Logging Contacts
2023-01-11 For years I considering a paper log as the way to go. That began to change when I purchased Ham Radio Deluxe and in the shack started logging all my contacts with it. I tried various free software but always kept coming back to HRD. It was quick, easy and provided for easy analysis of my log book.
For field days and a few other portable operations I simply logged on paper then entered the log into HRD. But a couple years ago when I got involved in POTA, Parks on the Air, the paper logs quickly became a burden, even though I designed my own log sheets. Nevertheless, I stuck with those for at least a year.
When I got the bug to put together a setup to operate Pedestrian Mobile, logging on my phone became essential. There was simply no way to handle the radio, CW key or mic and a paper log. To see that evolutionary process, click here: Pedestrian Mobile. For more details about my Portable setup, click My Ideal Portable Kit. Initially I settled on VLS Logger for my Android phone. I used it for about a year when doing POTA. Then a few months ago after seeing it mentioned by many activators I downloaded the HAMRS app. Now I use it exclusively on both my computer and my phone. I have no hesitancy in recommending it.
Currently, I log my contacts on the fly into HAMRS on my phone, whether at home or while doing a POTA activation. I export them to my computer and review them with ADIF Master. Then, if its an activation I rename it to match the POTA naming convention and upload it to the POTA website. I then generally import it into HRD for my own records. The whole operation is fairly simple and I don't need paper!