What do you want in a DXpedition?

While I was attending the International DX Convention in Visalia, California last week. I sat and chatted with many DXers from all over the world. I asked them: What do you want in a Dxpedition?

By far, most DXers told me that they wanted a team of competent and able operators, who could handle big pileups with skill and finesse. They also want operators and leaders who know and understand propagation and make proper band selections by time of day. They want the Dxpedition to do everything possible to enable the DXers to work them. They told me that some DXpeditions seem to “go to bed too early” and miss important band openings to certain areas of the globe.

Many DXers told me that they like a log checking feature. Almost everyone said that a daily upload to Clublog was sufficient and they didn’t need real time logging.

DXers said that they like to see pictures from the operation and they want to know and understand the challenges at the other end of the pileup.

DXers told me that they are very interested in 160 meters and that proper emphasis should be made to have a good antenna, powerful amp and experienced top band operators.

DXers told me that Social Media was of little importance to them. “just have a good website” was said to me.” Show me how propagation will be in my area”. Have an easy method to obtain the QSL card.

DXers told me that they feel that the best DXpeditions use regional Pilot Relay stations. These people are in tune with the Dxpedition and aware of the propagation and they can best guide the Dxpedition to meet the demand for contacts.

Several DXers told me that if a Dxpedition makes bold statements such as they are also going to Kerguelen or activating a second camp on the other side of the Volcano, then they should really keep their promises. DXers tend to make donations based on promises and they feel wronged when they are not achieved.

DXers told me that they really enjoy it when the Dxpedition Team meets their audience at places such as IDXC and the Dayton Hamvention. They like the rapport that they develop with the teams and their members.

DXers told me that they like the concept of “pure DX”. They don’t want to work a remote station being operated from somewhere else. They want to experience the contact purely through radio.

 

What do you think?

 

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