[SEDXC] Fw: [DX-NEWS] Logbook of the World to open DXCC credits system

[Rick Glisson]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Reisert AD1C" <jjreisert at alum.mit.edu>
To: <dx-news at njdxa.org>
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 6:27 PM
Subject: [DX-NEWS] Logbook of the World to open DXCC credits system


> ***************
> The ARRL Letter
> Vol. 23, No. 18
> April 30, 2004
> ***************
>
> ==>LOGBOOK OF THE WORLD TO INAUGURATE DXCC CREDITS SYSTEM MAY 5
>
> The ARRL's Logbook of the World (LoTW) <http://www.arrl.org/lotw> secure
> contact database debuts its DXCC credits system Wednesday, May 5. As of
> week's end, the credits system was undergoing some final testing. ARRL
> Membership Services Manager Wayne Mills, N7NG, says the long-awaited LoTW
> component will permit users to apply contact "matches" in Logbook's 41.4
> million QSO and growing database to their DXCC records. To date, Mills
> reports, more than 2.5 million QSO matches already exist in the system.
>
> "It's a pretty straightforward process," Mills said of crediting LoTW QSO
> matches to DXCC. "What participants need to do first is go to the LoTW
> site and read the instructions." Information available will include a list
> of frequently asked questions--FAQs.
>
> Before doing anything else, LoTW newcomers will have to obtain a Logbook
> of the World digital certificate and download the software. Since LoTW
> launched last September, it has validated nearly 10,000 digital
> certificates from approximately 7000 individual users. Obtaining a digital
> certificate, which authenticates each user under a particular call sign,
> is free.
>
> The Logbook of the World database is a repository of individual contact
> records submitted by users in the US and abroad. When both QSO
> participants submit matching contact records to LoTW, the result is a
> "virtual QSL" that--while it bears little resemblance to a paper QSL
> card--is good for DXCC credit. LoTW accommodates Windows, MacOS and Linux
> RPM users, and several logging software developers have incorporated LoTW
> components into their programs.
>
> DXCC is the first and only award for which LoTW users will be able to
> apply their credits. Mills says plans already are in the works to make the
> system available to apply LoTW credits to other ARRL and possibly some
> non-ARRL awards.
>
> Getting the DXCC credits system up and running has involved a considerable
> amount of programming--much of it by ARRL Web/Software Development Manager
> Jon Bloom, KE3Z--followed by extensive testing.
>
> LoTW users already holding digital certificates just need to click on the
> "Awards" menu tab to access the new system that lets them apply QSL
> credits to their DXCC records.
>
> While the software and obtaining a digital certificate are free, it will
> cost users to apply LoTW QSL credits to DXCC. The application fee for a
> basic DXCC certificate remains the same, however, and users will only be
> charged on the Logbook side of the system. Individual credits can cost as
> much as 25 cents apiece, but users can save money by buying credits in
> bulk. Purchasing more than 500 credits will drop the per-QSL cost to just
> 15 cents, Mills pointed out. "The fees are much more economical than the
> postage and other costs associated with collecting traditional paper QSL
> cards," he added.
>
> The application fee for a basic DXCC Award is $10 and includes up to 120
> card credits. Applicants pay 15 cents per each additional card applied. A
> similar fee structure applies for those going the LoTW route, Mills says,
> and you won't have to pay any additional fees on the DXCC side. The site
> provides for secure payment via credit card.
>
> One first: LoTW will be able to query the DXCC system and display an
> individual's DXCC record. In the past, members have had to request their
> DXCC records via e-mail. "This was actually an unintended consequence of
> offering the DXCC credits system," Mills said.
>
> For more information, contact the Logbook of The World staff
> <lotw-help at arrl.org>.
>
>
> ===========================================================
> The ARRL Letter is published Fridays, 50 times each year, by the American
> Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur Radio--225 Main
> St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259;
> <http://www.arrl.org>. Jim Haynie, W5JBP, President.
>
> The ARRL Letter offers a weekly e-mail digest of essential news of
> interest to active amateurs. The ARRL Letter strives to be timely,
> accurate, concise, and readable. Visit ARRLWeb <http://www.arrl.org> for
> the latest news, updated as it happens. The ARRL Web site
> <http://www.arrl.org/> offers access to news, informative features and
> columns. ARRL Audio News <http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/audio/> is a
> weekly "ham radio newscast" compiled from The ARRL Letter.
>
> Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or
> in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to
> The ARRL Letter and The American Radio Relay League.
>
>
> =====
> Jim Reisert AD1C, 7 Charlemont Court, North Chelmsford, MA 01863
> USA +978-251-9933, <jjreisert at alum.mit.edu>, http://www.ad1c.com
> PGP Fingerprint: D8E2 3D78 339F A7F1 8C13  1193 B5D1 4FB6 79D1 70DC
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> To post a message the subject must begin with [:dx-news:]
> (all lower case) and sent to dx-news at njdxa.org
>
> Archives  http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news@njdxa.org
> ----------------------------------------------------------
>
>