Introduction to DXing

Introduction to DXing By Craig Fastenow, KØCF Adapted from a presentation by Craig Bradley, AE6RR, at Pacificon 2011

Elements of DXing Why we DX and what is DX How to find the DX How to work them Logging DX Contests QSLing Awards Propagation Modes other than SSB Reference Material

Why we DX and what is DX? (and other definitions) What is DX? DX is a shorthand abbreviation for Long Distance Most US Hams consider DX as a station outside of the continental US, North America or a separate DXCC entity Some will say that DX is a country that is harder to work o i.e. Mexico and Canada are easy

Why we DX and what is DX? (and other definitions) ARRL DX Century Club (DXCC) Amateur Radio s premier award Basic award for working at least 100 entities, up to DXCC Top of the Honor Roll (worked them all) More on this award later

Why we DX and what is DX? (and other definitions) ARRL DX Century Club (DXCC)

Why we DX and what is DX? (and other definitions) What is an Entity? Many people talk about working countries Entities are discrete geographical or political areas The 48 contiguous US states are one entity Hawaii and Alaska are separate entities There are currently 340 separate entities The newest one is Kosovo Check the ARRL web site for a complete list

Why we DX and what is DX? (and other definitions) Types of DX Amateur Radio operators living in foreign countries Travelers visiting in foreign countries o Vacationers and on work assignments Expeditions (DXpeditions) o Groups of hams on organized trips to activate a rare country o Usually on the air 24/7 with multiple stations

Why we DX and what is DX? (and other definitions) How to Find the DX Listening (!!) Packet Clusters DX Newsletters Repeaters

Listening Where s the DX? DX Windows - SSB 80m 3790-3800 (Extra) 40m 7075-7100 (Requires split operation for US) 20m 14190-14200 (Extra) 15m 21295 +/- (General) 10m 28495 +/- (Tech)

Listening Where s the DX? 20m is quite often the best DX band Some DX will be down in the Extra band, but many operate up in the General band You will frequently find EU, South Pacific and JA stations up in the General band 20m can be tough with a small station, competing with those who have high power and a beam. However, with skill and perseverance, it can be done!

Listening Where s the DX? Check the highest (frequency) band that is open first The higher bands are quieter and larger Most experienced hams will move up as the bands open up Tune around and listen you might be surprised and be the first to find DX calling CQ

Listening Where s the DX? DXpeditions o Announced well in advance o Usually announce their frequencies on web site o Usually transmit in the Extra band o Will at times listen up in the General band o Will almost always be spotted You can work a lot of DX in the General bands But you might want to consider working on that Extra

Listening Where s the DX? Packet Clusters Distribute DX spots using digital packet protocols History o Packet Clusters originated as 2m packet stations o Most are now on the Internet What is a spot? o A spot shows DX station s Call, Frequency, spotter s call, the time and comments such as the split frequency (QSX)

Listening Where s the DX? Typical Packet Cluster Screen:

Listening Where s the DX? Packet Clusters Pros & Cons o Once a station is spotted, a pileup usually starts o Rule: if they have not been spotted, work em first, then spot em

Listening Where s the DX? Packet Clusters Where to get the spots o DX Summit web page at http://www.dxsummit.fi o Telnet NØVD, VE7CC, WB8ZRL and many others Many logging programs have a spotting window o DX stations that you need can be flagged o Clicking a spot tunes radio, turns the beam (if you have one) and starts QSO log entry Smart phone apps

Listening Where s the DX? DX Newsletters A good source of information o Announced operations o Who was heard where and when o QSL info o Status of major DXpeditions

Listening Where s the DX? DX Newsletters Some email newsletters o ARRL DX News free to ARRL members o OPDX free at http://www.papays.com/opdx.html o The Daily DX http://www.dailydx.com/ Free 2 week trial subscription $28/6mo, $49/year Great daily source of very current information Special announcements sent out when news breaks QSOs, QSLs received etc.

Listening Where s the DX? Now How to Work Them Get Them in the Log

How to Work Them The Exchange Listen to a few QSOs to find out what info the DX wants When calling: o It is not necessary or desirable to give the DX s call o Always use standard phonetics, except when o Always be sure that he/she has your call correct before proceeding

How to Work Them The Exchange (continued ) If the DX is having problems with a couple of letters in your call try some different phonetics Such as Kilowatt Zero Canada Florida instead of Kilo Zero Charlie Foxtrot Once the DX gets your call right, don t give it again, just say: Thank you, you are five-nine

How to Work Them The Exchange (continued ) Some DX stations like to get your name and maybe your state in the log. However, only give this info if asked, or if he gives his info to you If there is a pileup, don t go into a long exchange (QTH, equipment, weather) unless he starts it or has been having mini rag-chews

How to Work Them The Simplex Pileup Simplex the DX is listening on his or her transmit frequency simplex pileups are tough If the DX does not control the pileup, it becomes a mess quickly know when to move on Listen for a while before jumping in o How are the stations that are getting through doing it? o Does the DX respond to tail ending? o Is there a rhythm? Timing can be the secret o Is the DX taking a list?

How to Work Them The Simplex Pileup (continued ) YLs have an advantage as they have a higher pitched voice o You can move up a couple of hundred Hz on USB using XIT (or ΔTX on Icom radios) to make your voice sound higher

How to Work Them The Simplex Pileup (continued ) ΔTX

How to Work Them The Split Pileup Split the DX is listening on a different frequency Know how to operate your radio in split mode o Be able to move your transmit frequency quickly Listen for the DX to announce where he is listening o Up 5, up 5-10, 200 to 220, etc. o The split freq. may be spotted, but verify, it may move o If the DX announces a new frequency, try to get there before the crowd you need to be fast! o Try the upper edge of the pileup on USB, lower on LSB

How to Work Them The Split Pileup (continued ) Listen to the pileup o A radio with second receiver works well for this, or use the TF Set or VFO A/B button on your radio Find the station being worked and get on that freq o Is the DX tuning up or down between QSOs? o If so, go a little in that direction from the last station o When a QSX frequency is spotted, beat the crowd! o Be aware some DX listens outside their stated listening range, i.e. working at 215 when they say 200-210

Split Operation Split TX Frequency Set Split Mode VFO A/B Select Listen to and adjust TX VFO Frequency

How to Work Them The Split Pileup (continued ) Let s watch a great op work a DXpediton pileup: Jerry, WB9Z, working from K5P, the Palmyra Dxpediton (Jerry was inducted into the CQ DX Hall of Fame in 2017

How to Work Them

How to Work Them Play the Propagation For most DX (especially DXpeditions) there will be an optimum time of the day for your area Follow the propagation to the DX as it changes with the time of day. Wait for the DX to announce NA or your call area only. A good operator will know when he has propagation to which areas

How to Work Them Good Operating Listen to the DX station for instructions If you can t copy the DX and his instructions, don t call If the DX comes back with a partial call and it is not yours, stop calling Be sure that you are on the correct VFO and in band before making a LID out of yourself!

How to Work Them Good Operating (continued ) Don t be a DX cop, there are plenty of well qualified ones out there If someone is on the wrong VFO and is not QRMing the DX, why invite him to compete with you in the pileup? Let the DX operator deal with it

Logging Keeping track of your QSOs

Logging Basic Logging After you have worked them, be sure to log the QSO correctly The time must be in UTC Be sure UTC date is correct it changes at 00:00Z! You can log the frequency in MHz, KHz or band You should have fields to log QSLs sent and received The ARRL paper log works but computer logging will be well worthwhile

Logging Computer Logging Let the computer do the work o Time & Date automatically entered from system clock o Computer reads frequency / mode directly from radio o QSL tracking can be much easier Reports of countries/states worked/needed can generated Lists of needed QSLs can be generated o Logger automatically gets QSL info from QRZ.com QSLs or labels can be printed

Logging Computer Logging (continued ) Typing skills are not needed hunt & peck works fine! A logger will also easily upload your log to ARRL Logbook of The World (LoTW), Club Log and other sites If you are just getting started in DXing Now is the time to start your computer log Don t wait until you have a big data entry chore There are many programs available

Logging Computer Logging (continued ) Some of the many programs available o Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) $100 o DX4Win $90 o N3FJP Amateur Contact Log $25 o Log4OM Free o DXLab Suite Free o MacLoggerDX for Mac users $95

Logging Computer Logging (continued ) I use DXLab Suite < http://www.dxlabsuite.com/ > o Support from the developer is superb! o The suite consists of 8 programs that all interact o Extremely full-featured o The price is right free! Screen shots follow

Logging

Logging

Logging

Logging

DX Contesting DX Contests Provide a Great Opportunity to Work Many DX Stations or Entities in One Weekend You do not have to enter the contest to participate o Learn the exchange for the contest o Get on and work the DX!

DX Contesting DX Contests Many DX locations are activated that may not be normally on the air Galapagos Islands Canary Island Many Caribbean Islands

DX Contesting DX Contests There are big contest DX stations that are normally used only during contests o They have big signals o They want to work everyone for points o They are usually on the air a few days before the contest for testing o Many use LoTW

DX Contesting Major Contests Fall CQ WW DX Contest SSB last weekend in October o Exchange is CQ Zone (we are zone 4) Spring ARRL Int. DX Contest SSB 1st weekend in March o Exchange sent : State (Iowa); received: Power in W CQ WPX Contest SSB last weekend in March o Exchange is a serial number

DX Contesting Major Contests There are many others including other modes o CW o RTTY many RTTY stations submit to LoTW Subscribe to Free Contest newsletters o Up-to-date info and lists of contests coming up o ARRL Contest Update o WA7BNM Contest Calendar

QSL QSLing Get the Proof! They Only Count if Confirmed

QSL How to QSL You can have cards printed by various QSL printers You can print your own cards with your computer o AGW QSL Print (a free download) o Microsoft Word also can be used Send QSL in a #10 Security envelope with return postage o Send green stamps (US $) for international return postage o Send an SAE - #9 Self Seal is best (won t stick shut in the mail)

QSL How to QSL (continued ) Do not put any callsigns on the envelope! o Postal thieves know that an envelope with amateur radio call letters on it will probably contain money Initial the contact info and write a short note on the card Track your sent and received cards in your log (!) Organize your QSL card collection o o 5 x 8 card file boxes work well (available from Amazon, etc.) QSLs are hard to find on the wall when you need to get them checked for an award

QSL QSL Organization and Storage 5 x 8 File Boxes Photo Albums Plastic Wall Hangers

QSL QSL Information Lookup the station on QRZ.com. With luck you will find an address You can always try a Google search on the stations call Check for QSL instructions o o o o o Many DX stations have a QSL manager They may request extra return postage, etc. Some only QSL through the bureau Some only use LoTW Some only use an OQRS (Online QSL request service) (more info on these last two methods follows!)

QSL QSL Services ARRL Incoming QSL Bureau o o o Some DX stations may send you their QSL through the bureau You should have envelopes (or address labels) and postage on file at your Call Area bureau See the ARRL web site for details ARRL Outgoing Bureau (Members only and not free) o You can save on postage

QSL ARRL Logbook of The World (LoTW) Online confirmation of QSOs Can be used for DXCC credit Can also be used for WAS and CQ awards credit You can apply for all these awards online Saves the cost of sending cards Stamp = $1.15, return postage = $2.00, + Envelopes + Cards I currently have 31,415 QSOs with 15,173 QSLs on LoTW Many contest stations submit logs to LoTW after the contest so they won t get so many QSL cards

QSL ARRL Logbook of The World

QSL OQRS Online QSL Request Service Most common one is ClubLog Cost is about the same as mailing a QSL, but without all the hassle You pay the cost of the QSL via PayPal o Usual cost is $3 to $5 for up to 5 QSOs Many DXpeditions and active DX stations use these services Other OQRSs are run by some QSL managers

QSL OQRS Online QSL Request Service

QSL Chasing the QSLs Track your QSL status in your log o Most logging programs will do this QSLs not sent QSLs sent, but reply QSL not received What if you don t get cards back? o If you have other QSOs with the same entity, send them cards o If there is an email address on QRZ.com, send a polite email o Try to work another station in that entity

Awards Awards Time for the wallpaper!

Awards Worked All Continents WAC is the easiest award to get NA North America - your neighbor down the street qualifies SA South America - easy; Brazil, Argentina late most afternoons OC Oceania - Hawaii is easy from here in the evenings on 20m AS Asia - Japan is usually easy afternoons on the high bands EU Europe - usually on in the morning on 20m AF Africa - hardest one - Canary Is. during a contest is easy See the ARRL web site for rules 6 cards must be sent to ARRL HQ for confirmation, or be in your DXCC record

Awards ARRL DXCC 100 Entities minimum Modes Mixed (any mode), SSB, CW, Digital (includes RTTY) Bands 160M through 2M Endorsements 150, 200, 250, 275, 300, etc., Honor Roll

Awards Other Awards CQ DX Award (same as DXCC) CQ DX Field Award o Based on major grid squares (fields) o 50 fields for basic award o Maritime Mobiles count Many others: WAZ, WPX, etc.

Awards Other Awards

Propagation A basic knowledge of propagation can be useful o When is the best time to listen for a particular DX? o Which bands are best at what time? Some general rules o The low bands (160, 80 and 40) are best at night over dark paths o The higher bands (20 and up) are best daytime/over sunlight paths Some good source of current conditions are: o VOACAP is outstanding: http://www.voacap.com/hf/ o QSL.net Propagation: http://dx.qsl.net/propagation/ There is much more info on the web than can be presented here

Other Modes Consider modes other than SSB Do you need a quiet mode of operation? No shouting into the microphone Won t wake up the family There is a lot of DX on CW and other modes PSK31 is a very good low power (low SNR) mode RTTY is very popular, many RTTY contests, DXpeditions on RTTY FT-8 is a new mode that has taken over on digital

Other Modes Consider modes other than SSB CW Many DX stations operate only CW Good low SNR mode gets through in bad conditions During a CW contest there is a lot of good DX going to waste It can be done with a computer if you don t know CW

DXCC Lessons Learned Contests, Contests, Contests Keep up on the QSLs o Don t let it become a big chore o If you don t get an entity confirmed in a reasonable time, you can send another card or email QSL those different bands and modes Especially for DXpeditions where you may have worked them on multiple bands and modes You may want them some day for 5-Band DXCC or other modes

Reference Material Books on DXing The Complete DXer by Bob Locher, W9KNI (Idiom Press) ON4UN s Low-Band DXing by John Devoldere, ON4UN (ARRL pub.) Radio Amateurs World Atlas (ARRL Store) Search Amazon for DX books

Reference Material DX Clubs Eastern Iowa DX Association Meets on a Friday in January, April, July and October in Cedar Rapids Quarterly news letter on the web site Repeater, email reflector and DX cluster for DX chasing You do not need to hold DXCC to join just an interest in DXing More info at http://www.eidxa.org