OPDX Bulletin 1252 February 8, 2016

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 1252
BID: $OPDX.1252
February 8, 2016
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, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, W4FC, K8CX, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m DX News, K9EL, 3W3B, DL1SBF, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DL7VEE, DxCoffee.com, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, EA5RM, ES1CW, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, IK7JWY, LU4AA, LU8ADX, LZ1ZF, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, PS7DX, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, VA3RJ & ICPO, and VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 31st/January, through Sunday, 7th/February there were 222 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4W, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5R, 5T, 5U, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A3, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, CY0, D2, D4, DL, U, E4, E5/s, E6, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FS, FW, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H4, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J3, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/m, JD/o, JT, JW, JY, K, KG4, 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, PZ, S0, S2, S5, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TR, TT, TY, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VP2E, VP6, VP8, VP8/g, VP8/h, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YJ, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z3, Z8, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZD8, 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".

3XY, GUINEA (Press Release)
Members of the Italian DXpedition Team will be active as 3XY1T from the Los Islands (AF-051, WW Loc. IJ39cl) between February 18th and March 4th. The latest news was sent out by the 3XY1T Team: Everything is ready as planned for our departure on February 17th, 2016. We anticipate arriving at Los Island (AF-051) in the morning of Thursday 18th. The island does not have a power grid; our resort has a generator operating only during the night. We rented two generators for daylight operations; as a consequence, there might be occasional breaks for the maintenance of this equipment.

We received several requests for RTTY activity. In order to offer such a “mode new one” to as many OMs as possible, we shall concentrate our RTTY operations on a single band, i.e. 15m.

In analyzing statistical data, we noticed that there is a high demand for this country in VK/ZL. These stations are invited to use the cluster to warn us of possible openings.

Long-path openings to Japan will be closely monitored, and we suggest these stations to make use of propagation forecasts to optimize their chances.

We plan to have, as usual, our real-time online Log available via internet, with uploads every minute (barring connection problems). It can be accessed at the address http://win.i2ysb.com/logonline

. Also, the online QSL request (OQRS) will be active as from the very first QSO. We advise to check the time/date of the latest online update, as shown on the Log entry page, before repeating a QSO.

Specific requests should be addressed ONLY to our pilot stations, Arturo/IK7JWY and Sergio/IK0FTA (for the 6m band). The pilot stations can check and correct possible Log errors.

During the DXpedition do NOT send mail to I2YSB or other Team members, such messages will not be answered.

News and Forum at: http://www.hamradioweb.net/
3XY1T home page at: http://www.i2ysb.com/idt/

4S, SRI LANKA
A German team will be active as 4S7GWG and 4S7RTG from Amal Villa, Bentota, Sri Lanka (AS-003, NJ06AJ), in the southwest part of the island between March 2-18th. Operators mentioned are YL Heidi/ DK1MA, Sid/DM2AYO, Rolf/DL7VEE, Dietmar/DL2HWA, Werner/DJ9KH, Georg/DL4SVA, Norbert/DL2RNS, Guenter/DL2AWG, Klaus/DK1AX and Juergen/DL3HRH. Activity will be holiday style on 40-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY with two stations on the air. Equipment will be 2x K3, KPA 500 and Expert 1k3. Antennas will be Spiderbeams and Verticals. Suggested frequencies are:

CW - 7026, 10119, 14026, 18086, 21026, 24906 and 28026 kHz
SSB - 7095/7182, 14210, 21275, 24955 and 28465 kHz
RTTY - 7046, 10137, 14090, 18099, 21090, 24918 and 28090 kHz
6m - 50120/CW and 50120/SSB
QSL via the OQRS on ClubLog (preferred). QSLs via the Bureau (takes much longer) or direct (NO IRCs) go to the following: 4S7GWG via DL2AWG only and 4S7RTG via DL7VEE only. For more details and updates, see:
http://4s.mydx.de

5V, TOGO (Update)
Wim, ON6DX, will once again be active as 5V7TH from Agbodrafo, a town in southern Togo, between February 11-23rd. Wim will arrive in Lomé, the capital of Togo, on February 9th. He states that this will be a one operator DXpedition. Activity will take place during his local mornings and evenings as much as possible. Operation will be on 160-6 meters, including 30/17/12 meters) using CW, SSB and RTTY. Since his announcement, Wim has received many e-mails asking him to do top bands. He states, "Due to high demand for 5V7 on the top bands, I am going to take a 80m vertical and a 160m sloper with me. Only if I can find enough space to put them up. I will do 80 and 160 as well. CW only." Suggested frequencies are available on his Web page. For more details and updates, see:

http://www.dxpedition.be/5V7TH.html

6D, MEXICO (Special Event)
Members of the Federacion Mexicana de Radio Experimentadores (FMRE) will use the special callsign 6D0F between February 11-18th, during the "Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to Mexico". Operators will be operating from the states of Michoacan, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Estado de Mexico and the Mexico City. QSL via XE1LM.

6Y, JAMAICA
Masato, JA0RQV, will be active as 6Y5/JA0RQV mainly from the Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica (NA-097), for 2 months starting February 21st through April 17th. Activity will be mostly on the weekend and spare time during his local time as he is on a business trip. Operations will be on 160-10 meters using CW and SSB. Equipment is a IC7000 (100w) into a LW or Vertical. He states that if the situation allows, he might stay and operate from the station of Josh, 6Y5WJ, in St. Elizabeth and to be a Single-Op entry in the JIDX CW Contest (April 9-10th). QSL via M0OXO (ORQS) or LoTW.

7P, LESOTHO (Update/Reminder)
Members of F6KOP Amateur Radio Club will be active as 7P8C from the Maseru District in Lesotho between February 8-17th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY, with 5 stations on the air. QSL via F5GSJ, direct, by the Bureau, OQRS via F5GSJ. NO eQSL. Web page still has not been announced.

CE0Y, EASTER ISLAND (Reminder). Coming off of his Moorea Island (OC-046)
French Polynesia, activity as FO/W7YAQ, look for Bob, W7YAQ, to be active as CE0Y/W7YAQ from Easter Island (SA-001) between February 10-14th. Activity will be holiday style on 40-15 meters using CW and RTTY. Equip- ment will be an Elecraft K3 into a vertical antenna. QSL via LoTW.

CORRECTION TO OPDX.1251
Under "DXCC APPROVED OPERATION" the following should read:
DXCC APPROVED OPERATION
Sharon Taratula, ARRL Awards Branch Manager, reports that the following operation is approved for DXCC credit:
TT8AMO -- Chad (not Afghanistan); 2015 Operation

D3, ANGOLA
YL operator Anna, RW4HRA, reportedly has received a license and will be active as D3YL from Saurimo, Angola. No QSNs have been reported yet, but she is expected to be on the HF bands. QSL via RA4HT.

D4, CAPE VERDE
Operator Girts, YL2KL, will once again active as D4C. Activity will be during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 20-21st) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via D4C. For the latest information, check the D4C Web page at:

http://www.d4c.cc

Also their FaceBook page at: https://www.facebook.com/D4C.STATION

DX MARATHON PLAQUES (Press Release)
CQ Magazine's annual DX Marathon contest is proud to announce the addition of two new Plaques.

As interest and participation in the DX Marathon grows, there has been a significant increase in log submissions. Total logs received for the 2015 edition were up 29% over 2014. A large part of that growth has been in the CW only category. As a result, the DX Marathon is pleased to announce the addition of Plaques for the Highest CW score in North America and the highest CW score in Europe. Previously, those high scores received certificates. A complete listing of available plaques and certificates is on the DX Marathon website:

http://www.dxmarathon.com/Awards/Awards.htm
Although we have an anonymous donor to temporarily fund the new plaques, sponsorship of the new plaques is available. Please contact: john at dxmarathon dot com if you are interested in sponsoring one of the new plaques.

Thank you for your continued interest and support in the DX Marathon.
73, John, K9EL -- DX Marathon Manager

E5, SOUTH COOK ISLANDS (Update). Roly, ZL1BQD, was active as E51RR (not E51RJR as announced earlier) from Rarotonga Island (EU-013) and should be going QRT by the time you read this (February 7th). QSL via his home callsign. E5, SOUTH COOK ISLANDS
John, AI6Y, will be active as E51XYZ from Rarotonga Island (OC-013) between May 23-28th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters (conditions permitting), operating portable and mobile on all modes and limited to 100w. He will post a schedule, if time permits, on QRZ.com. Log will be uploaded to LoTW, eQSL and QRZ.com while on the island.

EP, IRAN
Tom, K8CX, informs OPDX that he worked EP7AHN the morning on February 2nd, at 1242z on 14200 kHz in the Iranian contest. He was very surprised to hear a U.S. station answer him. He has provided a sound clip of EP7AHN at:

http://hamgallery.com/dx2016/ep7ahn.mp3
He also heard EP2LSH on 14040 kHz around the same time, but he couldn't get through the EU pileup. OPDX checked the QSNs on the DXCluster and there seems to be plenty of activity from Iran now. Other EP stations spotted were: EP2LMA (20/15m SSB), EP2LSH (15m CW), EP3MS (40/20m SSB), EP7AHN (40/20m SSB) and EP4HR(/B) (40/20m CW/PSK31/Beacon).

FM/TO5, MARTINIQUE (NA-107)
Albert, F5VHJ, will once again be active as TO5A from FM5BH's QTH during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 5-6th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL with SASE to WA6WPG. All others by F5VHJ, LoTW and REF Bureau. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW. An OQRS will be available via ClubLog. Outside of the contest Albert will be signing FM5KC. QSL via F5VHJ, LoTW and REF Bureau.

IOTA NEWS
AF-004. Mike, DG5LAC, will once again be active as EA8/DG5LAC from Fuerteventura Island (DIE S-006, WLOTA 0883, WWFF EAFF-191) between May 28th and June 10th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using SSB with 100 watts. QSL via DG5LAC, direct or by the Bureau. Log will be upload to LoTW, eQSL and WWFF.

AS-129. Zhao, BD7IHN, will be active as B7/BD7IHN from Nan Ao Island between February 13-19th. Activity will be limited mostly during his morning and early evening on 30/20 meters using mainly CW with some SSB. QSL via BD7IHN. Log will be uploaded to ClubLog.

OC-165. Operators Wat/9M8WAT, Allpa/9M8ADX and Dennis/9W8DEN will be active as 9M8RC from Satang Besar between April 30th and May 2nd. QSL via 9M8WAT direct.

SA-088. Operators Fabio/PP5BZ, Marcelo/PP5BK, Jose/PU5ATX, Claudio/PY3OZ, Roni/PY5ZB and Valnei/PY5ZW will be active as ZX5B from Batuta Island between April 21-24th. This will be a first time acti- vation. Activity will be on 40-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via PP5BZ.

SA-100. It has been announced that Nando, IT9YRE, will activate Pajaros Islands off the coast of Chile which has never bee activated before. Look for more details to be forthcoming.

JD1, MINAMI TORISHIMA
Take, JG8NQJ, will once again be active as JG8NQJ/JD1 from Marcus Island in the Minami Torishima (OC-073, JCG 10007) group between mid-March until mid-May. He is usually there to work on the island's weather station. Activity will be limited to his spare time. He will be mainly on 17 meters but also on 20/15/12/10/6 meters CW. QSL via JA8CJY, by the Bureau or direct to: Susumu 'Sin' Sanada, 5-17, 5-4, Shin-Ei, Toyohira, Sapporo 004, Japan. Online log is available at:

http://dx.qsl.net/cgi-bin/logform.cgi?jd1-jg8nqj

JD1, OGASAWARA
Nobuaki, JA0JHQ, will once again (5th time) be active as JD1BOW from Chichijima Island (AS-031) between February 13-22nd. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using CW and the Digital modes. His main purpose is to operate 160m CW and Digital Modes (RTTY, PSK31) on 40m or 15m. It is his first time to operate on RTTY for this operation (he now has con- fidence). Equipment will be a a TS-480HX (200w on HF, 100w on 6m) into a Micro-vertical or Long-wire for 1.9 MHz. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. Visit his Blog page at:

http://pandasan.jimdo.com

JD1, OGASAWARA
Masaru, JE4SMQ, will once again to be active as JD1BMT from Chichijima Island (AS-031), Ogasawara, between February 19-22nd. Activity will be on 40-6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK31 and JT65. QSL via his home callsign. Also, Hiroyuki, JI3XTZ, will be active as JI3XTZ/JD1 during the dates and frequencies. QSL via his home callsign.

KH0, MARIANA ISLANDS (Special Event)
Look for special event station N0J to be active from Tinian's Hot Peppper Festival between February 10-15th. Activity/operators will be by Radio Space Club of Tinian (NH0J) and Mariana Intrepid Contest Club (AH0K). Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW (by OH7WV between Feb. 11-15th) and SSB (SSB by JA1NVF between Feb. 10-15th), some focus on 30m. They will not operate 24 hours a day. QSL via JJ2VLY. Logs will be uploaded to ClubLog.

LU/Z, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
The Radio Club Argentino (RCA), IARU National MS, are pleased to announces that it will be active from Carlini Base, King George Island, South Shetland Island (AN-010). Operation is scheduled between February 15th to early March. Operators Marcelo/LU1AET and Carlos/ LU1BCE will put on the air the callsign LU1ZI. Activity is planned to have two stations on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. Another rig will be stand by for band openings on 6 meters. QSL via LU4AA. For more information, please visit:

http://www.lu4aa.org
Also on FaceBook at: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Radio%20Club%20Argentino

PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (February 8-14th)

.
 Feb/08th HN      Feb/11th  AN     Feb/13th  AN
 Feb/09th HN      Feb/12th  AN     Feb/14th  AN
 Feb/10th 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
REALTIME BAND CONDITIONS WEB SITE : REALTIME BAND CONDITIONS WEB SITE http://www.bandconditions.com:
The purpose of this experimental Web site is to provide 24-7-365 actual (REALTIME) band condition information to CW QRPp, QRPe and CW/SSB for Contesters interested in increasing their scores. It can also be of benefit to other Radio Amateurs to determine band conditions for Nets and casual QSO's. This information is NOT based on any software pre- dictions or any kind of satellite based readings. It is based on a new Ionospheric sounding method called "HF Ionospheric Interferometry" which operates very similarly to the PolSAR system used by NASA.

Also, checkout the VOACAP predication Web page at:

http://www.voacap.com/prediction.html

QSL INFO AND NEWS

  QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (February 7th) 
  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4X6TT/JY1 via N4GNR (d)   FO/W7YAQ via W7YAQ & (L)  UN9GD via DL8KAC
  5Q2J via OZ2JBC           LZ389SGB via LZ1KCP       UP0L via DL8KAC
  A93JA via KE5JA           ON80OSA via ON4OSA        V51WH via DK2WH
  D3AM via UA1QV            S570ABC via S59ABC        ZP6CW via ZP6CU & (L)
  EH5RAC via EA5URD         TC4LOVE via TA3X    
  ET7L via US0LW            TM13AAW via F8DVD   
    (e) eQSL only  (d) direct only   (B) Bureau only  (*-B) DX's- Bureau
    (O) OQRS only  (C) ClubLog only  (L) LoTW only 
QSLS RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 7K2GMJ, EA8AGF, F1MWV, F6CXJ, G4HYG, G4ZOY, HB90IARU, HB9EFK, HZ1SM, J69DS, J79FCG, J7A, JA1KXQ, JA9BEK, K5P, PA4GDR, PJ6/OH3JR, RV9DC, VA3MWL, VE3KTB/VY0, VE9DX, VK3SIM, VK6GX and YW90IARU

QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 3D2KM, DU9/RC5A (OC-235), SU90IARU and V73D

QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 3A/IU2CIQ, 3A2MW, 5B4ALX, 5B/IZ4AMS, 5C2J, 5H3MB, 5H4BL, 5N/LZ1QK, 5R8M, 5R8NE, 5R8UI, 5V7BD, 5W0UU, 6K2IQG, 6K5ANI, 7X2GK, 9M2TO, 9M4DXX, AH0J, AP2IN, CR2T, CT9/DL8JJ, D7G, D64K, DP1POL/1, DS1CPT, DS2KGJ, DS4NPL, DS5FNE, DS0KBS,E6XG, EA8/IK4WLA, EF0F, FG/DL7VHS, H2X, HC2IMP, HL1OYF, HL2VXK, HL3EA, HL4CCM, HL5FKP, HP1/IQ6CC, HP2/I5OYY, HP0CC, IS0BMU, IS0BOY, IS0BSR, IS0BYY, IS0ESG, IS0FDW, J6/W0SA, J79AN, JT1NOC, JW/DL2JRM, JW4PM, OGOX, OY/DL2JRM, P4/VE7XDT, P41S, P29FR, PY2IU, PY2OP, PY2PT, PY2SEH, PY2SET, PY2TDX, PY2TWI, PY2UN, PY2UU, PY2WAS, PY2XU, PY2YU, PY2ZVA, PY22MC, R7AY, S9TF, S21ZBC, SU1IE, SV5/DL3DRN, T71SM, T88TH, TA/IZ5KID, TA2/DL6JF, TK1INT, TK/IZ2FNH, TK/IZ3DRA, TK/IW5ELA, TK9ZM, TM1F, TM5U, TS7TI, TT8TT, VP2MTT, TX8DD, V5/DC8QT, V5/DJ5IW, V63X, VK9DLX, XR0ZR, XR2T, YB9/IW1DQS, ZA0IS, ZL7/JA0JHQ, ZL7X and ZV2VS

SILENT KEY
OPDX was informed that Jerry Fiore, N4JF, from Birmingham, Alabama, became a Silent Key (SK) on February 2nd. OPDX and its readers send out our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of N4JF.

SOUTH AMERICAN LIGHTHOUSE WEEKEND
The 8th South American Lighthouse Weekend will take place February 19-21st. Look for the following Brazilian station to be on the air from Ponta do Mel Lighthouse (ARLHS BRA-174):
PW7M - QSL via PS7HD
ZW7WAA - QSL via PU7LAN
PQ7A - (Preferably 80m/160m) - QSL via PS7DX

SPECIAL EVENT
Gosho, LZ1ZF (Fifth Ocean # 370), wants to remind everyone that members of the International Amateur Radio Club Aviators, "Fifth Ocean", will be active between February 8-14th. Activities this year are dedicated/devoted to the 110th anniversary of Oleg Antonov a Soviet air- craft Hero:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleg_Konstantinovich_Antonov
Activity will be on all amateur bands and modes. A special Diploma "110 Years O.K. Antonov" will be available and issued. See:
http://aviaham.ru/pics/ant_sme.jpg
The rules in Russian: http://aviaham.ru/documents/usl_antonov.pdf In the near future the rules will be translated in English. Also see:
http://www.aviaham.ru/blog/2016/02/110-let-ok-antonov
Details and the members of The International HAM aviators Club can be found here:
http://aviaham.ru/spisok.htm
During the days of activity, points for all Fifth Ocean club’s Diplomas are doubling.

T8, PALAU
Joerg, DF9LJ, is now active as T88EU from Palau Islands (OC-009) until February 12th. Activity will be holiday style on the HF bands using mostly CW. QSL via his home callsign.

T8, PALAU
Ken, BM2JCC/JP1RIW, will once again active as T88KH from the "West Plaza Hotel by the Sea" (WW Loc. PJ77FI) on Koror Island (OC-009) between March 17-21st. Hagen, DL2KUH, will also join him and will be active as T88KU. Activity will be on 80-6 meters, including the 17/12m and mostly on the High Band on SSB using 500w on HF and 100w on 6m. Their antennas are: 80m Vertical, 40/30m DP, 20/15/10m 3 element Beam, 17/12m 2 element HB9CV and 6m 5 element Beam. QSL T88KH via BM2JCC, by the Bureau or direct. QSL T88KU via DL2KUH via the Bureau, LoTW or eQSL.

TO5, MARTINIQUE (NA-107)
Al, F5VHJ, will once again be active as TO5A, from FM5BH's QTH during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 5-6th) as a Single- Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via F5VHJ, direct or by the Bureau. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW. An OQRS will be available via ClubLog. Send USA Cards with SASE to WA6WPG. All others send to F5VHJ to the REF Bureau or LoTW.

UA2, KALININGRAD
Dmitri, UA2FB, will be active as UA2F during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 20-21st) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via UA2F.

VK0EK HEARD ISLAND NEWS
In a press release dated February 1st by Rich, KY6R, reports: In exactly one month, the "Advance VK0EK Team" will leave for Cape Town, South Africa. They will check in with our shipping agent and local Cape Town team and process the arrival of our container. The Braveheart will arrive soon after this team arrives. The excitement is building and we are making last minute preparations before the team starts their epic journey.

-- Also reported on February 5th: The container carrying the equipment for the expedition has arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, and has been put into storage awaiting arrival of the advance team March 3. The vessel Braveheart will arrive March 5, while the full team will arrive March 7. We will sail for Heard Island March 10, weather per- mitting, of course!

In addition, we are very appreciative of our South Africa team: Paul ZA1A, Pierre ZS1HF, Malcolm ZS6MAL, Sue ZS1AFR, and Tom ZS1AFS. Together with similar teams in California, Virginia, and Perth, Australia, the logistics is being managed professionally and securely.

-- Also reported on February 1st: Big Ben, the volcano on Heard Island, has erupted. Read the complete details at:
http://vk0ek.org/2016/02/01/heard-island-volcano-is-erupting

VK9L, LORD HOWE ISLAND
Michael, G7VJR, will be active as VK9L/G7VJR from Lord Howe Island (OC-004) between April 15-20th. Activity will be on the HF bands using only CW with 100 watts into a vertical and wire antennas. QSL via M0OXO, ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW.

VP8SGI SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS
Members of the Intrepid-DX Group are now QRT as VP8SGI from South Georgia Island due to a big storm early Sunday morning. Everybody is OK and now they are waiting a weather change to dismount and pack everything. Last log file will be uploaded from Stanley, Falkland Islands. This is actually a day early because they stated/planned earlier in the week that they would go QRT at sunrise on February 8th. During the past week (if you followed the special OPDX Bulletins), the VP8SGI team battled stormy weather conditions with high winds and snow which damaged their antennas and tents. This led to a stoppage of operations for several hours to make repairs. We must also mention some of the bad behavioral activities and DXing practices by individuals on the air which slowed down and hindered the VP8SGI operators from working many more stations.

QSL VP8SGI via KU9C, ClubLog's OQRS or LoTW. As this was being written Sunday morning, the VP8SGI team made 79744 QSOs with 21171 Unique callsigns per ClubLog as of 1818z, February 6th:

https://secure.clublog.org/charts/?c=VP8SGI
Breakdown by modes are 53592/CW, 20446/SSB, 5705/RTTY and 1/PSK. Break- down by percentage by Continents are 1.1/AF, 0.0/AN, 8.0/AS, 47.3/EU, 38.3/NA, .4/OC and 4.8/SA. For more detailed information, see:
http://www.intrepid-dx.com/vp8

XW, LAOS
Bruce, 3W3B (HS0ZCY/XU7ADF/XW1B/AA4XR), who lives in Da Nang, will once again be active as XW4XR from Vientiane between February 12-24th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters. He informs OPDX, "I will be active as much as possible on CW and, mainly, RTTY as there seems to be more of a demand on digital." QSL via E21EIC and LoTW.

TO BE ADDED TO THE OPDX MAILING LIST -- Click or send requests to:
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@hotmail.com
- OR -
kb8nw@arrl.net

Information can now be faxed to the following 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