From kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org Sun Dec 7 14:30:00 2014 From: kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org (Tedd Mirgliotta (KB8NW)) Date: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 14:30:00 -0500 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1192 Message-ID: <200214.7266.bm@smtp118.sbc.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1192 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1192 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1192 BID: $OPDX.1192 December 8, 2014 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, NJ1Q & W1AW, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, AA4NC, N4AA & QRZ DX, W4DN, K5KV, WB6RSE, WC6DX, K8CX, K8GI, K8PGJ, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, W9ILY, 4X1VF, DG1SGW, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DL1SBF, DxCoffee.com, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, E51AND, ES1CW, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, HB9DDZ, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, LB2TB, ON4WW, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, TA5FA, VA3RJ & ICPO, the VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) and VU2CDP for the following DX information. DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 30th-November, through Sunday, 7th-December there were 236 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5W, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7O, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 8R, 9A, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C2, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Z, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D4, DL, DU, E3, E5/s, E6, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FK, FM, FO, FR, FS, FW, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HH, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J5, J6, J7, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KH8, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ7, PY, PZ, S0, S2, S5, SM, SP, SU, SV, SV/a, SV5, SV9, T2, T30, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TR, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2M, VP2V, VP5, VP8, VP8/g, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, VU4, XE, XT, XU, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, Z8, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZD8, ZD9, ZF, ZL, ZP, ZS * PLEASE NOTE: The report "could" contain "Pirate/SLIM" operations or more likely a "BUSTED CALLSIGN". As always, you never know - "Work First Worry Later". 3Y/B, BOUVET 2016 (Request for funding intentions de ON4WW). See additional bulletin below. 4X0, ISRAEL (WFF/XFF Op). Members of the Holyland DX Group will activate Mamshit (see ) for the Israel National Parks Award - 4XFF-026 (Holyland Square H26BS). This will be the first time ever activation. Look for the group to sign 4X0WFF between December 26-27th. They plan to have two stations operating CW and SSB on the WFF frequencies. Operators mentioned are Shalom/4Z4BS, Mark/4Z4KX, Ruben/4Z5FI, Yulik/4X6HP, Ros/4Z5LA, Vlad/4Z5IW and Jan/4X1VF. QSL cards will handled by Ros, 4Z5LA. 5R, MADAGASCAR (Postponed). Toshi, JA8BMK, reports that he had to postponed his operation to Antananarivo, Madagascar, as 5R8DX "due to the plague prevalence in the area." AFRICAN TOURS (Reminder). Just a reminder that Nick, G3RWF, will start his Southern Africa Tour for a 5 week holiday starting in Lesotho and being active as 7P8NH between December 11-14th. Nick informs OPDX that this is "real holiday" with the entire family coming to Southern Africa between Christmas and the New Year. However, he will be there longer with his wife, Liz. Nick states [edited], "I shall be on the air from South Africa from about December 18th to January 5th as ZS1/G3RWF, and then from Namibia from about January 6-13th as V5/G3RWF. All CW only (taking my K2)." Listen for him on the higher bands on CW (no SSB). He "doesn't anticipate any 80m or 160m (and not 6m for those who always ask)." Nick also mentioned one other thing to OPDX that his 7P8 license is good for a year, and he may well return there sometime not too far off. QSL via G3RWF. ANTARCTICA. Alexei, RV3ARY, is planning an attempt to operate from Mount Vinson (WAP MNB-01), Antarctica (Grid Square EB62), between December 24th and January 3rd (2015). He will use battery power and take a Windom and Yagi antenna for 20m. He plans to operate on 7045, 14260 and 21260 kHz. More details will be forthcoming. [Russian translation courtesy WC6DX] CP, BOLIVIA. Antonio, EA5RM, will be active as CP1XRM from San Ignacio de Moxos between December 8-12th. Activity will be on the HF bands, but will be limited to spare time because of work. Modes will be on SSB and RTTY. QSL via his home callsign. DAYTON HAMVENTION NEWS (SWODXA Press Release/DX Dinner Announcement). Dated December 5th -- The SouthWest Ohio DX Association (SWODXA) is pleased to announce that we will again sponsor the DX Dinner, held in conjunction with the 2015 Dayton Hamvention?. This, our 30th annual dinner, will be on Friday, May 15th, 2015, at the Dayton Marriott, 1414 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409. We have worked with our normally generous prize donors to gather prizes that will reflect the momentous occasion that this THIRTIETH anniversary represents. Among other great prizes, Yaesu has generously donated an FT DX-3000! There will be a cash bar starting at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 7:00. Following the meal, there will be a separate room and cash bar available for more fellowship. This is an excellent opportunity to meet new hams and to renew old acquaintances as well as to learn about past DXpeditions and those in the planning stages. The Marriott is very accommodating to a group our size. The dining room is on the ground floor so there are no steps, the dining room is very large, and there is ample free, on-site parking. This dinner is always well attended by some of the most avid DXers in the world. As in the past, there will be some major door prizes, and there is always great anticipation as to who will be named the "DXpedition of the Year". We are already getting queries regarding tickets and we will be accepting ticket requests on December 5th, two months ahead of our normal start date! To accommodate the group requests we have already had, we will be offering the purchase of tables (10 seats) at a discount! Details and dinner reservation information can be found on the SWODXA Events website . From there, click on the DXDinner icon. You can print the reservation form and submit it with your personal check or money order. We are also accepting PayPal payments. Program details and a list of the prizes will be on the website as they become available and updates will be sent out regularly via Twitter. Follow us on Twitter - @SWODXA...... -- Bill, AJ8B, SWODXA DX Dinner Chairman and SWODXA Club Secretary E5, COOK ISLANDS (North and South). Andy, E51AND, informs OPDX "Cook Island's RESIDENT hams will be allowed a special 1x1 callsign in the form E50x for use during the 50th anniversary of Self Governance in 2015. Visitors to the island will be issued a callsign in accordance with current practice in the form E51xxx. The special call is available for use at the operator's discretion ONLY during the period January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2015." Andy adds, "There are only 7 resident licensed hams in the entire country -- 15 TINY islands in 2.25 MILLION square kilometres of the Pacific!" Look for the following callsign to be active [no licenses issued yet, but they have verbal confirmation and expect the licenses next week]: In the North Cooks Islands: E50W - Warwick Latham, E51WL, on Penrhyn Atoll AKA Tongareva Atoll (OC-082). Warwich is manly active on 6 and 10m and 10m WSPR. In the South Cooks Islands: E50A - Andy Duncan, E51AND, on Rarotonga Island (OC-013). He has 160-10 meters capability and operates on SSB and QRS CW. Andy is hoping to make at least one portable operation during the year either to Palmerston Atoll (OC-124) or Pukapuka Atoll (OC-098). Both are difficult and expensive to reach (esp Puka) with VERY uncertain in/out transportation . . . . RSGB IOTA will be notified if it comes together. E50B - Bob Walker, E51BQ, on Rarotonga Island (OC-013); SSB. E50D - Desmond Clarke, E51DD, on Aitutaki Island (OC-083). Des' antennas were recently destroyed in a Category 5 Cyclone, but he hopes to be on the air in the New Year with a Butternut vertical mainly on the low bands. E50J - Jim Ditchburn, E51JD, on Rarotonga Island (OC-013); SSB. E50K - Kat Cheval, E51CK/E51KC, the only resident YL on Rarotonga Island (OC-013); SSB. Kat is rarely on due to the "instant on" and overwhelming pile-ups she routinely experiences -- multiplied exponentially when a YL gets on the air. Kat is also the XYL of Andy, E51AND. E50V - Victor Rivera, E51CG, on Rarotonga Island (OC-013). Activity will be on SSB; he does have 6 meters capability. ADDED NOTES: Andy, E51AND, states [edited], "NONE of the residents are DXers/Contesters, but rather more 'rag chewers' LOL -- and none of us (except possibly E50W) have digital mode capability -- so be patient with us!!! LOL... It is noteworthy that the islands are VERY isolated, internet bandwidth is VERY limited and very expensive, and tech support unheard of . . . . so, at the moment, none of us use LoTW or eQSL -- though I (Andy) am working on getting DX Lab up and running and connecting to LoTW -- sure could use an Elmer though!!!! LOL -- IF I can make it work, E50A and E50K will have LoTW and eQSL capability at some time in the New Year." EP6T, IRAN (Kish Island DXpedition). Press Release: The Rockall DX Group has been very busy the past few weeks and by the looks of it you have been too! Thanks in advance to all the clubs and especially to the Northern California DX Foundation for your confidence in the EP6T project! The individual donor list is growing longer each day, that made us decide to send a direct QSL card for contacts made with EP6T to all individual contributors without any cost. Meanwhile, Dr. Azim Fard, General Director of Radio Frequency Planning and Licensing of the C.R.A in the Islamic Republic of Iran has given this project a real boost. Sixty students have already passed their ham radio exams with flying colors and will be able to receive an EP call in the near future. 160m and 30m are not allocated to amateur radio service in Iran, but Dr. Fard allowed us to use these bands during the EP6T Dxpedition. Unfortunately 6m shall not be used. This band is allocated to fixed, mobile and broadcasting services. It's fantastic to see such a high level of interest towards this project, but on the other hand we are concerned by the small time frame in which we can work NA. Propagation predictions made for us by K6TU, tells us that the path from Iran to North America is very difficult. In contrast to other continents, the NA openings are of short duration and the signals on various frequencies are extremely weak. On low bands it might be possible that signals from W6, 7 are arriving over the long path. Stu's predictions will be the guiding principle for our beam direction, but this will not be enough to get a fair continental balance. We will keep this in mind in order to prepare a plan and to share this with the DX community so everyone knows in advance what the appropriate time is to contact us. By doing so, YOU will hopefully give us the oppor- tunity to work with other continents during "their opening". We will do our best by all means to revert your feedback to our pilots to fit our plan the best way possible. QRX, more info available soon on . .... The Rockall DX Group FM, MARTINIQUE. Operators G?rard/F2VX and Bernard/F9IE will be active as FM/homecall between December 11th and January 8th (2015). Activity will be active on all HF bands using CW and SSB, from Lucie's, FM5WD, station. QSL via their home callsigns. ADDED NOTE: They may make a side trip to St. Lucia (J6). FW, WALLIS AND FUTUNA ISLANDS. Jean-Jacques, FW5JJ, is back on Wallis Island (OC-054) after a few months holiday on Corsica as TK5JJ. He is expected to be on Wallis for 2 years (possibly longer). Activity is on the HF bands and 6 meters. Also, FW5JJ is now operating on 144 MHz EME and has made his first FW-F (Wallis to France) QSO with F6BKI in Bordeaux, France. Jean-Jacques will also be installing 160 ad 80 meters antennas soon. QSL direct only via F5RXL (OQRS). Check out the pictures on QRZ.com. IOTA NEWS.............. AS-021. Members of the Emirates Amateur Radio Society (EARS) are now active as A63DI from Dalma Island until December 10th. Activity is on all HF bands using CW, SSB and RTTY. Check the suggested IOTA frequencies. They have three stations on the air (one for "outside Europe only"). QSL via IZ8CLM. An OQRS is available on their Web page at: http://www.mdxc.org/a63di AS-153. Members of the West Bengal Radio Club (VU2MQT) will be active as 8T5MQT from Sagar Island between January 9-16th (2015). Activity will be mainly on 14260 kHz. QSL via VU2NRO. For more details and updates, visit QRZ.com or . EU-122. Operators Bernard/G3SHF, Carsten/G0SYP, Tom/M0DCG, Evan/M0TJU, Dave/G0LZL, Pete/M1PTR and Kieron/M5KJM will be active as GI5O from Rathlin Island (WLOTA 0039) between July 24-26th (2015). Activity will be on all HF bands, and include an entry in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 25-26th). The team will be operating from the Rathlin East (Altacarry Head) High Lighthouse (ARLHS NTI-011, Admiralty A6062). QSL via the Bureau or M5KJM. NA-043. Joe, K5KUA, will once again be active as K5KUA/5 from Galveston Island (USI TX-001S, Galveston County, TX) between December 12-14th. Activity will be on CW only, as time permits. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. An online log search will be available on ClubLog. OC-157. Din, YB8RW, will be active as YB8RW/8 from Banda Neira Island in the Maluku Province, Indonesia, between December 22-27th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via YB8RW, direct or by the OQRS on ClubLog. SA-030. Members of the Radiogrupo Sur will once again be active as CV5A from Flores Island (ARLHS URU-001) between February 21-23rd (2015). Activity will be on all bands and modes. QSL via CX2ABC. K1N NAVASSA ISLAND DXPEDITION (Press Release - Dated December 4th). From the "KP1-5 Project": The KP1-5 Project and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have been working together on preparations for our joint 14 day visit to Navassa Island NWR. Although the actual dates may still vary, it now appears we will begin transport to the Island during the last week of January 2015. Our container of equipment and supplies will depart late in December enroute to our helicopter staging area. All of our equipment is being assembled, tested and packed. We have visited and contracted with the largest helicopter operations group in the Caribbean to transfer personnel and equipment to the island. Our window of opportunity, dictated by USFWS, is during the period of least bird nesting. But it is also the time of the most treacherous seas, making a safe sea landing of all our equipment and people all but impossible. The famous "ladder" used to access the island at Lulu Bay was removed when the U.S. Coast Guard turned administration over to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. For safety reasons, the USFWS uses helicopter transport to the island and we will too. Consequently, and as one might expect, the costs of this DXpedition are quite high. The team has contributed approximately half of the total cost. Foundations such as NCDXF and INDEXA have been very generous, as have a number of DX Clubs and individuals, and for this generosity, we are deeply grateful! The particulars of this DXpedition require more "up front" payments than most DXpeditions and we have a "cash flow timing" situation that needs to be addressed. The helicopter contractual agreement requires all charter costs to be paid prior to the conclusion of the project. Many older hams need a mode or band fill from Navassa, but an entire generation has grown up without Navassa being on the air. Hence, it has risen to the #1 Most Wanted on the ClubLog list. If you need Navassa for an all-time new one (ATNO), or for a particular band or mode, we could use your financial help. If you plan to help support the DXpedition, we ask that you do so now, not later. We have an excellent team of fifteen operators who will be manning eight stations 24 hours/day, dedicated to giving out as many contacts as possible over the two week period. Your generous financial gift will help insure a most successful DXpedition for all! Please visit for details. For the KP1-5 Project, Bob Allphin, K4UEE, President Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, Vice President Mike Thomas, NA5U, Secretary ADDED NOTE: Photos have been posted on December 6th on the Navassa Web site of the K1N team's inventory, testing and shipping preparations at: http://69.89.25.185/~trexsoft/t-rexsoftware.com/k1n/photos.htm OY, FAROE ISLANDS. Carsten, OY1CT, will be active during the CQWW WPX CW Contest (May 30-31st) as a Single-Op/Single--Band (10m, alternative 15m)/High-Power entry. QSL via OY1CT. P4, ARUBA. Tom, K8CX, will once again be active as P40CX from Aruba (SA-036) between December 9-16th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW and SSB. He also plans to participate in the ARRL 10m Contest (December 13-14th) as a Single-Op/Mixed-Mode entry. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. PJ4, BONAIRE (Update). Klaus, DG1SGW, will be active as PJ4/DG1SGW from Bonaire (SA-006) between March 1-12th (2015). Activity will be holiday style (this is a diving trip first) on the 20-6 meters, maybe 40m, using only SSB with a wire end-feed antenna and a MP1 Portable Vertical antenna. He will know more about his QTH once he arrives at the dive base and the hotel. Klaus thinks most of operating will be in the evening hours. His radio will be an ICOM IC706 with 100 watts and no amplifier. QSL via his home callsign, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW. PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (December 8-14th).... Dec/08th HN Dec/11th HN Dec/13th LN Dec/09th AN Dec/12th HN Dec/14th HN Dec/10th AN SOLAR REFERENCE KEYS/INDEXES AND GEOMAGNETIC REFERENCE ====================================================== NORMALITY GEOMAG K Values Alpha ----------------- ------ -------- ------ AN - Above Normal Quiet K=0-1 0-7 HN - High Normal Unsettled K=2 8-15 LN - Low Normal Active K=3 16-29 BN - Below Normal Minor Storm K=4 30-49 DIS - Disturbed Major Storm K=5 50-99 VRY DIS - Very Disturbed Severe Storm K=6-9 100-400 REALTIME BAND CONDITIONS WEB SITE : The purpose of this experimental Web site is to provide 24-7-365 actual (REALTIME) band condition information to CW QRPp, QRPe and CW/SSB for Contesters interested in increasing their scores. It can also be of benefit to other Radio Amateurs to determine band conditions for Nets and casual QSO's. This information is NOT based on any software pre- dictions or any kind of satellite based readings. It is based on a new Ionospheric sounding method called "HF Ionospheric Interferometry" which operates very similarly to the PolSAR system used by NASA. QSL INFO AND NEWS..................... QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (December 7th) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4V1JR via W3HNK II0C via S50C SV1/SV2FWV via SV2FWV EA6FO via EA5BM KP2Q via K3TEJ TC7S via OE1ZKC ED9U via EA5HPX MM0/VK6JON/M via VK6JON VP2MKC via GM4FDM HB2T via HB9EE (L) OL2A via OK2ARM XV9NPS via JA2NPS (B) (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (L) LoTW only (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only (*) LoTW preferred K8YSE WESTERN GRID EXPEDITION QSL STATUS. John, K8YSE, reports, "All requests for QSL cards for my Western Grid Expedition, September 2014, have been processed as of December 3, 2014. If you have not sent for your cards yet, please do so right away. Cards received after Christmas may not be processed until the Spring of 2015." MAYOTTE QSL ROUTES (Operations before Tromelin). Maurice, F5NQL, reports that during the several hours spent in transit on Mayotte Island, and before flying to Tromelin Island, the following members of the FT4TA team made some QSOs. QSLs for the following, should go to: FH/F5CWU via F5CWU, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW FH/FM5CD, FH/F5ROP, FH/F4AJQ via F5NQL, direct or by the Bureau The cards are being printed. All the QSOs will be confirmed auto- matically via the Bureau. Direct cards will be answered the same way (w/SASE + 1 valid IRC or 2 USDs). QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 3B8HA, 3B9HA, 3C0BYP, A45XR, C21GC, C5YK, CT1AGF, DG1VL, DH6DAO, DJ6TK, DK2GZ, DL1A, DL3XM, DL4FAP, DL5ST, EA8AJY, EA8CN, F6BWJ, FG1JS, G0OAG, G4FOC, G5LP, G6AY, GA4ZNC, HA2EOA, HB9AWS, HK3Q, JA1MRM, JA9CWJ, JH7FMJ, JI1CPN, KH6LC, M2G, MU0FAL, ON4EB, ON6LR, ON7DDG, OZ8SW, PJ2T, RJ5DX, RW0LT, S53F, SA6G, SP3DOF, SP6LUV, SP8HXN, SQ3PMX, SV2DGH, T6T, UA0FO, VE7AHA, VE7AHA, VK3CEW, VK3FM, VP2EAQ, W1AW/KH8, WL7E, XE2YWH, YO3FRI and ZS1TMJ QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 4W/G3ZEM, 4W/K7CO, 5H3EE, A25JR, CX8DS, E51NOU, HB0/DL2SBY, HL1VAU/2, J28NC, JD1/7J1AYK, OY1CT, P29NI, P29VCX, RI0X, RI44ANT, S79KB, SU9VB, TY1AA, XR0ZR and YP0F QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: CT9/F5SGI, ES25B, FG4KH, FG/F5RYX, FK8CP, FK8IK, FO8RZ, FM/F5LGE, FM/F5MCC, FY5FY, HB0/F5VX, TA1UT, TK14CC, TC2C, TC9SAM, TC10SWAT, TC0GI, TC90A, TC90TC, TC301B, TM6CL, TM8BIRD, TM0MIT, TM14WPEX, TM16C, TM22TSF, TM24H, TM29CTI, TM35CDXC, TM41LUC, TM68, TDF, TM70CF, TM70UTAH, TM80GW, TM95BA, TM850CS, TT8PK, PR7ZAJ and YM2SFT SILENT KEY. Dave, W4DN, informs OPDX that his brother Isaac Novoa, KP4MS, became a "Silent Key" (SK) last week. He was very active on CW and the digital modes. He worked 310 entities, but did not care to send QSLs to the ARRL (except 100 or so for 80 meters). OPDX and its readers would to send out our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of KP4MS. T8, PALAU. Akira, JH0CKF/DU1CKF/AF1Y, will be active as T88MZ from the VIP Guest Hotel (Free Radio Room) on Koror Island (OC-009) between December 10-12th. He is there on business so activity will be limited to his spare time on the HF bands. QSL via DU1CKF, direct or by the Bureau, eQSL or LoTW. For more details about the VIP Guest Hotel (Free Radio Room), see: http://www.palau-radio.com/index.php?page=rr2014 TC5, TURKEY (Special Event). Look for special event station TC5OCK to be active from Adana between January 1-10th. Activity is to recognize the anniversary of Liberation Day of Adana City (January 5, 1922). Look for operations on the HF bands. Operators mentioned are Adem/TA5BS, Murat/TA5IW and Met/TA5FA. QSL via address at: http://qrz.com/db/TC5OCK VK9C, COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS (Early Notice). Lars, LB2TB, has informed OPDX of a very early notice about their DXpedition to VK9C planned for March 2016. Activity is planned for 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY, with at least 2 stations operational. They will have 2-3 operators. Focus will be to give out a new one to as many Hams as possible, and activating 80/160 meters. He adds [edited], "Cocos (Keeling) Islands has had several activations - mostly 'holiday style'. We plan to do this as a 100% 'DX- pedition style'. ('LZ2GC, Stan - style'). Information about equipment and exact operating dates will be announced 12 months before operations start (due to booking of tickets)." Stay tuned for updates. VP9, BERMUDA. Larry, K4KGG will be active as VP9/K4KGG from Hamilton Parish (NA-005, WLOTA 0201) between December 31st and January 5th (2015). Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL via W3HNK, direct or by the Bureau. All contacts will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. VU4KV QRT (Brief Summary). Deepak, VU2CDP, reports on December 6th [edited]: VU4KV went QRT at midnight on 30th November (18:30z). There were four stations active till the very end ? three on CW in the CQWW CW Contest and one on RTTY. Except for the Contest log, all other QSOs are now on Clublog. (You may read the CQWW CW 3830 post here ) OQRS will be activated once the Contest log is uploaded after Krish, W4VKU, is back home in the US on Sunday. We managed just under 50k QSOs in some very trying circumstances as the team whittled down to 7 members. Pai, VU2PAI, returned home after the VU4CB Nicobar IOTA operation and could not make it back. Another op ? Sangeeth, VU2WH (A45WH), had to fly back home on the fourth day to attend to an urgent family matter. The team remaining on the island was ? Krish/W4VKU, Prasad/VU2PTT, Kumar/VU2BGS, Nandu/VU2NKS, Chetan/VU3DMP, Kiran/VU3KPL and Deepak/VU2CDP. The heat and humidity tested the endurance of the team members and they took some time to get all antennas up including 6m. With a reduced team it was a challenge to be on multiple bands at the same time but we persevered. We were also interrupted frequently by power cuts and a generator that would not kick in on its own. Aside from this, we even endured a huge thunderstorm during one of our evenings and experienced tremors from a minor earthquake one morning. If you noticed any unusual flutter in our signals, it was probably the antennas swaying! Speaking of which, our antennas were ? Vertical Dipole Arrays (VDAs) for 20 ? 10m placed right at the water?s edge, a two-element phased array on 30m and 80m, a four square on 40m, a top loaded vertical on 160m and a 9 element beam on 6m. A gallery with more pictures has been published on our website and it can accessed here . A word about 6m: The current regulations in VU allow only FM and digital modes with a maximum power output of 25w. We managed to work only JAs on the Magic Band on RTTY and FM. Please use for all log check requests. The QSL design will commence soon and we will keep everyone posted on the updates. Thank you for your calls and we hope you had fun chasing us for a new DXCC or band/mode country. 73 and see you again! ZF2, CAYMAN ISLANDS. Pete, K8PGJ, will be active as ZF2PG on the Sunny Grand Cayman Islands (NA-016) during the week of January 10-18th (2015). Activity [when not diving] will occur on 20-10 meters SSB on the weekdays and hopefully one night on 160-40 meters. Pete will activate the Caymans for the North American QSO Party [SSB] (January 17-18th) on 160-10 meters. LoTW will be utilized and direct QSLs go to his home callsign. Schedule will be posted on QRZ.com. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- TO BE ADDED TO THE OPDX MAILING LIST -- Click or send requests to: Help: Subscribe: Unsubscribe: OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME PAGE (provided by John, K8YSE): http://www.papays.com/opdx.html ALSO VISIT THE NORTHERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB PAGES AT: http://www.nodxa.org/ http://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- * All excerpts and distribution of "The OPDX Bulletin" are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receives credit. ** To contribute DX info, please send via InterNet Mail to: OR OR Information can now be faxed to the following phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!) /EXIT -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Additional Bulletin for OPDX InterNet Subscribers. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- From: Mark ON4WW Subject: Bouvet 2016 - request for funding intentions (de ON4WW) (DX Bulletins/Magazines/Websites > for your info. Have a nice Sunday - 73 - Mark) Dear DXer, On 26 October 2014 an announcement was made through various channels that I had obtained permission to land and reside on Bouvet Island (3Y/B) for the mid-January 2016 until mid-April 2016 time frame. On the webpage http://www.on4ww.be/bouvet2016.html an extensive description of the project as well as a request for (exclusive) funding was put forward. On 19 November 2014 I sent a request for funding intentions to the various DX Foundations, DX Clubs, Radio Amateur Organizations and some of the corporate material providers. Today I am addressing you as an individual DXer who has actively contributed towards the success of one or more of the fairly recent major DXpeditions. On 11 November 2014 Alex/UN7PCZ announced a two week DXpedition to Bouvet Island during the December 2015 - January 2016 time frame. I do not at all see this as a competing project, and welcome this great news. The fact of a large group going to Bouvet has convinced me even more that I should try to obtain funding through a single/exclusive sponsor, as extensively outlined at http://www.on4ww.be/bouvet2016.html#funding . Two main reasons for this would be to 1) off-load the financial burden from the ham community (in case the sponsor doesn't want a financial return but has other plans with the project), and 2) for me to be able to focus on the DXpedition logistics, rather than having to search for finances. In case I manage to secure an exclusive sponsor for this project, it would obviously be favorable if this sponsor does not specifically seek a financial return. In the opposite scenario I will have to turn to the ham community, investigating what is feasible in terms of financial support. The subsequent question: what financial support would you be able to pledge for this project? This is no formal request for funding, I am only asking for your intentions in order to assess the financial feasibility of the project ? with the scenario outlined above. The forecasted budget is put at 250,000 euro (? 310,000 USD), which is far less than a larger group operating for a shorter period of time would require. Furthermore, this is a generous forecast, I expect the final budget to ultimately be less. In the last month I received donation pledges from individual DXers ranging from 15 to 3,400 euro. To give you an idea what would be needed to reach 250,000 euro: if each of the addressees on this list would pledge 55 euro (70 USD), Bouvet 2016 would be a fact. This of course I can neither ask nor expect, it is just a mathematical example of what is required financially. Another important aspect to me is the transparency and control of funding. Every cent raised for this project will be registered through the non-profit organization 'Peter I - Antarctica Expedition 1994' (renamed 'Antennes zonder Grenzen - Antennes sans Fronti?res' in 1995). This organization was formed in 1993 by Peter ON6TT, with the goal of transparent account- ability for every cent spent on the 3Y0PI DXpedition ? visible to the entire expedition team. Good accounts make good friends! You will notice further below what my intentions are in regard to QSLing: I want people to be able to receive bureau cards, get instant LoTW, e-QSL and Club Log confirmation. This is important to me: I don't want youngsters and less fortunate radio hams having to pay for a QSO with Bouvet. Call me idealistic/philanthropic/ideological, but it does indeed matter to me. With the upcoming of the 3Y0F-group, many of you may decide to put your bets on that project. However, in the event that the UN7PCZ-group withdraws its plans (it wouldn't be the first time a major DXpedition is cancelled), my Bouvet project will probably be the only one in many years to come. Here is an excerpt of the operational plan: - projected number of QSOs: 100,000 - QSL: bureau, direct, OQRS, in the way people want it - log: daily uploads to LoTW, Club Log, e-QSL through proper satellite link - all HF bands CW/SSB + RTTY on 2 or 3 bands - antennas: verticals/inv-V's in various constellations and inv-L's will be the only manageable type of antennas that won't break down on Bouvet ? with sufficient spares brought along - radios and amps: I will take what I am comfortable with, well proven and sturdy radios and amps, three of each device - 24/7 operation during 3 months (with adequate rest periods), mitigating the impact of the Antarctic black-outs known from past expeditions of shorter duration - operator: one - I already have several offers from QSL-managers for (free) QSLing (a decision on what to ask for OQRS has not been made; it should be as low cost as possible so everybody can enjoy this service) I would highly appreciate your response within the next few weeks. By the end of this year I will make a decision whether or not to proceed with the project. In the event that I am not able to secure an exclusive sponsor and at the same time the projected sponsoring from within the ham community would be sufficient, it will be a challenging decision. Regardless if you are able to foresee financial support to this project or not, I would appreciate if a lead or an introduction to a potential exclusive sponsor would be considered. It is still my favorable prospect for funding, and I thank you in advance for any assistance on that front. For those of you who want to know more about me and my past endeavors: http://www.on4ww.be/ON4WW.html I hope this mail answers most of your questions upfront. Please have a thorough look at http://www.on4ww.be/bouvet2016.html , I believe you will notice that the project is well thought through. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you for your time and kind consideration. 73 de Mark / ON4WW Please only use the bouvet2016 at telenet.be e-mail address in regard to the Bouvet Island project. Thank you in advance. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - E-mail addresses: Editor of the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin (OPDX - DXer's Tool of Excellence) President of the "Northern Ohio DX Association" (NODXA) DX Chairman for the "Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society ARRL Assistant Director of the Great Lakes Division Sysop of the "Basic Amateur Radio Frequency BBS" (BARF80.ORG) From kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org Sun Dec 14 14:45:00 2014 From: kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org (Tedd Mirgliotta (KB8NW)) Date: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 14:45:00 -0500 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1193 Message-ID: <203604.80424.bm@smtp120.sbc.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1193 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1193 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1193 BID: $OPDX.1193 December 15, 2014 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, NJ1Q & W1AW, NG3K & ADXO, W3TN, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, K5KV, N6AR, N6PSE, N7XR, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, W9ILY, CO8ZZ, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DL1SBF, DxCoffee.com, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, ES1CW, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, IK7JWY, JG7PSJ, M0OXO, PA0RRS, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, VA3RJ & ICPO, snd the VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) for the following DX information. DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 7th-December, through Sunday, 14th-December there were 218 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1I, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7P, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 8R, 9A, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9V, 9Y, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Z, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, CY0, D4, DL, DU, E5/n, E5/s, E6, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FK, FM, FO, FR, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J5, J6, J7, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KH8, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ5, PJ7, PY, PZ, S0, S5, S7, SM, SP, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T2, T30, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TR, TY, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2V, VP6, VP8, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, YA, YB, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, Z8, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZF, ZL, ZP, ZS * PLEASE NOTE: The report "could" contain "Pirate/SLIM" operations or more likely a "BUSTED CALLSIGN". As always, you never know - "Work First Worry Later". 3D2, FIJI. Udo, DL9HCU, is once again active as 3D2HC from Nadi, Viti Levu Island (OC-016, WLOTA 0055), until the next few weeks. He was heard this past week on 20 meters (14183 kHz at 0603z) on the ANZA DX Net. He usually runs QRP on 30-15 meters on CW. QSL via DL9HCU, by the Bureau or direct. 9M2, WEST MALAYSIA. Richard, PA0RRS, who was expected to once again be active as 9M2MRS from Penang Island (AS-015) between January 1st and February 3rd (2015), has informed OPDX that 3 weeks ago he suddenly suffered 2 heart attacks. He states, "...it is very sure that I have to cancel or postpone the trip. If the hospital decides that I may fly, I will leave the equipment at home to avoid extra stress . Probably I will do the trip again some time later or at least end of 2015 (like every year)." OPDX and its readers wish Richard a speedy recovery. 9Q, DEM. REP. OF CONGO. The "Radioamateur Association of the Democratic Republic of Congo" (ARAC) has invited the "Italian DXpedition Team" for a short stay in Kinshasa during March 2015. The purpose of the activity will be theoretical and practical training and refresher courses for the Amateurs of the DR of Congo. The callsign of the operation will be 9Q0HQ. Operators mentioned are Silvano/I2YSB, Vinicio/IK2CIO, Angelo/IK2CKR, Marcello/IK2DIA, Stefano/IK2HKT, Mac/JA3USA (one week only) and Alfeo/ I1HJTK. The HF pilot station will be Art, IK7JWY, and the 50 Mhz pilot station will be Sergio, IK0FTA. Software Management (log in real time) will be run by Giacomo, IH9GPI. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. Suggested frequencies are: CW - 1826, 3530, 7025, 10115, 14030, 18068, 21030, 24893 and 28030 kHz SSB - 3780, 7103, 14270, 18155, 21310, 24975 and 28420 kHz RTTY - 14087 kHz 6m - 50102/CW and 50123/SSB QSL route was not announced, but is usually via 9Q0AR (but stay tuned). As usual, the official Web site will be and the official forum will be . CE0, JUAN FERNANDEZ ISLAND. Members of the Provins ARC (F6KOP), who were recently active from Tromelin, will activate Robinson Cruso? Island (SA-005, aka Juan Fernandez Archipelago) between February 24th and March 4th (2015). Callsign has not be announced as this was being written, but a team of 22 operators from 7 different countries will be active on 160-6 meters. Team Leader is Alain/F5JTV and Co-leaders are Tony/F8ATS and Jean Luc/F1ULQ. QSLs will be direct, by the Bureau or by LoTW. Look for a Web site to be online soon. A FaceBook page is now available at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JuanFernandez2015/747628888649765 More details will be forthcoming. CN, MOROCCO. By the time you read this, Vincent, F4BKV, should be active as CN2KV from Morocco until December 19th. Activity will be holiday style on the HF bands using SSB. QSL via his OQRS at: http://www.f4bkv.net/oqrs D4, CAPE VERDE. By the time you read this Harald, DF2WO, who was recently active as XT2AW from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, will once again be active as D44TWO from Praia, Santiago Island (AF-005) until January 8th. Activity will be holiday style on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via M0OXO (OQRS available). DX0, SPRATY ISLANDS. Members of the Mabuhay DX Group (made up of Filipino- American-Canadian and Filipino DXers/Contests) will activate Pag Asa Island (AS-051, Kalayaan Island Group) as DX0P in April 2015. Operators mentioned are Ernesto/AD5MD, Jose/DU1BP, Bern/K6BF, Alex/K6BG, Leo/WA6LOS, Billy/ WE6DX, Joel/WJ1P, Chito/WW6CP, Rey/K6ZRH, Ven/DV3KWM and RJ/DU7RJA. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via WJ1P. Visit their FaceBook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DX0P2015 E4, PALESTINE (Update). Members of the "PALESTINE 2016 TEAM" will be active as E44Y from the village of Sebastia in the Mosaic Guesthouse sometime during March of 2016. Operators listed are Santos/EA4AK, Rodrigo/ EA7JX, Marco/HB9OCR (Co-Leader), Mark/LU8EOT, Col/MM0NDX, Romeo/S59M (Co-Leader), Miran/S50O and Kaspars/YL1ZF. West Coast Pilot Station is Jonathan/W6GX, Europe Pilot Station is Mike/IW7EGQ and the VK/ZL Pilot Station is Lee/ZL2AL. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. Suggested frequencies are available on their Web page (ed. we will publish them closer to operation), as well as a survey for band needs. QSL via direct, by the Bureau, LoTW or the OQRS; direct cards via EB7DX (not S59M as first announced; see their Web page for details). Visit the following URLs for more details and updates: Web page -- http://palestine.ig9y.com FaceBook -- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Palestine-Dxpedition-2016/729525207130528 Twitter -- https://twitter.com/PALESTINE_DXped FJ, ST. BARTHELEMY. Gene, N9SW, will once again be active as FJ/N9SW from St. Barthelemy (NA-146) between January 17-25th (2015). Activity will be holiday style on 40-6 meters (possibly 80m) and mainly CW. QSL via his home callsign. IOTA NEWS.............. EU-009. Col, MM0NDX, will be active as MM0NDX/P from the Orkney Islands between January 16-18th (2015). Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL via IW7EGQ. OC-157. Imam, YB4IR, will be active as YB4IR/8 from Bandaneira Island between December 22-25th. Online log and OQRS will be available on ClubLog. QSL via his home callsign, direct, by the Bureau, LoTW or OQRS. OC-224. Imam, YB4IR, will be active as YB4IR/8 from Yamdena Island between December 27-31st. Online log and OQRS will be available on ClubLog. QSL via his home callsign, direct, by the Bureau, LoTW or OQRS. SA-026. Jo?o, PU2KKE, will be active with the special callsign ZV5WSC from Matadeiro Beach, Santa Catarina Island, between December 27-31st. Santa Catarina is the largest and most populated island in Brazil. The purpose of this DXpedition is to spend most of his time on the isolated and deserted beaches, combining hiking, camping and ham radio. He will be hiking approximately 70 km. QSL via the address on QRZ.com. IOTA NEWS (de G3KMA).... * November 11th - IOTA Management has received a number of complaints that QSL card requests sent to Kadek, YB9BU, in accordance with his QSLing instructions on QRZ.com have not received a reply and similarly that email inquiries are not being answered. Emails from the IOTA Manager and mutual friends have also gone unanswered. In the circum- stances it can only be assumed that there is an interruption in the QSL manager service for all the many operations for which YB9BU acts as QSL manager and people would be well advised not to send further cards. We would also advise YB island operators for whom YB9BU acts or normally acts as manager to make other arrangements to ensure satisfactory QSLing. Acceptance by IOTA Management of further IOTA operations by YB9BU must be regarded as on hold until and unless the matter is resolved. * November 30th - The IOTA Committee has been made aware that Dino Island no longer meets the requirements laid down for qualification for IOTA and has decided that it should be withdrawn from EU-144 with effect from 1 January 2015. The distance separating the island from the mainland has reduced as the beach area gradually encroached into the channel and is now significantly less than the required 200 meters. Credit will continue to be given for contacts with Dino made before 1 January 2015. The Committee has agreed to regard the following additional islets as counting for EU-144: Isca Maggiore, Isca Minore, Furmiculi Rocks, Godano and Mantineo - see the Italian Islands Award (IIA) list at http://www.ari.it for the exact locations. JD1, OGASAWARA. Harry, JG7PSJ, will once again be active as JD1BMH from Chichijima Island (AS-031) between December 28th and January 10th (2015). Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via the Bureau to JD1BMH or direct to JG7PSJ. Visit his Web page for more details at: http://sapphire.es.tohoku.ac.jp/jd1bmh Also, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jd1bmh JW, SVALBARD. Rene, DL2JRM, will once again be active as JW/homecall from the club station in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen Island (EU-026, WLOTA 0125), between February 18-25th (2015). Activity will be on all HF bands using CW, SSB and RTTY. He will also be an entry in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 21-22nd). QSL via his home callsign. K1N NAVASSA ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS.......... * An interesting article by Ralph Fedor, K0IR, and Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, for European DXers can be found on the DxCoffee Web page at: http://www.dxcoffee.com/eng/2014/12/06/a-note-to-european-dxers-about-k1n-navassa-in-english-deutsch-spanish-french-greek-italian/ * The Navassa Island DXpedition now has a FaceBook page with interesting details, photos and updates at: https://www.facebook.com/2015Navassa * The Navassa Island DXpedition now has a Twitter page at: https://twitter.com/Navassa2015 KH8, AMERICAN SAMOA. Nobu, JA0JHQ, will be active as AH0CO/KH8 from American Samoa between January 7-12th (2015). Activity will be mainly on 30/17/15 meters using mainly SSB with some CW. QSL via JA0JHQ, direct or by the Bureau. KX9, UNITED STATES (Satellite and USI Op). Sean, KX9X, will be operating QRP portable from Cudjoe Key, Florida, (Grid EL94) between December 13-18th, as KX9X/4. During this time, Sean will be on for part of the ARRL 10 Meter Contest, and activate a few new Keys for the U.S. Islands awards program that have never been on the air before. He will hand out the EL94 grid on the SO-50 FM satellite (He was on Saturday!!). Sean is also looking into the possibility of analog satellites while there, but he cannot promise that at this time. All logs will be uploaded to LoTW upon his return home and paper QSLs with SASE will be answered promptly. LA, NORWAY (Satellite Op). Tor, DJ8MS, is now active as LA/DJ8MS from the northern part of Norway (Grid JP89) until December 18th. Look for him on the FM and linear satellites. Operating will be as his schedule permits. LOTW NEWS. The ARRL Web page reported last week: The ARRL's Logbook of The World (LoTW) online "card-less" contact-confirmation service this week recorded a new milestone ? 100 million QSL records out of some 630 million uploaded contacts. To read the complete press release, go to: http://www.arrl.org/news/view/arrl-s-logbook-of-the-world-tops-100-million-qsl-records PJ2, CURACAO. Herbert, HK4RB, will be active from Curacao (SA-099) between December 21-28th. Callsign not provided. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. POST TROMELIN FT4TA (Philatelic Souvenirs): FT4TA, TROMELIN 2014, is over. Seven Hams made more 71,000 contacts in 9 days and a half offering for the most part of those who contacted them, a new one in their countries hunting. Now Tromelin dropped from 8th to 17th place in the Most Wanted Countries list. At the same time, the other goals of this adventure were organized around three points: 1) Enhancing of the human rapports between the TAAF community (French Austral and Antarctic Territories Authorities) and radio amateurs. To study the impact of the ham installations on the flora and the fauna of Tromelin was also part of the goal. 2) Making various radio contacts between the radio amateurs of the island of Tromelin and pupils in some schools on the Reunion Island. 3) Making radio contact between the radio amateurs of the island of Tromelin and the team F6KOP (RC Provins) at the Philatelic Meeting, in the Espace Champerret/? Paris. All the participants of TROMELIN 2014 are very satisfied. To continue and end Tromelin 2014, and especially for those who want a Philatelic souvenir, they can offer both FT4TA Postal issued stamps and envelopes as follow: 1) TAAF (French Austral and Antarctic Territories Postal Administration) issued envelope covered by the FT4TA Official stamp sheet, obliterated from Tromelin island (6 months delay). 2) TAAF issued envelope covered by the FT4TA Official stamp sheet, obli- terated from Tromelin island and 4 collector stamps (6 months delay) 3) Normal envelope and 5 FT4TA stamp sheets (mini order) by mail, from Metropolitan France. 4) Postal card of operators on Tromelin Island. Send an E-mail to Tony/F8ATS . Tell him what you want to order and by return he will indicate the amount of your order including Paypal fees. From outside of France and French overseas departments, Paypal is preferred to: f8ats at yahoo.fr Mail address is: Tony LUIS, 10 CHEMIN DE LA CROIX BOISEE, 91620 NOZAY, FRANCE PRESS RELEASE (Seeking Nominations for the 2014 Intrepid Spirit Award): The Intrepid-DX Group is seeking nominations for the individual or group that most displayed their "Intrepid Spirit" this past year. The Intrepid Spirit for purposes of this award is defined as: An Intrepid Spirit is bold, courageous, dedicated, innovative, fearless, generous, resolute and visionary in their approach to Amateur Radio. We are seeking to make this award to the group or individual that most displayed their intrepid spirit in 2014, by expressing an unshakable commitment to the Amateur Radio DX Community. This award is made in memory of our friend, James McLaughlin, WA2EWE/T6AF (SK), Kabul Afghanistan, April 27th, 2011. Nominations may be submitted via email to: intrepiddxgroup at gmail.com All nominations must be received by January 15th, 2015. The Board of Directors of the Intrepid-DX Group will evaluate the nominations and the award will be presented at the International DX Convention in Visalia, California on April 18th, 2015. The Intrepid-DX Group was formed in 2010 following our successful DXpedition to Iraq. The 2013 Intrepid-Spirit Award was awarded to Eric Hall K9GY/T6MO. You can view our website at . Thank you, Paul Ewing-N6PSE -- President, The Intrepid-DX Group PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (December 15-21st).... Dec/15th AN Dec/18th AN Dec/20th AN Dec/16th HN Dec/19th AN Dec/21st AN Dec/17th HN SOLAR REFERENCE KEYS/INDEXES AND GEOMAGNETIC REFERENCE ====================================================== NORMALITY GEOMAG K Values Alpha ----------------- ------ -------- ------ AN - Above Normal Quiet K=0-1 0-7 HN - High Normal Unsettled K=2 8-15 LN - Low Normal Active K=3 16-29 BN - Below Normal Minor Storm K=4 30-49 DIS - Disturbed Major Storm K=5 50-99 VRY DIS - Very Disturbed Severe Storm K=6-9 100-400 REALTIME BAND CONDITIONS WEB SITE : The purpose of this experimental Web site is to provide 24-7-365 actual (REALTIME) band condition information to CW QRPp, QRPe and CW/SSB for Contesters interested in increasing their scores. It can also be of benefit to other Radio Amateurs to determine band conditions for Nets and casual QSO's. This information is NOT based on any software pre- dictions or any kind of satellite based readings. It is based on a new Ionospheric sounding method called "HF Ionospheric Interferometry" which operates very similarly to the PolSAR system used by NASA. QSL INFO AND NEWS..................... QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (December 14th) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7P8NH via G3RWF IY1GMS via IK1SPR R90WJV via RA9WJV 9H9NC via 9H1SP LZ1748SMH via LZ1KCP RV90WB via RV9WB CO6LE via RW6HS (d) NH2B/KH0 via JA1BAN SN0P via SP5IOU CR6K via CT1ILT (d) OG6N via OH6NIO TG9GJG via EA5GL EA8/OH1LEG via OH1LEG OG90AA via OH8AA TM0R via F5GGL EA8AH via OH1RY OP14N via ON4CRD TM2B via F8CIL (d) GW4J via GW0ETF OR0A via ON6ZK TM7XX via F5MUX HZ1HZ via N7RO or OE1LZA P40CX via K8CX UE55RW via RA4DR II1ICC via IZ1GAR R100DA via GM0WRR (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (L) LoTW only (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only KG4LB QSL STATUS. Larry, N6AR, reports, "Please note that all 4032 of the QSOs I made while at KG4LB have now been uploaded onto LoTW and eQSL. Eventually, I will have paper QSLs printed, but they won't be available until sometime in 2015." QSL MANAGER WANTED. Raul, CO8ZZ, informs OPDX that his friend Jos?, CO8AV, is looking for a QSL Manager service. If anyone is interested in offering their services to Jose, please send an E-mail to Raul at . Jos? does not have an E-mail service, but Raul can help with that... QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 3B8HA, 3B9HA, 3B8/UU5WW, 3C0BYP, 5H1MD, 5R8M, 5W1SA, 6W1RW, 8P6SH, 9K2HN, DK2GZ, DL1A, EA5HRV, EA8CN, EA8CPN, ET3AA, F1MLN, F5IN, F6FZG, F8FUA, FY5KE, G0FUV, G3TXF, G3WPH, G4FOC, GA4AFF, GJ2A, GU4YOX, HC2AO/8, HC2WDT, HI3A, JF2MBF, KG4LB, KH6LC, KH7M, KH8B, LX7I, MU0FAL, N9KX/KH4, NN1N/NL1, OH0X, OK5W, OZ8SW, P40C, PJ2/KY7M, PJ2T, PJ4/W2LK, PJ4A, R7MA, RK3ER, S53F, TC0A, UA0DM, UA0SC, V25K, VE3EJ, VE3KI, VE7AHA, VK8PDX, VP2MDX, VP8SGK, VP9/UU5WW, W1AW/KH8 and ZD8O QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 7X4RJ, EX8M, FK8DD, HG3IPA, KG4RX, OZ8X, P40JW, PJ5/OL8R, RI0X, YB9/HA3JB and ZL7X QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 3V8ST, 9A/VE3ZIK, 9M2TO, 9N7AD, A25KW, BU2AW, BV7GC, CF3A, CF7AAW, CJ3T, CK3AT, CK6S, CN2XN, CP6/DF9GR, CQ3L, CR3L, CT9/DL3KWF, CT9/DJ6KS, D2NX, DF0DLFF, DR20RAFG, DR800BI, E73DX, EA8/DM3HZN, HB0/DL2JRM, HR9/VE7BV, J37T, J79WE, JD1BMH, JT1RF, K6/VE6LB, KH8/DL6JGN, VA7AQ/NL5, OY/DL3UB, R3/VE3DZ, RA/VE7MID, SV5/DL3DRN, V29SH, VA3NQ, VB3E, VC1D, VC3M, VC3S, VC6X, VE3/W9CQG, VO1BB, VO1BQ, VO1DGP, VO1GAM, VO1HP, VO1LM, VO1SA, VO1TK, VX7MID, VY1EI, VY2TT, VY2X, XJ1SO, XL3A, XL3T, XM3AT and YO900AIR TY, BENIN. Wynand, ZS6ARF, is now active as TY2CD until 2018. He is there as a South African diplomat in Cotonou and will be active on CW, SSB and the Digital modes. Wynand has been heard on 10 meters SSB. QSL via LoTW (preferred) or direct to ZS6ARF. V5, NAMIBIA. Operators Werner/DC8QT, Georg/DD8ZX and Klaus/DJ9KM will once again be active as V5/homecalls from V52W's QTH in Omaruru between February 9-20th (2015). Activity will be on 160-6 meters using SSB, RTTY and PSK. QSL via their home callsigns. They also plan to be active as V55V during CQ WPX RTTY Contest (February 14-15th). QSL V55V via DJ8VC, direct or by the Bureau. V6, MICRONESIA. Madison, W5MJ, will once again be active as V63MJ from a new location, Kosrae Island (OC-059), between February 16-24th (2015). Activity will be on 160-10 meters CW only using a K3 and KPA500 amp. QSL via his home callsign. VP8/SG & VP8/SS, SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND AND SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS (Press Release #1, by Paul Ewing, N6PSE) [edited]: The Intrepid-DX Group, led by Paul Ewing-N6PSE and David Collingham-K3LP, is pleased to announce our next Dxpedition. In January 2016, a multi-national team of fourteen operators will converge in Stanley, the Falkland Islands, and start a 34 day voyage aboard the R/V Braveheart to the #4 most wanted DXCC, South Sandwich Island and the #9 most wanted DXCC, South Georgia Island. The team will set up and operate from each island for approximately eight days, weather and sea conditions permitting. Our primary objective is to activate South Sandwich and South Georgia with a goal of providing as many Dxers as possible a "new one" with these rare DXCC entities and, as a secondary objective; we will focus on low- band contacts. The team consists of fourteen operators including: Paul Ewing/N6PSE (Co-Leader), David Collingham/K3LP (Co-Leader), Bill Beyer/N2WB, Arnie Shatz/N6HC (Team Physician), Dmitri Zhikharev/RA9USU, Jun Tanaka/JH4RHF, Krassimir Petkov/K1LZ, David Jorgensen/WD5COV, Al Hernandez/K3VN, Craig Thompson/K9CT, Jay Slough/K4ZLE, Kevin Rowett/K6TD, Stephen Wright/VE7CT, and Mark Stennett/NA6M. The group plans to have six stations on the air from 10 through 160 meters with SSB, CW and RTTY. The radios will be the venerable Elecraft K3 while the amplifiers will be the Elecraft KPA500, 600 watt amplifiers. We will also use an Acom 1500 on the low bands. There will be low band receive antennas and every effort will be made to utilize the propagation on all bands to all population areas. Our QSL Managers will be Bob Schenck, N2OO, and Steve Wheatley, KU9C, working with the QSL team from the South Jersey DX Association. We will have OQRS, we will accept direct and bureau QSL cards. We plan to upload our logs to Club Log on a daily basis where conditions permit. The Club Log Leaderboard feature will not be activated for this Dxpedition. You can find out more about our plans at our website: http://www.intrepid-dx.com/vp8 Thank you, Paul N6PSE and David K3LP VQ9, CHAGOS (Update/160m). Bob, N7XR, who is now active as VQ9XR from Diego Garcia Island (AF-006), informs OPDX that he put up his 160m antenna on Thursday (TX 1823 and RX 1824), but the local QRM was way too bad to operate so he stuck the 80m antennas back up. He states that the antenna works great, but no takers at my sunset. However, Bob was very active this past weekend on 30/20/17/12 meters RTTY and 17 meters SSB. QSL via his home callsign direct only. No Bureau or LoTW. ADDED NOTE: Robert may use the callsign V92XR instead, which gives the prefix hunters a new prefix. Look for possible updates on: http://www.wake-diego2014.org XW, LAOS. Bruce, 3W3B (HS0ZCY/XU7ADF/XW1B/AA4XR), who lives in Da Nang, announced that he will be active as XW4XR from Vientiane between December 15th and January 2nd (2015). Activity will be on 80-10 meters using only CW and RTTY. He is expected to return again to Laos during late January, between the 15-23rd. QSL via E21EIC and LoTW. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- TO BE ADDED TO THE OPDX MAILING LIST -- Click or send requests to: Help: Subscribe: Unsubscribe: OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME PAGE (provided by John, K8YSE): http://www.papays.com/opdx.html ALSO VISIT THE NORTHERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB PAGES AT: http://www.nodxa.org/ http://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- * All excerpts and distribution of "The OPDX Bulletin" are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receives credit. ** To contribute DX info, please send via InterNet Mail to: OR OR Information can now be faxed to the following phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!) /EXIT -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - E-mail addresses: Editor of the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin (OPDX - DXer's Tool of Excellence) President of the "Northern Ohio DX Association" (NODXA) DX Chairman for the "Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society ARRL Assistant Director of the Great Lakes Division Sysop of the "Basic Amateur Radio Frequency BBS" (BARF80.ORG) From kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org Sun Dec 21 12:30:00 2014 From: kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org (Tedd Mirgliotta (KB8NW)) Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 12:30:00 -0500 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1194 Message-ID: <680510.55192.bm@smtp119.sbc.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1194 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1194 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1194 BID: $OPDX.1194 December 22, 2014 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, NJ1Q & W1AW, K2AU, K2PF, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, N6PSE, K6VVA, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, W9ILY, W0GJ, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DL1SBF, DxCoffee.com, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, ES1CW, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, OE1WHC, OH2BH, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, PT7WA , RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, VA3RJ & ICPO, snd the VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) for the following DX information. *** SPECIAL NOTE FROM EDITOR (Tedd, KB8NW): My family (wife/OPDX's chief proof-reader Linda, son Teddy [TJ] and his wife Jessi, daughter Katie and her husband Kevin and son Lliam and daughter Lilly Grace), and I (KB8NW) would like to wish all DXers, Contesters and OPDX readers a very "Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings". Thanks to the many individuals who sent holiday wishes to my family and me........ 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 215 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7P, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 9A, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9V, 9Y, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, CY0, D2, D4, DL, DU, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FW, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JX, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KH8, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OZ, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ7, PY, PZ, S0, S5, S7, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T30, T5, T7, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TR, TU, TY, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2V, VP8, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, YA, YB, YI, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, Z8, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZD8, ZF, ZL,, ZP, ZS * PLEASE NOTE: The report "could" contain "Pirate/SLIM" operations or more likely a "BUSTED CALLSIGN". As always, you never know - "Work First Worry Later". A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Andy, DL3YM, will be active as A6/DL3YM between December 23rd and January 5th (2015). Activity will be holiday style on 40-10 meters using CW. QSL via DL3YM, direct, by the Bureau, eQSL or LoTW. C6, BAHAMAS. Robert, AK4BM, will once again be active as C6AGT from Green Turtle Cay (NA-080) between December 21st and January 3rd. He plans to have a beacon (most likely on 10 meters) active during the day and will be operating SSB, and possibly the Digital modes (PSK31 and JT65) during the evenings on various bands between 40-10 meters, as conditions permit. He may also operate from other uninhabited islands around Green Turtle Cay using a low power transmitter (Yaesu 817nd) using wire antennas, and probably on the 20 meter band. All QSL cards will be returned with a photo QSL from the island upon his return. Please send them direct to his home callsign AK4BM (w/SASE/Green Stamps appreciated, but not required). CN, MOROCCO. By the time you read this, Dariusa "Laser", SP9DLM, will be active as CN2DM from Agadir until January 2nd (2015). Activity will be on 40/20/15 meters using a FT-857 and YT-100 into an end-fed wire antenna. QSL via his home callsign. DXPEDITION SURVEY AVAILABLE. Once again "DX-World.net" will be taking your votes for the "2014 DXpedition of the Year". The top 5 votes will receive trophies from "DX-World.net", working in partnership with Northern Californian DX Club (NCDXC), who has agreed to sponsor all trophies this year. To vote, go to: http://www.dx-world.net/dxpedition-of-the-year-2014 E4, PALESTINE (Update). Members of the "PALESTINE 2016 TEAM" will be active as E44Y from the village of Sebastia in the Mosaic Guesthouse sometime during March of 2016. The team has added two operators this past week -- Franz, DJ9ZB, and Salim (Sal) Gechem, HK1T. Franz is a well known DXer and DXpeditioner, and Sal is very active contester on Super M/M contest station HK1NA and was a member of HK0NA DXpedition. Visit the following URLs for more details and updates: Web page -- http://palestine.ig9y.com FaceBook -- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Palestine-Dxpedition-2016/729525207130528 Twitter -- https://twitter.com/PALESTINE_DXped FG, GUADELOUPE. Jean-Pierre, F6ITD, will once again be active as FG/F6ITD from Guadeloupe and two of its islands between January 27th and March 30th (2015). Activity will be on all HF bands using SSB and the Digital modes. He plans to visit the following two islands in the IOTA NA-102 group: January 27th-February 1st - Basse Terre Island (main island); his callsign FG/F6ITD. February 2nd-March 30th - La Desirade Island; his callsign FG/F6ITD and TO6D during contest. QSL via his home callsign, by the Bureau, direct or LoTW (preferred). Logs will be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW. For more details, see: http://www.qrz.com/db/FGF6ITD H4, SOLOMON ISLANDS. Bernhard, DL2GAC, will once again be active as H44MS on a DX vacation to Honiara, Guadalcanal (WLOTA 0086), Solomon Islands (OC-047), between February 1st and April 30th (2015). Activity will be on 80-6 meters SSB only. QSL via his home callsign, by the Bureau or direct. IOTA NEWS.............. NA-178. (POSTPONED) An operation to the Farallon Islands was expected this past week, but due to 8 foot ocean swells, the NA-178 trip was unfortunately canceled. The callsign would have been K6F. The team will retry to operate during the week of January 5th (2015). SA-026. John, PU2KKE, will be operating from several beaches on the Island of Santa Catarina (SA-026) as ZV5WSC between December 27-31st. Activity will be on 10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via his home callsign. SA-071. Paulo, PY2SEI, wil be active as PS2AI from As Ilhas between January 23-25th (2015). Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL via his home callsign. LAST MINUTE UPDATE: Operation has been postponed until June 2015. JD1, OGASAWARA. Take, JA1UII, will once again be active as JD1BON from Chichijima Island (AS-031) between December 22nd and January 2nd (2015). Activity will be on 80-6 meters with 200 watts using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via his home callsign, by the JARL Bureau or direct [see QRZ.com] (w/SASE+2 USDs or 1 IRC). K1N NAVASSA DXPEDITION (Press Release - December 20th) [edited]: The KP1-5 Project Team would like to report progress in preparations for a late January landing on Navassa is coming along very well! A container is being shipped from Atlanta, GA, to our staging point in the Caribbean. Bob, N2OO, is our chief pilot and has organized an excellent worldwide team to collect reports and suggestions from our target areas. Feedback will be prioritized, filtered and/or condensed to pass along to the team at least daily. We have a very special pilot, Brandon KF5NYQ. Brandon is 11 years old and one of the youngest hams ever to have achieved DXCC!!! Brandon will be collecting feedback from young hams. On our website, , check out "Our Team" and scroll down to see your pilot. Click on their picture to see their bio and contact information. We are now on FACEBOOK and TWITTER!!! - Check out our Facebook page: Navassa 2015 K1N and invite your ham (and non-ham) friends to follow us! - For Twitter: You can Google Twitter and open an account. Then when it's open within the Twitter program search for @navassa2015. Then follow K1N. Team co-leader, Glenn, W0GJ, was interviewed by DokuFunk Radio earlier this week. You can hear the entire interview (14 minutes) at . DokuFunk has an extremely well documented history of amateur operations from Navassa. Pictures and video will give you a preview of what the team will see and experience. This week the team paid the first half of the nearly $200,000 helicopter transportation contract. The second half is due to be paid February 10th. By the end of this month, in order to progress with the operation, we must pay the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service $95,000 - $97,000 for the transportation of the Law Enforcement team who must accompany us. We will know our exact dates when our payment is due at the end of December. We will have a press release when we know our exact dates. The cost of the K1N operation is very high and the time to raise the money needed to fully fund the project is exceptionally short. Inherent risks of a water landing on Navassa have dictated using a helicopter to transport men and materials to avoid the risk of scaling the 5-10 meter high cliffs during the period of rough seas (January ? February). The 15 operators have collectively contributed $157,500 toward the K1N operation, roughly half of what it will cost. DX Foundations, Radio Clubs, and Individuals have been exceptionally generous in their financial support of the K1N operation (see the list of donors at www.navassadx.com under the Sponsors tab). Team members are paying all of their own expenses to and from the staging point. But the K1N Team still needs to raise a significant amount of additional money BEFORE the operation commences in late January..... to ensure payment for the extraordinary transportation costs. Final payment for helicopter services is due just before completion of the operation. Contributions by continent as of 18 Dec 14 (excludes team members): 64%/USA, 20%/EU, 14%/AS, 1%/SA, 1%/OC and 0%/AF. Contributions have been lagging from the Most Needed target areas of Europe and Asia. Our North American support has been doing quite well, where Navassa is much further down the Most Needed List. If you are in the U.S., consider making a generous year end tax deductible donation. The link below explains a simple process that allows you to achieve tax deductible status via the Northern California DX Foundation. Follow this link: http://www.navassadx.com/ncdxf.htm If you are not in the U.S. or don?t need to take advantage of a tax- deductible contribution, you can click on the donate button on the bottom of our home page. Time is short and K1N will be active within 6 weeks! ....thank you for your consideration and support!!! For the KP1-5 Project: Bob Allphin, K4UEE Glenn Johnson, W0GJ Mike Thomas, NA5U KP1, NAVASSA (Press Release -- DokuFunk). Wolf Harranth, OE1WHC, from the Amateur Radio Section of ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation) and the Documentary Archives Radio Communications/QSL Collection, has informed OPDX [edited]: In his first of three scheduled exclusive interviews for the Documentary Archives (DokuFunk), Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, co-teamleader of the forthcoming K1N Navassa DXpedition explains how and under which conditions the activation was made possible; he discloses the team's working schedule and how they plan to cope with deliberate interference, a great annoyance at recent DXpeditions. Audio file at where also all pervious Navassa activations are amply documented. A second interview is scheduled during the operation, and a third one, a sum-up, afterwards. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE LAND OF SANTA CLAUS (Press Release -- FROM THE DESK OF SANTA CLAUS -- Lapland -- December 18, 2014): Our Vision for Every Child, Life in All its Splendor - Our Prayers for Every Heart and Soul. Over a period of several years, Santa Claus has appeared on Amateur Radio bands to bring cheer to the whole world, adults and children alike, with the thrill of hamcasting from Santa Claus Land (SCL) and even talking directly to kids of all ages all over the world. Santa himself at OH9SCL in the capital of Lapland, and OF9X, Santa's communication arm, will again be active on all bands. But this Christmas, Santa goes beyond his normal mission and welcomes you and your children to join him in the spirit of World Vision . This is to bring Christmas also to needy children on all continents and this year specifically in Albania. Radio Arcala and World Vision UK have signed an agreement for cooperation aimed at increasing the value of Amateur Radio in society at large. The worthy cause directly involves amateurs in Albania as well. You can join the mission at via a World Vision link and also find Santa?s ClubLog and spot windows. Additionally, contacting both OH9SCL and OF9X this Christmas will earn you an attractive Santa World Vision Award at no cost following your email request to of9x at sral.fi. The activity starts on Friday, December 19 and ends on the last day of the year, December 31. All bands, CW/SSB/RTTY, will be used, typically some 25 kHz from the band edge. When the station is operating on 20M SSB around 14.225 kHz, Santa's audio and video will occasionally be streamed at . Those participating in the OH9SCL activity are Ynsky, OH9KL; Tuomo, OH9JML; Jarmo, OH9EGH; Juha, OH9MM and Kimmo, OH9MDV. At the controls of OF9X you will find Olli, OH0XX; Ville, OH1JD; Timo, OH1NX; Jaakko, OH1TX; Raimo, OH2BCI; Pertti, OH2BEE; Martti, OH2BH; Mari, OH2FPK (YL); Jyri, OH2KM; Arto, OH2KW; Pertti, OH2PM; Pekka, OH2TA; Pauli, OH5BQ; Veijo, OH6KN and Kim, OH6KZP. Santa will soon be at your service. QSL via OH2BH. ADDED UPDATE (December 20th): SANTA CLAUS STATIONS, OF9X and OH9SCL STARTED YESTERDAY 14228 KHz AND OTHER BANDS -- ONCE I HAD A DREAM ? AS WE ALL DID - by Martti Laine, OH2BH: Back in those other years, Albania (ZA) was growing in rarity, and at one time it was the most wanted DXCC country in the world. Travel was restricted and obtaining a license seemed an impossi- bility. It took just about twenty years of hard work before ZA1A was able to hit the airwaves and to provide the amateur radio community with a new member. We were honored to give you that opportunity and share the excitement with you together with the locals who soon became part of our brotherhood. Emotions were running high and made me personally adjust some of my values - and see the world differently. We have returned to Albania many times, continuing with the original charter. Albania is not rare any more but it remains dear in our hearts. Albania has not made the progress we once hoped but many things have moved forward. Now we have decided to travel there once again with all of you on board through World Vision. We still have a dream! World Vision is the largest international children?s charity, working to bring real hope to millions of children in the world?s hardest places. And they do it all as a sign of God?s unconditional love. World Vision is headquartered in the United States and they have a local presence in Albania. We have now agreed with World Vision in Finland, the United Kingdom and the United States to step forth and help children in need and travel to Albania again and make a difference. For the first time World Vision is cooperating with Amateur Radio - understanding that we exist for society at large. We call on our own students in ZA to be part of this worthy cause and we will bring you another ZA with a good feeling. So, just check out and make your donation to World Vision UK who will transfer it to their office in Albania to be used solely for the assigned purpose. Any amount is blessed and highly appreciated. We thank you kindly and Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful Year 2015. Note for US donors: World Vision Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible in full or in part. If you are U.S citizen you can use the following link and receipt will follow: . In case of any difficulties, please contact . Cordially - Santa Claus with World Vision Council Martti, OH2BH; Juha, OH8NC; Rich, K7ZV; Wayne, N7NG; Hans, PB2T, Mario, S56A; Fatos, ZA1G, Jovan; ZA1H and Vjollca, Z61VB. MISSION STATEMENT: Through sponsoring this World Vision project in Albania, you are helping protect the rights of children and ensuring they are included as members of society. This program started in 2014, and for the next two years will contribute to the protection of child rights focusing on improving access to basic services for children. It will also work towards ensuring children, parents and adults at all levels of society actively include children in education services. P2, PAPUA NEW GUINEA. Norbert, DH1NK, will once again be active as P29NK from Papua New Guinea between January 15th and June 15th (2015). Activity will be limited (due to work at the hospital) on 80-10 meters using SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via DH1NK by the Bureau. PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (December 22-28th).... Dec/22nd AN Dec/25th AN Dec/27th AN Dec/23rd AN Dec/26th AN Dec/28th AN Dec/24th AN SOLAR REFERENCE KEYS/INDEXES AND GEOMAGNETIC REFERENCE ====================================================== NORMALITY GEOMAG K Values Alpha ----------------- ------ -------- ------ AN - Above Normal Quiet K=0-1 0-7 HN - High Normal Unsettled K=2 8-15 LN - Low Normal Active K=3 16-29 BN - Below Normal Minor Storm K=4 30-49 DIS - Disturbed Major Storm K=5 50-99 VRY DIS - Very Disturbed Severe Storm K=6-9 100-400 REALTIME BAND CONDITIONS WEB SITE : The purpose of this experimental Web site is to provide 24-7-365 actual (REALTIME) band condition information to CW QRPp, QRPe and CW/SSB for Contesters interested in increasing their scores. It can also be of benefit to other Radio Amateurs to determine band conditions for Nets and casual QSO's. This information is NOT based on any software pre- dictions or any kind of satellite based readings. It is based on a new Ionospheric sounding method called "HF Ionospheric Interferometry" which operates very similarly to the PolSAR system used by NASA. QSL INFO AND NEWS..................... QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (December 21st) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4K8F via UA9AB (d) GX4HRC/A via G3SVK UE55SM via (e/L) 5Q2J via OZ2JBC J400EG via SV2HTI UE72L via RQ7L AP2TN via DJ9ZB OF9X via OH2BH UW3E via UR3EZ DB50FIRAC via DL8DWL (B/L) OK/IK5YOJ/M via IK5YOJ V5/DL3DXX via DL3DXX DR800BI via DL1YFF ON70NUTS via ON4CFB YC8UTI via YB3MM EA8/IK1PMR via HB9FKK PB50REM via PA7DA YT0PUPIN via YT7WA EA8/OH1LEG via OH1LEG R100DA/AM via GM0WRR ZR9C via EA7FTR & (L) EE1D via EA1ACP TC9SAM via TA1HZ (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (L) LoTW only (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only NEW QSL MANAGER. Mark, K2AU, is now the QSL Manager for Juan, CO8AV. Mark will be able to answer all QSLs from the previous years as well as the present. QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: DL2RTL, DO5HVO, G4PEO, M6T, RK3ER, RT0C, TY1AA, UA0DM, VK4LDX/P, VK5CE, VK5CE/4, VK7CW, VK8BI, VK8CE/8, VK9XSP and VU4KV QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 7O2A, 7X2JV, 9N7KT, DP0GVN/p, E30FB, VK9XSP, XT2AW and ZD8O QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 3D2FW, 3D2ML, 4O7TC, 4O/UA3RF/P, 4X/OG1G, 5B/R2DX, 5B/RN3TT, 5Q1A, 6Y7W, 7S6A, 8S0DX, 9M2/R6AF/P, 9X0PY, 9X0ZM, CE5JZO, CT9/R9DX, EA8/RC5A, HC2AO, HC2/SM6FKF, HD2M, J79TA, OX3MC, P40F, R0QA, R13CWC,R20RRC/1, R20RRC/0, RM1Q, RT0F, RV110RAEM, RW110RAEM, S79DX, SU9AF, T48RRC, T88VW, TC75ATA, U0AL, UF2F/P, VK7/OZ8SW, YO900AIR, YP6Z, YQ0BIKE and ZS1/RD3MX R230, EUROPEAN RUSSIA (Republic Of Crimea). Look for special events station R230S to be on the air between December 20-28th. Activity is to celebrate the 230th anniversary of the founding of the city of Simferopol. QSL via OQRS or ClubLog or direct to K2PF. A special free electronic award will be available for contacts with Simferopol stations. See the R230S listing at QRZ.com for complete information. T8, PALAU (Just A Reminder). Ryosei, JH0IXE, will be active as T8CW from the VIP Guest Hotel (Free Radio Room) on Koror Island (OC-009) between December 25th and January 4th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, JT65 ad PSK31. QSL via JA0FOX by the Bureau, JH0IXE direct, LoTW or eQSL. He now has a Web page at: http://t8cw.idou.net V2, ANTIGUA. Kei, KG2A (JJ1RJR), will once again be active as V25A from Antigua (NA-100) between December 25-30th. Activity will be holiday style on 40-10 meters (possibly 160/80m), including the 30/17/12 meter bands, and using CW and SSB. QSL direct only with SASE to KG2A. PLEASE NOTE: Kei informs OPDX that his callsign V25A is a reissued callsign. QSL ONLY TO KG2A and not to W9NJB listed on QRZ.com. VK0EK, HEARD ISLANDS NEWS........... * The tentative dates have been announced by Richard, KY6R, for the VK0EK Heard Island DXpedition - between November 17th and December 23rd (2015). Richard states, "Actual dates still subject to change - but will happen in Nov. - Dec. 2015. We are finalizing the actual weeks with the ship / tour operator. The shift now will only be +/- one week. For more details and updates, watch the following URL sites at: http://vk0ek.org http://www.heardisland.org * The Local Team: Preparing for Heard Island, VK0EK - by KY6R -- On Sunday, December 14th, ten hearty souls showed up at the Cordell Expeditions ware- house in Richmond, California. This is less than a mile away from where Kaiser Steel and others had ship works going during WWII - building big ships for the Pacific Theatre of the war, and about 10 miles away from where Emelia Earhardt took off on her final flight. We prepared for VK0EK, The Heard Island 2015 DX-pedition. Since pictures and videos speak far louder than words, enjoy the show - the hard work - DX-ers talking DX, and the awesome camaraderie at: http://vk0ek.org * ANGEL DONOR CREATES $50,000 MATCHING FUND FOR THE HEARD ISLAND EXPEDITION. Read the complete press release at: http://vk0ek.org VP5, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. Stephen, VE3OC, will be active as VP5/VE3OC from Providenciales Island (NA-002), Caicos Islands, between December 19-26th. Activity will be holiday style (in between scuba diving) on the HF bands using an Icom IC-7000 into a Buddiepole antenna and running on a Lithium-Ion battery for portable use on the beach and cliff sides. QSL via home callsign direct or LoTW and eQSL. NO Bureau. VP8/SG & VP8/SS, SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND AND SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS (Short Preview Video). The Intrepid-DX Group and Paul/N6PSE (Co-Leader, VP8 DXpedition to South Sandwich/South Georgia) has placed a "Preview Video" of their VP8 South Sandwich/South Georgia DXpedition on their Video Page at: https://plus.google.com/+Intrepid-dx/posts XR0Y, EASTER ISLAND (Update). A team of Japanese operators will be active as XR0YJ from Hare Kapone on Easter Island between January 10-16th, (2015). Operators mentioned are Tatsuo/JA3ARJ, Masumi/JA3AVO, Shozo/JA3HJI, Jusei/ JA3IVU, Kunio/JH3LSS, YL Hiroko/JH3PBL and Shima/JI3DNN. Some of these operators are from the Lord Howe Island DXpedition last year. Activity will be holiday style on 80-6 meters (possibly 160m) using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via the ClubLog's OQRS (preferred) or direct to JA3AVO: Masumi Nakade, 3-94 KOYA ITAMI HYOGO, JAPAN, Zip:664-0881. QSL via Bureau (Global-QSL). Logs will be uploaded to LoTW after activity. For more details and updates, watch the following: http://www.nakade.jp/ce0y.htm http://ja3avo.blog81.fc2.com YJ, VANUATU. Haru, JA1XGI, will be active as YJ0XG from Port Villa in the middle of April 2015. Activity is usually on 160-10 meters, looking for EU/NA on lower bands. Modes will be CW (mainly), SSB and the Digital. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. Usually an OQRS will be available on ClubLog. Look for more details to be forth- coming or watch his Blog at: http://kcv-net.easymyweb.jp/member/dxvacation -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- TO BE ADDED TO THE OPDX MAILING LIST -- Click or send requests to: Help: Subscribe: Unsubscribe: OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME PAGE (provided by John, K8YSE): http://www.papays.com/opdx.html ALSO VISIT THE NORTHERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB PAGES AT: http://www.nodxa.org/ http://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- * All excerpts and distribution of "The OPDX Bulletin" are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receives credit. ** To contribute DX info, please send via InterNet Mail to: OR OR Information can now be faxed to the following phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!) /EXIT -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - E-mail addresses: Editor of the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin (OPDX - DXer's Tool of Excellence) President of the "Northern Ohio DX Association" (NODXA) DX Chairman for the "Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society ARRL Assistant Director of the Great Lakes Division Sysop of the "Basic Amateur Radio Frequency BBS" (BARF80.ORG) From kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org Sun Dec 28 13:00:00 2014 From: kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org (Tedd Mirgliotta (KB8NW)) Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 13:00:00 -0500 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1195 Message-ID: <517755.7434.bm@smtp112.sbc.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1195 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1195 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1195 BID: $OPDX.1195 December 29, 2014 Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio) Remotely Written/Sent via Murfreesboro, TN Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network, K1XN & GoList, NJ1Q & W1AW, K3LR, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, K5KV, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, W9ILY, W0GJ, 9A6AA, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DL1SBF, DO1DXX, DxCoffee.com, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, ES1CW, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, F8DVD, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, IZ8IYX, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, Pete Rayer (ISWL), PS7DX, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, TA1HZ, VA3RJ & ICPO, VA3QSL and the VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) for the following DX information. *** SPECIAL NOTE FROM EDITOR (Tedd, KB8NW): My family (wife/OPDX's chief proof-reader Linda, son Teddy [TJ] and his wife Jessi, daughter Katie and her husband Kevin and son Lliam & daughter Lilly Grace), and I (KB8NW) would like to wish all DXers, Contesters and OPDX readers a very "Happy New Year". Thanks to the many individuals who have provided DX information over the past year. Without them there would not be an OPDX Bulletin. Also, thanks to the individuals who sent holiday wishes to my family and me..... 73 and Have a Great/Safe/Healthy New Year de Tedd KB8NW DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 21st-December, through Sunday, 28th-December there were 213 countries active. Countries available: 1A, 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4S, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5H, 5R, 5T, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7X, 8P, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9V, 9Y, A2, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C6, C9, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, CY0, D4, DL, DU, E4, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FK, FM, FO, FR, FW, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J5, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JX, JY, K, KH2, KH6, KH8, KH9, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ7, PY, PZ, S0, S5, SM, SP, SU, SV, SV/a, SV5, SV9, T30, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TR, TT, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2V, VP5, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, YA, YB, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZD8, ZF, ZL, ZP, ZS * PLEASE NOTE: The report "could" contain "Pirate/SLIM" operations or more likely a "BUSTED CALLSIGN". As always, you never know - "Work First Worry Later". 1A0, SMOM. Members of the DxFriends Team will lead a DXpedition to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM) supporting the fund-raising campaign to finance Medical Assistance to the migrants in the Mediter- ranean Sea. Operators mentioned are Tony/EA5RM (Team Leader), Frank/DL8YHR, Javi/EA5KM, Manuel/EA7AJR, Eugene/EA5HPX, Fabrizio/IN3ZNR, Giorgio/IZ4AKS, Francesco/IZ7KHR, Luca/IW0DJB and Jun/JH4RHF. They will use the callsign 1A0C. Activity will take place between December 28th and January 6th (2015). Operations will be concentrated on the HF bands, 160-6 meters (including 30/17/12m bands) to provide a QSO, especially to North American West Coast and Japan stations. Modes CW, SSB and RTTY, with at least three stations on the air. Suggested frequencies are: CW - 1824, 3524, 7004, 10104, 14024, 18074, 21024, 24894 and 28024 kHz SSB - 1845, 3780, 7065/7160, 14195, 18145, 21295, 24945 and 28495 kHz RTTY - 7040, 10140, 14080, 18100, 21080, 24921 and 28080 kHz After the installation of all the HF antennas, the 1A0C team will try to erect a 144 and 432 MHz station for EME. It will be operational from moonrise to moonset. QSL via IZ7KHR [following the instruction on their Web page]. An online log and OQRS will be available on ClubLog. For more details and updates, go to: http://www.1A0C.com 3A, MONACO (Reminder). Jose, EA5IDQ, will be active as 3A/EA5IDQ between December 28-30th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using SSB and RTTY. QSL via EA5IDQ. For more details and updates, see: http://www.dxpedition.eu 3Y/B, BOUVET (Update). A team of 12 operators, lead by Alex, UN7PCZ, will be active as 3Y0F sometime between December 2015 and January 2016 (the preliminary dates are December 17th, 2015, and January 10th, 2016). The group plans to be on the island for 2 weeks with 6 stations on the air. They have begun the operators list: UN7PCZ, SM5AQD and LA7GIA. More details and a Web page are forthcoming. Watch QRZ.com. 9ANP AWARD (Rule Changes). As of 10 years ago, the Zagreb Amateur Radio Society launched the diploma "Croatian National Parks" (9ANP) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Zagreb Amateur Radio Society (ZARS) and the 50th anniversary of the Croatian national parks. Starting January 1st, 2015, the Zagreb Amateur Radio Society's 9ANP Award will now be managed by the Radio Club Croatian Flora Fauna. There will also be some rules changes. The (electronic) 9ANP awards are free-of-charge and will be sent as attachments (jpg format, high resolution) to applicant's E-mail address. All details are available here: http://www.9a.parks.sova-projekt.hr CARIBBEAN TOUR (Update). Rob, N7QT, who was quite active this year from a few different islands, has announced/updated some of his upcoming activities for 2015 from the following locations: March 11-25th, 2015 - Montserrat (VP2MQT); activity on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. July 20-29th, 2015 - Saint Pierre/Miquelon (FP/N7QT); activity on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via LoTW, or via N7QT (by the Bureau or direct [U.S. stations with SASE; outside the U.S. with a SAE and 2 USDs or IRC]. CTU 2015 (Dayton Hamvention). Tim, K3LR, reports: "I am proud to announce that student registration is now open for 2015 Dayton ConTest University ('CTU') to be held all day on Thursday May 14, 2015, at the Crowne Plaza in Dayton, Ohio. Eight different countries have hosted CTUs over the years. USA, Australia, Russia, Germany, Italy, England, Brazil and Finland. Over 3700 students have attended these CTUs with more than 80 CTU Professors sharing their contesting experiences. 2015 will be the ninth year in a row for CTU Dayton. To give you an idea of the quality of the CTU content and activities, the 2014 CTU topics (last year) are listed on the CTU web site at: http://contestuniversity.com The 2015 CTU Professor line up will be outstanding and is being finalized. Check the CTU website often for the 2015 Professor updates. Registration information is on the CTU web site at: http://contestuniversity.com Important - as we did last year - if you want to sign up for CTU 2015 Dayton and you have given (or will give one by Dayton 2015) a talk about Amateur Radio Contesting to any club, hamfest or group since May 17, 2014 - you qualify for a $10.00 registration fee discount. Please choose the 'Registration w/Discount' option to get the $10.00 discount. Spreading the word about contesting is lots of fun and can save you money at CTU! Also announcing CTU Caribbean next month (January 2015)! Join K3LR and the CTU team as we take CTU to another new venue at the ARRL KP4 Convention! Here is the web link for more information: http://www.arrlpr.org/?page_id=1834 Thanks to all of the CTU sponsors including Icom America, DX Engineering, CQ Magazine and INRAD for making CTU possible. Thanks to W9PA and K1SO for all of their help with CTU. Special thanks to Scott, KA9FOX from QTH.com for hosting and constructing the CTU headquarters web site. CU at CTU and Merry Christmas, Tim K3LR -- Contest University Chairman" FG & PJ7, GUADELOUPE and SINT MAARTEN. Jeff, VA3QSL, will be active as FG/VA3QSL from Guadeloupe (NA-102, WLOTA 0644) between Janaury 1-2nd, 2015. He will also be active from Sint Maarten (NA-105, WLOTA 0711) as PJ7/VA3QSL between January 9-13th. Both operations are holiday style, SSB and CW, on 40-6 meters using 100w and a dipole. QSL via his home callsign, by the Bureau or direct with SASE 2 USDs for U.S., and 3 USDs International stations. Log will be uploaded upon his return. FO, FRENCH POLYNESIA. By the time you read this, Mike, OE1SSS, will be active as FO/OE1SSS from Bora Bora (OC-067) or Tahiti (OC-046) until January 12th (2015). Activity will be holiday style (in between scuba diving) on the HF bands using a KX3 with a KXPA100 into a wire antenna. QSL via the OEVSV Bureau or direct to his home callsign. IOTA NEWS.............. AS-143. Chen, BA7CK, is once again active from Woody Island (Yongxing Dao) until January 9th. Activity will be during his spare time on 15/12/10 meters using SSB and RTTY. QSL via BA4TB direct. OC-210. Ron, YC8ROP, will be active from Sangihe Island during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 25-26, 2015) as a Single-Op/Single- Band (10m) entry. QSL via LoTW. ISWL CALLSIGNS (For January). The following ISWL club callsigns will be used throughout the month of January 2015: GX4BJC/A - Operated from Skegby, in Nottinghamshire, by Merv/G0UJD. (/A WAB Square SK56 - England, IOTA EU-005, WLOTA 1841) MX1SWL/A - Operated from Eastbourne, in East Sussex, by Peter/G0NQZ. (/A WAB Square TQ50 - England, IOTA EU-005, WLOTA 1841). ALL QSLs will be handled by Herbie, G6XOU, and NOT the individual operator. The I.S.W.L. is a member of the European PSK Club. All QSL info is on or or via . NO LoTW. I.S.W.L. Awards are available to all Hams and SWLs, see for full details. The eQSL.cc cards ARE welcomed for their awards. PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (December 29th-January 4th).... Dec/29th HN Jan/01st HN Jan/03rd BN Dec/30th AN Jan/02nd HN Jan/04th LN Dec/31st HN SOLAR REFERENCE KEYS/INDEXES AND GEOMAGNETIC REFERENCE ====================================================== NORMALITY GEOMAG K Values Alpha ----------------- ------ -------- ------ AN - Above Normal Quiet K=0-1 0-7 HN - High Normal Unsettled K=2 8-15 LN - Low Normal Active K=3 16-29 BN - Below Normal Minor Storm K=4 30-49 DIS - Disturbed Major Storm K=5 50-99 VRY DIS - Very Disturbed Severe Storm K=6-9 100-400 REALTIME BAND CONDITIONS WEB SITE : The purpose of this experimental Web site is to provide 24-7-365 actual (REALTIME) band condition information to CW QRPp, QRPe and CW/SSB for Contesters interested in increasing their scores. It can also be of benefit to other Radio Amateurs to determine band conditions for Nets and casual QSO's. This information is NOT based on any software pre- dictions or any kind of satellite based readings. It is based on a new Ionospheric sounding method called "HF Ionospheric Interferometry" which operates very similarly to the PolSAR system used by NASA. QSL INFO AND NEWS..................... QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (December 28th) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3Z50AYP via SP7DQR J79MM via EI4JY SO1TH via DF6TH 4L8A via K1BV K9VV/KP2 via K9VV SV9RNG via LZ1YE 9K2GS via EA5KB LI3C via LA9DFA T77LA via I4ZQS A6/DL3YM via DL3YM P4/DL6RAI via DL6RAI V31MA via M0OXO BA7CK via BA4TB PA6V via PI4KGL VA1AXC/CY0 via JE1LET CO2CCA via EA7TV PA6XMAS via PI4RF XE1/DJ4EL via DJ4EL DU9AQQ via EA5GL PH44ZU via PC4DX YP1989TM via YO2KQT EA8/SP3IPB via SP3IPB R120AM via RU3AWH ZY7NAT via PS7GL G1N via G3MZV RI1ANR via RK1PWA or ZS1ANF (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (L) LoTW only (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only GERMAN POSTAGE GOING UP. Andy, DO1DXX, wants to remind everyone that the German postage will increase from 0,75 ? up to 0,80 ? for a standard letter (up to 20 gr.) starting Janaury 1st, 2015. REMINDER FROM A QSL MANAGER. "Hello everyone -- Just a reminder as a QSL manager for many stations, some QSL managers cannot accept stamps as return postage. For me QSL = $2. Without the $ I would not be able to provide a free Bureau service. In 2014 I sent out 31,000 bureau cards which taking into account of printing and carriage costs it works out as ?1,600 and this would not be possible if stamps were used. Another consideration is that from the United Kingdom although some letters can weigh 10g 97p, most will weigh 12g or more which is ?1.28 (over $2). Many UK QSL managers use a mailing contract using Postage Paid Imprints, (not stamps) and on this contract letters to USA can be as little as 60p. So for us using stamps is just throwing money away which is better invested in our bureau costs and other DXpedition costs. Some may say that making a business out of QSLing is just not on! But we have a duty to provide the best quality of service for both you the DX chasers AND the DXpedition teams. Regrettably I have received a lot of envelopes with insufficient stamps either I have to use $ to put the extra stamps on or the QSL goes Via Bureau. Hope this explanation helps a little? Have a great 2015 to you all, have a safe New Year! ..... Kindest Regards, Tim Beaumont M0URX" VK9DLX AND VK9LM QSL STATUS. Press Release, dated December 24th: The first QSL cards arrived from the printer. After the Christmas holidays the first batches of cards will be sent to the QSL services of the DX clubs who supported us. Afterwards the cards applied through OQRS and direct mail will be sent. We will have our OQRS form on our homepage open until December 31st, 2014. Due to organizational reasons after this date there will be no OQRS available anymore. Then the only route to get our QSL cards is via our QSL manager Mario DJ2MX. So take the chance to apply for the QSL cards during the Christmas holidays through our OQRS on . Meanwhile all QSOs for VK9DLX and VK9LM are uploaded to LOTW. We also made some corrections to busted calls we discovered in both logs. If you are still of the opinion that one or another QSO is missing in LOTW, don't hesitate to contact us through our contact form on . Especially during the Christmas holidays our thoughts will be with Joerg, DL8WPX. At the age of 54 he was taken from our midst on Tuesday last week. The memories of our common DXpedition are still so fresh, and this makes the whole thing so unreal. Our thoughts are also with his wife and his four children. We lost a great buddy! Nevertheless the Lagunaria DX Group including the VK9DLX team wishes everybody around the globe a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2015! Feel free to visit the DXpedition website on for more information. No idea who the Lagunaria DX Group is? Just visit http://www.lagunaria-dx-group.org and learn more about the group, the people behind it and their goals. QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 7Z1HL, G3P, G4IIY, G6AY, GM3W, GM3YOR, HK1MW, IK7XLU, IS0AFM, KH2L, KP4JFR, M0PCB, M2X, MD2C, MU0FAL, OX3XR, P3F, PJ2T, PP5AX, RK3ER, TY1AA, VA3MJR, VA3MW, VE3KI and YO3FRI QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 5Z4/EA4ATI, 5Z4/JH0CJH, AL7GA, BX4AG, CE7/UA4WHX/p, CE8/UA4WHX, CE8/UA4WHX/p, CE9/UA4WHX/p, CE0Y/UA4WHX, CE0Z/UA4WHX, CN2AA, CP4WHX, D44KS, DK6NP, EA3CCN, ED9K, EG2INT, FR4NT, HA5WA, HB9EKH, HC8ART, HK0/UA4WHX, JA7NVF, JF2MBF, JH1OGT, JH7RTQ, OA4AI, OA7/UA4WHX, OK1GK, OL7M, PY5/UA4WHX, PY0F/UA4WHX, PZ5VB, RI44ANT, RK3DZJ/1, RM2E, RW0A, S01WS, VK2DX, VK9EC, VK9EX, VP2EIM, XR0YY, XR9H2O and YN5Z QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: NONE REPORTED THIS WEEK!!! TC7, TURKEY. To celebrate "Youngsters On The Air", watch on the HF bands for operators Furkan/TA7AOF [17 years old] and Golkem/TA7AZC [16 years old] as they will be operating as TC7YOTA as of December 23rd. QSL via GITRAD, Pk 73, Merkez Giresun 28100, TURKEY. TM60TAAF, FRANCE (Special Event). Look for special event station TM60TAAF to be on air in February 2015 on the following dates: 1st, 6-8th, 13-17th, 19-22nd and 27-28th. Activity is to celebrate the 60th anniversary of French Southern Antarctic Territory (FSAT/TAAF) founding in 1955. The FSAT/TAAF territory includes 8 DXCC: - Amsterdam, Crozet and Kerguelen Islands (3) - Adelie Land /Antarctica (1) - Europa, Glorioso, Juan de Nova, Tromelin islands (4) Operations will take place on 40-10 meters by Fran?ois, F8DVD, from his QTH in M?con, in the eastern part of France, 60 km north of Lyon. Activation will also be held during the 12th Antarctic Activity Week. The new reference number for WAP program is 255. For more details, visit: http://www.qrz.com/db/TM60TAAF QSL via F8DVD, by the via Bureau or direct to (w/SAE + 1 new IRC or 2 USDs): Fran?ois Bergez 6, rue de la Libert? F-71000 MACON, FRANCE. TX5, AUSTRAL ISLANDS (Update). Wayne, KK6BT, informs OPDX that before activating Raivavae Island (IOTA OC-AN114) in the Austral Islands group (FO/A), he will first operate from the island of Bora Bora (IOTA OC-067). Bora Bora is one of the islands in the Leeward Island group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia (FO [P]). His callsign will be FO/KK6BT from Bora Bora and TX5W from Raivavae Island. Because his VDA antennas and amplifier are being delivered directly to Raivavae, Wayne will be operating "vacation style" from Bora Bora. He will be working primarily SSB on 10 and 15 meters using a Buddipole antenna mounted above a 360 degree panorama of seawater. He plans to be on the air from January 2nd through January 5th, 2015, from Bora Bora, and then January 5th through January 11th, 2015, from Raivavae Island. Wayne's focus from Raivavae continues to be on providing a new country or island to hams located in Northern Europe, especially in Scandinavia. More details of this operation, including a band plan, can be found at the DXpedition's Web site: http://www.TX5W.com All QSL requests should be directed to the TX5W's QSL Manager, KE8G (please see the Web site for important details). VK9N, NORFOLK ISLAND (Reminder). By the time you read this Michael, G7VJR, (author of ClubLog) will be active as VK9/G7VJR from Norfolk Island (OC-005) until January 2nd, 2015. Activity will be holiday style on the HF bands using CW with an Elecraft K3 and 100 watts. QSL via M0OXO or LoTW. ZD8, ASCENSION ISLAND. Operators Werner/DJ9KH, Axel/DK9BDN and Christian/ DL6KAC will be active as ZD8D during February and March 2015. Activity will be focused on 160-40 meters, including the 60m, using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via DL9HO. Operations will probably include the ARRL DX SSB Contest. The ZD8D Web page will be updated soon with all the information. You can use the ZD8D Online QSL Request System to get your ZD8D card(s). The OQRS is available for direct and Bureau cards. ZY, BRAZIL. Look for special event station ZY7NAT to be on the air until December 31st. Activity is to celebrate the anniversary of Natal City (WW Loc. HI24). Operations will be on 40, 20, and 15 meters. QSL via PS7GL. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- TO BE ADDED TO THE OPDX MAILING LIST -- Click or send requests to: Help: Subscribe: Unsubscribe: OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME PAGE (provided by John, K8YSE): http://www.papays.com/opdx.html ALSO VISIT THE NORTHERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB PAGES AT: http://www.nodxa.org/ http://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- * All excerpts and distribution of "The OPDX Bulletin" are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receives credit. ** To contribute DX info, please send via InterNet Mail to: OR OR Information can now be faxed to the following phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!) /EXIT -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - E-mail addresses: Editor of the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin (OPDX - DXer's Tool of Excellence) President of the "Northern Ohio DX Association" (NODXA) DX Chairman for the "Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society ARRL Assistant Director of the Great Lakes Division Sysop of the "Basic Amateur Radio Frequency BBS" (BARF80.ORG) From kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org Mon Dec 29 16:06:00 2014 From: kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org (Tedd Mirgliotta (KB8NW)) Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 16:06:00 -0500 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Special Bulletin #1195.1 Message-ID: <607118.78865.bm@smtp115.sbc.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1195.1 Ohio/Penn DX Special Bulletin No. 1195.1 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Special Bulletin No. 1195.1 BID: $OPDX.1195.1 December 29, 2014 Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio) Written/Sent from Murfreesboro, TN Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network and OH2BN for the following DX information. From the Desk of Santa Radio 29 December 2014 LAST-MINUTE SANTA CLAUS NEWS The team at OF9X is pushing hard in their year-end Christmas activity, and will hopefully pass the 20,000 QSO mark soon. A large number of children seized the opportunity to say hello to Santa on Amateur Radio which brought cheer to their Christmas and made Grandpa a proud facilit- ator. The activity will continue until the end of 2014 and you still have another opportunity to catch the 2014 Santa spirit. Santa himself at OH9SCL has returned from his world tour and tonight he will hit the bands to run in parallel with OF9X for the closing days of 2014. You need to work both stations - OH9SCL and OF9X - to qualify for a ?2014 Santa Claus World Vision Certificate?. Once you have done that, please notify the Santa Desk at . The underlying objective of the OF9X project is to raise money for Albanian children in need through World Vision. The project has been a great success and its aim is to establish a dedicated school with the help of DXers supporting this worthy cause. You can still join the project: ClubLog Search and OQRS are operational at OF9X QSL via OH2BH. ---- 73 - Jarmo OH2BN -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- TO BE ADDED TO THE OPDX MAILING LIST -- Click or send requests to: Help: Subscribe: Unsubscribe: OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME PAGE (provided by John, K8YSE): http://www.papays.com/opdx.html ALSO VISIT THE NORTHERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB PAGES AT: http://www.nodxa.org/ http://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- * All excerpts and distribution of "The OPDX Bulletin" are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receives credit. ** To contribute DX info, please send via InterNet Mail to: OR OR Information can now be faxed to the following phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!) /EXIT -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - E-mail addresses: Editor of the Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin (OPDX - DXer's Tool of Excellence) President of the "Northern Ohio DX Association" (NODXA) DX Chairman for the "Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society ARRL Assistant Director of the Great Lakes Division Sysop of the "Basic Amateur Radio Frequency BBS" (BARF80.ORG)