DX QSL requests to VU3KPL

One of the important aspect of calling CQ and having fun on the band is responding to QSL requests. I enjoy short QSOs almost on daily basis when i am around the shack. And this generates some QSL requests.

There are multiple ways of QSLing, LOTW of ARRL being most popular and my preferred way. This method is paperless and efficient. There are many hams who collect paper QSLs and seek that channel nevertheless.

In my short experience over last couple of years, i found that there are some problems with paper QSLing. As a return postage for direct requests we usually appreciate either one of the following methods:

1. SAE + IRC :

Self Addressed Envelope (SAE) with IRC (International Reply Coupon) used to be mostly accepted way. However many countries including India have stopped exchanging IRC for stamps. I am still OK with these, as I usually send the IRC back to some other DX for requesting needed QSL from that DXCC.

2. SAE + green stamps (usually 2) :

It is most popular way of compensating for QSL charges. The problem is that we are talking about cash in mail. Any place enroute from DX to VU post can be tampered. And normally if a pattern is known to few smart workers, they wait for QSLs cards more than destination hams. Unfortunately, the cards do not even reach destination. Even if it is tamper proof, they will cut it open to check and throw in garbage bins!

3. SAE + used postal stamps  for collection: 

Few rare used stamps to my collection make me happy along with DX QSL. It is two good hobbies in one go! Mostly if you follow ground rules of making envelope visually not attracting enough, this method gets through well.

4. OQRS : 
I recently turned to Club log with paypal way to compensation called OQRS. I think this would be the 2nd best way to collect QSL other than LOTW.  I am seeing a potential to avoid many risks of losing two way mails.

If you are NOT OK with LOTW or OQRS, Here are are the IMPORTANT TIPS to reduce chance of your card losing in postal transit:


1. DO NOT give any visible hints on the envelope:
Some hams write on the cover : "No money enclosed" or "Ham Radio card" or "callsign" .
DO NOT write anything other than name and address.

Envelope should be as usual as possible. Should not attract any attention on transit.

2. Try not to fold SAE and green stamps in your request envelope:
When requesting if you have option use slightly bigger size envelope for your post and place SAE without folding with your card, postage inside that envelope(SAE).

Couple of things will happen: 
a. Reduces thickness of your post - no one should get any sense when they touch envelope for sorting and stamping.
b. Reduces transparency of the mail- workers should not see what is inside if they hold envelope against light

3. DO tamper proof your envelopes: 
This will reduce some people peeling small section of the envelope out of curiosity. If they see $ inside, remove it and throw the rest to garbage!


So wise is to go for LOTW or OQRS.

If you are CQer also be ready to receive and respond to lot of Bureau card requests once or twice a year. Whatever mechanism may it be, Golden Rule of operating is to show a graceful presence on air and even better QSLing practice.

See you on air
Kiran
VU3KPL

Antenna or Amp? for restricted to general VU license upgrade

I got licensed in 1995 just after my college. With no elmer, it was really a struggle to get CW. Although by the time i was ready for 12WPM +, Since I had sent application for 5WPM and passed the test, i got restricted license and VU3KPL as my call sign. It took some hard time to get on air and then go offline. My restricted grade only allowed 50W transmission and general grade allowed 400W.

As I get past my beginner mode into mainstream DXing and contesting, several things are pausing me for upgrading the license.
1. 400W capability
2. Digital capability
3. a new Call Sign ;)

Already i used Hexbeam for last couple of years and have utilized it to the max extent. Now assuming i get license upgrade done soon, what is that i want to gain with station was my question. I did a small analysis of these facts.

Antenna	Hex Beam	Spider Beam
Gain on 20m	5.5 dbi	6.7dbi
TX power (w)	ERP (w)
50	177	233
400	1419	1870
Type of upgrade	ERP Gain (W)	ERP Gain (Db)	Inverstment (Rs.)	Rs/W
hex to spider	56	1.7	45000	804
hex and amp	1242	3.1	150000	121
spider and amp	1637	3.2	195000	119

As you can see, i am doing analysis of upgrading to Spiderbeam (3 elements on bands) and 400W amp (considering best in class new amp models).

Now check the gain increase factor, investment i need to do and also return on investment. 

It does not make any sense to go from hex to spider only with out amp. Big plus would be if i invest in amp, a 3.1DB gain and Rs. 121 /Watt. 

So natural progression would be dipole/inverted vee to a beam to an amp. And obviously one could get to the final state with tickets and $ in hand in first place itself ;))

So do your math and be on air. Its fun!

VU3KPL