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Reviews For: ARRL - Logbook of the World - LoTW

Category: Ham Logging Software

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Review Summary For : ARRL - Logbook of the World - LoTW
Reviews: 521MSRP: 00.00
Description:
LoTW ... is a repository of log records submitted by users from around the world. When both participants in a QSO submit matching QSO records to LoTW, the result is a QSL that can be used for ARRL award credit.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.arrl.org/lotw/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
73.45213.3
K1DWZ Rating: 2025-01-04
Look for a better program Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I made an error while trying to obtain a cert. I started getting "error" messages amd could not continue the process. I contacted ARRL and their LoTW "expert" instructed me to do certain tasks. I did them and ended up no better off. This program is not for someone that is not "up" on computers. If you make an error---- good luck. Your better off with some other program.
F4GFT Rating: 2024-12-21
Mature now Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I update my ten year old review because it bothers me to see how many people misunderstand LOTW. It is NOT a logging program, and it certainly is not an alternative to eQSL. LOTW is an achievement validation program, and in order to fulfill that role, it has to be safe and must inhibit cheating. There is a price to pay for this trustworthiness in terms of computer literacy, which seems to go over the head of some of us. Doesn't everybody have a friend able to understand what certificates are for?
LOTW is the only electronic QSL service to maintain this high level of security. The DXCC award program would be worthless if it relied on eQSL. Now you may not care about that, and if you don't, just stay away from LOTW, or better, do it as a courtesy for hams who might need your confirmation, but don't badmouth it.





---------------------------------
LOTW has come a long way, and I understand those who gave earlier versions a poor review. With TQSL 2, and the upgraded server at ARRL HQ, however, LOTW has become a mature and robust platform.
The procedure is straightforward. I installed the software on my Windows 7 machine, created and uploaded a certificate, sent in copies of my licence and ID, and received the tq6-certificate and a password by mail only a week or so later.
My biggest obstacle was the conversion of my Excel-based logbook to ADIF. I had to write a small C program to do the job, although it is in principle possible from within Excel as well. Most people will not have to face this problem, since almost everyone uses a decent logging program with LOTW integration or at least ADIF export.
Then came the big moment: I imported, signed and uploaded the log from within TQSL (about 4000 records), and almost immediately received confirmation for about 25% of my QSOs. I was able to check my DXCC standings, 56 on CW and 67 on SSB, 76 in mixed mode. The log upload also showed me a few errors in my log, where band and frequency did not match. Fine job!
But there's more: Since LOTW uses a blind check and signatures, its results are credible and trusted, and I was able to import them directly to DCL (that would be the DARC contest log). I am certain that if LOTW was less restrictive, and thus less trustworthy, this would not have been possible. So as an added benefit, I not only know that it will take me a while before I earn DXCC, but also that I already earned WAE (worked all europe) in SSB and CW.
I heartily recommend LOTW. Ignore earlier reviews; LOTW as it is in 2014 is a must for every DXer.
KA0WWT Rating: 2024-12-20
Works Just Fine Time Owned: more than 12 months.
LoTW is not that tight on time entries. Not in the least.
LoTW is an excellent program and I use it practically daily.
Many that speak ill of it probably don't use it or do not have it configured correctly.

It is not without its faults. But using LoTW verses sending a QSL card and sometimes waiting years for a reply (Box 88), LoTW is an awesome alternative.
W6KGP Rating: 2024-12-19
Excellent Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using LOTW since nearly day 1. Works extremely well as long as you maintain updates to your TQSL file
KG5THA Rating: 2024-12-18
Needs Help Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I’ve been an ARRL member for some time, and totally support the benefit that organization provides to the Ham Radio community. But the LOTW application leaves a lot to be desired. I primarily use QRZ for my logging as it integrates well with LOG4OM. I have multiple QSL confirmed in QRZ but LOTW while showing the contact, refuses to show the confirmation. I’m guessing it’s because the times are not exact to the second. I mean come-on-man, to the second. They should allow for some error.
K5MO Rating: 2024-12-04
Works fine, eas7 to use Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Works fine for me. Pretty simple to set up and problem free ever since (more than 10 years).

Simple UI, stable (except for ransomware) and reliable. Thanks ARRL.
N8MUS Rating: 2024-09-22
Setup for new or multiple computers is junk. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Got a new Computer. What a pain to get working. I am now requesting my 2nd certificate because the one they sent I get the error that I did not request it on the computer I am using. AND I have another computer I also use for logging which broke tQSL by ordering the new certificate. Seems like you could come up with something that was easier to set up on new or multiple computers. I know it CAN be done because I had it working on 2 units before. Now several years later I forget how to set it up and made the mistake of ordering a new certificate. I could care less about ANY Arrl award, but I know others do. I use LOTW for them not for myself.
N8PEP Rating: 2024-05-20
Useful tool Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
If you ignore installation, usability, and occasional server-related issues, LoTW does a good job as a contact confirmation and storage tool. It can also determine award eligibility if the operator can figure out how to request it. I lost over $125 by applying for awards that I never received, although my credit card was charged for them. LoTW places an emphasis on the integrity and security of the data used for awards. Yet, if an operator wants to be dishonest, there are obvious ways to do so. As of May 20, 2024, LoTW has been down for four days due to a supposed cyber attack. Uploads are not available during this period of service disruption. Although there are several ways LoTW could be improved, I am giving it four stars because it is still "best in class," as far as I can tell. I hope operators worldwide don't migrate to other programs while LoTW is down. That could be catastrophic.
K3YMI Rating: 2024-04-13
Initial setup can be challenging but ARRL does a great job Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Initial setup can be challenging but ARRL continues to make improvements and it is much easier now than originally. Also, ARRL staff are very helpful and responsive. I very much appreciate those who confirm contacts in lotw. It works very well for me.

To fully use all the options that lotw offers does take some computer experience -- e.g. downloading all contacts to your computer. However, most logging software now offers these options easily.

I've recently begun participating in POTA-- parks on the air--really great fun and friendly folks. But to enter parks one activates into lotw, one must create a new station for each park. So as one becomes more active across lots of parks, e.g. if traveling, that is a lot of stations to set up in lotw. Not difficult, but tedious. Putting the correct POTA location, rather than your default (home) station gives your POTA "hunters" confirmation for geographic/states they are seeking.

It would be nice to have a drop down menu in TQSL where one could just select a park and have it become one of your stations locations.

But all-in-all, very pleased and a great service that ARRL offers.
WM4RB Rating: 2024-04-11
No Problems At All Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I had no problems setting up Logbook of the World. Followed instructions and worked ever since. Love It!

Mike, WM4RB