The Daily DX Editor Bernie McClenny, W3UR, offers some basic recommendations to avoid problems when trying to work the “many juicy DXpeditions” that are active (see The Daily DX Calendar) this month.

“DXers do not depend on the cluster spots to tell you who is on what frequency,” McClenny says. He notes that it’s fine to use DX spots as a reference point, but to make sure you know for certain which station you are hearing/calling, so that you log the correct call sign. Don’t assume.

Also, DXpeditions all work split and typically listen a few kilohertz up. Pay attention to your VFOs, and don’t transmit on top of the DX station. “If someone does transmit (calls) on top of a DXpedition, you are better off not getting involved and making things worse,” McClenny advises. “Don’t be a DX pileup policeman!”

He also has some advice for DXpedition operators. “DXpeditioners, before firing up on a frequency make sure your transmit frequency is clear. Listen around to make sure some other DXpedition is not too close to your transmit or receiving frequencies.” And, he adds, “Please send your call sign often!”

McClenny says that ultimately the DXpedition operator is responsible for the pileup. “Remember it takes two to make a QSO, and we DXers at home and those on DXpeditions have certain responsibilities to keep the confusion at a minimum, especially with all the DXpeditions that will be QRV [on the air] during this month.”