The IRTS QSL Service
Updated 3 December 2008
The purpose of the QSL Bureau is to facilitate the exchange of QSL cards between IRTS members (including SWLs) and radio amateurs around the world. Most national societies operate such a bureau. See this list of IARU QSL Bureaus.
How the Bureau operates OUTWARDS
This is handled by the QSL Manager Outwards. To allow cards to be sorted as speedily as possible, please observe the following guidelines:-- Card size should be normal postcard size (140mm x 90mm) to facilitate packaging.
- Put the call sign of the station worked in the top right-hand corner of the back of the card. Add QSL information for unusual calls.
- Sort the cards into alphabetical / numerical order. Cards for the USA should be further sorted by call areas (determined by the number in the call sign), with cards for call area no. 4 further sorted, keeping single and double letter prefixes separate. Cards for the UK should be sorted as if for separate countries (G, GI, GW etc.), and all special event call signs (e.g. GB).
- Place all cards the same way up and use elastic bands to separate the packs of cards. Please do NOT use pieces of paper or paperclips.
- Send your cards to the Bureau regularly. Mail them directly to the QSL Outwards Manager.
A number of countries have no QSL Bureau to see a list of the countries with no Bureau.
There is no point in sending cards for those countries to the QSL Manager Outwards. Cards to any of these countries must be sent direct.
How the Bureau operates INWARDS
All cards arriving from foreign QSL bureaus are sorted into prefix order and forwarded to a team of sub-managers on a regular basis. They in turn sort the cards into call sign order, for despatch to members. Cards are posted out to members at least every three months, more often where a large quantity of cards is received for a member. Members who want cards sent to them more regularly should leave a number of SAEs on file with their sub-manager. Cards for non-members are returned to the bureaus of origin, unless arrangements for handling these cards have been made with the Society.Special Event Call Signs
The outwards and inwards QSL service is available free to IRTS individuals and club members for their own call and for special event stations licensed to them. The service is also available free to JOTA stations, irrespective of whether an IRTS member is the licence holder. Operators of Special Event stations should supply details of their Special Event call to the relevant incoming QSL Manager.Link
Who invented the QSL card?
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