Radio Prague QSL card

The three letters - QSL - constitute one of the codes originally developed in the days of the telegraph. All codes consisted of three letters beginning with "Q". Later some of these "Q" codes were adopted by radio-telegraphists and radio listeners. QSL means "contact confirmed" or "reception confirmed".

The expression "QSL card" or just "QSL" gradually came to be used among radio-amateurs and then more broadly as radio began to develop as a mass medium. Radio stations were keen to know how well and how far away their programmes could be heard and began to send their listeners "QSL cards" in return for reception reports. The card would include letters making up the "call sign" of the station - the system still used in the United States - or the broadcasting company's logo or some other illustration. The card would also include a text stating the frequency and the transmitter output power, and a confirmation of when the listener heard the station.

Domestic broadcasters do not tend to use QSL cards these days, but their popularity remains among radio stations broadcasting internationally. They are still keen to know how well they can be heard in the parts of the world to which they broadcast. In the era of shortwave broadcasts Radio Prague sent out QSL cards for reception reports received. After curtailing our shortwave transmissions as of February 1, 2011 we will continue issuing QSL cards for reception via the Internet.

Radio Prague website

 

 Radio Prague QSL card, I received by mail.

Radio Exterior De Espana English broadcast

Frequency: 9650kHz
SINPO: 55555
Radio: Exterior De Espana
Language: English
Date: 22/10/2011
Time: 2150 (UTC), 0050 (Local time in Bulgaria)
Program info: Talking with shortwave DX-er from the Ontario DX association about the shortwave listening hobby.

Overcomer Ministry QSL Card

Received QSL card from Brother Stair - Overcomer Ministry religious broadcast from the USA, relayed by private transmitter in Milan, Italy

Welcome to my blog!

Welcome to my weblog, dedicated to Shortwave Listening. I hope you'll find it interesting and spend much time, reading the articles. I'm going to start posting reception reports of shortwave broadcasters from all over the world, including religious broadcasts, European national broadcasters, programmes from Asia and last but not least - radio pirates. I will also include listings of Numbers stations, military communications, CW beacons and HAM radio operators. Enjoy!