CW pileup hint: RIT/XIT

There are two types of CW pileups: simplex and split. Typically big dxpeditions work split, meaning that you should use one VFO for sending and one for listening. However, often dx QSOs work simplex, meaning that the listening and transmission is done on the same frequency.

When a DX station is popular, there are many callers that compete with you. In simplex CW pileups  there is an interesting possibility: RIT/XIT

• RIT=Receiver Incremental Tuning
• XIT=Transmitter Incremental Tuning

All rigs don't have these features, and many have only RIT but not XIT. Anyway, here is the hint:

The DX station is able to distinguish CW signals, if they have different tones. Try to find a frequency that differs about 20-200 Hz from other callers. With RIT you may listen on slightly different frequency than you transmit. With XIT you may transmit on a slightly different frequency than you listen. I find XIT especially useful. You can also combine: both RIT and XIT...you find nice tricks when you start playing.

If your rig does not have RIT, you can make use of the idea anyway: turn the VFO a little bit aside of the DX station's frequency. It makes you hear the DX tone higher or lower, but a tone difference of a few tens of Hertz should not be a problem to handle.

Another thing: don't forget the manners: if there for example is another station trying to contact the DX, don't disturb him. If you call when he stops, he might soon get the idea: let's call the DX station in turns! Both win!