Quick installation of CloudBook 2.0

1 1. Unzip the file into the folder intended for the application on your server accessible from the Internet.

2 2. Create a database exclusively for CloudBook.

3 3. Access the /install/ folder via your server URL from a web browser.

4 4. Complete the installation form with the correct data (host, username, password, database name).

5 5. Access the new CloudBook and configure the activity (name, dates, QSL, diplomas, etc.).

Important notice: This manual may change without prior notice as the software evolves. Always check the latest version.

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.

Did you know...? The system automatically detects if you are contacting a CB station or a Ham Radio station, and validates the band accordingly.

2. Access & Credentials

To access as an activator:

  1. Click the Login button in the top bar
  2. Enter your callsign (e.g., EA1ABC)
  3. Enter your password
  4. Press Enter to validate
Security: Your password is protected with irreversible encryption (hash). Not even administrators can see it. If you forget it, you must request a reset.

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

FieldDescriptionExample
CallsignContacted callsign (3-14 chars)EA4ABC, 30AT123
DXCCCalculated automatically when typing the callsign281 (Spain)
ModeSSB, CW, FT8, FT4, AM, FM, PSK, RTTY, ROS, SSTV, DVSSB
BandConfigurable by organization (typically 40M, 20M, 11M)20M
DateFormat YYYY-MM-DD, validated against activity dates2026-06-04
TimeAlways in UTC (not local time)14:30
SignalRST reported (59, 599, 00 for FT8)59
ReferenceMandatory 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
Curiosity: The system automatically queries the DXCC database. If a callsign does not exist there, it treats it as CB.

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
How do I know which mode is active? If the reference dropdown shows options when opening the form, one of the two systems is active. If it says "Not available", the activity does not require a reference.
Important: If you enter a reference not on the configured list, the system will reject it and will not save the QSO. Always select one from the dropdown.

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
Important: The system blocks submission if you try to upload the same QSO twice (same callsign + date + time + mode + band).

8. Keyboard Shortcuts

KeyAction
EnterMove to next field / Submit form
TabNext field (standard navigation)
EscClear entire form and start over
Ctrl+EnterForce immediate submission
PRO Tip: During intense pile-ups, type the callsign and press Enter twice in a row: once to jump to the button and again to submit. Less than 2 seconds per QSO!

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.

Who is this for? Only for activators who want to integrate their favorite logging software or automate QSO uploads. Participants do not need to use the API.

Endpoint

GET /api_qso.php
Mandatory requirement: The API requires HTTPS. Requests via plain HTTP will be rejected with code 403.

⚠️ About the "activator" field

Important: The 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:

ParameterTypeFormatExample
usuariostringYour activator callsignEA1ABC
passwordstringYour passwordMyPass123
indicativostringContacted CallsignEA4XYZ / 30AT123
bandastring20M, 40M, 11M, 80M...20M
modostringSSB, CW, FT8, FT4, AM...SSB
fechastringYYYY-MM-DD (real date)2026-06-04
horastringHH:MM or HH:MM:SS14:30
senalstringRST sent59 / 599 / -10
referenciastringConditionalCCE-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.

Critical Warning: If the sent reference does not match exactly one of the valid references configured by the organization, the system will reject the QSO with code 401 ("Reference is not valid for QSL/Diploma"). The QSO will not be saved and will have no validity for diploma/QSL purposes.
PRO Tip: Before the activity, configure a template or macro in your logging program with the official reference to avoid typos during the pile-up.

💡 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, and unix. 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

  1. Access the menu Tasks → Upload ADIF Log
  2. Export your log from the external program in ADIF format
  3. Select the generated .adi file
  4. Click Upload and wait for processing
  5. The system will show a summary: QSOs added, duplicates, and rejected
The activator of ALL QSOs will always be YOUR callsign (the user logged in when uploading the file). The system ignores any activator value that might come in the ADIF fields.

⚠️ 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
Special Case - Incorrect Reference: If the reference does not match the official lists, the QSO WILL be loaded into the log (it will appear in the public table) but will have no validity for diploma or QSL purposes.

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

Automatic Dark Mode
The system detects your OS preference.
Smart Signal by Mode
CW/PSK/RTTY/SSTV use 599; FT8/FT4/ROS use 00; SSB/AM/FM use 59.
Persistent Preferences
Mode and band are saved in cookies.
Unix Timestamp
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.

What is this? It is a real-time logging platform for radio activities. Activators upload their contacts and you can see them instantly and download your prizes as soon as you achieve them.

2. How to Participate

  1. Listen to special stations on the indicated bands
  2. Contact them indicating your callsign and signal
  3. Wait for the activator to upload the QSO to the system (usually a few minutes)
  4. Verify in the public log that your QSO is registered
  5. Download your diploma or QSL as soon as you reach the objectives
Tip: Sometimes, if the activity rules allow it, you can ask the activator for the specific reference you need to complete your objectives. Politely ask them during the contact. Most will be happy to help!

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.

Automatic Download: You don't need to wait for the activity to end. The download button appears as soon as you meet the objectives.

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.

Exclusive Advantage: You can download your diploma or QSL at any time, even during the activity itself, as soon as you meet the objectives.

6. Common Bands and Modes

BandTypical Use
80MNight, short/medium distances
40MAll day, European DX
20MWorldwide 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.

Missing a reference? If activity rules allow, you can ask the activator to activate it for you.

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.

The OnAir panel is the most useful: it shows which activators are operating right now, on which band and mode.

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.

Information: These functions are exclusive to activity administrators. They are shown here for your knowledge, but only users with special permissions can execute them.

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.

Caution: A wrong configuration will make the service unusable until corrected.

📅 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

  1. Access Tasks → User Management
  2. Click New User
  3. Fill in: Callsign, Password, Email (optional), Permissions
  4. Save
Deleting an activator does not delete their QSOs (they remain in the log with their callsign as "activator"), but it will prevent them from uploading new contacts.

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.

Saving the configuration resets QSL delivery tracking data. Configure everything before starting the activity.

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.

Saving the configuration resets diploma delivery tracking data. Configure everything before starting the activity.

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.