The Reverse Beacon Network (RBN)
In addition to providing the regular DX Cluster GB7UJS, you maybe interested in another "feed" I have arranged which is a de-duped RBN feed and in logging programs like Logger 32 this can be used at the same time as the DX Cluster by configuring the "Local Host" connection.
What is the RBN? it's a revolutionary new idea. Instead of beacons actively transmitting signals, the RBN is a network of stations listening to the bands and reporting what stations they hear, when and how well. Additionally, now, for the first time, you can compare your signal with those of your friends and competitors, in near real time. Just call CQ (in CW or a Digital mode) and see if you are being heard.
RBN spots show the relative strength the station is being heard at and the WPM
(words per minute) of the CW. The feed callsign is
GB7UJS-3 on 217.41.71.142 port 8873
This is a "de-duped" RBN feed........ the RBN network generates a huge number of "spots" typically 125000/day with over 500,000/day when a contest is on. During January 2013 there were over 5 million spots, greater than 2 per second 24/7 ever day! When a "skimmer" station hears a CW station (or RTTY or PSK) calling CQ they spot the station. 10
skimmers may all hear the CQ at the same time, so 10 spots are generated, I have
de-duped the feed so that you would only see one spot, ideal for your logbook connection.
The Feed uses the DXspider software but it is not connected to any other nodes,
please consider it as a receive only feed of data and stick to the regular
cluster network for talks, mail and announces etc.
I have found also set a filter on GB7UJS-3 to only accept spots
originating in Western Europe, which reduces the number of spots down to a
workable level.
I have found this feed useful to work lots of new band slots, as you will set
spots for "non DX" countries that would never normally be spotted on the
DX cluster.... but this isn't a DX cluster!
There is also a full RBN feed with all the spots from all the skimmers, this is GB7UJS-5 on 217.41.71.142 port 9999 but believe me you don't normally want that many spots, but it can be useful for you to check where you are being heard
Feel free to give it a try, no registration required.... and the cost to use the
system is the same as for the cluster GB7UJS.... FREE.
If you are a regular user of the GB7UJS servers and find the facility useful please consider making a donation towards running costs.