The DX Mentor

Latest Episodes:

Episode 64 - K1ZN Apr 06, 2025

Show notes

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

K1ZN has many accomplishments, knows a lot about all aspects of DXing and is an experienced IOTA chaser. He will share all of that with us as well as some discussion about his book on DXing.

Resources mentioned include:

SouthEastern DX Association

https://www.sedxc.org/sedxc/

IOTA https://www.iota-world.org/

Nifty E-Z Guide to Adventures in DXing

http://www.niftyaccessories.com/index.php

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

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/

DX Mentor discussion with ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Hello and welcome to episode 63 of The DX Mentor –A Discussion with ARRL CEO NA2AA, David Minster. 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 60 episodes covering many aspects of DX in both podcast and YouTube format. Please check us out. If you like what you find, please subscribe, like, and share the episode. For any comments, input, or information, just drop me a line at thedxmentor@gmail.com.

Another way to keep in touch and to see what we are up to is via the DX Mentor Facebook page. I will be posting about upcoming podcasts as well as other DX events so please follow us. 

I am very excited about today’s episode. You may wonder what a discussion with the ARRL CEO has to do with an episode of The DX Mentor? I think there are several things that link us together.

First, the DXCC program IS an ARRL program. You can’t separate the two. DXPeditions exist because they have the funding, the need,

and the acceptance by the DXCC Desk to be “legal’ and will count towards DXCC programs rewards and acknowledgement.

Secondly, there is no other organization that works to protect the spectrum like the ARRL does. There have been countless attempts to procure parts of our spectrum that have been defeated due to the actions of the ARRL. The current work to remove restrictions for homeowners another example of the ARRL at work.

Finally, David is a DXer and a contester! He works the DX and is the DX. He is also a CW fanatic. So, he is a fit for this podcast.

Even with some of the negative press surrounding the ARRL, I felt it was time to have the DX-Minded CEO of the ARRL on the DX Mentor. When I suggested the idea, much to my surprise, he responded almost instantly.

So, in addition to learning about David and his ham radio journey, we will discuss a variety of issues facing the ARRL.

VU4AX - DXPedition to Andaman Island Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Our guests today are Max, ON5UR, Ron PA3EWP, and Joe, W8GEX. All three are experienced, passionate DXers and the conversation should be lively and informative.

The best description of the upcoming DXPedition comes from Bernie, W3UR. He wrote “The DX-Adventure team is embarking on a DXpedition to the Andaman Islands (AS-001) as VU4AX from March 10th to March 20th, 2025. The team, consisting of 12 experienced operators, will be active around  the clock on multiple bands from 10m to 160m, including WARC + 60m, using CW, SSB, and DIGI modes. They will operate six stations, transporting 1,150kg of meticulously prepared equipment to ensure the best possible experience.

The DXpedition aims to provide a rare opportunity for QSOs, especially for USA operators, as VU4 ranks #28 for the USA and #53 worldwide.

The team is supported by three experienced Pilot Stations: W2IRT Peter, E21EIC Champ, and ON9CFG Bjorn. They will closely monitor propagation conditions to maximize the chances of contacts with stations across the United States. Updates and contact details for the Pilot Stations can be found on the DX-Adventure website - https://www.dx-adventure.com  The DX-Adventure team looks forward to making a QSO with you from VU4 South Andaman. 

Resources mentioned include:

DX Adventures

https://www.dx-adventure.com/en/home-eng/

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 Corner - This Week in Amateur Radio 03/08/25 Mar 08, 2025

Show notes

Hello and Welcome to the DX Corner for your weekly Dose of DX as part of Ham Radios oldest Ham Radio Magazine on the air, “This week in amateur radio.” I’m Bill, AJ8B.

I am not sure how many of you are interested in 60M, but overall interest is growing. One of my best friends, Joe, W8GEX, produces a 60-meter newsletter. Joe is considered by many as the godfather of 60m. With almost 250 entities confirmed on 60, I can understand why. New Zealand stations ZL4OL and ZL2CC have been heard around 0700z. Watch your 60m packet cluster for these advid 60M operators. 4U1UN has been on 60m recently. Keep an eye out for that one also. Some of the rare DX on 60 meters recently has included A51AE, 7Q6M, and T77C.Don’t forget to have a look at our website 60metersonline.com. There are details about our DXCC and WAS Awards for 60 meters. . Thanks, Joe, for letting me use this information. You can learn more about 60 meters by checking out the DX Mentor podcast, episode 24. (https://youtu.be/Mq7YN6euHHM ) Just go to YouTube or your podcast app and search for The DX Mentor. Episode 24 will give you all the details about getting on 60 meters. This section of DX News comes from Bernie, W3UR, editor of the DailyDX, the WeeklyDX, and the How’s DX column in QST. If you would like a free 2-week trial of the DailyDX, your only source of real-time DX information, just drop me a note at thedxmentor@gmail.com Inveterate DXpeditioner IV3FSG, Elvira, will operate D68Z from March 3 until at least March 18. Elvira is currently QRV. She will be operating on 160-6M CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8, and FT4. Elvira will use three ICOM IC-7300 radios, with one dedicated to 6M (grid locator LH18og) operational around the clock. The antenna setup will include a 6M delta loop, a DX Commander vertical for 30-10M, and an IWØRGN multiband vertical for 160-10M. To minimize duplicate QSOs, please verify Club Log online and Club Log LiveStream. For digital QSOs, monitor D68Z on PSK Reporter. IKØXBX, Francesco, will be the pilot station for this DXpedition. QSL cards are available via OQRS and LoTW. The VK9XU team ended their Christmas Island operation on Tuesday at 0257Z with around 58,000 QSOs, surpassing expectations. They thanked everyone for their discipline in the pileups. The team is now heading to Cocos (Keeling) Island. Arriving after sunset, they will start limited activity the first night and set up antennas the next day. They look forward to working everyone as VK9CU on Cocos. The DX-Adventure team is embarking on a DXpedition to the Andaman Islands (AS-001) as VU4AX from March 10th to March 20th, 2025. The team, consisting of 12 experienced operators, will be active around the clock on multiple bands from 10m to 160m, including WARC + 60m, using CW, SSB, and DIGI modes. They will operate six stations, transporting 1,150kg of meticulously prepared equipment to ensure the best possible experience. The DXpedition aims to provide a rare opportunity for QSOs, especially for USA operators, as VU4 ranks #28 for the USA and #53 worldwide. The team is supported by three experienced Pilot Stations: W2IRT Peter J. Dougherty, E21EIC Champ, and ON9CFG Bjorn. They will closely monitor propagation conditions to maximize the chances of contacts with stations across the United States. Updates and contact details for the Pilot Stations can be found on the DX-Adventure website - https://www.dx-adventure.com The DX-Adventure team looks forward to making a QSO with you from VU4 South Andaman.

The DX Mentor podcast recently interview the DX-Adventure team. When that is available, I will let you know, or you can subscribe to the DX Mentor podcast and YouTube Channel to be updated.Until next week, this is Bill, AJ8B saying 73 and thanks to my XYL Karen for her love and support. I Hope to hear you in the pileups!

Episode 61 - VA3MW and FLEX Radio Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

Our guest was Michael Walker, VA3MW, and Joe, W8GEX

Amongst other things like working for NORAD, we discussed How did you get started?

Why chasing DX?

How has your experience with 6M been?

Let's talk Node Red for a minute

How did Flex get started?

How did you get on with Flex?

From 30,000 feet, what is different about SDRs?

What do you want our listeners to know about the 8000 series?

Anything else or any tangent you want to go on is great with us!

Resources mentioned include:

Sales email sales@flexradio.com

AN/FSQ7 Computer https://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?entryid=964

RM Noise https://ournetplace.com/rm-noise/

Q5 Signal Transverters http://www.q5signal.com/

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

W9GR https://www.w9gr.com/

Controlled Envelope SSB https://www.arrl.org/files/file/QEX_Next_Issue/2016/January_February_2016/Hershberger_QEX_1_16.pdf

Free DV https://freedv.org/

FLEX : The Accidental Company https://www.flexradio.com/videos/flexradio-systems-the-accidental-company/

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/

IC-7760 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7760

IC-PW2 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-PW2

Episode 60 - 2024 DX Year in Review Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

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

The 2024 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:

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

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 59 - TI1RRC Feb 01, 2025

Show notes

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Intro: A Russian Robinson Team consisting Alex RW3RN, Hal W8HC, Mike K5MSK, Slava OK8AU, Raisa R1BIG, Tim NL8F, Vlad R9LR and Yuri N3QQ will be active from Central American DXCC entities (covering IOTA and POTA) during February 11 to March 7, 2025. As follows:

YN6RRC – (Feb 11-16) Complejo volcánico San Cristóbal,

POTA NI-0055 (Nicaragua)

H7RRC – (Feb 11-16) Isla Del Cardon, NA-212 (Nicaragua)

TI1RRC – (Feb 19-25) Isla Cano, NA-117 & POTA CR-0018 (Costa Rica)

3F3RRC – (Feb 26 to Mar 3) Chirique, POTA PA-0033 (Panama)

All calls are currently pending. QSL via LoTW or via M0OXO and RW3RN

(RU/EW only).

How did each of 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?

For starters: What is the Russian Robinson Team?

Tell us about your team: N3QQ, W89HC, OK8AU, RW3RN, K5MSK, NL8F, R1BIG, and R8LR

How did you choose these locations?

As far as Costa Rica is concerned, how will you split up the

operation between el Cano Island (10-40M) and the Park position (10-160)

Tell us about your antennas. The website lists the following:

10/12/15/17/20/30/40m/60/80m Fan dipoles and OCFD 80-10m in vertical configuration. 22m Vertical for 160m and pair of RX beverages (EU/JA directions), high-power filters

What are your expectations? (What criteria will you use to

consider this a success?)

How can folks provide financial support?

Expectations on conditions, # of QSOs

What about YN6RRC, H7RRC (Nicaragua), and 3F3RRC (Panama) operations

- any updates?

R1BIG Social Media handles

https://www.youtube.com/ylraisa

https://www.facebook.com/YLRaisa/

https://www.instagram.com/ylraisa/

W1DED : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo08QEywohY&t=126s

QRZ: https://www.qrz.com/db/TI1RRC

Kitka DXPedition Site: https://www.qrz.com/db/K7K

Russian Robinson Club: https://na-234.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/

IC-7760 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7760

IC-PW2 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-PW2

Episode 58 - W0YK - RTTY Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

I am here to help. #DX #Hamradio

Our guests were Ed, W0YK, and Joe, W8GEX

The topics that we covered included:

Intros - Joe, W8GEX, and then you

How did you get in to Ham Radio?

How did you get in to chasing DX?

You have operated from Japan, Syria, Jamaica, and the Galapagos.

Can you give us highlights of those operations?

How did you get in to contesting?

RTTY:

Describe it a bit

Seems to be your favorite mode, what do you like about it?

Are there still DX stations using RTTY?

Describe the various RTTY contests

It would seem to me to be as popular as ever, correct?

Let's talk about the RTTY sprint - seems daunting to me

Resources mentioned include:

RTTY Contesting : https://www.rttycontesting.com/

AA5AU Page : https://www.aa5au.com/

Weekly RTTY Sprint : https://radiosport.world/wrt.html

NCCC Weekly Sprint : https://www.ncccsprint.com/rttyns.html

MMTTY RTTY Decoder : https://hamsoft.ca/pages/mmtty.php

2Tone RTTY Decoder : https://www.rttycontesting.com/downloads/2tone/

North American Sprint : https://www.contestcalendar.com/contestdetails.php?ref=155

CQWW RTTY DX Contest : https://www.contestcalendar.com/contestdetails.php?ref=130

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/

IC-7760 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7760

IC-PW2 https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-PW2

DX Mentor Status Update Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

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 55 - DX Geography Nov 10, 2024

Show notes

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/