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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
KD1JT Rating: 2022-11-17
What the problem? Time Owned: more than 12 months.
LoTW is NOT a substitute for your personal log. It’s a QSL matching service. Getting hooked up was just a matter of reading the instructions with comprehension and doing what is required (at least for USA users). I deducted a point because the user interface is rather kludgy.

I should mention that I haven’t applied for any ARRL award (or any other) since the 90’s, but since coming back to radio a few years ago I upload to LoTW for the benefit of others. It is really the only honest QSL matching service. Once uploaded the user has read-only access to their logs. No edits, no deletions, no manual entry. It’s the only service I’ll use … period. The abuses I see and read about in the other services leaves me shaking my head.
K0ITC Rating: 2022-11-17
Not difficult at all. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
No problems using it - quite easy to learn. Paying for the awards is not a problem for the service provided. The install was simple when following directions on both Windows and Mac.
KE7MU Rating: 2022-11-16
The worst experience with a logging program Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I agree that it is convoluted, but also confusing difficult to use, can't put in older cards, expensive and who cares anyway. I have 100+ confirmed on QRZ, and don't put up certificates in my shack. Not enough room for 40 years of cards. I like looking at my guitars in stead.
ZL1RD Rating: 2022-11-16
The ONLY SAFE electronic QSL app Time Owned: more than 12 months.
While hard to get going at first LOTW is the ONLY valid electronic log to use. The reason it appears convoluted is to keep the entries truthful, and the awards meaningful. Any of the others such as eQSL or QRZ are so easy to phoney, that anyone can obtain DXCC, or WAS in a day without making a single contact... and so many have cheated and done just that. LOTW works the way it does to try and keep em honest. It appears this is not an easy thing to do with US hams. You obtain DXCC through honest operating skill with a radio and antenna.... not by manipulating eQSL.
NR9V Rating: 2022-11-16
Convoluted out-of-date system Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
LOTW's convoluted install and multi-step verification processes seem pretty excessive, and the idea of paying for awards seems like a contradiction in terms. I'll sooner issue myself a certificate once my own logs show I've worked the necessary stations. Or use QRZ which while not perfect is free for basic record-keeping and awards. Get with the times ARRL, things are done on the web now not with Windows apps.
N5LB Rating: 2022-07-18
I've used LoTW from the beginning... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've using LOTW from the beginning and it has become a bit more friendly though I have to say on first use I was baffled and confused. I'm not big on awards but all log entries are uploaded in case the other guy is chasing wallpaper.

I don't have multiple QTH's, callsigns, or a need for any other more complex functionality. So maybe I'm an outlier.

Now the ARRL says that they will no longer accept mixed paper cards and LOTW for DXCC. This change is one that I do not believe will be helpful to the wallpaper folks and in my opinion will sow confusion.

I like sending and receiving QSL's and LOTW does not change my intent to send out cards, and hopefully get a few back. My personal log is the master not LOTW.
W3ICM Rating: 2021-01-18
Excellent Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I am somewhat software challenged, but I didn't have any problems with LoTW. It's excellent for confirming QSOs and for keeping records.

I have many paper QSLs that I will have checked by an ARRL card checker in my area. I have them logged on to "Online DXCC". On approval by the checker, the ARRL will upload my paper-confirmed QSOs to LoTW to add to my DXCC records.

LoTW is excellent.

73

Fred W3ICM
WU7X Rating: 2021-01-17
Initially complicated but then a dream to use Time Owned: more than 12 months.
New 1/2021 review: At 72 y.o. I consider myself having an analog brain in a digital world. But with a little effort and support even i could get the program to work. Yes, LOTW is a bit of a handful to initially get it set up. But wonder of wonders, it works beautifully! I just recently updated all three of my callsign certificates. All it took was a couple of keystrokes and the job was done! Since installing on a Windows (Ugh!) platform back in 2018 LOTW has almost effortlessly allowed me to update my DXCC mixed standings, apply for, and receive DXCC Phone, CW, and Digital, plus 20, 17, and 15 M DXCC. Oh, certifying WAS is also a charm. I now have mixed and digital WAS for 15 through 160 M on the wall.

I would love to see the program updated and simplified. There are so many other awards that could be implemented, ex. WAC, JARL wards, etc. But doing so takes time, staff, and lots of $$. I would gladly chip in if the ARRL did a GO Fund Me type of project to get it updated.

--------------------2018 Review-------------------


I have dithered for years on installing LOTW. After having some initial issues with the instalation, I made two call to ARRL. Now all is well; the support I received from Newington was excellent! Now its time to link it with Rumlog and my Club Log account and start having some fun.
DL9BDM Rating: 2021-01-17
The opposite of usability - a nightmare Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
First of all: I have been a ARRL member for over 25 years and also a member of the DXCC since 2000. However, in my opinion the LoTW is a great disaster in terms of ease of access and ease of use. I have to work through over 40 pages of instructions on the LoTW website in order to get an overview only of how to get the "callsign certificate" first. But then I still don't have my own entry in the LoTW. But I neither have the time nor the inclination to torment myself through various instructions, websites and PDF manuals and then install any applications on my home computer so that it might work at some point. The whole cumbersome procedure is out of the question and exactly the opposite of user-friendliness. It’s a horrible nightmare!

If the LoTW were really user-friendly, you could open an account online with three to a maximum of five mouse-clicks, such as opening a PayPal account! In addition, after more than 40 years of license, I am only an occasional HAM and I still keep a logbook made of paper and only handwritten. But nowhere I can upload the occasional QSO's online to the LoTW via my web browser. Or did I miss something?

I think the vast majority of radio amateurs are like me. As long as the user-friendliness does not fundamentally change, the LoTW will only remain a playground for freaks and will not find global acceptance.
W9OD Rating: 2020-12-02
Great service and wonderful assistance if needed Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I continue to find LoTW a very good service to the amateur radio community. There may some minor bumps in the road while updating it. Those are fortunately far between. Keep the faith.

I have been using LoTW for a long time now. Yes some work is needed to get it working correctly. I had some difficulty, but Norm W3IZ did help me, that was re-connecting after my TQSL had expired. I use it with MLDX and all QSOs are logged to LoTW when logged into my logging program. The logging program checks for confirmations. This is a great service the ARRL offers.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by W9OD on 2017-10-26

I was on vacation when my LoTW certificate expired. I had to renew it and was having issues with my knowledge of my MacBook Pro. I contacted ARRL and communicated with W3IZ, Norm. He did a wonderful job in directing me to how and where to go to update my certificate. You really cannot go wrong with LoTW, I wish every ham was using it. Logging is fantastic with it. Thank you W3IZ!!