Best Logging Program for Parks on the Air – N3FJP ACLog for POTA
Let's stat with the radio configuration.
Icom 7300 Settings for N3FJP ACLog
It's pretty simple. If you've been following my website you'll already have your 7300 setup and ready to go. If you haven't been following, please subscribe. There's a subscription form on this page.
The Icom 7300 settings I use are here and they don't change. I use the same setting with all of my software.
You'll want to attach your CW paddle or Straight key to the rear of the radio. This is so you can send the callsign of the QSO station over the air manually.
ACLog Configuration - Rig Control and CW Transmit
I normally use two cables. One for rig control and one for keying. The CI-V (rig control) has a maximum speed of 19200 baud, but that's plenty fast. The USB is strictly used for CW keying in this configuration.
If you don't have a CI-V cable you can use just the USB and then something like VSPE (Virtual Serial Port Emulator) to split the COM port. That way the same COM port can be used for rig control and CW keying.
Here are my screen captures and I was using VSPE, so the same port could be used for Rig Control and CW Transmit.
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- Rig Control settings
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- Baud Rate
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- CW Transmit
See my previous post,Transmitting CW in Ham Radio Software.
ACLog Configuration - POTA
The park number you are activating needs to be added to each log entry, but it will carry over after the first QSO is logged.
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- POTAConfig file
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- Labeling Other Fileds
Here is my video showing the configuration and the video below that is my operating video, POTA K-0050, Mammoth Cave in KY.
Why is it Best?
- Easy installation
- Great tech support
- Inexpensive
- Easy for anyone to use in the field
Thank You!
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Please stay in touch and best 73,
Rich, K0PIR
Sources:
Here is how they do it on the N3FJP site.
Hi Rich, I’ve been a long time lurker on your website. 🙂 Your advice re setting up the IC7300 for digital has been a lifesaver. Over the years you’ve mentioned numerous logging programs all of which you’ve used at various times. I’m curious about how you manage all of these various logs and whether you have one log database for all of your contacts? I have HRD and have used it since 2010. The latest versions have gotten “buggy,” at least on my pc laptop. It takes longer to load and the lookup panel is non-responsive at times. I like the convenience of the HRD suite and the seamless integration with WSJT-X/JT-ALERT for digital work, but the lookup panel issue really hampers it for voice entry. Still, it’s nice having my entire log in one place. Maybe you’d consider doing a blog/article about logging programs and log management?
Hi John,
Nice to hear from you and thank you for the nice comment.
I merge my logs together and the main one I am using now is on my laptop and is N3FJP ACLog.
I think having a main log in the cloud would be good. There are some good possibilities. It’s a work in progress.
Thanks for the idea and thanks again for commenting here.
Best 73,
Rich, K0PIR