Are you the Chief Engineer of an AM Radio Station Interested in Conducting a DX Test?
DX TEST FAQ:
Q.) What is a DX Test?
DX is a term used in radio for over 100 years that indicates "distant." So a DX Test is specially designed for distant listeners to your station. They are legal under FCC rules and have been part of radio broadcasting for over 90 years.
Q.) What is the hobby of DXing?
Radio began just about 100 years ago..with many citing KDKA in Pittsburgh as the first commercial broadcasting station. As more and more radio stations began to appear on the air, many people were interested in seeing how far away they could receive these strange new transmissions. The hobby of AM DXing was born.
Within a few years, it had grown to become one of the most popular pastimes in America. Stations gave away prizes and had contests to see who could receive their signal at the greatest distances. DX'ers began to collect verification letters from the stations--proof that they had actually received the station has they claimed.
Stations sent out special letters often with EKKO stamps printed for their station which DX'ers collected. Other station printed special "QSL" (radio term for a verification) cards. Others gave away prizes.
Experimental period. The time between 12 midnight local time and local sun- rise, used by AM stations for tests, maintenance and experimentation.
§73.72 Operating during the experimental period.
(a) An AM station may operate during the experimental period (the time between midnight and sunrise, local time) on its assigned frequency and with its authorized power for the routine testing and maintenance of its transmitting system, and for con- ducting experimentation under an experimental authorization, provided no interference is caused to other stations maintaining a regular operating schedule within such period.
(b) No station licensed for ‘‘daytime’’ or ‘‘specified hours’’ of operation may broadcast any regular or scheduled pro- gram during this period.
(c) The licensee of an AM station shall operate or refrain from operating its station during the experimental period as directed by the FCC to facilitate frequency measurements or for the determination of interference.
Q.) Am I limited to a one hour long test?
No. You can run a DX Test all night...in fact, you'll make a lot of DX'ers happy if you do. DX'ers in Europe or the coasts of the US are in different time zones, so by operating all night you increase the chances that your station will be heard.
Q.) Switching to daytime power and pattern is difficult with our automation. Any other options?
DX'ers will be grateful for whatever you can do. Running the Morse Code, sweep tones, etc. can greatly increase the distances that you'll be heard--even if you just run normal nighttime power and pattern. This is especially true if you can run the material all night.
Q.) This sounds like a lot of fun...but the station owner will never go for it. They want programming that is making revenue, even in the middle of the night. Guess I'm out of luck, huh?
Not at all. A lot of station owners feel this way. We understand that this our hobby but it's your business. DX'ers will appreciate anything you can do.
Some stations run special DX Tests that we call "Top-of-the-Hour Tests. Simply download the :60 long DX Test, and insert it into your stations automation just like a local advertising spot.
Top-of-the-Hour Sixty Second Length DX Test.mp3
We ask that you run it between midnight and 6:00AM local, as close to the TOH as you can program it. This means the tones and Morse Code will air at least six times each night. Run this TOH DX Test for a minimum of one week. A month is even better.
If you don't have sixty second long spots, then we also have a thirty second length available. But this really isn't recommended unless there is no other option.
Top-of-the-Hour Thirty Second Length DX Test.mp3
Q.) What time of the year is best for these tests?
Again, anytime of year that you can test is fine for DX'ers. We will be happy to attempt one in the middle of summer and often have good results. Obviously, static from lightning is higher in the summer, and the nights are shorter.
Best results are obtained in the Fall and Winter months from September until April. Lower noise, and long nights mean that AM signals can travel a long way--especially if you are running daytime power and Morse Code.
Q.) You mentioned verification letters or QSL cards? I don't have time to answer a lot of e-mails or questions from hobbyists. I'm really busy.
Chief Engineers often are responsible for multiple stations and have very busy lives. We want to make it easier for you to do the tests--not make more work for you.
Tests are arranged and coordinated by the two largest clubs devoted to the hobby, the National Radio Club and the International Radio Club of America. They share a "Courtesy Program Committee" who coordinates these tests.
The committee was named because we realize that you're making a special effort for hobbyists. It's a courtesy on your part--and we want to help.
The CPC will be happy to publicize the test in advance, take reception reports and verify the ones that are valid, send out QSL cards, etc. At the end of the test, we will send you a single e-mail report so that you can see all the countries and states that received your station. Who knows, the boss might even be impressed!
Q.) I'm curious how far we can be heard. How do I schedule a DX Test?
We need at least a week of advance notice to publicize the test and get the word out to DX'ers. Even longer is better and will ensure the largest possible "audience" for your DX Test. Just send us an e-mail and we'll get things started:
Q.) The MP3 files are fine, but I'd like to run something else. Is that possible?
Certainly! We are happy to put together a custom file just for your test. We can provide Morse Code identifications with your call letters, phonetic voice identifications (This is WHISKEY CHARLIE CHARLIE OSCAR conducting a test for distant listeners.)
We can record a "thank you" for your boss, insert special music, do a "shout out" to your girlfriend or wife, anything that makes things more fun for everyone.
We have the ability to do custom signing "jingles" or in some cases we can research the history of your station and find old jingles from the Top 40 radio days or earlier.
Just ask--we want to do something that you'll really love.
Thanks for your interest in the hobby of DXing, and your time. Let's schedule a test today!
