The ARRL has finally launched Log Book of the World or LoTW for those who enjoy acronyms. This database promises to revolutionize the awards systems as we have known them since their inception.

Over the years, postage costs have risen dramatically around the world. The US Postal Service still remains the most economical mail delivery system but our rates have increased, too. It has become quite costly to exchange QSL cards with DX stations especially if the cards are sent direct. The use of the QSL Bureau and of DX QSL services has therefore increased many fold. It is the reason the North Jersey DX Association handles approximately one million QSL cards per year. It is also one of the basic reasons for the creation of LoTW.

If the ARRL's database functions as it should, the confirmatiuon of contacts necessary for the various awards will be done automatically. A nominal fee will be charged for submissions for awards but I think all award-seekers will agreee that the fees are reasonable and acceptable.

I have successfully uploaded my DX logs to LoTW. As the DX stations upload their logs, the cross-matching process begins and confirmed contacts, called QSLs, show up in your account information. If the system continues to operate as it does now, we are all in for a pleasant change. On the other hand, what if the system cannot handle the data? What if incorrect matches are recorded? What if .....? Let's all think in positive terms. The system works. Let's support the organization that provides the service for all hams. The ARRL is our only voice on a national and international level. Every amateur radio licensee should be a member of the League. We should support the efforts of League officials in protecting our frequencies, defending our antenna support structure battles, and much more. We should show our appreciation for technological marvels like the Logbook of the World. Thanks, ARRL!

See our meeting notice on page 1 of our Home page for details about the meeting.

With the exception of the February meeting, all of our meetings are open. We invite DX-minded individuals to visit us and see what we do and how we operate.

73,

Ron