The Journey to DXCC and WAS
Lately, I devoted a great deal of thought to personal and measurable milestones in amateur radio and radiosport as a whole. The DX Century Club (DXCC) and Worked All States (WAS) stand out within the constellation of amateur radio awards as reachable but not without difficulty. Personally, DXCC and WAS represent the achievement of my skill and on-the-air practice as an operator. I'm re-discovering the fun like that 16-year old teenager sitting in front of the Heathkit HW-16 and Drake R4.
The purpose of The Journey to DXCC and WAS is to share my experience and lesson's learned en route to DXCC and WAS.
All journeys begin somewhere.
In this case, I need to be a member of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), work and confirm approximately 100 DXCC approved countries, submit appropriate paperwork, and QSLs. The ARRL DXCC Rules stated the following, "Individual achievement is measured by working and confirming the various Entities comprising the DXCC List. This is the essence of the DXCC program." (para 3, 2007)
One will find in Section I. Basic Rules the 'how-to' accomplish DXCC. I'm choosing 'mixed' as the ARRL defined it as general type and it is a good operating fit for KA3DRR low-profile, low-power. However, one can also choose to pursue a specific mode such as carrier wave (CW) or single-sideband (SSB) only. The 'mixed' mode is flexible for an entry-level operator like myself.
Furthermore, the ARRL goes on to say in Section I. Basic Rule 12 (Conduct), "Exemplary conduct is expected of all amateur radio operators participating in the DXCC program." (para 48, 2007) I must remember that KA3DRR's operating practice behind the signal represents the spirit of the ARRL and amateur radio as a whole. KA3DRR, in effect, is an ambassador of goodwill on my journey to DXCC and WAS.
The goal of the WAS award is to work and confirm the 50 states of the United States of America. Like DXCC, many specialty awards are available and based on the basic premise of the WAS program.
Keep in mind, radiosport events especially DX-type such as CQ World Wide, CQ WPX, and ARRL DX Internationals provide a stellar opportunity at ticking off needed DXCC countries. In contrast, events like Sweepstakes sponsored by the ARRL, North American QSO Party and North American Sprint sponsored by the National Contest Journal, as well as state QSO parties sponsored by local clubs provide additional opportunity at notching off 50 states.
I recall from the lore years of the late -70s and early -80s the paper chase that followed the journey to DXCC and WAS. Today, one can download many types of freeware programs written by other operators to assist one's paperwork chore. I use DXLab Suite because of it's inclusiveness of various award programs like DXCC and WAS. Likewise, one can import their ADIF file after post-contest results. Remember, work and confirm, whatever the means albeit low-power, low-profile. Currently, my journey will cost no more than $100 when including ARRL membership and hard copy QSL cards.
However, one can further reduce cost and subscribe to the services of eQSL who offer an award program based on virtual QSLs. This service operates on a 'donation' basis just click on http://www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/Index.cfm. There are several membership categories such as regular, bronze, and silver offering various benefits depending on one's donation. Their service put KA3DRR on the QSL map and is budget friendly.
The journey begins anew with modern tools and fresh gear in preparation for the many exciting moments that make amateur radio memorable and the best sport in stadium Earth.
My next The Journey to DXCC and WAS article will examine KA3DRR's DXCC and WAS stats.
73 from the shack.
Reference:
American Radio Relay League, (2007). DXCC Rules Retrieved on May 8, 2007 from http://www.arrl.org/awards/dxcc/rules.html#si. (para 3, 48)
American Radio Relay League, (2007). ARRL Worked All States (WAS) Retrieved on May 8, 2007 from http://www.arrl.org/awards/was/.
