On 11/1/2021 2:54 PM, between "Daryl Stout": August,

...it's just easier and cheaper to
eQSL (QSL electronically). But, not every area has internet access, and
in some countries, all content (internet and otherwise) is heavily
regulated and "spied on" by goverment entities.

Too bad for the lack of internet access. eQSL wouldn't help in that situation.

Usually, ham radio operators send their cards to a QSL Bureau, for processing, as it's much cheaper than doing it on their own. Yet, with
the US Postal Service now taking a minimum of 5 days to deliver First
Class Mail...along with several reports of losing mail (I've experienced that)...folks are doing eQSL's now.

Why even bother with a 3rd-party eQSL? Why not just email contact/log info direct via email?
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Linux
* Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757.2)

August,

Too bad for the lack of internet access. eQSL wouldn't help in that situation.

That's true...but without either one available, you'll never confirm
the contact.

Why even bother with a 3rd-party eQSL? Why not just email contact/log info direct via email?

Many hams collect these QSL cards as "wallpaper"...I don't. Contesting
and contacts were never my cup of tea. My niches are traffic nets, doing
an introductory forum at hamfests, conducting license exams, and when I
feel like it, ragchewing (chatting).

But, it's so hard to sit at the computer for long periods of time anymore, with degenerative disk disease in my back and spine...the pain is radiating into my tailbone this morning.

I likely will take an Ibuprofen, and go back to bed for awhile. And, the colder temperatures and pressure changes aren't helping matters much. I basically am at the computer now only when I have to be.

Daryl

... Shin: A device for finding furniture in the dark.
=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)

On 11/2/2021 4:08 AM, between "Daryl Stout - August Abolins":

But, it's so hard to sit at the computer for long periods of time anymore, with degenerative disk disease in my back and spine...the pain is radiating into my tailbone this morning.

Isn't there something akin to a wireless headset that you can use? Then you could pace around the house, and keep moving while interacting with the radio.

---
* Origin: nntp://news.fidonet.fi (2:221/6.0)

August,

Isn't there something akin to a wireless headset that you can use?
Then you could pace around the house, and keep moving while interacting with the radio.

If I didn't have to log the checkins, and if I had a rig, that'd be an option. But, I operate "internet only"...because the systems locally are
NOT "on the gateway"...meaning they're available to local access only.
And, all my nets are done on "reflectors" outside of Arkansas.

There are still a large number of ham radio "purists" who believe that
ANY form of "internet radio" is NOT ham radio. To me, it's just another
tool in the toolbox. An FCC official noted years ago, "we are communicators first, and ham radio operators second". One's health can change in the
blink of an eye, where they have to go from operating fully via RF, to
having to go to a facility where RF would affect medical devices, which
could cost another resident their life. With "internet radio", they can
still stay with the hobby, and keep the loneliness out of their day.

I can vouch for that loneliness factor, as my Mom was in a nursing home
for over a year before her death over 2 years ago. Thankfully, she died
before the COVID-19 restrictions kicked in.

I can NOT see penalizing someone who has been in the hobby all their
life, to make them give up something they love, just because their health
has declined (as everyone's will).

Daryl, WX4QZ

=== MultiMail/Win v0.52
... The 2nd law of thermodynamicss is observed in my home.
--- SBBSecho 3.14-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (1:2320/33)