QSL Cards
"QSL" is an international abbreviation meaning 'Are you receiving?' QSL cards are postcard-sized cards which are sent to stations contacted using the radio to confirm that the contact has been made. They give details of the contact (when it was made, frequencies used, address of sending station, the Unit/Group running the station and so on) and are also souvenirs.
A station may have pre-printed cards designed by a girl or a Leader, but a less expensive way is to buy a stock of plain postcards and get the girls to design individual cards giving the same basic information. Some Units have competitions to find a suitable design for printing a batch of cards or for the best hand-made card. The licensed radio amateur should be able to show you examples of cards to give you some ideas.
Some
Guidelines
-
The station call sign must be included in the
design, in letters at least one centimetre high.
-
The design can be on one side of the card and
the details on the other, or both design and details combined on one
side (for cheaper printing and easier displays).
-
The girls might like to include some "local
information" on the cards, for example a drawing of the County
badge or a local landmark.
- Made them of standard card and not exceeding the normal postcard size: 140 x 89mm (5.5in x 3.5in).
- Large or unusually shaped cards are likely to be damaged when they are folded, whilst underweight cards can be difficult to handle and may fall out of packages.
During the event most girls enjoy filling in details on the cards, with a little initial help. It is particularly relevant if the girl fills in the card for the station with whom she has spoken, although younger girls might need more help with this. She may also add a brief personal message to the card.
Cards may then be distributed via the RSBG bureau or sent directly to the operators. Do not ask for addresses over the air - most amateurs are listed in a call sign book under their personal call sign and your amateur may have a copy. It may be more appropriate to send some cards direct, especially if follow-up contacts between girls are possible. Remember to send a stamped addressed envelope for a reply. The Bureau is much slower due to the large number of cards sent; it usually takes about 3 or 4 months.
Some Suggestions from RSGB QSL Bureau to speed up handling of cards
RSGB QSL Bureau: address is:-
RSGB QSL Bureau
P.O. Box 5
Halifax
HX1 9JR
Cards may then be distributed via the RSBG bureau or sent directly to the operators. Do not ask for addresses over the air - most amateurs are listed in a call sign book under their personal call sign and your amateur may have a copy. It may be more appropriate to send some cards direct, especially if follow-up contacts between girls are possible. Remember to send a stamped addressed envelope for a reply. The Bureau is much slower due to the large number of cards sent; it usually takes about 3 or 4 months.
Some Suggestions from RSGB QSL Bureau to speed up handling of cards
- Separate the cards destined for the UK from the cards going overseas.
- Sort cards alphabetically by prefix, except USA cards which should be sorted into call areas regardless of prefix.
- Keep countries with more than one prefix together, so that (for example), cards for 7J are next to those for JA. However, sort by QSL Manager’s callsign if relevant.
- When preparing cards to be posted, pack them the same way up.
- Do not use any separators or other markers between cards.
- Packages should be wrapped adequately so as not to get damaged in transit.
- Use the correct postage for the resulting package.
RSGB QSL Bureau: address is:-
RSGB QSL Bureau
P.O. Box 5
Halifax
HX1 9JR
