Hi Tom,

TB:
1.  Am I correct in saying that LOTW is a log data base that is kept for you
at ARRL HQ, for confirming QSO's etc.?  In other words, you keep your own
log with AC log, and then periodically upload your updated AC log file to
the League if someone wants a QSO confirmation?

KM:
Sort of <smile>.  Basically, you upload your complete log to LOTW, and then
keep adding your new QSOs.  I upload mine every few days, but you can do it
after every QSO, or once a year.  At a time of your choice, you can download
your matches.  Any QSOs in your log that have been matched by other users,
will be downloaded, you can see them in a list, and your AC Log QSOs will be
ticked as QSL received and marked with a letter L.  There is no request from
individuals that you need to respond to, your log is up there, and will be
matched with anyone els'es log containing your callsign.
 


 
TB:
2.  It is clear to me from the certificate authentication process that your
LOTW log is associated with the address that is in the FCC data base for
your particular license.  That's ok for me now, since until camping season,
I'll be operating from my home QTH.  But what happens when I'm operating
from the RV camp site in the summer months?  Is there a way I can
temporarily change my operating location to fit that situation?

KM:
You can use alternative callsigns if need be, and you can request an
additional  certificate, which is easy once you are known to the system.
You would do this if your callsign changed.  For instance if you operated in
a different country  or added /P.  LOTW stores your  entities and States.
If you are in the same country and State and using the same callsign there
is no reason to change.  

You will have to research what happens if you travel to a different  State,
as if I work you and you are in WV on holiday, I would want WV to show if I
use LOTW to claim WAS.  I suspect you would add something to your callsign,
and hence you would have a different LOTW certificate.  I understand that AC
Log will handle all this although I've not tried it.

BTW, I worked FK8DD/M a few times, and he did not confirm via LOTW.  Someone
suggested he had not bothered with an additional certificate, and sure
enough, all my contacts were confirmed when I resubmitted without the /M...

Tom, are you on Skype, as talking through the AC Log LOTW procedures might
be easier in person?

73 Kelvin M0AID


Tom Behler: KB8TYJ