OPDX Bulletin 1095 January 14, 2013

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 1095
BID: $OPDX.1095
January 14, 2013
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio)

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network, ARRL Letter, K1XN & GoList, NC1L, NJ1Q & W1AW, W2VU, K3LR, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, N4JF, W4VQ, KH6BZF, K8CX, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, K9EL, W9ILY, 9M6DXX, AT International, DK8JB & The DX News Letter, DK8UH, DL1SBF, DxCoffee.com, DX-World.Net, ES1CW, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, I1HYW, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, P29NO, Pete's DX-Newsdesk, PS7DX, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, SV1DPI, VA3RJ & ICPO and the VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 6th-January, through Sunday, 13th-January there were 219 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4X, 5B, 5R, 5T, 5U, 5W, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7P, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9Q, 9V, 9X, 9Y, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, DL, DU, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FK, FM, FO, FR, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H4, H40, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J8, JA, JT, 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, PJ7, PY, PZ, R1FJ, S2, S5, S7, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TL, TR, TT, TU, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9L, VK9N, VP2E, VP2M, VP2V, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, Z8, 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" (WFWL).

2012 DX SOUND BITES!
Tom, K8CX, has done it again. He has provided DXers with 135 memorable DX sound clips from 2012. Visit Tom's famous "HAM GALLERY" Web at:

http://hamgallery.com/dx2012
While there also check out some of his other features on his Web page, such as: 15 years of "Rare DX Sound Clips" of the past (as well as some clips from the 1960's and 1970's), QSL Card Museum, Dayton Photo Galleries and Tribute to Silent Key Ham Operators. Tom states, "If anyone has any old HF recordings, I would be interested in hearing from them."

5B, CYPRUS
Roman, UR0MC, will be active as 5B/UW2M during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 16-17th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via US0LW.

9M4, SPRATLY ISLANDS
Operators John/9M6XRO, Steve/9M6DXX, James/9V1YC, Ben/DJ0YI/N6MUF, Don/G3BJ, Christian/EA3NT and Tony/KM0O will be active as 9M4SLL from Layang-Layang Island (AS-051) between March 10-18th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. They will have several stations on the air with amplifiers into vertical antennas all within a few meters of the ocean. QSL Manager for this operation is Tim, M0URX (OQRS, direct, by the Bureau, LoTW). Logs will be uploaded to LoTW as quickly as possible after the DXpedition. More details will be forth- coming.

AAW NEWS (How may I register my station for 10th AAW?)
Gianni, I1HYW, reports: "Next month, February, will start the 10th Antarctic Activity Week; here below there is a brief explanation on how to join the Antarctica Activity Week

(see www.waponline.it).
To enter the AAW, it's necessary to get a special callsign (not the home call) issued to celebrate the event, (just for example I have requested as every year, my IR1ANT call issued by the Ministry of Communication of my Country for the AAW event). In alternative, one can use his home callsign adding /AAW, or /ANT, or /WAP, or /A which stands for Antarctica to any special event callsign will be given a WAP reference number to be used during the event. I don't know the law/rules of foreign countries, but the applicant should get in any case an authorization to eventually use his own callsign /ANT or /A etc.... , since just a pure own call is not a special event call, but a classic home call which could not be given a WAP reference number.

Participation is open and hunters can try to contact as many as AAW SES which WAP reference number can be used when applying for WAP Antarctic Awards according to the Award’s rules. The list of participants already registered for the 10th AAW is available at WAP Web site at:

http://www.waponline.it/Default.aspx?tabid=113 "

C6, BAHAMAS
Operators George/W4BUW (C6AGH), Joe/W8GEX (C6DX), Janet/ W8CAA and Joe/AA4NN will be active adjacent to the ocean on Great Exuma Island (NA-001), Bahamas, between January 20-27th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY, with three stations on the air. QSL C6AGH via W4BUW and C6DX via W8GEX.

C6, BAHAMAS
George, KQ8Z/GM0IIO, will once again be active as C6AZZ from Grand Bahama Island (NA-080, WLOTA 0527, WW Loc. FL06UO). This time it will be for the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 16-17th) and the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 2-3rd) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (20m)/ Low-Power entries. He states that he will be on other bands for a few days before and after the contests. If like last time, activity will focus on 6 meters (CW, SSB, FM) if there are any band openings, other- wise on 80-10 meters, mainly CW with some SSB using his Icom 756 Pro3. George will use a 80m OCFD antenna at 40 feet. The 20m antenna will be a full sized 20m delta loop right on the beach vertically polarized with the apex at 40 feet. QSL via KQ8Z.

CQ NEWS (CQ Facebook "Fans" Top 10,000)
Richard, W2VU, Editor of CQ Amateur Radio, reports on January 9th:

"CQ Facebook 'Fans' Top 10,000 Mark - Nearly Half Under Age 45 -- As 2013 began, the number of 'likes' on the CQ Facebook page exceeded 10,000 for the first time. These fans of CQ continue to represent a considerably younger group of ham radio operators than organized ham radio has been reaching through traditional means. CQ has had a page on Facebook since 2010, and the demographics of its fans have remained consistent even at the numbers have grown.

'Over 46% of CQ's Facebook fans are under age 45,' said CQ Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU. 'In addition, fully three-quarters are under age 55 and 20% are under age 35. This is continued proof that there is a signifi- cantly higher number of younger hams 'out there' than we commonly see at club meetings and hamfests. It also shows that reaching these younger hams requires 'meeting them on their turf'.'

Facebook statistics show that CQ's fans are drawn from all over the world, with some 20 countries represented and members in the U.S. accounting for fewer than half of the total. CQ's Facebook page may be found at

https://www.facebook.com/CQMag.
CQ Amateur Radio magazine < www.cq-amateur-radio.com> is the world's leading independent amateur radio publication, with print and digital edition readers in over 100 countries. CQ sponsors more than a dozen amateur radio contests and operating awards, including the world's most popular participation sport, the CQ World Wide DX Contest.

CQ is a publication of CQ Communications, Inc., which also publishes

Popular Communications www.popular-communications.com
CQ VHF www.cq-vhf.com and WorldRadio Online www.worldradiomagazine.com
magazines. In addition, Spanish and Portuguese versions of CQ are published in Spain and Brazil, respectively."
DAYTON HAMVENTION NEWS
* Contest Dinner - Tim, K3LR, Dayton Contest Dinner Chairman reports - [edited] "The North Coast Contesters are proud to announce: The 21st Annual Dayton Contest Dinner

The 2013 Contest Dinner tickets are on sale now exclusively via the Contest Dinner Web site. Thanks to Scott, KA9FOX, and QTH.com for designing, building and running the Contest Dinner Web site:

http://contestdinner.com

Master of Ceremonies for the Dayton Contest Dinner is CQ Contest Hall of Fame member and World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) Chairman, John Dorr, K1AR. Dr. Robert G. Cox, K3EST will be our featured speaker.

The Contest Dinner will be held on Saturday night, May 18th, at 6:30 PM. Cash bar opens at 5:30 PM. Located at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Hotel (Official Contester Hotel) 5th and Jefferson Streets (Next to the Dayton Convention Center) Dayton (Downtown), Ohio in the PRESIDENTIAL BALLROOM on the second floor.

Seating is random. Tables are set in rounds of 10. You can purchase an entire table for your club or group (purchased group tables are set for 8).

Tickets are only available at: http://contestdinner.com
There will be no tickets for sale at the door. Also remember to visit the 25th annual Contest Super Suite (all FOUR nights during Dayton) - details are here: http://contestsupersuite.com We expect another sold out event for the Dayton Contest dinner. Get your tickets early!"

* Dayton Contest University - Tim, K3LR, CTU Chairman, reports [edited]: "I am pleased to announce that early bird registration (lowest fee) is now open for 2013 Dayton ConTest University ('CTU') to be held all day on Thursday May 16, 2013, at the Crowne Plaza in Dayton, Ohio.

Six different countries have hosted CTUs. USA, Germany, Italy, England, Brazil and Finland. CTU Australia will be held in a few weeks. Nearly 2000 students have attended CTUs with more than 60 CTU Professors sharing their contesting experiences.

2013 will be the seventh year in a row for CTU Dayton. The 2013 suggested CTU topics are listed on the CTU web site at:

http://contestuniversity.com

The 2013 CTU Professor line up is outstanding. New 2013 CTU Professors are - K5GN, N0JK, K9YC, K3EST and K6MM. Also past CTU Professors - who will give new papers this year are W3LPL, K1DG, W0YK, NC0B, N6TV, K5ZD, M0DXR and K3LR.

Details and early bird discounted registration information is on the CTU web site at:

http://contestuniversity.com

Important - as we did last year - if you want to sign up for CTU 2013 Dayton and you have given (or will give by Dayton 2013) a talk about Amateur Radio Contesting to any club, hamfest or group since May 20, 2012 - you qualify for a 10.00 USDs registration fee discount. Please choose the 'Registration w/Discount' option to get the 10.00 USDs discount. Spreading the word about contesting is lots of fun and can save you money!

Early CTU student signups will have the opportunity to help select the 2013 Dayton CTU class outline topics. For a limited time, once you have registered, please help construct the CTU curriculum content by going to this survey link:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8XZG5NS
Thanks to all of the CTU sponsors Icom America, Superbertha.com, DX Engineering, CQ Magazine and INRAD for making CTU possible. Thanks to W9PA and K1SO for all of their help with CTU. Special thanks to Scott, KA9FOX from QTH.com for hosting and constructing the CTU web site."

DXCC NEWS
Bill Moore, NC1L, ARRL Awards Branch Manager, is now accepting the following operation for DXCC credit:
3D2C ­ Conway Reef; 2012 Operation
If you had cards previously rejected for this operation please send an E-mail to bmoore@arrl.org to be put on the list for an update.

DX MARATHON (Update)
John, K9EL, CQ DX Marathon Manager, reports [edited]:

"The 2012 DX Marathon ended at 0000z January 1, 2013, and the 2013 Marathon began immediately! Yes, everyone's country and zone count reset to Zero and the race for the most countries and CQ zones for 2013 is underway.

Everyone can participate in the Marathon ­ details and complete rules are available at:

http://www.dxmarathon.com

The deadline for submission of 2012 logs is January 31, 2013. We know an earlier date was published, so the date was extended to avoid any confusion. Next year's deadline will be January 10, 2014.

To submit your score, use the latest Marathon Score Sheet (2012.5) that can be downloaded from the DX Marathon website. If you use computer logging, see the website for links to tools that simplify the submission process. Please note if you are using the ADIF to DX Marathon tool created by Jim, AD1C, make sure you are using the latest version. The tool changes each year in response to DX Marathon changes.

Double-check your submission for errors, making sure all information is filled out at the top of the form, BAND data was used instead of fre- quencies and MODE is either CW, Phone or Digital. SSB is also accepted. If you are entering in Formula Class, be sure to include a detailed description of your antenna. And don't forget to add your comments on the Marathon at the end of the form.

The Marathon offers special awards for single mode and single band sub- missions. Simply enter only QSOs for a particular band or mode and the computer will classify your submission accordingly.

The DX Marathon website offers additional information on pirates and other helpful hints. If you have questions, feel free to contact me at:

john@dxmarathon.com
Once your submission has been computer validated for all required information and proper formatting, your callsign will be listed on the received logs page on the DX Marathon website.

High claimed scores will be published in February and the complete results of the 2012 Marathon will be in the June 2013 issue of CQ Magazine."

DX SURVEY RESULTS (DX Magazine's 2012 Most Wanted Countries Survey)
DX Magazine's has published their Most Wanted Countries. Here are the "Top 20" (in the World-Wide "Weighted" Rankings Mixed Modes) as per DX Magazine (Jan./Feb. issue):

2012                        2011    2012                            2011
Rank Prefix  Country        Rank    Rank Prefix     Country         Rank
---- ------ ------------    ----    ---- ------ -----------------   ----
 1    P5     North Korea     1       11   PY0S   St. Peter and Paul  16
 2    KP1    Navassa Island  2       12   KH5K   Kingman Reef        18
 3    3Y/B   Bouvet          3       13   ZL9    Auckland/Campbell   15
 4    FT5Z   Amsterdam       6       14   KH5    Palmyra             17
 5    VK0/H  Heard Island    4       15   SV/A   Mount Athos         14
 6    FT5/W  Crozet          7       16   E3     Eritrea             24
 7    BS7H   Scarborough     8       17   BV9P   Pratas Island       21
 8    VP8/S  South Sandwich  9       18   FR/JE  Juan de Nova/Europa 20
 9    ZS8    Marion Island   10      19   VP8/G  South Georgia       22
10    FT5T   Tromelin Island 13      20   KH3    Johnston Island     23
The "Top 100" is on the DX Publishing, Inc. Web site at:
http://www.dxpub.net/MOST-WANTED-SURVEY.html

EY, TAJIKISTAN
Nodir, EY8MM, from Dushanbe, will be active during the CQ 160 Meter CW Contest (January 25-27th) as a Single-Op entry. QSL K1BV via direct, by the Bureau or LoTW. Check out his home page at:

http://www.ey8mm.com

FR, REUNION ISLAND
Operator Pierre/F8APV will once again return to Reunion Island (AF-016) this time with Stéphane/F8EOI and be active as FR/F8APV and FR/F8EOI between January 21st and February 8th. Activity will be active on 40-10 meters, using a Buddipole antenna system (longer than standard with telescopic long whip) and with a focus on 30 meters CW and 20 meters SSB. QSL via their home callsigns. ADDED NOTE: Pierre will accept skeds at: pierre.goasguen.f8apv@gmail.com

FY, FRENCH GUYANA
Marc, F1HAR, will be active as FY5KE in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 2-3rd) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (15m)/High-Power entry. QSL via LoTW, by the REF Bureau or direct to FY5KE.

GB6, ENGLAND (Special Event)
Operator Herbie/G6XOU and friends will be operating as GB6WLB between January 19-27th, as part of the RNLI SOS Radio week. They will operate on most HF bands from Walton on the Naze, in Essex, England. (EU-005, WAB TM22, Loc. JO01PU). Herbie is a keen PSK operator, and this call has been registered as EPC #19125. QSL via G6XOU - please see (QRZ.com) for details. All logs will be uploaded to eQSL.cc. Event details are on the Web site at

www.sosradioweek.org.uk

IOTA NEWS
EU-145. Operators Colin/G3VCQ, Andy/M0GAV and Sharon/M3VCQ will be active as CT7ACG (callsign pending) from Culatra Island (DIA Ai-01, DIP AL-001, PIP ST-019, WLOTA 0144) between July 26-29th. Activity will include an entry in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 27-28th). Outside of the contest, look for the team members to be active on all bands and modes. QSL direct or by the Bureau to CT7ACG. Look for updates at:

http://www.sheffield-live.co.uk

NA-143. Joe, K5KUA, will once again activate Galveston Island (USI TX001S, Galveston county, Texas) between January 18-21st. Activity will be CW only on 40-10 meters, mainly 40/20m as conditions and time permits. QSL via K5KUA, direct or by the Bureau.

SA-050. Jose, CE8DMT, is now active from Puerto Williams on Navarino Island. His length of stay is unknown at this time. Activity has been on 40 and 15 meters SSB. QSL via his home callsign. SA-096. (A CALL FOR HELP/Donations) Lutz, DK8UH, Secretary & QSL Manager of GDXF, informs OPDX readers [edited]: "The GDXF has supported the LU6W DXpedition, which a short time ago activated the South American IOTA group SA-096 for the first time ever. The experienced crew with Cezar/VE3LYC, Johan/PA3EXX, as well as members of the Radio Club Puerto Madryn, experienced consider- able difficulties on the island of Escondida. Both a team and a boat crew member were so severely injured, that an immediate return was required for medical attention. Items already off- loaded had to be immediately secured and left on the island, but were then lost to the heavy seas. This loss of several radios, antennas, a laptop and other equipment has hit the team hard financially. Further details can be read at:

http://lu8w.yosalite.com
The GDXF requests anyone who wishes to help to please donate to the LU6W team. All received donations will be forwarded and a list for accountability purposes will be published. For donations from outside of Germany:
PayPal - schmadel@ari.uni-heidelberg.de
Or for direct transfer:
Account holder: GDXF c/o Schmadel
Bank: Volksbank Neckartal eG
BIC: GENODE61NGD
IBAN: DE116729170000262036 00 "

J3, GRENADA
Bob, G3PJT, will be active as J34G from Grenada (NA-024, WLOTA 0718) between March 5-20th. Activity will probably be holiday style using a K2 w/100 watts and vertical antennas. He plans to also be in the RSGB's 75th Commonwealth Contest (March 9-10th). Look for him outside of the contest, especially on 80 and 30 meters. QSL via his home callsign.

J7, DOMINICA
Operators Bernie/W3UR (Editor of "The Daily DX") and his father Tony/N3ME will be active from Dominica (NA-101) between the end of January and early February. Their schedule and callsigns are as follows:

J77A - Operator Bernie; between January 22nd-February 1st
J76A - Operator Tony; between January 22nd-February 11th
ADDED NOTE: Their special prefixes represent the year they received their amateur radio license (1976 and 1977).

Activity will be during their spare time and on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via their home callsigns, direct or by the Bureau or LoTW.

JD1, MINAMI TORISHIMA
Take, JG8NQJ, will once again be active as JG8NQJ/JD1 from Marcus Island in the Minami Torishima (OC-073) group starting January 15th. He is there to work on the island's weather station and will stay until mid-April. Activity will be mainly on 17/15/12/10 meters CW. QSL via his home callsign, by the Bureau or direct to JA8CJY: Susumu 'Sin' Sanada, 5-17, 5-4, Shin-Ei, Toyohira, Sapporo 004, Japan. Online log is available at:

http://dx.qsl.net/cgi-bin/logform.cgi?jd1-jg8nqj

KH6BZF PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (January 14-20th)

 Jan/14th  AN      Jan/17th  AN      Jan/19th  AN
 Jan/15th  AN      Jan/18th  AN      Jan/20th  AN
 Jan/16th  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
OH0, ALAND ISLAND
Operators Juha/OH1JT, Ari/OH5DX and Tomi/OH6EI will be active as OH0Z during the CQ 160 Meter CW Contest (January 25-27th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via W0MM.

P2, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Update)
Nao, JA2VQP, who has been in PNG since September 26, 2012, and will be there for the next two years, informs OPDX of the following update. He is a volunteer of JICA (Japanese ODA) teaching mathematics at the Divine Word University in Wewak, East Sepic Province (north coast of PNG main land). He states that he has received a full PNG license, P29NO, thanks to some advice by Renzo, P29FR.

Nao, states,

"Recently, I brought my FT-857 and a antenna tuner from Japan. There is wide space to build up antennas, but I have no materials. I would like to start with a long wire. I would appreciate if anyone could send me materials to make antennas. Blacking out is very frequent, and the internet condition is really bad. I've not decided the QSL Manager yet. I have applied for the LoTW. I'll be in Port Moresby, the capital city of PNG, starting Jan. 19th, and stay for a week. Then I'll be able to get other things there. I will try to be active at Wewak by the end of this month, maybe. I can operate CW, SSB and RTTY. I am thinking of other modes."
So begin looking for P29NO in the coming months. Watch (QRZ.com) for updates.

PW7, BRAZIL (Special Event)
Look for members of the Natal Digital Group

http://natal-digital-group.blogspot.com.br
to activate special event station PW7F between January 18-20th. Activity is to celebrate the 413th anniversary of "Fortaleza dos Reis Magos" or also known as "Forte dos Reis Magos", located in the city of Natal, state of Rio Grande do Norte, BRAZIL. See (QRZ.com) for some pictures. Operations will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. Operators mentioned are Ed/PS7DX, Nazareno/ PS7NN, Mac/PS7GL, Carlos/PS7KC and Nat/PS7HD. QSL Manager is PS7HD.

QSL INFO AND NEWS

  QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (dated January 13th)
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3Z21WOSP via SP5YOW        DR13IGS via DL9HCO        OE2013U via OE3GCU
  4L1HD via DL8KAC           EA8/DL8JJ/M via DL8JJ     OP2A via ON5CD
  4O7CC via UA4CC            EI8BLB via EI3JB          OX3LX via OZ1PIF
  5Z4/DL7UCX via DL7UCX      EM7AAA via UT1AN          OZ/F4BKV via F4BKV
  5Z4/EA4ATI via EA4YK       GB2GP via GI4FUM          PJ2/W1MJ via W1MJ
  7X5NZ via EA7FTR           GB4FE via M1EDF           SL7BT via SM7GUY
  9X0PY via SM6CPY           HB0/HB9LCW via HB9LCW     SQ0WOSP via SP7YLD
  A61E via IZ8CLM            HF5WOSP via SP5PPK        T88CP via JA6UBY
  A71BO via A71A             HF21WOSP via SP9PDG       UA2FL via RN3RQ
  AE6XY/VK9L via JA1CJA      HS0ZJS via HB9PHJ         UE75VV via RW0UM
  CE2AWW via VE7WY (d)       IZ0UIL via M0OXO          W7AVO/VK9L via JA3AVO
  CN8KD via EA5XX            KH7XS/W4 via K4XS (d)     XR3Y via XQ7UP
  CT8/EA5KA via EA5KA        LU8EEM via LU7DR          XV9NPS via JA2NPS
  CT9/MJ0ASP via MJ0ASP      LZ20TRC via LZ1YE         YP10KQT via YO2KQT
  DL/F4BKV via F4BKV         LZ60RCP via LZ1JZ         Z320L via Z34M
  DM0E via DL6UKW            OE2013E via OE4VIE
  DN4SB via DG1EA            OE2013LWV via OE9LWV


             (d) direct only   (B) Bureau only  (L) LoTW only
CORRECT QSL ROUTE FOR V25A. Please take note that the current V25A QSL Manager is NOT W9NJB. The V25A callsign has been reassigned to KG2A in 2012, and he apparently only responds to direct QSL requests. W9NJB cannot handle these cards for 2012 and after.

POSTAL INCREASE (Italy). Gianni, I1HYW, informs OPDX that in 2013 an increase in Postal rate has reached a huge amount! He states, "Just to inform DXers of the new postal rate in force since Jan. 1st, 2013, in Italy. Within Italy the rate goes from 0.60 to 0.70 cents, within Europe, from 0.75 to 0.85 cents. From Italy to North & South America, Africa & Asia, the rate goes from 1.60 Euro to 2.00 Euro. From Italy to Australia & Oceania from 2.00 Euro to 2.50 Euro. The USDs is trading in Italy to the value of 1 Euro = 1.3056 USD or 1 USD = 0.7659 Euro; that means it is necessary for 3 USDs to cover postal expense to deliver a letter to North & South America, Africa & Asia and 4 USDs to Australia & Oceania.

It’s embarrassing to say that, but this is unfortunately, the situation that affects not only this country but I think, the entire globe. As QSL Manager of quite a few different foreign callsigns, I am therefore sorry to say that if there isn't a sufficient postal coverage, I can't deliver your QSL cards direct, nor put them in the bureau as for that, I should pay an extra costs (ARI asks about 35 USD/year for each different foreign callsign managed by the Italian bureau). I trust, in your understanding, and I suggest eventually to join your friends and send a cumulative requests in one envelope to share the costs (at least when you QSL through I1HYW)."

LOTW UPDATE. The ARRL's Web page and Letter report: "The processing queue for Logbook of The World (LoTW) -- the ARRL's online log processing system -- has been shrinking steadily since Monday, January 7th, when the system was brought back online after the completion of previously announced maintenance involving the installation of a new database server equipped with solid state drives (SSDs). Since then, the system has been stable and, as expected, the SSDs are proving to be much faster. As of January 9th, the delay between a file being uploaded and processed is about 8 days and is dropping by one day approximately every 10 hours."

TIME TO UPDATE YOUR GS-IRC CHART. Bill, W9OL, states that this is the 15th year for his GS/IRC Chart and it's time to update the information/ data again. (U.S. Postage rates increase effective January 27, 2013)

Bill states, "Please take a look at the GS-IRC Chart and let me know of any changes in postage for the country YOU reside in. There is a lot of OLD data that I have NOT received updates on. If you live in or have a friend who resides in these missing countries, please elicit his help in obtaining the new information."

The current chart resides at:

http://www.qsl.net/w9ol/IRC_Chart.htm
If you wish to download the whole file, go to:
http://www.qsl.net/w9ol/IRC_Chart.xls

QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 5T0SP,5V7TH, 5W1SA, 7P8D, 8R1PY, C6AKQ, CT1JOP, FM/S35R, H7/AJ9C, HR2/NP3J, IQ3UD, J6/N7QT, JR1GMK, P40W, PJ2/K2PLF, PJ4D, RI1ANF, T77C, TG9IDX, TO9R, V31MW, V31YK, V73CW, VE3RZ and WP3A

QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 3V8BB, 5V7TH, 7Z7AB, 9Y4LAS, A45XR, C5A, C50C, C6AUM, C6AZZ, E51AIU, EL2A, EL2DT, KH2/N2NL, LZ1ANA, P29NI, P29VPB, P29VCX, TF/VE3IKV, V63PR, VU3BPZ/mm and WA4DAN/CY0

QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 5R8IC, 5R8X, 6O3A, 7X2ARA, 9K2/SP4R, 9M2/SQ9UM, 9M4SLL, 9M8DX/2, 9V1VV, 9V1WW, 9V40VV, 8R1PY, 9X0TL, BD1BYV, BV2WR, BW1/VR2RR, BX2AJ, BX2AN, CE0Y/LA5UF, DA2MORSE, E51MAN, EA9/G3TXF, FM/AI5P, HF36POL, HL5BLF, HR9/AI5P, J5NAR, KH8/AI5P, LZ20HR, LZ907SKB, LZ1363PTT, MU/F5CWU, PJ5/SP6EQZ, PJ5/SP6IXF, T2XG, T6MB, T8XO, TA2DA, TC4X, TO5T, TO8A, TX4T, TX6T/P, V5/DK1CE, VP2MXF, VP6T, XF3LH, XX9TTR, YB26SEAG, YB0DJ, YB0NDT, ZD8XF and ZX8C

ST, SUDAN
Lourens, ZS6AKB, is currently active as ST2/ZS6AKB when mobile in the Darfur region of Sudan. The length of his stay is not known, but he was heard on 20 meters January 10th - between 1600-1640z on 14181 kHz. He used a FT857 with a Tarrheel 11 antenna. Lourens normally lives in a small suburb (Eastvale) of a town called Springs approximately 70 Km east of Johannesburg.

SU, EGYPT
Gerd, DJ5IW, will once again be active as SU/DJ5IW from El Fardous between January 14th and February 8th. Activity will be limited to his spare time and mainly on 40/20/17/15/12/10 meters CW only using a IC-756 PRO with 100 watts. There will be no 80m, 30m and RTTY because it is not allowed in Egypt. QSL via his home callsign.

TO1, FRENCH GUYANA
Herve, F5HRY, will be active as TO1A in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 2-3rd) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (10m)/High-Power entry. QSL via LoTW.

TRIATHLON DX CONTEST
Kostas, SV1DPI, Triathlon DX Contest's Manager, is inviting everyone to participate in the "1st Triathlon DX Contest". The Triathlon will take place the first full weekend of February every year. This year it will be on Saturday, February 2nd. Kostas states,

"We are trying to simulate the original Triathlon athletic event. So we involved 3 major ham radio modes, RTTY, SSB and CW. It will be a 24 hour non-stop event divided in 3 sections, each one devoted to a different mode.

We start at 0000z on Saturday, February 2nd, with RTTY until 0759z. After that we continue from 0800z with SSB until 1559z, and finally there is the CW part starting at 1600z until 2359z. The exchange is simple; just 59(9) and serial number... Multipliers are the DXCC entities in every mode and band plus the number of different Greek stations you will work during the entire contest. There are simple mode categories and mixed mode as well. Also you can make your own teams and participate in team contesting also. The best of all is that the winner will get a wonderful prize: 10 days all paid for 2 persons in Zakynthos Island (EU-052) in Greece, offer of Xenos Hotels Group. You can find more info as well as the complete rules in several languages at:

http://www.triathlon-dx-contest.gr
We are looking for your participation...
73... de Triathlon-DX-Contest team dxtriathlon@gmail.com"
VK9C, LORD HOWE ISLAND
Tomas, VK2CCC (aka LY1F), will once again be active as VK9LL between September 22-29th. Activity will be limited to his spare time with a focus on 160/80 meters. QSL via LoTW, and by the Bureau or direct via VK2CCC. For updates and possibly more details, watch the following Web pages:
http://www.qrz.com/db/VK9LL
(Web page from his 2010 operation) http://www.qrz.lt/ly1df/vk9clh.htm

XV, VIETNAM (IOTA Op!)
Just a reminder that operators Sei/JA7LU and Hiroo/JA2VWG will be active as XV4LU and XV4DDD, respectively, from Phu Quoc Island (AS-128) between January 12-16th (2013). Activity will be on 40/20/17/15/12/10 meters using SSB and RTTY. See (QRZ.com) for details on QSL information.

YN, NICARAGUA
Scott, K7ZO, will once again be active as YN5ZO during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 2-3nd) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. He usually operates "Field Day Style" using a 5 band Spiderbeam and 40m dipole on a push up mast. The radio is a TS-590 driving a KPA-500 amp. QSL via LoTW and K7ZO, direct or by the Bureau. Look for Scott to be active before the contest as well.

Z8, SOUTH SUDAN
Ken, K4ZW, is currently active as Z81Z from Juba. His length of stay is unknown at this time, but some reports say a month. Activity will be 80-10 meters CW. He was heard this past week on 40/20/15 meters. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by LoTW.

ZF, CAYMAN ISLANDS
Dick, WN3R, will be once again active as ZF2RW from Grand Cayman Island (NA-016, WLOTA 1042) between February 20-26th. Activity will be on all HF bands and modes. QSL via his home callsign direct (see (QRZ.com)).

ZK3, TOKELAU (Update)
Operators Hans/DL6JGN and Guenter/DL2AWG will be active as ZK3N from Nukunonu Atoll (OC-048) between April 23rd and May 8th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. They will be using a TS590 with a Tokyo Hy-Power solid state amp; K3 with a 500 watt solid state amp; AV640 and Tripod Leg for 40-10 and GP for 80m. QSL via DL2AWG. Subject to a reliable Internet connection, they will upload their log to ClubLog on a daily basis. Otherwise, the complete log will be uploaded upon their return. There is a ZK3N Web page available at:

http://www.tokelau2013.de

** IMPORTANT NOTICE/REMINDER **
The Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin now has a new FAX number.
Contributors can now send/fax their DX information to the following number:
1-419-828-7791 ( F A X only! )

SPECIAL NOTE BY EDITOR:
If you are having a problem receiving bounced mail by sending mail to me via " kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org ",
please send mail to me via " kb8nw@arrl.net "...... TNX de Tedd KB8NW

PLEASE NOTICE (as of February 12, 2007), NEW ADDRESS CHANGES FOR THE OPDX INTERNET HELP/SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE REQUEST:

Help: opdx-request@barf80.org Subject:help
Subscribe: opdx-request@barf80.org Subject:subscribe
Unsubscribe: opdx-request@barf80.org Subject:unsubscribe

OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME (provided by John, K8YSE (k8yse@papays.com):
http://www.papays.com/opdx.html

ALSO VISIT THE NORTHERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB HOME PAGE:
http://www.nodxa.org

http://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation

Excerpts and distribution of The OPDX Bulletin are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receive credit.
To contribute DX info, please send via InterNet Mail to:
kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org
- OR -
kb8nw@arrl.net

Information can now be faxed to the following "NEW" phone line at:
1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!)

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