M0OXO

Charles Wilmont, M0OXO, operates a private, self-funded,  QSL management bureau, where he sorts and distributes both physical and electronic QSL cards for distribution around the World for the best known DXpeditions including 3YOK Bouvet and Peter I Islands,  as well as for IOTA, or Islands on the air.  We touch on Charles’ ham radio beginnings and his private career as a police officer in Sheffield, South Yorkshire , United Kingdom, made famous by its founding industries of steel and coal, and by the movie The Full Monty.  M0OXO is my QSO Today.

Charle’s Website: M0OXO QSL Manager Services 

Favorite operating modes: CW Morse Code and digital modes

Current Rig: 
Kenwood TS-990 HF Transceiver
Alpha 87A Amplifier
Expert 1.3K Amplifier
Hexbeam Antenna

Introduction: 
Charles Wilmott (M0OXO) shares his journey in amateur radio, describing his station setup and involvement in CW and data modes. We touch on activities like “Islands on the Air” (IOTA) and managing QSL cards for DXpeditions.
We discuss the effort required to manage QSLs for DXpeditions, focusing on QSL card distribution through national and club bureaus, along with self-funding postage expenses. 

Charles emphasizes the commitment of being a QSL manager in ham radio, discussing upcoming DXxpeditions and the significance of delegation in the past versus automation now. The discussion includes details on personal travel plans, the use of club log versus the Online QSL Request System (OQRS) for confirming contacts with DXpeditions.

The meeting closes with insights on managing expeditions to Bouvet Island and Peter I Island, highlighting the importance of efficient request systems. It underscores the voluntary nature of contributions in amateur radio, with managers worldwide dedicating their efforts for the love of the hobby. 

Outline:
Chapter 1: Introduction to Amateur Radio Hobby (02:13 – 09:00)

• 02:13: The podcast highlights the amazing and dynamic nature of the amateur radio hobby.
• 09:00: The progression from beginner to advanced levels of licensing is discussed.

Chapter 2: Collecting Islands on the Air (12:47 – 14:39)

• 12:47: The concept of Islands on the Air program is introduced.
• 13:10: Collecting stations from different islands and earning separate group numbers is explained.
• 13:30: Each park or area having a reference number and ticking them off in a book is mentioned.

Chapter 3: QSL Bureau and Expeditions (15:36 – 21:23)

• 15:36: Setting up and managing a QSL bureau is discussed.
• 17:24: The role of a QSL manager in confirming contacts is explained.
• 19:09: Printing and managing QSL cards and logs is described.

Chapter 4: Club Log and OQRS System (38:45 – 42:30)

• 38:45: The difference between Club Log and the Online QSL Request System (OQRS) is highlighted.
• 42:19: The QSL workflow and the need for a system tailored to QSL managers is mentioned.

Chapter 5: Sponsorship and Support (25:11 – 26:22)
25:11:

• The importance of support through sponsorships, donations, and using the QSO Today Amazon link is emphasized.
• Chapter 6: Conclusion and Call to Action (47:05 – 48:58)
• 47:05: Encouragement to check the show notes for additional links and information.
• 48:17: Information on becoming a listener sponsor and the syndication of the QSO Today podcast is provided.

Note: This outline is a condensed summary of the main topics discussed in the transcript. It excludes small talk and non-essential details.

Terms:
Police Officer, Sheffield,UK
999 Emergency in England
Wakefield Amateur Radio Club, Yorkshire
UK Amateur Radio Licenses: Foundation, Intermediate, and Full License
IOTA – or Islands on the Air
POTA- Parks on the Air
IOTA Chaser
DXpedition
3YOK Bouvet and Peter 1st Islands
QSL Card Management
DXpedition QSL Manager
T32C DXpedition
Logbook of the World, LOTW
EQSL – Electronic QSL Card
QRZ.com
OQRS System – using Clublog 
IARU – International Amateur Radio Union
QSL Bureau  
RIB (Rig in Box) to an Island DXpedition
Bouvet Island DXpedition Jan 25
Green Parrots
Ringneck Parakeets