NEWINGTON, CT, May 30, 2003--"Logbook of the World" (LoTW) beta
testers for the most part have reacted positively to the latest version of
ARRL's secure electronic contact-confirmation system, but some users have run
into difficulties. Responding to problems encountered by some early beta
testers, the League has released an updated beta version of LoTW that should
resolve these issues. Beta testers are encouraged to download the new version
of the software, 1.02beta, from the LoTW page.
"While most installations and subsequent e-mailing and uploading of log data have gone flawlessly, as expected there have been problems," said ARRL's Dave Patton, NT1N, who's been a part of the LoTW project from the start. "Many of the new digital mode designations, such as MFSK-16 and JT6M, were not recognized by the LoTW server software, and this caused fatal errors while digitally signing logs."
Patton says the beta update will allow users to "map" any mode designation to one of the valid Amateur Data Interchange Format (ADIF) modes or to one of the LoTW mode categories--CW, phone, image, and digital--without changing the actual log data. He said the beta upgrade also will correct other log data problems that caused fatal errors in "signing" a log, including allowing the signing process to complete the "good" parts of a log without crashing.
"Several astute users noted that the LoTW signing process alerted them to bad data in their logs, such as frequency typos, busted call signs and signal reports, that they were able to fix and resubmit," Patton said.
Beta testing got under way May 15. So far, the 1300 or so beta testers have uploaded upward of five million contacts to the LoTW database. Once it's ready later this year, LoTW will provide a way for amateurs worldwide to qualify for awards such as DXCC or WAS without having to first collect and submit hard-copy QSL cards.
One beta tester from Brazil lavished praised on the LoTW project. "I applaud the creators of LoTW," he wrote. "This will be, for sure, the salvation of DXing and award collecting. Please keep up this essential work!" For now, log data are limited to contacts made no more than five years ago (on or after January 1, 1998) to get a representative sampling, Patton explained.
The Web site to access LoTW user information "is working well in its very basic state," Patton said, adding that many "happy users" have indicated a desire to perform more in-depth data searches on their logs and their matched QSOs.
"There will be many more bells and whistles added to the site over the weeks ahead," Patton said. One of those will meld LoTW with DXCC. He noted that the DXCC software used at ARRL Headquarters is undergoing a major revision right now. "That work will need to be completed before full integration can occur," Patton said. "By that time LoTW will have likely 'gone live' and been tested well enough to allow integration to proceed."
System planners say LoTW eventually will be able to search users' DXCC records and find new credits automatically. The program also will provide full viewing of users' DXCC records, automatically alert users to new awards achieved and offer comprehensive support for many other awards, including WAS, VUCC and any new awards that might be established.
Logging software developers now can get documentation and a Windows DLL library--as well as complete source code for the TQSL software--at the SourceForge Web site.
Announcements and new software versions will be posted to the Logbook of the World Web site. To join the beta testing program, visit the Logbook of the World--Getting Started site. The beta testing period will wrap up later this year.
All QSO data submitted to LoTW will be deleted when the beta test period ends, and users will have to obtain new digital certificates to submit log data to LoTW once it 'goes live.' As part of the security process for the live system, passwords will be mailed to US licensees at the address that appears in the FCC database. Users should make sure the FCC has their current mailing address.
Amateurs can modify their address online or via US mail by using instructions available on the FCC Web site. ARRL members may submit license modifications or renewals through the ARRL VEC.
 Previous: Astronaut Thrills Hometown Youngsters via Amateur Radio |  Next: It Seems to Us . . . Regulators or Cheerleaders? |