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 transmit frequency.
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 and just 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 a well-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 are waiting 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 ! “