+++++++++++++++++ From an ARRL Letter... +++++++++++++++++ ==>ARRL RELEASES UPDATED "LOGBOOK OF THE WORLD" BETA SOFTWARE "Logbook of the World" (LoTW) beta testers for the most part have reacted positively to the latest version of ARRL's secure electronic contact-confirmation system, but some users have run into difficulties. Responding to problems encountered by some early beta testers, the League has released an updated beta version of LoTW that should resolve these issues. Beta testers are encouraged to download the new version of the software, 1.02beta, from the LoTW page . "While most installations and subsequent e-mailing and uploading of log data have gone flawlessly, as expected there have been problems," said ARRL's Dave Patton, NT1N, who's been a part of the LoTW project from the start. He says the LoTW server software failed to recognize many of the new digital mode designations, such as MFSK-16 and JT6M. This caused fatal errors while digitally signing logs. Patton says the beta update allows users to "map" any mode designation to one of the four main Amateur Data Interchange Format (ADIF) mode categories--CW, phone, image, and digital--without changing the actual log data. He said the beta upgrade also will correct other log data problems that caused fatal errors in signing a log, including allowing the signing process to complete the "good" parts of a log without crashing. Beta testing got under way May 15. So far, the 1300 or so beta testers have uploaded upward of five million contacts to the LoTW database. Once it's ready later this year, LoTW will provide a way for amateurs worldwide to qualify for awards such as DXCC or WAS without having to first collect and submit hard-copy QSL cards. One beta tester from Brazil lavished praised on the LoTW project. "I applaud the creators of LoTW," he wrote. "This will be, for sure, the salvation of DXing and award collecting. Please keep up this essential work!" For now, log data are limited to contacts made no more than five years ago (on or after January 1, 1998) to get a representative sampling, Patton explained. Patton promised "many more bells and whistles" over the weeks ahead. One of those will meld LoTW with DXCC. He noted that a major DXCC software revision, now under way, will need to be completed first. Logging software developers now can get documentation and a Windows DLL library--as well as complete source code for the TQSL software--at the SourceForge Web site . To join the beta testing program, visit the Logbook of the World--Getting Started site . The beta testing period wraps up in mid-July. All QSO data submitted to LoTW will be deleted when the beta test period ends, and users will have to obtain new digital certificates to submit log data to LoTW once it 'goes live.' As part of the security process for the live system, passwords will be mailed to US licensees at the address that appears in the FCC database. Users should make sure the FCC has their current mailing address. Amateurs can modify their address online or via US mail by using instructions available on the FCC Web site . ARRL members may submit license modifications or renewals through the ARRL VEC . ++++++++++++++++++