OPDX Bulletin - Internet Edition
OPDX 494 January 15, 2001

This page has been accessed times since January 14, 2001.

Note: Beginning with OPDX Bulletin No. 393, web sites mentioned in the bulletin are highlighted as hyperlinks so you can click on them and go directly to the website! Email links have also been added so that your email program will launch automatically when clicking on an email address. Enjoy!

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 494
BID: $OPDX.494
January 15, 2001
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF-80 BBS Cleveland, Ohio
Online at 440-237-8208 28.8k-1200 Baud 8/N/1

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, K1VV, KF2TI, W2DEC, WB2YQH/ WB2RAJ & The 59(9) DX Report, W3LEO, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, WB4PVT, WD4NGB, AC6V, K6IPV, K8YSE, KU9C, 9V1YC, CE6TBN, DL5EBE, DL7AFS, EA3AJI, EA5KB, G3XTT, JQ1SUO, OZ6OM/OZ7M & OZ 50 MHz DX Bulletin, SM0AGD, UU6JM, VE3EXY, VK3TZ, YS1RR and Arja Laine for the following DX information.

IMPORTANT NOTICE (Time for you to write to MSN.COM)
Your editor was informed this week by our ISP provider that MSN.COM E-mails are being banned and will no longer be accepted on the "NSHORE.ORG" system. This is due to the large amount of "spam e-mail" that comes to "nshore.org" every day. This has grown to the extent of no longer being just an annoyance, but actually dangerous to the ISP systems. After much thought and discussion with other system administrators, that, because the ad- ministrators of "msn.com" are obviously unwilling to even talk (i.e., to even respond) to inquiries, to "nshore.org", my ISP is going to join several other ISPs from permitting any E-mail address that contains the domain name "msn.com" in it from coming onto his system. In other words, until such time as "msn.com" can guarantee them that significant measures are taken to prohibit the originating/mailing/relaying of this "spam email" from that corporation, users interested in any of the services provided by "nshore.org" are going to be required to acquire mailboxes on other systems (e.g., "hotmail.com" or "juno.com", etc.) What this means for subscribers and individuals who send info for the OPDX is that if your E-mail address ends in "msn.com", you will no longer be able to send email _to_ "nshore.org", but you will continue to receive email _from_ "nshore.org", such as the OPDX Bulletin. It is HIGHLY recommend if you need to send me any DX info from "msn.com", PLEASE send it to: kb8nw@arrl.net (until a change takes place). If you want to unsubscribe from the OPDX, you can send an unsubscribe message (with your msn address after the word unsubscribe) from another system or send me a message to the "ARRL.NET" address, and I will do it manually...... 73 de Tedd KB8NW

3C1, EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Erik, SM0AGD, reports that he will be visiting Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from January 23rd through February 5th. This will be on Bioco Island, IOTA AF-010. Eril was active from the same location in 1975 and 1989. His amateur radio licence has been granted and will be issued after his arrival. So, currently his callsign is not yet known. Erik is calling this an old-fashioned, small-scale DX-operation: Just one operator, low power and no directional antennas. He will be active on all HF bands, 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY, running only 100 watts into a vertical and wire antennas. High power is not allowed, but the location is good and should help somewhat. His QTH will be at the same old Hotel Bahia where he was staying in 1975 with a free view of the northern hemisphere over The Gulf of Guinea. Erik intends to spend some time in the CQWW 160m Contest on January 26-28th, and also in the BARTG RTTY Contest the same weekend. His friend Jan, SM5DJZ, has agreed to act as a pilot and will be able to QSP information in both directions. Jan's E-mail address is: djz@swipnet.se This operation is sponsored by Northern California Dx Foundation. QSLs go to his home callsign SM0AGD.

3Y0, BOUVET
Chuck, 3Y0C, was heard over the weekend mainly on 20 meters on 14260 kHz between 2345 and 0030z. However, there were a few on 75 meters on 3772 kHz around 0245z. During the past week, he was also heard on 17/15/12/10 meters. An update from the WD4NGB Web page states the following from the island: "Murphy has struck again at Bouvet. They had a avalanche there this week along with the other bad weather, that killed a lot of the seals. That put their already very busy schedule on overload. The other news is they have been informed that the ship will be back to pick them up earlier than planned. They were given the date of March 2nd as the latest pickup date, but it could be as much as 2 weeks earlier than this." For up-to-date info and a new set of pictures from the island, check out the Web page:

http://www.qsl.net/wd4ngb/3y0.htm

3D, CONWAY REEF (Update)
According to Raymundo, YS1RR, the planning for the Conway Reef DXpedition continues, and you can see the Conway Reef 2001 Licensee Authorization from the Government of Fiji on the Web Page at:

http://www.kragujevac.co.yu/3d2/licence/licence.htm
He also mentions donations/contributions are NOT coming in for this operation. So far only 150 USD have been sent (from Korea only), none from Europe/Japan/USA.
Nenad, VE3EXY, reports that once the team including Raymundo, YS1RR, are on their way to Conway, the only contact will be by the radio, and the source of info will be at the following Web site:
http://www.magma.ca/~ve3exy
Currently the web page just repeats the info, and provides the link to YU site. This site will be more interesting during the DX operation.

4U, ITU HQ
Plently of activity from this one over the past week. There were operations on 80/30/20/17/15/12/10 meters CW/SSB. Keep an eye on the clusters for spots. QSL via CBA or the bureau.

4W, EAST TIMOR
4W1CW and 4W1UN were heard active this past week. 4W1CW was heard on 24907 kHz and 4W1UN was heard on 10106 kHz, both between 0200-0230z.

9M6, EAST MALAYSIA (Also possibly V8)
From a press release, Don/K6IPV and Dave/W6AQ, will operate from the Hillview Gardens Resort Club radio station, 9M6AAC, between February 10-22nd. Their personal callsigns will be 9M6IPT and 9M6AQT, respectively. This time frame covers the ARRL DX CW Contest. The duo will not know whether they will be blessed with a special contest callsign or not, but they will announce the callsign to be used before the contest. Also, since they have missed out on Spratley (9M0) for this trip, they are hoping that they may be able to get over to Brunei (V8) for two or three days maybe for contest operations from there instead of Hillview Gardens. QSL route/s are to be announced in due course. (The complete press release will be sent to all OPDX InterNet Subscribers as an additional bulletin.)

A5, BHUTAN
The whole Johnson family, Glenn/A52GJ, wife Vivien/A52VJ, son Mark/A52MJ, son Paul A52PJ and daughter Melissa/A52YL, was heard active this past week. Glen was heard active on 80/40/30/20 meters, mostly CW, but some SSB on 20 meters. Mark was active on 80/20/10 meters mostly SSB, but with some 80 meters CW. Paul was heard mainly on 20/10 meters SSB. Vivien and Melissa were active on 20 meters SSB.

A52A VIDEO IS HERE!
James, 9V1YC, informs OPDX that the A52A Bhutan video is now ready! If you've ever wondered what Bhutan is really like from the inside, or how it feels to be behind an opening day pileup at the #2 most-wanted, then you might be interested in this one. By request, Jim threw in lots more SSB pileups this time, but also included plenty of scenery, people, music, and background info on this absolutely beautiful country. For those that enjoyed the videos from FO0AAA and ZL9CI, this latest addition should be a treat. (And you just might hear *your* QSO in there, too). The video is 60 minutes. Available on VHS (PAL or NTSC). All digitally filmed and edited, and mastered to Digital Betacam. For more information, go to the Web page at:

http://home.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb

AX, AUSTRALIA (Attention Prefix Hunters!)
Tony, VK3TZ, reports that for those of you who missed the "AX" prefix during the Olympics games, it is customary for the Australia Communications Authority (ACA) to permit all Aussie amateurs to use the "AX" prefix on Australia Day - January 26th each year. If you chase WPX prefixes and need this one, there should be quite a few VKs using the AX prefix on that date. Tony adds, "When I can confirm details I will send the exact times, sometimes its the whole weekend, sometimes (last few years) just the 26th only."

CE0X, SAN AMBROSIO ISLAND (Update)
Marco, CE6TBN, Team Leader for the CE0XT DXpedition to San Ambrosio Island during the second week in February, reports that the team will use the following suggested frequencies:
CW - 1827.5, 3504/3524, 7004/7024, 10104, 14024, 18074, 21024, 24894, 28004 and 50105 kHz
SSB - 3795, 7075, 14195, 18145, 21295, 24945, 28495 and 50120 kHz
RTTY - 7030, 14080, 18055, 21080, 24920 and 28080 kHz
FM - 29400 kHz

The 6 Meters Beacon will be on 50.105 MHz. It will repeat every 30-45 seconds. The team states that "they will probably listen on the same frequency, using the squelch of the rig to cut the noise down. When a signal break the squelch, that is a sign to get someone onto the 6 meter rig and begin making QSOs. We probably will run the beacon at 50 watts so that the rig doesn't get hot." A new team member was added. Mike Mraz, N6MZ, will replace Mario, CE6NE. Mike has been active from many locations, such as: 9M6OO (Spratly group) 1999, 9M6AAC 1999, BV0DX 1999, KH9/N6MZ 1998, ZK1XXP 1997, (Expedition of the Year at Dayton 1998) VK0IR Heard Island 1997, (Expedition of the Year at Dayton 1997) TO0R (FR5) 1997, FT5XL 1997, VR2WO 1997 and CQWW/CW SV5/N6MZ 1993. The following pilot stations have been chosen for the CE0XT operation:
North America - Dr. Bill, K6GNX, - E-mail: bavery@telemetry.com
Japan - Yosi, JA3AAW - E-mail: ja3aaw@sannet.ne.jp
Europe - Still has not been chosen.
DXpedition Web page for updates and info is: http://www.qsl.net/ce0xt

CQ MAGAZINE INTRODUCES "The CQ Millennium Award"
CQ magazine is introducing a special operating award for the year 2001 to mark the start of the new millennium. "The CQ Millennium Award" recognizes anyone who meets the minimum requirements for any of CQ's four permanent operating awards, minus the QSL cards, during calendar year 2001. Hams and short wave listeners may qualify for "The CQ Millennium Award" in one of the following four ways during the calendar year 2001 (0000z, January 1, 2001 to 2359z, December 31, 2001):
1) Work stations in 500 U.S. counties -- The basic level for the USA-CA Award
2) Work 100 countries -- The basic criterion for the CQ DX Award
3) Work one station in each of the 40 CQ zones -- The Worked All Zones basic qualification.
4) Work either 400 prefixes mixed-mode or 300 prefixes single mode (CW or SSB only), as required for the CQ WPX Award.
Applications should include log extracts showing the information required by the standard award rules, in the format required by the standard award rules, plus a 6 USD processing fee (12 USD outside the US).
ADDED NOTE: There will be special recognition for those who qualify on the basis of more than one award program's requirements. Full details are published on page 15 in the January, 2001, issue of CQ magazine. For rules and forms go to the CQ website: http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/

D6, COMOROS
Josep/EA3BT and Nuria/EA3WL became active from here on Saturday, around 1530z, as D68BT and D68WL. However, information from their pilot station state that upon the duo's arrival, it was raining cats and dogs and they only could build the 3 element beam for 10-15-20 meters and had only 1 station active running only 100 watts. By the time you read this, they hope to build the 40-80 and 6 meters antennas and have the second station active. Their suggested frequencies are:

CW - 10103 and 14025 kHz
RTTY - 14083 and 21083 kHz
SSB - 3795, 7052, 14195, 18145, 21195/21295, 24945, 28495 and 50110 kHz

In order to receive feedback from the DX community, the following pilot stations have been selected. You can get in touch with each pilot of your area/zone:
Europe and Central/South America:
Pere Galimany, EA3AJI - E-mail address: pilot_d68@ea3aji.com
North America:
Dr. Bill Avery, K6GNX - E-mail address: k6gnx@telemetry.com
Japan, Asia & Oceania:
Yuki Deguchi, JI6KVR - E-mail address: ji6kvr@orange.ocn.ne.jp
Periodically information will be sent through the main DX reflectors. Remember that the logs will be posted daily, along with additional information and pictures posted by Xavier, EA3BHK, at the following web page:

http://www.qsl.net/ea3bt

D68C, COMOROS DXPEDITION
Don, G3XTT, from the "Five Star DXers Association", has sent out another huge press release (Bulletin #4) stating the forthcoming D68C DXpedition to the Comoros (active from about 8th to 28th February) is less than four weeks to go! This press release brings you the latest news, including some information about the technical innovations they will be using on the trip, and news of a series of awards for working D68C. So, their suggested operating frequencies:
CW - 1822, 3502, 7002, 10102, 14022, 18072, 21022, 24892, 28022, 50102
SSB - 1842, 3795, 7052, 14195, 18145, 21295, 24295, 28495, 50145
RTTY - 3570, 7035, 14085, 21085, 28075
PSK31 - 14071, 21071, 28071 kHz
Also - 28MHz FM: 29580; 6m beacon 50.090. Also remember that they will be working the main satellites. The D68C Web Page continues to be updated with the latest news. To remind everyone, the URL is:

http://www.dxbands.com/comoros
The complete press release will be sent to all OPDX InterNet Subscribers as an addtional bulletin.

DX HOLIDAY WEB SITE (The Ultimate Dxpediton Resource!)
The following Web site offers a starting point for people looking for a QTH for a DXpedition, Contest Expedition, or IOTA Expedition!. The site lists Rena-a-QTH, Ham Friendly Villas, Radio Clubs, etc. There is information on places to operate from over 100 countries, with additional DXpedition resource information covering: Picking your DX destination, licensing, travel documentation and money matters, health, emergency , weather issues, announcing your DXpedition, equipment packing tips and many other topics. Check it out at:

http://pages.prodigy.net/k2kw/qthlist/

EZ21, TURKMENISTAN (Attention Prefix Hunters!)
Start looking for amateurs in this country to use the special prefix EZ21 to commemorate the new Millennium. EZ21BO was spotted on 10112 kHz around 2100z and EZ21A around 14242 and 14266 kHz after 0230z.

IOTA NEWS
AS-117. Look for JA2HMD/2, JA2JTN/2, 7N2JZT/2 and JQ1SUO/2 from Hatushima Island between February 10th and 12th. Activity will be 160-10 meters CW/SSB. QSL via home call or CBA.

EU-180. Look for club station UU4JXM to be active from Kosa Tuzla Island during the CQWW 160 Meter CW Contest as UU7J/P. The team leader of the expedition, Andy, UU6JM, will arrive from Kerch on January 23rd and will be active as UU4JXM/P. Activity will be mostly during the evening time on 160-20 meters CW and SSB. Andy has indicated that weather conditions don't permit operations on 15-10 meters. Antennas will be a Delta Loop, GP and Beverages. Operators UU0JM, UU4JMG, UU8JK and maybe UU2JQ will join Andy/UU6JM on January 26th. The QSL Manager will be UU8JK: Alex Kotovskij, p.o.box 57, 98312 Kerch, Ukraine. Please note: UU6JF is not the QSL Manager for UU4JXM/UU7J.

J2, DJIBOUTI
"The 59(9) DX Report" reports to look for David, F5THR (ex-6W1AE, TL8CD), to be active from here as J28EX until January 2002. Activity will be on 160-10 meters. He is going to have a 4 element beam up for 6 meters. QSL via FB1BON: Patrick Brochet, P.O. Box 522, 85305 Challans CX, France.

KH9, WAKE ISLAND (also V7)
Look for Bruce, AC4G, to be active as AC4G/KH9 from here February 9-27th. Activity will be on all bands with an attempt on 6 meters if he can get an antenna up in time. Reportedly, Bruce already has antennas on the island and will be using a Yaesu FT-847 for SSB and CW. He will be working on the island and will operate only during his spare time. He has plans to participate in the ARRL CW DX Contest and the CQ WW SSB 160 Contest. QSL via AC4G: Bruce Smith, 1056 Old Railroad Bed Road, Taft, TN 38488.

KH0, MARIANA ISLANDS
Look for JQ1NGT and JI1EFP to be active as KH0/JI1EFP and KH0/JQ1NGT from Saipan between February 16-19th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters on CW and SSB. The two operators plan to participate in the ARRL CW DX Contest either as Single Op or as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via JQ1NGT: Kenji Sekine, 3-4-7 Honcyo, Fukiage,369-0115 JAPAN.

OH0, ALAND ISLANDS
The Aland Islands contest station OH0Z will be active on both modes in the ARRL DX Contest as a single-op/all bands entry. Pasi, OH1MM, will operate the station on CW and Ari, OH1EH, on SSB. QSLs via OH1EH: Ari Korhonen, Kreetalank. 9 A 1, FIN29200 Harjavalta, Finland. For more info on the OH0Z station, check the Web page:

http://www.qsl.net/oh0z

QSL INFO AND NEWS
Steve, KU9C, reports that QSL cards for the 4W/K7BV and 4W/N6FF East Timor operation are expected to be in his hands by February 1st, and will begin hitting the mail box immediately. Steve states, "I expect to have most of them out within a few weeks, and all received by the end of February should be in the mail by March 1st. If you didn't apply enough postage due to the recent US postage rate change, do not worry....I will put the required stamps on the envelope to make sure they don't get held up in the mail process. The card is a full color one...and I hope you enjoy it.....It's a beautiful picture of the QTH at sunset......so you can see what Dick/Dennis had to look at before working you on the low bands that evening!"

A61AJ QSLs. Bernie, W3UR, DX Editor and QSL Manager, reports the following: "Recently I have had many requests as to what the situation is on the A61AJ QSL cards. I am currently waiting for Ali to order new photo QSL cards. All direct (3,098) and bureau (13, 109) requests have been entered into the computer logs. Once Ali orders the QSLs and I receive them from the printer they will be quickly sent out. Please be patient during this transition time. By the way I am unable to except e-qsls or e-qsl bureau requests. For those who have not done so already please QSL to: A61AJ, c/o Bernie McClenny, W3UR, 3025 Hobbs Road, Glenwood, MD 21738 USA. Please do not send second requests as this just slows the whole process down."

Bernd, DL2DXA, reports that he has received more then 400 direct requests for both DL2DXA/HI9 and DL2DXA/CT3. He states that he has received the QSL cards from the printer, and you should be seeing cards in the mail soon.

Pepe, EA5KB, informs OPDX that he is the QSL Manager for the following stations: TG9AAK, TG9AMD, CO8EJ, CO2FN, CO3JR and CM6QN. He has all the logs. Please QSL to him via the Bureau of Spain or direct to his CBA.

QSLs for YJ0AYL/AZG and A35YL/ZG. Babs, DL7AFS, reports to expect your direct QSLs within the next 2 weeks. More then 2500 oversea and 1500 European requests were sent and include 1 of 4 full colored QSLs. QSL cards will be answered as they come in now. Babs mentions that they have kept nearly 250 requests in a cardboard box that were without postage, or had only 1 USD return postage for oversea mail. Babs states, "Remember please, the oversea postage is 1.60 USD or 3DM or an IRC. We will be waiting 3 months or so to send these QSL cards via bureau. European postage is 1.10 DM or 1 IRC." ADDED NOTE: Babs, DL7AFS, is still QSL Manager for the following past operations: C50YL, C53HP, S79YL, S79ZG, S79FAG, EA6/DL7AFS and EA6/DJ7ZG.

R1, ANTARCTICA
Look for Nick, UA3YH, to be active as R1ANM from the Amundsen-Scott Base starting on/around January 15th through February 15th. R1ANW, Mirny: the operator after Wally's departure will be Slava Vasilkov. Slava worked as RX1OX/FJL from Franz-Joseph-Land before. He is a good CW operator. QSL should be via DL6YET.

SPECIAL EVENT
Bob "Whitey" Doherty, K1VV, President of the Marconi Radio Club, W1AA, informs OPDX that the Marconi Radio Club will celebrate the 98th Anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi's First Transatlantic Radio Trans- mission between Cape Cod Massachusetts and England. The Marconi Radio Club will operate from Cape Cod using the call sign W1AA/CC. "CC" was Marconi's first call sign for his transatlantic Cape Cod Station long before the existence of the FCC and issuing of call signs. The Marconi Radio Club will operate two High Frequency amateur radio stations on CW and Phone and one on 2 meter FM. Hours of planned operation are from 1200z through 2200z, January 18, 2001 on the 20 through 10 meter bands. DX stations QSL via the W1 Bureau and W/K stations to the W1AA Callbook address with an S.A.S.E. Operation will be from a former Coast Guard Life Boat Station close to the original 1903 Marconi Transatlantic Radio Station site within the National Sea Shore Park, as almost all of the original 1903 Marconi station site has been carried away by beach erosion. Look at the W1AA web page for photos of the site and additional information at:

http://personal.tmlp.com/k1vv/w1aa/event2001.html

SPECIAL EVENT
Look for special event station "W3I" to be active from Mount Airy, MD (30 miles North of Washington, DC), on January 20, 2001 (1400-2400z). Activity is to celebrate the 54th U.S. Presidential Inauguration. Suggested frequencies are [+/-]: 7.240, 14.240, 21.320, 28.420, 50.140 and 144.140 MHz. For QSL card, send your QSL and SASE to: MADRAS, P.O. Box 2468, Wheaton, MD 20902 or via bureau to W3LEO.

SPECIAL EVENT
Be looking for the "Challenger Middle School ARC", KI6YG, in San Diego, CA, to be active January 28th, from 1430-2400z. This activity is to commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger Tragedy. Suggested frequencies are: 14.250, 21.350, 28.350, 146.52 MHz. QSL to: Challenger Middle School ARC, 10810 Parkdale Ave, San Diego, CA, 92126.

V7, MARSHALL ISLAND
Bruce, AC4G, will be active from Kwajalein Island as V73CW before going to Wake Island (see KH9 above). This will be during the last week of January. Activity should be on all bands. QSL via AC4G: Bruce Smith, 1056 Old Railroad Bed Road, Taft, TN 38488.

VU, INDIA
According to Jose, VU2JOS, the VU stations can operate on 30 meters until 1830z January 31, 2001. OPDX found the following stations active on 30 meters:
VU2BGS - 10105 kHz at 1245z and after 0200z.
VU2JOS - between 10105-10110 kHz as early as 2200z and as late as 0200z.
VU2TS - 10104 kHz at 1230z.

YV, VENEZUELA
Rick, W0IS, will be going on a mini-DXpedition here at the end of the month. Look for activity from Caracas beginning late Friday evening, January 26th. He will travel on Saturday for one day and expects to be active for one night from Los Roques (SA-035). Look for him to be on the air Sunday, January 28th, probably around 0400-1000z. Activity will probably be somewhere near 7040 CW or 7075 SSB. Feel free to call him on CW even if he is on SSB, and he states that he will be glad to switch over to CW to give you a report. He will just be using a dipole. He believes his callsign will be YV5/W0IS, although he is not positive on the number. Please QSL to his home address or via the W0 bureau.

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

OPDX INTERNET HELP/SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE REQUEST:

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

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

ALSO VISIT THE NORTERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB HOME PAGE:
http://www.en.com/users/k8yse/nodxa.html

Excerpts and distribution of The OPDX Bulletin are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receive credit. To contribute DX info, call BARF-80 BBS online at 440-237-8208 28.8k/14400/9600/2400/1200 and leave a message with the Sysop or send via InterNet Mail to:

kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org
- OR -
Use the VOICE or FAX answering machine at 440-237-8208
which shares the same phone line as BARF-80 BBS using a data/fax/phone switch. To access: 1) Dial Number. 2) Wait for first ring (the second ring should be a false ring from the fax/data switch box) and then dial four quick ones ("1111"). (NOTE: Some FAX machines that send single "BEEPS" every second will not have to do this step.) 3) The phone will pick up and after the "BEEP" leave your voice message or FAX.

Additional Bulletins for OPDX InterNet Subscribers

The following may NOT be suitable for transmission and is probably against the rules listed in FCC's Part 97.

From: "Don Field" {g3xtt@lineone.net}
To: "OPDX Bulletin" {kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org}
Subject: D68C - Bulletin 4
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001 20:30:57 -0000
MIME-Version: 1.0

I am pleased to send you the fourth bulletin about our February DXpedition to the Comoros.

73 Don G3XTT

Five Star DXers go to D68 - Bulletin No.4=20

This is the fourth bulletin, with news of our forthcoming D68C DXpedition to the Comoros (active from about 8th to 28th February).

Less than four weeks to go! We are all looking forward to our expedition, and hope the DX world will be looking out for us in force. This bulletin brings you the latest news, including some information about the technical innovations we will be using on the trip, and news of a series of awards for working D68C. These latter are intended to encourage newcomers to "take the plunge" and start chasing DX, but there are also awards for the "big guns" to encourage you to chase us not just on the main bands and modes, but everywhere! We understand that our container of equipment has now reached Mombasa in Kenya, and should be headed to Moroni in the near future. Now we are working hard on the detailed logistics of what happens when we get there! Just in case there should be any doubt, this expedition will be one of the biggest ever!

By the way, according to the latest DX Magazine poll, D68 has moved up around 10 points in the rankings for each of the major areas of the world, which reinforces our wish to make a big effort from the Comoros!

D68C Awards Programme

As an encouragement to all established DXers throughout the world as well as to newcomers to DXing, Nevada Communications of the UK are sponsoring 15 trophies to be known as the Nevada Comoros Trophies. There will be a number of these trophies available to stations throughout the world, to UK stations and to UK clubs. Details appear below. In the event of a tie, awards will go to those "first past the post".

(1) To the leading three high power stations worldwide who work D68C on the highest number of bands and modes. The bands are all bands 1.8MHz to 50MHz and the modes are CW, FM, PSK31, RTTY and SSB. Some will achieve over 18 band/mode contacts.

(2) To the top three low power stations worldwide, with single-element antennas (e.g. dipole or vertical) working D68C on the highest number of bands, regardless of mode. We will use the CQ Worldwide Contest definition of low power i.e. 100 watts or less.

(3) To the leading three high power UK stations who work D68C on the highest number of bands and modes. The bands are all bands 1.8MHz to 50MHz and the modes are CW, FM, PSK31, RTTY and SSB. Some will achieve over 18 band/mode contacts.

(4) To the top three low power UK stations, with single-element antennas (e.g. dipole or vertical) working D68C on the highest number of bands, regardless of mode. We will use the CQ Worldwide Contest definition of low power i.e. 100 watts or less.

(5) To local UK clubs whose members work D68C on the highest number of bands and modes. There is no limit to the number of club members who participate. Members of a club can claim for contacts on the same band-mode combination as other members; thus an active club may score several hundred qualifying contacts. To simplify administration of this, we encourage clubs to drop us a line beforehand to request a record sheet (g3xtt@lineone.net) .

Please send your applications by 30 April 2001 at the latest, to FSDXA, c/o Neville Cheadle, Further Felden, Longcroft Lane, Felden, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP3 0BN, England

Preferred Operating Frequencies

We plan to operate on the following frequencies:



MHz   CW    SSB    RTTY  PSK31


1.8   1822  1842   N/A   N/A


3.5   3502  3795  3570   N/A


7     7002  7052  7035   N/A


10.1 10102   N/A   N/A   N/A


14   14022 14195 14085 14071


18   18072 18145   N/A   N/A


21   21022 21295 21085 21071


24.9 24892 24945   N/A   N/A


28   28022 28495 28075 28071


50   50102 50145   N/A   N/A

Also - 28MHz FM: 29580; 6m beacon 50.090. Also remember that we will be working the main satellites.

We will nearly always work split frequency and will regularly announce the frequencies on which we are listening. We will only make contacts on our transmitting frequency during the last few days of the DXpedition if the pile-ups have disappeared.

Regarding the above frequencies, note that we expect at least five other DXpeditions to be active in February when we are on the Comoros so there is a strong likelihood that, from time to time, we will need to change our transmitting frequencies to avoid confusion. Typically, a DXpedition SSB station transmitting on 14195kHz will listen up in the range 14200 - 14220kHz. If we find we are operating on the same transmit frequency as another DXpedition we will move down around 5 kHz typically to 14190kHz and either listen down (say between 14165 and 14185kHz) or change our split, so as to separate the pile-ups and avoid confusion. On CW we will try to stick to frequencies ending in "2" (e.g. 14002/14012/14022/14032).

Listen to the operator carefully. Each has been briefed to give the D68C callsign at least after every two QSOs and to announce the listening frequencies every five QSOs. We will not work by numbers; we feel that with good ears and equipment this is quite unnecessary.

Technology

D68C will pioneer a number of technical innovations, mainly based on server software developed by John G3WGV. All operating positions will be connected by Ethernet to a central server, providing each operator with information not normally available in a DXpedition situation. The logging software, which is part of the total system, also has full RTTY (including PSK) and CW facilities integrated into it. So, without giving a full breakdown of the extensive facilities (which we hope to write up after the operation), imagine one of the DXpedition operators starting a spell on 15m after a much-needed rest. On logging in at an operating position, the CW keyer settings at that position will immediately reflect his personal preferences. He will be able to see, using simple commands, who is operating at each other position, and on what mode and frequency. As he works the pile-up, because the complete expedition log is constantly updated to the server, he will be able to list all QSOs made so far by any station he works, as well as being able to check not only his own run rate, but that of the expedition as a whole. A huge amount of other data will also be available to him from his operating position. When he finishes his shift, he can go to the server itself, and see a full statistical breakdown of the DXpedition to date, by band, mode, area of the world, expedition operator, etc.

Of course, all this information will also be available via Internet to the expedition pilots, allowing them to respond effectively to e-mails and phone calls from around the world.

The software has already been used in anger, at last year's M2000A Millennium station, and feedback from that operation enabled a number of refinements to be made. We believe the level of integration of this operator-support/logging/expedition-management software goes well beyond anything that any previous expedition has used, and we look forward to reporting on its benefits after our operation is over.

Sponsorship

We are delighted to thank the UK Radiocommunications Agency (broadly equivalent to FCC in the USA) who have joined the list of D68C sponsors, as have a number of prestigious DX Clubs and Foundations, along with a number of individual sponsors. Full details appear on our Web pages. Nevertheless, further sponsorship continues to be sought, especially from DX groups and Foundations, to help with the high cost of shipping some 3 tonnes of equipment to D68, along with a number of other logistical matters. We have now mailed our colour brochure to over 150 DX Clubs. If you are involved with a DX Club which has not received a copy, please contact Steve G4JVG (below). Sponsorship is being co-ordinated by the following:

US: Wes W3WL (blamboley@aol.com)

Japan: Taizo JA3AER (arakawa@sakuranet.co.jp)

Rest of the World: Steve G4JVG (g4jvg@cwcom.net)

Our treasurer John G3WGV (g3wgv@aol.com) will be pleased to accept donations.

Web Page

The D68C Web Page continues to be updated with the latest news. To remind everyone, the URL is http://www.dxbands.com/comoros There have already been well over 4000 "hits" on the site.

Look out for .

There will be one or two more bulletins before we head out to D68. These will cover propagation predictions, more about our operating practices and QSLing policy, further details of the expedition pilots, etc. Once there, the Web page will be kept updated and, of course, we will start regular uploads of the log to the various log severs. As always, if you are not on my mailing list and wish to be, then please send me an e-mail.

Don Field G3XTT, NK1G (g3xtt@lineone.net) 10th January 2001

(D68C Publicity Officer)

"DXpeditioning Behind the Scenes", edited by Neville Cheadle G3NUG and Steve Telenius-Lowe G4JVG offers, in the words of Wayne Mills N7NG, "A comprehensive view of virtually all aspects of a major expedition for the traveler and DXer alike. From early planning through QSLing, this book offers a variety of thoughts and suggestions on every facet of the DXpedition. It is by far the most complete 'how to' reference available". The book is available in the USA for $28 plus $3 shipping from IREF Inc, 118 Oak Ridge Drive, New Braunfels, Tx 78132. E-mail: ad5a@sat.net Elsewhere the book can be obtained for =A316.95 plus postage from Nevada (www.nevada.co.uk/book-DX.html), Unit 1, Fitzherbert Spur, Farlington, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TT, England (Tel: +44 23 9231 3090). Ordering can be by credit card. All surpluses from the sale of the book will be used to sponsor future DXpeditions.

To: kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org
Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2001 16:19:39 -0800
Subject: arrl dx cw contest
X-Mailer: Juno 5.0.15
MIME-Version: 1.0

Don, K6IPV and Dave, W6AQ, will operate from the Hillview Gardens Resort Club radio station, 9M6AAC, between Feb. 10, 2001 and Feb. 22, 2001. Their personal calls will be 9M6IPT and 9M6AQT, respectively.

This time frame covers the ARRL DX CW Contest. We will not know whether we will be blessed with a special contest call or not but will announce the call to be used before the contest. Also, since we've missed out on Spratley (9M0) for this trip, we're hoping that we may be able to get over to Brunei (V8) for two or three days, maybe for contest operations from there, instead of Hillview Gardens. We've got our fingers crossed that all will go well.

Again, we ask the contesters out there to please go at our speed. Neither of us is a hot-shot cw man but with both a computer and a programmable automatic keyer between us, we hope for high accuracy at the cost of high speed.

QSL route/s to be announced in due course.

The Deserving should be aware of how helpful the folks at Hillview Gardens have been in helping us set up our first DXpedition. Alfons and Doris couldn't be more gracious, and we've only met them by email. Bob, N2OO, and Jani, YB0US, have aided us greatly in making our plans and decisions. Thanks to them all, even ahead of time.

73/dx

don/k6ipv

don lisle, k6ipv
k6ipv@arrl.net

Back to the OPDX Index
Back to the NODXA
Back to the EIDX Network