Basically, DXing is listening to the radio, but not your local radio stations, that would be too easy. The real challenge is listening to distant, far-away places even in languages you don’t understand! All that DXers do, is listen. Not to be confused with those who also transmit, e.g. amateur radio operators (“hams”) or citizen band hobbyists (“CBers”).
You may listen to distant stations to hear the news from a different perspective, for alternate music or cultural programmes. You may listen to standard broadcasting stations or you may listen to utility stations who provide e.g. flight and maritime news, it may be tracking satellites or even listening to “ham” radio. It might just be that all you want to do is test your radio and aerial’s capabilities and see just how many stations and countries you can hear.
Some DXers listen only to mediumwave (AM), some to FM, some to SW and some to everything. There are introductions here
- Introduction to Clandestine DXing
- Introduction To FM DXing
- Introduction to Ham SWL DX
- Introduction to Longwave DXing
- Introduction to Mediumwave DXing
You can DX using any radio, even with a built-in aerial and have a lot of fun even with basic equipment. Serious “hard-core” DXers are after the most difficult stations and will buy expensive radios and aerials and listen even in the middle of the night. They will get away from their noisy home environments to quiet locations just to improve their chances of hearing that rare catch.
Some DXers will send the station they’re received a reception report, this could be a letter, postcard or e-mail (some including an audio clip) in the hope that the station will respond and confirm the reception. A confirmation is called a “QSL”. Some stations issue attractive postcards-style QSLs and many DXers will keep them in photo albums.
There are many DX clubs around the world, including the New Zealand Radio DX League, who maintain this website.
You can find out how to join us here
And find out more about us here
And more information on how to go about DXing
