The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 640
BID: $OPDX.640
December 22, 2003
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio)
Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network, K1XN & GoList, NC1L, K2MGA & CQ Communications Inc., NG3K, W3HC, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, W4WX, N5FG, K8YSE, K9LSB, N0AX, E21EIC, F5CWU & La Gazette du DX, F5NQL & UFT, G3XTT, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, JI6KVR & JA-IOTA Islands News, LU1BCE, OH2BH, OM3JW and VA3RJ & ICPO for the following DX information.
SPECIAL EDITOR'S NOTE: Can you believe it! Another year is almost over. Anyway, my family (wife/OPDX's chief proof-reader Linda, Teddy [TJ] and wife Jessica, Katie) and I (KB8NW) would like to wish all DXers, Contesters and OPDX readers a very "Happy Holiday and Season's Greetings". Also, we would like thank the many who have contributed information over the year (there are too many to list). REMEMBER, without them there would not be an OPDX Bulletin. I would also thank the many who sent holiday greetings. I tried to answer some and wished I could answer each one of them individually, but it would take a huge amount of time. You would not believe the amount of E-mail I receive...... 73 and Have a Great Holiday de Tedd KB8NW
DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 14th/December, through Sunday, 21st/December there were 224 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4S, 4W, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5U, 5V, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, AP, BV, BY, C3, CE, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D4, DL, DU, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FR/j, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HH, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J2, J5, J8, JA, JD/m, JT, JW, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ7, PY, PY0F, PY0S, PZ, S2, S5, S7, S9, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T30, T5, T7, T8, T9, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TR, TT, TU, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, VE, VK, VK9L, VK9N, VP5, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XT, XU, YA, YB, YI, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZC4, ZD9, ZF, ZK1/s, ZK2, ZL, ZP, ZS
* PLEASE NOTE: The report "could" contain "Pirate/SLIM" operations. As always, you never know - "Work First Worry Later" (WFWL).
** IMPORTANT NOTICE/REMINDER ** The Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin now has a new FAX number. Contributors can now send/fax their DX information to the following number: 1-419-828-7791 ( F A X only! )
3B9, RODRIGUES ISLAND (Update). OPDX received an update/bulletin from Don Field, G3XTT, (3B9C Publicity Officer) on the upcoming Project Star Reach, a project focused around a major expedition to Rodrigues Island, with the callsign 3B9C, just before going to print. Since their last announcement, additional team members and several additional sponsors have come on board. The shipping container has now been packed (see photos on the 3B9C Website) and has begun its journey to Rodrigues. This container holds considerably more equipment and antennas than they took to the Comoros (D68C), including capability for 70cm (satellite and moonbounce). They really do intend to cover as many bands and modes as possible, not only to satisfy the demands of the many specialist groups within the ranks of amateur radio, but also to encourage those of you who do tend to specialize (whether in HF, LF, RTTY or whatever) to try something new. Excerpts from "Bulletin No. 2" state that the new team members are Robert/F5VHN and Eric/K3NA. Also, Project Star Reach intends to use this opportunity for educating non-DXers into the "how, where and when" of working DX. They are delighted that several major amateur radio publications recognize the importance of this in revitalizing our hobby from within, and have agreed to run articles ahead of the 3B9C operation, giving suitable hints and tips (which will, of course, be equally applicable to other expeditions as time goes by). Within the constraints of time and geography, they are also happy to entertain requests for club presentations along similar lines. Don Field, G3XTT, says, "Drop me an E-mail, and let's see what we can do." Don's E-Mail address is: g3xtt@lineone.net One way they hope to encourage participation in Project Star Reach is by way of the Nevada Rodrigues Trophies. The Nevada Comoros Trophies offered as part of the D68C DXpedition for working band-slots were extremely popular with DXers, with the winners working D68C on 23 band-slots. Trophies were also available to clubs to encourage their members to be active and work D68C either from home or perhaps from the club station. During the 3B9C DXpedition they will be running the Nevada Rodrigues Trophies. The rules will be broader than those used for the Comoros, and there will be continental awards as well as awards for clubs outside the UK. There will also be special awards for newcomers to HF. Details will be available soon. The Project Star Reach is still looking for much needed funds to help pay for this DXpedition. The costs of procuring and shipping so much hardware are high - in the case of 3B9C, they estimate shipping costs alone to be in the order of $20k. They are looking for help from commerical, club and individual sponsors to help make this happen, rather than having the burden fall totally on the team members (who, of course, will make some contribution to the logistics costs, in addition to finding all their own travel and accommodation expenses). Between now and March further bulletins will be issued, but you can already find out much more by visiting the Web site which is up and running at: http://www.fsdxa.com/3b9c/
9V0, ANTARCTICA. Allan, 9V1DX, is now active as 9V0A from Ellsworth Mountain. He was spotted in 40 and 30 meters CW. Watch 7001 or 10108 kHz between 0130 and 0300z.
AP, PAKISTAN. Bob, AP2JZB, was active on 17 and 12 meters SSB this past weekend. Watch around 18119 and 24946 kHz between 1330 and 1500z.
CQ MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES NEW WAZ AWARDS MANAGER. On December 15th, CQ Publisher Richard Ross, K2MGA, announced the appointment of Floyd Gerald, N5FG, as CQ Worked All Zones (WAZ) Awards Manager, effective January 1, 2004. Floyd succeeds Paul Blumhardt, K5RT, who is stepping down after four years in the position due to increased work and family commitments. "We will miss Paul's dedication to WAZ and the CQ awards program in general," said Ross, "and we thank him for his many contributions. He sets an excellent example for his successor, and we welcome Floyd to the CQ 'family.' " The press release states, "Floyd Gerald, N5FG has been an amateur since 1972, and is an accomplished DXer. He holds many amateur radio operating awards, including 5BWAZ (200 Zones), #1 DXCC Mixed and SSB, CQ DX Honor Roll SSB and CW, 9 Band DXCC, and 6BWAS. He is also a founding member of the Magnolia DX Association. Floyd served as the manager of the W5 QSL bureau from 1998-2002. During his tenure, the W5 QSL Bureau was the first QSL Bureau to employ a website so users could check on their QSL 'accounts' on line. He's also served as CQ Awards and ARRL DXCC Checkpoint, and has been a QSL manager for several DX stations. Floyd is retired from the housing industry and lives near Wiggins, Mississippi, with his wife Sherry on their 5 acre antenna farm. CQ would like to ask WAZ applicants to delay sending applications (and cards) to Floyd until 1 February 2004, in order to allow for an orderly transition and transfer of records. We apologize for this delay, but feel that it will reduce confusion and possible loss of anyone's application during the transition. Applications and cards sent to K5RT will be forwarded to N5FG each month. After February 1, WAZ applications and cards should be sent to: Floyd Gerald, N5FG, 17 Green Hollow Rd., Wiggins, MS 39577-8318. The Worked All Zones awards are part of a comprehensive operating award program sponsored by CQ magazine, the world's leading independent amateur radio publication."
DXCC NEWS. Bill Moore, NC1L, ARRL DXCC Manager, sent out the following press release: "The following is approved for DXCC credit:
Johnston Island KH3/KT6E - Only authorized persons are allowed to land on Johnston Island. Proof of presence at certain DXCC entities is required. Representatives of most operations are most helpful and cooperative in providing the necessary proof of presence and/or operating authorization as required. A very small number are not. Although no one has provided any information regarding that status of KH3/KT6E, some research on our part indicates that DXCC requirements have been met. Therefore, KH3/KT6E is accepted for DXCC credit."
FO/A, AUSTRAL ISLANDS. "The Daily DX" and "La Gazette du DX" are reporting that a Finish group will be active from here between January 5-19th. Their callsigns are not known yet. The team includes: Veko/OH1AWW, Jouko/OH1RX, Henri/OH3JR, Veijo/OH6KN and Kimmo/OH9MDV. Activity will be on all bands on CW/SSB/RTTY/PSK31. There will be a special emphasis on the low bands. More details are forthcoming, and the team plans to have a Web page.
IOTA 40TH ANNIVERSARY AWARD. Don Field, G3XTT, informs OPDX readers: Just a reminder to IOTA enthusiasts (and would-be IOTA enthusiasts!) that IOTA 2004, the IOTA 40th Anniversary Awards Programme, starts on 1st January. A set of files for downloading is now avalable on the CDXC (Chiltern DX Club, the UK DX Foundation) Web pages, at: http://www.cdxc.org.uk (follow the IOTA 2004 links) These include a tracking spreadsheet that does absolutely everything you might need (my thanks to G3PMR and G3LAS for their work on this) or, if you don't want that level of complexity, there is a simple application form and lists of Premium Island Groups (by month) and Rare and Unnumbered groups qualifying for the DXpeditioners Awards. Remember that all applications must arrive in electronic form. No paper applications will be accepted. Full rules and a list of Frequently Asked Questions also appear on the Website, but questions may also be sent direct to me." Don Field's, G3XTT, E-mail address is: don@g3xtt.com Any queries about the IOTA Programme as a whole should, of course, continue to go to the IOTA Manager G3KMA ( g3kma@dsl.pipex.com ) and general information about the IOTA Programme is available on the IOTA Web pages at: http://www.rsgbiota.org
KG4, GUANTANAMO BAY. Bill, W4WX, will be active as KG4DX from GTMO January 13-19th. He will operate the HF bands and 6 meters. QSL to his home call, direct with SASE or via LoTW.
KP2, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. Kan, AB2RF, will be active as KP2/AB2RF from St. Thomas between December 26-31st. Activity will be on 80-6 meters CW/SSB/RTTY. QSL via AB2RF using the address on QRZ.com.
LIGHTHOUSE ACTIVITY...................
NEW OFFICERS FOR 2004. The Western Washington DX Club (WWDXC) have elected the following new officers for 2004.
President - Joseph Shinners, W7GTO
Vice President - Dennis Bowman, W7SNH
Secretary - Brian Moran, N9ADG
Treasurer - Marina Zuetell, N7LSL
Trustees - James Hadlock, K7WA
Robert Nielsen, N7XY
Richard Swanson, K7BTW
Mary Lewis, W7QGP
Joe Gregory, W7QN
Kirk Bellar, N7UK
The WWDXC would also like to invite everyone to the Pacific NW DX Convention to be held in Everett, WA, between July 16-18th. Details should be available soon on the club Web site at: http://www.wwdxc.org
QSL INFO AND NEWS...................
S2, BANGLADESH. Koichirco, S21YY, is active almost daily on 3507-3508 kHz sometimes starting at 1230z and as late as 1730z. QSL via JM1HXU.
SPECIAL EVENT. Look for Jack, K9LSB, to be operating as K9L from March 1-14th in celebration of 50 years as a licensed operator. K9LSB and members of the Hoosierland Amateur Mobile Systems will operate all bands and all modes from the home of K9LSB in Fort Wayne, Indiana. All QSLs go to K9LSB. (a SASE will get you a nice card in return). Equipment for the activity will be a FT-1000MP Mark V and a FTV-1000 6 meter transverter into an A3A at 65ft. He will use dipoles on everything else.
SPECIAL EVENT (Attention Prefix Hunters!). Carlos Beviglia, LU1BCE, Secretary of the Radio Club Argentino (RCA), informs OPDX that between January 4-15th, the RCA will participate in the 6th Andes Mountains Land Cross. It is made every year honoring the cross that General San Martin did leading his army to Chile during the American Independence War in 1817. The cross will be made as San Martin did by land on mules, through the mountains the same ways the army did, at an average height of 4500m. The RCA will provide the comunication for the event for the 300 participants who will divide into 6 columns, and spread off 750 kms. RCA will set up two HF stations at every camp point throughout the whole journey. The DX operation will be mainly on SSB/CW on all HF bands, and the callsign to be used is LS4M. Attention WPX hunters, the LS4 prefix has not been activated for many years (nearly 20). A special QSL card and award (5 QSOs any mode, any band) will be issued. QSL info is via LU4AA, bureau or direct.
T33, BANABA ISLAND (Update). Preparation for the 2004 Banaba DXpedition is on its way according to their Web page. Last week a team finalized the loading of the 20 foot container with approx. 4500 Kg of materials which is now on its way to Kiribati. They hope it will arrive there at end of February. They still mention that they still have 2 operator spots available (provided travel arrangements to Kiribati can still be arranged, flights are getting full). The first photos have been published on the "Pictures" section on their Web site, so you can get an impression of what is going to be transported to the island. The 2004 Banaba DXpedition Web page is at: http://www.dx-pedition.de/banaba2004/pictures-index.html The team has put in many weeks of effort to prepare as much as possible so they don't loose any extra time on the setup of the station. They state all masts are ready to go; the SteppIR's are pre-mounted, the 6 and 30 meter beam is pre-mounted, all low band antennas are pre-cut, generators have had their first hours run and oil is replaced, ready to play, coax and control cables are all cut on right length with plugs, etc. Apart of possible problems with transportation delays, not much can go wrong now. They are all confident that the Banaba 2004 operation will be a successful one. They are still looking for addition funds. The transportation costs are much higher than expected. They had to buy a container because it was impossible to load it in 2 days which was expected from them in the first place.
TO4, EUROPA. Interesting week. On Wednesday, December 17th, an annoucement was sent out stating the TO4E team was "definitively QRT" because of tropical cyclone CELA, and the team made about 32000 QSOs. The report stated that CELA's winds blew violently and the buildings on the island suffered. Roofs were torn off but nobody, neither the military detachment or the Europa 2003 team was injured. However, the report stated that radio equipment was damaged "a lot". The team was expected to be back on Reunion on Friday, December 19th. However, another delay took place and the team did not depart from the island. The team's departure has now been pushed back a few days, and they have obtained permission to continue using TO4E during this time. The TO4E team came back on the air Friday, December 19th. QSNs show that they were active on 20/15/12/10 meters. As this was being typed Sunday morning (1300z), no QSNs were reported. Please refer to the TO4E Web page for more details and updates at: http://europa2003.free.fr/europa_infos-e.htm
TT8, CHAD. As mentioned in OPDX.638, Allan, N5XZ, is now active as TT8XZ using some type of Motorola radio which is very limited in accessing frequencies (he has to program each frequency in the radio). He was spotted this past week on 14130, 14195, 7050 and 7055 kHz basically between 1900-2000z. QSL via N5XZ.
YA, AFGHANISTAN. Johnny, LA5IIA, is now active as YA8G in Kabul for about the next 5 months. He was spotted this past weekend on 20/17/12 meters. Most of his activity will be on CW and some RTTY, with very little SSB. He is there as a UNICEF worker and plans to be active in his spare time. QSL via LA4YW. For more details and some interesting pictures, please visit his Web page at: http://www.qsl.net/la8g/YA8G.htm
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