Logging Stations with the ATS Mini V4: Memory Slots & Station Tracking

Why Logging Matters for SWL

Shortwave listening (SWL) has a genuine hobbyist tradition of logging — recording what stations you've heard, when, on what frequency, and signal quality — both for personal record-keeping and because many broadcasters still issue "QSL cards" confirming reception reports, a small but real collectible/verification tradition in the hobby.

On-Device Memory Slots

The built-in memory slot system (covered in the menu deep-dive guide) is your first tool — press the encoder on an empty slot to store the current frequency/mode for instant one-touch recall later. Slot count varies by firmware (32 on many builds, up to 64 on some like H.J. Berndt's version) — plan your slot organization scheme (e.g. grouping by band, or by "confirmed heard" vs "trying to find again") before you fill them randomly.

Backing Up Memory Slots

Community firmware (the esp32-si4732/ats-mini fork) includes a web-based memory slot backup/restore tool, plus serial commands ($ to backup, # to restore) for scripting this from a computer — genuinely worth doing periodically, since a firmware upgrade or accidental reset can wipe stored slots on some firmware transitions (check release notes for warnings before upgrading).

Beyond On-Device: A Real Logging System

For serious SWL logging, on-device memory slots aren't really built for detailed record-keeping (no timestamp, no signal report field, no notes). Options that work better for actual logging:

A simple spreadsheet: date, time (UTC — shortwave logging convention uses UTC almost universally, not local time, to make logs comparable regardless of where you're listening from), frequency, station/program, signal report (using the standard SINPO scale — Signal, Interference, Noise, Propagation, Overall), and notes.
Dedicated SWL logging apps/software: several free and paid options exist purpose-built for this exact hobby use case — worth searching current community recommendations since this tooling landscape shifts.

The SINPO Signal Report Scale

Standard in the SWL hobby, each rated 1-5: Signal strength, Interference, Noise, Propagation disturbance, Overall merit — e.g. "45444" is a common shorthand log entry. Learning to rate consistently makes your logs actually comparable over time and useful if you ever submit reception reports for QSL confirmation.

Combining On-Device and Off-Device Logging

A practical workflow: use on-device memory slots for stations you want to quickly re-tune to during active listening sessions, and maintain a separate spreadsheet/app log for the actual permanent historical record with full SINPO/date/time detail — the device's memory is a "quick access" tool, not a substitute for genuine logging.

Good First Logging Targets

Well-known, reliably-scheduled international broadcasters (search current shortwave broadcast schedules — these do shift over time as stations change frequencies/schedules) are the easiest, most rewarding first logs since you know roughly when/where to find them, building logging habits before chasing harder-to-catch DX stations.

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