[Dx-qsl] users of LOTW

[Kr01a at aol.com]

Yep, getting all your logs onto LOTW can be a real chore for 
anyone who has been active for quite a few years.  I've been 
using ARRL logbooks for many years and, if my math is correct,
have about 45,500 QSOs logged in 35 log books (not counting
contest logs for the past 15-20 years that I used a self-prepared
DOS program to generate paper log submissions for the various
contests.  Right now, I'm finally on LOTW and am working on 
getting as much of these old logs on as time permits (working
back from my current log).  Most logging programs will give you
an ADIF file that LOTW will accept so, unless someone wants to
keep using paper logs, many active DXer's and contest ops have
the ability to join the LOTW program with little additional  work. 
Hams outside the U.S. do need a bit more paperwork to initiate
the process but several that I've talked to are on LOTW and say
it wasn't that difficult.  I admit to joining in order to reduce QSL  costs
for the band/countries needed to complete the initial 1000 for the
Challenge but I also did pickup a new country that I hadn't managed
to get via regular mail.
 
Ron and the other managers are probably buried under to the point 
that they really don't have the time to use LOTW but most of the rest
of us still have the ability to support the program for our own  benefit.
At least I hope to get some more matches as I input more logs and
look for the same from some others :o)  Still need about 30 or so  more
for the Challenge minimum.  Have worked plenty more but need to 
round up the QSLs somehow and LOTW seems like a good way to 
go...
 
73, Mac, KR0I
 
(Thanks, Ron, for the ones from you in past  years)