QSL card
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A QSL card is a written confirmation of either a two-way radiocommunication between two amateur radio stations or a one-way reception of a signal from an AM radio, FM radio, or television station. QSL cards can also confirm the reception of a two-way radiocommunication by a third party. A typical QSL card is the same size and made from the same material as a typical postcard, and many are sent through the mail as a standard postcard.
QSL cards derived their name from the Q code "QSL", which means "I acknowledge receipt." Most are collected by amateur radio operators, shortwave listeners, TV-FM DXers, and other radio hobbyists. A limited market exists for older QSL cards, especially those from rare locations or famous stations, as collector's items.
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[edit] QSL cards in amateur radio
Amateur radio operators exchange QSL cards to confirm two-way communications between stations. A QSL card sent from one amateur radio operator to another contains details about the contact and the station. At a minimum, this includes the call sign of both stations participating in the communications, the time and date of the contact (usually specified in UTC), the radio frequency used, the mode of transmission used, and a signal report. Some QSL cards contain an image, often something associated with the station or the operator.
QSL cards are often required when applying for an amateur radio operating award. Several alternatives to physical QSL cards that must sent through the mail were developed in the 2000s. These systems use computer databases to store all the same information normally verified by QSL cards in an electronic format. Competing systems differ in their functionality and security requirements. Different sponsors of amateur radio operating awards may recognize only one such electronic QSL system in verifying award applications, and many awards sponsors do not recognize any such electronic QSL system. Some awards programs use only electronic QSL information.
An illustrated history of one amateur radio operator's life and QSL collection was published in 2003. Gregory, Danny; Paul Sahre (2003). Hello World A Life in Ham Radio. New York: Princeton Architectural Press. ISBN 1-56898-281-X.
[edit] QSL cards in shortwave listening
Shortwave listeners also collect QSL cards. Sometimes referred to as SWL cards, they can confirm reception of two-way amateur radio communications or commercial radio operators using HF frequencies. A more common form of QSL card for shortwave listeners to collect verifies the reception of signals from international broadcasting or utility stations. For many international broadcasters, QSL cards serve as publicity tools rather than for gathering data on receptions.
[edit] QSL cards in TV-FM DXing
QSL cards are also collected by radio enthusiasts who listen for distant FM radio or TV stations.
[edit] External links
- American Radio Relay League Logbook of the World
- Electronic QSL Card Centre
- KLog - Software for QSL managing
- Martin Elbe's QSL-Pages, a QSL collection of broadcasting stations
- What information and where to print QSL cards, by Thierry, ON4SKY
- Primer on Q, Morse, RST and SINPO Codes by Thierry, ON4SKY
- Ham Gallery QSL Museum, a collection of QSL cards from around the world
- SWDXER ¨The SWDXER¨ - with general SWL information and radio antenna tips.
- Over 87000 QSL gathered by Friedbert, DE0BRF
- A very large QSL gallery. follow 'Galerie de QSL' to see more than 4300 old and very old cards.
