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| Recent Events / Updates For real-time DX reports: Check out the TV/FM Skip Log Complete FM DX log (updated 09/03/11): Excel Spreadsheet | HTML/Webpage version
09/03/11 - Some more work done on scattered backlogged audio from June. Just a few more files to go through and I'll be completely caught up. Also... stay tuned for a bit of an update on some of the other pages. I have made a very small move to a nearby apartment, and have rearranged equipment, relocated antennas, etc. When I get a chance, I'll put up some new stuff... Also (again)... if you are a ham radio operator active on the 10 meter band, be on the lookout for a new beacon in the Middle Tennessee area. I have assisted Wes, KE4TWI (a fellow FM DX'er as well!) set up a beacon on 28.204.8 MHz. For the purposes of this website, it may be a very early indicator of an E-Skip opening, as are the many other 10 and 6 meter ham beacons (28.175-28.300 MHz and 50.060-50.080 MHz, respectively). |
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What is FM DXing? FM DXing is a hobby that involves receiving and documenting long distance reception of FM Broadcast radio signals. Under normal conditions, even the most powerful FM Broadcast signals do not provide more than 100 miles of reliable coverage. Due to the line-of-sight nature of radio transmissions at these frequencies (88-108 MHz), signals normally continue beyond the horizon and into space, never to be heard again. However, a few types of natural phenomena can occur in Earth's atmosphere, causing signals to be reflected back to earth at different angles, ending up hundreds, and sometimes thousands of miles away from their origins. The most common phenomena encountered by DXers in the U.S. are Tropospheric Enchancement ("tropo"), Meteor Scatter (Ms), and Sporadic E Skip (Es). For more information on signal propagation, check out this excellent site (under "Signal Propagation") by fellow DX'er Girard Westerberg. Why?
How is this fun?
DXing
in general is a fascinating, tangible way to observe the interaction
between radio signals and the Earth (and occasionally beyond Earth).
Various interests can
be pursued through DXing, including radio (obviously), weather,
atmospheric science, astronomy, and other related fields. For some, the
content transmitted is also of interest.
I prefer the FM Broadcast band for its variety of challenges and opportunities. The band is open to different types of propagation (described above) that are abundant, yet somewhat unpredictable. Further challenge arises from sorting through lots of irrelevant material, like music, in search of station identification or other clues that might lead to identifying a station. In the process, it is also fascinating to hear the local culture and happenings of a variety of places in North and Central America through their radio broadcasts. FM DXing is also very economical and accessible. Anyone can DX FM with a car radio or a decent home radio. Even the top-of-the line tuners for home use can be obtained for less than $200. With just a basic wire (dipole) antenna in a decent location, you can receive many hundreds of stations over time. |