Dall'altra parte del pile up

[i4zsq]

Tratto dalle 'istruzioni per gli operatori' di una spedizione che dovrebbe rallegrarci fra pochissimi giorni. Se avrete la pazienza di leggerle potreste perfino imparare qualcosa...

The DXpedition frequencies
We will stick to the announced frequencies as much as possible. Nevertheless small deviations might
be needed, as e.g. the announced frequency is busy or filled with QRM.
Make sure that once you start calling on a new band/mode, the frequency is clear, and that you have a
reasonable clear RX window.
- See also attached frequency table.
- See also for the band plans.
- Watch out for other DXpeditions and their split windows
- Watch out for annoying rag chewers! They think they have their natal right to be on certain
frequencies every day (no matter if there is already someone before them). And if they feel
uncomfortable with the pile-up you are creating, they like to jam you. So no long wars. If you
feel you have to chance to “fight” against them, change your frequencies

Dividing and spreading your audience
The pileups are going to be huge! Therefore we will have to spread the audience: by using split,
splitting them up by numbers, by continents or by continent zones (e.g. North EU, Near East, …).
You are in control of the pileup! The better you have it under your control the lesser is the chance to
have QRMers on your TX frequency. Of course there are always jammer who are jamming for their
amusement. You can’t avoid these. The only way to minimize their influence is to ignore them and to
be louder then they.
One of the basic rules is that you absolutely stick to the split, be it frequency, zone, number or
continent. There are no exceptions! Once you start accepting exceptions, there is often no stopping of
the undisciplined callers in the pileups. If they feel that you stick to your rules, discipline will be good.
Whatever split you make by working by numbers or continent zones, work until you end the split
sequence. Never stop in the middle of a sequence, e.g. work 1-2-3-4 and stop the pileup at 5. The
crowd is not likely to forgive you for that.
Follow the propagation: Do not run VK/ZL when there is no propagation to the VK/ZL! Use bigger
splits in big peak openings (if needed), but use smaller splits in low propagation.
Make very clear what you doing, in SSB even in a conversational way.
Experiment with the filter bandwith of your transceiver. Find out what’s better for your ears. If you are
just used to very narrow filter settings, try to work some QSOs with wide filters.

(continua)

[i4zsq]

Re: Dall'altra parte del pile up

Split frequencies
Never start calling simplex!!! Start with calling up the first time you are on the new band/mode! If
you forget to change you will have a big mess on your running frequency.
Maximum size of a split window: Don’t make the same mistake as the PY’s on PT0S when hearing
split on nearly the whole band. In CW and RTTY the split window should be not bigger than 5 kHz, in
SSB maximum 15 kHz.
When listening within the split window there are two types of operators: The first one scan the split
frequency from bottom to top (or vice versa) making it easy for the experienced DXer to follow. The
second one just jumps randomly within the split window and picks up the callsign he can clearly copy.
With this method the DXer has to call on a more or less free frequency to have a chance. Which
method you prefer does not matter. Important is: Try to get full callsigns at once to keep your rate up.
And the audience should have the feeling that there is a kind of system in what you are doing.
Never have the pileup spill over the limits of your announced window. Therefore never work anybody
outside of the split window.
Spread out the pileup. Often the pileup concentrates at the bottom and at the top. In SSB don’t hesitate
to say: “There is nobody on 14207!” Good listeners will quickly catch you.
Also in CW when the pileup is concentrating e.g. on ‘up 2’ just hange to ‘up 3’.
The cluster spot clicker will stay on up2 and those who are listening will come to up3.
Avoid spilling the pileup over ongoing SSB QSOs in your split window. Say rather: “listening 5 to 15
up, avoid 14250”. If you work guys on top of existing QSOs, the rag chewers will get mad and might
start to jam you.
It is important that the pileup hears you. Jammers and policemen on your frequency will decrease your
rate, and will make it difficult to keep the discipline AND will make it difficult for those you DO
work, to hear the confirmation of their callsign. A very good habit is to check your TX frequency from
time to time. If you hear people calling on the wrong VFO, tell them “xxØyy, I am working split”.
NEVER work people on your TX frequency when working split. Do not forget to switch back to split
mode after you checked your TX frequency.
How do you notice there is QRM on your TX frequency while running the piles, and without actually
checking your TX frequency? There are several indicators, such as your speed going down, people
asking for a repeat, people not coming right back to you after you call them, loosing the discipline
(like people keep on calling when you call a certain station). Do not hesitate to ask if your frequency is
clear.
( continua )

[i4zsq]

Re: Dall'altra parte del pile up

Splitting up by continent
There are three continents in our book: Asia/Pacific, Europe/Africa/Middle East, and the Americas.
This will be very important, as propagation will differ to each continent. Splitting by continent ('SSB:
Asia/Pacific 5-10 up'), will ensure that you get the maximum out of every continent, and that every
continent gets its chance.
Know what you are doing: by default, work the continent with the peak propagation. If openings to a
rare continent happen during peaks to another continent make sure the latter understands that you try
to work some rare opening to the first and that they have to standby. This is very tricky, as often ops in
the peak will hear you with 9+ signals, while you work some other continent.
Stick to the continent you are working. No exceptions. If you hear too many callers from another
continent, this means that something goes wrong: your TX is jammed, or the non-targeted continent is
not pleased. Figure out why.
It is good from time to time to listen out for rare DX stations outside of the continent you are working.
A YB or DU can be worked in the Asia pileup, but might be covered by JA's. In phone, do not hesitate
to ask for any Asian stations outside of JA.
Also do not forget some rather large populations within the continent you work. E.g. make sure
VK/ZL can get through when working Asia/Pacific...
( continua )

[i4zsq]

Re: Dall'altra parte del pile up

Splitting up by zones
This might only be needed for EU and NA. This is mainly usable in SSB
EU there are two zones: North/Central Europe down to G-DL-HB9-F and South EU (mainly EA, I, ex-
YU, SV). It might be needed to ask for North/Central EU only, as sometimes (due to the difference in
propagation) South EU totally covers the rest of EU. Make sure that the southerners stand by if
needed.
NA has 3 zones: East Coast: areas 1-2-3-4-8, including VE9's, Midwest: 9-0-5, West-Coast: 6-7,
including KL7 and KH6.
Make sure that the pileup understands which area you work, and what is contained in that area.
While working with NA areas, people might sign portable. If not, ask them what area they are in. If
not in the specified area, they do not go in the log. No exceptions. No mercy, or the pileup will grow
out of hand. Make sure though, you remain calm and courteous. 'Sorry, working Eastcoast only now' is
better then 'Why the hell are you calling me, you know I am working Eastcoast only? Buy a receiver'.
( continua )

[i4zsq]

Re: Dall'altra parte del pile up

Splitting up by numbers
Tricky, tricky, very tricky.
Before you start working by numbers assess the following:
- Is the pileup too dense? If so, that is an indicator to go by numbers
- Is my speed too low because of the density? If so, an other indicator to go numbers
- How stable is the propagation? If stable, then work 20 QSOs per number, if not, do not go for
more than 10 per number. This is very, very tricky. If you misjudge, the numbers at the end
will have no more propagation by the time you work them
Never go for more than 20-25 per number (or about 5-6 minutes per number), making sure you work
more for the densely populated areas (USA 4-6). Limit the time you spend on each number! Always
count that you will spend (time per number) x 10 = total time needed to finish the list... Will there still
be propagation?
Once going by numbers, stick by numbers. Announce the change of numbers in advance: 'one more
with number 1'. 'Now going for twos, twos, twos, listening 200-210'
Once switching to the number system, it might be useful to reduce your window.
The number sequence for EU/Asia is the normal: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-0. Do not go with more creative
sequences.
Very important: the number sequence for NA follows propagation: For NA: 1 2 3 4 8 9 0 5 7 6
Do NOT, repeat NOT, deviate from this sequence.
Portables are a non-issue. AA1AA/4, is a 4, not a 1. If he calls in as AA1AA, he is a 1.
Double numbers are a non-issue: Z32ZG can call in as a 3 or a 2.
( continua )

[i4zsq]

Re: Dall'altra parte del pile up

The rhythm of working stations
Rhythm does not mean rate. Rate is not everything. Rhythm is. Do not over emphasize rate. Insist in
working the guys in the same way, with the same words, with the same rhythm. Typical exchange for
our expedition in SSB (with incomplete calls) is:
a) 'KU', 59
b) VE1KU, thanks, 59
a) VE1KU, thank you, up 5-10 --> ALWAYS repeat his complete call to confirm!
Typical exchange for our expedition in SSB (with complete calls) is:
a) 'VE1KU', 59
b) VE1KU, thanks, 59
a) thank you (occasionally: 'thank you, up 5-10')
In CW (incomplete call):
a) 'KE 5NN
b) de VE1KE 5NN
a) VE1KE TU or VE1KE UP --> always repeat his complete call to confirm!
In CW (complete call):
a) 'VE1KE 5NN
b) de VE1KE 5NN
a) TU or UP
In all modes make sure that the one that you worked clearly understands that he is now logged. In all
modes, repeat the station's complete call if you had it wrong or incomplete the first time, before you
call QRZ again. This will increase the certainty of the guy that he was logged correctly, and thus
increase the pileups joy, and reduce the chances for dupes. Your rate will be a bit lower, but the end
result will show more net QSOs (less dupes).
In SSB make sure you speak clearly.
A good habit to establish rhythm in SSB is not only to standardize your words (see example above)
but also to minimize words.
In CW standardize your overs (how you give a report and how you call QRZ.
Partial persistence: In all modes make sure that you persist in the selected station until you have his
full call. Do NOT ever make exceptions. Once you get 'KU', you stick to 'KU' until VE1KU gets
through. If you realize that you made a mistake (you must be sure), and 'KU' does not come back, but
it is 'KA' go like this:
CW: 'NIL UP' and then after 3 seconds: 'KA 5NN'
SSB: 'nothing heard, QRZ' and after 3 seconds 'KA 59'
In this way (though it is a bit naughty) you make clear that only KU was what you needed, and KA
just called on the next QRZ.
Dupes are a non issue. If a station calls in again just work! Don’t waste time on discussions!
There are people that say that you can even work a couple of fake stations to increase the feeling of a
rhythm (or at least not to loose the rhythm). I would not go that far, but it is up to you to decide. Make
sure that you do not log the fakes, and that the fakes are no existing calls ('Gosh I heard him work my
brother, who is not even home right now').
One more note on rates and speeds: do not dare to go faster than 20-25 wpm in CW on 160/80. Also
make clear repeats of the calls on the low bands. Get your speed records on the main bands, not on the
edge bands!
Rate is not the same as speed. You can work 4 stations per minute, with a CW speed of 30 wpm, but
maybe only work 2 with a speed of 60 wpm. Remember that a lot of hams can only get their own call
at a high CW speed. So do not try to give QSL info or pileup directives at 50 wpm, reduce it when
sending information!
It is important to get yourself into the right gear, before you start operating in the right rhythm. In
other words, before you start operating, make sure the amp is properly tuned, right antenna, right
direction, right mike or speed or keyer settings. With the first station you work in your new session,
check your modulation and ask him if your frequency is clear. The latter is very important on the
lower bands (e.g. 40 and 80m are very narrow and crowded and it can take a long time to find a good clear spot).

Per ora credo possa bastare... Voglio sperare che una attenta lettura possa dare una mano agli operatori meno smaliziati per evitare certe figuracce ..... GL e s G DX....

[iz4tnw]

Re: Dall'altra parte del pile up

Veramente grandioso questo decalogo, grazie Sil
73 de Ant

[i4zsq]

Re: Dall'altra parte del pile up

Onestamente bisogna ammettere che non c'è niente di nuovo sotto il sole, può tuttavia fare comodo sapere ( anche a costo di origliare dalla serratura...) quali sono le istruzioni per l'uso per chi deve gestire al meglio un pile up troppo spesso indisciplinato o inconsciamente deficitario che potrebbe rallentare le operazioni in modo intollerabile per chi cerca di mettere a frutto le ore di apertura che la propagazione concede di volta in volta. Mi è sembrato utile evidenziare un punto di vista diverso dalle solite raccomandazioni che possiamo leggere in ogni dove e che per qualche strano motivo ci dimentichiamo sempre di applicare... 73'

[IN3ZNR]

Re: Dall'altra parte del pile up

Caro vecchio Sil

ehhh se ne potrebbero raccontare di belle...
comunque questa è carina !!!

"There are people that say that you can even work a couple of fake stations to increase the feeling of a
rhythm (or at least not to loose the rhythm). I would not go that far, but it is up to you to decide. Make
sure that you do not log the fakes, and that the fakes are no existing calls ('Gosh I heard him work my
brother, who is not even home right now')."

Alcuni dicono che puoi anche a volte, far finta di lavorare un po' di stazioni non vere per dare la sensazione di avere un ritmo (o almeno di non rischiare di perdere il ritmo). Non vorrei comunque addentrami troppo sul tema, ma lascio a te la scelta. Assicurati però di non mettere a log quei nominativi non veritieri e anche che questi nominativi non esistano realmente...o...
(' Accidenti l'ho sentito appena adesso lavorare mio fratello e lui non è neanche a casa!!)

[IK2SOE]

Re: Dall'altra parte del pile up

...sento le orecchie di Gino che fischiano....