Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 469
July 10, 2000

The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 469
BID: $OPDX.469
July 8, 2000
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF-80 BBS Cleveland, Ohio
Online at 440-237-8208 28.8k-1200 Baud 8/N/1

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, NC1L, N2OO, WB2YQH/WB2RAJ & THE 59(9) DX REPORT, W3UR & The Daily DX, K4QD, N4AA & QRZ DX, N4GN, N6HR, KK7SR, K8YSE, N8XMS, W9DC, 4X6UO, 5B4AGN/G3ZEM, 9M2TO, EA3EJI, F5NOD, GM4SUC, IK0FTA, JA1MXY, JR3PZW, SM5AJV, UA0SJ, VE3EXY, VK6NE and YS1AG for the following DX information.

" DX IS (???) "....... Is what? We hear this incomplete sentence all the time. Well here is your chance to finish the sentence or explain what this phrase means. Your editor is working on a project and would like your input. If the response and input is good, I (editor) will put something in print in the future. So, send to your editor the completed phrase/sentence in two to three lines only (if longer, the delete key will be used) at: kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org

1A0, SOVERIGN MILITARY ORDER OF MALTA (S.M.O.M.). Look for Italian operators Ugo/I0CUT, Frabrizio/I0HCJ, Luciano/I0JBL, Sergio/IK0FTA, Francesco/IK0FVC, and Roberto/IK0PRG to be active from 1A0KM from July 14-23th. Activity will be on all modes 80-10 meters including VHF/UHF. A log search will be available on the Web at: http://www.sixitalia.org/1a0km/ QSL via IK0FVC (also known as HV4NAC & HV0A): Francesco Valsecchi, Via Bitossi n. 21, 00136 Rome - ITALY.

3W, VIETNAM. Hiroo, JA2EZD (3W2EZD), was heard this past week sporting his new callsign 3W2B on 15/20 meters. He was active from the QTH of 3W6LI in Saigon. However, keep a look out for him this week because he plans to go to Danang City in central Vietnam and may set up a new station with a 3W3 prefix, possibly 3W3A. "The Daily DX" states it may very well be the first Amateur Radio operation from that city. Also, there is a strong possibility that he will then go to Hon Tam Island, which would be a new IOTA. If he does go he plans to use 3W2B/HT. QSL all via XW2A, P.O. Box 2659, Vientiane, Laos with 2 IRCs.

4W, EAST TIMOR (New IOTA Activated!). Antonio, 4W6GH, continues to be very active on the bands especially on RTTY and 17/15 meters. This past weekend, Antonio activated a new IOTA signing 4W6GH/P from Atauro Island (IOTA OC-232) in the East Timor Coastal Islands Group. His length of stay is unsure, but he was heard on Sunday on 21258 kHz at 1300z. QSL via CT1EGH: Antonio Alberto Lopes Pereira, R Guerra Junqueiro 25-A, Vale de Milha, Corroios 2855, Portugal.

5B40, CYPRUS (Attention Prefix Hunters). "The 59(9) DX Report" states Cyprus amateurs may use the 5B40 prefix until November 30th to celebrate 40 years of the Republic of Cyprus. OPDX spotted 5B40MF active this past weekend on 15 meters SSB (21201 kHz at 1600z and 21309 kHz at 2000z).

5R, MADAGASCAR. Ken, AD6KA, plans to leave on August 25th and operate from here for one month. He has not yet been assigned a callsign. His activity is expected to be on 10, 15 and 20 meters SSB with some PSK31, CW and RTTY. He will take with him a TS-940, TS-430, AL80A amp and use a Cushcraft R-7000 vertical. If space is available, Ken will try to put up some antennas for the low bands. Most of the operation will take place from Antananarivo, the capital. During this trip Ken hopes to activate Nosy Be Island (IOTA AF-057). A Web page has been created and can be found at: http://www.qsl.net/ad6ka/

A TEARFUL SPECIAL EVENT OPERATION! (ed. You'll Like This One!) The Ham and Onion Patrol of the Walla Walla Valley Amateur Radio Club will help commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Walla Walla Sweet Onion (the one and true sweet onion) with a Special Event Station on July 14-16th, (actually 0000z on July 15th to 2400z July 16th). This is scheduled in conjunction with the annual "Sweet Onion Music Festival". Station W7O will operate on or around the following frequencies: 3960, 7260, 14260, 21360 and 28460 kHz. Special prizes will be given to contacts in a number of categories such as most tearful contact, best onion related phonetics in a callsign, and others that they will make up as they go long. It is rumored that their technical department is trying to figure out a way to power at QRP transmitter using an onion as a power source. Also, the WWVARC Art Department has come up with what will be "THE QSL of the Year". It features a picture of the H&O Patrol on maneuvers. Those wishing to receive a QSL to commemorate their participation in this event should send a #10 SASE to W7O, c/o Mel Hickman, P. O. Box 2234, Walla Walla, WA 99362. This is definitely a station to look forward to with relish, and one that will leave you crying if you miss it.

A3, TONGA (IOTAs activated!). Andy, G4PIQ, is now active as A35IQ from the Tongatapu Group (OC-049) for the next two to three weeks. He was spotted on 20/17/15 meters, mainly CW, however, there was some 15 meters SSB. Activivty was between 1030 and 1530z. He will only operate during his free time. "The Daily DX" reports that Andy might be active from Vava'u Group (OC-064) as well. QSL via G4PIQ.

DXCC NEWS.......

• 3A/MONACO. (6 meters operations). DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, informs OPDX of the following: "The telecommunications authority in Monaco has authorized "utilisation of the 50 MHz band from the 1st to the 10th of July for all radio amateurs of Monaco." Although there has been some discussion about the validity of some of the operations which are taking place, communication from Dr. Robert Scarlot, 3A2CR, President of the ARM (Radio Amateurs of Monaco) indicates that all amateurs, including CEPT license holders, are authorized to use six meters during this period. The ARRL will accept all six meter contacts made with properly licensed stations during this period for DXCC credit."
• A52A QSLS. QRZ DX reports that Glenn, W0JS, states that the DXCC Desk has approved the documentation for the A52A operation and QSL cards are acceptable for DXCC credit. Also, documentation for Glenn/A52GJ and his son Mark/A52MJ has also been approved. Both will be returning to Bhutan at the end of the year using their own callsigns.

E4, PALESTINE. Arie, 4X6UO, reports to look for Gunter, OE1GZA, to become active on a regular basis as E4/OE1GZA from Ramalla. No QSNs have been reported yet, but QSL to: Gunter Zwickle, P.O. Box 1133, Ramallah, Palestine.

FO, FRENCH POLYNESIA. Mike, KM9D (XR0ZY), is now currently active as FO0MOT in the Gambier Islands (OC-063). He plans to operate on all bands, but has been only seen on 20/15 meters CW so far. It is not known how long Mike will stay here and move on to his next stop. There is talk that he may go and operate from Raivavae Island (OC-114), Austral Islands. QSL via OM2SA.

FR/T, TROMELIN (Update). Gill, F5NOD, reports that the "Lyon DX Gang Association's" callsign for the August 2000 FR/Tromelin expedition will be "FR/F6KDF/T". Unfortunately, it was not possible to obtain a special callsign.

IOTA NEWS.................

• AS-043. Look for JA1MXY/1, JA1SGU/1, and JI1SQK/1 to be active from Hachijo Island (Nampo Archipelgo), July 29-31th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters, maybe 80m, CW/SSB, including the WARC bands and the IOTA Contest. QSL direct or bureau.
• EU-078. Ramon, EA3EJI, states that he and team will activate Medas Gran Island (DIE E-001) July 22-23rd. The callsign will be ED3IM. They will operate both on SSB and CW, and also on the WARC bands with two stations. QSL via EA3CCN.
• NA-075. Elsie/N7WDX and Hillar/N6HR will be active from Galiano Island of the Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia, during the IOTA Contest. The callsign will be VE7DX/7. They hope to be on the air a day or two before the contest beaming Europe.
• NA-142. Don, W9DC, is planning to activate Santa Rosa Island, Florida, which he informs OPDX that this island is an approved island for the NA-142 group after Dauphin Island was removed and placed in a new group (NA-213). The operation will start at 2000z on Wednesday, July 12th and continue to 0400z on July 14th. He will concentrate on the 14 and 21 MHz IOTA frequencies on SSB, but CW will be used if conditions are poor. QSL via his home call, the bureau or direct to: Don Chamberlain, 2 Coxswain Place, Salem, SC 29676.
• SA-NEW. Jay, PP5LL, reports to look for activity from the newly formed Santa Catarina State South Group from August 1-7th. Callsigns will be PVI0TA on SSB and PV5L on CW. QSL via PP5LL.

JD1, OGASAWARA ISLAND. Look for Tack/JR3PZW, Nori/JA1OZK and Ross/JA1XHE to be active from IOTA AS-031 between August 13th and 16th. They will be using the callsigns JD1BKQ, JA1OZK/JD1 and JA1XHE/JD1. JD1BKQ will be mainly active on the High Band (RTTY and SSB) including the WARC bands. JA1OZK/JD1 will be mainly active on Low Band (CW and SSB) and 6m (CW, SSB and SSTV). JA1XHE/JD1 will be mainly active on High Band (CW) including the WARC bands. QSL via the bureau to each home callsign or direct to each Callbook address.

KH6, HAWAII. Bob Schenck, N2OO, and Beth Schenck (XYL), KF2BQ, shall be active from Maui (Hawaii, IOTA OC-019) from July 27th through August 3rd, including the IOTA Contest. Their callsigns will be KH6/N2OO and KH6/KF2BQ. QSL via N2OO.

OH0, ALAND ISLAND. Operators Ingo/SM5AJV, Erik/SM0EEH, Peder/SM0GNS, Jonas/SM5HJZ, Anders/SM0HPL, Olof/SM0IEA and Anders/SM0IHR will be making their traditional DXpedition to Aland Island between August 10-13th. They will be active on 160-6 meter CW/SSB. Also planned is some activity on PSK31 and RTTY. For more information, check the Web page at: http://www.mistra.se/oh0/

QSL INFO AND NEWS........

• All 9M2TO QSLs for QSOs between June 1st and July 5th will be sent out to JARL Bureau on JULY 11th, per Tex, 9M2TO.
• Tim Totten, N4GN, reports that all the recent 3A/OHxxx and 3A/Wxxx are QSLed via their home callsign (ex. 3A/OH1RY via OH1RY). However, Tim's OH4GN address will be forwarded to his N4GN address, so you might as well send directly there. Same goes for bureau QSLs.
• FO0AAA QSL Status! John, N7CQQ, reports that the FO0AAA QSL cards are being processed every day. The response to the expedition is very large, and all is being done to expedite your QSL requests. Please be patient. If you did not receive a QSL for an individual band/mode that you think you should have please send a note to N7CQQ (QSL manager) in a month or two. It takes a considerable amount of time to research the raw logs to find a log entry. OPDX InterNet Subscribers will receive John's complete press release with further details as an additional bulletin.
• ADDRESS FOUND! Neil, VK6NE, the VK9/0 QSL Bureau Manager, informs OPDX that he recently received some QSLs for the station VK9LOO in the mail from the U.S. . He reported that these QSLs were returned with a note stating that the callsign was unknown to him. However, since that time, the address of VK9LOO has been found. The home address of VK9LOO is: W.Snider, 3482 Sky Crest Drive, Yankee Hill, CA 95965 USA. Neil did not keep a record of the returned mail, so he cannot advise the operators to whom he returned their QSL.
• Yuri, UA0SJ (in Zone 18), who is active in all CW/SSB contests states to QSL "ONLY" direct to: Yuri A. Maltsev, P.O. Box 2304, Bratsk-City, 665700, Russia/Asiatic. By the way, he lives in the Bratsk which is 600 kilometers north from Lake Baikal. His equipment is a Kenwood TS-50S with AT-50, IBM 486 DX2 66, antenna KT-34a and computers with programs for contests by N6TR, K1EA and the contest card W9XT.

SPECIAL EVENT. Look for special event station AX2000 to be activated by the "Taree and District Amateur Radio Club Inc." during the "International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend" 0001z Saturday, August 19th until 2359z Sunday, August 20th. The station will operate from Crowdy Head Lighthouse situated at Crowdy Head, New South Wales, Australia. The Maidenhead locator is QF68JD. Because of the use of the AX2000 callsign, the following QSL information will apply and should be adhered to. The QSL Manager for AX2000 is VK2PS. Cards should be sent via the bureau (VK2), or direct with a reply envelope and return postage. In both instances the QSL Manager's callsign (VK2PS) should be shown.

SPECIAL EVENT. Valery, ER1BF, Secretary of ARM, reports that station ER230C (CAHUL) will be active until July 30th to celebrate the 230th anniversary of the historical battle, near terrain Cahul, by Russian troops under the command of Marshal Rumiancev who routed the huge army of Turks. A special QSL card will be available by Bazil, ER5AA. Most of the activity so far seems to be on 15 and 20 meters CW.

SV5, DODECANESE. Nenad, VE3EXY, will be active from here until July 15th as SV5/VE3EXY/P. He states that he will work mostly CW and RTTY. He suggests that DX stations (ASIA, VK, and NA/SA) look for him on the air around 2100z, and around 0300z. QSL via VE3EXY.

V7, MARSHALL ISLANDS. Al, K3VN, is now active on Kwajalein for one to two weeks. Al went to the island on business on short notice. He now has some free time and started operating from the V73GI club station. He was spotted on 20 meters (14189 kHz) phone around 0600z.

YS, EL SALVADOR (More/Update/Correction!). Andy, YS1AG (ex-G5AYU), informs OPDX that we made a mistake in his address last week. QSLs should be sent only direct to: Andy Goens, MD, PO Box 3061, San Salvador, El Salvador, Central America (not in S.A. "South America"). He also informed OPDX that he is a Plastic Surgeon, and his operating habits are rather "helter skelter" due to his work. However, he has been playing on 6 meters and states the following about that band: "....that band is so whimsical that nothing can be taken for granted there. My propagation patterns are different from those in the more northern latitudes, I seldom get summer E-sporadic, but after the equinox, throughout the fall and winter, TE is open almost daily, with occasional good F2. I used to believe I was an old hand, for I have spent most of my years as a ham chasing DX on HF, but since I started to be active on 6 there has been a lot of new things to learn in matters of propagation, 6 is a challenge, just for comparison, on HF my total (including deleted) is 356 and on six, after almost ten years albeit with gaps, I can only count 27..... Cheerio", Andy

ZD9, TRISTAN DA CUNHA. In a press release by Bob Henderson, 5B4AGN/G3ZEM, he states plans for his operation from Tristan da Cunha in September 2000 are now well advanced. Antennas and associated cabling... etc. are being despatched from the UK to rendezvous with the M.V. S.A. Agulhas at Cape Town, South Africa. All travel arrangements have been finalized, and Karen and Bob will depart from Cape Town on August 31st with a scheduled arrival at Tristan da Cunha on September 4th. If on schedule, ZD9ZM should hit the airwaves on September 5th. They will depart on September 25th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters mostly on CW with limited amount of RTTY. QSL is via William G McDowell, K4CIA, 13208 Norwood Road, Raleigh, NC 27614-9134, U.S.A. Direct requests must include an SAE and adequate return postage. Cards may also be requested via the bureau or by E-mail to: k4cia@mindspring.com A Web page has been setup for the ZD9ZM operation and will continue to be developed over the coming weeks. It will also be updated with relevant information during the ZD9ZM operation. Please check out the URL at: http://www.dxtechnology.com/zd9zm/ PLEASE NOTE: OPDX InterNet Subscribers will receive the complete press release as an additional bulletin.

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
ALSO VISIT THE NORTHERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB HOME PAGE:
http://www.en.com/users/k8yse/nodxa.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 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
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