excel for long-term storage.  I have used a few logging programs in the past but haven't picked a favorite yet.  I am leaning heavily towards the N3FJP software suite, I tried it out many years ago and have been impressed by the work he and his son have done on the package.  If someone can give me a reason to look at another logging program, chime in!

Now, for my contesting question...  How many logs do I need to keep?  Some contests want paper QSL card verification (but will accept LOTW or eQsl), some want you to use their logbook (QRZ, eQSL), some want Cabrillo, some want ADIF...  How do you keep up with all of the expected logging formats?  Is it as simple as keep your own log and then upload it to every other online logbook?  I have an eQSL account, do I need to get a LOTW account?  QRZ?  CQ? 

Thanks and 73!
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KV1P

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2021, 10:33:55 AM »

Stick with the N3FJP for your daily logging and for whatever contest you will be operting. I have his logging software for the last 17 years and still very happy with this product!!!
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K6SDW

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2021, 11:04:30 AM »

I second KV1P recommendation. I bought years ago Scott's entire suite of logging software which covers all popular contests as well as general logging. Any time I've emailed Scott for help, he returns my email in a few hours or less with excellent information.

Paper logs were all the "rage" for many many years, but now Viva la electronic logging! I'll never go back to paper.
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W0CKI

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2021, 11:26:01 AM »

N3FJP is a great product and the customer service is the best. I have his entire suite of programs. When I complete the contest log I simply merge it with my daily log. Easy deal.
Gary W0CKI
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AE0Q

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2021, 11:46:14 AM »

If your contesting is on SSB and not CW, stick with N3FJP for daily logging and also his contest-specific programs.  The contest modules export the files you will need to submit for contest organizers, make an ADIF file to import to ACLog or any other daily logging program or web site.

The N3FJP ACLog is a GREAT everyday logging program.  Import any contest files into it for your master log.

If you will be doing ANY serious CW contesting, you will want N1MM Logger Plus (it is FREE !!).  It has separate modes for S&P (Search and Pounce) and CQing and is optimized for the fewest keystrokes needed.  The N3FJP contest programs are OK (and are included with the ACLog registration) but it takes an extra key entry to reply to someone CQing and just isn't as smooth as using N1MM-Plus.  On CW the extra time makes a difference.
For CW contesting they both interface to the K1EL WKUSB for flawless CW sending.

The N3FJP and N1MM contest programs will export ADIF and/or Cabrillo as requested by the various contest organizers. 
If you care about  _real_  WAS, DXCC or VUCC awards, you will want to initiate getting a LoTW account set up, it is easy to use once that is done.

Glenn AE0Q
« Last Edit: September 27, 2021, 11:49:55 AM by AE0Q »
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W1VT

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2021, 12:07:35 PM »

I use free programs.

I keep a contest log with N1MM and upload it to AA6YQ's DX Keeper.
DX Keeper acts as my "log depository."  I'll also upload FT8 logs to DX Keeper.

Zak W1VT
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ZL1BBW

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #6 on: September 27, 2021, 12:22:14 PM »

I use free programs.

I keep a contest log with N1MM and upload it to AA6YQ's DX Keeper.
DX Keeper acts as my "log depository."  I'll also upload FT8 logs to DX Keeper.

Zak W1VT

I second this totally,  at the end of every day or whenever I decide to do an upload to LOTW I download to USB stick my log, save every file with the date, then if it all goes bad I can go back and upload the right day.

Get yourself registered onto LOTW amkes the QSL bit easy and also makes a safe place to keep your log off site.


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W3WN

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #7 on: September 27, 2021, 12:46:21 PM »

OK, another contesting newbie question...  This contesting "back office" stuff is kinda getting to be a PITA...

I've always just logged by hand, scratching my contacts on paper and then transferring them to Excel for long-term storage.  I have used a few logging programs in the past but haven't picked a favorite yet.  I am leaning heavily towards the N3FJP software suite, I tried it out many years ago and have been impressed by the work he and his son have done on the package.  If someone can give me a reason to look at another logging program, chime in!

Now, for my contesting question...  How many logs do I need to keep?  Some contests want paper QSL card verification (but will accept LOTW or eQsl), some want you to use their logbook (QRZ, eQSL), some want Cabrillo, some want ADIF...  How do you keep up with all of the expected logging formats?  Is it as simple as keep your own log and then upload it to every other online logbook?  I have an eQSL account, do I need to get a LOTW account?  QRZ?  CQ? 

Thanks and 73!
N3FJP is a very good application for what you want to do... and in addition to contest logging, it's also good for general purpose logging.

N1MM+ is another good package.  And it's free.

Both applications, as well as others, will manage the appropriate formats for you, so you don't have to worry about the specifics.

Personally, I use N1MM.  I generate my Cabrillo and ADIF files from it.  I then use those files to upload to Logbook of the World and ClubLog, and then to update my personal master log (which I keep in dBase, but that's another story)
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K0UA

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #8 on: September 27, 2021, 01:29:11 PM »

I use N1MM because it is free. I will warn you it is not simple, but once set up is is easy to use and powerful. The log goes into DX Keeper for backup storage locally. and all contest logs get uploaded into LOTW for matching for the actual awards for everyone, and of course the N1MM Cabrillo files get uploaded to the contest sponsor.

 Sounds complicated, but it is not. Most of it is automatic. I have heard good things about the simplicity and ease of use of the N3FJP software, but I don't use it because I am cheap, and I got started with N1MM. N1MM is likely more powerful and free, but it is complicated to get rolling.
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73  James K0UA

OK4FX

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #9 on: September 27, 2021, 01:35:49 PM »

... I'll also upload FT8 logs to DX Keeper.

Zak W1VT

I sometimes entertain the idea of trying the DXLab Suite again, to see if there's anything I don't know I'm missing...

DXKeeper can't log QSO in real time from an FT8 program (be it WSJT-X, JTDX, or whatever)?

Sorry for off topic.
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Mira OK4FX

K3TN

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #10 on: September 28, 2021, 04:35:26 AM »

I use DXLabs and have WSJT-X send FT8 QSOs to DXkeeper via JT Alert, and it logs them just fine. Look here.
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John K3TN

N2SR

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #11 on: September 28, 2021, 05:55:38 AM »

I use DXLabs and have WSJT-X send FT8 QSOs to DXkeeper via JT Alert, and it logs them just fine. Look here.

It's DXLab, not labs. 
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W1VT

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #12 on: September 28, 2021, 06:09:51 AM »

I run WSJT-X, JTDX, and DX Keeper simultaneously.  I have it set up to send QSOs semi-automatically to DX Keeper as well as LoTW and eQSL.

Zak W1VT
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K0UA

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #13 on: September 28, 2021, 06:43:56 AM »

Yes, running WSJT-x and JTalert of course. each logged call is sent via JT-alert to DX Keeper and also instructs DX Keeper to upload to LOTW.  All is automatic after the keypress to log the contact.
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73  James K0UA

OK4FX

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Re: Contest logging
« Reply #14 on: September 29, 2021, 03:12:43 PM »

I run WSJT-X, JTDX, and DX Keeper simultaneously.  I have it set up to send QSOs semi-automatically to DX Keeper as well as LoTW and eQSL.

Zak W1VT

Thank you Zak for answering my question.
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Mira OK4FX
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