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write your own review of the eQSL.
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LW4DYI
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Rating: 1/5
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Jun 5, 2009 12:31
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Prepotent system
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The whole idea of electronic confirmations is absolutely logic. 50 years ago there was another system other than the conventional mail, but now, internet is much safer and convenient (if managed properly). So I'm not against electronic QSLs.
But the fact that this eQSL system is prepotent with me, is really annoying. I hate it when a stranger tells me what I have to do without further explanation. I never asked you (N5UP) to send me e-mails with eQSL requests, but you still do it without my consent. eQSL IS ALSO a business. The future of electronic QSLing is in the free and / or open-source, collaborative philosophy.
If it doesn't happens now, it will happen a few years later.
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VE3OIJ
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Rating: 4/5
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May 4, 2009 11:51
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Good, but set your expectations appropriately.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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eQSL is a great service. If you're not a paper-chaser and want the combination of confirmation of contacts combined with a downloadable backup of your log-book, eQSL is excellent.
You can upload and download ADIF files, so if you lose your electronic log book, you need only log into eQSL and suck it right back down into your favourite program.
If you use the most popular digital modes software, they will upload to eQSL automagically, so you won't even have to think about it.
But there are limitations that people should be aware of. None of these are end-of-the-world sorts of issues.
1. The eQSL image files are 96 dpi. That means they look OK on screen, but are lousy when printed with any semi-modern printer. Before people rail about this comment, I want to be absolutely clear: To get a photo quality image, you need at least 150-180 dots per inch (unless the picture is a monochrome field with no detail). Less than that will look bad when printed on anything except the most primitive printers. 300 dpi would be even better. eQSLs look very cheesy when printed.
2. ARRL doesn't accept them for awards (although many other clubs and organizations do, including CQ magazine).
3. People who work amateur radio with a computer handy tend to respond well to eQSL. If you're a digital modes operator, you'll get 70-90% return on your eQSLs. People who stick to manual CW and SSB and don't bother with computers tend to not respond to eQSL. Don't expect much of a return rate from "old" mode users.
4. Like Coke vs Pepsi, Mac vs PC, cat people vs dog people, there is a eQSL vs LotW thing going on. Some people just won't use eQSL. Some people just won't use LotW. This is often blown out of proportion. Some people just won't sent paper QSLs either. Oh well.
5. The eQSL entry options for satellite contacts are not well done, and thus it is a bit awkward if you're a satellite guy.
Overall, the limitations are relatively minor and it can be a great service. For some of their awards you can buy a nice plaque.
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N2SCR
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 2, 2009 20:05
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Great
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Don't bother sending me QSL's via snail mail or the bureau. E QSL is fast and easy. I could care less that the ARRL doesn't accept them. I'm proud NOT to be affiliated with the ARRL. I don't need any fancy designs on your QSL. Just give me ur sig rpt and QTH. 73
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N2UGB
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Rating: 4/5
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Feb 7, 2009 22:01
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Could be great if...
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I am a Silver paying member so am sincere.
This could and should be a great service. Problem is very few return your card. I find this to be more the case when e-QSLing DX stations, and I don't mean rare DX stations. USA to USA e-QSLs are very frequently returned.
I will continue to e-QSL my fellow USA ops, but will be more selective in DX e-QSLing.
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TI2TL
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 1, 2009 16:36
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Diffrent and Usefull
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I agree that it is not the same as the real paper QSL, but times change and so should QSL cards. It is the same to compare a letter and a e-mail. It is not the same but now everyone uses e-mail and very few still mail the letters. I think that it is the future, it just needs more users, since I have more than 2500 sent QSL and just 450 received, if everyone had the system it would be much nicer.
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WA4HBK
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 31, 2009 14:48
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Use eQSL for those who want e-card
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have been a ham for over 35 years and have about all the cards I can possible store. But for my DX ops, XT, TU,T5, J5, EW I still get e-cards from those who need confirmation for whatever reason. I have moved extensively over the years and this let me confirm contact that a real card would have never been forwarded. I also put let users of eQSL know that if they need a paper card from me all they have to do is ask.
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ES5NC
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 31, 2009 14:34
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I thought every ham uses eqsl
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I made my last qso-s in the beginning of 80-s and started again in 2005. Ham world seemed to be unchanged exept using computers: logging, dxcluster...
I come from background, from a country where people use much e-mail, electronic banking, electronic signatures, electronic documents...no papers in my country, even faxing is oldfashioned...nobody sends cards to friends from abroad for example, only for xmas...even e-cards for xmas. Maybe this made use of e-qsl very easy. I aslo thought that today everybody must use eqsl...I was kind a novice in ham again.
It is really easy to use, no time and money consuming. It has become a compulsion for me to check my e-qsl inbox during working pauses instead of streching, looking out of window, which is considered more healthy way for relaxing.
From negative side, is that design of most eqsl-s is boring, yellow standard cards are awful but acceptable but if every second ham sends you a card of a blue lagoon with nice boat on it that is too much (most loved standard photo which is used in eqsl design). I have been using several years eqsl without paying not a cent but when I upgraded to new level it is possible to have card previews and avoid same...same...same designed cards displayed. Especially contrast to globalqsl where every ham uploads several usually personal photos. But some cards in e-qsl are really good, I say thaks to ham-s who spent time designing their eqsl card. Minor thing is that sometimes I get ufb support form eqsl, sometimes no answer. It happens not only in eqsl and I do not bother, only regret my spent time. As to additional services like propagation forecast...I have not found myself any use.
In summary it is easy, not time and money consuming to use. So stopping e-qsl use would demand expensive therapy or rehab for me. But I do not want to stop use of eqsl.
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N0FPE
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 13, 2008 07:05
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Fine for my use
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I dont make lots of contacts, and the few I do either send a paper QSL or use eQsl. I have as of yet in many years of this hobby had anyone that ASKED if I used LOTW. I find LOTW just too complicated for what it is. I am a long time ARRL member but this is one thing the ARRL needs to rework. ARRL staff are you reading this?? Get rid of all the hoops with LOTW and more folks would use it. Also there is NO real good reason that the ARRL should not accept eQSL's for awards.
So there you go..LOTW 0 eQSL 5
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K6TPL
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 13, 2008 05:24
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Will always support it
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Time owned: months
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Well the only problem with it is that the ARRL has tried to destroy it. Even though eQsl was first to have it. There is no reason in the World for the ARRL to not accept eQSl" As they require proof that the people do have calls.
The ARRL looks at it as a chance to make money as if they do not make enough from their high priced membership. Yet that membership doesn't cover the QSL. And I am a member of the ARRL. But it is sad that they try and make money from the amateur community. They Tee me off~! And now if you will excuse me. 73 good bye and I am through speaking
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AB4D
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Rating: 3/5
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Jul 13, 2008 04:37
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So-So
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Used Eqsl for a while but found it annoying when I started receiving eqsl requests for stations I never worked. I did not bother to even use LOTW just by reading all of the hoops you have to jump through with the ARRL I knew it would be nothing but a big PITA. I'll stick with REAL qsl cards sent by mail or through the buro.
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