Hello,
I am new in eQSL.cc and in HAM radio hobby. I have only SWLs license at the moment ant notice that in eQSL.cc is only one eAward for SWL it is eDXtm eAward. I have loads of enthusiasm in this new hobby and would like to participate in more eAwards or competition while I am SWL but seems if your are SWL you are totally limited not only to make contacts with HAM radio operator but you are also almost everywhere ignored by all other clubs, websites or etc. I am not saying that SWL's are ignored by everyone and everywhere. I think SWLing is super good practice and start to become for real HAM operator but there is not much support for them to keep SWL'ing and be part of HAM radio operators family.
Thank you 73
LYC56
Rimas

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LYC56 Rimas Gendvilas

Ham radio and SWLing are 2 different hobbies. It is best to check out SWL organizations to see what their awards process is, if any.

Hams receive calls through official government agencies. Awards participation and verification go through a strict and accurate process to ensure authenticity.

Any person can be an SWL, and "call signs" really have no merit, as the SWL does not transmit. Also, anyone can come up with a "call sign". No official govermnent agency monitors that hobby.

Really, ham radio and SWLing are like apples and oranges... 2 different species.

Not being harsh... just honest.

73

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KD8DVR John L. Wilkerson Jr.

Hi KD8DVR,
Your point of view very strictly. And it looks like you just ignore such thing like SWL.
SWL’ing is perfect way to start ham radio hobby. I don’t know maybe you think that get HAM operation license is something like rocket science or even harder? I would like to say same like you said but from my point of view. Any person can get ham operator license.
I voluntary choose first to be SWL and get more experience, analyse everything before go in to air. Later I spotted that there’s no much things for SWL motivation to become to ham radio operator or etc. Need some motivation that young people to propagate this hobby or your don’t care about that?
You know your words for me sounds like:
big brother told to his young brother that you can’t play football with me! Go and watch your cartoons!
Please do not understand me wrong I just write my opinion like you did.
Not being harsh... just honest.
Have a nice day and good contacts with ham radio operators.

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LYC56 Rimas Gendvilas

Just wanted to make a few comments on this thread.

While as John says anyone can make up a SWL callsign, it doesn't mean they are not valid, at least in the context of eQSL. As far as I know eQSL is the only organization where we have the concept of an AG SWL user. This means that if you get an eQSL from an SWL who has AG status, you know that they are who they claim to be, or more important, their QTH information is valid which makes their eQSL useful. I have no problems receiving eQSLs from SWL users, and always reply.

I think SWL is a great hobby, I started out as an SWL and spent many years doing that. It was as an SWL that I discovered HAM radio, and got hooked. I'm sure my story is similar to many.

As far as the awards program goes, yes, currently the only award available for the SWL is the eDX. I would like to see more awards available in the future for the SWL user community, maybe that will happen at some point.

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73, Dave - VA3KAB

I started SWLing about a year ago, but I'm fairly new to eQSL. I think it's a bit of a shame that eDX isn't subdivided into bands and modes like the other awards are. Since I'm in Europe, I managed to get 25 countries in just over 2 weeks - mostly PSK on 20m. Yes, I can now try to get 50, but it would be nice to aim for 25 outside of PSK/20m.

I realise that eQSL is primarily for Hams rather than SWLers, and that is why there is only one award open to SWL. It's nice that eQSL recognises SWL.

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MA3043SWL Stephen Criddle

If you are a SWL listen for me I will answer SWL EQSL, 73 Ed kj4nt Naples,FL

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KJ4NT Ed Evans

There is a web site that you can go to, if you want to apply for a swl callsign.
http://swarl.org/article/materials/swl-call-signs/16
and they will email you a certificate with your new call sign printed on it.
it doesn't cost anything. thats where I got mine from.
go and have a look and see what you think. it will be a unique callsign which
only you will be able to use. it will take a week to receive it

73s and all the best to you in the future

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GW0001SWL GW0001SWL