Don,
There's no easy way to do this. I could do it in about four steps.
First, buy a QRZ.COM CD, then import the data (ascii delimited text) into
you favorite database program (I still use dBase IV & 5.7 though M$ Access
has captured the bulk of the market). This gives you relatively easy access
to the US callsign addresses. I'd also index the database via callsign,
you'll see why in a sec.
Then, I'd extract the calls (only) from the log(s) in question -- and do a
"unique" extract so you only get one entry for each call worked no matter
how many times you worked him. Import this list into a database that has
room for the address information.
Next, I'd write a very simple query. Start with the first record from the
extract database, find the match in the callsign database, and import the
name, address, and zip info. Continue until you reach the end of file.
Finally, excluding blanks (non-matches), print mailing labels from the
extract database.
It's actually not that tough, it sounds harder than it looks.
Why the QRZ CD? RAC is encrypted, and I don't know what format(s) the other
competitors use. However, before someone blasts me on this one, BUY IT,
don't borrow it. It would be unethical to borrow someone else's CD, copy
the data, and return it. I think they call that "stealing." If you buy it,
you are merely converting the data into a more useable format, which is
normally an acceptable use.
You can also go further (there are ways to do SQL queries to on-line
databases to get up to date information). This is just a suggested starting
point.
73, ron wn3vaw
After being grilled by Milwaukee police, is the wurst over for the
Pittsburgh Pirate's Randall Simon?
One thing's for sure; there are no weiners in this one...
----- Original Message -----
From: <wx3m@comcast.net>
To: <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Subject: [CQ-Contest] mass QSL-card address-label printing?
I have bee a ham for over 12 years, and have been contesting (on and off)
for most of that time. I have also been casually chasing DX. I have only
kept a semi-accurate, semi-inclusive "log" and have never sent a QSL card in
my life. (long story)
I have turned over a new leaf and would like to QSL some (many, actually,
but not all) of my contacts, including a couple of particular contests. (I
am going through a paper-chasing phase, I think, and I like the idea,
conceptually, and am resistant to just "let it go" without trying it.)
If I order cards, and print labels, and stick them and sort them (though
they print already mostly sorted), DX cards can be bundled and shipped to
the outgoing buro real easy. However, here is my dilemma: How can I address
domestic cards for domestic contests to be mailed as postcards in an
automated way? What I mean is this: I can print the QSO labels from NA real
easy, then stick them on cards. The hard part is addressing them. Is there a
program/utility that will generate the address labels? For instance, if I
"upload" my callsign list from a contest, will it look up each call and take
the US address info and put it on a label and then print it and then look up
the next call, and so forth?
What I am trying to avoid is having to manually look up each address for,
say, an NAQP log with 800 QSOs in it, or a Sweepstakes log with 1500 QSOs in
it.
I know this looks like QSL-card "spamming" on the surface, but I am not
really envisioning/intending for it to be that (please put down your
flogging devices...).
Help? Advice?
Feel free to respond directly...
Thanks,
Don
WX3M
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