Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes
Reviews Home

Reviews For: eQSL

Category: QSL printers; callsign badge engravers; etc.

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : eQSL
Reviews: 236MSRP: Free - Donations accepted
Description:
Electronic web-based QSL exchange service
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.eqsl.cc
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
54.62363.5
VE3OIJ Rating: 2009-05-04
Good, but set your expectations appropriately. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
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.
K2SOG Rating: 2009-04-02
Great Time Owned: more than 12 months.
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



N2UGB Rating: 2009-02-07
Could be great if... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
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.

----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by N2UGB on 2008-07-12

If all that matters in the world is one more award then, perhaps, another QSL-road might be taken. I am not a paper chaser. I use eQSL to say hello and thanks for the QSO. Nothing more. I get great satisfaction sending and receiving them. I've received paper QSLs in the mail that have had the contact info computer generated. Is this any better? I don't think so. But they are appreciated and direct-mail responded to.
TI2TL Rating: 2009-02-01
Diffrent and Usefull Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
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.
ES5NC Rating: 2009-01-31
I thought every ham uses eqsl Time Owned: more than 12 months.
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.
K6TPL Rating: 2008-07-13
Will always support it Time Owned: N.A.
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
AB4D Rating: 2008-07-13
So-So Time Owned: more than 12 months.
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.

N5IVZ Rating: 2008-07-12
Needs work on security Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Interesting for SWLs but ham radio...no...There is nothing like a QSL via snailmail plus it counts toward ARRL Awards...

Work on the security to get rid of possible fraud...

VE3TMT Rating: 2008-07-12
A great service Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've been using eQSL for a few years now and think it is a great service. I have had custom paper QSL cards made in the past and mailed them all, so for the previous reviewer who thinks eQSL users are cheap, get a life. I wanted to sign up for LOTW but the process for non US hams is ridiculous. I think eQSL fits the bill nicely. I just wish more hams would sign up. I have at least 500 QSO's in the log from non-users. But it is a matter of choice.
W8JAS Rating: 2008-07-12
Not the real thing Time Owned: more than 12 months.
These guys need to hang it up. The system is just prone to fraud. Too easy to make changes to the logs to get a "QSL." The awards are not real world-wide recognized awards from recognized amateur organizations. They are cheap looking and just awards from another group of hams who put together a website. Big deal. And I got tired of getting hit up for a donation everytime I logged in. I don't use it anymore. Just a waste of time. They need to hang up this little experiment.