Gayle, having a directional antenna does not mean that you will not hear
signals from other directions. It means that you will hear the signal louder
from the direction that you are pointing. The way that most of us use is to
look at the DX Cluster and see what signals are being heard by others. To look
at the DX cluster, decide which computer logger you want to use and read the
instructions for looking at the cluster. I personally use XMLog for general
logging. Type XMLog - Amateur Radio Logbook System for Windows in your browser
or click on the URL listed on this line. Read the instructions for downloading
and installing the program. Try it and see if you like it well enough to use.
If you use it for a while and then decide to change it has a program to make a
file that other loggers can use. You don't pay until you decide you like it
and then you pay only what you think it is worth. This is called "Share Ware"
for those who are
not savvy Internet users.
When you see a posting you want to use, tune to the frequency and point the
beam in the direction indicated. For tuning the band, point the beam in the
direction you prefer and tune. I usually use 045 degrees to get the best
signal from the North East which included most of the USA, Europe and the
Middle East. The lobe on most antennas will be about 90 degrees wide, so you
will also get signals from Russia, India, Africa about an S unit or so down.
The poorest signal will be 90 degrees left or right of the direction you are
aiming. When you identify the signal you can then peak it with your beam.
Spend some time listening and you will develop the habits required. It is
sometimes easier to learn than to describe. Good luck and do a lot of
listening.
XMLog - Amateur Radio Logbook System for Windows
XMLog - Amateur Radio Logbook System for Windows
View on www.xmlog.com Preview by Yahoo
Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman
K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart
On Monday, August 4, 2014 9:47 AM, Gayle Dotts via BVARC <[email protected]>
wrote:
I have just switched from a vertical to a directional antenna with rotor, up 25
feet. What is the most efficient way to search for contacts on a given
frequency? VFO till contact then rotate to fine tune in S reading, or rotate
15 degrees then VFO the entire frequency and repeat? Please advise.
73
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