Install TQSL on Ubuntu Linux

Lately, I wanted to change over from Windows 10 to Linux, so I wanted TQSL to come with me.

Ubuntu does offer tqsl in their repositories, but this is an old version. It still works, but is not optimal.

So on Linux, if you like to have a current version of TQSL, you have to build it yourself.

Sounds scary? It isn't, with this tutorial.

I'm assuming you are running some sort of current Ubuntu or Debian operating system. I am running Ubuntu 24.04.3 at the moment.

Step 1: Download TQSL from the ARRL homepage

Download TQSL from the ARRL homepage here. Scroll down to "TQSL for Linux" and download that package. At the time of writing, this was TQSL 2.8.2.

Step 2: Extract it

Just double click on it in your downloads folder (or wherever you put it) and it will create a tqsl folder for you

Step 3: Enter that directory and the scary world of the terminal

Enter the directory, right click and use the "Open terminal here" Option or whatever your specific desktop environment lets you do.

Step 4: Install a whole lot of prerequisites

In the terminal, execute this command:

sudo apt-get install build-essential cmake zlib1g-dev libexpat1-dev libcurl4-openssl-dev libssl-dev libwxgtk3.2-dev libsqlite3-dev sqlite3 -y

This should install all the prerequisites and dependencies for tqsl in one go.

Step 5: Restart for good measure

Restart your machine, then go back to the folder and enter the terminal there again (just like Step 3)

Step 6: Compile the software

In the terminal, type in this and hit enter.

cmake .

It should print a bunch of stuff to the terminal. As long as nothing is red, you are golden.

Continue with this command and hit enter:

make -j

Again, a whole bunch of stuff should be printed until the last line which should read "[100%] Built target tqsl"

Step 7: Install the software

Almost done. Take a deep breath and type in the second to last terminal command:

sudo make install

Enter your password if it asks you what it is.

Again - whole lot of text appears. As long as nothing is red - you did it.

Step 8: Fix one little thing

Unfortunately one command is left - this fixes some registrations that should be automatic, but arent. Don't worry. Just type this in and - as long as it does not scare you with some red test - all is good. Actually, if this prints nothing, its fine.

sudo ldconfig

Step 9: Done! Enjoy TQSL!

Now just go to your start menu, search for TQSL, find it and click on it. TQSL should now open!

Final words

I hope you enjoy TQSL and LotW QSLing. Hope to see you on the bands soon and get your LotW confirmation!

73 de Stefan, DB4SCW