The use of clusters by dxpedition teams, whilst operating abroad, is a topic that’s been discussed at length on the Dx Adventure Radio Club’s internal message boards.
For us, the profits of tapping into various cluster features far outweighs any perceived negativity when it comes to ticking off dxpedition objectives.
And, with this in mind, it’s something our club embraces as a collection of devoted dx adventurists!
In the aftermath of my venture to the Kingdom of Tonga for 96DA/0, many guys asked me publicly and privately about my own use of clusters to see where I stand on the matter.
Questions such as…
“Darren, do you monitor the spot boards when you’re away?” and “Which cluster do you use, Darren?” Even…“Will you make comments on message boards to tell guys you’re on the air?” etc.
Of course, I’m happy to respond…
The first thing I’d like to acknowledge is that guys use clusters for different reasons—Some to guide their armchair DX efforts; others to maintain an online log; many for social interaction with like-minded individuals.
All reasons are valid too!
For me, and the way I operate, though, I see clusters first and foremost as a hobby resource; an oasis of dx history, facts and real time QSO data that has the advantage of being easily accessible.
Basically, their various features perform roles which I depend on for my DX work and, in doing so, nail down all of my hobby essentials!
This brings us back to the original topic of this Editorial; and that’s ‘where do I stand on the use of clusters when I’m operating away from home’.
Do I go there to watch the mayhem unfold; to supervise the spot boards and/or scrutinize the chat with popcorn or a cold beer in hand?
The simple answer is, “Absolutely!”
For me, clusters are enormously valuable during all phases of a dxpedition—not just when the dxpedition station is on the air.
Out of necessity, I’m active on clusters in the planning phase of my dxpeditions, delving into archives; I’m active during the activity itself, closely monitoring spot boards in between CQ calls, log entries and mosquito warfare; and I’m also active on clusters post-activity, cross checking log entries and mending callsigns.
In the Eleven Meter Community we’re blessed with two very good clusters in Cluster DX and 11dx and, together, these have taken up the slack caused by the demise of Cluster dk—arguably the greatest online notification system and archive of them all.
Regardless of which modern day 11m DX cluster you prefer (Note: I’m an 11dx Man), both are outstanding community assets in their own right and worthy of attention, in my opinion, from any dxpedition team.
For these reasons…
PLANNING
Clusters are awesome resources for planning dx adventure, particularly around which DXstination to target, when, and which callsign you should use (e.g. DA/0 or DA/DX).
For this reason, in the preparation phase of all dxpeditions, I undertake a forensic audit of all known DX databases, including those attached to clusters.
My mission here is simple — gather as much data as I can about the dates of previous activity, which island was active, the team members involved, the QSLM, the number of contacts made, to which DX regions, and more, in order to create a clear picture of it’s history.
I’m grateful that all this info is attainable in a cluster archive/s!
PROPAGATION GUIDE
Pending WIFI access from my far-flung island dxstination, it’s not uncommon for me to have both clusters open at the same time and to be flicking between the 2 sites to keep abreast of conditions using the TAB key on my laptop.
Whilst I very rarely make comments on the message board of either website, I consistently monitor spot boards to see which guys are QRV and from which corner of the world, as well as what they’re hearing/working and where.
This informs my choice of beam headings, my QRG, and, of course, my decryption of faint incoming signals.
As well as Spot Maps, the signal report field in spots is also a top source of info around ‘skip’ and the strength of openings, particularly from guys who you might identify as “big guns”.
Being spotted at “5/1 SWL” or “WKD” by a guy like 14DA049 Fred tells me conditions with France are low and contacts will be difficult.
“5/9”, on the other hand, tells me to bunker down and brace myself for the pile ups!
OPERATION
During dxpeditions, spot boards are excellent real-time instruments for mending busted or broken callsigns in logs.
Such slip-ups are not only common place on a band which typically lacks resilience and is hypersensitive to QRM/QRN, but also when the pileup has all the layers of a stacked pasta salad.
Another reason I monitor clusters is the feedback provided by Users on the Message Board…
Amidst the general chit-chat (e.g. WX reports, allegations of QRM from Blind Callers, etc.) reactions from Users often influences my dxpedition work in a positive way.
Views, including criticism where it’s warranted, around split or simplex operations, the conductivity of short or long paths, even the rhythm and speed of contact accumulation, can be beneficial.
As a general rule, some recommendations are rubbish.
Some are worthy of contemplation.
Some are pure genius!
POST-ACTIVITY
Once the dust has settled on a dxpedition, I also rely on Cluster Archives for cross-checking log entries and/or filling in absent log data (e.g. Operator names, regional/island references, etc.).
I do this to ensure the final log is as accurate as possible before publication on the DA-RC website, and QSL requests start rolling in.
It’s also nice to check in on the Message Board when I arrive home to thank the Users for their support of the activity and debrief some of the experiences!
CONNECTION
One of best things about monitoring a cluster during dxpedition work is that you can actually feed off the energy of the message board.
In fact, to have eyes on a cluster screen during your own pile-up and dip into the excitement of your DX comrades when they achieve ITL, is exhilarating.
For me, there’s an actual emotional exchange which takes place here between the DX Hunter—whom has successfully penetrated the pileup to work you—and the DXpeditioner himself whom has provided the opportunity.
It’s one mostly around shared celebration, but also of respect and acknowledgement that a priceless memory has been created together.
Indeed, the atmosphere of a cluster message board can be so thick with elation, with eagerness and with tumultuous vivacity, that you can almost slice it with a knife.
HAM BANDS
On ham bands, too, there are several magnificent clusters and my attitude here—when operating overseas—is almost identical.
DX Summit is my preferred forum mostly because it’s simple and easy to manoeuvre.
I use this version for self-spot to spark attention on a band, for monitoring propagation, for repairing busted callsigns, for filling missing log data when things get a little crazy, and more.
I find the direct links to QRZ.com particularly beneficial on DX Summit too.
In summary, yes, I’m very active on clusters during my dxpeditions.
In fact, they’re an integral part of my dxpedition experience.
For me, clusters inspire.
They inform, they teach and they connect.
I hope you found this response helpful.
73 de Darren, 43DA001
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