Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 282, December 9, 1996

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 282
BID: $OPDX.282
December 9, 1996
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF-80 BBS Cleveland, Ohio
Online at 216-237-8208 14400/9600/2400/1200/300 8/N/1

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, DXCC Desk, WB2RAJ, K3IXD, K4UUE, K1ER/KH6, K7WX, KU9C, W9UI, 9K2HN, 9M2/G3NOM, CX8DX, G3SXW, G4BUE & DX News Sheet, HB9CYN, JH2PDS/1, VE7AHA and VE9AA for the following DX information.

5V7A WRAP-UP. Rodger, G3SXW, reports the team from Togo as 5V7A in the CQ World-Wide CW Contest yielded 12,200 QSOs. On November 21 and 22, personal callsigns were used while testing antennas. QSL personal callsigns via their home callsign. Direct QSL requests to GM4AGL for 5V7A were being answered within one week after the contest. They are also accepting E-mail requests for bureau replies at the following Internet address: 100260.342@compuserve.com. Please do not send by more than one route as this causes unnecessary duplication of effort and cost. Full details of the expedition and QSLing can be found on their home page at: http://www.getnet.com/~kf7ay/5v5a.html Rodger states, "The trip was a great success and we thoroughly enjoyed West Africa again, travelling through Ivory Coast and Ghana to reach Togo. We were delighted with propagation conditions and with our hotel QTH. Look for yet another big effort next November." ALSO, read 9G.

8P, BARBADOS. Ralph, K2PF, and Steve, KU9C, will be active from December 12-17 as 8P9GE and 8P9GD, respectively. They plan to operate in the 10 meter contest and other bands before/after the contest. They will look for openings into the Pacific Rim around 2100-2300z daily on 20 or 30 meters CW. They will also be active during RS-12 passes if you need a satellite QSO. QSLs go to their home calls via the CBA.

8Q, MALDIVE ISLAND. Chris, HB9CYV, and Martin, HB9CYN, will be active from Bandos Island from December 19th through January 1st (1997). Callsigns to be used: 8Q7YN (Martin) and 8Q7YV (Chris). Their activities will be mostly CW, also SSB and maybe RTTY. Operations will be on all bands 80-10 meters (including the WARC bands). Equipment will be a TS-50, 100W with wire-antennas. They will try to build a 160m-dipole depending on the local's environment. QSLs via bureau!! (8Q7YN via HB9CYN, 8Q7YV via HB9CYV), or direct to HB9CYN via callbook-address. HB9CYV is NOT via callbook but to Christian Zeller, Jaegerstr. 19, CH-8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland, Europe.

9G, GHANA. The "DX News Sheet" reports Marcia, (xyl of John, 9G1BJ), is active again for the next two years from Tamale as 9G1TM. She will be operating on SSB only, mostly on 20-10 meters including WARC bands. QSL via G4XTA. Meanwhile, during November 15, 26 and 27th, Roger, G3SXW, made 817 CW contacts, mostly on 15 and 17 meters as 9G5SX transmitting through Accra for the 5V7A project. QSL via G3SXW. He also states that the Ghana Amateur Radio Society warmly welcomes any guests at their club station. Call Ralph, 9G1RQ on (+233-21-)779767.

9K2, FAYLAKA ISLAND (Kuwait). The DX group of the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society is currently organizing a trip to this Kuwaiti island. The operation will be from December 18-27th, using the assigned callsign 9K2F. Faylaka Island has an IOTA number of AS-118. All QSL cards should go directly to 9K2HN: Hamad J. Al-Nusif, P.O. Box 29174, 13152 Safat, Kuwait.

A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. It has been reported that Ali, A61AJ, and Abdul, 9K2GS, have been showing up regularly on 14200 kHz at 0330Z beaming long path for the Pacific. John, K1ER/KH6, reports they are very loud into Hawaii, but perhaps those on the coast (west probably he means) could hear them if they were looking. 9K2GS is fluent in English and assists Ali in getting the callsigns correct.

ARE YOU IN THE LOG? The XZ1N team has returned from Myanmar and has received many, many requests for a check to see if "I'm in the log." Their QSL Manager, W1XT, has offered to help in this regard. If you want to check and see if you're in the XZ1N log for a specific QSO, you can send E-mail to: xz1n@qrz.com The SUBJECT line should read: XZ1N LOG CHECK The BODY of the message should have the following information for each QSO:

Your call sign
Band
Mode
Date
Time in GMT
They ask one favor. If you had a solid contact, please do not make an "am I in the log" request, just send them your card. All of your contacts with XZ1N, every band and each mode, will be listed on the QSL card you receive from them. This log check should be only for ops who may have had the XZ1N side of their one and only QSO with them lost in QRM/QRN and just want to be sure. With over 23,000 QSOs, they hope that they're not opening a Pandora's box with such an offer. Regular QSL route: Bob Myers, W1XT, P.O. Box 17108, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269-7108 USA. Cards will be printed in the weeks to come.

C6, BAHAMAS. Look for Tom, N6RA, to be active as C6AHF until December 19th from Harbour Island (off Eleuthera). His activity will include participation in the ARRL 10 Meter and 160 Meter Contests. QSL to home call.

CHANGE OF HANDS. "THE 59(9) DX REPORT" has expanded by acquiring the subscriber base of "THE DX BULLETIN" and "THE DX REPORTER" from Paul Smith, AE4AP. Paul has decided to concentrate his efforts on "THE DX MAGAZINE". All subscribers will now receive "THE 59(9) DX REPORT" as their weekly DX bulletin. Along with the 50 week full year subscription, a 25 week half-year subscription is available. Stateside subscribers can also select a less expensive full year Second Class (Periodical) rate. Besides checks, MasterCard and Visa are now available as a payment choice. "THE 59(9) DX REPORT" also has a Web Page for everyone to enjoy. Check it out at:

http://members.aol.com/the599rpt/dx.htm
For a sample issue and subscription information send a large SASE to: THE 59(9) DX REPORT, P.O. BOX 73, SPRING BROOK, NY 14140.

CV0, FLORES ISLAND (Uruguay). This Uruguayan Islands have an IOTA SA-030 and will be active December 13-15th, using the callsign CV0Z. Operators will be Bob, CX8DX, and other friends. They plan to be active on 160-6 meters SSB, CW, RTTY and SSTV. QSL via CX3CE CallBook 1996.

CY9, ST. PAUL ISLAND. Mike, VE9AA, states he has applied for a CY9 license and expects it will be a MINIMUM 3-4 week wait for the application to be reviewed. It took 2 or more months before they heard anything last time. He has also applied for landing permission. This will again be a DXpedition with one full time station on 6 meters (or a QSK/breakable beacon). It will also be an all band effort, 160-2 meters, inclusive. Operations on CW/SSB and maybe EME with some Meteor Scatter, but no satellite (That, they will leave to the pros like Don, VE1AOE). RTTY is doubtful but not ruled out entirely. The preliminary dates will be June 10-15th (subject to slight changes.) The operators are to include Doug/VE1PZ, Mike/VE9AA, and possibly VE1CZ. Mike states St. Paul won't be as expensive as Sable Island, but as always, the future of the CY9 operation hinges on whether or not they can get the needed funding, equipment, antennas, QSL cards, etc..... Nothing will be actually collected until licensing and permission are "in-hand". Sponsors are already being contacted and/or solicited for the CY9 adventure.

DXCC NEWS RELEASE. A release by Bill Kennamer, K5FUV, titled "XY0RR Status Update", in short states that the DXCC Desk's accreditation of the XY0RR operation "was based on evidence that the operators had made legal entry into the country, and possessed operating permission from the government of Myanmar." But, "recently obtained information has called this evidence into question." "If the accreditation decision regarding XY0RR were to be made today, the operation would not be accredited based on presently available information. However, technical difficulties prevent removal of DXCC credits for this operation. DXCC participants whose credit for Myanmar is based on a contact with XY0RR are encouraged to make a replacement contact for their own personal satisfaction." ADDED NOTE: The full news release will be sent to all OPDX InterNet Subscribers as an additional bulletin.

HS, KOH CHANG ISLAND (Thailand). Ray, 9M2/G3NOM, reports a first time operation is planned to Thailand's second biggest island for the period of December 12-15th. Activity should start around 0500z on the 12th. Koh Chang will be a new IOTA island and is located in the Gulf of Thailand North East Group. It is 5km from the coast of Thailand at its nearest point. The DXpedition will be located on the west side of the island. It is approximately 2 hours by boat from the mainland. The island is 70% covered by virgin forest and mountains reaching 744 meters high. The population is approximately 5000 people. The DXpedition is being organized by Chamlong, HS1AAM, on behalf of the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) to celebrate the 50th year reign of King Bumipol of Thailand. The special call sign HS50A will be used. The operators will be: HS1AAM, HS1CDX, HS2NS, HS2FDX, HS7ECI and HS0/SM3DYU, plus others. Operations will be on the usual IOTA frequencies on all bands 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz, excluding WARC bands (these are not normally permitted in Thailand). Active modes to be used: CW, SSB, RTTY, Packet, and possibly Satellite. QSLs cards can be sent to the Thailand Bureau, PO Box 2008, Bangkok, 10501, Thailand, or to the QSL manager/s who will be announced soon.

J3, GRENADA. The "DXNS" report Joe, WB8GEX, will be active beginning December 31st until January 7th as J3K. Activity will be from the Emergency Operations Center, mainly on SSB 80-10 meters. Equipment will be a a TS-440S, FL2100B and beam antennas and inverted vees for 80 meters. QSL to homecall. A 6 meter beacon, J3EOC, was successfully installed on October 27th during his last trip, and it operates on 50056.5 kHz with 1.6W.

K3VOA, DC SECTION, IN 10M CONTEST. The Potomac Valley Radio Club (PVRC), thanks to the hospitality of the Voice of America Amateur Radio Club, will again activate K3VOA for the rare DC section multipler in the ARRL 10 Meters Contest, December 14-15th. The multi-operator team (K3IXD, KD4QVT, N3NT, W3GHR, and WB3ECU) will be active on both CW and SSB. QSLs for this contest only go to K3IXD, CBA, SASE please.

P5, NORTH KOREA. An interesting article appeared in the December issue of the Japanese "Five Nine" DX magazine about Yasu, JH1AJT and Jun, JH4RHF's visit to Pyongyang, DPRK or North Korea during October 22-26th. The group was invited by DPRK-Japan friendship association. ADDED NOTE: Excerepts of the acticle were provided by Tomo, JH2PDS/1, and will be sent to all OPDX InterNet subscribers as an additional bulletin.

QSL INFO AND NEWS......

T31 & T32, CENTRAL AND EAST KIRIBATI. It was reported on the EA DX-NET (3687 kHz) that DF6FK will be active December 24th as T32BB and T31BB on December 27th. QSL via DF6FK.

T32, EAST KIRIBATI. Andy, VE7AHA, called OPDX's answering machine just after the bulletin went to print and stated he will be active from January 14-21st on Christmas Island as T32HA. He is there primarily for fly fishing to catch bone fish, but states he will be taking a limited amount of radio equipment. QSL to his home call.

V3, BELIZE. Just a reminder to look for Mike/W5ZPA, Stan/W5JYK and Wondy/K5KR, this week (December 11-16th) as V31MP, V31YK, (Wondy's callsign is still not announced) on CW/SSB and RTTY. QSL to home calls.

VK0, HEAD ISLAND UPDATE. (The following are excerepts from a K4UEE press release and all OPDX InterNet Subscribers will receive the whole news release, as an additional bulletin). Everything is on schedule for the January 3rd departure from Reunion Island. Members of the Heard Island team will begin arriving on Reunion as early as December 26th. Operation from Reunion (TO0R) will begin around December 30th for several days, emphasizing the low bands. All necessary shelters, cooking equipment, survival equipment, antennas, and of course, radio equipment has arrived on Reunion, apparently in good shape. The team consists of EA8AFJ, HB9AFI, HB9AHL, K0IR, K4UEE, K9AJ, KK6EK, N6EK, N6MZ, NP4IW, OE9AMJ, ON5NT, ON6TT, PA3DUU, RA3AUU, VK2JDM, W8FMG, W0GJ, WA3YVN, and 9V1YC. This may be the most experienced DXpedition ever assembled and they are chomping at the bit to get underway. Here is their itinerary: 

      Jan 3            Depart Reunion Island      (TO0R)
      Jan 8/9          Visit Crozet Island        (TX0C)
      Jan 12/13        Arrive Heard Island
      Jan 15           On the air - Heard Island  (VK0IR)
      Jan 29/30        Depart Heard Island
      Feb 1            Visit Kerguelen Island     (TX0K)
      Feb 7            Arrive Reunion Island

VQ9, CHAGOS ISLANDS. Pres, N6SS, is active as VQ9SS again for the next four months from Diego Garcia. He plans to be active on 160 meters during his local sunrise and sunset. Jim, K5TC, (ex VQ9TN) is offering to make skeds with Pres for anyone interested. Sked request can be sent to Jim's InterNet address: jhoward@ms1.nwla.com

SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE EDITOR. Please send all DX announcements/information "ONLY" to the addresses below and "NOT" to the distribution InterNet address of: dxinfo@barf80.nshore.org

OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME (provided by John, K8YSE):
http://www.en.com/users/k8yse/opdx.html

Excerpts and distribution of The OPDX Bulletin are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receive credit. To contribute DX info, call BARF-80 BBS online at 216-237-8208 14400/9600/2400/1200/300 and leave a message with the Sysop or send InterNet Mail to one of the two following addresses: kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org -or- aq474@cleveland.freenet.edu - OR - Send a message via packet to KB8NW @ WA8BXN.OH.USA.NA - OR - Use the VOICE or FAX answering machine at 216-237-8208 which shares the same phone line as BARF-80 BBS using a data/fax/phone switch. To access: 1) Dial Number. 2) Wait for first ring (the second ring should be a false ring from the fax/data switch box) and then dial four quick ones ("1111"). (NOTE: Some FAX machines that send single "BEEPS" every second will not have to do this step.) 3) The phone will pick up and after the "BEEP" leave your voice message or FAX.

Tedd Mirgliotta KB8NW
InterNet: kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org
Basic Amateur Radio Frequency BBS (BARF-80) +1 216/237-8208
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