Logger

The Logger is Carrier Wave’s primary interface for recording contacts. It provides rapid QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. entry, session management, real-time callsign lookup, and a comprehensive command system for controlling your operating session.

Starting a Session

Session Start Wizard

When you start a new session, the wizard guides you through:

Basic Parameters:

• Mode - CWContinuous Wave - another term for Morse code communication. , SSBSingle Sideband - a voice mode commonly used on HF bands. , FT8A digital mode designed for weak-signal communication, popular for making contacts with minimal power. , FM, AM, FT4, RTTY , PSK31, DATA
• Frequency - Operating frequency in MHz (optional - supports hunt-first flow)
• Activation Type - Casual, POTAParks on the Air - a program encouraging portable operation from parks and public lands. , SOTA

Equipment:

• Radio/Rig - Select from user-managed radio list
• Antenna - Current antenna in use
• CW Key - For Morse code operations
• Microphone - For voice modes
• Power - Transmit power in watts (US max: 1,500W)

Additional Fields:

• Attendees - Who’s operating (for multi-operator sessions)
• Photos - Session photos (captured or imported from library)
• Notes - Session-level notes

Activation Details:

When operating POTAParks on the Air - a program encouraging portable operation from parks and public lands. or SOTA :

• Park Reference - Supports multi-park n-fer operations with removable chips
• Search parks by name/reference or find nearby parks using GPS
• Number shorthand: typing “1234” expands to “US-1234”

Nearby suggestions:

Selecting POTA, SOTA, or WWFF in the wizard immediately shows the 3 nearest references within 10 mi (16 km) of your current location, sorted by distance. GPS-first with a grid-square fallback if location is unavailable. Tap a suggestion to add it. The magnifying-glass button still opens the full search/picker sheet for searching by name or browsing beyond 10 mi. If nothing is within 10 mi, the suggestion list is hidden and you’ll need to search manually.

Inline reference fields during a session:

The Logger expanded fields row swaps in the right field for the active session type:

• POTA sessions show Park (auto-enriched from spot lookup of the worked station)
• SOTA sessions show Summit (their summit reference for S2S contacts)
• Dual POTA + SOTA sessions show both — Summit primary, Park beneath

Typing a SOTA reference (e.g. W6/CT-225) directly into a quick-entry token is not yet wired up; use the inline Summit field for S2S logging.

Contest Templates:

If you’re operating a contest, Carrier Wave can pre-configure your session from the WA7BNM contest calendar. The calendar is polled every 6 hours for upcoming events. Select a contest from the list, and the wizard populates the appropriate mode, band, exchange fields, and logging template. See Contest Support for details.

Portable Callsign:

Configure callsign prefix/suffix for portable operations:

• Prefix: I/W6JSV (international)
• Suffix: /P (portable), /M (mobile), /MM (maritime mobile), /AM (aeronautical mobile), or custom

Session QSO Comment:

Set an optional comment that is automatically prepended to every QSO’s notes when logged during this session. Useful for consistent contest exchanges or activation notes across all contacts.

Wizard Options:

• Save as Defaults - Remember these settings for next time
• Save as Template - Save this configuration as a named template for quick reuse
• Skip wizard next time - Jump straight to logging with saved defaults

Session Templates

Save session configurations as named templates for quick reuse. Templates store mode, frequency, activation type, equipment, and other wizard settings.

• Save a template from the session start wizard
• Load a template to pre-fill the wizard with saved settings
• Delete templates you no longer need

Templates are separate from “Save as Defaults” — you can have multiple named templates for different operating scenarios (e.g., “POTA CW”, “Contest SSB”, “FT8 Portable”).

Hunt-First Flow

Frequency is not required at session start. If you’re hunting before activating, start the session without a frequency and set it later using the BAND command or by typing a frequency in the callsign field.

Active Sessions

Only one session can be active at a time. Starting a new session automatically pauses the previous one.

Session Actions:

• Continue - Resume a paused session (makes it active)
• Finish - End a paused session permanently

Session Pause & Resume

Pause an active session to take a break without ending it. The session timer stops while paused and resumes when you continue. Auto-spotting also pauses and resumes with the session state. Paused sessions appear in the session list with a pause indicator.

Callsign Entry

Callsign Field

The primary entry field with auto-lookup:

1. Polo Notes First - Checks your saved callsign notes for nickname/emoji
2. QRZ Lookup - Queries QRZ.com for name, QTH, Grid SquareA location identifier using the Maidenhead Locator System (e.g., FN31 for the Boston area). , license class

Callsign Info Card

When a callsign is recognized, the info card displays:

• Name - Operator name
• QTH - Location
• Grid Square - Maidenhead locator
• License Class - For privilege validation
• Callsign Notes Emoji - Visual identifier from your saved notes

Contact Count Badges

Badges indicate how many previous QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. s you’ve had with this station:

• Bronze - 10+ contacts
• Silver - 25+ contacts
• Gold - 50+ contacts

Auto-Focus

After logging a QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. , the callsign field automatically regains focus for rapid sequential entries.

Tap-to-Edit

Tap any logged callsign in the session log to bring it back into the entry fields for correction.

Quick Entry

Type complete QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. s in a single line for rapid logging:

AJ7CM 579 WA US-0189

Parsing Rules

• RST - RSTReadability, Signal Strength, Tone - a system for reporting signal quality during a contact. reports (single value -> both sent/received; two consecutive -> sent/received)
• Grid Square - 4- or 6-character Maidenhead locators
• State/Province - US states, Canadian provinces
• Park References - POTAParks on the Air - a program encouraging portable operation from parks and public lands. refs (US-0189, K-1234, VE-0100)
• UTC Time Override - HH:MM, HH:MMZ, HHMMZ, or bare HHMM (e.g. 14:30, 1430Z, 0930) sets the QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. timestamp to that UTC time on today’s date. Bare 4-digit values that are also valid amateur frequencies (e.g. 1804 on 160m) keep their frequency interpretation; append Z to force the time interpretation. Bare 3-digit times require Z to avoid colliding with RST values.
• Notes - Unrecognized tokens become notes (multi-word notes combine into single badge)

Token Preview

As you type, color-coded badges show how each component will be parsed. This gives immediate feedback before logging.

Example:

K6ABC 599 DM13 CA

Shows: K6ABC (callsign) 599 (RST) DM13 (grid) CA (state)

QSO Fields

RST Sent / RST Received

Signal reports exchanged during the contact.

Defaults:

• Voice modes (SSBSingle Sideband - a voice mode commonly used on HF bands. , FM, AM): 59
• CWContinuous Wave - another term for Morse code communication. and digital modes: 599
• Fields start empty with placeholder hints showing the default

Auto-advance: Typing into RST Sent moves focus to RST Received as soon as the value reaches the expected length for the current mode — 3 characters for CWContinuous Wave - another term for Morse code communication. / digital, 2 for phone. Only fires on the upward edge, so editing or shrinking the value doesn’t re-trigger the jump.

State/Province

US state or Canadian province. Auto-filled from QRZ when available.

Manual Override: You can override the auto-filled value if the operator gives you a different location (common during portable operations).

Grid Square

Maidenhead Grid SquareA location identifier using the Maidenhead Locator System (e.g., FN31 for the Boston area). locator (4 or 6 characters).

Park Reference

For POTAParks on the Air - a program encouraging portable operation from parks and public lands. contacts:

• Supports multiple park references (activator operating from multiple parks)
• Chip-based UI with removable badges
• Search picker with nearby parks from GPS
• Number shorthand: 1234 -> US-1234

Operator

Individual operator’s callsign if different from the station callsign (e.g., guest operators at club stations).

Placeholder Hint: Shows QRZ name as placeholder when field is empty.

Notes

Free-form text for memorable details about the contact.

Field Visibility

Always-Visible Fields: Configure in Settings -> Logger which fields appear without expanding.

More Chevron: Tap to expand additional fields when needed.

Commands

Type commands in the callsign field to control your session:

Frequency & Band

Mode

Spotting

Alias: QRT for SPOT QRT.

SMS Spotting

When you’re off-grid with no data connection, Carrier Wave can spot your POTA or SOTA activation via text message (SMS). This sends a spot to the POTA/SOTA network through an SMS gateway, ensuring hunters can find you even without cellular data or WiFi.

Spot Monitoring

Conditions & Tools

Aliases: SDR, REC, RECORD, SWL also open the WebSDR receiver.

Session Management

Alias: DELETED also opens hidden QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. s.

External Resources

Alias: CL for CHECKLIST.

Help

Command Quick Reference

All commands and their aliases in one place:

Band Plan Validation

License Privilege Checking

If you’ve set your license class in Settings (Tech, General, Extra), Carrier Wave validates:

• Frequency Privileges - Warns when operating outside your license allocations
• Mode Restrictions - Alerts for CWContinuous Wave - another term for Morse code communication. -only vs voice segments

Warning Banner

The unified frequency warning banner shows:

• License violations (out-of-privilege operation)
• Mode violations (e.g., voice in CWContinuous Wave - another term for Morse code communication. -only segment)

Note: Warnings don’t prevent logging. You may be logging someone else’s QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. s or operating under a different license.

Band Plan Visual Chart

The BAND command displays a visual chart of the current band plan, showing:

• Sub-band segments color-coded by mode allocation (CW, data, phone)
• License class boundaries highlighted for your configured class
• Your current frequency indicated by a cursor marker
• Active spots overlaid as density indicators showing where activity is concentrated

This chart provides an at-a-glance view of band allocation and activity, helping you find clear frequencies and stay within your privileges.

Sub-kHz Precision

Supports frequencies like 14.03050 or dot-separated format 14.030.50 for precise logging.

Frequency Activity

RBN Monitoring

Monitors RBNReverse Beacon Network - a network of receiving stations that automatically spot CW and digital signals. activity within +/-2kHz of your frequency:

• QRM Assessment - Alerts when other stations are operating nearby
• Operator Nearby - Suppressed when the nearby spot is the station you’re working

Unified Warning Banner

Combines license violations and frequency activity warnings in a single banner for clarity.

Auto Mode Detection

When you change frequency, Carrier Wave automatically switches to the appropriate mode:

• CWContinuous Wave - another term for Morse code communication. segments -> CW mode
• DATA segments -> FT8/digital mode
• Phone segments -> SSBSingle Sideband - a voice mode commonly used on HF bands. mode

Toggle: Enable/disable in Settings.

Duplicate Detection

Same-Band Duplicates

QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. s with the same callsign, same band, same UTC date are blocked:

• Log Button Disabled - Cannot save duplicate
• Warning Banner - Explains why the contact is flagged

Different-Band Contacts

Contacts with the same callsign on a different band or date are highlighted green:

• Indicates you’ve worked this station before
• Confirms this is a valid new contact (different band/date)

POTA Rove Duplicate Detection

During POTAParks on the Air - a program encouraging portable operation from parks and public lands. rove sessions, duplicates are detected per park stop. You can work the same station from multiple parks in the same session.

Session Log

Recent QSOs

The session log shows recent contacts filtered by the current session:

• UTC Times - Displayed with “Z” suffix (e.g., 18:45Z)
• Contact Info - Nickname and callsign notes emoji
• Total Count - Number of contacts per row

Swipe-to-Delete

Swipe left on any QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. to delete:

• Requires confirmation dialog
• Use HIDDEN command to view and restore deleted contacts

Keyboard Customization

Number Row

Persistent row above keyboard with:

• Digits 0-9
• Decimal point
• Configurable symbols (customize in Settings -> Logger -> Number Row)

Command Row

Configurable buttons for frequently-used commands. Customize in Settings -> Logger -> Command Row. Drag to reorder buttons and toggle visibility.

Dismiss Button

Quickly dismiss the keyboard when needed.

Equipment Tracking

Session Equipment

Equipment propagated to all QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. s logged during the session:

• Radio/rig
• Antenna
• CWContinuous Wave - another term for Morse code communication. key
• Microphone
• Custom equipment

Equipment Capsule

Tappable capsule in the session header shows current equipment. Use RIG command to edit equipment during an active session.

ADIF Export

Equipment is exported as MY_RIG in ADIF files for compatibility with other logging software.

Session Photos

Attach photos to your session for documenting your operating location, setup, or conditions.

Adding Photos

Add photos during session start in the wizard, or at any time during the session from the session detail view:

• Camera - Capture a new photo
• Photo Library - Select existing photos

Viewing Photos

Photos appear in the session detail view with a full-screen viewer. Swipe between photos and pinch to zoom.

Photo Storage

Session photos are stored locally on device. They are included in iCloud Drive backup mirrors when enabled but do not sync via CKSyncEngine to other devices due to size constraints.

Session Management

Session Header

Shows:

• Session Title - Tap to customize
• Duration - Time elapsed since session start
• QSO Count - Total contacts in session

End Session

Active Session:

• Red “End Session” button
• Auto-navigates to Logs tab when ended (if session has QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. s)

No Active Session:

• Green “Start Session” button

Edit Session Callsign

Change the station callsign for an existing session from the session detail menu. This updates the callsign on all QSOs in the session — useful when you realize you logged under the wrong callsign or forgot to set a portable prefix.

Delete Session

Hides all QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. s and cleans up spots and photos.

Confirmation Required: Type “delete” to confirm (prevents accidental deletion).

Keep Screen On

Enable in Settings -> Logger to prevent device sleep during active sessions.

Session Timeline & Replay

QSO Timeline

Each session displays a horizontal timeline bar showing the timing and distribution of contacts:

• Band-colored ticks for each QSO
• Collapsed gaps indicate periods of inactivity (more than 10 minutes between contacts)
• Mode change markers showing when you switched modes

Session Replay

From the session detail view, tap the timeline to enter replay mode. The replay animates your session chronologically, plotting each QSO on the map as it occurred. Use the scrubber to jump to any point in the session.

Live Activity & Dynamic Island

When a logging session is active, Carrier Wave displays a Live Activity on the lock screen and in the Dynamic Island.

Lock Screen Display

• Current QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. count
• Operating frequency and mode
• Park reference (for POTA activations)
• Last callsign logged

Dynamic Island

• Compact view - QSO count and park reference
• Expanded view - Full session details including frequency, mode, and last callsign

The Live Activity updates in real time as you log contacts, change frequency, or pause/resume the session. It clears automatically when you end the session.

See Widgets & Live Activity for details on all widget types.

Session Share Cards

Generate a shareable image card summarizing your session’s highlights:

• Map with QSO locations and geodesic arcs
• Session statistics (QSO count, duration, bands, modes)
• Equipment summary
• Conditions (solar and weather)

Share cards are generated from the session detail view via the share button. See Brag Sheets & Share Cards for customization options.

Video Export

Export an animated video of your session showing QSOs plotted on a map over time with toast-style notifications for each contact. Video export supports real-time and highlight modes, configurable map styles, and optional audio overlay.

See Video Export for full details.

Rove Stop Batch Grid Editing

During POTA rove sessions, you can batch-edit the grid square for all QSOs at a specific stop:

1. Open the session detail view
2. Tap the rove stop you want to edit
3. Select Edit Grid for Stop
4. Enter the corrected grid square
5. All QSOs at that stop update to the new grid

This is useful when GPS was inaccurate or unavailable at a stop, or when you realize you logged the wrong grid after moving on.

iPad Layout

Two-Pane Layout

On iPad with regular width:

• Left Pane - Logger with QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. entry
• Right Pane - Persistent spots sidebar (POTAParks on the Air - a program encouraging portable operation from parks and public lands. , RBNReverse Beacon Network - a network of receiving stations that automatically spot CW and digital signals. /My Spots, P2P tabs)

Compact Width

On compact width (iPhone or iPad split view), the sidebar is hidden and the Logger uses the full width.

Sidebar Toggle

NavigationSplitView sidebar toggle visible on Logger tab for manual control.

Toast Notifications

Success Feedback

Toast messages appear for:

• QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. logged successfully
• Spot posted
• Command executed
• Friend spotted alerts

Haptic Feedback

Success haptic (gentle bump) when logging a QSOA contact or conversation between two amateur radio stations. .

See Also

• FT8 Operating Suite - FT8 waterfall, decoding, and TX control
• Radio Control - Frequency and mode sync with your radio
• POTA Activations - Activation tracking and park management
• Spot Monitoring - RBNReverse Beacon Network - a network of receiving stations that automatically spot CW and digital signals. , POTAParks on the Air - a program encouraging portable operation from parks and public lands. , and P2P spots
• Activity Log - Daily QSO tracking for hunters
• Map View - Visualize contacts geographically
• WebSDR Integration - Remote receiver access
• Contest Support - Contest templates and Cabrillo export
• Settings & Services - Configure Logger behavior