DX Cluster Node

The N1TA DX cluster node is located in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts and serves users worldwide via telnet access. The node runs AR-Cluster V.6.1

Using the node

To connect via telnet, point your telnet client to dx.n1ta.com. If your computer is configured to automatically open your telnet client, you may click here. The alternate (and probably the most basic) way to connect to the node is:

  1. Click start (lower left of your monitor)
  2. Select “run”
  3. Type the following exactly, omitting quotation marks: “telnet dx.n1ta.com”
  4. You will be prompted for your call sign

While this is a simple method of connecting, it is a very non-practical way to view spots. Most users will prefer to use their logging software’s built-in telnet client. Examples of programs that provide this feature are N1MM logger, DXlab suite, CT, TR, WinEQF, DX4WIN, etc.

Please see the AR-Cluster Command Summary.

About skimmer spots
Spots propagated across the cluster with originating call signs in the format “X1XYZ-#” are skimmers. These are “robots” that can copy call signs and spot them automatically to the cluster. Seeing these spots will ensure that you see all CW stations on a band. Some users do not prefer seeing these spots, however, so there is a way to disable them.

Upon logging in to the cluster, you will see two optional commands:

  • Set DX filter
  • Set DX filter not skimmer

Typing either of these, word for word, will cause the node to do one of two things. If you type “set dx filter”, all filters will be cleared and you will see all spots (including skimmer spots). If you type “set dx filter not skimmer”, you will see all non-skimmer spots. There are a variety of other filter options available; for the full list, please see the AR-Cluster Command Summary.

Cluster etiquette
The first rule in the cluster network is to spot only what you can hear. Do NOT under any circumstances spot something you can’t hear. This includes spotting a station with the message “can’t hear him here” or anything to that effect. I will ban any user that does this, as it defeats the purpose of the cluster system. Most other sysops feel the same way. Likewise, do not use the cluster as a chat room; this is not the place to ask the DX to move to another band, or to call out poor operators. Use the announce feature very sparingly (in over a decade, I have yet to discover a reason to use the announce feature).

Adding a node to the node list in N1MM Logger
The N1MM developers won’t update the node list if you ask them. Why not, you ask? Because it is a waste of their time. You can add a node yourself just as easily by following these instructions:

  1. Start N1MM Logger
  2. Click “Config” to open the drop-down
  3. From the drop-down, select “Configure Ports, Mode control, Audio, Other”
  4. Select the “Hardware” -tab (you’re probably already there)
  5. At the bottom, you’ll see the “Telnet Cluster” -dropdown; select the “Edit” button just to the right
  6. Make a new row at the bottom. Put “N1TA” in the left column, and “dx.n1ta.com” in the right (without the quotation marks).

Questions and support
The user guide at AB5K.net is exhaustive, but if your questions are related directly to this node, please contact us:

Mike, N1TA and Nick, K1MAZ (sysops): node@n1ta.com