Innovative QSO Method Speeds Up QSL Process
By WBØRUR, on the scene
EAST FORKWORTH, Oregon –- Rural Macklinburg County ham radio operator Burt Groundsman has developed a unique method to speed up the QSL card process – the small, postcard “thank you” that radio operators send each other to confirm a contact.
“It occurred to me as I was filling cards out. Each QSL card required me to write in a different date, time, frequency and mode of operation. Now, I only make QSOs on one day of the year at a specific time and frequency. I’ve had my QSL cards pre-printed with the date, time and frequency, so all I have to do is hand write the call sign in and I’m finished!”
The innovative idea has its drawbacks, though says Groundsman. Last year he inadvertently missed his scheduled time because he stepped out for a haircut.
“I realized while sitting in the barber’s chair that I was supposed to be on 20 meter SSB. Unfortunately, I had to wait an entire year to try and make another contact.”
While some may scoff at Groundsman’s idea, he says it’s got a huge upside.
“It only takes me about 4 seconds to do all of my QSL-ing for an entire year!” says the well-coiffed ham.
Interested in working Burt on the air? He’s on 20 meter SSB, 14.240 MHz, December 13, at 10:30 UTC each year.
Can you confirm if that time is local, or Zulu? It'd be a rare QSL card, that's for sure.