[amsat-bb] Re: Timing on VUCC Upgrade Processing

[Patrick STODDARD (WD9EWK/VA7EWK)]

Hi!

That sure seems like a long time. And then, to have an error occur withthe
> processing and no sticker and no credit card paperwork. Not very
> goodattention to detail.
> It sure makes using LoTW a much better way to go. It's a whole lot
> faster(often a day or two for credit) and less human intervention and
> possibilityfor errors.
> Unfortunately, the percentage of operators using LoTW is not as high
> aswhat fellow users would like. Overall, the ARRL figures show only
> about14% of QSO records have been QSL'd. Wish there was better
> participation.
>

I have only used LoTW for my satellite VUCC applications.  It took almost
4 months to get the initial certificate back in 2011.  After that,
endorsements
filed through LoTW later in 2011 and in 2012 were processed quickly, but I
never received the proper endorsement stickers until I went back to ARRL
via e-mail and asked for them.  For the 125-grid sticker, I received a 125-
grid 6m VUCC sticker.  An e-mail to ARRL, and the 125-grd satellite VUCC
sticker was in my mailbox in a few days.  I didn't get anything for the 150-
grid level, until I e-mailed ARRL to ask for it.  Guess they don't see many
satellite VUCC applications and endorsements via LoTW.

I am now starting to go through my QSL cards to make a large endorsement
application for my satellite VUCC.  This will add at least 300 more grids
to my
count, and will take a while to get everything in order.  This was why I
started
out just using LoTW for my satellite VUCC.  But, as N5AFV mentioned
earlier,
we satellite operators should file for this award.  Even if all it does is
show ARRL
that we're out here.

73!





Patrick WD9EWK/VA7EWK
http://www.wd9ewk.net/