OPDX Bulletin 1103 March 11, 2013

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 1103
BID: $OPDX.1103
March11, 2013
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 & W1AW, W1SRD, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, N4JF, AA6YQ, KH6BZF, N6PSE, NR6M, W6NV, WB6RSE, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, W9ILY, AT International, CO8ZZ, DK8JB & The DX News Letter, DL1SBF, DxCoffee.com, DX-World.Net, EA3BHK, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, HA0HW, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, JG7PSJ, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, Pete's DX-Newsdesk, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, TA1HZ, UT5UGR, VA3RJ & ICPO, the VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF), YC9MLL, ZL1LC and ZS1HF/ZS8M for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 3rd-March, through Sunday, 10th-March there were 236 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3C, 3D2, 3V, 3W, 3X, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5V, 5W, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7P, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9Q, 9U, 9V, 9X, 9Y, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, CE, 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, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FK, FM, FO, FO/c, FR, FS, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H4, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, 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, OH0, OJ0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ7, PY, PY0F, PZ, R1FJ, S2, S5, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TL, TR, TT, TU, TY, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2M, VP2V, VP5, VP6, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XT, XU, XW, YA, YB, YI, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, Z8, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZD9, ZF, 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).

2012 CASS AWARD WON
Rob Chipperfield, M0VFC, has won the 2012 Single- Operator Cass Award. The Cass Award is an incentive to encourage DX- pedition operating excellence. From the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan Da Cunha as ZD9UW in October 2012, Rob worked 3362 unique stations over his 4-day DXPedition, demonstrating an outstanding effort to log as many individuals as possible. Michael, G7VJR, presented Rob with his plaque and prize in Cambridge, England on March 7, 2013.

http://www.cassaward.com/M0VFC_G7VJR.jpg

ABOUT THE CASS AWARD:
Presented annually, the Cass Award encourages DXPeditions to maximize the number of DXers worked with a $1000 prize for the Single-Operator DXpedition that works the most unique callsigns. This award honors the wisdom and spirit of Cass WA6AUD (SK), whose stories in the West Coast DX Bulletin taught a generation of DXers that DX IS! Congratulations to Rob, ZD9UW, on his achievement in winning this year's award. If you're interested in competing for or contributing to the 2013 Cass Award, visit:

http://www.cassaward.com
The Cass Award Team (Michael G7VJR, Paul VE1DX, Dave AA6YQ)

4X, ISRAEL
Dimitry, UT5UGR, will be active as 4X/UT5UGR from Israel between March, 15-18th. He will use the callsign 4X0W during his activity in the Russian DX Contest. QSL via UT5UGR.

5H, TANZANIA (IOTA Op)
Bodo, DF8DX, will be active as 5H1DX between April 20-28th. Activity will include the activation of several IOTAs (Pemba Island [AF-063] was mentioned). Operations will be on the HF bands and EME. QSL via DF8DX. Look for more details to be forthcoming. Visit his Web page at:

http://www.qslnet.de/member/dl3och/index_e.htm

7O6T DXPEDITION VIDEO
Paul, N6PSE, from the Intrepid-DX Group, reports: "The 7O6T Team is glad to announce that our DXpedition video is now available for free download. We have uploaded the video to two different sites where you may view it:

1) You can view the High Definition version of this 12 minute video from this link: https://vimeo.com/61384528

2) You can also view the Standard Definition version of this video embedded on our web page. Please go to wwww.intrepid-dx.com select DXpedition Video, then select 7O6T DXpedition Video at:
http://www.intrepid-dx.com/ For SD version.

Thank you for supporting the 7O6T DXpedition to Socotra Yemen."

8Q, MALDIVES
Operators Pai/VU2PAI and Krish/W4VKU will be active as 8Q7KP from Bodufinolhu, South Male Atoll (AS-013), between April 23-30th. Their plans are for 2 stations to be on the air using an Elecraft K3/ Acom 1000 and TS480Sat/Tentec Hercules II, into two Butternut HF9V and a 2 element SteppIR for higher bands. Operators plan to setup an OQRS and also upload logs to LoTW, eQSL and (QRZ.com).

9L, SIERRA LEONE
Stephen, G7BXU, is once again planning to be active as 9L1BXU from Freetown this year sometime in December and early January 2014. Activity last time was on 12 and 10 meters using a FT-897 and G5RV. QSL via his home callsign.

9M4, SPRATLY ISLAND (Reminder)
Just a reminder that operators John/ 9M6XRO, Steve/9M6DXX, James/9V1YC, Don/G3BJ, Tony/KM0O, Ben/N6MU/DJ0YI, Pista/HA5AO and George/HA5UK will be active as 9M4SLL from Layang Layang Island (AS-051) between March 10-18th (See OPDX.1095 and OPDX.1101). Look for 9M4SLL to be on the air with five stations simultaneously at peak times, on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. Suggested fre- quencies are (see Web page below for more details):

CW - 1811.5, 3523, 10110, 14035, 18087, 21035, 24907 and 28035 kHz
SSB - 3780/3803, 7058, 14210, 18165, 21295, 24985 and 28495 kHz
RTTY - 7033/7055, 10132, 14097, 18107, 21097, 24927 and 28097 kHz
QSL via M0URX. For more details and updates, see:
http://m0urx.com/9m4sll

C5, THE GAMBIA
Pedro, ON7WP/ AA9HX will once again be active from Gambia, in the Kololi area and also from inland Buntu village, between March 20-27th. He mentions that he just received his permanent license for 2013, and will use the callsign C5WP. Pedro will use a FT-897 into multiple dipole antennas. QSL via ON7WP, only direct. Pedro has plans to be active again later in August. To see some pictures of his last activity, see:

http://www.qrz.com/db/C5WP

C9, MOZAMBIQUE
Gert, ZS6AYU, will be active as C91GR from Bilene between May 7-11th. Callsign has been applied for but not yet issued. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using CW only. His equipment is a FT857D with HL-550 amp (400w) into a Cushcraft R7000 vertical. QSL vis his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME (DST)
Did you remember to change your clocks? Countries who observe Daylight Saving Time, which took place on Sunday, March 10th at 2:00 AM, were expected to move their "local clocks" forward 1 hour to 3:00:00 AM local time. Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 3rd at 2:00 AM. For the history and details about DST, as well as an interesting map of the world (showing the countries who observe DST), see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time
ADDED NOTE: Hopefully, all http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time amateur radio operators know not to change their GMT/UTC/ZULU clocks. However, since most operators usually set their computers to local time, some may have to change their settings on "some" ham radio software (ex. logging, propagation, DXTelnet, etc..) programs.

E5, SOUTH COOK ISLANDS
Mauri, AG1LE, will be active as E51DXX on a holiday/ DXpedition from Rarotonga (OC-013) between April 1-13th. Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL via his home callsign.

EH5, SPAIN (Special Event)
Members of Team Cartagena will activate special event station EH5SIP between March 17-31st. Operations will be on all bands using SSB and the Digital modes (PSK31, RTTY, SSTV, etc.). Activity is to commemorative the 125th anniversary of the launching of the submarine Isaac Peral. All QSLs will be sent via Bureau, so save your money if you are a member of the QSL Bureau. If not a member, send your QSL and a SAE along with 1 USD or 1 €. QSL via EA5HRD, by the Bureau or direct.

FS, ST. MARTIN
Ark, UA4CC, will be active as FS/UA4CC from Saint Martin (NA-105, WLOTA 0383) between March 13-24th. Activity will be only during his spare time (holiday style) with operations on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB, and RTTY. His equipment is a K2 and KPA500. QSL via his home callsign. If possible, logs will be uploaded to ClubLog. An OQRS is possible after this trip.

H40 & H44, TEMOTU AND SOLOMON ISLANDS (Reminder)
By the time you read this, Sigi, DL7DF, and his crew will be active on their 2013 DXpedition which is being called a "Two Entities DXpedition - Solomon 2013". Sigi states on his Web page that they have chosen two destinations. The first destination will be the Guadalcandal (OC-047), Solomon Islands (H44), where the team will sign H44G between March 8-25th. During the time between March 12-23rd, part of the group will be active as H40T from Nendo (OC-100), Temotu Island (H40). Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. Suggested frequencies are as follows:

  H44G Frequencies
-----------------------
   CW   - 1825.5, 3505, 7005, 10115, 14005, 18070, 21005, 24890 and 28005 kHz
   SSB  - 7100, 14140, 18130, 21240, 24940 and 28400 kHz
   RTTY - 10144, 14080, 18100, 21080, 24920 and 28080 kHz
    6m  - 50103/CW

H40T Frequencies
-----------------------
   CW   - 1818, 3515, 7015, 10122, 14015, 18077, 21015, 24895 and 28015 kHz
   SSB  - 7150, 14165, 18140, 21265, 24965 and 28450 kHz
   RTTY - 10140, 14093, 18105, 21090, 24925 and 28090 kHz 
    6m  - 50103/CW
They will have several stations on the air. One station on each desti- nation will be exclusively dedicated to RTTY, PSK31 and SSTV. Their station equipment on each destination consists of 4 transceivers (3 x K2, 1 x FT857D), 3 power amplifiers, a lowband vertical for 160/80m, a deltaloop for 40, a deltaloop for 30, a Spiderbeam for 20/17/15/12/10, a 5 element Yagi for 6m, some Beverage antennas as well as some laptop computers. Operators mentioned are:
H44G Crew - Manfred/DK1BT, Wolf/DL4WK, Reiner/DL7KL and Juergen/DL7UFN H40T Crew - Georg/DK7LX, Sigi/DL7DF, Frank/DL7UFR, Jan/SP3CYY and Leszek/SP3DOI.
Pilot station is Bernd, DF3CB. QSL route is via DL7DF, direct or by the Bureau. For more details and updates, visit:
http://www.dl7df.com/h4/index.php

H40, H44 & YJ, SOLOMON ISLANDS, TEMOTU PROVINCE AND VANUATU (Update)
Ralph, 5W0W/H44RK, has announced more plans for his upcoming IOTA tour which will start during the first week of June. He has added two operators to join him: Dom/SQ9KWW and Maggie/H44MK (the only local YL Ham). The callsign H40IOTA has been applied for the operation. The plan is to activate the following IOTAs in order as follows (specific dates were not provided):

OC-149 - New Georgia Islands; counts as Solomon Islands.
OC-168 - Russell Islands; counts as Solomon Islands.
OC-047 - Solomon Islands
OC-127 - Rennell Island; counts as Solomon Islands.
OC-285 - Stewart Island [aka Sikaiana Atoll]; never has been activated before; counts as Solomon Islands.
After OC-285, Ralph will continue his trip to Brisbane, Australia, on board the sailboat "SV Hafskip" via through the Temotu Province with plans to activate the following IOTAs as H40RK:
OC-065 - Reef Islands; counts as Temotu Province.
OC-100 - Nendo Island; counts as Temotu Province.
OC-163 - Vanikolo and Utupua Islands; counts as Temotu Province.
After the Temotu Province Islands, Ralph will head to Vanuatu (YJ) and activate two IOTAs there: Torres Island (OC-110) and Banks Island (OC-104). A callsign has not been announced yet for his Vanuatu opertions. Ralph's QSL Manager Rex, NR6M, reports, that Ralph and his team, will be donating much needed supplies and solar lighting packs to each chief of the villages they operate from. The team is requesting donations for their DXpedition, and look forward to you being a part of this trip, whether it be small or large to help support those most in need.

If you would like to help, please contact Ralph at ralph.honiara@gmail.comralph.honiara@gmail.com which is also his PayPal address. Also mentioned, they are still looking to take on board one proficient CW operator for the OC-285 leg of the journey. All QSL requests are via QSL Manager Rex Turvin, NR6M. For updates, http://www.qrz.com/db/H40RKit is suggested to watch:

http://www.qrz.com/db/H40RK

HG42, HUNGARY (Special Event)
Look for special event station HG52FC now active until May 31st. The activity is taking place during the 52nd FIRAC Congress event being held in Hungary. Operations will be on all HF bands using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via HA5BSW, by the HA Bureau, LoTW, EQSL and direct to the address on QRZ.com. The cards will be printed out after May 31st.

IOTA NEWS
EU-047. Sebastian, DL1AXX, will be active as homecall/p from Baltrum Island (DID/GIA N-06) between May 20-26th. Activity will be holiday style on the HF bands. QSL via home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. Visit his Web site at:

http://www.mydarc.de/dl1axx

NA-174. The "DX-World.net" reports that David, VE3VID, is now active as VY0/VE3VID from the rare Igloolik Island (WW.Loc EP-99). He will be there for the next 3 weeks. Activity will be on SSB and RTTY. On QRZ.com, he also states that he will operate on PSK-31, and possibly more exotic digital modes like OLIVIA and HELL. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau.

OC-042. Operators Jose/DU1BP, Torsten/DL2KGS and Rag/LA6FJA will be active as DZ1B from Luzon Island during the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 30-31st) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL via LoTW. ADDED NOTE: The CQWW DX SSB Contest (October 26-27th) operation mentioned in last week's bulletin is now off.

OC-136. Operators Graham/VK3DOG, Keith/VK3FT and Tony/VK3TZ will be active as homecall/p from Phillip Island between March 15-18th. Activity will be active on all HF bands 160-10 meters using a single transmitter into simple rotatable dipoles on the high bands and full size verticals on 80/40m. On 160m, they will try to have a vertical array (22m tall) with some parasitic elements, beverages and loops for receiving. The trio will be looking especially for Europe on the top band at their sunrise and also Stateside on 75m SSB. They plan to be active approx- imately 20 hours a day, while resting during their off time by surfing, relaxing or sampling some beers or rum.

OC-151. Leo, YC9MLL, who has been live on Flores Island for 8 years, informs OPDX this past week [edited], "...I have also improved my antenna. I put up a 33 ft vertical on top of our roof not with 13 radials (hope to increase it soon from wires recovered from a burnt transformer, hi!). It has an SG-239 auto tuner with a homebrew bias-tee for remote power. I would like to inform you that I am still on OC-151 and I am glad to be of service to any ham who would like to have a QSO. They can always contact me at this e-mail address yc9mll@gmail.com for a schedule.

Or most of the time I operate on Saturdays and Sundays. I can transmit on 160, 80, 40, 20 (up to 14.150 MHz only), 15, and 10 meters. I have an old power supply operating a 22A radio at 100W and the power supply barely can supply the radio's demand. That might explains the often times QSB. I put a car battery in parallel to remedy the situation. I hope I can homebrew the MFJ-4403 like power conditioner. I have most all the materials except for the 25Farad capacitors and the 15KE15A and CL101 parts. I hope to find them soon so that my signal will be more stable. Our island's power is from several big generators in the center of the town.

Another thing that I learned from last December was about RFI. There was a Swedish station that was trying to contact me. I cannot simply hear him, and he was using a yagi and a 1KW. There were too many cell phone chargers and other RFI generating devices plugged-in that time on the house power outlets. Now, I homebrewed another MFJ-like RFI filter from my junk box. I cannot have torroids to accommodate the 20-ish turns, but I was able to put in about 8-10 turns and the radio is quieter now, ready for another IOTA chasers round.

These are the improvements I had on my 100W set-up. I hope I can reach out to the other IOTA chasers more. I am not a contester or any award chaser... I just have the eQSL eDX on my sight but not really an avid (yet) fan for awards." Leo can operate on CW, SSB, PSK31, RTTY and SSTV. QSL via his home callsign (see (QRZ.com)).

OC-236. Operators YB8HZ and Ram/YB8BRI will be active as homecall/p from Balang Lompo Islands between March 28-31st. Activity will be on 40/20/17/15/12/10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via YB8BRI.

SA-049. Members of the Radio Club Ushuaia (LU8XW) will activate the special callsign LT5X from Isla Redonda, beginning at 0000z on Saturday, March 23rd, until 1500z on Sunday, March 24th. Activity will be on 80/40/20/15/10 meters using CW, SSB and PSK. QSL via LU8XW. Isla Redonda is a small island in the mouth of the Bahía Lapataia within the Department Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands Province. It is surrounded by the waters of the Canal de Beagle and has an area of ??about 50 hectares. Its maximum length is 1022 meters and its maximum width is 840 meters. Its center is located at coordinates: 54 ° 51'49 .26 "S - 68 ° 28'54 .47" W. Grid Loc: FD55ue. On the island is installed a detachment of the Naval Prefecture Argentina that has been there more than 100 years.

JD1, OGASAWARA
Harry, JG7PSJ, will once again be active as JD1BMH from Chichijima Island (AS-031) between April 22nd and May 4th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via the Bureau to JD1BMH or direct to JG7PSJ. Visit his Web page for more details at:

http://sapphire.es.tohoku.ac.jp/jd1bmh

JD1, OGASAWARA
Makoto, JI5RPT, will once again be active as JD1BLY from Chichijima Island (AS-031), Ogasawara, between April 28th and May 4th. Activity will be on 40-6 meters, including the satellites, using CW, SSB and the Digital modes (NO 6m EME). QSL via his home callsign JI5RPT. His log search will be available on his Web site at:

http://www.ji5rpt.com/jd1
He will also use Twitter to inform his real-time activities at:
http://twitter.com/jd1bly

JW, SVALBARD
Ronny, LA3ZPA, is now active as JW3ZPA from the JW5E club station in Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen Island (EU-026) until March 13th. Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL via LA3ZPA. Check out the live Web cameras to see JW5E antennas, shack and harbor at:

http://longyearbyen.livecam360.com/flash/main.php
http://portlongyear.livecam360.com/flash/main.php

KH6BZF PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (March 11-17th)

 Mar/11th  AN      Mar/14th  AN      Mar/16th  AN
 Mar/12th  AN      Mar/15th  AN      Mar/17th  AN
 Mar/13th  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
KH9, WAKE ISLAND (Press Release)
Joe, W8GEX, sent out the following press release on March 1st [edited]: "Press Release - Team Leader Lou, N2TU, and the Management Team of Joe/W8GEX, Craig/K9CT, and Joe/AA4NN are proud to announce they are planning a 'Commemorative DXpedition' to a rare DX entity. This DXpedition will be to Wake Atoll (KH9) [OC-053] in October 2013.

Joe and Craig were the co-leaders of the very successful DXpeditions to Swains Island NH8S in 2012, and Sint Maarten PJ7E in 2010. They were also team members of the Midway K4M DXpedition in 2009. AA4NN is a veteran of these as well as many other DXpeditions across the globe. Lou was also a member of the Swains NH8S team.

This operation is a 'Commemorative DXpedition' in that it combines a DXpedition and a commemoration of an event. 98 civilian contractors working for Morrison- Knutsen, lost their lives on the atoll in October 1943. The group has been named the 'Forgotten 98'. Our operation, observing the 70th anniversary of their deaths, will be dedicated to keeping their memory alive and honoring their sacrifice.

Wake Atoll ranks number 15 in 'ClubLog's Most Wanted Entities'. A highly experienced team of 12 operators is being formed. They plan to operate five stations over a 14 day period, 160 to 6 meters on all modes, using a callsign to be announced at a later date.

Team members include Lou/N2TU, Craig/K9CT, Joe/AA4NN, Joe/W8GEX, Jerry/ WB9Z, Tom/ND2T, Mike/K9NW, John/K6MM, Hal/W8HC, Carl/K9CS, Dick/W3OA and Tom/N4XP.

Wake Atoll's access is extremely limited and the time frame is dictated by transportation issues. As such, official dates have not been set, but will be announced as soon as possible. The team will gather in Honolulu and then travel to Wake. Official landing permission has been obtained.

Our website, www.wake2013.org, developed by team member John, K6MM, will provide updates as they become available. Later, the group will also have an OQRS link on the website for easy QSLing.

We want to thank Elecraft, who will be supplying K3s and KPA500s for our use. Steppir will be supplying an assortment of versatile antennas, and we appreciate their help. This 'Commemorative Dxpedition' would not happen without the outstanding support of these companies. Others will be added and shown on our website as planning progresses. Thanks also to Joe, AA4NN, who will be the QSL manager."

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

P4, ARUBA (Update)
Helmut, DF7ZS, will once again be active from Aruba (SA-036) between March 26th and April 3rd, and signing P40Z. Main activity will include the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 30-31st) as a Single-Op/All- Band entry. Some casual operations will take place before and after the contest on 17/12 meters. QSL via W3HNK. Watch his home page at:

http://www.df7zs.de

PJ4, BONAIRE
Operators Steven/W1SRD and Dean/N6DE will be active as PJ4/homecall from the "Radio House"

http://www.pj4g.com
on Bonaire (SA-006, WLOTA LH-1279) between March 26th and April 1st. They plan to be active in the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 30-31st) as a Multi-2 entry. The contest callsign has not been issued yet. Operation before and after the contest will be focused on RTTY. QSL via LoTW is preferred. Direct to W1SRD with SASE/return postage for the contest callsign. QSL the QSOs to their homecalls for contacts outside of the contest.

QSL INFO AND NEWS

  QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (dated March 8th)
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3Z8T via SQ8JX (d)        EA8/SA0BJF via SA0BJF     LY63S via LY3BY
  5Q4B via OZ5EV (d)        ED1A via EA1AST           N6NY/KH2 via JK1FUP
  7P8PB via EI7CC           ED4T via EA4CWN           NP3CW via EB7DX
  7T50ARA via 7X2ARA        FG/F6ITD via F6ITD        OL8M via OK1DRQ
  8N1TW via JA-Bureau       G3Y via G3YBY             ON4KY via F5VHA
  9M2/JG3TTO via 9V1XX      H44G via DL7DF            PA90CII via PA2LO
  9M6/KM0O via KM0O         HB9/ON4ANN via ON4ANN     RA/DK5JI via DK5JI
  A6/PB2T via PB2T          HF15UM via SQ9UM          SG0X via SM0MLZ
  AC2CX/KH2 via JE1JAC      HG52FC via HA5BSW         SG7A via SM7XEN
  AY8A via LU8ADX           HS25DX via E20PFE         SN8N via SP8KAF
  C6AMM via K1CN            IB1B via IW1QN            T88XC via JA0FKK
  C45T via 5B4MF            II1IGG via IZ1GJK         T88XH via JA0EKI
  CT7/DJ5YQ via DJ5YQ       II2S via IZ2FOS           UK/UA1ZEY via UA1ZEY (d)
  CT9/DL3KWF via DL3KWF     II9IGA via IT9YEM (d)     VI100ACT via (B)
  CT9/DL3KWR via DL3KWR     II9X via IT9SPB           VQ9LW via WA2ALY (d/B)
  DQ5X via DK4MH            IR8C via IZ8TDP           YB6N via YB4IR
  E7DX via E77E             J47X via SV7BVM           YB9/DL5CO via DL5CO
  EA5/G8NOF via G8NOF (d)   KP4ROS via NP3O           YP20ARER via YO6CUF
  EA8/DL2MDU via DL2MDU     LN9Z via LN9Z
      (e) eQSL only  (d) direct only   (B) Bureau only  (L) LoTW only
PIRATE ALERT. Xavier, EA3BHK, reports that a station signing FK8IK on 17m CW was active on March 9th, and was definitely a PIRATE station. He contacted Mic, FK8IK, and he also states it was a PIRATE.

V73CW QSL INFO. Bruce, V73CW, reports, "Logs have been updated to LoTW. If you prefer a QSL, please send DIRECT w/SASE to my home callsign AC4G."

QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 3D2C, 3D2NB, 3D2RX, 3Z5N, 4A1TD, 4Z4DX, 8P6NW, 9U4U, A5A, A45XR, C5YK, C6AKQ, C6ANM, CE3FZ, CO2RVA, CR3A, CT1CJJ, DF2SD, DL2IAN, DL3GD, DL8CFL, DM5BB, EA3CI, EA3KU, EA8MT, EB3CW, ED1R, EE8T, EF1W, EF7X, EF8R, EI3KG, EI80IRTS, ES9A, ES9C, EY8MM, FG/F6ITD, FP/VE3DZ, FY5KE, G3XTT, GM100C, H44KW, HF9Q, HG7T, HK1NA, HK3C, HK3TU, HQ2N, I4LEC, II2E, IK2YCW, J35X, JA1BNL, JT1CO, KH7X, KL7AIR, KL7RA, KP2/K0BBC, KP2MM, LA5VSA, LA5XGA, LU1FAM, LU3DAT, LX7I, NH7A, OA4SS, OE1ZL, OE2013S, OL7M, P40L, PA1AW, PI4DX, PJ2/VE7ACN, PJ2T, PV8RF, PY0FM, PY1ON, PY2OE, PY4ZE, R7DX, RM8W, S57AL, SJ2W, SO8T, SP2Y, T88TW, TM7X, UA1ANR, V31TP, V31Y, VE2SG, VE3AXW, VP5/K0UU, VP9NL, WP2XX, VQ5RP, WP3DX, WP3A, XE1H, XE2B, XE7S, XU7ACQ, YN5Z, YU15OTC, YY4DNN, ZF2LC and ZZ2T

QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 4K12SONG, 5T0SP, 5U5U, 5U6E, 6W/M1KTA, 6Y3M, 8R1AK, 9J2BO, EG5PSP/mm, EP3SMH, FK/JK1KSB, HI3/N2YDD, HI3K, HT9H, JD1BMH, KH8/M1KTA, OD5NJ, PA2M, RI1ANF, S79QT, T30PY, UK9AA, WA2YUN/KH9, XF1F, XU1A and ZL9HR

QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: NONE REPORTED THIS WEEK!

T2, TUVALU (Update/Reminder)
Operators Gavin/GM0GAV, Clive/GM3POI, Robert/GM3YTS and Tom/GM4FDM will be active as T2GM from the Vaiaku Lagi Hotel on the lagoon side of Fongafale islet, Funafuti Atoll (OC-015) between March 12-23rd. Activity will be 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. Suggested frequencies are:

CW - *1826.5, 3506, 7009, 10104, 14019, 18076, 21019, 24896 and 28019 kHz
SSB - 3790, 7079/7179, 14145, 18139, 21269, 24949 and 28469 kHz
RTTY - 7040, 10145, 18099, 21079, 24919 and 28079 kHz
* Up 3 kHz/World and Down 3 kHz JA
They will have two stations with Elecraft K3 and 500w amps using vertical antennas placed either in or at the edge of the lagoon. If the InterNet is available, logs will be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW. QSL Manager will be GM4FDM (QRZ.com)), direct or by the Bureau. A OQRS will be available via ClubLog. A Web Blog page is also available at:
http://t2gm.org

T48, CUBA
Members of the "Las Tunas Contest Crew", T48K, will be active during the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 30-31st) as a Multi-Single entry from the north coast of Las Tunas Province. Operators mentioned are Hugo/F5FYO who will be a guest operator, and the rest of the crew includes Alex/CO8KA, Alejandro/CM8AKY, Doug/CO8DM, Del/CO8DRG and Raúl/CO8ZZ. QSL for this operation will be via F5FYO.

T5, SOMALIA
Tevfik, TA1HZ, will be travelling to Mogadishu to be a part of a Turkish team on a humanitarian mission called Yeryuzu Doktorlari (Doctors Worldwide - see https://yyd.org.tr) between March 23rd and April 4th. As a doctor, his work is primary, but during his free time, Tevfik hopes to be active as T5TC (callsign to be assigned).

Activity will be on all HF bands, depending on band conditions, using a Kenwood TS-480 and Windom antenna. Tevfik also plans to be in the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 30-31st) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via TA1HZ, only direct, by the Bureau or LoTW and eQSL. QSL cards will be printed late May. See QRZ.com for more info. PLEASE NOTE: Bureau QSLs and uploading the log to LoTW/Eqsl will be done after direct requests are fulfilled! Also, any donations for the hospital and food distrubition centers can be sent via:

https://www.yyd.org.tr/bagis/index.php

TX5, CLIPPERTON ISLAND (Update)
The TX5K team on Clipperton Island is now QRT, and they are packing things up to leave the island or probably have left the island already. Here is a quick summary of things from the TX5K Blog page that took place over the past weekend:

* Bob, KK6EK, reported on March 8th on the TX5K Blog page [edited], "According to the schedule we will pack on Sunday, March 10th and Monday, March 11th. If we are able to leave the island on Monday, we will keep the schedule given on the website."

* Early Friday, March 8th, the TX5K team hit the 100k QSOs mark around 1213z.

* Then late Friday, March 8th, the team started some teardown early. The TX5K team announced, "We have decided to dismantle site B (mostly CW) today and pack it for transport to the boat. Site A will remain operating for at least a day, perhaps longer. Exact shutdown time is not yet determined."

* However, the TX5K team did go QRT at 0000z, Sunday, March 10th. As this was being written on March 10th, TX5K QSOs totals are as follows:
113844 QSOs (60227/CW, 45030/SSB and 8587/Digi)

QSL via the OQRS by ClubLog (Highly Recommended). This is the preferred method to use for your QSL confirmation. After the DXpedition ends you can order either a direct or Bureau QSL card using the OQRS online QSL service provided by ClubLog. Using this convenient online method you can easily apply for their QSL card to be sent directly to your home or via the Bureau....without having to send your QSL card at all.

Direct QSLs are via Bob Schenck N2OO and the SJDXA QSL team: QSL Manager for TX5K, PO Box 345, Tuckerton, NJ 08087-0345, USA. Also, remember to use the DXA Web site http://www.dxa2.org/ which allows DXers to view the QSO log, and the status and activities of the DXpedition in near-real-time. The TX5K's Web page is at http://tx5k.org. For updates, use the BLOG at:

http://www.ky6r.com

V3, BELIZE
Operators Ron/WB1EAZ and XYL Elaine/KA1UCC will be active as V31RT and V31BE, respectively, from Belize between March 13-20th. Activity will be SSB with a focus on Europe, Oceania and Asia. QSL via WB1EAZ.

V7, MARSHALL ISLANDS
Tatsuhiko "Ted", JF1CCH, will be active as V73TS from Majuro Island (OC-029) resort hotel between March 21-26th. Activity will be mainly CW and the HF bands, 40-10 meters, and using a Delta Loop antenna. Power on 12 and 10 meters will be 100w, and 15 meters and down 400w. QSL via his home callsign and eQSL.

VK9C, COCOS KEELING ISLANDS (Web Page Updated)
The VK9CA Web page has been updated for the operation to Cocos Keeling Island (OC-003) which will take place between March 30th and April 13th (see OPDX.1102). The Web page can be viewed at:

http://www.vk9cz.com
Operator Keith, GM4YXI, has added a 4.8MB Powerpoint presentation to the Web page (under Latest news) with propagation charts for different parts of the world to VK9CZ which can be viewed or downloaded.

VK9L, LORD HOWE ISLAND
Oliver, W6NV, informs OPDX that he will be at Lord Howe Island between April 10-14th, to see the sights and join Seppo, OH1VR for some casual operations. Oliver has obtained the VK9LT callsign for his Lord Howe Island operation which was approved for re-issue by the WIA effective April 1st, 2013. He mentions, "We have confirmed reser- vations, however, the equipment logistics and propagation will be the determining factors." Seppo will operate as VK9/OH1VR between April 11-16th. Direct QSLs for VK9LT (operations for 2013 only) are to be sent to W6NV. QSL VK9/OH1VR via OH1VR only direct. More later on bands and modes, when equipment logistics is firm. ADDED NOTE: Look for them to possibly participate in the Japan International DX Contest and the Yuri Gagarin International DX Contest over the weekend of April 13-14th.

ZD8, ASCENSION ISLAND
Mick, G1EUZ, will be active as ZD8RAF from Ascension Island between March 18-22nd. He will be taking an IC-7000, and a Vertical Horizontal dipole. He hope to make many contacts, especially with some fellow RAFARS members. QSL via his home callsign.

ZL7, CHATHAM ISLANDS (Update/Reminder)
Jim, ZL1LC, will be active this week as ZL7LC from Chatham Island (OC-038) between March 14-20th, as a micro DXpedition and running PSK31 only (see OPDX.1094 and OPDX.1101). He informed OPDX on Saturday: "We are almost ready to go. We arrive late Thursday (0400z, March 14th) and will get the Windom up before dark so that I have an antenna for the night. The QRZ.com Web page for ZL7LC is up-to-date with all the info. PSK31 only. I'm using EB7DX as my QSL Manager and there is a note about donations, if you so desire.

The pro- pagation conditions aren't brilliant. However, a couple of days ago, when the 10 meter forecast was POOR, there was a 10 meter opening from here into the USA and Asia for an hour or so. There was a slow deep fade, but you could work stations if you were quick. Look forward to catching you on the bands." Jim's rigs will be an Icom 7200 and 7000 with vertical antennas operating on 7035, 14070, 21070 and 28120 kHz. Remember, his QSL Manager will be EB7DX and direct (w/2 green stamps and SAE). NO Bureau QSLs. For more details and an online log (ClubLog), see (QRZ.com).

ZS8, MARION ISLAND (Update)
Pierre, ZS1HF/ZS8M, informs OPDX that two radio amateurs will be part of the over wintering team and will be active on Marion Island between May 2013 to April 2014. Look for the following operators:

ZS8C - Carson, ZR6CWI, has been appointed as the Space Weather Engineer and is employed for the next year by the SA National Space Agency (SANSA).

ZS8Z - David, ZS1BCE, has finally been appointed as the radio technician. His appointment was delayed due to a clerical error.

Pierre states that the expected modes will mainly be SSB and the Digital modes. They may only use the existing commercial broadband HF antenna. Their QSL Manager is ZS1HF. More info will be posted on their respective QRZ.com sites once they have been created. They expect this info to be made available within the next 2 weeks. All inquiries are via ZS1HF at this stage.

** 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 NORTHERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB HOME PAGE:
http://www.nodxa.org

http://www.facebook.com/NorthernOhioDxAssociation

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