Paper Logbooks

Hi all,

Does anyone out there use a paper based radio logbook at all?


I know it all sounds a bit 'pipe & slippers', old fashioned if you will and I know for UK Hams not a legal requirement for some time. I've also seen many of the logging software solutions available to Hams and commend them, but I'm after something a bit more 'physical'.

Years ago I kept SWL (Short Wave Listening) logs and you used to be able to buy specific books for such tasks, proper hard bound items. I started logging around the age of 11 and wish they had withstood the passage of time as they contained logs of long lost stations and transmissions.

I'd like to start one again, especially as I'm currently undertaking my Amateur licence progression. 
I've promised a very old friend of mine, a Ham that gifted me a radio and initially pushed me back into radio interests, that he will be my very first radio contact on the Amateur bands. I'd like to honour that moment by placing him as my very first logbook entry in physical form. My grandchildren are also fascinated with my radio adventures and it would be a joy to see them thumbing through my logbooks.

I know I won't be a 'contester', not knocking it but collecting 5/9s and Maidenhead squares is not my thing, I'm more about interesting QSOs and conversation for my radio interests so a paper system is ideal for me. Personally I'd keep a log of all my radio interests, CB, Ham, SWL and testing logs.


After extensive searching of the old t'internet I've been left a little dispondent with my search for logbooks. Awful spiral bound affairs and paperback types pushed by the usual sellers and providers are everywhere. Helpful people have made available logbook pdf's, but again not what I'm exactly after.


So if anyone keeps a paper log, knows someone who keeps one, or any idea of decent hardbound notebook for such a task I would be really grateful for any input.

Long winded question I know, (me? waffle? ), but hopefully I'll get specific responses for what I'm after.


Google failed me, two heads are better than one and I know you are all a helpful bunch here on Charlie Tango.


All the best,
Victor

I use to keep a written log/list when I first started CB on the old illegal AM that was mainly handles of who I coppied  I think it was just nice to know if any new breakers where popping up in the area as there wasn't many of us at the start,then as time went on and I got in to SSB I started to do a written log more sort of properly   then I got fed up writing (lazy ) then I started getting QSL cards which I really enjoyed getting so the log keeping sort of went out the window as they say ,I did try again using a computer but TBH in the end I couldn't be bothered conditions was starting to go down hill not much good DX coming through so I just stopped, I dont even bother now the amount of any really decent DX I wouldn't need to write it down cos I'd remember it lol .

Martin,
I used to keep a paper log when I first started CB too!  The QSL card collecting sort of took over the logbook as there were fantastic cards back in the day, pieces of folk art in themselves. All lost, moving houses, divorce, all that cr*p
With a good solar cycle and plenty using CB back then it was a unique point in history.

Logging is much more efficient nowadays and I suppose handy for most but I'm striving for that good old fashioned logbook again. There's some terrible examples out there nowadays, (spiral binds etc. I mentioned), and a lot of the apparently better notebooks are over priced 'arty-farty' affairs. 
I'm waiting on a couple of quotes for stitched and bound notebooks but expecting to choke on me false gnashers at what prices face me  I even hunted out old style ledger books to handwrite my own logging details but hitting a dead end there too.

I'll get there.

All the best mate.

Hi Victor 

The Rsgb paper log book is excellent and can be found here  

RSGB Transmitting Logbook https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/187230978X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_6nvvFbF18WSQT

Also can be found actually on the Rsgb web site and there is even a discount for members 

I personally log most of my ham contacts on QRZ .com  which is excellent 

Craig

Hi Craig,

Cheers for that. The RSGB logbook was on my shortlist for the size and overall quality but only let down by the spiral binding.
I did find cover cases for spiral bound books but weirdly not for that particular size. Still, it's a good logbook, especially for the price.

Yeah, QRZ and the like are very good facilities. Still find it freaky when someone gets a contact and they get told when they were last spoke to with dates, times, frequency and signal reports all logged and instantly pulled from a callsign. Freaky hearing it as a SWL let alone if it was my contact! 

Thanks again. Much appreciated.

Victor

Paper logs? So last century!!!  

Seriously I don't keep any 11 meter logs any more  and quite often forget to update QRZ.com 

73's Gary.

Hee!  I know Gary, hence my pipe & slippers mention.

I've had the same reaction when emailing or telephoning about for logbooks.
But then some still have written diaries, you can still ride a steam train and a Parker or Schaeffer pen usually appears in my Christmas stocking. Think I was born 50 years too late!

Cheers mate,
Victor

I went to see what our local equivalent of the RSGB might have, and they only offer the ARRL one, which is much the same as the RSGB one.

https://www.arrl.org/shop/Amateur-Radio-Logbook

So, I think you're going to struggle, short of having one of these re-bound and re-covered..you could go the whole way and cover it in leather with your new callsign!

Personally (and I know it isn't what you asked for or what you want), I use N1MM (Plus VK Contest Logger for local contests) as I am hopeless at keeping paper, and also like the fact they can talk to the radio and hence auto-enter the frequency, time, etc. which is a Godsend.

I then just export and pop it into QRZ every so often.

Hi Jeff,

How are you doing? Thanks for your input on this one, much appreciated.

Never thought it would be this much of a struggle to be honest, but as with everything it's not until you start looking into these things that you find out. I have started diversifying in my search and looking at alternatives such as ledgers, guestbooks and such and might be getting somewhere with it all. I've even found a book dealer in Scotland that has some unused 1950's ledger books but gonna keep that one under my hat as it's limited stock


Cheers again and all the best to you there down under,
Victor

Hi Victor....this is what I use for SWL logging. I got this from my local W.H.Smith about 10 years ago but I think they still sell them. This one is 8.5" x 12" (or approx. 22 x 30 cm if you "speak metric") but they usually have various sizes available.

Hi Phil,

Thanks very much for your contribution, it all helps

That's a lovely looking log regardless of the actual book, nice to see careful lining and neat entries. Something to be proud of and wonderful to look back on.

After getting back some horrendous prices on the books I found I'm now looking about for more commonly available hard backed books. Will just have to do some neat lining and titling for myself much as you have shown here. 

Yep, too old to speak metric and always makes it fun when shopping around for stuff!


Cheers again.


All the best,
Victor

I used this one for a while;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ham-Radio-Station-Log-Book/dp/1466395265

Though I don't keep any logs now, I'll let the other end do that!

Amazon have quite a selection by the looks of it:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Ham+Radio+Station+Log+Book&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss

Hi Dave,

Cheers for that.
This was one of the items I had come across on my original searches and looks like it could fill many people's needs. I'm still hunting around for hardback thick book and may have found what I'm looking for in London's art suppliers, (without being so flipping expensive!)

Yeah, I wouldn't fancy keeping a paper log during a pileup or DX competition!

Luckily for me I'm more of the slow going QSO type, (not quite 80m medical ailments slow going), so a paper log will do me fine. Scribble down details on a jotter, then write down afterwards in a log. Old fashioned, but very easy going.

Thanks again,
Victor

Hi Paul,

Yep, loads available on Amazon but unfortunately all thin paperback types. Just that I have a personal penchants for an old fashioned hardback log

Thanks anyway.

All the best,
Victor

I still keep a log, albeit on paper in a small folder. Otherwise I forget names and what frequencies I meet people on!

Another way is to print the lines / columns from Excel and then put in a ring binder

Hi Victor, you could try LJ Yacht and Commercial Services http://www.rhumblinesolutions.co.uk/ . 

They do custom logs to your spec.

The cost, bloody expensive!! Off the shelf ships radio log is £90 list price although available from Stanfords for £60. Goodness knows what the custom job goes for.

Nigel

Hi Rory,

Thanks for the suggestions, appreciate it. Again, not quite what I was after but good ideas nonetheless

All the best,
Victor

Hi Nigel,

Ah, now we're talking! 

Ship/yacht log books were one idea I looked at and as you've pointed out, they're erm, a bit expensive! (You get that dry throat, unable to speak moment when unexpected prices come back at ya!)

I had also looked around at pilot logs and came to the same conclusion that expensive 'hobbies' have expensive accessories


I think I may have found the solution with, rather simply after all this, 'A4 Landscape Notebooks'. 

Most art suppliers carry such items, usually as blank field sketch books although I have found ruled notebook versions. Just the job, hard bound, lay flat, roomy books with a library cover finish so should stand up to general handling. At a mere £10 - £15 the price is just about right for the quality, they're usually acid free archival quality too.

I could go the whole hog, 180g paper, leather bound and have custom hot foil or leaf pressed titling.....for surprisingly not much more cost. Rather ostentatious though!


Cheers Nigel, much appreciated.

All the best,
Victor

I still like to use a paper log-book. There is still something satisfying about thumbing through them, when you have a spare moment.

It is the same with magazines and books too.  I would always choose hardcopy over looking at a screen.

Nice one John!

Glad to see others enjoy the same thing. 
Me too regards books, nothing quite like simply turning a page and so easy on the eyes

A proper book is Definitely easier on the old mince pies, Victor.

Hi Mark,

Yep, loads pointing out they don't keep a paper log at all or anymore but I had some good suggestions. Enough to enable me to find a paper logbook solution for my own needs. I definitely wouldn't want to keep a paper log for a contest(!)

Cheers,
Victor