The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 984
BID: $OPDX.984
November 8, 2010
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, N1DG, NJ1Q, KH2AR/W4, NG3K & ADXO, W3BTX, N4AA & QRZ DX, N5UCF, W6LD, N7UN, K8YSE, W8GEX (60m News), K9EL, W8DX, N0TG, 4L2M, 9V1YC, Algarve STAR DX Team, AT International, DL1SBF, DL7MAE & The DX News Letter, DX World.Net, F5NBU, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, G3SWH, G3TKK, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, IK1QBT, IK7JWX, JA1MFR, JE1JKL, JI5RPT, OK1MU, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, Pete's-DX-Newsdesk, RSGB IOTA Web Site, SM5COP, VA3RJ & ICPO, VE3LYC, VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF), VK3PC and VK3QB for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 31st-October, through Sunday, 7th-November there were 235 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1I, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5U, 5W, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9U, 9V, 9X, 9Y, A2, A3, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C2, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D4, DL, DU, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FH, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FS, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ5, PJ7, PY, PY0F, PZ, R1FJ, S2, S5, S7, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TL, TR, TT, TU, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK0M, VP2M, VP2V, VP5, VP6, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XU, YA, YB, YI, YJ, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZC4, ZD7, ZD9, ZF, ZL, ZP, ZS, ZS8

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

3DA, SWAZILAND
Operators Gert/ZS6AYU and Hannes/ZS6BZP are now active as 3DA0GF (CW) and 3DA0HC (SSB), respectively, from the Hawane Resort near Mbabane, between now and November 8th. Activity is on 40-10 meters including the 30/17/12 meters and will alternate operations between CW and SSB (If possible, simultaneous operation). QSL only direct to their home callsign. CW QSOs to ZS6AYU and SSB QSOs to ZS6BZP. QSL address can be found on (QRZ.com).

5W, SAMOA
John, VK2ZKY, is once again active as 5W0KY from Samoa (OC-097) until about November 21st. Activity will be on the HF bands. He was heard this past week on the ANZA Net on 20m and 40m. QSL via his home callsign.

8Q, MALDIVES
Vitaly, RN4WA, will once again be active as 8Q7DV during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. He plans to use GPs on the beach with his radio and an ACOM2000. QSL via UA9CLB.

A3, TONGA (IOTA Op)
Akira, JA1NLX, will be active as A35AY from Fafa Island near Tongatapu Island (OC-049) between February 4-9th (2011). Activity will be on 80-10 meters, including 30/17/12 meters, using CW and RTTY. Suggested frequencies are:

     CW - 3505, 7015, 10115, 14035, 18075, 21035, 24895 and 28035 kHz
     RTTY - 10140, 14085, 18110, 21085, 24920 and 28085 kHz
Equipment will be a FT857 w/100w into a simple vertcal antenna on the beach. QSL via JA1NLX, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW. For more details, visit:

AU2, INDIA (Special Event)
Look for special event station AU2JCB to be active between November 20th and December 5th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters SSB. Suggested frequencies are: 28490, 21280, 21340, 14220, 14320 and 7030 kHz. QSL direct to VU2DSI. Operations are to celebrate the 152nd anniversary of the birth of Sir Jagadeesh Chandra Bose who they consider the "Father of radio communications". For more details, see the following Web page at:

CR6, PORTUGAL (Lighthouse/WFF Op)
Members of the Algarve STAR DX Team will be activating from Sardão Lighthouse (SW Aletejano Natural Park CTFF-12) as CR6A between November 13-14th. Activity will be on 80-15 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. One station will be in the WAE (Worked All Europe) RTTY Contest; their category is unknown at moment. Operators mentioned are Jose/CT1EHX, Toze/CT1GFK, Al/CT1GPQ and Hermann/HB9CRV. QSL via CT1GFK. For more info about their activity and award numbers, visit:

CY0, SABLE ISLAND (Update/Operation Postponed)
Randy, N0TG, reports:
"Sable is back on the calendar. The rescheduled dates are December 6-13th, 2010. Fortunately, several critical details were resolved sooner than expected." For more details, visit:

DX0, SPRATLY ISLANDS (Update)
Chris, VK3FY, Team Leader/Public Affairs Person of DX0DX, reports the following on November 4th (edited):

Going to plan: The Spratlys DXpedition 6 January to 1 Feb 2011
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A recent meeting chaired by the DX0DX DXpedition Team Leader, Chris Dimitrijevic/VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY reviewed progress achieved so far with only 60 days to go until special DX entity The Spratlys (IOTA AS-051) hits the amateur bands.

The meeting was attended by the DX0DX Co-Leader and Webmaster Peter Dernikos/VK3FGRC, Public Affairs Officer Jim Linton/VK3PC, and team members Keith Proctor/VK3FT, Lee Moyle/VK3GK and Nik Dimitrijevic/VK3FNIK.

It heard that the pre-assembly, erection and tuning of eight HF yagi antennas in Fontana California went extremely well with the antennas tuned as per instructions to their allotted bands.

The antennas are three TW-33-XL 30-17-12m band 3-element tri-banders, three TA-33-M 20-15-10m 3-element tri-banders, and two 4-element mono- banders for 20m.

Each was then partly disassembled breaking down into four parts for allow for quick installation once they reach the island. Masts, rotators, masts and cabling have all been finalised.

Other main equipment includes ten ICOM IC7600 transceivers (four each for CW and SSB, plus two on digital modes), an IC9100 (6m, 2m, 70cm & 23cm), eight generators with associated electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters, 11 laptop computers, four SteppIR Verticals, 1x 2 element SteppIR Yagi, 2x 80m 4sq's, 2x 40m 4sq's, 6x OM Power OM3500HF amplifeirs, 3x ACOM 1000 amplifies, 1x OM Power OM2006 6m amplifier, 1x ACOM 1010 Amplifier, 2x Thamway amplifiers, 1x Commander 144MHz Amplifier, headsets, foot switches and interfaces.

Chris/VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY said, "Well done to the Station & Planning Co- ordinator David Collingham/K3LP for organising and attending the Pre- Assembly Gathering and also DXpedition logistics coordinator Charles Spetnagel/W6KK for his understanding in having all the equipment dispatched to his QTH and also being part of the Pre-Assembly Gathering."

Special thanks for their hands-on contribution in this important phase of the exercise goes to DX0DX Team Leader Chris Dimitrijevic/VK3FY, Nik Dimitrijevic/VK3FNIK, Arnie Shatz/N6HC, Bob Grimmick/N6OX, West Coast Pilot Milt Garb/W6QE, Dennis Juniper/N7DDU, Byron Hunsaker/NF6T and Richard Briano, who all attended the Pre-Assembly and Container loading gathering in Fontana, California over the weekend of 30-31 October.

The Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA) has appointed DX0DX team member, Dindo Garcia DV1UD, as the PARA liaison person to handle all in coming equipment shipments, and liaise with the Bureau of Customs in respect of all equipment for the DXpedition.

Chris/VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY said, "A new high tide photographic survey commissioned by the DXpedition has confirmed that the island's coastline and available beach has dramatically changed from what was previously known, due to rising sea levels and sea erosion.

This has meant a change in some aspects of the location of antennas and operating camps, but being fully aware in advance has enabled David Collingham/K3LP the Station Layout Coordinator and other DX0DX Team members to ensure it does not have a significant impact of the DXpedition plans."

The meeting also had its lighter moments in discussing the island's resident goats and whether they could take a liking to coax cable, and if a diet high in vitamin B12-rich Marmite might ward off mosquitoes.

In recent hours Chris/VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY has been informed that the boat hired to transport the team and its supplies to Thitu Island is now in need of extensive repair following damage sustained in very rough weather.

"The official advice received is that it is doubtful repairs can be made before the team is due on the island. While this is a disappointment, with it occurring two months out from the DXpedition sufficient time remains to source a replacement vessel," he said.

The excitement continues about this major DXpedition that will see more than 37 radio amateurs from 15 Nations, who have made their individual substantial financial commitment to be part of the DX0DX operating team over the four weeks. As part of a humanitarian contribution, two doctors, Josette Docherty/VK2FXGR and Edward Soriano/4F1OZ are also to provide medical checks to the island's residents.

In another development, Chris/VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY said that the DXpedition is to be extended to accommodate the CQ World Wide 160m CW Contest. The Municipality of Kalayaan has agreed to the time extension.

He said, while DX0DX was to go QRT on 24 January, a couple of individual and keen members have asked if they could stay on air for that contest when ends at 2200 UTC Sunday 30 January. This will now extend DX0DX activation to 1 Feb 2011.

"This limited extension was carefully considered and agreed in light of strong interest from Top Band contesters and the 160m band being the highest sought after in the DX0DX website online survey."

The generous corporate sponsorship that makes the DXpedition possible by providing equipment and other needs, plus funding support from DX groups, clubs, and individual radio amateurs which is still being received. All are gratefully acknowledged on the DX0DX website.
- Jim Linton VK3PC, Public Affairs DX0DX www.dx0dx.net
4 November 2010

EA6, BALEARIC ISLANDS
Peter, G3TKK, will be operating holiday style from JM19GL in central Majorca between now and November 14th. Operation will be on CW, BPSK and RTTY with the callsign EA6/G3TKK. QSL via G3TKK. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW ASAP on his return.

FM/TO5, MARTINIQUE
Saty, JE1JKL, will be active as FM/JE1JKL/p from FM5BH's QTH between November 24-26th. Activity will also include the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th), signing as TO5T, and as a Single- Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via JE1JKL.

FS, SAINT MARTIN
Operators Nick/K9NB and John/K9EL will be active as FS/homecall from French St. Martin (NA-105) between November 25th and December 1st. They will be a casual entry into the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th). Outside of the contest, their plans are to be active on all bands 160-6 meters as conditions permit. Primary focus will be on CW with some SSB and RTTY possibly. Please QSL to their home callsigns. Skeds welcome.

H7/YN, NICARAGUA
Three members of the "Texas DX Society" will return to Nicaragua November 25-30th, to participate in the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th) as a Multi-Single/Low-Power entry. The team members are: Cal/WF5W (YN2EA), Paul/W5PF (YN2PF) and Bill/K5WAF (YN2WF). During the contest they will be using the H7V callsign. During non-contest periods they plan to have 2 stations active on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY, operating with their own personal callsigns. QSL Manager for all callsigns is W5PF. For further information, visit their Web page at:

HC2/HD2, ECUADOR (Update)
Members of the SK6M Contest Team will be active as HC2/homecall from Nobol between November 22nd and December 4th. Activity will be on the low bands, WARC and RTTY. QSL via their home callsigns. The Swedish team will team up with some locals and be active as HD2M during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th) as a Multi-Multi entry. QSL via SM6FKF. Operators mentioned are Allan/HC2A, Alfredo/HC2SL, Rune/SM5COP, Fredy/SM6FKF, Ben/SM6LJU, Peter/SM6MCW and Mats/SM7BUA. SM5COP will use HC2/SM0COP outside the contest. For more info, see http://sk6m.com under HC2010.

IOTA NEWS
AF-019. Operators Tony/IK1QBT and Emilio/IZ1GAR will be active from Pantelleria Island (WLOTA 0041), between November 23-30th. In the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th), Tony will be Single Band 80 meters entry as IH9X, and Emilio as IH9R Single Band 40 meters. Pantelleria counts a Multiplier Zone 33 Africa Italy for the CQWW DX rule (islands are located over the African continent platform). Prior to the contest they will be putting an emphasis on the lower bands as IH9/IK1QBT and IH9/IZIGAR. QSL via their home callsigns.

AF-053. Operators Freddy/J28RO and Darko/J28AA are in the process of planning a small DXpedition to Moucha Island, Djibouti, during the month of January 2011 (for four days). Specific days are not yet set. They plan to use two K3 radios and two multi-band verticals for 80-10 meters using CW and SSB. The duo will be using their home callsign. They have requested special callsigns for this operation, but because of the local red tape callsigns, it will probably not be received on time.

AF-068. (Update and Not AF-065 as mentioned in OPDX.983) Some of the operators from the recent TS7TI and TS8P operations, and the Navajo DX Team are planning a DXpedition to Herne Island, Morocco, and Dakhla Park (WFF CNFF-007) between January 29th and February 6th (2011). This island is a rare IOTA (14.1 %). The group is hoping to receive permissions. They state that their friend Kacem, CN8LR, secretary of ARRAM, is helping them obtain a license and special callsign. For update, watch:

NA-078. Operators Manuel/XE2HUQ and Tony/XE2HVF will be active as XF1HUQ and XF1HVF, respectively, from Magdalena Island between November 18­22nd. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via their home callsigns.

SA-031
and
SA-097. Operators Cezar/VE3LYC and Johan/PA3EXX will attempt a very challenging expedition to Wollaston Islands (SA-031) and Diego Ramirez Islands (SA-097) between approximately January 7-22nd. In demand by 98% of IOTA chasers, SA-031 currently ranks #6 on the "Most Wanted IOTA List" world-wide and #1 in South America, whereas SA-097 has never been activated. The plan is to operate for 4 days from each group. However, weather and sea conditions can significantly influence this schedule. The team has retained for this trip the services of Thomas, an experienced skipper, with his 40 ft. yacht. They are aware that landing on SA-097 is extremely difficult and may not be possible within such a limited time frame.

The logistical support received from the "Radio Club de Chile" and "Radio Club de Punta Arenas" has been invaluable in obtaining the licenses, permits, and the authorizations required for this project. This is not only a difficult but also a very expensive operation. At this time the team seeks enthusiastic group and individual donors who wish to be part of this effort. Financial support can be sent by mail to Cezar/VE3LYC or PayPal to tiberius.trifu@gmail.com. All contributions to this project will be acknowledged. Callsigns and direct / bureau QSL instructions will be announced in due course.

J6, ST. LUCIA (DX News Release #2)
Guy, N7UN, reports: "The "Buddies in the Caribbean" DXpedition group which specializes in 100 watt or less low power radios and the Buddipole portable antenna systems are back again to St. Lucia (J6) on December 5­13th, 2010. The north shore Villa location was magnificent on our first visit in February 2010 and we want to demon- strate with a new group of operators, "ultralite" DXpeditioning into magnificent 'vista' locations, operating a field portable, battery-only radio with backpackable, lightweight antennas and most of all 'having fun'. The entire DXpedition is limited to equipment that can fit in your airline 'suitcase'. The eight operators are: Budd/W3FF, Guy/N7UN, Wey/K8EAB, Bill/W7ZT, Todd/N4LA, Kent/K4MK, Gary/NX8L, and Tom/W4OKW. There will be 3 Villa stations in operation at various times on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB, and RTTY. During the day, several teams will be battery-only, field portable either from St. Lucia beaches or scenic mountain tops. The group has received a unique J6BP callsign for the ARRL 10m Contest on December 11-12th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or mail to the operator's home callsign (SASE required). For more details, see the following Web page at:

JD1/O, OGASAWARA
OPDX was informed by Makoto/JI5RPT that Harry/JG7PSJ and he will once again be active from Chichijima Island (AS-031) between Friday, December 24th, and Saturday, January 8th (2011). Their callsigns will be JD1BLY (JI5RPT) and JD1BMH(JG7PSJ). Activity will be on all bands 160-10 meters (focus on lower bands) using CW, SSB, Digital and the satellites. Specific dates details are:
     JD1BLY - between Dec. 24th and Jan. 3rd (2011)
     JD1BMH - between Dec. 30th and Jan. 8th (2011)
QSL via the Bureau to the JD1 callsigns or direct to their home callsigns. For more info and log search, visit the operator's Web pages at:

K0, UNITED STATES (Special Event)
Members of the Emporia Amateur Radio Society will again be on the air with special event station K0V from now until November 14th from various club members' QTHs, and on Veterans Day, November 11th, from the birthplace of Veterans Day, Emporia Kansas, to honor our Veterans. Suggested frequencies will be: 14268, 7262 and 3920 kHz (+/- 20 kHz). Other frequencies may be used depending on QRM and/or propagation. They will also do Digital QSOs. A special QSL card is available, send a SASE to: EARS, Leslie Elliott KC0PTO, P.O. Box 372, Madison KS 66860. For those that would prefer a E-mail QSL card, instead of a mailed one, E-mail them at emporiaars@qsl.net with your QSO info and E-mail address, and they will E-mail one out to you. They will not use eQSL.cc for this special event station. Visit EARS Web page at:

KH2, GUAM
Operators Masa/JA1OZK/W6LJ, JA1CGC, Tadao/JF1TAB, Ken/JH1FUD, Hiroshi/JL1LOW, Akira/JA1NMH/W1NMH and Shimizu/JA1MFR/WN1Y will be active from Guam (OC-026) between November 22-27th. Masa/JA1OZK will be signing as KH2KY (QSL via JA1OZK), while the others will sign KH2/homecalls (which is also their QSL routes; Bureau is "OK"). Activities will be on all HF bands using CW, SSB and the Digital modes (SSTV).

KH2, GUAM
Look for 11 year old YL Eri/JF1VGZ to operate as KH7ERI/KH2 from Guam (OC-026) between November 22-24th. QSL via JF1VGZ (direct).

KH2/NH2, GUAM
Dave, N2NL, will be active as NH2T from Guam (OC-026) during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/ High-Power entry. He is expected to be here until the summer of 2013. Dave will be active (outside of contests) as KH2/N2NL and during all contests as NH2T. QSL via LoTW or via W2YC.

KH6BZF PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (For November 8-7th)

 Nov   8    AN          SOLAR REFERENCE KEYS
 Nov   9    AN          --------------------
 Nov  10    AN          BN - Below Normal
 Nov  11    AN          AN - Above Normal/Geomagnetic Level is QUIET
 Nov  12    AN          LN - Low Normal
 Nov  13    AN          HN - High Normal/Geomagnetic Level is UNSETTLED
 Nov  14    AN          DIS  - Disturbed
                        VDIS - Very Disturbed


   GEOMAGNETIC REFERENCE
   ---------------------
   QUIET - The "A" index is expected to be between
           0-7 and the "K" index will be 2 or less
   UNSETTLED - The "A" index is expected to be between
           7-16 and "K" index will be 3 or less

ODXG PLANNED 2011 DXPEDITIONS
In 2011, ODXG is planning a "family friendly" DXpedition to Norfolk Island between late March and early April. The operation will be for days. Check out the details on the ODXG Web site. ODXG is also considering another 1 or 2 DXpeditions to the South Pacific islands. Again, watch their Web page.

OH0, ALAND ISLAND
Tomi, OH6EI, will once again be active as OH0Z. His activity will include the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th). He will be a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via W0MM.

P4, ARUBA
Operators John/W6LD, Denny/KX7M, Rick/N6XI and Mike/N7MH will be active as P40L during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th) as a Multi/Single entry. QSL via WA3FRP. The team of operators will be on the air from the evening of November 21st through the morning of November 29th. Activity outside of the contest will be on all bands, 160-10 meters, using CW with little SSB, but no RTTY.

PJ4, BONAIRE
Hennie, PE1MAE, is once again active as PJ4/PE1MAE from Bonaire (SA-006, WLOTA LH-1279) for the next four months. Activity will be mainly SSB on 40 meters (around 7175 kHz) at 0000z. He will also be on 80 and 20 meters, possibly some other bands. Hennie will specifically be looking for PA and Europeon stations. He will only run 100 watts into a Delta Loop antenna. QSL via PA2NJC, direct or by the Bureau.

PJ7E WRAP-UP REPORT
The PJ7E co-leaders, Joe/W8GEX and Craig/K9CT, report on October 31st:

"We have all returned safely to our homes, but the work of the DXpedition continues. The equipment is ready to be shipped to Miami and then returned to our sponsors after clearing customs...a four week process. The team is most appreciative of the support that we have received. The oQSL setup has been completed and we are receiving good response to this. QSL card design is moving along but not yet complete. This should be done in the next few days. Articles are being prepared for the magazines and DX publications. Pictures are being collected for use in these and the power point presentations."

QSL INFO AND NEWS

  QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (dated November 7th)
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  3DA0GF via ZS6AYU (direct)     E70WFF via E77AW      SN120KJB via SQ9KDO
  3DA0HC via ZS6BZP              EG0VPS via EA-Bureau  SV5/SV1LK via SV1LK
  9G5SG via JA7SGV               FJ/SM5ENX via SM5ENX  TI5/KB8SRQ via KB8SRQ
  9H3NO/P via LX1NO              II1IANS via IQ1CA     TI5/N6JRL via N6JRL
  9U0A via DL7DF                 II2MM via IK2AQZ      UZ2FWA via UR5FEO
  CE3/LU1AEE via VE2DWA (Bureau) J48JJ via HA7JJS      VE3IYOB via VE3NOO
  CE3/XE1KK via XE1KK            KL0JW via DJ0JB       YB0/WK1S via JA1PBV
  CU3DX via CU3EJ                ON60BLV via ON-Bureau YJ0HA via HA5UK

G3SWH OQRS SERVICE. Phil Whitchurch, G3SWH/AD5YS, reports: "I am pleased to announce the launch of my 'On-line QSL Request System' (OQRS). In addition to the long established ability to request bureau cards via E-mail, you can now request QSL cards for any of the 100+ callsigns that I manage to be mailed to you direct and to pay for the postage etc. via PayPal. Why bother with mailing direct? The OQRS is easy and reason- able. Any queries or unforeseen issues will be handled via e-mail. Please visit my web site http://www.g3swh.org.uk for further information and instructions......... 73 for now Phil Whitchurch"

LAKE SUPERIOR QSL STATUS. John, K8YSE, reports that all contacts made during his Lake Superior Grid Expedition have been confirmed direct by mail. He states, "It was quite a project but it is finally finished. This includes both USA and DX contacts. TI2SW was the first contact made during the expedition from Tawas, MI (EN84FG) on August 3rd. KI4RDT was the last contact logged from Ludington, MI (EN63UW) on September 7th. There were 2069 QSOs made on 168 passes. There were about 317 unique callsigns when the /p's etc. were removed. 32 grids were activated. We operated from 97 unique 6 character grid locators. (All QSL cards included the 6 character locator to pin down our location more accurately)." For more details about John's trip, as well as audio recording of satellite passes, visit his Web page at:

N3U/Flt93 USA QSL CARDS. Bob, W3BTX/P49T, informs OPDX: "The N3U/Flt93 operation (on Sept 11, 2010) has encountered a problem with sending out USA QSL cards through the USA district bureaus. Please refer to N3U on QRZ.com for new QSL instructions.

TC03W QSL STATUS. The TC03W IOTA DXpedition to Giresun island (AS-154) made 10,731 QSOs during 66 hours of operation. QSL Manager is OK2GZ, by the Bureau or direct. Complete logs including all previous activities (TB0DX, TC0DX, YM0DX, TC0W, TC098A, TC07DX) have been uploaded on the LoTW. For more info, visit: http://www.okdxf.eu/expedice/en/tc03w/www The last activity (TC03W) this year marked the 5th year effort to activate all 7 Turkish IOTA groups. During these DXpeditions, some 85,529 QSOs were worked. Colored QSL cards for all previous activities are still available. If somebody still needs any QSL cards, just send via OK2GZ.

UF6 PIRATE STATIONS
Mamuka Kordzakhia, 4L2M, President of the National Association Radioamateurs of Georgia informs OPDX: "All amateur radio stations working from Abkhazia with prefix UF6 are illegals. All UF6V callsigns are pirates because the prefix UF6 is a Russian prefix, and Abkhazia is a part of Georgia and all amateur radio stations from the territory of Abkhazia must only use 4L prefix. Therefore, any amateur radio stations who receive a 4L license from the Georgian Communication Comission in Tbilisi City (capital of Georgia), can operate from the territory of Abkhazia."

VY0X QSL STATUS. Cezar, VE3LYC, informs, "The VY0X QSL cards are on their way to me. Once they arrive, I will be able to reply shortly to all those who submitted QSL direct requests for NA-208."

QSLS VIA LoTW: 2M0YIO, 4B2S, 9A2EU, DC1NSK, DL5ASK, DK8CX, DL3AXM, DT8A, EA1AR, EA5AWC, F5NBU, FO8RZ, GW3YRP, HA7TM, HB9BIN, HC8EP, HH2/OH2TA, HK3W, J39BS, JA1BNL, JA2VMU, JA5AUC, KG4SS, KL7AC, KV4FZ, LU8EKC, LV5V, MI0SAI, MU0GSY, NH2T, OH0Z, OH2BF, OK2ZC, OM5MF, ON7GB, OR2A, OZ5NJ, OZ7P, P40L, P49X, PA7CG, PD7BZ, PJ4/W9NJY, PJ5/AH6HY, PY0FF, RW4AA, SM2JUR, SP2EXE, SP2QCU, SP6CIK, SP8HXN, TF8GX, UA1AJW, UA4CR, UU2JQ, V44KAI, VE3EK, VE7UF, VK3TDX, VP2EMR, VP8NO, VR2YYW, VY2LI, WP4NEG, XE1AE, YB8FL, YS1ZC, ZD8ZZ, ZP5CGL and ZS2CR

QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 4U10NPT, 6W/HA0NAR, 7V2PI, 9A1HCD, 9L0W, 9M6/JK2VOC, 9U1VO, C31PP, CK8G, D2EB, IR0ROMA, J5NAR, KH6BB, PJ2/OH1VR, PY7XC/P, R1FJM, SV2ASP/A, TK/F4FGJ, YN2N and Z21BB

QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 7J4AAL and ZL4M

SILENT KEY
It is with great saddness to report that the members of NODXA lost a good friend and DXer. Ron Klukan, W8WH, of Walton Hills became a "Silent Key" (SK) on Saturday, October 30th, at 11:00 PM. He will surely be missed. OPDX and its readers would like to send out our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of W8WH.

ST, SUDAN
Robert, S53R, will be active as ST2AR from Khartoum during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power/ Unassisted entry. QSL via S53R.

TJ, CAMEROON
Henri, F6EAY, who is in Cameroon for professional reasons and the duration of his stay is uncertain, just received his license to operate as TJ3AY. Activity will be on 40-6 meters using RTTY and SSB. Equipment at the moment is a R6000 vertical antenna and a dipole for 40 meters. He was heard this past week on 20/15/12/10 meters at various times. QSL is via F5LGE. It is suggested to be patient on the QSLs. QSL printing is not yet done; not until February 2011.

V5, NAMIBIA
Klaus, DJ4SO, will once again be active as V5/DJ4SO between now and December 1st. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using mostly CW and RTTY/PSK31, with some SSB. He plans to be in the WAEDC RTTY Contest (November 13-14th) and the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th). QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the bureau. His logs will be uploaded to LoTW.

VK0M, MACQUARIE ISLAND (Update)
Kevin, VK4KEV, is now operating as VK0KEV from Macquarie Island (AN-005) for possibly up to 18 months. Activity will be mostly on 40 and 20 meters using SSB and the Digital modes. A report indicates the Kevin will erect a 5 band vertical antenna as soon as time permits. His operating schedule (outside his work duties) are unknown, but this past week he was heard between 0445- 0700z and between 1000-1030z. QSL via JE1LET.

VP8/O, SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS (Update - VP8ORK Press Release #3 [The Low- Band Plan])

"Many have been asking about our low-band plans for the upcoming VP8ORK South Orkney DXpedition in January 2011. With antennas to cover 75, 80 and 160m simultaneously from sunset to sunrise, dedicated receive systems and top-of-the-line radios, we will be active on all these bands, every night, for almost two solid weeks. Rest assured that we're giving the low-bands a top priority.

Of course this doesn't mean we're ignoring 40m and up. It just means we're putting in a bigger effort than usual on those bands where the need is greatest.

We realize that lone operators at remote polar science stations often have limited time and equipment to make an effort on every band, let alone 80 or 160. This is why the big Antarctic DXpeditions are there to fill in the gaps. These expeditions offer experienced DXers a chance at working some new band-modes, and newcomers a chance at climbing the honor-roll. Here is a listing of our low-band arsenal:

  Antennas:
    160 transmit - The Battle Creek Special (160 main) 85 foot vertical
                   wire supported by Spiderbeam telescoping pole
                   (160 backup).
     80 transmit - SteppIR vertical with 80 meter coil (CW) (80m)
                 - 60 foot vertical wire supported by Spiderbeam
                   telescoping pole (75m)
                 - 60 foot vertical wire supported by second Spiderbeam
                   telescoping pole (backup)


  160/80 receive - DX Engineering 4 square with DX Engineering preamp and
                   DX Engineering splitters to feed 3 low band radios. Two
                   RX beverages as an option to 4 square dependant on
                   circumstances encountered on site.


  Radios:       7 x K3 transceivers  (sponsored by Elecraft)
                3 x Acom 1010 amplifiers  (sponsored by Acom)
                2 x Acom 1000 amplifiers (sponsored by Acom)


  Team: EY8MM, K9ZO, ND2T, 9V1YC, K0IR, N1DG, W3WL, K6AW, N6MZ, N4GRN,
        WB9Z, W7EW, and VE3EJ

I'm sure most of you recognize these calls. This team brings with it an unprecedented amount of experience in Antarctic DXpeditioning, contesting and low-band knowledge to ensure that all bands are covered from start to finish.

But, even with a great plan, the best equipment and experienced operators, activating the remote entities of the Southern Ocean is still one of the most challenging aspects of amateur radio. These islands are some of the windiest, coldest and roughest places on earth to survive, and just reaching them is an achievement in itself. Its no secret that private, non-governmental Antarctic expeditions come at an astronomical cost, and without support from everyone within the DX community these trips would simply not happen.

We're extremely grateful to have major DX foundations such as the NCDXF, INDEXA and the ARRL funding us with large donations. We're also thankful to have support from many worldwide DX clubs and commercial equipment sponsors such as Elecraft, Acom, DX Engineering and SteppIR. But even with all that, and each team member contributing over 12,000 USDs, it still doesn't even come close to covering the massive expense of a polar expedition. We need financial support from all of you.

If you haven't sent in a donation yet we hope you will consider joining those who have already stepped up to help. Our website www.vp8o.com gives full details of our trip, and is where you can contribute at whatever level you feel comfortable.

We look forward to working you on all bands!
73, James Brooks, 9V1YC
The Microlite Penguins DXpedition Team
VP8ORK South Orkney 2011"

ZL7, CHATHAM ISLANDS
Oliver, W6NV, will be active as ZL7NV during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 27-28th). QSL direct to his home callsign or LoTW.

ZL8, KERMADEC
Chris, DL1MGB, from the ZL8X DXpedition team, has put out a new press release this week on the ZL8X Web page at:

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 NORTERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB HOME PAGE:
http://www.papays.com/nodxa.html

Additional Bulletins for OPDX InterNet Subscribers

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