QSL Bureaus

Related wiki page: Callsign Databases

QSL
QSL means either "do you confirm receipt of my transmission" or "I confirm receipt of your transmission". It can also mean "please send me a QSL card".

QSL is a Q-Code.

QSL Cards
A QSL card is a written form of QSL, a confirmation of contact between two parties. Traditionally, amateurs traded QSL cards. These are usually about the same size as a postcard, often elaborately decorated to express individuality, and were mailed from person to person. QSL cards can also be used to confirm one way communication ie, to a listener from a radio station either commercial or amateur.

A number of amateurs use electronic QSL "cards". These are available through eQSL. This website has a logging facility with which users can email other registered users and exchange QSL cards electronically. Some hams display these electronic QSL's on web pages.

[Modes] such as [SSTV] lend themselves to another way of exchanging QSL's. In the case of SSTV, each station will send a screen that contains contact detail.

The minimum information on a QSL card is:
 * Callsign of each station
 * Time - usually in UTC
 * Date
 * Frequency of operation
 * Mode of operation
 * Signal report, usually using the [RST] code.

QSL Bureaus

 * ARRL_in ARRL Incoming QSL Bureau


 * ARRL_out ARRL Outgoing QSL Service


 * eQSL eQSL serves amateurs internationally, and provides an Authentication Guarantee to help contesters and avoid false QSO claims.


 * IARU IARU QSL Bureaus