The DX Mentor

Episode 55 - DX Geography Nov 10, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Hello and welcome to episode 55 of The DX Mentor and our discussion of Geography and DX. Thank you for joining us. I’m Bill, AJ8B.

If this is the first time you are with us, Welcome! We have a back catalog of over 50 episodes covering many aspects of DX in both podcast and YouTube format. Please check us out. If you are new to DXing, I would really recommend episode 1 as it was recorded with several world class DXers. You will get a feel of the excitement that goes with chasing DX! 

Remember, if you like what you find, please subscribe, like, and share!

Our guest today is Ralph Bellas, K9ZO. Here is a bit of bio on Ralph “My interests include technology, entrepreneurship, contesting, DXing, CW, VHF, propagation, and being very active on the HF bands. DXpeditions really excite me! I'm an Assistant Director, 50 Year Member, and Life Member with the ARRL. I'm a past President, State Coordinator, and former Board member of the Society of Midwest Contesters (SMC) - W9SMC. I am the former "Contesting on a Budget" column editor for the National Contest Journal, NCJ. I'm a former member of the Metro DX club.

I have earned 10BDXCC, 10 Band WAS, and the Triple Play Award. I am active with DXCC Challenge with 2911 slots. For DXCC Honor Roll I have 358 Mixed, 353 CW, 358 Phone, and 319 Digital countries. I earned 5BWAZ. I've been fortunate to have been part of DX teams which were awarded "DXpedition of the Year."

Joe, W8GEX, an accomplished DXer in his own right will also be with us.

Resources mentioned include:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bir_Tawil

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morokulien

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baikonur_Cosmodrome

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 54 - 9M1Z Oct 27, 2024

Hello and welcome to episode 54 of The DX Mentor Discussion with 9M8HAZ. Thank you for joining us. I’m Bill, AJ8B.

If this is the first time you are joining us, Welcome! We have a back catalog of over 50 episodes covering many aspects of DX in both podcast and YouTube format. Please check us out. If you are new to DXing, I would really recommend episode 1 as it was recorded with several world class DXers. You will get a feel of the excitement that goes with chasing DX!

If you like what you find, please subscribe, like, and share! 

If you have questions or comments, please email me directly using thedxmentor@gmail.com.

Our guest today is 9M8HAZ, Marz, W3UR, Bernie, and W8GEX, Joe.

From the 9M1Z website, I found this:

This DXpedition serves as a critical training exercise, laying the groundwork for a successful “Pre-DXPEDITION OF 9M0-SPRATLY ISLAND” in 2025 or 2026. As you know, Spratly Island is currently closed for maintenance, but we’re hopeful it will reopen to the public by then. Our primary goal for this Borneo DXpedition is to gather valuable experience and knowledge to ensure a smooth operation when we set up our future DXpedition from 9M0 using the 9M0 callsign (assuming all goes well and the island is operational).

A huge congratulations to all the stations who managed to contact us during the DXpedition. We are incredibly impressed to announce a total of 36,169 QSOs logged! This is a fantastic testament to the dedication and skill of both our team and all the participating stations.”

Without any further delay, let’s get started.

Episode 53 - 3D2Y - Rotuma Oct 19, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Instead of my explanation, lets check out what the Rotuma2024.com website has to say:

"The Pacific Islands DXpedition Group (PIDXG) is pleased to announce that Gregg, W6IZT; Dean, W2FQ; Nathan, K4NHW; Jamie, MØSDV, Connor, KD9LSV and Lukas, LY7J will operate from Rotuma as 3D2Y from November 15 to December 4, 2024. In addition, they will be taking part in the CQWW CW Contest using another (TBA) callsign.

The 6 member team will operate locally with three 500w stations on 6m-160m. Additionally, the DXpedition will include two of W6IZT’s NexGenRiBs.

One of the primary goals of this DXpedition is to “Enable DXpeditioning for the Next Generation of Amateur Radio Operators.” Having young operators like 23-year old Jamie, 23-year old Connor, and 22-year old Lukas, participate on this DXpedition team goes a long way in fulfilling this mission. Moreover, the DXpedition organizers and Youth on the Air (YOTA) have entered into a unique partnership with this DXpedition by actually applying YOTA’s goal of building skills, fostering lasting friendships and mentoring younger operators. To this end, the NexGenRiBs will be operated by a team of young amateur radio operators who will get to experience the excitement that comes with being part of this DXpedition and what goes into making this type of activity a success.

We are also fortunate to have 19-year old YOTA member Kees (pronounced Case), WØAAE, play an important role in the 3D2Y DXpedition. He has volunteered to coordinate and schedule the YOTA operation of the remote stations."

My guests are Joe, W8GEX, Greg, W6IZT, Dean, W2FQ, Connor, KD9LSV, and Greg’s better half, Wendy.

Resources mentioned include:

https://rotuma2024.com/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 52 - S9Z DXPedition to Sao Tome & Principe Oct 12, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Today we will be discussing the upcoming DXPedtion to Sao Tome & Principe, S9Z. The following is from their website:

“The Dateline DX Association (DDXA), a world-wide DX organization, is pleased to announce to the amateur radio DX community the activation of Sao Tome & Principe, a small island nation off the coast of Gabon from November 11 through November 20, 2024.
The license, issued by The General Regulatory Authority (AGER) in Sao Tome and Principe, authorized the call sign S9Z.

The international team is comprised of all highly experienced DXers, DXPeditioners, Contesters and Activators. The team will activate all HF bands from 10 through 160m on SSB, CW and Digital modes using stations with amplifiers, hex beams, tall verticals and wires; Will also operate EME on VHF 6m and UHF 432.

Our guests today are Ralph, K0IR, Kimo, KH7U, Max, I8AHJ/N5AHJ, and Joe, W8GEX.

Resources mentioned include:

S9Z Info https://www.qrz.com/db/S9Z

S9Z Website https://s9z.org/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 51 - DXpedition to Vanuatu - YJ0VV Oct 05, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio Van, N4VGE, is the point of contact and organizer for a DXpedition to Vanuatu October 15th to the 30th, for the CQ WW SSB contest.  The Vanuatu call sign will be YJ0VV for the DXpedition. They will be staying at a luxury villa about 15km from Port Vila on Efate Island. Vanuatu is #83 on Phone (#115 overall) of Clublog's Most wanted DX countries. They will be taking a Flex 6700, Yaesu 891, Icom 7100 and 7300 radios, two amplifiers, a BuddiHex 6-20m antenna, four 40m verticals, DX Commander Expedition vertical (for POTA activations), 10-160 inverted V, and 160m loaded long wire. The QSL Manager is K4NHW, Nathan Wood.  They will be using N1MM+ logging software for the DXpedition and have a goal of 40,000 contacts during the contest using 1500w High Power M2.  Probably not enough for a top three spot but a decent showing.  There are four hams (N4VGE, K4QQG, K1NZ, and K2SAV) and two wives going along. Along with Joe, W8GEX, my guest today is Van, N4VGE.     Topics: Intros How did you get in to Ham Radio? How did you get interested in DX? How did you decide to BE the exotic DX? What other trips have you been on? Tell us about your team. How/Why did you choose Vanuatu? Describe the overall DXpedition (operators, days, equipment) What are your expectations? (What criteria will you use to consider this a success?) How can folks provide financial support? Links: POTA https://parksontheair.com/index.html SOTA https://www.sota.org.uk/ Clublog Country List https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/ DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/ Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/ IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/ IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/ IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/ IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 50 - C21MM - Nauru Sep 28, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Our guests today are Rolf, DL7VEE, Christian, DL6KAC, and Joe, W8GEX. We are going to be discussing the upcoming DXPedition to C21MM, Nauru with Rolf and Christian.

The DXpedition to Nauru, C21MM, will run from October 10th, 2024 to October 29th, 2024. I normally don’t do this, but from the Daily DX, I can share the following information, which is essentially what we discussed in the first 12 minutes:

With less than 4 weeks to go, the team of 14 German operators are ready. We follow our main principles being light-weight and cost effective. As always, only transceivers from Elecraft will be used. All equipment including antennas will be transported by the team members using “traditional luggage” partly oversized. However, this does not mean that we compromise on the antennas. For the high bands we are going to use our 2-element full size wire beam from LZ Antennas. That provides us with some dB more gain compared to a vertical. By using the LBS Pentaplexer we can operate 3 high bands together at the same time on this antenna.

As always, we follow our strategy to use resonant and full-size single band antennas on all bands (except 160 m). No grounded verticals will be used. Verticals with an elevated radial are even better for reception, also known as Up & Outer. This time we will carry two 22 m (72 feet) Spiderbeam fiberglass poles for 160 m & 80 m (compared to 18 m poles on our last DXpeditions). That is perfect for 80 m and an improvement for the top band as well. We will also bring the brand new 14-m-HD-fiberglass pole from Spiderbeam which gives us 2 m more height compared to the 12-m-HD-pole. This one is perfect for bands from 60 m and up. For low band receiving we plan BOGs. Jan, OK2ZAW (QRO.CZ), supported us with RX band filter boards for splitting one BOG to different receivers on different bands. For 40 & 30 m we try loops this time. We always use small band pass filters for each band between transceiver and amplifier and additional bigger band pass filters to the antennas.

We will run our proven shift system with radio and free time slots 24/7, ensuring that our experienced operators will have full concentration in their shift. 5 stations between 160 and 6 m in CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8 are planned. Starting with a first group of 6 men from October 10th only on high bands for few days. Second part of the group will arrive October 15.

Here are some of the links that we mention during the discussion:

https://c21mm.mydx.de

http://www.dl7vee.de

https://c21mm.mydx.de/?Welcome

https://c21mm.mydx.de/?Donate_here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFh_EW64gDo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1KrGZRzVGY

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 49 - T32VU Recap Sep 13, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

DF4GV, DL4SVA, DK2AMM, DJ7TO, DL1KWK and DL2AWG went to Kiritimati (OC 024) from the 13th of March to the 27th of March, 2024.

We ran 3 Stations, 24 hours per day.

Our main modes were CW, SSB, RTTY, and some FT8.

Members of our team had also participated (amongst others) in the following past DXpeditions: 3D2AW, 3D2EU, S7GWG, 4S7RTG, 5B/DJ7TO, 5R8MM, 5R8WG, 5WØGW, 5WØM, 8Q7IO, 9H3O, 9N7AN, A35WG, C21EU, H44WG, HU1DL, J48IO, J48M, J79WG, KH8/DL2AWG, MD/DL4SVA, P29RO, S79GG, TX7EU, T2C, T3ØD, T31EU, V6EU, V73D, VP6EU, XRØYD, XX9D, YJØAWG, ZBØ/DJ7TO, ZK1AWG, ZK3N, ZL/DJ7TO, ZM4T.

The Guest for this episode is DF4GV Elmar : (https://www.qrz.com/db/DF4GV)

Resources mentioned include:

DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 48 - DXLabs Sep 06, 2024

Welcome to The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio In this episode of The DX Mentor, our guest is Dave, AA6YQ, and we will be discussing his groundbreaking suite of software products known as the DX Suite. Here are some of the links that we mention during the discussion: DX Suite Home: https://www.dxlabsuite.com/ CQ Article on DX Lab https://www.dxlabsuite.com/Presentations/Creating%20the%20DXLab%20Suite%202002-08-05.pdf Slides we are discussing: https://www.aj8b.com/the-dx-mentor-podcast/ W9KNI "The Complete DXer" https://ham-supply.myshopify.com/products/the-complete-dxer NCDXF Prop beacon page https://www.ncdxf.org/beacon/ Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/ Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/ DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/ Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/ IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/ IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/ IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/ IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 33 - 3D Printing Sep 01, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Our guest was Bob, wv7w@arrl.net

Here are some of the YouTube 3D printing channels:

House of Ham

Maker's Muse

Uncle Jessy

3D Printing Nerd

Here are some of the questions that were asked and answered:

What is 3D printing?

How does it work?

What costs are associated with 3D printing?

Printer?

Filament?

How long does something take to print?

What colors?

What size can I print?

Where can I get items to print?

Can I design my own?

{Ham Radio Questions)

How is it used in ham radio applications?

Are designs shared among ham radio folks?

Resources mentioned include:

Top 3D Slicer Applications

https://www.3dsourced.com/3d-software/best-3d-slicer-printer-software/

https://www.printables.com/

https://www.thingiverse.com/

https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/p1s?variant=41516337070216

https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/a1

https://www.onshape.com/en/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 38 - Improving Your DX Experience Part2 Aug 18, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our Ralph, K9ZO, will share many ways that he has improved his DXing. Ralph is very accomplished as his bio states "My interests include technology, entrepreneurship, contesting, DXing, CW, VHF, propagation, and being very active on the HF bands. DXpeditions really excite me! I'm an Assistant Director, 50 Year Member, and Life Member with the ARRL. I'm a past President, State Coordinator, and former Board member of the Society of Midwest Contesters (SMC) - W9SMC. I am the former "Contesting on a Budget" column editor for the National Contest Journal, NCJ. I'm a former member of the Metro DX club.

I have earned 10BDXCC, 10 Band WAS, and the Triple Play Award. I am active with DXCC Challenge with 2911 slots. For DXCC Honor Roll I have 358 Mixed, 353 CW, 358 Phone, and 319 Digital countries. I earned 5BWAZ. I've been fortunate to have been part of DX teams which were awarded "DXpedition of the Year."

Here are some of the links that we mention during the discussion:

QRZ https://www.qrz.com/

DX Summit http://www.dxsummit.fi/#/

DXCC Country List https://www.arrl.org/files/file/DXCC/2020%20DXCC%20Current%20.pdf

Clublog Most Wanted https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php

N1MM https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/

DXLabs https://dxlabsuite.com/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 37 - Improving Your DX Experience - Part 1 Aug 04, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our Ralph, K9ZO, will share many ways that he has improved his DXing. Ralph is very accomplished as his bio states "My interests include technology, entrepreneurship, contesting, DXing, CW, VHF, propagation, and being very active on the HF bands. DXpeditions really excite me! I'm an Assistant Director, 50 Year Member, and Life Member with the ARRL. I'm a past President, State Coordinator, and former Board member of the Society of Midwest Contesters (SMC) - W9SMC. I am the former "Contesting on a Budget" column editor for the National Contest Journal, NCJ. I'm a former member of the Metro DX club.

I have earned 10BDXCC, 10 Band WAS, and the Triple Play Award. I am active with DXCC Challenge with 2911 slots. For DXCC Honor Roll I have 358 Mixed, 353 CW, 358 Phone, and 319 Digital countries. I earned 5BWAZ. I've been fortunate to have been part of DX teams which were awarded "DXpedition of the Year."

Here are some of the links that we mention during the discussion:

QRZ https://www.qrz.com/

DX Summit http://www.dxsummit.fi/#/

DXCC Country List https://www.arrl.org/files/file/DXCC/2020%20DXCC%20Current%20.pdf

Clublog Most Wanted https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php

N1MM https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/

DXLabs https://dxlabsuite.com/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 44 - 5H3DX Jul 21, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio. Our guest is NK8O – Charles Powell

Intros

How did you get into Ham Radio?

Why start chasing DX?

Why decide to BE the DX?

What other DXPeditions have you been on?

What is the Zuzu Medical Center?

What is the International Health Partners?

What is life like in Tanzania?

We always think about Jungle/Animals - what is the real story?

In reviewing your webpage, it would seem that you are into QRP. How often do you get to work QRP?

What is the "Top Activator?"

Sites Referenced:

www.Ihptz.org

Hilltopper QRP Rig

https://www.4sqrp.com/Hilltopper-30.php

K1SWL : https://www.qrz.com/db/K1SWL

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 40 - Jarvis Island Jul 15, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

This week will be discussing the upcoming N5J DXPedition to Jarvis Island. It has been 34 years since Jarvis has been activated.

N1DG, Don, is our guest today. The dates of the DXPedition are approximately 8/5 through 8/16.

We will discuss the operators on the trip including the local ones and the remote ones. Also, Don will explain the compromise that was worked out between the DXpedition and the IOTA group.

Here are links to topics that were mentioned

Jarvis Island https://www.jarvisisland2024.com

Baker Island https://www.baker2018.net/

Rig in a Box https://ncdxf.org/newsletters/2023-WINTER.pdf

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 46 - FT8 and Super Fox Jul 07, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to

move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor

Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Our guest today is Ned Stearns, AA7A. Along with Joe, W8GEX, we will be discussing FT8. Ned was one of the early influencers of FT8, even coining the phrase “Fox/Hound”. In addition to answering some questions from our followers about FT8, Ned will delve into the new Super Fox mode and tell us all about it.

Ned is an accomplished DXer, sitting at the top of the Honor Roll and a competitive contester. He is also well travelled being a member of the Voodoo contest club.

Resources mentioned include:

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 45 - Chasing POTA & DX Jul 01, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Our guest is Thomas, K4SWL.

The topics and question that were discussed included:

#1 - How to pick a destination

#2 - Approval to make it official (DXCC Desk/POTA equiv?)

#3 - Get the word out

#4 - Preparation

Travel

Where to stay/eat (may not be applicable)

Equipment testing

Spares (lessons learned on previous trips)

#5 - Operating

Expected propagation

Expected QSO volume

Modes to use

QRP

Logging

Pileups

#6 - Confirming the QSOs

LoTW? Other?

QSL cards?

Resources mentioned include:

Thomas QRP Blog https://www.qrper.com

Thomas SWL Blog: https://swling.com/blog/

Mission RG01 Rig: https://swling.com/blog/2020/01/mission-rgo-one-impressions-availability-pricing-and-upgrades/

SOTA Home page: https://www.sota.org.uk/

Summit Info page : https://www.sotl.as

SOTA Spot Page: https://sotawatch.sota.org.uk/en/

Parks on the Air Info: https://www.pota.app

Mountain Topper Radios: https://www.lnrprecision.com/mountain-toppers/

Pactenna Antennas: https://www.packtenna.com/#/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 42 - NCDXF Jun 23, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Our guest today is K6TD, Kevin Rowett. Kevin will tell us all about the Northern California DX Foundation, or the NCDXF.

Kevin is a passionate DXer, a great operator, and a great DXer in his own right. He is heavily involved with the NCDXF, the California QSO party and variety of other ham radio related topics. The areas of discussion include:

Introductions

How did you get in to Ham Radio?

How did you get into DX?

Tell us something about your DXpeditions.

Let's talk about the California QSO party

Tell us about the NCDXF

What about the DQRM project?

What about the RIB?

Well kept Secret : The NCDXF Video library

Touch on estate planning

What about the NCDXF Rock collection?

Let's talk about the Beacon Project – GREAT resource

NCDXF: https://www.ncdxf.org/index.html

NCDXF Beacon Project: https://ncdxf.org/pages/beacons.html

NCDXF DQRM Project: https://ncdxf.org/pages/dqrm.html

NCDXF Estate Planning: https://ncdxf.org/pages/estate.html

NCDXF Video Library: https://ncdxf.org/pages/video-library.html

NCDXF Newsletters: https://ncdxf.org/pages/newsletter.html

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 41 - 6M EME Jun 15, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Our guest today is David, KJ9I. You may have heard David on episode 31, all about 6 Meters. I received several excellent comments about that episode, and I am sure that this one will be just as popular!

I hope to get him to share the details of a 6M EME QSO that he was part of with a station in New Zealand…One watt and a dipole antenna via EME.

This discussion is somewhat dependent upon slides. There is quite a bit of useful information in the discussion, but the images, charts, etc. are also important. Because of that, we are releasing this episode in both podcast and Youtube formats at the same time.

6M EME Source Material References:

2021 International EME Conf.

https://www.eme2020.cz/

InnovAntennas LFA-10 Yagis

https://www.innovantennas.com/en/shop-page/results,1-50.html

Array Spacing Details

https://bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/longyagi.htm

W7GJ Power Splitter

https://bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/

Green Heron Engineering Rotor Controller

https://www.greenheronengineering.com/product/rotator-controller-rt-21d/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 43 - NE8Z - Rick Jun 03, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss:

NE8Z, Rick, and his passion for Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and DX!

Here are the topics:

Intro to all – W8GEX and NE8Z

Rick – How did you get in to Ham Radio? (first licensed etc.)

How did you get in to DXing?

You have been on at least 60 DXpeditions, tell us about the highlights of a couple

What was your favorite?

What modes and equipment do you use?

I think I have worked you the most when you were in HC and HC8. How were those

Experiences?

Who is HD8MM?

Do I recall that you have achieved DXCC from the Galapagos?

What advice to you have for those of us trying to break pileups?

Where are you going next?

References:

Lonesome George: This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to

move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor

Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss:

The 2023 DX Year in Review document that was published by

W3UR and W1JR. This is an excellent source of reference material

and has been around for quite some time.

I hope you enjoy this discussion of how the material is collected,

edited, and then made available to hams.

Intro to all – W8GEX and NE8Z

Rick – How did you get in to Ham Radio? (first licensed etc.)

How did you get in to DXing?

You have been on at least 60 DXpeditions, tell us about the highlights of a couple

What was your favorite?

What modes and equipment do you use?

I think I have worked you the most when you were in HC and HC8. How were those

Experiences?

Who is HD8MM?

Do I recall that you have achieved DXCC from the Galapagos?

What advice to you have for those of us trying to break pileups?

Where are you going next?

Reference to Lonesome George

https://www.amnh.org/explore/preserving-lonesome-george

NE8Z: https://www.qrz.com/db/NE8Z

HD8MD: https://www.qrz.com/db/HD8MD

HD8MM: https://www.qrz.com/db/HD8MM

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

DXpedition of the Year - W8S - Swains Island May 20, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to

move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor

Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

The W8S DXpedition to Swains took place October 4th to the 17th, 2023.

The 10 operators made almost 90,000 QSOs on 160 – 6 meters on CW,

SSB, RTTY, and FT8.

Our guests today are Adrian, KO8SCA, Johannes, PA5X, and Joe, W8GEX.

This past weekend, the W8S DXpedition was recognized as the 2023

SWODXA DXpedition of the Year! At that time of this recording, we

did not know that this group would be the DXpedition of the Year.

"From October 4, 2023 until October 17, 2023 an international team of

10 operators will be active from Swains Island as W8S. QRV on all HF

bands in CW, SSB, FT8 and RTTY with 6 stations from 2 separated camps."

Introductions

W8GEX – Joe went to Swains in 2012. He is the co-host. I think this

will be a great conversation.

KO8SCA – Adrian

PA5X - Johannes

Video of Adrian getting the first 6 M QSO with AJ7QVI

Story of Johannes trying to get a spot

Swaines Island – 10/4 to 10/17

Why Swains?

What was the Island Like?

The Team

How many stations?

Preparation

Challenges that you did not expect?

Anything you would do differently?

Overall thoughts? Success?

Goals - 90K QSOs

Fund raising - How can listeners contribute?

What were your expectations?

How can hams donate?

What's next?

Swains Website https://www.swains2023.com

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 39 - DX Year in Review May 09, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss:

The 2023 DX Year in Review document that was published by W3UR and W1JR. This is an excellent source of reference material and has been around for quite some time.

I hope you enjoy this discussion of how the material is collected, edited, and then made available to hams.

Resources mentioned include:

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

K8CX Ham Gallery : http://hamgallery.com/W1JR/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 36 - FT4GL - Glorioso Island Apr 17, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

We are pleased to announce to the international community, with the agreement of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, an upcoming amateur radio activity will take place from May 24 to June 19, 2024 on the island of Grande Glorieuse – callsign FT4GL.

This operation, planned for more than a year with a lot of effort, has finally been rewarded. It will be atypical and difficult because the Glorieuses are ranked 7th in the DXCC Most Wanted List, and the amateur radio traffic will be carried out exclusively by a single radio amateur, Marek FH4VVK in parallel with his professional duties.

David, F8CRS, one of the support team, is our guest. The following are the questions and topics we will discuss:

Intros

How did you get in to Ham Radio?

How did you get interested in DX?

How did you decide to BE the exotic DX?

What other trips have you been on?

Tell us about Marek, FH4VVK

How Glorioso Chosen?

Describe the overall DXpedition (operators, days, equipment)

What are your expectations? (What criteria will you use to consider this a success?)

How can folks provide financial support?

FT4GL QRZ Page https://www.qrz.com/db/FT4GL

FT4GL Blog https://ft4gl.blogspot.com/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 31 - Lakshadweep & Andaman Islands Apr 09, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss:

VU2VKU, Krish, (aka W4VKU) and his DXpedition to Lakshadweep and to Andamann. The questions that were discussed and answered were:

How did you get into Ham Radio?

Why start chasing DX?

Why decide to BE the DX?

What other DXPeditions have you been on?

Specifically, lets talk about VU7A - Lakshadweep

Located in the Arabian Sea off of the West coast of India

Just above the equator - HOT Approximately 12/4 to 12/15.

Lets talk about VU4N - Andaman Island

Located in the Bay of Bengal on the East coast of India, closer to Thailand than to India

Approximately 12/16 to 12/26

Resources mentioned include:

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 35 - Activation a new DXCC Entity Apr 01, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Here are the topics for this episode:

I will introduce each member and ask you to describe your DX and Ham experience;

Describe Freedonia: Freedonia is located on the Ionian Sea, a peninsula off the coast of Albania. This will be the first activity there since 1933.

The DXPedition will be led by W8GEX - Joe. Other team members will include K8DV – Dave, AD8FD – Brian, and K4YJ - Dwight. Billy, AA8KY, will be the pilot station.

The IARU has agreed to allow the same call sign to be used for this inaugural DXPedition, GR0UCH/0.

W8GEX : How did you find out about Freedonia and the new entity?

K8DV - what was the process like to get it recognized?

W8CAA - this sounds expensive since it is last minute, how are you funding this?

K4YJ - You will have 160M responsibility and SSB chores. How do you expect this to go? Not exactly the best time for low band propagation

K8DV - Are you ready for the CW chores? I assume there will be massive pileups

AB8FD - Brian - You are the digital guy. what will you be using and how swamped do you expect to be?

W8GEX How will you split time between 60M and the other bands?

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 32 - DXpedition to T32VU Mar 21, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

We DF4GV, DL4SVA, DK2AMM, DJ7TO, DL1KWK and DL2AWG want to go Kiritimati OC 024 13th until 27th March 2024

We will be running 3 Stations 24 hours per day.

Our main modes will be CW and SSB and RTTY and perhaps FT8

We will be QRV from 160 until 6 meters. No 60m !

Members of our team participated (amongst others) to the following past DXpeditions: 3D2AW, 3D2EU, S7GWG, 4S7RTG, 5B/DJ7TO, 5R8MM, 5R8WG, 5WØGW, 5WØM, 8Q7IO, 9H3O, 9N7AN, A35WG, C21EU, H44WG, HU1DL, J48IO, J48M, J79WG, KH8/DL2AWG, MD/DL4SVA, P29RO, S79GG, TX7EU, T2C, T3ØD, T31EU, V6EU, V73D, VP6EU, XRØYD, XX9D, YJØAWG, ZBØ/DJ7TO, ZK1AWG, ZK3N, ZL/DJ7TO, ZM4T.

Guests:

DL2AWG Guenter : https://www.qrz.com/db/DL2AWG

DF4GV Elmar : https://www.qrz.com/db/DF4GV

Resources mentioned include:

DX Code of Conduct : https://www.dx-code.com/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 30 - Operating 6 Meters Mar 11, 2024

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss:

Why 6 M is appealing

Why 6m is different from other bands

How to get started

Antenna options

6 M techniques

What kind of DX chasing can I expect?

Is 6m DXCC possible?

Is 6m WAZ possible?

What about WAS?

What about grid chasing

Are there calling frequencies?

Do most countries allow 6 M?

Resources mentioned include:

KJ9I - Dave

ON4KST Chat Pages - http://www.on4kst.com/chat/start.php

Region 2 Chat - http://www.on4kst.info/chat/login.php?band=7

EME Page - http://www.on4kst.info/chat/login.php?band=5

MoonSked Software by GM4JJJ - http://www.gm4jjj.co.uk/MoonSked/moonsked.htm

6 Meter Band plan - https://www.arrl.org/band-plan

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610

IC-705 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-705

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300

IC-50A https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/ID-50A

IC-52A https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/ID-52A

IC-7100https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7100USA

IC-5100A https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/ID-5100A

Episode 29 - DXpedition to Robinson Crusoe Island Feb 25, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss CE0Z, JUAN FERNANDEZ. A team with Nick, XQ1KZ, Pablo, CE1KV, Willy, XQ3SA, Willy, XQ3SK, Mike, AB5EB, Ez, HI3R, Otis, NP4G, Mike, AD5A, Zoli, HA1AG, Trey, N5KO, and Marco, CE1EW (Team Leader) will be operating as CB0ZA during February 10-23, 2024.

Plans are to be QRV from the Juan Fernandez National Park CA-0022 from 160 to 2 meter using CW, SSB, digi and EME (6 and 2

meter). QSL via HA1AG. http://cb0za.com/:

Resources mentioned include:

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 27 - H40WA DXpedition to Temotu Province Feb 11, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss: the upcoming H40WA DXpedition as well as the Intrepid DX Group. The DXpedition will go from Feb 22nd to March 6th.

Resources mentioned include:

Temotu DXPEdition https://intrepid-dx.com/temotu2023/

Intrepid DX Group https://intrepid-dx.com/

Intrepid DX Group Dream Rig https://intrepid-dx.com/2023/09/27/announcing-our-4th-annual-youth-dream-rig-essay-contest/

Intrepid DX Group Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064781196182

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 26 - All About CWOPs Jan 28, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss the CWOPSOrganization. The CWOPs organization consists of many facets including promoting CW, the CW Academy, contests, awards for being on the air and even scholarships. When I joined in 2016, I was member #1567. They now have over 4000 members, so they are doing something right!

Resources mentioned include:

CWOPS Website https://cwops.org/

CW Academy

https://cwops.org/cw-academy/cw-academy-options/

CWOPS Ambassadors https://cwops.org/contact-us/ambassadors/

CWTs

https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/

CW Open Contest https://cwops.org/cwops-tests/cw-open/

CWOPs Scholarship Fund

https://cwops.org/cwops-scholarship-fund/

CWOPs Newsletter https://cwops.org/newsletters/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/l

The DX Mentor - Episode 28 - CQ Marathon Challenge Jan 18, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

The purpose of this special episode is to hear from Mark, WC3W, the CQ Marathon program administrator. Mark will recap 2023 and discuss a new program called the CQ Marathon Challenge.

In this episode, we reference the following:

DX Marathon website www.dxmarathon.com

Marks email address wc3w@dxmarathon.com

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 25 - Japanese Castles on the Air Jan 09, 2024

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss Japanese Castles on the Air, or JACOTA. Greg, JO3SLK, will talk about his adventures with Japanese Castles on the Air. He will also discuss Ham Radio in Japan and his time with Icom.

Resources mentioned include:

Source for JACOTA Articles: https://fbnews.jp/202101/ww01/

Source for data on Japanese Castles https://jcastle.info/view/Home

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

DX Mentor Program https://www.swodxa.org/dx-mentor-program/

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 24 - 60 Meters Dec 17, 2023

Hello and welcome to episode 24 of The DX Mentor, All About 60 Meters. Thank you for joining us.

I’m Bill, AJ8B, The DX Mentor. My guests are DX Gurus that we can all learn from.

I am sorry that it has been several weeks since we had an episode drop. Work and family as well as scheduling challenges for me and my guests always seems to complicate things. However, I am very appreciative that you are still with us, and I want to let you know that we have several excellent episodes coming up!

In this episode we will attend a detailed discussion on 60 Meters. My guests are Joe, W8GEX, otherwise known as the godfather of 60 Meters, Mike, W0VTT, and Don, K8MFO.

#DX #Hamradio #60meters

The DX Mentor - Episode 23 - Wire Antennas Dec 05, 2023

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss:

Wire Antennas - all aspects of wire antennas

Resources mentioned include:

Pactenna https://www.packtenna.com/#/

W8JI https://www.w8ji.com/

TW Antennas https://mojero.wixsite.com/twantenna

Buddi Poles https://www.buddipole.com/

Ham Radio Workbench https://www.hamradioworkbench.com/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

ID-5100AD https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/ID-5100A/

ID-52A https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/ID-52A/

ID-50A https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/ID-50A/

IC-7100 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7100USA/

Icom Info and Dealers https://icomamerica.com/amateur

Episode 20 - WRTC Nov 06, 2023

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those

hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as

those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as

technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus,

will discuss the World Radiosport Team Championship

Resources mentioned include:

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

The DX Mentor - Ham Radio Prep Oct 24, 2023

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss:

the Ham Radio Prep program.

How did it get started?

What is your role?

What other hams are involved?

What has the success rate been?

How do you keep the program up to date?

How does it work?

What about CW?

Resources mentioned include:

Ham Radio Prep https://hamradioprep.com/

World Radio League https://worldradioleague.com/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

The DX Mentor - 160 Meters Sep 24, 2023

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss:

160 Meters

Why the Gentleman's Band?
How to get started?
What makes 160M so interesting?
What is propagation like?
What antennas do you need?
What misconceptions exist about 160?
What is the challenge to 160?
What equipment do you need?

Resources mentioned include:

ON4KST https://www.ON4KST.com

W4DXCC https://www.w4dxcc.com

EV Dave https://www.youtube.com/@evdave528

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 17 - Clipperton Island Aug 28, 2023

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to

move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor

Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, will discuss:

The Upcoming Clipperton Island DXpedition

This is being conducted by the Perseverance DX Group

Tell us about the Perseverance DX Group

K3EL - David - Team Leader, Veteran of Mellish Reef, Austral Islands, Campbell Islands

Heard Island, Marquesas Islands, Ducie Island,

N6WN - Chris - EMT, Networking, RTTY, DXing -vs- Contesting

January 17th for 16 days as TX5S

The most recent major DXpeditions to Clipperton were: 2013 as TX5K,

in 2008 as TX5C and in 2000 as FO0AAA. Additionally, during 2015

there was a scientific expedition to Clipperton. Operating as TX5P,

Alain F6BFH made several thousand contacts. There has never been

FT8 or 60m operation from Clipperton.

Prep

Why Clipperton?

When did you start preparation?

What kind of things must you take in to account when planning a DXpedition?

Is this DXpedition any different than previous DXPeditions you have been on?

Will there be a doctor on the DXpedition?

DXpedition Support

- Pilot Stations?

- Fund Raising

How can listeners contribute

- Vendor Support

Clipperton Island

Any landing issues?

First time for FT8 - prepared for that?

First Time for 60M - Prepared for that?

What does Science and Research mean?

What can we do to help?

Resources mentioned include:

Clipperton Island https://clip.pdxg.net/

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/

Clipperton Island https://clip.pdxg.net/

Perserverance DX Group https://wp.pdxg.net/

Icom https://www.icomamerica.com/

IC-905 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-905/

IC-9700 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-9700/

IC-7610 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/

Episode 16 - Ducie Island Aug 13, 2023

The Purpose of this series of podcasts is to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help.

Hello and welcome to episode 16 of The DX Mentor Podcast, DXPedition to Ducie Island. Thank you for joining us.

This episode is sponsored by Icom America, makers of the finest radios and accessories for your amateur radio station, by DX Engineering, one of the best one stop shopping destinations for all things amateur radio including technical information, and by The Daily DX, the best source for real time DX information. This episode is also sponsored by the SouthWest Ohio DX Association, one of the premier DX clubs in the nation.

I’m Bill, AJ8B, The DX Mentor. My guests are DX Gurus that we can all learn from.

In this episode we will attend a detailed discussion on the recent DXpedition to Ducie Island.

This was a historic event because it was the first major DXpedition to a location using “Rig in a Box” and utilizing operators from all over the world working hams from all over the world. My guests are Gregg, W6IZT, Don, N1DG, Hal, W8HC, and Joe, W8GEX. #DX⁠ ⁠#hamradio⁠ ⁠#DXpeditions

The DX Mentor #15 - The Exploits of W8GEX Jul 17, 2023

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to

move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor

Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all.

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, Don, N1DG, Brian, AD8FD, and Joe, W8GEX will discuss the highlights and low lights of several of the 62 DXpeditions that Joe has been on.

Resources mentioned include:

Southwest Ohio DX Assoc. https://www.swodxa.org

Northern California DX Assoc. https://www.ncdxf.org/

Episode 14 - INDEXA Jul 01, 2023

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus will introduce us to INDEXA, the International DX Association.

The guests were Ralph, K0IR, Hal, W8HC, Bob N2OO, and Joe, W8GEX.

References were made to:

INDEXA https://indexa.org/

Icom America https://www.icomamerica.com/en/amateur/

The Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

Southwest Ohio DX Association https://www.swodxa.org/

The DX Mentor - Hamvention Recap May 27, 2023

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus will discuss their first reaction to the recent Dayton Hamvention. We are only 2 days from all of the activity and I think it was important to capture the spirit and essence of this past weekend.

The guests were Joe, W8GEX, Mike, W0VTT, and Jim, AB8YK. Joe has been attending #Hamfests for several decades and has also been heavily involved in the 2 major DX activities that occur on Hamvention weekend; the DX Dinner and the DX Forum. Mike was a volunteer in the ARRL booth, using his skills as a card checked to help hams move up the DX ladder. He is also a veteran of #Hamfests, #DXpeditions, and other #DX activities.

I was involved in the DX Dinner, the presentation of the DXpedition of the Year award, and the DX Forum.

Finally, we have Jim, AB8YK. Jim is not only a DXer, but was the General Chairman of the Hamvention. He will be the GC next year as well.

References were made to:

Dayton Hamvention https://hamvention.org/

Icom America https://www.icomamerica.com/en/amateur/

The Daily DX https://www.dailydx.com/

Southwest Ohio DX Association https://www.swodxa.org/

The DX Mentor Podcast https://www.aj8b.com/the-dx-mentor-podcast/

The DXMentor Podcast - Episode 11 - QRP DXing May 11, 2023

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode, our DX Gurus take us through what #QRP operating is and what can be done. It is amazing!

Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions....

The DX Mentor - Thoughts on Visalia May 02, 2023

This is The DX Mentor podcast. I hope to help those hams trying to move up the DXCC ladder as well as those that at on the DXCC Honor Roll. As fast as technology is moving, no one can keep up on it all. I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

In this episode of The DX Mentor, our #DX gurus, K0MD and AA7A will discuss their observations of the Visalia DX Convention. https://www.dxconvention.com/

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