There is no rule saying that you may not spot on the DX Cluster. You are a DX station to some of the people watching the DX Cluster - you are out in the countryside, away from Metro noise and therefore may be the best chance for that distant station in say India, to get a contact with Switzerland for the first time etc. etc.
The only restrictions on using the DX Cluster for spotting yourself, as far as I know, are for those taking part in contests in an “unassisted” class. Otherwise, the DX Cluster operators are happy to carry all spots - Home stations, portable stations, special event stations - all stations.
I would not spot on another award scheme’s cluster unless the summit I am on happens to be in their scheme as well (e.g. castle ruins on a summit in a national park). - and you would need that relevant COTA/WCA or WWFF/POTA reference to be able to place that spot.
Hi Richard,
I agree, self-spotting is generally not allowed in the big contests but there are smaller ones where it is allowed - as always read the rules. In fact, it’s the SOTA rules that apply here and I can find nothing in the SOTA rules that says one cannot spot wherever you want to. As the subject of this thread is how to make more DX contacts during SOTA activations - using the DX Cluster is one such way to assist in achieving this.
I was and will further look into that, but only when there is good weather to stay for a longer time on the summit AND the band is open AND there is no SOTA event (like tomorrow, for example).
OK, I thought it’s discouraged, but now I learned something new!
Of course.
Yes, I read that as well when glancing over the rules of CQ WW DX.
There is probably some factor of chasers seeing a DX call and expecting theybeind be able to hear you.
Some keys to more DX:
Operate in the morning or evening.
Run power (100w).
Use a very efficient antenna, ideally with gain (bobtail curtain, half square, high dipole, etc.)
Use the right bands as the right time of day. (check VOACAP)
In your spots, post the power you’re running, the direction your antenna is pointing, and who you are trying to reach based on propagation conditions. For example, I regularly spot with a comment that says something like “VK/ZL? 100w + gain antenna." It often works…
Good luck, and I hope to get you in the log S2S some time!
While these tips can help for sure in general, my focus was more on the SOTA chasers or activators when I can have DX with non-SOTA hams. I changed the title to be less confusing.
I hope to have a S2S with you tomorrow, albeit the west coast is another biest…
Thanks for your interesting and inspirational videos!
Of course, the DX also works well during SOTA activation. I do this…
When I have worked a chaser phase after my spot, then I either look for possible S2S or I tune over the frequencies from which I hope for a DX. Often strong DX stations call CQ. If I think I might be heard, I call them. This often works surprisingly well - especially if the stations have a strong signal. As a rule, I am 2-3 S levels weaker with them. I take that into account when I call. I avoid stations that generate a pile-up. I have no chance there.
It’s just the way it is: You have to be proactive in responding to CQ calls. DX stations don’t come back to your CQ call.
It happens Stephan. When we did the 12m challenge we did it at the sunspot maximum. There were times when I was activating and getting called by assorted well known W5, W6, W7 chasers at the same time. My best was hearing a V? amongst a wall of calls. I thought probably VE something so I called “QRZ V? kn” and two V? stations replied at the same time. VE2JCW and VK5CZ, this was midday UK time.
You just need to wait till the bands are properly open on 15/12/10m and there will be DX SOTA chasers after you.
Another factor aside from propagation problems is that many activators call CQ with what most DXers consider to be a directional CQ. That is, they call “CQ SOTA” or equivalent. Many general operators think this means a call for other SOTA stations only. And even if you do answer their CQ calls and tell them you are a SOTA stations, they are so confused by all the awards and other operating events, they will ask “do I need to give you a number” and other questions.
Most contest stations get responses from non-contesters along the lines of “I’m not in the contest, so don’t log me, 73 and good luck” when “five nine 001” would be so much simpler and quicker. But they just don’t want to be involved in anything they don’t understand.
For this reason I generally do not call CQ SOTA and if I do mention it on a voice CQ, I also add “any station”.
Perhaps this is another reason for DX not replying to CQ SOTA.
On 10m I call “CQ 10m CQ SOTA CQ 10m” so that I give 2 off “CQ 10m” for every “CQ SOTA” simply as a fully directed CQ doesn’t seem so effective on these bands once the few who can hear me as a result of a SOTA spot have been worked.
Good point! On the other side, after I spotted, I also want to direct my CQ to the SOTA chasers. But once it gets silent, I also finish my CQ call with “…listening for any call”. But maybe that’s not clear enough.
Good idea, I do something similar on 2m FM, but then mostly in the local language.
MUFs and F0 as of yesterday, and it looks promising for today as well:
I don’t know if it helps but I like advertising the next band in the comments so if Im starting the activation on 60m I’ll type “17m next” so the upper HF dx chasers have a chance to aim directional antennas and prepare. It seems to speed up the activation a bit.
