Hi John,
At 16 cents per QSO LoTW VUCC fee is more affordable than what we are currently doing. Let me explain. Let's say you make 100 QSO's with 100 grids. Instead of sending out QSLs with SASE's at a total of 88 cents a piece, 44 cents to send and 44 cents for return, one QSO will cost you 16 cents. Period. So requesting QSL's via the P.O will cost you $88. A confirmation of the same 100 grids via LoTW will cost you $16. A savings of $72. Big difference. Now, the big problem. Getting those who operate the birds to upload their logs to LoTW. It won't work unless most participate, that's the sad part.
73,
Jeff WB3JFS
----- Original Message ----- From: "John Geiger" aa5jg@fidmail.com To: "Jeff Yanko" wb3jfs@cox.net; "Amsat-Bb@Amsat. Org" amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 3:33 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: VUCC costs
Even at the 16 cent a QSO LOTW fee that sure is a jump up in price from what it used to be. I am afraid I won't be able to afford many endorsements. maybe AMSAT can offer their own version of a satellite VUCC.
73s John AA5JG
----- Original Message ----- From: "Jeff Yanko" wb3jfs@cox.net To: "John Geiger" aa5jg@fidmail.com; mlolmsted@fuse.net; "Amsat-Bb@Amsat. Org" amsat-bb@amsat.org; "'VHF REFLECTOR'" vhf@w6yx.stanford.edu Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 10:23 PM Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: VUCC costs
Hi John,
It's funny how HQ never came out and stated there would be new fees beginning of the new year. Then again why would you want to scare away potential customers? In any case, I finally took my cards over to the local card checker to have him verify them for VUCC Satellite. My cost? $47.40. I understand it's a one time deal for the initial application, which this was, and there costs involved. Just the 20 cent per QSO fee cost me $27.40 alone. That's more than the award cost itself. Actually, more than twice of what the award cost. Doesn't make any economical or logical sense if you ask me. I don't believe I'll be doing many, if any, endorsements of VUCC at the current fees level.
73,
Jeff WB3JFS
----- Original Message ----- From: "John Geiger" aa5jg@fidmail.com To: mlolmsted@fuse.net; "Amsat-Bb@Amsat. Org" amsat-bb@amsat.org; "'VHF REFLECTOR'" vhf@w6yx.stanford.edu Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 6:07 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: VUCC costs
I WAS going to get an endorsement for my satellite and six meter VUCCs, but given that it would cost me around 35 dollars each to get an endorsement for an extra 150 grids, I don't think so. Hope this new insane fee schedule doesn't kill VUCC submissions. I think AMSAT awards will be getting much more popular.
73s John AA5JG
----- Original Message ----- From: mlolmsted@fuse.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 12:25 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: VUCC costs
Nice explanation of the costs for VUCC in the Jeff Yanko blog. However, I did not see what happens with LOTW submisions.
If the cost of awards keep going up, maybe the ARRL should offer award insurance as well as equipment insurance. Just a thought. :>)
Merle, AA4QE
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb