Distant Operations – DX

DXing involves making two-way radio contact with distant stations on the ham bands. DXing takes its name from the morse code shorthand notation of the word distant, or distance (DX). Typically these contacts happen on the HF bands, however, the 6-meter and 2-meter bands can provide long distance contacts under the correct conditions. Typically these contacts are confirmed by exchanging QSL cards, either physically, or virtually. Physical QSL cards have been exchanged for decades by mailing colorful postcards containing the contact information. To save funds on the international delivery of these cards, the ARRL created a QSL bureau or ‘burro’ in shorthand. With the advent of the Internet, a number of different methods of sending electronic QSL cards have popped up. Some of those are listed here.

DX Code of Conduct

The following set of ‘rules’ have been provided by the DX community to help DXers wade through the communications pileups that typically occur during a foreign transmission.

  • 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.

Logbook Of The World (LOTW)

The ARRL has created a website called the Logbook Of The World. This system allows hams from around the world to create a user profile and log their contacts to this system. Once you and the foreign station both document the contact, the electronic QSL is generated. This speeds up confirmation of DX contacts and saves both time and money.