The History of QSL Cards

Ham radio has long been known for QSL cards as a means of acknowledging a contact, but how did they get started? QSL cards are using in the amateur radio community, Short Wave Listening (SWL) community and even Citizens Band radio.
QSL cards got their start in the early 1900s when radio broadcasting and transmitter electronics was first becoming popular. They allowed stations to understand just how far their radio transmitter was being heard. Many radio owners took pride in how many distant radio transmissions they could pull in.
After almost a century of use QSL cards are still being using by ham radio operators today. In fact, I think it's one of the most fun parts of the hobby that is being slowly taken away due to things like eQSL, Log Book of the World and the QRZ Logbook.
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[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Hi Matt, great presentation, I am 77 trs old been ham and swl'r for over 70 yrs now, got started with my Dad's old Zenith radio and swl'ing. then into ham radio 48 yrs ago. and one of the things that was explained to me way back then and I very seldom hear it mentioned now days is " It's considered a Privilege to get and send a QSL Card" It shows you respect your fellow ham. and or the station that you are responding to. And in some way you have a responsibility to complete a request. And with that comes the joy of receiving card. I oft times go thru my cards of over 50 yrs ago and its amazing how many of those qso's I still remember, especially when I see the card and read the info. They are Priceless to me. Keep up your good work Matt! and thanks for sharing. de Ellis WA1RKS

[@billaceves1186]

I still use paper cards. I pick a nice pre set design from a vendor's catalog. I've signed up for LoTW and eQSL, but there is something more satisfying about getting a real card. It's a real part of the history and mystique of ham radio.

[@harvehnatiuk4283]

Enjoyed your presentation, Matt. Many thanks. I have a QSL card that includes a photo of the fountains on the 9th hole of one of our golf courses here in Sun City Hilton Head in SC. I took the photo myself and had KB3IFH do the rest of the card. My call sign and location are on the front with the photo. The QSO info and more additional info re my station and me are on reverse side. I REALLY enjoy getting QSL cards and always return a card when I receive one. I also enjoy sending for SES's QSL cards, such as the one that I received from KM1CC to confirm our contact on International Marconi Day a month or two ago. 73 from SC de Harve / KB3FW

[@timinbovey]

Loving your channel. I don't usually watch much on KZbin, but your channel has really caught my interest. I was first a ham in 1969, when I was 11 years old. I had a friend in Boy Scouts whose Dad was a ham, and I was already a SWL and electronics geek. His Dad was helping him earn his license and he took me on as my Elmer as well and we both got our licenses with his Dad's help. At the time my contacts were few and far between. Of course back then it was Novice rules, and I had a Heathkit GR-81 regenerative receiver and built a two tube transmitter out of plans in a library book, 25 watts input. Made a few contacts right along and hand drew all the QSL cards I sent out. Kept my license since but didn't really use it much for several years until about 30 or so years ago. I now have two different QSL cards. For about 40 years or so I was a collector and driver of a 1958 Edsel, so naturally I had the Edsel on the QSL card. Finally gave up Edsel driving in 2007 and always thought I should really get a new photo on my cards. The Edsel card is still on my QRZ page. As we live in Bovey, MN where the picture "Grace" was taken, my new cards have the Grace photo on them. Taken by Eric Enstrom in 1918 I'm sure you've seen the photo of a old man sitting at a table with a loaf of bread and what's assumed to be a Bible (It's actually a dictionary). As it clearly shows where both I and the photo are from I decided it was a definitive image for my cards, although I generally would try to be not religious or political on my cards, it's such an iconic image I couldn't resist. The photo is in the public domain. Anyway, I send a card for EVERY contact. Along with a SASE. Granted I don't make a lot of contacts. I'm more of a builder/tinkerer than an operator, but I do jump on the air every now and then. I don't use any of the electronic logbooks, and I don't contest. And I completely understand if someone doesn't send me a card in return. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but I send one out anyway!

[@Rhettopia]

This video is very comprehensive and full of great information! I am giving a presentation on QSL cards at our next club meeting and plan to use some of the information you've giving in this video. Thank you for posting! Hope to work you on the bands. 73 de Rhett KG5NWI

[@K0LWC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@clapadamclap]

Nice explanation mate. Iv just discovered QSL cards, and fell in love with the artwork people put on them. Never imagined this was their intended use.

[@voltagedrop6098]

Just wanted to tell you that you do an awesome job on your videos. Your a natural. A great communicator.

[@K0LWC]

Thank you, appreciate the view and comment!

[@billsomrak]

I've had QSL cards since my earliest days of ham radio almost 50 years ago. I still have some which were printed out by a vendor found in QST decades ago. No longer send/receive QSLs much (or use the ARRL Bureau). I do have several "space" QSLs, from packet radio contacts. Very interesting video. 73 de KB8EB.

[@paulanderson997]

I've been ham radioing for over 40 years and QSLing has always been one of my favorite aspects of the hobby. My last two cards have pictures on the front and back of scenes that I have photographed in the mountains of Colorado. Cheers, WB0ZRD

[@K0LWC]

That’s awesome, Paul. I love QSL cards that are photographs.

[@wd4nka]

Old style QSL cards printed in the old manner, from the very same presses that were used in 1916 or 1919 is alive and well at WD4NKA, which shares space with Paper Wren Press. Mostly I do limited edition chapbook publication but from time to time I am asked to make a 1920s era QSL run, which is always fun. Also, labour intensive. Most everything is done by hand. Digital imaging to make the plates (dies) replace the old mechanical camera, but from the die and onward, the process is unchanged from1870. The particular press you see here was used for "job" printing from about 1870 through 1960, almost a century. This particular press is a 1936 "New Series" Chandler & Price. The metal dies are hardwood mounted, created by Owosso Graphics, out of Michigan. We also use polymer dies, with excellent "1890's" results. The video of the making of W9AC's card can be seen here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4aXZ5WHidSrjJI

[@n3vxy]

I don’t do a whole lot of QSL cards, but when I do, each one is one of a kind. I use blank notecards, and draw each one in pencil or pen. It adds that element of personal connection even more so. I’ve actually had one guy decide to make copies of it for his own card, since he’s a big POTA activator, and my card was POTA themed.

[@mikebelanger4165]

Got the ISS one back in November last year. Made a 'coincidental' contact with them (Selena Aunon-Chancellor was operator at that time). Was just listening for any SSTV transmissions from them when I heard her calling, "NA1SS, anyone out there want to talk?" They were over the TX/OK area at the time, so I keyed up and made the contact! My first ever and, yes, I'm getting it framed!

[@mikebelanger4165]

Wish we could post pics here in the comments because mine's also scanned-into my computer as well.

[@mikebelanger4165]

But I did email it to you via your QRZ page.

[@K0LWC]

That’s an awesome story, especially because it was so impromptu. That’s what I want so badly!

[@taylornihls6353]

Just discovered QSL cards because of the art of them. Now I'm going down a deep rabbit hole of ham radio!

[@K0LWC]

Welcome to the addiction! 😀

[@tomporada8050]

Great video! Been a ham since 1961 and didn't get my Extra until 2016! My current location is Venice FL. I designed my card to let others know what FL is like. I have 4 quadrants on my card including a sunset from Venice beach, a pelican, a palm tree and a shot of me from behind fishing off the South Jetty in Venice with a sailboat in the water in the background. Very much Florida.

[@waynethebarber1095]

Thanks for the research you did on qsl cards. I always wondered how they came about. I have been a ham since about 1992. And I love to qsl. You can see mine on qrz, just look up n9rxb. I make my own on a desktop publisher program I have, and cut them up myself on a paper cutter. I have made all kinds over the years, even using a Vargas pin-up girl that I never sent out for fear of what people might think. I think it's fun to make and use something I did at home.... thanks again 73. N9RXB

[@K0LWC]

Thanks for watching, Wayne!

[@schoocg]

Matt, great job and well done. I learned a lot and your presentation is awesome. PS: I use art work from my kids they did in high school for QSL cards. 73, K8CGS

[@kbs1212]

Thank you for this info! I had no idea any of this existed. The Report of the Week (Reviewbrah) KZbin channel introduced me to shortwave radio!

[@BenjaminSangster]

I have a logbook in excel and I have made it automatically create a qsl card on another tab. I can even include personal content to each contact, including the signal strength received, the frequency/mode and a little on what we spoke about. I then email it (saves postage and a lot quicker). I hardly ever tell the contact I am going to send them one, as it is great to give them a surprise, and more often than not, they then call me back when they hear me again on the air. I was sending the old card ones back in the 80's/90's, but this new method I made is so much more fun. I have sent hundreds, and probably only got about 5-6 back which is a bit sad, but I am hoping to start the old QSL card back again, as it really is a bonus to the hobby. Thanks for the Video - great job! Might add a link to my emails when I send a QSL card.

[@stephenleander3097]

Good job! My QSL is a fall picture of aspens around the lake about 1/4 mile from my front door... Colorado living, gotta love it!

[@K0LWC]

That’s awesome!

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Great video man

[@BradSnyder1]

I don't have any QSL cards designed yet but that is something I will work on in the near future. Thanks for the awesome explanation! 73

[@soul.rebel1986]

Very interesting^^ Thanks for sharing!

[@RussellThomas]

I have QSL cards ready to go. My picture is of where I sat in Bryant Denny stadium for an Alabama game. I'm an alumni there and was and still an associate member of the University of Alabama Amateur Radio Club W4UAL. Great videos! Keep them coming. 73, KV4S

[@K0LWC]

That’s awesome, Russ. Thank you for watching! 😊

[@buckeye5704]

I just had TWO designs printed of the Cape Elizabeth (Maine) Lighthouse that I searched pics of on the web. Can't wait to get home from overseas next week and start making some QSOs.

[@eknaap8800]

Being a HAM since 1985, I do have paper (B/W) QSL cards to send. It depicts me in my shack. More recently I also use e-QSL. That card design is of a typical Dutch landscape with a windmill, cows and tulips (in full color)... One can print these cards if one wishes. I'll send them both. 73 de PD0PSX the Netherlands,

[@cwaynes]

Lots I didn't know about the history of QSLing. I've have numerous designs over past 60+ years and with several call signs.Always enjoy sending them as well as receiving theirs.

[@tompavlick6217]

This was quite informative, thanks :)

[@chupitos2269]

Two months ago I took my ham license and now i'm designing my qsl card. The background will'be a aereal picture i took with my drone of my small town, I'll add the leaning tower of Pisa because it's close to my town and maybe some Italian Emory like a pizza😂. 73 de IU5SES

[@EvergreenOG]

Cool info and a great history lesson

[@K0LWC]

Thanks for watching!

[@ejazrana7281]

a unique hobby

[@geraldcampbell6834]

Back in the early days of CB radio my parents got into CB radio although totally illegal they would talk to other CBers from other states and send cards out they called them wallpaper and they had hundreds of them! My mom even was in an article in the newspaper for making one of the first contacts to help during the Alaskan earthquake in the 60s.

[@K0LWC]

Nice, that's some cool history!

[@Fraksional]

A ham? i am. Too new to do QSLs. (Still waiting. My transceiver might build itself and am wrapped up in helping my youngest daughter into the hobby. The FCC got into sending electronic messages. So maybe there could be a e-resurgence patterned in that model. Such as printing your own license from a form of your web presence where a QSL is hand made but printed by the receiver (veracity proven because they were found in an e- log from that station, maybe on QRZ or some other e-logging service. I would still like to make one regardless how it is sent. I liked this KZbin. You presented QSL's and QSL card history well.

[@nativetexan9776]

I create my own cards with the simple MSpaint. I use different fonts that I install myself and I use clipart pictures and even my own photos from events I attend and after I have designed it like I want, I print it out as a 3.5x5.5" card on heavy card stock and cut the cards out with a Paper Trimmer/cutter (from Walmart). I do the info and report either on the picture itself or on the reverse side. Card is sent in an envelope. I have been doing this since 1997. I am not a contester so I never get overwhelmed by cards. Just an occasional card if wanted.

[@stevewinwood3674]

ARRL: american radio RELAY league. the letter to QST in 1919 mentioned the cards would be a good way to discover and keep record of relay possibilites. Just wanted to point out that they were in 1919 in that letter envisioned as a way for members of the ARRL to more efficiently relay msgs long distances. in this day and age it is easy to forget one of the original reasons for the ARRL.

[@jbloodwo]

One of the other huge QSL cards to get in the past was JY1.

[@K0LWC]

Who/What was JY1?

[@jbloodwo]

K0LWC that was the call sign of Kin husan of Jordan. You got rare DX and a world leader all in 1 card

[@rajmalhotra8252]

Very good, liked it very much, 73's DJØVF

[@K0LWC]

Glad to hear it, Raj!

[@david_W5QDF]

My father W4MPY(sk) was the QSLman. I have all his QSL cards from when he was first licensed in 1948. LOTW, E-QSL and such are nice but there is nothing like a QSL CARD 📻🎧

[@stephenweiss8457]

It looks like now Dale is a silent key sympathies to his family and his friends all over the bands and CW

[@SKYGUY1]

Hello Matt... K4KID here... down in very southern Arizona. Check the first photo on my QRZ page to see how southern. Great video w/ neat information. Thanks. I do have a personalized QSL card that I print about 10 at a time on an Inkjet printer. I will be mailing one to you on Monday. I used to collect and keep every card but most were lost to a house fire and I never really got into collecting them again. I keep ones that are unique.. i.e. I worked K5KID so I kept that card since so close to mine. Also a couple of special event stations... Indy 500 event, Last Lunar Landing event etc. Nice job on your video. My Y-T channel is about aviation. Watch for your card... 73 / Terry

[@K0LWC]

That awesome, Terry. I have received your card and it’s in my QSL card binder right now. Thank you so much for sending it for my collection!

[@gregoryforster2775]

From KD9JTI:Yes I do have a QSL card. IT's not very fancy You made a great video here.

[@carolheuser4096]

Hi, Matt. I was wondering if you know if there is a market for old QSL cards. I have about 500 dating back to the 1930's from my Dad who was a ham for 70 years. Thanks

[@DavidBrownTheTechDjinn]

I have K6KQV's cow card also. My QSL cards are Astrophotography images that I have taken.

[@K0LWC]

That’s awesome, David!

[@Danno_B]

I've only been a HAM a year, but created a card that is based around a map view of my QTH. It is only a first idea. I obviously don't have much of a shack yet so not much to take a picture of, however if you check out my QRZ profile, you will see what I've been up to this last year. Nice video of what QSL cards are all about. I have made a few contacts in Europe and it was nice to receive their cards. One guy told me he collected stamps, so I looked through our office drawer and sent him quite a few US stamps that weren't even used. He was quite elated. 73 N9DJB

[@K0LWC]

That’s awesome, Dan. Anything Persia l to you is great, doesn’t need to be in the shack to be cool. 😎

[@ddull2000]

I do not have a QSL card right now, but I do have an eQSL design. It features the Sutro Tower in San Francisco, where the W6PW club repeater is mounted. 73 de KK6JKC

[@K0LWC]

I just sent my QSL Card out for printing, 1000 copies! I’m excited to get them and start sending them out.

[@Shane-0000]

Nice explanation. I have had several SWL send signal reports to me and a send QSL card back. I have a lot of fun with my call and send a card with Willy Wonka holding an HT. best regards de W0NKA

[@juanhernandez2858]

saludos desde México

[@michaelmcbride4310]

I do have a QSL card. It is just a basic card with call sign (KN4LVX) on a blue card stock. nothing fancy, yet. maybe once I get my general ticket, I will up grade.

[@K0LWC]

Personalization is the fun part! 😊

[@patrickmchenry2217]

Did the transmitting station also announce their address at some point or was there a published list of amateur radio operator’s addresses? Just trying to understand how this worked.

[@K0LWC]

They would announce it on the air.

[@juanhernandez2858]

greetings from México

[@predragsupurovic8130]

You may check out design of my QSL cards at my site pedja.supurovic.net/yt9tp/. I was unable to attach images here.

[@MaxHedrm]

I haven't printed any up yet, but I think I'll probably make a much better looking version of what I have on eQSL currently (kb5uzb). I kind of want to send them out to all my FT8 contacts just for fun, but that would probably be $50 in postage alone.

[@SKYGUY1]

If you send a postcard it's 29c now I think

[@bennguyen1313]

So many acronyms gets to be confusing! QRL? vs (e)QSL vs (CW) QSO vs QRZ vs vs CQ vs QRP (FT8, JT9, WSPR ETC)!

[@K0LWC]

Comes with the territory. 😊

[@gregory207]

Hello. I like to collect old QSL. It s part of radio history

[@user-vj4hq2ij3o]

... OK ... I have the qsl card with cow :-).. my qsl card have a part of Ishtar gate from ancient Babylon that have a lion figure ... nice video.. yi3whr

[@DE2TRF]

wunder schön video 73 de DE2TRF

[@kc3kop915]

I do send out QSL cards, My cards I use random pictures I have taken at different vacation spots I have been. 73 KC3KOP

[@K0LWC]

That’s awesome, Ian! Hope to get one someday. 😊

[@timdavis5937]

I routinely talk with other operators about the importance of QSL cards and the hobby. I am going to post your video on our local Facebook Elmers page so people can hear about them from someone other than me. There are a couple of samples of QSL cards that I send on my QRZ page at www.qrz.com/db/NW9F

[@K0LWC]

Thanks for sharing, Tim. Your cards are fantastic!

[@coachanderson2704]

Here are some cards that people send.. www.flickr.com/photos/tags/qslcard/page1

[@K0LWC]

Very cool!

[@taylornihls6353]

If anyone wants help designing a personal QSL card, I'd love to help!

[@soul.rebel1986]

Can you tell me which software or platform that you use to design your cards please? Thanks in advance 😁

[@horacionigro450]

My QSL was designed by myself, but enhanced by my son. imgur.com/a/0pBPYEX. I believ that's a cool verie for a 300mW QRPp QSO!

[@whirledpeas5644]

Great video. I have printed cards with a bald eagle and USA flag. Very patriotic theme, not my design.

[@wxfield]

@3:33 "The _advent_ of World War I". Ummm....

[@K0LWC]

Advent: The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.

[@wxfield]

Makes sense. But have rarely heard it used in this way. @@K0LWC

[@juanhernandez2858]

saludos desde México

[@juanhernandez2858]

greetings from México

[@K0LWC]

Hola!