My inbox is clearly showing me that there are a lot of new Operators requesting QSL cards. This is great for the hobby, you are most welcome here, but you may not be familiar with Online QSL Request Systems. Many of you are uncertain how to send a QSL, what is OQRS and many other questions …. 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.
When Requesting a QSL card NEVER:
- 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 M0OXO – No route . USE OQRS ONLY!
- Never send large, long or small or heavy envelopes for the return QSL.
Always consider searching for the answer to your questions BEFORE emailing the QSL manager. The chance is that the answer will either be on QRZ.com or the QSL managers website. In my case there is a search bar to enter your question.
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.
What is Express LoTW? – Express LoTW is used by DXpeditions, it has two purposes. Firstly, for those who do not want a Paper QSL card, but who do want a LoTW upload before the long wait that DXpeditions sometimes impose on uploads.
Secondly Bespoke OQRS uses Express LoTW tool to upload all Direct (Paper) QSL requests, also to LoTW on a daily basis during a DXpedition.
Basically it means ;
“Express LoTW” – NO (Paper) QSL
“Express LoTW + Bureau QSL” = LoTW + Bureau (Paper) QSL
“Direct QSL + Express LoTW” = Direct (Paper) QSL + LoTW
Charles M0OXO
I was born in the 1960’s and have lived all my life in the Coal Mining Town of Barnsley in South Yorkshire, Northern England. My parents were all from this area of Yorkshire and my father worked in the main Industry of the local Collieries as a face worker. I have been married to my wife Debbie for 35+ years and we have two children and two grandchildren.
I have been licensed for around 20 years after my interest was re-kindled when I retired from my role as a Police Officer within South Yorkshire Police Force. The latter few years were spent as Radio Operator in the Force Operations Control Room at Sheffield, before my career ended.
IOTA chasing is (and always has been) my real passion, as climbing the ladder to reach Honour Roll status was always my main aim. The 1000 Islands Trophy is still out of reach but I am heading in the right direction. I am currently a Board Member of IOTA Ltd and IREF.
In my free time I am a keen Photographer of Wildlife, Aviation, (anything really) but the QSL Manager role is my main passion within Ham Radio.
https://www.m0oxo.com/
https://www.m0oxo.com/oqrs/
