Eng-SWL-Guide

Guide: How to Correctly Confirm an SWL Reception Report

Many CB operators and QSL managers unknowingly make a critical mistake: they thank an SWL station for a "contact" (QSO). However, an SWL does not transmit. In this guide, we explain what an SWL station is, how to correctly confirm a reception report, and how to restore respect for listeners on the 27 MHz band.

Foreword: Misconduct and Lack of Respect on 27 MHz

Regrettably, we must address the fact that many operators, particularly on the 27 MHz CB band, do not conduct themselves in a polite or proper manner toward SWL (ShortWave Listening) stations. This manifests as a clear attitude of misconduct and disregard.

How to Recognize Operator Misconduct Toward an SWL:

1. Total Lack of Appreciation: The operator shows zero appreciation for the fact that someone has spent time and effort to send a reception report. SWL stations dedicate significant time and energy to accurately logging stations, designing cards, and paying for postage to send physical QSL cards, eQSLs, or letters.

2. Laconical and Rude Responses: Reports are laughed off with comments like "Thanks for the QSL lol", or they are simply thrown in the trash and ignored.

3. Frustration with Major DX Clubs: This careless behavior is particularly painful coming from the so-called "major" DX clubs. These clubs enforce strict admission requirements for their members, yet their managers routinely prove to be completely uneducated regarding SWL etiquette. They are too lazy to read a simple guide or training manual. They cannot look past the end of their own noses, forgetting that millions of listeners worldwide practice this hobby at a high level. If clubs demand high standards for membership, a basic educational course on the SWL world should be mandatory. In practice, members of smaller groups often know significantly more than the managers of the big four:

   • Alfa Tango (AT) – Members/managers ignore SWL reports.

   • Delta Alfa (DA) – Members/managers ignore SWL reports.

   • Sierra Romeo (SR) – Members/managers ignore SWL reports.

   • Romeo Charly (RC) – Members/managers ignore SWL reports.

4. The "You Are Not in My Log" Misconception: Many operators and managers respond rudely, stating that the SWL station is not in their logbook. This demonstrates a total lack of basic hobby knowledge. An SWL station does not transmit and therefore can never appear as a direct contact in your log! This is a fundamental matter of decency and standards. As an experienced operator and SWL station (active from 1974 to 2026 under the callsign 19AADX001), I will say it straight: anyone who still does not understand this in 2026 is acting out of pure ignorance. If this truth steps on your toes, that is your problem as an operator, not the SWL station's problem. Go learn the basics.

5. Careless Clerical Errors: Out of pure laziness, operators "blindly" return an eQSL or card stating "Thanks for the nice contact". This immediately renders the QSL card invalid for the listener’s certificate applications.

Why Is a Correct QSL Card So Vital for an SWL?

For a listener, your QSL card is the official proof that their receiver and antenna systems are functioning correctly. SWL stations use these cards to earn worldwide certificates and awards (diplomas). If you write "Confirming 2-Way QSO", the listener has to discard the card. You must specifically confirm their reception report.

Hard Facts and Statistics (FAQ Stats 2015 - 2026)

As an experienced station, I have sent over 4,500 SWL QSL reports (mostly eQSL) between 2015 and 2026.

• Out of the digital eQSL confirmations received back, there were 151 eQSL returns.

• A staggering 139 of these were filled out incorrectly by the operators! They stated "Thanks for the QSO" instead of "Thanks for your SWL Reception Report". This proves that the major radio groups in the present day have learned nothing from the past.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the QSL Card Correctly

When you receive a physical card, a letter, or an eQSL from an SWL, check your logbook and fill out your return QSL card as follows:

1. The Roepnaam (Callsign)

• WRONG: Writing the listener's code in a box that says "Confirming 2-way QSO with...".

• RIGHT: Write the listener code of the SWL (e.g., NL-12345, 5073SWL, or PA11599) in the To Radio or Station box. The specific callsign you enter depends entirely on what the SWL station provided on their received card.

Digital Modes and CB Radio (Voice & Digimodes)

If you operate digital modes on the CB band (such as via JS8Call, WSJT-X, or WSJT-X-CB), you can check what your station logged in terms of RX/TX range via PSKREPORTER.INFO.

• Instruction: Ensure that the connection to PSKReporter is properly enabled within your software's settings. As an operator or a listener, you can then enter your callsign on the live map (pskreporter.info) to trace the activity of the past 24 hours.

• (See the SCREENSHOTS subcategory on this website for a visual guide on how to configure this).

2. The Critical Box: QSO or SWL Report?

• WRONG: Checking the box for "QSO" or "2-Way".

• RIGHT: Use a pen to clearly cross out the word QSO or 2-Way. Check the box that reads "Confirming Your SWL Report" or manually write: "TNX FOR SWL REPORT".

3. Date, Time, and Frequency

• Copy the date, time (preferably in UTC/GMT), the exact frequency (or channel), and the modulation mode (SSB/AM/FM, or digital modes like JS8) exactly as they appear in your own logbook.

4. The 'Proof' (Who were you talking to?)

• An SWL listens in on a conversation you had with a different station. The SWL's card will always state the callsign of the station you were talking to. Verify this against your logbook for that specific time.

Sample Text for the QSL Card (Return to SWL)

If your physical QSL card or your digital template on platforms like LOG1DX.COM does not feature a dedicated SWL section, manually adjust the standard text on the back like this:

To Station: [Insert SWL callsign here, e.g., 5073SWL]

Confirming QSO your SWL Report on [Date] at [Time] on [Frequency/Channel] Mode: [SSB/FM/AM/JS8].

Remarks: Thank you very much for your highly accurate reception report and for taking the time and effort to send it to me! 73!

ADVERTISEMENT: JOIN THE CB CLUB FOR FREE AT AADX.CLUB

Alfa Alfa Delta Xray DX Group (AADX) was founded on March 1, 1974, in the Netherlands. In the summer of 2025, the club was officially handed over to a new, enthusiastic team based in Bulgaria, led by World Wide QSL Manager Emil (178AADX001).

• Free membership for active CB operators and SWL stations!

• AADX features its own professional QSL printing service (LZ QSL Printing Service).

• Visit our official website at www.aadx.club and join us today!