Welcome 43DA007 Michael
October 30, 2008 by Darren
The Dx Adventure Radio Club is pleased to announce its latest member from Australia, 43DA007 Michael. Formerly 43SP001, 43SP391 and 43RC006, Mike brings with him to DA-RC ranks immense experience and DX chasing capability. One of the few Australian Freeband DXers with over 250 DXCC worked and confirmed, 43DA007 has also performed some Special Event Station (SES) activity with his previous DX Group and is eager to compliment his new Club with the same skill set when the prospect arises.
A past runner up in the Oceania Contest behind 172AT101 Philippe and a participant in his own country’s Mountain Radio Challenge (MRC) which involves Summits On The Air (SOTA) type activity, Michael is one of the Pacific’s most committed contesters with a competitive spirit unsurpassed. It’s not surprising then that DA-RC’s various contest event structures, as well as its innovative Achievement Program with countless awards, have captured this Icom man’s imagination as we move into the exciting times of Cycle 24!
As is expected of all DA-RC members, Mike’s competitive nature balances well with high-level professionalism and a genuine knock-about friendly nature that sees him as one of the most well-liked and well-known DX enthusiasts in 43 Division.
Outside of 27 MHz radio communications and an infatuation with quad antennas, Michael’s hobbies and interests include estuary, beach and freshwater fishing, shooting and hunting in some of Victoria’s remote country bushland areas. His love of the outdoors and of adventure also stands him in good stead for continuation of a distinguished career in the Defence Force.
On behalf of the DA-RC team, welcome to the Club 43DA007 Michael. We look forward to involving you in Team DA-RC DXpedition initiatives in the near future.
Welcome to 14DA062 Eric
October 27, 2008 by Darren
The Dx Adventure Radio Club continues to attract outstanding candidates to its ranks with the recent signing of one of Europe’s most proficient DXers in 14DA062 Eric. Founder of the Golf Tango and Sierra Sierra DX Groups respectively, a past member of Alfa Tango, a former high ranking official with Sugar Delta, and a current Cluster dk Lounge Member, Eric qualifies for DA-RC membership via the Leadership classification and, with over 250 DXCC worked and confirmed, the DX Hunter classification also.
An experienced conductor of Special Event Station work also through efforts with GT and SD, Eric is committed to contributing to DA-RC’s dx adventure schedule in the future and looks forward to linking with other members of the French team to achieve these goals. Furthermore, this experience and unique skill set ensures Eric will also prove a valuable asset for the Club’s Mentor Program which sees experienced DXers assigned to new and/or interested members and others seeking to achieve membership status with the World’s most prestigious DX Group.
Outside of the radio communications hobby, Eric is a committed family man and enjoys getting out and about with them in the beautiful French Countryside. Like many radio hobbyists in modern times, Eric also enjoys studying facets of the hobby such as antenna construction and propagation forecasts on the internet, reading product reviews on the latest Yaesu products and more!
On behalf of the World Headquarters Team and the DA-RC membership body, welcome 14DA062 Eric to the Club. It is an honour to have you on board.
73 de Darren 43DA001/010Coxial Cable Types
October 20, 2008 by Darren
According to one Dx Adventure Radio Club member, “Coax is our radio’s lifeline through which RF flows – like adrenaline through the veins of a DA-RC DXpeditionist…” He’s probably right too! Also known as ‘feed-line’, coax is an important consideration for shack success that is often overlooked by the performance conscious DX enthusiast. Often, a great deal of money is spent on a flashy transceiver, complex antenna system, big amplifier, microphone, etc. and not much on the cable… This is not good!
As we all know, the signal from our rig’s transmitter goes through a length of coaxial cable consisting of two concentric wires, to the antenna of our choice, which is then broadcast to all corners of the globe (Well hopefully anyway, lol). Maybe not just one antenna too… Perhaps 2 or 3 working co-phased, simultaneously or individually as is the case with 224DA001 Tamuka’s antenna farm on Tarawa Island. Having good coax then is essential for some quality T.I.T.S. (Time In The Shack)!
“So what’s the best coax for Freeband or Citizens Band DX’ing,” you might ask? “Which type should I be using in my radio shack?” It depends on your circumstances I suppose and how much money you’re willing to spend. Some of the common types of coax that you’ve probably heard of are RG-8, RG-58, RG-213, Belden 9913/9913F, LMR-400, and ‘hardline’. Unfortunately, some of these have high loss on 27MHz and get even worse as SWR increases, leaving your transceiver sounding more like a silent movie rather than a hub of DXCC RX.
Not only is it essential to use low loss cable with a thick, tight braid, but you must make perfect connections at the coax ends or even higher losses will occur. It’s also important to note that old coax has high loss also. Sometimes, the cable’s properties break down over time, resulting in very inefficient cable. If you’re still using coax from the CB boom in the 1970s and 80’s, for instance, then it’s probably time to scale the tower and change it. You’ll notice the difference, that’s for sure!
My previous choice of cable, RG-213, is the most commonly used for 11m base stations behind the thinner and cheaper RG-58 version and represents an improvement of massive proportions over the RG-58 family. Apart from being heavy duty, tough and durable, it has a loss factor of only 1.35 dB for every 100 ft compared to the RG-58’s 2.35 dB. That’s quite a significant difference.
Although it is quite expensive, my current choice of cable is Belden 9913 which has a loss of just 0.7 dB in every 100 ft of cable. This is a special type of coax which was recommended to me by 14DA911 Eric as it has two outside shields. As a result, it’s super efficient and my latest batch of the stuff is thankfully much more flexible then my previous buy of the same product due to a few changes in materials.
I’ve heard some discussion about the correct length of coax but in my opinion the shortest length that makes it from the radio to the antenna is the best. Having used all the common types of feedline over the years, I can safely say that my favourite type is the Belden 9913, though I’d be keen to try the hardline variety on DXpedition travel which I have heard is pretty efficient.
73 de Darren, 43DA001/010
Q-Codes
October 20, 2008 by Darren
The Q-code is a standardised collection of three-letter message encodings used during radio communications all starting with the letter ‘Q’. Initially developed for commercial radiotelegraph communication when radio used Morse code exclusively, these codes are used both to keep clarity in communication and abbreviate common radio expressions.
In modern times, Q-codes are used in many kinds of radio communications, including Freeband (11m), Citizens Band (CB) and Ham radio but not typically during AM transmissions on CB.
Below is a list of common Q codes used in radio communications…
- QRM – Man made noise, adjacent channel interference
- QRN – Static noise
- QRP – Reduce power
- QSL – Confirmation (often refers to confirmation cards exchanged by radio operators)
- QSO – Conversation, radio contact
- QTH – Address, location, town, country
- QRT – Stop transmitting, shutting down
- QRX – Stop transmitting, standing by
- QRZ – Who is calling? Go ahead
- QSB – Receiving poorly, signal fading
- QSK – I have something to say, station breaking, can I interupt?
- QSY – Changing frequency
- QTR – Correct Time
Standing Wave Ratio (SWR)
October 20, 2008 by Darren
How important is having a good SWR measurement?
SWR, or VSWR as it’s sometimes referred to, stands for Standing Wave Ratio. SWR is an important measurement because it shows how well your station, including antenna, coaxial cable or feedline, mount, and ground plane, matches the output of your transciever. A perfect match, where all the RF energy the radio is producing is transferred from the rig through the antenna, is considered a 1:1 match.
A high SWR reading (higher than 2:1) is a sign of reflected power (RF energy) going back to the radio. This means some of the power that is transmitting does not make it to the antenna. Besides signal loss, having a high SWR might also result in damage to the radio which of course equates to money spent with the radio repair man.
Keep in mind that while a high SWR reading is an indicator of a matching problem, a good reading does not necessarily mean that your antenna is radiating properly. An example of this is a dummy load. While a dummy load is able to achieve a perfect SWR it does not radiate a signal.
No Ground Plane antennas are also an example of this. These specialty antennas are designed to produce low SWR readings in tough grounding situations. Though their SWR match is good, their radiating pattern is very poor for mobile use. Instead of radiating towards the horizon, they tend to radiate skyward, thus limiting the distance you can transmit and receive with them.
What are some common reasons for high SWR?
- Insufficient ground plane
- Coax problems – Improper type, incorrect length, low quality, or damage
- Poor installation location
- Antenna not tuned properly
- Damage to the antenna
DXpedition Quandary
October 16, 2008 by Darren
With propagation on the improve and the next long-awaited 11m cycle almost upon us, more and more thought by DA-RC members is sure to be put into possible DXpedition locations – knowing that efforts to activate that elusive DX entity will be well and truly worth it in terms of progressive numbers issued and contacts in the log.
One of the burning questions on the end of all members’ lips, however, is, “Which DXCC, or which island, do I choose? If I do choose to recruit DA-RC members for a DX excursion, which DXCC or IOTA would be the most attractive to fellow members and the DX Community abroad?” Clearly, it’s a valid consideration given the enormous amount of islands, lighthouses, castles, windmills and DXCC available to the roving DX’er…
Obviously, a DXpedition to a DXCC or IOTA that has never been heard before is much more exciting to DA-RC members than one which has appeared on the band previously – even one which is already known to house one or two 11m DX’ers. After all, knowing that you have played a part in 11m DX history and made a major contribution to the hobby is something that can never be taken away from you!
It goes without saying that a DXpedition to an extremely rare DXCC or IOTA is also more attractive to the DX chaser also. Some operators around the world are so eager to work rare DXCC, for example, that they are prepared to sponsor or part sponsor DXpedition parties, not to mention QSL cards. The Dx Adventure Radio Club also has systems in place for members to promote and encourage DXpedition work to rare DX entities.
The only problem is that DXCC that have not been active before are usually so remote or isolated from the rest of the world that they present a huge financial and time challenge to DXers to get there. Apart from seclusion, some DXCC have also not been initiates due to the dangers of operating radio equipment in that particular country. Some communist countries, such as North Korea for instance, would likely ‘shoot to kill’ any individuals undertaking radio communications, fearing they were spies sharing secrets on nuclear infrastructure or planning a military coupe. Pirates, cannibals, terrorism and/ or guerrilla warfare activities are all genuine concerns in some potential DX locations that would understandably discourage one from travelling to DX hot spots – no matter HOW MUCH of a hero you would be crowned for going there. Risking one’s life for the purpose of activating a rare DXCC, after all, is something not many of us would do. (Okay, maybe DA-RC members would!)
So which DXCC are considered to be the ‘Most Wanted’ in the 11m DX Community? Which DXCC have never been officially active on the 11m band before? According to our records, only 26 of a possible 346 DXCC remain unconquered by 11m DXers. So obviously, each one of these elusive DX entities represents a ‘pot of gold’ to the DXCC hungry DXer; hobbyists that would give their right arm to work and confirm it by way of a beautiful glossy QSL card.
The following list of DXCC yet to be officially activated on 11m has been put together by the DA-RC Team in the hope that it might kick start some DX adventure plans by members…
071 MIDWAY ISLAND 222 SOUTH SANDWICH ISLAND 229 HEARD ISLAND 231 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL 243 AGALEGA & ST. BRANDO 247 NAVASSA ISLAND 260 BAKER & HOWLAND ISLANDS 262 JOHNSTON ISLAND 263 KERMADEC ISLAND 264 KINGMAN REEF 267 KURE ISLAND 269 MELLISH REEF 270 MINAMI-TORI-SHIMA ISLAND 273 JARVIS & PALMYRA ISLAND 277 SABLE ISLAND 278 WAKE ISLAND 282 AUCKLAND & CAMPBELL 287 MALPELO ISLAND 294 PETER 1ST ISLAND 296 CLIPPERTON ISLAND 297 BOUVET ISLAND 321 CONWAY REEF 334 NORTH KOREA 335 SCARBOROUGH REEF 336 PRATAS ISLAND 343 DUCIE ISLAND
* Note: If you think we have missed one, or listed a DXCC that has in fact been active in the last few years, please let us know by posting comments.
73 de Darren 43DA010Firestik IBA-5 Antenna
October 11, 2008 by Darren
Having a large base antenna such as a yagi beam or IMAX 2000 with radial kit on the roof is a luxury not all of us enjoy. One of my first ever contacts on 11m, for instance, was with a washing machine technician named Leroy who was transmitting from the 15th floor of a unit block in the Philippines (79 Division). Given the conditions, I’m not sure who was more surprised with the contact – he or I- but to this day it is still one of my most treasured.
Obviously, to use a large outdoor antenna was just not possible for him, but rather than throw in the towel and put his beloved radio hobby on hold until his living arrangements changed, Leroy chose to use a home made indoor antenna. Who can complain with 5/7 reports using 25 watts half-way across the globe? Leroy wasn’t, that’s for sure!
Many operators will agree that relocating to a residence that restricts the use of a base antenna is sometimes unavoidable. Employment or financial constraints, for example, can sometimes take us away from an accommodation that allows us to set up an outdoor antenna, meaning our hobby gets shut down and our radio gear, more often than not, sold. Often, DXpedition adventure too is conducted from hotel rooms where it is not possible to establish a large array.
So what can you do if the landlord will not permit such a structure on his property? Or if putting a 12 element beam up is just not possible? Do you set up a portable station in your car and sit in there for hours and hours waiting for propagation? Take a leaf out of Leroy’s book and consider this…
Priced at around $100AUS + postage, the Firestik IBA-5 antenna is one of the best indoor antennas available according to what I’ve read. Primarily designed to be used from the inside of a building or structure, this relatively small and lightweight vertical antenna is said to be suitable for operators who live in an apartment or unit block that restricts the use of outdoor antennas.
Due to the ease at which it can be assembled, the Firestik IBA-5 has also been used by hunters and campers to establish temporary communications centres. It has also been used with good results in offices and on construction sites apparently.
According to the manual, when fully erected, the Firestick IBA-5 indoor antenna stands just over 1.5m tall. Each kit includes a ‘bare-hands tuneable tip’ antenna (rated at 1000 watts), a partially pre-assembled base hub assembly, four x 76 cm radials, and 5.5m of RG-58A/U Fire-Flex coax cable.
In most cases, the IBA-5 will not out-perform an externally mounted antenna I would think. Sometimes, however, as was the case with my friend Leroy in the Philippines, anything else is just not possible!
73 de Darren, 43DA001/010
Welcome 43DA102 Geoff
October 10, 2008 by Darren
The Dx Adventure Radio Club continues to attract quality radio operators in the Oceania and Pacific regions with the recent addition of 43DA102 Geoff to our ranks.
Formerly 43RSN102, Geoff has been an active Freeband and 27 MHz DXer in various states of Australia for more than 20 years and brings with him a wealth of experience and radio know-how to the Club.
With over a 100 DXCC worked and confirmed, Geoff enters DA-RC via the DX Hunter classification and has his sights set on some of the fabulous DXCC awards in the DA-RC Achievement Program to add to the radio shack wall.
In addition to time spent in the shack and in the field enjoying all types of radio communications, Geoff is interested in F1 and GP motor sports, as well as bushwalking through some of the beautiful native eucalypt and sub-tropical rainforests in Northern New South Wales. DA-RC’s latest member Down Under also looks forward to combining a passion for boating and scuba diving with Ship Wrecks On The Air (SWOTA) activity as a maritime mobile station in the future with other members of the 43 Division Team!
Like many DA-RC members, Geoff’s contributions to his local community are immense with work in surf life saving and fire and rescue providing a valuable service to his local seaside town. It is this same charitable goodwill, coupled with an infectious enthusiasm for the hobby, which makes Geoff a valuable acquisition for the Dx Adventure Radio Club.
On behalf of the World HQ Team (14DA911 Eric, 224DA001 Tamuka and 13DA007 Simon) and its members around the world, welcome to the Club……43DA102 Geoff!
Welcome 43DA050 Geoff
October 7, 2008 by Darren
The Dx Adventure Radio Club is pleased to introduce to you our latest affiliate from the Great Southern Land, 43DA050 Geoff. Formerly a member of the Delta Tango Radio Club, Geoff hails from the gorgeous Sunshine Coast of Queensland after moving from Victoria with his wife Traudi and has been successfully participating in the 27MHz radio community for more than 30 years.
Outside of radio communications, Geoff has a passion for aircraft – in particular World War II planes or “birds” as he calls them; as well as the action packed world of V8 Supercars. He also enjoys travelling his native land of Australia and hopes to combine his love of the outdoors and sightseeing with portable DX adventure in the future with like minded members of the 43 Division DA-RC team.
Also member of the famous Albatross Radio CB Club and a proud ICOM man to boot, Geoff enters DA-RC via the DX Chaser entry classification with well over 100 DXCC and Islands On The Air (IOTA) stations worked and confirmed to his name.
On behalf of DA-RC members and the World HQ Team, welcome to the Dx Adventure Radio Club 43DA050 Geoff. It’s great to have you as part of the Team.
Sending QSL Direct
October 2, 2008 by Darren
There’s been some hot debate recently on the world DX forums regarding the issue of sending QSL confirmation cards ‘direct’ to rare stations and bypassing the respective QSL Manager. “What’s all the fuss about?” you might say. Firstly, sending QSL cards direct to rare stations poses many potential problems – the most common being a ‘non-return’ of QSL package by the receiving station. History has proven that sending cards direct to a station knowing they deal through a nominated QSL Manager is fraught with danger – even if you have included standard contribution and a courtesy SAE to facilitate the return. As has been pointed out on the forums, this non-return could have occurred for many reasons.
One explanation is that due to problems with postal organisations/infrastructure in small island nations or poor third world countries, the QSL package has gone missing or been stripped off contribution, resealed and then resent. Remember this was a MAJOR problem experienced by operators in the Central Pacific region (eg. 224, 265, 172 Divisions etc.) for many years until they became represented by QSL Managers in more ‘developed’ regions of the world.
Another potential problem with sending QSL cards direct is that the receiving station may not be in possession of QSL cards for his particular activation. Obviously, a station cannot return a confirmation package if he does not have any special cards to confirm it with.
Then comes the notion of permission and whether or not an operator has asked for authorisation to send cards direct or simply taken it upon himself to locate the operator’s personal coordinates off the internet and send off a package in the hope it will be returned. Some operators I know do not take kindly to QSL correspondence turning up on their island doorstep without consent and a likely to strip the contents and contribution and toss the SAE straight in the trash can!
Some might argue that if you choose to skip the QSL Manager and send ‘direct’ to a rare station without permission, then you run the risk of having your QSL cards ignored and losing your US dollar. It’s a valid point too but I’m sure one which is understood by most DX’ers who do decide to send direct.
“So why do some operators continue to send direct when they know a QSL Manager exists?” some argue. “Why don’t they follow correct protocol like everyone else?” The simple answer is that, although hazardous, sending ‘direct’ can be advantageous. One of the reasons why QSL cards are posted straight to an operator is that it is thought cards returned via a QSL Manager will take much longer to arrive in the PO Box. Operators who strive for DX awards, IOTA championship points etc. may require immediate confirmation and as such be desperate to obtain the card as soon as possible. While most QSL Managers are diligent in their return of QSL cards, let’s face it, occasionally we hear reports of cards taking up to 2 years to arrive in the PO Box and for some this is simply not acceptable. It’s a fact, then, that sending ‘direct’ will sometimes save time!
How else can sending ‘direct’ be beneficial? In my experience, the stations most likely to send QSL cards direct are the ‘Island Chasers’ and in the Dx Adventure Radio Club we have plenty of those. It is common knowledge that a postcard from a small island to accompany a special QSL card is worth its weight in gold to any fairdinkum IOTA Hunter. When I was living in OC-138 only a couple of hundred kilometres off the shores of 101 Division, for example, I received many QSL packages direct to my island from operators who had elected to bypass my QSL manager 26SD029 Tim and try their luck with me personally. Many of these stations had asked for my permission to send direct and I always obliged them with a few postcards and photographs of my island and IOTA setup to add to their collection.
While I was prepared to deal with stations direct, that’s not to say that others are willing to do the same. One of the grounds for having a QSL Manager in the first place is to lessen the burden on the rare DX station, allowing the operator to spend more time on the radio rather than writing out and sending enormous numbers of QSL cards. Some DX’ers, understandably though, are reluctant to go through the hassles. QSL Managers, too, are usually elected by their group headquarters because they are honest and reliable, with a proven track record in administrative DX Group duties. For this reason alone, going through a Manager significantly reduces the chance of your QSL package mysteriously disappearing in the mail!
The habit of sending direct then has its positives and negatives. Provided you ask for permission to send ‘direct’ and that permission is granted by the operator in question, then I can see no reason why it should not be viewed as a viable way of obtaining confirmation. As fas as I am concerned, if permission HAS been granted and the QSL card is NOT returned, then the operator in question should be treated as any other everyday DXer and blacklisted so that it does not happen again; Regardless of how rare his DXCC…
I’d be interested to know what other members think.
73 de Darren
