[SFDXA] Online DXCC Application to Debut April 2

[Bill]

http://www.arrl.org/news/online-dxcc-application-to-debut-april-2

Beginning April 2 at 12:01 AM EDT (0401 UTC), the ARRL’s new Online DXCC 
tool will be ready to accept applications, allowing hams to supply the 
data from traditional paper QSLs in a digital form to apply for a new 
DXCC award or endorsement. Submitting a DXCC application using Online 
DXCC is easier than making a paper application, saving both time and money.

Using the Online DXCC Application, the user can select the cards that he 
or she would like to have checked by a card checker and, at his or her 
convenience, type that data into a form (which can be saved and 
retrieved at any time until submitted) and make an application for DXCC. 
When the application is finished, the participant will be able to print 
the list of cards and take the list and the cards (in the same order 
that they are entered into the form) to a card checker who will check 
the cards, note any changes and send the form to ARRL HQ. The card 
checker’s job is exactly the same as before, except he or she does not 
need to collect a payment (unless the participant has worked that out 
with the card checker), as the client can pay online. Once submitted, 
DXCC staff can access the file submitted by the client, quickly make any 
changes noted by the card checker and process the application. The 
Online DXCC Application will have rates that are half those of a 
traditional paper QSL application that is sent to ARRL HQ.

Advantages of submitting your DXCC application using Online DXCC include:

Cost: The application fees are lower when submitting a DXCC application 
through Online DXCC. In particular, the application fee and the extra 
QSO fee for Online DXCC are half those of a traditional paper application.
Accuracy: Making a DXCC submission with Online DXCC is more accurate 
than a paper application that is filled out by hand because 
typographical errors are eliminated (except for the call sign). There 
will be no data entry errors at ARRL HQ because the contents of an 
Online DXCC application are transmitted directly to the DXCC system at HQ.
Speed: Making a DXCC submission using Online DXCC speeds up the 
processing of an application because the information on the DXCC Award 
Application and the DXCC Record Sheet do not have to be manually entered 
into the DXCC system by ARRL HQ staff. The more applicants who use this 
system means there is a smaller backlog of applications and a faster 
turnaround for all DXCC program participants.
Convenience: The Online DXCC system will save the entered QSL card and 
application information for future access. You may enter information 
from your QSLs as you receive them and then submit your cards for 
checking when you are ready to apply for a DXCC award or endorsement. 
Cards no longer need to be in band or mode order.

Keep in mind that QSL cards will still need to be checked if you use the 
Online DXCC Application, either by a DXCC Card Checker or sent to ARRL 
HQ for checking.

Any radio amateur in the world -- ARRL member or non-member -- may use 
the Online DXCC Application. If you are applying for a DXCC award:

With a US call sign -- you must be an ARRL member. If you are not yet a 
member, you can create an Online DXCC account, begin entering your QSL 
card information right now and then join the ARRL when you are ready to 
submit your application.
With an overseas portable US call sign (like TF/NN1N) -- you must be an 
ARRL member.
With a non-US call sign -- you do not need to be a member of ARRL.