[nrv-hams] DX this week

[Kay Craigie]

This week we will hear some interesting DX on the air as people prepare for
the ARRL International DX Contest, phone edition, that's taking place this
weekend. Operators who have traveled to foreign countries to operate the
contest will be testing their stations, and we can take advantage of their
practice to have fun by tuning around the bands to see who's there. Many of
them will be on bands that are not used in contesting, so don't skip
listening on 12, 17, and 30 meters.

The contest itself is also an opportunity to work DX stations, whether or
not we are actually competing. 

The contest takes place on 10, 15, 20, 40, 80, and 160 meters. It begins at
0000 UTC on March 1, which is 7 PM on Friday, February 28, local time. It
ends at 2400 UTC on March 2, which is 7 PM Sunday, March 2, local time.

Listen for a bit and observe how people do a contest contact. No excess
words!

USA and Canadian stations send a signal report (always 5-9) and our state or
province.  We should say "Virginia" or "Victor Alpha." Saying "V A" can be
confusing, as it can be confused with "P A," "G A," and you get the idea. 

The DX station will send us a signal report and their transmitter power.
It's customary for them to say something like "K," "KW," or "Kilo" instead
of "one thousand." 

If you aren't planning to send in an entry, you don't have to log the power,
but it's interesting to do because you will begin to see patterns. Want to
know what the legal limit is in the United Kingdom? You'll find out if you
work enough British stations in this event.

Do not call USA and Canadian stations, just DX.  Exception: Alaska and
Hawaii count as DX in this contest, and it's okay to call them. Offshore
territories such as Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands are DX, and it's okay
to call them.

Here's a hint. Don't assume that just because a station is not super-loud
that your 100 watts will sound just as light to him. Some of these operators
have good receiving antennas plus good ears and can hear a modest signal
just fine. Give them a call and see what happens.

73 and have fun - Kay N3KN