[Dxbase] CQ DX Field Award-- some tips

[Chuck Guenther]

 I thought I'd report on my experience thus far in identifying grid fields for the new CQ award. 

Going through your QSL's is a sifting process. First, ignore any QSL's before 1980-- they don't count! Then, identify those fields for which you have a post Jan. 1, 1980 QSL from a "single-grid field" entity. For example, Johnston Island (KH3) is contained entirely within field "AK." You may be able to get credit for these fields using your DXCC records, without having to submit cards. 

Next, find your QSL's that have a grid field marked or printed directly on the card. Enter grid fields in your computer log. DXBase 2005, with some very recent output reports prepared by WA6AXE for the new award, works well for me. 

Then you will have to deal with confirmations from Alaska, Antarctica, Canada, Russia, Australia, USA, etc. that are multi-field entities. The problem here is to identify the grid field. The QRZ.com (detailed info) and HamCall websites can be useful, as they frequently (but not always) report grid squares. 

Some QSL's are marked with Lat/Lon co-ordinates. These can be easily converted to grid fields (or squares, depending on the accuracy of the lat/lon info provided) using the following web-site: 

http://www.amsat.org/amsat/toys/gridconv.html 

It's easy to make mistake in entering lat/lon data, so double check yourself as you use this resource. 

If lat/lon info is not provided on the QSL, you can use an atlas, or if you prefer an online resource, try: 

http://www.weatherunderground.com/ 

Finally, some cards won't count for the award because they don't have enough QTH info to pin down the grid field. For instance, I have a card from TJ1GG (a two grid field entity) which has no QTH info at all. 

Hope this info is of use to DX'ers working to qualify for this new award. 

73, 
Chuck NI0C