This guide walks you through first-time setup so you can start logging contacts right away.
When you first try to look up a callsign or import from QRZ, a credentials modal will appear asking for your QRZ username and password.
Session keys: After a successful login, QAS-log stores a session key in your browser. This key persists until QRZ itself invalidates it — you won't be prompted again unless the session expires.
Remember password (optional): Check "Remember password" to enable automatic session renewal. Your credentials are encrypted server-side using AES-256-GCM before being stored in your browser. When a session key expires, the app decrypts and re-authenticates automatically — no manual re-login needed.
What's stored in your browser:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
qrz-username |
Pre-fills the username field on next login |
qrz-session-key |
Active session token for QRZ XML API |
qrz-encrypted-credentials |
Encrypted login blob (only if "Remember password" is checked) |
Your password is never stored in plaintext.
If you want to import QSOs from QRZ or push logged contacts back to QRZ Logbook, you'll need an API key. Enter it in Settings > QRZ API Key. The key is validated against QRZ's logbook API on save — you'll see your logbook callsign and QSO count if successful.
Click Station Settings in the navigation bar to open the settings modal. These fields define your identity as an operator and are attached to every QSO you log.
At minimum, fill in:
CN87ab)If you have QRZ credentials configured, click the QRZ badge next to the My Call field. This performs a lookup on your own callsign and auto-populates your name, grid, state, city, country, DXCC entity, CQ zone, and ITU zone from QRZ's database.
Fields like rig, antenna, and power are optional but will be included in your ADIF exports if filled in.
For a full reference of every field, see Station Settings.
In the Station Settings modal, expand the Log Modes section. Check the modes you operate — these control what appears in the mode dropdown on the logger form.
Defaults: SSB, CW, FT8
Available modes: SSB, CW, FT8, VARA HF, FT4, SSTV, OLIVIA, PSK31, HELL, RTTY, AM, FM
You can change these at any time. The mode dropdown updates immediately.
QAS-log offers two storage options:
| Backend | Best For | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| IndexedDB (default) | Most users — larger capacity, better performance with big logs | Megabytes |
| localStorage | Simple setup, easy to inspect via browser dev tools | ~5 MB limit |
The storage method is set in Settings > Advanced. If you switch from localStorage to IndexedDB, existing QSOs can be migrated automatically.
For most operators, the default IndexedDB backend is the right choice. You shouldn't need to change this unless you have a specific reason.
Type a callsign in the callsign field. After 500ms, the app looks up the contact on QRZ (if auto-lookup is enabled) and displays their name, location, photo, and other details.
Enter frequency. The band and mode dropdowns auto-populate based on the frequency you enter. You can override either manually.
Check RST. Defaults are set by mode (59 for SSB, 599 for CW). Adjust if needed.
Click Log QSO (or press Enter). The contact is saved to your local storage, the form clears, and the QSO appears in your recent contacts list below.
If QRZ auto-upload is enabled in Settings, a 15-second countdown toast appears — the QSO uploads to QRZ Logbook automatically unless you cancel.
On your first visit, a welcome dialog offers to walk you through the interface with an interactive tour. The tour highlights key elements: callsign entry, the "More Options" button, saving a QSO, station settings, QRZ configuration, and tab navigation.
You can replay tours anytime from Settings > Reset Tours.
While a tour is active, logger input fields are temporarily blocked to prevent accidental entries.
If you try to use the logger without configuring your station callsign, an alert will remind you to set up Station Settings. This only appears once per session — it's a one-time nudge to make sure your QSOs include complete station information.