Glossary

This glossary defines common terms used in amateur radio and throughout this manual. Terms are linked throughout the documentation - hover over dotted-underlined text for quick definitions.

ADIF

Amateur Data Interchange Format - a standard file format for exchanging amateur radio log data between programs.

Activity Log

A hunter-focused daily QSO tracking mode that doesn't require starting or stopping logging sessions.

Band

A range of radio frequencies allocated for amateur radio use (e.g., 20 meters, 40 meters, 2 meters).

Brag Sheet

A shareable image card summarizing a POTA activation with map, stats, equipment, and conditions.

CW

Continuous Wave - another term for Morse code communication.

Callsign

A unique identifier assigned to a licensed amateur radio operator (e.g., W1AW, K6TEST).

CloudKit

Apple's framework for syncing data across devices via iCloud.

Club Log

A popular amateur radio logging service with bidirectional ADIF sync, used especially for DX tracking.

Confirmation

When both stations in a QSO submit matching log entries, confirming the contact occurred.

Contest

A competitive event where operators try to make as many contacts as possible in a set time period.

DX

Long-distance communication, typically referring to contacts with stations in other countries.

DXCC

DX Century Club - an award for confirming contacts with 100 or more DXCC entities (countries).

Dynamic Island

An iOS interface element at the top of the screen that displays real-time information from Live Activities.

FT8

A digital mode designed for weak-signal communication, popular for making contacts with minimal power.

Grid Square

A location identifier using the Maidenhead Locator System (e.g., FN31 for the Boston area).

HF

High Frequency - radio frequencies from 3 to 30 MHz, used for long-distance communication.

KiwiSDR

A software-defined radio receiver that can be accessed remotely via web browser or WebSocket connection.

Live Activity

An iOS feature that displays real-time information on the lock screen and Dynamic Island during an active logging session.

LoFi

Ham2K LoFi - a cloud logging service for amateur radio operators.

LoTW

Logbook of The World - ARRL's system for confirming contacts electronically.

Mode

The type of transmission used (e.g., SSB, CW, FM, FT8).

N-fer

Activating multiple overlapping parks simultaneously (two-fer for 2, three-fer for 3, etc.), logging each QSO to all parks.

P2P

Park to Park - a contact between two POTA activators both operating from parks.

POTA

Parks on the Air - a program encouraging portable operation from parks and public lands.

Professional Statistician Mode

An optional mode that adds extended charts and statistical analysis to POTA activation details and brag sheets.

QRM

Man-made interference on a frequency.

QRZ

"Who is calling?" - also the name of a popular callsign lookup and logging website.

QSL

Confirmation of a contact, traditionally via postcard but now often electronic.

QSO

A contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations.

QTH

Your location or station address.

RBN

Reverse Beacon Network - a network of receiving stations that automatically spot CW and digital signals.

RST

Readability, Signal Strength, Tone - a system for reporting signal quality during a contact.

Rove

A POTA operating style where you activate multiple parks in a single session, moving between stops.

SSB

Single Sideband - a voice mode commonly used on HF bands.

Spot

A report of a station's activity, including their callsign, frequency, and mode.

Station Profile

A reusable equipment configuration (radio, antenna, key, microphone) used in the Activity Log.

SwiftData

Apple's framework for data persistence in iOS/macOS apps.

Sync

The process of uploading or downloading log data between the app and cloud services.

Two-fer

Activating two overlapping parks simultaneously, with each QSO counting toward both park activations.

UHF

Ultra High Frequency - radio frequencies from 300 MHz to 3 GHz.

UTC

Coordinated Universal Time - the standard time zone used for logging amateur radio contacts.

VHF

Very High Frequency - radio frequencies from 30 to 300 MHz.

WAS

Worked All States - an award for confirming contacts with all 50 US states.

WPM

Words Per Minute - a measure of Morse code speed.

WebSDR

A software-defined radio receiver accessible over the internet, used in Carrier Wave for remote listening and recording.

Widget

An iOS home screen or lock screen component that displays at-a-glance information from Carrier Wave.