+++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 15:40:46 +0000 From: Larry Cahoon To: rod at n0rc.com, "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [122233] Re: WAS ans ARRL Awards Rod, There are ways to get the cards checked locally. Their DX checkers should be able to do it. I used what they called an official checker from an ARRL affiliated club. I never sent them any cards direct for WAS. 73 de Larry..........WD3P in MD http://www.qsl.net/wd3p/ At 08:00 AM 3/16/2002 -0700, Rod N0RC wrote: >Folks, > >WAS: Job done, received a card for my DE contact yesterday. >Thanks to all on QRP-L who helped by sending a card. 80% or >more of my cards are from QRP-L members! > >Now it's time to apply for the award. Checking the ARRL >website I see I have to submit the cards and an application for >inspection. Understandable, here is what is will cost: > > WAS application: $10 (cards must be submitted > for inspection) > postage: 8 (two way, traceable, est.) > -------------------- > 18 (subtotal) > > And money already spent: > > 50-100 QSL cards 10 (min estimate, 50 min but not every > card is answered) > postage for cards 20 (gross estimate inc. SASE) > envelopes 2 (est) > ---------------------- > GRAND TOTAL: $50 (approx est. probably more) > >I will complete the process for this certificate as a matter of >principle. I committed to doing this long ago, and will honor >that commitment. > >This will be my last consummated paper chase. I have higher >priority usage for my $50. > >For me it boils down to a question of: achieving a milestone >such as WAS, or achieving _AND_ certifying that milestone. I am >satisfied with the achievement alone. > >As I wrote long ago, my principle mode of QSL will be eQSL, >http://www.eQSL.cc. It is a better (more economical/convenient for >me) way. It will not, nor should not, replace paper QSL cards. >(I will always respond in kind to a paper QSL card) I have >considered the "forgery" question of eQSLs. I have decided that >if passable currency can be reproduced on home computing >equipment, so can QSL cards. > >I offer this analysis, especially to the new members of the >amateur radio operator community, in the hope that it will help >with your decision on how to approach the "Awards Question". > >73, Rod N0RC >Ft Collins, CO +++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 15:41:47 -0000 From: "WI8W" To: Subject: [122234] QRP WAS Awards All, Brian you are absolutly right. You do not have to send in your cards for the awards from QRPARCI. All is required is a GCR list signed by two amaterurs of General class or higher indcating that they have inspected your cards and certify that they are correct. This form is available on the QRPARCI website at www.qrparci.org Many who have applied for the awards have also included photocopies of both sides of the cards instead of the GCR list. I would like to repeat that sending your original cards is not necessary and it is strongly recommended that you do not send them to me. I nor will QRPARCI will be responsible should anything happen to them if you send them to me and they are lost or destroyed. Many years ago I sent 150 cards to the ARRL to get an endorsement for my DXCC certificate. I sent them via Registered Mail and they promptly disappeared. They were never received by the ARRL and no trace of them have ever been found. A lot of those cards are not replaceable. Sending original cards is strongly discouraged at least by me. I have not sent for any award from ARRL that requires original cards. I have them field checked instead. Once bitten, twice shy. I would also like to mention that the Awards Program of QRPARCI does accept electronic QSL's as proof of a contact. I have never had a problem with any forged or phony verifications. www.eqsl.cc 73 Thom Durfee Awards Manager QRPARCI +++++++++++++++