What Is A QSL Card?

Confirming Our QSO...

A QSL card is a written confirmation of a two-way radio communication between two amateur radio stations or a one-way reception of a signal from an AM radio, FM radio, or television station. QSL cards can also confirm the reception of a two-way radio communication by a third party. A typical QSL card is the same size and made from the same material as a typical postcard, and many are sent directly by mail or via a QSL Bureau.

The RAC - BC Incoming QSL Bureau is a repository of cards received from stations, awaiting distribution to a recipient living in British Columbia, Canada. Please note that this bureau does not receive and distribute outgoing QSL cards, that remains the responsibility of the individual station. 

QSL cards derived their name from the Q code "QSL", which means "I acknowledge receipt." Most are collected by amateur radio operators,shortwave listeners, TV-FM DXers, and other radio hobbyists. A limited market exists for older QSL cards, especially those from rare locations or famous stations, as collector's items.

Amateur radio operators exchange QSL cards to confirm two-way communications between stations. A QSL card sent from one amateur radio operator to another contains details about the contact and the station.At a minimum, this includes the call sign of both stations participating in the communications, the time and date of the contact (usually specified in UTC or 'Zulu'), the radio frequency used, the mode of transmission used, and a signal report. The accepted standard for a QSL card is 89 mm by 140 mm (3½ by 5½ inches). Most QSL cards contain an image, often something associated with the station or the operator. Please check the featured card page for a gallery of noteworthy or unusual QSL cards received through this bureau.

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