The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 655
BID: $OPDX.655
April 5, 2004
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF-80 BBS Cleveland, Ohio

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network, K1YR, W1JR, KA1GJ/V73GJ, K1XN & GoList, NC1L, NG3K, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, K8YSE, W8UVZ, CO8ZZ, DL/VE3ZIK & www.contesting.info, DL1EK & The DX News Letter, F5CWU & La Gazette du DX, F5NQL & UFT, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, G4JVG, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, JI6KVR & JA-IOTA Islands News, LU9ESD, VA3RJ & ICPO, VE3EXY, VK3FRS, W1AW Bulletins and the ARRL Letter for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 28th/March, through Sunday, 4th/April there were 232 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3V, 3W, 3X, 4J, 4L, 4S, 4U1I, 4W, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5R, 5T, 5U, 5V, 5W, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9Q, 9V, 9X, 9Y, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C2, C3, C5, C6, CE, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D4, DL, DU, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FR, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H4, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HH, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J8, JA, JD/m, JD/o, JT, JW, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KH8, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ7, PY, PZ, S2, S5, S7, S9, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T2, T30, T33, T7, T8, T9, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TR, TT, TU, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9L, VK9N, VP2E, VP5, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YJ, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZC4, ZD7, ZD8, ZF, ZK1/s, 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).

3B9C RODRIGUES ISLAND DXPEDITION (Update)
As this was being written on Sunday morning, the 3B9C team has hit over 126,000 QSOs. Remember, you still have a little over a week to work them. Their activity will last until April 13th, so who can guess what their total QSO count will end up as. According to the updates on their Web page, the team will now move more into the U.S. general parts of the bands. Look for more RTTY and PSK activity (over 3500 QSOs have been made so far). 6 meters and EME activity will continue. They have made four EME contacts on 70cm and one on 6 meters. QSL via the RSGB QSL Bureau or direct to: FSDXA, PO Box 73, Church Stretton, SY6 6WF UK. For more information and updates about the DXpedition (plus online log and a form to request bureau cards), please visit the 3B9C Web page at:

7P, LESOTHO
Bernie, ZS4TX, has made an early announcement that he will be active as 7P8Z during the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 30-31st) as Single-Op/All-Band/High Power entry. QSL via ZS4TX. Visit his Web at:

7Q, MALAWI (Update/Reminder)
Steve, G4JVG, reminds OPDX readers that the UK Malawi DXpedition is only 2 weeks away. The callsign to be used by the UK Malawi DXpedition between April 18th and May 1st will be 7Q7MM. Operators will be Mark/G4AXX, Dick/GU4CHY, Steve/G4JVG and Rich/M5RIC, and they will be active on all bands from 160-10 meters on CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK, and possibly 10 meters FM (subject to demand and propagation). Activity is likely to be limited on April 18th and 19th while the stations and antennas are being built. The operation is expected to start in earnest on April 19th or 20th. Updated detailed propagation predictions to nine locations around the world were uploaded to their Web site at the beginning of April. Logs will be uploaded to the Web site and updated regularly during the DXpedition. Two high-power stations will be on the air as close to 24 hours a day as possible. A third station at 100W will be in use during peak hours of propagation. QSL via G3LQP direct (Roger Brown, 262 Fir Tree Road, Epsom KT17 3NL, England) or via the bureau. The UK Malawi DXpedition Web is available at:

DXCC NEWS
Bill Moore, NC1L, ARRL DXCC Manager, advises, "The DXCC Branch recently received a letter from Robert Felicite, 3B9FR, indicating that he has not sent any logs to F6FNU since 1999. Robert asked us to pass this along to the DX community. While we continue to receive these cards, the DXCC Branch will no longer issue 3B9FR credit for F6FNU-confirmed contacts made after 1999. Requests for QSL cards for 3B9FR should be sent direct to: Robert Felicite, P.O. Box 31, Citronelle, Rodriguez Island, REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS, Indian Ocean."

EN60, UKRAINE
Seven stations from Odessa will be active using the EN60 prefix from April 3-17th. Here is a list of stations that will be active with their QSL routes:
EN60FJ - Sam, UT9FJ - QSL via home callsign to Bureau or direct to: Box 100, Odessa, 65065, UKRAINE.
EN60FT - Vlad, UT0FT - QSL via home callsign
EN60FEL - Alex, UR5FEL - QSL via home callsign
EN60FHY - Vlad, UX5HY - QSL via home callsign
EN60FEO - Serge, UR5FEO - QSL via home callsign
EN60FA - Serge, UT2FA - QSL via home callsign
EN60FY - Eugene, UX0FY - QSL via home callsign

FO/M, MARQUESAS ISLANDS
Look for Hiro/JI1JKW and Ari/JI1WTF to be active as FO/JI1JKW and FO/JI1WTF, respectively, from Hiva Oa (OC-027) from April 28th to May 2nd. Activity is planned for 160-6 meters on CW/SSB/RTTY. A 6 meter beacon will be on 50110 kHz. QSL via their home callsigns, direct or by the bureau.

HOW'S DXING IN 2004? (by Joe Reisert, W1JR)
Joe, W1JR, sent the following E-mail to OPDX and we thought it would be of interest to the readers:
"People are always complaining about the POOR propagation conditions. Let this note be an exception.

Yes, conditions are poor but we have to adapt to them. If you think things are poor now, wait until this time next year!

Anyhow, just to let you know that since January 1st, 2004, W1JR has worked over 240 DXCC using all modes. The split is about rather even with over 210 on each of phone and cw and over 125 on digital modes. So, the bottom line is that the DX is out there. We just have to work a little harder than usual!

Believe it or not, I have missed about 20 other entities that I either heard or missed for one reason or another!" 73, Joe, W1JR

HR1, HONDURAS
Mark, W4CK, announced that he will be back in Tegucigalpa this summer from July 8-15th. He plans to be active as HR1/W4CK from his hotel. Activity will be CW only, and he will make a push for the WARC bands if there is interest.

IOTA NEWS
AS-036. Operators JA1KJW, JJ1JGI and possibly 9 others will operate as homecall/6 from Tsushima Island (JIIA AS-036-022) from April 16-18th. Activity will be on the HF/VHF/UHF bands and on CW/SSB. QSL via their home callsigns direct or by the Bureau.

AS-043. Operators Mitsuo/JA1UNS, Suehiro/JI1PLF, Hisashi/7N1GMK, 7L4PVR and 7N4VPS will activate Hachijo Island (JIIA-AS-043-003) between April 23-26th. The operators will sign homecall/1 and will be active on 160-10 meters CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL to their home callsign, direct or via the bureau.

OC-228. Peter Forbes, VK3QI, announced last week that the operators who activated OC-251 in September 2002 and OC-261 in April 2003 plan to activate Baudin Rocks (aka Godfrey Island) in the South Australia State East Group, over the Easter long weekend, commencing Thursday, April 8th and concluding Monday, April 12th. Peter's press release states: "This will be a special event, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the death of Captain Nicolas Baudin, the French explorer, who died in September 1803 on the island of Mauritius during his return to Europe from exploration of the Australian coastline. Baudin Rocks, which is located 8 kms north of the seaport of Robe in south-eastern South Australia, was named by Captain Matthew Flinders after his famous encounter with Baudin in 1802 off the South Australian coast. Baudin Rocks is a closely protected Conservation Park and a permit has been obtained for 4 operators to land and operate for a limited period. Operating dates are very much dependant on weather conditions, which can be very unpredictable. Expected operators are Peter/VK3QI, Keith/VK3FT, Jack/VK3WWW and Tony/VK3TZ. Usual IOTA frequencies will be observed, both CW and SSB. Emphasis will be on 30 and 40 CW and 20, 17 and 15 SSB. Long Path to Europe around 0500-0800z will also be emphasized. OC-228 has only been activated once before in April 1999, by Martin (G3ZAY) as VK4CAY/5 for a limited number of hours, making it a relatively rare group. A special commemorative callsign has been issued, VI5BR, and we are particularly interested in having contacts with as many French stations as possible. The callsign will be announced closer to the date. QSL details are as follows: via VK3QI direct (any callbook) or via VK3 QSL Bureau." If you have any questions about the proposed operation, please E-mail them to Peter Forbes, VK3QI, at: prforbes@bigpond.net.au

SA-021. Look for operators Osmar/LU8DWR (Team Leader), Carlos/LU7DSY, Carlos/LU4ETN, Gabriel/LU8EBJ, Dario/LU4DRH, Walter/LU5DRV, Hugo/LW9EVA, Gabriel/LW9EAG and Emmanuel/LU9ESD to activate Wood Island for the first time starting Friday, April 9th through Sunday, April 11th. Activity will be on all bands and modes (including WARC bands and digimodes) depending on propagation. There will not be a special callsign used; the operators will use their own callsign "/D" (Buenos Aires Province). A special FULL COLOR QSL CARD will be printed. QSL Manager is LU7DSY: Carlos Almiron, P.O. Box 709, 8000 Bahia Blanca, Argentina. For QSLing direct, please send 2 USD or 2 IRC.

JW, SVALBARD
Francois, F8DVD, is now active as JW/F8DVD. Activity will last until April 10th (Refer to OPDX.653). Activity will be on SSB 80-10 meters. He was heard over the past weekend between 14190-14200 kHz. QSL via F8DVD to the French Bureau or direct.

KH4, MIDWAY ISLAND (Update to OPDX.654)
Jeff, KA1GJ, updated OPDX on his possible band activities from KH4-land. He states, "I am trying to determine if the KH4 club antennas are still up and operational. If so, I will be on all bands that I can --- otherwise, I am carrying a 10/12/15/17/20 meter vertical which I will put up after I land." (ed. Does anyone know if the antennas are still up at the club station? I will pass the word onto Jeff... TNX). Remember, Jeff will be operating as KA1GJ/MM from April 16th through May 12th, and is expected to be active as KA1GJ/KH4 on Midway from April 23-25th. QSL via V73GJ, P.O. Box 1050, APO AP 96555 USA.

LOTW CONTINUES TO GROW!
According this week's ARRL Letter, the "Logbook of The World" (LoTW), ARRL's electronic awards credit system, is closing in on 40 million separate Amateur Radio contacts. ARRL Special Assistant to the CEO David Patton, NN1N, states, "Right now there are 39.6 million QSOs entered into Logbook, with 1.18 million matched contacts." There are 7000 distinct registered users of the system, holding 9000 authenticated certificates, Patton added. Users may have more than one registered certificate, reflecting operation from home, changing callsigns, operations during DXpeditions, or portable station operation each sporting a separate callsign. To read the complete article, read The ARRL Letter (Vol. 23, No. 14 -- April 2, 2004).

P4, ARUBA (OOOPPPSSS!)
In last week's bulletin we called Emily, P43E, as a "him" (OM) instead of a "her" (YL).... SORRY Emily! Anyway, OPDX would like to welcome Emily back to the airwaves again. She was heard this past week on on 20 meters SSB. Activity was on 14192 kHz (and 14217) between 0030-0345z. QSL via the buearu or direct to: Emily Thiel, P.O.Box 614, ARUBA. Visit her Web page at:

QSL INFO AND NEWS
4N800H and YU800G QSL INFO. Sinisa, YU1RA, informs Zik, DL/VE3ZIK, that he was active with these two callsign between December 1998 and March 24th 1999 on 160 meters. Also, he still has some cards and the complete logs. So if somebody didn't receive a QSL card for these two callsigns on 160m, send him an E-mail at: yu1ra@EUnet.yu He will be glad to help you.

NOT THE QSL MANAGER. Joe, W3HNK, reports that he is receiving lots of mail for C4M, and he is NOT the QSL Manager for this station. This station was active during the CQ WPX SSB Contest weekend, and the operator was RW3QC. The correct QSL route is via Alex, RW3RN. Visit Alex's QSL Service Web page at:

QSL INFO FOR THE CQ WPX SSB CONTEST
Zik, DL/VE3ZIK, informs OPDX that he has posted the latest QSL info for this contest on his Web page at:

Alex, CO8KA, who has been quite active on HF bands (mainly on 80 meters), now has a QSL Manager. His QSL Manager is Steffen, DL4ALI.

QSL the Cuban contest station, T48K, via Erhard, DK1WI. This is the same QSL route for Raul/CO8ZZ and his wife Del/CO8DRG.

QSL COLLECTION. Jean Michel reports that they have nearly 1900 old QSL cards on display in six different galleries on the Les Nouvelle DX Web site at:

CY0DX QSLS. Nenad, VE3EXY, reports that while CY0MM cards are coming out smoothly, both direct and via the bureau, there are still some people who are struggling with receiving CY0DX (1997) QSL cards. Please be advised that the QSL Manager is VE3NZ not VA2EU. Nenad states that the VA2EU callsign (original QSL route) has been re-issued to another owner in 2001, and he is NOT handling CY0DX QSL cards. The original QSL Manager is now licensed as VE3NZ. All VE/VA addresses can found at:

QSL ER0FEL via Alex, UR5FEL. Alex was using this callsign in last weekend's CQ WPX SSB Contest.

Graham, M5AAV, reports that he is now handling all QSL cards for Maurice, Z21KF. He adds, "The Postal Service in Zimbabwe is 'highly suspect', and many requests have gone astray." Graham prefers direct cards, but will accept cards via the RSGB Bureau.

SECOND NOTICE FOR DAYTON TOPBAND GATHERING
George Taft, W8UVZ, states, "STILL TIME TO SIGN UP! All 160 meter enthusiasts are cordially invited to the Topband dinner on Friday night of the 2004 Dayton Hamvention. This annual event brings together 160 meter fans from around the world for food, drink and camaraderie." The event will be held May 14th, at Neil's Heritage House Restaurant (2323 Schantz Avenue, Dayton). Important times: 6:30 PM (Social Hour with Cash Bar) and 8:00 PM (Dinner). Tickets are: 28.00 USD each (includes complete dinner, taxes and gratuity). For more details, contact George Taft, W8UVZ, by E-mail at: w8uvz@arrl.net Reservations must be paid by May 1st.

SPECIAL EVENT
It was announced this past week in "ARRL Special Bulletin (ARLX001)": "The Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial station at ARRL Headquarters, W1AW, will sign with a special designator - /90 - through the rest of 2004. The callsign reflects the 90th anniversary of the League's founding by Maxim and Clarence Tuska in 1914. Operation as W1AW/90 will begin April 3rd. W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, said he will encourage guest operators to use as many modes as possible, including RTTY, PSK31, Satellite and Hellschreiber. 'Plus, we're going to try for SSTV WAS,' he added. 'It'll be tough, but we can do it.' Special QSL cards will be available for W1AW/90 contacts, and Carcia noted that self-addressed, stamped return envelopes should accompany all QSL requests. All contacts with W1AW/90 will also be uploaded to Logbook of The World."

T33C BANABA DXPEDITION
The international team of 19 operators are now on the island. Activity seems to have started early Sunday, April 4th, on 20 meters CW. The DXpedition is expected to last until April 16th. As this was being written Sunday morning, activity was mainly 20 meters (probably because the rest of the team is setting up the other stations). Watch for updates on their Web page. The Web page for the operation is at:

VP8, SOUTH ORKNEY AND SOUTH GEORGIA ISLANDS
"The Daily DX" is reporting that Mike, GM0HCQ, is heading to Signy Base, South Orkney, and might operate as VP8SIG (possibly for 1 day) between April 10-12th. Also, he may operate as VP8SGK from Bird Island, South Georgia, between April 14-19th. Mike is currently active as VP8CMH/MM from the ship "James Clark Ross". He was heard this past weekend on 30/20/17/12/10 meters CW between 1300-2030z. For more details on his trip on the "James Clark Ross", please visit Mike's Web page at:

VP9, BERMUDA (Update to OPDX.654)
Lou, K1YR, provided OPDX with more details on his upcoming activity from Bermuda. He informs us that he plans to operate the CQ WPX CW Contest from Ed's, VP9GE, QTH. Lou states, "As I have to work that Friday (May 28th), my XYL and I are catching the last plane out to VP9 as the contest begins. I hope to be on about four hours after the contest starts. I'll try to put in the full 36 hours that Single Ops are allowed. If I have any gas left, I'll try the WARC bands and/or 80 and 160 after the contest. We leave early Monday afternoon, so it's not a very long trip. Callsign will be VP9/K1YR and QSL is via my home call."

ZS4, SOUTH AFRICA
Bernie, ZS4TX, has made an early announcement that he will be active in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th) as as Single-OP/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via ZS4TX. Visit his Web at:

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