Ham Radio Logging Software
On Linux

The Linux ham radio logging software is feature-rich and free. You can even modify the code if you feel like it!

Here are a few ham radio logging applications that Linux offers. They are available with most distributions. I have the Ubuntu distribution of Linux running on a laptop in the shack.

XLOG
Ham Radio Logging Software

GTK+ Logging program for ham radio operators.

XLOG is a logging program for amateur radio operators which can be used for daily logging and contests. Logs are stored into a text file. QSO's are presented in a list. Items in the list can be added, deleted or updated. For each contact, DXCC information is displayed and bearings and distance are calculated, both short and long path.

When hamlib is enabled through the menu, you can retrieve frequency, mode and signal-strength from your rig over the serial port.

You will find XLOG in the Ham Radio Packages for your particular Linux distribution.

For example, I use Ubuntu Linux. If you also use Ubuntu then ...

1. Click on the Ubuntu Software Center (USC) button.
2. Look for XLOG in the USC using the search box in the top right hand corner of the USC window.
3. The link to the XLOG package will be displayed.
4. Click on the Install button of the XLOG package
5. The XLOG application and XLOG-data will be installed.

On the other hand, if you use a (generic) Debian Linux distribution, you will find the latest XLOG version for Debian at:
http://packages.debian.org/stable/hamradio/xlog

XLOG-Data

The XLOG-data package for Ubuntu Linux is installed at the same time as the application. It contains the manual, locale files, pixmaps and more for XLOG.

TWLOG

Day-to-day logging program for ham radio operators.

This GUI (graphic user interface) program records basic Ham log information. It is for day to day logging, not contesting.

There is no dup checking and contest related things like that. The interface can be customized without re-compiling. A resource file allows you to modify the menus for the bands, modes, etc. that you use.

Most of the log entries can be made with a button press or a single key stroke.

TWLOG records the date, start and end times, call sign, band, mode, power, and signal reports. There is also a field for general notes.

A second window allows you to search and edit the log file, and a third window provides online help. The help file can also be viewed with any unix command or editor at any time.

TQSL

Trustedqsl is a QSL log signing for the Logbook of the World (LoTW). (For newbies ... a QSL is a confirmation of contact between two amateur radio stations).

The ARRL Logbook of the World project is a database which collects data about contacts between amateur stations (QSOs).

The TQSQL software package provides programs for maintaining your digital certificates for LoTW and for signing QSO log files in ADIF and Cabrillo format for upload.

Try Them!

It will cost you nothing to try Linux ham radio logging software. One application is sure to meet your requirements. If not ... modify one to fit! :-)

Or, if you not know how to modify them, ask the author if s/he would consider incorporating your mods in the next version.

73 de VE2DPE
Claude Jollet
7, Rue de la Rive, Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, Québec, Canada J6E 1M9

QTH Locator: FN36gb