Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 867

Blog Editor Note: Bolded text indicates a digital/RTTY operation.

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 867
BID: $OPDX.867
July 21, 2008
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, ARRL Letter, AA1M, K1XN & GoList, NC1l, NJ1Q, W2FB, N3QQ, NG3K, W3UR & The Daily DX, K4CZ, N4AA & QRZ DX, WA4AA, W5KDJ, KH6BZF, K8YSE, W8WH, 50 MHz DX News, DX-IS News Site, Pete's-DX-Newsdesk, A35RK, DK7LX, DK8JB, DL5XL, DL7MAE & The DX News Letter, EA3BHK, EA5BY, EA8AUW, F5NQL & UFT, G0VGS, HA0HW, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, LA9VDA, LU9ESD, MM0DFV, OH2BN, RSGB IOTA Web Site, V73NS and VA3RJ & ICPO for the following DX information. DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 13th/July, through Sunday, 20th/July there were 219 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4W, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5R, 5U, 5V, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C2, C3, C5, C9, CE, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D4, DL, DU, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FH, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FS, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HH, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J7, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JY, K, KG4, KH2, KH4, KH6, KH9, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OJ0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ7, PY, PZ, R1FJ, S2, S5, S7, SM, SP, ST, SV, SV5, SV9, T7, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TL, TR, TU, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VK9X, VP2E, VP2M, VP5, VP8, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YL, YN, YO, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZC4, 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" (WFWL).

4W, TIMOR-LESTE. Jose, CT1ERC, was heard this past weekend signing 4W6UTL on 20 meters SSB (14195 kHz around 0329z and 0800z). He is expected to be there until early August. QSL via CT1ERC.

5Z, KENYA (IOTA Op). Antonio, IK8VRH, will be active as 5Z4/IK8VRH from Malindi, time permitted, in August. Operations will be from the Coast Province North Group (AF-040) between August 15-17th and the Coast Province South Group (AF-067) between August 20-22nd. Enrico, 5Z4ES, will be with him. Activity will be on 40/20/17 meters using CW/SSB/RTTY. Equipment will be a FT450AT with a Sommerkamp 300watt PA, Bubbledipole, Zx Mini Beam,-USB II MicroHAM and MiXW.

A3, TONGA. Paul, A35RK, informs OPDX that he just received a SignaLink USB interface and software package for digital modes (RTTY, PSK, etc), courtesy of Mike, K6BR. He hopes to be active on some of the digital modes sometime this week. Paul states, "I haven't been on the digital modes for years, so please be patient with me while I attempt to teach an old dog some new tricks.... HI"

BREAKING NEWS: A35RK is now QRV on the digital modes as of 2200z, July 19th. He worked many stations on PSK31 and a couple on RTTY (he stayed away from RTTY, because there was a contest on). Look for him to be active on 20m and 17m digital, as time permits.

AM8/AN8/EH8, CANARY ISLANDS (Update/IOTA Op). Operators from the RSGB IOTA Contest 2005 (3V8SM Djerba Island) and 2006 (ED7SPI Sancti Petri Island) operations will use the following callsigns and activate Lobos Island (AF-004) and lighthouses in the Canary Islands between July 22-29th:

AN8L - From Lobos Island (AF-004) during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th).Reference numbers are: IOTA AF-004, DIE S-008, ARLHS CAI-005, WLOTA 0155, FEA D2786 and DME 35014.

AM8IL - From Lobos Island and Punta Martino Lighthouse (possibly the first time activated). Reference numbers are: IOTA AF-004, DIE S-008, ARLHS CAI-005, WLOTA 0155, FEA D2786 and DME 35014.

EH8RDB - On July 25th; Islote de Barrieto (Barreto Rock). Reference numbers are: DIE: S-117, IOTA: AF-004 and DME: 35014.

EH8VCL - On July 24th and 27th; Vertice Geodesico (Caldera de Lobos). Reference numbers are: Spanish Bench Mark Award DVGE: VGGC-035, DME: 35014, IOTA: AF-004 and DIE: S-008.

The Lobos Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Fuerteventura Island and is uninhabited. Operators mentioned are: EA8AUW, EA8BGO, EC8ADW, EC8AMI, DH1TW, DL5RMH, EA4DRV, EA4TD, EA5AER, EA5FX, EA5KM and EC4DX. They state it took several months of hard work to get the right permits, but they thank the Canary Islands authorities. Activity will be on 160-6 meters including 30/17/12 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. They plan to have at least 3 or 4 stations active at the same time in two different camps, as well as a portable station for EH8RDB and EH8VCL. QSL via EC8AMI, by the Bureau or direct. Their Web site is at: http://www.islotedelobos.com/


BX5, TAIWAN (AS-020 - RARE CONTEST IOTA). Jimmy, BX5AA, will be active during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via BX5AA.

C5, THE GAMBIA. Niels, OZ8KR, will once again be active from here in 2009. He mentions that his license is good one year and he will be active as C56KR between January 9-14th and again (after his trip to Senegal) between January 23rd and February 4th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters SSB using a FT-857 and wire antennas. His QTH will be Bakuto on the Atlantic Ocean. Niels states that his travel plans are booked with a Hotel/apt. The transceiver is already in The Gambia. QSL via his home callsign OZ8KR.

C9, MOZAMBIQUE (Update). Frosty's, K5LBU, team was very active this past week from Mozambique. They should be on the air until July 30th. Frosty reported that Hal, ZS6WB, had an accident with his car and has no transportation to C9, so regretfully there will be no EME or 6 meters this trip. The C9 team now consists of the following operators:

Charles F. Frost (Frosty) K5LBU - C91CF, QSL via home callsign.
Tom Kramer NQ7R - C91TK, QSL via home callsign.
Jay Sewell W5SL - C91SL, QSL via home callsign.
John Plenderleith 9M6XRO - C91XO*, QSL via M3SDE.
Bill Dzurilla NZ5N - C91BD, QSL via WA4WTG.
Bob Novak K0OK - C91OK*, QSL via home callsign.
Ben Pyfer DJ0YI - C91YI*, QSL via home callsign.
* Callsign pending

Activity will be on all bands from 160-6 this trip. They have a log search on the Web at: http://www.tdxs.net/C9.html

C9, MOZAMBIQUE. Operators ON4AEO, ON7BK, ON4CJK, ZS6GC, ZS5AYC, ZR6APT, ZS6IMO, VK4AHT, VK4EMH and possible others will be active as C91FC next year in April 2009 (possibly between 8-17th). QSL via ON4CJK. More details will be forthcoming and a Web page will be online in January 2009 at: http://www.c91fc.be/

CN, MOROCCO (IPA Op). Gab, HA3JB (SU8BHI), reports that he now has a new license from Morocco. Look for him to be active as CN2IPA between September 21st and October 5th. Activity will be good for the Inter national Police Association Award (IPA). He plans to be on CW, RTTY, PSK, SSTV and some SSB, as well as an entry in the 2008 CQ DX RTTY Contest. QSL via HA3JB: Gabor Kutasi, H-8601 Siofok, P.O.Box 243, HUNGARY, EUROPE.

CU2, AZORES. Operators Toni/OH2UA and Martti/OH2BH will be here doing some antenna work and will occasionally appear on the bands between July 21-28th. In the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th), they will activate CU2A. QSL via OH2BH.

DXCC NEWS (2007 DXCC Honor Roll List). Bill Moore, NC1L, Awards Branch Manager, reports: "Upon receiving the August issue of QST it was discovered that some Honor Roll members were incorrectly listed, mostly from numbers from their previous submission, while a couple were not listed at all. We apologize for this and as soon as we have a handle on those who were not properly listed, a correction will be published in QST later in the year. (Issue to be determined once we have all the information). If you notice an incorrect listing, please send an E-mail to dxcc@arrl.org to be placed on the list for the corrected listing. Remember that the
period for this listing is from January 1 through December 31, 2007 only, the prior period of April 1 through March 31 has been changed."

EA6, BALEARIC ISLANDS. Andre, LX1FX, is expected to be active from Minorka Island (EU-004) between July 22nd and August 15th (possibly one week longer). Activity will be on the HF bands and 6 meters as well as 70, 144 and 432 MHz. Modes will be CW, SSB, as well JT6 via MS. Andre's equipment is an ICOM 7000, OZ xvrtr/4m - dipole antenna for VHF and a "Fieberglaasstab" on the HF bands. He will be on stand-by with an Marine-TRX ICM-710M on 14.333 MHz and 10.133 MHz (0900z).

FJ, ST. BARTHELEMY. Sam, FG5ED (ex-FG7AS, FK0AT, YJ0KMS), will be active from the St. Barthelemy Radio Club station FJ5KH between July 21-31st. Activity will be mainly CW. QSL only direct to: Sam Sahai, Ch. GODEAU, 13 Avenue Buckeburg, F-72300 Sable, FRANCE.

GJ, JERSEY (EU-013). Members of the Bristol Contest Group (G6YB) will be active as GJ6YB during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). QSL via G3SWH.

HD2, ECUADOR. The HD2A Contest team will be joined by some JA operators in this year's CQWW DX SSB Contest (October 25-26th) as a Multi-Single or Multi-? entry. QSL route TBD.

INVALID OPERATION LIST. Tony, EA5BY, informs OPDX that some members of Lynx DX Group have created a list of "invalid operations" for the different amateur radio awards; especially DXCC. They are looking for some help to keep the list complete and updated. Any information is highly welcomed and can be sent to: info-dxcc@lynxdxg.com They would also like to scan every QSL of every callsign that is listed and help with this is also welcome. The Web site is fully operational at: http://www.lynxdxg.com/novalidas/novalidas.htm

IOTA NEWS........................

AF-019. Operators Sal/IT9HUV and Joe/IT9RBW (and family) will be vacationing on Lampedusa Island (IIA AG-001) between August 1-7th. They will be active as IG9/homecall on 40/20/15/10 meters using RTTY and CW. They will use an Icom IC756ProIII into a Multi-band dipole and MP1 antennas. QSL via IT9DQM.

EU-008. A group of operators from the West of Scotland ARS will be active from the Isle of Colonsay during RSGB IOTA Contest, July 26-27th. Two contest callsigns will be used - GM2Z (CW) and GM4A (SSB). A separate station will be working PSK outside of the contest; the callsign is MS0EPC (http://www.eu.srars.org/). At the moment their team consists of MM0DFV, GM0WRR, MM0GDL, GM4TOQ, GM7WED and MM3LKV. A couple of other operators may join them. QSL cards for both contest stations and MS0EPC should be sent to MM0DFV.

EU-008. Members of the Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club (CPSARC) will once again operate from the Isle of Tiree (IOSA NH04, WAB NM04), the most westernly part of Scotland's Inner Hebridean Islands, during the RSGB IOTA (Islands on the Air) Contest which runs from 1200z, July 26th to 1200z, July 27th, using the club's special contest callsign GM2T. Pre-contest activity members will be signing as MM0CPS/P. CPSARC heavily supports newcomers to their wonderful hobby and has a large number of newly licensed members who are actively encouraged to participate in their contest effort, whether experienced or not. This way not only does their hobby benefit from new operators, but contesting benefits as they invariably become bitten by the contest bug. This year's team consists of: Cambell/MM0DXC, Bob/GM4UYZ, John/ MM0JXI, Brian/M0RNR, Gary/MM0FZV, Moe/MM0MRM, Geoff/MM5AHO, Ellis/GM4GZW, Bob/GM4IKT, Jim/G3VOU, Jonno/M5FUN and Duncan/ MM0GZZ. QSL GM2T via the Bureau, or their QSL Manager GM4UYZ, by the Bureau or direct. Details are available at: http://www.qrz.com/gm2t

For details about CPSARC, visit their revamped Web site at: http://www.cpsarc.com/

ADDED NOTE: This is the club's 10th anniversary on the island, and the team would like to express their gratitude to all the islanders who have looked after them over the years, but in particular to Elaine Hutchinson of Elephants End Restaurant (http://www.elephantsend.com/) for her unrivalled support and hospitality over the last 10 years.

EU-008. Members of Sands Contest Group and Workington Amateur Radio Society are combining to activate the Isle of Jura, from September 22-29th. They are hoping to be active on all modes and bands as conditions allow. The Sands Contest Group has previously activated Mull in 2006 and Workington Amateur Radio Society has had several activations, the last of which was Barra Island in 2007. More information as it happens can be found on the Sands Contest Group blog at: http://m0scg.blogspot.com/

This blog will have daily updates during the activation. They hope to work as many stations as possible. There should also be some SOTA activation during the week.


EU-028. Look for IA5K to be active from Elba Island during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). QSL via IZ5BTC.

EU-030. Operatprs Roald/OZ1BLO and Karl/LA8DW will be active from Bornholm Island (DIA BO-001, WLOTA LH-2203), July 21-26th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL via bureau.

EU-041. Look for Jack, IZ3DBA, to be active as IM0/IZ3DBA from Maddalena Island during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). QSL via his home callsign.

EU-055. Operators Trond/LA9VDA and Bjorn/LA5UKA will be active as LA6Q from Vagsoy (WLOTA LH-2181) between July 26-30th. Look for them to be in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). They will also use the special callsign LA2008TSR (to celebrate the 2008 Tall Ships Race). QSL info for both callsigns can be found on QRZ.com.

EU-072. Laci/HA6NL and some friends will travel to Skopelos Island, Greece, and be active as SV8/homecall between July 21-31st. During the the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th), they will be using J48 callsigns as follows: J48NL (Laci/HA6NL), J48JJ (Al/HA7JJS), J48P (Laci/HA7PL) and J48PS (Zsolt/HA6PS). Activity is planned for all HF bands and 6 meters. QSL via the HA QSL Bureau or direct to their home callsign.

EU-091. The Strange Radio Team - Headquarters will be active from Sant'Andrea Island as IQ8OM/7 during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). QSL via IZ8EDJ.

EU-099. Members from GB8LMI and MJ0X will be active from Les Minquiers Islands during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). QSL via M3ZYZ.

EU-124. Look for GB2CI or GW3SVJ/P to be active from Caldey Island (WLOTA 4056), September 2-8th. QSL via G8ATD.

EU-127. Felix, DL5XL, will once again be active as DL5XL/p from Helgoland Island, during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th) as a Single-Op/CW-Only/24-Hrs entry. This is Germany's only off-shore island in the North Sea. The reference numbers are as follows: IOTA EU-127 (Schleswig-Holstein State South West Group), DID N-14, DOK E20 (Insel Helgoland), Grid JO34WE, LDK PI, POAR DL-107, Helgoland Lighthouse (about 750m from his QTH): ARLHS FED-101 and WLOTA 0518. QSL cards will be sent via the Bureau. For a quicker reply, direct requests with return postage (1 IRC) can be mailed to: Felix Riess, Suederortsweg 3, 27628 Sandstedt, Germany.

EU-132. Operators Przemek/SP7VC and Adam/SP8RX will be active as SP7VC/1 and SP8RX/1, repsectively, from Wolin Island, Poland, during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). QSL SP7VC/1 via SP7VC and SP8RX/1 via DJ0IF.

EU-142. Operators EA3NT, EC2ADN, EA1RC, EA1DR, DD1MAT and EA2DCF will be active as EE1MI from Mouro Island during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). QSL via EA1DR.

EU-146. Operators Jeroen/PD5CW, Will/PE1OPM and Manfred/PE1OXV will be active from Schouweduivenland Island during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th).

EU-175. Joao, CU6AY, will be active as CU6AY/p from Pico Island (DIP AS-006, WLOTA LH-1321) between August 12th and September 4th. He will also activate for the first time the Natural Reserve of Montanha do Pico for the World Flora Fauna - WFF Award
(CTFF-045 CU). QSL direct to his home callsign (see QRZ.com).

EU-178. Peter, YL2PN, will be active as ES0/YL2PN from Ruhnu Island (WLOTA LH-4244), July 23-27th. Activity will include the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the bureau.

NA-031. Mark, KO1U, will be active as KO1U/m from Conanicut Island (USI RI-007S, WLOTA LH-1422, Newport County, Rhode Island), during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). Activity will be sporatic on 7040, 14040 and 14260 kHz and 6 meters (50093.3). QSL via his home callsign (QRZ.com).

NA-067. Operators Nate/N4YDU, Keith/W4KAZ and Barry/K4CZ will be active again as N4A from Cape Lookout National Seashore (Core Banks) between July 25-28th. Activity will include the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th), with operations on 80-10 meters (except WARC), low power, SSB and CW. References: Grid Square FM14tt and Carteret County, North Carolina. QSL via N4YDU direct. SASE preferred for USA. In the 2007 RSGB IOTA Contest, N4A was the #1 North American Low-Power Expedition and #24 Worldwide. More details at: http://www.w4kaz.com/n4a/

NA-067. Members of the Tennessee Valley DX Association (TVDXA) will activate Hatteras Island using the callsign W4PL. This island is part of the North Carolina State East Group. W4PL plans on being active about 1900z on Saturday, September 27th, and will go QRT Saturday, October 4th. The group will use 100 watt transceivers and plan to be active on 80-10 meters HF (SSB, CW with some PSK and RTTY), and 6 meters SSB and CW. Operators include: Barbarra/WA4RMC, Kathy/W4KRY, Lynn/K0MAI, Tom/K4VCM, Greg/WA4NFO, Tommie/K4KWK, Kenny/AB4GG, Charlie/AD4F, Paul/ WA4AA, Peter/KB3PGU, Larry/WA4IVO and Virginia/KI4MPK. Non-licensed team members include Nancy, XYL of WA4AA and Halyna, XYL of KB3PGU. Please QSL via K4KWK direct (SASE) or by the bureau. Additional information will be added to their Web site during and following the activation at: http://www.tvdxa.com/

ADDED NOTE: TVDXA states, "We are calling this a 'Mini DXpedition' since we are not going to some far away exotic place. However, we are very serious about this trip and hope to make many contacts (and have loads of fun along the way). This is the fifth consecutive island we have activated in as many years. Antennas will include a multi-band vertical, tri-band beam, end fed wire and 6 meter beam along with other backup antennas. Please visit our Web site and watch for further updates."


NA-110. Dan, KF8Z, will be active as KF8Z/p from Hunting Island (USI SC-003S, WLOTA LH-2265, Beaufort County, South Carolina), July 26-30th. Activity will be limited because he is there with his XYL on vacation. Look for casual operations, slow CW and SSB on 40-10 meters. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the bureau.

NA-234. (Update/IOTA NEW ONE!) Breaking News: The KL7DX IOTA-expedition to Chuginadak Island (Aleutians Islands, Alaska) is under feasibility review by team members - Yuri Sushkin/N3QQ, Sergey Morozov/RA3NAN and Yuri Zaruba/UA9OBA. The Okmok Volcano, located 75 miles away from their destination, continues to erupt.
The volcano is currently at aviation color code RED and alert level WARNING. All areas immediately around the volcano are considered hazardous. Airborne ash and gas continue to drift with the wind and pose a hazard to aviation in the area. Satellite data continues to show a long (~250km) plume moving east, the height of the plume is approximately 9,100m (30,000 ft) above sea level. Cleveland Volcano on Chuginadak Island has current aviation color code YELLOW and volcano alert level ADVISORY. Please see http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Okmok.php for more information. The team from Russian Robinson Club is planning to land on the island by boat and start operation between July 19th and July 21st with participation in IOTA Contest July 26-27th weather and seismic conditions permitting. QSL via AC7DX. Please look for them on the usual IOTA frequencies and on-line tracking of KL7DX's position via GPS/SPOT Messenger is available on: http://www.na-234.com/

MORE BREAKING NEWS: RZ3EM passes the latest news from KL7DX as of 0300z, July 19th -- "Smoke and ash continue in the area of the volcano, but the team has decided to continue on to Chuginadak Island. They have made arrangements to proceed on a larger boat, the Lady Gudny. They leave Dutch Harbor on 19 July."

JW, SVALBARD. Niels, OZ8KR, will once again be active from Spitsbergen (EU-026) for the 3rd time in August. He has rented the club station in Longyearbyen for 4 days and plans to be active as much as possible as JW/OZ8KR between August 12-17th. Activity will be on 20 meters SSB. He likes the frequncies 14220 and 14260 kHz. QSL via his home callsign.

JW, SVALBARD. Haugseth, LA7WCA, will once again be active from Spitsbergen for the second time as LA7WCA between September 19-26th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters, mainly SSB with some CW. QSL via LA7WCA (QRZ.com). Also, he will be joined by two friends for their time on Svalbard: Finsveen/LA8BCA (JW8BCA) and Tom/LB9UE (JW/LB9UE).

KH2, GUAM. Operators Hiroshi/JJ1CCE, Shima/JH3AAZ, Koji/JK7TKE and Hiroshi/K6IAA will be active from here between August 2-3rd. Look for operators to sign as KH2/homecall with the exception of K6IAA/KH2. Activity will be holiday style operations. QSL via each operator's home callsign, by the Bureau or direct (See QRZ.com).

KL7, ALASKA (W1AW/KL7 to Operate from Arctic Circle). The ARRL Letter reports: "Just 300 miles south of the Alaskan Arctic Ocean -- where the Arctic Circle crosses the Dalton Highway (66 degrees, 33 minutes north) -- W1AW/KL7 will be on the air (grid square BP56) July 26-August 10 on all bands from 160-6 meters. This ARRL 2008 Alaska State Convention Special Event Station plans to run two HF stations operating CW, SSB and digital, one satellite station and one station devoted to 146.52 MHz. The Alaskan summer skies are ablaze with gray line-enhanced propagation effects, providing six to eight hour spurts of activity to most of the ham radio world. W1AW/KL7 plans to be active from 0600 UTC-1400 UTC to maximize gray line propagation. From Alaska, signals will take off in both directions at the same time: Europe to the east on one side, with Asia to the west on the other side. For an illustration of how Arctic gray line propagation works, see page 21 in the August 2008 issue of QST. The 2008 Alaska ARRL Convention will run from August 1-4, 2008 in Anchorage. For more information, please see the W1AW/KL7 Web site at: http://www.akhamfest.com/arcticcirclespecial.php

LIGHTHOUSE/LIGHTSHIP ACTIVITIES (ILLW - August 16-17th).........

INTERNATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE/LIGHTSHIP WEEKEND. Kevin, VK2CE, ILLW Webmaster and Coordinator, reports (edited): "This highly popular annual amateur radio event (not a contest) will be held over the weekend of August 16-17th, 2008. There were 380 lights on the air from 48 countries last year. All you need to know about the event is contained on the official Web site at: http://illw.net/

Originating in 1999, the event is organized and managed by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group in Scotland since the passing of the founder of the weekend, Mike Dalrymple, GM4SUC, in December 2005. To register for the event go to the web site at http://illw.net/ and complete the online entry form so you can be listed on the entrants page." Any questions about the event can be sent to Kevin, VK2CE, via the Web site E-mail facility. Publishing this notice in your club bulletin or sharing it with your club members would be most appreciated.

BBDXG LIGHTHOUSE ACTIVITES. Members of the Bahia Blanca DX Group (BBDXG) will transmit again, this time, from seven different lighthouses at the same time during the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW) which will be held on the third weekend of August (August 16-17th). Look for them from the following lighthouses:

MORRO NUEVO Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG–048, ILLW AR-0031) -- Will be activated for the "FIRST TIME". Lat. 42' 52" S/Long. 64' 08" W. Grid Locator = FE77wd. Located at the south end corner of Valdez Peninsula. It indicates the entrance to the "Nuevo" Gulf. 750 Km. South from Bahia Blanca. Operators and callsigns used: LU9ESD/W, LU4ETN/W and LW9EAG/W.

SAN GREGORIO Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-062, ILLW AR-0028) -- Will be activated for the "FIRST TIME". Lat. 45' 01" S/Long. 65' 38" W. Grid Locator = FE74ex. Located in the southeast of Chubut Province. Operators and callsigns used: LU1EUU/W LU5DEM/W and possibly others.

CABO ARISTIZABAL Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-023 HISTORIC, ILLW AR-0027) -- Will be activated for the "FIRST TIME". Lat. 45' 13" S/Long. 66' 32" W. Grid Locator = FE64rs. Located at the north end of "San Jorge" Gulf, in Chubut Province. Operators and callsigns used: LU7DSY/W, LU5DIT/W, LU6DBL/W and possibly others.

PUERTO ROSALES Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-095, ILLW AR-0029) -- Will be activated for the "FIRST TIME". Lat. 58' 55" S/Long. 62' 04" W. Grid Locator = FD81xc. Located in the access to the main wharf of the commercial port of Punta Alta city in the south of Buenos Aires Province. Callsign used: LU3DXG/D (Official callsign of BBDXG).
Operators: LU5EAO/D, LU8EHQ/D, LU7EUZ/D, LU5DKT/D, LW5DAD/D and LW2ENB/D.

BALIZA CHICA Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-083, ILLW AR-0026) -- Lat. 38' 53" S/ Long. 61' 58" W. Grid Locator = FF91ac. Located in the Base of Marines called "Baterias". 20 km southeast from Naval Base Puerto Belgrano and 40 km. from Bahia Blanca. Operators and callsigns used: LU8DWR/D, LU8DIP/D , LU3DZO/D, LU4ELE/D, LU4UZW/D and LU4DBP/D.

BALIZA PUNTA ATALAYA Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-099, ILLW AR-0024). Lat. 35' 01" S/Long. 57' 32" W. Grid Locator = GF14fx. Located in the perimeter of the Argentine Naval Prefecture, detachment Atalaya, 102 Km east from Buenos Aires city. Operators and callsigns used: LU6DRN/D and LU6EU/D.

CLAROMECO Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-014, ILLW AR-0008). Lat. 38' 51" S/ Long. 60' 03" W. Grid Locator = FF91xd. Located in the Claromeco Spa, near Tres Arroyos town. 200 Km east from Bahia Blanca. Operators and callsigns used: LU7HW/D, LU3HKA/D, LU7EHL/D, LU7DR/D and LU4DBT/D.

All Bands and modes will be worked, including digimodes (RTTY, PSK31, SSTV...) and CW. PLEASE NOTE: SAN GREGORIO, CABO ARISTIZABAL and MORRO NUEVO Lighthouses will use each operator's callsigns plus "W" because they are located in the province of Chubut.

PUERTO ROSALES LH will use the official BBDXG callsign LU3DXG for this first time activity.

Contacts with PUERTO ROSALES, BALIZA CHICA, BALIZA PUNTA ATALAYA and CLAROMECO Lighthouses will be valid for the "PROVINCE OF BUENOS AIRES LIGHTHOUSES" Award organized by Bahia Blanca DX Group. Also, the above lighthouses are valid for the "Argentine Atlantic Coast Lighthouses 2008" award. For more info on these awards, please contact Manu, LU9ESD, at: lu9esd@yahoo.com

The QSL and Award Manager is LU7DSY: Carlos Almiron, P.O. Box 709, 8000 Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Please send one envelope with all your QSLs. Up to 2 QSLs = 1 IRCs. Up to 4 QSLs = 2 IRCs. Up to 6 QSLs = 3 IRCs. Up to 8 QSLs = 4 IRCs. For 9 QSL without award, please send 5 IRCs. If you want the award, send QSLs for each lighthouse and 8 IRCs.


PACIFIC TOUR (Update). Willi, DJ7RJ, is expected to join Ulli, DL2AH, in traveling around in the Pacific areas between September and early November. A report from Willi, DJ7RJ, indicates that he has already booked his flights for August 26th and October 27th, via LAX to Samoa (5W) and his return. He mentions that Ulli, DL2AH, and he are planning to visit the Tokelau Islands (ZK3) together (specific dates are in the planning stages). After that, they will return back to Samoa, before going on to the next island (possibly, Marquesas Island (FO/m), Wallis & Futuna Island (FW) or American Samoa (KH8). Willi states, "With our journey to 5W everything is running well. We are in touch with the shipping company in Apia. Two ships are leaving Apia a couple of days after we arriving on Samoa. We have a good chance to get a reservation for one of these ships. Maybe we will arrive on Tokelau on September 2nd or September 5th. We have to stay at least three weeks on Nukunonu (OC-048) before we travel back to Apia. So it means we will be back in Apia at the end of September! Afterwards, I will decide what will be the next island to visit. I am not sure yet. My flight back to LAX will be October 21st. QSL via CBA."

QSL INFO AND NEWS.....................

QSL ROUTES by Johannes/DK8JB and Tedd/KB8NW:
4K3FPL direct
9A8M via 9A3JB
AO4EC via EA4RCH
AT6T via VU2PTT
CT3FQ LoTW (preferred), Bureau, or direct to CT3KN

9X0R QSL STATUS. We received a report that Antonio, EA5RM, is stating direct QSLs requests should be coming out very soon.

QSL AP2DKH via W2FB (for stateside). Steve, W2FB, informs OPDX that Dr. Khalid, AP2DKH, visited the NJ/NY area in June. Steve had the privilege to meet him. In addition to their eyeball QSO, they also exchanged QSL cards. Steve told Dr. Khalid that getting QSLs out of Pakistan is very difficult especially for U.S. stations. Dr. Khalid left Steve some cards to issue QSLs for stateside stations. He now has his log and can issue direct cards for the deserving DXers still waiting for their first AP confirmation. Please use a large envelope as the AP2DKH card is larger than the usual stateside QSL. Use a EU style envelope or No. 10 envelope for reply, with a SASE, GS, or IRC.

Wayne, W5KDJ, reports that the logs for 3DA0KDJ, A25KDJ, C91KDJ and YN2KDJ are now available at: http://dx.qsl.net/logs/

TOP 5 QSL MANAGER SURVEY. John, K1XN, Editor of the GoList, reports"
"With the bands in such sorry shape, I am sure everyone has been busy catching up on your QSL chores. You know, that job you put off for reasons unknown by normal folks. This might be a very good time to take a Top 5 QSL Manager or QSL card hander survey. It has been several years now since I last conducted the last survey and it will be interesting to see results during this 'down' period. There will be no plaques nor money, but there will be a lot of bragging rights to the most vote getters for Top 5. The rules are simple. Send me the callsign of that QSL Manager or card handler that impressed you most this year in sending you a confirmation card.
Don't base it on past years or popularity, but on the actual performance by that person. Send your vote to me via E-mail at: golist@gmail.com

In the subject line please put TOP 5 QSL MANAGERS, this will help me sort the mail. The survey will run until the 20th of August, and I will report the results on this reflector (GoList Mailing List). This survey is open to all amateurs around the world. I hope to hear from many of you soon..... John K1XN @ The Golist (golist@gmail.com)"

TX7LX QSL BUREAU REQUEST. Georg, DK7LX/TX7LX, informs OPDX that he now offers the option to request Bureau-QSLs via E-mail for his recent Mayotte Island (TX7LX) operation. His E-mail address is published on both, QRZ.com as well as his TX7LX Web page. Georg states, "People are welcome to send me a list of their QSOs, and I'll take care of it as soon as I receive QSLs from the printer." Further details can be found under the sources mentioned above. LAST MINUTE UPDATE: Georg informed OPDX on July 20th: TX7LX has been APPROVED for DXCC per Bill, Moore/NC1L.

V73 QSL BUREAU CLOSED. Neil, V73NS, informs OPDX: "It is with the deepest regret we announce that the V73 Bureau is CLOSED. We are unable to accept cards due to circumstances beyond our control. Cards should be sent only to address of the home call of the V73 operator." See QSL info site: http://www.qsl.net/v73ax/qsl.html

QSLS VIA LOTW: 6H1YYD, G4WFQ/6W, HG9X, IZ8MBW, JX/SQ4MP and ZC4LI

QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 9J2VB, 9X0W, C52C, ET3JA, EY8CQ and Z29KM

QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 3DA0WW, 4X0C, 4X0V, 5L2MS, 7S100ALA, 8S6KOS, AO1Y, AO6AZ, CS6PRA, CU2A, EA8MQ, J28JA, J5UTM, JW/F8DVD, LA2O, LY1CM/P, OA4WW, OE3KRA, OH3OJ, OJ0J, OK5R, PR2A, PZ5XX, SG60RK, SI3A, SL60FRO, SM5ZBJ, SN2JS, T70A, TM1I, TM2R, TM4IPY, V31BH, VP9I, VY2WU and YL2BJ

SV5, DODECANESE. Leo, S50R, will be active as SV5/S50R between now and July 24th. Activity will be on 40/30/17/12 meters using CW/SSB/RTTY. He will just use wire antennas. QSL via S50R, direct or LoTW.

SV5, DODECANESE. Operators SV5AZP, SV5AZK, SV5DDP, SV5DKL, SV5DZR, SV5FRD, SV5KJC, SV5FRP, SV5CJK and SV5CJQ will be active as SX5P from Rhodes Island (EU-001) during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th) as a Multi-Multi entry. QSL via SV5FRD.

SV9, CRETE (EU-015). Dimistris, SV1JB will be active as SV9/SV1JB from Kokini Hani (MIA MGC-005, WLOTA LH-1400), between July 21st and August 7th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and PSK31. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the bureau.

V3, BELIZE. Operators John/WC0W, George/K5PI and Alan/NS0B will be active as V31TP during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 21-22nd, 2009) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via WC0W. This team took the "World Class" entry in 2008 as a Multi/Single with a field day setup. They hope to do it again.

VK9X, CHRISTMAS ISLAND (OC-002). By the time you read this, the "DXciting Group" should be getting ready to go QRT. As this was being typed, operators Marq/CT1BWW (VK9XWW), John/EA3GHZ (VK9XHZ), Henry/EA5EOR (VK9XOR) and Dina/EC5BME (VK9XME), have made 6,438 QSOs (2917/CW and 3521/SSB) as of 0255z, July 20th. QSL via EA4URE, direct or by the bureau. The official VK9X Web site is at: http://www.dxciting.com/vk9x

ZD8, ASCENSION ISLAND. Bob, VP8LP, will be active as ZD8LP between August 15-16th and September 14th. Bob will only be using a vertical antenna, so don't expect to hear big signals, but he intends to be very active on 40-10 meters as propagation permits. QSL direct to his home callsign VP8LP only.

ZS8, MARION ISLANDS. There is still no activity reported. For updates and the first offical announcement of ZS8T being on the air, please visit the official ZS8T Web site at: http://zs8t.net/

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
** IMPORTANT NOTICE/REMINDER ** The Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin now has a new FAX number. Contributors can now send/fax their DX information to the following number: 1-419-828-7791 ( F A X only! )
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
SPECIAL NOTE BY EDITOR: If you are having a problem receiving bounced mail by sending mail to me via " kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org ," please send mail to me via " kb8nw@arrl.net "...... TNX de Tedd KB8NW
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
PLEASE NOTICE (as of February 12th), NEW ADDRESS CHANGES FOR THE OPDX INTERNET HELP/SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE REQUESTS:
Help: mailto:opdx-request@barf80.org%20Subject:help
Subscribe: mailto:opdx-request@barf80.org%20Subject:subscribe
Unsubscribe: mailto:opdx-request@barf80.org%20Subject:unsubscribe

OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME PAGE (provided by John, K8YSE):
http://www.papays.com/opdx.html

ALSO VISIT THE NORTHERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB HOME PAGE:
http://www.papays.com/nodxa.html
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Excerpts and distribution of The OPDX Bulletin are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receive credit. To contribute DX info, please send via InterNet Mail to: kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org - OR - kb8nw@arrl.net
Information can now be faxed to the following "NEW" phone line at: 1-419-828-7791 (F A X only!)
--
Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW - kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org --or-- kb8nw@arrl.net
Editor of the "Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin" (OPDX - "DXer's Tool of Excellence")
President of the "Northern Ohio DX Association" (NODXA)
DX Chairman for the "Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society
ARRL Assistant Director of the Great Lakes Division
Sysop of the "Basic Amateur Radio Frequency BBS" (BARF80.ORG)
______________________________________________________________