Worth reading
!
Thanks to everybody who worked John WZ8D/KP2 and myself Joe W8GEX/KP2 from
the island of St. Croix last week. The European pile ups were large as
always,and we appreciate all the qso's.
Below is the article written by Uncle DX, which I have copied
with permission of QRZ-DX and The DX Magazine.I send you this list on how to operate pile ups from both ends. I would like to share it with you and would appreciate it if you could pass it on to your friends, club members and your radio magazines. As it is, there are always some stations that keep calling out of turn, and this slows down the qso rate. If we would all follow these simple suggestions, it would make dxing a lot better and more pleasurable for everybody.
Suggestions for DX Pile-ups
By Uncle DX
By addressing some of the basics for DX behavior, we will increase our
awareness/knowledge, help our ham buddies and make the DX journey successful and pleasurable. It takes two to tango, and both sides have responsibilities. We can agree most of the differences in how we deal with these issues have to do with which side of the pile-up we are on, being a little pistol or the so-call big gun and perhaps just the size of our egos. DXers may have an ego!
Below are some of the terms/issues for DX pile-ups and Uncle DXâs opinion on how to deal with them from both sides.
1. The DX station operators are in charge.
Yep, you bet. They are the ones who spent the money, lost sleep, have crabs
and spiders crawling up their legs, perhaps risked their life, been cold, hot,
sea sick, abused, etc. They are the boss, period.
2. Rules.
The DX station should make and adhere to their rules quietly and
respectfully. The rules should be followed the same way by the other side.
3. By the numbers (call areas).
When the pile-ups are large (this is relative but again the DX operator
decides what is large), the numbers game is good and prevents using too much spectrum to enable a decent rate.
4. Split and spread out.
ALWAYS PLEASE, even from the first QSO. The DX operator should listen where they say, never using more space than absolutely necessary and being aware that existing QSOs may be in progress where they are listening.
5. Signing calls by the DX stations.
I like giving the DX call sign to end a QSO and indicate itâs time for others
to call. Obviously this serves two purposes.
6. Timing.
I put a lot of stock into timing and pattern for a Dx operator. Roger,G3SXW/Nigel, G3TXF and Andy, G3AB are very good at this. It adds to their rate and improves accuracy for ALL.
7. Dupes.
If the QSO is not certain, do it again, and the DX station should keep on
trucking and not even waste time saying âB4â or âdupeâ. Donât break rhythm.
We should all try to be better operators and not dupe.
8. âWho firstâ.
This is hard, however I believe the DX station should work the easiest and
the ones which will provide them the best rate (and Uncle DX is a QRPer). As the pileups become smaller, work the edge to give little pistols and those using low power a chance to work them. It must be said this practice will make better operators out of all of us trying to work the DX. Just as important
is the fact that many hours have been spent building and installing better
antennas/stations, spending indecent amounts of resources, spilling blood
and hurting for days from climbing trying to make a âbigâ signal. They darn well deserve to be loud and work the DX first if possible.
9. Lectures (on the air).
Never, never ever by anyone, period. Rise above.
10. Full calls.
Always. Any questions?
11. Gray line.
Know it. Both sides and live it.
12. Everyone should know their equipment and how to best use it.
Take pride in your note (CW), quality of your SSB signal, correct frequency,
and operating techniques. Listen and listen some more to instructions by the
DX station and then abide by their instructions. Call when you can actually
hear them... enough ESP, poor timing and guess QSOs. Give a chance for
others to complete their QSO.
13. KC cops.
Forget it. It only builds the egos of those intentionally causing the
problems. For those who are still learning to operate their radios, they are
not going to hear or heed, and for the honest mistakes (and we all make them), they will discover their mistake without any copâs QRM. Perhaps an âUPâ once is okay under some situations. Respectful help is authorized, but quick and seldom for it will cost others that critical letter in their call and all that goes with it.
14. Spots.
Yes and often by EVERYONE, not just a few. We should help others and not
just sit back, reap and never sow but please make them accurate. Iâve seen some very sloppy spots lately.
15. Comments on spots.
Keep any comments in the true ham spirit and not personal, or with a
political/religious agenda. We are all equal in Ham Radio-- no exceptions.
There may be more, but these are the high spots for both sides.
Ladies and gents, letâs clean up our act, and one place to start is 3Y0X.
These are âprofessionalâ amateur radio operators operating from a beach of
ice, a tad cool, expensive, perhaps dangerous, and we should do our best for
them, and us, by following some of these suggestions. Common sense always
applies as well as helping our brothers and sisters make that special Q.
73/DX,
Uncle DX
