JOTA QSL - A Card in the Mail
Tony Manson and Keith Larson

Generally, the JOTA exchanges over the air include typical information: name, location (QTH), Scout rank, hobbies, etc.  Some exchanges lead to long-lasting pen pal friendships and the exchange of photos, badges, pins, and patches.

The "Q" code was originally developed as a way of sending shorthand messages in Morse code.  It is still used by radio operators for voice communications.  When ratio contact is made with a distant station, it is a tradition for ham radio operators to exchange contact cards (QSL) by mail as proof.  QSL means "I acknowledge your contact."  QSL cards gives the details of the distant contact, such as location, time and date of contact, etc.

Here are some example QSL collected from past JOTA.  The station call signs are indicated.  Can you guess the country some of these radio stations might be from just by the call signs?

KE9JQ GB2WSB OH1TX
K2BSA VE3 LA6UG
JA1YSS JA1YSS/1 JA1YSS/1
HB9S(couts) YB0S DL0IL
KE9JQ BV0BSC K2FA
DL0AVH DK0JR PA3EML
LA8JAM PB1NL DL0AVH

SOSSI JOTA/JOTI Home Page