[LOGic] Printer for QSL cards instead of labels

Mon Aug 14 12:09:23 EDT 2006

There are two direct-on-card printing solutions I use here. Both will print
one-off QSL cards on standard 3.5 x 5.5 postcard stock. A straight-through
media path is essential.
1) I use an older HP laser printer, the HP-5MP, for printing QSL info
directly on preprinted (regular) QSL cards. Feeding the cards from the
drop-down front media holder and opening the rear media collector creates a
straight-through path. Because the semi-gloss coating on printed QSLs is
optimized for offset printing, inkjet printing won't work. You must use
laser printing on this kind of media. Trust me, I experimented with this for
weeks.
2) I also use an HP-7210 All-In-One inkjet printer equipped with the
optional rear media caddy (ordered separately), creating a straight-through
media path. On this setup, I print the complete card on heavy matte-finish
photo paper. Since It is virtually impossible to buy hi-res inkjet stock
pre-cut to 3.5 x 5.5 (unless you have it done for you at Kinko's or
similar), I cut the card stock myself on an office-type paper cutter from
8.5 x 11 stock. You get four cards out of each sheet with a minimum of
waste.
In summary, there are two basic requirements: 1) Make sure the printer is
capable of a straight-through media path, and 2) make sure the printer is
capable of feeding 3.5 x 5.5 media without jamming or going out of
registration. Of the two setups above, the second is the most reliable -- 
though getting the card stock loaded into the rear caddy just right takes a
little fiddling. :-)
I designed both report templates in LOGic 7 using an existing report
(Octavia) as a starting point. The second full-card solution also uses
imported graphic elements I designed in Adobe Illustrator.
Bill W5WVO
mel martin wrote:
> I used to use labels... Last time I printed QSL cards... I had about
> 2500 labels to stick on and sign. Swore I'd never do it again! So far
> I haven't... But I'm back-logged about 4000 cards now... So I'm
> thinking about printing directly on the cards also.
>>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: logic-bounces at mailman.qth.net
>> [mailto:logic-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of K0DAN
>> Sent: August 12, 2006 11:52
>> To: Wes Cosand; Logic email reflector
>> Subject: Re: [LOGic] Printer for QSL cards instead of labels
>>>>>> Wes:
>>>> Can't answer your specific question regarding card stock into
>> printers, but
>> have you considered using labels instead?
>>>> Some years back I was trying to print QSL cards, but it was too big a
>> production. I gave up that approach and had cards printed on
>> one side, then
>> I use Avery 25x67mm labels: one with my station info, one
>> with the QSO info,
>> and one address label. They are all standard report forms
>> within LOGIC. Yes,
>> there is a little bit of clerical work, but every few months
>> when it's time
>> to do a QSL batch, I just print and stick on the labels, then stuff
>> envelopes. An hour or two of the clerical work can easily
>> produce 60 or more
>> QSL cards with SASE's, etc. The finished product looks very
>> good, and the
>> demands on the printer (ink/toner/babysitting) are nil.
>>>> Just a thought...
>>>> 73
>>>> Dan
>> K0DAN
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Wes Cosand" <w.cosand at verizon.net>
>> To: "Logic email reflector" <logic at mailman.qth.net>
>> Sent: Saturday, August 12, 2006 10:42 AM
>> Subject: [LOGic] Printer for QSL cards instead of labels
>>>>>>> Folks:
>>>>>> What laser printers are being used successfully to print QSO
>>> information
>>> on
>>> QSL cards? I am tired of "baby sitting" my current printer
>> which has
>>> trouble feeding post cards.
>>>>>> Wes, WZ7I
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>> Date: 2006年08月11日