Radio Prague's QSL Cards

The three letters - QSL - constitute one of the codes originally developed in the days of the telegraph. All codes consisted of three letters beginning with "Q". Later some of these "Q" codes were adopted by radio-telegraphists and radio listeners. QSL means "contact confirmed" or "reception confirmed".

The expression "QSL card" or just "QSL" gradually came to be used among radio-amateurs and then more broadly as radio began to develop as a mass medium. Radio stations were keen to know how well and how far away their programmes could be heard and began to send their listeners "QSL cards" in return for reception reports. The card would include letters making up the "call sign" of the station - the system still used in the United States - or the broadcasting company's logo or some other illustration. The card would also include a text stating the frequency and the transmitter output power, and a confirmation of when the listener heard the station.

Domestic broadcasters do not tend to use QSL cards these days, but their popularity remains among radio stations broadcasting internationally. They are still keen to know how well they can be heard in the parts of the world to which they broadcast. In this Radio Prague is no exception. We will send you a QSL card if you write to us stating where, when and on what frequency you heard our programme, and what was the quality of reception. Please don't forget to add whether you are using local or universal time, and remember to include your address!

• QSL 2009   Czech locomotives
• QSL 2008   Czech sportsmen
• QSL 2007   Lookout towers in the Czech Republic
• QSL 2006  Czech scientists and inventors
• QSL 2005   Spas in the Czech Republic
• QSL 2004  The Year of Czech Music 2004
• QSL 2003  Czechoslovak motor cycles
• QSL 2002  UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Czech Republic
• QSL 2001  Historical Radio Technology
• QSL 2000  Past and Present of Czech Radio
• QSL 1999  Historical Radios
• QSL 1998  Historical Czech Automobiles
• QSL 1997  Czech Cities
• QSL 1996  Historical QSL Cards - We are sorry but these QSL cards are no longer available.

We have received a letter from a listener in the United States, Mr Jerry Berg, who has written a book about the history of shortwave radio and the DX hobby. He is the chairperson of a special committee of the Association of North American Radio Clubs aimed at preserving old QSL cards that would otherwise be thrown away. If youd like to know more about the committees work and Jerrys book have a look at his website http://www.ontheshortwaves.com