I am an old timer and have logbooks back to 1974. I got into the habit of logging my contacts and adding a lot of info and comments that makes my logs like a diary. This is fun to reread them years later.
Another very good reason to keep a paper log is you can pass it on to other hams. The man who introduced me to Ham Radio back in the late 1970s was G4DNE. He was a good friend of the family who I called Uncle. He went silent key a few years ago but I was given his paper log covering decades of contacts. He had some great QSOs including one with the King of Jordan - JY1, and also some rare contacts such as the Vatican City. All of this would be lost if it was not on paper.
I'm now studying for my Ham Technicians license. I remember years ago back when I was young A few hams told me that hams were required by The FCC to keep an accurate up to date log book. But since I'm been studying Ham Radio again, Not Even Once has any of the online Ham Radio course instructors even mentioned that a ham is still required to fill out and keep a log book. Nor has it even been addressed in the Technician's Licnese Exam Question pool. So, it has had me wondering if it was even still required by the FCC. Since it hasn't been mention in either the training courses or in the exam question pool I thought maybe that logbook requirement had been dropped by the FCC years ago back when they dropped the Novice class license and the morse code requirement. Thank You for the great informative video on keeping a logbook, and why you should.
Good luck with your test! I hope you enjoy radio! Just for more information about logging not being required (with certain exceptions, such as 60m) - www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/15ju25n/getting_close_to_getting_on_hf_is_logging_a/
I diy paper log in the shack. Pota is computer. Don't want to do 2x the work to type them up in hamrs when I get home. Shack log requires no uploading. Thanks for the video!
Hello, I am studying to take my tech and general tests together soon and I have been afraid to ask this very question myself. Thanks for posting this. Also, could you tell me where to post all of this on the web for contests? TY
Thanks for stating the importance of ease of readability using DD MMM YY (I prefer all for digits YYYY). As a retired USAF aircraft maintainer, logs were always expected to be accurate and consistent and so I appreciate this video a lot.
OLD TIMER WARNING: Logging is no longer a requirement under FCC rules; it used to be, but not anymore. When I was a novice then General in the 70's we were required to log the call sign of the other station, the time (Zulu or local), duration of QSO, the frequency, the mode, power used, and the date of course. At some point, the FCC dropped the requirement but most of us old guys still log out of the habit but naturally if you don't keep up a log, it's pretty hard to confirm contacts.
I print out a log to fill out. I find a 3 ring binder very nice to have. Small one to take out with you and a big one to put all in at home . I am new so I have not filled up a 1 inch 3 ring binder yet. But they do make them bigger! Then I could scan them and keep them in a folder on my computer. Or convert to digital form, or - there are so many differant things. But a small 3 ring binder will keep them cleen and dry when rain comes up when doing POTA or whatever.
Note: If people would have listened to me in the 'computer world' for printed reports - who prints anymore, for my company, I suggested (which got shot down) writing 01/23-20 all of our printouts had to be shifted for 2020 and account for the extra two digits but just adding a dash - for the year would have saved cumulative 1000s of hours of work. There is also Julian date - 2023024 YYYYJJJ - Julian dates are always the same 'date' except for leap years - Really - sometimes the DAY of the week might be important - that could be on you chart. Julian date and YYYYMMDD is the best order for sorting in a spread sheet.
My logbook is a bunch of post-it notes with the QSO info scribbled on them and stuffed FILO in a small cardboard box. I did author a nice Excel document custom tailored with combo boxes pre-filled with my equipment selections and every so often (quarterly?) I go through the post-its and enter them into the spreadsheet.
I like having a call sign spot for logging GMRS as well. able to easily tell if ham or not, and which version of the call you are using. Also if really nice for getting higher licenses. You have a log off your using the correct call
This is awesome Dude. I love trying to make cheap antennas. I think the EFHW is taking place of the dipole that all hams take a stab at trying to build when they decide to make an antenna.
I am an old timer and have logbooks back to 1974. I got into the habit of logging my contacts and adding a lot of info and comments that makes my logs like a diary. This is fun to reread them years later.
Electronic logging connected to radio for frequency and mode info and also injects correct UTC time stamp.
Another very good reason to keep a paper log is you can pass it on to other hams. The man who introduced me to Ham Radio back in the late 1970s was G4DNE. He was a good friend of the family who I called Uncle. He went silent key a few years ago but I was given his paper log covering decades of contacts. He had some great QSOs including one with the King of Jordan - JY1, and also some rare contacts such as the Vatican City. All of this would be lost if it was not on paper.
I'm now studying for my Ham Technicians license. I remember years ago back when I was young A few hams told me that hams were required by The FCC to keep an accurate up to date log book. But since I'm been studying Ham Radio again, Not Even Once has any of the online Ham Radio course instructors even mentioned that a ham is still required to fill out and keep a log book. Nor has it even been addressed in the Technician's Licnese Exam Question pool. So, it has had me wondering if it was even still required by the FCC. Since it hasn't been mention in either the training courses or in the exam question pool I thought maybe that logbook requirement had been dropped by the FCC years ago back when they dropped the Novice class license and the morse code requirement. Thank You for the great informative video on keeping a logbook, and why you should.
Good luck with your test! I hope you enjoy radio! Just for more information about logging not being required (with certain exceptions, such as 60m) - www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/15ju25n/getting_close_to_getting_on_hf_is_logging_a/
@@HAMRADIODUDE Thank You Sir.
Still write military dates
Logging takes the fun out of it for me. I only do it for POTA.
Exactly!!
I enjoy it cause it makes it easier to send a qsl card.
I diy paper log in the shack. Pota is computer. Don't want to do 2x the work to type them up in hamrs when I get home. Shack log requires no uploading. Thanks for the video!
I plan on keeping my logs on paper, but on small waterproof notebook pads , 73
kq4hcu
Hello, I am studying to take my tech and general tests together soon and I have been afraid to ask this very question myself. Thanks for posting this. Also, could you tell me where to post all of this on the web for contests? TY
I don't contest. I have never seen the point of making a contact just to make a contact. I guess I would rather chew the rag awhile.
Thanks for stating the importance of ease of readability using DD MMM YY (I prefer all for digits YYYY). As a retired USAF aircraft maintainer, logs were always expected to be accurate and consistent and so I appreciate this video a lot.
This might be a silly question, but did you fly with / maintain the c-130s out of Little Rock?
No I was never stationed in Little Rock.
I did work on C-130s in Okinawa Japan.
"People are afraid to ask" - so true! I'm an old fart, licensed in 1970-something, and still afraid to ask!
Shouldnt be theres a lot of knowledge that is not properly conveyed over the internet.
OLD TIMER WARNING: Logging is no longer a requirement under FCC rules; it used to be, but not anymore. When I was a novice then General in the 70's we were required to log the call sign of the other station, the time (Zulu or local), duration of QSO, the frequency, the mode, power used, and the date of course. At some point, the FCC dropped the requirement but most of us old guys still log out of the habit but naturally if you don't keep up a log, it's pretty hard to confirm contacts.
Thanks
Ya not! I’m not keeping a logbook. Takes the fun out of radio.
You do you
I print out a log to fill out. I find a 3 ring binder very nice to have. Small one to take out with you and a big one to put all in at home . I am new so I have not filled up a 1 inch 3 ring binder yet. But they do make them bigger! Then I could scan them and keep them in a folder on my computer. Or convert to digital form, or - there are so many differant things. But a small 3 ring binder will keep them cleen and dry when rain comes up when doing POTA or whatever.
Note: If people would have listened to me in the 'computer world' for printed reports - who prints anymore, for my company, I suggested (which got shot down) writing 01/23-20 all of our printouts had to be shifted for 2020 and account for the extra two digits but just adding a dash - for the year would have saved cumulative 1000s of hours of work. There is also Julian date - 2023024 YYYYJJJ - Julian dates are always the same 'date' except for leap years - Really - sometimes the DAY of the week might be important - that could be on you chart. Julian date and YYYYMMDD is the best order for sorting in a spread sheet.
POTA…away from technology??? With your technology filled radio 😊But I know what you meant.
My logbook is a bunch of post-it notes with the QSO info scribbled on them and stuffed FILO in a small cardboard box. I did author a nice Excel document custom tailored with combo boxes pre-filled with my equipment selections and every so often (quarterly?) I go through the post-its and enter them into the spreadsheet.
I like having a call sign spot for logging GMRS as well. able to easily tell if ham or not, and which version of the call you are using. Also if really nice for getting higher licenses. You have a log off your using the correct call
Also in contests they normally require a serial number. I use QRZ which also does automatic serial number if turned on
This is awesome Dude. I love trying to make cheap antennas. I think the EFHW is taking place of the dipole that all hams take a stab at trying to build when they decide to make an antenna.
nerds
Id agree
Thorough video. I liked it. Thanks dude
Had to laugh when you mentioned using a format when you were in the Military ... you mean your not using Julian Dates??? 😋😋😋
We typically used the format I mentioned, except for a 2 digit first two .. 05MAY23. I couldn't do a fraction 😁
I really appreciate you taking the time to go over this and provide examples. I find it very helpful as a new tech.
My pleasure
Should I do a log for 70 cm and 2m? Thanks
You could if you would like
For simplex, sure!
I keep a log book but they are not required just a good idea