QSL Cards

An amateur radio QSL card is a written confirmation of either a two-way radio communication between two amateur radio stations or a one-way reception of a broadcast by a shortwave listener. These cards serve as a proof of contact for various purposes, including awards and confirmation of communication milestones. Typically postcard-sized, QSL cards include details about the contact such as the date, time (usually in UTC), frequency, mode of transmission (e.g., Morse code, voice, digital), and the call signs of both the station sending the card and the station receiving it. Many amateur radio operators take pride in their QSL card designs, often customizing them with personal touches, photographs, or illustrations that reflect their interests, home location, or aspects of their radio equipment or antennas. These cards are exchanged directly between operators, through the mail, or via a QSL bureau, which manages the bulk sending and receiving of cards for its members.