This is such good advice and is concise with so much you need to know in one place, that I am reposting it here for future reference. When I get time, I’ll reformat it and incorporate it into the appropriate section of the site. – Al AE2T
If you are working on the Basic Award please take your time when submitting your cards and check each one very carefully. Make sure the cards are from an Extra Class formatted call sign such as the 1×2, 2×1, AA2x2, the state you are submitting them for, that they are actually for the call sign you are submitting them for on the application, that the frequency is marked to four digits such as 3.668. E-QSLS must show the frequency in the comments field on the E-QSL or state that the contact was made on the Geratol Net and show the AG seal either on the card or below the card. If the AG seal is below the card you must submit the entire page so that the awards manager gets the AG seal.
On the application please include a valid email address and/or phone number (both are better) in case the awards manager has questions and/or he can notify you of your new Geratol Number. Also please indicate how you want the name on the certificate to read. If it is for a club, do you want a persons name or the club’s name on the certificate? This also holds true for any of the awards that have a certificate. Please include a check made out to Dave Ertel for the amount of the award and return postage if you want your cards back when submitting for the Basic Award. The cost of the Basic Award is $10.00.
I have found that the fastest and safest way to submit your cards for the basic award is to use the USPS small priority mail box (8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ x 1 3/4″). It may cost a buck more, however, it works great. All priority mail now receives a tracking number included in the cost of the Priority mail postage. The tracking number should be on your receipt from the Post Office. If you want you can email the tracking number to me and I can watch for it also.
I know from experience that completing the Basic Award is very exciting and you just can’t hardly wait to get that New Geratol number, however, please take your time when submitting you cards as it will speed up the process. I don’t like to have to tell someone that one of their cards is wrong or something else is wrong, however, if you take your time when submitting them it will save a lot of time and pain down the road.
If you have any questions about cards and/or submitting your cards please DO NOT hesitate to contact me with your questions. I would much rather answer questions before you submit rather than have to tell you that there is a problem with your application or cards. You can contact me anytime via email or by phone. If you are calling via the phone, I am up until 11:00 PM EST/EDT every evening and don’t mind the calls. If I am across the street on the radio Sandy will call me on the intercom and let me know you are on the phone. If Sandy and I are both on the air I will try to have my cell phone with me. My contact info is as follows: email address is kj8v@charter.net, my home phone is: 231-864-2354 and my cell phone number is 513-850-9426.
Sandy and I really get excited when someone completes their Basic and Directors award and I just really want to make the whole process as easy for you as possible.
Good Luck and Best 73
Dave KJ8V Awards Manager