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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: 511MSRP: 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
153.75113.3
K0KZO Rating: 2015-02-10
Still Not Good Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I'm just starting to get active in radio again now that my kids are in college and I have time. I'm in the process of getting LOTW set up on a Win 8 machine and am discovering it is the same pile as it was a few years ago.

W3OU Rating: 2015-01-26
Really Improved Time Owned: more than 12 months.
When I started with LoTW, would do an annual load for the first few years. Really easy with logs now. Since there is an electronic contest log to submit, not much more effort to load into LoTW. Uploaded contest logs this season the Monday morning after contests. There were 100s of QSLed contacts coming right up. Also the speed is up there. Rather than the old wait, I noticed this year that when I switch from Trusted QSL to LoTW, the QSOs are waiting there.
KS4TL Rating: 2015-01-08
It's Getting Better Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Thought it was time to revisit my initial (and very harsh) assessment after two years of using LoTW.

ARRL seems to have fixed the problems with system performance that once plagued LoTW. I haven't had any issues at all with upload processing over the last year, even right after contests. My logging software now integrates LoTW almost seamlessly. And LoTW certainly is a boom for those chasing WAS and DXCC.

Just two issues need resolving before I'd give LoTW a 5:

- ARRL and RSGB need to sort out their differences so that LoTW can be used for IOTA awards;

- obtaining the initial certificate and getting your LoTW account validated still seems to be a needlessly arcane process.

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Earlier 1-star review posted by KS4TL on 2012-10-12

I put up with the convoluted registration process and submitted a test log of one QSO. It was accepted and "queued for processing".

Three hours later, it still doesn't show. What kind of "automated" system needs more than three hours to process a one record database entry?

Pathetic.
W8JAS Rating: 2015-01-01
Excellent and Easy - Thanks ARRL! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My installation of LoTW was just incredibly easy. Too about 5 minutes. When I see people having problems, it is probably one of several things. They cannot follow instructions, the are very unfamiliar with their computer and installing software, or they are just too lazy or incapable of figuring out the obvious. If you cannot figure out how to install something as easy as LoTW, how did these people get a license? But that being said, I have my Ham Radio Deluxe installation linked to the LoTW software (again easy) so that every QSO is easily uploaded to the ARRL LoTW application with a few quick mouse clicks. It is quick and easy and does not cost anything in postage. I am getting about 45% confirmation rate now with over 3,000 QSLs. Just think of the postage I have saved by not having to mail QSL cards! LoTW is great, easy and everyone should be using it if they want to earn operating awards.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by W8JAS on 2008-07-04

There's a few toy electronic "QSL" Services out there that came out before LOTW, but they are generally false starts and don't offer REAL awards. Plus they are always pumping you for donations every time you log in. LOTW does not push for donations. Yes, it charges a fee when you want an award. Very reasonable and a heck of a lot lower than postage costs for QSLs. The other toy wannbe services also charge for their pretend awards (sometimes you have to print out your own awards instead of the professionally printed awards sent by the ARRL). The only respected awards like WAS, and DXCC, come from the ARRL not the fake QSL websites. Not to mention, LOTW is more secure and a far better implementation then the toy QSL services that came out first, but were not well thought out in their design.

Some folks have said LOTW is hard to set-up. Frankly I think it is very easy even for this old man and the instructions are very easy to follow.

It's a great, and well thought out electronic QSL service offering real awards. More active hams should using it and should quit messing around with "Bob and Joe's" electronic toy QSL service.

Like Coca-Cola, LOTW is the REAL thing!


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Earlier 5-star review posted by W8JAS on 2006-07-29

I have been using LOTW for about a year. One friend told me that he had trouble getting LOTW running. Well I am an old ham but I found it easy to get up and running and so easy to use. It is a joy to use and I have over 600 QSLs in LOTW. I am only 5 states away from my LOTW WAS award and need over 7 more QSLs for DXCC on LOTW. This is by far less expensive than the way I got my first DXCC 20 years ago with paper QSL cards.

I don't care how old you are, but LOTW can be set-up easily by anyone. Even us old guys.
K1QF Rating: 2014-12-29
Very pleased to be on LoTW Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Like many I had difficulty setting this up, but I use QRZ.com as a log book, and their instructions made it relatively simple. With just a couple of clicks, I upload contacts frequently. LoTW also makes keeping track of DXCC awards very easy.
K7LY Rating: 2014-12-28
Works Great Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've been using LOTW since the beginning. Sure makes QSL confirming a piece of cake. Never, ever a problem. Tnx ARRL.
N7VFW Rating: 2014-12-28
Stay away! Ham radio is a hobby not a job. Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Arrl makes this software feel like your making a trip to the moon. It's just that damn frustrating! When it works it takes multiple uploads of my log book before i get confirmation. Setting up a account makes you feel like you need a degree in rocket science. I wrote the Arrl multiple times about this trash program. Tech support is only done through email, and when you do have problem the support is quick to blaim your equipment when it is indeed theres. I'm tired of helping Arrl with software thats not fit to even be in betta. Hire programers that will listen to hams, and make this program what should have been years ago until arrl fixes it and listens to their fellow hams stay away.
N0PQK Rating: 2014-12-14
Very poor implementation Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After going through this process I almost forgot that ham radio is my hobby not an extension of my day job. Setting this up and making it work was as enjoyable as trouble shooting computer issues at work, but at least at work I get paid.

Needless to say I WILL NOT be using it, nor will I be recommending it to others, in fact I think I will stay with the QRZ logbook.
K2TW Rating: 2014-12-08
So far it's working great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After getting back on HF after several years I decided to QSL via LoTW only. I'm happy to report that so far everything is working just like it should. Two uploads so far have been successful (ADIF created from N1MM Logger, verified by tQSL).
WA9ASZ Rating: 2014-12-06
Revised Opinion Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
OK, Admittedly I was frustrated when I posted the opinion below and gave a 2 rating. I want to thank all of the readers who responded to my frustrations with helpful suggestions. I have been extremely fortunate to have an individual (who had the same problem) help me with his Excel to .aidf conversion program. We are not completely finished, but I uploaded a file of 3800 QSOs and received almost a 50% immediate confirmation. That includes several DX contacts I have been waiting forever for a printed card. I can see where this will be very helpful for me for 10 band WAS where I had no intention of going after all the printed cards.