[DX-CHAT] Leaderboards - good or bad?
G7VJR's point of view (ClubLog creator and T32C participant): http://g7vjr.org/2012/06/expedition-leaderboards-good-or-bad/ 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] 9N7MD QSLs rec'd
Sent by on-line request system on 11/30/2011 and received cards today. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
RE: [DX-CHAT] VP6T Logs
At 10:15 PM 1/30/2012, Ron Notarius W3WN wrote: Sorry, can't help you. The only QSO I made with them showed up online, although I didn't check right away. 73, ron w3wn -Original Message- From: kf...@njdxa.org [mailto:kf...@njdxa.org] On Behalf Of Crownhaven Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 7:46 PM To: DX Chat Subject: [DX-CHAT] VP6T Logs I noticed that they claim to be continually uploading their logs to LOTW. None of my QSOs have matched yet. Anyone seeing the same issue Steve, N4JQQ I have made 15 QSOs with them, and they all are verified by LoTW. The pattern seems to be that whenever they update their on-line logs, they also upload them to LoTW. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] Most Wanted
At 10:17 PM 1/27/2012, Don Berger wrote: Longevity and persistence pays.Yet others like Turkmenistan (EZ) have disappeared from the airwaves. If it were easy, it wouldn't be as fun or as rewarding. Absolutely and I am happy it is difficult, otherwise, there would be do challenge nor a feeling of accomplishment. By the way EZ8BP was on 10M last week. I assume he is good as he is quite active. K1VSK Unfortunately not. Amateur radio is still banned in Turkmenistan. Some locals are getting on with their old licences or with made up calls, but it is officially banned by the government. So while he may well have been in EZ, it is technically an illegal operation and will not be counted by the DXCC desk. Amateurs in Turkmenistan are reportedly trying to get this restriction removed, but so far they have been unsuccessful. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] What ever happened to FR5DX?
At 12:27 PM 12/2/2011, Jack Shirley wrote: FR5DZ knows him and told me he is still residing in Reunion. If you hear him on, you may ask... N8DX To be a bit positive, he was my first FR on a number of bands and I did get QSL cards from him for all contacts. I recall all of the negativity, and I think I sent at least twice for some of them. However, I do have FR5DX QSLs. If I recall correctly, he was a police officer or in the militia . . . something to do with law and a uniform, anyhow. I also heard that one of the reasons he is now QRT is because of discussions like this. Deserved or not, I heard he became disgusted with Ham radio because he was constantly being insulted left and right on the Internet for not QSLing. Maybe the mail to/from Reunion, at the time, was rife with theft. Maybe he was getting it all and only answering 1 out of 10. We will never know. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] What ever happened to FR5DX?
At 01:29 PM 12/2/2011, DAVE WHITE wrote: From my understanding, much of the mail that went to Reunion Island, Indian Ocean or similar was pilfered, especially once his name got known and locals cottoned onto the fact that there would be dollar bills in the envelope. In contrast, *ALL* the mail I sent to Reunion VIA FRANCE or Reunion, France as if it was just a normal French address was received by Herik and I got replies. No-one seemed to listen to that bit and just sat there slagging Herik off instead. I don't know why he never used a QSL manager such as the excellent F6FNU who always ensured that (a) the service didn't cost wither him or the DX station money to run and (b) always, but always returned cards with sufficient postage. If I were Herik I'd change my callsign, say I was called Fred and use a QSL manager Dave G0OIL Maybe that was the secret, Dave. All of the big gun locals advised me to write Via France on the envelope. I did, and as I indicated before, most or all of them came back. I also miss F5FNU. If you followed his instructions, you *always* got a QSL card back. I have had excellent success in the past 25 years with direct QSLing. I attribute it to following the tips that are everywhere about using nondescript envelopes, not putting call signs anywhere they can be seen, wrapping everything in another piece of paper so the contents can't easily be seen when held up to the light, etc. We will never get a 100% return rate, but we sure can increase our odds if we follow the common sense rules that are posted everywhere on the Internet and were in every DXing book you could lay your hands on. Yet I still get (6M mostly) requests with my call and the DX's call printed in big block letters on it! They might as well attach a big orange sticker that says Steal me - there is money inside to it. :-) 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] 4W6A Logs
At 12:22 PM 9/23/2011, Crownhaven wrote: I don't know but it is sure nice knowing you are in the log. Before, everyone was making umpteen insurance contacts which kept some of the Deserving from getting in the log. There was always that twinge of conscience when you were working a rare, weak one and he came back with what sounded like the first two letters of your call only to have some moron yell UP UP right at the crucial moment. So, not knowing for sure, back at it just adding to the confusion. Steve, N4JQQ There are two down sides: (1) Leaderboards -- they cause DXers to become ultra-competitive. (I plead guilty!) I can see how many band slots my DXing pals have, and I will then work them on RTTY on every band if possible to win. I have gone Leaderboard Crazy and worked operations 21-22 times (all unique band/slots, but I really don't need CW/SSB/RTTY) on 5-6 bands . . . (2) Who I work is between me and the DX (unless I choose to tell others.) With online logs, anyone can put in any call and find out how you are doing. Probably not a big issue, but you can find out I only worked 4W6A twice, and with some DXpeditions where I cleaned up from 160-10. In spite of those two points, knowing your QSO was good does outweigh the negatives. I really like on-line logs. A few times in situations like you described, I found out they didn't have me logged correctly. I re-worked them, and it meant I wouldn't have to wait 10-15 years for it to be re-activated again. It's a new technology/capability that makes DXing better, at least in my view. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] EZ
At 10:53 PM 7/25/2011, you wrote: A few months ago a EZ8 was spotted on DX Watch. I tuned to the frequency and worked him. A few minutes later there was a spot, from another EZ, stating that the EZ8 was a pirate. Since then, I have not seen a spot for EZ. What's the story on EZ? Are there any active stations in that country? 73, Barrie, W7ALW Barrie, Ham radio in EZ (Turkmenistan) has been banned since August 2006. However, some EZ operators get on the air with their old (or possibly a made up call?) from time to time. Some even reportedly provide QSLs. This suggests the ban is not strictly enforced. This may change as Turkmenistan Hams are trying to get Ham radio re-instated. As far as I know, it is not legal yet, and no awards organization (the DXCC Desk, CQ magazine, etc.) will accept EZ QSLs from August 2006 onward. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] South Sudan
At 05:25 PM 7/9/2011, you wrote: This what I love so much about DXCC. I worked ST0 years ago and will have to waste the time doing it again on a bunch of bands. At some point, this becomes silly. Don/K1VSK Many of us are in the same situation, Don. My feeling is that it is a good thing. As DXers, there is no better thrill than when you send or say your call and the DX comes back to you. Wow! It's like fishing. You sit there all day and then you get a strike. That's what you go fishing, and why you are a DXer. To catch another one. We won't have any trouble getting them if the planned operation (multiple stations with gain antennas and amps) sets up there for 3 weeks. I'm looking forward to it. Sure, we worked the same geographical location in 1990 or whenever, but it's now a different political entity and essentially a new country. The FS and all 4 PJs of the past few years made a lot of excitement. If we never got any new ones, it wouldn't be much fun. What is a person going to do with the gear? Become a contester? 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] South Sudan
At 07:18 PM 7/9/2011, you wrote: I still have all the West /Coast DX Bulletins but couldn't find the reference to catching the same fish twice! 73 K1vsk I have them all, Don. All ~550 original issues, given to me by Cass when he was cleaning house ~2000-2001 or so. I also have a copy of the book Bernie describes. I don't think The Old Timer, any of the Local QRPers, or even Red-Eyed Louie and his cousin Sunspot Louie ever directly addressed the topic of catching the same fish twice. We were left to ponder the meaning of DX IS!, the Eternal Enigmas of DXing and the Mysteries of the Ages. Cass often said, If you have to ask the question, you probably won't understand the answer. After reading his material many times, and having numerous telephone conversations with WA6AUD, probably the closest advice I took away from Hugh Cassidy in situations like this was to emulate Lord Baden-Powell, the Hero of Mafeking, and Be Prepared! DX IS! Although for some more than others. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] 12 meters
At 10:15 AM 3/7/2011, you wrote: Yes, 12m did sound great. I worked 4A4A on 17 and 30m last night. Good signals on those bands, too. I don't quite understand why the CY0 people have such huge pileups. I didn't think they were that rare. I heard many familiar DXer calls working one of them on 40 CW last night. Many of them I know have Honor Roll and I find it hard to believe they haven't worked CY0 on 40. Maybe they're just bored from lack of recent activity? 73, Zack W9SZ I believe the CY0 pileups are large because it is only activated every 2-3 years, on average, and ; (1) Big guns are bored. If it's a pileup, they want to break it. (2) The CQ DX Marathon resets to 0 every January. (3) Most on-line logs now include leader boards, and although we all will say we won't work them on bands where we don't need them, DXers are competitive by nature. Most of us will try to fill every band/slot possible. I think the leader board component of on-line logs is a big factor in why you hear Honor Roll guys working semi-rare stuff. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] How do you spread the word?
US stamps do not work in Canada (or anywhere else outside the USA.) Just like British stamps are not accepted by the Japanese postal service, or Italian stamps won't work if you put them on a letter and take it to a post office in Ohio. Why do I get SASEs with US stamps affixed? It would be better to put no stamps on because I can't even use the envelope! Look up VE1DX on QRZ.COM and see if I've explained this incorrectly? Sigh! I now have QSL number 71,935 for a W on 20M. (Yes, I paid the dollar return postage myself, wrote out his address on another envelope, and sent him his QSL card . . . ) Spread the word! If you are going to send outside of your country for a direct QSL: (1) Put in an IRC or (2) Put in enough green stamps to cover the return postage or (3) Put on stamps from the other country, not your own Better yet, sign up for LoTW and work one of the 44,042 Canadian Hams who use LoTW. Someone petition the FCC to change the question bank to contain how to get a QSL card. It's more practical than asking Under what circumstances might the FCC issue a Special Temporary Authority (STA) to an amateur station? or What type of information can be obtained by submitting the details of a proposed new antenna to a modeling program? 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] YI9PSE
At 10:13 PM 4/5/2010, you wrote: YI9PSE is suppose to have 5 stations going. Is anybody hearing these guys up North??? 73 Lou KE1F Not with the A index of 37 and the K hitting 7 at the peak of the major geomagnetic storm today. They were audible yesterday on 80 thru 17M in Nova Scotia. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] DX Cluster
At 02:39 PM 9/24/2009, you wrote: Is there a DX Cluster that I can access via the internet that allows me to make queries (eg. SH/DX FT5GA) and shows me an active cluster with DX Spots, etc. I need something that allows DX Cluster access/interaction while I am away from home using my laptop via wireless links. John Ownes - N7TK John, Try: ve1dxi.no-ip.com on port 23 This system is up 99.9% of the time. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] Attention W4 area DX Clubs
At 02:36 PM 8/12/2009, Urb LeJeune wrote: The call W4BPD is available. Gus, W4BPD, was one of the great all time DXpeditioners and DX operators. It would be a great call for a DX club. If you need help on trading in your club call to acquire W4BPD drop me a line. It's a very simple process. A club can also have 2 calls. Urb, W2DEC I can't think of a better way to honour Sir Gus, Urb. I really hope it ends up in the hands of a DX Club. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT]
At 10:42 AM 6/18/2009, Steve Litwins wrote: Does anybody know the grid square of vo1fu? Looked but only found address. TIA steve, k8wk He is located just south of St John's Newfoundland, and almost all of the Avalon Peninsula, which includes this area, is GN37 as per this map: http://www.qrp-canada.com/Images/Cgsm.pdf If you need more resolution (i.e. GN37xx) then I don't know any easy way to determine the xx. 73, Paul VE1DX --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] 3B7SP
Anyone get any QSLs from 3B7SP (June/2007) yet? 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] 9H3HH OK?
9H3HH was on 30 metres today and sending DJ9RR as the manager. Something I can't put my finger on doesn't seem right. Does anyone know if this is a legitimate operation? I'm not accusing anyone of being a pirate, it just didn't feel right. There is no reference to either call in QRZ. COM (Buckmaster does have DJ9RR.) 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Power cycling the ACOM-1000
I have an ACOM-1000 that has exceeded my expectation by far. This question is basic electronics, and I'm asking it in the context of the ACOM-1000, not radios, computers, etc. I use my station most of the day, from about 8:00 AM until midnight. This is done occasionally as in I'm in and out of the shack, and doing other things such as email, etc. Now and then something shows up on the DX Cluster I need, or I just decide to play radio for an hour or two. I may go 2-3 hours without using the amp even 4-5 hours if I don't need the extra power. I have been turning everything on in the morning and then turning it off around midnight. In terms of wear and tear on the ACOM-1000, as well as the life of the tube, would it be better to turn it off for the 2-3 hour periods when it is being used, or to leave it on all day as I have been doing? I know the off/on cycle stresses components, especially tubes, but so does leaving a piece of equipment running 15-16 hours a day. 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Gain of a 5 element monobander
Does anyone know anything about the Mosley AM-56 6-metre beam described here? http://www.mosley-electronics.com/spec%20files/amateur/am56.htm I was surprised to see almost 11 dBd forward gain from 5 elements on a 12 foot boom. Seems like a lot. I called Mosley, and spoke with Gary Wurdack Jr. He assures me those numbers are right. Gary knows his stuff, but still it must be one really efficient design. Any antenna gurus out there care to comment? 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] TH-5 or CL33M?
Anyone ever compare the performance of a HY-Gain TH-5 against a Mosley Classic 33? The CL33M is far better in terms of construction and longevity, but what I'm looking for is on the air performance (forward gain and F/B.) I can read the claimed specs -- am looking for someone who has used one or the other, or preferably both. 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] QSL route for ZD7HI?
At 12:14 PM 11/12/2007, Bill Fikis wrote: Paaul, I am the A letter qsl mgr in the W2 Incoming Bureau . I handled the incoming cards for N2AU .. When he no longer handled the cards for ZD7HI WA2JUNonly handled them for a short time. ( as you know) I still receive cards for ZD7HI via N2AU which I return with a note to qsl direct only There is ( most likely ) only 1 post office .. Looking at a ZD7HI qsl card. ( from 1997 qso) mailing address is : CHRIS WILLIAMS ; P.O. BOX 140 ; JAMESTOWN ; ST.. HELENA ISLAND . . Bill / w2ay Many thanks for confirming this, Bill. I was starting to lean that way (or wait for another ZD7 to show up on 15!) I'll send to the PO Box on St Helena (via England) and we'll see what comes back. Half the fun of DXing is chasing down the cards . . . at least it always has been for me. 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] FR5DX QSLing: The rest of the story
At 12:25 PM 10/31/2007, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have been to Reunion Island and have spent time with Herik. His son lived with us here in the U.S. for a while. Wonderful man and family! Mail receipt IS a problem on Reunion. Any mail addressed to Reunion Island automatically goes through Madagascar (yes, even a large proportion of airmail addressed to Reunion via France) where mail integrity rivals the worst of the old Iron Block countries. The safest way to QSL Herik is to his FRANCE address ONLY. I won't speak for Herik, but he is very sensitive to his QSLing complaints. He loves ham radio and I'm sure one of the reasons he's not on much any more is because he doesn't want to hear complaints about not QSLing. To my knowledge he is fastidious about getting every QSL returned, whether direct or via buro. He returns what he receives. He can't QSL if he never gets the card! If he was QSOing for greenstamps, he would be on the air a lot more! It is so easy for most of us to be critical when we take our mail service for granted. Now, you know the rest of the story. 73/DX Glenn WØGJ Glenn, I have no reason to doubt all of the things you say above. I ask just one question: If Herik is so dedicated to QLSing, and so sensitive about the negative press he received over the years, why did he not get a QSL manager? F6FNU, living in France, would have been right up his alley . . . or any one of a dozen reliable US managers. 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Re: [dx-list] Re: FR5DX
At 09:22 PM 10/30/2007, you wrote: --- In [EMAIL PROTECTED], Derek Wills [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Oft-repeated advice is to send FR5 mail via France with no mention of Reunion Island on the envelope (for an example, see FR5DX's address on qrz.com - well, I didn't say it works every time!). Exactly. HERIK MAUDIT-LARIVE 63 RUE DES PALMIERS LE TAMPON 97430 FRANCE No mention of Reunion Island is key because mail to the above address goes via France instead of via some African countries where the mail is pilfered. That is not Herik's fault but the fault of the person who does not follow the published address exactly. 97430 is the French Zip meaning mail is redirected (securely) to Reunion. If you use this address and include appropriate IRCs or GS, you should get a card with no problems. I got cards from Herik for both 80m and 160m using the above and he also helped me get a card from FR7BP/T (now SK) for an old 10m QSO in 1980. Herik is a good guy but don't blame him if you cannot follow his QSL directions. Whoever said Herik does not work CW is wrong. I worked him on 160 CW from both Colorado and NC. He was quite active on 160 just a few years ago. 73, Bill Bill, Many of us got QSLs from Herik after repeated attempts and trying every trick in the book. A few got it the first try. We were well aware of the via France issue. There just were too many who didn't get a response for it to be explained away by mail pilfering. When you mentioned poor QSLer in the 1990s, *everyone* rolled their eyes and muttered FR5DX. He had the worst reputation for returning cards I can ever recall. You were lucky to get the cards you did, and maybe because they were 80 and 160 he treated them special. I don't know. All I do know is that the top dog DXers of the day who knew all the QSLing tricks to minimise pilfering, etc. each had their FR5DX horror stories. I know, because I was there and I remember it well. 73, Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] SN3R QSL
Anyone have a QSL card from SN3R? I have the QSL route as a club station with the call SP3KEY, but the address I find for that call on QRZ and Buckmaster seems incomplete. Would appreciate something off of either a QSL card from SN3R or SP3KEY. Thanks! 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] 3C7Y logs posted
The 3C7Y logs are available at: http://personal.telefonica.terra.es/web/ea5yn/logs.htm 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] A disgrace to Ham radio
Today, on 10.104 MHz, C52C was QRV, listening up. A class operation by class operators. However, as soon as the spots started on the clusters, the jammers and fools showed up and zero beat their transmit frequency. Carriers, someone trying to play the theme from The Lone Ranger with the with his paddles, another one sending 5-second dashes, etc. This kept up for 10-15 minutes and the C52C finally went QRT because no one came back to them. No one could hear them. This is now normal. Look at 14.195 MHz. Look at the transmit frequency of any DXpedition. It's always the same. The difference between today and 10-20 years ago is that it is 10 times worse and rarely do the QRMers let up. Now I happen to have a beam on 30, and I swung it around and the QRM was coming from NA. We like to blame other countries for this stuff, but the blame lies right here in Canada and the United States. The reason is LACK OF ENFORCEMENT. That's right, kiddies. LACK OF ENFORCEMENT. 20 years ago, if you did that, the FCC and then DOC (now IC) would DF you and a van would pull up in your yard. That was the end of your Ham career. Today there is NO ENFORCEMENT of the rules and regulations. When there is NO ENFORCEMENT, there is NO FEAR of repercussions. I really don't know why Hams like to QRM others, and years ago I gave up trying to figure out why. Kinda like trying to figure out killers kill and thieves steal, and I'll leave that up to the psychiatrists. It is because there is NO ENFORCEMENT of the Ham laws in Canada and the US (or anywhere else as far as I can tell.) Unless we somehow get the message across to our respective governments that a small portion of our tax dollars ought to go back to ENFORCEMENT OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS, then we might as well kiss this hobby good bye. It has become a joke. And no, I do not need C5 anywhere from 160 through 10, so I'm not PO'ed because I missed anything. I'm PO'ed at whichever group of pinheads made the decision to reallocate resources that previously were used to enforce Ham laws for something else. That decision started us on the road to the end of Ham radio, and we are nearly there. 73/DX Paul VE!DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] The NA or USA query - further info
This afternoon 5L2MS was on 17 metres and started asking for USA only, and in fact a EU station called and he sent IKxxx R U USA? I was doubly afraid to call then, but decided the worst he could do was the same to me. I called, and he sent VE1DX 5NN and I replied R R VE1DX 5NN PSE NA NA NOT JUST USA and the reply was SURE DE 5L2MS NA ONLY UP He went on to work about 15 minutes of NA stations and then back to anyone, anywhere. Granted he didn't have a massive pileup, but it was significant. I believe this confirms that most DX stations consider XE/USA/VE to be the same from a propagation and continental standpoint. Anyhow, as I have for the past 20+ years, when they say USA, I'll call anyhow and if they want to rap my knuckles for doing it, well, I guess I'll have to take my lumps! 73/DX Paul VE!DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] NA or USA
I know this isn't going to get any sympathy from US OPs, but I'll ask anyhow. DX stations *usually* ask for areas like EU, NA, SA etc. And because there are so many JA DXers, often JA only. Where does Canada and Mexico fit into this? 3C7Y just spent 10-15 minutes asking for USA only and finally went QRT because the whole world kept calling. I agree, especially on the first few days of an operation, DXpeditions have to cut things down somehow, and going by continent where they have the best propagation makes sense. I do not think they ought to single out a specific country. NA, EU, AS, etc. should be good enough. Given the relatively few VE and XE stations compared to W, does it really help to ask for USA only? If so, they ought to take 10-15 minutes and ask for VE only, and then XE only. For the record: (1) I don't need 3C on 20M (2) I know the main CW OP personally (KH7Y) and I'm sure he meant NA (3) They will be there long enough to work anyhow Just a philosophical question -- wouldn't it be better to ask for continent? I'm not picking on the current 3C operation, just pointing out that a lot of DXpeditions do this -- especially asking for JA only. Seems to me AS only would make more sense, as then the HLs, HSs, etc would have a shot then. To their credit, when most say say USA only they mean NA, and will take VEs and XEs, but in my view DXpeditions should go by continent, not specific country. Try to imagine the chaos if they started picking out individual EU countries . . . 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] NA or USA
At 08:54 PM 10/6/2007, Peter Dougherty wrote: Think how the ops in South America and the Caribbean must feel! Not to mention VK/ZL. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Agreed Peter, and that's why I think it should be by continent or geographical area. A lot of time they say Central and South America or send SA. I don't know about VK/ZL, those being the antipodal point, more or less from here. I guess I'd favour Oceania only as opposed to VL/ZL, as my original point was DXpeditions shouldn't single out one or two countries. Anyhow, in the end we usually all get at least 1 QSO if the DXpedition lasts a week or two. The killers are the rare ones that only come on for a few days. And Murphy's Law dictates that there will be a geomagnetic storm if the DXpedition is short and the demand is high. :-) 73/DX Paul VE!DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] 100 watts and a vertical!
One of the Local QRPers called us on the phone the other day, and he was clearly upset. Usually he showed up in person and told us the news of the day, complete with arm waving, finger pointing and pacing back and forth. This time he didn't have the time to make his way up the hill. Did you hear him? he bellowed at us, and we thought we'd have to get out our handkerchief and wipe off the phone. Hear who? we bellowed back, and stop shouting. There was a moment of silence for this one had a complaint to lodge, and he didn't want us to hang up on him. Did you hear that Big Gun in the next county work the guys on that DXpedition in Africa? The one I need for a brand new one overall, and the one I know he already has confirmed? That's the one. Did you hear it??!! We took a deep breath and replied, No, not really, but what is the problem? It seems to us they are going to be there for at least a week, and some of the reports say maybe two weeks. Everyone can't work them the first day. The QRPer was not to be consoled at all. Maybe so, Buster, he continued, but here we are, at the very bottom of the solar cycle, and you know they are going to be tough. Really tough for us who need them. His voice was now starting to show a bit of contempt. Why is it that those fellows who already have these countries, and some of them on four or five bands and modes, keep calling and working them when they know there are hundreds, and maybe even thousands of us who need it for a new one? Why? What could we say? Even during the Low Days of DXing, there will be those who get through early, and those who get through late, and some who do not make it at all. This fellow who worked them the first day, is he high up on the DXCC listings? And does he have a beam and an amplifier? Right on both counts! How did you know? It's the first day of the DXpedition, we replied. Only the top dogs are going to make it. And that has nothing to do with the solar cycle. What are you using? My multi-band vertical and 100 watts, was the reply, and don't give me that stuff about beams and amplifiers beating out verticals and 100 watts, either! I know that. What I want to know is why the fellows with the beams and amplifiers do it? They don't need it. Why don't they QRX and let us modest stations through? They do it because they can, he replied slowly, in a neutral voice. What do you expect them to do? They are DXers. They have spent years and years building up their stations, and when they started out, they had the same or less than you. They got sand kicked in their face by the Big Guns of years past. Now they are the Deserving, and remember the most important Eternal Enigma of DXing, 'Only the Deserving . . .' The QRPer snarled under his breath and continued on, I've heard all of that before, and I don't understand it. It seems to me that if they were really true blue Hams, and followed the Amateur's Code, they would work stuff they already have. At least not until the last day or so. It's the same every time a rare one shows up. They all have to get in the log first. And if they work them on phone, then they have to work them on CW. And that's not good enough, either. Then they start again on another band, and another band. Everywhere I go I hear a wall of QRM. I'll never work them! Yes you will, son! Absolutely. You are a DXer. And DXers always work the DX. You just might not get them this time. But that one will come around again. They always do. We apparently had turned on a little extra oxygen with that comment, for the QRPer's voice shrieked through the ear piece like a cutting torch! That might be 5 years! Maybe 7 or 8! Some help you are! Bang and click, and there was nothing but a dial tone. We walked out on the verandah and looked down across the valley and towards the distant hills. We recalled this same QRPer telling us just a few weeks ago that he was only a couple of years from retirement, and that he was entitled to a substantial severance package. We further recalled that he was planning to get a couple of towers with it and a few of those 4 and 5 element monobanders. He even said he'd have enough left over to get one of those overseas amplifiers with the tubes that were good for full legal power and maybe even a little more. We had to wonder, when he got the new station up and running, if he'd stand by and let the new guys with the 100 watts and the verticals and dipoles through first. As Albert had often said, All things are relative, although some more than others. Somehow we had the feeling that he'd be in there with the rest of the high rollers, for as sure as DX IS!, there is nothing more rewarding than being the first kid in the neighbourhood to log the DX. Especially when the flux is 65! 73/DX Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX
[DX-CHAT] QSLs to EP3HF
Has anyone had any luck getting a card from EP3HF? Can you just pop a letter in the mail to Iran these days? All the ones I worked years ago seemed OK (or had managers elsewhere.) But things are a tad different now . . . Assuming a card is obtained, does the DXCC Desk accept this one? 73, Paul VE1DX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
