SO1R/Cluster
Use of Cluster Spots
Win-Test allows you to establish a DX Cluster connection, either through a regular packet link (using a TNC) or through the Internet by using the wtDxTelnet application. DX Spots you receive from the cluster can be filtered by Win-Test and be lined up in a way that does not distract you from the contest operation.
There are several uses of Packet spots:
- New multipliers on the same band or different bands
- New stations
- Orientation for S&P operation
Once you have DX-Cluster set up, open up the Announce Window (Alt-A) and let the spots roll in.
New Multipliers
New multipliers are the biggest attraction on the DX Cluster. They are displayed in green color or even in blue color, if they are double mults. Simply double-click on a spot and the radio will jump to that spot within a few milliseconds. Work the new mult. Now Alt-F4 will bring you back to the original frequency.
Learn how to better use this feature and you will be able to leave your CQ frequency alone for a few seconds, work the new mult and return so that nobody even notices you were away.
New Stations
In the course of the contest, all mults have been worked and CQs bring little results. Now is the right time to go after these spots which are not new mults but at least new stations. Since you have learnt how to quickly jump back and forth, why not use the same strategy to work a new station every once in a while?
Orientation
Even if you have worked almost everything on the band, the cluster spots come in handy when you are in search and pounce mode. With the band map activated, the spots will save you time when trying to identify stations or sometimes even to find a clear spot on a band to call CQ.