QSL & Logging
Logging contacts and confirming them through QSL is a core part of amateur radio. Physical QSL cards and electronic systems each have their place, and every contact tells a story.
What is QSL?
"QSL" means "I confirm receipt of your transmission." In amateur radio, QSL refers to the practice of exchanging confirmations of radio contacts. This tradition dates back to the earliest days of radio and continues in both physical and electronic forms.
Traditional QSL Cards: Custom-printed postcards exchanged by mail between operators after a contact. Each card typically includes the operator's call sign, the contact details (date, time, frequency, mode), and often a unique design. Collecting QSL cards from different countries and stations is a beloved part of the hobby.
Electronic QSL: Modern systems like Logbook of the World (LoTW) and eQSL confirm contacts digitally, eliminating the cost and delay of international postage. Electronic QSL is now the primary method of contact confirmation for most operators.
QSL Services
The most trusted electronic QSL system. LoTW uses digital certificates to verify identities and confirm contacts. Accepted for ARRL awards including DXCC, WAS, VUCC, and WAZ. Free to use (ARRL membership not required).
Sign Up for LoTW →eQSL.cc
FreeElectronic QSL card exchange. Send and receive digital QSL cards with custom designs. Widely used as a complement to LoTW. Free basic account with premium options.
Visit eQSL →Club Log
FreeFree logging service focused on DX. DXCC statistics, expedition logs, OQRS (Online QSL Request System), and propagation data. Popular with DXers.
Visit Club Log →QSL Bureau System
ARRLInexpensive way to exchange physical QSL cards internationally through the ARRL bureau system, avoiding the high cost of individual international postage.
Learn About the Bureau →Logging Software
See the Software section for a complete list of logging software. Popular options include:
QRZ Logbook
FreeFree cloud-based logbook. Quick setup, accessible from anywhere. Integrates with the QRZ call sign database.
HAMRS
FreeSimple logging app for POTA and SOTA. Available on all platforms including mobile devices.
Log4OM
FreeFeature-rich desktop logging with QSL management, awards tracking, and DX cluster integration.
Awards
Awards are earned by confirming contacts with specific sets of stations. They provide goals and motivation for on-air activity. Major awards include:
- DXCC Contact 100+ countries/territories. The most prestigious award in amateur radio.
- WAS Worked All States. Confirm contacts with all 50 U.S. states.
- WAZ Worked All Zones. Confirm contacts with all 40 CQ zones.
- VUCC VHF/UHF Century Club. Confirm contacts with 100+ grid squares on VHF/UHF.
- WPX Worked All Prefixes. Confirm contacts with different call sign prefixes.
- POTA/SOTA awards Earn certificates through Parks on the Air and Summits on the Air activations.
Most awards are earned through LoTW confirmations. Visit the ARRL Awards page for details.