google for the dx cluster in your area, or ask around on local repeaters and 
at local clubs.
read the ts2000 manual like I did to figure out the tnc and dx cluster 
stuff.
ask locals for a vhf or uhf packet frequency that might transmit dx cluster 
info via packet.
73
Colin, V A6BKX
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2010 8:36 PM
Subject: Re: Good DX frequencies?


> Hi Colin.
> How Can I find a local DX cluster, and how do I set up the TS-2000 to use 
> it
> if I find one?
> Thanks in advance, and 7 3.
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "colin McDonald" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2010 3:53 PM
> Subject: Re: Good DX frequencies?
>
>
>> lol, rick, your message reminds me a little of american TV drug
>> commercials...a quarter about the advertising and marketing of the drug, 
>> 3
>> quarters about the possible side effects and complications hi.
>>
>> anyway, I tend to use 20 meters mostly for any dx...that is mostly to due
>> with the fact that I usually only have a mono-band antenna set up for 20
>> meters.
>> 88 countries, and 49 confirmed so far is nothing to sneeze at for only a
>> year and ahalf on HF and the settup you have.
>> I think I might have 25 countries at best, and none confirmed, and i've
>> been
>> on hf for 5 years.
>> Very well done if I say so myself.
>> anyway, for european dx on 20, I usually look between 14.190 and 14.260.
>> I don't know precisely why, or if there are some mutual agreed upon dx
>> frequencies in there, but I find the europeans tend to stay above 14.200
>> and
>> below 14.250.
>> they don't always, but during contests and when the propigation to the US
>> is
>> running hot, they tend to stick within that 50K segment of 20M.
>> I haven't yet figured out a really good way to set the ts2000 to scan or
>> alert you for scan edges...so that you know when your at the bottom and
>> top
>> of the scan range.
>> auto scanning HF is a terribly slow and tedious process...it takes 
>> minutes
>> to scan through 50K of band...if you find you are turning the vfo too 
>> fast
>> and missing things, you could set your tune rate to the fine setting so 
>> it
>> takes more turns to go across the band..or use the tension adjustment and
>> stiffen the vfo up a bit so it doesn't turn so easily.
>> have you considered tapping into a dx cluster for your area?
>> the ts2000 can receive dx cluster information on the sub receiver, and 
>> you
>> can set it to automatically jump to a frequency that has activity.
>> Sometimes the issue though is that local dx cluster transmitters tend to
>> have poor filters, so you get dx cluster info for regions well outside
>> your
>> area.
>> at least that is the issue here.  There is so much info coming across 
>> that
>> the radio goes into parixisms and madly flips from one frequency to
>> another,
>> without hearing a single thing.
>> There is a way to set filters I think in the tnc, or something, but I
>> never
>> went that far.
>> anyway, dx cluster info for your region can be very helpful in locating
>> where the dx is.
>> If your hunting a band, often you'll miss stations if you go past when
>> they
>> are listening or when other stations are talking to them that you can't
>> hear.
>> others will chime in with more frequencies i'm sure.
>> 73
>> Colin, V A6BKX
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Rick" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2010 12:01 PM
>> Subject: Good DX frequencies?
>>
>>
>>> Hi list.
>>> I like to think of myself as a DX hunter, even though I'm not vary good 
>>> =
>>> at it.
>>> I use the hunt and pounce method.
>>> I'd rather try to bust a pileup than try to control one.
>>> Not that I'd ever cause one. LOL
>>> After being on HF for less than a year and a half, I only worked 88 =
>>> countries with 49 confirmed.
>>> I have frequency ranges programmed into my rig from 80 through 10 =
>>> meters, and I pick a band to scan for DX.
>>> When I hear a signal I stop and listen for a while.
>>> I like this method because if I scan a band using the main tuning knob, 
>>> =
>>> I tend to go to fast and miss things.
>>> What I'd like to ask is, what are some good frequencies you have found =
>>> to be good for DX on phone?
>>> Some times I'm doing something other than radio when I'm in the shack, =
>>> and I don't want to scan a band, and have to stop what I'm doing to stop
>>> =
>>> the rig, back it up and check out a signal.
>>> Any suggestions to improve increasing my DX contacts would be greatly =
>>> appreciated.
>>> Right now my station is a Kenwood TS-2000, a Heathkit SB-220, MFJ manual
>>> =
>>> tuner, and the antenna is a Cushcraft R7 with the feed point about 8 and
>>> =
>>> a half feet off the ground.
>>> I have the antenna grounded to a chainlink fence that runs almost a =
>>> whole city block in a straight line.
>>> The fence is broad side to east and west, if that matters.
>>> Also I'd like to say, I'm not trying to be rude if I don't reply to =
>>> every post.
>>> I don't believe it's considerate to cluster up the list with one line =
>>> thank you messages.
>>> I'm not trying to criticize anybody.
>>> Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, and 7 3 to all.
>>>
>>> KB3GOS
>>>