Search

Title
Author
Article Body

Manager


Manager - AB7RG
Manager Notes
View ArticlesSubscribe

DX Rules

Created by on 2011-08-22

Rules for Working DX

After listening to the latest Dxpediton we thought it was time to reissue the DX Rules from 1997.

Rules for DXing or How to have more FUN on the Bands:

The DX MODE:
1. If you come upon a pileup, find the exact DX frequency and slowly tune up your KW right on his frequency. Take your time doing this as it has maximum effect this way. The longer you take, the better. It lets others know that YOU are going to call the DX.

2. If you cannot wait to find out the DX call sign, ask, "What is the DX call sign?" On CW send "DX?" Call?" Do NOT listen, this takes time. DO this repeatedly until someone gives you the DX call. This will show all others on frequency that you are serious about wanting to work this DX. This is called sharing.

3. When you find out the DX call, repeat your call over and over again on the DX frequency. Even if he is working split there is a chance he may be listening on his transmitfrequency.

4. When the DX says "ABC only"- Don't believe him. If he says "Europe only" - Don't believe him. If he says, "2's only" - Don't believe him. Keep giving your call "XYZ" !!...XYZ !! ...XYZ !! How Copy MARIO?" Make sure you use his name when you call him, he may think you are someone he knows. It must work as we hear it on bands all the time so it has to be effective. Don't pay attention to directional calls. When did any DX know what they wanted ? What matters most is what YOU want.

5. To get the DX to work other modes tell him you want to set up a schedule later which is convenient to you. You should wait until the pileup has built up to several hundred andjust before the band is about to go out, then ask him to meet you on CW, PSK31, RTTY or SSB at a set time and frequency. Above all, make sure you tell him that YOU need him on these modes. This will endear you in the hearts of all on frequency, it shows that you can work more than one mode and are awell-rounded amateur.

6. If you have worked the DX previously make sure you call him and tell him that he is stronger than the last 6 times you worked him this week. The DX station will want to know this. Others on frequency will respect you more, you will be recognized as a Big Gun DXer.

7. When you find a DX pileup, to bring your operating skills to a higher level and impress all those on frequency - Zero beat the DX send "QRL? Is this frequency in use?" This shows character and that you are truly a caring person.

8. When finally making the DX contact, give the DX some background about yourself, TX, RX, ANT, WX, how many children and grandchildren you have, where they went to college, what size bedroom slipper you wear, or any other items of interest to the DX. This shows that you are not just a 59 kind of guy.This is most effective when the band is just about to fold.

9. After you have worked the DX you will need the QSL route. Although this will be listed on the DX packet cluster, in ARRL & DX News Letters, and on the Internet, there is no reason for you to go to all the bother of reading these sources. You can just keep calling on the DX frequency..."What is the QSL Information?" If you don't get a reply with the information after 8 or 10 calls, keep it up, your persistence will payoff. There are plenty of other stations on frequency who arewaiting to work the DX who have read these publications and they willing and ready to help you.

Rules for THE FUN MODE

1. For a split operation, spend most of your day listening and transmitting on the DX sending frequency. On CW, if someone calls on the DX transmitting frequency, right away using your J-38 at 4 WPM, send VP...UG...NP ...UP. until you get it right. If the station continues to call on the DX frequency,then send LSD .. LIB ..LED... LID..until you get it right.

This has three benefits.
A. Others waiting to work the DX will be forever indebted to you for informing the offending station that the DX is working split.
B. The offending station will be grateful.
C. You will get some needed code practice to get you over that 5 WPM hump.
2. For those with CW and voice memory keyers this will be easy. All you have to do is program in "UP" and "LID". For the more advanced operators you can add "SPLIT" "YOU IDIOT, WORKING SPLIT" ...Using the memory keyers for your day's activity will save your voice. Should you happen by chance to have a QSO you will need it.

As always ... Work'em First..... Confirm Later ....WFCL

73 Whitey, K1VV ... " UP UP UP ! "

K5TRI2011-09-26
RE: DX Rules
Haha .. you're funny. Where did I hate on CW? I love CW, that's why I spent a lot of time learning it at the moment. But then again I don't walk around and belittle people as "little boy" which in turn could be a testament to your attitude. As for my comment about CW evangelists feeling superior: read the forums and listen to conversations on HF and tell me that this attitude doesn't exist.

And if you will excuse me for now, I have to go and grow up. Somebody who thinks he's better than me told me so ;). Btw. the one having an issue here is you, not me. But that's beside the point and probably rather irrelevant to you.

Mike
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-26

My mistake. In my original post, I did say "all". Shame on me. But the bottom line is, even in a group of ten potential hams, when no one knows what CW is....that's pretty damned pathetic. I don't operate RTTY or SSB but I damned sure know what they are! Just not my preferred modes of operation. Why is it that whenever "CW" gets mentioned, some "CW-hater" gets his her nose all of joint? No where in my post did I say that any one of the "newbies" was less than me because they weren't "CW Ops". No where!! But boy oh boy......along comes someone with their little panties in a twist because "You think you're better than me because you operate CW and I don't!" No. I think I'm better than you because I don't fly off the handle and attack people whenever they operate in a mode that I don't! That's why I'm better. Grow up, little boy.
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-26

"Mate you sure just ooze positive attitude all out of you. So there were 100 people, you talked to all of them and none of them were really interested in radio? Sorry, but I find that hard to believe. Sure it is easy today to get a technician license, but it is also very easy to get a drivers license. Too easy in my mind. Now I could ramble on how bad things are and that I really had to test hard for mine when I was young and living in a different country yadda yadda yadda .. You also made sure to let them know that you're the real deal, the bees knees since you operate CW only. I bet the tone in which you said it was very inviting and open, was it? Not that I would assume that at this point you started talking down on these new hams. As for the comments of call sign hats and cars loaded with antennas, well are you actually surprised? Really? People get a public image of something by the examples that stick out the most, not the ones that integrate well. That's true for every culture and sub-culture. But boy I sure hope you can move out of your mothers place soon ;). Now the real question I have for you, since you're the top crop of the cream of ham radio, is this: What did you do to help them understand it better? What did you do to solve that problem? Nothing? Well, then you're part of the problem. Everybody who whines about new folks with Technician class licenses not having a clue, but at the same time not helping them to get one (a clue that is) should just shut up and leave it at that. It sometimes seems to me that this little piece of paper issued by the FCC for some is the validation of their self worth and because of that they think they're beyond others. And just because they have a different view of the world, everybody else must be an idiot. Seriously, over 100 people in the room, and you were the only smart and real ham. The world is already f&*(ed. 73 Mike K5TRI" Wow, Mate!! Seems as though I struck some kind of nerve with you! First...I never said that I talked to all "over 100" of them. I said that I was the ONLY PERSON THERE THAT WAS ALREADY LICENSED! Did you hear that....mate? Second...I was as friendly as could be! It was the eight or ten that I spoke with that were RUDE AND OBNOXIOUS TO ME and didn't know their asses from their elbows about ham radio....mate! Third...I don't care what you may say or think. People testing for their ham radio licenses that don't know what CW is, is disgraceful....mate! Didn't say they had to practice it. I said that they should at least know what the hell it is! And I'll move out of my mother's house as soon as you stop trying to add culture to yourself by acting like an Aussie via the web......MATE!!! Just because you're obviously too low-browed and lazy to learn Morse Code, don't come at me with an attitude....Mate!!! Grow some thicker skin, for god's sake.
Reply to a comment by : K5TRI on 2011-09-16

Mate you sure just ooze positive attitude all out of you. So there were 100 people, you talked to all of them and none of them were really interested in radio? Sorry, but I find that hard to believe. Sure it is easy today to get a technician license, but it is also very easy to get a drivers license. Too easy in my mind. Now I could ramble on how bad things are and that I really had to test hard for mine when I was young and living in a different country yadda yadda yadda .. You also made sure to let them know that you're the real deal, the bees knees since you operate CW only. I bet the tone in which you said it was very inviting and open, was it? Not that I would assume that at this point you started talking down on these new hams. As for the comments of call sign hats and cars loaded with antennas, well are you actually surprised? Really? People get a public image of something by the examples that stick out the most, not the ones that integrate well. That's true for every culture and sub-culture. But boy I sure hope you can move out of your mothers place soon ;). Now the real question I have for you, since you're the top crop of the cream of ham radio, is this: What did you do to help them understand it better? What did you do to solve that problem? Nothing? Well, then you're part of the problem. Everybody who whines about new folks with Technician class licenses not having a clue, but at the same time not helping them to get one (a clue that is) should just shut up and leave it at that. It sometimes seems to me that this little piece of paper issued by the FCC for some is the validation of their self worth and because of that they think they're beyond others. And just because they have a different view of the world, everybody else must be an idiot. Seriously, over 100 people in the room, and you were the only smart and real ham. The world is already f&*(ed. 73 Mike K5TRI
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-15

And as a very interesting (and humorous) footnote: When I told a group of these nimrods that I operated strictly CW, there was total silence. Then one woman asked, "What's CW?" When I dumbed it down and said Morse code, she asked, "What's morris code?" As I struggled with wrapping my brain around this event, she goes...."Oh!!! That dot dash stuff?" Yeah.....we're drawing in the cream of the crop, aren't we?
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-15

When I tested for my Extra Class license a few years ago, I was one in a testing session of over 100 people. I was the only one there that actually held a license (I was a General Class) and because they scored the tests from the bottom up (lower classes were graded first), I had to spend many hours waiting for the results of my test. Of course, mine was the last to be graded. During that wait I held many conversations with all of the newbies that had just tested for their Technician class licenses. It was disgraceful. Just about every one of them were doing it only because their company was involved with a local marathon run and it meant "brownie points" with the boss. They actually ribbed me for being a real ham radio operator and asked me where my goofy callsign hat was, if I drove a car that was covered in antennas and if I still lived with my mother. I took it all in stride and laughed at their ribbing but THIS is what we're now allowing into our ranks. People that think our hobby is a joke. Do you really think these kinds of people give a damn about radio etiquette? And as a footnote......every damned one of them passed the exam that day. Over one hundred of these people were handed their FCC licenses. I give this hobby about another ten to twenty years and it'll be "bye-bye". Mark my words.
KC5CQD2011-09-26
RE: DX Rules
My mistake. In my original post, I did say "all". Shame on me. But the bottom line is, even in a group of ten potential hams, when no one knows what CW is....that's pretty damned pathetic. I don't operate RTTY or SSB but I damned sure know what they are! Just not my preferred modes of operation. Why is it that whenever "CW" gets mentioned, some "CW-hater" gets his her nose all of joint? No where in my post did I say that any one of the "newbies" was less than me because they weren't "CW Ops". No where!! But boy oh boy......along comes someone with their little panties in a twist because "You think you're better than me because you operate CW and I don't!" No. I think I'm better than you because I don't fly off the handle and attack people whenever they operate in a mode that I don't! That's why I'm better. Grow up, little boy.
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-26

"Mate you sure just ooze positive attitude all out of you. So there were 100 people, you talked to all of them and none of them were really interested in radio? Sorry, but I find that hard to believe. Sure it is easy today to get a technician license, but it is also very easy to get a drivers license. Too easy in my mind. Now I could ramble on how bad things are and that I really had to test hard for mine when I was young and living in a different country yadda yadda yadda .. You also made sure to let them know that you're the real deal, the bees knees since you operate CW only. I bet the tone in which you said it was very inviting and open, was it? Not that I would assume that at this point you started talking down on these new hams. As for the comments of call sign hats and cars loaded with antennas, well are you actually surprised? Really? People get a public image of something by the examples that stick out the most, not the ones that integrate well. That's true for every culture and sub-culture. But boy I sure hope you can move out of your mothers place soon ;). Now the real question I have for you, since you're the top crop of the cream of ham radio, is this: What did you do to help them understand it better? What did you do to solve that problem? Nothing? Well, then you're part of the problem. Everybody who whines about new folks with Technician class licenses not having a clue, but at the same time not helping them to get one (a clue that is) should just shut up and leave it at that. It sometimes seems to me that this little piece of paper issued by the FCC for some is the validation of their self worth and because of that they think they're beyond others. And just because they have a different view of the world, everybody else must be an idiot. Seriously, over 100 people in the room, and you were the only smart and real ham. The world is already f&*(ed. 73 Mike K5TRI" Wow, Mate!! Seems as though I struck some kind of nerve with you! First...I never said that I talked to all "over 100" of them. I said that I was the ONLY PERSON THERE THAT WAS ALREADY LICENSED! Did you hear that....mate? Second...I was as friendly as could be! It was the eight or ten that I spoke with that were RUDE AND OBNOXIOUS TO ME and didn't know their asses from their elbows about ham radio....mate! Third...I don't care what you may say or think. People testing for their ham radio licenses that don't know what CW is, is disgraceful....mate! Didn't say they had to practice it. I said that they should at least know what the hell it is! And I'll move out of my mother's house as soon as you stop trying to add culture to yourself by acting like an Aussie via the web......MATE!!! Just because you're obviously too low-browed and lazy to learn Morse Code, don't come at me with an attitude....Mate!!! Grow some thicker skin, for god's sake.
Reply to a comment by : K5TRI on 2011-09-16

Mate you sure just ooze positive attitude all out of you. So there were 100 people, you talked to all of them and none of them were really interested in radio? Sorry, but I find that hard to believe. Sure it is easy today to get a technician license, but it is also very easy to get a drivers license. Too easy in my mind. Now I could ramble on how bad things are and that I really had to test hard for mine when I was young and living in a different country yadda yadda yadda .. You also made sure to let them know that you're the real deal, the bees knees since you operate CW only. I bet the tone in which you said it was very inviting and open, was it? Not that I would assume that at this point you started talking down on these new hams. As for the comments of call sign hats and cars loaded with antennas, well are you actually surprised? Really? People get a public image of something by the examples that stick out the most, not the ones that integrate well. That's true for every culture and sub-culture. But boy I sure hope you can move out of your mothers place soon ;). Now the real question I have for you, since you're the top crop of the cream of ham radio, is this: What did you do to help them understand it better? What did you do to solve that problem? Nothing? Well, then you're part of the problem. Everybody who whines about new folks with Technician class licenses not having a clue, but at the same time not helping them to get one (a clue that is) should just shut up and leave it at that. It sometimes seems to me that this little piece of paper issued by the FCC for some is the validation of their self worth and because of that they think they're beyond others. And just because they have a different view of the world, everybody else must be an idiot. Seriously, over 100 people in the room, and you were the only smart and real ham. The world is already f&*(ed. 73 Mike K5TRI
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-15

And as a very interesting (and humorous) footnote: When I told a group of these nimrods that I operated strictly CW, there was total silence. Then one woman asked, "What's CW?" When I dumbed it down and said Morse code, she asked, "What's morris code?" As I struggled with wrapping my brain around this event, she goes...."Oh!!! That dot dash stuff?" Yeah.....we're drawing in the cream of the crop, aren't we?
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-15

When I tested for my Extra Class license a few years ago, I was one in a testing session of over 100 people. I was the only one there that actually held a license (I was a General Class) and because they scored the tests from the bottom up (lower classes were graded first), I had to spend many hours waiting for the results of my test. Of course, mine was the last to be graded. During that wait I held many conversations with all of the newbies that had just tested for their Technician class licenses. It was disgraceful. Just about every one of them were doing it only because their company was involved with a local marathon run and it meant "brownie points" with the boss. They actually ribbed me for being a real ham radio operator and asked me where my goofy callsign hat was, if I drove a car that was covered in antennas and if I still lived with my mother. I took it all in stride and laughed at their ribbing but THIS is what we're now allowing into our ranks. People that think our hobby is a joke. Do you really think these kinds of people give a damn about radio etiquette? And as a footnote......every damned one of them passed the exam that day. Over one hundred of these people were handed their FCC licenses. I give this hobby about another ten to twenty years and it'll be "bye-bye". Mark my words.
KC5CQD2011-09-26
RE: DX Rules
"Mate you sure just ooze positive attitude all out of you. So there were 100 people, you talked to all of them and none of them were really interested in radio? Sorry, but I find that hard to believe.

Sure it is easy today to get a technician license, but it is also very easy to get a drivers license. Too easy in my mind. Now I could ramble on how bad things are and that I really had to test hard for mine when I was young and living in a different country yadda yadda yadda ..

You also made sure to let them know that you're the real deal, the bees knees since you operate CW only. I bet the tone in which you said it was very inviting and open, was it? Not that I would assume that at this point you started talking down on these new hams.

As for the comments of call sign hats and cars loaded with antennas, well are you actually surprised? Really? People get a public image of something by the examples that stick out the most, not the ones that integrate well. That's true for every culture and sub-culture. But boy I sure hope you can move out of your mothers place soon ;).

Now the real question I have for you, since you're the top crop of the cream of ham radio, is this: What did you do to help them understand it better? What did you do to solve that problem? Nothing? Well, then you're part of the problem.

Everybody who whines about new folks with Technician class licenses not having a clue, but at the same time not helping them to get one (a clue that is) should just shut up and leave it at that. It sometimes seems to me that this little piece of paper issued by the FCC for some is the validation of their self worth and because of that they think they're beyond others. And just because they have a different view of the world, everybody else must be an idiot.

Seriously, over 100 people in the room, and you were the only smart and real ham. The world is already f&*(ed.

73 Mike K5TRI"

Wow, Mate!! Seems as though I struck some kind of nerve with you! First...I never said that I talked to all "over 100" of them. I said that I was the ONLY PERSON THERE THAT WAS ALREADY LICENSED! Did you hear that....mate? Second...I was as friendly as could be! It was the eight or ten that I spoke with that were RUDE AND OBNOXIOUS TO ME and didn't know their asses from their elbows about ham radio....mate! Third...I don't care what you may say or think. People testing for their ham radio licenses that don't know what CW is, is disgraceful....mate! Didn't say they had to practice it. I said that they should at least know what the hell it is!

And I'll move out of my mother's house as soon as you stop trying to add culture to yourself by acting like an Aussie via the web......MATE!!! Just because you're obviously too low-browed and lazy to learn Morse Code, don't come at me with an attitude....Mate!!! Grow some thicker skin, for god's sake.

Reply to a comment by : K5TRI on 2011-09-16

Mate you sure just ooze positive attitude all out of you. So there were 100 people, you talked to all of them and none of them were really interested in radio? Sorry, but I find that hard to believe. Sure it is easy today to get a technician license, but it is also very easy to get a drivers license. Too easy in my mind. Now I could ramble on how bad things are and that I really had to test hard for mine when I was young and living in a different country yadda yadda yadda .. You also made sure to let them know that you're the real deal, the bees knees since you operate CW only. I bet the tone in which you said it was very inviting and open, was it? Not that I would assume that at this point you started talking down on these new hams. As for the comments of call sign hats and cars loaded with antennas, well are you actually surprised? Really? People get a public image of something by the examples that stick out the most, not the ones that integrate well. That's true for every culture and sub-culture. But boy I sure hope you can move out of your mothers place soon ;). Now the real question I have for you, since you're the top crop of the cream of ham radio, is this: What did you do to help them understand it better? What did you do to solve that problem? Nothing? Well, then you're part of the problem. Everybody who whines about new folks with Technician class licenses not having a clue, but at the same time not helping them to get one (a clue that is) should just shut up and leave it at that. It sometimes seems to me that this little piece of paper issued by the FCC for some is the validation of their self worth and because of that they think they're beyond others. And just because they have a different view of the world, everybody else must be an idiot. Seriously, over 100 people in the room, and you were the only smart and real ham. The world is already f&*(ed. 73 Mike K5TRI
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-15

And as a very interesting (and humorous) footnote: When I told a group of these nimrods that I operated strictly CW, there was total silence. Then one woman asked, "What's CW?" When I dumbed it down and said Morse code, she asked, "What's morris code?" As I struggled with wrapping my brain around this event, she goes...."Oh!!! That dot dash stuff?" Yeah.....we're drawing in the cream of the crop, aren't we?
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-15

When I tested for my Extra Class license a few years ago, I was one in a testing session of over 100 people. I was the only one there that actually held a license (I was a General Class) and because they scored the tests from the bottom up (lower classes were graded first), I had to spend many hours waiting for the results of my test. Of course, mine was the last to be graded. During that wait I held many conversations with all of the newbies that had just tested for their Technician class licenses. It was disgraceful. Just about every one of them were doing it only because their company was involved with a local marathon run and it meant "brownie points" with the boss. They actually ribbed me for being a real ham radio operator and asked me where my goofy callsign hat was, if I drove a car that was covered in antennas and if I still lived with my mother. I took it all in stride and laughed at their ribbing but THIS is what we're now allowing into our ranks. People that think our hobby is a joke. Do you really think these kinds of people give a damn about radio etiquette? And as a footnote......every damned one of them passed the exam that day. Over one hundred of these people were handed their FCC licenses. I give this hobby about another ten to twenty years and it'll be "bye-bye". Mark my words.
NY4DX2011-09-23
DX Rules
You forgot to add the hams that can't hear him even after tuning up on full power only to chat with their friends on the DX calling frequency...these nitwits tell each other they can't hear him..or that they worked him two days ago when the conditions were better...or chat about the "Old Days" of ham radio....

Then there are the hams that come on frequency thinking well I'm going to use this this frequency to call "CQ" ...oh my the frequency is occupied...I'll move down 1 Mhz. and start calling "CQ" all over again.

The mode of communication that never fails....
AB7FS2011-09-18
DX Rules
Loved the "The Rules" :-) a well written satirical look at a noisy and unpleasant minority on our fraternity.

I often work out of E51 (Cook Islands) and when the band is wide open, there are a whole bunch of stations steadfastly obeying "the rules" :-) That's when I usually announce I'm going QRT and go lie on the beach -- it is really tough on the "good guys" who patiently wait their turn - but it is just no fun trying to operate from a "rare" dx location with several dozen, or several hundred inconsiderate LIDs shouting at you.

I keep a "you'll never ever get a QSL from me" list of the most blatant.

There are some dedicated DXers - commonly on DXpeditions -- who can tolerate (or ignore) that kind of behavior - but for the locals it spoils the fun of the hobby and many of them stop operating :-). Maybe that's why there are only two (occasionally 3) active hams in the South Cooks - and the one "active" ham in the North Cooks is never on the air!

Sadly - I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir - and the small minority who spoil the fun never get on and read these columns :-)
K5TRI2011-09-16
RE: DX Rules
Mate you sure just ooze positive attitude all out of you. So there were 100 people, you talked to all of them and none of them were really interested in radio? Sorry, but I find that hard to believe.

Sure it is easy today to get a technician license, but it is also very easy to get a drivers license. Too easy in my mind. Now I could ramble on how bad things are and that I really had to test hard for mine when I was young and living in a different country yadda yadda yadda ..

You also made sure to let them know that you're the real deal, the bees knees since you operate CW only. I bet the tone in which you said it was very inviting and open, was it? Not that I would assume that at this point you started talking down on these new hams.

As for the comments of call sign hats and cars loaded with antennas, well are you actually surprised? Really? People get a public image of something by the examples that stick out the most, not the ones that integrate well. That's true for every culture and sub-culture. But boy I sure hope you can move out of your mothers place soon ;).

Now the real question I have for you, since you're the top crop of the cream of ham radio, is this: What did you do to help them understand it better? What did you do to solve that problem? Nothing? Well, then you're part of the problem.

Everybody who whines about new folks with Technician class licenses not having a clue, but at the same time not helping them to get one (a clue that is) should just shut up and leave it at that. It sometimes seems to me that this little piece of paper issued by the FCC for some is the validation of their self worth and because of that they think they're beyond others. And just because they have a different view of the world, everybody else must be an idiot.

Seriously, over 100 people in the room, and you were the only smart and real ham. The world is already f&*(ed.

73 Mike K5TRI

Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-15

And as a very interesting (and humorous) footnote: When I told a group of these nimrods that I operated strictly CW, there was total silence. Then one woman asked, "What's CW?" When I dumbed it down and said Morse code, she asked, "What's morris code?" As I struggled with wrapping my brain around this event, she goes...."Oh!!! That dot dash stuff?" Yeah.....we're drawing in the cream of the crop, aren't we?
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-15

When I tested for my Extra Class license a few years ago, I was one in a testing session of over 100 people. I was the only one there that actually held a license (I was a General Class) and because they scored the tests from the bottom up (lower classes were graded first), I had to spend many hours waiting for the results of my test. Of course, mine was the last to be graded. During that wait I held many conversations with all of the newbies that had just tested for their Technician class licenses. It was disgraceful. Just about every one of them were doing it only because their company was involved with a local marathon run and it meant "brownie points" with the boss. They actually ribbed me for being a real ham radio operator and asked me where my goofy callsign hat was, if I drove a car that was covered in antennas and if I still lived with my mother. I took it all in stride and laughed at their ribbing but THIS is what we're now allowing into our ranks. People that think our hobby is a joke. Do you really think these kinds of people give a damn about radio etiquette? And as a footnote......every damned one of them passed the exam that day. Over one hundred of these people were handed their FCC licenses. I give this hobby about another ten to twenty years and it'll be "bye-bye". Mark my words.
KC5CQD2011-09-15
RE: DX Rules
And as a very interesting (and humorous) footnote: When I told a group of these nimrods that I operated strictly CW, there was total silence. Then one woman asked, "What's CW?" When I dumbed it down and said Morse code, she asked, "What's morris code?" As I struggled with wrapping my brain around this event, she goes...."Oh!!! That dot dash stuff?" Yeah.....we're drawing in the cream of the crop, aren't we?
Reply to a comment by : KC5CQD on 2011-09-15

When I tested for my Extra Class license a few years ago, I was one in a testing session of over 100 people. I was the only one there that actually held a license (I was a General Class) and because they scored the tests from the bottom up (lower classes were graded first), I had to spend many hours waiting for the results of my test. Of course, mine was the last to be graded. During that wait I held many conversations with all of the newbies that had just tested for their Technician class licenses. It was disgraceful. Just about every one of them were doing it only because their company was involved with a local marathon run and it meant "brownie points" with the boss. They actually ribbed me for being a real ham radio operator and asked me where my goofy callsign hat was, if I drove a car that was covered in antennas and if I still lived with my mother. I took it all in stride and laughed at their ribbing but THIS is what we're now allowing into our ranks. People that think our hobby is a joke. Do you really think these kinds of people give a damn about radio etiquette? And as a footnote......every damned one of them passed the exam that day. Over one hundred of these people were handed their FCC licenses. I give this hobby about another ten to twenty years and it'll be "bye-bye". Mark my words.
KC5CQD2011-09-15
DX Rules
When I tested for my Extra Class license a few years ago, I was one in a testing session of over 100 people. I was the only one there that actually held a license (I was a General Class) and because they scored the tests from the bottom up (lower classes were graded first), I had to spend many hours waiting for the results of my test. Of course, mine was the last to be graded. During that wait I held many conversations with all of the newbies that had just tested for their Technician class licenses. It was disgraceful. Just about every one of them were doing it only because their company was involved with a local marathon run and it meant "brownie points" with the boss. They actually ribbed me for being a real ham radio operator and asked me where my goofy callsign hat was, if I drove a car that was covered in antennas and if I still lived with my mother. I took it all in stride and laughed at their ribbing but THIS is what we're now allowing into our ranks. People that think our hobby is a joke. Do you really think these kinds of people give a damn about radio etiquette? And as a footnote......every damned one of them passed the exam that day. Over one hundred of these people were handed their FCC licenses. I give this hobby about another ten to twenty years and it'll be "bye-bye". Mark my words.
K5TRI2011-09-15
RE: DX Rules
@K8CPA

Are you for real? This can't be a logical comment based on reality. If we would all follow your logic, we should immediately take away the licenses from those "new" kids and leave the bands to old geezers like you seem to be.

Also how come that every time I encounter any of the above mentioned behaviors, it's not one of the "new" amateurs with poor operating skills but in fact one of your old elite pals who got their license in the 50's and based on your logic should be A+ operators but in fact are just demonstrating poor etiquette. Is that because your sense of entitlement based on age and that certain rules don't apply to you based on your age and license issue date?

As for complaining about the tone of the article, why not make a start and write a better one (from your perspective better of course) instead of just whining? I know it's easier to complain than to contribute and MAKE stuff.

Think again if that is the way you want to attract new blood to this hobby. If I were 20 years old and would read BS like that from people like you I'd look for a different hobby.

73 Mike K5TRI
Reply to a comment by : K8CPA on 2011-08-27

A couple of thoughts in response to the article here: 1. Now you understand why I cannot listen to my 2-meter rig for more than a few minutes at a time. It is because we are teaching people how to get their license. However, we are not, teaching people how to be first class radio operators. This has become more and more apparent since I received my --- and I should add; studied my rear end off for --- novice license back in 1989. Yes, it was a multiple question test, but the teacher did stand up there and EXPLAIN why each question was answered the way that it was! This is not the case today; these new people get a book, go study, take a test, and have ZERO CLUE how to operate properly! 2. My other thought is this; instead of writing smart alleck articles like this; why not write a serious article explaining the proper etiquette of DX operations? I mean, why waste the space at E-Ham to write a condescending, elitist sounding article; which in all honesty makes you sound like a pompous a-hole? Oh, wait! It is because you do not like the new people anyhow. My bad. Something to think about… Best of 73. -Charles Patrick Adkins K8CPA Lincoln Park, Michigan USA EN82JF ...-.- ..
ZL4IV2011-09-10
RE: DX Rules
Don't forget to keep calling while the DX station is in conversation, just in case he's running full duplex, you never know your luck. You can't hear anybody else while your transmitting so the other party should not be able to hear you either.

ZL4IV
Reply to a comment by : K7KB on 2011-09-08

You forgot 1B - If the DX station is running SSB, this is the perfect opportunity to practice your Spanish skills, crank up the compression, and also let everyone know you plan on calling the DX: "Hola, Hola, Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooola" Repeat this several times :)
K7KB2011-09-08
DX Rules
You forgot 1B - If the DX station is running SSB, this is the perfect opportunity to practice your Spanish skills, crank up the compression, and also let everyone know you plan on calling the DX:

"Hola, Hola, Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooola"

Repeat this several times :)
KB9ERU2011-09-06
DX Rules
Outstanding. I personally like #3.

I remember waiting my turn in a SSB pileup, and a station kept calling over the top of the DX station every 2-3 seconds. This continued on and on for about 15 minutes.

Finally, the DX station had enough, and acknowledged that he is not going to work him because of his rudeness. Ouch.

Guess he found out that there isn't full break-in on SSB. :)

I enjoy a little humor like that in a pileup.

Great article!
N3OX2011-09-04
RE: Oh By The Way...
=======================
KH6DC writes:
" I was tired after a long day at work and followed DX Summit (which I usually use and listen) where someone wrote T32JB was on 20m SIMPLEX so I started calling him until a fellow ham mentioned "He's UP".
=======================

Was he? I've heard people send "UP UP LID" when the DX is actually working simplex :D


Reply to a comment by : KH6DC on 2011-08-23

I couldn't hear ST0R to work them but I heard lots stories of LDs were out there jamming some of there ops by keying up with linears. Any one witnesed this? 73 Delwyn KH6DC
AD6KA2011-08-29
RE: DX Rules
>"6A) Call the DX back and ask him to be on xx band(s)"

Right! And also ask:
"When are you going to be on 160m moon bounce?" :>
Reply to a comment by : KZ1A on 2011-08-29

Whitey, this is a great read.
KZ1A2011-08-29
DX Rules
Whitey, this is a great read.
K4SSS2011-08-28
RE: DX Rules
Hi Allison (KB1GMX).

You wrote:
6A) Call the DX back and ask him to be on xx band(s)
that you haven't yet worked him on today.

Though your comment was obviously meant as sarcasm, sadly, this is what a lot of hams consider as standard operating procedure nowadays!!

In fact, several years ago QST interviewed the biggest DXer in the USA, and this was a technique he swore by! I don't remember the exact QST issue (someone please come to my rescue here if you happen to know), but, as I best recall, QST dedicated its entire front page to him, and his biography was the main article.

As the saying goes: Some people are never satisfied..

Best regards -- Bob K4SSS
Reply to a comment by : KB1GMX on 2011-08-22

I'll bet that any "DX" just cringes when a US ham calls them. "DX" to many means a station not having a border with their state. To those that their new license for HF likely so as the 2M HT never went that far. You also forgot 6A.. 6A) Call the DX back and ask him to be on xx band(s) that you haven't yet worked him on today. Oh I forgot again.. 6B) The bands asked for in 6A are all dead as of two hours ago. For those takin it seriously, it's a joke son. Allison
Reply to a comment by : WS4E on 2011-08-22

Silly me. I was expecting a nice informative article with good tips. But I should have known it would just be more lid sarcasm. I'm disappointed. Amused. But disappointed. This is more of a forums post than an article.
K4SSS2011-08-28
DX Rules
Hi Bob (K1VV).

Refresh my old memory: You took these rules word-for-word out of the ARRL Handbook, didn't you? The chapter on Operating Etiquette, right?

Still laughing -- thanks a bunch!

Bob K4SSS
K4SSS2011-08-28
DX Rules
Hi Bob (K1VV). Thanks for a good laugh and brightening up my day, hi!

But heavenly days, on the flipside, K8CPA writes: I mean, why waste the space at E-Ham to write a condescending, elitist sounding article; which in all honesty makes you sound like a pompous a-hole? Oh, wait! It is because you do not like the new people anyhow. My bad.

Wow, K8CPA, you can't be serious, right? If so, your comment is just about the most absurd that I have ever read, and if anything, it makes you sound like the pompous a-hole (besides being a paranoid schizophrenic, but that goes without saying..).

Thanks again -- Bob K4SSS
KA4ETV2011-08-28
RE: DX Rules
Great lord. Can you take a breath over there and get your pink panties out of a wad??

Its a joke idiot!! Jesus Christ you friggin old geezers get your Geritol in too large a dose and your freaking heads start exploding.

Guess what genius.....young kids dont want to hear men in man diapers whining about DX proceedure, and not building their own gear and all this dribble.

Get back on the meds old fella and take it easy. Obama has busted the system so you cant expect to get great care if you have a stroke or an ulcer because you get all anal on E-Ham.

Chill man.
Reply to a comment by : NI0C on 2011-08-27

K8CPA wrote: "instead of writing smart alleck articles like this; why not write a serious article explaining the proper etiquette of DX operations?" Here's a good place to begin: http://dx-code.org/english.htm 73, Chuck NI0C
Reply to a comment by : K8CPA on 2011-08-27

A couple of thoughts in response to the article here: 1. Now you understand why I cannot listen to my 2-meter rig for more than a few minutes at a time. It is because we are teaching people how to get their license. However, we are not, teaching people how to be first class radio operators. This has become more and more apparent since I received my --- and I should add; studied my rear end off for --- novice license back in 1989. Yes, it was a multiple question test, but the teacher did stand up there and EXPLAIN why each question was answered the way that it was! This is not the case today; these new people get a book, go study, take a test, and have ZERO CLUE how to operate properly! 2. My other thought is this; instead of writing smart alleck articles like this; why not write a serious article explaining the proper etiquette of DX operations? I mean, why waste the space at E-Ham to write a condescending, elitist sounding article; which in all honesty makes you sound like a pompous a-hole? Oh, wait! It is because you do not like the new people anyhow. My bad. Something to think about… Best of 73. -Charles Patrick Adkins K8CPA Lincoln Park, Michigan USA EN82JF ...-.- ..
NI0C2011-08-27
RE: DX Rules
K8CPA wrote:
"instead of writing smart alleck articles like this; why not write a serious article explaining the proper etiquette of DX operations?"

Here's a good place to begin:
http://dx-code.org/english.htm

73,
Chuck NI0C
Reply to a comment by : K8CPA on 2011-08-27

A couple of thoughts in response to the article here: 1. Now you understand why I cannot listen to my 2-meter rig for more than a few minutes at a time. It is because we are teaching people how to get their license. However, we are not, teaching people how to be first class radio operators. This has become more and more apparent since I received my --- and I should add; studied my rear end off for --- novice license back in 1989. Yes, it was a multiple question test, but the teacher did stand up there and EXPLAIN why each question was answered the way that it was! This is not the case today; these new people get a book, go study, take a test, and have ZERO CLUE how to operate properly! 2. My other thought is this; instead of writing smart alleck articles like this; why not write a serious article explaining the proper etiquette of DX operations? I mean, why waste the space at E-Ham to write a condescending, elitist sounding article; which in all honesty makes you sound like a pompous a-hole? Oh, wait! It is because you do not like the new people anyhow. My bad. Something to think about… Best of 73. -Charles Patrick Adkins K8CPA Lincoln Park, Michigan USA EN82JF ...-.- ..
K8CPA2011-08-27
DX Rules
A couple of thoughts in response to the article here:

1. Now you understand why I cannot listen to my 2-meter rig for more than a few minutes at a time. It is because we are teaching people how to get their license. However, we are not, teaching people how to be first class radio operators. This has become more and more apparent since I received my --- and I should add; studied my rear end off for --- novice license back in 1989. Yes, it was a multiple question test, but the teacher did stand up there and EXPLAIN why each question was answered the way that it was! This is not the case today; these new people get a book, go study, take a test, and have ZERO CLUE how to operate properly!

2. My other thought is this; instead of writing smart alleck articles like this; why not write a serious article explaining the proper etiquette of DX operations? I mean, why waste the space at E-Ham to write a condescending, elitist sounding article; which in all honesty makes you sound like a pompous a-hole? Oh, wait! It is because you do not like the new people anyhow. My bad.

Something to think about…

Best of 73.

-Charles Patrick Adkins K8CPA
Lincoln Park, Michigan USA EN82JF
...-.- ..
ZL4YY2011-08-25
RE: DX Rules
One of the more important rules as seen by me (from a DX point of view) : don't listen, trust the cluster and call blind, especially if you have 2kW and you know the DX is operating with a vertical and 100w. I know that propagation is not always reciprocal, but god, I must have far better ears than others.
Also, if you just bought a 20k$ lineup for your new top-gun station, and you are not able to work a DX, blame the DX station on the cluster as being a "bad op" since if he was a good op he should have called Yaesu/Icom/Kenwood in order to know who actually bought their top-of-the-shelf rigs and must be rewarded so.

73,
Yan - XV4Y.
Reply to a comment by : KX5JT on 2011-08-24

WY3X : You don't have to actually hear his callsign! No sir! Just check your friendly dx-cluster and you'll see the callsign on that frequency! Viola! Then you can give him a 59! WHOOP!
Reply to a comment by : WY3X on 2011-08-23

I agree 100%! (With your satire...) I would add one caveat- I wish DX stations would identify a little more often. Many times, I'm just dialing around and hear a pile-up. I'll hang around and listen for the DX (or special event) callsign so I can look them up on the internet and see who they are. I tend NOT to call them until I know who they are. So I listen, and listen, and listen some more. Around the 15 minute mark, hearing the DX station fail to identify gets old. This doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen. A DX station will get caught up in running stations, and completely forgets to identify. Or doesn't identify intentionally, perhaps to lessen the pile up just a tad. I actually can sympathize with some of the stations who call on the DX frequency asking "who's the DX?". I'm probably in the minority here, but I wish DX stations would identify every 5th or 6th contact. If they did, they wouldn't have to contend with people asking who they are on frequency... 73, -WY3X
Reply to a comment by : N8FNR on 2011-08-23

In regards to rule number 1. The rarer the DX the longer that one must tune their amp EXACTLY on the DX's TX frequency. And do it a bunch of times just to make sure the amp is working. Yep, can't tune up below them, that would be too much bother, and after all who else could be possibly listening on the DX TX frequency? And then with any luck they mistuned the amp and it is splattering all over the place when they begin to transmit.
AD6KA2011-08-25
RE: DX Rules
You forgot a rule:
"You might stand a better chance of the DX picking
you up if scream "You HAVE to pick me up, I am LATE FOR WORK!".

I swear to God, I have heard that more than once,
*always* from a certain country in Southern Europe.
73, Ken AD6KA/5R8GQ

Reply to a comment by : W7NUW on 2011-08-24

Fun reading! There is one subject on which I differ with the conventional wisdom about DX etiquette: From my poor location DX is often hard to hear, even on CW (my only mode). I appreciate someone with a big gun who sends a quick "up". Usually the 'cops' are only sending 'up' when the DX is listening, not when I am straining to hear the DX. To me, their help is welcome.
W7NUW2011-08-24
DX Rules
Fun reading! There is one subject on which I differ with the conventional wisdom about DX etiquette:

From my poor location DX is often hard to hear, even on CW (my only mode). I appreciate someone with a big gun who sends a quick "up".

Usually the 'cops' are only sending 'up' when the DX is listening, not when I am straining to hear the DX. To me, their help is welcome.
AF6P2011-08-24
DX Rules
God help us,this is the wave of the future.
I did enjoy your artical and I'm a subscriber to the
DX code of conduct. If you work or try to work DX you should support this CODE.

Al,
W0FEN2011-08-24
DX Rules
How do I get dx to not interfere with a net?
KX5JT2011-08-24
RE: DX Rules
WY3X : You don't have to actually hear his callsign! No sir! Just check your friendly dx-cluster and you'll see the callsign on that frequency! Viola! Then you can give him a 59! WHOOP!
Reply to a comment by : WY3X on 2011-08-23

I agree 100%! (With your satire...) I would add one caveat- I wish DX stations would identify a little more often. Many times, I'm just dialing around and hear a pile-up. I'll hang around and listen for the DX (or special event) callsign so I can look them up on the internet and see who they are. I tend NOT to call them until I know who they are. So I listen, and listen, and listen some more. Around the 15 minute mark, hearing the DX station fail to identify gets old. This doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen. A DX station will get caught up in running stations, and completely forgets to identify. Or doesn't identify intentionally, perhaps to lessen the pile up just a tad. I actually can sympathize with some of the stations who call on the DX frequency asking "who's the DX?". I'm probably in the minority here, but I wish DX stations would identify every 5th or 6th contact. If they did, they wouldn't have to contend with people asking who they are on frequency... 73, -WY3X
Reply to a comment by : N8FNR on 2011-08-23

In regards to rule number 1. The rarer the DX the longer that one must tune their amp EXACTLY on the DX's TX frequency. And do it a bunch of times just to make sure the amp is working. Yep, can't tune up below them, that would be too much bother, and after all who else could be possibly listening on the DX TX frequency? And then with any luck they mistuned the amp and it is splattering all over the place when they begin to transmit.
KB2VUQ2011-08-23
RE: DX Rules
One of my favorites...

XX2ABC hears the DX come back with ANY combination of ABC, CAB, BAC (never mind the prefix or call area) and immediately begins correcting the DX station 15 times that he has the call wrong, despite the fact that the DX station has worked 5 or 6 stations successfully while XX2ABC rambles on unheard, except by me, of course.
Reply to a comment by : W4MAL on 2011-08-23

How about the dx stations that have a pile up going and then abruptly go QRT without a warning or mention that they have to shut down. There was a PY on tonight(of course not really rare) that had a pile up going on and he just vanished. I know they dont owe us a heads up but it just seems a little rude.
Reply to a comment by : K0BG on 2011-08-23

Use their call more often? Hum. Recently, a PY was on 20 meters, with a pileup like he was country #390! He gave his call every time there was a turn around. But you know what? His accent was so bad, I had to listen for 5 minutes before I got it! Alan, KØBG www.k0bg.com
Reply to a comment by : WY3X on 2011-08-23

I agree 100%! (With your satire...) I would add one caveat- I wish DX stations would identify a little more often. Many times, I'm just dialing around and hear a pile-up. I'll hang around and listen for the DX (or special event) callsign so I can look them up on the internet and see who they are. I tend NOT to call them until I know who they are. So I listen, and listen, and listen some more. Around the 15 minute mark, hearing the DX station fail to identify gets old. This doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen. A DX station will get caught up in running stations, and completely forgets to identify. Or doesn't identify intentionally, perhaps to lessen the pile up just a tad. I actually can sympathize with some of the stations who call on the DX frequency asking "who's the DX?". I'm probably in the minority here, but I wish DX stations would identify every 5th or 6th contact. If they did, they wouldn't have to contend with people asking who they are on frequency... 73, -WY3X
Reply to a comment by : N8FNR on 2011-08-23

In regards to rule number 1. The rarer the DX the longer that one must tune their amp EXACTLY on the DX's TX frequency. And do it a bunch of times just to make sure the amp is working. Yep, can't tune up below them, that would be too much bother, and after all who else could be possibly listening on the DX TX frequency? And then with any luck they mistuned the amp and it is splattering all over the place when they begin to transmit.
W4MAL2011-08-23
RE: DX Rules
How about the dx stations that have a pile up going and then abruptly go QRT without a warning or mention that they have to shut down. There was a PY on tonight(of course not really rare) that had a pile up going on and he just vanished. I know they dont owe us a heads up but it just seems a little rude.
Reply to a comment by : K0BG on 2011-08-23

Use their call more often? Hum. Recently, a PY was on 20 meters, with a pileup like he was country #390! He gave his call every time there was a turn around. But you know what? His accent was so bad, I had to listen for 5 minutes before I got it! Alan, KØBG www.k0bg.com
Reply to a comment by : WY3X on 2011-08-23

I agree 100%! (With your satire...) I would add one caveat- I wish DX stations would identify a little more often. Many times, I'm just dialing around and hear a pile-up. I'll hang around and listen for the DX (or special event) callsign so I can look them up on the internet and see who they are. I tend NOT to call them until I know who they are. So I listen, and listen, and listen some more. Around the 15 minute mark, hearing the DX station fail to identify gets old. This doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen. A DX station will get caught up in running stations, and completely forgets to identify. Or doesn't identify intentionally, perhaps to lessen the pile up just a tad. I actually can sympathize with some of the stations who call on the DX frequency asking "who's the DX?". I'm probably in the minority here, but I wish DX stations would identify every 5th or 6th contact. If they did, they wouldn't have to contend with people asking who they are on frequency... 73, -WY3X
Reply to a comment by : N8FNR on 2011-08-23

In regards to rule number 1. The rarer the DX the longer that one must tune their amp EXACTLY on the DX's TX frequency. And do it a bunch of times just to make sure the amp is working. Yep, can't tune up below them, that would be too much bother, and after all who else could be possibly listening on the DX TX frequency? And then with any luck they mistuned the amp and it is splattering all over the place when they begin to transmit.
KH6DC2011-08-23
Oh By The Way...
I couldn't hear ST0R to work them but I heard lots stories of LDs were out there jamming some of there ops by keying up with linears. Any one witnesed this?

73 Delwyn KH6DC
KH6DC2011-08-23
Guilty as charged!!!
I was guilty of #3 when working T32JB, Eastern Kiribati (Christmas Island) yesterday. Instead of listening, I was tired after a long day at work and followed DX Summit (which I usually use and listen) where someone wrote T32JB was on 20m SIMPLEX so I started calling him until a fellow ham mentioned "He's UP". Duh I felt like an a$$ then. I should listen with my ears and not my eyes or mouth!

73 Delwyn KH6DC
K4JC2011-08-23
DX Rules
I have probably missed many contacts due to these rules being followed so closely. Especially when the DX isn't that strong. Was that my call? I'll never know because all I can hear now is UP-UP-UP!!
KF4A2011-08-23
DX Rules
Excellent... !!
G0GQK2011-08-23
DX Rules
They were complaining like this in 1933

G0GQK
W2LJ2011-08-23
DX Rules
Whitey, I have one for you for "Everyday CW Operating"

> Make sure to NEVER send out a "?" or a "QRL?" before sending out a longwinded CQ .... (or my favorite) or before calling up a Net.

Great article, BTW !!!

Larry W2LJ
WY3X2011-08-23
RE: DX Rules
>His accent was so bad, I had to listen for 5 minutes
>before I got it!

Another reason for "standard phonetics" perhaps? Or a great argument on behalf of CW, although I admit my skills are not up to tackling the 30WPM guys who seem to be the majority of CW DX stations. I really need to get my speed up! (I don't blame them for that, it's my fault and my fault alone...)

73, -WY3X
Reply to a comment by : K0BG on 2011-08-23

Use their call more often? Hum. Recently, a PY was on 20 meters, with a pileup like he was country #390! He gave his call every time there was a turn around. But you know what? His accent was so bad, I had to listen for 5 minutes before I got it! Alan, KØBG www.k0bg.com
Reply to a comment by : WY3X on 2011-08-23

I agree 100%! (With your satire...) I would add one caveat- I wish DX stations would identify a little more often. Many times, I'm just dialing around and hear a pile-up. I'll hang around and listen for the DX (or special event) callsign so I can look them up on the internet and see who they are. I tend NOT to call them until I know who they are. So I listen, and listen, and listen some more. Around the 15 minute mark, hearing the DX station fail to identify gets old. This doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen. A DX station will get caught up in running stations, and completely forgets to identify. Or doesn't identify intentionally, perhaps to lessen the pile up just a tad. I actually can sympathize with some of the stations who call on the DX frequency asking "who's the DX?". I'm probably in the minority here, but I wish DX stations would identify every 5th or 6th contact. If they did, they wouldn't have to contend with people asking who they are on frequency... 73, -WY3X
Reply to a comment by : N8FNR on 2011-08-23

In regards to rule number 1. The rarer the DX the longer that one must tune their amp EXACTLY on the DX's TX frequency. And do it a bunch of times just to make sure the amp is working. Yep, can't tune up below them, that would be too much bother, and after all who else could be possibly listening on the DX TX frequency? And then with any luck they mistuned the amp and it is splattering all over the place when they begin to transmit.
K7NNG2011-08-23
DX Rules
Well boys and girls, DX can be California to New Mexico, or Oregon to Utah.....so,,,,what's the big deal? and why are there so many damn RUDE operators nowadays.....doesn't anyone have PRIDE now??????
You people need a new hobby and life.....
KB2FCV2011-08-23
RE: DX Rules
These rules are absolutely followed during each and every pileup.
Reply to a comment by : KR2C on 2011-08-23

K0BG said..... "His accent was so bad, I had to listen for 5 minutes before I got it!" Imagine what your accent was like for him. :)
Reply to a comment by : K0BG on 2011-08-23

Use their call more often? Hum. Recently, a PY was on 20 meters, with a pileup like he was country #390! He gave his call every time there was a turn around. But you know what? His accent was so bad, I had to listen for 5 minutes before I got it! Alan, KØBG www.k0bg.com
Reply to a comment by : WY3X on 2011-08-23

I agree 100%! (With your satire...) I would add one caveat- I wish DX stations would identify a little more often. Many times, I'm just dialing around and hear a pile-up. I'll hang around and listen for the DX (or special event) callsign so I can look them up on the internet and see who they are. I tend NOT to call them until I know who they are. So I listen, and listen, and listen some more. Around the 15 minute mark, hearing the DX station fail to identify gets old. This doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen. A DX station will get caught up in running stations, and completely forgets to identify. Or doesn't identify intentionally, perhaps to lessen the pile up just a tad. I actually can sympathize with some of the stations who call on the DX frequency asking "who's the DX?". I'm probably in the minority here, but I wish DX stations would identify every 5th or 6th contact. If they did, they wouldn't have to contend with people asking who they are on frequency... 73, -WY3X
Reply to a comment by : N8FNR on 2011-08-23

In regards to rule number 1. The rarer the DX the longer that one must tune their amp EXACTLY on the DX's TX frequency. And do it a bunch of times just to make sure the amp is working. Yep, can't tune up below them, that would be too much bother, and after all who else could be possibly listening on the DX TX frequency? And then with any luck they mistuned the amp and it is splattering all over the place when they begin to transmit.
KR2C2011-08-23
RE: DX Rules
K0BG said.....

"His accent was so bad, I had to listen for 5 minutes before I got it!"


Imagine what your accent was like for him. :)
Reply to a comment by : K0BG on 2011-08-23

Use their call more often? Hum. Recently, a PY was on 20 meters, with a pileup like he was country #390! He gave his call every time there was a turn around. But you know what? His accent was so bad, I had to listen for 5 minutes before I got it! Alan, KØBG www.k0bg.com
Reply to a comment by : WY3X on 2011-08-23

I agree 100%! (With your satire...) I would add one caveat- I wish DX stations would identify a little more often. Many times, I'm just dialing around and hear a pile-up. I'll hang around and listen for the DX (or special event) callsign so I can look them up on the internet and see who they are. I tend NOT to call them until I know who they are. So I listen, and listen, and listen some more. Around the 15 minute mark, hearing the DX station fail to identify gets old. This doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen. A DX station will get caught up in running stations, and completely forgets to identify. Or doesn't identify intentionally, perhaps to lessen the pile up just a tad. I actually can sympathize with some of the stations who call on the DX frequency asking "who's the DX?". I'm probably in the minority here, but I wish DX stations would identify every 5th or 6th contact. If they did, they wouldn't have to contend with people asking who they are on frequency... 73, -WY3X
Reply to a comment by : N8FNR on 2011-08-23

In regards to rule number 1. The rarer the DX the longer that one must tune their amp EXACTLY on the DX's TX frequency. And do it a bunch of times just to make sure the amp is working. Yep, can't tune up below them, that would be too much bother, and after all who else could be possibly listening on the DX TX frequency? And then with any luck they mistuned the amp and it is splattering all over the place when they begin to transmit.
K0BG2011-08-23
RE: DX Rules
Use their call more often? Hum. Recently, a PY was on 20 meters, with a pileup like he was country #390! He gave his call every time there was a turn around. But you know what? His accent was so bad, I had to listen for 5 minutes before I got it!

Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
Reply to a comment by : WY3X on 2011-08-23

I agree 100%! (With your satire...) I would add one caveat- I wish DX stations would identify a little more often. Many times, I'm just dialing around and hear a pile-up. I'll hang around and listen for the DX (or special event) callsign so I can look them up on the internet and see who they are. I tend NOT to call them until I know who they are. So I listen, and listen, and listen some more. Around the 15 minute mark, hearing the DX station fail to identify gets old. This doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen. A DX station will get caught up in running stations, and completely forgets to identify. Or doesn't identify intentionally, perhaps to lessen the pile up just a tad. I actually can sympathize with some of the stations who call on the DX frequency asking "who's the DX?". I'm probably in the minority here, but I wish DX stations would identify every 5th or 6th contact. If they did, they wouldn't have to contend with people asking who they are on frequency... 73, -WY3X
Reply to a comment by : N8FNR on 2011-08-23

In regards to rule number 1. The rarer the DX the longer that one must tune their amp EXACTLY on the DX's TX frequency. And do it a bunch of times just to make sure the amp is working. Yep, can't tune up below them, that would be too much bother, and after all who else could be possibly listening on the DX TX frequency? And then with any luck they mistuned the amp and it is splattering all over the place when they begin to transmit.
WY3X2011-08-23
RE: DX Rules
I agree 100%! (With your satire...)

I would add one caveat- I wish DX stations would identify a little more often. Many times, I'm just dialing around and hear a pile-up. I'll hang around and listen for the DX (or special event) callsign so I can look them up on the internet and see who they are. I tend NOT to call them until I know who they are. So I listen, and listen, and listen some more. Around the 15 minute mark, hearing the DX station fail to identify gets old. This doesn't happen often, but it DOES happen. A DX station will get caught up in running stations, and completely forgets to identify. Or doesn't identify intentionally, perhaps to lessen the pile up just a tad. I actually can sympathize with some of the stations who call on the DX frequency asking "who's the DX?".

I'm probably in the minority here, but I wish DX stations would identify every 5th or 6th contact. If they did, they wouldn't have to contend with people asking who they are on frequency...

73, -WY3X
Reply to a comment by : N8FNR on 2011-08-23

In regards to rule number 1. The rarer the DX the longer that one must tune their amp EXACTLY on the DX's TX frequency. And do it a bunch of times just to make sure the amp is working. Yep, can't tune up below them, that would be too much bother, and after all who else could be possibly listening on the DX TX frequency? And then with any luck they mistuned the amp and it is splattering all over the place when they begin to transmit.
N8FNR2011-08-23
DX Rules
In regards to rule number 1. The rarer the DX the longer that one must tune their amp EXACTLY on the DX's TX frequency. And do it a bunch of times just to make sure the amp is working. Yep, can't tune up below them, that would be too much bother, and after all who else could be possibly listening on the DX TX frequency? And then with any luck they mistuned the amp and it is splattering all over the place when they begin to transmit.
N4JTE2011-08-22
RE: DX Rules
Enjoyed your comments, as Don said humor, sarcasm and irony are a great way to deal with the deteriorating operating habits of some stations when chasing DX. As tempting as it is to chastise the ignorant on the air, it is self defeating, an occasionial article like this recharges my batteries for the next go around !
While we're at it, the DX summit is not there for stations in the US and same state, to post there 5-9 contacts.
Regards,
Bob
Reply to a comment by : KB1GMX on 2011-08-22

I'll bet that any "DX" just cringes when a US ham calls them. "DX" to many means a station not having a border with their state. To those that their new license for HF likely so as the 2M HT never went that far. You also forgot 6A.. 6A) Call the DX back and ask him to be on xx band(s) that you haven't yet worked him on today. Oh I forgot again.. 6B) The bands asked for in 6A are all dead as of two hours ago. For those takin it seriously, it's a joke son. Allison
Reply to a comment by : WS4E on 2011-08-22

Silly me. I was expecting a nice informative article with good tips. But I should have known it would just be more lid sarcasm. I'm disappointed. Amused. But disappointed. This is more of a forums post than an article.
KB1GMX2011-08-22
RE: DX Rules
I'll bet that any "DX" just cringes when a US ham calls them. "DX" to many means a station not having a border with their state.

To those that their new license for HF likely so as the 2M HT never went that far.

You also forgot 6A..

6A) Call the DX back and ask him to be on xx band(s)
that you haven't yet worked him on today.

Oh I forgot again..

6B) The bands asked for in 6A are all dead as of two hours ago.

For those takin it seriously, it's a joke son.


Allison
Reply to a comment by : WS4E on 2011-08-22

Silly me. I was expecting a nice informative article with good tips. But I should have known it would just be more lid sarcasm. I'm disappointed. Amused. But disappointed. This is more of a forums post than an article.
WS4E2011-08-22
DX Rules
Silly me. I was expecting a nice informative article with good tips.

But I should have known it would just be more lid sarcasm.

I'm disappointed. Amused. But disappointed. This is more of a forums post than an article.
N4KC2011-08-22
RE: DX Rules
Whitey, you have once again proved that sarcasm is a most effective form of commentary. Good job!

And I agree with N8XI. All that cacophony of "UP" and "LID" and some other words that would best be reserved for a locker room makes a perfectly good marker for where the DX station is transmitting so I can find him. But once I do...

73,

Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com
http://n4kc.blogspot.com


Reply to a comment by : HAMMYGUY on 2011-08-22

I'll bet that any "DX" just cringes when a US ham calls them. "DX" to many means a station not having a border with their state.
Reply to a comment by : N2RRA on 2011-08-22

Sad thing is some people are gonna take your wise ass article literally and follow them probably. Some of those operators your talking about won't have the common sense to realize this. Just as they don't have the common sense in which you describe them. Gezzzz!
Reply to a comment by : N0YXB on 2011-08-22

This is excellent! Unfortunately those who really need to understand what this article is about, probably don't. Likely the same guys who don't understand why they're causing road rage when they don't use their signal lights or stop at stop signs. "Hey, why is everyone honking at me?"
Reply to a comment by : N8XI on 2011-08-22

I listen for those doing #1!! How else am I going to know where the DX is?
HAMMYGUY2011-08-22
RE: DX Rules
I'll bet that any "DX" just cringes when a US ham calls them. "DX" to many means a station not having a border with their state.
Reply to a comment by : N2RRA on 2011-08-22

Sad thing is some people are gonna take your wise ass article literally and follow them probably. Some of those operators your talking about won't have the common sense to realize this. Just as they don't have the common sense in which you describe them. Gezzzz!
Reply to a comment by : N0YXB on 2011-08-22

This is excellent! Unfortunately those who really need to understand what this article is about, probably don't. Likely the same guys who don't understand why they're causing road rage when they don't use their signal lights or stop at stop signs. "Hey, why is everyone honking at me?"
Reply to a comment by : N8XI on 2011-08-22

I listen for those doing #1!! How else am I going to know where the DX is?
N2RRA2011-08-22
RE: DX Rules
Sad thing is some people are gonna take your wise ass article literally and follow them probably. Some of those operators your talking about won't have the common sense to realize this. Just as they don't have the common sense in which you describe them.

Gezzzz!
Reply to a comment by : N0YXB on 2011-08-22

This is excellent! Unfortunately those who really need to understand what this article is about, probably don't. Likely the same guys who don't understand why they're causing road rage when they don't use their signal lights or stop at stop signs. "Hey, why is everyone honking at me?"
Reply to a comment by : N8XI on 2011-08-22

I listen for those doing #1!! How else am I going to know where the DX is?
N0YXB2011-08-22
RE: DX Rules
This is excellent! Unfortunately those who really need to understand what this article is about, probably don't. Likely the same guys who don't understand why they're causing road rage when they don't use their signal lights or stop at stop signs. "Hey, why is everyone honking at me?"
Reply to a comment by : N8XI on 2011-08-22

I listen for those doing #1!! How else am I going to know where the DX is?
N8XI2011-08-22
DX Rules
I listen for those doing #1!!

How else am I going to know where the DX is?
W5GNB2011-08-22
RE: DX Rules
There should be the addition of a 10th rule: You must not forget to tune up your TWO KILLOWATT OUTPUT amplifier right on the listening frequency.... It is a must to be zeroed right on top of the DX station so that you will have MAXIMUM power output when ever you are running your BRAG tape to him once you make contact.....

73's
Gary - W5GNB
Reply to a comment by : KE8G on 2011-08-22

Great tongue-in-cheek article! Unfortunately, I swear I heard every one of these "rules" being followed to the letter on the recent ST0R operation. 73 de Jim - KE8G
N2OBM2011-08-22
DX Rules
Oh...is that how it is supposed work?

Silly me...I call "CQ State side or North America de YI9OBM"...Italy Zulu 6 Xray Charlie Zanzabar, or something like that, responds...he has read my mind and knows that I really meant to call Italy!

Hummm, could he teach my wife to read my mind, and get her to understand that when I get home, I do not want a vacation on some hot tropical, sandy island!

(So I end up on a ski slope in Colorado or Utah)

73,
YI9OBM



K8ALM2011-08-22
RE: DX Rules
Greate article. A good laugh. I especially like #6.
Reply to a comment by : K8YZK on 2011-08-22

RULES, RULES, we don't need no funny rules. Nice Article. Kurt
K8YZK2011-08-22
DX Rules
RULES, RULES, we don't need no funny rules.

Nice Article.

Kurt
K1YLV2011-08-22
DX Rules
I really don't think that you had to spend the time that you did putting these rules together. There are plenty of hams who know them already and do a great job following them when working DX.

Silly Me, all along, I thought that these guys were annoying and now I feel guilty about misjudging them.
W1JKA2011-08-22
DX Rules
Thank goodness all these types of operators must be woodworkers and only come out of it to play radio during these DX operations.
KE8G2011-08-22
DX Rules
Great tongue-in-cheek article! Unfortunately, I swear I heard every one of these "rules" being followed to the letter on the recent ST0R operation.

73 de Jim - KE8G