[DX-CHAT] LBOTW
And more important, it is controlled by the ARRL., who are NOT friends of Amateur radio. John - W2AGN With respect: Nonsense ! Rag LA5HELife member Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.orgattachment: winmail.dat
RE: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
It is your choice John, whether or not to join, or even like the League. But to make such an inflammatory comment... what facts do you have to back up that opinion? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of W2AGN Sent: Sunday, August 26, 2007 10:23 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: Re: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW And more important, it is controlled by the ARRL., who are NOT friends of Amateur radio. John - W2AGN Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
At 09:22 PM 8/26/2007, you wrote: And more important, it is controlled by the ARRL., who are NOT friends of Amateur radio. John - W2AGN John, just WHO DO you consider a friend of amateur radio. In your response, please limit your discussion to the organization that IS a friend of amateur radio. Please DO NOT discuss the ARRL as I already know how you feel about them. I want to know about the OTHER organization and how THEY are helping amateur radio. 73, Mike, W5UC age treachery will overcome youth skill http://www.suddenlink.net/pages/w5uc/ age treachery will overcome youth skill http://www.suddenlink.net/pages/w5uc/ Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
At 07:52 AM 8/27/2007, you wrote: Sadly, there is no such organization. That makes the ARRL no less of a tax-exempt publishing house, trying to make money off the shhep that will follow them anywhere. -- John - W2AGN John, that is exactly correct, and that is the reason I phrased my question as I did. If ARRL is not a friend of Amateur Radio, then: 1) Why do they provide a Volunteer Counsel program? I can tell you from personal experience that this program saved my fanny back around 1990 or 1991, and it didn't cost me one red cent. I had access to Chris Emlay, the League attorney any time I needed it, as well as a competent local attorney. We won the case. 2) Why does ARRL pay an attorney to represent us ar FCC, and to fight such issues as BPL? If they were simply a publishing company as you suggest, I doubt that they would waste time, money, and effort to work the BPL issue as intently as they do. 3) Why does ARRL work as diligently as they do to represent us at World Radio Conferences? They could just chug along with no effort in that direction, allowing those expenditures to go to the bottom line, and we would likely retain the frequency assignments that we currently have, and they could go on forever as a publishing company. This list could go on on, but I think you SHOULD get the picture. If you don't, then there is no hope for you. May I please suggest that you just sit back, relax, and appreciate the positive things that the League does for us, and cease wasting your time emotion trying to tear them(us) down. I'm not always happy with how they do things, but all in all, they do a great job compared to the organization that you support. 73, Mike, W5UC age treachery will overcome youth skill http://www.suddenlink.net/pages/w5uc/ Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re[2]: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
Hello W2AGN, W And more important, it is controlled by the ARRL., who are NOT W friends of Amateur radio. W John - W2AGN At least, they do save my efforts and money, unlike of... -- 73...Art RX9TX http://rx9tx.qrz.ru Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re[2]: [DX-CHAT] Postal thieves
Hello Charles, CH I have a USA mail drop... my son receives my mail that comes to CH his and my USA address, 4301 Jenkins Dr, Plano, and he CH periodically sends my mail to me Last month he spent $148 usd CH to send me a slim FedEx box So is that why you want _us_ to spend that money on that expensive services, ...try Registered Mail or, if desperate, use FedEx, UPS, or DHL? CH LogBook Of The World why I do not use this great service: CH 1. I log onto old fashioned paper. Just ask on the net, I bet you will find someone who is ready to enter your logs to the computer. BTW your VU4 logs, are they paper logs? CH 2. I choose to do other much more interesting things than data entry. See item 1. CH 3. I find LBOTW very difficult to use. And I have tried, and had help, CH still failed to get it. Even I can do that for you if you send me your logs in ADIF and claim me to be your LoTW-manager here on the DX-Reflector. CH 4. Upload times are long and expensive. Well, it costs nothing in most parts of the world. CH 5. I am just set in my ways, a product of a maturing factor. Not a reason to make us spend our money on DHL or postal expenses of any kind. CH I am going to investigate the PayPal option, but it really smacks of CH commerce. Sure it does. -- 73...Art RX9TX http://rx9tx.qrz.ru Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Postal thieves
At 07:47 PM 8/26/2007, Charles Harpole wrote: I have a USA mail drop... my son receives my mail that comes to his and my USA address, 4301 Jenkins Dr, Plano, and he periodically sends my mail to me Last month he spent $148 usd to send me a slim FedEx box and reports US post is also expensive and slower and depends on the local post office at the end of the line.. and the other UPS-like services say they dump their foreign mail into the foreign post offices many times. Couldn't this all be easily resolved by simply using a QSL manager in a country where the postal system is reliable? I regularly see notices from individuals offering their services for this purpose. As for LOTW, I suggest you rethink your position on that. I certainly was happy when BS7H showed up on LOTW last week. A little effort goes a long way. 73, Mike, W5UC age treachery will overcome youth skill http://www.suddenlink.net/pages/w5uc/ Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
Ron Notarius W3WN wrote: It is your choice John, whether or not to join, or even like the League. But to make such an inflammatory comment... what facts do you have to back up that opinion? 1. Their recent attempt at Regulation by Bandwidth which was a transparent attempt to make more room for PACTOR III robots. This was done mostly behind the backs of the membership. Finally, after losing a LOT of members, thanks to Skip Tenny exposing this plot, they withdrew their petition, blaming widespread misconception. Which was their way of saying Oops, we got caught. 2. The ARRL supported No-code. That was bad enough, but whether you are for or against no-code, the fact that the Director's vote on the issue was made SECRET is not in keeping with an organization that is supposed to represent Ham Radio. 3. Latest ARRL fiasco. They wanted Spanish Language VE tests! Now I'm sorry if this offends the liberals among us, but if you want a US Ham license, you better be able to speak English! The VEC, in a rare show of intelligence, defeated this dumb idea. 4. There is more. The sponsorship of ICOM, which kind of takes the AMERICAN out of ARRL. The fact that the ARRL clings to its non-profit status, which cripples it when it comes to lobbying for Amateur radio, etc, etc. Don't get me wrong, the ARRL WAS ONCE the representative of Amateur Radio, and not the publishing house and lackey of Japanese Radio makers it has become. -- John - W2AGN Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
I wonder if the people making anti-ARRL statements have even bothered to talk to any of the ARRL officials? And if not, why not? I met Joel W5ZN at the Dayton VHF banquet last year (2006). What a great guy! I've had numerous chats with Dave K1ZZ. I always seem to cross paths with my Division and State ARRL officials at most of the local hamfests. These people are all dedicated hams from my observation, and not in the ARRL to make money. They have always come across as wanting to serve me as a member. I can't say I agree with everything the ARRL does, but I think they are doing what they can in a changing world of amateur radio. Let's face it, the average ham is far different today than he or she was back in 1970. I am probably much different in my own interests than the average ham of today. BTW I just renewed my ARRL membership. 73, Zack W9SZ On Mon, 27 Aug 2007, Mike(W5UC) Kathy(K5MWH) wrote: At 07:52 AM 8/27/2007, you wrote: Sadly, there is no such organization. That makes the ARRL no less of a tax-exempt publishing house, trying to make money off the shhep that will follow them anywhere. -- John - W2AGN John, that is exactly correct, and that is the reason I phrased my question as I did. If ARRL is not a friend of Amateur Radio, then: 1) Why do they provide a Volunteer Counsel program? I can tell you from personal experience that this program saved my fanny back around 1990 or 1991, and it didn't cost me one red cent. I had access to Chris Emlay, the League attorney any time I needed it, as well as a competent local attorney. We won the case. 2) Why does ARRL pay an attorney to represent us ar FCC, and to fight such issues as BPL? If they were simply a publishing company as you suggest, I doubt that they would waste time, money, and effort to work the BPL issue as intently as they do. 3) Why does ARRL work as diligently as they do to represent us at World Radio Conferences? They could just chug along with no effort in that direction, allowing those expenditures to go to the bottom line, and we would likely retain the frequency assignments that we currently have, and they could go on forever as a publishing company. This list could go on on, but I think you SHOULD get the picture. If you don't, then there is no hope for you. May I please suggest that you just sit back, relax, and appreciate the positive things that the League does for us, and cease wasting your time emotion trying to tear them(us) down. I'm not always happy with how they do things, but all in all, they do a great job compared to the organization that you support. 73, Mike, W5UC Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] LoTW
I have been thinking (it happens...) and I am going to upload the 9Q1EK and 9Q1TB logs to LoTW. I have there before the logs for my own calls and also ZK1EQL and CU2/SM7EQL. There is a reason (beside busted calls which often happens due to the QRN in Kinshasa): I have worked almost all the DX there is to work, and as my XYL for 40 years passed away in cancer October 28th 2008 I wanted to have something to keep me occupied. However I don't want to be as stubborn as Mr Harpole, and therefore the logs will be on LoTW as soon as the administrator has sent me the certificate keys. IF you don't find your call in the LoTW, please e-mail me as I can very well be a busted call. All the best to all of you and my apologies to those on LoTW who have already spent money for the cards - should you however want paper QSL's I will of course continue with those. 73/DX de Osten SM5DQC[EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; dx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 5:13 PM Subject: [DX-CHAT] just had to answr I should not, but I just have to answer From: Art RX9TX [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: Re[2]: [DX-CHAT] Postal thieves Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2007 18:57:20 +0600 Hello Charles, CH I have a USA mail drop... my son receives my mail that comes to CH his and my USA address, 4301 Jenkins Dr, Plano, and he CH periodically sends my mail to me Last month he spent $148 usd CH to send me a slim FedEx box So is that why you want _us_ to spend that money on that expensive services, ...try Registered Mail or, if desperate, use FedEx, UPS, or DHL? YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO. I AM SIMPLY TRYING TO CONVEY FACTS TO YOU RE QSLING. IF YOU DISLIKE MY WAYS, IGNORE ME, PLEASE. CH LogBook Of The World why I do not use this great service: CH 1. I log onto old fashioned paper. Just ask on the net, I bet you will find someone who is ready to enter your logs to the computer. BTW your VU4 logs, are they paper logs? YES. CH 2. I choose to do other much more interesting things than data entry. See item 1. CH 3. I find LBOTW very difficult to use. And I have tried, and had help, CH still failed to get it. Even I can do that for you if you send me your logs in ADIF and claim me to be your LoTW-manager here on the DX-Reflector. I ACCEPT YOUR OFFER OF HELP, IF IT DOES NOT VIOLATE ANY CUSTOMARY MODES OF QSLing AND VERIFICATION. I BET SEVERAL OPINIONS ARISE ON THIS ITEMBUT, ART, PSE SEE MY SEPARATE MESSAGE TO U RE THIS ITEM. BTW, WHAT IS ADIF? NOT KIDDING. CH 4. Upload times are long and expensive. Well, it costs nothing in most parts of the world. OK, I GUESS THE 5,000+ BAHT I SPEND MONTHLY FOR CONNECTION IS A FICTIONAL THING? CH 5. I am just set in my ways, a product of a maturing factor. Not a reason to make us spend our money on DHL or postal expenses of any kind. ONCE AGAIN, I SAY-- IF YOU DISLIKE ME AND MY METHODS, JUST IGNORE ME... THERE IS A DELETE BUTTON, THERE IS YOUR CHOICE NEVER TO CONTACT ME BY MAIL, ETC ETC NO GUNS TO UR HEAD. AND I SAY THIS TO ALL THE FLAMERS ON THE REFLECTOR: WHEN U SEE MY NAME ON A MESSAGE, JUST DELETE IT AND SAVE UR BLOOD PRESSURE RISE. I CLAIM THE RIGHT TO BE ME AND TO BE SET IN MY WAYS... AS IT APPEARS SO DO U. CH I am going to investigate the PayPal option, but it really smacks of CH commerce. Sure it does. -- 73...Art RX9TX http://rx9tx.qrz.ru BYE BYE AND 73, CHARLES HS0ZCW _ Now you can see trouble…before he arrives http://newlivehotmail.com/?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_migration_HM_viral_protection_0507 Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] ZD9BCB
Does anyone have an e-mail address for Brian, ZD9BCB ? I'm familiar with his operation at the upper end of 20M SSB around 1700Z, but that's not a good place to discuss a possible low-band sked. But I suspect any internet link on Gough Island is probably via Inmarsat, so very expensive for any personal business. TIA, John, NT5C. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] just had to answr
Correction: My XYL passed away in 2002, not in 2008... Here is the e-mail again, edited: I have been thinking (it happens...) and I am going to upload the 9Q1EK and 9Q1TB logs to LoTW. I have there before the logs for my own calls and also ZK1EQL and CU2/SM7EQL. There is a reason (beside busted calls which often happens due to the QRN in Kinshasa) for not uploading earlier: I have worked almost all the DX there is to work, and as my XYL for 40 years passed away in cancer October 28th 2002 I wanted to have something to keep me occupied. However I don't want to be as stubborn as Mr Harpole, and therefore the logs will be on LoTW as soon as the administrator has sent me the certificate keys. IF you don't find your call in the LoTW, please e-mail me as it can very well be a busted call. All the best to all of you and my apologies to those on LoTW who have already spent money for the cards - should you however want paper QSL's I will of course continue with those. 73/DX de Osten SM5DQC[EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; dx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 5:13 PM Subject: [DX-CHAT] just had to answr I should not, but I just have to answer From: Art RX9TX [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: Re[2]: [DX-CHAT] Postal thieves Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2007 18:57:20 +0600 Hello Charles, CH I have a USA mail drop... my son receives my mail that comes to CH his and my USA address, 4301 Jenkins Dr, Plano, and he CH periodically sends my mail to me Last month he spent $148 usd CH to send me a slim FedEx box So is that why you want _us_ to spend that money on that expensive services, ...try Registered Mail or, if desperate, use FedEx, UPS, or DHL? YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO. I AM SIMPLY TRYING TO CONVEY FACTS TO YOU RE QSLING. IF YOU DISLIKE MY WAYS, IGNORE ME, PLEASE. CH LogBook Of The World why I do not use this great service: CH 1. I log onto old fashioned paper. Just ask on the net, I bet you will find someone who is ready to enter your logs to the computer. BTW your VU4 logs, are they paper logs? YES. CH 2. I choose to do other much more interesting things than data entry. See item 1. CH 3. I find LBOTW very difficult to use. And I have tried, and had help, CH still failed to get it. Even I can do that for you if you send me your logs in ADIF and claim me to be your LoTW-manager here on the DX-Reflector. I ACCEPT YOUR OFFER OF HELP, IF IT DOES NOT VIOLATE ANY CUSTOMARY MODES OF QSLing AND VERIFICATION. I BET SEVERAL OPINIONS ARISE ON THIS ITEMBUT, ART, PSE SEE MY SEPARATE MESSAGE TO U RE THIS ITEM. BTW, WHAT IS ADIF? NOT KIDDING. CH 4. Upload times are long and expensive. Well, it costs nothing in most parts of the world. OK, I GUESS THE 5,000+ BAHT I SPEND MONTHLY FOR CONNECTION IS A FICTIONAL THING? CH 5. I am just set in my ways, a product of a maturing factor. Not a reason to make us spend our money on DHL or postal expenses of any kind. ONCE AGAIN, I SAY-- IF YOU DISLIKE ME AND MY METHODS, JUST IGNORE ME... THERE IS A DELETE BUTTON, THERE IS YOUR CHOICE NEVER TO CONTACT ME BY MAIL, ETC ETC NO GUNS TO UR HEAD. AND I SAY THIS TO ALL THE FLAMERS ON THE REFLECTOR: WHEN U SEE MY NAME ON A MESSAGE, JUST DELETE IT AND SAVE UR BLOOD PRESSURE RISE. I CLAIM THE RIGHT TO BE ME AND TO BE SET IN MY WAYS... AS IT APPEARS SO DO U. CH I am going to investigate the PayPal option, but it really smacks of CH commerce. Sure it does. -- 73...Art RX9TX http://rx9tx.qrz.ru BYE BYE AND 73, CHARLES HS0ZCW _ Now you can see trouble…before he arrives http://newlivehotmail.com/?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_migration_HM_viral_protection_0507 Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Postal thieves
At 10:15 AM 8/27/2007, Mike(W5UC) Kathy(K5MWH) wrote: At 07:47 PM 8/26/2007, Charles Harpole wrote: I have a USA mail drop... my son receives my mail that comes to his and my USA address, 4301 Jenkins Dr, Plano, and he periodically sends my mail to me Last month he spent $148 usd to send me a slim FedEx box and reports US post is also expensive and slower and depends on the local post office at the end of the line.. and the other UPS-like services say they dump their foreign mail into the foreign post offices many times. Couldn't this all be easily resolved by simply using a QSL manager in a country where the postal system is reliable? I regularly see notices from individuals offering their services for this purpose. As for LOTW, I suggest you rethink your position on that. I certainly was happy when BS7H showed up on LOTW last week. A little effort goes a long way. 73, Mike, W5UC I think this all boils down to more about trolling than QSLing, since none of the proposed options seems to be acceptable to the person posing the problems. John K5MO Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] A How to QSL statement--final version
SUCCESSFUL QSLing de HS0ZCW Steps in sending a direct QSL to a DX station: 1. Obtain correct address via qrz.com or use the GO List for QSL manager addresses, or search the Web via Google. 2. Consult the DX stations web site or web information for special instructions (such as direct only, no IRC, or whatever). 3. Send via Air Mail. If you know the DX station has postal theft problems, send via Registered Mail (or via FedEx if you are really desperateone good FedEx is better than three lost Air Mails). 4. Write your own QSL card clearly in permanent black ink. 5. Use UTC/GMT times and dates only. Be sure to label which number is the date and which number is the month and year (for example, is 9/2/03-- Sept. 2, 2003 or is it Feb. 9, 2003 or maybe March 2, 1999 or Feb. 3, 2003?). 6. Clearly mark if your contact was a QSO or if you are a SWL. 7. Be sure your own call sign is printed clearly ON THE SAME SIDE OF YOUR CARD as the contact information (YOUR CALL SIGN ALONG WITH time, date, band, mode, etc.). 8. Use very clear type face for your printed call sign. No Old English type; no cute curlicues, etc. Put a slash in all zeros. Be sure your number one, your I and your lower case l (L) are clearly different (note problems with 1, I and l, can you tell the difference?). Oh and Zero and V and U are problems. Use upper case block letters only. 9. If you are THANKING receipt of a QSL, mark that clearly or you will get a second card and will waste time and money. 10. Always enclose a self-addressed return envelope (sae) that has: a. Your complete address, printed CLEARLY, and include your country (not everyone knows AK is in the USA !). b. Do not affix postage to this envelop* unless you are absolutely sure the DX guy can use it at his point of mailing. (I get USA postage affixed, but I want to mail it from Thailand duh!) c. Try to avoid folding your sae; use nesting envelops. If you just must fold the sae, never fold it exactly in half ! d. Use press-on/self-stick envelops and fold the flap open--that is, back over the address side so that the envelop is fully open. OR, if you use wet-to-seal glue envelops, which are stronger, be aware that these may self-seal in humid environments. ALWAYS fold wet-to-seal envelops open to avoid self-sealing. e. Place the non-info side of your card against the sticky part of your sae or place the green stamp against the sticky part of your sae. f. Do not put anything inside your sae. g. Write your call sign on the sae where that writing will be covered when the sae is sealed by the DX operatorin the place where the glue will stick. This allows finding your envelop and your card when the two have been accidentally separated. h. Because almost all mail today is air mail, use pre-printed air mail envelops or print air mail on your sae. i. Envelops that are pre-printed with return postage paid are GREAT ! 11. The outer envelop: a. Do not seal your outer envelop so that a finger can not get into the flap to open it. b. Use security envelop which has colored printing inside to retard seeing through the outer envelop. c. You can not configure your envelop to stop postal theft so just use normal sealing methods and skip inserting extra paper hoping to stop postal people seeing through your envelop. Super sealing jobs invite attention of postal thieves. d. Do not write any ham radio information, like call signs, on the outside of your envelops. Use non-smear permanent ink. e. Use post office frank for postage. If you affix real stamps, you invite theft of the whole envelope and contents so that the thief can steal the stamps. 12. Also enclose: a. USA currency ($1 is almost enough these days, $2 is better, more if you feel generous)**. b. Try to avoid IRCs because of problems cashing them in**. c. *Loose postage for the DX operators country, if you want to do an extra favor. d. Do NOT fold the currency bills EXACTLY in half. e. If you send no sae, no currency, nor stamps, expect a card back via the buro, if you get one at all. f. **If you are sure that the DX operators country forbids its citizens from having USD, it is best to include postage for that country or, in last resort, use IRCs. Use only USA Dollars, not other countrys currencies. 13.Note that a. Some operators like to get a separate card for each contact, and it is best to QSL in this way. b. If you send cards for more than one call sign (generally, not a good practice), be sure to increase your donation for return postage due to increased effort and cost. c. The best envelopes are made of Tyvek which is very water resistant, almost impossible to tear or puncture, but can be cut easily with a knife for opening. Write on Tyvek only with permanent markers to avoid wet smears. Tyvek does not take sticky labels well and needs extra long runs of good tape. 14.Look at the mail you have prepared
RE: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
OK, well, let's see here: (1) Regulation by bandwith. Poorly written, poorly explained, IMHO, something I did mention to my Division Director prior to the petition withdrawl. I think that the intent of the petition was to (a) allow US amateurs the flexibility that amateurs in most of the rest of the world have, to move sub-band boundaries as conditions warrant, and (b) be flexible enough to accomodate new modes of operation as they become accepted, without lengthy waits on FCC rules changes. The alleged more room for PACTOR III robots cannard is being spread by a small group of anti-PACTOR III/anti-WinLink individuals (there are several running posts on QRZ.COM on these and related subjects) who never can seem to be bothered, when asked, for verifiable facts. (One of these characters now refuses to answer me -- I'm a winlid and an ARRL shill because I kept asking simple questions that he ignored, deflected, or declined to answer. Oh yes, I'm now also a hinternetter, whatever that's supposed to be). There's a very simple solution. If and when a replacement for the Regulation by Bandwith petition is submitted, just include an exception limiting private mailbox robots (be they PACTOR III or anything else) to a small sub-band segment. (2) It's amazing to me how many people claim that ARRL supported No Code, which about equals the number who claim that ARRL failed to support No Code. The two sides about wash out, except, of course, that either way, the League is an appropriate straw man. I strongly suspect that the reality of the situation was the League being privately informed by some FCC staffers in the know that No Code was going to become a reality whether they liked it or not, so better to prepare for it. That, to me, says a lot about how the FCC looks on the Amateur Service (can anyone say BPL?), but that's another thread for another time. Suffice to say that we should be glad that we had the League doing what it could in the face of often appears to be a Federal bureaucracy that is determined to do what's best... for the bureaucracy... (3) Yes, the Spanish language tests. That's another one that's been so blown out of proportion. Have you actually read what was proposed? Or are you just reacting to the xenophobia out there? The League pointed out to the other VEC's that VE teams were, on their own, translatting the tests into Spanish. They proposed, in essence, that the NCVEC develop a set of standard tests, so that there would be consistancy in what is ALREADY BEING DONE. Apparently enough of the other VEC's disagreed, so that was that. But make no mistake. VE teams ARE translatting AND GIVING the tests in Spanish. It's not against FCC rules! So this was NOT, contrary to some beliefs, an attempt to do something new. Merely to standardize an existing practice. Oh, and don't forget that Puerto Rico, which is US territory, is primarily a Spanish speaking area. (Lovely island; went there for our honeymoon, but we took the wrong road into the rain forest and didn't get to see too much. One of these days...) (4) ICOM sponsorship. Hmm. Let's see. ICOM offers to sponsor the costs involved with certain contests, which helps keep the costs down -- and there are costs involved in running a contest. We see it every day in some professional sports (have you looked at a baseball stadium lately? to say nothing of NASCAR?). So exactly how does ICOM sponsoring some contests take the American out of the ARRL? Besides... how many major manufacturers are out there anyway? And where are they? Could be that no one else offered. Maybe someone will in the future. So what? Now: Have you talked with your ARRL Director lately? Or your Section Manager? Have you told them how you feel? Have you presented them with facts to try to persuade them? If not... why not? If you don't like the way things are going, you're going to have to do more than kvetch on a reflector. Or nothing will change. It's that simple. 73, ron w3wn -Original Message- From: W2AGN [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 10:12 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: Re: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW Ron Notarius W3WN wrote: It is your choice John, whether or not to join, or even like the League. But to make such an inflammatory comment... what facts do you have to back up that opinion? 1. Their recent attempt at Regulation by Bandwidth which was a transparent attempt to make more room for PACTOR III robots. This was done mostly behind the backs of the membership. Finally, after losing a LOT of members, thanks to Skip Tenny exposing this plot, they withdrew their petition, blaming widespread misconception. Which was their way of saying Oops, we got caught. 2. The ARRL supported No-code. That was bad enough, but whether you are for or against no-code, the fact that the Director's vote on the issue was made SECRET is not in keeping with an organization that is supposed to
[DX-CHAT] Addition: A How to QSL statement--final version
I wrote this below, and what I meant was that : If you send a QSL to manager, there should not be any need to read the K4VUD statement. You have to trust that the QSL-manager is not completely stupid! Also, I want to add that mail theft is really not as usual as many think - I have mailed hundreds of cards direct to Russia (just an example) and nobody has told me that the letter has not been received! Now I will get out of this never to end discussion, all the best and 73/DX de Osten SM5DQC First comment to the K4VUD statement: That was the most complicated statement I have ever seen regarding QSL'ing... I get around 10 - 20 cards for 9Q1EK and 9Q1TB every day - if anything is wrong, like USA missing on the envelope which happens often, I just add it. Cards go out same day as received if I'm not as busy as today getting my new 160 meter antenna up. As QSL-managers we have to do the best we can, reading the K4VUD statement every time you send a QSL out, should not really be needed - maybe for those managers that are un-experienced and should not be managers! Maybe it helps that I'm retired and have been working DX since 1962. Anyway, the strange feeling about LoTW by Mr. Harpole made me upload the 9Q1EK and 9Q1TB logs to LoTW today. 9Q1EK and 9Q1TB are now the only licensed amateurs in D.R. Congo. 9Q1D has retired to Sweden, and 9Q1NT to Belgium. 73/DX de Osten SM5DQC[EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: dx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 12:18 AM Subject: [DX-CHAT] A How to QSL statement--final version SUCCESSFUL QSLing de HS0ZCW Steps in sending a direct QSL to a DX station: 1. Obtain correct address via qrz.com or use the GO List for QSL manager addresses, or search the Web via Google. 2. Consult the DX station’s web site or web information for special instructions (such as “direct only,” “no IRC,” or whatever). 3. Send via Air Mail. If you know the DX station has postal theft problems, send via Registered Mail (or via FedEx if you are really desperate—one good FedEx is better than three lost Air Mails). 4. Write your own QSL card clearly in permanent black ink. 5. Use UTC/GMT times and dates only. Be sure to label which number is the date and which number is the month and year (for example, is 9/2/03-- Sept. 2, 2003 or is it Feb. 9, 2003 or maybe March 2, 1999 or Feb. 3, 2003?). 6. Clearly mark if your contact was a QSO or if you are a SWL. 7. Be sure your own call sign is printed clearly ON THE SAME SIDE OF YOUR CARD as the contact information (YOUR CALL SIGN ALONG WITH time, date, band, mode, etc.). 8. Use very clear type face for your printed call sign. No Old English type; no cute curlicues, etc. Put a slash in all zeros. Be sure your number one, your I and your lower case l (L) are clearly different (note problems with 1, I and l, can you tell the difference?). Oh and Zero and V and U are problems. Use upper case block letters only. 9. If you are THANKING receipt of a QSL, mark that clearly or you will get a second card and will waste time and money. 10. Always enclose a self-addressed return envelope (sae) that has: a. Your complete address, printed CLEARLY, and include your country (not everyone knows AK is in the USA !). b. Do not affix postage to this envelop* unless you are absolutely sure the DX guy can use it at his point of mailing. (I get USA postage affixed, but I want to mail it from Thailand… duh!) c. Try to avoid folding your sae; use nesting envelops. If you just must fold the sae, never fold it exactly in half ! d. Use press-on/self-stick envelops and fold the flap open--that is, back over the address side so that the envelop is fully open. OR, if you use wet-to-seal glue envelops, which are stronger, be aware that these may self-seal in humid environments. ALWAYS fold wet-to-seal envelops open to avoid self-sealing. e. Place the non-info side of your card against the sticky part of your sae or place the green stamp against the sticky part of your sae. f. Do not put anything inside your sae. g. Write your call sign on the sae where that writing will be covered when the sae is sealed by the DX operator—in the place where the glue will stick. This allows finding your envelop and your card when the two have been accidentally separated. h. Because almost all mail today is air mail, use pre-printed air mail envelops or print “air mail” on your sae. i. Envelops that are pre-printed with “return postage paid” are GREAT ! 11. The outer envelop: a. Do not seal your outer envelop so that a finger can not get into the flap to open it. b. Use “security envelop” which has colored printing inside to retard seeing through the outer envelop. c. You can not configure your envelop to stop postal theft so just use normal sealing methods and skip inserting extra paper hoping to stop postal people seeing through your envelop. Super sealing jobs invite attention of postal thieves. d. Do not write any
RE: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
At 06:19 PM 8/27/2007, Ron Notarius W3WN wrote: If you don't like the way things are going, you're going to have to do more than kvetch on a reflector. Right. You can vote with your feet, as I have after many yrs of supporting the league. John K5MO Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] A How to QSL statement--final version (Addendum)
At 05:44 PM 8/27/2007, Barry wrote: Successful QSLing de W2UP 1. If a DX station has a reputation for not returning cards or blaming postal theft for non-QSLing, or has a long list of inane rules to follow, don't waste your time or money. There will always be someone else to work who doesn't make you jump through hoops and/or profiteer from his hobby. Addendum to proposed QSLing suggestions. Any time it is possible, use LOTW. It keeps the US Mule and those other mail services out of the loop. No money available for thieves to steal, no GS to worry about, no air mail stamps to buy, thus reduced costs, faster results. DX stations, LOTW will greatly reduce your costs, keep you from having to write all of those QSL cards, take a lot less of your time, and make you an all around good guy. 73, Mike, W5UC age treachery will overcome youth skill http://www.suddenlink.net/pages/w5uc/ Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
There's a very simple solution. If and when a replacement for the Regulation by Bandwith petition is submitted, just include an exception limiting private mailbox robots (be they PACTOR III or anything else) to a small sub-band segment. The Headquarters decision makers will never stand for that. I was a member of the first ad hoc committee on digital operation - the committee Headquarters hand picked to propose the framework for the rules concerning automatic digital operation on HF. In spite of the objection by half of the committee members, we were told in so many words, that automatic operation would not fly unless the so called semi-automatic stations were exempted from any restrictions on their operation. That meant they did not have to operate in the narrow segments assigned for automatic stations and did not need an operator present to make sure they did not QRM other operations on the frequency. The individuals pushing semi-automatic operation are the same intervals who are behind the Winlink, Airmail, and other PACTOR, etc. systems that are abusing the amateur service for quasi- commercial purposes. ARRL's EMCOMM staff is pushing Winlink protocols with PACTOR III bandwidths for permanent deployment as an Emergency Communications Resource. I know one of the individuals who is working on the hardware control protocols, professionally, for the joint FEMA ARRL network. Don't give me the it ain't so crap - I've seen it first hand for more than 10 years. Only when ARRL proposes to the FCC that semi-automatic stations be subject to the same rules as any other automatically controlled station will your denials have any validity. 73, ... Joe, W4TV Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] qrm via data etc.?
To W4TV et al.. Slo scan tv ops on 14.230 + -, QRMs anyone on ssb that comes up there and it is on purpose and regularily practiced. Sounds like u are saying we are in for more of the same in another mode and with more legality behind it. Correct? Oh, well.. 73 BTW, if the slo scan QRM xmissions are weak enuf, 14.230 is a great contest freq. because the slo scan qrm chases many other ops away from there abouts. And, to non NA/non EU operators: there is regular intentional QRM from Europe on 14.195 these days, so if u r in a part of the world that can not hear that QRM, be aware that your intended listeners WHO CAN HEAR IT, can not hear you plainly. Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Find a local pizza place, movie theater, and more .then map the best route! http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2ss=yp.bars~yp.pizza~yp.movie%20theatercp=42.358996~-71.056691style=rlvl=13tilt=-90dir=0alt=-1000scene=950607encType=1FORM=MGAC01 Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
Well Joe, I have NOT said it ain't so so I'm not sure what denials you're talking about. It sounds like a determined number of the committee pushed their own agenda through. And based on the complaints that I've seen about the way some of these semi-automatic stations have been running, this was a bad decision. What I said, or thought I had said, was that the semi-automatic stations need to be segregated in their own sub-spectrum. I say that because of the way that some of these stations have abusively operated. Now we can do one of three things about it: (1) Nothing and let the chips fall where they may (2) Kvetch on reflectors and web site postings, which make us feel good. (3) Write our directors, and keep writing them, and tell them that this is wrong. And why. Which of the three do you think will have the most impact? I am not saying that the ARRL HQ is infallible; it is. Nor that they don't make mistakes; they have. I am saying that concerns must be addressed. And I am saying that it is easy for a director to fluff off one letter. A hundred, a thousand, with copies to the vice director, and the other directors, and the executive VP's... have impact. Or at least, they will if they present solid arguments, and don't appear to be a sign this campaign organized by a minority. HQ is not the League. We are the League. And every person who walks away from the League, or never joins in the first place, because of a perceived wrong, or a misunderstanding, or because of one inflexible issue, not only weakens the League, but permits those who would twist it into their own purposes greater power to do just that. So please, don't put words in my mouth and then tell me that you deny those words and you don't want to hear them. -Original Message- From: Joe Subich, W4TV [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 8:58 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: RE: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW There's a very simple solution. If and when a replacement for the Regulation by Bandwith petition is submitted, just include an exception limiting private mailbox robots (be they PACTOR III or anything else) to a small sub-band segment. The Headquarters decision makers will never stand for that. I was a member of the first ad hoc committee on digital operation - the committee Headquarters hand picked to propose the framework for the rules concerning automatic digital operation on HF. In spite of the objection by half of the committee members, we were told in so many words, that automatic operation would not fly unless the so called semi-automatic stations were exempted from any restrictions on their operation. That meant they did not have to operate in the narrow segments assigned for automatic stations and did not need an operator present to make sure they did not QRM other operations on the frequency. The individuals pushing semi-automatic operation are the same intervals who are behind the Winlink, Airmail, and other PACTOR, etc. systems that are abusing the amateur service for quasi- commercial purposes. ARRL's EMCOMM staff is pushing Winlink protocols with PACTOR III bandwidths for permanent deployment as an Emergency Communications Resource. I know one of the individuals who is working on the hardware control protocols, professionally, for the joint FEMA ARRL network. Don't give me the it ain't so crap - I've seen it first hand for more than 10 years. Only when ARRL proposes to the FCC that semi-automatic stations be subject to the same rules as any other automatically controlled station will your denials have any validity. 73, ... Joe, W4TV Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW
OK... before we go too far astray, let's get this thread back on track here. The issue of the thread is Use, or lack thereof, of Logbook of the World, and why or why not. Delving into the reasons why many are unhappy or worse with ARRL HQ is another subject, and frankly, it really does not belong on a DX thread. But that's my fault for letting it get that far. Bottom line is that (a) Logbook of the World has the potential to become a great resource, and (b) not everyone will use it. The reasons vary. We've already seen quite a few of them already mentioned on this thread. But, as I think I've stated before, recall that the primary purpose of LotW is to provide electronic confirmations as a supplement -- not replacement -- for traditional QSL'ing. Personally, I like LotW. But I will still send out for QSL cards. My own reasons are very simple, and include: (1) Tradition. I date back to 1969 as an SWL, 1972 first licensed. I still have almost all of my cards. There is a magic to many of them, the ability to recall a distanct-memory QSO just by holding that card, that electronic logging will never replace. And I don't expect it to. (2) Collecting. I like collecting cards. Pure and simple. And I'm willing to pay the price to do so... at least now that I can again. (3) Permanence. Nothing, not even QSL cards, lasts forever. But computers crash, logs are lost and sometimes never recovered (I'm still hunting for backups from some old contest logs in CT 8 CT 9 lost when my old, old 386SX shack computer's hard drive threw some bearings). Physical printouts let me recreate logs... still, I'll always have that card to confirm. One last thing to consider. You find many contest logs on LotW, and I think there will be more as time goes by. The reason is very simple... a contest weekend can literally generate hundreds of QSO's for a station -- thousands for a M/S or M/M effort. Many contest stations complain about the cost of confirming, in one fell swoop, those many, many QSO's -- and you have to, to some degree, or you risk that station NOT calling you in an upcoming contest. [And every time I got involved in a thread on that subject on other reflectors, I'd always get emails from the operators of a particular contest station telling me how expensive QSL'ing was, etc etc. Ironically, that was never the unnamed station I'd been talking about... and let's not get into a station owner who'll spend thousands on antennas, coax, and rigs, but begrudges a hundred or three dollars for QSL'ing]. LotW solves that problem. A contest station can upload his log, give instant confirmation (upon their also doing so) to the many stations who work them, thus giving the other guys the credits they need for DXCC, WAS, or eventually other awards. No excuses. Now, some will never take to LotW. Some are old-fashioned. Some are ornery and/or set in their ways. Some have hand written logs dating back so far, they're afraid to start something new and never get around to inputting the old ones. So be it. I for one will gladly lend a hand to anyone I can, who needs help getting set up, or help converting paper logs (and be thankful I switched to electronic logging in pfs:File over 20 years ago... if you ever saw my handwriting, you'd understand!) The offer stands. If you choose not to accept it, I'll still respect you in the morning. 73, ron w3wn Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[Fwd: RE: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW]
Thank you, Ron, for telling it like it is!! Bud Morin, K9ZT Original Message Subject:RE: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2007 18:19:12 -0400 From: Ron Notarius W3WN [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: dx-chat@njdxa.org OK, well, let's see here: (1) Regulation by bandwith. Poorly written, poorly explained, IMHO, something I did mention to my Division Director prior to the petition withdrawl. I think that the intent of the petition was to (a) allow US amateurs the flexibility that amateurs in most of the rest of the world have, to move sub-band boundaries as conditions warrant, and (b) be flexible enough to accomodate new modes of operation as they become accepted, without lengthy waits on FCC rules changes. The alleged more room for PACTOR III robots cannard is being spread by a small group of anti-PACTOR III/anti-WinLink individuals (there are several running posts on QRZ.COM on these and related subjects) who never can seem to be bothered, when asked, for verifiable facts. (One of these characters now refuses to answer me -- I'm a winlid and an ARRL shill because I kept asking simple questions that he ignored, deflected, or declined to answer. Oh yes, I'm now also a hinternetter, whatever that's supposed to be). There's a very simple solution. If and when a replacement for the Regulation by Bandwith petition is submitted, just include an exception limiting private mailbox robots (be they PACTOR III or anything else) to a small sub-band segment. (2) It's amazing to me how many people claim that ARRL supported No Code, which about equals the number who claim that ARRL failed to support No Code. The two sides about wash out, except, of course, that either way, the League is an appropriate straw man. I strongly suspect that the reality of the situation was the League being privately informed by some FCC staffers in the know that No Code was going to become a reality whether they liked it or not, so better to prepare for it. That, to me, says a lot about how the FCC looks on the Amateur Service (can anyone say BPL?), but that's another thread for another time. Suffice to say that we should be glad that we had the League doing what it could in the face of often appears to be a Federal bureaucracy that is determined to do what's best... for the bureaucracy... (3) Yes, the Spanish language tests. That's another one that's been so blown out of proportion. Have you actually read what was proposed? Or are you just reacting to the xenophobia out there? The League pointed out to the other VEC's that VE teams were, on their own, translatting the tests into Spanish. They proposed, in essence, that the NCVEC develop a set of standard tests, so that there would be consistancy in what is ALREADY BEING DONE. Apparently enough of the other VEC's disagreed, so that was that. But make no mistake. VE teams ARE translatting AND GIVING the tests in Spanish. It's not against FCC rules! So this was NOT, contrary to some beliefs, an attempt to do something new. Merely to standardize an existing practice. Oh, and don't forget that Puerto Rico, which is US territory, is primarily a Spanish speaking area. (Lovely island; went there for our honeymoon, but we took the wrong road into the rain forest and didn't get to see too much. One of these days...) (4) ICOM sponsorship. Hmm. Let's see. ICOM offers to sponsor the costs involved with certain contests, which helps keep the costs down -- and there are costs involved in running a contest. We see it every day in some professional sports (have you looked at a baseball stadium lately? to say nothing of NASCAR?). So exactly how does ICOM sponsoring some contests take the American out of the ARRL? Besides... how many major manufacturers are out there anyway? And where are they? Could be that no one else offered. Maybe someone will in the future. So what? Now: Have you talked with your ARRL Director lately? Or your Section Manager? Have you told them how you feel? Have you presented them with facts to try to persuade them? If not... why not? If you don't like the way things are going, you're going to have to do more than kvetch on a reflector. Or nothing will change. It's that simple. 73, ron w3wn -Original Message- From: W2AGN [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 10:12 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: Re: [DX-CHAT] LBOTW Ron Notarius W3WN wrote: It is your choice John, whether or not to join, or even like the League. But to make such an inflammatory comment... what facts do you have to back up that opinion? 1. Their recent attempt at Regulation by Bandwidth which was a transparent attempt to make more room for PACTOR III robots. This was done mostly behind the backs of the membership. Finally, after losing a LOT of members, thanks to Skip Tenny exposing this plot, they withdrew their petition, blaming widespread
