Claiming QSL Cards
Franky Beuselinck (ON7RU)
on
November 6, 2008
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Last week I moved to a new QTH. While packing and filling boxes I discovered a box full of unclaimed C56EL QSL-cards, just waiting for their new owner.
It's now 10 years, when I went to The Gambia so I don't expect to receive many more QSL requests for this DXpedition.
It seems that only 50%, max 60% claimed their QSL-card. When going through the labels I noticed that a lot of US stations didn't requested their card.
I was wondering why people try to bust a pile-up (believe me, I had huge pile-ups, there was propagation those days) but don't claim a full color QSL card from quite a rare (back then, 1998) country.
Are US stations less interested in exchanging QSLs? Are QSL cards getting lost?
(At the time of the DXpedition I held the call ON4CEL, which I swapped for a vanity call ON7RU).
Is this a normal QSL request rate? Do hams expect getting a card without sending their card first?
I look forward to your feedback.
PS: QSL cards where available direct or via BURO
P.S. II: If you're going to your log and notice that our C56EL contact is not confirmed you can send me a mail with the details of it, and I send one via the BURO
Frank, ON7RU
http://www.on7ru.net
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by N7YA on November 6, 2008
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Did you print the cards and pre-make them? I dont think its US hams waiting for you to send it first, we usually send first. Perhaps you worked a lot of stations who didnt need to confirm C5, they just wanted the chase.
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by NU4B on November 6, 2008
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There are many factors that play into your QSL receive rate. Probably one of the big factors is the need for a C5 QSL. C5 is an easy shot from most of the US and most serious DX'ers have that country confirmed on all or most of the bands and modes they are interested. And I would assume the same for EU. There have been many many activations of that country.
You should check out the G3TXF web site. He has the QSL rates for most all his DXpeditions and they range anywhere from 28% to over 90%. I would think 60% is probably a good rate for a C5 Dxpedition.
Not all DX'ers are card collectors or award chasers. To many of these DX'ers making the contact is fine with them. They will get in the pileup for the fun and challenge but they are not that interested in a card.
I like to collect cards, but I don't send them out for every contact. If I have a country confirmed on all bands I probably wouldn't send for a card unless it was a new island, lighthouse, or some other special event that drew my interest. Also I would send it out if it was requested by the DX station.
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by NV2A on November 6, 2008
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NU4B said: "Not all DX'ers are card collectors or award chasers. To many of these DX'ers making the contact is fine with them. They will get in the pileup for the fun and challenge but they are not that interested in a card."
He described me to a T. I would rather buy gear then pay postage and IRC's out to collect cards. I've tried to return QSL's to everyone who request but I'm not so financially well off I can put QSL postage into my budget.
Just breaking the DX pileup is reward enough for me. I don't need the paper on the wall to feel better but that's not to say there is anything wrong with that for those who like it. I'm not crazy about stateside QSLs for much the same reason, expense. I have yet to investigate LOtW but may well participate in that if there is little or no expense involved, more for the other guys then for me.
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by KF7CG on November 6, 2008
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LOTW only has the expense of ARRL Membership. I have about a 25% QSL rate through LOTW, about what I formerly got when I was doing paper QSLs, even stateside.
For U.S. states getting the QSL card for WAS was 90% of the battle. Work all 50 but only 45 or so will QSL even after multiple attempts with multiple stations.
KF7CG
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by K0BG on November 6, 2008
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Except for an occasional posting on eqsl.com, or returning a card for a 6 meter grid square, I seldom ask for or send a QSL. I don't think I'm alone.
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by K0OK on November 6, 2008
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I made 3,229 QSOs from Mozambique in July of this year. The breakdown of QSLs was:
Direct: 252 (8%)
LoTW: 506 (16%)
Both LoTW and Direct: 64 (2%)
Total 758 (24%)
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by AI2IA on November 6, 2008
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It may be a better universal policy for no one to send a QSL card unless requested to send one.
I will confirm a QSO by sending a QSL card to anyone who requests it.
When I request a QSL for a contact within my own country, I send my card and a postage paid, stamped SASE along with it. About five out of a hundred don't respond. The rest appreciate the return stamped envelope and respond usually within two weeks.
It is becoming increasingly expensive to request a QSL card from other countries by sending two "green stamps" with my card, since one "green stamp" is not enough for most with their own rising costs.
Since I beiieve that a QSL card is still the final courtesy, I continue to send a QSL card to any foreign or domestic contact requesting it from me.
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by KE3HO on November 6, 2008
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"I was wondering why people try to bust a pile-up (believe me, I had huge pile-ups, there was propagation those days) but don't claim a full color QSL card from quite a rare (back then, 1998) country."
Probably for the same reason that quite a few hams "bust the pile-up", then do it again later the same day, or the next day, and the day after that, and so on. Maybe just to prove that they can? I don't know.
I don't have a single DX QSL card. For me, the thrill is in the contact, not in the piece of paper saying that I did it. I never request a QSL card from anyone, rare or not. I only send QSL cards to those who request one, and I send QSL cards to anyone who sends me a card out of courtesy.
The only QSL card that I have that has a lot of personal meaning for me is one that I got shortly after I earned my HF privileges. It was on the 40M novice band one evening. The guy was 94 years old and in a retirement home. His fist was pretty rough, bordering on QLF, but I didn't complain. He was thrilled to have someone who didn't mind going slow (that was my only speed at the time) and so was I. We chatted for about 90 minutes. I think we probably made each other's day.
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by N3OX on November 6, 2008
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"
I don't have a single DX QSL card. For me, the thrill is in the contact, not in the piece of paper saying that I did it. I never request a QSL card from anyone, rare or not."
I do claim a few but I tend more toward this end of the QSLing spectrum.
I like working DX. I like collecting DXCC countries on various bands but I don't like QSL paperwork. I send back a card to people that send me one, and I occasionally request a card from a rare DXPedition, but mostly if they have a stateside manager or do the new-ish online request thing.
I've got 300 DXCC worked but only 205 confirmed (and many of those are actually LoTW).
Can I prove to anyone I've worked 300? Guess not, but that's OK with me ;-) I like the thrill of the chase, I like checking off little boxes. I'm slowly getting more serious about QSLing, but a lot of the rare DX I worked in the late 90's and early 2000's I worked when I was on break from college, and since then I've worked DX in between busy times at my lab, getting my Ph.D. I just don't mind it if the QSLing goes undone, and maybe years from now I'll be a more active QSLer. The time it takes to keep up with QSLing is not something I budget in to my ham radio activities right now.
Turns out this is quite on topic: I'm one of your no-QSLers. N3UMH, March 1999, 10m CW.
A couple days later, I went back to classes in New York state from my QTH in Pennsylvania. I absolutely didn't expect a card to come in by itself; I just didn't think to confirm Gambia at that point. You were only my 2nd C5 contact ever, so it wasn't that I didn't need your card. It was just that I didn't request QSLs.
I suppose it would be nice for the DXpeditioner to know the request rate since you have to buy cards! :-)
On behalf of that 40-50%, I apologize for your blank half-order of QSL's ;-)
73
Dan
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by WG7X on November 6, 2008
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Quoting N3OX: "I like working DX. I like collecting DXCC countries on various bands but I don't like QSL paperwork."
Yes, What he said. I too, work the DX stations mostly for my own selfish satisfaction, and for the fun of breaking the pile.
The whole paperwork aspect of this hobby is one that I gleefully ignore. I hardly ever QSL a DX station and then usually only in response to a card sent out.
LOTW is the answer for guys like me. (And apparently I'm not alone!)
Having QSL cards printed in anticipation of QSL requests is a bit overboard, but since you printed them why not follow through and fill one out for each QSO not accounted for, and put them into the "BURO"?
Too much work? Yeah... and too expensive to print the things too I bet. But since the requests have dwindled your only other choice is to throw them away...
I'm glad that its your choice, not mine.
BTW, I'm not one of the ones who worked you, but if I had, I'd be on the list of non-requestors also.
Sorry OM...
Gary
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by WW5AA on November 6, 2008
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For me it was always the challange of making the tough contacts. At that time a card was the only way of confirming the contact. I still keep the three shoe boxes full of cards, but this time around I am making it a challange to again work DXCC by SSB with only LoTW confirmations. I never send a card, but always return one.
73 de Lindy
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by KA3NRX on November 6, 2008
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Maybe the card that they sent to you just never made it to your qth for whatever reason??? Or maybe they just wanted to work ya and not bother with getting the card because they have the country confirmed already??? I've done that before depending on what band the dx was worked on. Don't know. I know a guy who is just getting back into dxing, but doesn't care about wall paper. Happens I guess. To each his own.
Vince P
KA3NRX
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by N2UGB on November 6, 2008
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I QSL direct all cards received direct, foreign or domestic. I also subscribe to e-QSL which is great for those, who like me, aren't interested in awards. If you would like to send a thank-you "note" to anyone after a nice contact, e-QSL can't be beat. Send them a few bucks and be able to upload your own digital photo.
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by VE6CNU on November 6, 2008
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I agree that a big part has to do with confirming "new ones". As QSL cards cost so much these days (I always send US$2, an envelope and my card to DX stations), I only request cards from those I really need.
On the other hand, tuning across the band and hearing a pileup automatically gets the blood flowing. It is a challenge to get in there and get acknowledged - even if it is not a new one. But then, I wouldn't go to the trouble or expense to send a QSL card if I already had this one confirmed.
I'm sure the QSL request rate has a lot to do with the rarity of the country and the frequency of DXpeditions over time. Also, as more people do LOTW, the need for paper cards will continue to decrease. Of the 23,321 QSOs I have uploaded to LOTW in the past 4 years, I have received 7,225 QSLs in return. This works out to 31%. You can read into that what you will.
Jerry
VE6CNU
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by KI4ABS on November 6, 2008
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I think it just depends. If you already have that DXCC entry, is it worth it to get another card for it? However, it's pretty obvious you're going to try and work it regardless. I personally prefer eQSL and LoTW to paper QSLs. You get the credit without have to pay for postage. And it's a LOT quicker and easier. Now if you're a card collector, then it is worth the effort. Yes, I'm going to go through the effort of getting the card if I feel it's worthwhile. But if it's "just a card" then no. But, the worthiness varies from operator to operator and contact to contact. I do enjoy QSLing on the 3905 CCN. We have bureaus that reduce costs dramatically, and QSLs come in rather quickly.
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by KJ4AGA on November 6, 2008
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Haha, I'm still waiting for 10 meters to open so I can get my first card! If your looking for a home for those cards, send one my way, lol.
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by AL7GA on November 6, 2008
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I am an avid DXer, but not a rabid one, hi hi. I started out when raising a family, so the cost of QSLing was not reasonable. I knew what I had worked and where, and that was enough for me. The exception was the 5-Band WAS plaque I chased cards for. I had an advantage on that being in North Dakota, I usually received a card first. The same thing applied when I came home to Alaska. In actuality, when I left ND, I threw all my cards out, and again when I left North Pole for Anchorage.
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by K2DC on November 6, 2008
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I agree with most of the posts. QSL or not, some guys just can't resist a pileup - and I'm one of them. I do QSL new ones direct and always with an SAE with return postage, be it SASE to a US manager, or SAE with an IRC or $$ if requested.
With 328 worked, 327 confirmed and 8BDXCC, my QSL'ing has slowed quite a bit, except that I've just gotten started on 160M. I don't even log things if I already have them on that band. As far as new band-countries go, I'm currently asking myself if I want to bet $3 that I'll get something back. I think from here out, those will go out by the bureau and I'll take my chances at about $.16 apiece. However, I do answer all incoming bureau cards via the outgoing bureau.
By the way, for any of you who do receive direct QSL's, please save the stamps from the envelopes and send them to Kappy, WA4WTG. He has been collecting used foreign stamps for many, many years. He also start and builds new collections for kids in his area.
Hey, you gotta get your fun where you can find it.
73 All,
Don, K2DC
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by WS2E on November 6, 2008
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Don't feel bad, I recently went back through my log and sent out cards for all contacts over the last 2 years for contacts I made via satellite. I spent over $200 to mail cards I included an SASE(domestic) or $1 (foreign) as I was hoping for a good return. at the moment it stands about 70% pretty sad I think. In some cases i had sent a card previously but not received a reply. could have bought a new ht with that money :( Over the past 10 years I really didn't operate HF much except mobile. I haven't sent out many cards for dx but I am working on them now. For me it is laborious to go back and fill out the cards and figure out qsl routes, when you don't have a lot of free time. I use to qsl 100% via buro and reply to anyone who sent direct. So I am hoping to get back up to that standard. Recently computerized the logging so its a little easier now. Been using eQSL and LOTW but the % isn't great. my 2 cents anyway. If you have the cards all printed out why not just send them to the buro. I would think that you don't really need all the redundant confirmations which will end up as cards in a shoe box someone will throw out or burn when you die. 73's Mike
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by K6CRC on November 6, 2008
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I am a fairly new ham, and LoTW has been OK. About 20% of my QSOs have been confirmed that way, including most of the relatively easy DX.
I basically stopped sending out for QSLs, except for DXpeditions, and states needed for a 5BWAS. I have found the hams in the US generally good about returning QSL cards, probably 75% with an SASE. Outside the US, it is expensive and time consuming for them, so I usually do not even ask. I doubt if any need a card on 20m from California.
I would return anyones' card, even DX without a SASE or IRC. So far, I have not had anyone take me up on it.
K6CRC
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YOU GUYS ARE MISSING IT
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by PLANKEYE on November 6, 2008
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You all have forgotten! When is the last time any of you took the time to make ONE contact at a time.
Once you made that contact, you stopped and sent out a QSL card. While it's fresh and you can handwrite some personal info.
When is the last time you really sat down and thought about another Ham and decided to take one contact at a time. Relaxed without arrogance.
You guys are missing it BIG TIME!!
I gotta go dudes, my ankle bracelet just went off!
PLANKEYE
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RE: YOU GUYS ARE MISSING IT
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by W7ETA on November 6, 2008
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I can't speak for other hams.
After my wife died, I changed my call to one using part of her nickname.
I also started running bare foot, unless it was a new one (Yemen is my last new one). So, I have the fun of hunting in a pile up for where the DX is listening, trying to work the DX, but won't send for a card.
Once I finish my home made 40 watt rig, I'll have even more fun working DX and stateside all over again.
I'll also have a lot of fun when I build my 30 meter legal limit amplifier. No QSLs necessary.
73
Bob
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by WV2NY on November 6, 2008
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The expense is the biggest thing for me, $2 for postage for them, almost $1 postage on my end, the price of the air mail envelopes and the QSL card, that’s close to $4 for every DX card I send out for. Despite my best efforts on DX stations, my return rate runs about 60% for DX stations. I'm always 100% SASE here in the US, but still my return rate is only about 60% even for the US. Sending them out is not the problem; getting them back is the hard part. So, before I send to a DX station I ask myself, do I need their card. I like to collect QSL cards, but the expense vs the return rate makes it hard choice on DX stations, so I usually only send for the ones that I need. While we're on the subject, I wouldn't mind hearing from DX stations and the trouble they must go to send us a card.
73 Joe WV2NY
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by KB9CRY on November 7, 2008
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This is an article how?
Send all them out via the buro; unless you need the money from directs.
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by N2KFC on November 7, 2008
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WV2NY Wrote:" While we're on the subject, I wouldn't mind hearing from DX stations and the trouble they must go to send us a card. "
It is very simple,it is the cost,very high cost of printing and sending QSL Cards if you are DX Station and you have Pile-up any time you call short CQ!!!
73!
John, YB1AQV,
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by N2KFC on November 7, 2008
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KB9CRY Wrote:"Send all them out via the buro; unless you need the money from directs."
Well...in many Coutries we do not have out-going QSL Service and in some Coutries out-going service is not free!!!Plus cost of printing of thousands QSL Cards!!!
And we are not talking abt 100 QSO's per month,we are talking abt 100+ QSO's per hour!!!
And you have to know,that in some Coutries People are making 200$ or less per month and have Family to feed!!!So,how they can afford to print thousands QSL Cards???
73!
John,YB1AQV,
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by W5QDF on November 7, 2008
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@Plankeye
You all have forgotten! When is the last time any of you took the time to make ONE contact at a time.
Once you made that contact, you stopped and sent out a QSL card. While it's fresh and you can handwrite some personal info.
When is the last time you really sat down and thought about another Ham and decided to take one contact at a time. Relaxed without arrogance.
You guys are missing it BIG TIME!!
---------------------------
I agree with you big time. Quit being in a hurry, my job makes me rush and get in a hurry, I do this for fun and enjoyment.
QSL cards are a joy to me. They are as important to this hobby as morse code is, they are old school.
Long live QSL cards!!!!!!!!
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by KC2RGW on November 7, 2008
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I only paper QSL when it is a memorable contact of some sort. A particularly nice person or QSO, unusual operating conditions etc.
I send my card, if I don't get one back after spending the postage for my own...so be it.
If I receive a card, I reciprocate...common courtesy to me...then again I'm not having to respond to thousands of them or even hundreds of them.
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by K1CJS on November 7, 2008
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I think it is due to a lot of things--first and foremost--the costs involved.
When you add up the card printing, the cost of mail, including the additional costs to mail an envelope--you really don't want to send out cards that the post office machines put their marks all over, plus an envelope costs more than just a card, you've spent quite a bit. In these times, the money may not be there for quite a few of us.
Next, you send out a card--and you even included one or two dollars for the return postage. There is absolutely no guarantee that you'll ever get one returned. Most people today think that's unacceptable, so they won't send one out unless they really need one from that country or entity.
Lastly, with two (or maybe more now) generally accepted electronic QSL services which cost way less, is it any wonder amateurs don't really want to go the paper route anymore? Excluding the equipment used, e-mails and e-qsls cost nothing!
The world has changed since the idea for the first QSL card was thought of and made into reality. Today reality is radically different. 73!
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THIS IS A THRILL
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by PLANKEYE on November 7, 2008
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This is a thrill guy's, I forgot to mention it in my last post.
If I ever receive a SASE with a QSL, I send it back nicely folded just the way it was, along with my QSL card. I always put a short note saying thanks for the SASE but I got this one. I figure the OM can send it out again ifin he wants.
Kinda like when someone wants to buy you coffee, but you buy it for THEM instead.
I just think that is a Thrill man.
Anyone who needs a SASE to QSL, as far as I'm concerned, can keep the lid on the QSL card box.
Ya'll die a Hypertension before ya see one come floatin in from me.
Unless it's one you sent me that I sent you back. Ain't that a Thrill man.
Keep the Beer out the Finals Fellas, I got to go!
PLANKEYE
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RE: THIS IS A THRILL
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by KB9CRY on November 7, 2008
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Well, then if money if an issue, then pitch those old cards. If folks really had wanted them, they would have sent in for them.
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The problem as I see it....
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by KB7GJY on November 7, 2008
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You send me one, and then, I will send you one..
I have sent out many QSL cards, and some I get a return QSL card, others, nothing returned.
It is like the whole he said she said.. You send it, then I will.... No you send it then I will...
I'm not very old, 33, but when I started out, most cards pasted in the mail. In hopes the other guy would send one. Now, not so much.
I understand cost, Mail is not going to be any cheaper, and I still send out cards to people that ask, but anymore, I don't send, unless I recieve one or I am asked. I don't say, "Only if I recieve one", they asked I send.
That is the problem I see anymore, the whole "I want something before I give anything".
I wish DXpeditions and hams in general were not so tied up on contacts and not have time to send a QSL, or just even meet a request for a QSL. If someone asks, send the card. It would be a nice change.
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by W4KVW on November 7, 2008
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Myself I will work the DX station for my own satisfaction & NOT a QSL card.I will QSL anyone in the world without an SASE but I USUALLY only send QSL's outside the U.S.A. if I recieve one no matter the route I recieved it or if the DX station ask for one.I get a lot of request for my QSL from County Hunters around the world(Baker Co,Fla)so I am always glad to confirm their request as well.I am NOT a PAPER CHASER but keep a record of my countries worked just for my own records.I am also a VHF DX chaser so I'm always looking for a NEW GRID SQUARE OR STATE(only need KL7 for W.A.S. on 6 meters)as well as confirming my own grid(EM80)& I do need to have them confirmed in most cases.I have sent only TWO QSL's outside the U.S.A. without getting one first & they were BOTH ZL's & my FIRST & SECOND DX contacts on 6 meters outside of North America.They were worked back to back when it appeared the band had died as well as ONLY state side stations were worked all day & evening.
73's,
Clayton
W4KVW
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by N6HPX on November 7, 2008
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I remember back in 91-92 when I operated from Diego Garcia I had more QSL's from Foreign Ops as well than stateside ops. They usually trickled in over a few months. I only worked 500 on 10 meters at the time and the pile up was great but was surprised it was so slow on the QSL via some areas.
Larry, n6hpx/du1
ex-VQ9LF,N6HPX/DU3
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by KA3JLW on November 7, 2008
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I happen to like QSLs - but don't care too much about awards. I have enough for DXCC and maybe someday I'll submit for it.
Don't know what it is, but a QSL in my mailbox is just as "cool" to me as busting a pileup - and I love to bust a pileup.
As a kid, I oogled over my grandfather's cards. I was QRT for about 20 years but saved all my old cards - and still flip through them every so often. Is that guy still alive? remember that QSO? Oh yeah, I remember novice roundup!
Yes, it costs money. Yes, it takes time. Yes, I'm dismayed when I send 75 cards and get back maybe 20. But that's OK - the hobby has lots of ways to entertain us, and QSLing is just one of them.
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by AE6YB on November 7, 2008
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KA3JLW wrote:
"I happen to like QSLs - but don't care too much about awards. I have enough for DXCC and maybe someday I'll submit for it.
Don't know what it is, but a QSL in my mailbox is just as "cool" to me as busting a pileup - and I love to bust a pileup."
Me too!
Will,
AE6YB
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by TANAKASAN on November 8, 2008
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Every QSO ends with a card written out unless the station (not the country) is already in the logbook. Every QSL card received gets put on the wall and my daughter has fun trying to find the country so she can stick the pin in the map.
I like QSL cards, they're part of the fun.
Tanakasan
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by N6HPX on November 8, 2008
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I still get QSL Cards from my time on Diego Garcia and some are not even mine like VQ9LA's and I contact those op's for the misrouted cards. I think it should be part of ham radio.
larry, n6hpx/mm
off Maui island
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Claiming QSL Cards
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by XW1B on November 8, 2008
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As always, many good comments. I cut my teeth in DXing back in the early 60's in Florida. Mowing lawns to buy Heathkits, homebrewing whenever possible, and riding my bicycle to the local Post Office every two weeks to buy 7 cent stamps so I could send out Qsl cards. I thrived on tossing my 100w into a pile up and agonized weeks afterwards when the mailbox was still empty. My Qsl return rate was always above 90%. Those days are gone, things have changed. I had over 340 confirmed before I left the United States to become DX - but it never stopped me from jumping into the pile, even if I had the card on the wall already.
A Qsl used to be the "final courtesy" of a Qso. All well and good....in the days before "green stamps" high postage rates, and trying to find time to do any hamming while maintaining a 2 income family these days. Bottom line is that most hams today don't have the time to keep up with Qsl'ing....and even more can't justify the expense. A single card to most countries in Europe will cost about $5 when all costs are factored in.
Case in point - I am 1 of 3 resident hams in the entire country. I have no choice but to exchange reports and move on....the demand is there so I try to hand out as many Q's as possible. When I moved here a year ago my Qsl Mgr ordered 3000 cards. I questioned this. In the past 12 months I've made over 16,000 Qso's and still have some cards left over. Expense? Could be. Hams just having fun busting a pile up to improve their skills, test out a new antenna, or rig? Perhaps. My take is if you want a card that's fine. If not, no problem, but don't hold back on jumping into the fire and having fun.
Cheers and much DX!
Bruce Vientiane, LAOS
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by KA3JLW on November 8, 2008
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I was licensed 25 years ago and went QRT for the last 20 - I came back this spring to many different things, and many things still the same. By and large, I think things are better now.
But the decreased frequency of QSLs is a little dismaying. I can't really say for sure that I am experiencing a decreased rate (as the book is still kind of open, only been sending QSLs for 6 months), but I know already that the US reponse rate is lower.
I get that it is expensive and that there are psuedo-alternatives and that not everyone likes the "chore" of QSLs. So I guess I take what I get.
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by N6HPX on November 9, 2008
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So many I have heard are switching to the new eqsl stuff and that might be good for them but they dont count for anything except wallpaper. As the one's who needed the new contatc for a dxcc it would be good for them other ways. Hopefully the Old ways of collecting will get better, but there are those who are probably upset by the postage increases. Just a thought.
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by W2JLB on November 10, 2008
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I send all my cards direct to anywhere. I also subscribe to eQSL which is great for those, who like me, aren't interested in awards.
I always send a card if it was very nice QSO. If it's a first of anything for me or the other operator, if I receive one from the other operator. Or, if the spirit moves me.
I never check the pse QSL box on my QSL cards. I never want to make anyone feel they are obligated to respond.
I do in fact like very much receiving cards, even if it's from someone in the next town.
73 Joe - W2JLB
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by W2NSF on November 10, 2008
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Frank,
Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I love QSL cards. I enjoy sending them and it's a thrill getting them, especially DX. Keep them coming!!
73 Jim
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by W0WLS on November 10, 2008
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I know as a fairly new ham, I'm excited about DX QSL's. But it doesn't take long for the excitement to vanish after you start to add up the $$$. Not to mention the fact that a good percentage of replies never make it back to me. I have no problem shelling out the IRC's for a QSL I want but mail pirating seems to be running rampant. A lot of countries have learned what amateur mail looks like and know that there is money or an equivalent inside. I have a drawer full of unused IRC's. I'm not a paper chaser so I've become very guarded with them. My very first DX contact never sent a reply after me shelling out the $$$ for it. Maybe it never made it there, maybe it did. Made a Finnish contact shortly after that. Same thing happened. A real motivation killer for a new ham.
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by AA9F on November 15, 2008
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Guess everyone is different, but collecting QSLs in one of my favorite parts of the hobby. I send a card to most DX stations not previously worked. Sometimes I may omit sending a card for a contest contact to a "common" country like XE or even ON. But I would not pass up a C56! Unfortunately didn't work you. I use manager, direct, or WF5E's card forwarding service. Also have the used the buro extensively. But somewhere around 1998-1999 my return percentage dropped well under 50%. There have been some pretty good reasons given in the comments for the "whys" of this happening, but I keep trying. Love those cards!
73
ray
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by W6ONV on November 16, 2008
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I too am relatively new to HF and the excitement of receiving a QSL card is part of the hobby for me. I do participate in LotW and eQSL, but I don't get the satisfaction as I do opening a QSL card from a QSO. There could come a time where I will stop QSL 100% of the time, but until that time arrives I will QSL every contact. I include a SAE with return postage and so far that has yielded a very good return rate. As mentioned, each op has a different way of doing it.
73, W6ONV
Steve
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by DJ5TH on November 17, 2008
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The relatively high number of messages to this theme shows its actuality.
I like collecting QSL-cards and use fine QSL-collectors like other people are collecting stamps and accept, that many hams assign a lower value to QSLs. I am licensed since 1959 and collecting QSLs is an important part of my amateur radio hobby. I am computerized, but fill out my QSLs by hand and send one for each contact via the bureau, although some of them never arrive to the addressed stn. For a new DXCC-entity or a confirmed DXCC country on an unconfirmed band/mode I spend the money and send the QSL in addition direct. With some luck and patience, I have all DXCC countries confirmed, which I worked. The main problem with QSLs is: because of DX-clusters, powerful purchased equipment, contests on each weekend etc. the number of QSOs, a ham does per day, has increased significantly. By this the value of one QSO has decreased. So this explains to me:
1. I am reducing my QSOs to those, which seems to be important to me. No mass QSOs !
2. My return rate for my QSLs via the bureau is now only about 20%, although I use the internet for determing QSL managers etc..
3. The return rate for direct send QSLs with SAE and 1 US-$ (in Europe) or 2 US-$ (oversea) via QSL managers has decreased to about 50%.
By the way, the rate of US-stations, which require a QSL might be low, but to my opinion the return rate of US QSL-managers and US-stns is one of the best in the world.
I have to live, that some bands/modes are not confirmed, for instance because foreign envelopes are stolen in some countries. The more eQSLs are send, the more my QSL collection becomes worth to me.
73 de Michael DJ5TH
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by N2KFC on November 17, 2008
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Hello,
From the DX operator perspective,the best QSL senders are:OE, HB9, JA, G, I think that I got QSL Card for almost every QSO with OE and HB9,they are fantastic!!!
The worst QSL senders...hmmm,hmmm...UA, F, ON, PA,I made thousands QSO's with UA and I got 3 direct QSL Cards!!!
73!
John,YB1AQV,
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RE: Claiming QSL Cards
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by N2KFC on November 17, 2008
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Hello,
In general,I have abt 50% direct QSL rate for the first QSO...
73!
John,YB1AQV,
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by KI4DTB on November 18, 2008
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In the 50's, when I was a novice, we were taught that QSLing was a courtesy, a way of saying thank you for a nice contact. of course that was before contesting and 10 second recorded qso's.
I send a card to everyone I work for the first time, as a way of saying thanks. I neither ask for or expect a card in return. That's the other guy's choice. I get about a 15% return rate. To those of you who send, Thanks. To those who don't, Thanks. 73. Doug
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