From kb8nw at hotmail.com Sun Feb 2 11:29:05 2020 From: kb8nw at hotmail.com (Tedd Mirgliotta) Date: Sun, 2 Feb 2020 16:29:05 +0000 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1450 Message-ID: SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1450 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1450 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1450 BID: $OPDX.1450 February 3, 2020 Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio) Written/Send From Strongsville, Ohio Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, the AB5K's AR Cluster Networks, NJ1Q & W1AW, WB2REM, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, K5GS, WB6RSE, KD7WPJ/UR5BCP, K8GG, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m DX News, DL1SBF, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, JA1UII, RN3RQ, RW6HS, Pete Rayer & ISWL, Sixitalia Weekly, and VA3RJ & ICPO for the following DX information. DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 26th/January, through Sunday, 2nd/February there were 212 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3D2, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1U, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5T, 5U, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7X, 8P, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A2, A3, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BS7, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D4, DL, DU, E4, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EP, ER, ES, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FS, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J3, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JY, K, KH0, KH2, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ5, PJ7, PY, PY0F, PZ, S0, S2, S5, S7, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T5, T7, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TR, TT, TU, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2M, VP5, VP6, VP8, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z3, Z8, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZF, ZL, ZL7, 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". 3W, VIETNAM. Wolfgang, DL5MAE, is once again active as 3W2MAE from Phan Thiet between February 13-20th. Activity will be on 80-6 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. ADDED NOTE: See QRZ.com about the high level noise problem Wolfgand has in Vietnam. 5I, TANZANIA (Reminder).The Italian DXpedition Team (IDT) will be acti- vating Zanzibar Island (AF-032) in Tanzania between February 4-18th. The IDT will be using two callsigns: 5I5TT for CW, SSB and RTTY; 5I4ZZ for FT8 and FT4. Operators mentioned are Alfeo/I1HJT, Tony/I2PJA, Silvano/ I2YSB, Vinicio/IK2CIO, Angelo/IK2CKR, Marcello/IK2DIA, Stefano/IK2HKT, Paolo/IW1ARB and Mac/JA3USA. Activity will be on 160-10 meters with 4 stations on the air. Suggested frequencies are: CW - 1826, 3530, 7025, 10115, 14030, 18068, 21030, 24890 and 28030 kHz SSB - 3775, 7090, 14240, 18130, 21310, 24950 and 28470 kHz RTTY - 14084 kHz FT4 - 3575, 7047.5, 10140, 14080, 18104, 21140, 24919 and 28180 kHz FT8 - 1845, 3585, 7056, 10131, 14084, 18095, 21091, 24911 and 28091 kHz ** For Japanese stations only: FT8 on 160m will use the normal mode. Their RX frequency will be on 1908 kHz. The IDT is conducting a band/mode survey for their Tanzania operation at: http://www.i2ysb.com/idt QSL via OQRS (http://win.i2ysb.com/logonline/). QSL via I2YSB direct only or LoTW after the operation. 5Z, KENYA. Scott, WA5A, is once again active as 5Z4/WA5A from Ruaka until late March. Activity will be holiday style on 40/20/15 meters (possibly 160/80m) using mainly SSB. QSL via his home callsign. 6Y, JAMAICA. Rob, N1TRK, will be active as N1TRK/6Y from Negril, Jamaica (NA-097), between February 8-20th. Activity will be on 40/20/17/10 meters using primarily FT8 with some SSB. Equipment is a Elecraft KX2 into a W1SFR end fed or 40 meter dipole. He suggests to look for him at his sunset. QSL via LoTW. 8A17, INDONESIA (Special Event). Look for special event station 8A17BJR between February 19-21st. Activity is to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the local ORARI Kota Banjar radio club. Operations will be on 80/40/2 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. Special certificates are available, see: https://orarilokalkotabanjar.design.blog/download QSL via details on QRZ.com. 9K59, KUWAIT (Special Event). Members of the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society will activate the special event callsign 9K59NLD throughout the month of February. Activity is to celebrate Kuwait's 59th National Day (February 25th) and Liberation Day (February 26th). QSL via 9K2RA. For more details, see QRZ.com. A4, OMAN. A group of operators from Sultanate of Oman will be active as A42K from Muscat during the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 28-29th) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL via LoTW. C2, NAURU (Reminder/Update). Operators Kay/JH3AZC, Takio/JH3QFL, Hiroyuki/ JR3GWZ, Taka/JA1PFP and Mamoru/JH3VAA will be active as C21MB (on 2m EME) [QSL via JH3AZC], C21AA (on various HF bands, with focus on low-bands) [QSL via JH3QFL], C21GW (on various HF bands, with focus on low-bands) [QSL via JR3GWZ], C21PF (mainly 20m FT8) [QSL via JA1PFP] and C21VA (various HF bands) [QSL via JH3VAA], respectively, from Nauru Island (OC-031) between February 4-10th. Modes could be CW, SSB and FT8. Check QRZ.com for the way to QSL (it could be direct, by the Bureau or LoTW). C6A, BAHAMAS. Gerhard, OE3GEA, will be active as C6AGE (possibly from Nassau) between February 20-25th. Activity will be on CW and on 40-10 meters using a TS-480SAT with 100 watts into an Outbacker and dipole. QSL via OE3GEA, by the Bureau or direct. Logs will not be uploaded to LoTW or ClubLog. CARIBBEAN TOUR. Hans, PB2T, is currently active as FJ/PB2T from St. Bar- thelemy Island until February 5th. He will then move to Saba Island and be active as PJ6/PB2T between February 6-7th. After his PJ6 operation, Hans will either be active as PJ7/PB2T from Sint Maarten Island (PJ7) or possibly FS/PB2T from St. Martin Island between February 8-11th. QSLs via LoTW. CORRECTION. Operators Andrey/RW7K, Andy/UB7K, Oleg/R3FA and Andrei/RK7A, who were active as UA7K from Kerch, were not in EUROPEAN RUSSIA, states Oleh/KD7WPJ/UR5BCP, but in the Ukrainian city in Crimea, illegally occupied by Russia in 2014, and not recognized by U.S. and other countries. E5, SOUTH COOK ISLANDS (Reminder). Donald, VE7DS, will be active as E51DDG from the Kiikii Inn on Rarotonga Island (OC-013) between February 2-14th. Activity will be on 40/30/20/17 meters daily using CW only with an Elecraft K3 and KPA500 running 500 watts into verticals on the beach. QSL via LoTW or by the Bureau. H44, SOLOMON ISLANDS (Reminder/Update). Bernhard, DL2GAC, will once again be active as H44MS from Malaita Island (OC-047), Solomon Islands, between February 5th and April 20th. Activity will be on 80-6 meters using SSB and possibly FT8. QSL via DL2GAC, direct or via ClubLog. Possibly LoTW in the future. HH, HAITI. William, KO7SS, will be active as HH2AA from Radio Club D'Ha?ti in Obleon during the ARRL International DX Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power/Assisted entry. He states, "Solar power remote operation." QSL via LoTW only. HU1, EL SALVADOR (Reminder/Update). Operators Andreas/DH8WR, Werner/DJ9KH, Thomas/DJ6TF, Frank/DL1KWK, Dietmar/DL2HWA, Bert/DL2RNS (Co-Lead/Treasuer), Georg/DL4SVA, Olaf/DL7JOM, Rolf/DL7VEE (Team Leader) and Franz/DL9GFB will be active as HU1DL from El Salvador between now and February 13th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters (including 60m) using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8 (mostly F/H). Main target is the lower bands. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (direct and Bureau), DL4SVA direct or LoTW (see Web page for details). No eQSL. For more details and updates, see: https://hu1dl.mydx.de II3, ITALY (Special Event). Members of the A.R.I. Sezione Brunico/Sektion Bruneck will be using the special event callsign II3BIA to be active between February 12-23rd. Activity is to celebrate the Biathlon World Championships in Antholz/South Tyrol, Italy. Operations will be on 160/80/60/40/30/20/17/15/12/10/6/2m and 70cm using CW, SSB, the Digital modes and QO 100 Es' Hail 2 Satellites. QSL via IN3ZWF, by the Bureau, direct, eQSL or OQRS. IOTA NEWS.............. AF-063. (Reminder) Members of Low Bands Contest Club (OM7M) will be active as 5H4WZ from Pemba Island, Tanzania, between February 6-18th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. Suggested frequencies were listed in OPDX.1449 or at: http://om7m.org/dxpeditions/pemba/frequency They will also take part in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) and the CQ WPX RTTY Contest (February 8-9th). Updated list of operators mentioned are Lubo/OM5ZW (Team leader), YL Tami/OM5MF, Jozef/OM4AZF, Steve/OM5AA, Karel/OK2WM, Les/ SP9LJD and Neno/9A5AN. Logs will be uploaded to ClubLog (https://clublog.org/charts/?c=5H4WZ). QSL via OM3PA. They now have a Web page at: http://om7m.org/dxpeditions/pemba AS-206. Take, JA8COE, will once again be active as JA8COE/0 from Sado Island between March 19-22nd. Activity will be on various HF bands using CW, SSB and FT8. The focus will be on EU and low power NA stations. QSL via his home callsign or ClubLog's OQRS. For updates, watch his Blog at: https://blog.goo.ne.jp/takaja8coe NA-008. (Zone 2) Operators Alex/VE1RUS and Pierre/VE3TKB will once again be active as VY0ERC from the Eureka Weather station between now and March 28th. This station is operated by the Eureka Amateur Radio Club [probably the most northerly located amateur radio club in the world] from Eureka, Nunavut. The suggested bands are 40 and 20 meters (possibly 80m), as well as FM satellites (from ER60, EQ79) using SSB, the Digital modes (FT8 and RTTY) and very slow CW. Activity will be limited to their spare time. QSL via M0OXO, OQRS or direct. For updates, see: https://twitter.com/vy0erc NA-057. Dave, VE3VSM, will once again be active as VE3VSM/HR9 from Roatan Island between February 11-23rd. Activity will be on 40/20/15 meters using mainly CW with possibly some SSB and RTTY, and an entry in the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th). QSL via his home callsign and LoTW. SA-018. Members of the Radio Club Melipulli (CE7RCM) will be active as XR7FPC from the Punta Corona Lighthouse (CHI-013) on Chiloe Island between February 15-16th. Activity will be on various HF bands using SSB and the Digital modes. QSL direct via CE7RCM. SA-101. (Reminder/New IOTA) Operators Nando/IT9YRE and Mike/K9AJ will be active as CB0Z from Alejandro Selkirk Island between February 3-5th. For DXCC purposes this will count for Juan Fernandez. Activity will be on 40/30/20/17/15 meters using CW, SSB and possibly FT8. They will have two stations using vertical an- tennas. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS or via IT9YRE. For more details and updates, see: http://www.it9yre.it/cb0z PLEASE NOTE: Since the Webmasters of the new have decided NOT to post or dedicate a Web page to announce upcoming IOTA operations, PLEASE send your IOTA operations information to the OPDX, and we will post it here in an upcoming bulletin...... ISWL CALLSIGNS (For February 2020). The following ISWL club callsigns will be used throughout the month of February 2020: GX4BJC/A - Operated /A, Operated from Walton on the Naze in Essex, by Herbie, G6XOU (WAB Square - TM22 - England, IOTA EU-005, WLOTA 1841). MX1SWL/A - Operated /A, Operated from Great Sutton, in Cheshire, by Geof, M0BAU (WAB Square - SJ37 - England, IOTA EU-005, WLOTA 1841). GX4BJC/P - Operated /P By Geof. His /P location and WAB details upon request. ALL QSLs will be handled by Dick, M5DIK - The QSL Manager and NOT the individual operator. The I.S.W.L. is a member of the European PSK Club. All QSL info is on or or or via . NO LoTW. JD1, OGASAWARA. Operators Take/JA1UII and Kami/JH1HHC will be active as JD1BON and JD1BPH, respectively, from Komagari, Chichijima Island (AS-031), between February 25th and March 5th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. QSL via their home callsigns, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW (end of March). Sorry e-QSL is not supported. JT, MONGOLIA. George, K8GG, and several others have been reporting that JT5DX has been working New England and Eastern & Western Ohio before going QRT about JT5 Sunrise. QSNs show it starts about 2200z and then ends about 0000z. Also watch between 0930-1300z. JT5DX has also been on 80 meters. PJ4, BONAIRE. Michael, HB9WDF, is now active as PJ4/HB9WDF from Kralen- dijk, Bonaire (SA-006, WLOTA LH-1279) until February 9th. Activity will be holiday style on 40-10 meters and the satellites using mainly FT8, FM and SSB. His activity so far has been on 40 meters FT8. QSL via his home callsign, by the Bureau and LoTW. PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (February 3-9th)....... Feb/03rd AN Feb/06th AN Feb/08th AN Feb/04th AN Feb/07th AN Feb/09th HN Feb/05th 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 Meanwhile, check out the following Web sites for propagation: * VOACAP predication Web page at: http://www.voacap.com/hf and http://www.voacap.com/prediction.html * DX.QSL.NET Propagation page: https://dx.qsl.net/propagation * A daily HF radio wave propagation forecast can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/thomasfranklingiellaw4hm * SolarHam Web page: http://www.solarham.net * Radio Propagation/Space Weather/Sunspot Cycle Information at: http://sunspotwatch.com * News and Information About The Sun-Earth Environment: https://www.spaceweather.com * Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas locations are at: http://arrl.org/propagation * Information and tutorials on propagation are at: http://k9la.us * Graphic propagation tool by DR2W: http://www.dr2w.de/dx-propagation * Point to point propagation at: http://www.predtest.uk/p2p.html * Realtime propagation at: http://www.predtest.uk * Also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/@GiellaW4hm PY0F, FERNANDO DE NORONHA. Andre, PP6ZZ, will once again be active as PY0FF from Fernando de Noronha (SA-003, DIB OC-01, WLOTA 1208, WWFF PYFF-016) between February 3-18th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. His activity will also include the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th). QSL via W9VA or by LoTW. QSL INFO AND NEWS................... QSL-INFO from DB0SDX by Lothar, DL1SBF (www.qslinfo.eu) (February 2nd) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3Z95IARU via SP3KWA FJ/DK6AS via DK6AS PJ2/PB2T via PB2T 4O4T via YU1FW & (L) GM2CWO via GM2CWO (L) R900DM via RC1C 5Z4/G3AB via M0URX (O/L) HB9/YU1CA/P via YU1CA SN95IARU via SP9YGD 7X5NZ via EA7FTR HF2020PZK via SP9MDY SO95IARU via SP5PPK 8S3C via SK4AO HU1DL via DL4SVA (O) SP90PZK via SP0PZK CT8/S51TA via S51TA IK1AIL/IT9 via IK1AIL SV9/SV2DSJ via SV2DSJ (d/L) CT9/OG55W via OH2OT (O/L) KP4/AA7CH via VE7ACN & (L) YU70HFG via YU1HFG DA2025C via DM9TT KP4/K6DTT via K6DTT & (L) ZS6CCY via K3IRV (d) EA8/OL0M via OK1CDJ LZ6C via LZ2UW ZW86LABRE via PY2KP EH5MCB via EA5BX OZ/DL5SE/LH via DL5SE EM200ANT via UT7UA PA03RXIT via PA3EFR (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (*-B) DX's- Bureau (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only (L) LoTW only (N) No QSL needed (I) No IRC (P) PayPal (NB) No Bureau LOGS ONLINE AT CLUBLOG.ORG THIS WEEK...... https://clublog.org/logsearch/9N7AM https://clublog.org/logsearch/HU1DL https://clublog.org/logsearch/V6TOPG2020 https://clublog.org/logsearch/TU2R QSL ROUTE. Joe, NJ1Q, W1AW Station Manager, received the following from Harry, SWL PA3249 [edited]: "I want to let all W-stations know that I am QSL Manager for several stations, some of these stations, XP3A - OX3XR - V51MA, just want the QSL directly through me, see my page at: http://qrzcq.com/call/PA3249 Many American stations send their QSL to the DQB (Dutch QSL Bureau), but all these cards are returned. It is possible to request a maximum of 4 QSL cards for the same price as stated on my page. Would you be so kind to put this on your webpage or in a DX bulletins and magazines... Thank you in advance Harry de Jong - PA3249 (SWL and QSL Manager) Broekdijk 59 7695 TC Bruchterveld The Netherlands" QSLS RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 3B8M, 4S7VG, 4U1UN, 9K2HN, D68CCC, EI0R, EP4HR, ES9C, FY5KE, GM4YXI, OJ0O, OY1R, SM6MCW, T6AA, UA2FAK, UK8AEA, V73NS and YV1DIG QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 4S7VG, D68CCC, JD1BMH, JF7MTO/JD1, SV9CVY, T30GC, TO9W, TX7T (OC-027) and VK9CZ (OC-003) QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 3A2MD, 5R8UI, 6W1RY, 7Z1JA, A93JA, BO0KS (AS-102), BO0M (AS-113), BV0L (AS-155), BV0WPX (AS-155), BV2KI/BO1 (AS-113), BW9W (AS-155), CR3EE, HC2AO, JE1ECF/JD1, OX3MC, OY/RC5A, RA/KE5JA (AS-018), TA3AIK, TA3PZ, TF3WK, VK4DX/P (OC-137), VK5GR/P (OC-139, VK8AV, VK9PN, XP5T (NA-018) and XZ1Z --- We would like to see more QSL Bureaus (such as AS/US/SA/AF.. etc) to send in their info.... RI1, ANTARCTICA. Look for RI1ANC to be active once again from Vostok Station (AN-016, WFF RFF-168) in the Antarctica starting February 10th. Operator(s) were not named, but activity will be mainly in FT8 with some CW and SSB. QSL via RN1ON, direct, by the Bureau or ClubLog's OQRS. T45, CUBA. Look for the special callsign T45FM to be active from the Punta Maya Lighthouse (NA-015, ILLW CU0005, ARLHS CUB032) during the weekend of February 14-16th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using mainly SSB and FT8. Paper QSL only via RW6HS. TI7, COSTA RICA. Operators Mike/G3WPH, John/G4IRN and Lee/KY7M will be active as TI7W from Guanacaste during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Multi-Op entry. QSL TI7W via W4FS. Operators will sign TI7/G3WPH, TI7/G4IRN and TI7/KY7M outside of the contests on all bands (possibly 60m). QSL via LoTW or operator's instructions. TI9, COCOS ISLAND DXPEDITIONS. By the time you read this, two operations from Cocos Island (NA-012) are expected to be on the air. * Operators Mark/XE1B (4A4A) and Frank/HK5OKY are expected to be active as TI9C until February 9th, depending on the weather. Activity will be on 160/80/40/20/17/15/12/10/6 meters using SSB and FT8 with two stations with high power. Suggested frequencies are: SSB - 1850, 3790, 70065, 7165, 14195, 18140, 21295, 24940, 28475 and 50140 kHz FT8 - 1840, 3573, 7074, 14074, 18100, 21074, 24915, 28074 and 50313 kHz QSL via XE1B direct (5 USDs SAE), ClubLog's OQRS (10 USDs) or LoTW after 6 months. NO Bureau. For more details, see QRZ.com. * Operators Jorge/TI2JV, Dmitry/RA9USU, Mats/SM6LRR and Andrew/UA3AB are expected to be active as TI9A until February 12th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and possibly FT8, with three stations on the air. They will have two camps, eight radios and 20 antennas. QSL via UA3DX, ClubLog's OQRS or LoTW. Their Web page is at: http://ti9a.info TO3, MARTINIQUE (Reminder/Update). Kan, JJ2RCJ, will be active as TO3FM from FM5BH's Ducos QTH on Martinique (NA-107) between February 3-8th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters (possibly 160m) focusing on FT8 (F/H). Suggested frequencies are: 1840/1909, 3565, 7055, 10145, 14095, 18095, 21095, 24915 and 28095 kHz. QSL via JJ2RCJ, direct, ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW or eQSL. All QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and eQSL after operation. NO Bureau please. TO5, ST. PIERRE AND MIQUELON. Operators Chris/VO1IDX (Co-Teamleader), Jim/WB2REM (Co-Teamleader), Chris/VO1CH (TO5T-License Holder), Mike/W0VTT, Woody/WW1WW and Steve/W4SJT will be active as TO5T from the island of Ile Aux Marins (NA-032) between August 10-17th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters (including 60m) using CW, SSB and FT8 (F/H). Suggested frequencies are available on QRZ.com or via their Web page at: http://www.to5t.com QSL via WB2REM, direct, ClubLog's OQRS (direct or by the Bureau) or LoTW. TT, CHAD (160m). Nicolas, F8FQX (ex-TJ3SN, TN5SN, 5T5SN, TY2CA), who has been in N'Djamena since December and plans to be there for the next 3-4 years, will be on various HF bands and 6 meters signing TT8SN. This past weekend there were reports that Nicolas was on 160 meters using FT8 and CW. Watch between 1836-1840 kHz starting as early as 1815z and as late as 0545z. QSL via DL9USA and LoTW. V6, MICRONESIA (Special Event). Haru, JA1XGI, will be using the special event callsign, V6TOPG2020, from several islands in Micronesia between June 1st and the end of September. His activity is to commemorate the "Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Game 2020" (hence the suffix TOPG2020) being held in Japan. Haru informs OPDX that he will activate the following islands in Micronesia: Ponphei (June 8-16th), Chuuk (July), Yap (August) and Kosrae (September). Activity will be on 40/30/20/17/15/12/10/6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. His equipment is an IC-7300 with a tiny amp into a 5 band vertical and dual band beam. QSL via JA1XGI (direct and by the Bureau)or ClubLog's OQRS. For more details and updates, watch: https://v6topg2020.amebaownd.com VP2V, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (6m Op). Dave, W9DR, will once again be active as VP2V/W9DR from the north shore of the Island of Anegada (NA-023) in the British Virgin Islands (FK78TR) between June 17-24th. Activity will be on 50.115 MHz (SSB), 50.115.6 MHz (CW), FT8 and MSK144. He will also be running a beacon on 50.115.6 when the band is not open. Please submit confirmation request (QSL) to W9DR home address (QRZ.com). VP5, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (Reminder/Update). Operators Pat/K0PC and Bill/AC0W will once again be active as VP5K from Jody's, VP5JM QTH on Providenciales Island (NA-002), during the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Multi-Single/High-Power entry. Look for operators to sign VP5/K0PC and VP5/AC0W outside of the contest. The operators will be there between February 12-17th. QSL VP5/K0PC and VP5K via K0PC, Club- Log's OQRS or LoTW. QSL VP5/AC0W via AC0W or LoTW. VP8PJ SOUTH ORKNEY ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS (Quick Update, Press Release #11). * Gene, K5GS, reported the following on January 26th: "After a stop at the Panama Canal for transfer to a different ship, our sea container arrived in Coronel, Chile, on December 25th. It was then placed on a coastal barge, arriving Punta Arenas on January 13th. The equipment is now in secure storage at a local warehouse. There will be a Press Release shortly before the team members leave home to meet the Braveheart at Punta Arenas." There are 8 pictures available on the VP8PJ South Orkney Island Web page at: https://sorkney.com/gallery/shipment * Press Release #11, dated Feb. 2, 2020, South Orkneys 2020 DX-pedition VP8PJ (AN-008) [edited] -- We're on autopilot, next stop Punta Arenas, Chile. The project is on schedule -- Team members will begin arriving in Punta Arenas on February 9th, Braveheart is scheduled to arrive on February 13th, we load the ship on Feb 14th and depart on Feb 15th for Signy Island. Nigel Jolly will have already arrived by air to arrange for refueling and resupplying Braveheart. Logging - Log Search -- We will use N1MM+ for logging and WSJT-X Version 2.1.2 for FT8. Assuming a stable satellite connection, QSOs will be uploaded to the log server in near real-time, you can monitor logging activity at: https://www.m0urx.com/oqrs/logsearch.php?dxcallsign=VP8PJ We do not upload by band, by mode or by operating position. OQRS will be available within 10 days after we leave the island. We need time to validate the logs. QSL Manager, Tim, M0URX, will work on Busted Calls and Not in Log issues after the log is validated. Please use the form on Tim's OQRS site, do not send e-mails. Split Operation and Fox/Hound -- The Band Plan is posted on our website (Island Operations), unless otherwise announced by the operator, all radio operations will be split. FT8 will use Fox / Hound mode on all bands except 60m, where we will use normal FT8 operation. VP8PJ at Groups.io -- A reflector is available at groups.io for you to provide input to the team. The pilots will monitor the reflector and summarize pertinent information by region. There's a one-time registration for the reflector, please review the "Sticky Notes" at the top of the message list. Please, no requests for log checks, busted calls, Not in Log, or schedules. We appreciate thoughtful and helpful information from your region. VP8PJ+subscribe at groups.io Follow the Braveheart -- Shortly before we leave Punta Arenas, we'll activate the Garmin inReach personal locator. You'll be able to follow our journey on the web during the estimated 6 days at sea to and from the island. You can Follow Braveheart from our website or at: https://share.garmin.com/sorkney K6TU's Propagation as a Service -- We thank Stu, K6TU, for making available his K6TU Propagation as a Service tool at no cost to you. Accessed from our website (K6TU Propagation Tools), Stu's website is configured with our station and antenna specifications. The tool automates and greatly simplifies the process of building VOCAP pre- dictions customized for your location. Knowing the details of our station configurations, location and antenna heights, the tool will generate your customized propagation charts. WSPR Beacon -- "A QRP Labs Ultimate 3 WSPR beacon will be on board Braveheart running 30dBm on 40, 20 and 15m sequentially every 10 minutes whenever the VP8PJ/MM station is not in use." Fundraising -- Early donors (those that donated before we sail on February 15th) will receive their LoTW confirmation(s) while we're on the island, usually within 24 hours of the contact(s). All other donors will receive their LoTW confirmation(s) when OQRS opens. With the Braveheart and freight bills paid and the equipment in Chile, our last remaining major expenses are shipping the equipment back home, generator fuel, port fees, general surcharges, fuel sur- charge and a few smaller but still significant expense items. It's not unusual for unexpected fees and other charges to materialize so we remain vigilant with the budget management. We have over 600 individual (early) donors, 73 Premier Sponsors and 55 club / foundation sponsors. Is your club or name/callsign listed on our website? All donations are appreciated and will help offset the project's estimated cost of ~$310,000(USDs). We want to thank everyone that helped us along the way to plan this project, especially members of the 2011 VP8ORK DX-pedition, Ralph/K0IR and Don/N1DG who provided invaluable assistance and information. Their guidance through the landing permit process and island logistics is greatly appreciated. Thanks for your continued interest and support of our project. Good luck in the pileups.... 73, Team VP8PJ Website: https://sorkney.com/ Please direct your questions to: info at sorkney.com W8S SWAINS ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS (Update). On January 30th, the W8S team announced the pilot stations for their March 10-25th operation: Dick, PA3FQA -- Low bands (160/80m) world-wide Jan, DL7JAN -- Europe, Asia and Africa Don, N1DG -- North America Siso, HK3W -- South America John, G3WGV -- United Kingdom More info on procedures and communication will follow shortly on the Swains2020 Web site at: https://swains2020.lldxt.eu/home YB, INDONESIA. Yohanes, YB2DX, will be active in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via LoTW or direct only. ZC4, UK SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. Rob, G4WXJ, will once again be active as ZC4RH (and possibly as 5B/G4WXJ from Cyrus) between February 5-13th. Activity will be holiday style on CW, SSB, FT8 and hopefully the QO-100 satellite (using 2 watts into a small yagi antenna). QSL via G4WXJ, direct or by the Bureau. ZF, CAYMAN ISLANDS. Operators John/K6AM, Levi/K6JO and Tim/N6WIN will be active as ZF1A on Grand Cayman Islands (NA-016) during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Multi-Single entry. Look for activity outside of the contest on 160-10 meters including 30/17/12 meters. QSL via K6AM, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW. ZL, NEW ZEALAND. Operators Mark/ZL3AB, Geoff/ZL3GA and Phil/ZL3PAH will use the "Quake Contesters" callsign ZL3X during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog or direct to ZL3PAH. No Bureau. *********************************************************************** TO BE ADDED TO THE OPDX MAILING LIST -- Click or send requests to: Subscribe: (mailto:kb8nw at hotmail.com?subject=subscribe) Unsubscribe: (mailto:kb8nw at hotmail.com?subject=unsubscribe) Just a reminder, you can still obtain the OPDX Bulletins via the OPDX Web page (provided by John, K8YSE) [http://www.papays.com/opdx.html], QRZ.com (under Forums; News; Special Events, Contests.. etc.), several DX Mailing Lists, and two different UseNet Groups (rec.radio.info and rec.radio.amateur.dx). The weekly bulletin (issue # from the OPDX Web page URL) is also posted on the following Media pages: NODXA FaceBook -- https://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation Twitter -- https://twitter.com/kb8nw_opdx 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: (kb8nw at arrl.net) or (kb8nw at hotmail.com) Information can now be faxed to the following phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!) ....... 73 de Tedd KB8NW /EXIT *********************************************************************** Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - E-mail addresses: or 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 hotmail.com Sun Feb 9 13:05:05 2020 From: kb8nw at hotmail.com (Tedd Mirgliotta) Date: Sun, 9 Feb 2020 18:05:05 +0000 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1451 Message-ID: SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1451 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1451 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1451 BID: $OPDX.1451 February 10, 2020 Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio) Written/Send From Strongsville, Ohio Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, the AB5K's AR Cluster Networks, NJ1Q & W1AW, N2OO, W2GD, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, WA4DAN, WB6RSE, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m DX News, W9ILY, N0TG, DL1SBF, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, HA5AO, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, RN3RQ, RW6HS, Sixitalia Weekly, and VA3RJ & ICPO for the following DX information. DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 2nd/February, through Sunday, 9th/February there were 215 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3D2, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1I, 4U1U, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5H, 5R, 5T, 5U, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7X, 8P, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C2, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Y, CE0Z, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, DL, DU, E4, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EP, ER, ES, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FH, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FS, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J3, J6, J7, JA, JD/o, JT, JY, K, KH0, KH2, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ5, PJ7, PY, PZ, S0, S5, S7, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TI9, TK, TN, TR, TT, TU, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP8, VP8/o, VP9, VR, VU, XE, YA, YB, YI, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z3, Z6, ZA, ZB, ZC4, 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". 2020 AAW. The 17th Antarctic Activity Week (AAW) takes place between February 10-17th. For more details and a complete list of participating stations can be seen at: http://www.waponline.it/antarctic-activity-week/aaw-2020 5H, TANZANIA (Reminder/Update). Chas, NK8O/VE3ISD, will once again be active as 5H3DX from Zinga, Tanzania, sometime between February 23rd and March 23rd. Activity will be from the pediatric hospital at Zinga. Usual operations will be holiday style. Power output will be the legal limit for Tanzania at 100w and the primary antenna should be a Hexbeam con- figured for 40-6 meters, including the WARC bands and phased verticals for 40/30/20 meters. Operations will be primarily CW, with PSK31, FT8 and possibly SSB and 60m. He states that he will use a simple wire an- tenna and his KX3 with a KXPA100 amp. See QSL info on QRZ.com. Also, QSL via LoTW and eQSL. NO Bureau. Watch QRZ.com for updates. 6Y, JAMAICA (Reminder/Update). Neil, G0RNU, is once again active as 6Y/G0RNU from the QTH of 6Y5NZ at St. Mary, Jamaica, until February 17th. Activity will be on most days, on 160-6 meters depending on pro- pagation and other activities. Modes will be SSB, FT8 and other Digital modes. He will most likely be using the Digital modes during his night time hours (EST) as not to disturb others. Look for more details on his operations/activities on his QRZ.com page. QSL via eQSL. 7Q, MALAWI (Press release #1, by Pista, HA5AO, dated February 8th). [edited] Pista, HA5AO, will be active from Malawi during the second half of September/early October 2020. Exact date TBA. The license has been applied. The requested callsign is 7Q7AO. Operation can be expected on 80-10 meters using CW, RTTY, FT8 and some SSB. Station setup includes: Elecraft K3, KPA 500, vertical and beam antennas, with N1MM+ logging. WEB site at: https://www.ha5ao.com/index.php/news Log search and OQRS will be available at: https://www.ha5ao.com/index.php/logsearch-oqrs?dxcallsign=7q7ao 8P, BARBADOS. Tom, W2SC, will once again be active as 8P5A during the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as Single-Op/All- Band/High-Power entry. QSL via LoTW or direct to HA1AG. 8Q, MALDIVES (Reminder). Hiro, JG1SXP, will be active as 8Q7HK from Maldive Islands (AS-013) between February 19-24th. Activity will be on 80-15 meters (possibly 160m) using FT9, CW and some SSB, with 200 watts into a 15m vertical. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog or direct. 9N, NEPAL. After a several days of delay, operators Yuris/YL2GM and Eugene/ EA5EL are expected to be active soon as 9N7AM through February 16th. Yuris says they are stuck in Abu Dhabi, hope to be in Nepal on February 10th in the afternoon. Not clear when could be on the air. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. Suggested frequencies are: CW - 1826.5/1821, 3524, 7024, 10113, 14024, 18083, 21024, 24903 and 28024 kHz SSB - 3790, 7090, 14190, 18140, 21290, 24940 and 28490 kHz RTTY - 3583, 7043, 10143, 14083, 18105, 21083, 24923 and 28083 kHz FT8 (F/H) - 1836, 3565, 7070, 10143, 14090, 18095, 21090, 24910 and 28090 kHz Frequencies can change due to QRM or local noise. Split operation will always be used. They will listen CW starting from up 1 (160 down 2, JA 1810-1820), RTTY - up 1 and SSB - up 5. PLEASE listen and follow the operator instructions on the air. Also, obey operator's instructions regarding areas of the world being called and do not call if you are from other parts of the world. For FT8, PLEASE study carefully the "FT8 DXpedition Mode User Guide" at: https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/FT8_DXpedition_Mode.pdf Set up your software and CAT interfaces properly before calling them. This guide is available in multiple other languages on WSJT home page at: https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html QSL via YL2GN, ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW. For more details, updates and QSL info, see: http://www.lral.lv/9n7am/index.html C6, BAHAMAS (Update). Mike, DF8AN, will be active as C6AAN from Bahamas between February 23rd and March 1st. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using mainly CW, RTTY and the Digital modes (FT8 [F/H], JT, PSK, MFSK16 and some HELL, too). FT8 QRGs are 14090, 7045 or 10142 kHz. QSL via his home callsign, direct, by the Bureau or eQSL. NO ClubLog, LoTW or OQRS. CY0 SABLE ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS (Update by Randy/N0TG and Murray/WA4DAN). Planning countdown has begun as we look forward to mid-October. It took a year and half to acquire a permit due to change in Administration and unique new requirements. We plan a significant size team which is full of challenges. One big matter is the charter aircraft required which will need to make two trips to get everyone, supplies, and equipment to the island. VERY EXPENSIVE! Of course we plan activity on standard bands, but also 60m, SAT, EME, and FT8. There hasn't been any CW activity from Sable in seven years. Generally, the teams in previous operations have been limited to 3-5 operators. We are planning 10 operators for 9 days. We will operate as much as the bands permit for 24 hours with four stations. Please keep in contact with our website: http://www.CY0dxpedition.net Any size donation will be very helpful and appreciated more than we can express. In addition to the chartered aircraft specially equipped to land on the beach, the Facility USE FEE is $30,000 (New). The complete team is listed on the web site which includes the same team that provided CY9C ? St. Paul in 2019. In addition, added to this Sable team is: N2TU, K4UEE, K4ZLE, K5YY, and N8AA. Don't miss the St. Paul video posted on the website...we believe you will enjoy it and if you worked us, then fun to view the operation. Also, you are welcome to download the video for your personal use to share with clubs, etc ...the instructions for downloading are listed on the web. Questions: Contact WA4DAN, team leader -- E-mail listed on QRZ.com DU, PHILIPPINES. Press, N6SS, will be active as DU6/N6SS during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (80m) entry. Paper QSLs for DU6/N6SS direct to N6SS QRZ.com address only. All DU6/N6SS contest and digital logs will be uploaded to LoTW after returning home in late March. E4, PALESTINE (Reminder). Members of the Radio Club de Provins (F6KOP) are now active as E44CC from Palestine until February 17th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK, FT4 and FT8. QSL via F5GSJ, direct, by the Bureau, LoTW or their OQRS (preferred). For more details and updates, see: https://palestine2020.wordpress.com FG, GUADELOUPE. Operators Gildas/F6HMQ and Michel/F6GWV will once again be active as FG/F6HMQ and FG/F6GWV from Guadeloupe between February 21st and March 8th. Activity will be holiday style on various HF bands using "light equipment". They will also be in the ARRL International DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) using the callsign TO3Z. QSL via F6HMQ. QSL FG/F6GWV and Gildas FG/F6HMQ via their home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. FS, ST. MARTIN (Update/Reminder). After his Puerto Rico operation, Mike, VE7ACN (aka RW0CN, VA7XW, AA7CH), will be active as FS/RW0CN from Saint Martin Island between February 9-16th. There is a possibility (but not guaranteed) of a side trip to Tintamarre Island (NA-199) as FS/VE7ACN. Activity will be on 80-10 meters (possibly 160m, if there is room) using mainly CW and SSB (FT8 very unlikely). He also plans to be in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th). Equipment is a K3 w/Expert 1.3K-FA (1300 W) into a vertical and/or Inverted V. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (pre- ferred), LoTW, direct or by the Bureau to VE7ACN. For more details and updates, see: https://www.ve7acn.com/kopiya-glavnaya-russkij GB60, ENGLAND. John, GW4SKA, BARTG President, reports that members of the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group (BARTG) will be celebrating the club's "Diamond Jubilee" (60th anniversary of supporting the data modes) with the special callsign GB60ATG until June 30th. The callsign will be active from different UK countries each week. Special awards are available for contact with GB60ATG using any data mode. More information can be found on the BARTG Web site at: http://bartg.org.uk/wp/bartg-diamond-jubilee-award H33, PANAMA (Special Event). Look for special event callsign H33K to be active from Volcan (Grid: EJ88qs), Chiriqui Province, Panama, between March 2-13th. The station will be operated by Alvaro/HP1DAV and Jay/HP3AK, accompanied by Roger/G4BVY, Pete/G4CLA and Martin/GD4XUM. During the weekend of March 7-8th, they will operate in the ARRL DX SSB Contest as a Multi-Op/? entry. Before and after the contest they will be operating CW, SSB, and FT8 on various HF bands. Operation after the contest will be "vacation style" with limited field day operations. QSL cards as well as LoTW and ClubLog confirmations will be available within 6 weeks follow- ing the operation, perhaps earlier. Please note that all QSL requests should be sent to HP1DAV: ALVARO ANDRADE BERROA, P.O. Box 0860-0522, PANAMA, Republic of Panama. HS, THAILAND. Lory, HB9DUS, is now active as HS0ZKE from Bangkok until the end of February. Activity will be holiday style mainly on 20 meters using CW and FT8. QSL via HB9DUS. IOTA NEWS.............. NA-141. Rick, N1DC, is now active as N1DC/4 from Jensen Beach on Hutchinson Island until February 25th. Activity will be holiday style on 40/30/20 meters using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via N1DC, direct or LoTW (Preferred). NA-134. Bo, OZ1DJJ, will be active as OX3LX from Asiaat Island (WW Loc. GP38NQ), Greenland, between February 13-28th. Activity will be on various HF bands. When not active, he will run a WSPR beacon on 160 to 6 meters. He states this is NOT a DXpedition, and the best chance to work him will be around lunchtime and after dinner (his local time UTC-2). Also during the weekend, possibly at night/morning. QSL via OZ0J direct (see QRZ.com). Logs get uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog and sometimes eQSL. For more details and updates, see: http://geronne.dk/index.php/ox3lx/ox3lx-dxped ADDED NOTE: Bo "may" also activate Disko Island (NA-134, WW Loc. GP39FF) for 1-2 days. NA-135/ (Reminder/Update)Members of Radio Club Puebla DX will be active NA-153. as 6F3A from Isla Perez (NA-153, grid EL52dj), Mexico, between February 11-17th. The operators mentioned are Patricia/XE1SPM (Team Leader), Ismael/XE1AY, Eduardo/XE2YW and Ricardo/XE1SY. Activity will be on 80/40/30/20/17/15/12/10/6 meters (frequencies are listed on QRZ.com) using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8 (F/H), and include an entry in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th). QSL via XE1SY. ADDED NOTES: Ismael, XE1AY, reports that he will be doing CW and the satellites, and will also TX from EL50 and signing XE1AY/mm from EL51. Also, look for the team to do some oper- ations from Isla del Carmen (NA-135) as 4A2L on their way to and from NA-153. OC-145. Operators Din/YB8RW, Tiar/YE8XBN, Alfi/YE8XW and YF8XAT will be active as 7I8X from Mayu Island, Widi Islands (OC-145), Indonesia, between February 21-29th. Activity will be on various HF bands. SA-032/ Members of the Russian Robinson Club will be active as XR8RRC SA-091. from Wellington Island (SA-032, which is located in a heart of Chilean Patagonia) sometime in March (possibly between 12-16th). Operators mentioned are Slav/OK8AU, Vasily/R7AL, Vladimir/RK8A, Leonid/RW9JZ and Igor/UA3EDQ. Activity is planned to be on various HF bands (depends on propagation) using CW, SSB and FT8 modes during 4 full days. Once XR8RRC goes QRT, the team will then head to Puerto-Natales, and then possibly activate Riesco Island (SA-091), weather and transport permitting. Activity will be up to 48 hours. More details will be forthcoming. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (strictly preferable!), or direct via EU7A: Andrey N. Teterukov, P.O. Box 13, Mogilev-30, 212030, Belarus. For more details and updates, watch: https://rv6ali.wixsite.com/patagonia2020 SA-101. (Update) The CB0Z team are QRT as of February 6th. Leaving the island, they report [edited]: "The boat had some problems with the engines from 30 miles out of port Juan Fernandez. Fortun- ately the rescue arrived from the Navy, but the skipper solved the problem. However, they were accompanied by the Navy ship to the port. They were 4 hours late." As of February 8th, the team is already on their way home. QSL via IT9YRE (via ClubLog's OQRS preferred). PLEASE NOTE: Since the Webmasters of the new have decided NOT to post or dedicate a Web page to announce upcoming IOTA operations, PLEASE send your IOTA operations information to the OPDX, and we will post it here in an upcoming bulletin...... J6, ST. LUCIA. Operators Bill/K9HZ, Kyle/WA4PGM and Dan/W0CN will once again be active as J68HZ from a villa at Labrelotte Bay, Castries, St. Lucia (NA-108, WLOTA L-1336), between February 23rd and March 16th. Activity will be on 160-2 meters using CW, SSB, FT8 and EME. They will also be in the ARRL International DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Multi-? entry. QSL J68HZ via LoTW, eQSL or direct to K9HZ (see QRZ.com). No Bureau QSLs. Look for J6/WA4PGM and J6/W0CN outside of the contest. QSL via their home callsigns or LoTW. J6, ST. LUCIA. Operators Steven/NY3B/J68SS and Frans/J69DS will be active as J68SS from Babonneau [FK94ma] (J69DS QTH) during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Mutli-Op/Low-Power entry. QSL via NY3B. Steven, NY3B/ J68SS, will be active from here between March 4-11th. KP2, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. Brian, ND3F, will be active as KP2/ND3F from St. Croix between February 12-18th. Activity will be on various HF bands using portable antennas, KX3 and small PA. QSL via EA5GL. KP3, PUERTO RICO. Felipe, NP4Z, will be active as KP3DX from San Juan during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/High- Power entry. QSL via N4AO. NCDXF NEWS (Winter Newsletter). The 2020 NCDXF Winter Newsletter is now available online at: http://www.ncdxf.org/newsletters/2020-WINTER.pdf Highlights are: VU7RI Lakshadweep; T30L Western Kiribati and C21WW Nauru; and other items NEW OFFICERS FOR 2020. The following have been elected for the 2020 South Jersey DX Association Officers: President -- Bob Schenck, N2OO V. President -- Stephen Sullivan, KZ2I Secretary -- Jim Neufell, K2GMT Treasurer -- Bob Pantazes, W2ARP Visit the SJDXA Web site at: http://www.sjdxa.org NP2, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. Yuriy, N2TTA, will once again be active from here as NP2P during the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op entry. QSL via LoTW. P4,ARUBA. John, W2GD, will be active as P44W between February 11-17th. Activity will be on the HF bands, with some focus on the 30/17/12 meters and 160 meters mostly on CW. His activity will also include an entry in the upcoming ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th). QSL via LoTW or N2MM. PJ2, CURACAO. Thilo, DL9NBJ, is once again active as PJ2/DL9NBJ from Westpunt, Curacao (SA-099), until February 19th. Using an Elecraft KX3 with a KXPA100 100 watt PA into vertical wire dipole, 12m fiberglass pole and a ZS6BKW. Look for him on the HF bands operating CW, SSB and FT8. QSL only via ClubLog's OQRS. He states, "Please no SASE and no cards via Bureau. I don't need your cards, I will put it into trash can." PQ0, ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL ROCKS. A team of operators will be active as PQ0S from Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks (SA-014, DIB OC-03) sometime in March (possibly 14-16th). QSL via PP5BZ. Look for more information to be forthcoming. PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (February 10-16th)....... Feb/10th AN Feb/13th AN Feb/15th AN Feb/11th AN Feb/14th AN Feb/16th AN Feb/12th 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 Meanwhile, check out the following Web sites for propagation: * VOACAP predication Web page at: http://www.voacap.com/hf and http://www.voacap.com/prediction.html * DX.QSL.NET Propagation page: https://dx.qsl.net/propagation * A daily HF radio wave propagation forecast can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/thomasfranklingiellaw4hm * SolarHam Web page: http://www.solarham.net * Radio Propagation/Space Weather/Sunspot Cycle Information at: http://sunspotwatch.com * News and Information About The Sun-Earth Environment: https://www.spaceweather.com * Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas locations are at: http://arrl.org/propagation * Information and tutorials on propagation are at: http://k9la.us * Graphic propagation tool by DR2W: http://www.dr2w.de/dx-propagation * Point to point propagation at: http://www.predtest.uk/p2p.html * Realtime propagation at: http://www.predtest.uk * Also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/@GiellaW4hm QSL INFO AND NEWS................... QSL-INFO from DB0SDX by Lothar, DL1SBF (www.qslinfo.eu) (February 9th) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3Z90PZK via SP7PGK EG4DMH via EA4URA RM97AE via RM97AE (O) 4L/DL2JRM via DL2JRM EG7FAC via EA7RCM SN4DWZR via SP4HHI 4O/E73A via 9A2AA EN200ANT via UT1KY SQ95IARU via SP2UUU 5B60AJC via UA3DX EO50LW via UT7LW SX2I via SV2JAO (L) 5H4WZ via OM3PA (O) FJ/PB2T via PB2T TO3FM via JJ2RCJ (O/d/L) 5I4ZZ via I2YSB HA50KHW via HA0HW (O) TZ/DK1CE via DK1CE 5I5TT via I2YSB HA8QRP via HA8VA (d/e) UN8LWZ via RW6HS (d) 5P1W via OZ1HYI HF100CH via SP2LQP V31YN via DJ4KW & (L) 5P9R via OZ5XN (L/e) HI8SMX via EA5GL & (L) V47UM via W3UL (d/L) 8P6ET via KU9C & (L) II3BIA via IN3ZWF (O/e) V55QO via DK3ZL & (L) 9K59NLD via 9K2RA J79WTA via HB9MFM & (L) V85A via V85A (L) AO8WRD via EA3RKF (d/e) LZ34WGI via LZ1KCP W4/LB6UH via LB6UH (d) C21GW via JR3GWZ OU5U via OZ3FD YL/LY2BIS/P via LY2BIS CR3DX via OM2VL & (L) P49X via W0YK (d/L) YU10BBV via YU1BBV E7/9A6CW/P via 9A6CW & (L) PJ2/DL9NBJ via DL9NBJ (O) ZP6/KC2RG via KC2RG ED1D via EC1D R240S via R1II (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (*-B) DX's- Bureau (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only (L) LoTW only (N) No QSL needed (I) No IRC (P) PayPal (NB) No Bureau LOGS ONLINE AT CLUBLOG.ORG THIS WEEK...... https://clublog.org/logsearch/5H4WZ https://clublog.org/logsearch/9J2LA https://clublog.org/logsearch/E44CC https://clublog.org/logsearch/TI9A https://clublog.org/logsearch/TO3FM NEW QSL MANAGER. QSL Manager Vasiliy, RW6HS, informs that he is now QSL Manager for the following: HI8JSG and HP1/HI8JSG QSLS RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 3B8M, TO3FM, TT8SN, XZ2D, Y33VL and YT50SCWC QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 3D2AG, 5N7Q, 5Z4/G3AB, A82Z, ES6RQ, H40TT, KH0/KT3Q, NY3A/3 (NA-140), TX7T, VP6R, YJ0RRC and ZK3A QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 3V8CB, 3W9CI (AS-162), 3W9FU (AS-157), 3W9KJ (AS-132), 4O7AB, 8P9AE, 9H3SQ, 9V1CL, 9V1HY, 9V1OW, AT6MIT, C21WW, C96RRC (AF-088), C98RRC (AF-066), CE0Y/LA9SN, E44WE, EP6RRC (AS-189), HB0CC, JX7GIA, PJ5/SP2GCJ, PJ5/SP6EQZ, RI0FI (AS-062), RM0F/p (AS-025), T30L, TO972 (NA-107), VP8CTR (AN-006), VU2DCC, XR1RRC (SA-069) and XV9ZT --- We would like to see more QSL Bureaus (such as AS/US/SA/AF.. etc) to send in their info.... TF, ICELAND. Operators Mek/SP7VC and Kate/SQ7OYL will be active as TF/SP7VC and TF/SQ7OYL, respectively, from various locations Iceland between July 24th and August 13th. Possible grid squares mentioned while /MM: JO37, JO27, JO18, JO09, JP81, JP80, JP72, JP63 and JP53, and maybe some others depending on WX and power source on the ferry. Also, they plan to activate 7 Light- houses and 7 WFF references. Activity will be mostly Meteorscatter on 70 MHz and 144 MHz, and also 6m will be used for the first time to acti- vate EME (Moon-bounce) - the locator will be chosen to get proper ground gain on moonrise and moonset over the North Sea. Exact location will be proposed later with Moonrise and Moonset times. QSL via SP7VC. For more details and possibly updates, see: https://iceland2k20.blogspot.com TI9, COCOS ISLAND DXPEDITIONS......... * The TI9C operation by operators Mark/XE1B (4A4A) and Frank/HK5OKY "may" have be cancelled or postponed. Details on QRZ.com have been removed from the Web page and no reports/details have been reported. * By the time you read this the TI9A should be QRT as of February 8th. Look for the TI9A team to start uploading their QSOs to ClubLog once they return. The team did not have Internet access on the island. QSL via UA3DX, ClubLog's OQRS or LoTW. Their Web page is at: http://ti9a.info TL, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC. Fernando, EA4BB (aka 9Q6BB), will be active as TL8BB (pending) from Bangui sometime after February 16th, possibly for a few months. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via W3HNK or ClubLog. TN, REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO. Ken, UA9FGR, will be active as TN/UA9FGR from Brazzaville between February 9-29th. Activity will be on various HF bands using CW, SSB and FT8, with low power and simple antennas. QSL via his home callsign or LoTW. TO4, MARTINIQUE. Yuri, VE3DZ, will be active as TO4A from Martinique (NA-107) during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/ All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via VE3DZ or OQRS. TZ, MALI. Ulmar, DK1CE, is now active as TZ/DK1CE from TZ4AM's QTH in Bamako, Mali, until February 20th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. V6, MICRONESIA (Cancelled). Sho, JA7HMZ, has cancelled his V63DX and V6A operation from Pohnpei Island (OC-010) between February 14-21st. Reason given is due to the new virus. VI250, AUSTRALIA (Special Event). Members of the Cairns Amateur Radio Club (Cairns, Far North Queensland) will activate the special event call- sign VI250COOK between May 1st and August 31st. Activity is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook sailing up the east coast of Australia from what is now Sydney to what is now Cooktown in Far North Queensland. This historic trip is being replicated by the Australian Maritime Museum's (https://www.sea.museum/) replica of his ship, the Endeavour (https://www.sea.museum/whats-on/events/sail-the-endeavour). They will be sharing availability of this distinctive callsign with various other Australian amateur radio clubs as the Endeavour calls into their cities or passes by on its voyage, culminating with the Cairns Amateur Radio Club operating from both Cairns and Cooktown. For more details and a published on-air schedule (once confirmed), see QRZ.com. YN, NICARAGUA. Operators John/KB8RJ and YL Christina/WD8KUR are now active as YN5J and YN5CS, respectively, from from San Juan del Sur until March 18th. Activity will be holiday style on 40-10 meters using Icom 7200 with 100 watts into a tuner and End-Fed long wire. QSL both callsigns via KB8RJ. Z6, KOSOVO. Look for young operators from Turkey and Kosovo to be active as Z66Y from Prishtina during the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 28-29th) as a Multi-Op entry. Operators mentioned are Golkem/TA7AZC, Ahmet/Z63CAB and other Z6 young ops. QSL via LoTW or Z62FB. ZD8, ASCENSION ISLAND. Randy, WW6RG, is expected to head back to Ascension Island on February 18th, and be active as ZD8RA for another short oper- ation. Activity will be on 20 meters QRP using SSB between 0830-1030z and between 1730-1930z. QSL via WW6RG. ZF, CAYMAN ISLANDS (Reminder/Update). Mike, DF8AN, will be active as ZF2AN from Grand Cayman Island (NA-016) between February 14-23rd. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using mainly CW, RTTY and the Digital modes (FT8 [F/H], JT, PSK, MFSK16 and some HELL, too). FT8 QRGs are 14090, 7045 or 10142 kHz. QSL via his home callsign, direct, by the Bureau or eQSL. NO ClubLog, LoTW or OQRS. ZF, CAYMAN ISLANDS. Pete, K8PGJ, will once again be active as ZF2PG from the Sunny Isle of Grand Cayman (NA-016) between March 25-30th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters, and include the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 28-29th). LoTW will be utilized and direct QSLs to his home callsign. ZP, PARAGUAY. Operators Dale/N3BNA, Bud/N7CW and Edgar/KC2RG will be active as ZP0R from the QTH of ZP5DBC during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th). Before the contest, operators will be testing the station. Look for ZP/KC2RG (QSL via KC2RG) on CW and ZP/N3BNA (QSL via KA2AEV) on the Digital modes. *********************************************************************** TO BE ADDED TO THE OPDX MAILING LIST -- Click or send requests to: Subscribe: (mailto:kb8nw at hotmail.com?subject=subscribe) Unsubscribe: (mailto:kb8nw at hotmail.com?subject=unsubscribe) Just a reminder, you can still obtain the OPDX Bulletins via the OPDX Web page (provided by John, K8YSE) [http://www.papays.com/opdx.html], QRZ.com (under Forums; News; Special Events, Contests.. etc.), several DX Mailing Lists, and two different UseNet Groups (rec.radio.info and rec.radio.amateur.dx). The weekly bulletin (issue # from the OPDX Web page URL) is also posted on the following Media pages: NODXA FaceBook -- https://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation Twitter -- https://twitter.com/kb8nw_opdx 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: (kb8nw at arrl.net) or (kb8nw at hotmail.com) Information can now be faxed to the following phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!) ....... 73 de Tedd KB8NW /EXIT *********************************************************************** Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - E-mail addresses: or 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 hotmail.com Fri Feb 14 10:59:03 2020 From: kb8nw at hotmail.com (Tedd Mirgliotta) Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:59:03 +0000 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1452 Message-ID: SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1452 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1452 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1452 BID: $OPDX.1452 February 17, 2020 Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio) Written/Send From Strongsville, Ohio Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, the AB5K's AR Cluster Networks, NJ1Q & W1AW, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, AA4NC, K4ZW, WA8EFK, WB6RSE, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m DX News, WB8RFB, W9ILY, DL1SBF, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, F6BGC, HA5AO, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, RN3RQ, RW6HS, Sixitalia Weekly, and VA3RJ & ICPO for the following DX information. ** EDITOR'S SPECIAL NOTICE: This week's bulletin was sent out earlier than normal to accommodate the late ARRL DX CW Contest announcements. Also, we wanted to provide the readers with a consolidated listing of the ARRL DX CW Contest participants. DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Friday, 7th/February, through Friday, 14th/February there were 220 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3D2, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1I, 4U1U, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5R, 5T, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C2, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D4, DL, DU, E4, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, ER, ES, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FS, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J3, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ5, PJ7, PY, PY0F, PZ, S0, S2, S5, S7, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TI9, TK, TN, TR, TT, TU, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VK9X, VP2E, VP2M, VP5, VP8, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XW, XZ, YA, YB, YI, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z3, Z6, ZA, ZB, ZC4, 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". 3V8, TUNISIA. Operator SWL Ashraf "Ash", 3V4-002 (KF5EYY) will be active as 3V8SS from the "Radio Club Station of Tunisian Scouts" in Sousse during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via LoTW or LX1NO. Read about Ashraf on the following Web page at: http://www.kf5eyy.info 4UNR, AUSTRIA (Special Event). Members of the Amateur Radio Contest DX Club (ARCDXC, http://www.cqdx.ru/4u1a ) are active using the special callsign 4UNR during the month of February from the 4U1A station at the United Nations Vienna International Center. Activity is celebrating World Radio Day and will usually be on 80/40/20/15 meters using CW and SSB. QSL Manager is UA3DX (via the Bureau or direct). For more details, see: http://www.cqdx.ru/4u1a/special-event/4unr-un-radio ADDED NOTE: Just a reminder that this counts for Austria for DXCC purposes. 5H, TANZANIA (Reminder/Other Update). Chas, NK8O/VE3ISD, will once again be active as 5H3DX from Zinga, Tanzania, sometime between February 23rd and March 23rd. Activity will be from the pediatric hospital at Zinga. He will be joined by his brother-in-law, Fred, to enhance their station's operation. Fred, N8AX, will be issued the callsign, 5H3AX, if all goes according to plan. Usual operations will be holiday style. Power output will be the legal limit for Tanzania at 100w and the primary antenna should be a Hexbeam configured for 40-6 meters, including the WARC bands and phased verticals for 40/30/20 meters. Operations will be primarily CW, with PSK31, FT8 and possibly SSB and 60m. He states that he will use a simple wire antenna and his KX3 with a KXPA100 amp. See QSL info on QRZ.com. Also, QSL via LoTW and eQSL. NO Bureau. Watch QRZ.com for updates. 60 METERS NEWS. W8GEX & 60m DX News reports the following: Amateurs in all French territories now have access to the new WRC-15 60m Secondary Allocation of 5351.5-5366.5 kHz at a maximum power of 15W EIRP following the publication in the French Official Journal of the order establishing it. https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=517BE924C82826153E8C43316191C330.tplgfr42s_2?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000041567594&dateTexte=&oldAction=rechJO&categorieLien=id&idJO=JORFCONT000041566809 The French national amateur radio society, REF, advocates the use of the IARU 60m Bandplan. https://www.r-e-f.org 6W, SENEGAL (Update/Reminder). Willy, ON4AVT, will once again be active as 6W7/ON4AVT between February 16th and March 27th. His main activity will be on 60/40/20/10 meters using mostly FT8/FT4, with some CW and SSB, with a FT-891 with 100 watts into a HyEndFed antenna. QSL via the Bureau. For more details and updates, watch: https://www.on4avt.be/trip_to_senegal.htm 6W, SENEGAL. Dani, EA4ATI, Dani, is once again active as 6W1/EA4ATI from Dakar until February 26th. Activity will be on 40/20/15/10 meters using SSB with a FT-857D w/100 watt into a vertical antenna. QSL via EA4R or LoTW. 8Q, MALDIVES (Satellite Op). Juan, A65GC/HK4SNU, will be active as 8Q7AR from Maldive Islands (AS-013) between February 14-17th. Activity will be mainly FM Satellites from WW Loc. MJ64. The operation will be a joint effort between the Liga Colombiana de Radioaficionados and the Maldivian Amateur Radio Club to teach local hams how to operate SATS and activate the grid on a permanent basis. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW or eQSL. 8Q, MALDIVES. Noel, F6BGC, will be active as 8Q7NC from Veligandu Island, Rashdoo Atoll, in the Maldives Islands (WW Loc. MJ64MH, IOTA AS-013) between March 12-21st. Activity will be holiday style (Suitcase Expedition) on 80-10 meters (depending on conditions) with 100w and a vertical, using all modes CW, SSB, and the Digital modes. QSL via F6BGC, direct or LotW. More information at: https://www.qrz.com/db/8Q7NC 9J2LA ZAMBIA DXPEDITION NEWS (Press Release, dated February 8th). [edited] Some good news have to be shared today. After an endless long process to get our Zambian license we are finally there. A big thanks to Mario/9J2MYT (IK1MYT) and Brian/9J2BO in Lusaka who helped us achieving this important goal. The license has been received just before the weekend. We are con- centrating on our ?boy scout trip? now. Our QTH in Zambia is secured, bus transportation from Lusaka airport to the lodge is booked and flight tickets are purchased. We are still working on customs clearance details, but we hope that we have it sorted out soon. We will leave Oslo the 4th of March at 18:45 with a scheduled arrival at Lusaka airport the day after at 12:30 local time. Let?s hope that the customs clearance will go smooth and don?t make too much of a headache ... however, you never know. The bus ride to the QTH is short of 2 hours, depending on traffic. Furthermore there is an ongoing power shedding through the whole country right now as it has been over the last few months. The reason is that the country has some issues with one of the main power electricity generators. According to our last conversation with the lodge owner, they suffer 4 hours of power cut each evening. For this reason, we are also in the process of purchasing a portable electricity generator as a backup. The rainy season that comes late this year, has been rather dry as well. Stay tuned for more updates coming up soon! 73 de Rune LA7THA 9J2LA Team Leader EDITOR'S NOTES: The 9J2LA team is planning to be active from Zambia between March 5-15th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. The update suggested frequencies are: CW - 1826.5*, 3524, 7024, 10124, 14024, 18074, 21024, 24894 and 28024 SSB - 7082, 14185, 18140, 21295, 24955 and 28495 RTTY - 7045, 10142, 14082, 18096, 21082, 24912 and 28082 FT8 - 1844/1908**, 3590, 7060, 10140, 14086, 18104, 21095, 24918 and 28095 6m - 50104/CW and 50313/FT8 (*) 160m: 1826.5 kHz lsn dwn for JA, up for EU, NA and other continents. (**) 160m: FT8, QSX 1908 for JA 9J2LA TEAM plans to use FT8 as the primary data mode. They will use FT8 DXpedition mode, operating as the Fox. If you hear them on the normal FT8 frequencies, they will not be using DXpedition mode and only work one station at the time. If the number of callers is high, they will announce a QSY to their DXpedition frequencies. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog if internet access is available. QSL via M0OXO QSL service. The 9J2LA Web page is available at: https://9j2la.com Facebook and Twitter will be used for ?Breaking News? the weeks before departure and during the Expedition. The media Web pages are: FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/9j2la Twitter: https://twitter.com/9J2LA AH2, GUAM. Operators Toshinobu/JI3ERV/NH2C and Mikawa/JR7OMD will be active as AH2R during the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL via LoTW. ARRL GREAT LAKES DIVISION CONVENTION/HAMFEST. The Great Lakes Division Convention will be held in conjunction with the Toledo Mobile Radio Association?s annual hamfest in Perrysburg, OH, on March 14th and 15th. ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, will be there to meet members and give keynote address. Another special attendee is Bob Heil, K9EID, of Heil Sound who will also be a guest speaker. Check the following Web pages for the full details at: http://www.toledoglc.org C6A & YS, BAHAMAS AND EL SALVADOR (Reminder/Update Change). Gerhard, OE3GEA, will be active as C6AGE (possibly from Nassau) between February 20-23rd (not 20-25th) and as YS/OE3GEA from El Salvador between February 26-28th. He informed OPDX, "Had to change dates a little in order to meet several friends on my Route, as this is a trip to see friends, of course in combination with some radio activity...hi; so I am looking forward to a numbers of nice CW contacts." Activity will be on CW and on 40-10 meters using a TS-480SAT with 100 watts into an Outbacker and dipole. QSL via OE3GEA, by the Bureau or direct. Logs will not be uploaded to LoTW or ClubLog. CN, MOROCCO. A group of several operators will be active as CN4M from Casablanca between February 22-23rd. No other details were provided. QSL via RW6HS. CN, MOROCCO. Guy, F8ALU, is once again active as CN2BG until early March. Look for him on SSB generally on 14115 or 14130 kHz. QSL via his home callsign. FJ, ST. BARTHEMELY (Reminder/Update). Operators Pat/N2IEN, Lee/WW2DX, Rock/ WW1X and Ray/W2RE will be active as FJ/N2IEN, FJ/WW2DX, FJ/WW1X and FJ/W2RE, respectively, from St. Barthemely (NA-146) between February 15-22nd. Activity will be holiday style on various HF (160-6m)/VHF/UHF bands using CW, SSB, RTTY, EME and satellites. QSL via their home call- signs. The group will also be in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) [possibly as FJ/N2IEN]. FJ, ST. BARTHELEMY. Operators Thierry/F6CUK and Gerard/F6EHJ will be active as FJ/F6CUK and FJ/F6EHJ, respectively, from the QTH of FJ5AB, between May 4-16th. Activity will be on various HF bands using CW and SSB. The duo and FJ5AB are planning to operate from Tintamarre Island (NA-199), St. Martin, sometime during their stay using a special call- sign. Look for more details to be forthcoming. GERMAN NORTH POLE DXPEDITION. Operators Martina/DF3TS and Thomas/DC8TM will activate Svalbard as JW/homecalls to start their DXpedition between April 10-13th. They will then be active from a Russian "Severnyi Polyus" the Scientific Polar Drifting Base (enclave by RFF) approx. 80kms from the North Pole on the Arctic Ocean where they will activate the WWFF area RFF-0176. Operators will use their special callsigns DP0LE (like POLE) and as RA/DC8TM/P and RA/DF3TS/P to represent the Russian flag of the camp between April 14-17th. Activity will be on 40/30/20/17 meters using SSB and FT8. Activity from the North Pole (90 Degrees North) - under DP0LE and DC8TM/P together with Martina DF3TS/P will take place sometime during this time (The exact schedule will depend very much on weather conditions) on 20 meters [14244 kHz (+/-)]. !! Activity is limited to approx. 30 minutes!! For more details and updates, watch: https://www.qrz.com/db/DC8TM HQ/HR, HONDURAS. Dennis, W1UE, will once again be active as HQ9X during the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/ All-Band entry. QSL HQ9X via KQ1F or W1UE. Dennis will be active outside of the contest (as time allows) signing homecall/HR9, and will be there until February 28th. QSL via his home callsign. IOTA NEWS.............. EU-123. Gordon, MM0GOR, will once again be active as MM1E from Great Cumbrae Island during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 25-26th) as a Single-Op/All-Bands/SSB-Mode/DXpedition/High-Power entry. QSL via MM1E, by the Bureau, ClubLog's OQRS or LoTW. NA-040. Henry, NL0H, is once again active as NL0H/P from St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. His length of stay was not provided. Activity is limited to his spare time on 80/40/30/20 meters using mainly FT8, possibly some SSB. QSL only direct to his QRZ.com address (see details). NO Bureau. PLEASE NOTE: Since the Webmasters of the new have decided NOT to post or dedicate a Web page to announce upcoming IOTA operations, PLEASE send your IOTA operations information to the OPDX, and we will post it here in an upcoming bulletin...... LATIN AMERICAN LIGHTHOUSE WEEKEND. This weekend (February 15-16th) is the Latin American Lighthouse weekend. Some of the lighthouses may also be activated on some IOTA islands. For a comprehensive list, see: http://www.grupodxbb.com.ar/FAROS2018/faros2020.html LX20, LUXEMBOURG. Operators Rene/DL2JRM, Dan/DL5SE and Holger/DL5KUT will be active as LX20I from Eschdorf (WW Loc. JN29XV) during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Multi-Op entry. The special callsign is for the 20th anniversary of the LX7I contest station. QSL via LX2A. In celebration, they will issue a special LX20I Award for those who work them on many Band/Mode slots in 2020. For more details, see: http://lx7i.com/lx20i NP4, PUERTO RICO (NA-099). Operators Van/N5TOO and Alexis/W4XO will be active as NP4DX in the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Multi-Single entry. Activity will also count for the WLOTA as LH-2802. Operations outside of the contest will be holiday style on 80-10 meters using CW and 100 watts. QSL via W3HNK, direct preferred. OPDX MAILING LIST (Just A Reminder). The "new" OPDX Mailing List is back up and running! Details on how to subscribe/unsubscribe are at the bottom of this bulletin. PLEASE pass the word around.... Thanks and 73 de Tedd KB8NW P4, ARUBA. John, KK9A, will once again be active as P40A from Aruba (SA-036) between March 1-8th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW ad SSB. Operations will include activity in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th). QSL via WD9DZV direct. PACIFIC TOUR (Update/Reminder). Operators Will/AA4NC and Ron/AA4VK will be active from 8 different islands during this year. Their updated schedule is as follows: French Polynesia -- As TX4N and TX4VK between now and February 17th. Look for Will to be active during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op-Low-Power entry signing TX4N. New Zealand ------- As ZL/AA4NC and ZL/AA4VK between February 18-20th Norfolk Island ---- As VK9NR and VK9NN between February 21-24th Australia --------- As VK/AA4NC and VK/AA4VK between February 24-27th Papua New Guinea -- As P29NC and P29VK; between February 28th & March 1st Solomon Islands --- As H44NC and H44VK between March 1-3rd Vanuatu ----------- As YJ0NC and YJ0VK between March 3-6th Fiji -------------- As 3D2AA and 3D2VK (callsign tentative); Look for Will to be active as 3D2AA during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Single-Op-Low-Power entry. Activity on most islands will be holiday style on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and FT8/FT4, with 100 watts and wire antennas. QSL routes have been changed. QSL all callsigns via EA5GL. PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (February 18-24th)....... Feb/18th AN Feb/21st AN Feb/23rd AN Feb/19th AN Feb/22nd AN Feb/24th AN Feb/20th 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 Meanwhile, check out the following Web sites for propagation: * VOACAP predication Web page at: http://www.voacap.com/hf and http://www.voacap.com/prediction.html * DX.QSL.NET Propagation page: https://dx.qsl.net/propagation * A daily HF radio wave propagation forecast can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/thomasfranklingiellaw4hm * SolarHam Web page: http://www.solarham.net * Radio Propagation/Space Weather/Sunspot Cycle Information at: http://sunspotwatch.com * News and Information About The Sun-Earth Environment: https://www.spaceweather.com * Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas locations are at: http://arrl.org/propagation * Information and tutorials on propagation are at: http://k9la.us * Graphic propagation tool by DR2W: http://www.dr2w.de/dx-propagation * Point to point propagation at: http://www.predtest.uk/p2p.html * Realtime propagation at: http://www.predtest.uk * Also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/@GiellaW4hm PQ0, ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL ROCKS (Now on Hold). Last week it was reported that some operators were planning be active as PQ0S from Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks (SA-014, DIB OC-03) sometime in March (possibly 14-16th). It has now been reported that a larger team is planning to activate Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks (details and dates are unknown), and now the PQ0S team has decided to take "a standby and let the others progress." PY0F, FERNANDO DE NORONHA. Stephano, PT2IC, member of the Noronha Contest Group (NCG), will be active as PY0F from Fernando de Noronha Island (SA-003) during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Single-Op entry. QSL via PY7RP. For more info about the station, see: https://py0f.wordpress.com QSL INFO AND NEWS................... QSLS RECEIVED VIA LoTW: BG2AUE, FG/F5HRY, J68HZ, OP2A and SQ2OFS QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 3A/OJ0Y, 5N7Q, D2EB, D68CCC, TK0C, YL3FT, YW5F (SA-058) and ZK3A QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 3D2VR, 4J6R, 4K6OF, 4S7NHG, 4W/OZ1AA, 5W0GC, 5W0VR, 6V1IS (AF-045), 9H3FN, 9Y4/LY2IJ, A35JY, C21EU, D3YL, ES0KA (EU-034), GB5SM (EU-011), HB0/DJ2AX, JW/DJ2AX, KP4SX, OH0BT, OH0NOA, OH8AA (EU-192), OJ0BH, OJ0DX, OV3X (EU-029), OY/DL2VU, PJ4Y, SF2CW (EU-192), TC3A, TK/HB9FND and UK8AR --- We would like to see more QSL Bureaus (such as AS/US/SA/AF.. etc) to send in their info.... T30, WESTERN KIRIBATI (Update/Change). Alex, 5B4ALX, will be active as T30ET from Tarawa Atoll (OC-017) between March 18th and April 7th (not April 2nd). Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB, FT8/FT4 and RTTY. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS or LoTW. For more details and updates, see: http://www.5b4alx.cloud/t30et-tarawa-atoll-2020 T8, PALAU. Ichiro, JH7IPR, will once again be active as T88UW from the VIP Guest Hotel (Free Radio Room) on Koror Island (OC-009), between October 7-15th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes (FSK, JT65, JT9 and FT8). QSL T88UW via JH7IPR, direct, by the Bureau, eQSL, LoTW or ClubLog. TU, C?TE D'IVOIRE (Reminder/Update). Operators Petr/OK1BOA, Petr/OK1FCJ, and David/OK6DJ will be active as TU5PCT from the Radio Club ADRASEC RCI in Abidjan, C?te d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), between February 24-29th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. QSL via OK6DJ, ClubLog's OQRS or LoTW. For more details and updates, see: https://www.cdxp.cz V2, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA. Alan, N3AD, will once again be active as V26M from Antigua until February 17th. Look for him to be in the ARRL Inter- national DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. Alan will return in March to be in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL both operations via W3HNK. V3, BELIZE. Operators Robert/K5PI (V31AT), John/WC0W (V31TP), Karl/AD0KH, Nancie/NM0C, Leigh/WC0T, Steve/WW0G and Keith/VE7KW will compete in the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Multi-Single/ Low-Power entry from San Ignacio, Belize. They will use V3T for the contest callsign. QSL V3T and V31TP via WC0W or LoTW (no ClubLog). Look for oper- ations before and after the contest by the operators. They will mostly focus on CW and on the 30/17/12 meter bands. QSL V31AT via K5PI, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW. V4, ST. KITTS AND NEVIS. Randy, K5ZD, will be active as V47T from the QTH of V47KP on St. Kitts (NA-104) during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via W2RQ direct or LoTW. V8, BRUNEI. Hajime, JO1RUR, will once again be active as V85RH from Brunei. The length of his stay is not known. Activity will be during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op entry. QSL via LoTW only. V84, BRUNEI (Special Event). Look for special event station V84SHK to be active between February 23rd and March 2nd. Activity is to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the Brunei Darussalam National Day in the year 2020. Operations will be on various HF bands using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via: P.O.BOX 849, MPC OLD AIRPORT, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN BB 3577, BRUNEI. See QRZ.com for more details. VP2M, MONTSERRAT. Ed, K1EP, is now active as VP2MEP from Montserrat (NA-103) until February 17th. Activity will be on various HF bands using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via his home callsign. ADDED NOTE: Ed is there to join the VP2MSS team for the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL VP2MSS via LoTW only. VP2M, MONTSERRAT. Charles, K1XX, will once again be active as VP2MMF from Gingerbread Hill, Montserrat (NA-103), during the ARRL International DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via KU9C or LoTW. VP8PJ SOUTH ORKNEY DXPEDITION NEWS (Update). Gene, K5GS, reports on Tuesday, February 11th and 12th [edited]: "Most of team arrived in Punta Arenas, Chile, with the longest travel time being 40 hours, Perth, Australia => Sydney => Auckland => Santiago, Chile => Punta Arenas. Remainder of the team due in on Weds. Braveheart expected in on Feb 13th or 14th, we load the ship on the 14th and depart for Signy Island on Feb 15th. Depending on the weather, 6 days travel time to the island...... We have selected the callsign ZL1NA/MM for use during the transit between Punta Arenas -> Signy Island -> Punta Arenas. QSL Manager: Tim Beaumont, M0UWX.com. Please, do not send Bureau cards, use the OQRS for free Bureau cards. (https://sorkney.com/qsl/) The donation process for VP8PJ will also count as a ZL1NA/MM donation. However, there is no internet on the ship, log and LoTW uploads will be done at a later date..... Nigel Jolly arrived Punta Arenas late last night / early morning. He contacted our freight agent and arranged to load the ship on Friday morning. Still on schedule to leave for Signy on Saturday." Then on the 13th, Gene reported on the following updates: "The entire team has now arrived in Punta Arenas. We are planning our departure for Saturday, exact time to be determined. We'll have immi- gration and customs formalities and ship clearance, we'll put out a bulletin at departure time." "Braveheart arrived Punta Arenas on Thursday morning. She'll be assigned a dock on Friday morning, take on fuel, supplies and generator petrol. Customs, Immigration and health inspections will follow. DX-pedition equipment will be loaded on Friday afternoon. DX-pedition team will board the ship Saturday morning. We plan to leave Punta Arenas 3PM - 4PM on Saturday." Last minute update from K5GS before going to print on February 14th: "This morning's schedule was reversed due to late arriving fuel trucks. We loaded the team's equipment first and will take on fuel this after- noon. Everything looks to be in good order and the crew is busily stowing the equipment in a particular sequence so we can reverse the process and offload in a priority sequence. The weather is cool, with some periods of rain. We had coffee with Skipper Matt and owner Nigel, then outside to watch the loading process. We're on schedule for Saturday afternoon departure." EDITOR NOTES: VP8PJ will be active from the South Orkney Islands (AN-008) from approximately February 21st, through March 5th. South Orkney Island is currently #16 most wanted on Clublog. QSL via M0URX, direct or OQRS (direct and Bureau). LoTW will be uploaded 6 months after DX-pedition. The following are media pages to watch: The VP8PJ Web page is at: https://sorkney.com The VP8PJ Twitter page is at: https://twitter.com/SouthOrkneyDX The VP8PJ Groups.io group is at: https://groups.io/g/VP8PJ VP9, BERMUDA. Kurt, W6PH, will once again be active as VP9/W6PH for the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/Single- Band (10m)/Low-Power entry. Activity outside of the contest will only be on CW on all bands (except WARC) with 100 watts (IC7000) and low antennas (25 feet). QSL only direct to his home callsign W6PH. VU4, ANDAMAN ISLANDS. A VU Team (8 operators) will be active as VU4R from Neil Island in the Andaman Islands group (AS-001) during the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 28-29th) as a Multi-Op entry. Before and after the contest, the team, which will be there between March 20-31st, will focus on 160/80/40 meters on various modes. QSL via VU2RS, direct or LoTW. Look for more details to be forthcoming. YASME NEWS (Press Release, date February 14th) [edited]. YASME FOUNDATION GRANTS AND EXCELLENCE AWARDS -- The Board of Directors of The Yasme Founda- tion announces that it has made the following grants at its board meeting in Orlando, Florida on February 9, 2020: * Ethiopian Amateur Radio Society (ET3AA) for VHF equipment. * Support to the SU8WRC/SU8X demonstration station at the World Radio Conference in Egypt. * YOTA (Youth On The Air) and HamSCI displays at Dayton Hamvention 2020. * Contest University at Dayton Hamvention 2020 - support of audio/visual equipment, student materials (handouts and books), and live internet streaming connections. * Hrvatski Radioamaterski Savez, HRS (Croatian Amateur Radio Association) to support YOTA (Youth On The Air) 2020 Region 1 conference. * * * * * The Yasme Excellence Award is presented to individuals and groups 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 organizational achievement, as all three are necessary for amateur radio to grow and prosper. The Yasme Excellence Award is in the form of a cash grant and an individually- engraved crystal globe. The Board of Directors of The Yasme Foundation is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the Yasme Excellence Award: James Sart?, K2QI and Adrian Ciuperca, KO8SCA -- For their efforts in combining the latest state of the art technology, diplomatic skills, persistence, and leadership. Additional help with gathering equipment and logistical support was provided by RA9USU, NT2Y, NT2X, K2LE, and N2UN (SK) culminating in reactivation of the United Nations Club Station 4U1UN. * * * * * The Yasme Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized to support 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 www.yasme.org. Ward Silver, N?AX, President The Yasme Foundation Board of Directors: Ward Silver, N?AX, President and Director Ken Claerbout, K4ZW, Vice-President, Secretary and Director Rusty Epps, W6OAT, Treasurer and Director Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T, Director Martti Laine, OH2BH, Director Fred Laun, K3ZO, Director Robert Vallio, W6RGG, Director Marty Woll, N6VI, Director James Brooks, 9V1YC, Director YS, EL SALVADOR. Roberto, YS1RS, from San Salvador, will be in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op entry. QSL via EB7DX. ZZ2, BRAZIL (Special Event). During February, look for special event station ZZ2DC to be active. Station is commemorating the 44th anniversary of the Civil Defense of the State of S?o Paulo. They will be operating on several frequencies, including TG 724193 in DMR, Brandmeister network. Also, look for them to be in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 15-16th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (20m)/High-Power entry. A commemorative QSL will be available. QSL via PY2CGE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following stations are expected to be active in the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 15-16th, 2020) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to Bill, NG3K, for providing OPDX readers with the following consolidated listing of the participants in the 2020 ARRL DX CW Contest. For a more detailed listing (and up-to-date changes/corrections) in HTML format, please visit Bill's Web page at: http://www.ng3k.com/Misc/adxc2020.html (By callsign) http://www.ng3k.com/Misc/adxcd2020.html (By entity) For the complete set of rules, see: http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contest DXCC Class QSL Callsign Entity Route ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3V8SS Tunisia SOAB LP LoTW; QSL via LX1NO 5H4WZ Tanzania M/? OM3PA 8P5A Barbados SOAB HP LoTW; QSL via HA1AG AH2R Guam M/2 LoTW CR3EE Madeira SOAB LP OZ2I DU6/N6SS Philippines SOSB 80M LoTW FS/RW0CN St. Martin SO LoTW; QSL via (C; preferred) or VE7ACN (B/d) HH2AA Haiti SOAB LP LoTW HQ9X Honduras SOAB KQ1F J8/WJ2O St. Vincent SOAB HP N2ZN JW7QIA Svalbard SO LA7QIA (d) KP2/ND3F U.S. Virgin Islands SOAB LP EA5GL KH6/N6DA Hawaii M/M LoTW KP3DX Puerto Rico SO HP N4AO LN8W Norway M/M LA9VDA LX20I Luxembourg M/? LX2A LY4A Lithuania M/2 (C) NP2P U.S. Virgin Islands SO LoTW NP4DX Puerto Rico M/S W3HNK P40SW Aruba SOAB HP LoTW (d/NB) P44W Aruba SOAB HP LoTW; QSL via N2MM; (NB) PJ4A Bonaire M/2 K4BAI PJ5/KG9N Saba & St Eustatius SO LoTW PY0FF Fernando de Noronha SO LoTW TI7W Costa Rica M/? LoTW; QSL via W4FS TO4A Martinique SOAP HP VE3DZ TX4N French Polynesia SO LP EA5GL V26M Antigua & Barbuda SOA W3HNK V3 Belize SOSB LoTW V31CO Belize SO QRP LoTW V3O Belize SO DL8UD; QSL via (C) V3T Belize M/S WC0W V4/K3VX St. Kitts & Nevis M/S K3VX V47UM St. Kitts & Nevis SO V47T St. Kitts & Nevis SOAB HP W2RQ V85RH Brunei SO LoTW VE3VSM/HR9 Honduras SO LoTW; QSL via VE3VSM VP2MSS Monserrat M/S LoTW VP5K Turks & Caicos M/S LoTW; QSL via K0PC & (C) VP9/W6PH Bermuda SOSB 10M LoTW YB2DX Indonesia SOAB LP LoTW; QSL via YB2DX (d) YS1RS El Salvador SO EB7DX ZF1A Cayman Islands M/S LoTW; QSL via K6AM (B/d) ZF5T Cayman Islands M/? LoTW; QSL via K5GO (d) ZL3X New Zealand M/2 LoTW ZP5AA Paraguay M/? ZP5AZL (d) ZP9MCE Paraguay SO LoTW (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (*-B) DX's- Bureau (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only (L) LoTW only (N) No QSL needed (I) No IRC (P) PayPal (NB) No Bureau *********************************************************************** TO BE ADDED TO THE OPDX MAILING LIST -- Click or send requests to: Subscribe: (mailto:kb8nw at hotmail.com?subject=subscribe) Unsubscribe: (mailto:kb8nw at hotmail.com?subject=unsubscribe) Just a reminder, you can still obtain the OPDX Bulletins via the OPDX Web page (provided by John, K8YSE) [http://www.papays.com/opdx.html], QRZ.com (under Forums; News; Special Events, Contests.. etc.), several DX Mailing Lists, and two different UseNet Groups (rec.radio.info and rec.radio.amateur.dx). The weekly bulletin (issue # from the OPDX Web page URL) is also posted on the following Media pages: NODXA FaceBook -- https://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation Twitter -- https://twitter.com/kb8nw_opdx 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: (kb8nw at arrl.net) or (kb8nw at hotmail.com) Information can now be faxed to the following phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!) ....... 73 de Tedd KB8NW /EXIT *********************************************************************** Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - E-mail addresses: or 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 hotmail.com Sun Feb 23 11:15:05 2020 From: kb8nw at hotmail.com (Tedd Mirgliotta) Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2020 16:15:05 +0000 Subject: [DX] Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1453 Message-ID: SB DX @ WW < KB8NW $OPDX.1453 Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 1453 The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster DX Bulletin No. 1453 BID: $OPDX.1453 February 24, 2020 Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio) Written/Send From Strongsville, Ohio Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, the AB5K's AR Cluster Networks, NJ1Q & W1AW, NG3K & ADXO, W3OA, W3UR & The Daily DX, W4FC, WA4DAN, AD5A, WB6RSE, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m DX News, NV9L, W9ILY, DK6SP, DL1SBF, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, OA4AI, PY3DF, RN3RQ, RW6HS, Sixitalia Weekly, VA3RJ & ICPO and VE3LYC for the following DX information. DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 16th-February, through Sunday, 23rd-February there were 226 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1U, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5H, 5T, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A3, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, CE, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, DL, DU, E4, E5/s, E6, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FR, FS, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H4, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J5, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JX, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ5, PJ7, PY, PY0F, PZ, S0, S5, S7, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TI9, TJ, TK, TN, TR, TT, TU, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2M, VP5, VP8, VP8/o, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XT, XW, XX9, XZ, YA, YB, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z3, Z6, Z8, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZF, ZL, ZP, ZS * PLEASE NOTE: The report "could" contain "Pirate/SLIM" operations or more likely a "BUSTED CALLSIGN". As always, you never know - "Work First Worry Later". 3B8, MAURITIUS (Early Announcement). Olof, G0CKV, will lead a team of operators (TBD) to activate 3B8M from Mauritius (AF-049) in the next CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 28-29th) as a Multi-? entry. QSL via LoTW or M0OXO. No other details were provided. 3B9, RODRIGUES ISLAND (Reminder/Update). David, F8AAN, will be active as 3B9AN from Rodrigues Island (AF-017) between March 9-18th. Activity will be on 80/40/30/20/17 meters CW. QSL via his home callsign, direct or ClubLog's OQRS. 3Y0I BOUVET ISLAND DXPEDITION (Update). The following was reported on the Rebel DX Group FaceBook page [edited]: "Rebel team update. We are on track with 3Y0I Bouvet project. Still missing some budget but we are getting closer and closer. Second attempt will take place in December 2020. Before December, Rebels are moving to Pacific to activate Banaba Island (callsign secured T33T). This activity will start in first half of 2020. After Banaba we will sail to T2 Tuvalu (working on callsign T22T). During April we will also be active from 2 IOTAs: OC-156 and OC-121 Stay tuned." 4V, HAITI. Operators Paul/G4PVM, Col/MM0NDX and Jonathan/MM0OKG 4V5H Team will be active from Haiti (NA-096) between May 9-15th. Activity will be on 80-15 meters using CW, SSB and FT8. The group is also planning to activate one of Haiti's coastal Islands (NA-149). QSL via EB7DX or ClubLog's OQRS. Look for more details and a Web page to be forthcoming. 5X, UGANDA. Shabu, M0KRI, will once again be active as 5X1RI from Uganda during two weeks between the end of July and mid-August. He states, "Going back to Uganda (second home) after 15 years." Activity will be on various HF bands. QSL via M0KRI, direct or by the Bureau. Look for more details and schedule to be forthcoming. 8Q, MALDIVES. Ivan, UR9IDX, is now active as 8Q7VR from Naifaru Island (AS-013). His length of stay is not known at this time. Activity has been mainly 80/40m CW so far, but he has done some 40m SSB. QSL via EA5EL. CP6, BOLIVIA. Rudi, DK7PE, will be active as CP6/DK7PE from Santa Cruz between February 25th and March 6th. Activity will be holiday style on various HF bands (usually 40-10m CW). QSL via DK7PE. For more details and updates see: https://www.rooody.de CY0 SABLE ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS (Update by Murray/WA4DAN) [edited]. Murray, WA4DAN, the 2020 Sable DXpedition Team Leader informs OPDX that the Sable Island dates are October 19-28th, 2020. They also add Jay, K4ZLE, to the list of operators. The CY0 Web page is available and is still under construction at: http://cy0dxpedition.net EX0, KYRGYSTAN. Operators Yuri/R2DY, Pavel/R2DX and Eugeni RW3FB will be active as EX0QR from the south shore of Issyk Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan, be- tween March 6-17th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. Equipment will be 2x Kenwood TS-590, Ameritron ALS-500M and antennas are: SteppIr BigIr (vertical) + 80m, SteppIr 2 Element Yagi antenna (20-6m), 4 element Fix Yagi (30m) and vertical (160/80m). QSL via R2DX, direct, by the Bureau or ClubLog's OQRS. HI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Members of the La Loma Del Toro Contest Club will be active as HI3Y during the CQWW WPX CW Contest (May 30-31st) as a Multi-Single/Low-Power entry. This operation is dedicated to the memory of their good friend and operator Edwin Nunez, HI3K/SK. Operators mentioned are Jamie/WP3A, Julio/HI3A, Lor/HI3Y, Tino/HI3CC, C?sar/HI3CMM and Franky/HI3TT. QSL via LoTW. INDEXA NEWS. Valerie Hotzfeld, NV9L, reports the following: Clicking on the link below will permit you to download the Winter 2020 issue of the newsletter of the International DX Association: http://indexa.org/documents/newsletters/Newsletter-Issue-128-Winter%202020.pdf Valerie states [edited]: "Last issue I was begging for articles. This issue was the opposite. I had to table a couple of articles for the Spring issue. We want to thank Robert Brandon, K5PI, for giving us a great article on their DXpedition to TX7T as well as Shabu Ramakrishnan, M0KRI, and their exciting 3 man operation in VU7RI. I did have a half page to fill, so I thought I'd add some fun with a DX crossword puzzle. Cheesy or fun? Let me know." IOTA BASH 2020. The IOTA Bash, an annual event to raise funds for the "Island Radio Expedition Foundation" (IREF) [www.irefradio.com], is scheduled this year, March 27-28th, at AD5A?s QTH in Boerne, TX, near San Antonio, TX. The program schedule is listed below. There is also an XYL program that will visit the San Antonio Missions, a World Heritage Site. You can register at (www.irefradio.com/iota-bash), 30 USDs for a single amateur and 45 USDs for a couple. AGENDA -- Friday, March 27th, 2020 at 6:00 pm CDT Dinner provided at Mike, AD5A?s, QTH ? 307 Spanish Pass Road, Boerne TX 78006... All XYL?s welcome and encouraged to attend! This a great chance to meet new friends and catch up with old buddies. Share a few beers with IOTA chasers and activators and hear about the great stories that you never read about unless you?re there in person. It?s a unique opportunity to learn from passionate IOTA people, who knows, it might even be the catalyst to start planning your next or first IOTA activation. -- Saturday March 28th, 2020 8:00?9:00 Coffee ? 307 Spanish Pass Road, Boerne TX 78006 9:00?4:00 IOTA program (includes lunch), guest speakers will include: Featured Guest: Yuri Zaruba UA9OBA, President Russian Robinson Club Presentations: NA-210 Sledge Island ? AD5A, N3QQ, UA9OBA NA-211 Tillamook Island ? N3QQ NA-250 Khantaak Island ? K9AJ SA-101 Aljandro Selkirk Island K9AJ NA-082,089 Cat and Pitre Island ? AB5EB, W5GAI, AD5A Special Video Presentation from UA9OBA XYL Program ? Depart AD5A?s QTH 9:00 am Visit the Market in San Antonio Lunch at Mi Tierra?s https://mitierracafe.com/ Tour as many of the San Antonio Missions as possible, there are five, including the Alamo. (If a formal tour is arranged there may be a fee). Depart San Antonio ~ 4:00pm Dinner: 6:30 pm PoPo?s Restaurant, Welfare, Texas (Not included in registration fee) https://popo-restaurant.com/ IOTA NEWS.............. AS-118. Members of the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society, lead by Essa, 9K2HQ, will once again be active as 9K2F from Failaka Island between March 11-15th. Activity will be on 80/40/30/20/17/ 15/12/10 meters using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL via 9K2RA or LoTW. AS-207. (NEW) Members of the Russian Robinson Club (RRC) will be active as R207RRC from Kosa Dvukh Pilotov Island (RDA CK-05, WW Loc AP18gg, RRA RR-11-05) in the Chukchi Sea Coast Centre group for the first time ever between April 3-10th (estimated dates). Operators mentioned are Victor/UA3AKO, Yuri/UA0KBG and Alexander/ RA3AV. Activity will be on 40/30/20/15 meters using CW, SSB and possibly FT8 (F/H). QSL via UA3AKO, direct, by the Bureau or ClubLog's OQRS. For more details and updates, watch QRZ.com or the Web page: http://r207rrc.ru They need your financial support because of the complex and expensive logistics. PayPal address is: r207rrc at gmail.com SA-101. It was announced that the IOTA Committee has informed the operators of the CB0Z operation that their first time SA-101 IOTA operation has been approved. 2020 Honor Roll/Annual Listings (Published on the IOTA Website): The two main listings with a total 1647 entries show an increase of 10 over the same listings in 2019. Early indications based on increasing take-up in the last three months point to a bumper year 2020. Some 253 record-holders now have scores of 1000 or more IOTA groups, an increase of 9% on last year, and 590, up 2%, have scores of at least 750 groups, the number required for the IOTA Plaque of Excellence. Scores at the top continue to close with 63 record-holders breaking through the 1100 mark and 18 of them within 10 of the top score. Congratulations to leader 9A2AA on 1129 groups out of a possible 1133 that have seen activity, to I2YDX and I1JQJ who follow close behind and indeed to all who have joined the IOTA family or updated in the last year. Following a brief break Checkpoints have started processing applications again. Now is the time to make that submission if you wish to avoid the busy period later in the year. Kindest regards, G3KMA, 22 February 20th PLEASE NOTE: Since the Webmasters of the new have decided NOT to post or dedicate a Web page to announce upcoming IOTA operations, PLEASE send your IOTA operations information to the OPDX, and we will post it here in an upcoming bulletin...... J2, DJIBOUTI. The Sigi, DL7DF, Team that was expected to be active from Djibouti between March 4-16th, has cancelled their operation. From their Web page, it states: "We regret to have to cancel our expedition to Djibouti. When planning, there were too many uncertainty factors for us in the negotiations with the licensing authority, the national security authority and customs. We are now looking for an alternative DXpedtion target." For more details and updates, see: http://www.dl7df.com/j2 JD1, OGASAWARA (Reminder). Operators Take/JA1UII and Kami/JH1HHC will be active as JD1BON and JD1BPH, respectively, from Komagari, Chichijima Island (AS-031), between February 25th and March 5th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. QSL via their home callsigns, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW (end of March). Sorry e-QSL is not supported. K3, UNITED STATES (International All Youth Contesting Team to Compete in CQ WPX CW). Seven youth from 6 countries and 4 continents will meet this May at superstation K3LR in West Middlesex, PA and compete for 48 hours in CQ WPX CW in hopes to contend for a top finish, inspire more youth radio sport events, and ultimately bring down the average age of today?s contester. This group of teens and early 20 something year olds, known as "Team Exuberance CW", are already accomplished contesters with many individual victories. The "Team Exuberance CW" operators are: David Samu/VE7DZO, Marty Sull- away/NN1C, Bruce Yang/KN8U/BH4EPL, Tomi Varro/HA8RT, Philipp Springer/DK6SP, Mathias Acevedo Von Frey/CE2LR and Bryant Rascoll/KG5HVO. The "Team Exuberance CW" ops were handpicked for this contest and are all highly skilled and experienced CW operators, especially considering some of the team members are still in high school. Several of them were WRTC 2018 competitors. Tomi, HA8RT, age 21 from Hungary, was the 2014 HST champion. Bruce, KN8U, age 21 and a student at Georgia Tech, was the World Rookie champion for the CQ WPX CW 2019 contest. Last year, the first Team Exuberance competed at K3LR in CQ WPX SSB. This endeavor was the brainchild of Violetta Latham, KK8AT, and was totally youth driven and organized. The team managed to win the Multi-2 category for North America but more importantly bring attention to the small but growing and VERY exuberant sect of radio sport enthusiasts under the age of 25. The name Team Exuberance was gleaned from the saying ?old age and treachery will always beat out youth and exuberance.? By winning the Multi-2 category for North America with a score of 22 million points and 5700 QSOs, the team did indeed show that there is a next generation of contesters and they are contenders. You can read the article about the operation here: http://www.k3lr.com/youth/QST-Aug-TeamE-Reprint.pdf While amateur radio is not a mainstream hobby for today?s youth, finding skilled youth CW operators is even more rare. All members of TE CW can copy CW at 50+ wpm, yet they did not have to pass a CW test to earn an amateur radio license. They do it because it?s fun and challenging! Those with even very modest low power stations can be competitive contesters using CW. Prior to the contest, the team will be fund-raising and publicizing. Currently, there is a GoFundMe page set up to cover team travel expenses. Bryant, KG5HVO, says, ?We hope TE CW will encourage other youth driven events and attract more youth into radio sport.? Please visit the Web page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/team-exuberance-cw-2020). Any excess funds will be donated to the David Kalter Youth DX Adventure. KH6, HAWAII. Jim, N6TJ, will be active as KH6LC from Keaau (Hawaii County, Grid Square: BK29), during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Single-Op/All-band entry. QSL via LoTW. KP2, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. Tony, N2TK, will once again be active as KP2M from U.S. Virgin Islands (NA-106) during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Single-Op entry. QSL via NZ4DX, direct or LoTW. OC1, PERU (Special Callsign). Members of the Radio Club Peruano will be active as OC1TU from the Tucume Prehispanic Archaeological Monument in the Province of Lambayeque in the northern part of Peru on February 28th and 29th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using SSB and FT8. Also, possibly the satellites. QSL via OA4O, by the Bureau, direct or LoTW. PJ2, CURACAO. Andy, DK5ON, will once again be active as PJ2/DK5ON from Curacao (SA-099, WLOTA 0942) between March 15-31st. Activity will be on 80-6 meters including the 60/17/12 meter bands using CW, SSB and the Digital modes (RTTY/FT8/FT4). QSL via his home callsign, direct, by the Bureau, LoTW or ClubLog's OQRS. NO eQSL. PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (February 24th-March 1st)....... Feb/24th AN Feb/27th AN Feb/29th AN Feb/25th AN Feb/28th AN Mar/01st AN Feb/26th 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 Meanwhile, check out the following Web sites for propagation: * VOACAP predication Web page at: http://www.voacap.com/hf and http://www.voacap.com/prediction.html * DX.QSL.NET Propagation page: https://dx.qsl.net/propagation * A daily HF radio wave propagation forecast can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/thomasfranklingiellaw4hm * SolarHam Web page: http://www.solarham.net * Radio Propagation/Space Weather/Sunspot Cycle Information at: http://sunspotwatch.com * News and Information About The Sun-Earth Environment: https://www.spaceweather.com * Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas locations are at: http://arrl.org/propagation * Information and tutorials on propagation are at: http://k9la.us * Graphic propagation tool by DR2W: http://www.dr2w.de/dx-propagation * Point to point propagation at: http://www.predtest.uk/p2p.html * Realtime propagation at: http://www.predtest.uk * Also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/@GiellaW4hm QSL INFO AND NEWS................... QSL-INFO from DB0SDX by Lothar, DL1SBF (www.qslinfo.eu) (February 14th & 23rd) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CT9/DK7YY via DK7YY TI7/G3WPH via G3WPH FJ/N2IEN via NR6M CV7S via CX7SS & (L) TM17AAW via F8DVD & (L) FJ/W2RE via NR6M & (L) DL250BEETH via DJ6SI TN/UA9FGR via UA9FGR FS/RW0CN v RW0CN(B);VE7ACN(d) E51DDG via VE7DS & (L) TO7D via F6ITD (d/L) HB0/DJ1AA/M via DJ1AA EA5/ON4ANV via ON4ANV (d/L) TZ1CE via DK1CE HQ9X via KQ1F & (L) EE5O via EA5HOX ZF2MJ via N6MJ & (L) J42L via SV2DCD (d/L) EG4UUD via EA4URA 7I8X via YB8RW (O) KP2/ND3F via EA5GL & (L) FM/VE3DZ via VE3DZ & (L) 8Q7VR via EA5EL (d) OA4/EA7TN via EA5GL (d/L) FS/VA7XW via VE7ACN 9A/S56LXN/P via S56LXN PA2020BP via PA3EFR HC5/N4CW via N4CW (d) 9Q1C via IK7UXW (d) PR1M via PY1LU KH6/G4KHG via KH6/G4KHG (L) CR5E via CT1ILT & (L) PX8S via PT2OP KL0R via N4GNR (d) CW1C via CX1AA R89DRA via UA4AJD LS2D via EC6DX & (L) DL/HA7UL/P via HA7UL (d/L) RA/W3RDX via W3RDX OE/DJ1AA/M via DJ1AA DL0MFL via DL2JRM SN100JPII via SP3TYJ OE17AAW via OE3DMA ED8URT via EA8URT V26M via W3HNK OG2P via OH2PM ED8W via EA5GL & (L) V3O via DL8UD PJ5/KG9N via KG9N EG4VET via EA4PN VK9NR via EA5GL R100RGA via RK9CYA & (L) EG7FIM via EA7URF ZW3RS via PY3JSS (L) T80B via JF1OCQ EH9NET via EH9NET (e) (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (*-B) DX's- Bureau (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only (L) LoTW only (N) No QSL needed (I) No IRC (P) PayPal (NB) No Bureau LOGS ONLINE AT CLUBLOG.ORG THIS WEEK...... https://clublog.org/logsearch/5H4WZ (Updated) https://clublog.org/logsearch/9N7AM (Updated) https://clublog.org/logsearch/cb0z https://clublog.org/logsearch/TU5PCT NEW QSL POLICY (By HK3W). Siso, HK3W, informs OPDX of the following [edited]: QSL policy from March 1st, 2020, and on, for all my QSOs (NOT VALID FOR HK STATIONS): - If you mail me a QSL to my QRZ.com address you get my QSL in return 100%. No need for IRC or $$$. But, please include SAE to make it easier for me. - All QSLs received via the QSL Bureau (ONLY via EA4URE Bureau) are confirmed 100% via the QSL Bureau (EA4URE). - I upload all my QSOs to LoTW so you get the QSO confirmed right away, when you upload yours. - Sorry, no eQSL. - The ClubLog OQRS service to request my cards will continue to work when PayPal solves the problems in my account. TO9W QSL STATUS. John, W9ILY, informs OPDX [edited]: I wanted to let you know that all QSL card requests for TO9W, Saint Martin, December 2019, have been answered. A 6 1/2 pound box of outgoing Bureau cards that were requested by OQRS was sent to the ARRL today. Direct requests were in the mail several weeks ago. QSLS RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 3V8SF, 5I4ZZ, 5I5TT, 5T2KW, 5U9AMO, 9G2HO, C37AC, CR5E, EA2W, EA6FO, EY8MM, HC2WAT/8, IK0XBX, K0JV, LN8W, OK5Z, TI9A, V85RH, VU2OT, YO3APJ, ZA/IK2RLM and ZL2OK QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 5H3CA (AF-054), 5H3RRC (AF-054), 5N7Q, HI1LT (NA-122), HR9/N3AD, JT1AA/3, VK9CZ, TX7T, VP6R, XV1X, YW5F (SA-058) and ZK3A QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 3A2DS, 3W9CI (AS-162), 4W/HL1AHS, 9M4DXX, EA9/JA0JHQ, EJ6KP (EU-121), FJ/F6CUK, OH0/OF5C, OH0KA, OH0V, OH2BH/ZA, OJ0C, OJ0JR, OJ0W, SU18FWC, SU8X, TA0/DL7UCX (AS-201), TF/OG55W, TK5MH, V84YL, VP9/DK7LX, YB9K (OC-150), YM2KK, Z66Z, ZA1WW and ZS/OH2IO --- We would like to see more QSL Bureaus (such as AS/US/SA/AF.. etc) to send in their info.... T32, EASTERN KIRIBATI. Ken, KH6QJ, will once again be active as T32AZ from Crystal Lodge, Kiritimati Island [Christmas Island](OC-024) between March 4-11th. Activity will be on 80/40/20/15/10 meters, but will focus on 80 meters using mainly SSB, especially in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) as a Single-Op. QSL via his home call, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW. V3, BELIZE. Look for the 11 Airmobile Brigade from the Royal Netherlands Army and Radiosquad to be active as V31FX (dates not mentioned). This station will be operating and jungle training in Belize from different locations with different antennas on 20m phone using military equipment. As soon as they are able to make DX-contacts, they will update their QRZ.com page. Main focus is to make contacts with Dutch amateur radio stations, but all contacts are welcome. Please use NATO phonetic alphabet when calling. QSL via PI4CC. V6 IOTA PROJECT. Operators Cezar/VE3LYC and Adrian/KO8SCA are planning to activate two IOTAs in the Micronesia Islands Group. The islands that were mentioned are: Polap Atoll (OC-155)[as V62P, callsign pending] and Satawal Atoll (NEW IOTA OC-299) [as V62S, calsign pending]. However, the following was posted (because of the Coronavirus) on their Web page on February 20th: "The team cannot afford the additional time and expenses associated with the quarantine provision. Consequently, we remain in stand-by, waiting for the respective state of emergency to be lifted. Depending on when this will occur, we will either confirm the existing time schedule or negotiate with the charter provider in order to establish a new time schedule for this project. Any developments will be announced on this website (https://v6iota.weebly.com). No financial support will be sought from the community until a firm time schedule can be publicly announced." V7, MARSHALL ISLANDS (Yes, V73AX is back on the air!). The following was posted on QRZ.com (dated February 22nd) about the Kwajalein Amateur Radio Club (KARC) being back on the air: "After more than five years of inac- tivity, bureaucratic channels to locate the keys which unlock the ham shack were persistently navigated for about a year, only to discover our neighbor had them all along. Zoinks! Overlooking the Pacific Ocean (literally just a few paces to the shore), some 2000 miles WSW of Hawaii, our long neglected ham shack is again buzzing with the strains of Morse, SSB-tinged voices, along with some dabbling in digital modes. The Marshall Islands are spectacularly gorgeous, and quite well suited for launching MF/HF/VHF signals around our Earth. If we've made contact, then we extend our gratitude and thanks to you. If not, we look forward to working you in the future! To be continued..." VP5, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. Operators John/K4BAI, Jim/K4QPL, Ted/N9NB and Mike/WU4V will be active as VP5/homecall from Providenciales between March 3-12th. The group will be there for the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th) signing as VP5M as a Multi-Single/Low-Power entry. QSL VP5M via K4QPL or LoTW. QSL all others via their home callsign. VP8PJ SOUTH ORKNEY DXPEDITION NEWS (Update). The VP8PJ team is now on the air as of Sunday, February 23rd. The team reported the following on Thursday and Friday, several hours apart before hitting the airwaves [edited]: * Thursday -- Update landing site: We have ice to contend with regarding our planned landing area. The ice was pushed in during the previous days, but we are expecting the winds to change and blow the ice out. We are currently looking for an alternate site to unload, then move the equipment to the planned site. An alternative camp/operations area is being considered as a we evaluate current conditions. * Thursday @ 1500z -- Landing Update @ 1500Z: After an initial survey, we're waiting for a wind change which is expected tomorrow. If the ice situation does not change significantly, we'll try an alternate site tomorrow.... Currently, cold with occasional snow flurries. * Thursday -- Pirate Activity report: The call VP8PJ has yet to be utilized by the team for any contacts. The only call used by the team thus far is that of ZL1NA/MM, CW and FT-8 modes only. No SSB. * Friday, FEB 20th, @ 1005z: We have arrived (at Signy Island) and now preparing for our zodiac landings and transfer of equipment. * Friday @1330z From Gene K5GS: The ice has cleared enough to get the equipment ashore. Twelve team members on the island moving equipment to our preferred site. Two team members on the ship assisting with the off loading. It will take today and tomorrow to set up camp. It's cold, light winds, but dry at the moment. * Friday @ 15:30 UTC -- The process of assembling the camp continues.. .. going well, but will continue throughout today and tomorrow. At this juncture, we anticipate being "on the air" sometime on Sunday the 23rd. Announcements regarding this will be forthcoming. * Saturday @ 22:10 UTC -- Look for VP8PJ to become active on 20m, 40m, and possibly 160m in the following hours. Operating positions will slowly come online as antennas and station configurations are completed. In the earliest hours of the operation, there will be NO real-time logging available. Announcement on the real-time logging being active will follow. * Sunday @ 1105z From Gene K5GS -- We are unable to find a solid satellite connection on the island. We are waiting to change to a different satel- lite, but it's not clear there will be any difference. We know it is not a hardware problem because we have 3 satellite terminals of this model and one of another model. If we an not find a solid connection we will try to upload logs from the ship every day, and even that path to the satellite is very poor. They are are continuing to install additional antennas today. It's cold and difficult to use hand tools in the wind. EDITOR NOTES: VP8PJ will be active from the South Orkney Islands (AN-008) until March 5th. South Orkney Island is currently #16 most wanted on ClubLog. QSL via M0URX, direct or OQRS (direct and Bureau). LoTW will be uploaded 6 months after DX-pedition. The following are media pages to watch: The VP8PJ Web page is at: https://sorkney.com The VP8PJ Twitter page is at: https://twitter.com/SouthOrkneyDX The VP8PJ Groups.io group is at: https://groups.io/g/VP8PJ W8S SWAINS ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS (Press Releases). The following two releases were sent out this week: * Dated February 18th -- In close cooperation with Alex Jennings, the representative of Swains Island, the team has decided to postpone the W8S DXpedition to Swains Island to autumn of 2020. The reason behind this postponement is the travel restrictions when entering American Samoa, restrictions imposed by the Department of Health of American Samoa as a result of the Corona virus outbreak. The Department of Health allows non-residents to enter American Samoa only via Hawaii, after a 14 days mandatory quarantine in Hawaii. For the team this is not a workable situation. It would require extending the holiday time by an additional 2 weeks, re-routing of the flights and purchasing new tickets etc. Everything is prepared for our DXpedition, and we are eager to go, but unfortunately the Corona virus outbreak is out of our control. Although this is a disappointment for everyone, the W8S DXpedition is not cancelled, but just postponed for later this year! You and/or your DX-club made a donation to the Swains DXpedition, which is very much appreciated by the whole team as that helps the team to cover some part of the investment the team already made. However if you are considering withdrawing your donation, please just let us know. As soon as we have the new firm date for the DXpedition we will update you and the whole DX-community. See our website, Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and announcements. https://swains2020.lldxt.eu Regards, Ronald Stuy, PA3EWP * Dated February 22nd -- Dear supporter of the Swains2020 ? W8S ? project: Following the disappointing news earlier this week the Swains2020 team is extremely happy that we can announce the new schedule for the W8S DXpedition to Swains Island. The team will be on the island from September 23rd until October 6th, 2020. We like to thank all our sponsors and supporters for the understanding and confidence we have received after the message about the forced post- ponement of the DXpedition. We are therefore very happy that we can already share the new planning with you. The Swains 2020 Team XT2, BURKINA FASO. Max, DK1MAX, will once again be active as XT2MAX from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, sometime this year (soon). Activity is usually holiday style on all bands using mostly CW and FT8. QSL via EA5GL, LoTW, eQSL, (no Bureau or SWL reports) and ClubLog. NO PAPER QSLs. Look for more details to be forthcoming. YI, IRAQ. The "DX-World.net" reports that Giorgio, IU5HWS, "will be in Iraq for 4-5 months starting in March 2020. He's going there with the Italian Army Airborne Brigade." Activity will be on 40/20/10 meters (modes were not mentioned). Giorgio will sign as YI/IU5HWS and he plans to update his QRZ.com page with more details later. Z8. SOUTH SUDAN. Sigfrido, Z81S, a new operator, was heard active from South Sudan this past Friday on 20 meters SSB between 1630-1730z. He is a members of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). QSL via IT9YVO direct only. ZA, ALBANIA. Joe, HG2DX, will be active as ZA/HG2DX from Orikum between June 21st and July 3rd. Activity will be holiday style on 80-6 meters using CW, RTTY and FT8/FT4. QSL via LoTW, by the Bureau or direct. ZA, ALBANIA. Franz, OE6TQG, will be active as ZA/OE6TQG from Lake Shkodral between September 6-17th. Activity will be on various HF bands using all modes, with 100 watts and a dipole. QSL via his home callsign, direct, by the Bureau or eQSL. ZF, CAYMAN ISLANDS. Colin, G4CWH, will once again be active as ZF2CA from the ZF1A club station on Grand Cayman Islands (NA-016) for the 83rd 2020 BERU (British Commonwealth) Contest (March 14-15th). The length of his stay is unknown at this time. Activity is usually on 160-10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via his home callsign direct. ZF, CAYMAN ISLANDS. Joel, NF3R, will be active as ZF2RJ between March 3-10th. Activity will be limited, but on 40-6 meters using SSB and WSJT-X. His focus will be on the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7-8th). QSL via LoTW. QSOs will also be uploaded to ClubLog. *********************************************************************** TO BE ADDED TO THE OPDX MAILING LIST -- Click or send requests to: Subscribe: (mailto:kb8nw at hotmail.com?subject=subscribe) Unsubscribe: (mailto:kb8nw at hotmail.com?subject=unsubscribe) Just a reminder, you can still obtain the OPDX Bulletins via the OPDX Web page (provided by John, K8YSE) [http://www.papays.com/opdx.html], QRZ.com (under Forums; News; Special Events, Contests.. etc.), several DX Mailing Lists, and two different UseNet Groups (rec.radio.info and rec.radio.amateur.dx). The weekly bulletin (issue # from the OPDX Web page URL) is also posted on the following Media pages: NODXA FaceBook -- https://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation Twitter -- https://twitter.com/kb8nw_opdx 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: (kb8nw at arrl.net) or (kb8nw at hotmail.com) Information can now be faxed to the following phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!) ....... 73 de Tedd KB8NW /EXIT *********************************************************************** Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - E-mail addresses: or 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)