OPDX Bulletin 1517 May 23, 2021
OPDX Bulletin 1517 May 23 2021

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 1517
BID: $OPDX.1517
May 23, 2021
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, W3UR & The Daily DX, W4VQ, K8YSE,
W8GEX & 60m DX News, DL1SBF, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DXNews.com,
DX-World.Net, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News,
OZ3ACB, Sixitalia Weekly, S58MU and VA3RJ & ICPO for the following DX
information.

        "Celebrating 30 years (March 1991) of FREE DX News"

  SPECIAL NOTE FROM EDITOR KB8NW: There will not be a bulletin on June 7th.
  However, if I receive any special announcements I will send them out.
  PLEASE continue to send me your DX information (You never know what I
  might do while taking in the sun with the family at Panama City Beach,
  FL).

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the
week of Sunday, 16th/May, through Sunday, 23rd/May there were 214 countries
active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S,
4U1U, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5U, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7P, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 8R,
9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9V, 9Y, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV,
BY, C3, C5, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D4, DL, DU,
E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, F, FG,
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, HV, HZ, I, IS, J6, J7, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, 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, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ5, PY, PZ, S0, S2, S5,
S7, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T5, T7, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TL, TR, TU,
TY, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VP2E, VP2M,
VP8, VP8/h, VR, VU, XE, XW, YB, YI, YJ, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2,
Z3, Z6, Z8, ZA, ZB, ZC4, 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".

3D2, FIJI (Operators NOT VALID For DXCC). It has been reported by a few
sources that the ARRL DXCC Desk is saying operations by 3D2DOM, 3D2JK
and 3D2ZK are NOT valid for DXCC. Also, Mike, G7VJR, author of ClubLog,
reported on Twitter (https://twitter.com/g7vjr/) that "3D2ZK is now
suspended from using the expedition mode and OQRS in ClubLog". There has
also been a report that John, K9EL, CQ DX Marathon Manager, states "any
QSOs with 3D2ZK will not count for the 2021 DX Marathon". For more details
on why these actions have taken place, we suggest or refer you to the
following Web page:             http://3z9dx-busted.com

5N, NIGERIA (Update). "The Daily DX" reports that Jean-Louis, F5MAW
(aka ZS6AAG, 3DA0MF, C91MSF and TT8JLH) who is now active as 5N7MSF
from Abuja will be there until Septmber 15th. As mentioned last week,
Jean-Louis is there working for the Médecins Sans Frontières [MSF](Doctors
Without Borders), so his on air time will be limited, and he will try to
be on after his working hours and Saturdays and Sundays. It suggested to
watch 20/15 meters (14122 and 21170 kHz; after 1645z). "The Daily DX"
also mentions that Jean-Louis "is hoping to get gear from South Africa
to work the QO-100 satellite." QSL is currently only via eQSL.

5U, NIGER. Adrien, F4IHM, is back on the air again as 5UAIHM and be active
until June 27th. Activity is very limited, but he was heard this past
week on 20 meters CW between 1800-2030z (watch between 14032-14040 kHz).
QSL via F4IHM, direct or by the Bureau.

8J, JAPAN (Special Event). Seiji, JA2ATE, is now active as 8J2I to cele-
brates the 100th anniversary of the founding of Ichinomiya City until
the end of February 2022. Most of the activity has been on 160-12 meters
using FT8/FT4. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the Bureau.

8Q, MALDIVES. Nobby, G0VJG, will once again be active as 8Q7CQ between
September 28th and October 13th. This will be his third trip there, but
this time he will be active from the Island of Innahura (AS-013). Activity
will be on 80-10 meters (this now includes 60m) using SSB and the Digital
modes. His equipment will be a FT-450D or FT857 with a JUMA 1000 watt amp
into HF6V Butternut vertical for the HF bands and a link dipole. QSL via
M0OXO's OQRS or direct.

CTU AND HAMVENTION FORUMS 2021 (Now on YouTube.com). In case you missed
the Contest University 2021 on May 20th, and the Hamvention Forums on
May 21st, they are now available online.
  * Hamvention Forums is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZhL979mgas

  * CTU 2001 is here:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-esob7BPtc
    The complete program is about 8 hours and 15 minutes long. Here is
    an excerpt of the program list:
     W3LPL  - "Preparing Your Station for Competition"
     M0DXR  - "Contest Categories - Make the Most of Your Entry"
     K1AR   - Memorial reading of the Silent Keys for 2021
     DK6SP  - "Youth - the Future of Contesters"
     UA9BA  - "Contesting from Russia"
     CT1BOH - "There is Nothing Magic About Propagation"
     NC0B   - "Transceiver Performance for the HF DX and Contest Operator"
     Wrap up N9JA and K3LR
     K1AR   - 2021 CQ Contest Hall of Fame Presentation
     -- Four ICOM Radios were given away during CTU at random times --

HB0, LIECHTENSTEIN. Loick, HB9HBY, will once again be active as HB0/HB9HBY
from the small village of Steg, Liechtenstein, between June 30th and July
4th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters, including 30/17/12m, using CW, SSB
and FT8/FT4. QSL via EB7DX. Look for updates on the following media pages:
                  Facebook -- https://facebook.com/hb9hby
                  Twitter  -- https://twitter.com/hb9hby

HH, HAITI. Peter, JK1UWY (ex-9J2HN/6W1SE/5N0NHD), is now active as HH2JA
from Pétion-ville, Haiti, possibly for the next 3 years. Activity will
be limited as time permits on 80-6 meters using CW, SSB and FT8. This
past weekend he was heard on 20/15 meters FT8 between 2000-2330z. QSL
via LoTW or eQSL.

INDXC NEWS (2021 Convention Is Now Over). All presentations were recorded
and will be available May 21, 2021, on the Northern California DX Club's
(NCDXC) web site at:          https://ncdxc.org/idxc-2021

INTREPID DX GROUP NEWS (Press Release by Paul, N6PSE, dated May 16th).
  [edited] From the International DX Convention:
    The Intrepid-DX Group is pleased to announce the recipient of the
  annual "Intrepid Spirit Award". We are pleased to have received so
  many worthy nominations to consider.
    This year's award goes to a notable DXer Johannes Hafkenscheid, 5T5PA,
  who was very active while living and working in Mauritania throughout
  2020.
    This award is to recognize Johannes's outstanding efforts to activate
  Mauritania during the Covid-19 Pandemic. We recognize Johannes's unselfish
  act to activate this challenging and much needed entity on behalf of a
  grateful Global DX Community. During 2020, Johannes made 35,000 contacts
  and made a total of 192,514 contacts during his years of activity from
  Mauritania.
    It is for these reasons that we honor him with our Intrepid Spirit
  Award, presented at the International DX Convention, on May 16th, 2021.

    This "Intrepid Spirit Award" is made in memory of our fallen friend
  and member, James McLaughlin, T6AF, who was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan
  in April, 2011.
    The award is intended to recognize and honor those individuals or
  teams that boldly activate rare entities where their own personal safety
  is secondary to their pursuit of providing contacts to the DX Community.
  While we do not encourage DXers to go into harm's way, we recognize that
  circumstances sometimes require that and we recognize those Intrepid
  Dxers with the Intrepid Spirit Award.

  Thank you,
  Paul S. Ewing-N6PSE, President & Founder of The Intrepid-DX Group
                    ----------------------------------------

IOTA NEWS. The following are IOTA operations that were active this past
week between May 17-22nd (as per the DXCluster):

    IOTA     Callsign     Island/GROUP            Bands/Modes
   ------    ----------   -------------           ------------
   AF-004    EA8AUW       CANARY                  40m; SSB
   AF-004    EA8JK        CANARY                  17m; SSB
   AF-019    IG9OSC       Linosa      80/40/30/20/17/15/12/10m; CW/SSB/FT8
   AF-022    ZD7FT        ST HELENA               20m; SSB
   AF-024    S79LA        SEYCHELLES              15m; FT8
   AN-010    DT8A         King George             40/17m; FT8
   AS-007    8J1OLYMPIC/1 HONSHU                  17m; CW
   AS-007    JE1SSE       HONSHU                  17m; SSB
   AS-007    JR7TKG       HONSHU                  17m; SSB
   AS-007    JS1KSU       HONSHU                  17m; SSB
   AS-047    JS6TWW       Daito                   30m; FT8
   AS-032    JH7IPR/P     OSUMI                   10m; FT8
   EU-002    OH0CO        ALAND                   80m; FT8
   EU-004    EA6SK        BALEARIC                10m; FT8
   EU-004    EA6T         BALEARIC                10m; SSB
   EU-005    GW0ADC       GREAT BRITAIN           20m; SSB
   EU-009    MM7ARJ       ORKNEY                  30m; FT8
   EU-013    GH5DX        JERSEY                  10m; FT8
   EU-014    TK4QL        CORSICA                 20m; SSB
   EU-016    9A4W         DALMATIA SOUTH          20m; CW
   EU-018    OY1CT        FAROE                   20/10m; CW
   EU-018    OY1DZ        FAROE                   30m; FT8
   EU-018    OY1R         FAROE                   30/10m; CW/FT8
   EU-021    TF2CT        ICELAND                 30m; FT8
   EU-023    9H1TT        MALTA                   20m; SSB
   EU-025    IT9ESW       SICILY                  20m; CW
   EU-025    IT9MRM       SICILY                  20m; FT4
   EU-025    IT9YMM/P     SICILY                  20m; SSB
   EU-026    JW5E         SPITSBERGEN             20m; SSB
   EU-030    OZ1NKS/P     BORNHOLM                40m; SSB
   EU-031    IC8DAK       CAMPANIA REGION         20m; SSB
   EU-036    LA1EOA/P SOR-TRONDELAG/MORE OG ROMSDAL COUNTY NORTH 20m; SSB
   EU-041    IW1FRU       MADDALENA               40m; SSB
   EU-042    DK8OL  SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN STATE NORTH WEST 10m; CW
   EU-061    LA1DHA  VEST AGDER TO OSTFOLD COUNTY 20m; SSB
   EU-062    LA1EOA  NORDLAND/NORD-TRONDELAG COUNTY 20m; SSB
   EU-115    MI0AIH       IRELAND                 10m; SSB
   EU-115    MI0JZZ       IRELAND                 10m; FT8
   EU-115    MI7DGO       IRELAND                 20m; FT8
   EU-116    GD0TEP       Isle of Man             10m; FT8
   EU-116    GD1JND       Isle of Man             17m; SSB
   EU-128    DL6MHW SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN STATE EAST 40/20m; CW/SSB
   EU-131    IK3PQH/P     VENETO REGION           40m; SSB
   EU-175    CU3AC        CENTRAL                 10m; FT8
   EU-175    CU3HN        CENTRAL                 15m; FT8
   EU-181    LZ1UBO       BULGARIA                20m; SSB
   NA-015    CO7FR        CUBA                    40m; CW
   NA-015    CO8LY        CUBA                    30m; CW
   NA-016    ZF1DM        CAYMAN                  20m; SSB
   NA-018    XP3A         GREENLAND               30m; FT8
   NA-022    VP2ETE       ANGUILLA                20m; SSB
   NA-040    NL0H         St Lawrence             20m; SSB/FT8
   NA-059    NL8F         FOX                     20m; FT8
   NA-099    KP4JRS       PUERTO RICO             17m; FT8
   NA-099    WP4V         PUERTO RICO             20m; SSB
   NA-105    FS5PL        ST MARTIN               20m; SSB
   NA-106    KP2M         VIRGIN                  20m; CW
   NA-112    KW4JM      NORTH CAROLINA STATE WEST 20m; CW
   OC-001    VK2CR        Australia               20m; SSB
   OC-001    VK2GJC       Australia               20m; SSB
   OC-016    3D2TS     VITI LEVU AND VANUA LEVU   17m; FT8
   OC-016    3D2ZK     VITI LEVU AND VANUA LEVU   20/17m; FT4
   OC-019    WH6R         HAWAIIAN                20m; CW
   SA-006    PJ4EL        BONAIRE                 15m; FT8
   SA-012    YV7PMG       NUEVA ESPARTA STATE     20m; FT8
   SA-020    FY5HB        FRENCH GUIANA           20m; SSB
   SA-036    P41E         ARUBA                   15m; FT8
   SA-099    PJ2GT        CURACAO                 20m; SSB
   SA-099    PJ2LS        CURACAO                 20m; FT8

  ** Thanks to the individuals who put the island/group and mode
     on their QSNs on their PacketCluster reports. The format we
     suggest is "Mode/IOTA#/Island or Group" (ex. FT8/OC-146/Celebes).

  EU-008.  Paul, G4PVM, will be active as GM4PVM from the Isle of Lismore
           (WW Loc. IO76FM, WAB NM84) between June 29th and July 4th.
           Activity will be holiday style on 40-10 meters using CW and
           SSB, with 100 watts into a vertical antenna. QSL via LoTW,
           eQSL (no cards) or ClubLog for IOTA.

  EU-090.  Operators Mato/9A3SM, Miran/S50O, Silvo/S50X, Hubi/S53Z and
           Milan/S58MU will be active as 9A/homecall (except 9A3SM) or
           possibly a special callsign (pending) from the Velika Palagruza
           Island (EU-090, IOCA CI-084, WLOTA LH-0057 & CLH-100, ARLHS
           CRO-012 and WW Loc. JN82DJ) between July 7-31st. Milan informs
           OPDX, "There are not enough beds in the lighthouse, which makes
           us limited in the number of operators." Activity will be on
           80-10 meters using CW and SSB. Their activity will also include
           the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 24-25th). QSL info TBA.

  EU-137.  (Update) Last week we mentioned that Anders, OZ3ACB, will be
           active as SM7/OZ3ACB from Ven Island sometime during mid-May.
           Anders informed OPDX of the following this past week [edited]:
           "I will be active throughout the summer in my spare time (pri-
           marily weekends) from the Island of Ven located in the sound
           between Denmark and Sweden. I had hoped to be active during
           last weekend, but the weather is currently a bit unsettled
           here in Denmark and I need fairly good weather to take the
           boat to Ven and operate outside. Next weekend (May 22-23rd)
           looks better, so I'm crossing my fingers and the weather will
           surely improve in the coming weeks! I will be active on the
           HF bands (40-10m) depending on band conditions. Primarily with
           digimodes, but also a bit of SSB. The rig is an FT-991 and
           I'm using multiband EFHW antennas." QSL via LoTW and eQSL
           (preferred), or direct to his home callsign. There will be
           a log search on ClubLog.

  EU-180.  Russian operators Oleg/R7LP, Ivan/UA6MF, Tom/R6AW, Yuri/RX6CM,
           Sergey/RU3EG, Sergey/RX3F and Maxim/RU5D will be active as
           R24NEW from Bakal'skiy (Peschanyi) Island between June 22-27th.
           Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and FT8, with
           three stations on the air. Operators may also use their home
           callsigns and sign homecall/p. QSL R24NEW via UA6MF, direct,
           by the Bureau or ClubLog's OQRS.

  NA-018/  Bo, OZ1DJJ, will once again be active as OX3LX from Greenland,
  NA-151/  (NA-018), Greenland's Coastal South East (NA-151) and Green-
  NA-220.  land's Coastal South West Island Groups between June 8th and
           July 10th. Dates can be changed; watch QRZ.com. Bo states,
           "I plan to be QRV 8th of June from locator GP60XR. My QTH on
           Google maps (https://www.google.com/maps/@60.71574,-46.02133,121m/data=!3m1!1e3),
           but will also be QRV from other locators GP70 and GP80 and
           maybe more. Main focus is 6m and 4m but you will find me on
           HF too." So as in the past, activity will be on 40-4 meters
           with a focus 50 and 70 MHz. When not active, he will run a
           WSPR beacon on 40-6 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, watch QRZ.com or his Web page at:
                 http://geronne.dk/index.php/ox3lx/ox3lx-dxped

  NA-048.  (Update) Operators Juan/AC6ZM, Richard/KN4CV, Linda/KN4KJC,
           Duane/N4RRR, Jack/K4KSW, Danuta/KK4PHD, Terry/N4QBS, Jack/NN2T
           and Steven/WA8Y will  be active as C6AHA from Bimini Island
           (USI FL05) between July 14-21st. Activity will be on 160-10
           meters using CW, SSB and FT8. They expect to possibly have 5
           radios using "beams - Hy-Gain TH3-MK4, Cushcraft MA5B, 40/80m
           Delta loops and Verticals. Their goal is to aim for Europe
           and Australia (for those who need them for the DXCC), and
           others that need the grid or island. DJ states, "I know it's
           not a Rare DX but it is a rare Island & grid. Great DxPedition
           for us Handi-hams and a vacation for the wife with the Covid
           restrictions going on." ADDED NOTE: Jack, K4KSW, also mentions
           that "C6AHC is a temporary callsign assigned to K4KSW by the
           Bahamian Government. Our team will be on the Island of Bimini
           in July operating CW, SSB, and FT8 DXpedition mode. We plan
           to QSL via eQSL, ClubLog and LoTW. We plan to accecpt and mail
           QSL cards direct for a nominal fee to cover the cost of
           postage."

  NA-112.  Alex, AK4AM, will be active as AK4AM/P from Bogue Banks (WW
           Loc. FM14pq) between June 26th and July 3rd. Activity will
           be on 160-6 meters with a focus on 80/40/20m using SSB only
           with a Yaesu FT-991A into an Ultimax Antennas DX Extreme 124'
           End-Fed Halfwave antenna about 300' from the ocean waves. See
           his setup on QRZ.com. Alex also plans to be in the 2021 ARRL
           Field Day (June 26-27th). QSL via LoTW.

  NA-168.  Operators Allan/KV4T and XYL Bridget/KS4YT will once again be
           active from Grand Isle between May 29th and June 1st. Activity
           will be on 40/20 meters using FT8/FT4. QSL via their home
           callsigns, LoTW or eQSL.
           
  OC-164.  John, VK6NU, will be active as VK6NU/p from Rottnest Island
           between May 25-28th. Activity will be holiday style on 40-10
           meters using CW and SSB, with a FT-857 and small amp into a
           vertical. Suggested times are 0600-1000z, 1130-1500z and
           2200-0100z. QSL via VK6NU.

  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......

JW0W SVALBARD DXPEDITION NEWS (Updates)......
  * Ken, LA7GIA, posted the following on FaceBook, May 21st [edited]:
     "Unfortunately 2 operators had to withdraw due to personal reasons,
    but we have managed to replace those and hope to be 6 operators when
    departing in July. Going to Prins Karls Island in JW requires a de-
    dicated expensive vessel that will transport us from Longyearbyen to
    the island located in the nature reserve at the west coast. Last
    activation of this island was in 2001. When arriving we will be doing
    dinghy landing with all equipment. The 3Y0J team members will do some
    additional practice runs with the dinghy ; )
      We will focus on NA and Asia outside the IOTA contest, and we will
    do all modes CW, SSB and FTx. Our antennas will be VDAs and verticals
    at the shore close to saltwater with excellent take-off in all direc-
    tions!
      Due to the high risk for polar bear all over the island, we will
    have mandatory 24/7 polar bear watch. We will have several rifles,
    flare guns and other protection. Safety is a high priority and all
    team members will do training at a local shooting range.
      Our budget is roughly 13,000 USDs and we will appreciate donations
    via PayPal to:                    jw0wpk@gmail.com
      Thank you for supporting this trip! All the support will go to
    offset the expensive vessel cost!
      73, JW0J team"
  * Erwann, LB1QI, posted the following on FaceBook, May 21st [edited]:
      New members onboard -- We are very happy to welcome Allan Batievsky,
    EA3HSO, and Ronny onboard our Dxpedition to Prins Karls Forland
   (EU-063) between the 21st and the 26th of July 2021.
     Allan, a well experienced contester and Dxpeditioner, will join the
   operators and Ronny will be in charge of our Security while on the
   island as the risk of being greeted by polar bears at some point of
   our stay is high. We will all have polar bears watch duties but he
   will keep the security at a high level while we concentrate on main-
   taining the antennas and contacting you! Both fellows are a great
   addition to the team.
     We have an internet website (still in construction) but helpful
   should you wish to learn more about the team or support us:
                             http://www.jw0w.no
   Best 73s, The JW0W Team"

   EDITOR'S UPDATED NOTES: Current list of operators now are Allan/EA3HSO,
   Erwann/LB1QI, Harald/LB2HG, Gjermund/LB5GI, Ken/LA7GIA, Peter/LA7QIA
   and Chris/LA8OM. The JW0W FaceBook page is at:
            https://www.facebook.com/groups/288876866220488

OPDX MAILING LIST (Just A Reminder). Details on how to subscribe and
unsubscribe from the "OPDX Mailing List" are at the bottom of this
bulletin. PLEASE pass the word around.... Thanks and 73 de Tedd KB8NW
PLEASE NOTE: OUTLOOK users PLEASE read below.

P4, ARUBA (Reminder). John, W2GD, will once again be active as P40W
between May 25th and June 1st. Activity will be (when time permits) on
the various HF bands, with some focus on the 30/17/12 meters and 160
meters mostly on CW (before and after the contest). His activity will
also include an entry in the upcoming CQWW WPX CW Contest (May 29-30th)
signing as P44W and as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via LoTW or N2MM.
No bureau cards.

PA21, THE NETHERLANDS. Members of the Dutch VERON ARDF Committee have
activated the special event station PA21ARDF to promote "Amateur Radio
Direction Finding" (ARDF) until May 30th. Activity will be on various
HF bands. All QSOs will be confirmed via the Bureau, but direct cards
may be requested via ClubLog's OQRS. For more details, see QRZ.com.

PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (May 24-30th).......
  May/24th HN      May/27th  AN     May/29th  AN
  May 25th AN      May/28th  AN     May/30th  AN
  May/26th 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
     * Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) & National Oceanic and
       Atmospheric Adminisration (NOAA):
                       https://www.swpc.noaa.gov
         https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/solar-cycle-progression
     * 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
     * Real-time 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) (May 23rd)
  and various sources provided by OPDX
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4L8A via M0OXO        D44PM via IZ4DPV & (LoTW)  LG9L via LA9L & (LoTW)
  4O3A via VE3EXY       DL25GDXF via DL6DH         LX9BSC via LX1RT
  4O9KOM via EB7DX      DP44WCA/P via DF6EX        LZ70HSC via LZ2JE
  4S6RSP via EA5GL      EA6/DF8AN via DF8AN        OE100CHZ via OE4CHZ
  5H1FF via (L)         EA8/DF4UE via DF4UE        OE60VHSC via OE1TKW
  5R8AL via G3SWH       EF5U via EA5U              OH0CO via SM6CCO
  5T2NH via EA7FTR      EG1XA via EA1RCI           OT30CRD via ON4LBI
  5T5PA via PA5X        EG2FVP via (E-B/L)         PI75LDN via PI4LDN
  5UAIHM via F4IHM      EH1CIS via EH1CIS (e)      PJ2CF via EA5GL
  8N0OLP via JARL       EP2HAM via M0OXO           PJ2MAN via EC5AHA
  8P2K via KU9C         ER0ITU via ER0ITU (L)      PJ2SM via EC5AHA
  9G5AR via N4GNR       EY8MM via W0VTT            R116MS via RQ7L
  A25SL via N4GNR       FK8GU via EA5GL            R800ANL  via RV1AQ
  A60WTIS/5 via A61BK   GB2CPM via (G-B)           RK75AK via UA2FAK
  A62A via EA7FTR       HC7AE/1 via EA5GL          RO10RT via RA4R
  A91GCC via EC6DX      HF1921PS via SP9KJU        RO36MS via RQ7L
  AN5ITU via EB5R       HF35BLP via SP7MUX         RT36MS via RQ7L
  BX6ABV via EA5GL      HG6N via HA6KNB (d/L)      S79LA via 4Z5LA
  C37AC via EA3QS       HL2/F4AAR via 6K2EJJ       SD1A via SM1TDE & (LoTW)
  CE2SV via N7RO        HP3AK via W4JS             TC1919ATA via TA6P
  CN65FAR via RW6HS     HZ1WTIS via HZ1WTIS (L)    TM100CLG via F8KGS
  CN8CZM via CN8ZG      IB8C via IZ8GNR (L)        UE36MS via RQ7L
  CO7HH via RW6HS       II2MMI via I2QIL           VP6MW via W0VTT
  CO7QC via IK2DUW      IQ0NU via IS0FFD           YP9F via YO9FNP
  CP4BT via IK2DUW      JY5HX via E73Y             Z21DX via PA3CPI
  CP6CL via W3HNK       KP2/K0BZ via K0BZ & (LoTW) ZA/IK2RLM via IZ2LSP
  CR65PQ via CT1EHX     KP2M via NZ4DX             ZL7DX via M0OXO

  (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   (n) no printed QSLs
  (**) QSL automatically via Bureau - do not send QSLs

  QSLS RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 4O3A, 5Z4VJ, 9A8A, BV4WU, CT1IUA, CU3BL, DJ6YX,
  DL1YM, DU3CQ, E25KAE, EA6A, F4HER, F6EQZ, F8BBL, FK8IK, G4RRA, GI0OTC,
  GW0ADC, J73ESL, JS6TWW (AS-047), MD0CCE, MM0BSM, OK2ZAW, ON4IQ, OX3XR,
  SP5EWY, TY8G, VA3AB, VE4TV, VY2JC, YA8G, YD3CER and YE1NZ

  QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 5I5TT, C6AMD/mm, DP0POL/mm, FK8IK, JX2US,
  R207RRC (AS-207), VP8DPC/m, VK7KHZ/P (OC-233), VR2BLEE and ZS7ANF

  QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: NONE REPORTED THIS WEEK!!!!
    --- We would like to see more QSL Bureaus (such as AS/US/SA/AF.. etc)
        send in their info....

S7, SEYCHELLES. Ros, 4Z5LA, is now active as S79LA from Seychelles (AF-024)
until May 27th. Activity will be on various HF bands. QSL via 4Z5LA, LoTW
or eQSL.

SWODXA NEWS (2021 DXpedition of the Year). The Southwest Ohio DX Association
(SWODXA) has announced their 2021 DXpedition of the Year award. The award
goes to VP8PJ South Orkney Island DXpedition (February-March 2020). The DX-
pedition team consisted of: Dave/K3EL and Les/W2LK (Co-Leaders), Gene/K5GS,
Arliss/W7XU, Heye/DJ9RR, Laci/HA0NAR, Vadym/UT6UD, Walt/N6XG, Rob/N7QT,
Steve/W1SRD, Mike/WA6O, Ken/NG2H, Hans-Peter/HB9BXE and Alan/VK6CQ.
  Usually, the Southwest Ohio DX Association presents their DXpedition of
the Year Award each year at the annual DX Dinner during the Dayton HamVention.

VK9X, CHRISTMAS ISLAND (Update/Reminder). Steve, VK6SJ, who is expected to
be active as VK9XX from Christmas Island (OC-002), reports last week
[edited]: "VK9XX will be active from the 28th May for between two and
three weeks, but I'll be working on the island so not on 24/7. I will be
taking a Yaesu FT-857D and a simple Sotabeams antennas plus an ATAS mobile
vertical. I will also be barefoot. This will also be mostly outside working
hours and focused on the night time bands and mainly FT8. My first priority
will be work and I doubts that I will have any time during the day so any
requests for operation during the day are unlikely to be filled.
  QSL for this operation will be via EB7DX. David did a sterling job on
VK9CE and very happy to have him back on this operation.
  The plan is to operate a separate band each night (I don't want to go
out and change the antenna at night! :) ) Caveat here is that if I have
a dead band, I will change band rather than call into nothing.
  Expected hours of operation will be 1100-1500z and 2200-0000z each
day. If I get ahead of schedule in my work, I may squeeze in a day off,
in which I will see if I can tune up the dipole on 6m, 10m & 15m during
the day. I also hope to have an icon on this page (QRZ.com) that shows
when and where I'm on air."
  Steve provides the following schedule and suggested frequencies on
QRZ.com:
                Schedule Bands            Suggested Frequencies (kHz)/Modes
               ----------------           ---------------------------------
  80m (May 31st/June 4th/June 8th)             3625/SSB and 3567/FT8
  40m (May 29th/June 2nd/June 6th/June 10th)   7180/SSB and 7056/FT8
  30m (May 30th/June 3rd/June 7th/June 11th)         10131/FT8
  20m (May 28th/June 1st/June 5th/June 9th)   14280/SSB and 14090/FT8

    Steve states [edited]: "All FT8 operation will be Fox & Hound mode.
  Please read up on this mode (FT8_DXpedition_Mode.pdf (princeton.edu)) so
  you don't call in my spot (around 350Hz) or you won't get answered (the
  software only recognizes calls above 1000Hz). I will only be doing a
  single stream as being barefoot, I think if I go more than 1 stream,
  I'll probably disappear into the noise, never to be heard again! :)  
    I will stop FT8 at the end of each hour and try SSB for 10 minutes
  minimum. If I get a run on SSB, I'll stay there until I don't, then
  return to FT8. SSB operation will be split frequency, listening 5kHz
  up and +/- QRM. Please please be gentle with me though. I'm using a
  simple mobile rig and low power so I need the pileup to be ordered or
  I'll just go back to FT8.
    During the CQWPX CW contest on the 29th and 30th, I may answer a
  bunch of stations calling CQ Test, but I don't think my CW is up to
  managing a pileup. Happy to do the odd sked on CW. Email me if you
  want to try something. E-mail is on my home call QRZ page.
    I know there are a bunch of JAs looking for VK9X on 6m. E-mail me
  if you think the band is open and I'll give it a shot. Not sure what
  I'll have on 6m yet but as a minimum it will be a mobile vertical on
  the balcony."
                Steve usually post updates on QRZ.com.
            ------------------------------------------------

VP2V, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS. Gary, NC3Z, Gary, will be active as VP2V/NC3Z
from Tortola, British Virgin Islands (NA-023), between June 3-14th. His
activity will be on 40-6 meters using SSB and FT8/FT4; as propagation
dictates. His equipment is a FT-891 with 100 watts into a SuperAntenna
MP1 on the beach and various wire antennas. QSL via LoTW (primary) and
ClubLog.

VP5, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. Operators Dennis/K2SX, John/K4BAI, Jim/K4QPL
and Johnnie/KR4R will be active as VP5/homecall from Providenciales Island
(NA-002) between May 25th and June 1st. The group will be there for the
CQWW WPX CW Contest (May 29-30th) signing as VP5M (possibly) as a Multi-
Single/Low-Power entry. QSL VP5M via K4QPL or LoTW. QSL all others via
their home callsign.

YL21, LATVIA (Special Event). The Ice Hockey World Championship is being
held in Riga, Latvia, between May 21st and June 6th. To mark this event,
members of the Latvian Radio Amateur League will activate special event
callsign YL21ICE. Operation will take place from several locations on all
bands (160-10 meters including 30/17/12m and VHF/UHF) and modes (CW, SSB,
RTTY, FT8/FT4). Several stations could be active on different bands/modes
at the same time. A special electronic award will be available to download
from QSL.Services (https://qsl.services/event/YL21ICE). To obtain the award,
applicants must collect 16 points on regular band and mode slot (CW, VOICE,
DATA) basis. Each QSO score two points for European stations and four
points for the rest of the World. All possible computerized modes (RTTY,
FT4, FT8, etc.) counts as DATA and all possible voice modes (SSB, AM, FM,
etc.) counts as VOICE. SWLs earn single point for every QSO under the same
rules. To apply for the Award send your ADIF SWL log extract to:
                                es5zf@inbox.lv

Z2, ZIMBABWE. Peter, PA3CPI, seems to be back in Zimbabwe and is active
again as Z21DX. The length of his stay is not known. He was heard on 20
meters SSB (14247.5 kHz between 1743 and 1757z). QSL via PA3CPI.

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