Focusing on Correct Grid Locator Registration

To properly confirm QSOs in LoTW, it is essential that your Station Location includes a correctly defined Grid Locator.

This is especially important for:

• Grid-based awards (VUCC, Grid awards, etc.)

• Rare grid confirmations

• Stations operating from multiple locations under the same callsign

In this article, we intentionally step away from mobile operation examples and focus solely on how to add a new Station Location in TQSL, with particular emphasis on Grid Locator accuracy.

Why Grid Locator Matters

LoTW supports many awards that depend on Grid information, such as:

• VUCC

• Grid-based endorsements

• Regional and experimental awards

If your uploaded QSO data does not include Grid information, the other station may:

• See the QSO in LoTW

• Fail to receive a confirmation (CFM)

In many cases, “CFM problems” are caused simply by a missing or incorrect Grid Locator in the Station Location.

1. Start TQSL

Launch TQSL.
All LoTW uploads are processed through TQSL.

2. Open the “Station Locations” Tab

Select the Station Locations tab.

This screen shows all Station Locations currently registered in TQSL.

3. Create a New Station Location

Click “Create a New Station Location”.

⚠️ Important rule
Even if the callsign is the same, a different Grid Locator requires a separate Station Location.

4. Enter the Grid Locator (Critical Step)

On the Station Location input screen, enter the Grid Square.

🔴 This is the most important field

• Grid Square: Mandatory

• IOTA reference: Optional

IOTA can be left blank if not applicable,
but Grid Square should always be entered.

5. Select Administrative Location

Next, select:

• Prefecture / State

• Administrative region

Choose the location that accurately matches the operating site.

6. Assign a Clear Station Location Name

Enter a descriptive Station Location Name.

Recommended format examples:

• HOME_PM95

• MIYAKOJIMA_PM74

• YORON_PQ00

Including the Grid Locator in the name makes future uploads much easier to manage.

7. Finish and Save

Click Finish to save the new Station Location.

The Station Location is now ready for use.

8. Uploading Logs – Important Reminder

When signing and uploading an ADIF file:

• Always select the correct Station Location

Selecting the wrong location can result in:

• Incorrect Grid uploaded

• QSOs confirmed under the wrong location

• Lost award credit

Summary

• Create one Station Location per Grid Locator

• Always enter the Grid Square

• Use clear, descriptive location names

• Verify the Station Location before every upload

Following these steps prevents nearly all Grid-related LoTW problems.

Final Note

If you operate from a rare Grid, please take the time to register it correctly and upload your QSOs to LoTW.
Many operators are waiting for those confirmations.