[ADXA] DX Cluster

[w5znjoel at gmail.com]

When I noted I use VE7CC, I don't actually use its cluster screen. I have it
interfaced with my logging program, DX4Win, so I see spots in a separate
window. It is also tied to my log so if a new one or a new band or mode is
spotted it lights the spot up in a specific color of my choosing. It can
also utilize an audible alarm but I have disabled. 

 

ZN

 

From: Jay Bromley <jayw5jay at outlook.com> 
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 2:34 PM
To: w5znjoel at gmail.com; adxa at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [ADXA] DX Cluster

 

Joel,

I mainly used SpotCollector in DXLabs, but don't look at that screen.  Too
much info to fast, but you can funnel all the info down the band map or what
they call bandspread.  You can set the configuration to where the callsigns
are colored coded.  Like Red for an ATNO, Blue for a new band counter, Green
for a new band/mode, etc.  

 

Normally run 4 DX Cluster sites in SpotCollector, one for each part of the
world.  This is very easy to set up and do.  That way you can do research on
how the DXpedition is currently working.  Plus, if it was a long ranger like
when Monk Apolo was alive, you can track his habits and be waiting on him.
There is even a video or PowerPoint called Stalking Monk Apolo.  I used that
and got the good Monk within a few days on CW, two bands.  I mainly use SC
for SSB and CW.

 

If you are one of those guys that think, well I don't need to see the spots
on the other side of the world you can filter all the above in one mouse
click.  But IMHO there is a good reason not to filter this out if you use
the bandmap.  

 

When I was interested in the Desto Challenge, I would use the bandmap to see
how old the spot is and what part of the world they were being spotted in.
One just needs to hover the mouse over the callsign to see all this
information.  So filtering isn't really needed or wanted.  There is also a
box in the bandmap that comes up with the same color code you made for the
callsigns.  When you see it turn red, ATNO, then hover the mouse over the
box to see how old the spot is who, what, and where, etc.  If it is
something you would rather chase, you can click on the box (assuming your
are using rig control) it will take you right to that DX's frequency.  So
even if you are one band, but a new one comes up you don't miss out.   

 

There is more power in this suite of programs, but I don't think a person
like you really needs it at this point in your DXCC career.  It is us Winnie
Heads that need all the help we can get!  

 

73 de jay/w5jay..

 

  _____  

From: adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <mailto:adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net>
<adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <mailto:adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net> > on
behalf of w5znjoel at gmail.com <mailto:w5znjoel at gmail.com>
<w5znjoel at gmail.com <mailto:w5znjoel at gmail.com> >
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 7:16 AM
To: adxa at mailman.qth.net <mailto:adxa at mailman.qth.net>
<adxa at mailman.qth.net <mailto:adxa at mailman.qth.net> >
Subject: [ADXA] DX Cluster 

 

ADXA folks - Sitting here this morning thinking about DX clusters. What are
you using these days? That question may be old school now since a lot of you
FT8 folks are using JT alert and other things, but since I focus mostly on
CW I still like to monitor a DX cluster. I normally use VE7CC but know there
are others, and several of them are linked up.

 

So, insuring minds need to know. If you monitor or use one, which one?

 

73 Joel W5ZN

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