My inbox is clearly showing me that there are a lot of newbies requesting QSL cards which is great for the hobby, you are most welcome here, also many that are not familiar with Online QSL Request Systems. Many of you are uncertain how to send a QSL, what is OQRS and many other questions i am being asked daily…. So here are some basic do’s and don’ts.
When Requesting a QSL ALWAYS:
- Check on QRZ.com or DX websites for the QSL Policy.
- Use Online QSL Request System when you can.
- Make sure you add your address 100% correctly if prompted on OQRS.
- Only use ONE QSL route.
If posting a letter use US$ or €uro notes for return postage according to the QSL Policy.
- Never Use more than one QSL route.
- Never use IRCs, Stamps, Coins or other currencies unless asked to do so.
- Never send Bureau cards Via M0URX – No route . USE OQRS ONLY!
- Never send large, long or small or heavy envelopes for the return QSL.
Always keep an accurate log for your QSO’s and back up the log on and off site. It is not ethical to ask QSL managers for your date and time of the QSO. Don’t ever bother asking! I just laugh!
LoTW – Always check your LoTW account before accusing the QSL manager of not uploading. Logging software is notoriously unreliable with LoTW data. So only refer to data on LoTW account.
Always check the last QSO date and time of the log on OQRS. If your QSO is after that… WAIT until the log is updated. There is no need to send emails to the QSL manager.
“Express LoTW” – NO QSL
“Express LoTW + Bureau QSL” = LoTW + Bureau QSL
“Direct QSL + Express LoTW” = Direct QSL + LoTW
