Contest logging software

At a minimum, these details include the time, band or frequency of operation, the call sign of the other station, and the received "exchange" data.

This log data is recorded in a binary or ASCII format.

Many programs offer advanced features for controlling external devices; this can include controlling the frequency of a radio, sending Morse code over a serial port or parallel port interface, interfacing with sound cards used for the transmission and reception of digital modes such as RTTY, or controlling antenna or amplifier hardware.

A related market exists for software designed to analyze, convert, or manipulate log data recorded during radio contests.

Contest logging software, whether free or commercial, is available for DOS, Linux, and Windows platforms.

The use of a computer to log contacts has become an integral part of radio contesting.