I use DXclusters primarily to get a callsign or frequency correct. There are so many stations that go MANY minutes with either a 73 or QRZ in a pileup without identifying their callsign. And some say their callsign so rapidly that you have to devote quite some time to get the callsign right using just your ears. The clusters can assist in these situations. Also some spotters identify the "SPLIT" if used.... which is of great help.
You said everything anyone could need to know about DX clusters except how to connect to one. I used to use the one that came with HRD, but I recently "upgraded" and the DX cluster is no longer in any obvious place.
I use DX Heat, like a few. I have had my call posted too, ending in a great afternoon talking to ops throughout Europe, catching a few from Canada and the USA too. All from my meagre M7 power. Not the 59 signals, but made it there. All the best Tim, 73
Tim,enjoyed the video,I find the cluster handy to identify the stations listed that I can hear and also get the callsign and frequency correct. But it’s a double edged sword as the kW merchants drown my 100w.
Never used it before, but took the plunge and installed it on my phone, i think it could be usefel for me esp for getting just one VK or similar location station. Watching the spots come in, is quite fun. P.S. I love the lighting you have setup, looks like we about to get told one of those scary christmas day ghost stories on BBC2
I often RX FT8 on the upper bands to see if they are opening. I got a couple of West African stations on 12m that way. If I use a cluster, it tends to be in the shack, using DX Heat. G0WSJ
I use DX heat cluster.. the problem is any rare DX goes up your too late like you say.. I prefer to scan the band.. My full exam is tomorrow.. Arghh .. back to revising!
I occasionally look at the DX cluster and see if I can hear the station and maybe try and work them. Ive been put on the cluster a few times whilst trying to Activate a HEMA summit and had one or tow contacts from it. I wouldnt use it all the time though as its good to spin the dial and see what stations pop up!
I have what you describe as a modest station: exciter power and a wire antenna. So in that regard I have nothing to give me an edge in using the "cluster." But I do have an edge- PATIENCE and time. Things do often calm down, or conditions change and I am still in the hunt. So I'm at 290 confirmed, and about all I need anymore will show up from a DXpedition and surely be in the cluster. From there I have hours to spend in the pile-up calling what I need, VS hours tuning in the wilderness hoping I stumble on something I need. It's hours spent in either case.
Hah, that's an easy answer for me and it's NO, i don't use it. Reasons are so simple : I want to have the amazement and the surprise of listening to who is there . I want to keep my hearing trained by listening which also helps in the "operation" if you follow me. I try not to automate anything because I want to be part of the radio man binomial so switches and knobs are welcome .. but not monitors or other internet based things. in short, I try to make sure that the radio remains radio, without additional things or things that, in the end, are not needed or, better, I don't need them.
You're spot on. I use cluster for tooling around and checking bands, might throw my hat in on a spot. But, when I contest I run single operator and do not use the cluster (can not). I almost prefer not using it in contests, so i search and pounce. It's almost easier, really, one less thing to monitor, more time for the ear. Waterfall helps, but that's not spots so it's legal.
Cluster was very useful when it first started back in the day but now I don't use it as such. It's running in HRD but I rarely use it as such, some times I spot just to show what is heard here. All my activity is FT8/FT4, apart from some SSB on QO-100, with Gridtracker and PSKReporter
Hi Tim.I always find a clear frequency and call cq when I'm operating from my humble 100 watt mobile set up.Quite often stations tell me I've been spotted on the cluster but I've never used it myself.Maybe I should download the app too? 73 Ian G7HFS/PA3IKH
Timing is everything with 10w, I scan up and down the bands constantly and I've been first in before the pile ups start. I've had Brazil, Canada, USA, Russia, Cape Verde to name a few. I prefer not to use the cluster, I enjoy the hunt.
First I have heard of it Tim so thanks - I will look it up and give it a try. With my station now up and running I need all the help I can get as although I can hear stations far and wide my 10 watts makes it impossible to get through most of the time ( I have yet to get a confirmed DX contact !). Hey ho I knew it would be a challenge :-) . 73 M7BLC
Try ft8 i did the Faulklands on 10watts a few days ago using multi band EFHW so nowt special as far as equipment being used.Digi modes can get boring but it will amaze you how far you signal can go with little power .
As per previous comments......digital modes (especially FT8) will surprise you, even with very low power & compromise antennas. I've worked all over Europe EASILY on just 5 watts. Even DX to the USA, Africa & the UAE is possible using just 5-10 watts if you have a good antenna. It's more about the antenna than the power. As you are limited to 10 watts, you want to make your antenna as efficient as you possibly can. Keep reading up on antenna theory from reputable sources & learning as much as you can to make your antenna as efficient as you can. I have a friend who is a foundation licence holder (M6 callsign) and has been for a significant amount of time. He enjoys QRP & has absolutely no interest in upgrading his licence. As he has said to me several times, having limited power has forced him to optimise his antennas for greatest efficiency. Despite only having (a genuine) 10 watts.......often less, he's usually a louder signal than any of us and we are all running between 50-100 watts. It's not unusual for him to put the bigger stations who run amplifiers to shame! To this day I haven't figured out how he defies the laws of physics, but he has become one of my go to sources for antenna advice. Don't ever let anybody tell you that foundation licences don't know what they are doing! 40m & 20m have yielded the greatest success for me over the years, although 20m can sometimes be a struggle even for bigger stations as you battle stations with massive amplifiers, bigger masts, bigger antennas, bigger egos & bigger wallets! As Tim said, keep plugging away & you'll get there.
I use iDx cluster only as an indicator of band activity but you must pay attention to the spotters country. You might see two or three VK stations on the cluster but it’s no good getting excited if the spotters are Middle Eastern stations,.
First and foremost I trust what my ears can hear. Clusters are one of the tools at our disposal. I prefer DX Heat. But there is nothing that beats being on the band either calling CQ or searching and pouncing. The more air time you have the luckier you get.
While the "Kilowatt-Stations" killing themselfs for a dx station try another frequency and make your own call. I worked the JA´s in several times :-) 73´s DH1KJ
