Hello all.
For a long time I use a Word file for my activator and chaser logs - besides a computer logbook of course. Here I collect everything important for me and of course the personal statistics around SOTA.
Do you also use something like this and if so, how do you do it? I notice that with a Word file the whole becomes more and more unclear. I probably should have started better with an Excel file 
73 Marcel DM3FAM
Hi Marcel,
I’m afraid I am a heathen that uses Excel for logging, which is great as I like to keep a paper record, but to produce ADIF files from it involves a lot of work. Of course the log is not all SOTA so it has to be edited to suit. Hence why I end up manually logging the contacts into the database. I think I’m too old to change my ways and move over to a more modern system. 
73, Gerald G4OIG
Hello Gerald,
thank you for your answer. Adapting to something new usually always works. You just have to start 
I keep the file for myself to have an overview which Summits I have already activated when and how often. Also the one or other QSO statistics is in there with. The chaser logs are more difficult, I think. When have I chased which summit and also in which mode.
73 Marcel DM3FAM
Hi Marcel,
I must admit that I use the database for my SOTA statistics. I keep lists of activated summits and use Excel for recording all my activations and the points situation. I am not so much interested in modes, bands, etc… and of course I specialise in unique summits, so knowing when i was last on a summit is not relevant.
There are many things that are not going to change for me after over 50 years in amateur radio. I will continue to use my straight key, log with pencil and paper and write my activation reports ready for reading again when i am too old to get up the summits. 
73, Gerald
I’ve started keeping a spreadsheet of my activations so that I can record what gear I used and anything else of interest. I’ve started using a homebrew rig so I want to keep track of which activations I can count towards Homebrew Goat. I’m also likely to try different antennas or walk different routes etc.
You’ve reminded me that I need to add Friday’s summits to it!
For logging I use pen and paper and when I get home type this into FLE to generate an ADIF file. I upload this to the database and import it into Log4OM.
After years of doing so many SOTA sites I started to get bogged down in trip planning, so I use Notion to organize it all. Here is an example of one of the sites I activate in Shenandoah NP in Virginia.
73,
Stuart, KB1HQS
… good question, Marcel! I’m fiddling around with different systems, such as Word files for my personal lessons learned, various Excel-sheets for activation planning and - of course - the SOTA data base to keep track of my activations. Logging is done with paper and pen and I use FLE to create the CSV and ADIF- files.
I might give Notion a try - it looks interesting.
73, Roman
I am also still quite old-fashioned …
The activator logs at the summits are written with pencil and in a small notebook… and transferred to the database in the evening. I log my chaser QSOs from home directly into the database via sotawatch3.
All (few) other QSOs are written in a classic paper logbook.
If I ever have a really nice shack, I will treat myself to a logbook programme with many connections to other databases.
73 Armin
Hi Marcel,
Each activator has his personal goals and priorities and therefore probably optimizes his procedures over time to his likings.
Personally, I like to spend most of the time in nature and try to minimize the effort with paperwork.
Therefore, as an 99% activator, for logging I use VK port-a-log on my smartphone, allowing me to upload the entered contacts quickly after the activation.
For later reference, both RX and TX signal reports, as well as the S2S information are automatically added to the comment field of VK port-a-log, so this information is kept in the SOTA database.
Before uploading, I check each entry, and maybe add a missing first name to the logging software (I collect and merge the names of all contacts for this and other logging software).
I don’t use another logging software but completely rely on the SOTA database.
From time to time, I back-up the VK port-a-log files, should I decide later to import the ADIF files to another logging software.
All other activation information that I think is worth to others (or even to me, when revisiting the summit) is added to SOTLAS. This is done either as a comment to an uploaded photo (e.g. space for wire antennas, mobile phone or APRS coverage, etc.) or as an article to SOTA Summits (e.g. parking possibilities, etc.).
So at the end, all information is available on SOTLAS, thanks to its clever way of aggregating all relevant data. This is also the reason, why SOTLAS is my primary planning tool.
Edit:
All this you can easily check with SOTLAS as well, in one way or the other!
73 Stephan
I don’t log anything. Saves lots of time.
Hi Richard,
I assume you’re talking about SOTA activations.
If you’re not interested in any kind of points, not logging indeed saves some time.
I just don’t know if this will please the chasers in the long run…
73 Stephan
I log my contacts with VK port a log, then I send the CSV file to the SOTA database and import the ADIF file to my logging software on the PC, from where I export to LotW and eQSL.
If I take photos, they end up on my NAS. Since I also use SOTA to improve my fitness, I record each hike on a summit as an activity with my sports watch, which ends up being stored in Garmin Connect. Thus, I got a record of the GPS tracks as well.
73 Jens
At the moment I log everything - including SOTA activations, but everything else that I want to keep track of - in a Leuchtturm1917 A6 format notebook. The absolute killer feature of this notebook compared to every other brand I tried is its numbered pages. So I can write down where everything in an index, including SOTA summit references.
I’m still trying to migrate the logging of my SOTA activations to my phone so I don’t have to carry my notebook but haven’t been successful yet - but I’m working on it.
I just figured out how to load ADI files from the HAMRS app Into SOTA database. I am embarrassed it took me so long. I’ve been manually logging line by line in the database this whole time.
Since switching over to CW-HF I’ve been averaging many more QSOs and the line by line entry was starting to become work!
I use the Strava app to log my hikes and fitness running/mountain biking. I am going to get a inReach Garmin or similar since my SOTA adventures are solo and my goals will lead farther into the back country.
73
Erik
KE8OKM
Hello Beni.
Yes that makes me happy now. Also a Leuchtturm1917 friend. I have been using Leuchtturm notebooks for several years. But more for general notes, ideas and thoughts.
73 Marcel DM3FAM
Hi Marcel,
logging on paper. Then in the evening entering the data into a system that logs RSTs as well. Finally exporting adifs, that can be imported into the SOTA database.
What I would like to have:
a place where I can store:
- logs - all kind of
- visualise contacts on a map
- RBN info (automatic add)
- save HF prediction data of the day (automatic add)
- wx data (automatic add)
- some stats
- overview of the peaks, parcs etc. worked during the current year - difference to previous years (automatic add)
- pictures (drag and drop)
- tracks (drag and drop, visualise)
- comments (equipment, etc.)
- add emails received from other stations (drag and drop)
- share selected info
- a good search function included
Probably a kind of electronic diary with very specific functions.
73s
Ingo
Too much bureaucracy for me keeping such records. My logs, pictures, videos and the GPS data is enough.
Data goes on a NAS for backup.
Not exactly what you are looking for but Ingo you might want to have a look at Red Notebook
https://rednotebook.sourceforge.io/
It is a personal open source diary with tagging functions.
73
Joe
Thanks Joe!
I record activations manually in rough format on the hill then neater in my log. After uploading on the database I update my activations with photos, activation map, lessons identified, route decisions in a separate document. I use software called Scrivener, a writing program, which allows easier formatting etc. All purely for my own satisfaction.
It’s funny how in the place where I previously worked everyone would turn up to meetings with their iPads, surfaces, laptops and whatnot. Only the people from the IT department brought their paper notebooks.
I tried several times to migrate to a more digital way to take general notes of tasks, ideas and thoughts but everything failed and I keep coming back to my trusted Leuchtturm1917.