The first thing a new DXer should own...

[N8XE]

The Complete DX'er by Bob Locher, W9KNI

I would consider it required reading before jumping into pileups. I love this book. Whenever I get into some DXing doldrums, I pick up this book to re-energize my desire to work DX.

Jason N8XE

[WA6MHZ]

Here is the 2nd thing!

http://www.bcdxc.org/images/sb220.jpg

[K7JBQ]

Both are highly useful.

Of the two, I'll bet the former would be of more value to the beginner than the latter.

73,
Bill

[N7WR]

W9KNI's book was of great benefit to me, along with UN's Low Band DXing, decades ago when I began chasing DX. Got me more countries IN THE RIGHT WAY than an amp ever has.

[KB2FCV]

Here is the 2nd thing!

http://www.bcdxc.org/images/sb220.jpg

Before that... a decent antenna. The amp does no good if you can't hear em'.

[N8XE]

That is a beauty of an amp Pat! Hope you scored that on the cheap ;)

Having an amp in the shack was a recent thing (about 3 years ago). I worked lots of DX without one. My antenna was upgraded well before I got my first amp (a hexbeam at 40 feet) and I was able to work China on SSB using that beam.

I combined an amp with that antenna and it works very well.

I bought the book before I received my first amp.

Jason N8XE

[WA6MHZ]

I don't hava SB-220. I hava Drake L7. Not quite as much punch, but still two 3-500Zs

[W5DQ]

The Complete DX'er by Bob Locher, W9KNI

I would consider it required reading before jumping into pileups. I love this book. Whenever I get into some DXing doldrums, I pick up this book to re-energize my desire to work DX.

Jason N8XE

From the many dorks who are in the pileups and need to tune up so every milliwatt comes out of whatever they are tuning, I'd have voted for a DUMMY LOAD and the knowledge how to use it.

But the book is good. I have the older version and have been thinking of getting the latest one to see if it has any more info.

Gene W5DQ

[KC7YRA]

As somebody who hits the DX as often as possible, here are my thoughts on beginning DX.

Day 1: Pick a house with no covenants or HOAs. Before we bought this place, I spent hours researching for any hidden covenants/ I then drove around the property with a mobile HF setup while listening to every band I could muster.

Once settled, first thing to do: Clear the house of RF generating electronics. If you cant hear the DX, you cant work them.

Next step, diversity: You MUST be able to operate different modes. You will find a LOT of DX who only operate CW or only operate RTTY. Learn and study and become proficient in as many operating techniques as possible.

Station build: Word here is diversity as well. While you can DX with anything, you will have better luck with as big a piece of aluminum as you can plop on the highest tower you can manage. Antenna gives you FAR greater capability than radio or amp. Antennas antennas antennas ANTENNAS. Beams, phased verticals, high dipoles. All serve a purpose. The more the better.

Radios: Personally, while I have spent thousands of hours DXing with a bottom of the barrel rig, I prefer a higher end one. Dual receive is a Godsend. You can track the operator's split almost effortlessly. If you want to have the best luck, this is crucial.

NOW, read: Read Lochner's book cover to cover and ponder what you read. What you will take away from it is to listen. Listen listen listen. Absolutely at least as important as a good antenna. You must have the abilty to listen to the subtle nuances and timing of DX ops.

Lastly, AMP: Amps are great if you are ready to use one. If you have the best antenna you can muster and your noise level as low as possible, then an amp can give you that extra oomph needed to get in the log. There are contacts I have made where I am certain I would not have had I not been running some juice. I must warn though, amps do not make up for a poor antenna. You get so much more from a better antenna than a buggest amp can give.


There it is, my theory. If you diversify yourself, your station, strive for bigger and better, and LISTEN, I guarantee that the DX will roll in. I understand that some folks cannot go to the extremes that many of us have. It is a big financial and emotional commitment to go full bore into DX. I would guess my point is, plan ahead and put some thought into station design. It will pay immensely. If all you can do is throw an attic dipole into your celing and run 10 watts, make sure you have the best possible setup you can. Maybe stretch another dipole the opposite direction in the attic. Diversify

Brad

[KJ3N]

Here is the 2nd thing!

http://www.bcdxc.org/images/sb220.jpg

I'd consider an amp to be just about the last item. #1 is antenna, IMHO.

[AC0FP]

The Complete DX'er by Bob Locher, W9KNI

I would consider it required reading before jumping into pileups. I love this book. Whenever I get into some DXing doldrums, I pick up this book to re-energize my desire to work DX.

Jason N8XEI don't need the book, I've learned everything I need to know here on QRZ from WA6MHZ. If I ever get into big time DX I will buy a QRO amplifier and call the DX stations continuously, hoping I will end up in their log! He claims it works for him.

fp

[N8CPA]

That is a beauty of an amp Pat! Hope you scored that on the cheap ;)

Having an amp in the shack was a recent thing (about 3 years ago). I worked lots of DX without one. My antenna was upgraded well before I got my first amp (a hexbeam at 40 feet) and I was able to work China on SSB using that beam.

I combined an amp with that antenna and it works very well.

I bought the book before I received my first amp.

Jason N8XE

Behold my Brasshopper, whose DX journey was begun in my own shadow and whose DX is thus mine but once removed. :)

[AC4RD]

One more BIG endorsement for _The Complete DXer_. One of the greatest books in ham radio. I've got all three editions now, and every year or so I pick it up and read a chapter or three just for the enjoyment. Bob did a fantastic job with that book--it's written so simply that anybody (even me) can read it, and the anecdotes and illustrative stories are as entertaining as they are educational. _The Complete DXer_ is a pearl!

[WM3O]

One more BIG endorsement for _The Complete DXer_. One of the greatest books in ham radio. I've got all three editions now, and every year or so I pick it up and read a chapter or three just for the enjoyment. Bob did a fantastic job with that book--it's written so simply that anybody (even me) can read it, and the anecdotes and illustrative stories are as entertaining as they are educational. _The Complete DXer_ is a pearl!

and yet another endorsement for Bob's tome. i have two editions and they are a little dogeared. so many times i have been tuning the bands and i recall Bob's experiences as i relive them, tuning across a weak, chirpy signal that is the hallmark of some distant DX calling CQ CQ CQ DE ........

[WS2L]

Here is the 2nd thing!

http://www.bcdxc.org/images/sb220.jpg

I have a Yaesu FL-2100F but it is always on standby and has helped me numerous times to give me that extra bump in the pile-up's

[N0AZZ]

Bob's book was not nearly as informative as ON4UN's Low Band DXing. Books for the most part as well for the net, ragchewers technical and face to face with other DXers is where there is the most to be learned. Books will help with station improvements and optimization and some skill sets but DX Elmer's are what will get you up to speed with what works also good contesters can be sought out for station improvement's for the best results.

In the end there is one single important thing in DXing to be successful and some of the best will shrug it off but the truth is "Operator Skill". The best of everything will not give you success if do not have or develop this skill, some will never get it and others a short time or a long time to just as long as it's developed. It's just something we all hope to acheve at least me anyway I work on it.

[WA8UEG]

I agree with antenna as number 2.

[W6OGC]

Old-timers say to spend $90 on antennas, $9 on receivers and $1 on transmitters for every $100 you spend on radios.

That seems about right. I've known guys who can't work diddly with huge amps, the fanciest radios, and I've known guys who can work anything with QRP, modest equipment, because they know what they are doing and have patience. The best ones listen, listen, listen, and know their equipment, how to get the most out of it. I've also noticed they are very careful how they install their gear, to eliminate inefficiencies, especially with the antennas and cables. The best engineering practices, not just some old cheap coax slap-dashed across the backyard, etc.

[KJ5T]

Not familiar with the book the OP brought up, most of my tips and hints I have learned from joining the CTDXCC and having discussions with the guys that have been DXing and contesting for years. My station isn't much of a DX station and I don't really spend enough time chasing DX from the current QTH. I am working on getting a place where I will have more luxury to try different antennas. My game though has always been seeing what I can work with compromised antennas and 100 watts or less due to the space restrictions I have had over the years living in rented places.

Anyhow, I will have to check out the book and see what new things I can learn.

[N0AZZ]

I did max out my antennas before buying the best radio I could. Well that's a lie you never have the best antennas. This year I worked on my 80/160 a short 4 sq receiving array and much larger yagi's for 6/2m I think this is true for most everyone though.

There is always room for improvement. But it really is all about the ANTENNAS you got to hear them to work them!

[KE4KY]

....big antenna on a big tower!!

[KI6USW]

Understanding propagation fully - is essential.

Hope that book spent at least a chapter on that subject alone . . .