Apr. 24 2004  International Marconi Day

International Marconi Day takes place over the 24 hours of Saturday, the 24th of April. This is a 24-hour amateur radio event held annually to celebrate the birth of Guglielmo [pron: "Goo-lee-el-mo"] Marconi on the 25th of April 1874. International Marconi Day is not a contest: it is an opportunity for radio amateurs around the world to make contact with historic Marconi sites. An attractive award is available for making the requisite number of contacts with these stations. Full details are available on the International Marconi Day website, and there is a link from the RSGB's site at www.rsgb.org

(RSGB)

==========

Apr. 16 2004  Please help Ham Radio survive in Iraq

A widely publicized e-mail from Laith Adhary, YI1SRA, in Baghdad asks the worlds radio amateurs for support in keeping ham radio a part of a new Iraq. This, as the June 30th date for handover of the government to local authorities approaches.

Adhary is a member of the Iraqi Association for Radio Amateurs and works at the University in Baghdad.  He says that it is urgent that Iraq establish a viable ham radio program in the country before the shift of governing takes place.  To accomplish this, Laith and Iraqi Association for Radio Amateurs president Diya Sayah, YI1DZ are asking hams around the globe to and their national societies to a letter of support for the future of the hobby in Iraq.

Both men indicate that this is a time sensitive issue and request support right away.

The best way to make sure your letter of support arrives is to send it by E-mail  We have two addresses.  Sayah can be reached at yi1dz@hotmail.com and Adhary is at laithtariq@yahoo.com

(G3ZHI)

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Apr. 16 2004   Phone Tunnel Fire brings Ham Radio Callout

Raynet, the United Kingdom's version of RACES, was called on as March drew to a close.  This, as fire rips through a tunnel carrying telephone lines across a wide area.

Raynet groups in Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Derbyshire were put on standby following a fire in a BT underground tunnel in central Manchester in the early hours of Monday the 29th of March. The fire disrupted more than 130,000 telephone lines in Lancashire, Merseyside, Derbyshire and further afield. Cheshire Police were concerned about the effects on communications, and via the Cheshire Emergency Planning Department requested the availability of Raynet operators to cover the affected area.

The Greater Manchester ambulance service lost landline and radio communications with their vehicles, but were able to use mobile phones as a means of contact. Other difficulties included a loss of 999 calls and disruption to the broadband data network. Large areas of the High Peak area of Derbyshire were without landlines or mobile phones.

The majority of Raynet members were dismissed by the evening of March 29th, but the Cheshire Group and County Controllers were on call through Wednesday afternoon the 31st.  Thats when the emergency call in 999 service was finally restored to the worst-affected area of Cheshire.

(GB2RS)

===========

Apr. 12 2004  IARU Begins 80th Year

IARU Begins 80th Year With Special Recognition for Radio Amateurs as Pioneers in Bridging Barriers to World Understanding

Each year on the anniversary of its founding, 18 April, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) marks World Amateur Radio Day. It was on that date in 1925 that the inaugural meeting of the IARU was held in Paris.

At the time, exploration of the "short waves" was just beginning. Radio amateurs were well ahead of their commercial counterparts in exploiting the long-distance capabilities of this unique part of the radio spectrum.

The technical contributions of the amateurs were very important to subsequent telecommunication development, and remain so today. Equally significant are the personal relationships that have developed between amateurs, often across geographical, political, cultural, and other barriers.

Today there are nearly three million Amateur Service licensees located in nearly every country in the world. Radio amateurs continue to build and maintain personal ties in a world that is in ever greater need of mutual understanding.

As it begins its 80th year, the IARU is a worldwide federation of national Amateur Radio organizations representing radio amateurs in 159 countries. The IARU is a Sector Member of the International Telecommunication Union and is the recognized representative of the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite Services at the ITU

(RAC News Service)

===========

Apr. 11 2004  Work Thailand on the WARC bands this year

The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand has been issued with a special event call-sign HS72B to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's 72nd Anniversary. Special permission has been given to use all three WARC bands + 80 and 160 metres in addition to the usual bands. The first operation has been organized by Khun Winit HS1CKC on Koh Chang Island IOTA AS 125 from 12th to 17th April 2004 (Songkhran Festival).

The QSL Manager for all HS72B operations will be: E20NTS, Mr Supote Saripan, PO Box 5, Klongtanon, Bangkok, 10222, Thailand. Operators on Koh Chang will be E21LSE, E20NTS, HS1CKC, HS0GBI, HS6NDK. Khun Winit says "this will be a low profile operation with two budget transceivers and vertical antennas". If any other RAST members would like to join the operation please contact Khun Winit on hs1ckc@rast.or.th or Mobile 01 337 5674.

Arrangements are being made to use HS72B at the new HS0AC Club Station which is scheduled to start operations on 1st May 2004 and by HS0ZDZ for SEANET net control and 40m net control, in addition to the SEANET Convention in November 2004.

Thanks to  Ray HS0ZDZ,
Vice President & International Secretary
Radio Amateur Society of Thailand
Under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King

(RAC News Service)

Apr. 14 2004 RAC logo licence plates now collectors items

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has informed Radio Amateurs of Canada that while it will continue to issue custom call sign licence plates, due to a change in policy, it will no longer be able to issue the versions containing the RAC logo.

Those of you fortunate enough to have invested the extra few dollars for RAC licence plates, will now have collectors items. It might be worthwhile to add a little extra wax to the plates to keep them in good shape for the next while.

(Debbie Norman RAC General Manager)

=========

Apr. 12 2004   RAC web site BPL and UWB information to be expanded

Because of all the amateur radio concern about potential interference from Broadband over Power Lines, we are introducing a special BPL news page on this web site.

In addition to the current news which will be carried on the Canadian and International pages, all BPL articles will be archived and stored on the BPL page. The link to the new page is: www.rac.ca/news/bplnews.htm

There is already a general BPL page, to which we will be adding a Frequently asked Questions page that will be expanded as we learn more about possible Industry Canada plans for licensing BPL in Canada.

These can be found at www.rac.ca/regulatory/plc.htm and www.rac.ca/bplfaq.htm

Those interested in the microwave bands, can follow the developments of Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology in Canada on the UWB page at: www.rac.ca/news/uwb.htm

(RAC News Service)

==========

Apr. 13 2004  Canadian Television Pioneer Norman Campbell    Silent Key

It is with the deepest sorrow that I write to tell you that we have lost one of the great founding geniuses of Canadian television. Norman Campbell, acclaimed producer-director for CBC Television, died yesterday at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife Elaine and their five children. I know our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

It is frankly impossible to convey in a few brief words the phenomenon that was Norman Campbell. Born in Los Angeles in 1924, Norman grew up in Vancouver and joined CBC Radio in that city as a director of variety programs in 1948. As CBC prepared to launch its first television broadcasts in 1952, Norman moved to Toronto where he forged his reputation as a trailblazing pioneer in Canadian television. His ensuing relationship with CBC Television spanned more than four decades, over which he directed and produced literally hundreds of television programs. His lengthy resume was a catalogue of Canadian broadcasting firsts-including the very first show we broadcast when we went to air on September 8, 1952 (the 15-minute promo program Let's See), the first ballet on Canadian TV (Maria Chapdelaine, in late 1952), the first Canadian sitcom (Four For The Show, 1952-53), CBC Television's first New Year's Eve special (1952 and the first few minutes of 1953) and the first original Canadian musical for TV (Sunshine Town, 1954).

One of CBC Television's most gifted and versatile creators, Norman worked in many genres, but his true talent was for comedy, music and the performing arts. Many of us had our first exposure to the best performances this country had to offer through Norman Campbell productions. He had a unique flair for bringing the lively arts to the small screen, and was the first to use many production techniques that are commonplace today. He was a constant innovator, and a sensitive collaborator.

Throughout the '50s, '60s and '70s, Norman directed countless ballet and opera specials, Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, televised productions from the Stratford Festival and-with friend and long-time collaborator Don Harron-three major musicals for stage and television: Turvey, based on Earl Birney's novel about a private in World War II; The Wonder Of It All, the Emily Carr musical (for which he also wrote the music); and the extraordinarily successful musical adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, which he co-created with Don Harron, and which has been staged annually at the Charlottetown Festival for nearly 40 years. Two of his ballet specials won International Emmy awards: Cinderella in 1968 and Sleeping Beauty in 1972.

Norman's tremendous skill as a director also took him south of the border on occasion, where he directed music specials for such stars as Diana Ross, Olivia Newton-John, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams, as well as The Mikado with Groucho Marx, and episodes of such comedy classics as the Mary Tyler Moore Show and All In The Family. Despite his success in the U.S., Norman chose to remain in Canada with his family, and continued working with CBC Television well into the 1990s. He continued to volunteer with CBC in recent years, to help transfer some of his pioneering arts and original music specials from decaying tape to digital. Norman Campbell was named a member of the Royal Canadian Academy in 1975; in 1979, he was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition of his continuing contribution to the arts in Canada; in 1980, he received the John Drainie Award from ACTRA for distinguished contribution to broadcasting. In 2002, CBC Television marked its 50th anniversary, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the National Ballet of Canada, with an exhibition of CBC-TV's ballet programs, including scenes from the ballet productions that Norman directed.

Norman's contribution to Canadian television, and to CBC, cannot be overstated. His tremendous commitment to Canada and to public broadcasting; his leadership in what was (and in some ways continues to be) an emerging medium; his impeccable standards of quality and professionalism-these are his legacy for all of us, and for all Canadians. Please join me in remembering an outstanding Canadian, an exceptional director and one of Canada's true broadcasting legends.

Harold Redekopp
Executive Vice-President
CBC Television

Atlantic Maritime Section

May 15 2004 Down East Fleamarket

Sponsored by:  The Halifax and Dartmouth ARC's
Location: Halifax Forum Annex Corner of Windsor and Young Avenue Halifax, Nova Scotia
Vendors 6:00am Opens: 10:00am  Price at the door is $3 per person. This includes all buyers and sellers.
Talkin:VE1PSR on 147.27 Mhz + offset

All ham, electronic and computer enthusiasts looking for good deals on new and used Amateur Radio gear and accessories, as well as general computer, electronics items, crafts and baked goods.

There is a coffee shop on site as well as door prizes, draws, demonstrations and presentations. Pick up your QSL cards as well check in at the RAC, NSARA and other club tables. The Flea Market Committee intends to attract and offer table space for computer equipment and crafts.....if you think it will sell, bring it!

Club Website:  www.halifax-arc.org

Apr. 12 2004  Amateur Repeaters co-located with CBC Towers

RAC is currently in negotiations to preserve the arrangements that amateur repeater sponsors have with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to co-locate amateur repeaters on CBC towers.

In an effort to gather information on the subject in the province of Ontario, RAC would like repeater owners/sponsors who have a CBC co-located repeater to contact Paul Davidson VE3UUM and submit the following information:

• Call sign of the repeater
• Location of the repeater (CBC Tower site location/call sign)
• Length of time the repeater has been at the CBC Tower.
• Any repeater involvement in Emergency/Public service activity while at the CBC site.
• Any concerns in your area about CBC towers access

In addition, general submissions from repeater call signs not located on CBC towers listing their callsign, location and involvement in public service and emergency activities in the recent past would be helpful.

Paul will make every effort to submit this information before April 30,  2004.

Thanks,
Paul Davidson VE3UUM
Ontario Section Emergency Coordinator

==========

July 22-25 2004   Central States VHF Conference

The Ontario VHF Association will be hosting the Central States VHF Conference this year on July 22-25 at the Delta Meadowvale Resort ( 401 & Mississagua Rd. ) and have a planned visit for those arriving on the Thursday, July 22

I know that not everyone will be interested in the conference itself but I can ask Peter, VE3AX if we could be part of the visiting group to the museum. The conference itself is a huge undertaking by this group and I thought a little support from some of the locals might be appreciated. I plan on taking in some of the activities during that weekend since there are speakers from across Canada and the US. ( These guy's are some of the brightest minds in the game )

Some topics are...Broadband over powerlines ( a topic we should all be interested in ), moonbounce, getting started in VHF/UHF, antenna heights for 6 meter Spradic E, and contesting techniques. A hospitality suite will be open on Friday night from 7 PM to midnight and I'm sure Peter will have videos etc. of the visit to the Algonquin radio site for their Moonbounce adventures.

(Paul, VE3EU)

Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club  Meeting

Our meetings consist of a short business portion, a coffee break for socializing, and a presentation normally related to radio.  Every meeting also features a raffle open to all attendees and a door prize for members.

• April 19, 2004: Our "Home Brew Night"
• May 10, 2004: Ed, VE4YU, will be giving a presentation on "Digital Communication"
• June 14, 2004: TBA

Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month. The meeting will be on the third Monday if the second is a statutory holiday. No meetings are held in July & August  Mettings are held in the theatre or cafateria of  Sturgeon Creek Regional Secondary School  Ness Ave. at Thompson Dr. in Winnipeg 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome!

Club Website:  http://ve4.net/warc

America's

Apr. 16, 2004 Tad Cook K7RA Solar Update

Geomagnetic activity was pleasantly quiet this week, but sunspot and solar flux numbers were way down. Average daily sunspot numbers for the week were down over 44 points to 33.4, and solar flux was down 15 points to 91.5. Spring is a nice time of year for HF propagation, except that activity this low will reduce openings on 15, 12 and 10 meters.

Currently sunspot 591 is rotating away from earth while 592 and 594 are coming into full view. However, these are not large spots. Solar flux is expected to rise above 100 this weekend, April 17-18, and reach a peak around 120 on or near April 24. There is a small possibility of a coronal mass ejection from 591 today.

On April 8 and 10 energy from a couple of coronal mass ejections hit earth, but both were tame. They were enough to cause a rise in geo-activity near Polar Regions. Alaska's college A index at Fairbanks rose to 30 on April 8, but the mid-latitude and planetary A index were just 16.

The ARRL Technical Information Service (TIS) has a resource page devoted to propagation. Within the next few weeks I hope to get a couple of new items written by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, concerning propagation prediction software posted there. These are short practical pieces about two free programs, VOACAP, and the W6ELprop software. The W6EL program is the one used for making the occasional path predictions in this bulletin.

For more information concerning propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the TIS Propagation page on the ARRL Web site at:  www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html

Sunspot numbers for April 8 through 14 were 33, 18, 20, 16, 37, 41 and 69 with a mean of 33.4. 10.7 cm flux was 93.5, 90, 87.7, 89.6, 91.3, 93.1 and 95.2, with a mean of 91.5. Estimated planetary A indices were 16, 16, 10, 8, 11, 6 and 5, with a mean of 10.3.

(W1AW)

Europe

Apr. 18 2004 GB2RS Propagation Update

Solar activity started at very low levels but on Monday and Tuesday but increased to moderate when a M class solar flare took place on both days. However, on Wednesday activity returned to very low levels. Solar flux levels declined from 109 units to 94 by Thursday, the average was 103. The 90 day solar flux average on the 8th was 110 units. X-ray flux levels remained steady throughout. Geomagnetic activity was mostly unsettled. The most disturbed day was the 3rd with an Ap index of 23 units. The average was Ap 16 units. The ACE spacecraft reported solar wind speeds between 370 and 570 kilometres per second and densities declined from 30 particles per cubic centimetre to a more normal value of around 5 particles per cubic centimetre.

Looking at the 3B9C log book via the Internet over 141 thousand contacts have been made up to the 8th. As expected, even though HF band conditions have suffered from the increase in geomagnetic activity and seasonal changes the 3B9C Dxpedition have been available on most bands everyday. Overall though HF bands continue their downward trend towards summertime conditions. During the afternoon and evening of the 3rd an aurora was reported from most of the UK. Even though the mag storm lasted for the following 24 hours no reports was received. Interestingly, also on the 3rd, there was a magnetopause crossing of the GOES 12 satellite.

And finally the solar forecast. This week the quiet side of the Sun is expected to rotate out of view. Solar activity should start at very low levels but could increase later in the week. Solar flux levels are expected to increase and by next weekend be around 120 units. Geomagnetic activity should be quiet to unsettled levels for most of the week. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be about 24MHz for the south and 21MHz for the north. The darkness hour lows is expected to be around 10MHz. Paths this week to Australia should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of about 22MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate of around 18MHz. The best time to try this path will be 1000 and 1500 hours UTC.

(RSGB)

Apr. 16 2004   Expedition 9 headed to the ISS

The International Space Station's next set of ham radio residents will arrive this month.  Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Mike Fincke are slated to launch to orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on April 18. They will arrive at the I-S-S on April 21 to replace Expedition 8 explorers Mike Foale, KB5UAC, and Sasha Kaleri, U8MIR.

Padalka is a space flight veteran having spent 198 days aboard the Russian Mir space station in 1999. On the other hand, Expedition 9 is Fincke's first trip to space. Both are hams. Fincke holds the call sign KE5AIT and Padalka is RN3DT.

European Space Agency Astronaut Andr‚ Kuipers will also travel to the Station with Fincke and Padalka and return to Earth with Expedition 8 about nine days later. Padalka and Fincke will then spend about six months on-orbit. Their tasks include maintaining ISS operations, continuing science operations, conducting two spacewalks and operating the ham radio station as time permits. Their tour of duty is scheduled to end in late October when the Expedition 10 crew rockets up to replace them.

(ANS, ARISS, MAREX)

========

Note: For information about Amateur Radio on the International Space Station "ARISS" visit the ARISS English language
web site:  www.rac.ca/ariss

Note: "Hams in Action" is a new area in the bulletin and is in need of articles and stories of events from your local club or ARES Group. Submission to Hams in Action:  Bulletin Editor: va3ku@rac.ca

=============

Dufferin County Canwarn Training

April 25th. CANWARN training session at the galaxy Theatre Orangeville. Time to be announced. [tentative 8.30am]  Added attraction, thunder and lightening show by Phil Chadwick. Contact  Paul Chantree, VE3PWZ  519-925-5010

(Glenn VE3GNA RAC OBS)

==============

Apr. 21 2004 Kitchener Waterloo Amateur Radio Club  2004 Canwarn Training

Our annual CANWARN spotter training will be will be held at the University of Waterloo, 7PM in the Engineering Lecture Theatre on Wednesday, April 21st. This is the same location as last year. For 2004, the severe weather program images have been re-worked by Mr. Phil Chadwick, Environment Canada's leading severe weather expert. Usually CANWARN is reserved to ham operators only, but this year Environment Canada officials are asking for anyone who is interested to attend. If you have a friend who isn't a ham, but they're interested in Summer severe weather, please bring them with you.

Our weather portion speaker will be Rob Kuhn, a severe weather forecaster, teaming with Scott Keddie, VE3IPE, who will address the Net Protocol portion of the program.

If you are interested in becoming a CANWARN spotter, recognizing and reporting summer severe weather events to Net Control, as well as helping your community, please plan to attend.

Thanks goes to Ed Spike VE3TCK for arranging the location at the University of Waterloo (same place as last year) on Wednesday April 21, 7:00pm start time.

Complete detail on the Club Website: www.kwarc.org/canwarn
 

(Ron Gravelle VA3TVS)
CANWARN Manager

==============

Emergency Management Ontario needs your help.

We are looking to assemble a team of Amateur Radio Operators to man the Amateur Radio Station at the Provincial Operations Centre located in downtown Toronto.

In case of an emergency in Ontario, we require a number of Amateurs willing to man the Amateur Radio Station handling emergency communications. You do not have to be a RAC member or current ARES member to register with the Provincial Operation Centre ARES Group.

There are some orientation meetings involved to familiarise operators with the station and operations.

Any amateur living in the Toronto area interested in serving their community and the Province in this important role may contact the Emergency Co-ordinator for full details.

Thank you for you co-operation and support.

Jim Taylor VA3KU
POC-ARES-EC
416 466 9361
va3ku@look.ca

Apr. 13 2004  Ham Radio for Dummies Now Available

Thought the For Dummies series of how-to guides was only aimed at computer users? The wide-ranging series now also covers Amateur Radio. Authored by QST Contributing Editor H. Ward Silver, N0AX, Ham Radio for Dummies hit both online and retail outlet bookstores April 12.

"I wanted to write the kind of book that I wanted when I was starting out," Silver said. "The ARRL Handbook can be a little intimidating for someone who's just starting to learn about ham radio, and a lot of the little books don't give enough information."

Silver says his book is intended to be a bridge. "For someone who's just passed his or her first exam, this can be a 'desktop Elmer.' Utility was incredibly high in mind as I wrote this book."

The 384-page book is also intended for people who are inclined to be attracted to things like Amateur Radio, Silver said. Those who are into technical gadgets, want to expand their use of wireless communication or are just looking for a fun new hobby can benefit from the book, he said.
 

Ham Radio for Dummies got its start last year when representatives of Wiley Press, which owns the For Dummies series, approached the ARRL in search for an author. ARRL Media Relations Manager Jennifer Hagy, N1TDY, suggested Silver--a prolific author on all things ham radio. Silver was up to the challenge of writing for the series that covers--among other things--computers, finances, leisure, health and travel. They even have new books called Sleep Disorders for Dummies and Being Vegetarian for Dummies.

"They asked me some questions about marketing, and I let them know what ham radio is and what it is not," Silver said. "I proposed an outline, and, after several reviews I started writing in September [2003] and was finished by Christmas. They gave me their well-known Dummies structure with icons, lists and humor to work within, which fit well with my natural and breezy writing style. I wrote it so it would feel like someone was just sitting down with the reader and answering their questions. There's a lot of reference material, pointers, tips and other useful stuff. It's an open and friendly type of book."

(ARRL News Service)

Contest News

Michigan QSO Party--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Mad River Radio Club, from 1600Z Apr 17-0400Z Apr 18, no time limit. Bands: 80-10 meters. Frequencies: CW--45 kHz from band edge, Phone (MHz)--3.850, 7.225, 14.250, 21.300, 28.450. Work stations once per band and mode, MI-to-MI QSOs allowed, mobiles and portables can be worked from each county. Categories: SO, MO, and Mobile. Exchange: serial number and MI county or S/P/C. QSO Points: CW--2 pts, Phone--1 pt. Multipliers for MI stations are states, provinces and MI counties; multipliers for non-MI stations are MI counties. Multipliers count once per mode. Score: QSO points × multipliers. For more information:www.miqp.org/  Logs due 30 days after the contest to logs@miqp.org or Mad River Radio Club, c/o Dave Pruett, 2727 Harris Rd. Ypsilanti, MI 48198.

YU DX Contest--CW/SSB--sponsored by SRJ (Amateur Radio Union of Yugoslavia) and YUDXC (YU DX Club) from 1200Z Apr 17-1200Z Apr 18. Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SO-CW, SO-SSB, SO-Mixed, MS. Exchange: RST + ITU Zone. QSO Points: with own zone--1 pt, own continent--3 pts, diff cont--5 pts. Score: QSO points × ITU zones + YU prefixes (counted once per band). For more information: http://solair.eunet.yu/~yu1ab/awards/rules.htm  Logs due 30 days after the contest to 2004@yudx.net or Savez radio-amatera Jugoslavije, YU DX Contest, PO Box 48, 11001 Beograd, Yugoslavia.

GACW DX Contest "Mr Samuel Morse Party"--CW--sponsored by the Grupo Argentino de Radiotelegrafia (GACW) from 1200Z Apr 17-1200Z Apr 18. Frequencies: 80-10 meters, everyone works everyone format. Categories: SO-SB and SO-AB (HP, LP and QRP), MS and MM categories, no time limit. MS category subject to 10-min band change rule--see Web site. Exchange: RST and CQ Zone. QSO Points: same continent--1 point, diff cont--3 pts, DX-to-South America add 2 points, own country--0 pts (but counts for zone and country credit). Score is QSO points × DXCC, WAE and GACW countries + CQ Zones from each band. For information and software:  http://gacw.no-ip.org  Logs due May 30 to uranito@infovia.com.ar (ASCII text) or GACW DX Contest, PO Box 9, B1875ZAA Wilde, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

TARA Skirmish--Digital Prefix Contest--sponsored by Troy ARA,0000Z-2400Z Apr 17. Frequencies: 160-6 meters, work stations once per band. Categories: High, Low (<100 W), Great (<20 W), QRP (<5 W), SWL. Exchange: Name and Prefix. Score: QSOs × WPX prefixes × power multiplier. (High ×0.5, Low ×1, Great ×2, QRP ×3) Multipliers count only once. For more information: www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_dpx_rules.html or skirmish-manager@n2ty.org. Logs due May 15 via the contest score entry form at http://n2ty.org/seasons/tara_dpx_score.html

Holyland DX Contest--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Israel Amateur Radio Club from0000Z-2359Z Apr 17. Frequencies: 160-10 meters according to IARU Region I band plan, work Israeli stations once per band and mode. Categories: SO (Mixed Mode, CW, SSB), MS, MM, SWL. Exchange RST and serial number or Israel district. QSO Points: 1.8 or 3.5 MHz--2 pts; other bands 1 pt. Score: QSO Points × districts counted once per band. For more information: www.iarc.org/  Logs due May 31 to 4Z4KX@iarc.org or Contest Manager 4Z4KX , Israel Amateur Radio Club, Box 17600, Tel Aviv, 61176, Israel.

ES Open HF Championship--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Estonian Radio Amateurs Union from0500Z-0859Z Apr 17. Frequencies: 80 and 40 meters. Categories: SO (SSB, CW, Mixed), MS, SWL. Exchange: RST and serial numbers, Duplicate QSOs allowed once per hour (see Web site). QSO Points: SSB--1 pt, CW--2 pts. Score: QSO Points × ES prefixes counted once per band and mode. For more information:www.erau.ee/index.php?newlang=eng  Logs due Jun 1 to esopen@erau.ee or Toomas Soomets, ES5RY, PO Box 177, Tartu, 50002 Estonia.

Ontario QSO Party--CW/Phone--sponsored by the Ontario DX Association from 1800Z Apr 17-1800Z Apr 18. Frequencies (MHz): SSB--1.870, 3.735, 3.860, 7.070, 7.260, 14.130, 14.265, 21.260, 28.360; CW--30 kHz above band edges; VHF-SSB: 50.130, 144.205, 432.105; VHF-FM 52.540, 146.550, 446.1, no repeater QSOs. Categories: SOAB and SOSB (HP, LP <150 W HF and 50 W VHF, QRP <5 W) in CW, Phone, and Mixed Modes, SO VHF FM QRP (<5 W), MS, SWL, Mobile, Rover. Exchange: RS(T) and S/P/C or Ontario QTH. QSO Points: HF SSB--1 pt, HF CW--2 pts, VHF--5 pts (work stations once per VHF band), 10 bonus pts for each QSO with VE3ODX and VA3RAC. Score is QSO Points × Ontario QTHs (non-VE3 stations) or S/P/C + Ontario QTHs (mults count once per band). For more information: www.odxa.on.ca/oqphome.html  Logs due May 31 to ve3agc@rac.ca or Ontario QSO Party, Ontario DX Association, PO Box 161, Station "A," Willowdale, ON M2N 5S8, Canada.

EA QRP Contest--CW, sponsored by the EA QRP Club from 1700Z Apr 17-1300Z Apr 18. Frequencies: 80-10-meters (see Web site for operating periods). Categories: QRP (< 5 W) and QRPp (<1 W). Exchange: RST and EA province or EA QRP number or serial number. QSO Points: QRP--1 pt, QRPp--2 pts. Score: QSO points × EA provinces + EA QRP members + DXCC entities on each band. For more information: www.eaqrp.com  Logs due 30 days after the contest to ea1bp@yahoo.es or Vocalia de concursos (Concurso CW), PO Box 73, E-46182, La Canada (Valencia), Spain.

Florida QSO Party--sponsored by the Florida Contest Group from 1600Z April 24-0159Z April 25 and 1200Z-2159Z April 25, 20 hours max, work FL stations. Frequencies (MHz): CW--35 kHz from band edges, Phone--7.260, 14.260, 21.335, and 28.485, no 160 or 80 meters, VHF/UHF. Categories: SO, MS, MM (one signal per band), Mobile (SO and SO+driver), School Club, SWL, all categories can enter as HP/LP (150 W) or QRP (5 W) and Mixed Mode/CW/SSB (except MM and SWL). Exchange: RST and FL county or S/P/C. QSO Points: CW--2 pts, SSB--1 pt. Score: FL stations--QSO points × S/P/C (W/VE/KH6/KL7 do not count as DXCC entities) × power multiplier; non-FL stations--QSO points × FL counties × power multiplier. All multipliers count once per mode. Power multiplier--HP ×1, LP ×2, QRP ×3. For more information: www.floridaqsoparty.org Logs due May 25 via the Web log entry page at:  www.b4h.net/cabforms/flqp_cab.php or to logs@floridaqsoparty.org (ASCII text or Cabrillo format) or Florida QSO Party, c/o Ron Wetjen, WD4AHZ, 5362 Castleman Dr, Sarasota, FL 34232.

Nebraska QSO Party--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Heartland DX Association 1700Z Apr 24-1700Z Apr 25. Frequencies (MHz): 160-2 meters; CW--1.805 and 35 kHz above band edge; Phone--1.915, 3.865, 7.265, 14.265, 21.365, 28.465, 146.460; Novices/Technicians--10 kHz above band edge and 28.460. Categories: SO, MS, Mobile. Work stations once per band/mode and NE mobile stations can be worked again in each county. County lines count as one QSO. Exchange: RST and NE county or S/P/C. QSO Points: CW--2 pts, Phone--1 pt. Score is QSO Points × S/P/C for NE stations or NE counties (multipliers count once only) × Power Multiplier (QRP ×3, LP ×2, HP ×1). For more information:www.qsl.net/hdxa Logs due May 31 to NEQP2004@alltel.net (ASCII text) or Nebraska QSO Party, PO Box 375, Elkhorn, NE 68022-0375.

Kentucky QSO Party--CW/SSB/RTTY/PSK31 --sponsored by Bullitt Amateur Radio Society from 1600Z Apr 24-0400Z Apr 25. Frequencies (MHz): SSB: ±20 kHz above General class band edge; CW: 3.55, 7.05, 14.05, 21.05 and 28.05. Categories: Entries will be SO-Single Mode (SSB, CW, Digital), SO-Mixed, Rover. Work stations once on each mode and band (RTTY and PSK31 are considered separate QSOs). Work Rover stations in each county. Exchange: Name and KY county or S/P/C. QSO Points: SSB--1 pt, CW/Digital/Rover--2 pts. Score: QSO Points × KY counties (KY stations count S/P/C) + QSO with KY4KY. For more information:www.qsl.net/ky4ky/kyqsopartyrules.html  Logs due 10 days following the contest to kc4wq@arrl.net or KY QSO Party, c/o KC4WQ, 1229 Zoneton Rd, Shepherdsville, KY 40165.

Helvetia Contest--CW/SSB/Digital--sponsored by Union of Swiss Short Wave Amateurs (USKA) from 1300Z Apr 24-1300Z Apr 25. Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SO-Mixed, SO-QRP, SO-Digital, MO-Digital, MO-Mixed, SWL. Exchange: RST and serial number (Swiss stations add canton abbreviation). QSO Points: 3 pts/QSO. Score: QSO points × Swiss cantons (Swiss stations also count DXCC entities). For more information: www.uska.ch/html/en/index_e.htm   Logs due 31 days after the contest to contest@uska.ch or USKA HF Traffic Manager, Hermann Stein, HB9CRV, Brüelmatten 13, 4410 Liestal BL, Switzerland.

Apr. 24 & 25  2004  QCWA Special Event

The Fred Hammond Chapter 73 of the Quarter Century Wireless Association will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Chapter with a Special Event station on April 24 & 25th, 2004 1300Z to 2100Z each day.

Operation will be from the Hammond Museum of Radio using the call  VE3HC starting on the following frequencies as conditions permit.  3762.5  3890   7244   14262   21365   28325

QSL to
Hammond Museum of Radio VE3BJ
595 Southgate Dr. Guelph, ON
N1G 3W6

For more info visite their website at  www.qcwa.ca  or contact Harold VE3DWH at  ve3dwh@rac.ca

(Harold VE3DWH)

===========

Special Event station VE3BPQ

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Elvis Festival In Collingwood Ontario Canada on Saturday July 24 2004. The Collingwood Elective Radio Teaching School and Collingwood Amateur Radio Club would like you to contact us on: 7.180 and 14.180 or alternate Frequencies of 3.780 and 28.360, between  8am and 6pm local time. Certificates are available by sending your QSL Card and a SASE - Prepaid 9x11 envelope to address below.

VE3BPQ
248 Birch Street
Collingwood Ontario
Canada
L9Y 2V6
Larry, VE3SPQ

===========

Lexington, KY: Aviation Museum of Kentucky, KY4AMK. 0300Z Apr 16-2200Z Apr 17. Scoutworld 2004. 28.450 21.070 14.070 7.070. QSL. Aviation Museum of Kentucky, PO Box 4118, Lexington, KY 40544. www.aviationky.org

Ashland, OH: Ashland Area Amateur Radio Club, W8O. 1200Z-1900Z Apr 17. Ashland County Earth Day 2004. 7.300 7.025 4.000 3.525. Certificate. AAARC/W8RPS, 834 CR 30A, Ashland, OH 44805.

Jacksonville, TX: Cherokee County Amateur Radio Club, K5JVL. 1500Z Apr 17-0500Z Apr 18. 3rd Annual Drakes on the Lake Special Event Station. 21.375 14.275 7.275 3.875. Certificate. Cherokee County ARC, 840 Henderson St, Jacksonville, TX 75766. www.k5jvl.org

Hawthorne, NJ: Bergen Amateur Radio Association, K2BAR. 1300Z-2000Z Apr 17. 11th Annual Earth Day Celebration. 28.350 21.350 14.250. Certificate. Fred Buchner, 202 10th Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506.

Piscataway, NJ: Piscataway Amateur Radio Club, K2VOA. 0000Z-2400Z Apr 18. Former Voice of America relay station WBOU. 28.370 21.370 14.270 7.270. Certificate. Bill Toth, 6 Rivercrest Dr, Piscataway, NJ 08854.

Hopkinton, MA: Southboro Rod and Gun ARC, W1SRG. 0000Z-2400Z Apr 19. Boston Marathon. 14.225. QSL. W1SRG, PO Box 1276, Westboro, MA 01581.

Millville, NJ: Millville Army Airfield Museum, N2M. 0401Z Apr 20-1600Z May 3. 2004 AmExpo and Wheels & Wings Air Show. 448.525 146.655 14.275 3.925. QSL. Millville Army Airfield Museum "AMEXPO," Bldg 1 Millville Airport, Millville, NJ 08332. www.p47millville.org

Brainerd, MN: Brainerd Area Amateur Radio Club, W0UJ. 1400Z-2200Z Apr 24. Crosby MN--Birthplace of the Space Age? 28.450 21.350 14.250. Certificate. BAARC, PO Box 801, Brainerd, MN 56401. www.brainerdham.org

East Meadow, NY: Nassau Amateur Radio Club, K2VN. 1500Z-2000Z Apr 24. Commemorating Scout Walk 2004. 14.240 7.240. Certificate. Jim Mezey, W2KFV, 38 Appletree Ln, Carle Place, NY 11514. www.nassauarc.org

Guelph, Ontario, Canada: Quarter Century Wireless Association, VE3HC. 1300-2100Z Apr 24 and 1300-2100Z Apr 25. 30th anniversary of Fred Hammond Chapter 73 QCWA. 28.325 21.365 14.263 7.244 3.890. QSL. Hammond Museum of Radio VE3BJ, 595 Southgate Dr, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 3W6. www.qcwa.ca

Manitowoc, WI: USS Cobia Radio Club/Mancorad Radio Club, N9BQV. 1400Z Apr 24-2200Z Apr 25. WWII USS COBIA AGSS-245 sub radio reactivation. 28.343 21.343 14.243 7.243. QSL. Fred Neuenfeldt, W6BSF, 4932 S 10th St, Manitowoc, WI 54220. www.qsl.net/w9dk

Cleburne, TX: TAEC & Johnson County Amateur Radio Clubs, K5AEC. 1500Z Apr 24-2400Z Apr 25. Johnson county 150 centenninal celebration. 14.250. QSL. Gerald Mohr, 1000 CR 414, Cleburne, TX 76031.

Wells County, IN: Grant County Amateur Radio Club, W9EBN. 1700Z-2200Z Apr 25. McNatt United Methodist Church Ham Radio Fellowship Event. 146.79 28.410 14.226 7.228. Certificate. L. B. Nickerson, 517 N Hendricks Ave, Marion, IN 46952. www.grantarc.com

Mt Clemens, MI: Utica Shelby Emergency Communications Association, W8A. 1200Z-1700Z Apr 25. March of Dimes Walk America 2004. 14.275 7.275. Certificate. USECA, PO Box 46331, Mt Clemens, MI 48046.

Millville, NJ: Millville Army Airfield Museum, N2M. 0800Z Apr 30-1900Z May 2. 2004 AmExpo and Wheels & Wings Air Show. 448.525 146.655 14.275 3.925. QSL. MAAFM/AmExpo, 1 Leddon St, Millville Airport, Millville, NJ 08332. www.p47millville.org

Apr. 15 2004   ARLD015 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

AZERBAIJAN, 4J.  Inna, 4J0R has been QRV on 20 meters using RTTY around 1800z.  QSL direct.

MALAWI, 7Q.  Look for G4AXX, GU4CHY, G4EDG, G4JVG and M5RIC to be QRV as 7Q7MM from April 18 to May 1.  Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters, using CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK and possibly FM on 10 meters.  QSL via G3LQP.

MALDIVES, 8Q.  Pierre, HB9QQ is QRV as 8Q7QQ until April 27. Activity is on 30, 17 and 12 meters.  QSL direct to home call.

CUBA, CO.  Jose, CO3VK is active as CO3VK/4 from La Juventud Island, IOTA NA-056, until April 18 while taking part in the Festival de la Toronja.  He is active on 20 meters using SSB and possibly on 40 meters as well around 2000 and 0000z, and then again around 0500z. QSL via IZ8EBI.

ESTONIA, ES.  Vello, ES1QD and Oleg, ES1RA are QRV from Muhu Island, IOTA EU-034, until April 19.  QSL to home calls.

THAILAND, HS.  Members of the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand are QRV as HS72B until the end of 2004 to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's 72nd birthday.  Activity is on all bands, including the newer ones.  QSL via operators' instructions.

ITALY, I.  Look for IC8/IZ8DDG, IC8/IZ8DQH, IC8/IZ8FAV, IC8/IZ8FDH, IC8/IW8DON, IC8/IZ7ATL to be QRV from Prodida Island, IOTA EU-031, April 24 and 25.  Activity will be on all HF bands, including 6 and 2 meters, using CW and SSB.  QSL to home calls.

MONGOLIA, JT.  Baatar, JT1BG is QRV as JV45D until May 10 to commemorate the 45th Anniversary of the Dornod Radio Club. Meanwhile, JU45D is active from Choibalsan in Eastern Mongolia.  QSL JV45D via JT1BG and JU45D via JT2AN.

MIDWAY ISLAND, KH4.  Jeff, KA1GJ expects to operate as KA1GJ/KH4 from April 23 to 25.  His activity will depend on the current condition of the club station's antennas.  Otherwise, activity will be on 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meters.  QSL via V73GJ.

GREENLAND, OX.  Jan, OX3DB has been QRV using RTTY on 20 meters around 1500z.  QSL direct.

SUDAN, ST.  Magdi, ST2M has been QRV on 17 and 12 meters around 0900 and 1200z, respectively.  He is usually active on 20 meters around 0300z and then around 0630z.  QSL direct.

MOUNT ATHOS, SV/A.  Monk Apollo, SV2ASP/A has been QRV on 20 meters around 0600z and later on a net around 2100z.  QSL direct.

WEST KIRIBATI, T30.  Dave, K3LP will be QRV as T30LP from Tarawa from April 19 to 23.  QSL to home call.

SYRIA, YK.  Saad, YK1BA has been QRV on 80 meters around 0300z.  QSL via N5FF.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The Michigan QSO Party, TARA Skirmish Digital Prefix Contest, ES Open HF Championship, YU DX Contest, GACW CW DX Contest, GEM Net World Wide Contest, Holyland DX Contest, EU Spring CW Sprint, EA-QRP CW Contest and the Ontario QSO Party will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend.  Please see April QST, page 106 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.

============

Apr. 17 2004  425 DX News

A4 === A group  of operators  is currently  active as  A43HI from  the  Al Halaniyat Islands (AS-010). On 15 April they reported they would be there for "another three or four days". QSL via A47RS. [TNX A47RS]

5N === Vlado, ZS6MG will be on a  business trip to Nigeria on 20-30 April and will try to be active as 5N0DKV/6 on the HF bands and 6 metres. Operations will depend on a day to day business activities and most likely will be after 16 UTC. [TNX ZS6MG]

6Y === Look for Riccardo, 6Y5/IZ5EBL and Rossella, 6Y5/IZ5BRO to be active from Jamaica (NA-097) until 19 April. They operate on 10-40  metres SSB, CW and PSK31. QSL via home calls. [TNX IZ5EBL]

9L === Massimo, 9L1MS was unable to reach Sherbro Island (AF-056) on 10 April, but he will try again later in the year. He has also plans to return to Banana (AF-037), but please note that owing to his hectic working schedule, he canot give any advance information until a few hours before he actually leaves.

CE === A group of operators from Radio Club Arica (namely CA1WJB,  CE1BPY, CE1LYF, CE1LXT, CE1POT, CE1RQB, CE1VLY, CE2WUI and XQ1IDM) will be active (on 160-6 metres SSB, CW, RTTY and BPSK31) as 3G1E from the lighthouse Peninsula del  Alacran (CHI-061) on 5-6  June. QSL via CE1FA. [TNX XQ1IDM]

CO === Jose, CO3VK will is active as CO3VK/4 from La Juventud (NA-056) until 18 April. He is taking  part in the "Festival de la  Toronja" and operates (on 20 metres SSB,  low power with a wire antenna) in his free time, typically on 20-24 UTC  and and from 5 UTC until he goes to sleep. QSL via IZ8EBI. [TNX IZ8EBI]

DL === Look for DL8RL, DL8DZL, DF3UFW and DL2DSL to be active from Usedom Island (EU-129, O-13 for the German Islands Award) on 23-30  April. They also plan to operate from Schlossinsel (O-31)  and  Grosser Wotig (O-35). QSl via bureau. [TNX VA3RJ]

DU === 4F1OZ, 4F1FZ, 4F1EAA, 4F2XX, 4F2KWT and DY1PDO plan to operate (on 10, 15, 20 and 40 metres CW  and SSB) from Fuga Island (OC-092) on 24-26 April. [TNX The Daily DX]

EU === Andrei, NP3D will be visiting his parents and friends in Minsk, Belarus on 17-27 April. He will operate as EW1AR on all modes and bands and will participate in the SP DX RTTY Contest SOAB LP.  QSL via W3HNK. [TNX NP3D]

GM === Members of the West of Scotland ARS and Scottish HAM Portal team will be active on all bands and  modes as GB0SHP on 19-25 April to present new Scottish Ham Portal (http://www.scotham.net) on the air. QSL  bureau or  direct to  P.O. Box  7469, Glasgow,  G42 OYD, Scotland, UK. [TNX MM0DFV]

HS === Arrangements are being made to use HS72B at the new HS0AC Club Station which is scheduled to start operations  on 1 May and by HS0ZDZ for SEANET net control and 40m net control, in addition to the SEANET Convention in November 2004.  HS72B [425DXN 675],  which was already used from Koh Chang  (AS-125) on 12-17 April, is a special callsign issued to the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen's 72nd birthday. The HS72B  licence authorizes operations to take place also on the WARC bands. QSL for all HS72B activities until 31 December 2004  via E20NTS.  [TNX HS0ZDZ/G3NOM]

I === Special station IY5PIS will be activated from Coltano (Pisa) from 8 to 18 UTC  on 24 April  during the International  Marconi Day  (see "Good To  Know"). QSL  via IZ5DMC,  direct or  bureau.  Information including pictures  on  this Marconi  site (from where, in 1910, Marconi succeeded in sending the first radio message ever to reach Africa from Europe) can be found at http://www.gb4imd.co.uk/coltano,.htm [TNX IK5ZTT]

I === Vesuvio DX Team operators IZ8DDG, IZ8DQH, IZ8FAV, IZ8FDH, IW8DON and IZ7ATL will operate (on HF, 6  and 2 metres SSB and CW) as IC8/homecall from Procida Island  (EU-031,  IIA NA-002) on 24-25 April. QSL via home call. [TNX IZ8DDG]

I === Special call IR0HM will be aired on all bands and modes on 3-7 May and during the Ham Meeting that will take place at Cassino on the 8-9th. QSL via  I7YKN (Nuccio Meoli,  P.O. Box  66, 73010  Porto Cesareo - LE, Italy). [TNX I7YKN]

I === Andrea, IZ0EHO will operate on SSB and digital modes as IB0/IZ0EHO from Ponza (EU-045, IIA LT-001) on 14-28 June. QSL via home call. [TNX IZ0EHO]

JA === Look for  JL2LRO/6 to operate (on  6-15  metres SSB) from Miyako Island (AS-079, JIIA-079-005)  on 17-19 April.  QSL via home call. [TNX JI6KVR]

JA === Joe, JA4PXE and Kou, JH4WXV expect to be active (on 160-6 metres CW and SSB) as JA4PXE/6 and  JH4WXV/6  from Uji  Island  (AS-067, JIIA-067-009) from about 21 UTC on 28 April until about 15 UTC on 1 May. The operation will depend on weather conditions. QSL via  home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX JE2QYZ]

JT === Three special event calls - namely  JU45D  and  JV45D (from Ulaanbaatar) and JT45D (from Choibalsan, Eastern Mongolia) -  will be aired until 15 May to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Dornod Radio Club (JT2KAA), the second amateur radio club in Mongolia. QSL via JT2AN (P.O.Box 94,  Dornod, Mongolia). [TNX JT1CD]

KL === Scott, K7ZO will be active as K7ZO/KL7 from Adak Island (NA-039) on 16-20 May. He expects to operate mostly on 20 metres SSB using 100watts into a vertical or dipole antennas. QSL via home call. [TNX K7ZO]

OX === Frank, DL2SWW and Ric, DL2VFR will be leaving Germany on 22 April, with Maniitsoq Island  (NA-220) as their final destination for a12-day operation  [425DXN  661].  They  have added RTTY (expect activity on 20 metres) to SSB and  CW; as for 160 metres, they say that "if there  is a chance, we are prepared. But don't expect  it!". QSL OX/DL2SWW and OX/DL2VFR via home calls, direct or bureau. The web page for the expedition is at http://www.iota-expedition.com [TNX DL2VFR]

SM === SM7DAY, SM7NGH and others will operate on most bands CW and SSB from Ven Island (EU-137) on 19-21 April. QSl via home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX SM7NGH]

SP === Special event station SP0EURO will be active on all bands and modes from 28 April to 3 May to celebrate the accession of Poland to the European Union. QSL via SP9PKZ. [TNX SP9GKM]

SV5 === Ermanno, IK2WZD will be active on all bands and modes as SV0XAN/5 from Lipsi (Leipsoi), Dodecanese (EU-001) from 1 May until the end of October. QSL via home call. [TNX IK2WZD]

T30 === Dave, K3LP (one of the T33C team members) expects to operate as T30LP from Tarawa, Western Kiribati on  19-23 April [TNX The  Daily DX]

TK === Romek, SQ5RK reports he will participate in the SP DX RTTY Contest on 24-25 April as TK/SQ5RK from Corsica. QSL via home call, bureau or direct.

V4 === Larry, KJ4UY (V47UY) will operate (SSB with some RTTY, PSK and slow CW) from Nevis on 23-30 April. Look for him on 10-20 metres in the daytime and 160-40 metres at night. He will monitor 6 metres all the time. QSL via home call (US stations direct only, others either direct or through the bureau). [TNX The Daily DX]

V8 & 9M === The callsigns  to be  used by  Ian (9M2/G3TMA), Derek (G3KHZ) and Maury (IZ1CRR) during their forthcoming  Borneo IOTA  DXpedition [425DXN 675] are V8PMB from Pulau Muara Besar (OC-184, 22-27 April) and 9M8PSB from Pulau Satang Besar (OC-165, 30 April - 4 May). QSL via G3KHZ, direct or bureau.

VK === Wally/VK6YS, Dan/VK8AN,  Bruce/KD6WW and Ron/VK8NRI are still on track for Viney Island, Bonaparte  Archipelago (OC-???) from  23/24 April for 4-5 days and also  for Long Island  (OC-071) from  27/28 April to 2 May [425DXN 670]. They will be signing VK6AN from Viney and VK6LI from Long Island. Owing to the limited availability of transport, they will have two transceivers and vertical antennas, with the possibility of a tribander for 10,15 and 20m. Plans are to operate CW, SSB and PSK31 and to work "very hard at making as many NA and EU operators as happy as we can". QSL for both operations direct to VK4AAR (Alan Roocroft,  P.O. Box 421,  Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia). [TNX VK6YS]

VP8_sg === Mike, GM0HCQ (VP8CMH/MM from the RRS "James Clark Ross") expects to be able to operate as VP8SGK from South Georgia "at some stage" between 15 and 19 April. Operating times will most likely be from 20.00 UTC  to 00.00 UTC, initially on 14018 kHz. If he can get ashore earlier in the day then he may well try to work on 10 or 12 metres. On 19 April the ship will depart South Georgia for the Falkland Islands, arriving on the 23rd. This will the final call into the Falklands before the ship heads back to the UK. VP8CMH/MM will then be QRT until the next Antarctic summer. QSL via  GM0HCQ, either direct (Mike Gloistein, 27  Stormont Way, Scone, Perthshire PH2 6SP, Scotland) or through the RSGB   bureau.   [TNX http://www.gm0hcq.com/]

W === Rob, N3RW will operate from Anacapa Island (NA-144)  in July. He will arrive on the island at about 16 UTC on 14 July and will leave at about 23 UTC on the 16th. Main operations will be on 15 and 20 metres SSB; he will also use 17m and 30m as conditions allow. Rob will be joined  by Jack,  KG6RWI for this activity. QSL via home call.

ZL === The Wairarapa Branch (Branch 46) of  NZART will be operating the special callsign ZM6CL until the end of May to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the main Wairarapa town of Masterton.Tony,  ZL2AGY and other club members will operate the call over the period from their home stations. QSL via bureau. [TNX ZL2AGY]

Good to Know

ANTARCTIC  BASES === WABA Directory 2003  is the official source of information for the IOTA Programme on Antarctic Base stations. It acts as an extension of the IOTA Directory, providing the IOTA reference number as well as a wealth of detailed historical information on each base. The Directory is downloadable from the 425 DX  News website at  http://www.425dxn.org  [TNX G3KMA]

ARI DX CONTEST === The A.R.I. International DX Contest, sponsored by the Italian amateur radio IARU Society, is open to either licenced amateurs and SWLs. This year's event will take place from 20 UTC on 1 May to 19.59 UTC on the 2nd.  Full rules and information, including a brand new software downloadable for free, are available at http://www.qsl.net/contest_ari

DXCC NEWS === The recent C56JJ operation by Jan, PA4JJ (formerly known as PA9JJ) has been approved for DXCC credit.

INTERNATIONAL MARCONI DAY === Organised by the Cornish Radio Amateur Club, G4CRC/GB4IMD  (http://www.cornishradioamateurclub.org.uk) the International Marconi Day (IMD) is a 24-hour amateur radio event held annually to celebrate the birth of Guglielmo Marconi (25 April 1874). It is not a contest, but an opportunity for amateurs around the world to make contacts with historic Marconi sites using HF communications techniques.  Details, including information on  the relevant Award Certificates and the listing of participating station in this year's event (to be held on 24 April), can be found at http://www.gb4imd.co.uk/index.htm

IOTA DIRECTORY === The 40th Anniversary Edition of the  IOTA Directory will be published around 19 April and will be  available from RSGB HQ shortly afterwards (see www.rsgb.org/shop/ or telephone Sales at +44 (0)1707 659015). Larger than ever with 136 pages, this anniversary edition features an historical review, much of which has never previously been published as well as Geoff Watts' original IOTA list of 1964, fascinating for what it includes as wellas  for what it omits. It includes all you have come to expect of the Directory - the  latest IOTA island listings, DXpedition stories, the Most Wanted List, and articles on how to get started in IOTA. Readers, who have been active on the bands for several years and want help in identifying operations that count, will find the listing of operations accepted for credit quite invaluable. This list was first introduced in the 2002 Directory and is now updated and expanded to cover the 650 rarest IOTA groups. Using it could save you hours in preparing  your application. And for the first time the Directory includes the current year's  Honour Roll and other  performance listings. [TNX G3KMA]

NEW BOOK === Ward Silver, N0AX  is the author of "Ham Radio for Dummies" (ISDN 0-7645-5987-7), written for new licencees who have the  "What do I do now?" feeling after passing the exam and for prospective hams to understand what amateur radio has to offer and how to participate. Ward's goal in writing this 384-page book packed with explanations, tables, graphics, photos and links to on-line resources was "to produce the book I wish I'd had when I was just starting out - a Desktop Elmer, so to speak". If you're interested, just enter the title into a Web search engine and find your favorite bookseller.

NEW IOTA CERTIFICATES === The new Directory announces the addition of three new certificates to the programme's current range, for contacting 800, 900 and 1000 IOTA groups. These will be of the same design as other certificates in the 100 series. The 1000 Islands certificate will be sent free of charge to each member reaching that level whether or not the1000 Islands Trophy is requested. The 800 and 900 Islands certificates will be charged for on the same basis as  other certificates.  To ensure fairness of  treatment in the issue of low number 800 and  900 Islands certificates, a period of several weeks will be allowed for members to apply through their checkpoints. At  the end of that period the certificates  will be issued, numbered in the order of the applicant's score on the central  IOTA database. So,  if you qualify and are interested,  please apply before 1  August 2004  via  your checkpoint. Certificates will be despatched in September. [TNX G3KMA]

QSL 9U5M === Cards have arrived from the printer and Dennis, PA7FM is currently processing direct  requests. "Still quite  some direct requests arrive with unsufficient return postage or even without SAE", Dennis reports. These will be replied to via the bureau.

QSL FM/T93M === Please note that the QSL manager for Danny's recent operation is DJ2MX (Mario  Lovric, Kampenwandstrasse  13, D-81671  Muenchen, Germany). Cards sent to Danny's address is Sarajevo will be forwarded to
Mario, but expect some delay in processing these requests. [TNX T93Y]

============

Apr 17 - 24 , 2004   I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

17/04/2004:  Pierre, F5JFU, will once again be active as F5JFU/p from the Castle of Fraifontaine (DFCF 58056, Department (Nievre) 58) on April17th, starting around 06:00 UTC. Activity will be on 80 and 40 meter SSB. All the QSO's will be confirmed via the bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

17/04/2004:  Look for Francois, F5JNE, and Claude, F5MCC, to be QRV April 17th as F5JNE/p from the Castle of Thory (DFCF 89258, DDCF 8905, Zip code 89200). Activity will start around 06:30 UTC on 40 meter SSB and CW. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

17/04/2004:  Jean Michel, F5PRR, will be QRV April 17th as F5PRR/p from a new castle reference for the French Castles Award. The reference will be DFCF 83-058. Other references are 8336 for the Million Award and Zip code 83260. Activity will start on 40 meters between 06:00 and 08:30 UTC, then 20 meters (14250 kHz) between 08:30 and 10:00 UTC. QSL via
home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

17/04/2004:  Members of the North Wakefield Radio Club will be operate as GX4NOK/P from the Island of Inner Farne (EU-109) between April 17th and 18th, hopefully on multiple modes and bands. This activity will also count for Farne Island (Old) lighthouse (ARLHS ENG-040) and Farne Island (New) lighthouse (WLA LH-0235, ARLHS ENG-060). WAB is NU-23, Northumberland. Direct QSL cards should be sent to 2E0NJW (Nigel Wears, 25 Topcliffe Mews, Morley, Leeds, LS27 8UL, England). [Tnx 425DXN]

17/04/2004:  JL2LRO plans to be QRV April 17th to 19th as JL2LRO/6 from Miyako Island (IOTA AS-079, JIIA-079-005). Look for him on 15 through 6 meter SSB. QSL to his home call. [Tnx F5NQL]

17/04/2004:  Look for Jim, KA3UNQ (ARLHS member #278), to be QRV April 17th (15:00 - 20:00 UTC) as KA3UNQ/p from the Bethel Bridge Lighthouse (ARLHS reference USA-1004 Historic) located in Chesapeake City, Maryland. Activity will be on 20 and 40 meter SSB (usual ARLHS frequencies), with CW on request. QSL with SASE to: Jim Elliott KA3UNQ,
1722 Underwood Road, Gambrills, MD  21054. [Tnx KA3UNQ]

17/04/2004:  Patrick, WD9EWK, will be in and around Buenos Aires, Argentina, between April 15th and 17th. He will be using the call LU/WD9EWK. He will then be QRV from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego (SA-008), between April 17th and 23rd. Patrick plans to take at least one small HF radio with him - an FT-817, IC-703, or possibly both and hopes to get on the air with one of these radios and/or from the stations of other hams in the area. This is not a DXpedition, so his radio time will be casual operating. He plans to work SSB and CW, but there could be some RTTY and PSK31 activity if he operates from a station equipped for those modes. The QSL route for contacts with LU/WD9EWK is WD9EWK, either direct or through the QSL bureaus. Patrick will design the card after the trip, using photos he takes while he is down there. [Tnx WD9EWK]

18/04/2004:  Sebastien, F8DQZ, will operate as 3XDQZ (yes, Three X-Ray Delta Quebec Zulu) from Guinea between April 18th and May 2nd. The main objective of his trip is to operate from the Tristao Islands in the unnumbered Guinee-Maritime Province North group (AF-???). QSL via F8DQZ. [Tnx 425DXN]

19/04/2004:  Ralph, NM5RC, reports that he will be activating Lake Texoma islands on April 19th, then lake to lake north across Oklahoma to Kansas. He is hoping to get 15 + new USI's on the books. Daylight hours only and will be moving from island to island as contacts slow. Weather and travel will affect schedule. Look for Ralph on 14.250-14.270 MHz, but he will occasionly try other bands. QSL via home call (QRZ.com) with SASE; DX stations can QSL via the bureau. [Tnx NM5RC]

19/04/2004:  Dave, K3LP, will be QRV April 19th to 23rd from Tarawa Atoll (OC-017), West Kiribati as T30LP. QSL via home call (QRZ.com). [Tnx ARRL DX News]

22/04/2004:  Wally (VK6YS), Dan (VK8AN) and Bruce (KD6WW) will be QRV April 22nd to 27th from Viney Island in the Bonaparte Archipelago, Western Australia State (North Coast) Centre group (OC-???). Then they will go and operate from Long Island (OC-071) for about four days. They are still looking for two more operators to join the team; if interested
please contact Wally at vk6ys@iinet.net.au . [Tnx 425DXN]

23/04/2004:  The team of DL8RL/p (Axel), DL8DZL/p (Klaus), DF3UFW/p (Falk) and DL2DSL/p (Jorg) will be QRV April 23rd to 30th from Usedom Island (IOTA EU-129, GIA O-13 for the German Islands Award). They also plan to activate Schlossinsel (O-31) and Grosser Wotig (O-35), for the German Islands Award. QSL via the DARC bureau is preferred. [Tnx F5NQL]

23/04/2004:  JA1UNS/1, JI1PLF/1, 7N1GMK/1, 7L4PVR/1, 7N4VPS/1 will operate from Hachijo Island (IOTA AS-043, JIIA-AS-043-003) on April 23 to 26. They will be on 160 through 10meter CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL to their home calls direct or via the bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

23/04/2004:  Jeffrey, KA1GJ/V73GJ, reports that he will be operating from Midway Island (OC-030) between April 23-25th. He will be active as KA1GJ/KH4. QSL via V73GJ: P.O. Box 1050, APO AP 96555 USA. [Tnx OPDX]

23/04/2004:  Look for Ric, OX/DL2VFR, and Frank, OX/DL2SWW to be QRV from Maniitsoq Island (NA-220) between April 23rd and May 5th. Activity will be on 160 through 10 meter CW and SSB. Note: Frank, DL2SWW, will be celebrating his 50th birthday during this expedition. QSL via bureau via homecall 100% sure, and if requested, direct (return postage: Europe 1 US-$, outside Europe 2 US-$), no E-QSL. [Tnx DE0MST]

23/04/2004:  Ian (9M2/G3TMA), Derek (G3KHZ) and Maury (IZ1CRR) will be active from two IOTA references in Borneo in April-May, 2004. The first activity will be from Pulau Muara Besar (OC-184, Brunei, V85) April 23-27 and the second activity will be from Pulau Satang Besar (OC-165, East Malaysia, 9M8) April 30 - May 4. They plan to be QRV using two transceivers, beam, vertical and dipole antennas, both SSB and CW. The callsigns (V8...  and 9M8...) will be announced later. QSL via bureau or direct (and donations) to: G3KHZ (Derek Cox, 18 Station Road, Castle Bytham, Grantham, LINCS NG33 4SB, United Kingdom) [Tnx 425DXN]

23/04/2004:  Wally, VK6YS, reports they are on track for ops from Viney Island in the Bonaparte Group off the far NW Coast of Western Australia, as a new IOTA, from 23/24 April, depending on their transport, for five days. The callsign will be VK6AN. Team is Dan VK8AN, Bruce KD6WW, Ron VK8NRI, and Wally VK6YS. Listen loud and keep it clean because they will be running just IC706's into verticals and working hard. QSL direct to VK4AAR with USD, AUD or IRC and self addressed envelope. [Tnx VK6YS]

24/04/2004:  Look for DL8DZL/p (Klaus), DL2DSL/p (Jorg), DF3UFW/p (Falk) and DL8RL/p (Axel) to be QRV April 24th from Schlossinsel Island (GIA O-13 for the German Islands Award, not IOTA) and Grosser Wotig Island (GIA O-35, not IOTA). QSL card via home calls. [Tnx DE0MST]

24/04/2004:  Look for IC8/IZ8DDG, IC8/IZ8DQH, IC8/IZ8FAV, IC8/IZ8FDH, IC8/IW8DON, IC8/IZ7ATL to be QRV April 24th and 25th from Prodida Island (EU-031). Activity will be on all HF bands, including 6 and 2 meters, using CW and SSB. QSL via home calls. [Tnx ARRL DX News]

LOOKING AHEAD -

01/05/2004:  Look for Len VE9MY and Linda VE9GLF to be operating /VE2 for the first two weeks of May. They plan to activate some of the islands around Montreal. The islands they are looking at are Ile Sainte Helene / Expo (CIsA QC-011), Ile Notre-Dame (CIsA QC-031), Ile des Soeurs / Nuns island (CIsA QC-023), Ile Charron (CIsA QC-048), Ile Jesus - Laval (CIsA QC-014) and Ile de Montreal (CIsA QC-008). They will operate on the usual IOTA frequency (14260 kHz +/-) and also 40 meters for those too close to work them on 20 meters. QSL via home calls. [Tnx VE3TPZ]

02/05/2004:  Masayoshi, JF1UIO, will be QRV May 2nd to 4th from Ouvea Island (DIFO FK-018), the Loyalty Islands (OC-033), as FK/JF1UIO. Look for him on 40 through 10 meter CW and SSB. QSL via his home call, direct (QRZ.com) or JARL bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

04/05/2004:  Masayoshi, JF1UIO, will be QRV May 4th to 7th from Lifou Island (DIFO FK-012), the Loyalty Islands (OC-033), as FK/JF1UIO. Look for him on 40 through 10 meter CW and SSB. QSL via his home call, direct (QRZ.com) or JARL bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

08/05/2004:  Fredy (DE0MST) and his lighthouse-team DF9MV (Sven), DJ1MHS (Markus), DL5MFL (Mathias), DL9CHR (Chris), 9A2WJ (Daki), 9A2V (Vlado), 9A3KB (Boro), 9A5JR/p (aka OE3REB, Ron) and 9A6AA (Emir) plan to activate Plocica Island (IOTA EU-016, IOCA CI-089) and Lighthouse (WLA LH-0097, CLHA CLH-103, ARLHS CRO-013, WW Loc. JN83ja) bsetween May 8th and 15th, 2004. The will use 9A/homecall and homecall/p. They may also use 9A0CI during the operation. QSL via the individuals home call, direct or bureau. QSL 9A0CI via DE0MST (QRZ.com). [Tnx DE0MST]

73 and Good Hunting!
Dave Raycroft - VA3RJ

Home of ICPO: www.qsl.net/va3rj
Mirror: http://webhome.idirect.com/~va3rj
Join ICPO e-Group:  www.qsl.net/va3rj/icpo.html
E-mail: va3rj@rac.ca

===============

THE 2004 SIX METER MARATHON

The Rientola Radio Amateur Club, operators of station OH3AG is inviting hams world wide to participate into the first Global Six Meter  Marathon.  The objective of the contest is to work as many DXCC countries as possible between May 8th at 0000 UTC and August 8th at 2400 UTC, doing so on six meters band. The results of this contest will be published during Tampere Six Meters Forum on August 14th when the Magic Band enthusiasts abroad will meet.

For more information:  www.50mc.tk

(RSGB)

===============

Note: A complete list of  Prefixes assigned by International Telecommunications Union can be found on the Trans Provincial Website: www.tpn7055.ca/callsign.html

Apr. 15 2004  FCC Okays RF Identification Tags at 433.5 to 434.5 MHz

The FCC has adopted a somewhat limited proposal to permit deployment of RF Identification (RFID) tags in a segment of the 70-cm band at much greater duty cycles than current Part 15 rules permit for such devices. Among other applications, RFID tags are used to track shipments and packing containers. A Third Report and Order (R&O) in ET Docket 01-278--approved today but not yet released--follows a 2000 petition by SAVI Technology to revise FCC Part 15 rules to accommodate such devices in the vicinity of 433 MHz. The ARRL has consistently opposed the proposal, but FCC just as unfailingly has gone along with it. FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) Chief Ed Thomas said RFIDs provide important public benefits.

"This device is designed to increase homeland security at ports, rail yards and warehouses," Thomas told the FCC open meeting. "It will foster the development of more powerful and advanced RFID systems that can identify the contents of shipping containers and determine whether tampering has occurred during shipment." Thomas said the devices also would increase efficiency in shipping operations and inventory control.

In requesting Commission adoption, OET's Hugh van Tuyl provided the broad strokes of the Part 15 rule changes, which, he said, would apply specifically to commercial shipping containers "in commercial and industrial areas." In certain cases, he asserted, current Part 15 requirements aimed at preventing interference to licensed services "may unnecessarily constrain the operational range of RFID systems as well as the speed and quantity of data that can be transmitted."

The Third R&O not only would increase the maximum radiated field strength permitted for such devices but their maximum permissible transmission period as well--from one second to one minute. "While the maximum [emission] level would be greater than currently allowed," van Tuyl said, "it would still be only one-half of the level permitted for devices such as garage door openers, which also operate in this band." The longer authorized transmission period would allowing an RFID to transmit the contents of an entire shipping container, he pointed out.

"We therefore believe there will be no significant increase in the potential for interference to authorized services," van Tuyl concluded. "Improved RFID systems will help to ensure homeland security by allowing rapid identification of the origin and contents of a shipping container coming into the country and whether tampering with the contents had occurred during shipment."

The FCC made peace with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on the RFID tag issue. Citing the likelihood of interference to critical government radars, the NTIA in 2002 had expressed "grave concerns" about the FCC's proposal to amend Part 15 and permit their deployment.

The Third R&O reflects certain accommodations that SAVI had offered in response to the 2002 NTIA study. To accommodate federal government users, it limits the operating band for such RFID tags to 433.5 to 434.5 MHz, instead of the 425 to 435 MHz SAVI originally had proposed. It further would prohibit operation of RFID tag systems within 40 km (about 25 miles) of five government radar sites, van Tuyl explained. Manufacturers of 433 MHz RFID systems would have to register the locations of their system base stations "to assist in resolving any interference cases that may arise."

Since SAVI first approached the FCC in 2000, ARRL has maintained that the RFID tags the company proposed would represent a significant source of potential interference to sensitive receivers and be incompatible with ongoing requirements of incumbent services. "There are also large numbers of co-channel Amateur Television repeater inputs at 434 MHz in areas immediately proximate to warehouses and dock areas where the SAVI devices may be expected to be used," the League said in its March 2002 reply comments in the proceeding. Operating near-continuous duty Part 15 in the vicinity of 433 MHz "is fundamentally incompatible with incumbent amateur operation," the ARRL told the FCC.

More than 130 amateurs filed comments in opposition to SAVI Technology's RFID tags proposal, and most supported the ARRL's position that the proposed rules were flawed and should not be adopted.

FCC Chairman Michael Powell was highly supportive of the Third R&O. "A little tag can make a big difference on our ability to secure ports and containers," he said, "and I think it's also increasingly being understood as a very powerful tool in inventory management and increased economic productivity."

For additional information and background: www.arrl.org/news/stories/2002/02/13/2

(ARRL News Service)

=========

Apr. 15 2004  Armed Forces Day Event Joins Ham, Military Stations

To celebrate the 54th US Armed Forces Day, the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are cosponsoring the annual Military/Amateur Radio communications tests on Saturday May 8. While Armed Forces Day is May 15, the Armed Forces Day on-air special event will take place a week earlier to avoid conflicting with Hamvention 2004, May 14-16. The event features military-to-amateur crossband voice operations and a digital message receiving test, with the text of the message prepared by US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

"The tests give Amateur Radio operators and shortwave listeners an opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills and receive recognition from the Secretary of Defense or the appropriate military radio station," the chiefs of the Army, Air Force and Navy-Marine Corps Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) said in announcing the event.

QSL cards will be provided to those making contact with the military stations. Commemorative certificates will be awarded to anyone who receives and copies the digital Armed Forces Day message from the Secretary of Defense.

SSB voice will be used for military-to-amateur crossband operations. Some of the 15 military stations participating may not operate the entire period. Military stations will transmit on selected military or MARS frequencies and listen for Amateur Radio stations in the adjacent amateur band. The military station operator will announce the specific amateur band frequency being monitored. It's suggested that voice contacts be limited to two minutes.

For stations, locations, frequencies and QSL information:  www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/04/15/1/ssb-sked.html

Eight of the military stations also will broadcast a special message from US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. His message will be transmitted via digital modes including RTTY, PACTOR, AMTOR, CLOVER and MT63. A listing of center frequencies and QSL information are available on the ARRL Web site. Center frequencies should be offset appropriately for a given digital mode:  www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/04/15/1/digi-sked.html

(ARRL News Service)

=========

Apr. 16 2004   FCC proposes wide-ranging changes to Amateur Service rules

The FCC has released an "omnibus" Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that seeks comments on a wide range of proposed Amateur Service (Part 97) rule changes. The FCC also denied several petitions for rule making aimed at altering portions of the Amateur Radio regulatory landscape and ordered minor changes in Part 97. The NPRM is a result of a dozen petitions for rule making, all filed more than a year ago and some as long ago as 2001.

Comments on the proposals put forth in WT Docket 04-140 are due by Tuesday, June 15, with reply comments by Wednesday, June 30. Among other changes, the FCC has recommended adopting the ARRL's "Novice refarming" plan, which can be seen on the web at: www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/refarm

"Because the ARRL petition addresses the operating privileges of all classes of licensees on these Amateur Service bands, we believe that the ARRL petition provides a basis for a comprehensive restructuring of operating privileges," the FCC said.

The ARRL referenced its Novice refarming proposal in its recent Petition for Rule Making, RM-10867, which, along with three other petitions remains open for comment until April 23.

The FCC also has proposed essentially eliminating its rules prohibiting manufacture or marketing of Amateur Radio Service power amplifiers capable of operating between 24 and 35 MHz. The current rules "impose unnecessary restrictions on manufacturers of Amateur Radio equipment and are inconsistent with the experimental nature of the Amateur Service," the FCC said.

The FCC proposed amending Section 97.201(b) of the rules to permit auxiliary operation on 2 meters above 144.5 MHz, with the exception of the satellite subband 145.8 to 146.0 MHz, in addition to frequency segments already authorized.

The FCC proposed extending the bands available for spread spectrum experimentation and use to include 222-225 MHz as well as 6 and 2 meters. Current rules limit SS emissions to frequencies above 420 MHz.

Among other things, the FCC also proposed to prohibit acceptance of more than one application per applicant per vanity call sign; permit retransmission of communications between a manned spacecraft and its associated Earth stations, including the International Space Station; allow current amateurs to designate a specific Amateur Radio club to acquire their call sign in memoriam; eliminate Section 97.509(a) of the rules, which requires a public announcement of volunteer examiner test locations and times; and add to Section 97.505(a) to provide Element 1 (5 WPM Morse) credit to any applicant holding a Technician license granted after February 14, 1991, and who can document having passed a telegraphy examination element.

The Commission ordered some changes in Part 97 without requesting comment. It ordered, among others, the revision of the definition of an "amateur operator" in Section 97.3(a)(1) to reflect that entry in the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS), not a license document, determines whether a person is an Amateur Radio operator.

The FCC adopted a technical change to specify that the mean power of any spurious emission from a new amateur station transmitter or amplifier operating below 30 MHz be at least 43 dB below the mean power of the fundamental emission.

Among other petitions, the FCC turned down a proposal to establish distinct CW and phone segments in the 160-meter band. Also denied were petitions that would have imposed restrictions on the time, length or transmission frequencies of bulletins or informational transmissions directed at the amateur community and a request to add to the special event call sign system certain call sign blocks designating territories and possessions that lack mailing addresses.

The FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making, at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-79A1.doc , in WT Docket 04-140, is available on the FCC Web site.

As soon as the document has been posted, comments on the NPRM may be filed via the FCC Electronic Comment Filing System at, www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs. Click on "Submit a filing." To view filed comments, click on "Search for filed comments." In either case enter the NPRM number in the "Proceeding" field as "04-140" (without the quotation marks).

(ARLB012)

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