01 · Getting Started

Installation, license activation and initial station setup

Installation

RadioLog is distributed as a Windows installer (RadioLog_Setup_v3.1.exe). Double-click it and follow the wizard. No Python or dependencies required — everything is included.

Installation wizard

After installation you will find:

First Run — Setup Wizard

The first time you launch RadioLog the First Run Wizard appears. It guides you through the minimum settings needed for the application to work correctly.

Station Data

Enter your callsign, name, locator and city. This data appears in ADIF/Cabrillo exports and on the QSO screen.

FieldExampleDescription
CallsignEA5YCYour amateur radio callsign
NameJuan CarlosOperator name
LocatorIM98wqMaidenhead Grid Square (6 characters)
CityValenciaCity / station locality
CountrySpainCountry (dropdown with full list)
Locator If you don't know your locator, find it at qrz.com or in your user profile.

License Activation

RadioLog requires a valid license to run. Without one the application closes on startup.

First-time Activation

  1. On startup, if there is no valid license, the License Registration window appears.
  2. Enter the serial number you received when purchasing RadioLog.
  3. Click Activate. The application contacts radiolog.es to validate the serial and register the machine.
  4. If activation is successful you will see «License activated» in green.
License activation window
Machine Limit Each serial allows activating up to 3 different machines. To deactivate one (reinstall or PC change), go to Help → Manage License → My Machines and click Delete on the machine you no longer use.

View License Status

Check the status at any time at Help → About RadioLog. It shows «Registered — YOUR_CALLSIGN» in green if the license is valid.

Station Configuration

Once the wizard is complete, adjust settings at Settings → Station. Settings are divided into several sections:

General Section

SettingDescription
CallsignMain station callsign
LocatorGrid Square (for distance and propagation calculation)
QTHCity / station locality
TransceiverTransceiver description (free text)
AntennaAntenna description (free text)
PowerWatts, applied to new QSOs if not from CAT

Lookups Section (QRZ / HamQTH)

RadioLog can automatically complete QSO data by querying QRZ.com or HamQTH databases.

  1. Go to Settings → Lookups
  2. Choose your preferred service (QRZ.com or HamQTH)
  3. Enter your username and password
  4. Click Test Connection to verify
QRZ.com Requires a premium XML account for automatic lookups. HamQTH is free.

Visual Theme

RadioLog includes three predefined themes changeable at Settings → Appearance → Theme. The active theme is saved in ~/Documents/RadioLog/theme.ini.

ThemeDescription
Dark BlueDark background with blue accent — the default. Ideal for low-light shack use.
DarkDark background with green accent. Alternative for those preferring a different tone.
LightLight background in Windows Fluent style. For use in bright ambient light.