Trying a new QSL service QDure

I have been looking for a new QSL service since the demise of GlobalQSL that would meet my basic requirements.

QSL Service Requirements

• Easy to submit a log file from my logging application (Ham Radio Deluxe)
• Ability to design my own double-sided full color card
• Automatically prints, sorts, and mails the QSL cards
• Net time savings compared to preparing and sending traditional QSL cards
• Lower cost than sending traditional QSL cards

I recently received a recommendation for QDure.  I determined after a bit of research that it looked like it could meet my requirements.  I decided to give it a try while catching up on sending out 111 overdue QSL cards.

Overall, the process was straightforward and easy.  The QDure website was a little on the slow side here on the West Coast of the USA.  This was of no real concern and caused no difficulty.

I stumbled through the learning curve of uploading my log, designing three QSL cards, and then submitting my log for QSL processing.  The QDure QSL card design tool had all the basic features I needed and was easy to use.  It took less than an hour to design three nice looking custom QSL cards.  The QSL card designs all have the company's logo printed on them.  This is helpful as it makes it easier to verify that the QDure cards are being sent out.  I am going to thumb through my QSL card box to see if I have any QDure produced QSL cards on file.

I needed to send different QSL cards for each of the different locations I had made a radio contact.  It took me a few minutes to figure out how to manage this in QDure since each log file is associated with one card design.  My solution was to import my log for each different card and then enable and disable the corresponding QSO's in the log according to my needs.  This worked just fine.

The total cost for sending 111 QSL cards was reasonable which made the service a good value.  Based on this initial trial, I plan to continue using QDure for sending out my international QSL cards.

Have you received a QDure QSL card?  If yes, I would love to hear from you.  Please leave a comment.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

The fun of receiving a LoTW confirmation for a DX contact long ago

Today, I am reminded of the fun of receiving a LoTW confirmation for a DX contact made long ago.  This morning, I received a confirmation from 2013 for a SSB contact with a station in Ireland.  

2013-10-27 18:05:00

10M

SSB

28.62100

IRELAND

Ordinarily, a confirmation that is not received within a relatively short period of a few months is one that will likely never be received.  

Flag of Ireland

I really appreciate hams who take the time to upload their logs to the LoTW since leads to confirming contacts which helps everyone.  For many of us, the LoTW is our primary means for tracking awards.  I use the LoTW confirmations to earn both ARRL awards like DXCC and WAS as well as the QRZ awards like the United States Counties Award.  

I have a nice QSL card collection that I enjoy browsing and sharing with others.  I haven't used any of the cards I have received for earning awards.  I much prefer the simplicity and ease of earning awards through LoTW confirmations.  

A single confirmation on LoTW could help someone complete an award they have been working toward for many years and make their day brighter.  If you are a ham who is not yet using the ARRL logbook of the world, please consider joining in the fun and uploading your logs.  No doubt you will give many hams a happy surprise confirmation on the LoTW.

If you are already using the LoTW and have logs that you haven't uploaded yet, please consider taking the time to do so.  There are hams who would greatly appreciate your confirmation on LoTW.

Blessings to all in the coming New Year.  See you on the radio.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

1600 US Counties Confirmed on QRZ.com

Tonight, I completed and confirmed contact my 1600th US County with a 40m contact with Jason N2NVY in North Carolina.  Thank you, Jason, for the fine business contact and QSL.

I have noticed that it is becoming more difficult to find new US Counties to make contact with.  I am now over the midpoint, so this trend is likely to continue.  Chasing US Counties is a challenging endeavor and one that may or not ever be completed.  I am having a lot of fun on the journey.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

eQSL card from Ronald, AG5JU

I received a very nice eQSL card from Ronald, AG5JU from San Antonio, Texas.  Thank you, Ronald, for the contact and nice eQSL card.

eQSL card from AG57U

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

2022 ARRL 10 Meter Contest

December 10, 2022 begins the annual ARRL 10 Meter Contest.  The contest runs through the weekend of

December 10-11.  With the increase of sunspot activity in 2022, we can expect much better propagation during the contest than in recent prior years.  Hope to work you during the contest.

Sunspots make 10m amateur radio fun again!

Good DX and 73, NJ2X