Initial Impressions
On a crisp Sunday morning, Nathan, KI5EDP, and AG5CC (that’s me) set out with a clear mission: to activate Jacksonport State Park (US-1078) as part of the Parks on the Air (POTA) program. While the fresh air and the thrill of radio were draws in themselves, our primary objective was to put a new open-source logging software to the test: Ham2K Portable Logger, or PoLo as it’s affectionately known.
Introducing PoLo
PoLo is a powerful, free application available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, making it easily accessible for iPads, iPhones, and Android devices. The developer, Sebastian KI2D, has plans for a Windows version, and Mac users with Apple silicon processors can already download the iPad version on their devices.
What sets PoLo apart is its focus on simplicity and efficiency. The app’s main screen is intuitively designed, placing all essential logging fields front and center, making it easy to log contacts, spot yourself, and grab spots—all from a single interface.
A particularly standout feature of PoLo is its handling of multiple operators or parks. Rather than inputting the same information multiple times, you can simply enter both callsigns or park numbers, separated by a comma. This is especially useful for N-Fers, saving time and reducing errors.
User Experience
Customization is a key strength of PoLo. The app allows you to filter the spots window by band and mode, making it easier to find what you need. When you click on a spot, the app automatically fills in your logging window with the relevant details. After logging the contact, the spot is lined out, giving you a clear visual of what’s been completed.
For those who prefer a more visual approach, PoLo also includes a Map window, which can be expanded to full screen. This feature allows you to see your activations in a geographical context, enhancing the overall logging experience.
Sebastian has integrated support for a wide range of activities, including POTA, Summits on the Air (SOTA), Field Day, Winter Field Day, and more. The application is completely free, with an option to support its development through a “Buy me a coffee” link.
Another impressive feature is the ability to export your activated park logs into a file that can be effortlessly imported into your Parks on the Air logbook, streamlining the process even further.
Final Thoughts
After just a few POTA activations using PoLo, it’s clear that this app is a strong contender in the realm of portable logging. While it may not replace my primary logger just yet, it has certainly earned its spot in my toolkit. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight option for a long hike or simply prefer to log on your phone or tablet, PoLo offers a reliable and efficient solution.
I highly recommend that all ham radio operators give PoLo a try. It’s an excellent app that’s still evolving, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here. You can stay up to date with the latest features and offer feedback directly to Sebastian through his Google Groups, Discord server, and website.
For those looking to log QSOs on the go with speed and ease, PoLo is definitely worth the download. I bet you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!
Visit the PoLo website and explore it for yourself!
73,
AG5CC
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