I am an ARRL appointed Field Checker for QSL cards and will be happy to approve your submission for awards if you please follow these guidelines below.  

FAQ:

Q: What is the Online DXCC Program?
A: The Online DXCC Program allows you to enter your QSO data online. There are several advantages to using the online system.  Click here to read more about the Online DXCC System.

Q: How do I login to the Online DXCC system?
A: Click here to go to the Online DXCC system. You need an ARRL Web Site account to use this Online DXCC system and will be asked to log in.

Q: Can I still submit handwritten applications?
A: Yes, applications prepared by hand or via the online system are acceptable for field checking.

Q: Will you check anyone's cards?
A: Yes, as long as you are a member of the ARRL and follow DXCC Program guidelines.  I will check cards in the order I receive them,  but I will give priority to ARRL Western Washington Section residents.  In cases where I am backlogged, I may suggest using a local checker in your area.

Q: What materials do I need to send to you?
A: You need to send me these items:

Q: Can you check all cards?
A: Yes.  I can also check cards for 160 Meters or deleted countries.  The previous rule about not checking cards older than 10 years old has been dropped.

Q: Can I use my logging program to generate the necessary paperwork?
A: Generally, no.  Unless your program produces pages that look exactly like the ARRL forms, this is discouraged.  The problems uncovered with third party logging forms include:

• Cards not listed by band then mode (80 M CW to 10 M SSB), then multiple QSO cards
• Date not listed in the format DD/MM/YYYY or DD/MM/YY
• Assumptions made about the DXCC Entity for multiple entities that use the same prefix, like VP8 or VK9.  (Although the DXCC Desk will correct this)
• Cards listed in random order, or in order of entry by the operator

The DXCC Desk is trying to work with logging software vendors to produce compatible form output, but this is a work-in-progress.  I will accept forms produced by logging software, but I may kick the forms back to you if they have the above problems.

Q: Is there a preferred way to ship cards to you?
A: I prefer Priority Mail since it is fast and cheap, and I don't have to sign for it, or go to the Post Office or UPS Office in person.  However, it will be MUCH QUICKER to arrange a time/place to meet and conduct the inspection in person.  I'm retired and I volunteered for this position because there was a territorial need for faster turnaround.

Q: Can I just send my materials to you?
A:  No, I would rather hear from you in advance, so you won't have to wonder what happened to your cards.  My address/phone number/email address are shown below.

Q: Can I check the status of my DXCC application at the ARRL?
A: Yes, the League has setup a web page where you can check that your application has been received, and where you are in the processing queue.  Click here to visit the Applications Received page. 

Q: What order do the cards need to be in?
A: For handwritten applications, the DXCC Desk has asked that your cards be sorted by band, then by mode, then multi-QSO cards at the end of the stack.  This is spelled out on the record sheet of QSOs you got from the League's web site.  So, first put 80 Meter CW cards, then 80 Meter SSB cards, then 40 M CW cards, and so on, until 10 Meter SSB cards.  After that, list any cards that have multiple QSOs on them.

Q: How do I sort the "multiple QSO" cards at the end of my list of cards?
A: There is no specific order needed for these cards.

Q: Are official DXCC Rules available online?
A: Yes, click here to read the rules.  The rules contain a detailed description of how field checking works, and what cards are acceptable for field checking.

Q: Can I use any DXCC forms I have in the shack?
A: No, please make certain the forms are the latest ones.  If they are not dated within 1-2 years (as noted on the bottom right), please use the above links to download and print the latest forms.

Q: What common mistakes are observed on DXCC forms and paperwork?
A: Prefix and Country Names do not match.  Please double check your entries, especially if hand prepared and not computer generated.  Also, many applications are missing the award, certificate or endorsement desired.  Please check the appropriate box(es) in the upper left corner of the form.  Also, it may be difficult to calculate the fees required for your application.  Please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any specific questions.

Q: Should I submit exactly 100 cards for my initial DXCC certificate?
A: No, you should submit 2 or 3 extra cards in case I need to reject a card or two (see the next question).

Q: Why do you reject a card?
A: I have found 3 reasons that cards are typically kicked out.  First, the callsign is wrong or missing.  In several cases, letters in the callsign have been transposed, such as W1AW was submitted as W1WA.  Also I have seen cards with no callsign.  It's just missing.  In both of these cases the cards are rejected and as far as I know there is no recourse, you must resend to the manager to get it fixed.

Second, the entity name for some common prefixes is missing.  This is the case for prefixes such as FO, VP8, VK9 and probably others.  If you submit a FO card for credit as the Australs it must clearly say Austral Islands somewhere on the card.  This is also true for Falkland Islands and so on.  As far as I know, it is not required to have the entity name displayed on the card for all entities, just the ones with multiple definitions.  So if you submit a card for DL1ABC it is obviously a German card even if Germany is not displayed on the card.  

Third, if the QSO data has been rewritten, struck through or modified I may reject the card.  This is much less common in these days of computer printed labels.  I have seen cards with "white out" covering part of the QSO data and new data rewritten over the "white out".  A card like this will be rejected.

Q: Do you accept printed eQSL or other electronic cards?

A: No, but with one exception.  The operator will need to have an original note handwritten on the printout, not the image.

Q: Do you accept printed eQSL or other electronic cards?
A: No, but with one exception.  The operator will need to have an original note handwritten on the printout, not the original image.

Q: Does the ARRL maintain a DXCC FAQ list?
A: Yes!  Check here for an extensive list of DXCC questions and answers maintained by the DXCC Desk.

73,

John W7CD

2073 NW Valhalla Loop, Poulsbo WA 98370   360.434.2512   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.