Have finally discovered how to beat the "big guns" in the pile-ups. Lately in the mornings after I wake up I tune to 10 meter (usually CW) on a clear freq. Then I read my book and drink my coffee until I hear a station come on and call CQ. So, I'm first in line to get him. When I've tried to get DX stations who've been parked on a freq for awhile I don't get in too often. 73, Bill (xe1/n7tdk) in Cuernavaca Mexico