[ADXA] YN9ZJM

[Dennis Schaefer]

Our local club sent a rig, a tuner, antenna, and other parts to a mission
in Nicaragua that is being supported by a local group.  The operator,
Hamilton, passed all the requirements and has the callsign YN9ZJM.  He has
had some antenna and power issues that were difficult to deal with
remotely, so he is nearing the end of his "Novice" year.

There is a  language barrier and the regulations are vague, but it seems
that if he does not confirm 50 contacts on the HF bands by February 1st, he
will not be able to upgrade his license.  We are not sure of the
implications of that, and it is possible he may not be able to operate at
all.  At the very least, he will not be able to gain privileges to operate
on the 2-meter repeater, which is important to them because there are
several dangers in this rural area of Nicaragua.

We have been listening for Hamilton daily at 3:30 PM local on 14.265 but at
first, he had inadequate battery power (AC is unreliable).  Yesterday, he
had to make a trip out of town and didn't get back until well after 20
meters had closed.  IF anyone hears YN9ZJM, please give him a contact.  If
we are able to get a reliable schedule going, I'll let everyone know but it
appears we will try 14.265 at 3:30 PM today.  One of the peculiarities of
licensing there is that we think he is not able to initiate calls on 20
meters.  If someone calls him, he can answer, but he cannot call CQ or
otherwise initiate a QSO.  It makes for some strange operating procedures.

If anyone has good information about how licensing actually works in
Nicaragua, that would be helpful also.  I get the impression that the rules
are somewhat "fluid".

73,
Dennis, W5RZ
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