How to Spot Contacts on Spotting Clusters

Barb Schlueter, KDØWAU, showed us how to spot contacts on spotting clusters in a presentation that was both interesting and educational. The purpose of a DX cluster is to alert interested hams that there’s a station on-the-air.

Some hams might say, “I have no idea what DX cluster to connect to.” Barb recommended and discussed seven sites for posting ham radio spots on.

Dxwatch.com – register call sign and password, then sign in. And then post your spot. QRZ.com uses this database for their spotting.
DXSummit.fi – Very easy to spot a contact. No special software is required.
Hamcall.net – Register your call sign and password to sign in and then scroll down and post your spot.
KSQSOPARTY.org – There is a menu to record a spot.
Ham Radio Deluxe Software – post a spot.
N3FJP software – Configure DX spotting to post a spot.
DX Spots Phone app – for adding DX Spots using your I-Phone or Android (N3FJP uses this database).

Personally, I like using some of these spotting clusters to find interesting contacts. I also find them very useful when trying to find stations participating in various contests like 13 Colonies or Route 66.

Following is a video created by Barb Schlueter as presented to the Flint Hills Amateur Radio Club on 8/9/2021