BOOK REVIEW: THE NEW DXER'S HANDBOOK

July 30, 2015

BOOK REVIEW: THE NEW DXER'S HANDBOOK - 2nd EDITION

by Bryce K. Anderson, K7UA

Congratulations to Bryce K7UA on the release of the 2nd edition of his New DXer's Handbook. Released in January 2015, this guide covers many interesting topics, tips and techniques relating to the DXing side of the amateur radio hobby. Bryce writes with enthusiasm and an obvious deep love for working DX.

In his introduction, Bryce writes:

"Every accomplished DXer was a beginner at one time.

In 2010 I wrote the first edition of this handbook for new members of the Utah DX Association. It was intended to give them something that would be easy to understand yet would quickly teach them the basic skills of successful DXing that took me years to discover on my own. Now in hindsight it all seems so simple.

DXing can become a lifelong passion and is a lot of fun! It offers opportunities for personal growth in a wide variety of areas: geography, engineering, science, language skills and many more. It also offers a competitive outlet for those who are so inclined. And best of all, through DXing I have made many new friends all over the world!

To my pleasant surprise this primer has gained an international readership and is now available in several languages! The first edition has become somewhat outdated and was never written for a broad audience. I have attempted to remedy both of those issues here in the second edition. I am honored by the recognition that I have been given. Wherever you are, I hope that you will enjoy this handbook and that it will help you gain some new skills. I truly hope that it will give a running start to those new to our ranks. Nothing would please me more than to learn that I have helped a new generation of young DXers get started."

Now, while the Mount Evelyn DX Report is read by many hams scattered around the world, the predominant readership of this blog consists of shortwave broadcast DX listeners. And while this e-book sets its sights directly on the amateur radio operator, there is much will be of interest for SWLs, too. The following chapters are included:

Chapter – 1 Listening – The key to successful DXing
Chapter – 2 DX Cluster Basics
Chapter – 3 The Pinnacle of DXing-The DX Century Club
Chapter – 4 The DXer’s Toolkit
Chapter – 5 Split Operation & How to Be Heard in a Pileup
Chapter – 6 DX Propagation Basics
Chapter – 7 Phonetics
Chapter – 8 The Art of QSLing
Chapter – 9 DX Intelligence

Of particular interest to new hams and SWLs will be the chapter on the DXer's Toolkit where, in simple language, he outlines the importance of good antennas, equipment and being flexible in your approach by developing a versatile radio station (one that can operate on a number of modes rather than simply on single sideband). One of the best chapters highlighted the correct approach to working split while outlining some smart strategies for trying to be heard in those huge pileups for that rare DX country.

There's a quick rundown on the basics of propagation with additional links provided that will lead the reader onto more detailed explorations of this complex subject. SWLs and hams alike will benefit from some great tips for achieving a better success rate when chasing QSL cards. And for new radio enthusiasts, there is a valuable discussion on DX clusters and the good etiquette required when using them.

This e-book is set out in a clear and straightforward style - there's nothing especially fancy about the layout of this PDF document. And it's not a huge book - only 42 pages long. But as a basic primer for novice hams and SWLs wanting to know more about DXing, The New DXer's Handbook is a great introduction to this fascinating part of our radio hobby.

You can download a copy of Bryce's latest edition as a Kindle Book for the princely sum of only US$1.00 at this link:
http://www.amazon.com.au/The-New-DXers-Handbook-Edition-ebook/dp/B00SNIGPIC

73 and good DX to you all!

Rob Wagner VK3BVW