I finally made my own QSL cards!
I got the idea from YLRasia – R1BIG. She created a card printing out a photo and then printing a label for the back. So I copied her idea and ordered a Canon Selphy 1300 which is a 4×6 dye sublimation printer – so the ink doesn’t dry like inkjets do. Then I made a template for the back of the card that looks like a QSL card on the left and a standard postcard on the right.
I sent one to a friend to see if she’d get it and I also replied to NG9J, W5DTB, KF5YDG who sent me cards over a month ago. Sorry, fellas!
I set it up so that I can print them on-demand and drop them in the mail. I have yet to see if its cost effective but basically:
Printer – $130
216 4×6 cards including ink – $61
Stamp $0.36
100 sheets (4 card backs per sheet) Sticker Paper $18
That works out to 32 cents per card + postage but NOT including the initial cost of the printer. This in-line with mail-order companies when you buy a bulk order of, like 500 or so cards. Of course I have the advantage of being able to change and tweak the cards as I go along and only print what I need. I think its a good trade-off.
73,
AE0RS
