----- Original Message ----- To: "AMSAT BB" Sent: Friday, March 28, 2008 03:24 UTC Subject: [amsat-bb] QSL CARD EXCHANGE
Greetings,
I have a question about exchanging QSL cards. When the last time the ISS xband repeater was up I made seven contacts. I was very excited because this was the first time I was able to work satellites. Very anxious, I sent out seven QSL cards. Waiting to get some back. I received only one. My questions is, is there a protocol for sending and receiving QSL cards for satellite work? When I get better, I would like to try for VUCC... Thanks in advance. 73, Stuart W8STU EN91
Hi Stuart, Even avid DXer's only get about a 60% return rate on their QSL's so don't get to discouraged. That said, here are a few suggestions to increase your return rate: -Always enclose an SASE (self addressed stamped envelope). -Be sure to record contact dates and times in UTC and indicate so on the card. -Be sure to write legibly. -Always sign your card. -Include all the information the other station might want for his/her own award goals (Grid Square, ITU Zone, CQ Zone, County, etc.) -Write a short note on the back thanking the other station for the QSO. -If the card is for a new State, Grid, Country, etc. say so on the card. -If you're working for an award say so on the card. -Some special events have QSL managers so be sure you know the correct place to send your card. -If the card is important and you don't get a response in a reasonable period of time send another card and be sure to note it's your second attempt. -If you're sending a card over seas don't bother with the SASE just include a self addressed envelope and a "green stamp" (one dollar bill) to cover local postage. -Overseas QSL's should never have a call-sign on the outside of the envelope to avoid mail theft.
If you're really desperate you can create a return card for the other station and send it to him to sign and return. Be sure to include a note explaining what your doing and an SASE. (I've done this twice and it worked both times).
Some other things to consider: -Personalized QSL cards get a higher return rate. -Unique QSL cards get a higher return rate. -Cards that are easy to read and understand get a higher return rate.
Things to avoid are: -Cards with the address or other information in non-standard form (Example: Street address at the top, City and State at the bottom). -Cards with political or religious messages. -Cards that have a commercial message or promote particular, non-amateur related causes.
One other note, sometimes it takes a while. I generally send out card every three months or so and I know hams that only reply to QSLs once a year.
Good Luck on the VUCC
Steve .. AI7W lm #2270