SOTA and Laptops

Exactly this!

Outd Log now works on both Apple & Android. I use an old android tablet. I have an iPad mini as well but the battery doesn’t seem to last as long which is why I tend to use the Android tablet (which is typically good for 2-3 hour long activations between charges).

Also have it installed on my phone but it’s a bit fiddly with the small screen.

I would only ever carry a full windows computer with me if I intended to run FT8 or another digital mode.

The pros of “digital logging”:-

  • Keeps track of the time for you

  • Doesn’t blow away on a windy summit (like paper does)

  • Quicker & easier to upload the logs when you get home (especially if activating for multiple programs…SOTA, WWFF etc)

The problems you may face:-

  • Batteries can go flat, especially if you turn the screen brightness up too much

  • Screen can be difficult to see in sunlight, forcing you to turn the brightness up

  • Delicate electronics don’t cope very well with getting wet so I always carry a pencil & a waterproof notepad with me!

I tend to steer towards electronic logging on a tablet as my preference but I always have an “analogue backup” in case it rains or I have an issue with the tablet.

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