OPDX 580 September 30, 2002

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 580
BID: $OPDX.580
September 30, 2002
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, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network, K1LD, K2PF, K2HJB, KA2NUE, NG3K, W3UR & The Daily DX, K4ZW, N4AA & QRZ DX, N4JF, N4GN, W4FOA, W4WX, W5KFT, W5UE, NW7US, AC8G, K8YSE, W9DC, 9A6AA, 9A7K, 9V1YC, CX7BY, DK7PE, DL1EK/DL7VOA & DX Newsletter, E21EIC, EA5RM, EA5XX, F5NOD, F5NQL & UFT, FJ5DX & La Gazette du DX, G3SWH, HK3JJH, I1JQJ & IK1ADH - 425 DX NEWS, JI6KVR, LU1DZ, OZ6OM/OZ7M & OZ 50 MHz DX Bulletin, PA1AW, VA3DX, VA3RJ & ICPO, VE6JO and VE7IPU for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 22/September, through Sunday, 29/September there were 227 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 3X, 4J, 4L, 4S, 4U1I, 4X, 5B, 5N, 5R, 5U, 5V, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9V, 9Y, A2, A3, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C2, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Z, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D6, DL, DU, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H3, H4, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HH, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HM, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J2, J6, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JX, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KH9, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PY, PZ, S2, S5, S9, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T7, T9, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TL, TN, TR, TT, TU, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9L, VK9N, VP2M, VP2V, VP5, VP6, VP8, VP8/h, VP8/o, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XU, YA, YB, YI, YJ, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZC4, ZD7, ZD9, ZF, ZK1/s, ZK2, ZL, ZP, ZS

* PLEASE NOTE: The report "could" contain "Pirate/SLIM" operations. As always, you never know - "Work First Worry Later" (WFWL).

3C, EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Vitaly, VE6JO, informs OPDX that he plans to be here November 2-24th (tentatively). He states that his license was issued with the callsign 3C2A and as requested with all bands and all modes privileges. However, Vitaly is waiting for a copy to be FAXed to him (So, he has not seen it yet). He is also waiting for his visa. Vitaly will take with him his own equipment: FT-847, Sigma-5 vertical and some wire antennas for 40, 80 and (maybe) 160m. He is trying to locate a small beam and a solid state amplifier (weight of the luggage is very limited). Presently, his license is for 100 watts, but if he gets the amplifier, he will have to change his license to a higher power (this is an extra premium charge on his license).

5R, MADAGASCAR
Phil, G3SWH, has informed OPDX that he is pleased to announce that his wife and he will be back in Madagascar November 5-19th, and he expects to be re-issued with his 5R8HA callsign. He expects to be active from various places on the main island (IOTA AF-013) between the 5th and 13th, and from Nosy Komba (IOTA AF-057) between 14th and 19th. This will, as usual, be a holiday type operation with activity limited to when he is able to get on the air, but he will try to be as active as possible on all bands 40-10 meters, CW only. QSL via G3SWH, either direct with SASE and return postage or via the RSGB bureau.

5Z, KENYA
Alex, PA1AW, reports that Alex, 5Z4DZ, is looking for USA stations on 80 meters from about two hours before his sunrise at 0200z until just after his sunrise when he has to run to work. He has worked a number of stations in the 5, 0 and 7 call areas, but the general band is not too busy. During his sunset, he will be looking for Asian and European stations, but the QRN is still high at this time. Please remember that Alex is not allowed to operate on 160, 30 and 6 meters. For more details, check out the Web page at:

http://www.qsl.net/5z4dz

6J, MEXICO (Attention Prefix Hunters)
Yuri, 6J1UN, has been very active from Mexico City. His activity seems to be mainly on 10 meters (between 28480 and 28510 kHz) at various times throughout the day. His QSL Manager Jim, N1NK, reports that Yuri will be active until the end of the year with the 6J1UN callsign. Jim states that he has received quite a stack of QSL requests for the new prefix. He is ordering QSL cards with the 6J1UN callsign, and he will start working down the backlog as soon as the cards arrive. An announcement will be sent out once he starts mailing out cards. N1NK's address is: Jim Spears, 494 West Demello Drive, Tiverton, RI 02878-2771.

9A, CROATIA (IOTAs and Lighthouses)
Kresimir, 9A7K, plans a very big expedition between now and October 5th to many Croatian Islands with many WLH counters. During his activity he will be using the following callsigns: 9A7K and 9A0LH (working from lighthouses). He plans to activate the following islands and lighthouses (dates and times not provided):


 ARLH CRO-028 / CLH-008 -- Barjak Mali Lighthouse (not IOTA)
 ARLH CRO-121 / CLH-110 / WLH-1492 -- Prisnjak Lighthouse (not IOTA)
 EU-016     --  Vis Island, Jabuka Island, Brusnik Island and Svetac Island
 EU-136 / ARLH CRO-152 / CLH-142 -- Cres Island and Lighthouse Suha
 EU-136     --  Krk Island and Sveti Marko Island
 EU-136 / ARLH CRO-147 / CLH-134 / WLH-1191 -- Prvic Island and Lighthouse
                                               Strazica
 EU-136 / ARLH CRO-050 / CLH-031 / WLH-444 -- Susak Island and Lighthouse
 EU-136 / ARLH CRO-019 / CLH-172 / WLH-659 -- Trstenik Island and Lighthouse
 EU-136 / ARLH CRO-201 / CLH-197 / WLH-1537 -- Zeca Island and Lighthouse
 EU-170     --  Pasman Island
 EU-170 / ARLH CRO-024 / CLH-004 / WLH-831 -- Babac Island and Lighthouse
 EU-170 / ARLH CRO-071 / CLH-054 / WLH-749 -- Kosara Island and Lighthouse

QSL via 9A7K to home callsign address: Kresimir Juratovic, P.O.Box 88, HR-48001 Koprivnica, CROATIA. ADDED NOTE: Emir, 9A6AA, IOCA Manager, reports that 9A7K's (9A0LH) activities shall not be accepted for IOCA award!

9L, SIERRA LEONE
Glenn, VA3DX, informs OPDX that he has finally talked Zbig, 9L1BTB, into operating on RTTY. He was heard this past week on 20/15 meters. Watch 20 meters after 2230z and on 15 meters after 1300z. A contact with 9L is quite rare for RTTY, so please use patience when calling because Zbig is new to this mode. QSL 9L1BTB via SP7BTB.

9M6, EAST MALAYSIA
Mack, JJ2QXI, will be active from 9M6AAC's shack between October 13-15th. Callsigns to be used will be 9M6A for the Oceanian Contest and 9M6AAC for outside of the contest. Mack is planning to operate on 160-6 meters, including the WARC bands, on CW/RTTY/SSB. QSL via N2OO. Mack states, "I know 9M6 is not so rare of an entity, but I would like to take as much time as possible to be on the air based on QSO requests." For any SKED on a particular band/mode or comments, please visit the Web site at:

http://jj2qxi.tripod.com/

C9, MOZAMBIQUE
There was plently of activity from this one last week. Babs/DL7AFS and Lot/DJ7ZG continue to be active as C98DC for another week. They have been hitting the WARC bands and 10 meters over past few days. QSL C98DC via DL7AFS. C98RF has also been very active with them but mainly on CW. QSL C98RF via DL6DQW.

CT3, MADEIRA ISLAND
By the time you read this, Ben, DJ8FW, is expected to be active as CT3AS until October 11th. Activity will be on CW, RTTY, PSK31 and some SSB. QSL via DJ8FW, bureau OK, but it takes time.

CT9, MADEIRA ISLAND
Rudi, DK7PE, informs OPDX that he and seven other members of the Lufthansa Amateur Radio Club will be operating as CT9DLH between November 7-11th. Activity will be on all bands 160-10 meters using SSB, CW and PSK. QSL via DL4FP.

DX BASH
Just a reminder that the 12th Annual DX BASH will be held next weekend on October 4-5th at Lake Buchanan near Austin, TX. All the details are on the Web page at:

http://www.dxbash.com

FO, AUSTRAL ISLANDS (Rare IOTA To Be Activated!)
Tony, 3D2AG, is planning on operating from a rare IOTA, Rapa Island (OC-051), in the Austral Islands group, in late October for a one month operation. He currently only has a dipole and would be interested to hear from any IOTA enthusiasts willing to loan or donate a compact directional antenna. If you can help, please contact Tony via E-mail at: nyeurt@upf.pf

GJ0, ISLE OF JERSEY
Chris, G0WFH, will be active as GJ0WFH/p from October 5-12th. His activity will be QRP on 160-10 meters SSB only. Look for him on the HF bands during the daytime hours. On the lower frequencies, look for him during his late night hours (where he will use a kite antenna for these bands). QSL via G0DBX.

HQ/HR, HONDURAS
Hiro, JA6WFM/HR3, will again sign HQ3J in the CQWW SSB Contest (October 26-27th) and HR3J in the CQWW CW Contest (November 23-24th). Activity will be from La Ceiba City in Honduras. QSL direct or via the bureau to JA6VU.

IOTA NEWS
EU-123. Dave, GM0LVI, will be active as GM0LVI/p from Tanera Mor, the Summer Isles, from October 5-12th. Reference numbers: IOSA SC10, SCOTIA CN32 and WAB NB-90. QSL via his home callsign, direct or via bureau.

NA-160. Hiro, JA6WFM/HR3, and others are planning to be active from Cayo Cochino. More details and a full operators' list will be announced soon. Hiro will be QRT as JA6WFM/HR3 QRT on December 10th, where he will head back to Japan. QSL JA6WFM/HR3 via JA6VU.

OC-251. Station signing VI3JPI is active from Lady Julia Percy Island. This reportedly is a new IOTA. Activity has been on 30/20/10 meters CW/SSB. Watch around the IOTA frequencies. Operations will probably be over by the time you read this. QSL via VK3KXG: Paul Stampton, 69-71 Brown Str., Leongatha, Victoria, 3953 AUSTRALIA.

SA-021. Just a reminder that Mariano/LU4EJ and Daniel/LU3DTD will activate Ariadna Island as AY4EJ/D and AY3DTD/D this week (October 4-6th). This island will be on the air for the first time by radio amateurs. Suggested SSB frequencies are: 3680, 7090, 14200, 14260, 21300, 21260, 28460, 28560 and 50110 kHz. It has also been reported that Mariano wishes to operate on CW on 3520 and 7020 kHz (+/- QRM) from 2100z. PLEASE listen first and no more than 12/15 wpm. QSL via LU4EJ via the address on QRZ.com or via bureau.

SA-NEW. Pedro, HK3JJH, informs OPDX that he will be activating a new IOTA October 14-15th. He will be active as HK3JJH/4 either from Titumate Isis or Napu Rock in the Caribbean. QSL only direct to: P.O. Box 81119, Bogota, Colombia (as Pedro does not have bureau service).

P5, NORTH KOREA
Ed, P5/4L4FN, has become very active again on 10 meters on 28530 kHz starting around 2200z with a very nice signal using his new Hex Beam. According to the latest info on the KK5DO P5 Web site, on October 5th, Ed would like to work licensed kids ages 16 or under (with the proper license). He will be on 28530 at 2200z. Also mentioned is that Ed has worked 15000 QSOs on 10 meters as September 22nd.

PJ7, ST. MAARTEN
Tom, WB8N, informs OPDX that he will be active as PJ7/WB8N between October 20-25th. Activity will be on 20/15/10 meters +/- 5 kHz from the usual DX frequencies. Operations will be limited to 1200-1500z and 1900-2100z. QSL via home callsign.

QSL INFO AND NEWS
QSL 9A7T, active in the CQ RJ WW RTTY Contest as Multi/Single/Low Power entry, via 9A2EU. Operators were 9A2EU, 9A4KJ and 9A5MR.

QSL CX7CO via SM5KCO: Carlos Rodriguez, Gaskullstigen 2 B, 644 36 Torshalla, SWEDEN.

Tony, W4FOA, informs OPDX that effective immediately, he will be handling QSL responsibilities for Vic, ER1CW. Only direct QSLs should be sent to W4FOA with appropriate SAE/SASE/IRC, etc. If you wish to QSL via the bureau, you may do so via the ER Bureau c/o ER1CW. Tony states that they are in the process of transferring logs from ER1CW and QSL cards are being printed at this time. Vic and Tony will do all they can to get ER1CW's cards in your hands as soon as possible. The direct address is: Tony Martin, 1801 Grand Center Road, Chickamauga, GA 30707-1878.

JT QSLS. OPDX InterNet Subscribers will receive an additional bulletin from Ken, K4ZW (JT1/K4ZW). In his E-mail to OPDX he expresses his opinion on the QSLing by JT operators and has offered to act as a collection point for cards. He asks that cards must include an SAE and greenstamp (US dollar) or NEW style IRC per callsign. The old style (small) IRCs are no longer good in Mongolia. Also, include a small donation to help defray the cost of shipping. Complete details will be available in the additional bulletin to OPDX Subscribers.

K5C INFO. A web site has been established for the recent K5C IOTA expedition by the Magnolia DX Association to Cat Island, NA-082. The site contains photos, a story about their experience and an on-line log search. The URL is:

http://mdxa.org/k5c_02.html

NO KG4 BUREAU. Bill, W4WX (KG4DX), wants to remind everyone that GTMO, Cuba (KG4), does not have a QSL bureau. All cards should be sent direct or via a QSL Manager. Bill is the QSL Manager ONLY for the following callsigns: KG4GC (his old callsign), KG4DX (his present call since 9/2001), KG4PK, KG4WD, KG4KD, KG4FD, KG4AU, KG4JY, and KG4CQ. NO OTHERS. Bill has the GTMO data base of issued callsigns. If you need assistance in locating a QSL route of someone that has operated from GTMO send him an E-mail at: w4wx@bellsouth.net

QSL H8A, active in the CQ RJ WW RTTY Contest as Multi/Single entry, via DL6MYL. Operators were DJ7AA, DL4LQM, DL5LYM and HP1XVH.

Ralph, K2PF, reports that effective immediately (October 1st), he will be handling the QSL cards for KH7X. KH7X is the callsign of the Pacific Contest Club located in Hawaii. Club trustee is Mike, KH6ND.

NEW QSL MANAGER. Alberto, LU1DZ, states he now has a new QSL Manager as of September 26th for his LU1DZ and AY1DZ callsigns. QSL Manager is EA3RS: Toni Herrera Caro, P.O.Box 555, E-08914 Badalona, BARCELONA, Spain.

QSL RW2F, active in the CQ RJ WW RTTY Contest as Multi Op station entry, via DK4VW. Operators were from the UA2 CONTEST CLUB.

QSL SW2A, active in the CQ RJ WW RTTY Contest as Single Op/All Band entry, via SV2AEL. Operator was Savas, SV2AEL.

QSL W2WTC via direct to K2HJB (see below) with a SASE or via the Bureau. Cards recieved without a SASE will not answered. Activity was by the Pearl River DX Association to honor the 7 radio amateurs and 75 Port Authority employees (37 of which were Port Authority Police Officers) who were killed on 9/11/01. PLEASE NOTE that W2WTC is a permanent callsign and is not associated with any other "WTC" callsign that has been active on the air. The W2WTC activity will go QRT on September 30th. The direct address is: Pear River DX Association, 112 Lois Dr., Pearl River, NY 10965.

QSL XU7ACN and XU7ACJ via ON6NP.
QSL XU7AUR via ON5UR.

S07, WESTERN SAHARA (Update)
The S07L team expects to arrive at the Algerian airport of Tindouf during the evening of October 8th, so they will be on the air from Bir Lehlu between the morning of October 9th through the sunrise of October 13th. The operation will be on 40-10 meters on SSB, RTTY and PSK31. Some activity on 80, 6 meters and CW is possible. Operators now comfirmed are: EA1BT/Fernando, EA3BTD/Xevi, EA4BPJ/Jose, EA5XX/Julio, N8SHZ/Bela and XE1L/Luis. QSL via EA4URE. The log will be available after the DXpediton at:

http://www.ure.es

S79, SEYCHELLES
Serge, EX0M, will be active as S79W from October 6-12th, from Mahe Island (IOTA AF-024). There were no bands/modes of activity provided. QSL via DF8WS.

SPECIAL EVENT
For the "Jamborre On The Air 2002", October 19-20th, the "Rattellini Ettore Scouts" will be active as IR2RES. For more deatils, please visit the Web page at:

http://www.qsl.net/iz2dvi/activity/jota2002/jota02.htm
TI5, COSTA RICA
Harry, AC8G, in a press release announced: "Twelve USA and Canadian amateurs will journey to near San Jose, Costa Rica for a week beginning October 23, 2002. The principal activity will be as a Multi-Multi entry in the CQ WW SSB Contest using TI5N (QSL via W3HNK). The location will be at the mega station QTH of Keko, TI5KD, located near San Jose. Before and after the contest, the group expects to have activity on all bands from 160 to 6 meters using a variety of modes to include PSK31. Calls used will be TI5/homecall with the QSL route being the homecall or as announced. Please do not mix QSL card of TI5N or any of the group in SASE mailings. Members of the trip are AC8G, K6GXO, KE6WW, KA7KUZ, K8QOE, N1IZP, N6JRL, N0AT, VE3RZ, W8ILC, W8KKF and WA8LOW. TI5KD and several other local and visiting amateurs may join in the activity."

TO5, MARTINIQUE
Al, NH7A, will be active as TO5A in the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest (October 26-27th) as a Single Op/All Band entry. QSL via F5VHJ.

TO8, MAYOTTE
Bernie, F6BLK, will be active as TO8MZ from now through October 9th. Activity will be mainly CW with some SSB, probably on all bands. QSL via F6BLK either direct or through the bureau.

TOP DXEXPEDITION
Gil, F5NOD, reports that "The TOP DX EXPEDITION" Web page has been updated at:

http://www.qsl.net/f5nod/topdxexpe.html
Send Gil your stats by using the form on the following Web page at:
http://www.qsl.net/f5nod/topdxexpe_submit.html

TT8, CHAD
Pascal, F5PTM, is now active as TT8ZZ until early Decmber. He received his licence last week on September 24th. He is expected to operate on 80-6 meters mostly CW. He was spotted this past weekend on 17/12/10 meters. QSL via his home callsign.

VP8GEO -- SOUTH GEORGIA VIDEO IS READY!
James Brooks, 9V1YC, announces:
"The VP8GEO South Georgia 2002 video is now ready, completing 'part 2' of this year's South Atlantic 'Micro-Lite' DXpedition video series. As with previous titles this video is not just about an amateur radio DXpedition, but also covers South Georgia's history, wildlife, and people. There are also numerous pileup sequences and in-depth interviews with the team members discussing the rather unique philosophy behind the trip.

Another interesting aspect of this release is that it's now available on DVD. With the rapid increase in popularity of this medium - especially in North America - both Part 1 (VP8THU) and Part 2 (VP8GEO) of this video were manufactured on separate DVD discs - in addition to the standard VHS video cassettes.

This is the first major DXpedition video ever released on professionally manufactured DVD, and it is hoped that the vast increase in picture and sound quality will encourage more people to switch over to this superior format. The upcoming WRTC Finland 2002 video (currently in production here) will also be released on DVD later this year."

For more information please see: http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb

WIRELESS ACCESS TO DXCLUSTER, CALLBOOKS, PROPAGATION
Tomas, NW7US, informs OPDX of the following: "For those who have wap/wireless devices that can read WML pages, I have put together a DX Cluster page, as well as a Callbook search and propagation resources at:

http://wap.hfradio.org
If you go there without a WAP device, you will just get the regular home page. If you go there WITH a WAP device, you will have a menu of options, and so forth. If you have any problems getting it to work with your device, please let me know the GMT date and time that you tried, and the error you are getting. Hope this is helpful. 73 de Tomas, NW7US // AAR0JA" Tomas's E-mail address is: nw7us@hfradio.org

XW, LAOS
Champ, E21EIC, informs OPDX that he and Larry, XW1LLR, are planning for activity/operation in the CQWW CW Contest from Laos at XW1LLR's station in November. He also mentioned that he recently had dinner with Larry, XW1LLR, and his XYL in Bangkok. Larry gave Champ ALL the XW1LLR QSL cards (from his Laos address) and his log. More cards are expected to be printed and should be finished at the end of October. Champ will reply to direct QSLs in November. If everyone would like to exchange QSL card with XW1LLR, please send your QSL card direct to E21EIC at: Champ C. Muangamphun, P.O. Box 1090, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10903 Thailand (or via HS Bureau). ADDED NOTE: Champ states that the XW1IC QSL card will be replied to at the entd of October.

ZK1, SOUTH COOK ISLANDS
By the time you read this, the YL operators Elizabeth/VE7YL, June/VK4SJ, Mio/JR3MVF and Gwen/VK3DYL should be QRT from Lord Howe Islands and on their way to operate from the South Cook Islands between October 1-15th. Operations will be from Aitutaki Island (OC-083) October 1-6th and from Rarotonga (OC-113) October 7-15th. Their callsign is expected to be ZK1XYL. QSL via VK3DYL direct with sufficient return postage to: Gwen Tilson, 3 Gould Crt., Mt. Waverley 3149, Australia. Green stamps would be appreciated since this is a self-funded DXpedition, however, cards via the VK3 Bureau will also be answered. Direct cards without sufficient postage will be returned via the 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
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Unsubscribe: opdx-request@nshore.org Subject:unsubscribe

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

ALSO VISIT THE NORTERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB HOME PAGE:
http://www.papays.com/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

From: "Ken Claerbout" K4ZW@Staffnet.com
To: kb8nw@arrl.net
Subject: JT QSL's
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2002 01:51:27 -0000
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4807.1700

All QSL's for JT1CO, JT1BG, JT1BV, & JT1CC that I hand carried to Mongolia have now been mailed from the US. Cards for other JT stations that I hand carried have been give to JT1BG. Baatar will deliver them to the respective operators.

I took the opportunity to speak with several of the guys concerning problems people are having with QSL cards from Mongolia. To a person, they complain about cards getting lost in the mail. They say the best method is to send the card via China or Japan.

My personal opinion is that they do care about answering QSL's. A number of them have printed some very nice cards. Others have printed several different styles of cards for those who have had multiple QSO's. I don't believe they would go through this trouble if they did not care about QSLing. Those I spoke to, wish to continue doing their own cards instead of engaging the services of a QSL manager.

We tossed around a few ideas for improving the situation and decided to give the following a try. Please read it carefully.

For those who are interested, I will act as a collection point for cards. Cards must include an SAE and greenstamp (US dollar) or NEW style IRC per callsign. The old style (small) IRC's are no longer good in Mongolia. Please do not include multiple callsigns in a single envelope and do not put US postage on the return envelope as the replies will be mailed from Mongolia. At the appropriate time, I will box up the cards up and ship them, probably to JT1BG for distribution, via registered mail or DHL. The latter is very reliable but more expensive. This will ensure that your cards get in country. From there it is up to the guys to distribute the cards and answer them.

What I'm asking in return, is a small donation to help defray the cost of shipping. By combining cards and using a secure shipping method, we ensure delivery and achieve some economies of scale. I will probably ship the cards every couple of months depending on the volume received and of course once I have enough to cover shipping expenses.

Obviously I cannot guarantee you will receive a card. That's up to the guys on the other end. Also lest anyone think otherwise, I do not intend nor do I think it would be possible, to secure a financial gain buy doing this. It is strictly voluntary and you are welcome to mail your cards direct if you prefer to go that route. Consider this an experiment. If it works and there is sufficient interest, we'll keep it going. If not, then at least we gave it a try.

73
Ken Claerbout K4ZW (JT1/K4ZW)

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