DX clusters have completely replaced local and international DX information networks in recent years. Primary Purpose Which DX stations are currently active and on what frequencies? DX clusters are part of a global (worldwide) network transmitting information in real time. They are interconnected and by accessing one of them, you […]
Before the advent of the Internet in the ham radio community, a number of DX information networks were maintained on various ham bands. Daily broadcasts provided information on current and planned DX appearances. In recent years, these networks have been replaced by various information systems accessible via packet radio BBS […]
Many hams hunt DX stations or chase the rare countries or territories where there are almost no hams or no population at all. What counts as a country, or rather a separate entity, is decided in the DXCC, an organization that issues the much-coveted DXCC diploma. See www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc/. DX hams […]
Sooner or later there is a chance that you will be bitten by the “DX-scab”, if you haven’t already. Then you will inevitably encounter the pailappa. The pile is a crowd of stations that must be satisfied quickly and consistently. It probably comes from the English “pile-up” – an accumulation […]
What is a PACKET? PACKET or PACKET-RADIO is a radio mode for transmitting data between radio stations equipped with computers and already called PACKET stations, in which the transmitted data is divided into packets. In short: transmitting data over radio using packet switching. Its roots lie in the Hawaiian Islands […]
Making a DX QSO is not much different than making regular QSOs. However, there are certain peculiarities due to the increased interest in DX, and sometimes even due to his personal qualities. In any case, however, the ethical rules must be at a high level in order to make the […]
What is APRS? APRS stands for Automatic Position Reporting System. APRS arose with attempts to use PACKET-RADIO for civilian real-time purposes. PACKET-RADIO is not a good solution for networks in which information is updated for a short time and where it is more important not to have 100% reception, but […]
What is PACTOR? PACTOR (or now called PACTOR I) arose to cover the shortcomings of PACKET and AMTOR. It behaves very well in fading and noise environments, which is why it is mainly used on HF. It has now been superseded by the more advanced PACTOR II and PACTOR III, […]
What is PSK31? PSK31 is an error-correcting digital broadcast class designed for “keyboard-to-keyboard” communication via radio, combining the positive features of CW and RTTY. For PSK31, computer is now a required attribute. This broadcast class uses the sound card in your computer to convert your keyboarded messages into a modulated […]