Topband: DX window

[Joe Subich, K4IK]

> From:  Ron Feutz
> 
> It is expected, and has been common practice forever, for NA 
> stations to call and work DX on their calling frequency in the 
> window, unless the DX specifies otherwise.  

I don't know where you got that idea ... it was always expected 
that DX stations would call CQ in the window and listen for NA 
stations elsewhere (US stations would call CQ elsewhere and 
listened for replies in the window).  I only noticed the "pile-up 
in the window" syndrome after I returned to the air after a 10+ 
year job related hiatus in mid to late 1990s.  

160 in the days of W1BB was very much a cooperative band ... it 
was only with the influx of the "me first, everybody else be 
damned" competition after the LORAN power limits were lifted 
that there was ever any question about the usefulness of a DX 
window.  A window is still needed ... but it only serves as a 
place for the northeastern big guns to call CQ these days. 

73, 

   ... Joe, K4IK (ex- AD8I, W8IK)