Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is DA-RC Headquarters?

14DA911 Eric, Co-Founder, World HQ Team MemberAnswer:  DA-RC Headquarters is a collaborative decision making body comprising of 3 members (43DA001 Darren, 14DA911 Eric and 13DA007 Simon) which administers the ‘Dx Adventure Radio Club’.  These members represent the following membership classifications: DX Hunter, DXpeditioner, DX Leadership and Honorary. 

2.  Does DA-RC permit dual memberships?

Answer:  In some circumstances, yes.  Showing membership support for other radio groups (ie. groups with different aims and objectives) is permitted although it is expected that the Delta-Alfa callsign be predominantly used when DXing and/or using radio related web forums.  This requirement excludes membership with groups such as Alfa Tango, Sugar Delta and/or Delta Xray respectively who would normally oppose dual memberships.

3.  Does DA-RC support the World Wide Radio Organisation (WWRO)?

Answer:  No.  While DA-RC endeavours to cooperate with other like minded DX groups in the Freeband/Citizens Band Community in order to achieve shared goals, our Club does not support this organisation or its various projects.

[Please note that DA-RC has withdrawn its support of the WWRO as of August 10 2009 due to issues around honesty and integrity involving the WWRO Chairman which are not in keeping with our Club's Core Values].

4.  Does DA-RC operate for profit?

Answer:  No.  DA-RC Headquarters is strictly a not-for-profit administration run by volunteer hobbyists.  The expense of running a worldwide radio club is profound, however DA-RC functions by passing on ‘cost limits’ only to members and subsidising any shortfalls with internal sponsorship or donations.

DA-RC Mentors are also volunteers (See ‘Mentor Program’).

5.  Does DA-RC support Special Event and/or Commemorative Stations?

Answer:  Yes.  DA-RC supports Special Event Stations (SES) which celebrate momentous cultural experiences, as well as Commemorative Stations which mark a unique moment in history or acknowledge the outstanding efforts of one or more individuals.

Contribution + SAE towards an exchange of QSL card for SES or Commemorative activity is always voluntary, though appreciated.

All SES and Commemorative events must be approved by DA-RC HQ.

6.  Does DA-RC approve e-QSL?

Answer:  Yes.  The exchange of e-QSL is often necessary to confirm contacts made during contest events.  DA-RC Headquarters can provide members with a small range of high quality e-QSL designs free of charge or members are free to design their own.

7.   Can DA-RC members have personal websites?

Answer:  Yes.  Moreover, DA-RC members are free to duplicate the DA-RC logo, as well as information about the group for the purpose of their own web page also.  Links to all DA-RC member websites will be posted on the DA-RC home page.  See http://www.delta-alfa.com/qsl-gallery/member-websites/ 

8.  What other DX organisations does DA-RC support?

Answer:  DA-RC also supports the following radio organisations (See also http://www.delta-alfa.com/about/partner-organisations/ ):

  • 11m DX Activities Oz – On-line magazine
  • DXInfos/DXQSM
  • The Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS)
  • DX Hunters
  • The Radio Society of Great Britain’s IOTA Program
  • Islands Base Online
  • QRZ 11.com
  • The Propagation Service Centre (PSC)

9.  Why are operators who transmit from ‘rare’ or ‘most wanted’ DX locations sponsored by DA-RC Headquarters by way of free membership and QSL cards?

Answer:  DA-RC plays a leadership role in encouraging DX from such locations for the benefit of the 27 MHz Community in general.  We feel that our support systems and resources are the most appropriate for rare stations and are happy to fund these services on behalf of our members.

Sponsorship does NOT come from monies collected through customary memberships.

10.  Can a member of DA-RC participate as a team member in another group’s DXpedition team, using another callsign?

Answer:  Yes.  DA-RC Headquarters acknowledges the right of members to support friends and participate in a DXpedition team lead by another group. 

11.  Can a non-DA-RC member participate as a team member in a DA-RC DXpedition?

Answer:  Yes.  In keeping with our Core Values, it is permissible for a non-member to support friends during a DA-RC DXpedition and use the special Delta-Alfa callsign.  This may also count towards DA-RC membership for that team member in the future under the ‘DXpedition’ classification.  

12.  What is DA-RC’s policy regarding issuing ‘0′ unit numbers for callsigns?

Answer:  DA-RC recognises the admirable contributions and achievements of members in their respective community (Freeband, Citizens Band or SWL).  It is DA-RC policy, therefore, to issue a ‘0′ unit number if one has been achieved in one’s previous group, as a mark of respect for the member in question. 

13.  Does DA-RC allow members to use individual QSL cards?

Answer:  Yes.  Provided they meet DA-RC standards and contain the correct DA-RC logo, members may print and design their own QSL confirmation cards.

DXCC QSL cards designed by our official QSL Design Company ‘ON5UR’ are available through DA-RC Headquarters.  DA-RC also recommends this company for individual QSL cards as owner/designer 16DA101 Max not only possesses the correct logos in high resolution but is also aware of the ‘look’ and ‘feel’ our QSL cards require.

14.  Can non-members apply for DA-RC Achievement Awards or purchase merchandise from the DA-RC online-shop?

Answer:  No.  Awards and merchandise are reserved for DA-RC members only.

15.  Does DA-RC have any connection with the Dallas Amateur Radio Club (DARC)?

Answer:  No.  The hyphenated DA-RC acronym represents the Dx Adventure Radio Club on citizens band and freeband frequencies only and has no affiliation with the abovementioned ham organisation.

16.  What was the inspiration for the DA-RC logo and who designed it?

Answer:  Strong and corporate looking, the DA-RC logo was designed by an Australian based company named eMedia Worx and represents the Dx Adventure aspect of our worldwide radio club.  Predominantly dark blue (sea, sky), the logo also incorporates yellow text (sun, new life) and a light green image (coconut palm, island). 

According to the principles of Feng Shui, blue has Yin energy and is calm and soothing.  Since it is the colour of the sea and sky, Feng Shui associates it with adventure and exploration which, of course, are relevent themes for the Club.  Yellow, on the other hand, has Yang energy and Feng Shui deems this colour as providing the enthusiasm or positive energy required to do something out of the ordinary.

17.  How can I make a donation to DA-RC and for what purpose will the monies be used?

Answer:  All monetary donations go towards funding various elements of DXpedition work conducted by DA-RC members (QSL cards, accommodation, travel, etc.).  A breakdown of costs in spreadsheet form, as well as receipts, is available when requested.

Donations can be made via Pay pal or by clicking on the Paypal icon and selecting the chosen amount (Coming soon).

18.  Does DA-RC offer membership fee discounts for couples (eg. husband and wife)?

Answer:  Yes.  A 25% reduction in the joining fee of the second partner is offered to lessen the burden of membership fees to couples.  A 50% discount applies for the partner’s membership fee if the 2 members join at the same time.