From kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org Sun Jan 4 13:00:00 2015 From: kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org (Tedd Mirgliotta (KB8NW)) Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 13:00:00 -0500 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1196 Message-ID: <43315.2625.bm@smtp113.sbc.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1196 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1196 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1196 BID: $OPDX.1196 January 5, 2015 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, W2GB, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, K5GS, WB6RSE, K8CX, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, W9ILY, W0GJ, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DL1SBF, DO1DXX, DxCoffee.com, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, ES1CW, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, F8BBL, F8DVD, I1JQJ/ IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, JA1XGI, ON4WW, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, PA2P, PS7AB, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, TK5EP, VA3RJ & ICPO, VA3QSL and 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, 28th/December, through Sunday, 4th/January there were 227 countries active. Countries available: 1A, 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 3X, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1I, 4X, 5B, 5R, 5U, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9V, 9X, 9Y, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, CY0, D4, DL, DU, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FR, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H4, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JX, JY, K, KH0, KH2, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OJ0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ7, PY, PZ, S0, S2, S5, S9, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV/a, SV5, SV9, T2, T30, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TR, TT, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2V, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YJ, 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". 2014 DX SOUND BITES! Tom, K8CX, has done it again. He has provided DXers with 152 memorable rare DX sound clips (now in MP3 format) from 2014. Visit Tom's famous "HAM GALLERY" Web site at: http://hamgallery.com/dx2014 While there also check out some of the other features on his Web page, such as: 17 years of "Rare DX Sound Clips" of the past (as well as some clips from the 1960's and 1970's), QSL Card Museum, Dayton Photo Galleries and Tribute to Silent Key Ham Operators. Tom states, "If anyone has any old HF recordings, I would be interested in hearing from them." (especially sound clips pre-1998 to add to the site) His E-mail address is: k8cx at hamgallery.com 3Y/B, BOUVET 2016 (Press release #2 - Bouvet Project - de ON4WW). Update dated December 30th: It is getting close to 'decision time' whether or not the Bouvet project will go forward. I am amazed by the amount of funding intentions received from individual DXers and DX Foundations/Clubs alike. As stated from the beginning, I will be very transparent about every aspect of this project, finances not being the least. At this point in time, 112k euro out of the needed 250k euro are on the budget spreadsheet, this is exciting news! The funding intentions from individual DXers range from 10,- USD to a staggering 100,000 USD (8,- EUR to 82,000 EUR). Yes, there is an angel contributor willing to donate this much of money to see this project succeed! I am expecting the input of some of the DX Foundations, DX Clubs and other Amateur Radio related Institutions to reach me in the next few weeks. As such, I am postponing the deadline for a possible go ahead until the end of January 2015. Some of you have raised a point of concern about two teams possibly activating Bouvet around the same time period. I have done my homework on this, and with all data at hand I see no reason to adjust my initial concept. In regard to possible funding for the two efforts, luckily for you, the deserving DXer and the DX Foundations/Clubs there are mechanisms in place to determine the viability and success factors of both efforts. The unique one-man effort over a 3 month time period, will undoubtedly show how this different approach will make more people happy (compared to a multi-operator team, short time period). Have a closer look why. It is in the scope of this project: 1. To work as many unique stations as possible; Thanks to the 3 month time period, I will be able to work 1 or 2 specific bands exactly for this purpose. The very last interested QRPp station willing to work Bouvet and willing to put the necessary time and effort from his/her side into it, will be able to get in the log; 2. To work those stations that need Bouvet on certain bandslots/modes to achieve 9 band clean sweeps; 3. To provide SSB, CW and RTTY contacts for those needing certain modes. For all audiences, I will have plenty of time. It will be the primary reason for me being on Bouvet, making radio contacts, as many as possible. Whether or not there will be two DXpeditions activating Bouvet, all the target audiences (unique/9 band-ers/modes) will ultimately have a better shot with the 3 month concept. For this approach to be successful, it needs one or two things. - Club Log is a great asset to Amateur Radio. However, the 'Leaderboard' function will not be used; - I will ask to those who already have Bouvet confirmed on certain bands/modes: only work Bouvet where you need it. I am confident I can count on the fair play from the deserving DXers to just work Bouvet where they need it. Resulting in being able to work the pileups down to the very last QRPp or mobile station and at the same time making the 9 band hams reach their objective. For those of you who would like to, and are able to contribute to the project upfront, pse send an e-mail to "bouvet2016 'at' telenet.be" with the amount you intend to donate. Again, I do not want/need any money now, there is no PayPal account, it is just your funding intention I need to know at this point in time. The final total on my spreadsheet will tell me whether to go ahead or not. A final thought: 112k out of 250k is not enough to go ahead. Thank you to those who already stepped forward, much appreciated! Wishing all of you a happy and healthy 2015, and may your logs be filled with wonderful DX.... 73 - Mark - ON4WW 6W, SENEGAL (Reminder). Francis, F6BLP, will once again be active as 6W7SK from Saly Portudal, 80 kms south of Dakar on the coast, between January 10th and February 5th. Activity will be holiday style using the same station as last time (IC-7000 into G5RV antenna) operating mainly CW on 80-10 meters. If possible, he also hopes to be active on 160m with an Inverted L with a 300 watts solid state amplifier. Look for his low band activity during his local sunrise and sunset. QSL via F6BLP, direct or by the Bureau. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW and eQSL. For more details, logs and pictures of his last operation, visit: http://www.f6blp.org C2, NAURU. Operators Ernoe/DK2AMM, Guenter/DL2AWG, Hans/DL6JGN and Ron/ PA3EWP will be active as C21EU (pending) from Nauru between March 25th and April 4th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and possibly PSK. They will have two K3 with two 600w amps into a 5 band Spiderbeams and some verticals. QSL via DL2AWG. Look for a Web page in the coming weeks. C6, BAHAMAS. Jack, KB7HH, will be active as C6A/KB7HH from San Salvadore Island (NA-001) until January 6th. Activity will be holiday style on 17/15/12 meters CW running 5 watts. QSL via KB7HH, by the Bureau or direct. CARIBBEAN TOUR CRUISE. Chuck, W7AUM, announces that he is going on a cruise with his 90 year old father to the Caribbean and plans to operate QRP and portable, with his Elecraft KX3 and a wire antenna, on the Holland America "MS Ryndam" as PA/W7AUM/MM and, if all goes well, on the white sand beaches from the following islands: January 30th - St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (NA-106) as KP2/W7AUM February 2nd - Curacao (SA-099) as PJ2/W7AUM February 6th - Cayman Islands (NA-016) as ZF2UM QSL to W7AUM, by the Bureau or direct (US-SASE or 2 green stamps/no IRC). CQ HALL OF FAME AWARDS. Nominations for the Contest and DX Halls of Fame are made by contesting or DX clubs or national organizations and must be submitted by March 1 of each year to be considered. A maximum of two (2) people may be inducted into each hall of fame each year. Nominations for the CQ Contest and DX Halls of Fame should be directed to CQ (DX or Contest) Hall of Fame, c/o CQ magazine, 25 Newbridge Rd., Hicksville, NY 11801 USA; or via e-mail to . Be sure to specify for which hall of fame the nomination is made. Nominations for the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame (see recent January issue of CQ for details) are due by March 1 of each year. They may be submitted by individuals as well as radio clubs or national organizations and should be sent to CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame, 25 Newbridge Rd., Hicksville, NY 11801 USA; or e-mailed to . For more details, see: http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/cq_awards/cq_hall_of_fame_awards/cq_hall_of_fame_awards.html CT, PORTUGAL (IOTA & SOTA). Laurent, F8BBL, will be active CT7/F8BBL next summer from Portugal. Activity will be holiday style mainly CW, but also SSB and Digital. His equipment will be a FT-857D, w/100w into MP1 dipole antenna. He also plans to be active as CT7/F8BBL/P from Ilha da Insua (EU-150) and Alto Sao Bento (SOTA CT MN-046). QSL via F8BBL, direct or by the Bureau. For more details and updates, see: http://rnb.dx-cw.net DX SURVEY RESULTS (DX Magazine's 2014 Most Wanted Countries Survey). DX Magazine's has published their Most Wanted Countries from a survey that was conducted in September/October 2014 time frame. Here are the "Top 20" in the overall World-Wide Results as per DX Magazine (Jan./Feb. 2015 issue): 2014 2013 2014 2013 Rank Prefix Country Rank Rank Prefix Country Rank ---- ------ ------------ ---- ---- ------ ----------------- ---- 1 P5 North Korea 1 11 BV9P Pratas Island 14 2 KP1 Navassa Island 2 12 E3 Eritrea 15 3 3Y/B Bouvet 3 13 FR/JE Juan de Nova/Europa 13 4 FT5W Crozet 4 14 CE0X San Felix 19 5 VK0/H Heard Island 6 15 KH3 Johnston Island 18 6 BS7H Scarborough 7 16 VP8/G South Georgia 17 7 VP8/S South Sandwich 9 17 KH1 Baker & Howland 25 8 FT5T Tromelin Island 10 18 KH7K Kure Island 20 9 KH5K Kingman Reef 12 19 ZS8 Marion Island 8 10 KH5 Palmyra 11 20 VK0/M Macqarie 22 The full list of the top 100 Most Wanted, World-Wide, will soon be posted to the DX Publishing Web site at: http://www.dxpub.net/MOST-WANTED-SURVEY.html HR, HONDURAS. Will, AA4NC, will be active as HR5/AA4NC during the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 21-22nd) as a Single-Op entry. QSL via LoTW. EP6T IRAN DXPEDITION (Kish Island - AS-166). Press Release #4, dated December 29th [edited]: With only 16 days to go before the EP6T DXpedition will take place in the I.R of Iran, the Rockall DX Group is in the final process of finalizing their newest set-up: 5 High power stations, more than 6km of radials, new RX systems, filters, combiners, verticals, phased arrays, a 4 SQ and 5 beams should make it possible to get YOU in our log! Out of almost 4,800 voters who filled out our poll, it's obvious that ?the Low bands? will become the challenge of this expedition. Our Low band (160/80/40) operators will be QRV from local sunset (1345Z) up until our sunrise (0300Z) and will hopefully be able to pull out the weaker W6/W7 signals that will reach us on 160 meters via the long path.(27.000KM!) During the first two days of the expedition, we encourage DX stations from all corners of the world to listen to us on the Low bands and to keep our pilots informed of your best times so we can focus based on the data we receive. During these days we will also be doing our utmost to thin out the EU pile. Propagation predictions show that almost all continents are within decent signal range, with North America the only exception. The EP to NA path is extremely difficult and of short duration. To give everyone a fair chance and to obtain a leveled continental balance, we will have to use all openings to NA to the fullest! The 10 meter antenna has been replaced by a 5 element OWA Yagi. By doing so, our signal will be significantly stronger, but we also hope to be able to log West Coast stations via LP. You will be able to find us on the frequencies listed on our website at: http://www.rockall.be/index.php/frequency-list The website also provides a link to Stu, K6TU, that guarantees your personal propagation prediction towards Kish Island at: We have put countless hours and tremendous efforts in trying to meet everyone?s needs and hopes for your cooperation; because besides predic- tions, the most important message ?is the operators instructions?. During our stay it is likely that next to the experts from the C.R.A, some local radio amateurs will come and visit us. Together, we will share all our experiences and help them discover the fun of pile-ups. Please be patient and help them to discover this wonderful hobby. Your QSL card is guaranteed, all information can be found on our website and note that each individual sponsor in our log receives a QSL card completely free of charge! The Rockall DX Group wishes you Happy Holidays, and a good EP6T hunt! *For your convenience we have listed useful information below for you to work us: Lowbands ----------------------------------------------------------------- North America - West coast -- 1345-1630z (LP) North America - East coast -- 2200-0300z Australia -- 1900-2140z Pacific - New Zealand -- 1700-1730z (SR - ZL) Japan -- 2030-220z (SR) Europe -- PSE avoid calling us on peak moments for other continents!!! For North America ------------------------------------------------------------------ 28 MHz West coast -- 1500-1800z (LP) * 0400-0600z (LP) 24 MHz -- 1300z - until band closing * 1500-1800z (LP) 21 MHz -- 1300z - until band closing * 0215-0500z (LP) 18 MHz -- 1200-1600z * 1500-1700z (LP) 14 MHz -- 1200-1700z IOTA NEWS.............. AS-130. Jacek, SP5APW, will be active as 3W2JK from Con Son Island between March 11-17th. He states on his Blog page [edited]: "I am going to operate from Con Son Island during my next spring vacations. The island is not very remote and inaccessible. However, AS-130 group has been claimed by 17.1% IOTA chasers only... So, I expect to experience nice pile-up. My QTH will be on southeastern coast what causes that short path to NA and EU will not work well. Unfortunately all resorts are located in this part of the island. See you on air!" For updates, watch: http://as-130.blogspot.it AS-200. Kenji, JA4GXS, will once again be active as JA4GXS/5 from Shodo Island (Kagawa Prefecture) between January 23-25th. Activity will be on 40-15 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via JA4GXS, direct or by the Bureau. NA-178. (Update) According to a post on their FaceBook page at: "Hi All - so far, we are ON for 1/5 & 1/6 on the island. Some of you have heard, and I'll make it clear here now, that this trip to the island will likely not 'count' for IOTA credit. Paperwork and politics being what they are, we will likely not have certification from IOTA for these QSO'S next week. Please consider this a dry - run for a future trip. See you on the band's Monday evening 73" OC-236. Operators Agus/YB8IAN, Salmin/YB8IBD, Asrat/YB8KGR, YB8KM, YC8IAI, Syahruddin/YC8KBY, YC8KLA and YC8KNW will be active as YB8K from Wowoni Island between January 10-11th. Activity will beon the HF bands using CW, SSB and Digital modes. QSL via YB8IBD direct only. An online log search will be available on ClubLog. More details and updates at: http://www.qrz.com/db/YB8K J3, GRENADA. Bob, G3PJT, will once again be active as J34G from Grenada (NA-024, WLOTA 0718) between March 12-25th. Activity will be holiday style on 80-10 meters, mainly CW, using a K2 w/100 watts and vertical antennas. He plans to also be in the RSGB's Commonwealth Contest (March 14-15th). Look for him outside of the contest, especially on 80 and 30 meters. QSL via his home callsign. JW, SVALBARD. Fran?ois, F8DVD, will once again be active as JW/F8DVD from Longyearbyen located on Spitsbergen Island (EU-026) between April 9-15th. His activity will be on HF bands. He will use the Longyearbyen Radio Club's equipment which consists of an Kenwood TS870 and a 500 watts amp into an optibeam antenna on a 30 meters high tower. The log will be uploaded on Clublog and on LoTW. QSL via his home callsign, through the French REF Bureau or direct, with SAE + 1 IRC or 2 USDs to: Francois Bergez, 6, Rue de la Liberte, 71000 MACON, France. For more info, visit: http://www.qrz.com/db/JW/F8DVD K1N NAVASSA DXPEDITION (Press Release - December 30th): It is now about 4 weeks before K1N goes on the air. The exact date of departure from the staging area will be dependent upon a combination of the date U.S. FWS transportation is available and upon weather windows. It is looking like K1N will be QRV the first two weeks of February. Most of the team have their bags packed and are ready to go. Because of the helicopter logistics, this will be a no-frills-minimum-comfort operation for the team. Meals will be MRE's. The container has been organized for a quick camp setup and quick radio/antenna setup to take advantage of every moment. It is estimated there will be two full days of helicopter shuttles to get everything needed to start operations. A small team of FWS personnel will accompany us, including armed Federal Law Enforcement Officers. Efficiency is not just for the team, but also for the DX community. It has been over 22 years since Navassa was activated and USFWS will not allow another operation for at least 10 more years. This is a ONCE IN 32 YEARS opportunity to work Navassa! Everyone can make the most of this opportunity by LISTENING to the operator's instructions and following the cadence of the operator. We will not be working all modes on all bands, but limiting most bands to a specific mode, so that we can work the pileups down to the last little pistol. Fund raising has been going well. The team has contributed about half of the total budget. For those in the U.S., it is possible to make a year-end tax-deductible donation, directed through the Northern California DX Foundation. See and follow the instructions on the DONATE tab. We have a Facebook page to watch and a Twitter feed (@navassa2015) to follow along. For the KP1-5 Project, Bob Allphin K4UEE Glenn Johnson W0GJ Mike Thomas NA5U OJ0, MARKET REEF. Operators Peter/ON8VP, Mike/ON6QQ and Ron/ON5TQ will be active as OJ0V from Market Reef between June 28th and July 4th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via ON5TC. PA70, THE NETHERLANDS (Special Event). For the second year in a row the amateur society VERON, branch Nijmegen, will activate the special event station PA70OV between February 6-8th. Activity is to commemorate Operation Veritable, the successor of Operation Market Garden. Operation Veritable is not known very well to most people. It was the battle which formed the prelude to the leap across the Rhine after which the eventual defeat of Germany soon followed. They would like us to commemorate and celebrate 70 years of freedom in the Gennep-Nijmegen region. During the 3 days, they will activate the callsign PA70OV and try to work as many amateur radio operators across the world. Whether you are an amateur radio operator hoping to contact a new country or a casual visitor, they welcome you to visit their website at: http://www.pa2p.nl/pa70ov PP70, BRAZIL (Special Event). Ronaldo, PS7AB, will activate special event station PP70FEB between January 6-31st. Activity is to celebrate 70th anniversary of World War II and to remember the importance of PEACE. The special callsign is also in honor to all who participated in the war, especially the Brazilian Expeditionary Force - FEB, on the battlefields in Italy. Operations will be on CW and SSB. QSL via PS7AB, direct (1 USD), by the Bureau, eQSL or LoTW. Each month in 2015, Ronaldo will activate a different callsign and also send 12 different QSLs. For more details, see: http://qrz.com/db/pp70feb PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (January 5-11th).... Jan/05th HN Jan/08th LN Jan/10th HN Jan/06th AN Jan/09th AN Jan/11th HN Jan/07th 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. PY0F, FERNANDO DE NORONHA. Leo, PP1CZ, will once again be active as PY0F/PP1CZ from Fernando de Noronha (SA-003, DIB OC-01, WLOTA 1208, WWFF PYFF-016) between January 8-15th. Activity will be holiday style on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. QSL him direct, by the Bureau (Slow), LoTW or OQRS (pp1cz at terra.com.br). Check out the pictures of his 2013/2014 operations on QRZ.com. PY0F, FERNANDO DE NORONHA (Early Announcement). Will, AA4NC, will be active as PY0F/AA4NC from Fernando de Noronha between October 17-27th. Activity will be holiday style on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. He does plan to be active in the CQWW DX SSB Contest. QSL via LoTW. QSL INFO AND NEWS..................... QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (January 4th) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3Z2015NY via SP6IEQ HF2014PRNF via SQ3BKH RM3F via UA3DPX 8P2K via KU9C HF2015HNY via SP2ZAO S507PMC via S59DCD AH2/AB2RF via JJ2RCJ (d) HF7SIEMA via SP7PTK SN5N via SP5KP AU1SV via VU2SMS HF90IARU via SP1MGM SN90IARU via SP1PMY C5YK via ON6EG II2YOTA via OM2FY SQ90IARU via SP7PTM DJ90IARU via DL2VFR KP2/AG1LE via AG1LE TC5OCK via TA5FA DK65DARC via DF1QR LZ290MB via LZ1KCP UN7JX via RW6HS (d) DL65DARC via DF1QR OE2S via OE2GEN YL5W via YL2GN EM90WF via UR5WA OU2X via OZ1AXG HA60KWO via HA8LKM RC3W via RW3WWW (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (L) LoTW only (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only FRANCE POSTAGE INCREASE. Patrick, TK5EP, informs: "FYI, starting January 1st, the French postage will increase. For a 20g world letter the price will go up from 0.98 ? to 1,20 ?! That is a 23% increase... Receiving a QSL is getting a real luxury! Long life to LoTW!" QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 7N4SJX, 9M2TO, AH2/AB2RF, CT3DZ, CO2RVA, DK5MO, DL1ZBO, DL9HO, HA5AGS, J6/DL7VOG, JA0EQL, JA0GJJ, JA4DND, JF2MBF, LA4OGA, LZ9W, ON8NT, PS7YL, SM0OEK, V5/DL3DXX, V63CX, VP5/G3SWH, VP8ROT, YC8ROP, YV5IAL, ZL1BYZ and ZS6RJ QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 5R8IC, 5V7TH, 5W0AG, 7O2A, B9/BY9GA, CE0Z/UA4WHX, CE7/UA4WHX, CE9/UA4WHX, DU7/JH1BXH, EG2INT, EI100T, EX8M, EX8MLE, HK0/UA4WHX, J79L, JY9FC, PJ7PK, PY22XB, SX8SA, T30D, VK9XSP, VQ9XR, VU4CB, YJ0X, YP0F, ZA/UA4WHX, ZA/YU7CM, ZK3E and ZK3Q QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 1A0KM, 3V8SM, 4O/HA3NU, 5B/HA5PP, 5B/IZ4AMS, 5V7DX, 6O0CW, 6W/HA0NAR, 7P8AO, 9A/HA3HP, 9A/IV3TMM, 9N7MD, A25ZY, A61ZZ, C6AGU, D64K, EA9/HA3NU, ED9M, HA5MASAT, HA40KKC, HA100CGCDH, HA800LP, HB0/HA0HW, HB0/IN3YKS/P, HB0/IZ4DPV, HC2IOH, HG5FIRAC, HG0A, HG0HQ, HG0WFF, HG19JASZ, HG20MAT, HG30LP, HG52FC, HG60VOTT, HG66MALEV, HG100VA, HG460EV, HG1912PTTT, HG2011U, HI9/IZ2KTE, HP2/I5OYY, HZ1TT, ID9/IW9FRB, IF9/IZ5JMX, IG9/IW5ELA, II9HY, IS0BOY, IS0BRD, IS0T, IS0UWX, J5NAR, J48HW, J48NAR, J48OV, J48P, J48XG, S79UN, SV8/IZ7ATN/P, SX8R, TK/IZ4BBF, TX3A, VK9GMW, XF2E, YJ0HA, Z38N, ZA/HA1DRR, ZL1BYZ, ZL2ATU, ZL3LF, ZL4AS and ZL6LH RESULTS ARE IN (DXpedition of the Year 2014!). The DX-World.net has announced the results of their "2014 DXpedition of the Year" survey. The Top Five are: 1) FT5ZM - Amsterdam Island 2) FT4TA - Tromelin Island 3) VK9DLX - Lord Howe Island 4) VK9MT - Mellish Reef 5) ZD9XF - Tristan da Cunha DX-World.net and Northern California DX Club sponsored the survey. It was reported that nearly 10,000 took part in this survey. For more details, see: http://www.dx-world.net/result-dxpedition-of-the-year-2014/#more-56728 TX5, CHESTERFIELD ISLAND (Press Release dated January 3rd). Gene, K5GS, sent out the following [edited]: Chesterfield Islands 2015 DX-pedition (OC-176) -- 2015 / 2016 are shaping up to be one of the best ever DX- pedition seasons. Along with the skipper of Evohe we developed our tentative sailing schedule. We will ship equipment to Auckland, New Zealand, where the boat will be loaded and sail for Noumea, New Caledonia. Sailing in the Coral Sea is always a challenge, avoiding the cyclone season is a top priority. 1. Advance Team arrives in NZ 12 Sept, 2015 Buy locally sourced items, Load Evohe 13 ? 16 Sept 2. Evohe departs for Noumea 17 Sept 3. Evohe arrives Noumea 23 Sept 4. Radio Team arrives in Noumea 25 - 26 Sept 5. Sail to Chesterfield 28 ? 30 Sept 6. Land on Chesterfield 1 Oct 7. Setup 1?2 Oct 8. Radio operations 2?12 Oct 9. Tear down 12 Oct 10. Sail to Noumea 13?15 Oct 11. Evohe arrives Noumea 15 Oct 12. Evohe sails for NZ 17 Oct Radio team departs for home. 18 Oct Several members return to NZ to meet Evohe 13. Evohe arrives NZ 23 Oct 14. Offload boat in New Zealand 24 / 25 Oct 15. Repack equipment for shipping 25-27 Oct The following individuals were added to the team: Steve Dyer/W1SRD, Ross Forbes/K6GFJ and Kevin Rowett/K6TD. Team members previously committed include: Pista/HA5AO, Les/W2LK, Mike/WA6O and Gene/K5GS. Additional team members will be added. Interested in joining the team? Please e-mail: chesterfield at pdxg.net Landing Permit: After some initial confusion we confirmed that a landing permit is not required for DXCC purposes. We will provide the ARRL DXCC desk photos with GPS coordinates and a copy of the ship's log when we drop anchor. QSL Management: We will manage our own QSLs. Partnering with a well known QSL manager we wrote a fully integrated cloud based: Log Search ? OQRS ? QSO management application: that delivers the familiar user functions plus an integrated approach to QSL label management and LoTW management. Working from a single cloud data base the QSL team's workload and manual tasks will be greatly reduced. TX3X License: Our license application for TX3X was submitted and received in New Caledonia. The process requires the application be forwarded to and processed by the ANFR in France. We are being assisted by New Cale- donia resident Remi Touzard FK8CP. We are well ahead of the usual license processing time which is typically months. So, until the official license arrives we will refer to TX3X as ?pending?. Equipment Consolidation Location: Our equipment will be shipped to Auckland, New Zealand and placed in secure storage. We?ll load the boat at the Bayswater Marina which is located across the harbor between Auckland suburbs of Devonport and Takapuna. Project Cost: The preliminary budget for this DX-pedition is ~$150,000(USD). As with any DX-pedition that requires a boat charter team safety is the top priority. We are using a known boat and skipper. We encourage support from worldwide individual DXers, DX clubs and DX foundations. Our goal is to cover 50% of the total cost through donations. The team members will pay their own travel / living expenses and will cover the difference between total cost and donations received. At the end of the project we will provide club and foundation donors with a financial summary. Please direct any questions to: chesterfield at pdxg.net Please see our website for additional information: http://chesterfield2015.pdxg.net 73, Team Chesterfield 2015 VK0EK HEARD DXPEDITION (Press Release - Dated December 31st): Team members, support people, sponsors, and interested persons ? We have official confir- mation from the vessel for the dates of the expedition: Nov. 10th ? Dec. 22nd, 2015. These dates mean depart/return Fremantle, Australia. The visit to Kerguelen is not yet confirmed?the skipper is working on that, so we'll update you when we have news. Thanks to Rodney Russ for arranging with the Shokalskiy for extra time in Fremantle in order to accommodate this need. Some team members would have been unable to participate had we not been able to return before Christmas. This is a nice present, and ensures that the expedition can make (and keep) the plans...... Bob, KK6EK (Cordell Expeditions) ADDED NOTE: A FAQ page has been added to the VK0EK Web site at: http://vk0ek.org/faq VQ9, CHAGOS. Word has it that Bob, N7XR, is returning to Diego Garcia (AF-006) again between January 15-28th, and will be active as VQ9XR. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using SSB and RTTY. QSL via his home callsign direct only. No Bureau or LoTW. Look for possible updates on: http://www.wake-diego2014.org YJ, VANUATU (Update). Haru, JA1XGI, will be active as YJ0XG from Port Villa between April 13-19th. Activity will be on 40/30/20/17/15/12/10 meters, using CW (mainly), SSB and the Digital (RTTY/PSK). He will be looking especially for EU by PSK mode. Suggested frequencies are: CW - 7025, 10115, 14015, 18075, 21015, 24895 and 28015 kHz SSB - 7145, 14200, 18140, 21260, 24945 and 28445 kHz Digi - 7035, 10140, 14088, 18110, 21088, 24920 and 28088 kHz QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. Usually an OQRS (Highly recommended) will be available on ClubLog. For more details, visit: http://island.geocities.jp/vanuatuholiday ZF, CAYMAN ISLNDS. Bob, K3UL, will once again be active as ZF2UL from the Cayman Islands (NA-016) between March 14-20th. If like last time, activity will be mainly CW, "holiday style" on 160/80/30 meters. QSL via his home callsign. ZF, CAYMAN ISLNDS. Col, MM0NDX, will be active from three different Cayman Islands between April 25th and May 2nd. His callsign is pending, but he plans to sign as ZF2CI from Grand Cayman, as ZF8/ZF2CI from Little Cayman and ZF9/ZF2CI from Cayman Brac. Activity will be holiday style on 160-10 meters, SSB only. QSL via IW7EGQ. ZL7, CHATHAM ISLAND. Nobuaki "Nobu", JA0JHQ, will be on a short vacation from the Chatham Islands as ZL7/JA0JHQ between January 30th and February 1st. Activity will be mainly on 17/15 meters CW and SSB. He will try 30 meters CW. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. For updates, watch his home page at: http://pandasan.jimdo.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 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 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 Jan 11 12:30:00 2015 From: kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org (Tedd Mirgliotta (KB8NW)) Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2015 12:30:00 -0500 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1197 Message-ID: <740341.54506.bm@smtp118.sbc.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1197 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1197 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1197 BID: $OPDX.1197 January 12, 2015 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, W2VU, K3LR, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, AA4VK, K4RUN, N4AA & QRZ DX, WW4LL, W6SZN, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, KX9X, W9ILY, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DL1SBF, DL2SBY, DxCoffee.com, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, ES1CW, F1ULQ, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, G3VMW, HP1AC, I1HYW, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, IZ8IYX, JA1TRC, OG2K, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, PS7DX, PY2SP, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, TA2RX, VA3RJ & ICPO, VA3QSL and 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, 4th/January, through Sunday, 11th/January there were 218 countries active. Countries available: 1A, 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3C, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4X, 5B, 5R, 5U, 5W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9V, 9Y, A2, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C2, 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, FH, FK, FM, FO, FO/a, FR, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JX, JY, K, KH0, KH2, KH6, KH8, KH9, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OJ0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ7, PY, PY0F, PZ, S0, S5, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV/a, SV5, SV9, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TR, TT, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V3, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2V, VP5, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XU, YA, YB, YI, YJ, 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". 2015 AAW. Look for the 12th Antarctic Activity Week (AAW) to take place between February 16-22th. This event is promoted by Worldwide Antarctic Program (WAP) each year to improve the world-wide attention about the Antarctic Continent and its related matters, with the aim of staying close to the researchers and personnel who are spending their time away from home and families studying the Antarctic life and its secrets in the so many remote scientific stations in this icy continent. The WAP is also thankful for what the Nations and Research Foundations are doing to protect this still uncontaminated corner of the planet and to share a message of peace among the world. The AAW is a unique event world- wide where Hams (in any corner of the world) sign up and help promote the special attention given to the Antarctica. This worldwide event is open to all radio amateurs wishing to join them using a special callsign which help, promote the Antarctica. All SES with a WAP reference number will qualify for WAP ASEA (Antarctic Special events Award). The WAP Ref. number for any special callsign requested/issued for this occurrence can be provided upon request by sending an E-mail to I1HYW (QRZ.com). The list of participants is still open and is available at: http://www.waponline.it/AntarcticActivityWeek/tabid/113/Default.aspx 7Q, MALAWI. Ken, LA7GIA, will once again be active as 7Q7GIA from Lilongwe between February 21-28th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW and RTTY with wire and vertical antennas. QSL via his home callsign, direct (NO IRCs) or by the Bureau. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. BEST COMMUNICATION AWARD (Press Release). Pasquale, IZ8IYX, Chief Editor/ WebMaster of , reports [edited]: For the second year in a row,cDxCoffee will present the ?Best Communication Award?. Just like we did last year, the idea is to acknowledge the Dxpedition that showed the best communication skills towards the ham community by using dedicated websites, newletters, bulletins and press releases. We will award that Dx operation that made us feel like we were there with the team, letting us know about the place, the operating conditions and so on. It is not easy to pinpoint a single Dxpedition as there are many of them that would deserve some sort of recognition, so we will also give ?special mentions? besides the proper award. Of course the goal of any Dxpedition is to make QSO?s and hopefully provide a ?new one?, but communication is also an important aspect of any Dx operation and now many Dxpedition leaders and members are more and more becoming aware of this. Finally, this award would not be possible without the support of The DX University ? "A Guide for DXers and DXpeditioners" . Everyone involved in Dxing should often visit their website, reading their articles promoting the DXing best practices and much more. Keep watching this DxCoffee Website, as we will present the 2014 edition in a few weeks! To know more about the 2013 edition, please see . C5X GAMBIA DXPEDITION. Steve Wilson, G3VMW, reports [edited]: "Everything is on schedule for the C5X DXpedition to the Gambia starting on the 15th January through to the 26th January 2015. The team of four English operators: Steve/G3VMW, Alan/G3XAQ, Don/G3XTT and Iain/M0PCB fly to Banjul on the morning of the 15th January from Gatwick after meeting up there the evening before. They will be operating from the Bungalow Beach Hotel at Kotu, in the Serrakunda district of Gambia on a North-West facing site, close to the Atlantic Ocean. With two high-power stations, equipped with Elecraft K3 transceivers and KPA-500 amplifiers, the team will be QRV on all bands 160m to 10m on CW, SSB, RTTY and a little PSK31/63. Antennas include two Spiderbeams on the five HF bands and dipoles at good height for the lower bands. Sadly, the public beach area is not suitable for VDAs. The Clublog Leaderboard will be enabled for this operation and we are more than happy to work everyone on multiple bandslots, but please avoid duplicate QSOs on the same band/mode. Our QSL Manager, Charles Wilmott, M0OXO, will update Clublog and LoTW daily with our logs. An OQRS system for C5X paper QSLs will also be available via M0OXO's web site at and also from Clublog. We are not seeking donations, this is a holiday style fly-in, fly-out operation with the emphasis on fun. We have not specified any TX frequencies by band, and will always try to avoid other DXpeditions that may be active. However, we will ALWAYS work split frequency, listening UP, normally between 1 to 5 kHz. Please do not call on our TX frequency. We are aware of the real possibility these days of DQRM and will make frequent checks on our TX frequency, and if necessary, move a few kHz lower or higher to clear the QRM. We look forward to many enjoyable QSOs." C6, BAHAMAS. Operators Bob/N4BP (C6AKQ), Tim/N4UM (C6ARU) and Mike/K4RUM (C6AUM) will be returning to Freeport beginning February 27th. They will be joined by Chris/NX4N (C6AWW) the following week. Bob and Mike will be active in the CQWW RTTY WPX Contest (February 14-15th). Bob, Chris and Mike will be active in the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 21-22nd). Look for C6AKQ on 160m, C6AWW on 80m and C6AUM on 40m. Their activity will end on February 24th. C6, BAHAMAS. Eric, K9GY, will once again be active as C6AYM this time from Grand Bahama Island (NA-080) between May 27th and June 1st. Activity will be on 80-6 meters, CW and SSB. Also look for him during the CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 23-24th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via K9GY, direct or by the Bureau. Log will be uploaded to LoTW. CE0, JUAN FERNANDEZ ISLAND (Update to OPDX.1193). 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 20th and March 8th. Callsign is pending. The DXCC entity is rated #60 on Clublog, #45 for DX Magazine and #32 at DARC. The last DXpedition on this IOTA (SA- 005) was in 2013. The team composed of 20 operators plans to be active with 8 stations on the air at the same time from 160-6 meters, using SSB, CW and the Digimodes. A special effort will be made on low bands. Some WSPR activity is also planned. They target 100k QSOs. Their stations will have about 700W into Spiderbeams on the higher bands and verticals on the lower bands. The team plans radio contacts with schools to show their passion and promote the hamradio activity. Logs will be uploaded on a daily basis on Clublog and LoTW depending on the local internet access. QSL policy is to answer every request, direct or by the Bureau. The operators are well-known as participating in DXpeditions like R?union, Mellish Reef, Bangladesh, Clipperton, San Andres, Bonaire, Cameroon, Uganda... Operators mentioned are Alain, F5JTV (Leader), Tony/F8ATS (Co-leader), Jean-Luc/F1ULQ (Co-leader), Norbert/DJ7JC, Heye/DJ9RR, Jeremy/EI5GM, Dave/EI9FBB, Patrick/ F2DX, Jimi/F4DLM, Michel/F5EOT, Antoine/F5RAB, St?phane/F5UOW, John/F5VHQ, Gilles/F6IRA, G?nther/OE3GCU, Karl/OE3JAJ, Fran?ois/ON4LO, Eric/ON7RN and Kenneth/OZ1IKY. Pilot stations are Col/MM0NDX, John/K6MM and Andre/V51B. 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. CQ NEWS......................... * CQ Combining January/February Issues, Closing CQ Plus Digital Supplement - January 9, 2015, -- CQ magazine today announced that it will be publishing a combined January/February 2015 issue and will be ceasing publication of its "CQ Plus" digital edition supplement as of the March 2015 issue. Both moves are intended to help restore the magazine's normal schedule for its print edition and to strengthen its foundations moving forward as it enters its eighth decade of publication, said Publisher Dick Ross, K2MGA. "These decisions were not made lightly," he added, "but in recognition of the realities of the publishing industry. It's a tough time to be in the magazine business, and we appreciate the patience and loyalty of both our readers and our advertisers." CQ will continue to publish both print and digital editions, but the digital edition will no longer contain the 50-60 additional pages each month that constituted "CQ Plus." Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU, noted that he hopes to include some former CQ Plus content within the pages of CQ, but says ham radio will remain the magazine's primary focus, as it has been for the past seven decades. CQ is marking its 70th anniversary of publication as of its January/February issue. As a consequence of the changes, CQ Plus Editor Richard Fisher, KI6SN, will be leaving the CQ staff after serving for many years as a columnist for, and then as editor of, Popular Communications, WorldRadio Online and CQ Plus. He was also CQ magazine's Emergency Communications Editor. "We will miss Richard's many contributions to CQ's products," noted Moseson, "and thank him for his many years of service to our readers." Subscribers to both the print and digital editions of CQ will have their subscriptions extended by one month due to the combined January/ February issue. CQ is the world's leading independent amateur radio magazine, serving the amateur radio community worldwide since 1945. It is published in three languages (English, Spanish and Portuguese) and in both print and digital formats. * CQ DX Hall of Famer Bob Schenck, N2OO, Named CQ DX Editor; First Column to Run in January/February 2015 Issue - January 9, 2015 -- Veteran DXer, DXpeditioner and QSL manager Bob Schenck, N2OO, of Tuckerton, New Jersey, has been named CQ magazine's DX Editor, magazine Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU, announced today. A 2008 inductee into the CQ DX Hall of Fame, Bob succeeds Wayne Mills, N7NG, who has stepped down to pursue other ham-related interests. Licensed in 1965 as WN2RJJ, Bob's introduction to ham radio was the annual Novice Roundup contest, and he has been hooked on DXing and contesting ever since. A veteran of more than two dozen DXpeditions to over a dozen countries, he is currently part of the K1N team planning to activate Navassa Island in early 2015. Bob is the team's QSL manager, another major part of his ham radio activities. He has served as a QSL manager for over 100 DX stations and another 100-plus DXpeditions for more than 35 years and is the founder of the QSL Managers Society, which serves as a single point of contact for stations seeking a QSL manager, works to preserve old DX and DXpedition logs, and promote a code of ethics among QSL managers. Bob is also on the board of directors of the International DX Assoc- iation (INDEXA), president of the South Jersey DX Association, a charter member of the Old Barney Amateur Radio Club (also in New Jersey) and trustee of a local repeater. He lives in Tuckerton, New Jersey, with his wife, Beth, KF2BQ, and is a father and grandfather. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with Bob," said CQ Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU. "His dedication to the DXing portion of our hobby is unparalleled, not only in terms of his on-air activities but of the all-important 'final courtesy' of QSLing as well." "This will be a new challenge for me!" said Schenck. "I look forward to joining the CQ staff and working with my friends in the DX community as well!" Schenck will begin writing the CQ DX column as of the magazine's January/February 2015 issue - CQ's 70th anniversary edition. CTU GOES TO THE CARIBBEAN. For the first time, the Contest University will be presenting Contest University Caribbean as part of the ARRL Puerto Rico State Convention . The event will take place at the city of Hatillo,Puerto Rico as part of the 3rd ARRL Puerto Rico State Convention activities on January 24-25th, and will feature speakers from 3 different DXCC entities. The event will be free of charge, but you must register in advance. For more information visit ARRL PR STATE CONVENTION (Biggest Hamfest in the Caribbean). DATYON HAMVENTION NEWS.................... * 23rd Annual Dayton Contest Dinner -- Tim, K3LR, reports, The North Coast Contesters are proud to announce their 23rd Annual Dayton Contest Dinner. The 2015 Contest Dinner tickets are on sale now exclusively via their web site (Thanks to Scott, KA9FOX, and QTH.com for designing, building and running the Contest Dinner web site) at: http://contestdinner.com Master of Ceremonies for the Dayton Contest Dinner is Contest Hall of Fame member and World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) Chairman, John Dorr, K1AR. Their featured speaker will be announced later. The 2015 Contest Hall of Fame inductees will be announced. The Contest Dinner will be held on Saturday night, May 16th, at 6:30 PM. Cash bar opens at 5:30 PM. Located at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (Official Contester Hotel) 5th and Jefferson Streets (Next to the Dayton Convention Center), Dayton (Downtown), Ohio, in the PRESIDENTIAL BALLROOM on the second floor. Seating is random. Tables are set in rounds of 10. You can purchase an entire table for your group (purchased group tables are set for 8). Tickets are only available on . There are no tickets for sale at the door. The 27th annual Contest Super Suite (all FOUR nights during Dayton) details are here: http://contestsupersuite.com Reminder, Contest University seats are filling up fast. Details at: http://contestuniversity.com They expect another sold out event for the Dayton Contest dinner. Get your tickets early! * RTTY Contest Dinner 2015 -- Fred, WW4LL, announced that the RTTY Dinner for the Dayton HamVention will be on Thursday, May 14th, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (address above). Time was not provided. Ralph Fedor, K0IR, will be the keynote speaker at the dinner. There will be prizes and probably awards. Look for more details to be forthcoming. * TopBand Dinner - 26th Annual Event! -- Tim, K3LR, Dayton Top Band Dinner Chairman, reports [edited]: Continuing the great Top Band dinner tradition that George/K8GG and George/W8UVZ started, I am proud to announce the 26th Annual Dayton TopBand dinner. Dinner reservations are now available for 2015! Friday evening May 15th, at the Crowne Plaza in the Presidential Ballroom - downtown Dayton, Ohio. Top Band Social hour is at 6:15 PM and Dinner starts at 7:15 PM. Come and have dinner with the guys you work on 160 meters and enjoy great TopBand discussions. The excellent Top Band program is being assembled. I will update the website soon. Dinner reservations are available on line with credit cards and PayPal. Use the contact us information from the web site if you need to make other arrangements. The 2015 Dayton Top Band Dinner details are here: http://topbanddinner.com Scroll down to make your reservations. Four nights of great Top Band, DX and Contesting hospitality are also at the Crowne Plaza Contest Super Suite. Details are here: http://contestsupersuite.com Slots are filling up fast at Dayton Contest University: http://contestuniversity.com If you enjoy making QSOs on the 160 meter band, the 26th Annual Top Band Dinner is for you! Hope to see you at the 2015 Dayton TopBand Dinner. EP, IRAN (Reminder). Look for the Rockall DX Group to activate Kish Island (AS-166), Iran, this week, possibly between January 16-31st. Activity will be on all bands and modes, having 5 stations on the air. Suggested fre- quencies are: CW - 1823.5, 3503, 7013, 10123, 14033, 18083, 21013, 24903 and 28033 kHz SSB - 3763, 7083, 14183, 18143, 21283, 24953 and 28493 kHz RTTY - 7042, 10136, 14082, 18102, 21082, 24922 and 28082 kHz PLEASE NOTE: The above is an overall frequencies list. A separate list for JA and NA can be found at: http://www.rockall.be/index.php/frequency-list For more information and updates, visit QRZ.com or . HH, HAITI (Reminder). Tom, KC0W, will be active as HH5/KC0W between January 11th and February 3rd. Activity will be on 160/80/40 meters using CW only. Antennas will be over salt water using 500 watts and dedicated RX antennas. QSL direct via KC0W. HI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Jamie, WP3A, will be active as HI3K from the Loma del Toro Contest Club in the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 21-22nd) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via KB2MS. IOTA NEWS.............. AS-203. Igor, UA9KDF, and possibly others are planning an operation from Ostrov Dobrzhanskogo. Stay tuned for details. EU-009. Col, MM0NDX, will be active as MM0NDX/p from Orkney Island (IOSA OR01, SCOTIA OI14, WLOTA 1652) between January 16-18th. Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL via IW7EGQ. EU-145. Operators Colin/CT7ACG, Andy/M0GAV, Sharon/M3VCQ and Cliff/G0MMI will be active as CR5CW from Culatra Island (DIA AI-01, DIP AL-001, WLOTA 0144) between July 24-27th. The team will be active from the Cabo de Santa Maria Lighthouse (PT-505, DFFA FA-06, ARLHS POR-041, Admiralty D2206) for the duration of the RSGB IOTA Contest (25-26 July) on 80-10 meters. Culatra Island is also part of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa (WWFF CTFF- 007). QSL via CT7ACG and LoTW. J3, GRENADA. Gregory, W2BEE will be active as J38GA from Grenada (NA-024, WLOTA 0718) between January 31st and February 28th. Activity will be on the HF bands using CW and the Digital modes. Equipment is a K2/w100w, RigBlaster+, 160m CFD with 450 ohm open line. QSL via his home callsign and LoTW. Look for logs to be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog no later than March 2015 or sooner if Internet access is available. QSL via mail, please include SASE. See details on QRZ.com . K1N NAVASSA DXPEDITION NEWS. Sean, KX9X, reports that he heard from K1N Navassa DXpedition member Gregg Marco, W6IZT and states, "We will be bringing an HT and an Arrow antenna in hopes of making some QSOs on SO-50. Dates and times of operation will be dependent upon operator availability at the time of a viable pass." Operation will only be on SO-50; no other satellites are being considered. The K1N Navassa DXpedition is the number one most-needed country in the world by HF DX'ers. Exact dates are still being determined, but the operation is slated for the first two weeks of February. Complete info can be found at: http://www.navassadx.com This will be an extremely rare opportunity to work KP1 on satellite, possibly once in a lifetime. Please consider sending them a donation to cover expenses. KG4, GUANTANAMO BAY. Operators Jim/WB2REM, Bob/N4PSK, Cliff/N4SIA and Nancy/K9DIG will be active as KG4HI, KG4RQ, KG4AS and KG4YL, respectively, from Guantanamo Bay (NA-015, WLOTA 0358) between February 6-13th. Activity will be on all bands, using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. QSL KG4RQ and KG4HI via WB2REM. QSL KG4YL via K9DIG. QSL KG4AS via N4SIA. KH8, AMERICAN SAMOA. After his business trip to Hawaii (KH6), look for Zorro, JH1AJT, will be active as KH8Z from Tutuila Island (OC-045) between January 12?19th. His activity will be holiday style and mainly SSB on 40-10 meters using 600W into verticals. QSL via JH1AJT direct or by the JA Bureau. MJ, JERSEY. Richard, M5RIC, will once again be active as MJ5RIC between February 11-16th. Activity will be focused on 30/17/12 meters using SSB and RTTY. He plans to be in the CQWW WPX RTTY Contest (February 14-15th) as a Single-Op signing MJ7C. QSL both callsigns via M0OXO (OQRS preferred), see QRZ.com for details. Visit his Web page at: http://m5ric.co.uk OH, ALAND ISLANDS. Anton, OG2K, will be active as OH0/OG2K (possibly OH0/OH2JCP or OH0/OH2FTJ) from Aland Islands (EU-002) between March 19-22nd. Activity will be holiday style on 17-12 meters using SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via OG2K. Visit his Web page at: http://www.OG2K.com PJ4, BONAIRE (SA-006). Operators Martin/W1MD and others (possibly from the FCG and YCCC) will once again be active as PJ4X during the ARRL Inter- national DX CW Contest (February 21-22nd) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL PJ4X via LoTW or direct to W1MD. Look for operators to be active outside of the contest with their own individual callsigns (homecall/PJ4). QSL via their home callsign. PJ7, ST. MAARTEN. Members of the Uruguay Team Group are planning to activate St. Maarten as PJ7C sometime later this year. QSL via EB7DX. Look for details to be forthcoming. PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (January 12-18th).... Jan/12th AN Jan/15th AN Jan/17th HN Jan/13th AN Jan/16th AN Jan/18th HN Jan/14th 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. PS06, BRAZIL (Special Event). The Aroeira DX Group will participate in 6th National Scout Jamboree in Brazil between January 11-16th, using the special callsign PS06J. Activity will be on 80/40/20/15/10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK modes. The International Scout frequencies will be used: CW - 3590, 7030, 14070, 21140 and 28190 kHz SSB - 3740, 7090, 14290, 21360 and 28390 kHz There will also be VHF bases operating in 145.710 simplex and repeaters nearby. Echolink contacts will also be available on Conference JOTA-P. Live video streaming from the station will be available at , clicking on TV Escoteira, at right side menu. A team of Scout Hams, supported by state section of the Brazilian National Amateur Radio League (LABRE) and Local Associations, will be promoting special moments to participants (more than 4,000 people) through- out the period of the VI National Scout Jamboree in Brazil, between 08:00 am and 17:30 PM (local time = UTC -3). When visiting the Radio Scouting Base, young people will receive information about Amateur Radio and operate the stations, and thus they will also experience our hobby. This is a special opportunity for all to participate in this great event by contacting the PS06J station and helping to motivate our young people for entering the amateur radio service as well help them in the conquest of the many specialties and insignias related to radio communication. The PS06J station will be operated as much as possible, day and night. QSL via PR7JP. PY0F, FERNANDO DE NORONHA (Update to OPDX.1196/Press Release). Ron, AA4VK, updates us on January 5th [edited]: Three of the five member 1992 Navassa DXpedition Team, Ron/AA4NC, Will/AA4VK, and Murray/WA4DAN are planning a "reunion" DXpedition to PY0F, Fernando de Noronha between October 18-27th, including operating in the CQWW Phone Contest. An all-band operation is planned on 160-6 meters with SSB, CW and RTTY. AA4NC will enter the contest as a Single-Op. A decision will be made later on whether to enter in a Multi-Op category. More details later. A multi-card color QSL with island scenes, similar to the QSLs for their recent CY0 operations is planned. WA4DAN will handle "Direct" QSLs. An OQRS service is being considered. Until a dedicated PY0F website is created, updates will be posted at and at the various DX bulletins. The idea for this "reunion" trip merged just sitting around talking during the SEDCO/ W4DXCC Convention in September, 2014. QSL INFO AND NEWS..................... QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (January 11th) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4O7CC via UA4CC DL60BUND via DB3JHF OP0P via ON6DP 5P0MF via DF5LW DM700LSW via DH3FEN OT7X via ON7XT 5B/SQ2MGM via SQ2MGM (d/L) DM750FOR via DL9UJF (*) PG200KMAR via PA9LUC 6W7SK via F6BLP DU1/HB9BAJ via HB9BAJ T88RR via JA6UBY (d) AH2Y via HL1IWD EA8/DF4WC via DF4WC TC150ITU via (TA-B/L) C98RF via DL6DQW EA8/DJ9BN via DJ9BN TC150ITU via (TA-B/L) CT7/F8BBL via F8BBL FM/F2VX via F2VX YO/UT5UDX via UT2UB CT7/PA4LA via PA4LA JY4CI via K2AX (d) YT90NS via YU7BPQ DG150ZRS via DL1MIL OE/R2AJY via UA3DX (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (L) LoTW only (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only (*) QSL not necessary OPERATIONS WRAP-UP. Kasimir, DL2SBY, informs OPDX [edited]: "My activities 2014: Febr 2014 from the Maldives as 8Q7KB about 4300 QSOs on CW/SSB/RTTY Sept 2014 from Liechtenstein as HB0/DL2SBY about 3600 QSOs on CW/SSB/RTTY Oct 2014 from Seychelles as S79KB about 5200 QSOs on CW/SSB/RTTY QSLs for direct-OQRS and direct-QSL-requests have all been answered! E-mail to if you are missing your QSL card. Now I will confirm all OQRS-Bureau & Bureau-Requests. It was very nice to be a new one for many of you guys! Thank you and hope to meet you again in the air!" ADDED NOTE: Kasimir also informed OPDX that he received confirmation from Sharon Taratula, ARRL Administrative Manager, that his operations as 8Q7KB and S79KB, have been approved for DXCC. QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 4A5XX, EA1PO, EA2JE, EW8W, HB9LCW, JA1SCE, JA7IC, JE1LFX, JH4MGU, SK8A, SV2CXI, UA1CFE, VK9/G7VJR, YB4IR/8, YL3FX and ZL2B QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 3A2MW, 3D2RA, 3W7CW, 4U1ITU, 4W/N1YC, 5H1KR, 5R8M, B9/BY9GA, C21GC, CE0Z/UA4WHX, CN2AA, E30FB, E51CDW, GW3YDX, HB9MHR, HC8ART, J6/DL7VOG, J79L, J87GU, JY9FC, OZ0IL, PP0MAG, R7AL/1, RU6DX/P, S01WS, T10VB, T30D, VK9NT, VK9XSP, VQ9XR, VU4CB, XW3DT, YB8RW/p, ZD7DC, ZK3E and ZK3Q QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 4W6AL, 5B/IZ4AMS, 5H3MB, 8Q7IU, 8Q7GS, AM04CFG, AM05AOP, CQ2I, CQ3T, CQ7A, CQ9T, CQ0ODX, CQ35MD, CR5C, CR5100AM, CS2HD, CT/UA4WEC, CT3FQ, CT3HF, CT3KN, CT3KU, CT3KY, CT3MD, CT3NA, CT6C, CT6B, CT6P, CU2AF, CU2AP, CU3AA, CU3AN, CU3BL, CU3EJ, CU4/CT1FMX, CU6AY, CU7AA, CU7AJ, CU7MD, CU8F, CU8FN, CU30AA, D2CQ, EA6AIF, EA6AIS, EA6EE, EA6XQ, EA8AF, EA8AJO, EA8AJY, EA8BU, EA8CER, EA8CSG, EA8CZK, EA8EZ, EA9PY, EE1K, EF50HQ, EX/HB9DUR, HB9WARD, HB14SAF, HB0/IN3ADW, HE5LC, HZ1TT, IP1/IQ1SP, IS0BOY, IS0MNR, IS0MVE, IS0T, IS0YTA, OA6/IZ7ATN/P, S79SG, S92FM, TO2D, T70A, YR8IOAA and ZD8O T8, PALAU (Reminder). By the time you read this, operators Mike/JA6EGL, Hirotaka/JA6KYU, Yasu/JA6UBY and Yu/JE6DND will once again be active as T88SM, T88HS, T88CP, and T88HK, respectively, from Koror Island (OC-009) until January 15th. Activity will be 160-6 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via their home callsigns (direct only). TCSWAT 10th ANNIVERSARY AWARD WINNERS. Bekir, TA2RX, TC Special Wireless Activity Team (TCSWAT) Awards Manager, has announced the "TCSWAT 10th Anniversary Award" winners at: http://www.tcswat.org/awards/TenthAnniversary/index.html WP2, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. John, KK9A, will be active as WP2AA from the USVI Contest Club Gallows Bay Station on St. Croix (NA-106) during the ARRL International DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. He will be on the island between March 2-9th. Activity outside of the contest will be on CW and SSB. QSL via WD9DZV. XW, LAOS. John, KB4FB, will be active as XW4FB from Vientiane between January 13th and February 12th. Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL via his home callsign or LoTW. All contacts will be uploaded to LoTW in March. XW, LAOS. Ken, K4ZW, will once again be active as XW4ZW from Laos between January 23-30th. Activity will be focused on the lower bands. QSL via K1SE direct (with SAE/SASE). Log will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. Ken states, "All Bureau cards received will be answered, but it is time consuming and expensive. Please note that I receive cards from the Bureau on average once or twice per year. It takes up to 1 year to answer the cards. You will need to be patient." YASME NEWS (THE YASME FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES YASME EXCELLENCE AWARDS AND OTHER ACTIONS FOR 2014). Dated January 5th [edited]: The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the following actions and awards: 1. The Yasme Excellence Awards -- The Yasme Excellence Award is presented to individuals who, through their own service, creativity, effort and dedication, have made a significant contribution to amateur radio. The contribution may be in recognition of technical, operating or organi- zational achievement, as all three are necessary for amateur radio to grow and prosper. Yasme Excellence Awards have been made to the following individuals during 2014: a. Kimo Chun, KH7U, for his 20 years of behind-the-scenes support to DXpeditions to Pacific entities, including logistics, organization, equipment, local contacts and planning. b. Dick Flagg, AH6NM, for his years of working with the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) and Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX) groups and in supporting NASA?s Radio Jove project, all designed to introduce amateur radio to the public, particularly students of all ages. c. Florin-Cristian Predescu, YO9CNU and Lisa Leenders, PA2LS, for their work in organizing and promoting Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) and amateur radio youth activities. 2. California Historical Radio Society -- The Board made a grant of $9,500 to the California Historical Radio Society (CHRS) to fund the Maxwell Library and Maxwell Archives Room in support of Jim Maxwell?s, W6CF (SK), efforts to maintain the history of amateur radio. 3. Foundation for Amateur Radio -- The Board made a grant of $5,000 to the Foundation for Amateur Radio (FAR) to be used in FAR?s scholarship program. 4. International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 -- The Board made a grant of $5,000 to IARU Region 1 in support of youth activities in amateur radio. 5. Bruce Horn, WA7BNM -- The Board made a grant of $2,000 to Bruce Horn, WA7BNM, for providing Web-based services to the Amateur Radio com- munity. The Board encourages others to add their support of online services which are often freely provided to the amateur community by individuals who develop and maintain the services at their own expense. 6. Egyptian Radio Amateurs Society for Development (ERASD) -- The Board made a grant of $2,000 to IARU Region 1 earmarked for the support of the Egyptian Radio Amateur Society for Development (ERASD). 7. World Wide Radio Operators Foundation -- The Board made a grant of $2,000 to the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) in recog- nition of their support for the Yasme Foundation and other amateur radio groups, its support of international radiosport activities, and for providing webinars to the amateur radio community. 8. ARRL Foundation -- The Board made a grant of $3,000 to the ARRL Foundation in support of the Foundation?s scholarship program. 9. ARRL Second Century Campaign -- The Board made a grant of $4,000 to the ARRL Second Century Campaign for the support of Amateur Radio in the next 100 years. The Yasme Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized to conduct scientific and educational projects related to amateur radio, including DXing (long distance communication) and the introduction and promotion of amateur radio in developing countries. For additional information about The Yasme Foundation, visit our website at: http://www.yasme.org Ward Silver, N0AX, President The Yasme Foundation Board of Directors: Fred Laun, K3ZO, Director and Vice-President Rusty Epps, W6OAT, Director and Treasurer Kip Edwards, W6SZN, Director and Secretary Martti Laine, OH2BH, Director Mac McHenry, W6BSY, Director Bob Vallio, W6RGG, Director -------------------------------------------------- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 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 Tue Jan 13 16:00:00 2015 From: kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org (Tedd Mirgliotta (KB8NW)) Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 16:00:00 -0500 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Special Bulletin #1197.1 Message-ID: <990112.4795.bm@smtp117.sbc.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1197.1 Ohio/Penn DX Special Bulletin No. 1197.1 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Special Bulletin No. 1197.1 BID: $OPDX.1197.1 January 13, 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 and The Rockall Dx Group for the following DX information. EP, IRAN (Kish Island; AS-166). Press Release V, January 13th [edited] -- Thursday morning, three years after our first contact in Iran, members of the Rockall Dx Group will be leaving Brussels at 12 o?clock local time. Flying to Teheran (via Moscow) where we have to change airport for the domestic flight to Kish Island AS-166. We have 30 fully packed suitcases filled with radio equipment and antennas. Radios will be carried as hand luggage which leaves about 6 kg of personal stuff for each operator. We expect arrival on Kish island January 16th early morning. As soon as we have approval from the local police we can start building antennas. Priority will be lowband TX. 40m four-square and Hexbeams setting up the equipment in the shack is planned after sunset. EP6T will probably be going on air early morning of January 17th, but remember that we have not been sleeping for 36 hours at that time! Lowband RX antennas and 10m yagi will go up during the next day. We will be off air for a few hours to finish the station setup. There will be two groups of 5 people operating in 4 hour shifts, around the clock. Again we want to ask people in Europe and Asia for your co- operation when we have propagation to North America, since this is the most difficult path on all bands. Listen to the operators instructions, and we will all be enjoying the pile ups. There has been some deliberate QRM on 80 meters during the last months, the EP6T operators are aware of this, so turn your VFO away from the QRM and maybe you will find us calling a little bit below or above our announced frequency. On Top Band we may be listening 1803 ? 1810 for NA if EU/AS signals are causing too much trouble. Again, listen to the operators instructions. We would like some signal reports from NA on 10 and 160m. Please send these reports via so we can adjust according to pro- pagation openings. We will have daily updates from our pilots. If you want to know the best time to work us, use the link to K6TU on our website . When we have internet access you will find pictures, updates and the online log as well. Don?t forget the donate button which gives you a free QSL card for your QSO with EP. Social media is covered by Bjorn, ON9CFG: Twitter -- #EP6T 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 Jan 18 12:15:00 2015 From: kb8nw at barf80.nshore.org (Tedd Mirgliotta (KB8NW)) Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2015 12:15:00 -0500 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1198 Message-ID: <549414.19325.bm@smtp115.sbc.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1198 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1198 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1198 BID: $OPDX.1198 January 19, 2015 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, K3LR, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, WX3P, N4AA & QRZ DX, WB6RSE, K7UA, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, W9ILY, DC8QT, DJ4KW, 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, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, VA3RJ & ICPO, the VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) and ZL4PW for the following DX information. DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 11th/January, through Sunday, 18th/January there were 217 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 3X, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5R, 5W, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9V, 9Y, A2, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, CY0, D4, DL, DU, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FK, FM, FO, FO/a, FR, FW, 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, J6, J7, J8, JA, JT, JW, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KH8, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OJ0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ7, PY, PY0F, PZ, S0, S5, S7, S9, SM, SP, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TL, TR, TT, TU, TY, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2M, VP2V, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, YA, YB, YI, YJ, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, 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". 3A, MONACO. Operators Patrice/F5RBB and his XYL Mireille/F4FRL will be active as 3A/F5RBB and 3A/F4FRL, respectively, from Monaco between now and January 24th. Activity will be on 20/15 meters RTTY and PSK31. QSL via their home callsigns. 3G0, JUAN FERNANDEZ ISLAND (Update to OPDX.1193/1197). Members of the Provins ARC (F6KOP) will activate Robinson Cruso? Island (SA-005, aka Juan Fernandez Archipelago) as 3G0ZC between February 20th and March 8th. A team of 20 operators plan to be active with 8 stations on the air on 160-6 meters, using SSB, CW and the Digital modes. A Web site will be online soon. A FaceBook page is now available at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JuanFernandez2015/747628888649765 More details will be forthcoming. BILL MOORE, NC1L, UPDATE. Bernie, W3UR, from "The Daily DX" put out on January 18th the following update on NC1L: "The following very important update on NC1L, Bill Moore, is from W1RM, Pete Chamalian. It?s sad news to DXers around the globe as Bill helped many of us through his carrier running the ARRL DXCC Desk. Let?s all shower Bill with words of encouragement at his email below and his callbook address. On a personal note I am sure this was a very difficult decision to make and we all need to support Bill as it wasn?t easy to do. Bill Thanks for all you did for the Amateur Radio DX Community!...... 73, Bernie" "After much consultation with my family and as a result of the life changing accident I suffered in July, 2014, I have decided to relinquish my position as Awards Manager at ARRL HQ and focus my full effort on physical therapy. I have enjoyed my years at ARRL and the countless friends I have made within the ham radio community. I hope to maintain contact as best I can via email and hope someday I will be able to get back on the bands. Email can be sent to me at and while I plan to read each and every one, I cannot promise to reply in a timely manner. With much gratitude and sincere thanks, Wilfred (Bill) Moore, NC1L" DAYTON HAMVENTION NEWS............. * SWODXA DX DINNER ANNOUNCEMENT UPDATE -- Bill Salyers, AJ8B, reports on January 9th [edited]: The SouthWest Ohio DX Association (SWODXA) has announced that ?C82DX ? Plan, Plan, and Plan again, Murphy still makes a visit!? will be the keynote topic for their 30th annual DX dinner. The dinner, held in conjunction with the 2015 Dayton Hamvention?, will be on Friday, May 15th, at the Marriott Hotel in Dayton. N1DG and N4XP will be the presenters. Don Greenbaum, N1DG, grew up in New York City and the NJ Shore. His father, WA2UDV, was his radio mentor and two other siblings also had their licenses by the time Don became WN2DND at age 11 in 1962. Don has been on several major DXpeditions including VP8ORK, K4M and A52A. He has also operated as A61AD, A51DG, C91DG, A73A, and /KH9, /VP9, /VS6, /BV2, /4X and /9V. His latest DXpedition was to C82DX which he co-led with N4XP. He has been webmaster for over 50 DXpeditions. In 2005 Don was honored at Dayton by CQ Magazine by being inducted into the CQ DX Hall of Fame. In 2009 Don was one of the founding members of the CW Operators' Club (member number 2). He is Treasurer of the Northern California DX Foun- dation and has authored several articles on the rising costs and financing of major DXpeditions. Tom Harrell, N4XP, was first licensed in 1960 as KN4TSJ in Norfolk, VA, but upgraded quickly to K4TSJ at the age of 15. After working a "YU" as a novice, DX was discovered and became a prime interest which is as strong today as in those early years. Previous calls include V73XP, OK8XP, ON9CXP, ZK1XXP, AL7EL, K4TSJ and W8FCI. Tom, currently credited with 365 entities also holds DXCC #1 Honor Roll; CW, Phone, and Mixed Honor Roll; 9 Band DXCC; 5BWAZ (190); CQ DX - SSB & CW; WPX - CW, SSB and Mixed. Tom has led DXpeditions to Wake Island as AL7EL/KH9, KH9/AL7EL, and N4XP/KH9 and North Cook as ZK1XXP. He co-led DXpeditions to C82DX in Mozambique and K4M on Midway with N1DG and K5K on Kingman Reef with NI6T. In all Tom has either visited or operated from 41 countries. In 2009 Tom was honored at the Dayton Hamvention by CQ Magazine by being inducted into the CQ DX Hall of Fame. Tom also has been a member of four DXpeditions of the Year. Tom has authored or co-authorized over 12 articles. For more information and to order dinner tickets, visit and follow us on Twitter (@SWODXA). * CONTEST DINNER UPDATE -- Tim, K3LR, reports [edited]: North Coast Contesters are proud to announce that ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, will be the main speaker for the 23rd annual Dayton Contest Dinner event. Thanks to Icom America, the main door prize is a IC-7600 full featured HF transceiver. Details and ticket information is available here: http://contestdinner.com EP, IRAN. Members of the Rockall DX Group are now active from Kish Island (AS-166), Iran, until January 31st. The group arrived on Kish Island on January 16th, and they reported that "everything is going as planned"... Activity will be on all bands and modes, having 5 stations on the air. Suggested frequencies are available in OPDX.1197 or their Web page at: http://www.rockall.be/index.php/frequency-list For more information and updates, visit QRZ.com or . FJ, ST. BARTHELEMY (Reminder). By the time you read this Gene, N9SW, will once again be active as FJ/N9SW from St. Barthelemy (NA-146, DIFO FJ-001, WLOTA 0377) until January 25th. Activity will be holiday style on 40-6 meters (possibly 80m) and mainly CW. QSL via his home callsign. FR, REUNION ISLAND. Guy, F5MNW, will once again be active as FR/F5MNW from Saint Leu, Reunion Island (AF-016, DIFO FR-001, WLOTA 1812, WWFF FFF-011), between March 19th and April 14th. Activity will be on the HF bands using only CW. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. NO IRCs! IOTA NEWS.............. AS-200. (Reminder) Kenji, JA4GXS, will once again be active as JA4GXS/5 from Shodo Island (Kagawa Prefecture) between January 23-25th. Activity will be on 40-15 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via JA4GXS, direct or by the Bureau. EU-059. Members of the Cray Valley Radio Society (G3RCV) will be active as MM8C from the rare Hirta Island (St. Kilda) between July 22-28th. Dates may change due to weather. Their plan is to be in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 25-26th) as a Low-Power entry. QSL via G4DFI. The group plans to be active on the HF and VHF bands (IO75RT) using CW and SSB. They will also attempt to activate Conachair summit (GM/IS-098); which has yet to be activated. Operators mentioned are Nobby/G0VJG (Team Leader), Dave/G4BUO, Toby/M0TBS, Giles/M0TGV, Justin/G4TSH, Tony/G2NF and Chris/G0FDZ. EU-177. Olaf, G0CKV, will once again be active as SM5CKV/P from Harstena Island during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 25-26th) as a Single- Op/All-Band entry. QSL via LoTW. NA-027. Members of the "Panama's Colon DX Group" plan to activate Taboga Island between February 27th and March 1st. No callsign was provided. INTREPID DX NEWS (Press Release-The 2014 Intrepid Spirit Award): The Intrepid-DX Group is pleased to announce the recipient of the 3rd annual ?Intrepid Spirit Award?. We are pleased to have received so many worthy nominations to consider. This year?s award goes to a notable Dxer and DXpeditioner that we have come to respect and admire greatly, Mr. Dmitri Zhikharev-RA9USU. This award is to recognize Dmitri?s outstanding efforts to activate Yemen from 2012 through 2014 as 7O6T and 7O2A. Dmitri is largely responsible for fulfilling the need for 7O contacts since 2012. Yemen is a place of much uncertainty and danger. We recognize Dmitri?s unselfish acts to activate this challenging and much needed entity. We acknowledge Dmitri?s pursuit of operating excellence and his quest to activate the rare and often dangerous entities. It is for these reasons that we honor him with our Intrepid Spirit Award, to be presented at the International DX Convention, Visalia, California on April 18th, 2015. This ?Intrepid-Spirit Award? is made in memory of our fallen friend and member, James McLaughlin, T6AF who was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan in April, 2011. The award is intended to recognize and honor those individuals or teams that boldly activate rare entities where their own personal safety is secondary to their pursuit of providing contacts to the DX Community. While we do not encourage Dxers to go into harm?s way, we recognize that circumstances sometimes require that and we recognize those Intrepid Dxers with the Intrepid Spirit Award. Thank you, Paul S. Ewing, N6PSE - President, The Intrepid-DX Group K1N NAVASSA DXPEDITION NEWS. If you missed the recent special bulletin OPDX.1197.2 sent out on January 17th, or were unable to see the propagation prediction diagram for North America, Japan, India and Poland, go to the OPDX Web page at: http://papays.com/opdx1197.2.html K6VVA ANTI-PIRATE & K6VVA CO-PILOT EXPEDITION SOLUTIONS VIDEO. The K6VVA Anti-Pirate & K6VVA Co-Pilot Expedition Solutions video was developed as a part of the continued planning and preparation for a CW ONLY Expedition to North Korea (P5). It can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlQroPxFOiQ&feature=youtu.be NEW DXER'S HANDBOOK (Second Edition - Available For FREE!!!). Yes that is right -- For FREE!!! Bryce, K7UA, informs OPDX: Four years ago I wrote a series of short articles for our local DX club that came together as the "New DXer's Handbook." Much to my surprise it has turned into a fairly big thing with thousands of copies of it out in the world. It was translated into other languages too. The original has become outdated and wasn't written for a broad audience in the first place. I am retired now and I had some time to improve it. It is now available for download in the revised second edition. It is still free of charge as my gift to the world's new DXers. I will now be hosting it on my own Web site (which just came online January 11th): http://www.k7ua.com I have four overseas hams that have asked to translate it into their own languages and those versions will also be on my site when they are completed....... P4, ARUBA. Jack, WX3P, will be active as P40JP from Aruba between February 14-19th. Activity will be holiday style on 40-10 meters (no 30m) as conditions allow. Operations will be QRP with a KX3 and AlexLoop (maybe a wire OCD also). QSL via his home callsign. PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (January 19-25th).... Jan/19th HN Jan/22nd HN Jan/24th HN Jan/20th HN Jan/23rd AN Jan/25th LN Jan/21st 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 (January 18th) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5P7XJ via OZ7XJ GB4UAS via MN0VFW PS06J via PR7JP 8Q5MQT via VU2NRO HG4F via HA4FF R35ASK via R4AAS C5X via M0OXO K3Y via K9JP T88HS via JA6KYU (d) DA300CFG via DL3JRA LY19EURO via LY3BY XV9NPS via JA2NPS (B) DQ70ELBE via DJ9ZZZ MX0WFF via G0WOU (d) YL20IARU via YL1UB EA8/DL6RO via DL6RO OU0POLIO via OZ1ACB YL45GBC via YL3GBC EN0U via UT7UT PJ7/VA3QSL via VA3QSL YP0C via YO3CZW (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (L) LoTW only (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 1A0C, 5R8IC, 9A6TKS, EA5RU, HV0A, JA7AKH, PJ4/K5KG, VE2GSO, VP2VGG, VU2JAB, YC8UTI and ZD9ZS QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: C21GC, P4/W6HGF, T30D, TO2A and V6T QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 4X0L, 5C5T, 5Z4/EA4ATI, 9K2/SP4R, AM04ENP, AM04YTD, AM05AR, AM05LD, AM07ATE, AM07HY, C31AT, C31CT, C31KC, C31MO, C79BWW, C98BWW, CO8CML, CR2T, CU2AF, CU2AAR, CU3BL, EA6AR, EA6AZ, EA6ACT, EA6AIU, EA6ALH, EA6BB,EA6CA, EA6EJ, EA6FG, EA6LH, EA6LP, EA6OM, EA6SK, EA6TT, EA6ZS, EA8AF, EA8AT, EA8AAW, EA8ADL, EA8AGF, EA8AHM, EA8AJO, EA8AJY, EA8AMN, EA8AVK, EA8BMG, EA8BTM, EA8BTQ, EA8BLV, EA8BWL, EA8BXH, EA8CBC, EA8CPN, EA8CQN, EA8CQW, EA8CSD, EA8CSG, EA8CVA, EA8CYQ, EA8CYR, EA8DAJ, EA8GP, EA8KG, EA8KL, EA8KV, EA8OV, EA8PE, EA8QP, EA8MT, EA8TJ, EA8UP, EA8URE, EA8YN, EA8YT, EA9BO, EA9UG, EA9PY, EA0JC, EA200URD, EB6VP, EB9PH, EC8AFM, EC8AQQ, EC8AXS, ED8DD, ED6QY, ED8URE, ED9NA, EE8L, EF8F, EF0JC, EG8CLP, EG8LP, EG8WFF, EH6ARD, EI9HQ, FG3INT/7, FR5DZ, J28RO, LU7YS, MD/EB1BSV/P, MI0/EI9HQ, ON1RAFMOTA, OZ12SJ, TK5IH, S5300TP, SV1PAS, SV2MAP, SV7BOT and VX6AO SILENT KEY. It has been brought to OPDX's attention that Ruben Kun, C21RK, became a Silent Key (SK) in September at the age of 73. OPDX has not been able to find any announcements about him passing away other than QRZ.com stating he is SK. John, K8YSE, one of the operators of the C21BH Martti Lane Birthday operation on Nauru, is the one who informed OPDX about Ruben's passing. He states, "He (Ruben) was the most prominent op on Nauru and had some sort of government position as I recall. He was there when we landed and worked with the customs people to get all of our radio equipment through. He was a very gracious host and just a very hospitable guy." Peter, ZL2VK (C21TA, VK3TAF), informed K8YSE [edited], "There are now only two hams left on Nauru, Darkie/C21DJ, who now has no antennas as trees at his house have all been cleared, and Robbie/C21DX, who has no equipment...... Dumas/C21DD and Norman/C21NJ, both passed away a few years ago. Undoubtedly, Ruben was one of the finest gentleman I have ever met and I will always remember him and his generosity. I managed to get to know him well with my many trips to Nauru in a variety of roles." Even though this may be belated, OPDX and its readers would like to send out our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of C21RK. His signal and friendship will be missed...... T32, EASTERN KIRIBATI. Richard, AD7AF, will be active as T32RL from Captain Cook Hotel, Kiritimati (OC-024), between January 22nd and February 9th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters, including the 30/17/12m bands - not 60m, using CW, SSB and possibly some RTTY. His rig is a K3 with 110 watts into 1/4 wave verticals on the beach (40-10m) and an inverted Ls for 160 and 80 meters. Activity on 160m will be dependent on conditions, but he will be on during the CQWW 160 CW Contest (January 23-25th). Logs will be posted on ClubLog if he has internet access, and he will upload the log to LoTW when he returns home. QSL via AD7AF direct with SASE or SAE with green stamps. TG9, GUATEMALA (Reminder). Dwight, VE7BV, will once again be active as TG9/VE7BV from Guatemala between January 22nd and February 17th. Activity will be holiday style on 20/17/15 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via his home callsign, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW. TI9, COCOS ISLAND (Update OPDX.1190/1191). Operator's list has grown for the upcoming TI9/3Z9DX to Cocos Island (NA-012) to air between February 16-23rd. The current operators are now Dom/3Z9DX, Jorge/TI2HMJ, Przemek/ SP8SIW and Dmitri/RA9USU. Two stations will be on the air operating 160?10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. There "may be" some 6 meter activity. A survey/vote for bands/modes needs is available at the following Web page, as well as more details and updates, see: http://www.nielsen.net/ti9a TO66, GUADELOUPE. Operators Gildas/F6HMQ and Michel/F6GWV will once again be active from here between February 18th and March 8th. Look for them to sign TO66R during the ARRL International DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL TO66R via F6HMQ. Outside of the contest they will be active on all bands signing FG/homecall. QSL via their home callsign. TX3X CHESTERFIELD ISLAND DXPEDITION (Press Release dated January 12th). Gene, K5GS, reports [edited]: Joining the team last week were: On-Island -- Tom Berson, ND2T. Tom is well known contest enthusiast and DXpeditioner. He was licensed at age 11 as WV2ASJ. He is a member of the Northern California Contest Club (President 2003-2004), the Stanford Amateur Radio Club, and CWops. Tom is President of the Northern California DX Foundation. He operates contest multi-ops from W6YX, K6IDX (W6OAT), and K5RC (W7RN). A member of DXpeditions to Scarborough Reef (BS7H, 2007), Midway Island (K4M, 2009), South Orkney Islands (VP8ORK, 2011), and Swains Island (NH8S, 2012). Pilot Team -- Alexander (Al) Teimurazov, 4L5A, Asia pilot (except JA). Additionally, Al is the publisher of the website DXnews.com and was our first committed corporate sponsor. Luke Steele, VK3HJ, Oceania pilot. Also signing on as an early corporate sponsor is: http://www.foldingantennas.com V3, BELIZE. Gerd/DJ4KW and XYL Gisela/DK9GG are once again active as V31YN and V31GW, respectively, from Consejo Shores until March 5th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters including the 30/17/12m bands using CW and RTTY. Gerd informs OPDX that they will stay on the mainland the whole time and will not be visiting any IOTA-locations. Look for Gisela to possibly be in the CQWW 160m SSB Contest (February 27-28th). They will only operate with 100 watts max. See their equipment and QTH at: http://echo34.de/Mitglieder/V31YN/Information QSL via their home callsigns, direct or by the Bureau or LoTW. For more details about their operation, see: http://www.qslnet.de/member/dj4kw/v31yn.htm V5, NAMIBIA (Update). For the third year in a row, operators Werner/DC8QT, Georg/DD8ZX and Klaus/DJ9KM will be active again as V5/homecall from Namibia between February 10-19th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK. QSL via their home callsigns. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW. They also will take part in the CQ WPX RTTY Contest using V55V on February 14-15th. QSL V55V via DJ8VC, direct or by the Bureau. V6, MICRONESIA. Taka, JA8COE, will be active as V63CO from Falalop Island (OC-078), Ulithi Atoll, between March 2-6th. Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL via JA8COE, direct (2 USDs or IRCs) or ClubLog's OQRS. NO Bureau QSLs. For more details, updates and pictures, see Taka Blog page: http://blog.goo.ne.jp/takaja8coe VISALIA IDXC NEWS. Some details for the Top Band Dinner at the Visalia 66th International DX Convention (IDXC) have been announced. The dinner will be held on April 17th, at the Marriott Hotel Ballroom ? In the Marriott Hotel immediately adjacent to the Visalia Convention Center. Bob Allphin, K4UEE, will be the keynote speaker and will present: "Top Band from Navassa, K1N." There will be a self-serve buffet dinner and door prizes. Complete details and registration information can be found at: http://topbanddinner.jimdo.com VK0EK HEARD ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS (VK0EK Radio Team Leader and QSL Manager Appointed): Rich, KY6R, reports on the VK0EK Web page on January 14th [edited]: We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Lloyd, K3EL, as the Radio Team Leader. Dave is a PhD chemist, with experience on major DXpeditions. He brings not only his skills as an operator and team manager, but also his understanding of the project goals and strategy. Dave is leading the radio team to define the requirements and make pre- parations for the operation, and he will be the manager of the radio operations on Heard Island. QSL TEAM LEADER APPOINTED -- We are pleased to announce the selection of the Diablo DX-ers, a coalition of local San Francisco Bay Area DX club members led by co-organizer Rich, KY6R, to carry out the QSL service for VK0EK. The group brings considerable IT experience that will enable the operation to be accurate and efficient. The team will implement a variety of innovations which will be documented on the web site in the near future. Stay tuned! VK0EK DX-pedition Mentioned in Australian Travel Magazine! -- The Heard Island Main Web site has a link in this excellent article: http://www.traveller.com.au/australias-most-remote-territories-and-how-to-visit-them-12nz6m A HUGE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! -- We owe everything to our wonderful sponsors - now fully recognized on both of our sites - this DX-pedition specific site: http://vk0ek.org/sponsors-3/ and our Main site: http://www.heardisland.org/HD_pages/HD_sponsors.html Again - thank you so very much! VP8/G, SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND. Paul, ZL4PW, informs OPDX [edited]: Denis, ZL4DB, is heading to VP8\G South Georgia (AN-007) in a few days. En route, he hopes to collect his license and VP8\G callsign in Stanley, Falkland Islands, around January 24th. He also hopes to meet Bob, VP8LP, who has been very helpful in providing information on requirements and contacts with the VP8 administration. Once on the South Georgia, he needs to obtain permission to operate which could be late February as there are important tasks to complete for the team he's working with. A QRZ.com page and possibly Clublog will be set up when his call is confirmed. Denis will arrive at King Edward Point, near Grytviken around January 27th and will be tasked with providing comms for a helicopter operation as part of the South Georgia Habitat Restoration Project. The helicopter team will be rat-poisoning, with Denis setting up a global positioning warning system to track the choppers and a repeater system between the main base and forward operating positions. His time for ham radio will be largely dictated by the weather. If its adverse for flying, then he'll be off to the shack. The operation is scheduled to end late March/early April. Denis is very inexperienced in using a computer logging program or pile-up handling so may not be calling CQ initially, he may only S&P for a while until his confidence increases. If you hear him, please be very patient. He has been given some training using N1MM software with a simulated steady stream of callers. He knows how to use split, but initially may be simplex only. His rig is a TS-480 barefoot into a 17/20m GP. The TS-480 has auto-tuner so he may appear on other bands. Unfortunately, he is not permitted to operate from the main comms room on the base or use their antennas. He will only be operating SSB. From Grytviken, there is a tall mountain range to the North which will largely block SP signals towards WEU, NA & SA. Fortunately, these is a large bay right in front of him on the SP to ZL, VK & Asia. Denis has been on Macquarie before and had hoped to operate from there, but this never eventuated. There is a possibility he may not operate from VP8\G either. With a large team planning to activate South Georgia and South Sandwich in 2016, it won't be long before we get a crack at a large-scale activation from these highly sought-after entities. Denis will not be reachable by e-mail while at Grytviken. He hopes to gain some internet time to send logs to his QSL manager (Paul, ZL4PW). Please do not request skeds, different bands, different modes etc etc. If he isn't too intimidated by the pile-ups and caller behavior he will work more of the deserving. QSL information will be posted on QRZ.com at a later date. Uploading to LoTW and eQSL is very unlikely. VQ9, CHAGOS (Postponed). Bob, N7XR, who planned to be active as VQ9XR from Diego Garcia Island (AF-006), had to postponed his operation again due to logistics. Bob states, "So whomever is using my call is indeed a pirate." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 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)