QSL card printing - the pitfalls of printing

Cards for special calls became an issue

I recently got around to reprinting my special call QSLs after it seems my original batch to the bureau went astray. Thought I would use a different method this time as only 38 seemed to be missing (1 pack of G stations). I therefore reran the computer extract via Mail Merge (see my site under HRD Utilities) and printed each document as pdf's.

I then converted these to .jpgs using an online conversion tool and I was ready to get them printed. Looked around for the best option for achieving this and Max Spielmanns (Timpsons) was the outlet of choice. The order was duly made online with the images uploaded and the selection of the radio button on the order form entitled 'actual size' was made, thus deselecting the 'to fit' button. The paper stock was 6" x 4", image size as 5.5" x 3.5". I was happy to guillotine the white bits off myself.

About 3 or 4 days later I received a package through the post containing the 38 photographs, all printed at full size, hence too big for the ever picky RSGB Bureau. I was already in their bad books as I had sent cards to them with the Russia cards not sorted in the way described in the Yearbook which I do not have access to and have no intention of purchasing. I suggested this information be published on the RSGB website but I got the impression that the guy I communicated with just couldn't be bothered. Information still not there.

ANYWAY... I contacted Max Spielmann (Timpsons) and explained my situation and received a reply saying that the actual size should have printed them actual size but as their paper is 4"x6" this is the smallest they do. Actual size would leave white bits around the edge...

My response was  that that is what I expected and that they had not followed my instructions and asking for a further response as to getting a reprint. Nothing heard for 10 days so 2 days ago I again emailed them asking for a response.

I subsequently received a message from PAYPAL advising that my money had been refunded. NOT A WORD from Timpsons.

TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE.

ISS and APRS

Success at last

After several attempts to get a decent signal from the ISS I noticed on twitter that the orbit tonight within radio sight of the UK was imminent. Went to the shack, fired up the PC and switched the Icom IC706Mk2G to 145.825 MHz then got Multipsk running in APRS mode.
Didn't make much of the decodes th the main window, however the Map feature shewed the detail as they came in.
Finally sorted out my system, and now to get to know what the hell APRS is about...
Details of the contacts below.