As I mentioned in my last DX Info there are many DXpeditions on the air and the majority will be operating “split”. Here is “How To” do just that even with a video from DX Engineering.
Learn about “SPLIT” operating before you tune in…
Let’s talk about this:
Usually, the split is 5 kHz up for the Receive, or in Ham-Speak – QSX, but it can be 5 to 10 up and can go as high as 50 up, depending on the “Weight” of the pileup, openings and the band itself. For instance, 12 or 17 meters has less room than say 10 or 15 so the spread of the split will naturally be less. Sometimes they’ll transmit on 80 and listen on 75 (for US Generals)
Why Split you ask??
Good question for newer Hams and sometimes forgotten by some of us more seasoned operators.
When a DXpedition is calling from a very rare location, there will be thousands of people calling them from all parts of the planet. In an effort to be heard by the callers they listen Away from where they are calling. If they didn’t do this, callers would not be able to hear who they are responding to as they keep calling over the DX operators. Following the main rule of the DX Code of Conduct is Listen – Listen – Listen, learn where they are receiving calls as the Op says Listening Up, Up 5 to 10 or 5 to 20 etc… They are NEVER listening on the frequency they are calling on, whether SSB, CW or Digital – NEVER! Listen to what the op says when calling!
Unless you have a very old tube transceiver, your radio has a Split button (or you may have separate TX / RX sets) so learn how to use it now, before you call on top of the DX and incur the wrath of the famous Up Police who will yell at you while also talking over the DX operators.
Here is a excellent short video by DX Engineering that may be helpful: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1336000431614374