G. Doughty wrote:
Hello to all,

Looking to give DX a try. I have two attic dipoles for 20 and 40 meters. I
have a ten-tec scout 555 that runs 50 watts wide open. Anyways, I am trying
to find a "node" to use on my laptop but am unsure what I need. I think all
I need is a 10m radio (I have an htx 10) antenna (easy enough for a dipole
in the attic) and a computer. Is that true? Also, with the computer, I am
aware of Telnet, but how do I access a local node? I am probably talking
out of my arse, but I think it would be interesting to get it all hooked up.
I use a computer logger but I think I can access the node through a phone if
need be. If it sounds like I'm confused, I am. A little help will go a
long way.

I wouldn't worry about a spotting network at this point in the game.
With simple antennas and low power, anything that gets spotted will
probably be difficult to impossible to work. You're better off tuning
around the bands and finding the DX yourself.

It can be helpful to look at the spots to get a general idea of what
conditions are like. http://oh2aq.kolumbus.com/dxs is a good place to
start. It'll tell you what part of the world is being heard in what
other part of the world on what band.

If you do decide to try to access a local cluster node, you need a *2m*
radio and antenna, and a packet TNC. You'll have to ask locally about
what frequency is in use -- in some areas it is possible there is no
accessible local node. (at which point you're best off using the
Internet)

================================

A few DXing hints:

- If you aren't already proficient at CW, learn it. Practice, practice,
practice... Low power is better at breaking pileups on CW.

- Get on for contests. A LOT of DX will be on. (and the biggest phone
contest of all is this coming weekend) A lot will be on from countries
that can be difficult to work at other times. And especially on Sunday,
DX in some overall very rare countries will be begging for QSOs - will
be easy to work. If conditions are any good at all, you ought to be
able to work 30 countries or more with your station this weekend.

- Be sure you have envelopes at the QSL Bureau. That's how most of your
DX will QSL.
--
Doug Smith W9WI
Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66
http://www.w9wi.com