OPDX Bulletin 1151 February 24, 2014

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 1151
BID: $OPDX.1151
February 24, 2014
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, NC1L, NJ1Q & W1AW, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, K5GS, KD5SRW, W7GJ, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, KU9C, AT International, DK8JB & The DX News Letter, DL1SBF, DxCoffee.com, DX-World.Net, ES1CW, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, HA1AG, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, IK7JWX, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, Pete's DX-Newsdesk, PT7WA, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, VA3RJ & ICPO and the VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) for the following DX information.

ADDED NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
You will see a lot of reminders this week because there is a lot going on this week and the coming weeks. It should be interesting for DXers for about the next month and a half.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 16th-February, through Sunday, 23rd-February there were 227 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3C, 3C0, 3D2, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1I, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5H, 5R, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7P, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 8R, 9A, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9V, 9X, 9Y, A3, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C6, C9, CE, CE0Y, CE0Z, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D4, DL, DU, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FH, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FW, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J5, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JX, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ5, PJ7, PY, PZ, S5, S7, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV/a, SV5, SV9, T2, T7, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TN, TR, TU, TY, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VP2E, VP5, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YJ, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, Z8, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZD8, ZF, ZL, ZP, ZS, ZS8

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

3C0 & 3C4, ANNOBON ISLAND AND EQUATORIAL GUINEA (Update)
Elmo, EA5BYP, is now active as 3C0BYP (earlier than expected) from Annobon Island (AF-039) until March 8th. Gabriel, OD5NJ, (Elmo's pilot station) informed OPDX that Elmo started earlier due to a transportation issue. Activity will be on SSB, RTTY and some CW. There is a possibility of him making a trip to Bioko Island (AF-010), Equatorial Guinea, to be active as 3C4BYP, after his operation on Annobon. QSL via his home callsign (see QRZ.com).

4V/HH, HAITI
Operators Jean-Robert/HH2JR, Joel/N5JR and John/N5JC will be active as 4V1JR during the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 29-30th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via W3HNK. Look for Joel and John to be active outside of the contest as HH2/homecall starting March 25th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters, including 30/17/12m, using CW and RTTY. QSL both callsigns via N5JR.

5J0, SAN ANDRES
Operators Robert/N7QT, Melanie/AB1UH, Hugh/W4VAB and Guy/N7UN will be active as 5J0X from San Andres Island (NA-033) between April 2-14th. Activity will be holiday style (suitcase expedition) on 80-10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via N7QT, direct (NO IRCs) or by the Bureau. Log will be uploaded to LoTW.

8P, BARBADOS
Tom, W2SC, will once again be active as 8P5A during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 1-2nd) as Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via LoTW or direct to NN1N.

9H, MALTA
By the time you read this, Russell, G5XW, will be active as 9H3XW from Malta (EU-032) until March 6th. Operations will be from the MARL HQ club house or Michael, 9H5DX's, QTH. Activity will be on the HF bands (he likes 40/17/12m) using SSB. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the RSGB QSL Bureau.

9J, ZAMBIA (Reminder)
Look for members of the Italian DXpedition Team to be active as 9J2T between February 28th and March 17th. Activity will be on all bands, 160-6 meters using all modes. See OPDX.1149 for more details. QSL via I2YSB, direct or by the Bureau. An OQRS will be available for direct QSL and LoTW at:

http://win.i2ysb.com/logonline

A22, BOTSWANA
Schalk, ZS1LL (ex-ZS3O), from Sandbaai, South Africa, will once again be active as A22LL from Lobatse between April 5-30th. He once informed OPDX that he has a farm in Lobatse and will be there "every 2nd weekend". When there, Schalk mentioned that he will be on the 20m band operating CW and SSB. Watch 14020 kHz for CW and between 14180-14240 kHz for SSB (mostly on 14200 kHz calling CQ. QSL via his home callsign, direct and by the Bureau. NO LoTW.

A3, TONGA
Just a reminder that operators Klaus-Dieter/DK1AX and his XYL Heidi/DK1MA will be active as A35AX on a holiday style DXpedition from Tongatapu Island (OC-049) and Vava'u Island (OC-064) between February 24th and March 7th. Activity will be on CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via the OQRS on ClubLog.

A3, TONGA
Masa, JA0RQV, will once again (for the 6th time) be active from Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu Island (OC-049), as A35JP between March 14-20th. Activity will be limited this time because he is there on a business trip, so operations will be during his spare time "after primary business, mostly at night in Tongan time (UTC +13 h) and week end". Operations will be on 80-6 meters using CW and SSB. Equipment is an IC-7000 (w/100W) into a vertical antenna. QSL via his home callsign, by the Bureau, direct (SASE w/1 IRC) or LoTW. For more details and updates, visit his Blog page at:

http://blog.goo.ne.jp/rqv

C6, BAHAMAS
Operators Pier/W1NA, Max/N5NHJ/I8NHJ, Pasquale/I8QLS and Gino/I8ULL are now active as C6ANA from the Bahamas until March 3rd. The team was active this past weekend during the CQ 160M SSB Contest and will also be active in the upcoming ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 1-2nd). QSL via N5NHJ.

CE0, EASTER ISLAND
Oliver, W6NV, is currently active as CE0/W6NV from Rapa Nui (SA-001). His length of stay is not yet known. Activity has been on CW, operating on 20-10 meters. QSL via his home callsign.

CN2, MOROCCO
A Russian team is expected to be active again as CN2AA during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 1-2nd) as a Multi-2 entry. Operators mentioned are Dimitri/RA3CO, Yuri/RL3FT, Sergey/RX3APM, Babayan/UA3ASZ and Igor/UA4FER. QSL via UA2FM and LoTW. QSL via UA2FM or LoTW.

CN, MOROCCO (Mobile Op!)
Operators Leo/PD0HFP and Frans/PA5CA will be traveling through the Morocco Desert and the Atlas mountain range in a 4×4 Jeep Wrangler (Unlimited stretched version) vehicle between April 5-20th. They plan to be active as CN2CA (TNX to Abdou, CN8VO) using an Icom 7100 with Harris Solid-State PA into HiQ-5 HF mobile antenna. Oper- ations will be on 80-6 meters. QSL via PA9M, direct (2 GS) or by the Bureau. NO IRCs are accepted. For more details and updates, watch QRZ.com or visit:

http://pa5ca.com/wp/?page_id=170

CP, BOLIVIA
World-Traveler Vlad, UA4WHX, who was recently active from Juan Fernandez as CE0Z/UA4WHX, is now active as CP4WHX from Porco as of February 23rd. As always, length of stay is unknown. Most of his activity so far has been on 30 meters CW and RTTY, with a few QSNs reported on 20 meters SSB and 40 meters CW. QSL via his home callsign (see QRZ.com).

DXCC NEWS
Bill Moore, NC1L, ARRL Awards Branch Manager, reports that the following operation is approved for DXCC credit:
FT5ZM ­ Amsterdam & St. Paul Island; 2014 Operation

IOTA NEWS
AF-032. (Wrap-up) Alfredo, IK7JWX, Team leader of the 5I0DX DXpedition to Zanzibar Island, reports [edited], "AF-032 is over. Don't think we were there for holiday. The two humanitarian events held at one local School as well at the Italia Day Hospital were a success! You can find some pictures here:

http://www.hb9dhg.ch/events.cfm?RequestTimeout=500&Action=1&Year=2014&EventID=52&Sort=1
Also, have a look at Elvira's blog (IV3FSG):
http://volontariafrica.wordpress.com/2014/02/15/hakuna-matata/

5I0DX QRT - The 5I0DX DXpedition to Zanzibar Island went QRT the 12th February by logging the last QSOs on 30m CW! We will now check the log and correct some wrong callsigns as well update them to ClubLog. BE PATIENT, your QSO will appear soon. Logs will be uploaded soon on Clublog. Any communication with the Team can be via our friend Fulvio, HB9DHG, (look at QRZ.com). Italia Day Hospital, Zanzibar - Not only a DXpedition, but this will also a humanitarian trip to help the 'Italia Day Hospital' in Mweraponcwe. Have a look at this Youtube Video! Thank you Pablo and Domenico Palumbo for your efforts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClQj9R3SYzk
https://www.facebook.com/groups/256737857822173/permalink/256740014488624/
The Team European DXpedition Zanzibar 2014 wants to thank the Sponsors, Individual contributors, Clubs and Associations. Special thanks to TCRA Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority and TARC Tanzania Amateur Radio Club and their secretary Hidan, 5H3HO, for the collaboration and help.

ITALY's QSL Manager: IK7JWX; WORLD QSL Manager: IS0AGY - QSL via the Bureau or direct (3 USDs or IRC). Despite some interruptions of electricity, a half-day break and propagation not very good, all the 5I0DX team is very satisfied and happy for 14,068 QSOs." LoTW confirmations will be available soon! The QSLs will be printed by Emil, LZ3HI.

EU-047. Robert, DK2RO, will once again be active as DK2RO/p from Spiekeroog Island between March 2-7th. Activity will be holiday style on all HF bands, propagation permitting, main mode CW. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. He as uploaded his logs of past operations to LoTW.

OC-076. (Update/Dates/Changes) It seems that Joppy, YB8XM, will now be active by himself as YB8XM/p from Sanana Islands, North Maluku Province, Indonesia, between February 24-26th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters. Modes were not mentioned. QSL via YB8XM, direct with SAE + 2 IRCs (No Green Stamps and No via Bureau). PayPal is available (see Web page, designed by Andy, YC0MVP). For more details and updates, see:

http://oc076.blogspot.co.uk

OC-164. John, VK6HZ, will once again be active as VK6ARI from Rottnest Island between March 23-30th. Activity will be holiday style on 40-10 meters using SSB, PSK and RTTY, possibly CW. Antenna will be a Buddipole. Activity will be around the usual IOTA frequencies. QSL via VK6HZ, direct or by the Bureau. Log will be uploaded to Clublog and LoTW.

SA-016. By the time you read this, the ZZ8S operation from Santana Island during the S. American Lighthouse Weekend should be almost QRT (February 24th). Activity will be 40-10 meters SSB only. QSL via PT2OP.

SA-029. By the time you read this, the ZV1M operation from Jurubaiba Island during the S. American Lighthouse Weekend should be almost QRT (February 23rd). Activity will be 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and PSK31. QSL via PY1MT.

J6, ST. LUCIA (Update to OPDX.1148)
By the time you read this, Ernest, J69AZ, and a group called the J6DX Portable Group, will be active as J6SLI35 to celebrate St. Lucia's 35th anniversary of independence from Rat Island (which is about 1/4 mile from the main land) until February 23rd. Operators mentioned are Ernest/J69AZ, Fay/J69EJ, Frans/J69DS and Francis/J66CA. They were operating QRP for the past three days using solar panels and Buddipole antennas. QSL via KD5SRW (see QRZ.com). John, KD5SRW, who has partnered with them and is heading up a project to collect funds to purchase three solar panels and some band pass filters, informed OPDX the solar panel kits were expected to arrive on the island February 21st.

J7, DOMINICA
Tore, SM0DZB, President of SSA, is now active as J79TA from Sailisbury until possibly February 26th. Activity is holiday style on 80-10 meters mainly CW. QSL via SM0T, direct or by the Bureau.

JD1, OGASAWARA
Minekazu, JA2NQG, will be active as JD1AAI from Chichijima (AS-031) between April 9-17th. Activity will be mainly CW with some activity in the JIDX CW Contest (April 12-13th). Prefecture number is 48. He also mentions that there is no internet connection at the QTH he is staying. QSL via JA2NQG or JD1AAI, by the Bureau or direct.

KH8, AMERICAN SAMOA (6m Op!)
Lance, W7GJ, informs [edited]: "Hello! -- In recent years, KH8 has become a very difficult catch on 6m. For that reason, this year I have made plans to activate American Samoa as KH8/W7GJ on 6m EME from July 13th to July 28th. I will concentrate on July 13-21st, when EME conditions are most favorable. We will also operate on terrestrial propagation modes if they become available, but expect to be busy contacting many single yagi stations via EME using JT65A mode.

If you still need KH8 on 6m, I certainly hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to contact us! The reason for this advance notice is to give you time to clear your schedule and finalize any station improve- ments before the DXpedition.

The QTH selected has a negative horizon out over the ocean from moonrise in the east, around through north to moonset in the west, so we will have common moon with Europe on both moonrise and moonset. Current details plus future updates are available on my website:

http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/AmericanSamoa2014.htm
As with my previous 6m EME DXpeditions to the Pacific, contributions are very much needed and welcomed! It is a lot of effort and expense to haul a 6m EME station halfway around the world! Any amount is very much appreciated and can be submitted to my Pay Pal account via my email address of:
w7gj@q.com
Many thanks for your continued support, and I hope to put many of you serious 6m DXers in the log this July!..... GL and VY 73, Lance W7GJ"

LX, LUXEMBOURG
Philippe, LX2A, will be active as LX7I during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 1-2nd) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via LX2A. Visit the following Web page at:

http://www.lx2a.com

MJ, JERSEY
Kazu, JK3GAD, will be active as MJ0CFW from Jersey (EA-013) between March 14-16th. Look for activity in the Russian DX Contest (March 15-16th) and the BARTG HF RTTY Contest (March 15-17th). In both contests he will sign MJ5Z. QSL via LoTW or M0CFW.

MT0, ISLE OF MAN
Operators Steve/G0FUW, Dave/M0SFT, Simon/M0TTE and Dan/ M0TGN will be active as MT0WCB from the Isle of Man (EU-116) between May 10-17th. They will be running 2 stations on the air; 1 dedicated for the Digital modes and 1 dedicated for CW. Also, they will be activating SOTA and WAB reference numbers. QSL via M0TGN, direct or by the Bureau. For more details and updates, visit the Web site at:

http://www.mx0wcb.com

P4, ARUBA
Robert, W5AJ, will once again be active as P40P for the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 1-2nd). His operating class is TBD. This is his 13th contesting trip to Aruba. Outside of the contest, Robert will be on the air, possibly on 40 meters. QSL via LoTW (Please) or direct to W5AJ. NO BUREAU. Check out his P40P page at:

http://www.qsl.net/v26p

PJ4, BONAIRE
A German team of operators will be active as PJ4H from Bonaire (SA-006, WLOTA LH-1279) between April 5-18th. Operators mentioned are Jürgen/DJ2VO, Martin/DL3KMS and Ernst/DK7AN. Activity will be holiday style on 160-10 meters (except 60m) using CW, SSB and RTTY. They plan to upload their log daily to ClubLog. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS or LoTW.

PJ7, SINT MAARTEN (Reminder)
By the time you read this Tom, AA9A, will once again be active as PJ7AA from Sint Maarten (NA-105) until March 16th. He informs OPDX that this is his yearly trip to Simpson Bay, and his activity will be on 40-10 meters using CW and SSB. Tom mentions, "I may be able to spend a few hours in the ARRL SSB Contest (March 2-3rd) like last year. We have family there that week and have time planned with them so contest time is very limited." Operations will be with 100 watts with a K3 and Buddipole. QSL via AA9A or LoTW.

PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (February 18th-March 2nd)

 Feb/24th HN      Feb/27th  AN      Mar/01st  AN
 Feb/25th AN      Feb/28th  AN      Mar/02nd  AN
 Feb/26th AN


   SOLAR REFERENCE KEYS/INDEXES AND GEOMAGNETIC REFERENCE
   ======================================================
    NORMALITY               GEOMAG       K Values    Alpha
   -----------------        ------       --------    ------
   AN  - Above Normal       Quiet        K=0-1       0-7
   HN  - High Normal        Unsettled    K=2         8-15
   LN  - Low Normal         Active       K=3         16-29
   BN  - Below Normal       Minor Storm  K=4         30-49
   DIS - Disturbed          Major Storm  K=5         50-99
   VRY DIS - Very Disturbed Severe Storm K=6-9       100-400
QSL INFO AND NEWS
  QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (February 16th and 23rd)
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3C0BYP via EA5BYP          IR2A via IK2JYT            SX1AA via SV1QXU
  5R8XB via ON8XB            IR2T via IQ2MG (B)         TJ3AY via F5LGE
  6W/MM0NDX via MM0NDX       J79TA via SM0DZB           TM11AAW via F8DVD
  9K53NLD via 9K2RX          J88HL via SP6IXF           TM1A via F6KOP
  AO4HAG via EA4GKV          K4A via K6EID              TM1O via F1IKA
  AY1DZ via LW3DG            LW5HR via EA5GL            TM5FDC via F5FDC
  CN8QN via EA7FTR           LX9DX via LX2A             TM6M via F4DXW (d)
  CR3L via DJ6QT             LZ6C via LZ2KLR            TO22C via F6HMQ
  CT9/OH2KW via OH2KW        M2A via G3SDC              TO6D via F6ITD
  CV3D via CX2ABC            N2WQ/VE3 via N2WQ          V31MA via M0OXO
  D44CF via SM0JHF*   OC0I via LU3DXG (B); LU7DSY (d)   V6T via JH1NBN
  ED1R via EC1KR             OH1F via OH1AF             VI4POLIO via VK4ZD
  ED7P via EA7PP             OK2W via OK2WM (B)         VP5/K0MD via K0MD
  EF5A via EA5DY             OK8NM via OM2FY            VP5S via K0MD (d)
  EF5T via EA5HT             OU4X via OZ7AM             VP9/G3ZAY via G3ZAY
  EG1WAS via EA1GIB          P40LE via K2LE             VP9/G7VJR via M0OXO
  EG3ANT via EA3LD           P40W via N2MM (d)          VP9/M0VFC via M0VFC
  H27A via RW3RN             PJ2/DF8ZH via DF8ZH        XE2/AE5KC via AE5KC
  HG0A via HA5JI             SK3W via SM5DJZ            YN2NC via AI4U
  II1MNA via IQ1GE (B/d)     SN2M via SP2XF             YQ8ANT via YO8AZQ
  II5ANT via IZ5BTC          SN8B via SP8CUR            ZF2DF via W4YCH
  IP2ANT via IK2QPR          SN8W via SP8CUW            ZM1A via ZL3CW
  IR1SP via IK1NEG     SV9/F6HZD via F6HZD (d/Greece)   ZY5M via IK2ILH
    (e) eQSL only  (d) direct only   (B) Bureau only  (L) LoTW only
    (*) E-Mail request
IRCS AVAILABLE. Steve, KU9C, reports: "I recently picked up a good quantity of properly stamped, 2017 expiration IRCs. If anyone is interested, they're 2.65 USDs each, shipped to you in the USA. I can ship internationally, please contact me for postage requirements. ku9c.arrl@yahoo.com Personal check is best, I can do PayPal if you are willing to pay the surcharge, or send it to me as a payment to a friend (which is no charge if you use your PayPal balance or bank account in the USA). I am selling these to the ham community essentially at cost."

VK0TH QSLS (Update to OPDX.1146/1150). Trevor, VK8TH (ex-VK0TH), has reconsidered his decision on not QSLing VK0TH QSOs from 2 years ago. See:

http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?420933-VK0TH-NO-MORE&p=3091282#post3091282
He now has a QSL Manager. Joe, WL7E, states, "I will be taking over the QSL duties for Trevor, VK0TH. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog, etc. For those still needing a paper card, new cards will be printed. This process is in the initial stages. More information will be posted (QRZ.com). Please have patience while all of this is being set up."

QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 1A0KM, 6W/G3TXF, 7P8DX, 9A5K, 9U4U, BA3AX, CT3DZ, DH7SA, DK5AI, DL3FCG, EA6FO, EI5KF, EW6DM, F6BQX, F8AAN, FP/G3ZAY, G0ORC, G4IIY, GM7TUD, GU3UOQ, HB9ARF, JA0FVU, JA1PCM, JA9APS, JD1BHA, JH0INP, JH3PRR, JH7MQD, JL1SAM, JM1XCW, JR7IWL, JX7DFA, KH6LC, LI8W, LU1ICX, OA4SS, OE2S, OG0Z, OL7M, OQ4B, OZ0J, P29NO, P49X, PA0LOU, PA3EVY, PA3T, PJ4F, PV8ADI, RU5A, S51MA, SK2T, SP2WLB, SP2Y, SU9AF, SV1DPJ, SV1GSP/8, TY1TT, UV1GZ, V31RU, VE3FJB, VK7GN, VP5S, W8A, WH7W, WL7E, XE2D, XW0YJY, YB4IR/8, YF1AR/8, YO3APJ, YR5N, YW5T and ZR9C

QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 9M2MRS, CY0P, DU7ET, ED6A, FO/KH0PR, K9W, OX/OZ1LXJ,T32RC, T6T, TG9NX, XR0YY, XR0ZR, YB9Y, Z60A, ZL1IR and ZS8C

QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 1A0KM, 3V8SS, 3Y0X, 4K9W, 5C2P, 6V7Z, 9M4LHM, 9M8WAT, 9U0VB, A6/DL6WVM, D20VB, D64K, EA8/DL7VOA, FO/DF1YP, FO/DK8FD, EK3GM, EM7KAA/P, HI7/IK8DNJ, HK1NA, ID9/IT9ZZO, IW9/IW9EJP, JY5MM, OY2H, P29FR, P41HQ, PJ2/DL5AXX, PJ2/DM3KZN, PP2FN, PP2JT, PZ5P, T70DXC, TF8/LX1NO, S79DF, SV5/IZ4JMA, TK/IK1BPC, TK/IK2WZM, TK/IK4RQJ, TS8P, V84SMD, YI1RZ, YS3CW, Z21LS, Z38/IZ4JMA and ZA/I2GPT

T8, PALAU
David, VK3BY will be active as T88XT from IMAPC Palau Rental Shack (OC-009)

see: http://palau.rental-shack.com/english
between March 8-14th. David will be there with his XYL, so this will be a holiday style operation. Operations will be SSB only on 80-6 meters. He states, "I plan to operate as much as possible but also plan to see the wonderful sites and places of Palau." QSL via his home callsign, direct (w/3 USDs), by the Bureau or eQSL.

TI8, COSTA RICA
Operators Mike/W1USN and Bob/AA1M will once again be active as TI8/homecall from Costa Rica between March 21st and April 1st. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB, PSK31 and maybe some RTTY. Look for Mike to be operating in the CQW WPX SSB Contest (March 29-30th). QSL both callsigns via LoTW or via their home callsigns, direct and by the Bureau.

VK9M, MELLISH REEF (Update/Press Release #7)
The following was sent out on February 20th [edited]: "Congratulations to the FT5ZM team for their excellent operation. Mellish Reef DX-pedition is scheduled for March 28, 2014 to April 9, 2014.

Status: Our equipment is on the way to Australia and the team is making last minute preparations for their journey to Australia. An advance team will arrive in Mackay, Australia on March 18th to begin the process of retrieving equipment from storage and preparing for the sea voyage. We'll be assembling several antennas for final tuning and to verify all the parts arrived. The generators will be tested and prepared for sea ship- ment. We'll have 2 small generators, 1.5KW each and 4 new 4KW inverters. Antennas will include two 18 meter SpiderPoles w/auto-tuners in the water using specially designed bases loaned to us by George Wallner, AA7JV, who was on Mellish Reef with the 2009 DX-pedition, 2 folding hex beams, and several SteppIR BigIR and CrankIR antennas. We have an Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) satellite terminal for uploading logs daily to our QSL manager, as well as photos - if time permits. LoTW will be uploaded shortly after we return home.

Donation to local Boy/Girl Scout Council: At the conclusion of the DX- pedition locally purchased items such as tents, tarps and tools will be donated to the Mackay City Central (Boy/Girl) Scout Council. We've arranged for them to help us with the disposition of gear that would be too expensive to ship to EU or the US.

Leaderboard: After a team discussion the Leaderboard will not be used for VK9MT. We will be uploading to Clublog so you can check whether you're in the log. We decided that the optional Leaderboard function would not help in achieving our stated goal of providing an ATNO for as many as possible.

Global Pilot Team: The pilot team will manage communication between the island team and DXers. While on the island we will not be checking per- sonal e-mail accounts. Please direct operational suggestions to the designated pilot for your region. The Pilots will not have the logs so please do not ask them to verify QSOs. If you think your call is missing or busted while we are on the reef please work us again. After we leave the reef direct all logging questions to our QSL Manager, Tim, M0URX, tim@m0urx.com.

   Chief Pilot & N.A. Pilot - Ralph, W4HK      w4hk@windstream.net
   Europe                   - Col, MM0NDX      dxer59@gmail.com
   New Zealand/Australia    - Lee, ZL2AL       leezl2al@gmail.com
   South America            - Luciano, PT7WA   pt7wa@globo.com
   Oceania                  - Stan, KH6CG      stan@models.net
   Africa                   - Andre, V51B      anro@iway.na
Upcoming Hamfest Season: Several members of the VK9MT on-island team will be attending the Dayton Hamvention and the Friedrichshafen Ham Radio - International Exhibition for Radio Amateurs, as well as local ham club meetings and conventions.

Fund Raising: We are honored to receive a grant from the ARRL's Colvin Award Committee. The Colvin Award is funded by an endowment established by Lloyd Colvin, W6KG (SK), who, with his wife Iris, W6QL (SK), logged more than 1 million contacts during their world travels, and assembling one of the largest QSL collections in the world.

Like all DX-peditions to rare and semi-rare DXCC entities, donations are welcomed through vk9mt.com please use the Donate Button on the web site to insure your name is automatically added to the donor list, or by check/money order in US dollars to:
Mellish Reef 2014 DX-pedition
Gene Spinelli, Treasurer
PO Box 189
Divide, CO
USA 80814

For our friends outside the USA please use PayPal or e-mail for wire transfer instructions: info@vk9mt.com

We appreciate the generosity of the foundations, clubs and individuals who have already made a donation or a commitment. At the completion of the DX-pedition a financial summary will be sent to all club/foundation donors.

For additional information please e-mail: info@vk9mt.com

Beginning on, or about, March 19th we will send regular updates to the DX bulletins as we consolidate the equipment load the boat and set sail for Mellish Reef...... 73, Team Mellish 2014"

VK9X, CHRISTMAS ISLAND (Reminder)
Operators Jon/K7CO and Christian/K7CXN will be active as VK9X/K7CO from Christmas Island (OC-002) between March 1-11th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and PSK31. Christian will be the primary operator on PSK31 and will also do some SSB. QSL via K7CO, direct or via the OQRS on ClubLog. NO Bureau. For more details and updates, see:
http://www.nielsen.net/vk9x

VP5, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
A team of operators will be active as VP5H from Providenciales Island (NA-002, WLOTA 2003) during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 1-2nd) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via W0CG. Operators mentioned are Geoff/W0CG, Ron/N0AT and Mark/WA0MHJ. Look before and after the contest, operators will be active as VP5/homecall. QSL via their home callsigns and LoTW.

VP9, BERMUDA (Reminder)
Just a reminder that Michael, G7VJR, the author of ClubLog, is now active as VP9/G7VJR from Bermuda (NA-005) until February 27th. QSL via M0OXO. We learn that operators Robert/M0VFC, Dom/M0BLF and Martin/G3ZAY have also joined him and are active as VP9/homecall. Activity will be on the higher bands using CW and SSB. QSL all operators via their home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. Operators will upload their logs to ClubLog and LoTW.

VP9, BERMUDA
Kurt, W6PH, will once again be active as VP9/W6PH for the ARRL DX Phone Contest (March 1-2nd) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL direct to his home callsign W6PH.

XU, CAMBODIA (Reminder)
John, KF0RQ, will once again be active as XU7ACQ from Phnom Penh between February 25th and March 21st. Activity will be holiday style (he is there to visit his daughter and family) on 40-10 meters using SSB and the Digital modes (RTTY/PSK31). He informs OPDX that he will be using a broadband 5 band Hex beam at 35 feet for 20-10 meters and a trapped vertical for 40m. John is still looking for South Dakota and Delaware QSOs for his WAS from XU. QSL via KF0RQ. Online log search is available at ClubLog.

ZD8, ASCENSION ISLAND (Reminder)
Werner, DJ9KH, informs OPDX that he will once again be active as ZD8D from Ascension Island (AF-003) between February 24th and March 11th, for a more or less holiday-style-expedition. He states,

"This expedition will start in Cape Town, South Africa, on board the RMS St. Helena. After a two days stop on St. Helena, where I hope to be QRV with a ZD7-callsign (Feb. 19th to Feb. 21st ), we (me and my wife) will arrive on Ascension Island Feb.24th. Activity will then start as soon as possible with a special focus on 160-40 meters. Werner mentions, "After having a lot of fun with CW on my 2013 A35WH ­ expedition, CW will be the preferred mode. We are also prepared for 60m and 6m."
He will also be in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 1-2nd) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (possibly 10m). QSL via DL9HO. During the second week, they will have a second operator join him. Axel, DK9BDN, will visit them and help them, especially on CW. DK1IP will be the pilot station for Werner in Germany. The ZD8D Web page
http://www.zd8d.de
will be updated soon with all the information. You can use the ZD8D Online QSL Request System to get your ZD8D card(s). The OQRS is available for direct and Bureau cards.

ZD9, GOUGH ISLAND
Pierre, ZS1HF, reports [edited],

"I have taken up the position of radio technician on Gough Island after the passing of the current radio technician. The polar supply ship will hopefully depart Cape Town for Gough Island during the week of February 19-21st. My QSL Manager is ZS1A. More details once I arrive. My previous tour of duty was as ZS8M on Marion Island during 2010/2011."
ZL9, CHATHAM ISLAND (Update to OPDX.1149)
The ZL7AAA Web site is now fully functional and active at:
http://www.qsl.net/zl7aaa

No Additional Bulletins for OPDX InterNet Subscribers this week

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SPECIAL NOTE BY EDITOR: (updated 9/15/2013)
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