VP9KF   Paul Evans, Baileys Bay
WWV Log    F:77 A:8 K:1 SSN:52

FAQs (frequently asked questions)

---

QSLs - Why no IRCs?
Discussion amongst many DXers in NA/SA have shown that the USPS is making it VERY hard to encash IRCs since 2007-01-02. In fact, although they are supposed to sell them, they have no idea what they are. Note: The USA is currently the chair of the Universal Postal Union(!)

---

QSLs - Why SAE?
If you send a self addressed envelope it makes returning a QSL to you VERY easy and less prone to errors.

---

QSLs - Why so much money?
The rate for sending a letter from the USA to outside (including Canada) increased from $0.66 to $0.90 on 2007-01-01. A HUGE increase. The cost (at the lowest price possible) of a full colour QSL card is $0.08. If you send $2 and SAE it helps a lot!!!! Sending one from VP9 costs well in excess of US$1. A very complex calculator for USA mailing can be found here.

---

QSLs - Why no bureau?
Bureau cards are slow. Extra work. They could come through my other routes:

G4BKI [RSGB] - won't make it. I have this callsign, but I'm not an RSGB member and don't send envelopes to their buro.
VP9KF [RSB] - might just make it if they don't discard them and if VP9GE gets them for me :-)
W4/VP9KF [ARRL] - I joined the ARRL but they are so slow in everything I doubt they will ever arrive(!)

---

QSLs - Why none sent out from you?
I gave up DXCC from VP9 a long time ago. I don't need to go chasing DX from here. Sorry! I have to receive one from you to do so.

---

Why VP9KF?
For a few years I grew up in VP9. I also signed G4BKI/VP9 before getting a local callsign by taking a written and Morse exam.

---

How often are you there?
We spend about 10% of our time here during the year. That's about 35 days of DXing.

---