Amateur radio operators have, traditionally, kept paper logs of their QSOs (contacts) with other amateur radio operators. FCC regulations required that logs be maintained and kept available for FCC inspection at any time. The requirement to keep a log was lifted many years back. Most hams still keep logs, however, logs are now usually maintained on computers, using specialized 'logging software' instead of in hand-written logbooks. Some of these software programs are free to hams.

Two of the most popular logging systems are:

• N1MM Logger
• N3FJP

Our own Randy Grunewald KB9KEG has written introductions for these two software systems. They are available for download as PDF files.

• N1MM Logging Software Introduction
• N3FJP Logging Software Introduction

This was written specifically to support the WI QSO Party contest. Randy has included some tips at the end to help you get the most out of the contest.