1. Introduction
Welcome to the activator manual. As a registered activator, you are responsible for logging all QSOs made during the activity from the assigned stations or references.
2. Access & Credentials
To access as an activator:
- Click the Login button in the top bar
- Enter your callsign (e.g., EA1ABC)
- Enter your password
- Press Enter to validate
3. QSO Form
The form is designed for rapid data entry during pile-ups. It is optimized for keyboard use:
- Autofocus: Upon loading, the cursor is in the "Callsign" field
- Auto-uppercase: The callsign is converted to uppercase as you type
- Real-time validation: Immediate warning if the QSO is duplicate or incorrect
- Smart Signal: Automatically switches between 59/599/00 based on mode
4. Fields Explained
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Callsign | Contacted callsign (3-14 chars) | EA4ABC, 30AT123 |
| DXCC | Calculated automatically when typing the callsign | 281 (Spain) |
| Mode | SSB, CW, FT8, FT4, AM, FM, PSK, RTTY, ROS, SSTV, DV | SSB |
| Band | Configurable by organization (typically 40M, 20M, 11M) | 20M |
| Date | Format YYYY-MM-DD, validated against activity dates | 2026-06-04 |
| Time | Always in UTC (not local time) | 14:30 |
| Signal | RST reported (59, 599, 00 for FT8) | 59 |
| Reference | Mandatory if activity requires it (QSL or Diploma) | CCE-001 |
5. CB vs Ham Radio
The system automatically distinguishes the station type:
Ham Radio
- ITU Callsign:
EA4ABC,K5XYZ - Valid Bands: 40M, 20M, 80M, etc.
- Not allowed on 11M band
- DXCC saved (ADIF code)
CB (Citizens Band)
- CB Callsign:
30AT123,11CT500 - Only valid band: 11M
- CB Division saved
- System normalizes zeros automatically
6. References
References identify the special station or location from which you are activating (castles, lighthouses, summits, events...). The organization configures the system from the Tasks panel with these options:
QSL Mode
If the organization has marked "QSL enabled" and "One QSL per reference":
- The Reference field becomes mandatory
- You can only choose references from the configured "QSL Reference List"
- Each contact is linked to a specific QSL
Diploma Mode
If the organization has marked "Diploma enabled" and "Diploma per reference":
- The Reference field becomes mandatory
- You can only choose references from the "Diploma Reference List"
- Participants can automatically download their diploma upon meeting objectives
7. Duplicate Detection
While typing a callsign, the system displays a floating toast if it detects previous QSOs with that station:
- Exact search: Only shows matches for the exact same callsign
- Detailed info: Date, time, mode, band, and signal of each previous QSO
- Quick close: Press Tab or Enter to close the notice
8. Keyboard Shortcuts
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Enter | Move to next field / Submit form |
| Tab | Next field (standard navigation) |
| Esc | Clear entire form and start over |
| Ctrl+Enter | Force immediate submission |
9. REST API for External Applications
The system exposes a REST API that allows uploading QSOs from external logging applications (GRGDesktop, N1MM, Logger32, Swisslog, mobile apps, custom scripts, etc.) without using the web form.
Endpoint
GET /api_qso.php
⚠️ About the "activator" field
activator field of the QSO will always be the callsign of the authenticated user (the user parameter of the request). The system ignores any activator value that might come in the QSO.Request Parameters
All parameters are sent via query string (URL). They are mandatory unless stated otherwise:
| Parameter | Type | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
usuario | string | Your activator callsign | EA1ABC |
password | string | Your password | MyPass123 |
indicativo | string | Contacted Callsign | EA4XYZ / 30AT123 |
banda | string | 20M, 40M, 11M, 80M... | 20M |
modo | string | SSB, CW, FT8, FT4, AM... | SSB |
fecha | string | YYYY-MM-DD (real date) | 2026-06-04 |
hora | string | HH:MM or HH:MM:SS | 14:30 |
senal | string | RST sent | 59 / 599 / -10 |
referencia | string | Conditional | CCE-001 |
Complete Request Example
GET /api_qso.php?usuario=EA1ABC&password=MyPassword123&indicativo=EA4XYZ&banda=20M&modo=SSB&fecha=2026-06-04&hora=14:30&senal=59&referencia=CCE-001
Successful Response Example (HTTP 201)
{
"success": true,
"message": "QSO registered correctly.",
"data": {
"id": 1542,
"indicativo": "EA4XYZ",
"banda": "20M",
"modo": "SSB",
"fecha": "2026-06-04",
"hora": "14:30",
"senal": "59",
"activador": "EA1ABC",
"dxcc": 281,
"pais": "Spain",
"continente": "EU",
"referencia": "CCE-001",
"unix": 1780487400
}
}
⚠️ Using references in external programs
In most logging programs (GRGDesktop, N1MM, Logger32, Ham Radio Deluxe, etc.), the reference field does not exist. To send the reference from these programs, you must use the comments field (comment) of the QSO and write the valid reference exactly there.
💡 Important Notes
- Date/Time in UTC: Ensure your software sends time in UTC, not local time
- No Cache: Each request is processed in real-time, no processing queue
- Automatic Fields: The system automatically calculates
dxcc,pais,continente, andunix. No need to send them - Automatic Activator: Always taken from authenticated user (
usuario), cannot be spoofed - Duplicate Detection: The API blocks duplicate QSOs with callsign+date+time+mode+band combination
- Future Dates Blocked: Cannot upload QSOs with date/time later than current moment
10. Bulk ADIF Log Upload
If you prefer to log QSOs in your usual logging software (GRGDesktop, N1MM, Logger32, Swisslog, etc.) and upload them at the end of the day, you can do so by importing the log in ADIF format (.adi or .adif).
Step-by-step Process
- Access the menu Tasks → Upload ADIF Log
- Export your log from the external program in ADIF format
- Select the generated
.adifile - Click Upload and wait for processing
- The system will show a summary: QSOs added, duplicates, and rejected
⚠️ References in ADIF files
ADIF does not have a specific field for references. For QSOs to be valid, the reference must be saved in the comments field (<COMMENT>) of the ADIF. The reference must be written exactly as in the official list.
Example of ADIF QSO with valid reference
<CALL:6>EA4ABC <BAND:3>20M <MODE:3>SSB <QSO_DATE:8>20260604 <TIME_ON:4>1430 <RST_SENT:2>59 <COMMENT:7>CCE-033 <EOR>
Processing Result
Added
Valid QSOs correctly imported into the log with your callsign as activator.
Duplicates
QSOs that already existed (not added twice).
Rejected
QSOs that do not meet the rules.
11. Why are some QSOs not loaded?
The system applies automatic validations to maintain log integrity.
Most common reasons for rejection
- Duplicate: A QSO already exists with same callsign, date, time, mode, band
- Incorrect Band: CB on band other than 11M, or Ham on 11M
- Empty Mode
- Date out of range
- Invalid ADIF Format
- Invalid Callsign
12. QSO Table
Below the form you will see your last 25 QSOs in real-time, with auto-update every 15 seconds and quick edit option.
13. Homepage Statistics and Charts
The activity's main page displays real-time statistics, counters, and charts: Total QSOs, DXCC Worked, 11M Divisions, charts for modes, bands, continents, QSOs by activator, references, time evolution (7d/15d/30d/60d/90d), and OnAir panel with live stations.
14. Curiosities and Tricks
The system detects your OS preference.
CW/PSK/RTTY/SSTV use 599; FT8/FT4/ROS use 00; SSB/AM/FM use 59.
Mode and band are saved in cookies.
Each QSO saves a Unix timestamp for perfect sorting.
15. Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I forgot my password?
Contact the activity organization. For security, passwords cannot be recovered, only manually reset.
Can I edit a QSO after uploading it?
Yes. From the last QSOs table, click the edit icon on the corresponding row.
Why does it say the band is incorrect?
If the contacted callsign is CB, you can only use 11M. If it is Ham, you cannot use 11M. The system validates this automatically.
Can I upload QSOs from previous days?
Yes, but only within the activity's date range. Future dates are not allowed.
How do I connect my logging software (GRGDesktop, N1MM, Logger32)?
You have two options: use the REST API for real-time upload, or export to ADIF and upload the file at the end of the day. Remember to put the reference in the comments field.
1. Introduction
Welcome to the activity! As a participant, you can consult the public log, search for your QSOs, and, if you meet the objectives, directly download your diploma or QSL without needing to wait for the activity to end or send requests.
2. How to Participate
- Listen to special stations on the indicated bands
- Contact them indicating your callsign and signal
- Wait for the activator to upload the QSO to the system (usually a few minutes)
- Verify in the public log that your QSO is registered
- Download your diploma or QSL as soon as you reach the objectives
3. View Public Log
The log is available from the main menu. You will see a table with all registered QSOs: callsign, date/time, mode/band, signal, activator, reference.
4. Search Your Callsign
Use the search engine on the main page to find all QSOs with your callsign. The search is exact. On your results page you will see the current progress towards diploma/QSL objectives, and if you have met them, a download button will appear.
5. Diplomas and QSL
Depending on the activity, you can obtain diplomas (personalized digital document) and QSL (confirmation card). No need to request them or wait for the activity to end. As soon as your log meets the objectives, the download button will activate automatically.
6. Common Bands and Modes
| Band | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 80M | Night, short/medium distances |
| 40M | All day, European DX |
| 20M | Worldwide DX, most popular |
| 11M (CB) | Citizens Band |
Common modes: SSB (voice), CW (Morse code), FT8/FT4 (digital), AM/FM.
7. Special References
References identify special stations or places (castles, lighthouses, parks, summits, etc.). Only references appearing in the activity's official list count as valid.
8. Rankings
Some activities include rankings by number of QSOs, references, DXCC, or bands.
9. Homepage Statistics and Charts (for participants)
The main page shows real-time charts: modes, bands, continents, QSOs by activator, references, time evolution, and the OnAir panel with stations currently transmitting. Use this data to plan your strategy and know when and where it's easier to contact.
10. Curiosities
- All times are in UTC.
- DXCC is the code that identifies each entity (country or territory) for radio purposes.
- Propagation conditions change according to the solar cycle (11 years). We are near the maximum of cycle 25 (2024-2026).
- This system allows downloading diplomas and QSLs in real-time, without waiting.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (Participant)
How do I know if my QSO is registered?
Search for your callsign in the public log or on the homepage search engine.
I contacted but my QSO doesn't appear, what do I do?
Wait at least 24 hours. If it still doesn't appear, contact the organization.
Do I need a radio license to participate?
In principle yes, except for Citizens Band (11M) in Spain. To only consult the log and download diplomas, no license is needed.
Can I use digital modes like FT8?
Absolutely! Verify that the activator accepts that mode.
My QSO appears in the log but doesn't count for the diploma, why?
Probably the reference associated with the QSO does not match the valid official references. Contact the organization.
Can I ask the activator for a specific reference?
Yes, if the activity rules allow it. Politely ask the activator during the contact.
16. Administration Panel
Access from Tasks to configure the system, manage users, QSL and diplomas.
17. System Configuration
From Tasks → Configuration you manage global parameters: database, activity dates, valid bands, copyright, and administrator email.
🗄️ Database Configuration
Fields: Server, DB Name, User, Password.
📅 Activity Dates and Bands
Start Date, End Date, Activity Bands (comma-separated, e.g., 40M, 20M, 11M).
📜 Footer Information
Copyright text, Copyright URL, Administrator Email.
18. User Management
Create, edit, and delete activators. Assign passwords and permissions (standard activator or administrator).
Create a new activator
- Access Tasks → User Management
- Click New User
- Fill in: Callsign, Password, Email (optional), Permissions
- Save
19. Configure QSL
Enable QSL, define valid references, and design the template with live preview: background image, size (A4/A5), orientation, customizable fields (callsign, date, time, band, mode, RST), typography, and additional HTML comment.
20. Configure Diploma
Enable diploma, objectives (1 QSO per day/band/mode/reference), minimum QSOs, reference list, and design the template with fields: callsign, name, date/place. Live preview available.
21. Technical Glossary
Main tables: usuarios, log, dxcc, divisiones, prefijos, configuracion_qsl, diploma.
The objective validation algorithm is greedy: sorts QSOs by descending date and counts each dimension (day, band, mode, reference) only once.