Summerfest 2004Summerfest 2004Austin, TexasAustin, TexasAug 7, 2004Aug 7, 2004

Introduction to Introduction to DXing and ContestingDXing and Contesting

Big Gun or Little PistolBig Gun or Little Pistol

AB5KAB5KAB5KAB5K

WBWBøøYEAYEA

No matter the caliber, nothing No matter the caliber, nothing compares to the thrill of tickling compares to the thrill of tickling somebody’s radio on the other somebody’s radio on the other side of the world!side of the world!

What We’ll Cover - DXWhat We’ll Cover - DX• Basics of DXingBasics of DXing

–Cool tips for finding and working DXCool tips for finding and working DX

–Station requirements Resources for Station requirements Resources for DXing like a Big GunDXing like a Big Gun

• Logging and QSLingLogging and QSLing

• Going for the GoldGoing for the Gold–DX awards to impress your friends!DX awards to impress your friends!

What We’ll Cover - ContestingWhat We’ll Cover - Contesting

• What kind of ham enters a contest?What kind of ham enters a contest?

• What’s the object?What’s the object?

• Getting started in contestingGetting started in contesting

• The variety of contest typesThe variety of contest types

• How to win a contestHow to win a contest

• Online contesting resourcesOnline contesting resources

Getting Started in DXingGetting Started in DXing

Gale Zeiler WBGale Zeiler WBøøYEAYEA

DX - Where Is It?DX - Where Is It?• All Bands (160-6m)All Bands (160-6m)

– Including the 30, 17 and 12m WARC bandsIncluding the 30, 17 and 12m WARC bands– Mostly the low end of the band Mostly the low end of the band

• All Modes (CW, SSB, Digital)All Modes (CW, SSB, Digital)• Daily/Weekly NetsDaily/Weekly Nets• List Nets List Nets • Contests Contests • DXpeditionsDXpeditions• DX Packet Cluster – Real Time SpottingDX Packet Cluster – Real Time Spotting

Best Conditions For DXingBest Conditions For DXing• Function of 11 year sunspot cycleFunction of 11 year sunspot cycle

– Going into trough of current cycle – Poor ConditionsGoing into trough of current cycle – Poor Conditions– WWV, Internet propagation forecasts (free)WWV, Internet propagation forecasts (free)

• Seasonal Conditions: Season vs. BandSeasonal Conditions: Season vs. Band– Winter Winter 160 – 20m 160 – 20m – Spring Spring 40 - 6 40 - 6 – Summer Summer 20 - 6 20 - 6 – Fall Fall 40 - 10 40 - 10

• Time Of DayTime Of Day– Early morning (11-1600Z)Early morning (11-1600Z) 80-20m 80-20m – Mid-morning to mid-afternoon (16-2200Z)Mid-morning to mid-afternoon (16-2200Z) 20-10 20-10 – Late afternoon to Sunset (22-0300Z)Late afternoon to Sunset (22-0300Z) 20-10 20-10 – Night time to Early Morning (03-1000Z)Night time to Early Morning (03-1000Z) 160-40 160-40

For DXing on 160 and 80

For DXing on 160 and 80

think “Dawn/Dusk”!

think “Dawn/Dusk”!

Station RequirementsStation Requirements• HF TransceiverHF Transceiver

– Decent receiver (sensitive & selective)Decent receiver (sensitive & selective)

– Split-Frequency transmit capability Split-Frequency transmit capability importantimportant

– QRP to Legal LimitQRP to Legal Limit

• Computer & logging software (preferable)Computer & logging software (preferable)

• AntennasAntennas

– More is always better, but you can start More is always better, but you can start

modestly and do modestly and do veryvery well well

Can you see Can you see the antennas in this photo?the antennas in this photo?

Take a closer look!Take a closer look!

CTDXCCer W5EK has worked 262 countries from a deep CTDXCCer W5EK has worked 262 countries from a deep valley location in NW Austin in less than 18 months with valley location in NW Austin in less than 18 months with stealth dipoles & 100 watts!stealth dipoles & 100 watts!

Good DX Etiquette – Operating SplitGood DX Etiquette – Operating Split• Listen carefully before you call a DX Listen carefully before you call a DX

station on his frequencystation on his frequency– ““Rare” DX stations often work SPLITRare” DX stations often work SPLIT

• DX station announces “Up”DX station announces “Up”• Calling stations transmit up (usually 2-5 Khz) Calling stations transmit up (usually 2-5 Khz) • Everybody else can hear him without QRMing himEverybody else can hear him without QRMing him

• 40 Meter SSB40 Meter SSB– DX stations can’t operate above 7.100 MhzDX stations can’t operate above 7.100 Mhz– Listen for DX station to indicate listening Listen for DX station to indicate listening

frequency (QSX) in US phone bandfrequency (QSX) in US phone bandALWAYS LISTEN ON YOUR XMIT FREQUENCY BEFORE CALLING!!ALWAYS LISTEN ON YOUR XMIT FREQUENCY BEFORE CALLING!!

Finding DX the Old-Fashioned WayFinding DX the Old-Fashioned Way

• Listen, listen, listenListen, listen, listen– But listen strategicallyBut listen strategically

• on the right bands at the right timeson the right bands at the right times

• Collaborate with a buddyCollaborate with a buddy– ““Hey Joe, OD5NH is on 14.192!” Hey Joe, OD5NH is on 14.192!”

Some of the world’s top DXers do it the old-fashioned way, Some of the world’s top DXers do it the old-fashioned way, like CTDXCC’s own Marv Bloomquist, N5AW.like CTDXCC’s own Marv Bloomquist, N5AW.

The new-fangled way: DX ClustersThe new-fangled way: DX ClustersDX “Clusters”DX “Clusters”

– Hams all over the world reporting Hams all over the world reporting sightings of DX stations sightings of DX stations ((or YOU!or YOU!))• Real-timeReal-time• Exact frequencyExact frequency• Beam headingBeam heading

– Packet radio & Internet-basedPacket radio & Internet-based““Working DX using packet clusters is like shooting fish in a barrel.”Working DX using packet clusters is like shooting fish in a barrel.”

- Anonymous DXCC Honor Roller- Anonymous DXCC Honor Roller

““Like taking a shower with my clothes on, but it feels good.”Like taking a shower with my clothes on, but it feels good.”- W5ZL- W5ZL

DX Cluster DemoDX Cluster Demo

DX Monitor software download atDX Monitor software download at http://www.benlo.com/dxmon.html

DXing ResourcesDXing Resources• DX Packet Clusters (local nodes/Internet)DX Packet Clusters (local nodes/Internet)• Propagation forecastsPropagation forecasts

– ARRLARRL– QSL.netQSL.net

• Local club members/E-mail reflectors, websitesLocal club members/E-mail reflectors, websites• Internet newslettersInternet newsletters

– 425 DX News425 DX News– Ohio/Penn DX BulletinOhio/Penn DX Bulletin– Daily DXDaily DX– ARRL DXARRL DX

• Magazines: QST, CQ, 10/10 InternationalMagazines: QST, CQ, 10/10 International• Directories: Directories: IOTAIOTA, etc., etc.

Going for the GoldGoing for the Gold

Susan King K5DUSusan King K5DU

Why bother?Why bother?

• You have a goalYou have a goal

• Logging and QSLing is how you know Logging and QSLing is how you know

you’ve met your goalyou’ve met your goal

• It’s how you prove to others that It’s how you prove to others that

you’ve met your goalyou’ve met your goal

““I have RTTY DXCC, nyah, nyah.”I have RTTY DXCC, nyah, nyah.”

LoggingLogging• Do it, even though FCC requirements have Do it, even though FCC requirements have

easedeased

• Be accurate: time, date, call, band, mode, Be accurate: time, date, call, band, mode, grid, IOTA, etc.grid, IOTA, etc.

• Use UTC, Zulu, Coordinated Universal TimeUse UTC, Zulu, Coordinated Universal Time

• Get a map, atlas - learn geographyGet a map, atlas - learn geography

Companion programs like MS Encarta are a great way Companion programs like MS Encarta are a great way to understand the DX op and the environment!to understand the DX op and the environment!

How to logHow to log

• Lose the pencil and paperLose the pencil and paper

• Don’t be afraid of geekinessDon’t be afraid of geekiness

• Any PC is good enough if it runs the Any PC is good enough if it runs the right softwareright software

Computer logging softwareComputer logging software

• QSOs can be entered online as you QSOs can be entered online as you operate or offline lateroperate or offline later

• Must Must output Cabrillo output Cabrillo (kah-bree-oh(kah-bree-oh) ) oror ADIF ADIF format format

• Should output reports in ARRL Should output reports in ARRL format. DX4WIN is good, Excel is format. DX4WIN is good, Excel is difficultdifficult

Logging Software (cont’d)Logging Software (cont’d)• Standalone or interfaced to rigStandalone or interfaced to rig

• Windows-based logging software (examples)Windows-based logging software (examples)– N1MM (Free) N1MM (Free) www.n1mm.comwww.n1mm.com– DX4WIN (~$90) DX4WIN (~$90) www.dx4win.comwww.dx4win.com– N3FJP (~$19)N3FJP (~$19) www.n3fjp.comwww.n3fjp.com

• Most programs allow printing QSL strips and Most programs allow printing QSL strips and mailing labels direct from log!mailing labels direct from log!

• Better programs provide direct LoTW Better programs provide direct LoTW interface for upload and download!interface for upload and download!

Printing QSL LabelsPrinting QSL Labels

• Ensures your QSLs Ensures your QSLs match your logmatch your log

• Choose label text Choose label text large enough to easily large enough to easily read. Some software read. Some software prints labels prints labels this size this size

Be kind to QSL Be kind to QSL managers!managers!

Back up your log files!Back up your log files!

QSL cardsQSL cards

• The GoodThe Good

• The BdaThe Bda

• The UThe UggLLyy

The goodThe good

Simple, everything on one side, all required informationSimple, everything on one side, all required information

The badThe bad

Bophuthatswana is not a recognized DXCC entityBophuthatswana is not a recognized DXCC entity

The UThe UggLLyy

No comment required!No comment required!

Before you send the QSLBefore you send the QSL• Find out where to send itFind out where to send it

– Internet ResourcesInternet Resources• QRZ Dot ComQRZ Dot Com

www.qrz.comwww.qrz.com• QSL Pathfinder QSL Pathfinder

www.qsl.net/pathfinder/WebClientwww.qsl.net/pathfinder/WebClient

• Find out how to send itFind out how to send it• How does the person want itHow does the person want it• Send dollars, IRCs, SASESend dollars, IRCs, SASE

Three main ways…Three main ways…

• BureauBureau

• Direct or via the station’s QSL managerDirect or via the station’s QSL manager

• Logbook of the World (Logbook of the World (LoTWLoTW))

BureauBureau• OutboundOutbound

– Send cards to a central placeSend cards to a central place– Wait, maybe years, for cards to comeWait, maybe years, for cards to come– Make sure country has a bureauMake sure country has a bureau

• InboundInbound– Have envelopes or money on deposit with Have envelopes or money on deposit with

your bureauyour bureau– Keep up to date with your sorterKeep up to date with your sorter– Offer to help your sorterOffer to help your sorter

You can check status of your cards/envelopes at the You can check status of your cards/envelopes at the W5 QSL bureau at W5 QSL bureau at www.okdxa.org/buro/index.html

Direct or via a QSL managerDirect or via a QSL manager• Determine best path – direct or mgr.Determine best path – direct or mgr.• Enclose an SASE if US (SAE foreign)Enclose an SASE if US (SAE foreign)• Don’t make it look like $$$$Don’t make it look like $$$$• Send enough money (usually $1-2), Send enough money (usually $1-2),

postage is expensive in many placespostage is expensive in many places• Send IRCs, one unit of cheapest Send IRCs, one unit of cheapest

international postageinternational postage• Make an international friendMake an international friend

Logbook of The World Logbook of The World – Paperless – Paperless QSLingQSLing

• Send an e-mail log (Cabrillo or ADIF) Send an e-mail log (Cabrillo or ADIF) to LoTWto LoTW

• LoTW is an online database of QSO LoTW is an online database of QSO informationinformation

• Provided by the ARRLProvided by the ARRL

• Not as complicated to use as it looks Not as complicated to use as it looks

How LoTW worksHow LoTW works

1.1. You prove that you really are K5DUYou prove that you really are K5DU

2.2. You send in a logYou send in a log

3.3. Someone else sends in a logSomeone else sends in a log

4.4. The logs are comparedThe logs are compared

5.5. If K5DU and HS2ABC worked each If K5DU and HS2ABC worked each other at the same time, band, and other at the same time, band, and mode - there’s a match.mode - there’s a match.

Confirmed QSOsConfirmed QSOs

Getting DXCC creditGetting DXCC credit

• Use your friendly neighborhood card Use your friendly neighborhood card

checker checker

• Send cards and forms to ARRLSend cards and forms to ARRL

• Use LoTWUse LoTW

Applying for Awards with LoTWApplying for Awards with LoTW

• DXCC credit available nowDXCC credit available now

• More awards to comeMore awards to come

• Follow the simple Follow the simple 5-page directions5-page directions

• Not everyone uses itNot everyone uses it

Other AwardsOther Awards

• Many countries, clubs, etc. give Many countries, clubs, etc. give awardsawards

• Look in ham magazinesLook in ham magazines

• Listen onlineListen online

• Do what makes you happyDo what makes you happy

• Do something that makes the world a Do something that makes the world a better placebetter place

Getting Started in ContestingGetting Started in Contesting

Gary Schmidt W5ZLGary Schmidt W5ZL

ContestingContesting

Special thanks to Carl K9LA,Special thanks to Carl K9LA,NCJ EditorNCJ Editor

Even though you may be just a Pup, you can still Even though you may be just a Pup, you can still have fun contesting with the Big Dawgs! have fun contesting with the Big Dawgs!

Why enter a contest?Why enter a contest?

• The Casual ContesterThe Casual Contester A desire to just have some fun, improve operating skills, and A desire to just have some fun, improve operating skills, and work new countries, states, counties, etc. from the smorgasbord work new countries, states, counties, etc. from the smorgasbord

of participating stationsof participating stations

• The Feisty ContesterThe Feisty Contester A desire to competeA desire to compete

• The Committed ContesterThe Committed Contester Able to leap tall buildings with a single boundAble to leap tall buildings with a single bound

Able to master the art of sleep deprivationAble to master the art of sleep deprivation

CQ CQ Contest!Contest!

Ken WM5R in actionKen WM5R in action

Benefits of ContestingBenefits of Contesting

• It’s just FUNIt’s just FUN– Gets the competitive juices flowingGets the competitive juices flowing

• Improves operating skillsImproves operating skills– Excellent preparation for emergency Excellent preparation for emergency

operationsoperations

• An excellent use of our allocated An excellent use of our allocated spectrumspectrum

Remember: “Use it or lose it.”Remember: “Use it or lose it.”

Do I Have to Have a “Contest Do I Have to Have a “Contest Station”?Station”?

• Plenty of Big Gun contest stationsPlenty of Big Gun contest stations–Multiple radiosMultiple radios

–Multiple towersMultiple towers

–Serious station automationSerious station automation

• Also plenty of “normal” stationsAlso plenty of “normal” stations

You don’t have to be a Big Gun You don’t have to be a Big Gun to have Big Fun contesting!to have Big Fun contesting!

How to Win a ContestHow to Win a Contest• Work a lot of stationsWork a lot of stations

• Work as many “multipliers” as possibleWork as many “multipliers” as possible

• Work smartWork smart– Make good band change decisionsMake good band change decisions

– Use efficient operating techniquesUse efficient operating techniques• Don’t waste time or words (similar to emergency Don’t waste time or words (similar to emergency

operations)operations)

• Know when to “Run” and when to “Search & Pounce”Know when to “Run” and when to “Search & Pounce”

• Know when to take a breakKnow when to take a break

Many different types – beginner Many different types – beginner to expertto expert

• SSB, CW, RTTYSSB, CW, RTTY

• DX DX ARRLARRL, , CQWWCQWW, , IARUIARU, , WPXWPX, foreign hosted, etc., foreign hosted, etc.

• National National

Field DayField Day, , SweepstakesSweepstakes, , NAQPNAQP, , VHFVHF//UHFUHF, State , State QSO Parties, etc.QSO Parties, etc.

• Specialty Specialty

SprintsSprints, FOC Marathon, , FOC Marathon, SOCSOC, , SKNSKN, etc., etc.

A Contest for All Seasons/TastesA Contest for All Seasons/Tastes

ARRL ARRL Field DayField Day

ARRL ARRL SKNSKN

ARRL ARRL DXDX

NAQPNAQP

SprintSprint

CQ WW DXCQ WW DX

ARRL ARRL 160160ARRL ARRL

1010

State QSO PartiesState QSO Parties(Many)(Many)

ARRL ARRL VHFVHF

CQ WPXCQ WPX

IARU HF World IARU HF World ChampionshipsChampionships

ARRL ARRL SweepstakesSweepstakes

ARRL ARRL RTTYRTTY

ARRL ARRL UHFUHF

SprintSprint

Beginner to ExpertBeginner to Expert

TQPTQP

NAQPNAQP

Click on contest for more infoClick on contest for more info

ARRL ARRL VHFVHF

JanJan

DecDec

Multiple categoriesMultiple categories

Single operatorSingle operatorAssisted/unassistedAssisted/unassisted

PowerPowerQRP, low, highQRP, low, high

Single band and/or mode (some contests)Single band and/or mode (some contests)

Multi-op, single transmitterMulti-op, single transmitter Multi-op, multi-transmitterMulti-op, multi-transmitter

. . . designed to let you compete on a level playing field. . . designed to let you compete on a level playing field

When are contests run?When are contests run?

Usually on weekendsUsually on weekends

Starting/ending times vary by contestStarting/ending times vary by contest Durations as short as 4 hoursDurations as short as 4 hours

As long as 48 hoursAs long as 48 hours

Max operating hours also varyMax operating hours also vary

Good on-line contest calendar: Good on-line contest calendar:

www.hornucopia.com/contestcalwww.hornucopia.com/contestcal//

Online Contesting ResourcesOnline Contesting Resources• ARRLARRL

www.arrl.orgwww.arrl.org – ARRL Rate Sheet newsletter ARRL Rate Sheet newsletter http://http://

www.arrl.orgwww.arrl.org/contests/rate-sheet//contests/rate-sheet/

• Contesting.comContesting.comwww.contesting.comwww.contesting.com

• National Contest JournalNational Contest Journalwww.ncjweb.comwww.ncjweb.com

• Central Texas DX & Contest ClubCentral Texas DX & Contest Clubwww.ctdxcc.orgwww.ctdxcc.org

Best contests to get your feet wetBest contests to get your feet wet

Field DayField Day

Straight Key NightStraight Key Night

State QSO PartiesState QSO Parties

Many to choose fromMany to choose from

Our own (Texas QSO Party every Our own (Texas QSO Party every

September!)September!)

What’s Req’d to Get Started?What’s Req’d to Get Started?A radio and antennasA radio and antennasA logging systemA logging system

Pencil & paperPencil & paperoo Tried and true, but hard to keep track of dupesTried and true, but hard to keep track of dupes

Computer based logging softwareComputer based logging softwareooMany options from freeware to networkedMany options from freeware to networked

DOS-based: TR Log ($60-75) DOS-based: TR Log ($60-75) www.trlog.comwww.trlog.com Windows-basedWindows-based

N1MM (free) N1MM (free) www.n1mm.comwww.n1mm.com Writelog (~$75) Writelog (~$75) www.writelog.comwww.writelog.com N3FJP ($39-49) N3FJP ($39-49) www.n3fjp.comwww.n3fjp.com

ooCan even trigger pre-recorded voice, CW, or Can even trigger pre-recorded voice, CW, or RTTY exchangesRTTY exchanges

Advanced Operation:Advanced Operation:Interfacing Your RadioInterfacing Your Radio

• Serial, USB and Parallel OptionsSerial, USB and Parallel Options

• Why do it?Why do it?

– Logging automation: less work for Logging automation: less work for

you = higher QSO ratesyou = higher QSO rates• Date/timeDate/time

• Freq/modeFreq/mode

• Contest exchangeContest exchange

– Integrated “point-and-shoot” DX Integrated “point-and-shoot” DX

cluster operationcluster operation

– Trigger transmitted exchangesTrigger transmitted exchanges

How do I report my results?How do I report my results?• OfficiallyOfficially

– Snail mailSnail mail– EmailEmail

• Cabrillo file generated by most Cabrillo file generated by most computerized logging programs (may computerized logging programs (may be req’d to be declared a winner)be req’d to be declared a winner)

• UnofficiallyUnofficially– 38303830

• On the airOn the air• http://www.hornucopia.com/3830score/http://www.hornucopia.com/3830score/

– At the ClubAt the Club

What Can I Win?What Can I Win?

Trophies, plaques, certificatesTrophies, plaques, certificates

GoodiesGoodies Example: Example: WA State QSO Party “Salmon RunWA State QSO Party “Salmon Run” ”

category winners receive smoked salmoncategory winners receive smoked salmon

QSOs toward non-contest awardsQSOs toward non-contest awards

The awe and respect of your fellow The awe and respect of your fellow competitors (aka “bragging rights”)competitors (aka “bragging rights”)

The Texas QSO PartyThe Texas QSO Party

A A greatgreat place to get started in contesting! place to get started in contesting!

• And you’ve come to the right place to learn And you’ve come to the right place to learn about it!about it!

Want to learn more about DXing Want to learn more about DXing and Contesting?and Contesting?

• Attend a CTDXCC meetingAttend a CTDXCC meeting–Fourth Monday of every monthFourth Monday of every month

–See website for time and placeSee website for time and place

www.ctdxcc.orgwww.ctdxcc.org

Created byCreated by

Gary Schmidt W5ZLGary Schmidt W5ZLGale Zeiler WB0YEAGale Zeiler WB0YEA

Susan King K5DUSusan King K5DU

Other Clubs are welcome to use the contents of this presentationOther Clubs are welcome to use the contents of this presentationwith acknowledgement of Central Texas DX and Contest Clubwith acknowledgement of Central Texas DX and Contest Club

Credits