Wavelog: The Modern Web Logbook for Amateur Radio — Setup with Docker

· Ferdl

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Any amateur radio operator who wants to properly document their QSOs (radio contacts) needs a logbook. But the days of handwritten entries are long gone: modern web-based logbooks offer DXCC tracking, automatic QSL management, ADIF import and export, and API interfaces for integration with transceiver software. Wavelog has established itself as the leading successor to the well-known Cloudlog and is actively developed. In this article, we show what Wavelog can do, how you can set it up with Docker in just a few minutes, and why we at oeradio.at also rely on Wavelog.

What is Wavelog?

Wavelog is a web-based open-source logging software for amateur radio operators. It allows you to log QSOs via a web browser from any device with internet access — whether from the desktop PC in your shack, from a tablet at a field day, or from a smartphone during a SOTA activation. The software is written in PHP and uses MySQL or MariaDB as its database backend.

The current version 2.4 (March 2026) brings numerous improvements over its predecessor Cloudlog: faster performance, better error handling, and a modernized user interface. With over 19,000 commits and 94 active developers, Wavelog is one of the most actively maintained open-source projects in the amateur radio space.

From Cloudlog to Wavelog: The History

Wavelog is a fork of the proven Cloudlog by MM9SQL (formerly 2M0SQL). At the end of 2023, the core team — consisting of LA8AJA, DF2ET, DJ7NT, and HB9HIL — began development, and on February 1, 2024, the first official version was released. The goal was clear: continue the successful concept of Cloudlog but with a consistent focus on stability, usability, and scalability.

While Cloudlog continues to exist, the active developer community has largely shifted to Wavelog. Existing Cloudlog installations can be relatively easily migrated to Wavelog thanks to compatible database structures.

Key Features at a Glance

DXCC and Award Tracking

Wavelog offers integrated tracking for DXCC (DX Century Club), WAS (Worked All States), WAZ (Worked All Zones), IOTA (Islands On The Air), SOTA, POTA, WWFF, and other award programs. Interactive maps show at a glance which countries and zones have already been confirmed and where gaps remain. A date filter allows analysis by time periods.

QSL Management

QSL management in Wavelog supports both traditional paper QSL cards and electronic confirmation via LoTW (Logbook of The World), eQSL, QRZ.com, and ClubLog. QSO uploads can run automatically in the background (cron manager), and the status of each QSO is clearly displayed. Additionally, there is an integrated QSL label printing function for physical cards.

Multi-User and Multi-Station

Wavelog supports multiple user accounts with fine-grained permission management — ideal for clubs and group stations. Each user can manage multiple station locations and easily switch between them. This allows you to maintain a home station, a portable station, and a contest station separately while evaluating them centrally.

ADIF Import and Export

The Amateur Data Interchange Format (ADIF) is the industry standard for exchanging log data between different programs. Wavelog supports full import and export in ADIF format as well as Cabrillo export for contest evaluations. This greatly simplifies migration from other logging programs.

API and CAT Integration

Wavelog offers a comprehensive REST API through which external programs can enter QSOs, query log data, and set station parameters. With WaveLogGate — an Electron-based companion application — you can connect WSJT-X, FLRig, and Hamlib (rigctld) directly to Wavelog. This means frequency, mode, and power are automatically taken from the transceiver, and digital QSOs from WSJT-X are written directly to the logbook.

Additional Features

  • Interactive maps (gridsquare, DXCC, CQ zones)
  • Satellite tracking with pass prediction
  • Contest calendar integration
  • Over 40 language versions
  • Responsive design for mobile use
  • Integrated statistics and evaluations
  • DX cluster connection
  • Widgets for embedding on your own homepage

Setting Up Wavelog with Docker: Step by Step

Docker is the easiest way to get Wavelog up and running. You don’t need to manually configure a web server or install PHP — everything is already included in the Docker image. Below we show the setup with Docker Compose.

Prerequisites

  • A Linux server, NAS (e.g., Synology), or a Raspberry Pi 4/5
  • Docker and Docker Compose installed
  • At least 1 GB RAM and 2 GB free disk space
  • Optional: a reverse proxy (e.g., Nginx Proxy Manager, Traefik, or Cloudflare Tunnel) for HTTPS access

The docker-compose.yml

Create a new directory and place a file named docker-compose.yml in it:

version: "3.8"

services:
  wavelog-db:
    image: mariadb:11.3
    container_name: wavelog-db
    restart: unless-stopped
    environment:
      MARIADB_RANDOM_ROOT_PASSWORD: "yes"
      MARIADB_DATABASE: wavelog
      MARIADB_USER: wavelog
      MARIADB_PASSWORD: your_secure_password
    volumes:
      - wavelog-dbdata:/var/lib/mysql

  wavelog-main:
    image: ghcr.io/wavelog/wavelog:latest
    container_name: wavelog-main
    restart: unless-stopped
    depends_on:
      - wavelog-db
    ports:
      - "8086:80"
    environment:
      CI_ENV: docker
    volumes:
      - wavelog-config:/var/www/html/application/config/docker
      - wavelog-uploads:/var/www/html/uploads
      - wavelog-userdata:/var/www/html/userdata

volumes:
  wavelog-dbdata:
  wavelog-config:
  wavelog-uploads:
  wavelog-userdata:

Important: Replace your_secure_password with a strong password. The root password is randomly generated by MariaDB (MARIADB_RANDOM_ROOT_PASSWORD), which improves security.

Starting the Containers

docker compose up -d

After starting, both containers are active: the MariaDB database and the Wavelog application. Wavelog is now accessible at http://your-server:8086.

Initial Configuration via the Setup Wizard

When you first access Wavelog in the browser, the installation wizard starts automatically. Here you enter the database connection:

  • Database Host: wavelog-db (the container name of the database service)
  • Database Name: wavelog
  • Database User: wavelog
  • Database Password: your chosen password
  • Table Prefix: can be left at the default

Then you create your admin account and configure the basic station parameters: callsign, locator (gridsquare), DXCC entity, and default mode.

Setting Up Stations and Locations

After the first login, set up your station locations. Under Station Setup you can create as many locations as you like — for example:

  • Home Station: your QTH with the primary callsign
  • Portable: with /P suffix and variable locator
  • Contest: with special contest settings

Each location can be assigned to its own logbook, and you can switch between locations with a single click.

Connecting Online Services

Under Settings you can configure the connection to external services:

  • LoTW (Logbook of The World): Upload ARRL certificate (.p12 or .tq8) and enable automatic upload
  • eQSL: Enter username and password
  • QRZ.com Logbook: Enter API key from your QRZ.com profile
  • ClubLog: Enter email and password for automatic uploads
  • HRDLog: Enter upload code

The integrated cron manager (enabled by default with Docker) ensures that QSO uploads run in the background without manual intervention.

WaveLogGate: The Bridge to Your Transceiver

For direct connection of your transceiver to Wavelog, there is WaveLogGate — a desktop application that serves as a bridge between hardware and web logbook. WaveLogGate supports:

  • WSJT-X / JTDX: Automatic logging of FT8/FT4 QSOs directly into Wavelog
  • FLRig: Frequency and mode transfer from the transceiver
  • Hamlib / rigctld: Universal CAT control for virtually any transceiver
  • FlexRadio SmartSDR: Direct integration via the SmartSDR protocol

Setup is straightforward: install WaveLogGate, enter the Wavelog URL and your API key, and select the desired CAT method. From that point on, frequency, mode, and transmit power are automatically included in every new QSO.

Comparison with Alternative Logging Programs

Wavelog is not the only logging program — but it has clear strengths compared to the alternatives. Here is an overview:

Log4OM (Windows)

Log4OM is a powerful Windows desktop program with comprehensive award management and CAT integration. The biggest disadvantage: it only runs on Windows and is not web-based. For stations that exclusively log from a Windows PC, Log4OM is a solid choice. However, anyone who wants to log from multiple devices or on the go is better served with Wavelog.

HAMRS

HAMRS is a modern, cross-platform logging app that is particularly popular among POTA activators. It is easy to use and focuses on fast logging in the field. However, it lacks advanced features like DXCC tracking, multi-user support, and the broad range of online integrations that Wavelog offers.

N1MM Logger+ (Windows)

N1MM Logger+ is the de facto standard for contest logging on Windows. With real-time scoring, multiplier tracking, and network support for multi-operator stations, it is unmatched in contests. For daily logbook operations, however, it is overkill, and it only runs on Windows. Wavelog complements N1MM perfectly: contest logs can be imported via Cabrillo or ADIF and then managed centrally in Wavelog.

CQRLOG (Linux)

CQRLOG is an established open-source logging program for Linux with good Hamlib integration. It shows that the Linux amateur radio community is active but does not offer a web-based interface. Wavelog can serve as a central collection point where CQRLOG logs are exported via ADIF.

Why Web-Based Logging is the Future

The advantages of a web-based logbook are obvious: access from anywhere, no installation needed on the end device, platform-independent (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android), automatic backups on the server, and multi-user capability for clubs and groups. Especially for amateur radio operators who run both a home station and portable activities, a central web logbook is invaluable.

The combination of Docker deployment and web interface makes Wavelog particularly attractive: a container set up once runs reliably for months and years, updates are done in seconds with docker compose pull && docker compose up -d, and your data stays safely on your own server.

Wavelog at oeradio.at

We at oeradio.at also run our own Wavelog instance at wavelog.oeradio.at. It runs as a Docker container on our Synology NAS, secured behind a Cloudflare tunnel with HTTPS encryption. The setup was completed in less than 30 minutes using the docker-compose.yml described above.

Our experience after several months of operation: Wavelog runs stably, automatic QSO uploads to LoTW and eQSL work reliably, and mobile use via the responsive web interface has proven particularly useful during portable activations. Resource consumption is moderate — on a Synology NAS with 4 GB RAM, Wavelog runs smoothly alongside other Docker containers.

Tips for Operation

  • Regular Backups: Back up the MariaDB volume regularly with docker exec wavelog-db mariadb-dump -u wavelog -p wavelog > backup.sql
  • Set Up HTTPS: Use a reverse proxy or Cloudflare tunnel for encrypted access, especially when logging remotely
  • Updates: Regularly check for new Wavelog versions and update with docker compose pull && docker compose up -d
  • Cron Manager: Make sure the cron manager is active (default with Docker) so QSO uploads run automatically
  • Protect API Key: Treat your Wavelog API key like a password and never share it

Related Articles on oeradio.at

Wavelog plays a central role in many areas of amateur radio. Here are related articles on oeradio.at:

Sources and Further Links

Conclusion

Wavelog is currently the best web-based logbook for amateur radio operators. The combination of comprehensive features, active development, Docker support, and a helpful community makes it the top choice for anyone who wants to manage their QSOs in a modern and future-proof way. Whether as an individual or in a club — Wavelog scales with your requirements.

Getting started with Docker is incredibly simple: a single docker-compose.yml, one docker compose up -d, and after the setup wizard you are ready for your first QSO in the new logbook. Give it a try!

73 – your oeradio.at editorial team

Transparency Notice

This article was researched and written with the support of AI (Claude, Anthropic). All content has been editorially reviewed.

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