CQRlog

See the Update

"CQRLOG is an advanced ham radio logger based on MySQL database. Provides radio control based on hamlib libraries (currently support of 140+ radio types and models), DX cluster connection, online callbook, a grayliner, internal QSL manager database support and a most accurate country resolution algorithm based on country tables created by OK1RR. CQRLOG is intended for daily general logging of HF, CW & SSB contacts and strongly focused to easy operation and maintenance." - cqrlog.com

A couple years ago, I wrote about several Windows-based and web-based logging software systems for amateur radio enthusiasts. The web-based software provides users the option of using any OS, as all that is needed is a web browser, but on the downside, you also need an internet connection.

Long ago, while looking to get off the Windows bandwagon, I experimented with Linux, Redhat, and a few other OS's, but recently, I was introduced to Raspbian, a Debian-based / Linux-based OS designed for the Raspberry Pi computer. My opinion of Raspbian so far is very positive. The fact that the OS is free, and thousands of programs are available for free, helps my wallet recover from the ever-expanding money pit Windows based computers can be.

The main window of CQRlog for entering QSO's

Now let me jump forward to what I really want to talk about - the new Raspberry Pi 4 and CQRlog. The CQRlog software package is touted as the best Linux-based amateur radio log program on the planet, and I may just have to agree. The Raspberry Pi 4, on the other hand, may just change the way we currently look at desktop computers. This is good.

I am a big fan of Ham Radio Deluxe, a fantastic Windows-based program, but now it is quite expensive, initially $100, then $50 per year for maintenance. And if you still mail out QSL cards, the annual cost of the hobby can really eat into the household budget. More recently, I was using the Log4OM software, another fantastic Windows-based program that has most of the bells and whistles of HRD, but the best part is Log4OM is free, but please make a donation to their work if you like it.

Then there's CQRlog, an open source software system that, when used with a few other Linux-based open source software packages, rivals anything out there, and it's free! CQRlog integrates with LoTW, HRDlog.net, eQSL, and Clublog. It also provides live logbook support through HamQTH or QRZ. HamLib takes care of TRX controls so current radio configurations auto-populate in the QSO window.

The full log / QSO / QSL management window in CQRlog

You can find all available software packages in the Raspbian/Debian repositories. In Raspbian OS, simply go to the Preferences menu and click on Add / Remove Software. Search Ham Radio and select all the desired software packages. It's as easy as Pi.

The DX Cluster window in CQRlog

The Grayline map in CQRlog

Update

September 29, 2020

So it's been over a year now since I started using CQRlog, and well, I'm still using it and I really like it! Logs are super easy to set up, updates to several online logs can be automatic and in real time, and the integration with LoTW is great. 

Services from the website HamQTH - from the makers of CQRlog and RemoteQTH - are well integrated into the CQRlog software. No nagging ads and no subscription fees. If you like the software and services, you are free to make a much appreciated donation.

This software has been very stable, reliable, and easy to use. I did have it crash twice, but I believe it was related to a rig control conflict I created by using several programs wanting rig control at the same time. My bad. As you can see, the appearance of the many interfaces are nice, clean, and up-to-date, unlike so many ham programs with the vintage 1980's, DOS-to-Windows transition look. 

CQRlog is cleanly at the top of my list for logging software. See the CQRlog website for more.

Filum Receptorem 101

Back in the day, we were all taught that the most significant component leading to successful QSO's is the antenna. A really good, well tuned antenna can help you generate more QSO's with even the most mediocre radio, than any other upgrade you can make in your system. For this reason, we first need to analyse our antennas in every aspect, and second, be sure we are providing the best possible environment for the antenna to work properly. With this in mind, antenna design, polarity, placement, and feed should all be considered.

At my home QTH, I currently have two antennas set up. For 144/440 MHz, a Comet GP-6 sits atop a 55 foot tower, and for HF work, a GAP Titan DX is mounted 2 meters above the ground, both in a less-than-ideal environments. We live in a tall forest with sandy soil and beach sand containing magnetite, and my home and barn have metal roofs. The GAP is positioned half way between the buildings, about 30 feet from either. As you might agree, not the best of situations as far as antennas go, but that's the best we can do here, given all factors.

As the antennas are in their current position and environment - on a sunny August 21 with heavy foliage - I captured the following readings with my Comet CAA-500 Mark II antenna analyzer. I am pretty happy with what I found. This should help me take better advantage of the frequencies that might provide the best situation for success.

Blessings!

Comet GP-6

2 METERS

70 CENTIMETERS

GAP Titan DX

10 METERS

12 METERS

15 METERS

17 METERS

20 METERS

30 METERS

40 METERS

80 METERS

Even so, I am having a great time making QSO's all around the world and making good distance in the local area. So far, I have nothing to complain about, though I have no experience or knowledge of what it is like having what one might consider ideal conditions. I'm in this for the enjoyment of the hobby, and "just havin' fun" is what I am doing!

Favorite Pi(e)

When Nancy and I go out to a new restaurant, we always ask if they have my personal favorite, Key Lime pie. But since last week, I may have to change my thinking and cautiously consider Raspberry...

First, it was the Raspberry Pi zero for my ZUMspot. I was so amazed with it's simplicity and usefulness, I had to get a Raspberry Pi 3 B+. It was like a whole new Raspberry world opened before me. And all I could think about before was Key Lime pie. Ha! And now comes the Raspberry Pi 4, the newest Pi on the pi rack, my favorite Pi so far.

The new and amazing Raspberry Pi 4 (2GB) running Raspbian is my shack's main desktop computer.  CQRLOG software is now my go-to radio log, the FreeDV software is set up for digital HF, and Gpredict for satellite tracking. The Raspbian/Debian repositories have a Ham Radio package that includes a host of programs for amateur radio Linux users. Did I mention all of this open source software is free? Yup. Free.

Space TV

Of all the out-of-the-box things I can think of, this was not one of them - sending pictures via amateur radio from space to earth, especially when they originate from the International Space Station orbiting the earth at 19,000 mph!

Here are the results of my very first attempt with SSTV on August 3, 2019.

And the confirmation from ARISS.

How cool is that!

Are you experimenting with amateur radio? If not, why not.