QSLing
To QSL or not to QSL? That is the question.
If you decide not to exchange QSLs
If you decide NOT to exchange QSLs (paper or
electronic) than
I do not QSL
Also telling the ham on the other end of your QSO that
you do not
PLEASE take the time to post your intent on the internet callsign search
sites
(qrz.com,
Buckmaster, ect.) with a simple message to your listing stating
that you
do not want to exchange QSLs. a few examples could be:
Please no QSLs
QSLs are not accepted
want to exchange QSLs would save time and money.
If you decide to exchange QSL
There are many well written internet articles on the
proper way to exchange QSLs.
A few points I would like to add to the basics of
QSLing is that those of us that
Some Hams use all the following: Bureau, Direct, LoTW,
eQSL.cc as well as
I will NOT repeat their content here. If you are new to Ham Radio and are
looking for
a guide to proper QSLing, simply do a
Google search.
chase the QSLs want maximum return for our efforts.
specialty club based Bureaus (10-10, FISTS, ect.)
By editing your personal listing on the internet
callsign search sites
(qrz.com,
Buckmaster, ect.) with your QSL preference and correct mailing
address
will go a long way to seeing the results you hope for.
My personal choices
I have decided to pick a
single
method for paper QSL cards,
and pick a
single method
for
electronic QSLs.
For paper cards - I have
chosen to QSL Direct. QSL Bureaus can take months if not years.
Yes there can be a cost savings for those that choose to use them. Just have
lots of patience.
For reasons I will not explain here, I am no longer an ARRL
member. As use of
the ARRL's outgoing Bureau requires ARRL membership... well, you get the
idea.
I do NOT accept QSL cards from any Bureau!
For electronic QSL exchanges - I have chosen
eQSL.cc
because it is free to become a member,
their is NO fee for
The AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED program, the Identity Theft deterrent for eQSL
cards.
Currently, eQSL does NOT charge a "fee per credit" for eQSLs. In fact, there
are
many fine Amateur Radio
Organizations that accept eQSLs.
More reasons to use eQSL.cc can be found here.
The reason why I have chosen NOT to use LoTW is very
simple. I'm not an ARRL member.
While use of LoTW does NOT require ARRL membership, currently only ARRL
members
can claim credit for LoTW QSLs, and then only for ARRL awards (DXCC, WAS,
ect), and
ARRL members are required to pay a "fee
per credit" for each QSL you use via LoTW.
Quote: "A
charge is levied only when you apply for an award using QSL matches obtained
via LoTW."
Also, LoTW requires special logging programs and a
digital certificate issued by ARRL.
If you are an ARRL member and use LoTW or, are
thinking about using LoTW.
Have my personal choices in QSL routing hurt my
chances for more QSLs?
73, and hope we QSL one day...
Please upload your logs and enjoy LoTW... Do NOT let my personal
opinions
about the ARRL, the ARRL Bureau, or LoTW influence your own.
Perhaps, but I am very happy with my results over the years.
Eddie Wallace WX6Y ex: KG4EFR
