DX University – Visalia Rusty Epps W6OAT Rusty was first licensed as KN4BVD in Columbus, GA in October, He won the Novice Roundup for Georgia in 1959 (his first contest). He was active in CD Parties for two decades, with many ARRL section victories. Rusty created the GA QSO Party. He was a founder of NCCC and organized the NCCC's first-ever club DXpedition to XE1KS/2 for 1971 CQ WW CW DX Contest. Active for decades in ARRL DX and CQ WW DX Contests. Numerous wins and records held. Has participated in dozens of multi-op contests, domestically from stations such as K4BVD/6, W6OAT, N6RO, WA7NIN, K6EBB, K6IDX, and internationally as PJØFC, HC8N, P4ØV, P49V, P4ØHQ, A61AJ and YKØA (for which he was the primary organizer). Has authored numerous articles on contesting which have appeared in QST, NCJ and club newsletters. Has been the Section Communications Manager for the ARRL's San Francisco Section, an Assistant Director in the Pacific Division, a Sixth District QSL Bureau card sorter, and an ARRL Volunteer Counsel. He is a Director and President of the NCDXF and Director and Treasurer of The Yasme Foundation. Past president and director of NCDXC He is the holder of DXCC (373 countries confirmed), #1 DXCC Honor Roll, 5B-DXCC (number 74), 5B-WAS (number 44). Presently serves on the CQ Contest Committee. Was inducted into the CQ DX Hall of Fame in May, 1996 and into the CQ Contest Hall of Fame in April, 2005.

DX University – Visalia Ethics: QSLing, Internet, Remote Operations Rusty Epps W6OAT

DX University – Visalia Pushing the Limits Finding DX Working it Confirming it

DX University – Visalia “Rules” for DXing are different from the rules of contesting. In DXing, YOU usually are the one who decides what is or is not acceptable.

DX University – Visalia Finding DX Traditional Methods: Tuning for it Spotting Networks Other Methods: Telephone Skype

DX University – Visalia WORKING DX What constitutes a QSO?

DX University – Visalia Confirmation data for two-way communications must include the call signs of both stations, the entity name as shown in the DXCC List, mode, date, time and band. DXCC Rules, Section I, Rule 4

DX University – Visalia With a pre-arranged sked, both parties already know the: Callsigns Date Time Frequency Mode What’s left to know?

DX University – Visalia From where must the QSO be made?

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012 All stations must be contacted from the same DXCC entity. The location of any station shall be defined as the location of the transmitter. For the purposes of this award, remote operating points must be located within the same DXCC entity as the transmitter and receiver. DXCC Rules, Section I, Rule 9

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012 Who can make the QSO?

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012 All contacts must be made using callsigns issued to the same station licensee. Contacts made by an operator other than the licensee must be made from a station owned and usually operated by the licensee and must be made in accordance with the regulations governing the license grant. Contacts may be made from other stations provided they are personally made by the licensee. The intent of this rule is to prohibit credit for contacts made for you by another operator from another location. You may combine confirmations from several callsigns held for credit to one DXCC award … DXCC Rules, Section I, Rule 10

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012 QSL Cards and QSLing

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012 Written Proof: … Photocopies and electronically transmitted confirmations (including, but not limited to, fax and ) are not currently acceptable for DXCC purposes. Exception: Confirmations created and delivered by ARRL’s Logbook of the World program are acceptable for DXCC credit. DXCC Rules, Section I, Rule 2

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012 All confirmations must be submitted exactly as received by the applicant. The submission of altered, forged, or otherwise invalid confirmations for DXCC credit may result in disqualification of the applicant and forfeiture of any right to DXCC membership. DXCC Rules, Section I, Rule 11

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012 CONFIRMING CONTACTS Via Postal Direct Outer Envelope No callsigns, Sealing Inner envelope Your callsign, Folding, Sealant Return postage IRCs, currency, stamps Your QSL Easily readable, Your callsign, Info all on one side

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012 Via QSL Bureau Outgoing Bureau Incoming Bureau Keep envelopes (or cash) on file Time in transit Mass mailing of QSLs for all QSOs

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012 Via Traditional QSL Service Via Online QSL Request Service (OQRS) Request via bureau Request direct postal mail Include a contribution Via E-QSL Via Logbook of The World (LoTW) ARRL awards and CQ awards

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012

20 DX University – Visalia 2012

21 DX University – Visalia 2012 A QSL is not merchandise for sale, but the final courtesy of a QSO (from the website of Paul Granger, F6EXV)

DX University – Visalia DX University – Visalia 2012 Contrary to popular belief in some quarters, a QSL card to confirm a QSO is not a "right". In the same vein GM3VLB does not consider it a requirement on his part to automatically reply to all QSL cards received. Were he to do so, the task would take up an inordinate amount of his already limited time. … It is arrogant to suggest that 'QSLing is the final courtesy of a QSO'. Is it not enough that someone has spent a lot of time and gone to a lot of expense getting equipped for portable operation, and perhaps travelling in severe sea/weather conditions, often making difficult landings, and operating in most uncomfortable surroundings? Is it then fair to expect that person to have thousands of cards printed at their own expense AND to also pay return postage? (from website of Andre Saunders, GM3VLB)