CHASING DX CQ DX Jan2025

CHASING DX CQ DX CQ DX….                       DX Editor: Tony DiCenzo, KX1G

January 2025 – Issue 27       (Happy New Year!)                                        KX1G@ARRL.NET

Announced Top-100 DXPEDITIONS scheduled in January 2025

DATES	ENTITY	CALLSIGN	QSL INFO	INFO
Jan 12 – 27	Marquesas	TX7N	Club Log OQRS	160-6m; 5 stations;  24 hrs/7 days

Also expected in January: Dominica, Mariana Is., Gambia, Palau, Benin, Senegal, Mozambique!   For the latest info check Announced DX Operations   https://www.ng3k.com/misc/adxo.html

Here’s an incentive to exploit the peak solar conditions for Cycle 25

If you were successful chasing DX in 2024, you are going to absolutely love 2025 because the experts tell us we are enjoying peak propagation conditions as we reach the mid-point in the 11-year cycle. Best conditions since 1979 (Cycle 20).

Here’s an incentive: The first club member to work 100 different DX entities in January wins a coveted ‘Chasing DX’ coffee mug. See Groups.io for details!

January DX Contests

https://www.contestcalendar.com/contestcal.htm

Jan 4-5             ARRL RTTY Roundup

Italy, Hungary, Germany and lots of other entities are holding contests this month. Good chance to work a lot of DX and brush up your DX Chasing skills and maybe win a Chasing DX mug. Check out the contest calendar!

Answer to the Question of the month for December 2024

The question was: DXpeditions have quickly caught on that using FT8 they can work a lot of DX in a short amount of time. If you have NOT started to use FT8 why not? If you have, has it gone smoothly? How many contacts and DXCC entities have you confirmed on FT8? Got any questions about set up?  

Responses note that while FT8 is a new mode it has shown some strengths and is developing a following.

Jim, N7JIM, notes that FT8 combined with Grid Tracker can make FT8 more interesting. He also points out the 30m band can help reach an elusive N1CC POTA Award that requires FT8 contacts on 10 bands.

Frank, W2XYZ, note that while FT8 also allows the DXpedition operator to greatly increase the number of stations he will work, it gives many operators a chance to obtain DX awards without having big stations with massive antenna arrays

Frank also notes that while FT8 exchanges are short, the FT8 operators are more skilled than the traditionalists because they figure out how to use their computer for more than just email.

As for success with FT8, Eric, KD4MZM, notes having 150 FT8/FT4 Qs in his log!

Maybe it’s time for you to give FT8 a try???

Question of the Month for January 2025

A simple but important question this month.

You have a choice of tools to use for Chasing DX.  Which have you found the most valuable?

I am looking for responses from experienced DXers and newbies.

Got a suggestion/question for Chasing DX?? Please send it to KX1G@ARRL.NET.  

73!   KX1G