Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 396
February 15, 1999

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 396
BID: $OPDX.396
February 15, 1999
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF-80 BBS Cleveland, Ohio
Online at 440-237-8208 28.8k-1200 Baud 8/N/1 (New Area Code!)

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, WB2RAJ/WB2YQH & The 59(9) DXReport, W3UR & The Daily DX, AJ3M, N4GN, W4SD, N5NJ, KG6AR, AC7DX, K8YSE, NE8Z, KK9A, KU9C, K0KL, AH0W/OH2LVG, DJ5AV & DX News Letter, DJ7AO, EA4DX, G4BUE & DX News Sheet, HA5PP, HS0/G3NOM, OK2AP, VE2EH, VE3SRE, VE6JO and YO2LDE & South-West DX Bulletin for the following DX information.

CORRECTION TO OPDX.395. Under "7O, E4 AND P5, YEMEN, PALESTINE AND NORTH KOREA" the FAX number for Yemen's General Director of Ministry of Communications (MoC), Abdulgader Ibrahim, was incorrect. The FAX number should be: 967 1 331457

3B8, MAURITIUS. The "DX News Sheet" reports that Mart, DL6UAA, will be active March 8th through April 24th as 3B8/DL6UAA. He will be part of the PAM (Paradise on Air Mission) DXpedition 99. QSL via home call.

3B9, RODRIGUES ISLAND. The Midway-Kure DX Foundation (WH7M) announces details for its 1999 Rodrigues Island 3B9 (AF-017) DXpedition scheduled for the 1st through 10th of April, 1999. A team of nine operators representing five countries will conduct the DXpedition on all modes from 160 through 6 meters. Plans are for up to nine fully equipped HF stations to operate from a number of locations throughout the island. One station will be dedicated to RTTY only. The DXpeditioners are Bruce Butler (W6OSP), Kimo Chun (KH7U), Jari Jussila (OH2BU), Victor Keller (XE1VIC), Jacky Mandary (3B8CF), Garry Shapiro (NI6T), Yuuji Yoshitani (JA3IG/K1NT), Ned Stearns (AA7A) and Frank Smith (AH0W/OH2LVG), team-leader. Chief pilot stations will be Andy Chesnokov (UA3AB) and Gary McClellan (K7ZD). QSL Manager is Joyce Johnson (N7LVD). Callsign TBA later. For inquiries, send E-mail to: mkdxf@aztec.asu.edu

3D2, FIJI. Ed, K0KL, will be in Fiji March 20-27th, and will be signing 3D2KE. His operations will be on 40 and 15 meter CW. A 2nd op K2VGD will log. QSL via the callbook address.

5T, MAURITANIA. Yoshi, JA1UT, will be active again, possibly with other JA operators as 5T5U from March 12-17th. QSL via JA1UT.

5X, UGANDA. Several reports indicate that Joe, G3MRC, will be active again sometime during this month as 5X1P. Activity will be mostly CW and some digital modes. His length of stay is unknown. QSL via home call.

9G, GHANA. The "DX News Letter" reports that Hardy, DL1IAL, was expected to be active as 9G5HK for three months starting in February. So far there have been no QSNs reported. QSL via DL1IAL.

9M2, WEST MALAYSIA. "The 59(9) DXReport" reports that Ross, 9M2AX, is quite active on 160 meters. He uses a Sloper 160 ft. up for JA, EU and NA; and an Inverted L at 170 ft. for Africa, 4S7 and VQ9. On the receiving end, he uses 1000 ft. Beverage at 130 ft. OPDX has spotted 9M2AX this week on 1833 kHz between 1400 and 1430z. Also, check 80 meters during this time.

A3, TONGA. Paul, A35RK, has returned to his home on Lifuka Island last week. He states that Cyclone Cora did do some damage to his home, boat, and antenna system. However, the damage is not severe and all can be repaired. He has received repair parts for the Force-12 yagi and will overhaul it as soon as possible (Paul says, "It works, but the loading is "funny" and it's a little "bent"). His Butternut vertical (80/40/30 meters) is not working on 80m...cause unknown. His TS-450 was repaired in New Zealand, and he bought a new "battery bank" and solar panel which should solve the "chirpy CW" problem. His ICOM 706 is still in New Zealand waiting for parts from Japan. Paul now has a 2 element 6m beam, and as soon as the IC-706 arrives back on the island, he will be working 6 meters for the first time. Future plans for Paul included a trip to Fiji in May for 3-4 weeks. He will operate 3D2RK from both Viti Levu and Vanua Levu...mostly CW. He may return to Tonga via Wallis Island (FW) but that is not yet certain.

CO9, CUBA. CO2WF and CM5KL will organize a group of Cuban operators at Boca Ciega Beach for the ARRL International DX SSB Contest March 6-7th. Their callsign will be CO9BCC and they plan to operate 160-10 meters. They will enter the contest as a Multi/Stations and Multi/operators entry. The list of operators are: CM2KL, CM2YR, CM5MA, CO2GY, CO2II, CO2JA, CO2JX, CO2KC, CO2NT, CO2VQ and CO2WF. The QSL Manager for CO9BCC is VE2EH. Check out the following Web pages: http://www.qsl.net/ve2eh/co2wf.htm -- http://www.qsl.net/ve2eh/co9bcc.htm

DXCC FAQ #3. OPDX InterNet Subscribers will receive this article by Bill Moore, NC1L, Century Clubs Manager, as an addtional bulletin.

E4, PALESTINE (The excitement begins!) As of February 13th, Ali/JY4NE and Sami/ZC6B/KF2GJ have began operating from Gaza as E44A and E44B, respectively. Operations will take place from Sami's QTH. Activity by Ali may last up to 5 days. Look for them mainly on SSB but with some CW operations. QSL E44A to JY4NE, PO Box 9392, Amman 1191, Jordan. QSL E44B to: P.O. Box 1008, Gaza, Palestine. Ray, HS0/G3NOM, reports that five members of IARV (International Amateur Radio Volunteers) led by JA1UT will soon return to Palestine, Gaza and West Bank to complete their aid project for a hospital telecommunications facility. In their spare time, mainly in the local evening after work, they plan to be active as E44MPT (Ministry of Post and Telecommunications) on 3.5 - 28 Mhz including WARC bands using CW/SSB/RTTY. They are expecting to be active by the weekend of February 20-21st. The popular DX frequencies will be used depending on QRM and coordination with current Palestinian stations. QSL will be again be via JA1UT as per ZC6MPT. A third group is headed to Gaza. Look for Martti/OH2BH, Pekka/OH1RY, Pekka/OH2TA and Bernie/W3UR to be active from the "Palestine Hotel".. Their callsign/s and QSL routes have not been announced as of yet, but thanks to the local Palestinian counterparts, they will be able to operate with the E4 prefix shortly after thier arrival and set up. Bernie/W3UR, editor of "The Daily DX", reports that their team will be working closely with the IARV to prevent interference amongst all E4 activity. Also mentioned, during the first few days of operation, they will concentrate on the most productive bands. Look for them to be active on CW and SSB. More details will be forthcoming soon by Tim Totten, N4GN. OPDX will send out a special InterNet bulletin on the update.

EN5, UKRAINE. Look for EN5J as a Multi-Single in this year's ARRL and CQ WPX SSB Contests. QSL will be via KG6AR: Chris Williams, 1117 S. Del Mar Ave., San Gabriel, Ca. 91776-3034.

HC8, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. Look for Bob/N5KO, Stephen/K6AW and William/W4ZV to be active as HC8N in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 6-7th) as a Multi/ Single entry. QSL via AA5BT.

J7, DOMINICA. Members of the Foundation for Amateur International Radio Services (FAIRS) will be here now through February 22nd. Look for the following operators/callsigns: David/KK4WW (J79WW), Gaynell/KK4WWW (YL op - J79GMV), Kay/KE4EKH (YL op - J79EKH), Don/KE4UGF (J79UGF) and Larry/N4VA (J79VA). Activity will be CW/SSB on 40-6 meters, the IOTA frequencies and the WARC bands.

KG4, GUANTANAMO BAY. Look for a group of stateside operators to be active from here 2100z, February 16th, and operate through February 22nd. Their operations will be primarily on the WARC bands and 160 meters before and after the ARRL DX CW Contest. The group will use the callsign KG4SD during the contest. Look for the following callsign (with QSL routes): KG4DZ (via KG4SD), KG4SD (via W4SD), KG4ZK (via W4ZYT) and KG4NW (via NW3K).

NH7, HAWAII. Rick, NE8Z, reports to OPDX that he will be on Maui from February 27th through March 6th. He will be active as NE8Z/NH7. Activity will be on CW on the WARC bands. QSL via K8LJG or NE8Z.

OKDX DXPEDITION UPDATE. The members of the OKDX Foundation have set up a new Web site called "Czech DXpedition PACIFIC 99". This group will be active towards the end of the month, please refer to OPDX.394. Meanwhile, check out their Web site at: http://www.okdxc.cz/pacific99/

QSL INFO AND NEWS.....

• 3D2DX CARDS. Roberto, EA4DX, reports to OPDX that the all QSLs received direct with postage have been processed, labeled and mailed, and that the last pile of QSLs ( 700 envelopes from US and JA stations) would be mailed from the US on Tuesday the 9th. He states the backlog has been cleared. If you have not received your cards in a couple of weeks, just E-mail Roberto ( rdiazg@nexo.es ), and he will check to see if your card was received and mailed. He also suggests that you check the following online log Web site to see if you are in the log: http://www.qsl.net/ea4dx/3D2DXlog1.htm Do not send bureau cards because he is not a member of the Spanish Bureau. QSOs not requested directly will be mailed automatically directly to the different national bureaus, but these process will not begin before July. Roberto states 3D2DX DXpedition from last September netted (no duplicates) a total of 15,500 contacts on 160-10 meters SSB and 500 RTTY (15/20 meters).
• There is a new QSL route for WP3C. Please QSL now to: Alfredo Velez, HC-02 Box 7455, Utuado P.R, 00641 U.S.A. Alfredo's E-mail address is: morse@coqui.net
• Pierre, VE2EH, reports that he is the QSL Manager for CO9BCC (see CO9 above), CO2WF and HH2LQ.
• Masahiro, AJ3MI, just returned from his trip to Vienna, Austria; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Geneva, Switzerland. He would like to thank everyone who worked him. Masahiro was on the air from 4U1VIC on January 28th and 4U1ITU on February 5, 6, and 7th. He made about 200 QSOs from 4U1VIC and about 1,650 QSOs from 4U1ITU. He suggests sending your QSLs via the bureau or direct to the following address:
  • 4U1VIC - Vienna International Centre, P.O.Box 200, A-1400 Vienna, Austria
  • 4U1ITU - International Amateur Radio Club, P.O. Box 6, CH-1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland
• BQ9P, B1A and BT2HC UPDATE. Steve, KU9C, states that he is expecting these cards from the printer next week. At that time, Steve states that he has freed up his calendar over the next few weeks to devote to processing the direct requests for these cards. Steve states again, if you requested several calls in one envelope, please be patient, this slows the process. He is aware of various award submission deadlines, and will do the best he can to support your submission needs.
• Steve, DJ7AO, reports that he is now the QSL Manager for Ray, DL2GG/YV5. Please send your QSL via bureau or direct to DJ7AO: Stefan Reyers, Luebecker Str. 4, D-22964 Steinburg, Germany. Don`t use the CBA of DL2GG because he is living in Caracas. E-mail your requests to: dj7ao@qsl.net (home page is: http://www.qsl.net/dj7ao/) Also, visit Rays homepage at http://www.qsl.net/dl2gg/

SEMI-RARE IOTA TO BE ACTIVATE. Silvano, KB5GL, will operate from Grand Isle (NA-168) in the Gulf of Mexico, February 19-21st. It has been reported that the request of this DXpedition came from Europe. This island was activated several years ago and only one time. The callsign will be KB5GL/5. Silvano will operate on 20-10 meters, including the WARC bands on the IOTA frequencies (14260, 21260, 18128, 24950 and 28460 kHz). QSL DIRECT ONLY to: Ron Lago, AC7DX, POB 25426, Eugene Oregon 97402 USA.

SPECIAL EVENT. Industry Canada has issued the callsign XL3D in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Ontario DX Association for the period starting at 0000z, March 25th, ending at 2359z, April 25th. XL3D will take the place of VE3ODX as one of the two "10 point" stations in the 3rd Annual Ontario QSO Party to be held April 24th, at 1800z through April 25th, at 1800z. QSL direct with SASE or SAE with sufficient return postage to: XL3D, Ontario DX Association, P.O. Box 161, Station A, Willowdale, Ontario, M2N 5S8, CANADA. Or you may QSL via the bureau via VE3ODX or VE3SRE. For further information on this or the Ontario QSO Party visit the Ontario DX Association Website at: http://www.durhamradio.ca/odxa/ Or E-mail your questions to Bob, VE3SRE, at: ve3sre@rac.ca

SPECIAL EVENT. Vitaly, VE6JO, Director of the Calgary Amateur Radio Association, reports that Industry Canada has authorized the use of the special prefix XO6 in place of VE6 for amateurs in Calgary, Alberta, for the period of Febraury 14-28th. This is to honor the Provincial Special Olympics which will be held in Calgary February 26-28th.

V2, ANTIGUA. Tyler/K3MM, Roland/K3RA and Bob/N5NJ will be here February 17-23rd, and will be operating in the upcoming ARRL CW DX Contest as a Multi-Op/Two transmitter entry. During the contest, they will be using the callsign V26O. The operation will take place from the V26B (V21N) contest station. Before and after the contest, the operators will use their own Antiguan callsigns on RTTY, FSK, and SSB. QSL via the following callsigns/operators: V26O via N5NJ, V26MM via K3MM and V26RA via K3RA. ADDED NOTE: The V26B contest station is still available for the 1999 ARRL SSB Contest. For details, contact Sam/WT3Q via E-mail at: WT3Q@aol.com Details on the V26O contest station can also be found on the Web page at: http://www.frc-contest.org/v26b/index.htm

VP2V, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND. Look for Jack/W4NF, Bill/W4RM, Cliff/W4CE and Dave/W4DAV to be active as VP2V/WW4RM in the ARRL DX Phone Contest, March 2-8th. Certificates will be awarded to all stations working him on all 6 bands during the contest. Activity is planned for CW and Phone on all bands (including WARC bands) before and after the contest. QSL via W4RM.

VP5, TURKS & CAICOS. John, KK9A will be operating in the ARRL DX Phone Contest using the contest callsign VP5J. He will use the callsign VP5/KK9A before this event. He may also try to work a little of the CQ 160M Phone Contest. QSL to his home callsign.

VP8, SOUTH SANDWICH. The "DX News Sheet" reports that Carl, G4VFU, who is active as VP8CZJ/MM near Caracas, Venezuela, is saying he still hopes to be active from South Sandwich Islands later in the year.

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 INTERNET SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE REQUEST: opdx-request@nshore.org
OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME (provided by John, K8YSE):
http://www.en.com/users/k8yse/opdx.html
OPDX SPANISH WEB SITE. (provide by "QTC Magazine" and Tony Pernas, EA1CSI):
http://www.intercom.es/qtc/qtcopdx.htm

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 440-237-8208 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 440-237-8208 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) +1 440/237-8208
"Totally devoted to Amateur Radio" - 24 Hrs a day 8/N/1 14.4k-300 baud