The behaviour of some amateur operators is poor to say the least.  Please take the time to make yourself familiar with the DX Code of Conduct.  There is also a DX Code of Conduct for the DX Cluster.  See below.............

DX CODE OF CONDUCT.


  • I will listen, and listen, and then listen again before calling.
  • I will only call if I can copy the DX station properly.
  • I will not trust the DX cluster and will be sure of the DX station's call sign before calling.
  • I will not interfere with the DX station nor anyone calling and will never tune up on the DX frequency or in the QSX slot.
  • I will wait for the DX station to end a contact before I call.
  • I will always send my full call sign.
  • I will call and then listen for a reasonable interval. I will not call continuously.
  • I will not transmit when the DX operator calls another call sign, not mine.
  • I will not transmit when the DX operator queries a call sign not like mine.
  • I will not transmit when the DX station requests geographic areas other than mine.
  • When the DX operator calls me, I will not repeat my call sign unless I think he has copied it incorrectly.
  • I will be thankful if and when I do make a contact.
  • I will respect my fellow hams and conduct myself so as to earn their respect. 
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DX CLUSTER CODE OF CONDUCT.


•The clue is in the name. Only ‘spot’ genuine DX, ie relatively rare or exotic calls on that band, mode and time.


• ‘Spot’ DX stations that are ‘lonely’ but don’t ‘spot’ those who have been found the "proper" way, by operators who actually listen for DX. Give them a chance to get their QSO because the mob will decend on them as soon as they are spotted.

• Dont 'spot' stations that are already very busy or struggling to control their pile-ups – give them a break! Real DXers will probably be in the pile-up, if not in the log already. Repeatedly spotting’ huge pile-ups is showing off and merely encourages yet more QRM from those who are too lazy or incompetent to find DX for themselves.

• Avoid ‘spotting’ stations that have just been ‘spotted’ by someone else, unless you have useful additional information to pass on. Definitely don’t ‘spot’ a station that has just been ‘spotted’ by a million others, no matter how excited you are.

• It is impolite to ‘self-spot’ (‘spot’ your own callsign) unless you are desperately trying to start activity on an open but quiet band – and even then it is preferable to ‘spot’ a real DX station with a comment to the effect that the band is open.

• Never ‘self-spot’ in a contest; that is definitely cheating. Posting the ‘spot’ under a friend’s callsign or a fake call doesn’t make it any more ethical.

• Please do not ‘spot’ the exact QSX frequency for DX stations operating split – it just makes the pile-up on that frequency even more difficult for them to handle. It is also unnecessary; “Up” or “Down” is reminder enough because real DXers will of course listen first!

• Get the DX call and frequency right, double-check the information before ‘spotting’ and treblecheck
after ‘spotting’. Correct your mistakes promptly and apologetically, and learn the lesson.

• Respect the DX station’s wishes regarding ‘spotting’ if they indicate (whether on the air or on their QRZ page or website) that they do, or do not, want to be ‘spotted’.

• Use your own call (remembering that your IP address is logged automatically) and be polite.

• Never insult anyone via DXcluster; it is only a hobby – and we know your IP address.

• Do not post pseudo-spots begging for QSOs, QSYs, new modes or whatever. DXcluster is not e-mail. Assume the DX is either not monitoring the cluster, or is too busy to respond.

• Do not post lame ‘non-spots’ saying you cannot hear someone. Nobody but you really cares. (Telling us that you cannot hear the DX on your 18 element 160 metre yagi at 600 feet is fine though because we will all be laughing at you for playing ‘chequebook radio’.)

• Do not post brag spots (“Worked with 3mW!”, “Yipeee!!”, “Easy on my 24 ele quad” and “Thanks for DXCC#678”).

• Do not create and ‘spot’ fake callsigns just to test your software; ‘spot’ the station TE1ST as the DXcluster network doesn’t circulate spots with that call. (Definitely avoid ‘spotting’ fake calls starting with exotic prefixes (such as P5) as that is guaranteed to excite those who have DXcluster alarms set for their last few DXCC countries.)

• Do not try to make, complete or arrange DX QSOs via DXcluster. It is unsporting, cheating even.

• Do post helpful comments eg IOTA reference, QSL information etc.

• Configure the DXcluster filters appropriately. If you get annoyed at VHF spots, ANN/ALL announcements or beacon spots, just cut out the QRM using the DXcluster filtering facilities.

• Hint: while you may enjoy the challenge of mastering the DXcluster’s somewhat obscure and limited filtering commands, software such as VE7CC’s CC User and logging programs such as Logger32 make spot filtering much easier and more flexible. Another excellent program is DX Monitor at http://ve3sun.com/

Click on the Button Text below to read a very interesting article on 'Working DX HF pileups'.

SUGGESTIONS FOR DX PILE UPS...BY UNCLE DX.

1. The DX station operators are in charge of any pile-up.

2. The DX station should make and adhere to their operating rules quietly and respectfully.

3. The DX station should use, when appropriate, call areas and areas of the world for better accuracy, rate and order.
 
4. The DX station should use split operation and spread stations out, keeping in mind others not in the pile-ups.  A must.

5. Ending a QSO with the call is one good way!

6. The DX station should create a rhythm or timing which maintains a good rate and allows the pile-up to call at the right time.

7. The operators in the pile-up, if not sure of a QSO, should dupe and the DX operator continue not wasting time commenting.

8. The DX station should work those who will create the fastest rate, at least at first, then make an effort to work the weaker stations.

9. No one should lecture on the air.

10. Everyone should always require and give full calls.

11. Know and practice the gray line.

12. Know the equipment being operated such as the split button, audio levels, keying wave form, etc.

13. NEVER be a “KC Cop” …. Never.

14. Operators giving spots on a DX Cluster should insure their accuracy!

15. Keep away from personal, political, and religious comments in the true spirit of ham radio whereby ALL ARE EQUAL.

16. Don’t rush when giving your call when the DX station is standing by, especially on CW.  Time will be lost trying to obtain ALL of the call sign.
 
17. LISTEN, LISTEN AND LISTEN

18. Let the last station complete his/her QSO.

19. Use only the power it takes and figure out what that is!

20. Figure out the DX operator’s operating practice for greater success.

Ethics & Operating procedures for the radio amateur

-amateur_radio_ethics_and_operating_-_edition_3_pdf.pdf
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ethics-oper-proceden-iaru_2016_1.ppt
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DXpeditoning Basics, Wayne N7NG

dx-basics.pdf
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IARU Ethics

-amateur_radio_ethics_and_operating_-_edition_3_pdf.pdf
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DX Etiquette, by Randy Johnson W6SJ

dx_code_of_conduct_article.pdf
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Operating practice, by Mark ON4WW

operating_practice_dutch.pdf
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