Skip to main content

Operating Split for Beginners

By

With the upcoming and much anticipated 3YØK DXpedition to Bouvet Island due to start very soon (weather conditions depending), I thought it would be good time to go through the concept of working 'Split'

Operating 'Split' is something which understandably confuses many amateur radio operators who are new to the hobby. It's mainly used when stations are expecting large pile-ups, and you are likely to hear something like 'Listening Up 5'.  Why is it used, and how is it used?

Before you start, it's really important to listen to the station before pressing that PTT button. Listen to a few QSOs and be clear what frequencies are being used for the split. Unfortunately it's often the case that experienced ham radio operators who should know better, don't listen first.  Instead they end up annoying other operators.

When is it used?

Operating Split is commonly used during DX (long-distance) communications to manage large numbers of calling stations and reduce interference. In Split mode the operator adjusts the transceiver to transmit on one frequency and receive on a different frequency.  With the other stations complementing this operational arrangement, the pile up chaos is reduced significantly.  

How is it used?

Most modern radios have functionality to make split operation relatively easy.  The Yaesu 710 & DX10 radios have a 'Clarifier' control, whilst the ICOM 7300 has a 'Split' control.  There are lots of videos on YouTube to get you started.

There is a great tutorial to operating Split here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1787070508410564/permalink/2358948704556072/?rdid=jrPAOr5DDJuKOQpj#





Labels:

Comments

jastreaty said…
Just a comment regarding FT710 and Ftdx10 not having a dedicated “split” button. Both transceiver indeed to have a button as well as the Clarifyer, that used for RIT and XIT.
March 4, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding E Layer Propagation: From the Regular E Layer to Sporadic E at VHF

By
Radio propagation through the ionosphere is one of the great gifts nature gives to anyone with an antenna and a receiver. While most of us are familiar with the F layer's role in long-distance HF communication, the E layer — and especially its unpredictable cousin, Sporadic E — deserves its own detailed look. This piece covers both the traditional, well-behaved E layer and the wild, VHF-opening phenomenon known as Sporadic E, with an eye to what it means for CARC members working HF and VHF from here in West Sussex. Part One: Traditional E Layer Propagation What Is the E Layer? The E layer is a region of the ionosphere located roughly 90 to 150 km (56 to 93 miles) above the Earth's surface. It sits below the F layer and above the D layer, forming one of several ionized layers that make radio propagation possible. The "E" designation comes from the original naming convention used by physicist Edward Appleton, who studied the layers using "electric" wave ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Welcome to Crawley Amateur Radio Club

By
The Crawley Amateur Radio Club (CARC) was formed over 40 years ago and moved into its present premises Hut 18 Tilgate Forest Recreational Centre, in the early 90’s. We are an affiliated club of the RSGB. Membership, currently standing at around 55, ranges from a member in their twenties to several octogenarians. The monthly talks and presentations cater for a diversity of technical backgrounds from absolute beginners to well-qualified professional engineers. Members of note include a past President of the RSGB the late John Graham G3TR, and the late Ron Vaughan G3FRV (now VK6RV), General Manager of the RSGB in the late 60’s. Current members include Stewart Bryant, G3YSX (past President of the RSGB, and currently RSGB Chair), Caspar Pierce (Winner of the RSGB Kenwood trophy), and Eugene Sully G0VIO of Big Brother fame who does much to actively promote interest in radio communications and the Sciences in general. Facilities at the spacious Clubhouse include: A contest-grade radio station...
Read more

New (Free) Map Program for Amateur Radio

By
 Some of you may be familiar with the software of Simon Brown, G4ELI.  While still working full-time he was the creator of the then free Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) suite of software which he sold a few years ago. Since then he launched the excellent SDR Console software which is a "must have" for anyone experimenting with SDR Radios.  I'm sure some of you this installed on your shack PCs. Less well known is a great little utility simply called "Simon's World Map".  The newly released V1.5.1 is available for download here  https://www.sdr-radio.com/world-map   As ever with Simon's software, it's richly featured with satellite tracking and rotator control.  The presentation is widely customisable allowing overlays such as ITU or CQ Zone, sun and moon overlays and space weather information plus greyline visualisation. Take a look as the price is right, FREE. Regards Mike, G0KAD
Post a Comment
Read more