Question about Logging Receptions

[K5KNT]

I'm curious as to what member here are using to log their receptions. Are you using logging software, spreadsheet or something else? If using a spreadsheet, what data do you track?

For Amateur Radio Operators:  Do you log your ham contacts separately from your monitoring receptions?

Thanks,

K5KNT

[jFarley]

Low tech here.  I use a bound record book from Office Depot and a pen.  I find it the easiest way to quickly note date, time, freq, and mode, as well as jotting down details or time offsets into the audio which is being recorded for later review.

[ChrisLobde]

I basically do what Joe does. I used to use logging sheets but there was never enough room to include program details.
There are computerized programs available, one I think is called DXExtreme or DXtreme, but is too limited for me. The guy is in NH.
- Chris

[hsmith77]

I use the old Gilfer log sheets just for new stations only .I keep a log using a spiral notebook. this works for me .

[BoomboxDX]

I use spiral ring notebooks for logging what I hear. 

Then I log the more interesting catches onto an Excel file -- Date, Call Letters, Location, State/Province, Country, Power (usually I leave that one blank), Radio used, Distance (usually left blank unless it's exceptional), Antenna, Bearing, Notes (slogan, ID, etc.). 

I do this for MW, I just leave the SW stuff in the notebook, as I do more MW DXing than SW.

[K5KNT]

Thanks for the replies. It looks like "low tech" is the preferred. I think I'll give that a try to start.

[Beerus Maximus]

I don't keep a log. I just post what I hear to the HFU.

[Ragnar]

Google doc.
 I create a new document each year. With a Google doc it allows for easy searching by key word. You can also share them like the current embedded running log for this year on my website. http://shortwavepirate.info/?page_id=91

[Chanter]

Relatively low-tech here too.  I use a computer document for all my logs, SW/MW/LW and the occasional FM tropo-related catch, and just write them in freehand rather than sticking to a spreadsheet format.  I also keep a notebook to hand when I'm not near my laptop, then just type the results into the file later. 

[skeezix]

I make notes on paper and log in HFU. After a short while on HFU, I print them out and put them in a binder.

[Zoidberg]

I used to keep notebook and computer database logs.  Haven't bothered with that for a couple of years.  Mostly I just log what I hear on web forums like this, and occasionally email stations directly.

[Nella F.]

Pencil & scrap paper, then log on & post, if receive eqsl print same & put in three ringed binder.

[Token]

For reception stuff I have a custom logging DB that I built in FileMaker Pro.  It has specific input formats depending on the type of reception, selectable with the click of a button.  Examples of formats: numbers station input, military input, maritime input, aviation input, general utility input, BC SWL input, MW BCB input, RADAR/Sounder input, etc.  All the info is in the same DB, but each input page is tailored to the service.  Although it sounds elaborate the process is very simple, for example if I hear an SWL station and want to log it I click the SWL button and SWL specific input fields show up on the form.  Been using it for years.  However, because digital is fragile, and in addition to digital backups, I also print reports generated using the DB from time to time and put them in a 3 ring binder.

Yes, my ham stuff goes in a separate log.  For ham use I have an off the shelf logging program, I think it is from N3FJP.  Again, I periodically prit reports from the information in the log, so that if it ever dies I have a paper backup.

T!