The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 697
BID: $OPDX.697
February 14, 2005
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, K1XN & GoList, NC1L, AI2Q, N2OO, W2LO, NG3K, W3LEO, W3UR & The Daily DX, ARRL Web Page, K4QD, N4AA & QRZ DX, W4MY, W4WX, W5UE, AE6Y, KM6HB, K7BV/1, NF7E, K8PT, K8YSE, KU8E, W8JWN, AK0M, NK0S, DB2HR, DJ3FK, DL1EK & The DX News Letter, DL2VFR, EI4BZ, F5CWU & La Gazette du DX, F5NOD, F5NQL & UFT, HA0HW, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I1HYW, IZ8BRI, IZ8CCW, J6KVR & JA-IOTA Islands News, LA7JO, LU7EE, LZ1ZF, OA4DJW, OK1JR/YB0AJR, ON6UM, SP5UAF, UA4WHX, VA3RJ & ICPO, VE2TKH, VE7AAV and VK4FW for the following DX information.

EDITOR'S SPECIAL NOTE (by KB8NW)
Since I received so much information over the past two weeks, and I had InterNet access from my Dad's QTH in Las Vegas, I was able to do some writing while by father was resting and recovering from lung cancer treatment.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 6th/February, through Sunday, 13th/February there were 233 countries active. Countries available: 1S, 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 3X, 4J, 4L, 4S, 4U1U, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5V, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7P, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9U, 9V, 9Y, A2, A3, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, CE, CE0A, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, DL, DU, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FH, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FY, G, GD, GI, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J5, J6, J8, JA, JD/m, JD/o, JT, JY, K, KH0, KH2, KH5, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, 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, T32, T5, T7, T9, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TR, TT, TU, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK0M, VK9L, VK9N, VP2E, VP2V, VP5, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZC4, ZD7, ZD8, ZD9, ZF, ZK1/s, ZK2, ZK3, 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).

3Y0X, Peter I ISLAND (DXpedition Update/Press Releases)
OPDX InterNet Subscribers will receive two press releases (#11 and #12) sent out by Team co-leaders Ralph Fedor/K0IR and Bob Allphin/K4UEE as extra bulletins (complete and unedited). Excerpts from the bulletins indicate that the 3Y0X team has shifted its staging area from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina, and all of the 3Y0X team members have assembled there now. The team had to contract another vessel, an offshore supply vessel named the "Cavendish Sea". The helicopter company shocked the team by substituting a different, smaller helicopter and delaying its availability by six days. They are now in the process of contract negotiations with two other helicopter charter companies. This is their remaining hurdle. If they are unable to sail to Peter I by the middle of next week due to the helicopter situation, they will likely postpone until next year. However, at this time they still have options and remain optimistic. For updated information, visit the 3Y0X DXpedition Web site at:

9N, NEPAL
Stig, LA7JO, Regional Telecoms Officer for the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), is now active from Kathmandu as 9N7JO. He will be active on SSB/CW/RTTY on 160-15 meters. Stig informs OPDX that he will probably be here for more than a year. QSL direct to: Stig Lindblom, Jum Changphimai, 147/1 Moo 3, Tambon Boot, Ban Ta Bong, Phimai, TH-30110 Nakhon Ratchashima, Thailand.

9Y4, TRINDADE AND TOBAGO
Three Latvian operators will be active from the 9Y4ZC QTH on Tobago signing 9Y4/homecall now through February 22nd. Operators mentioned are Girts/YL2KL, Arvis/YL2LY and Juris/YL2GM. Their activity will be on all bands (also the WARC bands) on CW, SSB and RTTY. Look for activity in the ARRL DX CW Contest, possibly using a special callsign or 9Y4/YL2KL as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. They were active this past weekend in the CQWW RTTY WPX Contest. QSL via YL2KL. Real-time logs will be available online and updated frequently at:

9Y4, TRINDADE AND TOBAGO
Jaroslav, OM3TZZ, is expected to be active in the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March 26-27th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/ High-Power entry. Contest callsign has not been announced yet. QSL via OM3TZZ.

9Y4, TRINDADE AND TOBAGO
Ten operators from the Lufthansa Amateur Radio Club (DD8ZX, DG3FK, DH6ICE, DJ3FK, DJ9RB, DK7LX, DK7PE, DK7TF, DL1FDS and DL4FP) plan to be active from Tobago Island (SA-009) as 9Y4DLH between February 23rd and March 2nd. At least two stations will be active on 160-10 meters CW/SSB and DIGITAL. QSL via DJ3FK. Logs will be available online AFTER the operation. For more info, please visit the following Web page at:

ANTARCTIC NEWS AND ACTIVITY
AAW ACTIVITY. Francois, F8DVD, will be active during the 2nd Antarctic Activity Week with the special callsign TM8ANT. Look for activity between February 14-27th on 80-10 meters SSB. A special colored QSL card with a view of the French Antarctic Station Dumont d'Urville will be available. QSL via the Bureau or direct with one IRC or one USD for Europe (two USD outside Europe) to F8DVD's address: Francois Bergez, 6, Rue de la Liberte, 71000 MACON, FRANCE.

The F6KDF's Team (Lyon DX Gang) will sign TM0ANT, the last two weekends of February. They will try to be active on all bands and modes.

C6, BAHAMAS
Steve, AK0M, will be operating as C6ASB from the Island of Eleuthera, from February 13-22nd. This is IOTA NA-001 and Grid Square FL16. Operation will be casual, 160-6 meters, preferred mode being CW with some SSB or digital modes possible, and will include a casual entry (category TBD) in the ARRL CW DX Contest (February 19-20th). The station will be wire vertical antennas and 100W (FT857) from the cottage, and 5W (FT817 or IC703) from on the beach while soaking up some sun! His XYL Sandy, KC0RD, may also be on SSB or digital as C6ASC. QSL via AK0M. Trip details will be available after the operation at:

C6, BAHAMAS
Bill, K1CN, and XYL Laurel, N1EBL, are now active from Harbour Island (NA-01) as C6AMM and C6AWW until February 26th. Activity is on 40-6 meter SSB (w/CW upon requests). QSL via K1CN, direct or by the bureau.

CU2, AZORES
Operators DL3OI, DL4LQM, DL5AXX, DL5LYM and DL8WAA will be on Sao Miguel, Azore Islands, for the ARRL CW Contest. Look for them to be active from now until February 21st. Their contest operation will be a Multi/2 entry. Callsign is unknown, but will be CU2** prefix.

CY9, ST. PAUL ISLAND
Steve, VE2TKH, informs OPDX readers that those who are still not aware of the CY9SS DXpedition to St-Paul Island between June 7th and July 7th, a Web site is now available at:

D2, ANGOLA (Op Delayed)
Bjorn, LA9IAA (D2AA), reports that his operation from Luanda has been delayed. His equipment has been stolen, and he does not have much hope in getting it back. His activity may be delayed by 12 weeks unless his radio shows up unexpectedly.

D4, CAPE VERDE
Alex, 4L5A, is expected to be active as D4B in a few contests over the next two months. Look for him to be in the following:

CQ WW 160m SSB Contest (February 26-27th) - Single-Op/High-Power entry ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 5-6th) - Single-Op/High-Power entry CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March 26-27th) - Single-Op/High-Power entry

DX0, SPRATLY ISLANDS
Gil, 4F2KWT, is now active from here as DX0K. His activity has been on all bands including the WARC bands on CW at various times. Watch the packet cluster. QSL via 4F2KWT.

DX MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES MOST WANTED!
The DX Magazine has announced their annual "Most Wanted Survey" for 2004. The survey was taken between the middle of September and late October in 2004. Here are the top "10 Most Wanted DXCC Entities":

    1) North Korea (P5)                   6) Peter I Island (3Y/P)
    2) Andaman & Nicobar Islands (VU4)    7) Navassa Island (KP1)
    3) Scarborough Reef (BS7)             8) Desecheo Island (KP5)
    4) Lakshadweep Island (VU7)           9) Bouvet Island (3Y/B)
    5) Yemen (7O)                        10) Kure Island (KH7)

DXCC NEWS
Bill Moore, NC1L, ARRL DXCC Manager, informs OPDX that the following operation is approved for DXCC credit:

TX9 - Chesterfield Island (Operation in October of 2004)

FR/G, GLORIOSO ISLAND
Dany, F5CW, reports that the Clipperton DXpedition team has just received official written clearence from their HQ to organize a 2005 Glorioso DXpedition. Looks like they will use the prefix "TO4G**" and be active between May 15th and June 1st. Activity will be on 160-6 meters, on CW, SSB and Digimodes. Operators mentioned are: Didier/F5OGL (leader), Christian/TZ6SA, Dany/F5CW, Eric/FM5JC, Pascal/F5PTM, Freddy/F5IRO, Yves/F5MSR, Vicent/F8UNF, Luc/FR5IZ, Jean-Luc/F5AEP, Olivier/F1AAK and David/F0CRS. The QSL Manager is Didier, F5OGL. QSL via the REF Bureau or direct to: Didier Senmartin, Boite postale 7, F-53320 Loiron, FRANCE. A web page is currently under construction and can be view at:

FT1W/FT5W, CROZET ISLAND
By the time you read this, Nicolas/F4EGX and Jean-Paul/F5BU are expected to be active as FT1WK and FT5WJ until the end of March.

FY, FRENCH GUIANA
Operators F1HAR, F5MZN and F5HRY will be active as FY5KE in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 5-6th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL info will be announced on:

HB0, LIECHTENSTEIN
Operators Gherardo/IZ1DSH, Giovanni/IK1WEG and Riccardo/IZ1GDB will be active as HB0/homecall, April 22-26th. They plan to operate 80, 40, 30 and 20 meters on CW/SSB. QSL via their home callsigns, direct (QRZ.com) or via the ARI bureau.

HEADING NORTH FOR THE SUMMER!
Hector, EA3EKS, will be active from Greenland and Iceland this summer. Look for him to be operating from Greenland as OX/EA3EKS, August 2-5th, and from Iceland as TF/EA3EKS, August 6-13th. His bands and modes of activity were not provided. QSL via direct to: P.O.BOX 729, 43080 TARRAGONA, SPAIN.

IOTA NEWS
NA-112. Dennis, WA2USA, will be active as WA2USA/4 from Emerald Isle (USI NC-010S, Carteret County), located in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, from February 20th to March 5th. He also plans to participate in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 19-20th). QSL via his home callsign (QRZ.com).

OC-NEW. (Update) The official Web site for the YB7M DXpedition (see OPDX.696) to Moresses Island (Marabatua Island) is:

OC-194. Bill, VK4FW, is expected to be active as VK4FW/p from Little Solitary Island, February 16-22nd. QSL direct to his home callsign with either 2 USDs or IRCs or 2 Euros. His new address is: Bill Horner, P.O. Box 612, Childers, 4660, Australia. LAST MINUTE UPDATE: Operation has been postponed!

HH, HAITI
Jan/K4QD and Koh/JA7KAC will be active as HH4/K4QD and HH4/K2AC, respectively from here between February 21st and March 4th. They will be operating from the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission in St. Louis du Nord. Their activity will be on all bands 160-10 meters on SSB, CW and RTTY. QSL HH4/K4QD via K4QD and QSL HH4/K2AC via JA7AGO.

HI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Dennis, K7BV, will operate in the ARRL DX CW Contest from the HI3CCP Santiago mountaintop QTH. See the Web page:

KP5 OPERATION BY OHIO DXERS DENIED!
The ARRL Web reported this past week:

"The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has again said "no" to four Ohio radio amateurs seeking to visit Desecheo Island (KP5), a prized DX location that's on the top-ten "most-needed list" for DXCC. The denial came in a letter from the FWS to US Rep Mike Turner (R-OH) of Dayton, who acted on behalf of well-known DXer and contester Harry Flasher, AC8G, and three other members of the South West Ohio DX Association (SWODXA). Flasher was on Desecheo in the 1980s. A small island about 14 miles off the northwestern corner of Puerto Rico, Desecheo Island is a national wildlife refuge and under FWS jurisdiction. The FWS told Turner that the Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge 'is closed to all public entry for safety reasons due to unexploded ordinance (artillery shells) in the area.' The island once was the site of war games. The FWS has not issued Amateur Radio permits since 1993. As it has in earlier denials, the FWS also raised the specter of problems with Caribbean drug traffickers in turning down the latest request. The SWODXA group had requested access to a small landing beach--a manmade gravel patch the group feels is far away from potential contact with unexploded artillery shells. ARRL Ohio Section Manager Joe Phillips, K8QOE, said the group has not given up its attempts to gain permission to land on and operate from Desecheo Island."

LX, LUXEMBOURG
Operators Guido/ON4BAG, Frans/ON4LO, Rob/ON6QX and Ivo/ON6UM will be active as LX/homecall, April 22-25th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters including the WARC bands, on CW, SSB and Digi modes. QSL via the Bureau or the address on (QRZ.com).

LZ0, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Danny, LZ2UU, is currently active from the Bulgarian Antarctic Base "St. Kliment Ohridski" (LZ-02 for Antarctica Award) on Livingston Island, South Shetlands (AN-010) through late February. Danny has served as radio engineer for the past eleven Antarctic seasons, and this year he is also the Base commander. He is operating as LZ0A (QSL via LZ1KDP Radio Club, P.O.Box 812, 1000 Sofia Bulgaria) and VP8/LZ2UU (QSL via LZ2UU Jordan Radkov Yankov, P.O.Box 196, 7200 Razgrad, Bulgaria).

MJ, JERSEY
Pete/K8PT and Craig/K3PLV will again operate from the Channel Island, Jersey (EU-013), March 9th-16th. They both will have amplifiers and will operate 160-6 meters. Modes: CW,SSB,RTTY and some PSK-31. They will do at least one all-nighter on 80 and 160 meters. This year they will accept skeds. To set up one on CW or RTTY, send E-mail to: K8PT@chartermi.net For SSB or PSK-31, send E-mail to: crahill@adelphia.net. Their callsign will be MJ/K8PT and MJ/K3PLV. QSL via their home callsign.

MM0, SCOTLAND
Leo, W3LEO, will once again be active from Portpatrick in southwest Scotland from about February 20th to March 29th. His callsign will be MM0LEO. During the ARRL International DX SSB Contest (March 5-6th), he will use GM3W, the Wigtownshire ARC contest call. During the CQ WPX Contest (March 26-27th) and the rest of the time, he will use MM0LEO. He will use an Icom 706 (100 watts), an R-5 vertical [10, 12, 15, 17, 20 meters], and a 40-meter dipole [in inverted-V, semi-delta configuration]. QSL both calls via W3LEO -- direct w/SASE or via the W3 U.S. Bureau. Reminder on 40 meters: On October 31, 2004, the U.K. opened 7100-7200 khz to their amateurs. Several other European countries have done the same as of January 1st, 2005. Reference numbers are: Worked All Britain [WAB] Square NW-95, CQ Zone 14, ITU Zone 27, Grid Square IO-74ku and IOTA EU-005.

OH0, ALAND ISLANDS
Ari, OH5DX, will operate in the CQ WPX SSB Contest as OH0Z on Single-Band (either 20m or 15m). QSL via OH5DX.

P4, ARUBA
Andy, AE6Y, will be active as P49Y from February 16-22nd. His activity will include and entry in the ARRL DX CW Contest. QSL to AE6Y.

P4, ARUBA
John, KK9A, will be active as P40A during two contests in March. Look for him to be in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 5-6th) and the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March 26-27th) as Single-Op/All-Band entries. QSL via WD9DZU. Activity will be from Iguana Villa:

PJ4, NETHERLAND ANTILLES
Operators Harold/N4GG, Mark/N5OT, Mike/W9RE and Jeff/KU8E will be active from Bonaire (SA-006) as PJ4R in the ARRL DX CW Contest. They will be active as PJ4/homecall before and after the contest starting February 15th to February 22nd. QSL PJ4R via N4GG.

PJ7, ST. MAARTEN
Bil/W8EB and his wife Dorothy/W8DVC will be here between February 14th and March 20th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters, CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. Bil will operate in the ARRL DX SSB Contest as either PJ7B or PJ7/W8EB along with a guest operator, John Scott, VE1JS. This will be Bil's 10th consecutive ARRL DX SSB Contest participation from St. Maarten. All QSL requests go to W8EB.

QSL INFO AND NEWS
OPDX has been informed that Tibi, HA7TM, has arrived home from the 3B8/HA7TM operation, and his log can now be found online at:

QSL 6G1KK via W5UE. Acivity was during the 2005 CQ WW WPX RTTY Contest. This was a rare prefix. The operators were Trey/N5KO/HC8N, Glenn/W6OTC, Alberto/XE1NK and Ramon/XE1KK. The operation was from Ramon's QTH.

EP4HR QSL STATUS. Vladimir, UA4WHX, reports that QSLs for EP4HR for activity between January 12-14th are now available both through UA4WHX and I2MQP. Currently, I2MQP has no log for those dates, but he will a few weeks from now. If someone needs a QSL card immediately for EP4HR, QSL via UA4WHX should work out faster.

FP/VE7SV QSL STATUS. Paul, VE7AVV, reports "Due to circumstances beyond our control, the processing of QSL cards for FP/VE7SV has been delayed. We are working towards resolution of operational issues and apologize for this unexpected inconvenience. All QSL card requests on hand will be processed in due course. Please be patient, your request will be answered." Look for updates to be posted at:

QSL JA6WFM/HI8 via JA6VU direct only. Activity was in this past weekend's CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest.

NEED A QSL MANAGER? Marty, W4MY, is interested in becoming a QSL Manager and is looking for DX stations in need of one. Contact Marty via E-mail at: w4my@yahoo.com

QSL OC4P via DL5WM. Activity was by a group of operators from Peru, Germany and EU, from Pachacamac Island (SA-052).

Stan, OK1JR/YB0AJR, using the contest callsign YE0X during the CQWW 160m Contest, said that he made more than 200 QSOs from the Patra Jasa Holiday Resort on Jawa Island. He thanks everyone for the contacts and reports his log is available at:

OUTGOING BUREAU DOWN IN 2004. The ARRL Letter reports: The ARRL Outgoing QSL Service shipped 1,100,535 cards to overseas QSL bureaus, reports QSL Service Manager Martin Cook, N1FOC. That's down by nearly 258,000 over the total logged during 2003, when the QSL Service had a staff of two and handled 1,358,474 cards. "Currently processing time is seven days from receipt," Cook says. He attributes the downturn to a greater backlog of cards, less favorable propagation conditions and greater use of Logbook of the World (LoTW) to confirm contacts for awards.

TOP 5 QSL MANAGERS. John, K1XN, reports: "All the nominations are in and have been counted. Here are the TOP 5 QSL MANAGERS of the nominated Managers for 2004. These are the Managers that received the most nominations from all the DXers world-wide. These five and the total list can be viewed on the Golist Web site on the TOP 5 PAGE. A copy of the plaque is also pictured there. HERE THEY ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

TX9 QSL STATUS. Chris, DL5NAM, of the TX9 Chesterfield Dxpedition, has announced that the QSLs have arrived from the printer and that QSLing has begun.

UA4WHX QSLS. Vladimir, UA4WHX, reports on the QSL status for the following activities:

* 4L/UA4WHX should be printed soon.
* 2002 UA4WHX Caribbean activities - all direct and bureau requests have been answered. QSLs are available and can be sent back immediately.
* 2003 UA4WHX Pacific QSL status:
- Europe direct: All answered, all bureau cards are pending
- Japan: 70% of the direct QSLs have been answered and the rest are being worked on now. Bureau QSLs are on hold.
- USA: 30% of the direct QSLS have been answered and the rest are being worked on now. Bureau QSLs (including WF5E) are on hold.
* Other territories (Korea, South America, Australia, etc): All direct QSLs have been answered. Bureau QSLs have not been touched yet.
Anyone having questions related to their QSL status are welcome to contact Vladimir, UA4WHX, at: ua4whx@udm.ru

ANNOUNCED LOGS ADDED TO THE "LOTW". Over the past week, the following logs were added to the "Logbook of The World":

      HP1XHH     (1/08/82 - 6/27/82)
      HL9HP      (3/09/87 - 3/12/88)
      KA0HYH/HP1 (7/23/80 - 1/08/82)
      YS9HH      (2/27/82 - 5/23/83)

SHORTWAVE DX HANDBOOK
The highly successful "Kurzwellen DX-Handbuch" by Enrico Stumpf-Siering, DL2VFR, originally published in German in June 2003, is now available in English - expertly translated by Martyn Phillips, G3RFX. Many new photographs and illustrations have been specially included in this English language edition. This handy modern reference work has long since found its place in many a DXer's shack and expedition suitcase - with many an accolade for the author from DL, OE, ON and PA:

"The DX Bible!... an indispensable book.... the style is refreshing!". Expertly written and compiled, with all the relevant data and a comprehensive reference section, it's the DXers everyday companion par excellence. (418 pages, lavishly illustrated, First Edition (English) January 2005 ISBN 3-88692-045-3)

SPECIAL EVENT
To commemorate the 127th anniversary of the Liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman yoke by Russia, the Balkan Contest Club LZ1KZA (LZ5A) will operate with the special event callsign LZ127LO from March 1-31st. Activity will be on CW, SSB and RTTY on all HF bands. Suggested frequencies are:
CW - 1824, 3514, 7014, 10104, 14014, 18074, 21014, 24894 and 28014
SSB - 1850, 3714, 7074, 14244, 18144, 21244, 24944 and 28444 kHz
QSL via the bureau or to: LZ1KZA, P.O. Box 36, 4300 Karlovo, BULGARIA.

SPECIAL EVENT/PREFIX/AWARD
To celebrate Cork City's status as European Capital of Culture during 2005, the Cork Radio Club and the East Cork Radio group have introduced the Cork Capital of Culture Award. The award is available to all radio amateurs and shortwave listeners, and to qualify you need to work or hear the special event station EI05CCC (Echo India Zero Five CCC) and one other of the following three callsigns: EI5CRC, EI1C or EI7M. Contacts must be made during 2005. QSL cards are not required for the award. All QSOs can be confirmed via the bureau. For direct cards see QRZ.com All four callsigns will be activated regularly during 2005. Claims for the award should be submitted to Rev. Fr. Finbarr Buckley, "Curraghmore", Cherry Grove, Model Farm Road, Cork. The cost of the award is ?5.00 or 8 IRCs. Inquiries can be send to Finbarr, EI1CS, at:

V73, MARSHALL ISLANDS
Steve, N4TKP, reports that he is now living in the Marshall Islands. His callsign there is V73CS, and he is working currently off Majuro Atoll. He states, "We are settling in and will have the antennas up soon. I will be operating an FT-817, Norcal40A and a FT-897. My K-2 is on the way but not here yet." Steve mentions that he hopes to activate many Atolls there over the next 18 months.

SILENT KEY
It was announced that Vance Le Pierre, N5VL, of Fernandina Beach, FL, became a Silent Key (SK) on January 25th. Vance was first licensed in 1960 as WV2RHP, in 1961 he became W5IJU and in 1997 he was assigned N5VL. Vance was a very active DXer on CW and in the IOTA program. Many may remember him as E30GA from Eritrea who made the only satellite QSO contact ever from Eritrea. Vance also held the following callsigns and operated from various locations: HL9UB, VP2EEU, VP2MBU, DL4BW, DL4IJ, DL4LV, E30FA, W5IJU/KP1, /6Y5, CY9, CY9A, and KG4VL. He was a member of the Florida DXpedition Group, the South Sandwich Island DXpedition Group, QCWA and a member of ARRL for more than 25 years. OPDX and its readers would like to send out our deepest sympathy to Vance's family and friends.

SJDXA OFFICERS FOR 2005
Members of the South Jersey DX Association have elected the following officers for the year 2005. They are:

   President      - Bob Schenck, N2OO     Secretary - Steve Mc Garry, W2USF
   Vice President - Tony De Biasi, K2SG   Treasurer - Larry Eckenrode, K2GN

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES (from LU)
The Radio Club City Bell (LU3DKV) will operate as L40E during the year 2005 to celebrate their 40th anniversary (on September 12th). Activity will be on most modes and bands in international contests. Also, look for Tito, LU7EE, President of Radio Club City Bell, to be active as L73E during most 2005 CW International Contests. QSL both callsigns only direct ((QRZ.com address) to LU7EE: Arnoldo Jorge Corda, Calle 8 No. 3465 Entre 500 y 501, CP B1897 AIU, Manuel B. Gonnet, Argentina. Please a SAE (1 USD is not sufficient to send QSLs from Argentina to EU and USA).

SPECIAL EVENT
Mark, KM6HB, will operate as K6I in commemorating the 60th anniversary of the "Battle of Iwo Jima" in World War II. The Anaheim Police ARC (W6APD) will sponsor his two week operation which will take place between February 19th through March 5th. Suggested frequencies are: 28450, 24950, 21350, 18150, 14250 and 7250 kHz. A special folded picture QSL card will be available. ADDED NOTE: Mark states, "Additionally QSL cards for my K6B operation commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in December 2004 are back from the printer and requests are be handled. The purpose of these events are to honor and remember those that served and paid the ultimate sacrifice." QSL via KM6HB: Mark McMullin, P.O. Box 27271, Santa Ana, California 92799.

V3, BELIZE (Update)
Bob, NF7E (V31WR), has joined Art, NN7A (V31JZ), on his DXpedition to Belize. They will be operating from South Water Caye (NA-180) until February 15th. His operations will be SSB on the IOTA frequencies, and the lower bands as well as some 160m SSB efforts. QSL via their home callsigns. Art and Bob are both members of the Northern Arizona DX Association.

V3, BELIZE
Northeast Wisconsin DX Association (NEWDXA) members Gilbert/ W9GMP, John/NZ9Z and Tom/W8JWN will be operating from V31MD's shack from March 2-10th. They will be operating as a Multi/2 entry in the ARRL DX SSB Contest as V31TR. QSLs for the contest will go to W9DXA: c/o NEWDXA, 2113 W. Twin Willows Drive, Appleton, WI 54914-6864. QSLs for non-contest contacts for V31TR (W8JWN), V31GR (W9MDP), and V31NZ (NZ9Z) will go direct to their home address, or bureau. They will be active on all bands and modes with a special emphasis on PSK and RTTY.

V3, BELIZE
Operators Alan/NS0B, John/WC0W and William/NU0Q will be active in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 19-20th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via NS0B. Look for activity about 24 hours before and after the contest on SSB and CW, but no WARC bands.

V47, ST. KITTS. Operators Alex/W2OX and John/K3TEJ will be active as V47KP during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 19-20th) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL via K2SB. V5, NAMIBIA (Update)
Janusz/SP6IXF and Przemek/SP7VC, who will be active from here between February 25th and March 11th, have received their license, and the callsigns V5/SP6IXF and V5/SP7VC. Look for the QSL info on QRZ.com. For more details see OPDX.696 or visit the DXpetition's Web page at:

VP9, BERMUDA
Members of The CTRI Contest Group, William/W1HPH, Mat/WE1H, John/KO1H and William/N1HRA will be active as VP9I in the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March 26-27th) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL via N1HRA for the 2005 WPX Contest ONLY. Look for the CTRI Contest Group members to be operating Thrusday night and Friday before the contest signing homecall/VP9.

WP2, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Look for Bill/N4ES and Rich/N4ESS to be active as WP2Z from St. Croix (NA-106), February 15-21st. Activity will be on 160-10 meters, and they will also participate in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 19-20th). QSL via KU9C.

WP3, PUERTO RICO
Alfredo, WP3C, reports he will be in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 19-20th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (40m)/Low-Power entry. QSL via W3HNK. Visit his Web page at:

XT, BURKINA FASO
Jan, SM5DJZ, will be active as XT2JZ between February 26th and March 11th. He will also be a Single-Op entry in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 5-6th). QSL via his home callsign.

ZA2, ALBANIA (Attention Prefix Hunters!)
Look for members of MDXC, the Salento DX team and some ZA operators to activate a new ZA2 prefix between May 3-10th. Activity will be on all bands and modes and include an entry in the ARI International Contest. Part of the team will also try to activate Sazan Island (EU-169). The team is trying to receive a license for this activity and possibly get a special callsign.

ZP0, PARAGUAY
Look for Tomas, ZP5AZL, to be active as ZP0R during the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March 26-27th) as a Single-Op/High-Power entry. QSL via W3HNK.

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Additional Bulletins for OPDX InterNet Subscribers

Peter I Island Press Release #12

Date: February 12, 2005
From: Team co-leaders:
   Ralph Fedor, K0IR and Bob Allphin, K4UEE


Peter I Team assembled in Ushuaia, Argentina.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


All of the 3Y0X team members have now assembled in Ushuaia,
Argentina.  Four of the European operators arrived in Ushuaia
on Friday, Feb. 11, bringing the total number of assembled
members to twenty.


As most of you know, the team had to shift its staging area
from Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina.  The sea
container full of the team's supplies had to be moved through
the complex customs process and then overland trucking arranged
to move the container.  The container is due to arrive in Ushuaia
on Saturday, Feb. 12.  This change in point of embarkation also
resulted in the need to re-evaluate our propane fittings and
change our food supply source.  These have been very busy days
for the team.


The ship is fueled and ready to make its way from Comodoro
Rivadavia to Ushuaia to pick up the team and load their supplies.


The helicopter company shocked the team by substituting a
different, smaller helicopter and delaying its availability by
six days.  We are now in the process of contract negotiations
with two other helicopter charter companies.  This is our
remaining hurdle.


If we are unable to sail to Peter I by the middle of next week
due to the helicopter situation, we will likely postpone until
next year.  However, at this time we still have options and we
remain optimistic.  Meanwhile the team is enjoying the incredibly
beautiful weather in Tierra del Fuego and the hospitality of the
local hams.


This is a huge undertaking and very, very expensive.  The team
members are funding 74% of the total cost and need your help
with the remaining expenses.  Your contribution will be very
much appreciated.  Send contributions to either: W4GKF, F2JD
JA1ELY or ZL2AL (check the website for an easy-to-use donation
form).


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


Peter I Island Press Release #11


Date: February 6, 2005
From: Team co-leaders:
   Ralph Fedor, K0IR and Bob Allphin, K4UEE


   The Peter I DXpedition team members begin their 5 week long
journey tomorrow, Monday February 7th. The will assemble in Punta
Arenas, Chile as previously announced. The last month has been full
of last-minute changes.  Our original boat could not be made ready
in time, it was delayed 4 months and is still not ready to sail --
and we learned that news less than a month ago.  The decision was
made to continue the effort for 2005 and not postpone. After scores
of phone calls, faxes and other scrambling we were able to contract
with another vessel, an offshore supply vessel named  the "Cavendish
Sea". We have also contracted another helicopter and a very
experienced pilot -- and we should be able to hold to the most
recently announced schedule.  We are confident the new vessel and
helicopter are mission capable.  The team will be cramped and more
uncomfortable, but we are up to the task.

   We will be underway from Ushuaia, Argentina on Friday Feb. 11th if
all goes well. Depending on weather and sea conditions we expect to
be off Peter I about February 17-18th. The Peter I DXPedition will be
on the ice for two weeks and hope to make 100,000 contacts. Please
follow our progress on our website:  http://www.peterone.com/


  And special thanks to all of our sponsors, including Corporate, DX
clubs, Individuals and DX Foundations.  The NCDXF is a premier sponsor
of the Peter I DXpedition 2005. This is a huge undertaking and very,
very expensive.  The team members are funding 74% of the total cost
and need your help with the remaining expenses.  Your contribution
will be very much appreciated. Send contributions to either: K4UEE,
F2JD, JA1ELY or ZL2AL (lso, check the website for an easy-to-use
donation form).