OPDX Bulletin 1041 December 19, 2011

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 1041
BID: $OPDX.1041
December 19, 2011
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio)

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network, K1XN & GoList, NJ1Q & ARRL DX, N2FF, K3LP, KA3NRX NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, K4DY, N4AA & QRZ DX, WA4DAN, KH6BZF, W6IZT, WB6RSE, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX (60m News), AT International, DF6EX, DK8JB & The DX News Letter, DL1SBF, DxCoffee.com, DX-World.Net, EA1LT, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, G3SWH, G0IAS, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, RSGB IOTA Web Site, TA1HZ, VA3RJ & ICPO, VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) and VE1AL for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 11th-December, through Sunday, 18th-December there were 222 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3D2, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5V, 5W, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, CY0, D2, D4, D6, DL, DU, E4, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FK, FM, FO, FR, FS, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J8, 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, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ5, PJ7, PY, PZ, R1FJ, S2, S5, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T32, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TL, TR, TT, TU, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK0M, VP5, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZB, ZC4, ZD7, ZF, ZK2, ZL, ZP, ZS

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

3DA, SWAZILAND
Operators Phil/G3SWH and John/G3OLU (aka EA5ARC) will be active from the Hawane Resort in western Swaziland between February 21-29th, 2012. The Hawane Resort has a well equipped station with Elecraft K3 transceivers, ICOM IC2KL amplifiers, an A4S at 24m and an A3WS at 20m, a wire 4 square for 40m and a vertical for 80m complete with 30 x 20m long radials. Phil informs OPDX that they will use a single callsign for the DXpedition, which is yet to be allocated. Activity will be on CW only on all bands 80-10 meters. There will be no 160, 6 meters or EME activity. Propagation permitting, they plan to have two stations on the air for as many hours every day as is possible. Their main objective is to work as many European, North American and ROTW stations on as many different bands as possible and plan to make at least 15,000 QSOs. QSL via G3SWH, either via the OQRS facility on Phil's Web site

www.g3swh.org.uk
(preferred), direct with SAE and adequate return postage, or via the Bureau. Subject to a good Internet connection, there will be an on-line log on Phil's Web site and daily uploads to LoTW. Phil will issue an update once the callsign has been issued and he has the Web site up and running.

3DA, SWAZILAND
Members of the "Fox Charlie DXpedition Team" will be active as 3DA0FC between April 4-11th, 2012. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using SSB, RTTY and PSK. Suggested frequencies are:
SSB - 3780, 7063, 14185, 18136, 21290, 24930 and 28490 kHz
RTTY - 3590, 7040, 10149, 14084, 18104, 21084, 24924 and 28084 kHz
PSK - 7038, 14072, 18102, 21072, 24922 and 28122 kHz
The current list of operators are Filip/ON4AEO and XYL Kath/ON7BK, Sid/ZS6AYC and XYL Adele/ZR6APT, Gert/ZS6GC, Jose/ON4CJK, YL Elna/ZS6EB, YL Steffi/ON3AEO, Lucas/ZS6ACT and Herman/ZS5LH. QSL via ON4CJK, direct or by the Bureau. A 3DA0FC Web site is currently under construction that will include an online log at:

http://www.filipstattooshop.be/Swaziland2012

A2, BOTSWANA (Ops still needed!)
Frosty, K5LBU, reports that there is still room for several more operators to join his DXpedition to Botswana in March. Currently, there is Frosty, one couple and one other operator, and two of them are planning to visit and stay 3 nights and 4 days at the Kruger Park before meeting up in Johannesburg on March 16-17th. They will arrive at the Lotsane lodge on the 18th and return to Johannesburg on the 28th and depart on the 29th. The group plans to operate as A25HQ in the CQ WPX Contest while there. If you would like to go, E-mail Frosty at: 3da0cf@gmail.com

A5, BHUTAN
. Take, JA4ATV (ex-9J2FM), is now active as A52ATV from Bhutan until December 20th. Activity has been on 40/15/12 meters CW. Watch around 0800-0930z and 1930-2230z. QSL via JA4ATV.

CARIBBEAN TOUR
Tom, AA9A, will be on a Caribbean holiday tour with the family between the end of January and early March. QSL via AA9A and LoTW. His schedule is as follows:

PJ2 - Active as PJ2/AA9A from Curacao between January 21st and February 4th, 2012. Activity limited to spare time on 40-10 meters using CW and SSB.

V2 - Active as V25AA from Antigua with other operators between February 13-22nd. See details below under V2.

PJ7 - Active as PJ7/AA9A from Sint Maarten between March 3-17th. Activity limited to spare time on 40-10 meters using CW and SSB.

CY0, SABLE ISLAND (Everything is still a go!)
Murray, WA4DAN, informs OPDX (edited):
"The team of Ron/AA4VK and Murray/WA4DAN are making last minute preparations for the upcoming CY0 DXpedition. Gear is currently being prepared for shipment to Maritime Air Ltd in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Some antennas are already on Sable. Because of the recent uptick in high band propagation, increased emphasis will be placed on 10 and 12 meters. Our goal is to always have one operator on 10 meters during the time that band is open to CY0. We are shipping a three element, 10-meter monoband yagi to the island. This 10-meter yagi will be mounted on top of a 30-foot tower which we will erect upon arrival on the island. It is possible we may have both CY0 stations on 10-meters at peak times. We are looking at ways to physically separate the 10 meter antennas to facilitate that possibility. We were greatly encouraged by the amount of activity in the recent 10-meter contest.

We know there is high demand for CY0 on that band. We will do our best to satisfy this demand. We are scheduled to arrive in Halifax on the morning of Dec. 27th. We will confirm all of our gear made it safely and shop for last minute supplies. After an early wake-up on Dec. 28th, we will arrive at Maritime Air and eagerly await for the OIC on Sable and Maritime Air to make the GO/NO GO call on the weather and landing conditions. Landing on Sable is a little tricky as there is no runway on the island. Landing is on the sand which must be relatively firm and free of standing water. Wind speed and wind direction are also critical parameters to the GO/NO GO decision. These decisions are made by the OIC on Sable and Maritime Air. Keep a check on this Web site for more updates as we get closer to departure:

http://www.cy0dxpedition.com
D6, COMOROS
Fabri, IW3SQY, will lead an international team of operators to activate Comoros sometime in the coming months of 2012. More details are forthcoming.

DX-WORLD.NET'S 2011 DXPEDITION OF THE YEAR SURVEY
It is that time of the year for the DX-World.net Web site's - "DXpedition of the Year 2011". It is easy to vote on the Web page by just checking the box next to the DXpedition you want to vote for (you can vote up to five DXpeditions). After you vote, you can see the current standings. The survey is available at:

http://dx-world.net/2011/dx-world-dxpedition-of-the-year-2011
The voting will close on January 15th, 2012. DX-World.net states, "The criteria behind the poll is to remind operators of the many notable DXpeditions which occurred during the last 12 months and to vote for their favorite(s)."

E4, PALESTINE (Update)
Peri, HB9IQB, is now active as E44PM possibly through December 22-23rd. Activity will be mainly CW with some SSB. For more details and updates, visit the following Web page at:

http://www.hb9iqb.ch/palestine.html
UPDATE FROM PERI (date December 16th): "Season's greetings from Bethlehem. Operation started Dec. 15th, 20.48 UTC, on 7 MHz, in CW. First Call in the Log is HB9DX, The Swiss DX Foundation, with HB9DDO at the key. Unfortunately, terrible QRM was encountered here caused by all kind of electrical devices in the house (Neon lights, Air condition etc.), peaking S9 + 10 dB on the K2 meter. Will check possibilities today for trouble shooting, including antenna relocation. Thanks for obeying my regional instructions, excellent operating by the EU ops during JA and K/W openings.

E5, SOUTH COOK ISLANDS (Reminder)
Remember to look for Andy/AB7FS (E51AND, ZK1AND and ZK2AND) and his XYL Kathy/KB7SCH (ZK1SCH) to be active again from Arorangi Beach on Rarotonga Island (OC-013) between December 19-31st. Andy will be active as E51AND. As a member of the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC #7723), he plans to operate straight key CW at or around 14050 kHz, and he will be looking especially for SKCC members. Andy states, "This is NOT a DXpedition - just a vacation with some hamming -- so frenetic issuing of signal reports will be a low priority though I'll try to make contact with those who want them. I often check into the ANZA net which meets at 0515z daily at 14183 kHz -- so that's a good place to find me for a sked or to QSY down to the CW part of the band --- or you can try E-mailing me - we'll have limited connectivity but I'll check at least every second day...and..... band conditions are MUCH improved from last December." QSL via AB7FS. Andy's E-mail address is: Kiaorana@minetfiber.com

EA/P, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Between now and March 2012, look for Adrian, EA1CYK, to be active as EA1CYK/P during his spare time from Antarctic base "Gabriel de Castilla" (WAP ESP-02) on Deception Island, South Shetland (AN-010). If it is possible, he will visit the base "Juan Carlos I" (WAP ESP-01) on Livingstone Island (also in the South Shetland). He was heard this past weekend on 10 meters with a good signal. QSL Manager is EA7LS.

EF8, CANARY ISLANDS
Luis, EA8AY, will use the special callsign EF8USA from Tenerife Island (IOTA AF-004, DIE S-012, WLOTA 1276, EAA TF) during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 18-19th) as a Single-Op/All-band entry. QSL via only LoTW. Visit his Web site at:

http://www.ea8ay.com/ef8x

ET, ETHIOPIA
David, K3LP, informed OPDX on December 13th, that their team has concluded this trip and is headed to the airport at 7:00 PM to return home. David states, "The results of the U.S. FCC License testing for Dec. 10, 12 and 13 are as follows:
Total Number Students Tested: 62
Total Number of Amateur License Tests conducted: 161

License Types issued:
Qty 5 - Extra Class Licenses
Qty 36 - General Class Licenses
Qty 16 - Technician Class Licenses
Qty 5 - Did not receive a License

After we get our logs combined, we'll upload the results to the Logbook of the World plus post the results as a search function. QSL ET3AA and ET3SID via N2OO for December 8-13th, 2011, only. Thanks to everyone for their understanding regarding the low bands. A future goal will be set to operate from a remote location with exceptional receive antennas." For the complete details and up-to-date info, see:

http://www.k3lp.com/et3aa_december_2011.htm

HK0, MALPELO ISLAND (Update)
Gregg, W6IZT, Co-leader of the upcoming 2012 HK0NA DXpedition, announced this past week to the 160 meter community of their Topband plans for the upcoming operation. He reports,

"We will have 2 operating locations. Both locations will have 160 meters capabil- ities and legal limit amplifiers. The distance between the two operating locations is approximately 300 meters and the difference in elevation is almost 200 meters! Two operating locations are a necessity to provide a low take off angles in all directions. The camp lower in elevation 'OP B, or Baja' will be our main camp and is located adjacent to the military facilities. 'OP A, or Alto' will be located very close to the top of the highest point on Malpelo. The antennas for OP A will be located on top of the highest peak. The personnel operating from OP A will have to make a very difficult and dangerous 200m vertical climb on a daily basis to man the stations. OP B will be the primary 160m station for the eastern U.S., Europe, South America, and Africa. OP A will be the primary operating location for the western US, JA/Asia, and VK/ZL. Our current antenna plans call for an Inverted L for 160 at OP B, with Pennants for receive, and for OP A an Inverted V broadside to the US and JA for 160 and Pennants for receive.

At 300 meters above the sea we are confident that the efforts to establish this operating location and antenna selection will result in an outstanding signal on 160 to those areas of the world that have been most challenged to work Malpelo in the past. Establishing an operating location from OP A comes at a considerable expense. We have expanded an already strong team with the addition of several experienced DXpeditioners to man the increased number of stations (from 6 to 10). This has also enabled us to extend our stay on the island.

We are making every effort to minimize the risk in transit for OP B to OP A through the extensive use of safety equipment wherever possible. Fortunately, we have a commitment from the Columbian Military and the crew of our transportation vessel to assist with transporting equipment, fuel and water to the OP A site. An advance team of operators from Columbia are leaving for the island on Christmas day to begin the efforts of establishing the camp infrastructure, and setting up the antennas. One of our goals is to drop Malpelo out of the top 100 on the DXCC most wanted list from the current spot of #11 world- wide. Operations of this magnitude are expensive. This one in particular also comes with a significant element of risk. The operators are bearing the majority of the expenses. But without support from equipment sponsors, major DX organizations, clubs, and individuals this trip would not be possible. Contributions are still needed and very welcomed. Please visit our Website at

www.HK0NA.com
and click on 'how can I help'... Lastly, we have a tremendous group of equipment and DX organization sponsors, please support them whenever possible..... 73s, Happy Holidays, and hopes that we are in your log on 160!"
HS0AC HORROR STORY
For the first time since the flooding in October- November, members of the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) were able to get out to the HS0AC club station on the campus of the Asian Institute of Technology on December 10th, and entering their shack by forcing open a locked rusty door to get in. The water had been some two meters deep at its peak and had submerged the AIT campus for five weeks. The team entering the shack was RAST President Chaiyong/HS1QVD, Station Manager Finn/OZ1HET, Swen/HS0ZFZ, Thida/HS1ASC, Sonn/HS6NDK, Karl/HS0ZJL and his XYL, and Gerd/DK5FJ. They spent eight hours sifting through the flood damage and and documented their visit: Visit the following link to read and see photos of the damage at:
http://bit.ly/9GztWh

IOTA NEWS
EU-008. Members of the Black Country DX & Contest Group will be active as MS0OXE from the Isle of Tiree (IOSA NH04, SCOTIA DI10, IO66ML, WAB NL94), in the Inner Hebrides Islands between September 13-21st. Operators mentioned are Simon/M0VKY, Drew/ G7DMO, Brian/G0JKY and Terry/G4MKP. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via M0URX, direct or by the Bureau. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW and eQSL. Visit their Web site at:

http://ms0oxe.webs.com

NA-066. Operators Ray/N6HE, Jeff/K6JW, Joe/NZ6L, Bob/AB6SY, Clay/AB9A, Diana/AI6DF and Bill/KG6WVF will be active as K6PV/6 from Santa Catalina Island (USI CA016S, WLOTA 2912, Los Angeles County, CA) between February 23-26th, 2012. Activity will be on 20 meters SSB mostly, with some on 40 meters SSB. They will also be in the NAQP RTTY Contest (February 25-26th) and the CQWW 160m SSB Contest (February 24-26th). They also plan to be om 160/80/40/ 20/15/10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and possibly PSK31. QSL direct to QRZ.com address for K6PV.

JW, SVALBARD
Operators Magne/LA2XNA and Jon/LA8HGA will be active as JW2XNA and JW8HGA, repectively, from Spitsbergen Island (EU-026, WLOTA 0125) between March 16-20th, 2012. Activity will be on 160-10 meters with an emphasis on the higher bands. Look for JW2XNA to be on SSB, PSK31 and PSK63, while JW8HGA will be on CW. QSL via their home callsigns, direct or by the Bureau. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW.

KH3, JOHNSTON ATOLL (Update)
"DX-World.net" is reporting that Susan's, W7KFI, QSL Manager, Stan, KH6CG, states that Susan may now push off from Hawaii a few days after January 15th. Additionally, the Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) is now sponsoring her KH3 activity and has sent her a banner which she has already received. Also, Susan has received her permit to access Johnston Atoll for January/February 2012. Stan states, "Her plan is to leave Honolulu on (approx) January 15, 2012, arriving KH3 some 5-7 days later, depending on wind. She'll operate for seven days setting up a tent on the pier, where it will be over land, using a 43 ft. vertical set into sand.

She has informed the ARRL of this station set up so they are aware for [pending] DXCC approval. Additionally, Susan will take photos and is expecting an Elecraft banner to be sent to her soon via the company; Susan will use a K3 on CW/SSB mainly." In short, according to Susan, she should be active from about January 21st, and if there is a delay for any reason she can operate through February."

KH6BZF PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (December 19-25th)

 Dec/19th  AN      Dec/22nd  AN      Dec/24th  AN
 Dec/20th  AN      Dec/23rd  AN      Dec/25th  AN
 Dec/21st  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
NEW WEB SITE FOR SATELLITE OP'S
A new French Web site for satellite operators has recently made its debut on the Web. The site features logbooks for all of the popular satellites including the DX bird, AO-7. It is a welcome replacement for the planetemily.com/ao7 which went offline a few weeks ago. The main feature of the new Web site is the logbooks where you can enter QSO data that will be archived for later reference. There is a field for comments as well. Visit the Web site at:
http://aar29.free.fr/sat/index.html
ADDED NOTE: Another great resource for satellite operators can be found at:
http://www.papays.com/sat
It features grid maps submitted by active satellite operators as well as thousands of recordings from satellite passes over the last two years. If you would like your grid map added to the site, please contact John, K8YSE, at: k8yse@amsat.org

PACIFIC ISLAND TOUR
Vincent, F4BKV, a member of the upcoming 2012 VP6T Pitcairn team, plans to continue has activity after this operation on Pitcairn by activating the following islands and locations. His tentative schedule and callsigns are as follows:

E51BKV - February 9th; Rarotonga Island (OC-013), South Cook Islands.
E51BKV - February 10-15th; Mangaia Island (OC-159), South Cook Islands.
E51BKV - February 16th; Rarotonga Island (OC-013), South Cook Islands.
FK/F4BKV - February 18-25th; Ouvea Island (OC-033), New Caledonia.
FK/F4BKV - February 26th; Noumea (OC-032), New Caledonia.
HL2/F4BKV - February 27th; A briefly stay in Seoul, South Korea, as Vincent heads home.

Activity from all locations will be on 40-10 meters using SSB and the Digital modes (RTTY/PSK31). His equipment will include an Elecraft K3 with 500w amp, monoband VDA (vertical dipoles array) for 17/15/12/10m and monoband verticals for 40/30/20m. QSL via his home callsign and LoTW. For more details, updates and an online log search, visit:

http://www.f4bkv.net

PJ7, SINT MAARTEN
A group of Polish operators are planning to be active as PJ7PT from Sint Maarten (NA-105) between March 5-18th, 2012. Operators mentioned are Wojciech/SP9PT, Bogdan/SP2EBG, YL Gala/SP2GKS, Jurek/SP3GEM, Czeslaw/SP3HLM and Jozef/SP9-31029. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via SP9PT. For more details and updates, visit the PJ7PT Web site at:

http://www.pj7pt.com

QSL INFO AND NEWS

  QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (dated December 18th)
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4K6/JR0HYT via JR0HYT      EM2G via UR7GO         PR5B via 6K5YPD
  9Q6AL via DF9TA            EX2X via EA5KB         R3ARS/3 via RA3AKF
  A61BK via NI5DX            FR5DZ via F6CXV        UN1L via W3HNK
  AH0J via JA1NVF            LY2011XMAS via LY2QT   UP20L via UN7LZ
  CS2P via CT1BWU            MD/EB1BSV via EB1BSV   V31NB via EB7DX
  DR2W via DH3WO             OR2R via ON6LJ         W2VGA/6Y5 via W2VGA
  DU1/JJ5GMJ via JH5RXS      P39P via 5B4ES         XU7SSB via XU7AAA (direct)
  EA1/LW3EQU via EA1DMB      PG65ISWL via PA0FAW    YU1OOW via YT2AA
  EA7/ON4LO via ON4LO
JX5O QSL STATUS. Members of the JX5O report that "due to unforeseen circumstances", Stan, SQ8X, will be delaying the sending/responding of QSLs until sometime in January at the earliest. Updates on this issue should be forthcoming on the JX5O Web Site. Thanks for your understanding.

KG4AJ QSL MANAGER. Buzz, NI5DX, has assumed the duties of QSL Manager for Norm, KG4AJ, on Guantanamo Bay. A new QSL card will be designed and sent to UX5UO for printing. It will take about 4 weeks to receive the cards once the order has been placed. Buzz is awaiting a log transfer from KG4AJ. Once the log transfer is made, Buzz will able to confirm all past contacts with KG4AJ. Norm is scheduled to be in KG4 land for 2 years.

NOT THE MANAGER. Al, VE1AL, re[orts that he received a batch of cards from his VE1 Bureau this past week, and included were two cards for 3V8S via VE1AL from the CQWWDX CW Contest in Nov. 2009. Al states, "I am not and never have been the QSL Manager for this operation. In the past, I have returned the cards via the Bureau system. Also, I still receive cards for ZK2DD and VA1S. I have the logs for the ZK2DD operation for only July 1979. If the call was re-issued, I cannot help. The VA1S logs are no longer available. I won't return the QSLs to the senders because of new, onerous, charges by RAC for membership and use of its outgoing bureau."

WIN-QSL-POLICY 2.2 (Program for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7). Manfred, DF6EX, has written a program that helps in providing info on which QSL-Manager/DX-station you can expect a reply via the Bureau or which DX-stations you better not work or have to spend a lot of money to get a card. The program has a growing database and it lets you know what stations do not QSL back or just take your green stamps. Currently, there are 11500 managers/DX-stations listed, from information collected over the past 20 years. The best news is that it is free. Read more about the program at:

http://www.winqsl.com
Or load directly at:
http://www.winqsl.com/winqsl/?page_id=74
No fee at all. Also, there will be further updates; you just have to register by mail.

QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 3D2ML, 9N7DX, 9X0VB, A45XR, A92IO, AX0LD, C37N, CT5KAO, CT7ACG, DC0NA, E51Z, EI6IZ, EI9E, EL2LF, EL2WS, F5GGL, F6BAT, F8AKC, FY5LH, G3WW, GI0RQK, HA3HZ, HQ9R, G3Y, GJ6UW, JA1BNL, JA7DOT, JH7RTQ, JO1COV, JS1NDM, KL2R, LZ2MP, LZ9W, MD0CCE, OK2DA, OM3AG, P40K, PJ2T, PJ4LS, PJ4X, PR7AB, PV8AA, PY4XX, S58N, SA0BDK, SP2JKC, T32C, TF3Y, UA2FR, UA9MEJ, UN7PBY, UR3IFC, VA2EW, VA7RN, VA7ST, VE3RZ, VE6TL, VO1TA, VP9/K2XX, VX6WQ, VY2ZM, XE2S, XE2X, YN2CC, YO9HP, YS1JBL, YT3AA, YU1JW, Z37M, ZF2OE, ZK2V, ZM4G and ZS4TX

QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 3D2R, 4L1MA, 5C2J, 5T0JL, 8R1AK, 9H1BT, DU2/JJ5GMJ, E77A, EW8OG, FR/DJ7RJ, J69MV, JD1BMH, K4M, KC4AAC, KC4USV, ST0R, SV2ASP/A, SV5BYR, UA0SR, V26K, V63KZ, V85TL, VK9CX, VK0TH, ZA1G, ZB2B and ZD8ZZ

QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: NONE REPORTED THIS WEEK!

SILENT KEYS
* QSL Manager Allan, G0IAS, informs OPDX with great sadness that Harry Berry, G0JMU/7Q7HB, collapsed in his home during lunchtime on December 12th and became a "Silent Key" (SK). Allan states, "I have ALL of Harry's Malawi contacts from the very first QSO he made more than 20 years ago.....I will answer the cards as they arrive, if you worked Harry and need the cards I will honor them, although at this time I feel like closing down the logs on ALL the 7Q Stations I manage. With the exception of my wife, he was the best friend I have ever had, I KNOW he has given a lot of people the pleasure of working 'a new one' and will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with his wife Elaine and his family at this time. I am sure lots of Hams will say with me a silent 'THANK YOU' Harry...REST IN PEACE OM......"

* It has been reported that Larry Amodeo, W2AX, became a "Silent Key" (SK) on November 28th, the day after the CQWW DX Contest at his home. He had been in poor health for some time and had dismantled his Vermont station a few years ago and sold the house there. Larry was a long time ARRL member and a well known DXer and contester who was one of the first to run a remote station from Readsboro, Vermont. At one point, he had worked them all and still stands at 381 on the DXCC Mixed standings. The only country missing from his list was North Korea. At the point where he stopped chasing them he had them all. He also managed to operate from some rare places in the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's includ- ing Johnston Island. He was a kind, friendly, helpful man who will be missed by the many who knew him and had a chance to operate from his Vermont station. He was a long time member of the "Order of Boiled Owls of New York" and the "Yankee Clipper Contest Club". * Pat Parrish, K4YR (ex-K4HXF and W5PSB), became a "Silent Key" (SK) on December 15th. An avid Dxer, he was on the Honor Roll list at 391. He managed the ARRL QSL Bureau in both the 5th and 4th district for a number of years. He was 84 years old.

* OPDX and its readers would like to send out our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of 7Q7HB, W2AX and K4YR.

TC9, TURKEY (Special Event)
Members of the Turkish Scouting and Guiding Federation's National Conciousness Camp, will activate special event station TC9SAM between December 23-26th. Operators mentioned are Tevfik/ TA1HZ, Hasan/TA1GE, Emrah/TA2AEM and Emre/TA1AES. Activity is in memory for the "Allahuekber Martyrs", and operations will be commemorating the fallen in Sarikamis Campaign of World War I. The special event station TC9SAM will be located in Gaziler and Kaynak villlages of Erzurum. In accordance with the camp program, they will be on the air mainly on 40 and 80m bands but will also try the other bands. You can also try to follow the team on APRS. Detailed info is available on (QRZ.com) and

www.tif.org.tr
. The QSL Nanager is TA1HZ.

TX6, FRENCH POLYNESIA (IOTA Op)
Before their major VP6T operation, operators Jacques/F6BEE, Nigel/G3TXF, Gilles/VE2TZT, Michel/FM5CD and Vincent/F4BKV will be active from Tahiti Island (OC-046) and possibly from Mangreva Island (OC-063) as TX6T. Specific dates were not provided yet, but should be forthcoming. Activity will be active on all HF bands. QSL via G3TXF.

V2, ANTIGUA
Operators Tom/AA9A and Bob/W4OWY will be active from here as V25AA and V25WY, respectively, between February 13-22nd. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via their home callsign. Tom does use LoTW. ADDED NOTE: "The Daily DX" reports that Ed/N2ED (V26G) will team up with Tom and Bob for the ARRL CW DX Contest (February 18-19th). The callsign is not yet known.

VK0, MACQUARIE ISLAND
Trevor, VK0TH, has been active on 40/20/17/15/12/10 meters using SSB, PSK31 and RTTY. Activity has been mainly between 2300- 1330z. Suggested frequencies are 70163, 14070, 18135, 21070, 21086, 21365, 24945, 28120 and 28400 kHz. QSL via JE1LET (direct only).

VP2V, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Dave, GM0LVI, will be active as VP2V/GM0LVI from Cooper Island (NA-023) between January 11-21st, 2012. Activity will be holiday style on 20-6 meters using CW and SSB. He will use a FT817 with 5 watts into GP and dipoles. QSL via his home callsign.

VP6, PITCAIRN ISLAND (Update)
Operators Jacques/F6BEE, Nigel/G3TXF, Gilles/VE2TZT, Michel/FM5CD and Vincent/F4BKV will be active as VP6T from famous, mythical Pitcairn Island (OC-044, CQ Zone 32) between January 20th and February 4th. From the VP6T Web page: "This DX operation from Pitcairn has a target of more than 30,000 QSOs. With good propagation forecast for early 2012, efforts will be made to give this extremely rare entity to deserving DXers on as many bands as possible, but especially on the low bands. The rarity of VP6 ensures that all operators will be kept fully occupied during our nine full days on the island. We will be travelling there by boat. We are planning to have three stations active round-the-clock."

Activity will be on 160-10 meters including the 30/17/12 meter bands, using CW, SSB and RTTY. The VP6T log will be uploaded to LoTW during the operation if possible, if not immediately after the operation. They will try to update their VP6T log on "ClubLog" several times a day during the operation. This will help you track your progress across the bands. QSL Manager is Nigel, G3TXF. In addition to the usual routes (Direct QSLing, QSLing via the Bureau and E-mail requests for Bureau cards to "QSL at G3TXF dot com"), they will also be using the new "Online QSL Request Service (OQRS) provided by ClubLog." For more details and the suggested frequencies, visit the VP6T Web site at:

http://www.vp6t.org

YX6, VENEZUELA
Members of the Radio Club of Venezuela plan to be active as YX6AJ from Angel Falls waterfall (the world's tallest - 979m) between January 3-6th, 2012. Operators mentioned are Lino/YY5FRD, Jesus/YY5CHJ, Marcel/YY5CAR, Wilmer/YY5CWM, Alfredo/YV5SSF, Edwin/YV5HUJ, Jose/YV5JF, William/YV5VE, Angel/YV5NEA and possibly one more. Activity will be on CW, SSB, Digital modes and the Satellites. QSL via YV5AJ, by the Bureau or direct.

ZF, CAYMAN ISLAND (Update)
Dr. Bill, K9HZ, will be active as ZF2HZ from Rum Point, Grand Cayman Island (NA-016, WLOTA 1042, WW Loc. EK99II) between December 19-29th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW and SSB. Suggested frequencies are listed on (QRZ.com). QSL via his home callsign.

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

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

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

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

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

ALSO VISIT THE 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, please send via InterNet Mail to:
kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org
- OR -
kb8nw@arrl.net

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

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