Preparation for LoTW

Before you can use the LoTW functions in SWISSLOG, you will need to install the ARRL LoTW software and request a certificate from the ARRL. Please read the LoTW Page on the Internet for more details.

Briefly stated, the following steps need to be completed before using the LoTW functions:

• Download and install the LoTW software
• Request your certificate
• When you receive the certificate install it
• Create the LoTW station locations for your QTH's
• Configure Swisslog for LoTW

Configuring Swisslog for LoTW

To configure Swisslog for LoTW you will need to perform the following steps:

• Add the LoTW Stations to your Swisslog QTH's (My-QTH)
• Enter the passwords for the certificates and the LoTW website access password
• Optionally, you can enter mapping information for Bands, Modes, Propagation Modes and Satellites. If you choose not to do this now, Swisslog will prompt you when the LoTW functions are running and mapping information is needed. Details on mapping are explained later.

To start the configuration of Swisslog select from the main menu:

Tools ¦ LoTW Synchronization

 

This will display the LoTW Synchronization widow. This window has several pages – select the Configuration page to define the configuration.

Add the LoTW Stations to your Swisslog QTH's

In the ARRL's LoTW system, the name of the LoTW Station represents the QTH's you are working from. In Swisslog the equivalent data would be the QTH's that are listed as My-QTH's. Therefore, we have to make a link between the LoTW Station and the Swisslog QTH. This is accomplished by putting the name of the LoTW Station into the LoTW Station field that is adjacent to the appropriate Swisslog My-QTH Name field. This may sound confusing now, however it should be clear when you review the dialog window shown below:

• Open the Configuration page – the dialog window shown below will appear
• Select Station / QTH from the Configuration Item list

The first time the Station / QTH window is opened, you will see list of your QTH's in the center column under the heading My QTH Name. The fields in the first column under the heading LoTW Station will be empty and you will see an error message for each QTH.

Place the cursor in one of the LoTW Station fields in the first column and click with the mouse – an arrow will be displayed. Click on the arrow to open a list containing the names of your LoTW Station Locations. Select the correct one corresponding to the Swisslog My QTH Name. If you do not want to synchronize the QSO's made from a particular QTH with the LoTW select NONE. (Note: the screen image shown above was taken from the development log which contains several QTH's which are not real, that's why there are so many entries defined as NONE).

Hint: When you click on the arrow in the LoTW fields, a list of LoTW Station Locations should appear. If the list is empty, and only the word NONE appears, it means you need to run the ARRL TQSL program. Start the TQSL program and select Station ¦ Add Locations. If this program is not on your computer or you need more information, refer to the ARRL website for help LoTW Page on the Internet.

Error and/or warning message may be displayed in the top part of the dialog window. You can not synchronize the with the LoTW as long as there are error messages.

Enter the Passwords for the Certificates and the Web Access

In the ARRL's LoTW system, there are several different passwords assigned for distinctly different purposes. Unfortunately this is likely to cause some confusion when your are asked to enter these passwords in different applications. Try to remember the difference between the passwords that are associated with your certificates and the password that you use for logging onto the ARRL LoTW website (which is also different than an ARRL members password for the general ARRL website).

Hint: If you have trouble remembering the password you use for logging onto the LoTW website you can try entering it on the ARRL LoTW website. When you have the correct password, follow the instructions below and enter it in the field next to LoTW Web Password at the bottom of the dialog window.

• Open the Configuration page – the dialog window shown below will appear
• Select Passwords from the Configuration Item list

In the main section of the dialog window there is a list of your Certificate Callsigns and an adjacent field for the corresponding Password. This password is also referred to as the password that protects your private key. If you don't enter the certificate password, Swisslog will prompt you for the password when one is needed.

At the bottom of the window, there are two fields that must be filled in. In the first field next to LoTW Web User Callsign enter the same Callsign that you use to enter the ARRL LoTW website. In the second field next to LoTW Web Password enter the password that you use for logging onto the LoTW website.

Enter Mapping Information

LoTW has very strict requirements regarding Band, Mode, Propagation Modes (Prop. Modes), and Satellite names. Swisslog therefore insures, that the correct names are used and converts them as necessary. If Swisslog does not know how to convert one of theses names, it will prompt you for the correct name and store the information in the mapping tables.

Hint: At this point, you don't have to enter any mapping information because Swisslog will ask you when it needs information. Therefore, if you're not sure about the mapping information that might be required, wait until Swisslog prompts you with the pop-up dialog windows. It's also possible you won't need to do any mapping.

If you decide to enter mapping information manually, open the dialog window as shown below:

• Open the Configuration page – the dialog window shown below will appear
• Select the appropriate item – Bands, Modes, Prop. Modes, or Satellites from the Configuration Item list

Important note: The LoTW system defines the valid names. Therefore, you should only select values from the list. Place the cursor in one of the LoTW Value fields in the second column and click with the mouse – an arrow will be displayed. Click on the arrow to open a list containing the allowable LoTW Values and select a value.