GridTracker: Putting Your Digital Contacts on the Map
Date :
11 /
08 /
2026
Author :
WIA
For radio amateurs using WSJT-X for FT8, FT4 and other weak-signal digital modes, GridTracker is one of those applications that can quickly become a permanent fixture on the shack computer. It takes the steady stream of information produced by WSJT-X and turns it into a highly visual picture of what is happening on the bands, while also helping automate the otherwise rather tedious business of keeping online logs and QSL services up to date.
GridTracker official website
At its heart is an interactive map based around Maidenhead grid squares. GridTracker displays stations being decoded, worked grids and QSO information geographically, allowing an operator to see where signals are coming from rather than trying to mentally translate a procession of callsigns and grid locators. The map can be zoomed from a worldwide view down to individual grid areas, making it particularly useful for operators chasing new countries, states, grids or awards.
Link
Designed to work with WSJT-X
One of GridTracker's strongest features is its close integration with WSJT-X. GridTracker automatically loads the active WSJT-X ADIF log at startup and uses that information to identify stations and grids already worked. When a new QSO is logged in WSJT-X, GridTracker can receive that information and update its display accordingly. In effect, WSJT-X continues doing the communicating while GridTracker adds the visualisation and information-management layer around it.
That can be particularly useful during a busy FT8 opening. Instead of staring at a screen full of decoded calls and trying to remember whether that VK, ZL, JA or European grid is something you need, GridTracker provides an immediate geographical view of the activity.
From QSO to online confirmation
Perhaps one of the most convenient features is GridTracker's ability to pass QSO information automatically to external logging and confirmation services. Once configured with the appropriate account credentials, GridTracker can send contacts detected from WSJT-X to QRZ.com, ARRL Logbook of The World (LoTW), eQSL and a range of other logging applications and online services. Its documentation describes support for sending QSO information to LoTW, QRZ.com, eQSL and ten other external programs or websites.
It can also import information from services including LoTW, QRZ.com and Club Log, allowing confirmed and previously worked contacts to be incorporated into the GridTracker display. GridTracker can additionally identify users of services including eQSL and Club Log OQRS.
For the operator, the attraction is obvious. Configure the services you use and much of the routine log handling can happen in the background:
WSJT-X → GridTracker → your chosen logging/QSL services
Make the QSO, log it in WSJT-X and GridTracker can take care of distributing the contact information according to the services you have configured. Recent GridTracker releases have even added queuing and retrying of failed LoTW uploads.
More than a logbook
GridTracker itself makes an important distinction: it isn't intended to replace a full amateur radio logging program. Although it maintains ADIF information and can exchange QSO data with other applications and services, its primary purpose is displaying, analysing and managing QSO and QSL information.
That distinction makes it an excellent companion to WSJT-X rather than simply another logging package. Operators can use its mapping and visualisation tools while continuing to maintain their preferred master log elsewhere.
For Australian amateurs experimenting with FT8 and FT4, chasing DX, collecting Maidenhead grid squares or simply wanting a clearer picture of where their signals are reaching, GridTracker is well worth exploring. The combination of WSJT-X integration, geographical visualisation and automated online logging can turn a screen full of digital decodes into something considerably more meaningful.
Why not give it a try?
Page Last Updated: Tuesday, 11 Aug 2026 at 09:14 hours by Justin Giles-clark
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