QSLing has been a tradition of radio stations worldwide since the very beginning. These cards show the station’s capabilities, location, and signal information about the contact along with the date, and time of the contact.
These paper cards can also show the operator’s artistic side. Some cards come with pictures or drawings while others include a collage of clip-art and text. My card was custom-made for me and shows a calm sunset in Corolla, North Carolina looking towards the mainland across the Currituck Sound.
No matter what the QSL card looks like it is always a thrill to open the mailbox and find one of these cards waiting for you.
My QSL policy is as follows:
- If I need your country, I will QSL direct with SAE and IRC.
- If I need your state, I will QSL with SASE.
- I submit all contacts to the ARRL’s LoTW. I will usually send cards via the bureau that have not been confirmed via LoTW.
- All QSL cards received will be answered in kind. SASE or SAE with IRC is requested if you are sending a card direct.
I currently use the ARRL’s Incoming QSL Bureau and the Straight Key Century Club’s Bureau.
