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Author Topic: Spotting networks help  (Read 210 times)

KC4YDY

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Spotting networks help
« on: September 26, 2021, 12:39:43 AM »

OK, I'm new to contesting other than Field Day, which I'm a 6m expert at!  I recently upgraded to Extra and have a friend who is hot and heavy into POTA.  I've become interested in the statewide FL-POTA.  I know it is considered very bad form to self spot during most contests, some even ban it outright.  HOWEVER...  Both POTA and FL-POTA encourage spotting and self spotting.  POTA even has their own spotting network set up. 

So my question is, again being a newbie at contesting and spotting, what and where would I find networks to self spot on?  I've never used a spotting network before so simply need some schooling in how they work and where to find them.

Thanks and 73!

de Paul, KC4YDY

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K3TN

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Re: Spotting networks help
« Reply #1 on: September 26, 2021, 03:59:22 AM »

There are a couple of different ways to spot:

  • NG3K has a long list of DX clusters you can telnet to (using your web browser), login and make and see spots - here.
  • Web-based spotting systems like DXheat let you create an account and make spots - here
  • VE7CC has an excellent application ccuser that gives you great control over viewing spots and lets  you send spots as well - here.
  • There are several iOS and Android mobile cluster apps - go to the Apple App Store or Google Play and search for DXcluster.

73 John K3TN
« Last Edit: September 26, 2021, 04:04:32 AM by K3TN »
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John K3TN

KD1JT

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Re: Spotting networks help
« Reply #2 on: September 26, 2021, 06:43:23 AM »

First off, POTA is not a contest.  It’s an ongoing activity … no start or end dates, no required exchange, no score keeping, no competition unless one chooses (I compete only with myself).   So spotting is not only allowed, but encouraged. 

SKCC is another group that has an excellent spotting page (one of best).  It’s called the “sked page”.   But during contest activities the use of the sked page is disallowed for contest participants. 

WWFF is a lot like POTA, and spotting on their site lets the world know I’m on the air at some reference, and the DX comes rolling in.  Again, not a contest.
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K4EMF

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Re: Spotting networks help
« Reply #3 on: September 26, 2021, 07:58:50 AM »

First off, POTA is not a contest.  It’s an ongoing activity … no start or end dates, no required exchange, no score keeping, no competition unless one chooses (I compete only with myself).   So spotting is not only allowed, but encouraged....

I concur.

https://pota.app/#/
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N2SR

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Re: Spotting networks help
« Reply #4 on: September 26, 2021, 10:59:58 AM »

Any spotting network (DX cluster, DX summit, DX heat, RBN, etc) that you connect to should allow you to spot any station, including your own. 

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KC4YDY

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Re: Spotting networks help
« Reply #5 on: September 26, 2021, 05:23:39 PM »

Fully understand that POTA and FL-POTA are not contests, just like Field Day is not a contest.  But points count and awards are available/given soooo....

Anyway, I've joined both groups and know that their end objective is to activate and/or hunt parks.  Whether they are national/DX (POTA) or Florida parks (FL-POTA) the rules seem basically the same.  I have even read some people work both at the same time and just submit dual logs.  Without getting into the politics of the two groups, are they at least cooperative?  I see that FL just adds "FF" to the POTA park designation.  So, knowing that they are separate but kinda the same, would it be bad form to use the POTA spotting page for FL-POTA?  Even if I were just participating in FL? 

Thanks and 73!
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K3TN

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Re: Spotting networks help
« Reply #6 on: September 29, 2021, 03:13:55 AM »

Pete N4ZR has written a blog entry on the Reverse Beacon Network blog that gives advice to those operating spotters and those wishing to be spotted. I gave him a few suggestions on expanding the user advice a bit, but you can see the current info here.

73 John K3TN
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John K3TN
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