[DX-CHAT] TX5C Clipperton
Speaking of DXpeditions, or those just concluded, does anyone have any information on TX5C. Since they went off air the silence has been deafening - their website still says they are QRV, although they are obviously QR, there has been no log update since the second last day of operation, I have not seen a single word of information of them leaving the island safely, nowell... nothing!! Anyone? Ernie Ernie Walls VK3FM [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mobile 0418 301 483 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] TX5C Clipperton
They are okay and on the way home. You can hear them on 14243 as FO5A/MM. Bill W4WX - Original Message - From: Ernie Walls To: dx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 6:58 AM Subject: [DX-CHAT] TX5C Clipperton Speaking of DXpeditions, or those just concluded, does anyone have any information on TX5C. Since they went off air the silence has been deafening - their website still says they are QRV, although they are obviously QR, there has been no log update since the second last day of operation, I have not seen a single word of information of them leaving the island safely, nowell... nothing!! Anyone? Ernie Ernie Walls VK3FM [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mobile 0418 301 483 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 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] TX5C Clipperton
Hello Ernie, They have been operating as FO5A/MM. 73, Leon, (K2EWB) - Original Message - From: Ernie Walls To: dx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 5:58 AM Subject: [DX-CHAT] TX5C Clipperton Speaking of DXpeditions, or those just concluded, does anyone have any information on TX5C. Since they went off air the silence has been deafening - their website still says they are QRV, although they are obviously QR, there has been no log update since the second last day of operation, I have not seen a single word of information of them leaving the island safely, nowell... nothing!! Anyone? Ernie Ernie Walls VK3FM [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mobile 0418 301 483 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 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] Directional CQs
I think directional CQ's can be used very wisely but how they are used depends a lot on where the DX is and their knowledge of propagation. I imagine almost any location will have areas where propagation only exists for a short time to those areas and other areas where they have propagation over a much longer time period. For instance, DXpeditions to VU4, VU7, BS7 etc. only have a short time when they can work this part of the USA. They probably can work JA's for half a day on the same band. It would make sense for them to call USA only during that hour or so and work JA's when they don't have limited openings to this and other areas. DXpeditions to the mid-Pacific have propagation to EU on the low bands till the sun rises in EU. They have propagation to the USA during part of this time but they continue to have propagation for another 4-6 hours to the USA. After the sun rises in USA they still have propagation to JA. It would make sense to work only EU till they lose propagation, then USA till they lose propagation, then work JA's for a while. Some past DXpeditions didn't do this. Clipperton Island is in an interesting location. It appears it's in the same region that has Mountain time in the USA. The sun rises there before it does in California. So on the low bands they would want to work both USA and JA's till their sun rises. So maybe non-directionsl CQ's are the best bet under those circumstances. It definitely takes some planning and study of propagation charts to make most DXers happy. 73, Zack W9SZ On Sun, 16 Mar 2008, Peter Dougherty wrote: At 10:52 PM 3/16/2008, Charles Harpole wrote: Many recent DXpeditions have, in my opinion, over-studied the data to serve under served areas, have propagation charts, and be extra aware of their important position as the only (last?) hams to be at that locale. One effect is the extensive use of DIRECTIONAL CQs... usually only EU or only NA. This is one of my biggest gripes in DXing (well, that and by the numbers). Human nature says that whenever you exclude a group of people for whatever good reason you have, the excluded will generally take offense and resentment will start to form, regardless whether this is rational or not. As such, there really is only one solution to this problem, and that's to open it up to everyone, everywhere for as long as possible (though I do think looking for the hardest parts of the world from where the DX is operating on the low bands, at the grey-line, is excellent operating practice). What this means, on the other hand, is the DX station needs to be skilled enough to handle the onslaught of callers from everywhere and have equipment and abilities to work the pileup down efficiently. The other problem with directional calls is CW - It's very difficult on CW to convey a sense of where you want to hear from. It's easy to send USA or NA, but that leaves out Central and South America - would the DX want those too? Or does he really JUST want the US/Canada? Ditto for calling for JA, but leaving out the rest of Asia, VK and ZL, or EU but not Africa, the middle-East or western Asia, etc. It's easier on SSB and RTTY, but still, the longer it takes to say WHO/WHERE you're listening for, the bigger and more unruly the pileup will get. It's easier for the pileup and the operator to send XX1XXX QRZ UP than XX1XXX QRZ EU AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST ONLY or whatever. Sure, the wall will become louder on and near your QSX, but just work the loudest ones. Eventually you'll either get tired and go for an 807, or you'll run out of 59++ signals and you'll get to dig deeper to the ones who are only 59, then the 57s, then the 55s, etc...at least till you get spotted and get another round of 20-overs calling you again. If you have a rock-solid wall of noise with nothing leaping out at you, expand your QSX range to 5 or 7 kHz on SSB. Maybe even 10 if it's unusually bad. Work the edges, pick off the big guns. Eventually, you'll settle down to a single QSX with luck, pick 'em off with little effort. I sure can't speak for HS-land, but when I was on C6 I found that to be the easiest way to make Q's...take all callers. Though I DID take EU only for a couple of hours one night as I wanted to boost my country count a little. Regards, Peter, W2IRT 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] TX5C et al
Hams will always be analyzing better ways to run a DXpedition either being critical or supportive. Personally, I have witnessed virtually no exclusionary or egregious operating practices by the DX I have went after. My business office is in my house and I am in and out some days. So even casual operation has resulted in multi-band and multi mode contacts with all the major DXpeditions in the past 5 years. Maybe non obsessive pursuit is best? It makes me think of my pool game. When i play just for fun I can be pretty good. The minute i agree with someone who wants to put a little something on it (bet) I can't make a shot. 73 de todd WB2ZAB 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] Directional CQs
Great examples of poor directional calling. What the ops usually mean as opposed to USA ONLY is NA ONLY (USA, Canada, Mexico, etc.). Also JA ONLY usually means, JA, JT, HL, UA 9/0, and other Asia. Gerry VE6LB/VA6XDX ARRL DXCC Card Checker VE/VA6 QSL Bureau Team (403) 251-6520 ve6lb (at) telus (dot) net www.qsl.net/ve6lb/ - Original Message - From: Zack Widup To: dx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 8:58 AM Subject: Re: [DX-CHAT] Directional CQs I think directional CQ's can be used very wisely but how they are used depends a lot on where the DX is and their knowledge of propagation. I imagine almost any location will have areas where propagation only exists for a short time to those areas and other areas where they have propagation over a much longer time period. For instance, DXpeditions to VU4, VU7, BS7 etc. only have a short time when they can work this part of the USA. They probably can work JA's for half a day on the same band. It would make sense for them to call USA only during that hour or so and work JA's when they don't have limited openings to this and other areas. DXpeditions to the mid-Pacific have propagation to EU on the low bands till the sun rises in EU. They have propagation to the USA during part of this time but they continue to have propagation for another 4-6 hours to the USA. After the sun rises in USA they still have propagation to JA. It would make sense to work only EU till they lose propagation, then USA till they lose propagation, then work JA's for a while. Some past DXpeditions didn't do this. Clipperton Island is in an interesting location. It appears it's in the same region that has Mountain time in the USA. The sun rises there before it does in California. So on the low bands they would want to work both USA and JA's till their sun rises. So maybe non-directionsl CQ's are the best bet under those circumstances. It definitely takes some planning and study of propagation charts to make most DXers happy. 73, Zack W9SZ On Sun, 16 Mar 2008, Peter Dougherty wrote: At 10:52 PM 3/16/2008, Charles Harpole wrote: Many recent DXpeditions have, in my opinion, over-studied the data to serve under served areas, have propagation charts, and be extra aware of their important position as the only (last?) hams to be at that locale. One effect is the extensive use of DIRECTIONAL CQs... usually only EU or only NA. This is one of my biggest gripes in DXing (well, that and by the numbers). Human nature says that whenever you exclude a group of people for whatever good reason you have, the excluded will generally take offense and resentment will start to form, regardless whether this is rational or not. As such, there really is only one solution to this problem, and that's to open it up to everyone, everywhere for as long as possible (though I do think looking for the hardest parts of the world from where the DX is operating on the low bands, at the grey-line, is excellent operating practice). What this means, on the other hand, is the DX station needs to be skilled enough to handle the onslaught of callers from everywhere and have equipment and abilities to work the pileup down efficiently. The other problem with directional calls is CW - It's very difficult on CW to convey a sense of where you want to hear from. It's easy to send USA or NA, but that leaves out Central and South America - would the DX want those too? Or does he really JUST want the US/Canada? Ditto for calling for JA, but leaving out the rest of Asia, VK and ZL, or EU but not Africa, the middle-East or western Asia, etc. It's easier on SSB and RTTY, but still, the longer it takes to say WHO/WHERE you're listening for, the bigger and more unruly the pileup will get. It's easier for the pileup and the operator to send XX1XXX QRZ UP than XX1XXX QRZ EU AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST ONLY or whatever. Sure, the wall will become louder on and near your QSX, but just work the loudest ones. Eventually you'll either get tired and go for an 807, or you'll run out of 59++ signals and you'll get to dig deeper to the ones who are only 59, then the 57s, then the 55s, etc...at least till you get spotted and get another round of 20-overs calling you again. If you have a rock-solid wall of noise with nothing leaping out at you, expand your QSX range to 5 or 7 kHz on SSB. Maybe even 10 if it's unusually bad. Work the edges, pick off the big guns. Eventually, you'll settle down to a single QSX with luck, pick 'em off with little effort. I sure can't speak for HS-land, but when I was on C6 I found that to be the easiest way to make Q's...take all callers. Though I DID take EU only for a couple of hours one night as I wanted to boost my country count a little.
RE: [DX-CHAT] Directional CQs
Ron: Well, Chuck wanted to stir us and things up again, and we gladly accomodated him. The last time I checked, about half of the licensed hams are in JA land so Asia should be the main continent to aim directional CQ's at if they are in fact needing the country. I am sure the TX5 folks had the benefits of information from previous operations (FO0AAA, etc.) and the results of recent Needed lists to know where the needs are. What Chuck was critical of is exactly what they should do prior to and during an op. Know where the needs are, and try and help them out. Forget the dudes that are just trying to rack up band/mode slots. I know from experience, that they frequently only have short openings to certain continents, and that is when they have to limit their calls to them. The time might not match your needy time, but that is how things have to be done. I also know for a fact that they could always hear NA. After all, Clipperton is just off the coast of So Cal. Californian's could probably have worked them on 2M. And to the people who are openly critical of how or when they are doing things, or about the greatly shortened op, just be fair and really put yourself in their shoes. Few do. Look at how long it took under their poor circumstrances to just get the op started in the first place. I am sure they looked at the best and Worst case scenarios of what operating in that environment would be like, and unfortunately it was the Worst Case x 10. They made the best of a bad situation and hung in there longer than most of the critics would have. Repeated rain squalls, high winds, lightning and intense heat plagued them and caused the operation to be curtailed earlier than expected. Add to that the pesky and relentless crabs that abound on Clipperton that just won't go away, and tell me how you would have handled it. I think they gave us their best shot and ran the operation as well as we can fairly expect. Put a few extra bucks in the envelope. They deserve it. Another point that is beat to death is the issue of calling by the numbers. At any given time, you are going to be hearing certain areas best, and if you don't periodically go by the numbers, you are only going to be working stations from those areas since that is who you are hearing over eveyone else. Also, from a US standpoint, calling for 6's means you are listening for CA. Calling for 7's means you are listening for 6 states and that ought to keep that in mind when calling by the numbers. See what you stirred up Chuck (NPI). I suspect a grin. John Owens - N7TK -- Original message -- From: Ron Notarius W3WN [EMAIL PROTECTED] I would say that at the moment, NA and EU contain the largest concentrations of active DX'ers. And when considering that the last two Pacific DXpeditions -- specifically, VP6DX Ducie and TX5C Clipperton -- basically had to shoot OVER NA to get to EU, AF AS... directional CQ's become a little more understandable. Is it entirely, 100% fair? No. But what is? There are many other factors involved than the ones Charles cites. TX5C, for one, stated that there would be a concentration on EU because of demand. I'm sure I'm not the only DX'er who sat in front of the radio, early to late evenings, hearing TX5C booming 599+40 on 80 40 meter CW, but unable to call because of those two simple letters, EU. But, so what? The bottom line is, as always, that the DXpedition fronts the funds, does the dirty work, arranges the shipping and transportation -- in short, takes the risks -- and as such, determines who how where they will call. That's the way the game is played. To be honest, I'm not going to sit here and gripe about the TX5C gang. Sure, I'd love to have worked them on more than one band, but I'm happy that I finally got them late Friday night on 30 -- and I almost missed that chance, too (no, the dog didn't eat my coax -- again. But I did have to take the wife in to the ER due to bronchitis; if they'd had to admit her, instead of sending her home to recover...). In many ways, this DXpedition was snake-bit, especially weather wise. To do as well as they did, with the weather-related delays and disasters they had to deal with, is commendable to them. To second guess their (or anyone else's) decisions on who to work and such is very close to being uncalled for. And frankly, I think if there were some penalties for the chronic morons who constantly call out of turn, on top of other people, on top of the DX, and call call call... a few of them might learn. Not many, but a few. And it's the chronic morons we have to worry about, along with the UP police and the like... not those who inadvertently make a mistake or give in to a moment's frustration. I've never heard of anyone guilty of a momentary lapse being put on a secret naughty list... though I wish a few of the chronics might make them! 73 -Original
[DX-CHAT] SWL QSL-ing and more
Hello all, This weekend some more QSL cards came in via the bureau as an answer to my reception report. The QSL card that draw my attention was the QSL from Charles HS0ZCW. It's the first QSL card I receive that is especially designed for answering SWL Reception reports! So thanks a lot Charles! How many of you do reply on a QSL card from a SWL? Every now and then, discussions are started on this reflector about good and bad manners when operating. Pile-ups are a great example of mis behaviour by quite a few hams. Those amateurs need to start over again and do a few years of SWL-ing. Give it a try to log about 6 stations in a row (with complete RS(T)-reports) for a station not working split in a pile-up. Thats what I allways try to do. But it can be hard sometimes because of the manners of stations trying to contact the calling station. 73s, Elmar NL13289 --- My SWL/Ham website: www.NL13289.com My local weather: www.geenweer.nl My photography hobby: www.elmarsfotografie.nl Also check our club website at www.pi4vad.nl 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] Tracking the SHOGUN?
Hi all, Just wondering if the position of the M/V Shogun can somehow be tracked online? I tried a few sites but the only references I could find to a vessel of that name were an Italian cargo ship and a pleasurecraft somewhere in California. Regards, Peter, W2IRT 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] Tracking the SHOGUN?
Peter - The best bet would be monitor their QSOs as FO5A/mm and work them. The will give their present position if asked. The are currently around 200 miles north of Clipperton. 73, Jay/AF2C At 07:20 PM 3/17/2008 -0400, you wrote: Hi all, Just wondering if the position of the M/V Shogun can somehow be tracked online? I tried a few sites but the only references I could find to a vessel of that name were an Italian cargo ship and a pleasurecraft somewhere in California. Regards, Peter, W2IRT 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 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1332 - Release Date: 3/17/2008 10:48 AM -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.7/1332 - Release Date: 3/17/2008 10:48 AM 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: SWL QSLing
On Mar 17, 2008, at 4:20 PM, Elmar NL13289 wroteHow many of you do reply on a QSL card from a SWL? Every now and then, discussions are started on this reflector about good and bad manners when operating. Pile-ups are a great example of mis behaviour by quite a few hams. Those "amateurs" need to start over again and do a few years of SWL-ing. Give it a try to log about 6 stations in a row (with complete RS(T)-reports) for a station not working split in a pile-up. Thats what I allways try to do. But it can be hard sometimes because of the manners of stations trying to contact the calling station. 73s, Elmar NL13289Elmar,I was an amateur-band SWL for 39 years before getting my license, so I always reply to valid SWL cards. But I get some which are not valid : For example, with my transmitter off I spot some DX on the cluster, and an SWL assumes that I worked it, and sends a QSL card! - or I work someone on 40M and I get cards for 10/15/20/40.I gave up on QSLing when I was an SWL. The return ratio was too depressingly low. Instead I tape recorded the rare ones, and I'm glad now that I did that - some interesting memories from 1948 onwards.73, John, NT5C. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chatTo post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.orgThis is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Tracking the SHOGUN?
Perhaps the singular thing fueling the negativity after they left the island is the webmaster's inability to simply change the home page to read QRT rather than QRV. Some folks would understand that logs can't easily be uploaded at sea, but you know, some isn't most, so a little note there would seem appropriate. Just sense a lot of grumbling that the web page seems to be abandoned. 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] on line logs
Uh, on line logs were pretty much non existent before the last Kure Is Dxpedition, K7C. Maybe I am a little off but not by much. my point is that it is a fairly new feature that is a luxury a lot of people seem to think is compulsory of the DXpedition to provide. Hey it is nice to see if your Q's are in the log but what did you do 5 + years ago? Send in your card and hope for the best. Otherwise just wait until they post it and have fun with ham radio in the meantime. 73 de todd WB2ZAB 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-NEWS] Are all of Clippertons log online?
(I'm moving this to DX-CHAT) All of my Q's are there. 73, Zack W9SZ On Mon, 17 Mar 2008, Shack wrote: I've never had so many Q's not shown in an online log. I know that we all occasionally think we made a contact but don't but I'm missing two (30 and 40 meter CW) in the online log and am wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing. 73, Ken, WS4V 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] Clipperton Group
Anyone know why they haven't posted any more updates on their logs? The last update was almost 2 days before they pulled the plug. Dave W7AQK 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
