BasicB-002-009-005
What method is used by amateur radio operators to provide proof of communication with another station?
D
Answer
Licensing, station identification, and operation
Type
A
A brief email or text message
B
A radiogram sent over amateur radio traffic nets
C
A letter detailing contact date, time, frequency, mode and power
D
A QSL card or entries in web-based logging systems
Answer Notes
For decades, the standard way amateur radio operators have confirmed a successful two-way contact is by exchanging QSL cards, which are postcard-sized physical certificates. The term 'QSL' comes from the Q-code meaning 'I confirm receipt.'
Today, digital confirmations have become incredibly popular and accepted for amateur radio awards. Web-based logging systems like the ARRL's Logbook of The World (LoTW) or eQSL securely verify that both stations logged the same contact at the same time.
While emails, text messages, or radiograms can convey information, they lack the standardized verification protocols required by amateur radio societies for official award credit.
Previous · B-002-009-004
A directional antenna pointed in the long-path direction to another station is generally oriented how many degrees from its short-path heading?
Next · B-002-009-006
Local stations are in contact with New Zealand, yet you cannot hear the New Zealand amateur radio operators with your antenna pointed in that direction. What other antenna direction could you try to hear them?