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.

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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.

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1. Start TQSL

Launch TQSL.
All LoTW uploads are processed through TQSL.

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2. Open the “Station Locations” Tab

Select the Station Locations tab.

This screen shows all Station Locations currently registered in TQSL.

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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.

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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.

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5. Select Administrative Location

Next, select:

• Prefecture / State

• Administrative region

Choose the location that accurately matches the operating site.

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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.

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7. Finish and Save

Click Finish to save the new Station Location.

The Station Location is now ready for use.

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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

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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.

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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.