QSL Cards & Awards

QSL Cards

A QSL card is a written confirmation of either a two-way radio communication between two amateur radio stations or to confirm the reception of a two-way radio communication by a third party listener (a short wave listener).

A typical QSL card is the same size and made from the same material as a typical postcard, and most are sent through the mail as such.  

QSL card derived its name from the Q code "QSL". A Q code message can stand for a statement or a question (when the code is followed by a question mark). In this case, QSL? means "do you confirm receipt of my transmission?" while QSL means "I confirm receipt of your transmission".

QSL cards are a ham radio operator's calling card and are frequently an expression of individual creativity — from a photo of the operator at their station to original artwork, images of the operator's home town or surrounding countryside, etc.

They are frequently created with a good dose of individual pride. Consequently, the collecting of QSL cards of especially interesting designs has become an add-on hobby to the simple gathering of printed documentation of a ham's communications over the course of his or her radio career.

Below are a few of the many QSL cards I have recieved following contacts with fellow Hams.