diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
index e3495bf..f23ac27 100644
--- a/.env.example
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -67,6 +67,13 @@ LAYOUT=modern
 # Only uncomment if you have your own proxy running
 # DXSPIDER_PROXY_URL=https://your-dxspider-proxy.com
 
+# DX Cluster source: auto | proxy | hamqth | dxspider
+# auto = tries proxy first, then HamQTH, then direct telnet
+# proxy = use DX Spider Proxy (set DXSPIDER_PROXY_URL above)
+# hamqth = HamQTH CSV feed (HTTP, works everywhere)
+# dxspider = direct telnet to DX Spider nodes (works locally/Pi)
+# DX_CLUSTER_SOURCE=auto
+
 # OpenWeatherMap API key (for local weather display)
 # Get a free key at https://openweathermap.org/api
 # OPENWEATHER_API_KEY=your_api_key_here
diff --git a/server.js b/server.js
index e335222..c53244b 100644
--- a/server.js
+++ b/server.js
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ const CONFIG = {
   
   // DX Cluster settings
   spotRetentionMinutes: parseInt(process.env.SPOT_RETENTION_MINUTES) || jsonConfig.dxCluster?.spotRetentionMinutes || 30,
-  dxClusterSource: jsonConfig.dxCluster?.source || 'auto',
+  dxClusterSource: process.env.DX_CLUSTER_SOURCE || jsonConfig.dxCluster?.source || 'auto',
   
   // API keys (don't expose to frontend)
   _openWeatherApiKey: process.env.OPENWEATHER_API_KEY || '',
@@ -983,7 +983,7 @@ let dxSpiderCache = { spots: [], timestamp: 0 };
 const DXSPIDER_CACHE_TTL = 90000; // 90 seconds cache - reduces reconnection frequency
 
 app.get('/api/dxcluster/spots', async (req, res) => {
-  const source = (req.query.source || 'auto').toLowerCase();
+  const source = (req.query.source || CONFIG.dxClusterSource || 'auto').toLowerCase();
   
   // Helper function for HamQTH (HTTP-based, works everywhere)
   async function fetchHamQTH() {
diff --git a/src/hooks/useDXCluster.js b/src/hooks/useDXCluster.js
index 83a7303..571f1bb 100644
--- a/src/hooks/useDXCluster.js
+++ b/src/hooks/useDXCluster.js
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ export const useDXCluster = (source = 'auto', filters = {}) => {
   useEffect(() => {
     const fetchData = async () => {
       try {
-        const response = await fetch('/api/dxcluster/spots');
+        const response = await fetch(`/api/dxcluster/spots?source=${encodeURIComponent(source)}`);
         if (response.ok) {
           const newSpots = await response.json();