QSL Cards? (#558)

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Published 2021-10-26

Ed, K6SDW, has been a Ham since the 1600s and for many years sent and received QSL cards, but now he has noticed that they are hardly used, and he wonders in anyone sends old, traditional QSL cards?

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Edited by Callum Jakeman.

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All Comments (21)

@Jim.Hummel 2 years ago

I love QSL cards...It's a part of the romance of amateur radio!
@david_W5QDF 1 year ago

Dave I am W4MPY’s son and like him an avid ham. I am not the child that took over the QSLman business. I appreciate you and my Dad thought a lot of you. I am David W5QDF
@deadhamwalking 2 years ago

I've been a ham for about 2 years now. I love getting the real cards and most always send out one of mine to every unique contact I work. I work exclusively QRP so all my contacts are in the USA/Canada and Mexico. I enclose a SASE in the hopes I will get one in return. So far I have been getting about a 70% return on my investment. My motto is you need to give first to be able to receive. There are various kinds of paper QSL cards I receive.Some are quite elaborate with hi resolution photographs on one side and very detailed information on the contact on the other. I have even received a picture postcard with the details of the contact written on the back. Still counts.
@thomasb4329 2 years ago

I'm a new ham and the first thing I did when I got my general ticket to HF bands was order QSL cards. I also always send my QSL card out for the first contact I have with an operator and request one in return. If I get one back cool, if not I hope they enjoyed getting my card.
@alv6530 2 years ago

I have been a ham for just over a year and just recently recieved my first QSL card. I hadn't thought about getting cards of my own, but the feeling of recieving a physical object from another ham is suprisingly good. So after about 20 minutes on power point I designed a card and printed it out on some cardstock and will be sending QSL cards of my own from now on.
@aurtisanminer2827 2 years ago

I was just thinking about making up some qsl cards. Good timing on this video! Lol
@tabauman 2 years ago

Licensed since 1976. Started as a Novice and got to General. Had a family and career and kind of stepped away from the radio. Always had a 2 mtr HT around though and kept the license renewed. Now with the kids all gone, I have more time and am building out my station again. Your video's are a great help David and I appreciate them. QSL cards was one of the questions I had, When I started, I think I got them almost every day and sent out hundreds. Thanks again! Taylor WB0RSJ
@franklyre 2 years ago

I’ve been a ham for two years and enjoy sending and receiving QSL cards. I just installed a dymo printer and find it a lot quicker, I print the labels with each call and then prepare a whole stack of cards at one time. I keep my cards in plastic holders in a 3 ring binder. ….. just one more fun part of the hobby
@miketessitore6987 2 years ago

This is exactly the kind of wholesome video viewing I enjoy while banging Ethel into the headboard. 73's!
@ValentinLucero 2 years ago

I still send QSL cards to every contact. Most of the time I get one in return.
@mikehuedepohl7927 2 years ago

Hay Dave I am QSL Manager for the Chicago Leg of route 66 on the air and we get our QSLs printed by Minute man press great people to work with. I also am a QSL collector from the early 70s thru now. I have many great memories of stations worked my father in law worked a station in southern Mexico on 6 Meters and would brag about it to all the local ham friends 8 years after he became a SK I worked Galapagos Island and that was my turn for bragging. But the card is displayed on the wall as all the wonderfull cards and places. Mike WD9GJK 73
@KX4UL 2 years ago

Very good QSL info Dave! I am old school and like the paper cards. My Dad was a Ham back in the 50's and 60's and it was his QSL cards from distant places and him operating CW around the world that fascinated me and sparked my interest in HAM radio as a kid. 73!
@tubbysailor 2 years ago

I've had the same question recently. Thanks.
@TheMrDrMs 2 years ago

I LOVE getting and sending QSL cards (am a new / younger ham too) Collecting cards personalized from all over the world is so much fun for me. I've found that if I include SAE I'll usually get a qsl card in return, and for stations I really would love a QSL card from, I always include SASE / green stamps (international).
@johnmullis6589 2 years ago

I am a new ham and just ordered my first Bach of qsl cards and if I can ever catch Dave on the air I will love to send him one
@Code3Indiana 2 years ago

Thanks Dave!
@K3JRZOnTheAir 2 years ago

Still many QSL card printers out there. About to get a batch printed once I finish the design.
@joewillj 2 years ago

Great video Dave! I love sending my QSL card when I make a new contact. It was really neat to receive my first international card from Australia! -N6BFG
@redbadger5068 2 years ago

De KG5EWK, I send paper QSL cards with every contact. To me and many others it is an integral part of the Hobby
@K6TJO 2 years ago

I get them on occasion and get a kick out of it Every time!