ham-radio-dx

What This Skill Does

The Ham Radio DX skill acts as a comprehensive monitoring agent for amateur radio enthusiasts, specifically focusing on DX (distance) communication. It interfaces with global DX cluster networks to pull real-time spot data, allowing operators to track which stations are currently active, on which bands, and what mode they are using. By automating the retrieval and filtering of this high-frequency stream of data, the agent provides a digestible summary of band activity and alerts users to rare or highly desired call signs. Whether you are hunting for elusive entities like Bouvet Island (3Y0) or simply keeping an eye on 20-meter band conditions, this skill keeps you informed without requiring you to watch a scrolling terminal window all day.

Installation

To install this skill, use the clawhub tool integrated into your OpenClaw environment. Run the following command in your terminal: clawhub install openclaw/skills/skills/andrewdmwalker/ham-radio-dx

Once installed, you can begin using it immediately by invoking the python script. Ensure you have the required environment variables or callsign configurations set if you wish to use the automated alerting features via crontab.

Use Cases

• Contest Preparation: Rapidly scan which regions are currently active on specific contest bands.
• DX Achievement Tracking: Set up automated notifications to alert you via Telegram or local logs when a rare prefix (like VP8 or P5) appears on the cluster.
• Band Condition Monitoring: Utilize the daily digest feature to understand the rhythmic changes in band propagation across your local time zone.
• Expedition Tracking: Monitor the movement and operational status of DX expeditions by filtering for specific rare DX call signs.

Example Prompts

• "OpenClaw, please scan the DX clusters for any new spots on the 40-meter band."
• "Show me the daily DX digest to see which bands were most active over the last 24 hours."
• "Set up a watch for VP8 or ZL prefixes and notify me if any spots appear."

Tips & Limitations

This skill relies on public DX cluster nodes; therefore, its accuracy and latency are dependent on the stability of those external servers. For the best experience, configure a specific cluster node that is geographically closest to your location. Remember that the 'new-only' flag is essential when setting up crontab jobs to prevent your log files from becoming overwhelmed with redundant information. Always verify DX cluster data with your own radio's receiver, as spots may occasionally be incorrect due to human error on the part of the reporting station.