Written by ZL2iFB (Gary)
CC User is a DX cluster client program for amateur radio operators. It connects to CC Cluster nodes and other compatible DX cluster servers to display real-time DX spots, announcements, and WWV propagation data. First please download the user manual.
CC User was developed by VE7CC and is widely used by DX operators around the world. It runs on Windows and requires no installation — simply extract and run the executable. PLEASE download the user manual before beginning.
Download the CC User file from the User Files page. Create a folder for CC User C:\VE7CC) and place the zip there. Double click the zip file and then the .exe file
On first run, CC User will create its configuration files in the same directory. Ensure the program has write access to its folder. Windows Defender or antivirus software may prompt you to allow the program — this is normal for unsigned executables.
Open CC User and go to Setup → Node Setup. Enter the hostname or IP address of a CC Cluster node, the port number (typically 7373 or 23), and your callsign. Click Connect.
Once connected, CC User will begin receiving DX spots from the cluster. Your callsign will be logged on the node. Most nodes require a valid amateur radio callsign to connect.
The main window is divided into several panes: the DX spot list (top), the announcement/talk window (lower left), and the WWV/propagation data panel (lower right). Each pane can be resized.
Spots are displayed with frequency, callsign, spotter, comment, and time. Clicking a spot can tune your radio if CAT control is configured. Spots can be sorted and filtered by band, mode, or continent.
CC User provides powerful filtering to show only the spots relevant to you. Access filters via Setup → Filters. You can filter by band, mode (CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8, etc.), continent, and DXCC entity.
Band buttons along the top of the spot window allow quick switching between bands. Right-click a band button to configure which modes are shown for that band.
CC User can alert you when a spot matches criteria you define — for example, a specific DXCC entity, a new band/mode slot, or a callsign prefix. Alerts can trigger an audio sound, a pop-up window, or both.
Configure alerts under Setup → Alerts. You can define multiple alert rules and prioritize them. Alerts integrate with your DXCC log if a compatible logging program is running.
You can send commands directly to the cluster node using the command input box at the bottom of the main window. Standard DX cluster commands are supported, including SH/DX, SH/WWV, SH/DX (callsign), and SET/FILTER.
Type a command and press Enter to send it. Responses appear in the announcement pane. Refer to your node's help system (type HELP) for a full list of supported commands.
CC User stores its settings in .ini files in the program directory. Most settings are accessible through the Setup menu. Key options include your callsign, home locator, CAT radio control port, audio alert files, and color scheme.
For CAT radio control, go to Setup → Radio and select your radio model and COM port. CC User supports a wide range of transceivers via the Hamlib-compatible interface.
If CC User cannot connect to a node, verify the hostname, port, and that your internet connection is active. Some nodes may be offline or at capacity. Try an alternative node from the node list.
If spots are not appearing, check your band and mode filters — they may be set to exclude the spots being received. Reset filters to defaults via Setup → Filters → Reset.
For further help, join the CC User Discussion Group at groups.io/g/CC-User where experienced operators can assist with configuration and troubleshooting.
For further help, visit the CC User Discussion Group on groups.io, or download the latest software from the User Files page.