CONFIRMING OUR QSO ON ECHOLINK

[YC3GZA]

Why the qsl card not valid as our qso confirming on echolink ?

Regards,
de yc3gza

[KB7QOA]

It really depends on how you look at it. My personal opinion is Echolink is a useful tool for ham radio, and allows amateurs who may not be able to communicate with each other for whatever reason (propagation, antenna restrictions, etc) to do so. It is no different than a linked repeater network when used via RF links on one or both ends. The "is it ham radio" to me enters the gray area when both ends are using a PC or phone with no radio, but even then it is 2 hams enjoying a QSO on a system that requires a ham license.

If you and I were to chat via Echolink and you wanted to exchange QSL cards, I'd be happy to do so. The QSL card to me is a physical reminder of the conversation, and I highly enjoy looking over my cards and invoking those pleasant memories. The QSL card is perfectly fine to confirm that QSO. Now with that said, if we were to have an Echolink QSO, my card will reflect that. I will fill it out with the usual info, but I'll put Echolink as the frequency and N/A on the mode or something similar. The various rewards programs specifically prohibit "power assistance" which means repeaters, autopatches, IRLP, and Echolink. Therefore I don't want my card to be mistaken for a valid contact as far as awards are concerned.

That's just my take on it and I'm sure there will be many people who disagree with me. Ham radio is something different for everyone, and if Echolink allows you to enjoy your hobby, then more power to you.

[KJ6EZQ]

Because it's not fun and exciting as sending RF hundreds/thousands of miles. I don't know anybody who would bother sending a QSL card for a repeater contact either.

If you mean it's not valid for an award it is because the awards are for long distance contacts via radio. The awards are not for speaking to people in different countries, but for contacting the various countries via long distance radio.

[VK2AKG]

Because it's not fun and exciting as sending RF hundreds/thousands of miles. I don't know anybody who would bother sending a QSL card for a repeater contact either.

I QSL every time I am a new ops first contact, nicest thank you letter I ever got for a QSL was from a new op after we talked on the local repeater.

73 Frank vk2akg

[YC3GZA]

Thanks for KB7QOA, VK2AKG, KJ6EZQ, yes I do agreed with all of your opinion regarding my question. Sure, communicate with radio (RF) more exciting, challenging, and fun.
Greetings from Indonesia.

73's
Regards,
de YC3GZA