24 Dec 2011

WSPR QSL cards?

Just been having an interesting debate on Facebook about someone requesting an eQSL for an exchange of WSPR reports. Some would argue that, simply exchanging reports via the WSPR database does not constitute a "real" QSO, so a QSL is not appropriate. Indeed, some would say the WSPR database report is itself a confirmation of the report (which it is) so what is the point of a QSL card? On HF contests it is VERY common for only one callsign to be heard in reports such as, "G3XBM 599233 TU" yet such exchanges are used for DXCC credits if a QSL card is sent following such a "contact".

Personally I would eQSL a full 2-way exchange of WSPR data if done within, say 10 minutes, on any given band and consider this valid. I will only do this in response to one received. Others may violently disagree!

at 13:56
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6 comments:

Unknown said...

I would be one who disagrees (politely!) I see no reason why WSPR users should not QSL WSPR reception reports. But they are not 2-way QSOs.

(Unfortunately eQSL.cc doesn't have a way to distinguish reception reports from normal QSOs so if I uploaded WSPR reports to the site they would mess up my QSO stats and count erroneously towards awards.)

Sat Dec 24, 02:53:00 pm GMT
PE4BAS, Bas said...

I do a lot of WSPRing lately. But no I do not QSL. If I receive a QSL from a WSPR "QSO" I always reply with SWL as the report. In my opinion WSPR is not JT65A, WSPR a reporting mode not a QSO mode. 73, Bas

Sat Dec 24, 07:36:00 pm GMT
Roger G3XBM said...

Yes, responding with what is in effect an SWL QSL is valid, whereas a QSL for a full QSO would, in the generally accepted sense, not be.

Sat Dec 24, 08:56:00 pm GMT
Anonymous said...

I do not see much difference in 2-way comm via WSPR and e.g. JT65.
Indeed 2-way traffic must take place within a certain time frame (5 min ?).
QSL for wspr contacts no problem for me.
73 Ron PA2RF
hny2012

Sun Dec 25, 08:53:00 pm GMT
Anonymous said...

Yes, I've had requests for QSL cards to confirm "QSO by WSPR" when the WSPR database shows that the other person and I have each copied each other's signals within a short period. I've always declined to provide a QSL card.

The original QSL card was to give information for the originator of a signal (if sent as a SWL report) or to confirm a valid 2-way QSO between stations.

WSPR itself provides the 1st of these functions via the database, so no card is necessary.

In the case of confirmation of 2-way contact my view is that no such contact has taken place, simply that 2 people have independantly received each other's signals, perhaps only being aware of the fact some hours later when looking through the database online, I'm of the opinion that there has been no real "QSO" in these cases.

John

Tue Jan 03, 09:00:00 pm GMT
John Stone, KC9VGG said...

Interestingly, the ARRL LOTW WAS awards interface has a selector item for WSPR among all of the other digital modes that one can use for worked-all-states and such. I came to this page after googling on this to figure out how people might be using WSPR for QSLs that would count toward WAS, DXCC, and the like since I hadn't heard of it before. Perhaps this is just a mistaken inclusion in their web interface?

Tue Jan 17, 05:50:00 am GMT

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