Important changes to the Bureau

G3MRC VS1FW QSL 1961

The RSGB QSL Bureau process is now being handled by the German National Radio Society, Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC).

The traditional QSL Bureau structure remains but there are three important changes, and two new ways of sending cards. The differences are summarised below but please read the pages that follow in this web section for full details.

What has changed?

1. There is a new PO Box address for posting cards from the UK. The new address is:

RSGB QSL Bureau
PO Box 73
20 St. Loyes Street
Bedford MK40 1ZL

2. Members no longer need to enclose a RadCom wrapper to validate their membership: eligibility to send and receive cards will be verified by the Society’s membership database. It is therefore very important that your membership record is up to date and includes any secondary call signs for which you wish to receive cards. Changes to your RSGB membership services account can be made by logging on via the RSGB website or contacting the RSGB Membership Department via membership@rsgb.org.uk

3. The DARC has slightly different rules for packaging outgoing cards. In particular:

  • Foreign cards must be sorted in order by DXCC country prefix
  • Bundles of QSL cards must be clearly labelled with the country or bureau name (eg “France – REF”, “USA – ARRL”).
  • Secure bundles with rubber bands or paper straps only
  • Do not use adhesive tape, plastic wrapping, staples or metal clips
  • Cards from different call signs must not be mixed

New ways to send cards

There are two new options for sending cards:

1. Fast Track service

Members may send cards directly to the DARC QSL Bureau for faster processing. All eligibility rules and fair-usage limits still apply. Your call sign must be clearly contained within the package. Failure to do this will result in cards being rejected/destroyed.

Send your QSL cards to:

DARC QSL-Service GmbH (for RSGB)
Lindenallee 4
34225 Baunatal
Germany

2. DARC Direct QSL Print service (available later this year)

This enhanced paid service allows RSGB members to upload their log (in ADIF format) to the DARC system and have QSL cards printed and dispatched directly at a 20% discount on published prices.

Any questions?

The new QSL Bureau service is being coordinated on an interim basis by Graham Coomber, G0NBI. You can contact him via qsl@rsgb.org.uk