Field Notes from N1JUR

Real-world ham radio tips, portable operating lessons, gear thoughts, and activation stories from the field to the shack.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog is where I go deeper than a YouTube description. You’ll find practical ham radio guides, activation lessons, gear breakdowns, and field notes from real operating experiences.

Some posts are beginner-friendly. Some get a little more technical. And some are just honest lessons from the field — because not every activation goes perfectly, and that’s usually where the good stuff happens.

Portable operating tips
POTA, SOTA, and location-based activation ideas
Gear and antenna experiments
Beginner-friendly ham radio guides
Field stories and lessons learned

N1JUR 3/24/23 N1JUR 3/24/23

QSL Cards? Are they relevant in the hobby?

Are QSL cards still relevant in the hobby? I still think so, its a great medium and one that brings joy.

I recently received an email from another ham introducing himself, and in the conversation thread, he posed the question,

“Do I have my own QSL Card?”

After replying with an initial No, It got me thinking.
QSL cards have been a tradition in the ham radio community for many years. They confirm communication between two operators and are often exchanged to commemorate the contact. While some may argue that QSL cards are outdated in the age of digital communication, they remain an essential part of the ham radio hobby for many operators.

QSL cards are still relevant because they offer a tangible way to remember a contact. Many hams enjoy collecting QSL cards to document their communication history and display their achievements. Additionally, QSL cards can be a way to connect with other hams around the world and learn about different cultures.

Another reason QSL cards are still used is that they can be used as proof of communication for awards and contests. Many contests require QSL cards as proof of contact, and some awards can only be earned by exchanging QSL cards with a certain number of countries or regions.

Overall, while digital communication has undoubtedly changed how hams communicate, QSL cards remain an essential part of the hobby for many operators. They offer a tangible way to remember and commemorate contacts and can be used as proof of communication for awards and contests.