Dave, NK7Z reviews eQSL

[N2RJ]

The user interface eQSL uses is well thought out, pretty, and useful. In my opinion, it simply blows the ARRL LOTW interface away in coolness factor. It offers a number of options, and is well presented. I wish LOTW has such a nice UI, (User Interface). I will not sing the pareses of the UI for eQSL, just go to their website, and look at it. It is a pleasure to use, and navigates.

What makes it cool?
Does cool equate to useful?

I have found the eQSL interface nothing short of frustrating and have had numerous 500 errors when navigating the system, such as when applying for awards. Never had this problem with LoTW. I don't even go there much anymore. I just upload from my log software to give other hams the courtesy of an eQSL.

[KY5U]

I prefer eQSL as it is more user friendly and works easily. I do not chase paper, so the "award" issues are non-starters. I think that may be the real issue: those who chase paper use LOTW and those who don't are more inclined not to care. They can use eQSL to fulfil the real purpose of QSLing, confirming a contact.

[AA7BQ]

N4UFO and N2RJ,

Thank you for your responses. Honestly, I expected push back on my position and you both have great points to share.

I'm glad that DXCC exists in our hobby and harbor no illusions that my "lighten up" attitude will change anything. I just felt like pontificating a bit today and I enjoy the back-and forth that comes with arguing with polite, reasoned, and well spoken opponents such as yourselves.

[2E0OZI]

Hey Fred I reckon you should pontificate a bit more!! It was a very thoughtful well presented and cogent point of view, and like KY5U, I don't chase paper. I'm a pretty new ham, but that aspect of it has never appealed, so eQSL (which I am new to as well) seems an economical way to exchange cards. I'll still send the occaisonal real card, and quite often after a nice QSO I'll email that ham and thank them properly.

73

Scott

[NK7Z]

The awards section of eQSL is much better than the LOTW interface... All in my opinion of course. I have never had a 500 on eQSL... I really think that there is room for both in the world, and we, as the active Amateurs using both systems benefit! As I mentioned in the review, competition is a good thing...

Cool can equate to useful, the UI for eQSL is useful, looks good, and works fine for me, hence the, "in my opinion" proviso on the review. I like the ARRL interface, in a Linux sort of way, (which I run at home on all computers), and it appeals to me, however, having more options on eQSL's menu goes a long way... It is prettier, and more colorful, than the ARRL menu. I realize that looks really have not much to do with operation, however, there are after all humans involved here... Humans like pretty things!

Dave
NK7Z
Reviews and setups:
http://www.nk7z.net

[NK7Z]

Hi,

There is an active NK1Z out there, I worked him and am waiting for the QSL card. That got me to thinking, I may try and work all the NK?Z calls out there... Nice to meet you!
Dave
http://www.nk7z.net

[NK7Z]

Thank you for posting on the blog! Getting others viewpoint is very important in reviews... I did miss those differences!
Dave
http://www.nk7z.net

[AC7DX]

Maybe someday, defiantly no time soon though. Long live "real" QSL Cards!!!



Tom KCØW

Whats North Dakota???? :-)

[VE3LXL]

It's true that it's a lot easier to cheat on eQSL than it is on LOTW. All you have to do is to confirm eQSLs from other users that you never actually worked on air. But you know, paper QSLs have exactly the same weakness, and I don't see people using that as an objection to trusting paper QSLs.

[W4AMP]

I used to use e-qsl, but qsling there keeps ops from sending the real card. LOTW you still have to pay money to get the credit. I prefer the actual card personally. If they get the card to me I get one back to them. Bureaus lately have become kind of messy. Long waits and lost cards. I have 275 on phone through the league on phone. I have ten cards that the operations were not approved for DXCC credit. So I have actually been unable to get credit for those entities due the operation not getting certified. That is strange. So I vote the old QSL card in the hand. That is what I prefer.