Topband: DXpedition Advice for Anyone

[Bill Tippett]

1.  Avoid using exact multiples (e.g. 1830.00) of 9
and 10 kHz (i.e. not 1818, 1827, 1836, 1810, 1820,
1830 and 1840).  9 kHz multiples often have BCI images
or harmonics in Europe and 10 kHz multiples have the
same in North America.  Many Europeans make the
mistake of operating on 1830.00 which is the worst
possible choice for stations in North America to copy
them (1A4A is the most recent example).

2.  Avoid using 1817.5 when working North America. 
W1AW uses this for bulletins and code practice.

3.  Remember to listen for JA's in their 1810-1825
window before JA sunrise (i.e. 20-22z).

4.  ALWAYS split at least 2 kHz.

5.  Multiples of 0.5 kHz are good to avoid other image
problems (e.g. 1826.5, 1827.5, etc).

6.  Use appropriate modes and code speed.  This
normally means CW with speeds in the range of 20-30
WPM.  Remember that you may be hearing stations much
better than they are hearing you since NA/EU stations
are probably using higher power to larger antennas
than a typical DXpedition.  QRN may also be very
different at the NA/EU side compared to what you hear.

7.  Try to operate around the clock early in the
expedition.  This will give you a good idea when
propagation may exist, which is not always at
sunrise/sunset times. 

73,  Bill  W4ZV








 
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