----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2006 10:01
AM
Subject: Re: [DX-CHAT] Question
Assuming the Dx station moves around and answers callers on their own
frequency, and does not work more than one caller on a particular frequency-
The DX operator has no way to communicate to the pileup as a whole. They will
be listening on their own frequency for the Dx to answer them, not listening
for other qsos. As new stations find the pileup, or see it spotted, will
likely begin spreading out farther and farther trying to be sure they are
calling on a clear frequency. Even if the spread is mentioned in DX spots
operators will likely try to push the edges hoping the Dx will go just a
little higher to find them in the clear.
Although finding the frequency of the previous qso and calling there, or
where the Dx will next be listening, is a pretty basic skill to DXing, I think
you will find 90% of the callers are not doing this. They sit in one spot, or
pick spots at random, and call their lungs out. If they are loud enough
eventually they get the contact, but not with the satisfaction of getting it
because they were able to listen and choose the best place and time to call. I
have been able to very easily work weak JA callers from CY9 despite many loud
US and European callers by finding a relatively clear spot in the listening
spread and dropping hints to the pileup. Just say "203" for example. The good
DXers are listening, and within a few seconds call on that frequency. You can
work 6- 10 stations before the crowd listen long enough to catch on. When the
bedlam starts, find another fairly clear spot and again just mention the
frequency. The best Dxers get the contact easily, while many others blindly
call barely taking a breath. I have put many good JA operators in the log this
way. But- that was not the question.
Really, except perhaps in the biggest pileups, split would not be needed if
operators were able to listen and use timing. Obviously, this is not possible.
Stations simply cannot contain themselves enough to call when the DX asks QRZ
or otherwise indicates he is ready for a call, and not transmit the rest of
the time. But, too many stations must transmit all the time, even if the DX
has identified another station and is trying to work it. They transmit when
they are not the station identified, and often even while the Dx station is
transmitting, hence split is needed. But, anyone who has been a Dxer for more
than 5 minutes knows this.
What is the solution to the qrm on the DX frequency? Well, if someone
doesn't know the DX is woking split, or by accident is on the wrong VFO, or
whatever, it would be no problem if ppeople had the smallest amount of self
control. If the offending station is calling with proper timing, when the Dx
says QRZ, or is otherwise ready for a call, calling on the DX transmit
frequency is of no consequence other than a waste of time for the caller. The
trouble is the lack of self control which requires many listeners to try to
enlighten this individual. They are now transmitting when the DX is
transmitting, rendering the DX inaudible to many. Is there a solution?
Apparently not. These are likely not new or inexperienced DXers. Education
hasn't worked, expecting people to change their personality or develop self
control is a lost cause. The bedlam will continue.
What about intentional qrmers? Nothing short of direction finding and
enforcement by Governments will have any effect on that, and that simply will
not happen. What choice does the Dx have but to continue on the best he can,
and work those fortunate enough to hear him through the bedlam? I have even
monitored stations intentionally interfering with high seas rescue operations
where lives hung in the balance. If people with transmitting equipment are
sick enough to do that, how can we expect any less regarding Dx operations?
There are many possible motives involved in qrming a particular Dx operation,
and expecting the ones doing such things to somehow develop self control and
concern for one's fellow man is not realistic. Can we somehow come up with new
ways to circumvent the problem of qrm on the DX transmit frequency? Maybe, but
I don't think answering callers on their own frequency is the way. I think
this has been done before, resulting in massive chaos.
73 for now,
Duane, WV2B
"Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm."- Ralph Waldo Emerson.
