The old-fashioned paper logbooks still needed to write down the call signs and other details that can be put on QRZ when there is internet access. Writing down call signs, signal reports and any details that need to be logged is the only option when going to places without internet access and fewer problems. It is way better and cheaper to have a paper logbook and better when logging in during contests without technical problems including software and computer crashes and freezing. Sometimes old technology still needs to be used resulting in fewer problems and will not cause any interruptions.
The law states you don't need to log anything. Are you looking for awards - certificates? If the answer to that question is yes, then you do need some sort of logging software. A personal choice it is, but it's nice to know who and what you've logged.
As I stated a Logbook is completely voluntary. I encourage folks to start and keep a Logbook, but it is never necessary, unless like you said, you want a certain award. I was going for these ARRL Awards originally and then I researched it and saw what they are charging Hams for these stupid things and I stopped trying. The ARRL is Fleecing Folks for these Stupid Awards! QRZ's Awards are free! I like collecting those instead.
Thanks for doing this video. It's so important to know what is really going on with ham software. I have found that most of it sucks. The only one I think is worth a few bucks a month is Cloudlog out of Germany. LOTW is crap, written in the 90s, too many certs....WAY too much to deal with. I use it but only because I want to update my DXCC occasionally. But ARRL is way too expensive to keep DXCC going anyway. To me, being a league member is a hostage situation so you can update DXCC. There has to be a better way. I also this year dropped the "big three" radio nightmare and went with Elad FDM-DUO (FT8) from Italy and RGO One (CW/SSB) from Bulgaria. Much better way to go. By the way I live in North Fort Myers FL. Hi neighbor. de Scott N1IA
@@StarShipAdventures LOTW works very well for verifying contacts for DXCC, WAS, VUCC, etc. Awards. It is pretty easy to use but certificates cannot used on another computer -just the one from which you made the request.. As have used LOTW with success since it became available there has to be something wrong with someone who can't get it going. The ARRL was helpful to me in the early days of LOTW.
Thank You for this type information. I Sincerely Appreciate your content (most times). If you will be attending the FMARC meeting on Tues 30th would like to introduce myself. W4EPS (newly assigned)
It is nice to meet you (Digitally). I am no longer a member of FMARC. I left the group when I realized that they do not have fair elections and that the entire club is an oligarchy controlled by a handful of folks! I really wanted to be involved, but new folks are not welcomed on the board or even to speak at meetings. The final straw was the corrupt way they elect officers each year. The board picks an election committee and the election committee picks the next board. Then a rubber stamp is applied at a general meeting. No Speeches, no platforms, no info on the folks running, and ultimately no say in who gets the job or the future direction of the Club. They pick the same set of revolving folks every year and nothing ever changes. The 30 Thousand they have in the Bank continues to build, and nothing is done to bring in New Hams, Have more Events, Offer More to Members, have build days, add systems, bands and modes, or further the hobby and it's future. I can not be a part of that club! CARS in Port Charlotte is better, not as corrupt, but it is still a mess. I am enjoying the hobby without these local clubs. You really get nothing from it except aggravation anyway! Besides, all the Hamfests, Activations, and operating events are scheduled during the week when working folks can not attend. This is just another way of gatekeeping, unfortunately. I want nothing to do with FMARC and neither does MOST of the Hams in Lee County! We have nearly 7,000 Hams licensed in Lee County and only about 200 members in the club, that is about one in 35 Licensed Hams. There is a reason for this! If it works for you and you don't mind the crazy games they play to keep certain folks in power, than you are good to go. I just stay away and do everything else that Ham Radio has to offer. TH-cam Broadcasting, HF, Contesting, Several Local Nets (non-club), antennas building, and I am very much into FT4/FT8 and Digital Modes. I love Ham Radio, I am just not much on the way clubs and specifically the ARRL are run. So, I avoid them! Good Luck in Ham Radio and I do hope to meet you! If you need anything, I am here to help.
The old-fashioned paper logbooks still needed to write down the call signs and other details that can be put on QRZ when there is internet access. Writing down call signs, signal reports and any details that need to be logged is the only option when going to places without internet access and fewer problems. It is way better and cheaper to have a paper logbook and better when logging in during contests without technical problems including software and computer crashes and freezing. Sometimes old technology still needs to be used resulting in fewer problems and will not cause any interruptions.
Finally someone who speaks the truth!
The law states you don't need to log anything. Are you looking for awards - certificates? If the answer to that question is yes, then you do need some sort of logging software. A personal choice it is, but it's nice to know who and what you've logged.
As I stated a Logbook is completely voluntary. I encourage folks to start and keep a Logbook, but it is never necessary, unless like you said, you want a certain award. I was going for these ARRL Awards originally and then I researched it and saw what they are charging Hams for these stupid things and I stopped trying. The ARRL is Fleecing Folks for these Stupid Awards! QRZ's Awards are free! I like collecting those instead.
I’ve been using hamrs for my qso logs it works fine and can also use for contests and you can just upload the adi file to qrz
Thanks for doing this video. It's so important to know what is really going on with ham software. I have found that most of it sucks. The only one I think is worth a few bucks a month is Cloudlog out of Germany. LOTW is crap, written in the 90s, too many certs....WAY too much to deal with. I use it but only because I want to update my DXCC occasionally. But ARRL is way too expensive to keep DXCC going anyway. To me, being a league member is a hostage situation so you can update DXCC. There has to be a better way. I also this year dropped the "big three" radio nightmare and went with Elad FDM-DUO (FT8) from Italy and RGO One (CW/SSB) from Bulgaria. Much better way to go. By the way I live in North Fort Myers FL. Hi neighbor. de Scott N1IA
Hey Neighbor! The entire DXCC thing is a money grab for the ARRL. They need it to pay salaries.
What's with all the AI pop up pics? I'd rather look at your cool shack.
LOL
Maybe you are just TFS to use LOTW.
I use Logbook of the world when it works! Not sure why you say this?
@@StarShipAdventures LOTW works very well for verifying contacts for DXCC, WAS, VUCC, etc. Awards. It is pretty easy to use but certificates cannot used on another computer -just the one from which you made the request.. As have used LOTW with success since it became available there has to be something wrong with someone who can't get it going. The ARRL was helpful to me in the early days of LOTW.
spreadsheet.
It works, but QRZ is much easier and in many ways better.
Thank You for this type information. I Sincerely Appreciate your content (most times).
If you will be attending the FMARC meeting on Tues 30th would like to introduce myself.
W4EPS (newly assigned)
It is nice to meet you (Digitally). I am no longer a member of FMARC. I left the group when I realized that they do not have fair elections and that the entire club is an oligarchy controlled by a handful of folks! I really wanted to be involved, but new folks are not welcomed on the board or even to speak at meetings. The final straw was the corrupt way they elect officers each year. The board picks an election committee and the election committee picks the next board. Then a rubber stamp is applied at a general meeting. No Speeches, no platforms, no info on the folks running, and ultimately no say in who gets the job or the future direction of the Club. They pick the same set of revolving folks every year and nothing ever changes.
The 30 Thousand they have in the Bank continues to build, and nothing is done to bring in New Hams, Have more Events, Offer More to Members, have build days, add systems, bands and modes, or further the hobby and it's future.
I can not be a part of that club! CARS in Port Charlotte is better, not as corrupt, but it is still a mess. I am enjoying the hobby without these local clubs. You really get nothing from it except aggravation anyway! Besides, all the Hamfests, Activations, and operating events are scheduled during the week when working folks can not attend. This is just another way of gatekeeping, unfortunately.
I want nothing to do with FMARC and neither does MOST of the Hams in Lee County! We have nearly 7,000 Hams licensed in Lee County and only about 200 members in the club, that is about one in 35 Licensed Hams. There is a reason for this! If it works for you and you don't mind the crazy games they play to keep certain folks in power, than you are good to go. I just stay away and do everything else that Ham Radio has to offer. TH-cam Broadcasting, HF, Contesting, Several Local Nets (non-club), antennas building, and I am very much into FT4/FT8 and Digital Modes. I love Ham Radio, I am just not much on the way clubs and specifically the ARRL are run. So, I avoid them! Good Luck in Ham Radio and I do hope to meet you! If you need anything, I am here to help.
FMARC sucks ass.