Paper Logging and Using Fast Log Entry for POTA - Ham Radio Q&A

[@Warzel1]

The ADIF format contains a field length, If you edit de file you also need to edit the field length, example WWFF-1460 means that the text that follows the > is 9 characters long. Therefor a correct edit would be: K-1460 as the text is now only 6 characters long. This could be done by replacing: 9>WWFF- to 6>K-

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thanks for the clarification on the character spacing of MY_SIGINFO. POTA doesn't seem to have a problem parsing the logs, but I can see how other uploaders will choke on it.

[@RJ_McKenzie]

@@KB9VBRAntennas When I submit my POTA logs I don't even put in the P2P information. I believe just your call, band, mode, date, and time is needed for POTA. As long as the other operator and you are pretty darn close with the time stamp for your QSO, it will count once both yours and the other operators logs are in the system.

[@n1rbd]

@@RJ_McKenzie It is REQUIRED for people working P2P to overlapping parks (2-fer, 3-fer, etc) from what I understand.

[@RJ_McKenzie]

@@n1rbd When you do overlapping parks, you submit in multiple logs. One for each park. So each of them should just work and count. I've done this before and didn't have any issues. If it has changed recently, that I'm not sure of. I can't remember if I have a P2P at a recent 2fer.

[@RJ_McKenzie]

@@n1rbd Well I think your right. I just checked my P2P list and I have noticed activations where I would have been at a 2fer only showing one P2P. So I'm missing out of P2Ps and so are other activators now. I'm gonna have to go back and correct that. Thanks! Looks to be just 2fers that it affects and not normal single park activities.

[@ny4i]

In case no one has commented on this, FLE now does support POTA. You use mypota in the header and add pota for a park-to-park contact.

[@temetvince]

This video helped me upload my first POTA activation, thank you so much! You might consider an updated video, as Fast Log Entry now supports POTA.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thanks for the heads up. I haven't updated FLE on my computer in a while, so I'll take a look at it.

[@AlGritzmacher]

You also want to change the

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thanks for the clarification on the character spacing of MY_SIGINFO. POTA doesn't seem to have a problem parsing the logs, but I can see how other uploaders will choke on it. You bring up great points about the flexibility of FLE. Time interpolation is a great feature, but you need a consistent QSO rate otherwise it will skew, but periodically updating the time as you go would handle that issue.

[@TimRedman]

I'm glad I got a chance to see this video a few months ago, since it would act as a kind of preparation for me to explore new things. I had an opportunity to paper log this past weekend after I forgot my tablet at home. I don't paper log a majority of the time, but it does happen. When I posted about this on social media, I was dismayed a little bit about some of the responses I got. There were a few that gave me pointers on the process, and a few that admitted they've become endeared to logging electronically. One was even still studying for his ticket, and was trying to just learn how to log. What dismayed me was the number of responses I received that were basically OM "I had to walk uphill in the snow both ways" responses, being quite arrogant and absolutist about how paper logging was the only "right" way to do it, and that the people who depended on their phones or computers were somewhat lesser in their eyes. There's a term related to the PERL programming language: TIMTOWTDI (There Is More Than One Way To Do It), coined by the daughter of Larry Wall, the creator of the language. Quoting programmer Thomas Guess at wordaligned.org, "Perl epitomises this. It’s eclectic and inclusive, supporting a variety of styles. One-liner? Fine! Like a shell script? Sure! Structured programming, object-oriented, functional? Why not! Tsall good." There is entirely too much diversity and experimentation in amateur radio for there to be only one way to do things, and getting older and inflexible is no option. Thanks to Mike, we get to learn many ways to accomplish tasks, and that's only good for the community.

[@ronjones4069]

I use to paper log and I recently ran across some of the spiral ring notebooks with old logs. They were great to read through because I had notes about just what I was doing with my station at the time.... "just replaced that old blue coax Bret gave me last year, we will see if this new stuff works".... "Built a new shelf for the amplifier.... attached is a quick snap shot of it" After reading these and remembering what I was doing, I have decided that 5 years of dry, uninteresting computer files that I will likely never look at and don't have pictures stapled to the pages, I am gong to go back to paper logs. They are a sort of diary of my complete ham radio activities, which is far far more than simply logging yet another contact. Thanks for the reminder. And, thanks for the great explanation about fast log. I'll put notes in my paper log about what I was doing, but will have to yied and do a computer log for POTA ... just cuz it is required. Thanks for the educational video.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I still use paper for casual logging in the shack. For the same reasons that you list, it's really nice to be able to flip back on the pages and look at the contacts and any notes that I jotted down. I was cleaning recently and stumbled on a log book from 20 years ago. Looking at the contacts, I still remember them. I don't think I'd have the same experience if they were computer logged.

[@stevenbata2336]

Thank you Michael for the video. I have never activated a POTA location yet, but plan on doing so this summer during our RV trips. I prefer paper logs because of the things you mentioned. I will also look at Fast Log for creating the adi file. Thanks again for the great videos and have a great day. 73s de KD8VSP

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Thanks for the info about fast log entry. This is just what I needed! For most of my logging, I use QRZ, but if I have to submit them, I will try something else.

[@ReedAB8AS]

Thanks for this one. I purchased the complete N3FJP software package. Very affordable and it makes everything so much easier.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I've got the full N3FJP package too. It's money well spent.

[@xxmrrickxx]

Does ACLog have native POTA capability? I finished my fist activation with 75 QSOs to upload and I'm frankly surprised most program require post editing. With the popularity of POTA I didn't expect it to be that complicated, particularly if you visit multiple parks in a day which I often do on my road trips.

[@rayh592]

Another useful video. Can't wait for my first activation!

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Me neither.

[@rayh592]

Today I did a quick activation. Just followed this video. Ready to upload.

[@JosephVE3GKT]

Hi Michael! I use paper logs and FLE as well. After finding several errors in my logs after submission, I now find it extremely useful to upload to QSOmap.org before submitting to my coordinator. Aside from creating some beautiful maps, QSOmap will tell me if there are calls that don't exist, and then I can go about fixing those entries before submitting, so I don't create twice the work for the coordinator. Great video, and 73 de VE3GKT!

[@518Regulators]

The N3FJP software (ACLog) you touched on at the end works well for POTA as well. No need to edit the ADIF once done. Makes going from paper logs pretty quick with jumping through the fields.

[@davewhite7679]

Glad you mentioned N3FJP. Their electronic log programs and rig control are wonderful. Well worth the minimal lifetime investment. Except for rapid fire SSB mode POTA activations, I usually try to log directly to N3FJP in the field. The cool thing with that is it brings up all of the other contact's info from the call data base. It really freaks the other person out when you say thank you (name). 🤣

[@daveN2MXX]

Good point about writing down and re-calling partial callsigns....paper definately beats a computer in that regard!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You could use a scratch pad to jot down partials and log with a computer, but then you're manipulating a keyboard and a pen. I've done that at home, but I'm more space crunched in the field, so I forgo the computer.

[@Kodo-Nashi]

I'm digging the new camera angle.

[@ai5dd]

I paper log and transcribe them when I get home in my HRD (Ham Radio Deluxe) Logbook which uploads to all the online log books I participate in, I log this way both for activating and hunting. For POTA I find HAMRS works great for emailing to POTA. I know some activators in POTA don't care about signal reports and don't log to anything but their POTA section manager. 72 de AI5DD also, thanks for the tip with partial callsigns.

[@AllanBProductions]

Great video Michael. I may need to try this out for SOTA. Also, someone could right a batch script to do the text replacement as well.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

A script would be a great idea to automate the process.

[@marcinmichigan2772]

One other item to be cognizant about it that WWFF and POTA designators diverge at about #4460, meaning 0000->4460 are identical in park number designators, above that number, the park may have different designators based upon which system you are using. Further, WWFF doesnt allow multiple parks (two-fers//three-fers) you will only get credit for one as an activator, POTA will give you credit for all of them. 73's.

[@powellr3]

Fantastic! I’ve been looking for a good method for xfer of paper log (my preferred entry system) to POTA ADIF. This rocks. The pinned info regarding field length editing also very helpful. Many thanks KO4WTM

[@RJ_McKenzie]

It's always interesting the way other operators log in the field. Depending on what kind of activation I do will affect how I log. Digital get's logged automatically by the software. SSB contacts I either use my phone / iPad with the Ham Log application, or on a PC I use N3FJP's software. The phone is nice for nighttime activations as my laptop doesn't have a backlit keyboard. That's just the way I do it and prefer. No one way is right and no one way is wrong.

[@skepticalmechanic]

I’m 62… I log everything on paper… fiddling with the computer is a PITA! Don’t do the ft8 thing as I have zero interest in ft8… I just do CW and SSB… but that’s just me… to each his own…

[@larrybomber83]

I like to write down the contacts in a spiral book, then I enter them into a contact log book, and then I add them to QRZ. Sounds like a lot of work, but I have not learned how to write down the call signs effectively so this way I can make all the changes I want before I put them in the log. Also can write notes on paper that you would not want to put in a national database.

[@W6IWN_Radio]

You can now manually enter them directly on the POTA site if you don't want to upload log files.

[@n1rbd]

I have *heard* that the POTA input routine will accept KFF-xxxx references, but I'm not going to get yelled at by my K1 guy for trying it. LOL! I did, however, do a PowerShell script to massage the ADIF file to make it POTA-centric without having to manually edit it. Also, unless the hour changes, you only have to enter the minutes. Also, omitting the RS(T) will default to 59(9) both ways.

[@Martin_PA0KGB]

You comment about callsign region is not fully correct. It is world wide. so a dutch call is for example PA0xxx then i need to send it to K0. If it is PA3xxx then to K3@ ...

[@bhenry5091]

Michael. How do I get rid of the My Sota and His Sota columns in the right side pane, that come up with a new log. Thanks for the tutorial! Brent

[@pcrequest]

How do you upload the QSOs to LoTW to accurately reflect the grid, county, etc differences from your home QTH? Apparently, some operators create a new location in TQSL per park and some tick an option within TQSL to "Override Station Location with QTH details from your log". It isn't clear-cut from my googling. Perhaps this would make for a good topic for a future video. 73.

[@michaelporter8289]

If you don't like radio logging programmes create your own in Microsoft excel.

[@rduncanorionskye]

I noted that you set up your mobile rig and operated from the back seat. My grand Cherokee is set up the same way, the front console basically takes up all the room up front. I have an older ft301 that I love on qrp and will be using my shark hamsticks as well. Any thoughts/tips for setting up this way. Thanks, 73, Ralph, N7WWY

[@jaysee69]

I just acquired a 2015 Honda Touring Pilot and have put down the middle seats and have a board cut to size to go on top of the seat-backs, with outdoor carpet on both sides of the board (bottom protects the seat backs; top keeps the equipment from sliding around!) Can sit on the third-row seat and operate as if from an operating desk. Probably best if operating in the rain, or cold... but now also thinking of putting the control box of my FT-891 up front so ops can be from the driver seat.

[@louisranger7647]

Hi Michael, based on the Warzel comment below, how we should write our text field length, if we contact some parks with 6 characters like 'K-4567', and also parks with 7 characters like 'VE-5038' ? Can we have both field length in the same log ? Thanks and 73 de VA2LRA

[@bhenry5091]

Can they be changed to My POTA and His POTA by text editing. In the example you give, the WWTF fields do not show up in the right side pane. Thx, Brent VA7HUM

[@mikak1]

Michael, how do I expand the column width in the view section after I have made my entries in the left entry area? I am unable to see all the information I have entered even after I have updated the log grid

[@marcinmichigan2772]

when you are in the field running in CW mode, do you still use paper?

[@joel6221]

OK, had my first POTA activation today ... paper logged, didn't keep time down to the minute ... how do i log this in FLE?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Timing doesn't have to be precise for POTA and Fast Log Entry will average times if they are missing as long as you have starting, ending, and a few random times in the middle.

[@bilalalkahtani607]

👍👍👍

[@WestFloridaLocks]

What software can you use when logging on the air with a laptop?

[@WestFloridaLocks]

What software is available if you log it as you are transmitting

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I use the N3FJP suite of logging programs when I'm using my laptop. He makes specific versions for Field Day, QSO Parties, contests, and general logging. You can buy them all for about $50 (which is a really good deal).

[@eugenecbell]

I’m new but very interested. I have never logged, at least not yet. Do I have to email logs to some overworked guy? Can’t I log on some website?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

POTA logs are checked and uploaded by volunteers to ensure the integrity of the database. They are working on a system to allow activators to upload their own logs, but it isn't live yet.

[@eugenecbell]

@@KB9VBRAntennas, ok, so this is just for z POTA. With all the contesting there is, it would be a huge burden for the Regional Coordinators, but it sounds like it is Just POTA and they just pass it on. Thanks for the video! I look forward to getting a radio and getting on the air.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Contest logs are handled by whoever sponsors the contest. Typically you send in a log with a score sheet and the organizers have an automated process to check them. You do your own uploading if you are submitting your logs to Logbook of the World or QRZ.

[@eugenecbell]

@@KB9VBRAntennas, thank you.

[@jaysee69]

It IS live now, and has taken a lot of burden off the coordinators.

[@hobie1dog]

I may do POTA but I won’t go to all that hassle of submitting all that stuff just so someone can get another certificate to hang on their “I Love Me” wall

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

With all the effort it takes to drag out equipment, set up an antenna, and make the contacts; submitting the log is the least of the hassle.

[@jaysee69]

and quite unfair to the ops who work you thinking you are a POTA activator. Remember, the hunters do not submit their log - they rely on the activator to submit the log.

[@W6IWN_Radio]

This seems like aa whole lot of work to log... Isn't there a better way?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Transcribing your paper logs will always take a bit of effort. Since this video was produced there have been improvements, namely the Hamrs logging app and the Parks on the Air self uploader that allows you to manually enter your contacts online.

[@jamiefheim]

I don’t understand why POTA logging has to be so complicated.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I don't think it's necessarily complicated, you just need to be able to capture the couple unique pieces of information that POTA requires. So paper logging adds that extra step into the mix.

[@angelodepalma538]

What is it about HAMs, that they are unable to get to the crux of the matter? There is no information on how to start up with this logger. No videos on the site. What do I do with the opening screen? How do I open or start a log? Only the shadow knows. This hobby is 40% nostalgia and 50% frustration. Thank goodness for the other 10%. KD2HPQ

[@angelodepalma538]

There are about 80 pages of instruction, though. Whew.

[@jaysee69]

yeah, few people know how to read any more :(

[@hobie1dog]

Damn ads

[@javierpolendok5mhc]

Hi Michael. Try HAMRS it's less complicated and easy to use. Try it. 73