As amateur radio enthusiasts, we’re always on the lookout for software that can enhance our operating experience. Today, I want to introduce you to QLog, a powerful open-source logging application that’s been gaining popularity in the ham radio community.

What is QLog?

QLog is a feature-rich amateur radio logging application available for Linux and Windows platforms (with experimental MacOS support for developers). Built on the Qt framework with an SQLite database backend, QLog strikes an impressive balance between simplicity and functionality.

The philosophy behind QLog is straightforward: be as simple as possible while providing all the essential features operators need. While it’s not primarily focused on contests, it does offer basic contest support among its many capabilities.

Key Features That Stand Out

QLog comes packed with features that make it a compelling choice for radio operators:

Station Integration

• Rig Control: Supports multiple interfaces including Hamlib, Omnirig v1 & v2 (Windows only), and TCI
• Rotator Control: Works with Hamlib and PSTRotator
• CW Keyer Support: Compatible with CWDaemon, FLDigi (all modes), Morse Over CAT, and WinKey V2 hardware

Online Services

• Callbook Integration: Connects with HamQTH and QRZ.com
• DX Cluster Integration: Stay updated on DX stations
• QSL Services: Integrates with LoTW, eQSL (including QSL pictures download), QRZ.com, Clublog, HRDLog.net, and ON4KST Chat
• Secure Password Storage: For all services with password or security token protection

Operating Features

• Customizable GUI: Adapt the interface to your preferences
• Online and Offline Maps: Visualize your contacts
• Club Member Lookup: Quickly identify fellow club members
• Bandmap and CW Console: Enhanced operating tools
• WSJT-X Integration: Seamless operation with digital modes
• Station Location Profiles: Support for multiple operating locations
• Various Statistics: Track your operating achievements
• Basic Awards Support: Keep tabs on your award progress

One of the most refreshing aspects of QLog is its commitment to user privacy and freedom. There are NO ads, NO user tracking, and NO hidden telemetry—it’s simply free and open-source.

Platform Support

QLog runs well on:

• Linux (with packages available for Ubuntu, Fedora, and as a Flatpak)
• Windows 10 (64-bit)
• MacOS (experimental support for developers)

The application supports a wide range of radio equipment through its compatibility with Hamlib, Omnirig, and TCI interfaces, making it versatile enough for most ham shacks.

Getting Started with QLog

For Linux Users

Ubuntu users can install QLog through the dedicated PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:foldyna/qlog
sudo apt update
sudo apt install qlog

Fedora users can download RPM packages from GitHub Releases, and a Flatpak package (which includes built-in TrustedQSL) is available via Flathub.

For Windows Users

Windows users need to install:

• Trusted QSL (optional)
• Omnirig v1 (optional)
• Omnirig v2 (optional)

The installation package is available through GitHub Releases.

My Experience with QLog

What I particularly appreciate about QLog is its clean, uncluttered interface combined with powerful features. The SQLite backend ensures your logging data is stored efficiently and can be backed up easily.

The integration with online services like LoTW and eQSL has streamlined my QSLing process, while the rig control features mean I spend less time manually entering frequency and mode information.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to amateur radio logging or looking to switch from another application, QLog deserves your consideration. Its combination of simplicity, features, and open-source philosophy makes it a valuable tool for any ham radio operator.

QLog is actively maintained, with regular updates and a responsive community. If you encounter issues or have suggestions, you can report them through QLog Issues or join the QLog mailing list.

Give QLog a try—I think you’ll be impressed by what this free, open-source logging application has to offer to the amateur radio community.

Visit https://github.com/foldynl/QLog

QLog is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0. The project was started by Thomas Gatzweiler in 2020 and is currently maintained by Ladislav Foldyna (2021-2025).