DXers who follow these guidelines will be several steps ahead of the masses…..
• A DX stations goal is to provide every station in the World the opportunity to make at least one QSO, and to enable top DXers to put their call sign in their log on as many bands and modes as possible.
• First, make sure you can copy the DX well enough for a good QSO. If signals are poor, it would it be better to wait a while for better propagation. It can be very embarrassing to you for the DX station to call you when you can’t hear them.
• Unless otherwise noted, DX will normally utilize split operation only. This means you cannot succeed by calling on their frequency. They aren’t listening there. Be very careful to set up your transceiver so that you do not call on their transmit frequency. You must find where they are listening and then pick your next transmitting frequency accordingly.
• DX operators will try hard to work everyone in the world. Some areas will require more effort than others. Listen carefully to determine if they are trying to work a particular geographical area. Call if you are in that area. They will not respond to callers who are not in that area. If you are not in the desired area, spend the waiting time studying the pileup procedure of the operators.
• Call only if they are calling your exact call sign, or if they are asking for anyone to call, not if they are calling a very similar call sign . One matching letter in your call sign is NOT enough! Listen to the pileup again, and wait for the next opportunity to call. They will not respond to calls from stations other than those they are addressing. Keep in mind that many DX operators may be hearing you even if they don’t respond. You could earn a bad reputation in this way. (They WILL ignore you !)
• If you do not hear who has been called, listen for a short time as the operator will probably call again. You don’t want to miss his second call. When in doubt, DO NOT call, but rather try to determine the correct procedure. You will be far more successful by listening more and transmitting less.
• Be sure you have made a good QSO. If you aren’t sure, make another QSO. It is best not to send a report until the operator sends your call sign correctly. If the operator does not send your call sign correctly, make another QSO. He may have actually worked someone else.
• Reiterating, DX will not work stations who are:
o Calling out of turn – when they are trying to work someone else
o Calling out of the called area – study the pileup and wait for your turn
o Calling with an obviously wrong partial call sign – use the time to study the pileup.
• These simple guidelines are intended to help you to get into their log quickly. Experienced DX stations are consistent with their intended operating procedure. If you call the way they expect you to call, it makes sense that you will be in the log more easily and more often.
• DX stations understand that no one is perfect, and that everyone will make mistakes. Keep your own house in order; make sure to minimize your own mistakes. Don’t get frustrated. DXoperators are some of the best in the World. Summon your greatest self-control, and let the DX deal with the others. Soon, you will be in their log.