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/Sent 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, César/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@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.
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