QSL for non-hams?

Hi all, I am new to the site, and the hobby. I'm not a ham, but I do enjoy listening in on my SDR or portable radio. I stumbled upon this site, and it seems to be a good way to ID people by their callsigns, Unfortunately, it looks like I can't log a contact with someone without being a ham. I thought it'd be neat to let them know I heard them, but is this not possible on this website? There is always the paper QSL method, but being able to do it electronically would be very convenient.

 

Here's some background.
https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/confirm-reception-without-official-callsign.806686/
https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/why-is-this-callsign-on-qrz.809392/ see post #7

 

I get eQSL's from SWL's fairly often.

You can actually get an SWL callsign too for this purpose.(And I think it's completely free but double check on the site)
http://swarl.org/content/get-swl-call-sign

But if you do enjoy listening, maybe start studying for the ham license. Talking is even more fun

 

What you are describing is a hobby known as being a Short Wave Listener (SWL). It is still practiced today, but not as common as it used to be. Many hams, myself included, began our radio hobbies in SWL.

Most short wave broadcast stations would return a QSL card if a reception report was received. Here's an example of a very common SWL card from a short wave broadcast station in Quito Ecuador. The specifics about the confirmation is on the back of the card:


Hams who work a lot of DX still receive SWL reports and requests for cards to confirm the reports. Some SWL hobbyists had their own SWL cards printed that they filled out with a reception report to send to the station they were requesting the QSL card from:


To receive a QSL card from a ham, send a reception report that contains the date, time, frequency, mode, callsign of the station heard, signal report, and what they were doing when you heard them (calling CQ, working <Call Sign>, etc). It's also customary to send an SASE to return their QSL card to you, although many would probably send a card back without one.

It also doesn't hurt to be aware that many hams today do not exchange QSL's like most did in the past. It's a good idea to check their QRZ.com page and see what they say about QSL exchanges first.

Do do the same electronically, check out some of the suggestions offered by others. Good luck and have fun.

 

Thanks for the helpful info, all! Bummer that I can't access logbooks, but I do find this site very interesting for looking up all the people I hear on the air. I'm in Ohio, and was listening to a guy from Slovenia yesterday. Neat stuff.

 

Update: I was able to register on the eQSL website as an SWL, so I think this is what I'm looking for I started taking some practice exams, and may end up trying for my tech license at some point soon, but for now, the eQSL seems like a nice option to let people know I've heard them.

 

I get quite a lot of reports through eQSL from SWLs. I always respond, though it may take a little while - my log book in Log4OM uploads reports for the stations I talk to automatically, but I only see SWL reports when I log into the eQSL web site - which I only do a couple of times per month.

Martin G8FXC

 

Many of us got into the hobby by way of being a SWL. I still enjoy tuning around the various SW bands. Sadly, many stations have gone off the air and/or been replaced by the internet. As an SWL when it comes to the ham bands, you will be afforded the opportunity of learning some customs, traditions, and terminology that separates the hobby from other radio services. Good Luck, have fun.

 

Hey all, another quick question: is the 'logbook' on this site meant for 2-way contact only, or is it OK to sign someone's logbook if I'm only listening and pick them up, but can't reply? BTW, I'm taking my exams this weekend, so will be "official" pretty soon.

 

Sure. You can do a Web contact. See K1LKP's page and just to the right of Logbook is Web.
Great! Let us know how the weekend goes. Take as many tests as they'll let you. Some folks have walked out as a General and a few rocket scientists came out as Extras. Good luck!

 

Cool, thanks. I studied for the tech and general, and I feel pretty good about those. Not sure how much time the VEs have, but I could always take a stab at the extra just for the heck of it.

 

You ain't gotta a hair on yer butt if'n you don't take a stab! Har, har!

Fldigi and WSJT-X work on receivers, too. There are so many modes these days to have a rich listening experience!

 

VEs have the time you need to be tested. this is actually their job, and most seem to enjoy the opportunity to help someone raise their game.