Tried and Tested Ways to Send & Receive QSL Cards “PSE QSL” Tried and Tested Ways to Send & Receive QSL Cards By Wayne Greaves, WØZW

Topics QSL basics What's the appeal? The QSL cycle How to send How to receive Tracking your results

QSL Basics “QSL” is a Q-signal abbreviation meaning confirmation of receipt To QSL a contact is to exchange written confirmation of a 2-way QSO Traditionally done by exchanging QSL cards Exchanging QSL cards is considered the “final courtesy” of a contact

QSL Card Examples

QSL Card Examples

QSL Card Examples

What's the Appeal? Obtain operating awards Decorate the shack DXCC WAC WAZ Decorate the shack It's fun!

The QSL Cycle Work the Station DX Card Ur Card Confirms QSO

Your QSL Card Every station should have its own personalized QSL cards Available as cheaply as 100 for $10 Custom four-color glossy photo cards available 1,000 for $120 and up Can't request a QSL if you don't have your own!

Required Information Your Call Sign Confirming 2-way contact with: Station Date Time Mode Freq RST QSL Your Signature or “Verified By” stamp

How to Send QSL Bureau QSL Manager (domestic)‏ QSL Manager (foreign)‏ QSL Direct

QSL Bureau An organization that sends or receives QSL cards in bulk to/from DX entities on behalf of participating members Use “outgoing” bureau to send QSLs Use “incoming” bureau to receive QSLs ARRL provides outgoing QSL service

QSL Bureau Martin Cook, N1FOC, sorting outgoing QSLs sent via ARRL bureau in various bins, ready to be forwarded.

QSL Bureau Advantages Disadvantages Least expensive method Good response rate Can send to QSL managers Disadvantages Can take a year or longer! Some DX may not accept via bureau

QSL Manager An individual who handles QSL cards on behalf of another ham Listen for QSL instructions, for example “QSL via W5XYZ” Managers can be domestic or foreign A thankless yet important job!

QSL Manager Joseph Arcure, W3HNK has managed QSLs for nearly 400 call signs over 35 years!

QSL Manager (domestic)‏ Many DX stations have stateside QSL managers Not expensive Pay postage both ways (SASE)‏ Excellent response rates Good turn around time

QSL Manager (foreign)‏ Excellent response rates Can get expensive Faster return that QSL Bureau Pay postage both ways - IRC - Foreign postage - Green Stamps $$

QSL Direct Send card direct to DX address Best response rate Most expensive way to QSL Pay postage both ways - IRC - Foreign postage - Green Stamps $$ Postal addresses can be hard to find

International Reply Coupon A coupon exchangeable for 1st class postage in country where redeemed Sold by US Postal Service for $1.85

Green Stamps U.S. Dollar is nearly universally accepted Use in lieu of IRC $2.00 is the going rate to ensure a reply There is a risk it can be stolen en-route

Looking Up DX Address QRZ.COM call sign look-up IK3QAR Ham Radio site QSL manager look-up DX bulletins Google search on call sign

Manager Look-Up

Bulletins Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin 425 DX News W1AW DX Bulletins The Daily DX

How to Receive Have your correct mailing address on QRZ.COM Keep envelopes on-file with your incoming QSL bureau Work stations Send QSL cards

Incoming QSL Bureau In U.S. organized by call number district Each has an informative Web site Follow instructions for use Keep envelopes on-file Send extra stamps when rates increase

Manager: Jerry Chouinard, K5YAA W5 Incoming Bureau www.okdxa.org/buro W5 QSL Bureau P.O. Box 2591 Claremore, OK 74018-2591 Manager: Jerry Chouinard, K5YAA

Tracking Your Results What to track Paper and pencil Entities By mode By band Sent/Confirmed/Verified Paper and pencil Shoe box organizer PC software

QSL Database Application

Handy References

Summary Collecting QSL cards is fun! Every ham should have own QSL card Set a goal to achieve WAS, WAC, DXCC, VUCC, etc. Get on the air and work stations!