DX Cluster

In the early part of 2002, following repeated requests from members, Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group (NHARG) decided to investigate the possibility and feasibility of building and operating its own DX Cluster.

NHARG is an amateur radio group based in Alvaston on the Southeast side of Derby.

A Cluster was established and looked into the advantages and pitfalls of running a DX cluster. After weighing up the pros and cons the NHARG committee decided that the advantages outweighed the disadvantages and gave permission to pursue the project. The cluster committee immediately set about obtaining the necessary licenses and equipment. Following advice it was decided taht a PC running under Linux would be the best option as Linus is more stable and reliable environment than Windows. It was decided that the DX-Spider software should be used to control the functions of the DX Cluster. The PC would be connected to the DX Cluster network via the Internet. This method was chosen because an RF link into the network was impracticable due to the location of the nearest DX Cluster. Equipment was begged and borrowed from NHARG members so that the project could get underway and facilitate an unconnected soak test of the system before allowing anyone to useit. Initially the Cluster was designed exclusively with R.F. access. Therefore radios and TNC's for the appropriate access frequencies also had to be sought. Meanwhile the Cluster committee was busily emails with the Radio Communications Agency (RA) and the Digital Communications Committee (DCC) at the RSGB so that the correct callsign and access frequencies could be obtained. Finally, after some considerable time, the license arrived and GB7NHR (DXNUN) was born with access frequencies on 144.8875Mhz (2 Mtrs) and 433.675MHz (70 cm)

Having had successful soak test it was time to put the Cluster on-air. It couldn’t continue to use member's equipment so a cash injection from NHARG was granted in order to purchase the necessary radio and computer equipment.

Initially DXNUN ran well but users noticed that there was a tendency for it to "lock up". The Cluster committee worked long and hard to address this problem. Many hours were spent at the keyboard trying to solve the problem. Changes were made to the hardware, software and system configuration until it was resolved.

As confidence in DXNUN's reliability grew a new function was added. The "SH/QRZ" command allowed Cluster users instant access to the QRZ.COM callsign look-up facility without having to breakaway from the Cluster to use the Internet. This is a great advantage to all. DXNUN's service area was already countywide but it was now time to go Global! After further work and investment Telnet access via the Internet was established. This meant that anyone with a computer could connect to DXNUN and make use of it.

DXNUN has gone from strength to strength. We now have stations from across the world connecting on a regular basis. We even have a Japanese DX Cluster taking its spots DXNUN. The DXNUN is located near to NHARG HQ in Alvaston. It is a product of a lot of hard work and investment and much credit has to go out to all of those involved.

To this day.... The DX Cluster is still running, only via the internet these days with the increase of Internet speeds and accessibility.

The operating system now changed to Windows as the software became more stable over the years.

The Telnet / Putty address for this cluster is: - gb7nhr.dyndns.org Port 7300