Setting Up Cloudlog on Debian LXC

Cloudlog is a sleek, modern, self-hosted Amateur Radio logbook designed for web-based logging of QSOs. It supports ADIF import/export, SOTA/POTA tracking, satellite QSOs, and integrates well with other tools. It’s a great alternative to traditional desktop logbooks, especially when you’re operating portable or across multiple devices.

This guide walks through the step-by-step setup of Cloudlog on a Debian 12 LXC container under Proxmox, including initial configuration, database troubleshooting, and fixes for common errors.

What is Cloudlog?

Cloudlog is a web-based logging application for amateur radio operators. It allows operators to log their contacts (QSOs) from any device with a browser, and offers:

• Multi-user support
• ADIF import/export
• DXCC & gridsquare tracking
• Satellite logging
• API access for integration
• Mobile-friendly design

It’s an ideal choice for modern hams who want centralized logs, portability, or plan to integrate with SDR or digital modes software.

Install Apache, MariaDB, and PHP

sudo apt install apache2 mariadb-server php php-mysql php-curl php-mbstring php-xml php-zip php-gd php-cli unzip git -y

Verify PHP version:

php -v

Enable and Start Apache & MariaDB

 systemctl enable apache2
 systemctl start apache2
 systemctl enable mariadb
 systemctl start mariadb

Secure MariaDB

mysql_secure_installation

cd /var/www/html
 git clone https://github.com/magicbug/Cloudlog.git

Set Correct Permissions

sudo chown -R root:www-data /var/www/html/Cloudlog/
sudo find /var/www/html/Cloudlog/ -type d -exec chmod 775 {} \;
sudo find /var/www/html/Cloudlog/ -type f -exec chmod 664 {} \;

# Writable directories
for dir in application/config application/logs assets/qslcard backup updates uploads images/eqsl_card_images assets/json assets/sstvimages; do
    sudo chown -R root:www-data /var/www/html/Cloudlog/$dir
    sudo chmod -R g+rw /var/www/html/Cloudlog/$dir
done

Create the Database and User

sudo mysql -u root -p

Then inside the MySQL shell:

in mysql Shell

CREATE DATABASE cloudlog;
CREATE USER ‘cloudloguser’@’localhost’ IDENTIFIED BY ‘strongpassword’;
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON cloudlog.* TO ‘cloudloguser’@’localhost’;
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;

Credits & Thanks

Cloudlog is actively developed and maintained by Peter Goodhall (2E0SQL) and contributors.

A big thanks to the developer for building and sharing such a solid and modern logging system with the amateur radio community. You can follow the project here:
🔗 https://github.com/magicbug/Cloudlog

Cloudlog an open-source amateur radio logging application – magicbug