A comment on this question says to "check the cluster". What does it mean to "check the cluster"? I'm guessing it's a website. I did an internet search and http://www.hamcluster.net/Map.aspx seems to be limited to DX.
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asked Jun 27, 2018 at 23:41
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3$\begingroup$ When I suggested in chat that this was a good question to ask, I was hoping it would get a good comprehensive answer that explains the history of the term, what it is, and what it's good for. It's a question that makes sense outside of the context. $\endgroup$– Kevin Reid AG6YO ♦Jun 29, 2018 at 14:13
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1$\begingroup$ Seems the comment has been deleted in the interim. $\endgroup$– YetAnotherRandomUserJun 30, 2018 at 17:03
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2 Answers
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Definition
A DX cluster is a venue (a website or Telnet session) where amateurs may post information about the callsign and frequency of a desirable DX station, so that others may see the posts and then work them if desired.
Per https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/DX_cluster :
A DX cluster is a network [or "cluster"] of computers, each running a software package dedicated to gathering, and disseminating, information on amateur radio DX (long-distance contact) activities.
The first DX cluster software, PacketCluster2 was realized by US radio amateur Dick Newell, AK1A in the late 1980s, and quickly became popular as a means of exchanging DX-related information. Before the Internet became widely available, the nodes running the cluster software would connect via radio links at certain frequencies allocated within the amateur radio bands. Users of the system would then connect to a node using frequencies different to those used by the nodes.
When the Internet became widely available, the system was expanded to make use of telnet connections to Internet nodes, in addition to the already established packet radio nodes. Users of internet nodes connect to a particular node using telnet client software.
"DX" (long distance) can have different meanings, depending on what band you are using and where you are located. http://on4kst.com/chat/start.php is the one I use during 160m CW contests. It lists all the bands EXCEPT for the "DX bands" 10, 12, 15, and 20.
History
They started using radio, well before the Internet. Most of those were local DX "clusters" (though they were not called that back then) on VHF and UHF repeaters. Then Packet Radio came along, followed by PacketCluster software which came into wide use.
Types of DX clusters
There are different types of clusters. Some clusters are not necessarily about a foreign country (DX). Assuming you are in the USA, a post may be about a station in a rare US state or grid square, for example. "The" cluster implies that there is only one. Thus when you were told that, you may have been given incomplete information.
Telnet clusters are accessed from a terminal window (or command prompt), and are text-based rather than graphical.
Other uses
A DX Cluster can also be used to announce upcoming contests and DXpeditions, as well as enable users to chat amongst themselves.
Lists of DX Clusters
There are too many DX clusters to list here. Google list of dx clusters. As Mike said,
http://www.dxsummit.fi. is one. http://www.eham.net has a version as well.
answered Jun 30, 2018 at 11:43
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1$\begingroup$ Generally when asked to define what DX is, the usual answer is "DX is!", because it's not necessarily about geographic areas, but about rarity. You could be in an area or country that does not get a lot of activity, and get pounced upon by thousands of hams on the air - but be on a remote island that is a popular holiday destination and get nothing $\endgroup$– Scott Earle ♦Jul 6, 2018 at 2:02
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1$\begingroup$ Also, I have only worked about 5 US States, so the vast majority of the US is DX to me, as well as being a foreign country $\endgroup$– Scott Earle ♦Jul 6, 2018 at 2:04
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1$\begingroup$ Does the term "cluster" in the ham world always refer to a DX log, or is it a more general term? $\endgroup$ Dec 2, 2018 at 16:03
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$\begingroup$ @YetAnotherRandomUser The short answer is no. Please see my answer. Suggested edits to it to make this clearer are welcome. $\endgroup$ Dec 2, 2018 at 18:56
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1$\begingroup$ I read your answer 3x and the linked material to make sure I was picking up what you're throwing down, but it seems that I missed that part. If "the cluster" isn't always a DX log/cluster, then why is that all your answer talks about? $\endgroup$ Dec 2, 2018 at 19:37
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Typically, "the cluster" is the DX Cluster. The terminology goes back to the 80s. There are a few ways to get to it.
http://www.dxsummit.fi. is one. http://www.eham.net has a version as well.
What were you asking about that generated the "check the cluster" response?
