Best Practices for DXpedition Operating
"The nature of a DXpedition pileup mirrors the skill of the DXpedition operator" - OH2BH. A carefully managed pileup will run with little disruption to the band and lots of fun for the DXers. Here are some suggestions that will help you make the most of the pileups. (Click the link for more information.)
1. Check 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 pass information to the pileup.
6. Sign our call sign at least every minute.
7. Issue calling instructions after every QSO, for example 'UP5 EU' on CW or 'NA UP 5-10' on SSB.
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 logged.
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.
How We Will Operate
Note to DXpeditioners: The text below is an example of information that could appear on your DXpedition Website setting forth the specifics of your operating. The idea is for you to tell DXers how you will operate. This will in turn tell them how best to call you -- what to expect from you; what to do and what NOT to do. You should rework the text as necessary to suit your needs. Explicit permission to use this text is not required.
How We Will Operate – Guidelines for Consistent Operating
With very few exceptions, we will work split. We will limit our listening space to no more than necessary. We should learn how to use the entire split; we won’t say “up 5 to 10” and then listen on only one frequency.
If the pileup grows too large (5-8 kHz on CW, 10-15 kHz on SSB) we will divide the pileup in some manner. Continents are desirable; numbers are NOT desirable.
We will operate on or very close to our designated frequencies. Sometimes a very small change – 100 Hz, for example -- will nullify intentional QRM, but we should be close to our published frequencies.
We will try to operate in one place on one band for many hours at a time. This gives the callers a sense of confidence. We will not change bands if the band in use is producing a good rate to a desired part of the World. We will announce our intent to QSY, QRT or leave the frequency prior to doing so.
We will persist with a callsign, then QRZ or NIL. No exceptions. We will NOT call another station until we solicit another Q. Any deviation from this routine is a green light for DXers to call out of turn.
Where possible, we will work the best propagation in order to keep the rate acceptable. We should not try to force the propagation, except perhaps to our target area.
We will sign our callsign frequently. If someone asks, sign your callsign. If our callsign is short, sign after every QSO. This is the easiest procedure to remember.
Accuracy, not speed will be of utmost importance for this operation. This is not a contest. We will give each station’s callsign completely and correctly at least once during each QSO. The caller deserves to be sure of his QSO. He shouldNOT need the on-line to confirm his QSO.
We will remain calm while trying to control the pileup. We will not chastise DXers for improper calling – neither will we work those who call improperly!
With very few exceptions, we will work split. We will limit our listening space to no more than necessary. We should learn how to use the entire split; we won’t say “up 5 to 10” and then listen on only one frequency.
If the pileup grows too large (5-8 kHz on CW, 10-15 kHz on SSB) we will divide the pileup in some manner. Continents are desirable; numbers are NOT desirable.
We will operate on or very close to our designated frequencies. Sometimes a very small change – 100 Hz, for example -- will nullify intentional QRM, but we should be close to our published frequencies.
We will try to operate in one place on one band for many hours at a time. This gives the callers a sense of confidence. We will not change bands if the band in use is producing a good rate to a desired part of the World. We will announce our intent to QSY, QRT or leave the frequency prior to doing so.
We will persist with a callsign, then QRZ or NIL. No exceptions. We will NOT call another station until we solicit another Q. Any deviation from this routine is a green light for DXers to call out of turn.
Where possible, we will work the best propagation in order to keep the rate acceptable. We should not try to force the propagation, except perhaps to our target area.
We will sign our callsign frequently. If someone asks, sign your callsign. If our callsign is short, sign after every QSO. This is the easiest procedure to remember.
Accuracy, not speed will be of utmost importance for this operation. This is not a contest. We will give each station’s callsign completely and correctly at least once during each QSO. The caller deserves to be sure of his QSO. He shouldNOT need the on-line to confirm his QSO.
We will remain calm while trying to control the pileup. We will not chastise DXers for improper calling – neither will we work those who call improperly!
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