A
DX Cluster is a network of connected amateur radio operators. Users connect into a cluster, which
generally serves a local region and clusters are linked together to form wider
areas of coverage by geographical area such as state, country and even
international level. The result is a
vast network of connected users sharing information pertaining to amateur
radio.
Connections
into a DX Clusters can be made using TNC/RF devices usually operating on
VHF/UHF frequencies or Telnet using the Internet for connectivity.
Stations
connecting into a cluster share amateur radio information including:
·
DX Spots
·
WWV Spots
·
Talk, Announcements,
and Mail
·
Weather and Emergency
Services
In
addition DX Clusters offer general utilities for amateur operations such as:
·
Callsign Lookup
Databases
·
QSL Databases
·
Great Circle Heading
and Sunrise Sunset calculations
AR-Cluster is a
next-generation DX Cluster system based on 32-bit Windows platforms. AR-Cluster features built-in Internet
connectivity for connecting to other AR-Cluster nodes. User connections are available using Telnet
over the Internet or by TNC/RF devices.
AR-Cluster integrates easily into existing cluster networks.
This
manual is designed to help you become familiar with the AR-Cluster user
commands. AR-Cluster is constantly
being updated with new features and commands so make sure your manual is
up-to-date. Several of the commands
listed in this manual are specific to an AR-Cluster node. AR-Cluster nodes always sign with a “arc>” at the end of an ID.
Check
out the AR-Cluster web site at: www.ab5k.net
Telnet
into AR-Cluster at: dxc.ab5k.net or dxc-us.ab5k.net
On-Line help is available while connected into a DX-Cluster using the Help
command. You can also use shortcuts for
help such as “HE” and “?”.
Examples:
help
help set
help show
AR-Cluster has “Smart Help” logic so that any partial command will
fall through into the help logic and display the help for the command. User enters a mal-formed command as:
"DX 14000" or "DX JA1AAA" or "DX" and the help
for the DX command will be displayed.
Examples:
dx
dx 14000
wwv
Random help tips are available with the SHOW/TIP command.
Examples:
show/tip
If
you use spots off the cluster network, then contribute by spotting back to the
network.
Setting
up and operating a DX Cluster takes and lot of time and expense on the part of
the sysop. He has to maintain
computers, radios, TNC’s, software, Internet connections and additionally
updates to callsign databases. Expenses can add up very quickly. Let your sysop know that you support him
with an occasional thanks and by kicking in some money into the cluster
maintenance fund.
K8SMC Newsletter
Terry,
K8SMC publishes a great user newsletter about AR-Cluster. He currently has over 400 subscribers. Details are on his web site at http://www.k8smc.com/.