Guest post, part five: working DXpeditions and DX pileups

We're approaching the end of this series, and our guest writer is tackling a prickly aspect of HF procedures. Contrary to the belief of many hams, people are not born with this information hard-wired into their brains. Fortunately, we have an experienced HF operator willing to share this information without any screaming or humiliation involved. Yes, it really is possible. - KD0TLS

EVEN MORE ABOUT DXPEDITIONS (PHONE / CW / DIGITAL)

The success of a DXpedition depends upon several factors. Band conditions of course, then there’s the weather to deal with, lastly the behavior of the amateur radio community comes into play. There are some things newcomers to the hobby sometimes learn the hard way so let’s cover a few here. Maybe it will save you from earning a reputation as a LID. Note, I use the word LID not to embarrass ops who make mistakes because we all make them. A LID callously operates as if they are the only one on the bands and could care less about any problems they cause.

When you do get to work a DXpedition you never want to interrupt the DX operator’s run! You have been warned. When these ops are on a ‘run’ they are trying to get in as many contacts as they can before band (and sometimes weather) conditions change. Getting on there and telling them about your antenna, rig, car, brand of cigarettes, etc. will bring the wrath of the other ops on the QRG down on your head. Get on, make the exchange and then get off. DXpedition contacts are never meant to be ‘ragchews’ but quick contacts.

Here’s a few tidbits on working DXpeditions (and many DX contacts as well):

Things to keep in mind when the DX returns your call:

On CW or the digital modes you will answer in the following manner:

THE DX CALL 599 599  TU DE YOUR CALL

On the phone contacts: THE DX CALL 59 59  TU DE YOUR CALL

Never engage the DX operator in any other conversation. Not to sound rude, but no one cares that you worked them another bands, other modes, or other dates. Remember others are waiting just as you waited for your turn. Be considerate.

The report is always 599 on CW and any digital mode; the report will always be 59 on phone. During these types of contacts no one ever gives out true signal reports. Send 599/59 and then get out of the way. You will trip up ops when you send true reports, plus the hecklers will start in on you. And you will deserve it!

Other things the operator on the other end of the contact could care less about:

• That you have worked them before.
• That you have X number of contacts with their DXpedition.
• That you’re using a new rig, antenna, key, mike, yada yada yada.
• That you are receiving them 10, 20, or 30 over 9.

As I said earlier, just give the report, and then move out of the way.