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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
AE5GG Rating: 2018-04-22
LoTW In need of a desperate overhaul Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have worked in software and hardware technical sales for my entire career 35+ years. I have seen really great programs and those that you simply have to put up with.

LoTW claims that their ridiculously over complicated process is "simple" and that they need several steps in order to ensure the integrity of the log entries. They start by having you send in your information. But wait! You can't use it until they use the 1930's method of mailing you a postcard to validate that you're telling the truth about who you are and your address (ever hear of the FRN number LoTW?). But wait! You still can't use the system until you validate a software certificate and then download it. But wait! You still can't load it unless you use TQSL on the machine that you originally made your request for the certificate! But wait! Once you load TQSL then use some elongated manner of loading the certificate then you can start using it...oh wait! First you have to bundle your contacts then sign the file using the "eyes only super secret" encryption that validates that you are genetically who you say you are (okay, that part might be a bit exaggerated), but only then can you upload your contacts.

It's a complete pain in the backside to start up, use, and Godforbid you change your hard drive or upgrade your computer because your certificate will "expire" and you have to request a new one. All this just so that they can claim integrity on their call book. Seriously folks, this program and the process is grossly overly complicated and logging contacts shouldn't take an "act of Congress" (I think our U.S. Congress, as messed up as it is, is easier to deal with than LoTW).

I use this program only because so many hams request it when I DX. It's the single largest thorn and the ONLY thing I do not like about the ARRLs programs. They get this feedback and do NOTHING to improve or streamline the process. Ridiculous!

AE5GG - Life Member of the ARRL
W3UEC Rating: 2018-04-22
Needs an extension Time Owned: more than 12 months.
When I returned to ham radio after >60 years of QRT, LOTW was one of the pleasant surprises. For old folks like me, the chance to get confirmations very quickly is a real blessing. Were it not for LOTW, I would never have made DXCC or WAS. The process has been only moderately confusing. The folks at ARRL are helpful and patient.
BUT LOTW really needs a modern hi-tech extension to help with entities where you have a QSL card, but which don't confirm on LOTW. I know there are card counters, but they are few and far between. How about an extension of the LOTW program where you scan in your cards to be verified? Maybe have kiosks at hamfests and/or meetings with something like a bank machine for the same purpose.
While they are at it, I would like to see new awards such as WAPL (worked all parking lots) and WAWR (worked all waiting rooms) to give credit for QSO's made while waiting for others to shop or see the doctor.
73 de W3UEC (Steve)
K0UA Rating: 2018-04-22
Great! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Apparently you can post several reviews to skew the results So I will post again. LOTW is EASY to set up and use, I put off joining because of negative posts here about difficulty of setup. They are ALL ARRL hating LIES! Just crap. LOTW is the best thing since sliced bread. If you are using WSJT-x it takes only a few seconds to upload your entire log. NOTHING could be easier. I upload several times a day if I make contacts, and always before shutting down the station. Think this through: You have a wonderful service from the ARRL that doesn't cost a dime to join, will save thousands of dollars in pursuit of your ACTUAL recognized worldwide awards, and a repository of your electronic logs in a cloud backed up service that you can check in a heartbeat who you have worked, and what your standing is for any awards. A true miracle. Two thumbs up. Don't listen to the "haters" "haters gotta hate".
73 James K0UA
K4DL Rating: 2018-04-22
Very user unfriendly and hard to set up Time Owned: more than 12 months.
It is time we come up with a better program and merge with other successful programs in operation. The people working with LoTW are rude, and disrespectful and need to be replace today.
VE7IG Rating: 2018-03-20
Great mney saving program. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've been using it for years with very few problems except some minor glitches in displaying check marks and DXCC credit on the main screen. Several times I've worked a DXpedition and had the confirmation via LoTW in a day or two or at the latest when they get home from the expedition. Compare that to 3 months waiting for a paper card that you don't need anyway and costs you at least $3 for postage if you use OQRS and $5 if you don't. And that is for each QSL. Applying for ARRL awards is cheaper using LoTW than sending paper cards, too. DXCC happens to be the world's premier DX award and LoTW was initially designed for that award. Sure paper cards are nice but after you collect one from each DXCC entity you may realize you have enough. We don't need tubs full of QSLs.

Personally I use paper logs and upload individual contacts via TQSL, the LoTW uploader, so simple. My QRZ.com page tells anyone who wants an LoTW confirmation to email me with log particulars and I'll upload his/her contact right away. There are many digital logging programs out there and I'm sure almost all of them upload directly to LoTW.

The FT8 program has a log built in that can be uploaded to loTW in half a minute at the end of every operating period on FT8, It always annoys me when I find that a new digital entity I just worked does not use LoTW and was in fact a waste of time. Come on! If you use FT8 get with the program and sign up for LoTW.

LoTW is a great tool for DXers and saves you money. Ignore the naysayers and don't hesitate to use it.










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Earlier 5-star review posted by VE7IG on 2017-11-08

LoTW is not only a QSO matching system for less expensive DXCC, it shows you your DXCC totals with lists of DX callsigns credited and totals for other awards that use LoTW matching. It might be fun collecting paper QSLs via mail but it is very expensive and getting more expensive all the time. Airmail postage from Isreal to Canada just increased to over $4.00, for instance.

Here is a nice entry script. Just type in your call sign and password where indicated replacing the upper case in the following script then copy and paste in your browser. If you like the way LoTW is presented, drag an icon to the desktop:

https://lotw.arrl.org/lotwuser/qsos?login=CALLSIGN&password=PASSWORD&qso_query=1&qso_qsl=yes&qso_withown=yes&&qso_sort=QSL+Date&qso_descend=yes&awg_id=DXCC&ac_acct=1

Give it a try.

You do not have to use electronic logging to use LoTW. Individual QSO data can be entered using the program TQSL. which comes with LoTW.

LoTW is versatile, simple and easy to use and it saves you lots of money. QSO matches are quite fast and all show up in the display with those that increase a band total or Challenge total so indicated, and nicely displayed using the above script.





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Earlier 5-star review posted by VE7IG on 2017-09-01

I've been using LoTW for several years now and have saved a lot of money and time. I still have to submit a few paper cards each year where those DXers do not use LoTW but almost all submissions have been via LoTW over the last year or two.

I only keep paper logs and use the entry form in TQSL to upload those contacts I need QSLs from. On my QRZ.com page there is a notification to email me if anyone needs a log upload from me. This is sufficient as few need VE, except possibly on 30m where I do get some requests.

As others have said, it is hard to understand the negative reviews for LoTW. I think perhaps some of them are ARRL haters using any forum they can find to lash out. LoTW is pretty simple to use and very effective.

LoTW runs quite smoothly now with the odd hiccup. If you haven't used it, give it a try. Even if you collect paper cards LoTW is a superior way to get credits for those certificate programs that use it.


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Earlier 5-star review posted by VE7IG on 2015-06-13

I rarely find the LoTW site down and I access it a lot. There is no faster, easier or less expensive way to obtain QSL confirmations and make applications to DXCC. I made an application yesterday and it was processed within a couple of hours.

There is nothing wrong with the appearance of the site either, it has everything needed and is presented in a way that is easy to understand.

You can easily set up an icon on your desktop to get into LoTW and display your contacts ---

https://lotw.arrl.org/lotwuser/qsos?login=XXXXX&password=YYYYY&qso_query=1&qso_qsl=yes&qso_withown=yes&&qso_sort=QSL+Date&qso_descend=yes&awg_id=DXCC&ac_acct=1

where you substitute your call sign for XXXXX and your password for YYYYY will get you a nice display on entry.

DXCC approval is given quickly for operations and expeditions using LoTW where you may have to wait for approval from the DXCC desk on some call signs when making paper QSL applications, even for the same operations. There appears to be a bit of a disconnect here and LoTW is better.

More DX operators and DXpeditions are coming onboard LoTW all the time. It is easy to setup and easy to use.

Even those (like myself) who don't keep electronic logs can enter QSOs easily using the entry system in TQSL. You can also set up multiple call signs if you use them. I enter log data by hand when I need a confirmation and on request for those who want my confirmation. If you are rarer DX it would be far easier to use electronic logging and enter your entire log as most do.

So please "get with the program" and start using LoTW right away, you wont be sorry you did!
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Earlier 5-star review posted by VE7IG on 2015-04-20

Works perfectly and saves a lot of money getting confirmations. Very fast if the other stations upload logs quickly.

Many expeditions now give a fast LOTW alternative via OQRS, an inexpensive way to get a confirmation quickly from expeditions, notorious for taking MONTHS to send paper QSLs.

As reported recently setting up LOTW is pretty easy if you take time and follow instructions carefully.
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Earlier 4-star review posted by VE7IG on 2013-07-10

I had trouble with LOTW years ago and abandoned the attempt. But I tried again recently and it worked with no problems this time. They seem to have fixed it. I objected to it originally because it would encourage operators to stop issuing real QSL cards and this has happened to some extent. But if you use it in conjunction with real QSLs it is quite handy.

I mainly use it to check my DXCC records and it is great for that purpose. Using TQSL.exe, on the desktop, to upload some QSOs is not difficult either. The few files I have made, signed and uploaded went through very quickly. None disappeared into a black hole as one reviewer said happened to his.

There is a nice aid for logging-in that someone invented and put on the LOTW listserv. If you are a Windows 7 user, copy the following line into a text editor and replace callsign and xxxxx with your call and login password. Then capture it and run it in Internet Explorer. When you get into your LOTW space, right mouse click in the body of the web site and create a shortcut--- and save it on your desktop. Then you can simply click on this shortcut to enter your LOTW space at any time.

https://lotw.arrl.org/lotwuser/qsos?login=callsign&password=xxxxx&qso_query=1&qso_qsl=yes&qso_withown=yes&&qso_sort=QSL+Date&qso_descend=yes&awg_id=DXCC&ac_acct=1

I find LOTW fairly intuitive and easy to use. There was no postcard involved either, the certificate came quickly via email. Another VE7 friend who I helped set LOTW up had his certificate via email very quickly as well after sending some required information-- no postcard.

ARRL is rightfully concerned about the integrity of their DXCC and VUCC programs and have developed this particular method for accepting QSOs. There may be simpler methods but LOTW as implemented does work. It does save postage in sending cards to card checkers when you can use it and it is pretty fast. I won't stop sending for real paper QSL cards but will also use LOTW, speeding up the process when DX logs have been uploaded into LOTW. Give it a good try before abandoning it!
AA6VB Rating: 2018-03-20
Good Resource Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Been using LOTW for years. It is NOT a a logging program. It is a QSL and award service. I love the fact I can get confirmations from DXpeditions while they are still active (if they offer that option), instead of waiting months for a QSL card. It's not perfect, but compared to what was available when we started in ham radio, it's a pretty darn good resource. I think of it as another tool, not my only tool. It's kind of like having several antennas, if you get my drift....
K7ZOV Rating: 2018-03-20
Not the greatest Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Took me a number of attempts to get it going a number of years ago. I do use, it but mostly for others. I did get WAS and DXCC and then it cost me a lot of $$$ to get the paper sent to me. I am on limited income so the cost was high for me.... That said I paid eQSL $12 for a Bronze membership. I have gotten 9 certificates from them at not extra cost, plus I was able to do in by email and print them on photo paper and store them away also. eQSL is whole lot easier to use, has more "wall paper options", and get the job done. I got a new computer and need to move this POS over to it. Will post how that goes. I do not expect it will be easy, but who knows I might be surprised...BTW my background with computers and software goes back 45+ yrs. This program is way over kill for what it does... and needs to be replaced and made simpler to install and use. IMHO it is patched up bloat wear and garbage. As I said, I post my logs not for being ripped off for awards, but to help others get theirs...
N2TU Rating: 2018-03-20
Best show in town! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Hey! LOTW is not the best database but it has saved me hundreds of dollars on QSLing costs. Could it be better? Of course! The need have computer fluency, as expressed by the self appointed LOTW police, is rather overblown and unnecessary. The application procedure is straightforward, though detailed. Having logbook security was and is one of LOTWs 'prime objectives' thus the need for a thorough application process. Just simply follow the steps as detailed online. Uploading your logs for most logging programs is easy, as is applying for awards. Keep paper logs if you want. Your choice. Continue direct mailing QSLs, again your choice. For me unless I absolutely NEED a QSL, I will being using LOTW
K4MJA Rating: 2018-03-20
Unavoidable Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Its easy to express an opinion on LOTW. LOTW in HAM world is like one of the a forces of nature in the RL: earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, hurricanes etc. It exists and it doesn't care much about you and your petty wishes:) So its on the user to configure it. While for me the configuration of LOTW and day-to-day operations in it all have been extremely easy -- I'm in IT support by trade and that's what I do every day: certificates, passwords, configurations -- I can see that some folks will have issues with it. Well, they have to overcome the obstacles, there is little way around LOTW if you want your OSOs confirmed and accepted by ARRL. And, its not that bad. Old design, but I like old designs. So my advice is at least give it a try, no matter what. By the way, I rarely upload my ADIFs using their software (TQSL). Your favorite logging program or website (say, N1MM or QRZ.com) can do this for you. Good luck!
KB1QYH Rating: 2018-03-20
Worst Online Database EVER! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've been building my own computers since I was 12 years old. I work in the computer software industry. I think I know more than the average Joe, and there was a learning curve with LOTW for me. I think it would be FAR to hard for an average Joe, or an old-timer to set up. And good luck to you if you ever re-image your computer. It's a lot of work to get it set up again. LOTW also has a lot of downtime. I would never consider giving up my paper log for LOTW. ARRL has implemented this in a poor fashion. Stay clear unless you are very knowledgeable with computers.