Re: [DX-CHAT] Most memorable QSO
I thought it might be interesting to wrap this into a future column of WorldRadio. If you have a memorable DX QSO, I'd like to hear about it. What made it memorable for you? Might have told this story on here, but here it is again if I did. So it's an afternoon in January 1999, my fourth year as a ham. I'm a sophomore in college home at my parents' house for winter break and I've got all the time in the world to do some DXing. At the end of summer 1998 I'd put up a little two element homebrew beam for 10m, and the band is pretty good with the sunspots on the uptick. I'm tuning around 10m with the little beam pointed WSW because I know the Pacific guys come in. I'm kicked back in my chair, I think with feet up on the desk, twirling the VFO knob. All of a sudden... *crack!* ... something lets go in the chair and I nearly fall over backwards on the floor. Some bolt pulled out of the bottom of the seat or something; cheap office furniture... but it's what I like to sit on, so I go get some tools out of the workbench and start working on lashing it back together. There I am, sitting on the floor fixing my chair, when I hear a CQ, not quite zero beat on the frequency where I stopped tuning when I fell over, but totally readable. A few seconds later I have Terry, VP6TY, in the log for an all time new one... 73 Dan --- 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] Descheo Island
The bigger question is: what can we do constructively to improve things? I say don't spot interesting stuff that already has a self-sustaining pileup. People who don't care to listen to the DX or can't hear the DX probably can't find the DX on their own anyway. --- 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] Descheo Island
IC 706MKIIG barefoot 10-15-20 Rotateable Dipole at about 25 feet 135 Foot wire dipole - fed with window line at about 50 feet -- wiht LDG AT200 Pro tuner for 10 - 80 (160 is miserable) 3 Ele Cushcraft Yagi on 6 at about 30 feet I want to try to make contact with Descheo island this february, as well as improve my over all DXing. Right now in this economy, hardware upgrades are not much of an option -- so im looking for techniques and the like. You'll have no problem, in my opinion, if you stick to your guns and call cleverly. KP5 is a chipshot from NA... as easy to work as KP4 if you didn't have the massive pileups. Your signal strength is no problem, you're going to be an easy 59+10dB in KP5. You'll just have to find the pattern in the pileups and drop your call at the right place. CW helps, in my opinion, but SSB should be possible. I got a contact with N3KS/KP5 in their brief stay on Desecheo on 30m with a station worse than yours. I was living in an apartment at the time, running a barefoot FT857D into a 100 foot magnet wire doublet via a remote tuner. My antenna was only up 25 - 30 feet vs. the 50 foot high doublet you have. The night before they left the island, I snagged them on 30m CW they were a small operation in great demand and only stayed a couple days. And whatever you do, do NOT be afraid to call on the first day. Don't wait it out to wait for the pileups to get smaller. Get in there every day until you get them even if you feel like you're up against a wall of kilowatts. You *can* get through with good timing, even in the first couple of days. It'll be a real bummer if they have to go home early. And pay close attention to their operating pattern and published frequencies. My barefoot + big vertical station got VP6DX QSO #1 because I got frustrated in some 80m CW pileup and decided to check VP6DX's pre-published CQ frequencies. Lo and behold, I get to 7002 and hear CQ CQ de VP6DX up 25, with not a soul on 7027. Right place, right time, and you don't even have to fight a pileup at all, and for KP5 that means it's as easy to work as KP4 ! But with these big DXpeditions with excellent ops, you can even fight your way through the piles. I got several QSOs with TX5C in the first few days of the operation, again, still barefoot... I've got somewhat better antennas now than I did in my apartment days, but certainly not more than a few dB absolute maximum over what you've got except on 160m and possibly 80m in DX land , though probably not. 73 Dan --- 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] Descheo Island
The team wishes to work folks like you with modest stations and has ask the big guns to hold off a bit. While that's nice of them, I don't think it's necessary. The little pistol's #1 weapon in the pileups is to act like they're a big gun. A well timed and well placed in frequency 100W to a dipole ***can*** beat a kW to a 4el yagi manned by a sloppy DXer on 20m. Forget about what stations you're trying to beat because first of all, you don't know, and second of all, they're not more than 20dB louder than you are and while that's a lot, on CW the good op on the other end can intentionally copy the weaker one, and on SSB you can sorta hear a -20dB station through the louder one. Not well, but maybe well enough to come back with The Whiskey Eight? A DXer with excellent skills with high power and a big antenna is very hard to beat, but they get out of your way reaaaly fast. They listen a little, figure out where to call, call once and they're through, and off to another band. The only reason I need to be a bigger gun at this point in my DXing is because I can't hear SE Asian stations/expeditions at all when they're on. I need a big 20m beam on a tall tower so I don't keep missing Spratly, etc. 73 Dan --- 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] UP machine
I haven't worked many Asian stations recently. Yep. I was lucky to get the last VU7 and BS7 operations when there was a little sunspot activity (not much). I couldn't get the BS7. I heard them for a grand total of 1/2 hour on SSB and I'm only 100W a 20m Moxon (which I actually built to work them ;-) ). I called anyway but no joy. VU7 was another story. I snagged VU7RG on day 1 on 40m CW right before sunset. Turns out propagation between here and VU7 is really fantastic. They were very loud. I got a 17m QSO a few days later. But VU4 is a much more polar path from here and I couldn't hear them at all even though I heard the more recent VU7 a little. Totally different world. But I only worked a couple JA's in CQWW CW. And they were tough to work. Yeah. I heard a DU on 40CW longpath the other day but couldn't make it through. Not much hope for, say, that V8 or XX9 that I still need or whatever. The upcoming KP5 operation should be an easy one hopefully, for those of us in the USA. Should be a good one for a lot of folks. I have a N3KS/KP5 card sitting here from a really lucky break when I was living in an apartment ;-) There's a good chance that KP5 will be my #99 or #100 on topband though but that's going to be CRAZY. Dan --- 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] UP machine
Danhuman nature ensures that there will be cheaters in any endeavor; amateur radio is not an exception. I know... it's just a particularly silly context for cheating. If you take a dive in boxing at least you get some money. If you cheat at Harvard at least you get a diploma that helps you get a job later. If you cheat at ham radio? But some people just can't help themselves. I can only tell you from personal experience when you get over 300 countries the new ones come quite slowly. I am happy with one or two new ones a year these days. Me too. TX5C was my #300 and nothing since. Much of what I need is on tough polar paths that I never seem to find open. Nothing even heard. But I've been hunting 160m DXCC (OH0X couple nights ago was my #98 worked) and knocking down band countries, so I'm still having fun. Kind of hoping to work one more 160m country to get to #99 and then work TN5SN for #100 on Topband and #301 all time but I doubt that's going to happen .. you never know though ;-) 73 Dan --- 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] UP machine
Where do you get one of those UP machines that seems to be needed to work E44M? Do you get it on e-bay? No, it comes free when both LIDS and DX COPS forget that ham radio is supposed to be fun and no one in the real world actually gives a damn if you're on the Honor Roll or have 5BDXCC. Does that machine works on other than the DX station's frequency? No, of course not ;-) 73 Dan --- 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] Marion Island
On Sun, May 11, 2008 at 1:10 PM, RUSSELL KELLAM JR [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Wasn't the ZS8 supposed to be QRV this weekend ?? 73 Russ W4UBC He's a scientist that will be on Marion I. for a year, right? I doubt that going on the air is the #1 priority , but the website says this: Petrus plans to start construction of the antennas soon and will be QRV as ZS8T by the middle of May. Just be patient and watch out for fakes (as per the website) ... of course, WFWL, but it seems like the jokers are using the uncertain start time to their advantage. The only ZS8T spot in my SpotCollector record or on DX Summit is a 15m CW spot and as far as I know Petrus doesn't do CW. This isn't an ordinary DXpedition so I wouldn't expect a big entry onto the bands all of a sudden. Keep your beams on ZS8 and keep your ears open ;-) 73, Dan 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] W4RNL SK
Cebik was, before retirement, a professor at The University of Tennesee (I believe he was in Electrical Engineering, but not sure). Actually, it was Philosophy. Proof against those who feel you have to be an electrical engineer to contribute useful technical knowledge? Dan 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] Clipperton Group
On Tue, Mar 18, 2008 at 9:25 AM, David Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The satellite phone they have requires a beamed signal to the satellite and in the rough sea with the ship rocking and rolling they can't keep a connection. It worked fine when they were on land. And for those with selective memories that want to say but they uploaded from the ship while they were on the WAY to Clipperton let me excerpt the website: In true ham spirit, we did what they said could not be done...connect to the satellite while in motion. We had an excellent connection and now expect to be able to update our website daily before we get to Clipperton...so keep watching THIS PAGE!! They also mentioned calm seas and beautiful WX at that point. 73 Dan 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] On-Line Logs
Depends on the band G. My 160 QSO with 5T5DC posted overnight, but if it didn't show up until dusk tonight, no big deal :-) !! (and *wow* do they have a nice signal on 160!) Mine too, and they heard my 100W. They had such a nice signal I had no question that I got in (though a little surprise) http://n3ox.net/files/5T5DC_031808_0403Z_160m.mp3 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] On-Line Logs My 2 cents worth...
After they sign off VP6DX sends qrz up. I go up 5 and call and he sends back KA2BZS we worked before QRZ I know they want to discourage duping but most people who dupe are doing it because they didn't think they got in. It doesn't really take that much longer to send KA2BZS 5NN than KA2BZS B4 If we didn't have such a problem with idiot constant callers and people calling before the QRZ? this would rarely be a problem, but I've had occasional trouble with completing hard QSOs with big DXpeditions when they THINK they have you OK and they don't. I raised TX5C's attention on 160m and they had me as N3MX ... I sent my call five or six more times with them listening for me and their confirmation at the end got lost in the static crashes. I don't know if I got lost in the QRN or just in the din of the pileup that heard my de N3OX N3OX N3OX 5NN BK and started calling right then, but I lost the QSO as far as I'm concerned. I *don't* know if I lost the QSO as far as TX5C was concerned. I would have hated to work them in the clear later on in the night and just be told B4 (though I would have taken it, I got no chances at all after that ;-) ). I want the chance for a QSO I know is a QSO. I suspect most people won't be chronic dupers for the sake of boredom but maybe I'm wrong about that? Dan 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] Recordings of DX
So I posted this: Mine too, and they heard my 100W. They had such a nice signal I had no question that I got in (though a little surprise) http://n3ox.net/files/5T5DC_031808_0403Z_160m.mp3 And had a couple comments about that not being me in the file above... I realize now that a lot of people record their topband QSOs but this isn't one of those ;-) Now that I look at my post it really does look like I posted what I thought was my recorded QSO! I didn't. I took some audio of them later in the night because they had such a nice signal. Don't want anyone thinking I'm a TOTAL lid, counting other people's QSOs as my own ;-) - - - - - - Got me thinking though that I might start recording my own QSO's... and wondering how many out there do it? It would be fun to go back and listen to them I suppose. Do you roll tape on your own QSOs? Dan 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] Concern (long)
My FJ/G3TXF contact has not been confirmed in LoTW. My YU8/G3TXF contact has. 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] Concern (long)
YU8/G3TXF is confirmed as Serbia, not as Kosovo. Yeah, I know... but it's the latest QSO I had with somewhere/G3TXF. New band country confirmed on 30m anyway ;-) 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
It seems to me that if they have spent a bunch of their money, perhaps with some backers too, they can operate any way THEY think is best for them, not us Why don't we just apply this to the whole of ham radio. Whoever spends the most money gets to make the rules. Don't get me wrong, 1) I very much appreciate what the DXpeditioners are doing 2) I think personally that many/most of them do a very good job 3) I think they largely do it because it's a fun and/or rewarding adventure that puts some spice back into their love of DX All this is good, all DXers should be generally appreciative, patient, and avoid being *unjustifiably* critical of DXpeditions. However, it really makes me worry for the future of DX and DXing fun when some hams have the attitude that spending $10,000 of your own money to go to some hellhole of an island to operate ham radio should make them into Ham Radio Gods whose operating procedures are sacrosanct. Not everything that a DXpedition might do is OK. In the case of VP6DX, I think they're running a ship-shape, ethical, and fun operation and really doing a fantastic service to the ham community. They're keeping the pileups largely under control to use a reasonable amount of band space and using the tactics that their excellent ops know to keep rates high. I think most DXpeditions fall into this general category. However, it would be possible for a DXpedition to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, operate for two weeks, make 100,000 contacts and still be guilty of bad operating practices! If that statement costs me a rare DXCC counter from some grudge-holding DXpeditioner, let it be so, but there *are* things that a DXpedition could be doing unwittingly that make for big, bad, unruly public relations nightmare pileups or to unfairly treat some subgroup of amateurs calling. DXers are not the only ones in ham radio, and the DXpeditions and DXers have a general responsibility to run a clean operation that treats the entire world ham population fairly no matter WHO PAID FOR IT. The airwaves belong to all of us, from guys with a bamboo beam and a WWII era rig on a little island to the teeming hordes of NA, JA and EU superstations. And I think in that context, the present discussion is about what is fair treatment of the worldwide DXer (and in the case of pileup control, the general ham) population. Spending the money to go on the DXpedition does NOT give you the last word in that discussion. Having a fantastic team of propagation and operating experts and good organization and planning DOES give you a serious high ground from which to decide the best operating strategy, which is why I will staunchly defend VP6DX's decision to work a lot of EU EU, but it is not about money or simply being in a rare location. It's about running a fair and ethical, expert and fun operation that respects the WHOLE worldwide ham population and their rights to the airwaves, DXers and non-DXers alike. There are things that I've heard major DXpeditions do that I feel are very much like screaming fire in a crowded theater and I can't support that, even if they did pay fifty times normal price for their ticket. Again, I find that MOST DXpeditions are running a good show, but there ARE unwritten rules of fairness that they have to play by, we all do, and if they and we don't, we're sunk. 73, Dan 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 must admit the hours-on-end of EU only on the low bands got very tiring very quickly. And yet they've made about a fifth of the QSOs with EU than they have with NA on 160m and just 2/3 the number of QSOs with EU as they have with NA on 80m. Go figure. In the meantime, poor ZS's get stuck with a whisper and no one straining to hear them in particular. VP6DX has too loud of a signal on 160m and 80m in the states to NOT stand by for other areas. Everyone with 30W radiated power and a passing interest seems to be able to work them on 160 and 80, which is awesome, but that's an awful lot of people compared to the usual crew vying for TB and 80m QSOs. Peter, I'm sort of interested in seeing how this discussion plays out on a reflector with some international participants ;-) I don't know if you saw but the original poster KA3NRX in the epic eHam thread managed to snag himself an 80m QSO (with 100W + G5RV I do believe)... despite the frequent and thorough EU EU EU EU. The way the QSO stats and my personal experiences watching people work this one have played out, the only people in North America adversely affected by VP6DX's incessant EU'ing are the terminally impatient and those who are scared of being awake after dark. And in reference to the original post, Charles, I did witness VP6DX on 160m calling for EU/SA at least... guess that was last night. Not very often you get anyone calling for South America unless they're an EU guy looking for better lowband DX than us stupid W3's ;-) I'm sure the UA4's and OH's SM's and LA's who get approximately 30 minutes of propagation to VP6DX on 160m would love to stand by for the first five hours of a nine to twelve hour mutual darkness with great propagation listening to an excellent signal they're not supposed to call. I'm sure the Africans who get even less propagation wouldn't mind a standby for them... but if there are so few of them as to make the rate *zero* on the average attempt, it's unlikely they're going to get much window. I'm sure satisfied with my 11 band slots worked at quasi-convenient hours with 100W from a 50x100 foot lot in the DC suburbs with no tower... and no one was spoonfeeding me. You can continue to think that it should just be strong vs. weak without an appreciation of how much stronger a fairly weak NA could be in VP6 than a moderately strong EU but I think it's going to get you some bad karma Re: some very needed SE Asian expedition that just works JA's all day ;-) I sincerely doubt we'll ever see six hours-on-end, every day, of NA only, EU-stand-by when a DXpedition starts up from some place where propagation to EU is better than it is to NA. That would appear to be a different issue than your other objection, that no one should be spoon-fed 73, Dan 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] numbers directional CQs
If an operation decides to do anything other than general calls then by continent is fair -- just alternate regularly so one side doesn't feel like they're getting the short-end I think the issue here is ops who *feel* they're getting the short end vs. ops who *are* getting the short end. I personally think VP6DX is striking the perfect balance between EU and NA and it's reflected in the stats. They're giving a very fair shot to DXers in those two areas based on their knowledge of propagation. Go look at the stats page and tell me who's missing out on VP6DX QSOs. Now the points you guys are making certainly extend to DX that isn't quite as good at knowing how to balance propagation vs. open calling so maybe that's an issue, but I think VP6DX has it down cold. Anyone know of a table of # of hams per continent so we can normalize the VP6DX stats table to reflect per capita QSOs? Would be interesting in discussing the original question. - - - -- - -- Peter, I'm with you on by-the-numbers. There are lots of reasons but I rarely hear it going really, really well. And I understand that the waiting that probably makes people freak out in by-the-numbers pileups could be totally unbearable if you spend your precious 40m operating time listening to the big signal of VP6DX going EU EU EU but that's different... but that's your decision to make and I feel that there's plenty of precedent and plenty of information on the internet for you to realize that until 0500 or 0600 or 0800 or so you're not going to get a shot. NA DXer, do you really, really, really want a 40m QSO? Don't sit there fuming while they call EU, drink a half gallon of water or set your alarm, go to bed, get up at 0900Z, work them in two calls and go back to bed. I've seen a fair number of comments on the cluster from people who are just crouched over the radio in their presumably precious operating time getting upset and tired because they're waiting there listening while VP6DX works EU instead of working other DX, sleeping, or doing something productive! I made my 160m QSO last Friday morning pretty easy, just woke up a half hour before sunrise or so. It would have been kind of stupid for me to stay up all night to do that. Dan 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] TI9KK CW
Gotta give them praise for low band CW operations! They're really holding it down on 80/160 tonight. 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] Ungrateful
Exactly - she's out there doing it and that goes a long way in my book. I thought she was doing a *good job*. She wasn't making 100 QSO/hr rate but when a whole bunch of people decide W7 please? means N4 and NN3 and KP4 and NF5 should keep calling, and you have to make every single QSO with a pileup that never, ever ever changes intensity, you're not going to have a stellar rate. You could go up and spread 'em out but then you're going to QRM half the band with a pileup that never, ever changes intensity. The continuous caller problem is upsetting. I heard some guys in there on 14205 that should have known better, guys I respect otherwise. We should all tie our continuous calling buddies down and beat it out of 'em ;-) *smack* THOSE LETTERS AREN'T IN YOUR CALLSIGN *smack* Dan 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] Pileup control
That was a transcription of an actial qso, you can copnfirm with W4AMP if you would like, other calls left incomplete to protect he guilty. No doubt, no doubt... I heard exactly the same junk on 14205 yesterday, and I'm sure it's going on on 18160 but fortunately I don't have to listen to it. However, I think any deviation from a solid 1) Throw out a partial 2) Work them, stick with them 3) *confirm the QSO* 4) QRZ? pattern is bound to get even those with *some* self restraint riled up and calling out of turn a bit. if the DX station has persisted for 4 or 5 calls and others refuse to stand by whose fault is it? What option does the DX then have to maintain control. We all need to shut up. There is nothing, ever, ever, ever ,ever that any DX including TI9KK could do that could possibly excuse not standing by for completion of a QSO. However, the overall health of the pileup does have a lot to do with *hope* vs. *despair* If you were one of the thousands of #1,#3,#4,#5,#6,#7, #8 or #9 EU waiting quietly and patiently while TI9KK worked #2 only for half an hour, and your heart leapt when she went EU only and then minutes later she goes back to *specifically calling* #1 USA, you are not going to be hopeful that you will get through. I'm trying to run a clean operation over here. If I think it's a nearly impossible QSO I'll just hang it up and wait for a more favorable shot. I personally think DXing would be more fun if everyone felt the same way about that. But the reality is that there are some folks out there who will be patient and quiet only up to a point and will break and start QRMing in their simple desperation to get through... To focus the discussion, if you've been listening for an hour as the DX calls #2 for a half hour, takes all callers for a while, then goes back to #1 after never cycling through the numbers, should you *really* respect the call for #1's only? Again, as soon as partial is pulled, every single person who doesn't have that partial needs to shut up, but I can't say the same for respecting a call for by-numbers or EU only or NA only when there's been no evidence of that actually working for anyone. Now back to Europe only on 17m, different op. Let's see how that goes. 73, Dan 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] Pileup control
If the replacement op comes back on and starts on ones again it's going to be bedlam ;-) It's official, the replacement op came back and just started taking anyone and everyone. Again, I'm just a lazy W3 who doesn't appreciate the DXpedition, don't worry I understand that. But would it have been so hard for the previous op to say hey, I stopped EU only at #6, why don't you pick up EU only at #7 Dan 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] Pileup control
Inexperienced operators belong on low rate bands (e.g., 10 meters, 6 meters) at the end of an operation not on prime bands the first day of an operation - if they belong on an operation of this size in the first place. I don't think that's really fair. I think for an inexperienced op she was doing quite a good job. Now there's another op who has a problem... he called EU only by numbers... I had great hope, he did #1-#6 EU only holding it very well... even-handedly switching numbers... EU ONLY EU ONLY, no problem... then he got to #7 and started taking U.S.A. stations he just worked ONLY USA STATIONS and is now on to #8. What do the #7,#8, #9, and #0 Europe stations do next time ? Maybe he's also an inexperienced op? Harder to tell which one he is... Now they've done an op switch without even getting to #9 and #0 at all --- I think all DXpeditions need to do with inexperienced ops is say look, don't try anything tricky, just pull callsigns out and stick with them until you've got the QSO. Make sure you end with XX6YY thank you TI9KK QRZ? I'm sure comments of don't criticize, it's not your money it's not your operation you're lazy in your chair on the internet etc etc are due my way at this point, but all of these problems should be avoidable with a little briefing. The ops I've heard so far are not bungling much and are maintaining a reasonable rate... a simple do NOT run by numbers from the team leaders would have avoided a lot of strife! The 9's and zeros around the whole world and the 7's and 8's in Europe just got stiffed on 17. If the replacement op comes back on and starts on ones again it's going to be bedlam ;-) Dan 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] Ungrateful
What we're seeing is another side-effect of the lower of license requirements. Ron, don't even go there. I don't want to name-and-shame as G0OIL says, but of the two worst ones I was hearing yesterday one was licensed in '86 and the other I know has been a ham for quite a long time (not sure exactly how long) as well and is someone I respect for his work in ham radio, and have only ever heard him being a very good operator otherwise. I don't doubt that there are a good number of brash, lawless new ops out there. I've heard some of them too, but if the older more experienced ops set a good example and are the successful ones in doing so, we'll be better off. I hear a lot of stuff about new ops coming from the CB bands and so forth... but honestly, if you're a new operator and come from the CB hobby where transmitting is the whole point, you actually *have an excuse* to be a bad, continuous caller until you learn better by listening to the way things are supposed to go. Guys who have 22 years in the hobby do NOT have an excuse. Dan 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] DXpedition Expectations
Mike, I think you're on to something. TI9 is apparently #87 in the DXCC most wanted for 2006. I'd believe that... there are other things I would rather knock down but there's not a whole ton of activity. It's good DX and lots of people need it. OK, so ZK2 is #75. I'd believe that, right? It's occasionally active too but harder from the U.S.A. and much harder from EU. TI9KK has monster raging pileups. I saw a spot for ZK2CC on 40m last night and one called 'em. 100W. The apparently more-rare ZK2 wasn't attracting as much attention as TI9. An East Coast USA station with 100W and a vertical (albeit a big one) can one-call #75 on the list. It was late at night, many people probably asleep, sun up over much of EU by then but #75 gets no pileup and #87 gets this: http://n3ox.net/files/TI9KK_pile_021008_40m.mp3 We can't draw the strongest of conclusions because it really wasn't prime time for pileups on the ZK2 but now that you've mentioned it I wonder if the big announcement and coverage and the delay and callsign change and whatever have brought TI9KK to the forefront of everyone's DX awareness ... At any rate, we've got a couple of CW stations down in Cocos to work as of this writing and SSB seems to be going well on 17 now. I'm sure things will hit their stride and we'll get 'em where we need 'em (though I'm a little bit terrified of listening the first time they hit 160m ) It'd be interesting to know what OTHER good DX everyone is working while hordes call the TI9 stations. I don't blame them for stirring up a lot of attention, this stuff is expensive and no one is going to donate to a DXpedition they don't know about... but I think there really might be something to this sentence: However, the combination of the anticipation of a rare place being QRV, the talk of needing this or that band and the final event of the station coming on the air makes for an explosive mix that finally ignites in the inevitable fracas of the resulting pileup. Dan 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] Re:A52AM
I'm with you, personally - that there was a valid license was in force before that date, Presumably there is strong suspicion or proof of 1kW operation prior to the cancellation, so I think it makes sense to invalidate the whole operation. Otherwise it'd be like saying all P5/N3OX contacts before they caught me and put me in jail would be valid even though I never had operating permission... 100W power limit in A5, eh? Makes me nostalgic for 2000 conditions on 17 and 15m ... just looked up my A52A Q's 73, Dan 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] How do you view new DXCC countries?
I view it as more of a pain in the a** having to work them and collect QSLs to maintain my position on the Honor Roll. Shouldn't someone who's working harder than you get to take your spot? The rules are the rules Re: addition of new entities and I would say new political entities are about the cleanest, easiest call there... new country = new country! I think it's good for DXing to add new easy ones. It's good for people with limited setups to have some excitement and it does provide a way for Honor Rollers who aren't doing anything to have their standings decay and make room for new guys. Besides, don't you want to eventually be pushing 390 active+deleted someday? ;-) 73, Dan 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] Culture Change on DX Cluster?
I think it's fine if you're rare DX and not getting any responses... However, I've come to think no one should ever spot someone that already has a pileup. Obviously self spotters are too busy at that point to spot... Pipe dream, of course. Never gonna happen because people like to brag to the cluster too much (I've done it too, I wish I hadn't). I think it should work thusly: Station calls CQ three times with no response on an open band: spot him That's it. Otherwise, let people find him themselves. There are just too many cluster clickers out there. The cluster is a useful tool, but there are just too many who show up and obviously can't hear the DX. I'm sure this is a common complaint of small, weak stations... and for the time being, I'm medium-weak, but personal failure in pileups is not really what this complaint stems from... I usually get through anyway. It's just that you come across some good DX calling CQ, chances are so did three other guys. If you beat them out in the pileup, you know they're there, let them enjoy their QSO and don't call in the rest of the world to compete with them. It's the courteous thing to do. This is especially true of DX stations who are not so hot at handling a pileup. With three or four callers, slowly building, a bunch of guys will get to make a contact before the pileup gets too big for them to handle. If I spot him right after I work him, the pileup instantaneously gets too big and after 1 or 2 more QSO's, he's going to QRT. People watch the cluster and build up giant stations so that they can ensure they can get through in 1 or 2 calls ... that's fine if you're feeling life's too short and you want to work 'em all, but if we all stop spotting the good stuff, then DXing starts to come back to skill and tuning more than brute force. Again, pipe dream, but keep it in mind when you and that brand new KC2xxx station find the good DX on 20m at the same time. You make it through first on your 70' high tribander... do you go spot it or let the KC2 have the thrill of a lifetime with their freshly strung 20m dipole and shaky CW? 73, Dan 73, Dan 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
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. Yeah, I like how the implicit assumption here is that the mail thieves are dumb enough to be fooled by simple disguise tricks or nondescript envelopes. All it takes is one or two envelopes to the Reunion address that are addressed conspicuously and have dollar bills in them, and the dishonest employee can JUST REMEMBER THE ADDRESS. Then they can just open everything. It doesn't matter what it looks like. Personal mail from France will get through just fine, but everything that fits the disguised-QSL mold won't make it through. Hell, I got a letter from the postal inspector when I tried to send a card to a stateside manager *also in Maryland* with a small cash donation. The card and envelope came back with the letter from the inspector but the dollars disappeared into Baltimore somewhere, never to be seen again. If it's happening in Baltimore, you can sure bet it's happening in places with even more crippling poverty. If it's a choice between feeding your family well and letting some guy get his QSL cards, or even half his mail, which would you pick? Anything they can open and destroy that won't get them fired is a goner. 73, Dan 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] a disgrace to ham radio
I guess the only solution is to ignore if you can and steal their pleasure. If we could get every single ham who wanted to work the DX to have infinite patience and totally ignore the jammers, they'll go away. The DX will always hear everyone in a split pile, and there will always be a good fraction of the pileup that can hear the DX and not the jammer just like I could on 40m. If no one sends UP or LID or the FU I've heard a few times, then the jammer is just going to hear the DX soldier on in the face of jamming, apparently unhurt. It won't cure the problem (some jammers are very persistent) but it will help if they generally think they're too weak to be heard. I can't explain why things have gotten so much worse lately, unless the general downturn in society in general. I don't know either but there is something I've observed. Some DX operations get almost NO jamming, some are jammed constantly. I don't think it has much to do with the loudness or rarity of the expedition. That smacks of a deeper story than people are jerks I think some jamming is probably specifically targeted at certain individuals or DX groups for personal reasons. 5L2MS has had fierce pileups but I haven't heard much intentional transmission on their TX frequency, have you? They're mind-bendingly loud in NA too on some bands...in Western Africa and in great demand, and yet, I heard a fair bit of intentional jamming on C52C on 40 and now this report of the same on 30. What's the difference? Maybe I'm wrong, maybe 5L2MS is getting jammed just as much, but I haven't noticed that if it's true. Dan 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] A disgrace to Ham radio
My experience listening to C52C on 40m was that the jammers couldn't touch 'em ;-) Tuners, intentional QRM, other such BS and C52C was just sailing over 'em. Doesn't let the QRMers off the hook, but it is something I like to hear. Dan 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] Post War QST?
I have Jan 1942 reprint because ARRL sent it to me when I renewed ;-) Really fascinating read for my 28 year old self, actually... glad I have it. 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] TN0VB
Apparently UA4WHX is in TN now? Anyone know how long he's staying? I need it for an all time new... 73, Dan 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] 3B6SP expedition?
I could use ZS8 too... I hope the 3B6 guys are able to get underway soon... all I saw was a cluster spot from a GM station that said something like back to 3B7 ... I've got my fingers crossed that condx hold out... we don't need 85/2/0 solar condx for 3B6 from here but it sure wouldn't hurt. Dan 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] ZS8MI
Although it seems he manages MOST of them 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] BS7H QSO Stats
Looks like I was off by 5%... I figured 10% of Zone 5 calls weren't actually in Zone 5. Still a pretty good distribution across N.A. 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] BS7H QSO Stats
This throws a lot of whining into sharp perspective. They didn't work the U.S. enough? We're second only to JA. Totally impenetrable JA wall? JA was only 900 hams ahead of the U.S. total. Granted they had 3x the QSO's but who around here had a real shot on, say, 40m. BS7H impossible from the east coast? Zone 3 only had 600 more QSO's than zone 4 and zone 5, which were equal. 21kqso to Asia, 16kqso to EU, 7kqso to NA... sounds like they did a good job working the propagation... Lots of selfish hams stealing away the chance for people to get a QSO from BS7H by working them over and over again? I don't think so. 2.5 times as many people got only one QSO as who managed to get two. 2 times as many people managed to get 2 QSO's as got 3. This includes *all* regions. Whoever got 24... wow. 73, Dan 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] BS7H QSO Stats
How did they figure the US zones - by call sign which isn't too accurate now. That might be right, but I don't think it's *too* inaccurate. I think the overall situation is still that the numbers more or less match up here. If you want to do a sample, just type random 1x2 calls into qrz and see if the number matches. I just ran n1aa through n0ad... maybe 10% of 'em were not in their call areas. So stuff 400 more qso's into zone 3, maximum. Dan 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] Stupid countries (formerly BS7H thoughts)
Agreed ... where it s not possible to even set up a table for operating without first building a platform to create a level surface, that entity certainly fails any test of common sense. 3Y0X on Peter I. first had to set up tents before they set up tables so the ops wouldn't get buried in snow and freeze to death. Should we delete it too? Dan 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] Best BS7H quote I have seen
I didn't really need a super-fancy antenna system either. No stacks, no long-boom monobanders, just a Force 12 C31XR up 70' or so (3 elements for 20m on a 31 foot boom), but having a legal-limit amp and diversity-receive on the Mark V really did make things go easier. Compared to my 100W and Moxon rectangle at (maybe) 30 feet, that's big gun stuff ;-) I couldn't believe the cluster-crabs whining like girlie-men, and especially one nutjob in 8-land who needs some serious couch time - or at least a tribander, good feedline and a decent amp for next time. Exactly. This moron probably was trying to get them on a G5RV strung North-South with 100W and had done the same with N8S and other recent DXpeditions where propagation favored the Eastern half of the US. I can't believe the nerve of people who think they're entitled to a contact with the DX just because there's a DXpedition on. It doesn't matter that they're a poor operator, it doesn't matter that their antenna system is garbage and they're running low power, they think it's the DXpedition's fault. The fact of the matter is that those of us on this coast who have built a radio station that can be used to contact some guys running medium power to simple verticals on some rocks 8000 miles away are the ones who get the contact. It's a team effort, but I think the major monster DXpeditions who can work EVERYONE in a particular geographical area have made some people decide that everything must be that way, even if it's technically impossible. I worked 3Y0X from an apartment building using a hundred watts into a 100' magnet wire doublet. I got them on 20m and 30m CW... AND 40M ***SSB***. I think anyone with the same setup and some persistence could have done the same. Given propagation and the ridiculous conditions on BS7H, that's practically impossible, to work Eastern US stations with similar equipment. I'm young, I have time to wait. I'm just happy that I was still hearing them well enough to call on 20m after 14024 BS7H Faded Out spots started hitting the cluster. I made my best effort from here given constraints of other commitments, time, and money, and my best effort wasn't good enough. No whining here, but you can bet I'll be really ready for the next one. 73, Dan 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] Best BS7H quote I have seen
Dan, you hit the nail on the head. If you fancy yourself a DXer you need a station to cash the cheques your mouth writes, first and foremost. If all you can afford is 100W and a wire, then you're a fair-weather DXer (solar-wise). Fortunately for me on 30m and below that wire is 60 feet long and vertical. I got VU7RG on Day 1 on 40m CW! Now that I'm thinking about it, I shoulda stuck a phasing coil in the middle of the 60 footer and used it on 20m !! I had to visit a better station to work the rare ones (my club's station, with a Cushcraft X9 at 120' and a kW in the shack). I've always resisted that. Even when I was in college and we had an X9 at the club station (K2CC), it was the rig in my dorm room and a wire or nothing at all. Just a personal handicap on the whole DXing biz, but you're not going to see me whining on the cluster. Of course, I was dorm hamming at solar max last time so I was knocking down new ones (T30 comes to mind) on 10m with a 12 foot wire. The U of MD station, W3EAX, has the big tribander stuck north right now but that would have been just fine. I'd prefer to wait for the next one... I went with the Force-12 C31XR and have not regretted it for a minute. 6dB over dipole on 20, 6.8 over a dipole on 15 and 7.4 over dipole on 10, 70 feet up, fed with 3/8 hardline and connected to an AL-1200 legal-limit amp and a pretty good transceiver. An achievable station for many hams if they're serious about the DX, for sure. I'm still a renter, so a 70 foot tower is really out. If you can't afford a good station or you've chosen to live in a CCR-restricted property that's fine; nobody's going to point their fingers at you and laugh, unless you start to whinge when you can't break through the piles of the bigger operations. Exactly. Ultimately, it all comes down to the choices you make about your ham radio activities, and I think you can do things even on a shoestring budget. Heck, if I'd dropped a few hundred bucks on a used amp before this operation went up, and put up my $70 beam for day 1 instead of day 3, I might very well have them in the log. I chose to not make a huge deal of this one because I'm planning on DXing for another 40 or 50 years... I put a little work in and built the beam and put it up in a couple of configurations just to see if I could squeak through. I read that email on scarboroughreef.com ... you know, the profane guy with atrocious spelling... and I wondered what piece of crap he was trying to work BS7H on because I read his comments while I was hearing them just fine here near DC on my delta loop at 25 feet, and I have power line noise! 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] Best BS7H quote I have seen
Quote W2AGN: You know, following this thread is enough to turn one off DXing. The ones that worked BS7H are sneeringly demeaning those who didn't, criticizing their operating, etc No, a mix of people who worked and didn't work BS7H are sneeringly demeaning a few VERY, VERY vocal whiners who think the BS7H guys did something other than the very very best they could. They don't say it in so many words, but they chalk up their inability to work very difficult DX to the DX station's mistakes or the actions of the masses in the pileup. They don't understand that to get through to a rock on the other side of the world while there are thousands and thousands of callers takes solid preparation, a good station, and good operating skills. They want to blame someone else for their lame station and operating ability, and they want to do it on the cluster. Dan 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] BS7H
A 5 Element Yagi Up 90', and a Linear Amp Would really help on this one. I can hear them near DC on 20m and 30m with a 25 foot high delta loop and a big vertical respectively, but not much chance of working them. I'm hoping to put up a BS7H-special antenna tonight, vertical beam right on them. Hope the K=0 holds out and I hope condx on the rocks hold out as well... good luck to all. Dan 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] BS7H
ENJOY all the Lids, CB'ers, and QRM you invited in !! Yes, because every ill-behaved person jamming the pileup is obviously a recently minted U.S. Extra Class amateur. Maybe we should look at the motive... who has more reason to jam a pileup? A brand new Extra all excited about DXing and who's seen the impressive and bizarre spectacle that was BS7H in '95 and just has to make sure they get this one... ---OR--- Someone who already has them in the log and doesn't want someone else catching up to their total? - - - - - - I personally don't think it's either... I think it's jammers who like jamming, which we've had for a long time, and a few people who are frantically searching a vast swath of 20m hoping to find the sweet spot to get through and forget to switch VFO's before they transmit... they're lids, maybe, but forgivable ones. Dan 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]
NO CODE! Carfull what you wish, because you just might regret it Care to hazard a guess why there are jammers and lids all over the CW operation too? Dan 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] Phone to CW DXCC ok
Boris, I think this one is the proper one for this situation: a) Mixed (general type): Contacts may be made using any mode since November 15, 1945. You can't get credit for your phone DXCC or CW DXCC, but you can get credit for mixed. Cross mode CW/Phone counts as any mode. Good to know. I was really itching to call HZ1IK on CW last night when he was coming in well on phone on 7080, but after reading the cross-mode doesn't count for DXCC comments around here, I held back. Next time ;-) By the way, cross mode CW (me) to SSB (big guns) works really well on VHF since all I have is a 5 element yagi at 9m high on the chimney and 50 watts... Dan 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] Radio-Amateurs+ART
Has anyone tried to report him to the Belgian spam authorities? There are often email addresses to which you can forward offending messages. Dan 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] P5BCST
Stands for North Korean Broadcast. Not ham, though I gather it's an intruder. Probably tripping everyone's alarms though; VR2 someone has been spotting P5BCST daily. 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] I just have to say this....
It appears that there is just no way to pass on to today's teenagers the wonder of radio, There's no opportunity. I would imagine that ham radio was much bigger in the general public conciousness in 1956. I just stumbled upon ham radio in 1995 at 15 years old as a result of thorough geekery and a little bit of CB. DX hooked me. None of my friends got it. You can turn the radio on and let them listen to the beeping or the donald duck voices and tell them that they're coming in from faraway Place X and they just don't get it. I think it's because DX isn't about distance, but that's all you can really talk about... it's not about contacting foreign nations; you can do that on the internet. DX is about the quality the band has when the K index is zero and it's four in the morning and the lake effect snow is howling outside... It's about staring out the window into the darkness as you spin the knob and you're not in the shack; not really, anyway. You're out *there* somewhere, looking for the DX. DX is about the emptiness of a quiet open band. It's about the potential to trip across a new one faintly bleeping a CQ and being the only one up to answer. I get it. Not many people these days do. I think the magic is there but it's changed and it's more subtle. Instant contact with any point on the globe is routine but you have to know how to get a hold of them. My girlfriend gets it. There used to be a phone booth out in the middle of the Mojave desert. It was for some mining town; they'd drive four or five miles out to the booth to use the phone if they needed to. Most of the time it was an empty phone booth in the middle of the desert with no one around for miles. She used to call it and listen to it ring... Put a signal out there, see what comes back... Dan 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] digital Changes to FCC SSB allocations
Did you really say that?! One of the best DX ragchews I ever had was on Pactor with a ZL. We typed back and forth for over an hour, and everything got through despite miserable condx and fading propagation. A phone or CW QSO would have been constant repeats. Honestly, I'd say that my mode preference in radio these days runs is CW over digi and digi over phone. Dan 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] Omnibus After Effects, or, The Day After
The only downside I see right now is going to be extra crowding in the big digital *contests* Digital tends to creep down to the x.025 range but not too much further right now... it's going to be interesting to see what smaller digital subbands will do. Otherwise, I think it's great, especially if the Tech Plus and Novices get more overlap with the higher classes on CW... there's a lot more to do on CW if you get General-class priveleges on 80,40,15 and 10! Dan 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] Omnibus After Effects, or, The Day After
And the fact that the VECs have to change all the exams And the fact that we all have to remember some new subband edges! I think I've got a weird holdover from operating a lot of 80m phone DX when I was an Advanced. I still think the phone subband stops at 3775. Actually, I guess 3600 will be easy to remember. I do think it's cool that we'll get more phone overlap with the rest of the world on 80. It's a good time in the sunspot cycle for this change, though I'm going to have to add another tap on the 80m matching coil on my vertical. I've got one tap that covers CW between 3500-3570 and another for phone : 3750-3830. Didn't really think I needed those frequencies in between ;-) 73, Dan 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] How do we make better DXers?
The US call districts are still mostly populated by the right numbers, though this is a good point, especially when taken worldwide. Calling one 1 and then one 2 and one 3 and so forth has the advantage of NOT taking into account propagation (you're not trying to get only 1's, 2's, 3's before the band closes) What it does do if done correctly is slashes the pileup size on average by a factor of TEN and makes the other 9 numbers very patient because they know that in a few QSO's they get their chance. They can, as Charlie said, go get some coffee, or they can spend the next nine QSO's listening and coming up with a calling strategy. It takes the pressure off. It's less stressful than taking ten or twenty from each district as propagation fades out. Having worked DXpeditions that are using this method, I think it's a great way to thin a pileup. Since a lot of successful pileup breaking is listening and thinking, this gives you 9 out of every 10 QSO's to work on that instead of yelling into the microphone. 73, Dan 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] How do we make better DXers?
Peter, I'm never more frustrated than when I'm losing propagation and the DX takes 15 4's then 15 5's then 15 6's then 15 7's then ***permanent fade*** ... I would have had 4 other shots to work them if they were only taking 1 per district. Guess it's a matter of personal preference. Dan 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] How do we make better DXers?
Peter, you make a good point. Regarding 3Y0X, I think it probably goes to show that the raw skill of the operators at pileup handling is much more important than any subtle variations in technique. I certainly had a lot easier time getting through to them (3 bands) than to KH8SI (zero bands). Actually, I felt a little silly later on in the 3Y0X operation, because I duped them on 30m (as per their request when the log wasn't working) because the first contact was a bit questionable, and so in the first few days of the operation I fought through the 30m pileup twice with my little invisible doublet and 100W, only to have them begging for contacts by the end of the operation. Even when the pileup was enormous, though, I knew there would be some way to get through. The rate was good, the ops were predictable and in control. I *think* they were working by numbers on 40M SSB when I got them but I don't remember for sure. I feel like I just happened to tune to them to see how their SSB sig compared to CW and they were on 2's so I figured I'd dump my call in when the 3's came around. I almost fell off my seat when they came back, I usually don't even consider 40M SSB a useful DX band-mode given my antenna and power, but after the contact was over I listened on my TX frequency and only a handful were calling. Dan 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] re How do we make better DXers?
Only one way around it! One call district for each grid square, worldwide. 73, N34595OX Only 34,592 call districts to go before they get to me. but I've seen operators literally go by prefix (i.e. W1, K1, N1) so I wouldn't know whether to call or not! 73 - Jim AD1C 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] How do we make better DXers?
The DX just has to be strict about who gets to get through. The pileup should be held up until WK7 gets to get through, or the DX says the whiskey kilo seven please and is met with silence. Yeah, QSO rate may plummet, but that's just what has to happen to keep the pileup in line. I'm in favor of the DX giving specific instructions to keep the pileup in line. I've worked some hard ones on 30m because the DX sent UP 17 instead of just UP and three-quarters of the pile didn't follow. The more the DX can reward the good, skilled, and polite DXer with the contact at the expense of the brute-force jerks, the better the pileups will get. Dan 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] How do we make better DXers?
I think long-term blacklisting is too harsh. I don't think that the people who are calling out of turn are necessarily doing it because they're bad people. I think it's because they know it increases, rather than decreases their chance of getting through. I'm OK with short-term blacklisting though. A quick KQ3XX come back tomorrow, no contact today is likely fairly effective. It should just be for a single band-mode-day though. It'd give the bad apples many chances to modify their behavior. Dan 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] How do we make better DXers?
Joe, Didn't mean to single out your prefix! I did a qrz.com search on KQ3XX just in case ;-) My favorite (and this happened a bit on 6m today when it was open to the Carribean) is this, and I'll be the lid this time... that's safe. DX: 6 Yankee One Victor QRZed? DX: Kilo Quebec Three Foxt***NOVEMBER THREE OCEAN X-RAY*** and 9 in FK18. KQ3F (who can luckily hear over me) thanks you're five and 9 DX: Thanks this is Six Yan***NOVEMBER THREE OCEAN X-RAY*** QRZed? Gotta love it. I'm working on worked all currently transmitting stations by the way. The situation in the big unruly pileups seems exactly analogous to capital area traffic, by the way. There are times around here, if everyone just let one single person in from the merge lane and just left a little, tiny bit of space for traffic to move around, the Beltway would move at 60MPH. Since everyone's being skittish and selfish and watching out only for themselves, traffic moves at 23MPH. The selfishness, of course, is totally misplaced. The best thing for the DC metro drivers and the callers trying to break the pileup to do to get through is calm down and be orderly. Things will happen much more smoothly, you'll get your to the end of the commute faster or get your contact sooner. Oh well, don't think KH8/S is going to happen for me this time, but I did work 2 new 6m band-countries today so I've had a good one. 73, Dan 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] Stupid splits...
Peter, I am, of course, referring to the current situation, but he's not the only time I've heard this. A certain DXpedition to the near-antarctic on 40m CW was a travesty some nights this way too. I know ops get caught up in the pileup, but sometimes you've just got to hit the split reset button and come back to 1kHz up. I could never figure out what was going on with 3Y0X on 40CW. I worked 'em on 30m, 20m CW and I got them on FORTY METER SSB. I live in an apartment and use magnet wire antennas and a barefoot FT-857D!!! They were awesome ops doing everything right except that 40m split just got so wacky. OK KH8SI on 30m now... wish me luck, here I go... Dan 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] 4O3T
This is what drove me to get my Extra back in 1999... there were a bunch of good DXpeditions, every once and a while I'd be lucky and they'd be on 14.025 listening up, but mostly not. Montenegro is going to be as common as YU anyway, I expect... this isn't exactly a rare one. Dan 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] Make a better spot
I like the antenna codes ,but would include things like Bev, Vert, K9AY, 4SQ etc... easily flexible, though... the antenna codes aren't very cryptic. 1L is good for generic horizontal wires. Vert probably better for verticals... Could add WN (wet noodle) for really easy-to-copy-on-anything signals... Might be good to use something offbeat as the seperator, maybe *. Also, maybe add TX ERP for those worked, HRD for not 1830.5 VK0XX 449*W3*Bev/4SQ*1kW 21050.0 CT1XXX 579*W3*4L*65W 144.210 AE3XX 59*FM19*6L*HRD I'll do it if you will... I think it's a compact way to include more info. Dan 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] Gary Stone
I can appreciate that... but I think it already happens to a certain extent, right? The first spot of all is useful to let you know the DX freq. The rest just let you know who else is hearing the DX. Now, it could be that one might make the case that the DX should only be spotted once. I'd come down on this side if it were possible to keep people from duplicating spots when they're excited. Since people are going to spot the same DX over and over again, I think it would be cool to have formatted data of station details. If the format was codified and a lot of people used it, you could get all sorts of data on band conditions, statistics on who uses what antennas when and how well they work. Some mods to cluster software would let you add automatic info when, for example, you spot a 20m spot and you always use your four element yagi on 20. If it's formatted properly, the cluster could also be modified to strip it out of the spots sent to those who don't want such information. Something to think about, I think... I like the idea of data rich cluster spots but I can see how the cluster is information overload anyway... Tops on my list is finding the DX before it's spotted... sometimes I wish we could cancel DX spotting entirely and cool the pileups off, but barring that, I'd like to make it as useful as possible. Dan 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
