Amateur Radio Stack Exchange
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Questions tagged [qsl-card]

Questions pertaining to QSL cards, the Bureau system, QSL managers, and/or card checking.

A QSL card is a way Ham Radio operators and Shortwave Listeners confirm reception or contact. They usually take the form of a 90mm by 140mm postcard. Learn more: Wikipedia ARRL: Bureau service

Example card (blurred for privacy):AI7OW QSL CARD

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What information should be on a QSL card?

Like it says in the title. When you design a QSL card (intended for use for both local VHF-and-up contacts as well as international HF contacts), what information needs to be present, and what information might be considered "nice to have" but not…
user
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What should I put on a QSL card for a repeater contact?

From time to time I'm a new ham's first contact - usually on a repeater. If I want to send the new ham a QSL card, how should I distinguish a repeater contact from a non-repeater contact? Is there a standard?
user3486184
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Minimal info on a SWL QSL

Which is the minimal information I should require to confirm/QSL a reception report I receive ? I know the report must contain my callsign, time, date and band where I was listened. Is it also a requirement to indicate the callsign of the other…
joaquin
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What is the easiest way to print data on qsl cards?

I confirm all QSOs via LOTW and eQSL but some people also request QSL cards via bureau or direct. Of course I don't want to disappoint them and I reply 100%. But I find it such a burden to print sheets of labels and stick them on the cards. So I…
ON5MF Jurgen
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Is it ethical to accept sponsorship for QSL cards?

We all know that in general commercial activities are not welcome on amateur radio bands. One thing that somewhat related to that came up in a discussion I had with some operators: Is it ethical to accept money for printing and sending QSL cards in…
AndrejaKo
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QSL cards and distance minimums

Newly licensed HAM here. Are QSL cards only exchanged during DX, or could they be exchanged with local contacts as well? How does one request a card? I’ve heard there are bureaus that route cards; is this the most appropriate way to send a card?
djdy
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How do I get QSL cards from the Incoming Bureau?

I'm new to QSLing and want to know how to get QSL cards from an incoming bureau in the USA. I have sent outgoing cards recently and want to know how to acquire the replies. Could somebody describe the process? AI7OW
AI7OW
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What is a QSL card?

What is a QSL card? Why would I ever receive one? Why would I ever bother to send one? If so, when? Is it rude not to? Are they postcards sent by physical postal mail, or are they now digital thingys?
hotpaw2
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How large should the call of the remote station be on the QSL card?

I have designed my first QSL card but I'm worried that I may have reserved too little space for the call of the remote station. I'm worried that the buro might have trouble with it. However, I see many QSL cards on this examples page with a fairly…
user885
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Any way to get LOTW "credit" for a paper QSL card?

I have some QSOs with hams who will send paper QSL cards but do not use LOTW. I know that if I manage to get a paper card from them I can submit it to ARRL for DXCC credit. But will that QSL show up in LOTW? Or is there zero integration between…
QuantumMechanic
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How to do physical QSL when not operating from your home QTH?

If you have preprinted QSL cards that have your home address and grid square on them, what's considered the most proper way to do a physical QSL exchange for a contact that was made while you were operating away from home? Do you cross out the…
QuantumMechanic
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How precise should the time be on a QSL card?

I want to send some QSL cards for contacts I've made while portable/horseback mobile and thus could not have written the details down immediately. I remember the callsigns and reports, and everything was on 2m FM, so I've got most of the data, but…
Ivan R2AZR
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Physical QSL card request procedures?

Is there a way to determine whether a station or operator still sends physical QSL cards, rather than only uploading some data online? (or doing nothing at all.) If so, what is the current procedure for successfully requesting a QSL card? Do I mail…
hotpaw2
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Are there countries where QSLs are required to get or upgrade a license?

I've heard that there are countries where you start as SWL and have to collect some number of QSL cards to get a license. Or maybe there are places where QSLs are required to upgrade a license and get an access to more bands and/or more power. Is…
Aleksander Alekseev - R2AUK
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An exact meaning of S.A.S.E and S.A.E in the context of QSL cards

I'm having little issues understanding what S.A.S.E and S.A.E. mean exactly. The description on Wikipedia is a little bit confusing because it says that it's literally the same. But from the context on some qrz.com pages I get an impression that…
Aleksander Alekseev - R2AUK
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