QSL - Revision history

ChrisSmolinski at 15:46, 10 August 2014

2014-08-10T15:46:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:46, 10 August 2014
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	===Electronic QSLs===		===Electronic QSLs===

-	Recently, the Internet has enabled electronic transmission as an alternative to the need for mailing a physical card. These systems use computer databases to store electronic records corresponding to verified contacts (QSOs) and containing the same information as printed QSL cards. Some sponsors of amateur radio operating awards, which normally accept QSL cards for proof of contacts, may also recognize a specific electronic QSL system in verifying award applications.	+	Recently, the Internet has enabled electronic transmission as an alternative to the need for mailing a physical card, called an [[eQSL]]. These systems use computer databases to store electronic records corresponding to verified contacts (QSOs) and containing the same information as printed QSL cards. Some sponsors of amateur radio operating awards, which normally accept QSL cards for proof of contacts, may also recognize a specific electronic QSL system in verifying award applications.

	One such system, [http://www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/ eQSL.cc] enables electronic exchange of QSLs as JPEG or GIF images which can then be printed as cards on the recipient's local printer, or displayed on the computer screen. Many logging programs now have direct electronic interfaces to transmit QSO details in real-time into the eQSL.cc database. [http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com CQ magazine] began accepting electronic QSLs from eQSL.cc for its four award programs in January 2009. [http://www.ten-ten.org 10-10] has been accepting eQSLs since 2002. eQSL.CC cards are also acceptable by [[DARC]] and [[ISWL]] for their awards programs.		One such system, [http://www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/ eQSL.cc] enables electronic exchange of QSLs as JPEG or GIF images which can then be printed as cards on the recipient's local printer, or displayed on the computer screen. Many logging programs now have direct electronic interfaces to transmit QSO details in real-time into the eQSL.cc database. [http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com CQ magazine] began accepting electronic QSLs from eQSL.cc for its four award programs in January 2009. [http://www.ten-ten.org 10-10] has been accepting eQSLs since 2002. eQSL.CC cards are also acceptable by [[DARC]] and [[ISWL]] for their awards programs.

WikiSysop at 18:07, 31 March 2014

2014-03-31T18:07:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:07, 31 March 2014
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	It's important to realize that pirate stations may take a considerable amount of time to reply to a QSL request. Some stations may reply in short order, within hours via email, or within a week via [[maildrop]]. Others, though, may take weeks, months, or even years to reply, and a delay of a few months is probably the norm. Generally speaking, if a station does announce a [[maildrop]] or email address, it will QSL; however, there have been a few stations that have not, for unknown reasons. The listener should not be discouraged by a long, delay, though, as the odds are that they will receive a QSL eventually.		It's important to realize that pirate stations may take a considerable amount of time to reply to a QSL request. Some stations may reply in short order, within hours via email, or within a week via [[maildrop]]. Others, though, may take weeks, months, or even years to reply, and a delay of a few months is probably the norm. Generally speaking, if a station does announce a [[maildrop]] or email address, it will QSL; however, there have been a few stations that have not, for unknown reasons. The listener should not be discouraged by a long, delay, though, as the odds are that they will receive a QSL eventually.
		+
		+	A detailed list of [[pirate radio station email addresses]] is available.

	Many older pirate shows are [[relay]]ed, and the [[maildrop]] or email address announced on the show may no longer be active. It may also prove that the station itself is no longer active, even if the drop still is. When in doubt, it's best to consult someone in the [[#pirateradio]] IRC channels, or to post a question on the Shortwave section of the [[HFU]].		Many older pirate shows are [[relay]]ed, and the [[maildrop]] or email address announced on the show may no longer be active. It may also prove that the station itself is no longer active, even if the drop still is. When in doubt, it's best to consult someone in the [[#pirateradio]] IRC channels, or to post a question on the Shortwave section of the [[HFU]].

WikiSysop at 18:06, 31 March 2014

2014-03-31T18:06:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:06, 31 March 2014
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	'''QSL''' is a "Q-code" used in radio communications as a shorthand for "I acknowledge your transmission" or, when used as a question, "Do you acknowledge my transmission?". A "QSL" can also refer to a card or other document sent by a radio station to a listener acknowledging a reception report of that station's signal. In the pirate radio world it generally means the latter, and, when used as a verb, it indicates the act of sending the QSL (via post or email).		'''QSL''' is a "Q-code" used in radio communications as a shorthand for "I acknowledge your transmission" or, when used as a question, "Do you acknowledge my transmission?". A "QSL" can also refer to a card or other document sent by a radio station to a listener acknowledging a reception report of that station's signal. In the pirate radio world it generally means the latter, and, when used as a verb, it indicates the act of sending the QSL (via post or email).

-	Listeners send a [[reception report]], with enough information about a broadcast to prove that it was heard, to the station, via a [[maildrop]], or posted on a website such as the [[~~FRN~~]], or to an email address. Information about the show should, at a minimum, include date, time in UTC, station ID, frequency, mode of operation, [[SIO]] or [[SINPO]] numbers, the listener's location, address that the QSL should be sent to, and a few details of the show, such as program content, when IDs were heard, et al. Most stations would like to hear listeners' opinions of the program, as well. The station may then return a QSL to the listener, usually via either the [[maildrop]], or to the listener's email address. When a [[maildrop]] is used, it is customary to include either a couple of dollars, or three first-class stamps, to cover the cost of postage. Some stations have also asked for a monetary contribution, as well, although this practice has acquired a distasteful reputation, due to a few stations keeping the money and not sending the QSL.	+	Listeners send a [[reception report]], with enough information about a broadcast to prove that it was heard, to the station, via a [[maildrop]], or posted on a website such as the [[HFU]], or to an email address. Information about the show should, at a minimum, include date, time in UTC, station ID, frequency, mode of operation, [[SIO]] or [[SINPO]] numbers, the listener's location, address that the QSL should be sent to, and a few details of the show, such as program content, when IDs were heard, et al. Most stations would like to hear listeners' opinions of the program, as well. The station may then return a QSL to the listener, usually via either the [[maildrop]], or to the listener's email address. When a [[maildrop]] is used, it is customary to include either a couple of dollars, or three first-class stamps, to cover the cost of postage. Some stations have also asked for a monetary contribution, as well, although this practice has acquired a distasteful reputation, due to a few stations keeping the money and not sending the QSL.

	==Pirate radio QSLs==		==Pirate radio QSLs==
Line 11:		Line 11:
	It's important to realize that pirate stations may take a considerable amount of time to reply to a QSL request. Some stations may reply in short order, within hours via email, or within a week via [[maildrop]]. Others, though, may take weeks, months, or even years to reply, and a delay of a few months is probably the norm. Generally speaking, if a station does announce a [[maildrop]] or email address, it will QSL; however, there have been a few stations that have not, for unknown reasons. The listener should not be discouraged by a long, delay, though, as the odds are that they will receive a QSL eventually.		It's important to realize that pirate stations may take a considerable amount of time to reply to a QSL request. Some stations may reply in short order, within hours via email, or within a week via [[maildrop]]. Others, though, may take weeks, months, or even years to reply, and a delay of a few months is probably the norm. Generally speaking, if a station does announce a [[maildrop]] or email address, it will QSL; however, there have been a few stations that have not, for unknown reasons. The listener should not be discouraged by a long, delay, though, as the odds are that they will receive a QSL eventually.

-	Many older pirate shows are [[relay]]ed, and the [[maildrop]] or email address announced on the show may no longer be active. It may also prove that the station itself is no longer active, even if the drop still is. When in doubt, it's best to consult someone in the [[#pirateradio]] IRC channels, or to post a question on the Shortwave section of the [[~~FRN~~]].	+	Many older pirate shows are [[relay]]ed, and the [[maildrop]] or email address announced on the show may no longer be active. It may also prove that the station itself is no longer active, even if the drop still is. When in doubt, it's best to consult someone in the [[#pirateradio]] IRC channels, or to post a question on the Shortwave section of the [[HFU]].

	==Utility station QSLs==		==Utility station QSLs==

Strange Attractor: /* Utility station QSLs */

2010-09-08T09:18:31Z

Utility station QSLs

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:18, 8 September 2010
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	==Utility station QSLs==		==Utility station QSLs==
-	[[Image:NPN-QSL.jpg\|thumb\|right\|~~PFC~~ QSL card from station ~~KKN44~~ in ~~Monrovia, Liberia~~]]	+	[[Image:NPN-QSL.jpg\|thumb\|right\|QSL card from US Naval station NPN in Guam.]]
	A few utility stations (commercial and military) do acknowledge correct reception reports with QSL cards. Standard frequency and time signals are known to send QSL cards for decades, as did a few marine, fixed and aero stations.		A few utility stations (commercial and military) do acknowledge correct reception reports with QSL cards. Standard frequency and time signals are known to send QSL cards for decades, as did a few marine, fixed and aero stations.

Strange Attractor: /* Utility station QSLs */

2010-09-08T09:17:41Z

Utility station QSLs

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:17, 8 September 2010
Line 14:		Line 14:

	==Utility station QSLs==		==Utility station QSLs==
-	[[Image:~~KKN44~~-QSL.~~gif~~\|thumb\|right\|PFC QSL card from station KKN44 in Monrovia, Liberia]]	+	[[Image:NPN-QSL.jpg\|thumb\|right\|PFC QSL card from station KKN44 in Monrovia, Liberia]]
		+	A few utility stations (commercial and military) do acknowledge correct reception reports with QSL cards. Standard frequency and time signals are known to send QSL cards for decades, as did a few marine, fixed and aero stations.
		+
		+	For the rest, the vast majority of utility stations which have no QSL cards, the [[DXing\|DXer]] must prepare a QSL card which is sent to the station. The station manager signs and stamps the card and returns it to the DXer.
		+
	{{Work In Progress}}		{{Work In Progress}}

Strange Attractor: /* QSL Gallery */

2010-09-07T06:43:29Z

QSL Gallery

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:43, 7 September 2010
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	An illustrated history of one amateur radio operator's life and QSL collection was published in 2003.<sup>(3)</sup>		An illustrated history of one amateur radio operator's life and QSL collection was published in 2003.<sup>(3)</sup>
		+
		+	==CB radio QSLs==
		+	{{Work In Progress}}
		+

	==QSL Gallery==		==QSL Gallery==

Strange Attractor: /* QSL bureaus */

2010-09-07T06:38:54Z

QSL bureaus

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:38, 7 September 2010
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	In addition to such ''incoming'' bureaus, there are also ''outgoing'' bureaus in most countries. These bureaus offer a further postage savings by accepting cards destined for many different countries and repackaging them together into bundles that are sent to specific incoming bureaus in other countries.<sup>(2)</sup>		In addition to such ''incoming'' bureaus, there are also ''outgoing'' bureaus in most countries. These bureaus offer a further postage savings by accepting cards destined for many different countries and repackaging them together into bundles that are sent to specific incoming bureaus in other countries.<sup>(2)</sup>

-	Usually the national radio society for each country operates the official QSL bureau listed by IARU. With the exception of the USA, the IARU bureaus accept both incoming and outgoing cards. In the USA the [[American Radio Relay League]] operates only the outgoing bureau, incoming ~~QSL~~ being handled by 20 separate bureaus.	+	Usually the national radio society for each country operates the official QSL bureau listed by IARU. With the exception of the USA, the IARU bureaus accept both incoming and outgoing cards. In the USA the [[American Radio Relay League]] operates only the outgoing bureau, incoming QSLs being handled by 20 separate bureaus. For example, the Yankee Clipper Contest Club in Milford, MA, handles incoming QSL cards for the W1 call area.

	===QSL Managers===		===QSL Managers===

Strange Attractor: /* Amateur radio QSLs */

2010-09-07T06:36:49Z

Amateur radio QSLs

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:36, 7 September 2010
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	A QSL card also serves as a radio operator's calling card, so they are frequently an expression of individual creativity — from a photo of the operator at his station to original artwork, images of the operator's home town or surrounding countryside, etc. They are frequently created with a good dose of individual pride. Consequently, the collecting of QSL cards of especially interesting designs has become an add-on hobby to the simple gathering of printed documentation of a ham's communications over the course of his or her radio career.		A QSL card also serves as a radio operator's calling card, so they are frequently an expression of individual creativity — from a photo of the operator at his station to original artwork, images of the operator's home town or surrounding countryside, etc. They are frequently created with a good dose of individual pride. Consequently, the collecting of QSL cards of especially interesting designs has become an add-on hobby to the simple gathering of printed documentation of a ham's communications over the course of his or her radio career.

		+	===QSL bureaus===
	Normally sent using ordinary, international postal systems, QSL cards can be sent either ''direct'' to an individual’s address, or via a country's centralized amateur radio association ''QSL bureau'', which collects and distributes cards for that country. This saves postage fees for the sender by sending several cards destined for a single country in one envelope, or large numbers of cards using parcel services. The price for lower postage, however, is a delay in reaching its destination because of the extra handling time involved. <sup>(1)</sup>		Normally sent using ordinary, international postal systems, QSL cards can be sent either ''direct'' to an individual’s address, or via a country's centralized amateur radio association ''QSL bureau'', which collects and distributes cards for that country. This saves postage fees for the sender by sending several cards destined for a single country in one envelope, or large numbers of cards using parcel services. The price for lower postage, however, is a delay in reaching its destination because of the extra handling time involved. <sup>(1)</sup>
-	~~[[Image:QSL-1X5AA.jpg\|thumb\|right\|QSL from 1X5AA in Grozny, Chechnya, issued by [[QSL manager]] W3HNK]]~~
-	In addition to such ''incoming'' bureaus, there are also ''outgoing'' bureaus in some countries. These bureaus offer a further postage savings by accepting cards destined for many different countries and repackaging them together into bundles that are sent to specific incoming bureaus in other countries.<sup>(2)</sup>

		+	In addition to such ''incoming'' bureaus, there are also ''outgoing'' bureaus in most countries. These bureaus offer a further postage savings by accepting cards destined for many different countries and repackaging them together into bundles that are sent to specific incoming bureaus in other countries.<sup>(2)</sup>
		+
		+	Usually the national radio society for each country operates the official QSL bureau listed by IARU. With the exception of the USA, the IARU bureaus accept both incoming and outgoing cards. In the USA the [[American Radio Relay League]] operates only the outgoing bureau, incoming QSL being handled by 20 separate bureaus.
		+
		+	===QSL Managers===
		+	[[Image:QSL-1X5AA.jpg\|thumb\|right\|QSL from 1X5AA in Grozny, Chechnya, issued by [[QSL manager]] W3HNK]]
	For ''rare'' or ''DX'' countries, that is ones where there are very few amateur radio operators, places with no reliable (or even existing) postal systems, including expeditions to remote areas, a volunteer ''QSL manager'' may handle the mailing of cards. For expeditions this may amount to thousands of cards, and payment for at least postage is appreciated, and is required for a ''direct'' reply (as opposed to a return via a bureau).		For ''rare'' or ''DX'' countries, that is ones where there are very few amateur radio operators, places with no reliable (or even existing) postal systems, including expeditions to remote areas, a volunteer ''QSL manager'' may handle the mailing of cards. For expeditions this may amount to thousands of cards, and payment for at least postage is appreciated, and is required for a ''direct'' reply (as opposed to a return via a bureau).

Strange Attractor: /* Electronic QSLs */

2010-09-06T06:34:51Z

Electronic QSLs

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:34, 6 September 2010
Line 32:		Line 32:

	For ''rare'' or ''DX'' countries, that is ones where there are very few amateur radio operators, places with no reliable (or even existing) postal systems, including expeditions to remote areas, a volunteer ''QSL manager'' may handle the mailing of cards. For expeditions this may amount to thousands of cards, and payment for at least postage is appreciated, and is required for a ''direct'' reply (as opposed to a return via a bureau).		For ''rare'' or ''DX'' countries, that is ones where there are very few amateur radio operators, places with no reliable (or even existing) postal systems, including expeditions to remote areas, a volunteer ''QSL manager'' may handle the mailing of cards. For expeditions this may amount to thousands of cards, and payment for at least postage is appreciated, and is required for a ''direct'' reply (as opposed to a return via a bureau).
		+
		+	===Electronic QSLs===

	Recently, the Internet has enabled electronic transmission as an alternative to the need for mailing a physical card. These systems use computer databases to store electronic records corresponding to verified contacts (QSOs) and containing the same information as printed QSL cards. Some sponsors of amateur radio operating awards, which normally accept QSL cards for proof of contacts, may also recognize a specific electronic QSL system in verifying award applications.		Recently, the Internet has enabled electronic transmission as an alternative to the need for mailing a physical card. These systems use computer databases to store electronic records corresponding to verified contacts (QSOs) and containing the same information as printed QSL cards. Some sponsors of amateur radio operating awards, which normally accept QSL cards for proof of contacts, may also recognize a specific electronic QSL system in verifying award applications.

-	One such system, [http://www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/ eQSL.cc] enables electronic exchange of QSLs as JPEG or GIF images which can then be printed as cards on the recipient's local printer, or displayed on the computer screen. Many logging programs now have direct electronic interfaces to transmit QSO details in real-time into the eQSL.cc database. [http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com CQ magazine] began accepting electronic QSLs from eQSL.cc for its four award programs in January 2009. [http://www.ten-ten.org 10-10] has been accepting eQSLs since 2002. Another electronic QSL system, the ARRL’s Logbook of The World (LoTW), allows confirmations to be submitted electronically for that organization’s DX Century Club (DXCC) and Worked All States (WAS) awards.	+	One such system, [http://www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/ eQSL.cc] enables electronic exchange of QSLs as JPEG or GIF images which can then be printed as cards on the recipient's local printer, or displayed on the computer screen. Many logging programs now have direct electronic interfaces to transmit QSO details in real-time into the eQSL.cc database. [http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com CQ magazine] began accepting electronic QSLs from eQSL.cc for its four award programs in January 2009. [http://www.ten-ten.org 10-10] has been accepting eQSLs since 2002. eQSL.CC cards are also acceptable by [[DARC]] and [[ISWL]] for their awards programs.
		+
		+	Another electronic QSL system, the ARRL’s Logbook of The World (LoTW), allows confirmations to be submitted electronically for that organization’s DX Century Club (DXCC) and Worked All States (WAS) awards.

	Even in the presence of electronic QSLs, physical QSL cards are often fine historical or sentimental keepsakes of a memorable location heard or worked, or a pleasant contact with a new radio friend, and serious hams may have thousands of them. Some cards are plain, while others are multicolored and may be oversized or double paged.		Even in the presence of electronic QSLs, physical QSL cards are often fine historical or sentimental keepsakes of a memorable location heard or worked, or a pleasant contact with a new radio friend, and serious hams may have thousands of them. Some cards are plain, while others are multicolored and may be oversized or double paged.

Strange Attractor: /* Amateur radio QSLs */

2010-09-05T18:37:57Z

Amateur radio QSLs

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:37, 5 September 2010
Line 28:		Line 28:

	Normally sent using ordinary, international postal systems, QSL cards can be sent either ''direct'' to an individual’s address, or via a country's centralized amateur radio association ''QSL bureau'', which collects and distributes cards for that country. This saves postage fees for the sender by sending several cards destined for a single country in one envelope, or large numbers of cards using parcel services. The price for lower postage, however, is a delay in reaching its destination because of the extra handling time involved. <sup>(1)</sup>		Normally sent using ordinary, international postal systems, QSL cards can be sent either ''direct'' to an individual’s address, or via a country's centralized amateur radio association ''QSL bureau'', which collects and distributes cards for that country. This saves postage fees for the sender by sending several cards destined for a single country in one envelope, or large numbers of cards using parcel services. The price for lower postage, however, is a delay in reaching its destination because of the extra handling time involved. <sup>(1)</sup>
-		+	[[Image:QSL-1X5AA.jpg\|thumb\|right\|QSL from 1X5AA in Grozny, Chechnya, issued by [[QSL manager]] W3HNK]]
	In addition to such ''incoming'' bureaus, there are also ''outgoing'' bureaus in some countries. These bureaus offer a further postage savings by accepting cards destined for many different countries and repackaging them together into bundles that are sent to specific incoming bureaus in other countries.<sup>(2)</sup>		In addition to such ''incoming'' bureaus, there are also ''outgoing'' bureaus in some countries. These bureaus offer a further postage savings by accepting cards destined for many different countries and repackaging them together into bundles that are sent to specific incoming bureaus in other countries.<sup>(2)</sup>