Recon — Essential for DXpedition Planning
October 2, 2009 by Darren
In my opinion, prior to any scheduled DXpedition venture, it’s wise for the DXpedition team or individual to have undertaken a journey to the place of operation and gained pertinent info for the upcoming DX event. This practice is called ‘reconnaissance’ and is an essential part of the DXpedition planning phase in all DA-RC activations.
In actual fact, reconnaissance (also known as ‘scouting’ or a ‘reckie’ or ‘recon’) is a military term denoting exploration conducted to gain information. In the world of radio communications, though, it can best be described as…
“A mission undertaken by members of the DXpedition team (i.e. the reconnoitres) to gather data as a prelim to operating a DXpedition station…”
This info is then taken back to the home QTH in the form of anecdotal observations, scribbled notes, diagrams to scale, photographs, brochures, etc. and then used to inform preparation for the future DXpedition.
Here, much time can be saved and radio ops simplified, I think, if features of the planned DX operating environment are known in advance — rather than when the team arrives at their DXstination for the very first time.
For instance……finding out when you turn up at your DXstination that there’s no room for a skypper antenna, let a lone a 6 element yagi; or that a mountain range blocks your pathway to the Pacific; or that hostile natives in the neighbouring huts don’t take kindly to CQ calls during their afternoon siestas; or that packing hiking boots would’ve made carrying equipment up a steep cliff face for great yagi take offs safer and easier, can be demoralizing — especially if you realize there are no quick fixes to turn to when you’ve stepped off the boat or plane.
In many ways then, the data gathered on a recon trip can decide the fate of your DXpedition event. In my experience, it can determine whether or not the money paid for permits, accommodation, transport, radio equipment, food and other supplies, as well as the time off work, will be a waste. It can also reveal whether or not your efforts behind the mic chasing pile ups will be validated with plenty of contacts in the log.
Occasionally the DXpedition recon trip will take the form of a ‘suitcase’ or ‘microlite’ DXpedition. This means that the reconnoitre will sometimes take uncomplicated, unobtrusive equipment, such as a small rig and a whip antenna, to conduct test ops in the lead up to a full-scale activity. Indeed, this can be helpful as it gives you a feel for the operating conditions. You can also sneak in a few contacts hihi!
When embarking on a reconnaissance mission, my advice is to check for the following things:
- Terrain which potentially blocks/obstructs pathways to continents (EU, AS, OC, NA, SA and AN) — It’s no good going to all the trouble of carrying out a DXpedition if you can only work a few continents.
- Locations and space to install an antenna/s — Obviously more space will be required to erect a yagi antenna than a vertical though verticals with ground radials also require larger space
- Guying points — Look for trees around the residence where wires and ropes can be fixed. This will determine whether or not you will need to take a sling shot for shooting guys through tree forks
- Approximate coaxial cable lengths to ensure there is ample feedline to reach th best possible antenna location
- The attitude of neighbours to possible disruption of their immediate living environment with ‘unsightly’ arrays
- That the accommodation is ham friendly
- Possible exposure or vulnerability to extreme WX (e.g high winds, temperatures, tsunamis, etc.)
- The availability of medical services and/or supplies in the case of sickness or injury to one of the team members
- The availability of food perishables such as meat, milk and bread
- The reliability of any power source (e.g. scheduled blackouts)
Due to the extremes of distance and associated costs (including time) with some scheduled DXpedition work, nevertheless, scouting missions to accumulate facts about planned DX operating environments are not always feasible.
In these circumstances, rather than journey to the DXstination to seek particulars through direct inspection, reconnoitring can also take the form of gathering information through other, more convenient means.
The internet, for example, is a valuable reconnaissance mechanism for DXpedition enthusiasts and serves as an adequate substitute for authentic recon missions. Images of anticipated DXstinations, including accommodation and surroundings, are almost always obtainable online, as too are accounts from other DX teams (including hams) who’ve operated in the past from that particular area.
Any comprehensive pre-DXpedition fact-finding mission, in fact, should combine an actual excursion to the DXstination with images and information gathered via the internet. Anything less in the modern technological world for a dx adventurist is ill-advised.
Here are some good places to start for an online reckie exercise:
- Google images (and other online image sources such as Flickr and Photobucket) — type in the name of your anticipated DXstination and save all relevant images to a folder. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to piece them together like a jigsaw to get a clearer picture of your operating environment.
- DX Holiday (See http://www.delta-alfa.com/about/partner-organisations/ )
- The homepage of your projected lodgings — ask for a description of the surrounds from personnel. They are usually more than happy to oblige.
While some DXpeditioners are prepared to tempt fate and take their chances with what their intended DXstination will throw up, DA-RC members are more vigilant and meticulous with their planning efforts.
They realise that undertaking a journey to the place of DX operation in order to gain pertinent information for the upcoming DX event, while sometimes being an inconvenience in a busy existence, is a necessary and significant part of serious DXpedition work!
Real or Fake?
May 9, 2009 by Darren
Part of the role of any respectable radio club headquarters is to ensure the validity of expeditions conducted by its members. Obviously, providing physical evidence or documentation to support the validity of a DX operation is to stop so called ‘fakes’ (hoax operations) and reduce the negative impacts it has on the radio fraternity (eg. time wasting and loss of finance, etc.).
It is generally accepted that the DXpedition team member/s performing the activity must prove to his club and the 11m community as a whole that he did in fact operate from the place identified. The customary time frame for this to occur is within 3 months of the activity’s conclusion. It is also agreed that it is the responsibility of the club in question to ensure this is done and that the correct protocols are undertaken to guarantee the integrity of the process for everyone.
With this in mind, a proofs package is usually sent to a representative of the radio club (eg. QSL Manager, Activations Manager, etc.) immediately after an activation has concluded and if all of the information checks out then it is usually accepted that the DX operation was a valid one. Similarly, if questions are raised about the legitimacy of an activation, it is easy then to dispel the rumours and prove in fact that is a real one, providing a radio club has the appropriate proofs in hand.
On this note, club’s such as DA-RC whom are affiliated with the World Wide Radio Organisation (WWRO) will normally send their proofs to the International Validation Team who will validate the activity on the group’s behalf. Though still in its teething stage, this is arguably the best system for 11m and 11m operators as it eliminates the risks associated with uploading incriminating information to the internet which can be accessed by authorities.
Types of Proofs
Providing proof of an activity is usually done via the following means:
- Copies of airline tickets
- Photographs of station and antenna set up, including power source, with date stamps
- Providing souvenirs such as postcards, key rings, maps, etc.
- Transport receipts such as a ferry docket or a bus ticket
- Copy of the access permit in the case of protected areas
- Copy of the visa for the said country (if required)
- Photocopy of the passport pages showing entry/ exit stamps
- Copies of hotel receipts as evidence of stay in the country concerned.
So Why Do Fakes Occur?
Though it is extremely rare on 11m, operators will lie about their QTH and deliberately misrepresent their station for different reasons. Some of these include:
1. Cost of travel/ accommodation is too much $$$.
Travelling to and staying in some parts of the world can cost an enormous amount of money. To activate a small island will sometimes require the chartering of a plane or boat which can cost the DX-pedition team up to $10,000 AUS to do so.
It is sometimes easier, then, for an operator to set up a DX station on a major island or country nearby with a reliable power source and to transmit from there. They can often get away with it too if the area is remote and there are no local operators to question the activity and location.
The operator in question, therefore, will still be able to cash in on all the kudos and black slapping that goes with providing rare DX opportunities to the world.
2. Restricted access due to government legislation (ie. Protected areas, world heritage listings etc.)
3. Fun or boredom
Let’s face it – some operators and groups make up a fake activation as a joke. In times of poor propagation, I’ve heard operators calling fake stations and asking for progressive numbers when it is well known that the activation is a hoax. The operator conducting the activation will even say, if asked, that the activity is ‘fake’ and no QSL confirmation will be offered.
4. WX
When operators have advertised an upcoming activation and already gone ahead with printing thousands of QSL cards, the DX world expects it to be carried out. Unfortunately, however, bad WX conditions might make this impossible.
Knowing the backlash that could occur and fearing damage to their reputation, the DX team might transmit from a nearby area and not the one identified – especially if they have already paid for transport, passports and visas and are close to the advertised destination.
5. To cause trouble and inconvenience for other radio operators
In Australia, sending a quality QSL confirmation package can cost upwards of $8.00 AUS (IRC, Stamp, 3 QSL cards, a postcard, photograph of shack, envelope). Obviously, it’s a waste of time and money if operators are sending cards to confirm activities that are found to be fake.
It’s a sad fact, though, that dollar and card collectors do exist in our radio community. These guys don’t care about other radio operators and have little personal integrity as they feel protected from recrimination either by geographical isolation or the absence of intimacy which come with hiding behind a microphone.
I wonder how many stations mentioned on ‘Blacklists’ are actually fair dinkum activities anyway…
If you are concerned with the legitimacy of a station that you have worked, my advice is to seek some clarification from radio friends on one of the many DX forums or the DX Group in question. They should be able to tell you if a member is active from the particular location you have identified and will give you access to the necessary evidence to prove it.
73 de Darren 43DA010 World HQ TeamInland Water Islands (IWI)
May 9, 2009 by Darren
The term IWI is a much used acronym in the World Eleven Metres Community which refers to the geographic phenomena that are inland water islands. As the name suggests, an inland water island is defined as:
- A body of land completely surrounded by rivers; and/or
- A body of land which is found in the middle of a lake.
The IWI idiom is commonly used as a Freeband callsign suffix – one which follows the operator’s respective DXCC division number and his radio group initials – to indicate an inland water islands DX activity. The IWI ellipsis also precedes an IWI reference number which is attributed to an inland water island by:
- The DXpedition operator; or
- The DXpedition operator’s DX Group; or
- Past IWI operations from that same island; or
- Representatives of the Islands Base Online Team
For example, a member of the DX Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) based in Indonesia (91 Division) activating the Samosir Island (pictured below), would use the reference number… 91 DA / IWI ***** where the ***** indicates the inland water island’s reference number.
IWI on Eleven Metres
As a form of DXing, the IWI concept has steadily grown in popularity over the past five years to become one of the most exciting and hotly sought after activities on the eleven metre band. So much so, in fact, that many DX groups have added the concept to their DX agenda!
Essentially, the origins of IWI are believed to have come from the Maidenhead grid squares concept – a popular offshoot of standardised DXing on the ham bands which represents a position on the earth based on points of latitude and longitude. IWI enthusiasts would argue, however, that the eleven metre community’s IWI concept is not only more challenging for those radio communications hobbyists concerned with hunting grid squares on ham bands, but it also correlates well with the Radio Society of Great Britain’s Islands On The Air (IOTA) program.
One of the first challenges a prospective IWI DXpeditioner faces is actually locating an inland water island. This exercise is commonly achieved through the use of an online satellite system such as Google Earth or map, by tracing the tributaries of river systems or studying the geographical composition of lakes and rivers, trying to pin point land masses surrounded by water.
To facilitate the IWI DXpedition concept, the Islands Online database contains details of 14679 inland water islands, a number set to grow as the concept develops even further.
While some IWI are in fact officially recognised as islands and carry a formal title incorporating the island tag, many if not most IWI exist in anonymity, nestled within the land locks of cities, towns, municipalities and suburbs, waiting to be stumbled upon and brought to life by Freeband field operations.
Some Famous IWI
As you would expect, the size of an inland water island can vary greatly. Some like the Island of Bananal, the world’s largest inland island, covers an area of about 7000 sq miles for instance; while others such as Australia’s Jabiru Island cover an area of only a couple of hundred metres sq.
Some of the world’s most famous inland water islands, and those which feature prominently on the hit list of many IWI enthusiasts, include:
- René-Levasseur Island, Canada
- Soisalo, Finland
- Sääminginsalo, Finland
- Olkhon, Russia
- Samosir, Indonesia
- Isle Royale, United States
- Ukerewe Island, Tanzania
- St. Joseph Island, Canada
- Drummond Island, United States
- Idjwi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
- Marajo, Brazil
- Teresa Island, Canada
- Beaver Island, USA
- Monteisola Island, Italy
- Majuli Island, India
- Bananal Island, Brazil
- Monte Isola (or Montisola or Monteisola), Italy
- Monte Isola, Italy
- Gudfjellöya, Norway
- Woodford Island, Australia
IWI & D
A-RC
The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is fortunate to have some of the best known and most successful IWI DXpeditioners in its midst. Members such as 14DA028 Phil, for example, are considered experts in the IWI domain with extensive experience working in the field from European inland water islands; efforts which have helped define the DX activity in the contemporary Freeband world.
On May 1, for instance, 14DA028 Phil, 14DA012 Herve and 14DA024 Fabrice will commence an extensive IWI tour taking in eleven islands spread across two European DXCC entities. Most of these islands have never been activated before. (Please see http://www.delta-alfa.com/da-rc-activities/franco-belgium-iwi-tour-2009/ )
DA-RC’s Achievement Program offers a number of awards recognising the feats of IWI DX enthusiasts, such as the French IWI Team’s. These include IWI DXpeditioner Awards for 5, 10 and 15 inland water island operations, as well as IWI Hunter Awards for 25, 50, 75 and 100 inland water islands worked and confirmed.
Additionally, DA-RC caters for members and IWI enthusiasts in general by hosting an annual IWI event titled IWI-kend (Details of which will be announced soon in the DA-RC Activities section). Similar to the World Wide Radio organisation’s Islands Festival, IWI-kend will involve DA-RC members from all around the world activating as many inland water islands as possible over 1 weekend. Project Manager for this event is 14DA028 Phil.
If you would like more information on the IWI concept or any of the IWI initiatives listed above, please contact the DA-RC HQ Team.
73 de Darren 43DA010 World HQ TeamThe Difference Between a ‘0′ and a ‘DX’
April 5, 2009 by Darren
On the topic of working or undertaking rare, most wanted or new DXCC DXpedition activities on eleven metre frequencies, the question is sometimes put, “What is the difference between a ‘0′ suffix and a ‘DX’ suffix?” What’s more, “Why do some DXCC activation callsigns end with a ‘0′ (eg. 146DA/0 or 344DA/0) while other callsigns (eg. 87DA/DX or 67DA/DX) conclude with the letters ‘DX’?”
As I understand it, the Alfa Tango group initiated this simple but effective system of identifying the past operating history of a DXCC entity many years ago. Essentially, this same system has also been embraced by every known radio group, including our very own Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) but with some slight enhancements…
The ‘0′ Suffix – What it means
According to the definition advocated by Alfa Tango, a ‘0′ callsign represents a first ever activation of a DXCC on 11m by a radio group without any member of that group living in that DXCC neither…
- At the release of authorisation for that activity by the group’s HQ; or
- In the DXCC’s past history.
Positively the most prestigious stations and callsigns to work, the ‘0′ suffix can be awarded only once, unless 200 contacts are not achieved. In this case it can be used again, and again if necessary, until such time that 200 contacts are realised!
The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is committed to delivering ‘0′ activities each calendar year but will only do so when a ‘0′ activity has never been conducted from that DXCC, regardless of the DX group involved. For non-rare DXCC we use traditional portable callsigns (See below), such as 320/224DA011 and 99/320DA011.
The ‘DX’ Suffix – what it means
A ‘DX’ suffix refers to an activation of an already activated DXCC without any resident member when releasing the authorisation. The ‘DX’ suffix can be used not more than three times. If, after the ‘0′ activation, other suffixes are used (IOTA or portable), they will have the same value as a ‘DX’ suffix.
The Portable Prefix – What it means
The term ‘portable’ is commonly applied to mobile operations or when a radio operator goes portable in the field.
For the purpose of this article, ‘Portable’ also refers to a Freeband operator visiting a DXCC which has less than 10 members of his radio club and operating a radio transceiver. In this case, the operator’s standard home callsign (his DXCC reference, dx group initials and unit number) follows the prefix of the visited DXCC entity.
For example, if 3DA012 Roger visited Argentina (4 Division) and was working on the radio, he would be classified as a portable dx station. His callsign, therefore, would be 4 / 3DA012 where the / is substituted verbally for the word ‘stroke’. Again, if 41DA105 Brian was holidaying in Australia with a radio in tow, his portable callsign would be 43 / 41DA105.
As is the case with some other DX groups, the request of authorisation from DA-RC Headquarters to operate as a portable station is necessary.
Additionally, portable stations must comply with the criteria outlined in DA-RC’s DXpedition Operations Protocol. (See http://www.delta-alfa.com/about/da-rc-protocol/ ). This includes filling out a DXpedition information form and submitting it to DA-RC HQ for perusal prior to the activity taking place so that the activity can be supported effectively, providing proofs to the DA-RC HQ Team via the respective Continental QSL Manager within three months after the conclusion of the activity, as well as guaranteeing actions to offset the DX activity’s carbon emissions and so reduce the DXpedition and Club’s carbon footprint.
[The Dx Adventure Radio Club is currently in the process of establishing a special team of experienced DXpeditioners from all continents to plan and deliver activities from DXCC that have never been active before on 11m.
If you would like more information on this initiative, including how you can participate and/or support it, please contact the HQ Team via the Contact form at http://www.delta-alfa.com/about/contact/ ]
International Radiotelephony Alphabet
December 9, 2008 by Darren
The NATO phonetic alphabet, more formally the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet, is the most widely used spelling alphabet.
Though often called “phonetic alphabets”, spelling alphabets have no connection to phonetic transcription systems like the International Phonetic Alphabet. Instead, the NATO alphabet assigns code words to the letters of the English alphabet acrophonically (Alfa for A, Bravo for B, etc.) so that critical combinations of letters (and numbers) can be pronounced and understood by those who transmit and receive voice messages by radio or telephone regardless of their native language, especially when the safety of navigation or persons is essential.
The paramount reason is to ensure intelligibility of voice signals over radio links.
Here is the International Radiotelephony, as used in Ham, Freeband and 27 MHz communications:
A = Alpha
B = Bravo
C = Charlie
D = Delta
E = Echo
F = Foxtrot
G = Golf
H = Hotel
I = India
J = Juliet
K = Kilo
L = Lima
M = Mike
N = November
O = Oscar
P = Papa
Q = Quebec
R = Romeo
S = Sierra
T = Tango
U = Uniform
V = Victor
W = Whiskey
X = X-ray
Y = Yankee
Z = Zulu
What is COTA?
December 7, 2008 by Darren
What is COTA?
COTA is an acronym for the special radio DX activity known as Castles On The Air. COTA is an exciting concept most likely born in Spain (home to many of the world’s finest castles) which involves radio transmissions occurring from castle grounds or within a maximum of 500 metres from castle walls.
A slight variation of that phrase, yet one which carries the same implication and is commonly added as a suffix to the callsigns of Freeband operators undertaking COTA activity, is the term CF (Castles and Fortresses).
While CF stands for Castles and Fortresses, the first two letters or numbers after CF refer to the department, province, state, county or other where the CF is located. The suffix, composed of three numbers, is the reference assigned to the castle or fortress.
Who Invented COTA?
The Delta Radio DX Group is credited by most as the creator of the COTA concept. The DR World Castles and Fortresses Weekend was once one of the most eagerly anticipated weekends of DX adventure in many sections of the Freeband Community with activities occurring in most continents of the world.
Why COTA?
Like Lighthouse On The Air (LOTA) activations, COTA activity presents an opportunity for radio operators to educate and promote the historical significance and architectural uniqueness of castles. In the past, they have also been used in conjunction with important fundraising ventures to assist with the repair or renovation of ‘at risk’ castles.
DA-RC and COTA
The Dx Adventure Radio Club fully supports the COTA concept, including its objectives as outlined by the now defunct Delta Radio (DR) group. DA-RC members, in fact, have undertaken many castles and fortresses activities in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
The DA-RC Achievement Program offers a fabulous range of COTA awards which include a COTA Hunter award for the operator who successfully works and confirms 50 COTA stations, as well as four COTA DXpeditioner awards for 10, 20 and 30 activities respectively.
What is Ham Friendly?
November 19, 2008 by Darren
The term ham friendly is most commonly applied to DXpedition accommodation (hotels, resorts, holiday homes, chalets, bungalows, etc.) where radio communications, including the erection of an antenna array, is permitted. Furthermore, judgement that a dwelling is ham friendly communicates to others in the hobby – not just if lodgings are suitable for DX operations – but also if their operations are tolerable.
With this in mind, accommodation is legitimately described as ham friendly when the owner of that accommodation provides formal consent that radio operations may take place there. Before giving their blessing, most landlords will usually demand some sort of assurance that any interference will not occur. In the event that prior consent is not obtained, the DXpedition team run the risk of forfeiting any bond, being evicted from the premises, or even receiving a visit from the local law enforcement agency as penalty.
In cases where the owner might be apprehensive about allowing the establishment of an antenna array, the DXpedition operator or team might offer to pay a sum of money as security (ie. a bond) so that if damage does occur then the owner at least has a safeguard in place. In all likelihood, this will not eventuate but it does give the owner peace of mind and can often prove the clincher when seeking approval to operate a station from the premises. The bond then can be refunded if no damage is incurred.
Due to the growing emphasis on dx adventure, it is understandable then that ham friendly accommodation is a particularly valuable commodity, one that must be preserved at all costs. For this reason, many DXpedition teams staying at ham friendly accommodation often go to great lengths to ensure that that the building and grounds are protected so as to uphold the tag in the face of future operations by the same team or other visiting DX enthusiasts looking to find a suitable abode for conducting DX work.
These Ham Friendly Hams also take great safety measures and precautions when setting up radio equipment, antenna masts etc. (eg. guying the antenna where possible) to avoid damage to neighbouring structures during extreme WX and ensuring that transceivers and antennas do not interfere with other technology devices on the site, such as televisions and computers. Sound-proofing the room where radio transmissions is taking place is another precaution recommended to ensure the stay of other patrons is not sullied and that radio hobbyists are welcomed there in the future.
Common sense says that if a DXpedition team does violate that privilege and does not show respect for the accommodation, rules of the site and towards those who stay and work there, then radio operations will be frowned upon in the future.
If, on the other hand, radio operators are not only seen as open, respectful, friendly and courteous, but also leave the accommodation in the same (or better) state in which it was found, then permission to use that premises in forthcoming operations is much more likely to be granted.
History tells that some DXpedition operations have been terminated early following complaints from other guests, as well as the owners, about noise, unsightly arrays hindering ocean or mountain views and/or a fear of possible damage to the structure of the accommodation. Many of these events took place with little regard shown by participating team members for the immediate environment, lodgings and guests sharing the accommodation so of course they suffered the ultimate sacrifice in having their expensive trip cut short.
Some might term this sort of behaviour as ham UN-friendly!!!
73 de Darren 43DA010What is LOTA?
November 5, 2008 by Darren
LOTA is an acronym for DX activity termed Lighthouses On The Air which sees radio operators travelling to a lighthouse for the purpose of activating it as a special DX entity. As is the case with the Radio Society of Great Britain’s Islands On The Air (IOTA) program (which of course specialises in islands), lighthouses, lightships, and navigational beacons around the world have been assigned a unique reference which enables a radio operator to readily identify a light for contact purposes. Composed of a 3 letter country prefix followed by digits, this lighthouse identification system was instigated by the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS) who overseas most aspects of the concept in ham radio.
According to the ARLHS, the purpose of a LOTA activation is:
- To promote public awareness of the role radio and light beacons have played in assisting and maintaining safety at sea;
- To preserve the heritage and history of lighthouses and lightships; and
- To aid in preserving those lights in danger of destruction or decay.
Operating from the lighthouse itself is not always possible. For this reason, LOTA rules state that a DXpedition station may operate within 1000m or visual sight of the structure in order for it to be considered a valid LOTA operation.
How Does the Reference System work on 11m?
All Australian lights for example, carry the prefix AUS followed by the ARLHS reference number. A Freeband radio operator belonging to the Delta-Alfa Radio Club and activating the Cape Borda lighthouse on Kangaroo Island, for instance, would use the callsign 43DA/AUS-021.
History has shown that LOTA activity often combines well with IOTA work as many of the world’s islands contain lighthouses warning approaching vessels of the impending danger of sand bars and surrounding reefs as well as the site of safe passage.
The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) offers a number of exciting awards for LOTA DX enthusiasts-including Chasers and DXpeditioners-as part of its Achievement Program.
For more information on the LOTA concept, visit the ARLHS webpage at http://arlhs.com/ .
73 de Darren
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
