Field Day Logging with World Radio League (WRL)
Set up free, multi-operator Field Day logging on the WRL desktop app — works online or fully offline.
Self-paced · 0/7 required steps
Free for Field Day — and it works offline
Field Day logging on WRL is completely free: the desktop app (Windows/Mac/Linux), the mobile apps, contest enrollment, and ADIF/Cabrillo export are all included at no cost. You do NOT need internet to log — the desktop and mobile apps log fully offline and sync to the cloud when a connection returns. Internet is optional but adds live cross-device sync, real-time duplicate checking across all stations, callsign lookup, and the live contest leaderboard.
What WRL gives a club on Field Day
Multi-operator logging across multiple devices that syncs automatically when online. A Field Day logbook with class and section built into the entry screen. Real-time dupe checking across every operator on the shared club logbook (needs internet). A desktop app with CAT control that pulls frequency/mode straight from the radio. ADIF and Cabrillo export for your Field Day submission. And a live contest page with contact counts, band/mode breakdowns, club score, and leaderboard position. Works for any setup — club site, portable, campground, emergency power, or EOC.
Internet vs. offline — what actually needs a connection
WORKS FULLY OFFLINE: logging contacts on the desktop and mobile apps, class/section entry, local dupe checking against that one device's log, and exporting your log after the event. REQUIRES INTERNET: live sync of contacts across multiple devices, real-time dupe checking across the whole club (all stations seeing one shared log), callsign lookup, and the live leaderboard/club stats. Takeaway: bring internet (Starlink or a hotspot) if you want the live, shared, multi-station experience with cross-station dupe checking. If it drops or you run without it, logging continues uninterrupted and syncs once you're back online — good resilience for an emergency-comms event.
Club setup with the desktop app
The Field Day exchange (quick reference)
Every Field Day contact exchanges two things: CLASS and SECTION. Class = number of transmitters + a letter: A = club/group portable · B = one- or two-person portable · C = mobile · D = home, commercial power · E = home, emergency power · F = Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Examples: 2A = two transmitters at a club/portable site · 1E = one transmitter from home on emergency power. Section = your ARRL section (geographic; like a state abbreviation, but big states are split). Georgia = GA. Full exchange on the air: e.g. '2 Alpha Georgia' — logged as 2A GA. Say yours and log theirs back.
Premium subscription (optional)
WRL's core logging and contesting — everything needed for Field Day — is free. An optional annual subscription adds extras like printable awards and expanded import limits and supports the platform; it is NOT required for Field Day. If you choose to subscribe, enter code WavesandWings at checkout for 10% off.
How-to summary of World Radio League's documentation. WRL is a product of World Radio League, Inc. Verify current details at worldradioleague.com.
HamCompass Verified · checked June 2026 — links and steps reference third-party sites that may change; verify against the official source linked above.