KJ7UN Cluster FAQs & Help!

Q:  What is a "Spot Cluster"?

A:  A spot cluster or DX cluster is an online place to share information about heard radio stations around the world.  Some are accessed using TNCs and your radio (like the KE7X cluster in Bozeman).  Others are on the web.   There are all kinds of web-based clusters, but this cluster is the first one on line for Montana, Wyoming, Idaho & Utah.  Our propagation is different than the rest of the "seven" call area - so this is our place to share spots.  Want to see some other clusters?  Go here:  http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/DX_Resources/Clusters/

Q:  Do you accept donations or financial support to keep this cluster running?

A:   There are a lot of costs involved in the setup and maintenance of this cluster.  Although donations are not required or asked for, you are welcome to help support it anytime.  Send an email and I'll tell you how!  

Q:  Who can use this Spot Cluster?

A:  Anyone in the Montana, Wyoming, Idaho & Utah call area can post.  Anyone around the world can view it.

Q:  What do the abbreviations on this site stand for?

A:   Most are common to any spot cluster:

Q:  What is WWV?

A:  WWV is the callsign of NIST's shortwave radio station located in Fort Collins, Colorado. WWV's main function is the continuous dissemination of official U.S. Government time signals. The station broadcasts simultaneously on five distinct frequencies: 2.5 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz, 15 MHz and 20 MHz.  The latest WWV report can  be found on the web, listening to broadcasts OR on our SEND A SPOT page.

Q:  What kind of ANNOUNCEMENTS (ANNC) can we send?

A:  General announcements pertaining to radio listening.  Info that may not be a fit for an existing category.  We could also share SEVERE WEATHER or other alerts here.  See the other ANNC posts for examples.  We are laid back, but keep the chatter to a minimum.  Flames will not be tolerated, of course.

Q:  How do I send a spot to the cluster?

A:  Click the navigation link from the left-hand navigation pane that says SEND A SPOT.  Once on the Send A Spot page, Enter your callsign, the type of spot you want to make, the callsign of the spotted station and the frequency you've heard them on.  The INFO can be left blank, or you could put the spotted operator's name, country, signal strength or anything else you want to share with the cluster.

Q:  How do I view spots and posts?

A:  Click the VIEW ALL SPOTS link or you can filter based on the types of spots you want by clicking on 6M or ANNC or HF or LF, etc from the menu just under VIEW ALL SPOTS.  Doing so shows you ONLY spots where the spotter chose that "type".

Q:  Why is my browser asking me to install or allow ActiveX?

A:  The site offers a "chime" feature, whenever a new spot is posted.  If you allow/enable activeX, you will be able to hear the chime.  This way, you can minimize the screen and move on to other things, and it will alert you when there is a new spot posted.  If you have trouble, you may need to change the security settings in your browser (if you have it set very tight).

Q:  Which browsers work best with this site?

A:  Internet Explorer & Firefox are best.  Others may work, too.  We do not provide any support for the use of this site or configuring any browsers. 

Q:  What if I don't have a callsign, can I still post?

A:  If you are a shortwave listener (SWL) in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho or Utah, and want to post your spots, please use your first name instead of a CALL. 

Q:  Are there beam headings, sunrise/sunset data and other data available on the cluster?

A:  We no longer have beam headings, it was too complex and there were too many errors in the data.  We ran out of money to fix it.  We have sunrise/sunset data and other data on our cluster that is not available on most web-based clusters. 

Q:  Do you provide support for this cluster?

A:   I tried to address all questions here on the FAQ page.  If you have another question about the cluster, please send email and I will try to help.  I may add your question to the FAQs as well.  I cannot, however, provide support for web browsers, computers or other software.  

Most questions can be answered by just observing
the cluster users and their posts. 

Don't be shy, give it a try!