CQRLog Install on FreeBSD

There are several very good logging programs in the FreeBSD Package Repository such as KLog, Xlog, KB, and Yfklog but none of them are as feature rich as CQRLog in my humble opinion! Some amateur radio operators prefer simple logging programs, however, my preference is a logging program which can connect to other services such as qrz.com, eqsl.cc and Log Book of the World as well as other programs such as WSJT-X.

CQRLog uses MYSQL as the default backend database. Normally, installation of CQRlog from FreeBSD’s Package Repository would be straight forward. However, installing MySQL first, provides a little flexibility when installing CRQLog from the FreeBSD Package Repository.

NetLogger Install using FreeBSD’s Linux Binary Compatibility

As an active Amateur Radio Operator, I utilize NetLogger on a daily basis. Nearly all of the Amateur Radio Applications I use have native FreeBSD packages with the exception of NetLogger. NetLogger is a Net Management Tool for Ham Radio. It’s a great QT Application available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. NetLogger is available as a free application but the source code is not open source which is unfortunate. In any case, a Linux Binary and associated dependency libraries are available.

NetLogger can be downloaded at https://netlogger.org. I chose the Stable Version 3.1.5 Linux Tar Archive — 32 Bit.

FreeBSD and WSJT-X Configuration

Recently, I configured WSJT-X on my IBM ThinkPad running FreeBSD 12.1 with the Lumina Desktop. Although it’s working just fine, the road traveled was challenging to say the least. Enclosed are my notes on the actions needed to properly configure FreeBSD and WSJT-X on my Laptop.

For those not familiar with WSJT-X, it is amateur radio software for weak signal communications. Please follow the link for additional information regarding WSJT-X: https://www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/index.html

Install TrustedQSL on FreeBSD

From the LoTW website, the Logbook of the World (LoTW) is an online service that enables you to:

electronically submit contacts (QSOs) for confirmation
view your submitted QSOs and resulting confirmations online
view your DXCC, VUCC, WAS, WAZ and WPX award progress online
electronically submit confirmations for credit toward DXCC, VUCC, WAS, WAZ and WPX awards

Although there are several services to log contacts such as QRZ and eQSL, LoTW is the Gold Standard of logging contacts in the author’s humble opinion!

Ham Radio Desk in my Home Office

Committed to Change my Ham Radio Desk and Operating Environment – Part I:

How often in life do you realize something in your life has to change. As a amateur radio operator for several years, the accumulation of equipment, cables, and antennas has led to a hodgepodge of untenable solutions to make my ham shack presentable. It’s not about making it work or having a better station, but now, it’s about making it look presentable as part of my home. Continue reading “Ham Radio Desk in my Home Office”