WHAT IS A QSL CARD?
WHERE DOES THE TERM QSL COME FROM?
The term 'QSL' comes from the Q codes, which are a standardised collection of three-letter codes that each commence with the letter Q. They are used to simplify radiotelegraph communication. (Iacopo Giangrandi, 2025)
QSL Question: 'Can you acknowledge receipt?'
QSL Answer: 'I am acknowledging receipt.'
The Q codes were introduced following the International Radiotelegraph Convention in London in 1912. (Kloth.net 2025)
In the SWL broadcast sphere, a QSL card is a documented confirmation of the reception of a station.
QSL Question: 'Can you acknowledge receipt?'
QSL Answer: 'I am acknowledging receipt.'
The Q codes were introduced following the International Radiotelegraph Convention in London in 1912. (Kloth.net 2025)
In the SWL broadcast sphere, a QSL card is a documented confirmation of the reception of a station.
Above: Page 214 from the International Radiotelegraph Convention document.
WHY DO STATIONS SEND QSL CARDS?
Although no longer a common practice, many shortwave stations still send QSL cards acknowledging listener reports that they receive.
Stations use reception reports and QSL cards for various purposes, including the following:
Stations use reception reports and QSL cards for various purposes, including the following:
- technical evaluation
- publicity and engagement
- cultural exchange
References.
- Iacopo Giangrandi (2025). Amateur radio informal Q-code. [online] Giangrandi.org. Available at: https://www.giangrandi.org/electronics/radio/qcode.shtml [Accessed 10 Sep. 2025].
- Kloth.net. (2025). Ralf D. Kloth DL4TA - List of Q-codes. [online] Available at: https://www.kloth.net/radio/qcodes.php [Accessed 10 Sep. 2025].