[DX] ZS1AN/P DASSEN ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE FINAL UPDATE

[Andrew ZS1AN]

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As previously announced I plan to be operational from Dassen Island Lighthouse (IOTA AF-064,  ARLHS SAF-042, WLA LH-0423) from 1600 UTC on Friday 16 August until 1200 UTC on Sunday 18 August for International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend 2002. This message is the final announcement and includes the latest weather and operating information.

WORLD LIGHTHOUSE AWARD

The World Lighthouse Award has issued the number LH-0423 for Dassen Island lighthouse. This will be its first activation for the WLA. My thanks to Don W9DC for facilitating this. My QSL card will include the WLA number as well as ARLHS and IOTA information.

WEATHER

I have discussed the latest weather forecast with the skipper of the boat which will be taking me to the island. Although it is somewhat windier than hoped it is still likely that we will be able to make the trip on Friday afternoon and be operational by 1600 UTC on 16 August as planned. If the weather does not play ball on Friday then I will go on Saturday morning instead, in which case I should be operational by 0800 UTC on 17 August. I plan to operate until 1200 UTC on Sunday 18 August; however it is possible that the weather will keep me on the island longer than expected in which case I will remain operational until I am able to leave the island. 

OPERATING SCHEDULE

I have updated my operating schedule to take into account the latest solar flux index forecasts for the weekend, which are substantially better than the forecasts I used previously. My planned schedule is as follows (all times UTC):

0500-0600  7026 CW
0600-0800 14026 CW
0800-0900 No operation
0900-1000 14026 CW
1000-1100 14226 USB (primarily for ZS lighthouses)
1100-1200 No operation
1200-1500 21026 CW
1500-1600 14026 CW
1600-1900 21026 CW
1900-2100 14026 CW
2100-2200  7026 CW

This schedule will be repeated on all days for which I am operational. Please see it as a guide only as my operating times and frequencies will take into account actual propagation conditions and I will take breaks to walk on the island etc.

Further information, including propagation forecasts, can be found at http://www.qsl.net/zs1an/dassen.html

QSL INFORMATION

Please QSL direct to

PO Box 350
Newlands 7725
South Africa

Please include a green stamp or IRC if you would like a direct reply; all others will be sent via the bureau.

If you are a FISTS member and your QSL card (with your FISTS membership number) reaches me before the end of September then I will QSL via the FISTS bureau at no charge. I intend to send a single parcel of cards to the FISTS bureau in early October. My FISTS number is 8921.

vy 73 de
Andrew ZS1AN