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| Reviews Summary for The Complete DXer by W9KNI, 3rd Edition |
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Reviews: 36
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $$19.95
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Description: One of the most popular DX book ever written, "The Complete DX'er" is both the highly entertaining diary of a serious DX chaser, and at the same time full of lessons for DX'ing success. Written in a warm, personal style, this is a work you will read again and again. It very much respects and honors the traditions of DX'ing, yet brings a sense of excitement to the chase. The new 3rd edition has been revised to take into account the realities of DX'ing in the 21st century.
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More info: http://www.idiompress.com/books-complete-dxer.html
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write your own review of the The Complete DXer by W9KNI, 3rd Edition.
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VK2CA
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Rating: 5/5
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May 17, 2008 05:09
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Good read - takes your there!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Hi All
Bob's writing takes you on a ride along with him as he chases the DX! It's not like reading at all as his style seems to have you sitting in the shack with him soaking up the experience. You come out at the end with a new found knowledge about DXing but feeling like you picked it up yourself watching Bob. I would definitely recommend this to all aspiring DXers - even the veterans who want to get even better! Well done Bob.
Cheers...Allan VK2CA
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N0HR
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 17, 2008 17:31
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Read this book!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The Complete DXer by W9KNI is comparable to having an expert guide with you on a big-game safari... Bob's stories and tips give you an advantage in the hunt of rare DX.
Through Bob's chases, you'll find yourself engrossed in many aspects of DXing: Listening, CQing, QSLing, contesting, and much more. He lets you in on some secrets that help move you up the DXCC ranks.
The amazing thing is that this is a very easy read - that is, the book is entertaining enough that you don't feel as if you're reading a "how to work DX manual". Rather, you are taken on his hunts and learn from his successes (and failures).
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in DX (veteran or newbie).
For more of my review and details of the book, check out:
https://www.n0hr.com/HamRadioReviews/products/1901.html
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K4ML
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 12, 2007 14:55
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Superb Edition
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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In this third edition, Bob Locher serves up a pleasant surprise as he updates what I had thought was a timeless work. Bob's focus remains on technique, rather than toys -- and, as in the past, he succeeds in alternately entertaining, inspiring and educating us in the techniques of the best DX chasers around. We see from Bob's scenarios that so many of us go at it bass-ackwards, and Bob straightens us out in his wonderful writing style that we saw in his 1983 original, then the 1989 revision and now the 2003 third edition. No chapter escaped the excellent updating. An example is the inclusion of best use of spotting networks and other such techniques that have evolved since the 1989 second edition.
So, are you chasing DX, but don't seem to break through those pile-ups? You need this book before you shop for a bigger amplifier. Got a problem getting those treasured QSL's? You need this book, not more green stamps in the envelope. Interested in QRP DX'ing? Read this book first!
So, here is a wonderfully entertaining education in successful DX'ing. Do yourself a favor and crack this book. Chances are good you won't put it down until you reach the back cover.
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ZB2FK
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 28, 2006 08:42
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A Superb Amateur Radio Classic in its own right.
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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The Complete DXer by W9KNI has enlightened me as to the dedication and perseverence that is required of a keen DXer. Written in an instructive and interesting manner with a vivid narrative most of us can feel at home with, it reveals all the cunning strategies that can be used by the DX hunter. The fact that I was kept intrigued and sometimes amused without I myself being keen on DX chasing speaks very highly of the Author`s style of writting. Lots has been written about DXpeditions and that elusive DX but rarely, like in this book, on how to hunt them down and obtain the sought after QSL for that award. Thanks for your valuable contribution to our hobby Bob.
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KG6TT
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 12, 2006 08:27
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A very fun yet informative reading experience
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I finished reading the 3rd Edition of the 'Complete DX'er' (cover to cover) about two months ago. It was an exceptional read for me. Not only beneficial in content but Bob Locher's story telling technique made it very 'human'. I felt like the 'novice' in the shack eavesdropping on the events. The book could have been far longer and I still would have had trouble putting it down.
In comparison, I really struggled through AC6V's 'DXing 101'.... it just wasn't the same reading experience and AC6V's material is so easily dated. On the other hand, Bob's (W9KNI) avoidance of too many specifics as to equipment choices, etc., was greatly appreciated and resulted in a book of far greater value. From my perspective I really don't care about someone's personal (highly subjective) equipment choice unless there is really something unusual about it... what I do care about is technique, experience, attitude.... and just vicariously going along for the ride.
In particular I really appreciated Bob Locher's sharing how he obtained DX honor roll a second time using only an Electraft K2 (well and a very nice antenna). So many hams new and old need to understand that they don't have to have a monstrous investment in equipment and an antenna farm that few could ever have access to in order to reach the 'honors' as a DXer.
The 'Complete DX'er' is full of great tips, techniques and advice. Forty plus years as a ham and I've never even accomplished my DXCC.... I am an ex-RF engineer and technician type ham... mostly building, fixing, trying and moving on.... but I do enjoy DXing... I just don't enjoy the pileup mentality. It really puts me off. However, using the great suggestions I found in 'The Complete DX'er' I am successfully finding the DX before the pile up does. A slower hunt? Sure, but ultimately a lot more satisfying and truly a lot more fun!
Keep up the great work Bob! Hope to read The Fourth Edition in a few years, but until then wonder if Bob Locher has considered writing a second title? Errrrr how about 'Adventures in DXing'?
73,
Jerald, KG6TT
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AI8P
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 3, 2006 05:30
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An absolute must have!
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Time owned: months
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I'm a relatively new ham and most of what I know I learned from this book. I can pick up this book and read a chapter almost any time - it is that entertaining. I have probably read this a dozen times or so and I imagine I will read it many more times.
This is a rare and remarkable combination of genuinely entertaining writing which also conveys valuable technical information. I am going to get my XYL to read it so she can understand why I spend time in the Shack.
Every ham should have this book, DX'er or not!
AI8P
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OE3SGU
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 4, 2006 13:27
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A pleasure to read
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This one is a real pleasure to read. Those of us who are after the "rare on" will ejoy this great writing about spending nights in front of the radio and tuning round the bands.
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W3FLH
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 18, 2006 09:51
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Great book, Great guy!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I waited a long time to decide to buy this book, and I'm glad I finally broke down and got it. The book holds a lot of great info for the casual and serious DX'er alike. W9KNI's writing style really does make you feel as if he is talking TO you, not AT you. His way of relating his own trials and tribulations makes for easy reading, and you're getting a DX education at the same time.
I've had the pleasure of communicating with Bob, W9KNI, a few times, and I have to tell you, the book is as genuine as the man. He is a class guy, and really puts the "ham spirit" into his work.
If you like to chase DX at all, you'll like this book.
de Rich, w3flh
73
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WM8C
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 20, 2006 07:31
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If you chase DX,, then you must have this!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is one the best written books on DX'ing I have ever read. I purchased the original about 15 years ago and it forever changed how I chase DX. I went from struggling to work 100 countries over a few years at the time, to working over 100 countries in a month after reading the book. Before reading this book, pile-ups were a mystery to me but after reading it, I developed the savy to work through the thickest ones. A must have for the beginner and experienced alike. Easy reading too...the diary style stories keeps you interested and coming back for more. The 3rd edition adds some needed updating for the new century but still a fantastic book.
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K8RBW
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 8, 2006 11:31
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A Great Read
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have been a ham since the late 1950s and DX still is enjoyable for me. After reading the reviews here, I ordered the book in early December. It arrived after the holidays and I took it and my arthritic knees directly to an eliptical machine at the gym. It was like concurrently sitting down with an old friend and discovering a new DX entity. I simply lost track of the time. Unlike the turgid academic wrtiting styles I am used to, Bob's style is warm and inviting. I learned some of the things he writes about the hard way; others, however, were new and refreshing approaches. I plan to loan a copy to an old friend of mine who can still do 20 wpm after a tour of duty in the Naval Reserve, but is apprehensive about working CW because he is unfamiliar with the terminolgy. Like Bob, I gradually moved to QRP to refresh my interest in the hobby. I also fondly remember the many hours everyone spent listening rather than doggedly monitoring spotting nets with consequent insane pile-ups. Unlike him, I still refuse to use the nets and have limited myself to simple antennas in a small Chicago lot that is twenty feet wide. Gone are the days of my 4 element beam in the early 1960s, but every DX contact is an enjoyable conquest. This is a must read for any ham considering DX activity. Kudos to Bob!
de Dick, K8RBW
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