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: dxspots.com.
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.