K9ZW LoTW April 2022
It takes a while to build up the QSOs and QSLs in one’s logs. Seems that of the QSOs I upload to LoTW about 58% end up being confirmed by other LoTW users, becoming LoTW-Qualified QSOs.
I’m understanding that percentage is a fairly typical result.
At my present weekly QSO rate, I am expecting to cross the 40-thousand QSO mark later in August 2022.
73
Steve
K9ZW
LoTW New User Guide Get going with Logbook of The World Version 1.01 by Gary ZL2IFB/G4IFB is worth checking out.
LINK: https://www.g4ifb.com/LoTW_New_User_Guide.pdf
In Gary’s ZL2IFB’s words:
You may be wondering “Why does Logbook of The World exist? What is it for?” and “Should I bother with it?”
The answer is simple.
LoTW makes confirming contacts easier, quicker and cheaper than traditional QSL methods.
Follow this step-by-step guide to get started on LoTW.
Note: this guide is occasionally updated. The definitive current English version is available at http://www.G4iFB.com/LoTW_New_User_Guide.pdf
Please use and share that URL.
If you are new to LoTW this would be an awesome resource, and a good review for the rest of us.
73
Steve
K9ZW
K9ZW New QSL Card Proofs
Jeff K1NSS is a QSL card artist that you may enjoy checking out part of his portfolio at: https://www.jeffk1nss.com/
He had done designs for me back in 2015, most which never ended up being printed for a variety of reasons including moving and a need my end to be more focused on health.
I asked Jeff K1NSS to update the 2015 designs, and to create several new designs. All the updates are done and two of the three new designs are finished.
After reviewing several QSL printing services (I had previously had quotes from local printers) I’ve select QSL Concepts to print the first six cards. They are at: http://qslconcept.com/usa/
QSL Concepts “Fab” VE7FBN got it right away that I had ready to print front/back artwork. While Canadian based QSL Concepts uses a USA based affiliate for cards being delivered stateside.
I was able to tag the cards into a pricing program focused on clubs, and anticipate the new cards arriving about ten business days down the road (might be sooner!).
This batch of card designs includes:
Recently had a couple people inquire on where I am at with QSLing, particularly on paper QSL cards.
As of January 2021 here is where I am at:
eQSL & QRZ.com postings – these are done weekly and should be up to date.
LoTW postings – this is done roughly once a month, and would be up to date through 2020
Paper QSLing by SASE – is still on hiatus but expected to resume soon, and will take a while to catch up
GlobalQSL DX QSL Cards – on hiatus until I have designs – will likely be Q3 2021 before I get back at this QSL method
My formal QSL cards became obsolete when my home QTH station has dismantled and my operations moved to my work QTH’s tower and my new home QTH antennas. Our home move was complicated, as we bought the home we moved to with much of its contents, leaving us an extra tier of tasks as we moved. I didn’t get at having new cards made right away. With the CCP-Virus issues my card designer has been working remote, so the new designs are not finished nor are new cards printed.
In normal days I would expect to be able to put a timeline on a small project like this, but in our CCP-Virus disrupted world setting a deadline is unrealistic.
So I’ll fall back on that old two word way to explain that it will happen on its own schedule with a promise of “Soon Come..”
73
Steve
K9ZW
Over the years I have been an on-again/off-again LoTW participant. Really my uploading logs is more about helping others than any sort of personal effort.
I’ve never gone through the process of adding in what paper DX QSLs and logs could be added to my LoTW totals. Hard to get interested enough to dedicate the hours to sort this out.
My paper QSLing is way behind, and I am currently in the midst of having my cards redesigned with the updates to my current QTH.
I am intrigued with nearly 50% of my QSOs uploaded to LoTW having been confirmed. Guess that show the system does work.
73
Steve
K9ZW
LoTW (Logbook of The World) when it first came out was not a great experience.
Back in its early days I tried, and basically gave up.
Well like all things in heavy use, LoTW has gotten a lot better.
Using the ARRL link https://lotw.arrl.org/lotw-help/getting-started/ I decided I would knuckle-down and see if I could get things going.
I found LoTW much easier and much quicker than in the day.
As a starter it took only a day to get my main certificate approved, that is so much better than the weeks plus postcards sent in the mail stuff back in the day.
With Varying Frequency - Amateur Radio Ponderings 