Best Practices
DXing on the HF bands is always somewhat chaotic. It's always been that way, and it always will be. (If you don't remember, ask any DX-active old-timer.) Today, award programs and other activities, such as Club Log are attracting more and more activity to the large number of DXpedition efforts. They attract DXers because they are fun. But, more activity means more opportunities for conflict.
There are usually some intentional QRMers and jammers, but mostly there are more DXers, many of whom are less than sufficiently knowledgeable or careful to keep them from causing interference Simultaneous listening to both sides of a pileup by an observer will reveal how imperfect but innocent operating causes problems.
The DX University is dedicated to heping improve operating awareness during DXpeditions. To this end, we have created Best Practices for DXpedition Operating. This is a set of guidelines for DXpedition operators. Most DXers have long recognized that the DXpeditioner has the power to make pileups run smoothly. The pileup is a direct reflection of the ability of the DXpedition operator. Time and time again, undesirable situations related to DX pileups point to failures of the DXpedition operator. When closely followed, Best Practices for DXpedition Opeating can make a significant difference in the quality of DX pileups - more fun for everyone.
In addition to Best Practices for DXpedition Operating , The DX University™ has created a set of best practices for DXers. Best Practices for Courteous and Efficient DXing is dedicated to improving operating awareness. These guidelines, if followed will help improve the operating that we hear on the DX bands. Pileups would be more orderly and much less frustrating. There are more than just a few simple lines though. Reading the expanded versions is very important.
Both of these topics are covered in the pages of the DX University. Proper procedures for DXers are synonymous with greater efficiency in DX chasing and can greatly enhance your DXing efforts. Proper procedures employed by the DXpeditioner can enhance the DXing experience for everyone.
For additional information, see DXpeditioning Basics for DXpeditioners elsewhere on this site or at http://www.dxpeditioningbasics.com
Best Practices for Courteous and Efficient DXing
1.Know the DX callsign and the location of the pileup by listening carefully to the DX station and the pileup before calling.
2.Beware of erroneous spots: Copy the DX station’s call sign yourself.
3.Be careful never to transmit on the DX frequency – learn how to use your radio properly.
4.Never interfere with an existing exchange of information.
5.Always send your full callsign.
6.Call once and then listen. Then call again, if appropriate. Try not to call during an existing QSO.
7.Respond only if the DX operator calls you. One letter or number of your call is NOT enough reason to call.
8.If the DX operator has sent your call correctly, do not repeat it unless required by licensing regulations.
9.Do not call if the DX operator asks for other geographic areas.
10. To encourage the most courteous and efficient operation, operate in the way that you would expect others to operate.
Best Practices for DXpedition Operating
The WeeklyDX™ Helpful Hints No. 35 from the DX University™*
This week, it’s more than a hint. I am addressing DXpeditioners directly. Heads up, guys! Several DXpeditions in recent months have caused serious problems, and to be honest, some of the operating has been very poor. (That’s a polite version of what I have been reading.) The reactions to this poor operating in many cases have been absolutely vile. In response, several large groups are moving to more effectively tie DXpeditioning operating techniques to funding – and for good reason.
Some of the DXpedition operators recruited for these operations seem to have forgotten – or never learned – how to manage their pileups. Much of the negative reaction is coming from DXers who see their opportunities for a QSO diminishing. Additional reaction is coming from non-DXers who have had their own operating unnecessarily disrupted by widespread pileups. In some cases, these non-DXers have gone to the source, the DXpedition frequency, setting off a circus there. The situation soon spirals totally out of control.
There have been numerous attempts in the “local media” to pinpoint the reasons for this behavior, but much of it has been off the mark. Increasingly though DXers are beginning to understand: virtually every instance of poor pileup behavior can be attributed to poor pileup management. The nature of a DXpedition pileup mirrors the skill of the DXpedition operator. A carefully managed pileup will run well with little disruption to the remainder of the band and a minimum of frustration. Though it can be difficult in trying situations to remember all the elements of pileup management, it must be done and done well. To begin, here are some suggestions for making the most of your pileup.
Best Practices for DXpedition Operating*
1. Check your transmit and receive frequencies before starting.
2. Use split operation from the beginning
3. Maintain a rhythm of regular transmissions. No long silences.
4. Do not use excessive speed on CW. Slow down when signals are weak.
5. Reduce speed further on CW to communicate with the pileup.
6. Sign your call sign at least every minute.
7. Issue calling instructions after every QSO: EU UP5 or NA UP 5-10
8. Minimize Pileup width: Suggest Max 5-8 kHz CW and 10-15 kHz SSB.
9. Move receive frequency in a generally regular pattern.
10. Repeat corrected call signs so everyone is confident of being correctly .
11. Work and log dupes, it’s quicker.
12. Don't leave the pile-up hanging: Keep the callers informed about QRT/QSY, etc.
13. Maintain a moderate, but “in-charge attitude.”
*This list, and more information about these Best Practices will appear on the pages of the DX University very soon.
In the paragraphs below, I will comment on two of these points. The first is Point number 8. Several DXpeditions have been observed responding to stations on the “WARC” bands over virtually the whole range of frequencies. This is simply unacceptable, and really unnecessary. The DX operator who says he can’t make out calls without spreading the pile so widely frankly hasn’t learned how to properly manage his pileup. The suggested limits (above) are and must be adequate – by definition. They will work in most situations. The bands don’t belong solely to DXers. To believe that they do is nothing if not arrogant. If there are too many stations calling within those limits, steps must be taken to limit the number of stations calling. Techniques for doing so are well documented**. Roger, G3SXW points out:
As responsible [DXped] operators, be considerate of other users. It's their band too. The more rare the DXpeditions QTH, the larger the likely pileup and this can produce pileups that spread out beyond what is reasonable. A 5 to 8 KHz spread for CW and 10 to 15 KHz spread for SSB are considered by many DXpedition operators to be reasonable.
Roger adds: Additional good reading on this topic can be found at
Another important practice is Point #12: “Don’t leave the pileup hanging.” There has been considerable complaining recently about DXpedition stations moving from their frequencies without notice, etc. If a QRX or QSY to another band is necessary, inform those DXers in the pileup. We all know that frustration is a primary catalyst for chaos. Don’t add to the dissatisfaction. Let the callers know what you plan to do.
Of course, there are other considerations. One now in focus is PT0S, a most difficult endeavor. PT0S is a “specialty DXpedition,” concentrating on the low-bands and on six meters, but that fact seems to have gone unnoticed. It may be that SP&P is just too rare for four operators and a concentration on the low bands and six meters. At any one time, callers are spread over fewer bands, increasing the demands on the pileup management skills of the operators. The low band operations seem to be adequately managed resulting in good pileup management, while operation on the other bands leaves much to be desired. To their credit, they seem to be reacting positively to comments.
** See DXpeditioning Basics at www.dxpeditioningbasics.com
In general, if we are to experience more civilized DXpedition pileups, DXpeditioners must do a better job learning how to manage their pileups. We must encourage them to do so. Send comments and operating accounts to n7ng@arrl.net
*The DX University™ is a daylong learning session for newcomers and old-timers wishing to hone their DXing skills. These weekly articles published in the WeeklyDX™ are archived in the pages of The DX University. For more information on these topics, see www.dxuniversity.com
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