Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 475
September 4, 2000

The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 475
BID: $OPDX.475
September 4, 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, AI2Q, W3UR & The Daily DX, KE4BKL, N4AA & QRZ DX, NI6T, W6KNB, K7BV, W7MP, K8YSE, 4X6UO, 9M2TO, DJ5AV & DX News Letter, DL2VFR, DL5NAM, EA8EE, F5NOD, HA0HW, JA1HGY, JI3DST, PA3EPG, S52DG, SV1ENG, UT9FJ, VK2EO, VK2GJH, VK4AAR and ZS5BBO for the following DX information.

4W, EAST TIMOR. Dennis, K7BV, has informed OPDX that he has recently updated the 4W/K7BV (4W6DX) East Timor DXpedition Web page. This Web page is very impressive, and you should take the time to check it out. The site contains up-to-date information on this operation, tentatively scheduled for October 8-16th. The site also mentions that Dennis has recently picked up the license (August 31st) at the UN Headquarters in New York City. The Web page can be found at: http://www.qth.com/k7bv/timor/

5N, NIGERIA. Bogdan, 5N3CPR, operates quite a bit on 17 meters CW. He is usually active between 2200 and 0100z around or just below 17080 kHz. He will be heading back to Poland soon for "time off," but will return to Nigeria and resume his 5N3CPR operation in about five weeks from now (per AI1Q). He is running an FT-100 that he finds convenient to carry on airplanes, and a half-sloper antenna (not so convenient). His home call and QSL route is SP5CPR.

8Q7, MALDIVES. Adam, W7MP, will be active as 8Q7AB from September 30th through October 9th. His operating location will be Bandos Island (IOTA AS-013, CQ ZONE: 22, ITU ZONE: 41 and Continent: AS/AF). Activivty will be on 80-10 meters (QSX up). His equipment will be an ICOM 706 MK IIG into an Ameritron AL 811H at 800 Watts to a Butternut 9-band vertical and Alpha Delta 10-40 notrap dipole. QSL via W7MP. NOTE: This is a newly assigned callsign and is not in the Callbook yet. QSL information is as follows: Adam Boettiger, W7MP, 420 SE Kathy Street, Sherwood, OR 97140 (USA). For additional information, an online form to request cards via the bureau, propagation window projections, frequencies, further updates and more, see the Web page at: http://www.dxpedition.com/

9M0, SPRATLY ISLAND. One of Japan's DX clubs, the Far East DX Ploiters (FEDXP), will carry out a DXpedition to Layan Layan Island in the Spratly Island group to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their club. The FEDXP was established in 1960. Some may remember that in 1982 FEDXP members went to the Republic of Guinea (3X) to celebrate their 20th anniversary (callsign were 3X3JA and 3X5DX). The Layan Layan Island operation will take place September 12-16th. This time look for operators JA1BRK, JA1RJU, JA4DND, JK1OPL, JR1FBE, 7K1WLE and JF2XGF to use the callsign 9M0F from the Spratlys. They will operate on 160-6 meters on CW/SSB/RTTY (using the usual DX frequencies). They plan to have two HF sations operating simultaneously and the beacon will transmit 24 hours around the clock on the 6 meter band. QSL via JA1HGY: Nao Mashita, 8-2-4 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo 107-0052, JAPAN

A5, BHUTAN. By the time you read this, operators/members of the Clipperton DX Club should be active from Thimphu until September 14th. Team members include Denise/F6HWU, Gerard/F2VX, Alain/F6ANA, Vincent/G0LMX, and Alain/ F5LMJ. As of press time, the callsign is unknown. QSL via F8RZ. Suggested frequencies are:

• CW - 3505, 7005, 10105, 14015, 14015, 18075, 21015, 24895 and 28015
• SSB - 3795, 7045, 14195, 18145, 21295, 24945 and 28475 kHz

For updated info, check the Clipperton DX Club Web page at: http://www.multimania.com/cdxc/ ADDED NOTE: From "The Daily DX", Laurent, F8BBL, is the pilot station for the Clipperton DXpedtion to Bhutan. He reports that the recent A50CDX station is not the group and is a pirate. As soon as the team starts he will confirm the callsign. They are not expected to be on the air until around 0630Z Sunday September 3, 2000.

A5, BHUTAN. A station signing A52FH was active on Sunday on 14195 kHz at 1250z and 21295 kHz at 1426z. No other details are available at this time.

D4, CAPE VERDE (IOTA operation). Operators Manuel/EA8BYG and Jose/EA8EE will be active near the capital of Mindelo from the Island of Sao Vicente (IOTA AF-086, new reference about June 2000) from November 1-8th. They will actually be operating from Carlos', D44AC, QTH and use his callsign. Their activity will be on all HF bands around the IOTA frequencies including the 17/12 meters and VHF 50 MH (grid locator HK76KM). Modes will be on CW/SSB/RTTY/PSK31/HELL/STREAM/MT63/SSTV and PACTOR. Their equipment will be an IC-706 MKIIG, with vertical antenna and a directional antenna A5S to be built on a mast. They will also have a homemade dipole for 6 meters, and TS44O Kenwood. The QSL via EA8URL (The Gran Canaria DX GROUP).

DX MAGAZINE - MOST WANTED SURVEY 2000. Carl, N4AA, Editor of QRZ DX, has asked for DXers throughout the world to participate in the DX Magazine's 2000 Most Wanted Survey. This year everyone will have a chance to participate because the survey is available on the Web site: http://www.dxpub.com It will also be in the September/October issue of The DX Magazine scheduled for mailing later this month. The results will be published in the January/February 2001 issue of The DX Magazine and will be posted to the Web site in late January 2001. OPDX urges DXers to participate. The Survey is very important to potential DXpeditioners, and many use this listing to determine where/when to go on their trips. Carl's complete press release will be sent to all OPDX InterNet Subscribers as an additional bulletin.

E3, ERITREA. Members of the Bavarian Contest Club (BCC), DL5NAM/Chris) and DF4RD/Dieter, will activate from Asmara, capital city of Eritrea (7th most wanted entity), from October 17th through November 1st. Activity will be on 160-6 meters on SSB/CW/RTTY and PSK31. Their callsigns and QSL info will be announced upon their arrival. Any donation or sponsorship is welcome (their callsigns costs 1000 USD). For more information, contact Chris/DL5NAM via E-mail at: dl5nam@web.de Or check later (under construction) at: http://www.qsl.net/e30??

FO0, AUSTRALES ISLANDS. Mike, KM9D (FO0MOT), is active from Raivavae Island (OC-114) as FO0MOT/P. His activity will be mostly on CW but on all bands until September 10th. He was spotted this past weekend on 3507 kHz at 1120z, 24918 khz at 1749z and on 14036 between 1100-1430z (also again at 0944z). QSL via OM2SA, Juraj Sipos, 93013 Trhova Hradska 550, Slovakia.

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

• IOTA-OOPPS. In last week's bulletin (OPDX.474) we stated that Uznam Island was EU-179. This is wrong it is EU-129.
• AS-147. Takeshi, JI3DST, will be active from Hokkaido's Coastal Islands (Okushiri Island) as JI3DST/8 from 0800z September 23rd to 0200z September 25th. Activity will be on 17/15/12/10/6 meters SSB. QSL via the JARL Bureau (Bureau is Best) or direct (Please don't send USDs) to: Takeshi Funaki, 2-18-26 Hannan-cho Abeno-ku Osaka-city, OSAKA 545-0021 JAPAN.
• CUBAN IOTAs. Members of the GRUPO DX CUBA will activate ALL IOTA's references in Cuba during the month September and also activate a "new one".
  • NA-093. Sept. 1-3rd CO1OTA, Cayo Juatias, Archipielago Los Colorados
  • NA-086. Sept. 7-9th CO7OTA, Cayo Coco, Archipielago Camaguey
  • NA-NEW. Sept. 14-16th CO8OTA, Cayo Moa Grande (NEW REFERENCE)
  • NA-204. Sept. 21-23rd CO6OTA Cayo Sta. Maria, Archipielago Sabana
  • NA-201. Sept. 28-30th CO9OTA Cayo Caguamas, Arch. Jardines de la Reina
  • NA-015. Sept. 1-30th CO0OTA Cuba, (main land)
  • NA-056. Sept. 1-30th, CO4OTA Isla de la Juventud, Arch. Los Canarreos
  QSL via bureau or GRUPO DX CUBA. Apdo, 6060 Cdad. Habana 10600, Cuba.
• EU-136. Alen, S53MA, will be active from the Island of Krk using the callsign 9A/S53MA/P now through September 12th. This will be a QRP operation using a Sierra 1-2W, dipoles, GP for 20 meters. Activity will be on 80-15 meters between 2000-0000z. A special QSL will be provided. QSL via home callsign.
• EU-136. Dusan/S52DG and Borut/S52LD will be active as 9A/S52DG/P and 9A/S52LD/P from Croatian Island of Krk (CI-046) from September 15-19th Activity will be on 40-10 meters, CW-SSB. QSL via CBA or bureau.
• OC-212. A team of VK operators will be using the callsign VI2BI to activate Broughton Island from October 6-15th. Activity will be on most bands for the duration of the operation. The team will arrive on the Island at approx 0200z on the 6th.
• OC-234. The "Timor Sea DX Group" TSDXG (ops VK8AN, VK8DK, VK8TM and VK6YS) finally got Browse Island on the air as VK6BM about 1145z, September 1st. They were using basic equipment to start and the antenna was only 20 ft. off the ground. Things were improved on September 2nd when daylight arrived. The seas were very bad which delayed the landing considerably. QSL via VK4AAR, Alan Roocroft, POB 421, Gatton 4343. Australia. ADDED NOTE: Some people are still using the Arana Hills address which expired in 1993, and others are using the Dalveen address which expired in 1998. Please use the GATTON address. **STOP PRESS** The horrific seas which delayed the landing of the TSDXG team on Browse Island has now blown the catamaran "Tearaway" up on the beach. The operators have unanimously decided to abort this part of their DXpedition. They expect, at this stage, if possible, to refloat the catamaran at high tide around 0500z September 3rd. If there are no further difficulties, they will probably proceed to Cassini earlier than originally planned. Their QSL Manager Alan, VK4AAR, will keep us posted if any further changes happen. Browse is now finished for this trip.

KH5, KINGMAN REEF. Another press release by the Kingman Reef/Palmyra DX Group was sent out by Garry Shapiro, NI6T, this week. OPDX Internet Subscribers will receive a copy of the complete release as an additional bulletin. In short, the plan DXpedition is on track. The Kingman Reef DXpedition team will depart Honolulu by air on Sunday, October 15 for Kiritimati Atoll (Christmas Island) in Eastern Kiribati. The team will be met by the motor schooner "Machias" for the voyage to Palmyra Atoll and Kingman Reef. At Palmyra, the team will be joined by Mike, KH6ND, who is currently active as KH6ND/KH5. The team may have the opportunity to spend some time at Palmyra before continuing to Kingman Reef. During at least 12 days at Kingman, they will be active on all bands from 160 to 6 meters on CW, SSB and RTTY with up to six stations. The expenses for this DXpedition include over $50,000 for transportation! They will be heavily dependent upon assistance from both individuals and DX organizations, especially in Europe, to meet their objectives. Contributions should be sent to: Tom Harrell, N4XP, 2011 New High Shoals Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677.

NEW 6 METER BEACON. Arie, 4X6UO, informs OPDX that a new 6m beacon is on the air with a temporary callsign and location. The frequency is: 50.080.20 MHz The beacon CW text is: " vvvvvvvvv 4Z5AY test 4Z5AY test 4X/4Z beacon located in Tel-Aviv km72jb now tx all the characters from memory abcde fghij klmno pqrst uvwxy z1234 56789 0.,?-/ 15 seconds key down " For more info, check the Web page: http://www.iarc.org/~4z5ay/htmls/bea_tec.htm

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

• Ben, PA3EPG, reports that he is the new QSL Manager for Serge, 4K5CW. He has the logs from August 16, 2000, and later. QSOs before that date Ben can confirmed, but he must check these QSOs first with Serge. Anyone who needs Azerbaijan confirmed can send the QSL card to the following: Ben van Leeuwen, Zwolseweg 57, 8181 AC Heerde, The Netherlands
• The FR/F6KDF/T Tromelin Island DXpedition's LOG is now available on the Web page: http://perso.easynet.fr/~f6jjx/menu.htm For direct links to specific items on their Web page use the following: To the LOG: http://f5nod.waika9.com/frt_log.html To the expedition statistics: http://f5nod.waika9.com/frt_stat.html To the expedition pictures: http://www.citeweb.net/frt/pictures.html
• 9M2TO QSLs for contacts between July 5th through August 15th (including the contest) have been sent out via the JARL Bureau on August 20th.
• Ron/WA6FGV and Frans/K6SHJ were active recently on Moorea, French Polynesia as FO0AND and FO0JAN, respectively. QSL to home calls: FO0AND to WA6FGV and FO0JAN to K6SHJ. ADDED NOTE: They may be active again from Moorea for a few days in mid September on their way home to Santa Barbara, California, after operating from South Cook Island (See ZK1 below).
• The SW8LH operation from Akrotiri Light House Santorini Island (EU-067) by SV1ENG and SV1EFP is now QRT. The operators will transfer about 3000 QSOs from the paper log to the PC log. They will have the QSL cards printed in the middle of October. For informations visit the Web page: http://www.qsl.net/sv1eng/
• A QSL new address has been announced for UX2FXX (UT9F contest callsign): The Odessa City Young RadioAmateur Club Station, P.O. Box 100, Odessa 65065 Ukraine
• QSL CARDS FOR ZD9IL. Many have been wondering where their ZD9IL QSL cards are and what is taking so long. Well QSL Manager Edwin Musto, ZS5BBO, informs OPDX that the problem is that Ian's, ZD9IL, logbook was mailed to Edwin about a year ago and has come up missing. The last log Edwin received was dated 30-June-1998. Edwin has finally been able to make a contact with Ian, and he has now promised Edwin that he will mail him a copy of his log at the end of September when the next mail ship leaves the island. Edwin wants people to realize that the logistics for this island are not easy, and they only have about 4 mail boats a year. Ian is not on any E-mail like we are, and this creates major problems. As soon as Edwin has the log sheets, he promises to work his tail off to get all the QSLing up to date. Please don't send a second card as this causes more headaches. If you have sent a card it will be answered once he has the log. The QSL address is: EDWIN MUSTO (ZS5BBO), P.O. BOX 211032, BLUFF, 4036, SOUTH AFRICA. ADDED NOTE: Ian has also told Edwin that he has not been very active as high winds have blown down antennas, and hopes he will be active within the next month.

SPECIAL EVENT. Look for the Alamance County Amateur Radio Club special event station, K4EG, on September 16, 2000, to commerate the Burlington Carousel Festival. The operating frequency will be 14.260, and others will be announced at the festival. The operating times will be between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EDT). A nice certificate will be given out for the price of a #10 SASE to U.S. hams and a IRC for foreign hams (direct only please). The Certificate Manager will be KE4BKL, and the address can be found on the QRZ.COM or BUCK.COM Web sites, or he can be contacted via E-mail at: mwoakley@bellsouth.net They request to please help them celebrate their festival and help the ACARC promote amateur radio to the public.

SV5, DODECANESE. By the time you read this, Laci/HA0HW and Tom/HA4DX will be active as SV5/homecall until September 11th (possibly the 18th). The two operators are on holiday with their wifes on Kos Island (EU-001) close to Rhodes Island. Activity will be on all bands including the WARC bands on CW/SSB and maybe RTTY. The low bands activity will depend on the local free place to hang up some long wires. On the other bands, they will use mono verticals on fishing rods as they did for SV8/HA0HW/p in August from Corfu Island (EU-052) and made 5200 QSOs. They want to remind everyone that this is a vacation, but they will try to be on the bands at local early mornings and late evenings while their wives are in bed.

T30, WEST KIRBATI. Jack Haden, VK2GJH, informs OPDX that he will be on the air from Betio (RJ-61), South Tarawa as T30JH from September 14-26th. He states priority will be given to 50 MHz using an Icom IC-736 (100 watts) into a Cushcraft 5 element beam on that band. He will also use a Kenwood TS-690S into a four element beam for the HF/WARC bands. QSLs go to VK2GJH (direct only) with the proper SAE for return reply. Jack mentions, "Due to immediate connecting flights there will be NO operation from C21 this time, sorry!"

XU, CAMBODIA. Peter, ON6TT, was heard active this past weekend as XU7ABI on 17 and 20 meters SSB. His activity is only going to last until September 6th. QSL via ON5NT.

ZK1, SOUTH COOK ISLANDS. Ron/WA6FGV and Frans/K6SHJ are now active on Rarotonga (South Cook) as ZK1FGV and ZK1SHJ, respectively, until about September 14th. They have been active over the past weekend on 20/17/15 meters CW. Also, look for them to possibly be active again from Moorea (FO0) for a few days after this operation as they head their way home to Santa Barbara, California. QSL via home calls.

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
"Totally devoted to Amateur Radio" - 24 Hrs a day 8/N/1 14.4k-300 baud