First contact "across the pond"

[KE5FRF]

Wow, that was exciting.

Russian sailor with steel cargo on his way to Liverpool (I think I copied from Bolivia, but not certain)

This is why I got on HF!

[WA2ZDY]

It was worth learning the code, wasn't it?

[w2nsf]

Reminds me of the excitement of my first DX contact; Belgium, if I recall.
Yeah, HF's a hoot! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KE5FRF]

Quote[/b] (WA2ZDY @ Mar. 31 2006,16:15)]It was worth learning the code, wasn't it?
Oh yes, indeed.

I am not a hellfire and brimstone anti-NCI, blah blah blah, such and such.

BUT....I really wish i could convey just how fun it is, as an ENCOURAGEMENT for folks.

BTW, if anyone wants to try a contact, this can be a DXspotter thread....

He's still there strong 5-7 here on 14.313 USB

[ae6yd]

Does it really count as "across the pond" if it's a maritime mobile still in the pond? ;)

Congrats. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[w4rot]

Enjoy your bad self!
Wish you mega more.
Fun,NC
w4rot

[KE5FRF]

well, he's gone now, the rig tuners and stateside ragchewers ran him off.


This brings me to a good question.

As soon as I made the contact, I went to the DX SUMMIT website and posted it. I've done this a few times before too....but in MY case, when I click on "last 50 HF spots"...my post doesn't show up. Also, if I go directly to the 14Mhz link, and scroll down through it, my spot is not listed. It isn't a matter of waiting, because it updates or I hit the refresh button a few minutes later, and still no post?? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Just odd to me.

[WA5KRP]

That's a BFD. CONGRATULATIONS and hope you log many more!



WA5KRP
Texas

[n0iu]

Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ Mar. 31 2006,14:23)]I really wish i could convey just how fun it is, as an ENCOURAGEMENT for folks.
First of all, congratulations! May your logbook grow fat with DX contacts!

As far as encouraging people, whenever us OF's even suggest that hams learn CW so they can upgrade to General and beyond so they can experience the same thrill you just experienced, it is like we are telling them to stick hot needles in their eyes, kick a puppy, rob a bank, get a proctological examination or engage in some other painful, illegal or immoral activity.

All we have been trying to do is share our enjoyment and enthusiasm for this mode. Hopefully you will have better luck than we have been having.

Scott NØIU

[WB2WIK]

Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ Mar. 31 2006,15:00)]As soon as I made the contact, I went to the DX SUMMIT website and posted it. I've done this a few times before too....but in MY case, when I click on "last 50 HF spots"...my post doesn't show up. Also, if I go directly to the 14Mhz link, and scroll down through it, my spot is not listed. It isn't a matter of waiting, because it updates or I hit the refresh button a few minutes later, and still no post?? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Don't worry about it.

The objective of making the post to spot the station is for the benefit of others, not to look for it yourself. Sometimes they take a while, sometimes they don't take at all...

Best thing to do if you really want to actively "spot" DX is join your local VHF DX packet cluster and keep it connected 24/7. If you use a DX logging program you can run the cluster in a window in the corner of your screen, and as soon as you work somebody and log them, just hit the proper function key to send a post (spot) to the cluster; it will take the info from your log and post it for you, without you doing anything else, so while that's happening you can be working the next one...

WB2WIK/6

[AL7GA]

And my congratulations as well. The thrill of a contact by a convergence of natural events rather than a mere line of sight or internet connection is fantastic. Not that they do not have their place, but it is a different kind of gratification, isn't it?

[KE5FRF]

Right, I know it is for the benefit of others, but "thar be no benefitin' if thar be no post, me-matey!"

Just was making sure I was doing it right.

[KB3LIX]

Congrats from me as well.

Please understand that it's not just the first, or the second, or even the third.......
They are ALL EXCITING, at least for me it has been. Don't let the thrill die, that's part of what you worked for, ENJOY !

At some point propagation is going to get better, and DX will pick-up. More to enjoy !

[KC2ESD]

Welcome to the HF Addiction for there is no cure and you don't want to be cured anyway. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[w8cbc]

Good going, FRF. I've hit Europe, the Caribbean, South America and NZ so far in well under a year, but never yet a maritime mobile!

Keep an ear out for highway mobiles. I'm often one and usually hang out in 17 metres.

A hint for sneaking through pileups - do a broadcast-style legal ID, calls and city. I often hear, "The Cincinnati station, again?"

[DK1KPP]

Congratulations! This is great!
I hope I'll get a /mm someday, too :0 :0
What a fantastic hobby!

[N8CPA]

Congratulations! /MM's are my favorite contacts, particularly on CW.