Notice: This page was initially generated with the assistance of AI and is pending human review. The information may contain errors or omissions. Amateur radio operators are encouraged to verify all technical details independently. Help improve this page by submitting corrections and additions. Learn how to contribute Remove this banner after human review is complete.
A log is a record of your amateur radio contacts. Logging has been part of amateur radio since its earliest days, and while regulations around mandatory logging have relaxed in many countries, keeping a log remains one of the most valuable habits an operator can develop.
Regulatory requirements — In some countries, maintaining a station log is still a legal requirement. Even where it is not mandatory, having a log available demonstrates good operating practice and is useful if questions about interference or band usage arise.
Awards and contests — All award programs and contests require log submissions. You need an accurate log to claim awards like DXCC, WAS, and POTA, and to submit scores for contests.
QSL management — A log is essential for managing incoming and outgoing QSL cards and electronic confirmations. Without a log, you cannot verify whether a reported contact actually took place.
Personal record — Your log is a diary of your amateur radio journey. Looking back through years of logs, you can see your progress, remember memorable contacts, and track your station's growth.
Station analysis — Logs help you understand your station's performance. You can analyse which bands and times produce the most contacts, track how propagation changes with the solar cycle, and measure the effect of antenna improvements.
At minimum, each contact entry should record:
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Date of the contact in UTC | 2026-04-05 |
| Time | Time of the contact in UTC | 14:32 |
| Callsign | The other station's callsign | VK3ABC |
| Band | The frequency band | 20m |
| Frequency | The exact frequency (optional but useful) | 14.225 MHz |
| Mode | The communication mode | SSB, CW, FT8, FM, etc. |
| RST sent | Signal report you gave | 59 |
| RST received | Signal report you received | 57 |
Additional fields that many operators record:
Amateur radio universally uses UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) for logging. This ensures that when two stations in different time zones log the same contact, the time entries match. UTC does not observe daylight saving time.
Set your computer's clock accurately and configure your logging software to use UTC. Many operators use internet time synchronization (NTP) to keep their clocks accurate to within a second — this is especially important for digital modes like FT8, which require precise timing.
A paper logbook works perfectly well and has the advantage of never crashing, losing data, or requiring electricity. Many operators, particularly those who operate portable, prefer a small notebook for field logging and then transfer contacts to a computer log later.
Paper logs should use the same fields listed above, recorded in UTC. Pre-printed amateur radio logbook sheets are available commercially, or you can create your own.
Most operators today use computer logging software, which automates many tasks and integrates with online services. Here is an overview of popular options:
N1MM Logger+ (Windows, free) — The most popular contest logging software, but also excellent for general logging. Integrates with DX clusters, LoTW, eQSL, and Club Log. Widely used and well-documented.
Log4OM (Windows, free) — A full-featured general-purpose logger with award tracking, DX cluster integration, QSL management, and a clean interface.
Logger32 (Windows, free) — A comprehensive logging program with extensive features for DXers, including award tracking, QSL management, and cluster integration.
Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) (Windows, paid) — A suite of programs including a logger, digital mode software, and rig control. Popular but commercial.
MacLoggerDX (macOS, paid) — A feature-rich logger for Mac users with DX cluster, rig control, and award tracking.
CQRLOG (Linux, free) — An open-source logger for Linux with rig control, DX cluster, and LoTW integration.
CloudLog (web-based, free/open-source) — A self-hosted web application for logging. Useful for operators who want access from multiple devices or locations.
HAMRS (cross-platform, free) — A simple, clean logging app designed for portable operations (POTA, SOTA, Field Day). Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
VK port-a-log — A simple Android app for portable logging.
Paper + ADIF conversion — Some operators log on paper in the field and use tools to enter contacts into ADIF format later.
WSJT-X — The standard software for FT8 and other weak-signal digital modes. It includes built-in logging and can export to ADIF for import into your main logger.
fldigi — Software for many digital modes with built-in logging.
N1MM+, TR4W — Primarily contest loggers with features specifically designed for contest operating.
ADIF (Amateur Data Interchange Format) is the standard file format for exchanging amateur radio log data between software programs and online services. Almost all logging software can import and export ADIF files, making it easy to move data between programs, upload to LoTW, submit to contest sponsors, and share with award programs.
An ADIF file is a text file containing records with tagged fields. You do not normally need to edit ADIF files by hand, but it is useful to know the format exists for troubleshooting.
A related format is Cabrillo, which is the standard for contest log submissions. Most contest loggers can export in Cabrillo format directly.
Modern logging software typically integrates with several online services:
Many logging programs can connect to your radio via a serial or USB interface to:
This is called CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) control and uses protocols like CI-V (Icom), CAT (Yaesu), or Kenwood's serial protocol. Many modern radios also support network-based control.