To receive incoming DX cards via the bureau,
amateur radio operators need an "account" established with
this bureau. This can be in the form of
Self-Addressed-Stamped-Envelopes (SASEs) on file at the
bureau, or in some cases by establishing a cash account with
the appropriate letter manager. The three options are:
Option 1. Send SASEs to the Bureau.
This is the option most frequently chosen by
operators to get their incoming cards from the Bureau.
A letter manager is assigned to each call sign
based upon the first letter following the number in the call
sign. The letter manager for NQ4K is the "K" letter
manager. The Bureau's letter managers receive incoming QSL
cards, sort them by call sign, and either put them into a
Self-Address Stamped Envelope (SASE) or into an unclaimed QSL
file. When the SASE is fill, the letter manager puts it
into the USPS mail.
Generally SASEs are 6 x 9 side-opening
envelopes with the operators address in the front middle,
stamps for 1, 2, or 3 ounces postage in the upper right hand
corner, and the amateur radio operator's call sign in the
upper left corner. Currently the USPS postage rates are
58 cents, 78 cents, or 98 cents for 1, 2, or 3 ounces of
postage respectively.
For the normal operator making a few DX
contacts, we recommend sending 2 envelopes. For a heavy
DX'er, we recommend maintaining 3-4 envelopes on file.
We will notify you when we need additional envelopes by
including a notice in your last envelope.
You prepare the envelopes and mail them to the
Bureau.
Option 2. Send
Funds for Bureau prepared SASEs.
The second option is to request SASEs from this
Bureau. We will prepare the SASEs for you if you send funds to
the Bureau.
To use this option, send $1.00 for each
envelope to the above mailing address. Include your
mailing address and call sign. We will address the SASE
and apply 2 ounces of postage. Please print clearly.
Checks should be make out to Sterling Park
Amateur Radio Club with your call sign in the memo
field. Alternatively, but not necessarily recommended,
you can send cash. We currently do not support
electronic fund transfer.
Option 3. Maintain a "cash
account" with your Letter Sorter.
Some Letter Managers prefer that users maintain
a cash account. Alternatively, if you normally receive a large
number of QSL cards, some Letter Managers may permit a cash
account for that call sign. This is entirely up to the
preference of the Letter Manager. This reduces the
amount of space required by the Letter Manager, however this
also incurs the additional risk of losing the funds.
A list of the Letter Managers that prefer a
"cash account" is available at: