Logbooks

[Andrew Yoder]

One topic that I haven't heard anyone talk about in a long time is logbooks. Are most people using logging software? Just using the posts on HFU to serve as their logs, using ARRL ham books to list log, or maybe just enjoying the listening experience and not logging anything? It seems like some of the DXers from decades ago used to be serious about their logbooks, but I think it's been two decades or so since I've heard anyone discuss the topic.

[~SIGINT~]

I have looked at and tried several applications but never really found something that suited my needs nor that I could customize. For me, it is all but a series of consistently formated text files which I open and edit using Notepad++. Multiple logbooks can be opened simultaneously and appear as separate tabs which you can quickly switch to with ease. Notepad++ also has some nice search features which work very well when looking up entries in the logbook. I thought about building a database or using Excel but decided that there was no need to complicate life any further with an elaborate logbook.

Bellow is a preview, including a screenshot of the search feature in the lower half of the image. The search keyword was TRENTON MILITARY.

[East Troy Don]

"Old School" habits die hard.  I'm still using the ARRL spiral notebooks.

[BoomboxDX]

I use the spiral ring notebooks you get at box stores and supermarkets. I don't use software anymore. Too much time to maintain a computer log I never look at. During the last MW DX peak in 2012-2014 I had a 'best of' MW DX log on Excel spreadsheet, but then I lost interest.

[R. Comeau]

Since my first logbook back in 1978, I've been using a spiral notebook. I've saved all my logbooks throughout the years, and unlike using a computer, never have to worry about losing the information to a meltdown or malfunction.

[Sealord]

For the most part, I let my recordings be the logbook.

[ThaDood]

Me??? I still write long-hand to old, extra, notebooks. One, for a dupe-sheet of pretty much general observations, in pencil , and a penned notebook of kept loggings. The only, somewhat, problem that I have always had with this is that my Spell Check doesn't seem to work in long-hand. Hmmmmmmmm...

[Andrew Yoder]

Thanks much for the personal experiences. I've been doing nothing for so long, aside from recording a lot and mentioning some things that I hear here and on the blog. Just seemed like it left too many holes, so I pulled out my last (unfinished) logbook (spiral-bound notebook) and started using it again.

I've also used text files, like SIGINT, and will probably continue using those for logs of SDR stations while I work

[Radio Star]

I use a Word format that is easily transferred to my two club columns.
Monthly I print out the Word file, punch it and put it in a 3-ring binder.

I know, I know....but it works for me.

[Grumpy Grandpa]

It's all txt. files for me, using special characters as search variants.

[Zoidberg]

Back around 1998 I used Clarion database software on an old PC to create a shareware logging utility based on the ARRL log book format. I made it as easy as possible to just tick a box and keep manual entries to a minimum, other than whatever notes the user wanted to add.

And soon afterward Clarion was discontinued. The  data logging shareware was standalone and didn't need a copy of Clarion to run. It also created standard data to transfer to any other database.

But I lost interest in trying to keep up with changes in tech.

Nowadays I mostly just listen. Due to heavy and worsening RFI blotting out the sky (it even breaks through FM stations here and completely wipes out most AM MW stations), I don't listen indoors anymore. It's almost impossible. If I want to stay indoors occasionally I'll try a remote SDR.

So I'll tote a portable out to the backyard. If I get at least 50 yards away from the nearest building it's tolerable. But I'm not gonna lug a laptop and WiFi booster. Occasionally I'll jot down a few notes on my phone for new-to-me stations or unique programs. Then I'll copy the logs to the HFU later. That's about it for the past few years.

I suppose I could create an Android app comparable to my old Clarion database for MSDOS and Win95. It would be easier than using the simple notepad with no formatting or boxes to tick to speed up logging.