Introduction

What is DX Spotter?

The DX Spotter is a dedicated amateur radio accessory that provides real-time DX cluster spot information on a compact, easy-to-read display. Designed for ham radio operators, it eliminates the need to have a computer or mobile device running to monitor band activity.

Key Features

WiFi Connectivity

  • Connects to your home or portable WiFi network

  • Built-in configuration portal for easy setup

  • Automatic reconnection on network drops

  • Support for WPA/WPA2 secured networks

DX Cluster Integration

  • Real-time connection to DX cluster networks via Telnet

  • Support for standard DX cluster protocols

  • Displays frequency, callsign, and spot comments

  • Automatic spot parsing and formatting

Display Features

  • High-contrast 256x64 yellow OLED display

  • Smooth scrolling animation between spots

  • WiFi signal strength indicator

  • Real-time clock display

  • Configurable display title based on band filter

Band Filtering

  • Configure spot filtering by band

  • Display only the spots you're interested in

  • Custom filter commands supported

  • Automatic display title generation based on filter

User-Friendly Configuration

  • Web-based configuration interface

  • Captive portal for initial setup

  • Available network scanning built into configuration page

  • Save and restore settings to non-volatile memory

  • Factory reset button for easy device reset

  • On-screen error messages for connection and filter issues

  • Device ID displayed for easy identification

Customization Options

  • Configurable scroll interval (how long each spot is displayed)

  • Adjustable spot history size (1-15 spots)

  • Custom display title

  • Band-specific filtering

  • Callsign identification

  • Configurable device name for network identification

  • Display rotation (normal or 180 degrees) for upside-down mounting

Over-The-Air Updates

  • Firmware updates via OTA (Over-The-Air)

  • No need to connect to computer for updates

  • Secure HTTPS-based update mechanism

  • Automatic version checking

Software Requirements

  • A web browser (on computer, tablet, or smartphone) for initial configuration

  • Access to a DX cluster server (several public clusters available)

Amateur Radio Requirements

  • A valid amateur radio callsign

  • Basic understanding of DX cluster operation

  • Knowledge of the bands you wish to monitor

How It Works

The DX Spotter operates in a simple four-stage process:

  1. Power On: When first powered, the device attempts to connect to a saved WiFi network. If no network is configured, it creates its own WiFi access point for configuration.

  2. Configuration: Using the web-based configuration portal, you provide your WiFi credentials, DX cluster server details, and your amateur radio callsign.

  3. Connection: Once configured, the device connects to your WiFi network and establishes a telnet connection to the specified DX cluster server.

  4. Display: DX spots are received, parsed, and displayed on the OLED screen with smooth scrolling animations. The display continuously updates as new spots arrive.

Typical Use Cases

Station Monitoring

Keep the DX Spotter on your desk or operating position to monitor band activity without dedicating a computer or mobile device screen.

Portable Operations

Take the DX Spotter to field day, portable operations, or camping. It only requires WiFi connectivity and USB power (power bank compatible).

Contest Monitoring

During contests, filter for your favorite band and watch for rare multipliers or new contacts.

DX Hunting

Set up band-specific filters to monitor for DX openings on specific bands you're interested in working.

Learning Tool

New hams can use the DX Spotter to learn about band activity, propagation, and when different bands are "open" for DX.

Design Philosophy

The DX Spotter was designed with the following principles in mind:

Simplicity

Configuration should be straightforward and not require technical expertise beyond basic WiFi setup.

Reliability

The device should automatically recover from network disconnections and reconnect to the DX cluster without user intervention.

Readability

The display should be easy to read from a distance, with clear contrast and appropriate font sizes.

Efficiency

Power consumption should be minimal, making the device suitable for portable operations with battery power sources.

Openness

The device supports standard DX cluster protocols and can work with any compatible cluster server.

What's Next?

Now that you understand what the DX Spotter is and what it can do, proceed to the Getting Started section to learn how to set up your device for the first time.