Technical information
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2FWREHU 7KH8UEDQ';·HU
CCR - Turks & Caicos Island
KSL Salt Lake City - 1968
advertisers, names of DJ’s or announcers, station include a self addressed stamped business
slogans or any other details that would convince envelope. Station budgets for this sort of thing went
them that you heard their station. You can also out with the holla hoop!
include comments on the stations format and local For foreign station you can include two *International
weather if discussed. Reply Coupons or the somewhat simpler one US
4. Note the exact times when station ID’s were letter in their native language also helps.
received, and quote the verbiage as close as
possible. I also make it a point to say a little about myself like
5. Include information on the equipment you used to and the fact that I’m an active amateur radio
receive them and be sure to tell them how well they operator. I usually include one of my amateur QSL
were heard. If their signal had competition from cards and sign the card with my call letters following
another station be sure to mention that station. my name. In several cases the person who
6. Tell the person you’re writing to where you are can make the difference between a reply or a
located contribution to the stations paper recycling bin!
and a little about yourself.
7. End your letter by politely askin that your Mail off your report and sit back. I’ll usually wait
reception be verified in one of the following ways. about 30 days before I send off a follow up report. In
a - A QSL Card
b- A letter of verification
c- signing and returning your letter
Tips & Tricks
So who do you send it to? Years ago it was a given
that you would address your letter to the “Chief
Engineer.” Major station still employ a person with
that title, usually very overworked and sometimes
less than eager to respond to the probable hundreds
of letters he receives. the follow up report be sure to mention that this is
If it’s a rare catch you may wish to send two letters, your second attempt and why you’d really appreciate
one to the “chief engineer” and another to the a response - it’s my first station from Florida...you
“program director.” get the idea! How many times you try is up to you,
If you’re really into this facet of the hobby you can but I usually give up at three attempts unless it’s truly
subscribe to the National Radio Clubs newsletter a rare one.
which is published weekly during the fall / winter DX
season. In most issues they list the names of people Closing Comments
who have been signing QSL cards. Your reception I’ve included a few of the QSL’s I’ve received. Some
can be directed to that person to increase your
chances of getting a reply!
The NRC also publishes their AM Radio Log that
lists all US and Canadian stations. The publication
which is distributed as loose pages sorts by
frequency and call letters. Station formats and other
details are included, facts that can help you identify
those weak stations. This is a great source for the
exact station address. If all else fails, you can take
your chances and address it to the stations call
letters @ the city the announce.
If you expect to receive any response be sure to
“green stamp” ($1) If it’s a foreign station, writing the
how long I’ve been DX’ing the AM broadcast band
responded was a fellow ham. I really believe that this
Follow Ups