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Aug. 13 2004 Australia to seek new 500Khz Ham Band
The old 500 kHz the international maritime distress frequency could become part of a new ham band down-under. This if the Wireless Institute of Australia has its way. The WIA will shortly be writing to the ACA to request the establishment of an experimental amateur allocation at 500 kHz. Thats the 600 meter band.
WIA Director Glenn Dunstan VK4DU said "500 kHz was the international maritime Morse code distress frequency for most of the 20th century."
"It was the frequency used by the RMS Titanic to send her plaintive cries for help that April night in 1912. It was the frequency used by thousands of merchant ships to signal their plight in times of peace and war."
"More often than not, 500 kHz was witness to a ship's Radio Officer's last moments. Many Radio Officers literally died at the key as their ship fell victim to enemy action or was overwhelmed by the forces of nature".
Glenn, himself an ex ship's Radio Officer, said. 500 kHz was replaced in 1999 by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), which uses a combination of automated terrestrial and satellite communications.
"Since the introduction of the GMDSS in 1999, 500 kHz use has declined rapidly. The last official users of the frequency, China, plan to discontinue operation in 2005. The frequency is no longer used in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific or the US."
500 kHz has been instrumental in saving tens of thousands of lives in the last 100-odd years. It is thus fitting that the frequency be preserved as a 'spectrum national park' to commemorate those who paid the supreme sacrifice in its use.
"The best way to do this is to establish a small slice of spectrum around 500 kHz - probably 495 to 510 kHz - as an amateur radio band. The band would also provide a unique opportunity for experimentation with antennas, propagation, advanced narrow band modulation techniques and receiver digital signal processing." Glenn said.
It should be noted that 500 kHz is still allocated to the maritime service so any permanent amateur access in Australia or elsewhere is some way off. It is worthy of note that the I-A-R-U Region 1 and various United States Amateur long wave groups are actively pursuing an experimental allocation at 500 kHz as well.
(WIA News)
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Great Britain Ofcom Reports on Spectrum Management Trading and Liberalisation
Ofcom has published an overview of the steps it intends to take in 2004-05 to introduce greater flexibility and freedom of use to radio spectrum management. Ofcom says that: "Historically, spectrum has been managed through a top-down, centrally-run approach, in which Governments (or Government agencies) controlled every aspect of the allocation of the rights to use wireless communications services. Ofcom believes that this approach reduces scope for the most efficient possible use of available spectrum; users tend to be better placed than governments to decide how best to meet market demand." Spectrum trading and liberalisation - removing unnecessary restrictions on licences so that licensees can change the use of spectrum - will be phased in from the end of this year.
There is no indication that the Amateur Radio Services are affected by any of these proposals.
(RSGB)
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Aug. 13 2004 ZS Amaturs should report BPL testing to the SARL
South Africa AMSAT President Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV, has now spoken out. He is urging amateurs and short-wave listeners in that nation to report any unusual but consistent interference to the South African Radio League. This as the rollout of Broadband over Powerline continues in that country.
ZS6AKV says that South African hams must continue to be vigilant about any B-P-L testing taking place in their neighborhoods. Hans says that following Pretoria's example several other metropolitan areas have shown an interest and may soon be starting trials.
(SARL)
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Aug. 14 2004 South Africa Amateurs Transmit Digital Voice On HF
Three South African amateurs made what is believed to be the first successful transmission of a Digital Voice signal over HF amateur bands in the country. The Digital Voice signal was transmitted at 11:16 on Sunday 8 August by Andrew Roos, ZS1AN, and received by Dennis Wells, ZS1AU, with technical assistance from Ettienne Vosloo, ZR1AHW. The transmission took place on the 10 m band, with an occupied bandwidth of approximately 2,3 kHz.
On Tuesday 10th August, Dennis and Andrew successfully exchanged signal reports on 15 metre, completing the first known digital voice QSO in South Africa. The QSO was monitored by Sean White, ZR1BSD.
The software used in this experiment was HamDream version 2.4, which is an open-source implementation of the Digital Radio Mondiale broadcasting standard that has been adapted for amateur use by HB9TLK. It can be downloaded free of charge from the SARL website, www.sarl.org.za For more information, see HB9TLK's website, www.qsl.net/hb9tlk
All you need to explore this fascinating new mode is a PC with a full-duplex soundcard, a soundcard/rig interface like those used for PSK-31 and similar digital modes, and a PC headset and microphone that can be purchased at any computer store for about R100. So get QRV on digital voice and join the fun! Andrew and Dennis are keen to make contact with other divisions using this exciting new mode. If you would like to arrange a sked please send email to Andrew, zs1an@qsl.net or Dennis, zs1au@absamail.co.za
Andrew will be giving a talk on Digital Voice at the SARL "Radio Technology in Action" Hamfest at the National Amateur Radio Centre in Johannesburg on 21st August - see you there!
(SARL)
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Aug. 9 2004 RAC Bulletin 04-21E - False E-Mail Alert Contains Virus
An e-mail is being sent to a large number of radio amateurs which is signed by the "rac.ca technical support team". It advises the recipient that he has been responsible for sending a lot of unsolicited commercial e-mail, and that his computer has been infected. This e-mail was not sent by RAC and the claim of unsolicited e-mail is not true. It is designed to scare you into opening the attachment which contains a virus. Do not open that attachment.
(RAC News Service)
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Aug. 13 2004 FCC reduces amateur licensee's fine from $12,000 to $400
The FCC has reduced the fine it had proposed to levy on an Ohio amateur from $12,000 to $400. In May 2003, the FCC released a Notice of Apparent Liability to Ronald E. Sauer, N8QN (ex-WE8E), of Bedford Heights. The FCC's decision to reduce Sauer's fine, spelled out in an August 6 Forfeiture Order, was based on his inability to pay. The fine stemmed from the FCC's findings that Sauer had deliberately interfered with Canadian Amateur Radio operations, transmitted music, failed to identify and violated other FCC Part 97 rules (see "Ohio Ham Hit with $12,000 Fine in Malicious Interference Case"). The case involved daily interference to the Trans Provincial Net, a Canadian net that operates on 7.055 MHz. The FCC said Sauer did not contest the FCC's findings, but sought to have the fine cancelled because he couldn't pay it. "After reviewing Sauer's supporting financial documentation, we agree that he is unable to pay the proposed $12,000 forfeiture," the FCC said in its Order, which concluded that a $400 was appropriate and "consistent with precedent." Although it drastically reduced the fine, the FCC admonished Sauer for his "deliberate, willful and repeated violations" of Part 97 rules and cautioned him that further violations could result in additional enforcement measures, including license revocation. Sauer claimed that he is unemployed, owns no real property and lives on Social Security. He submitted recent Social Security benefit statements to back up his assertions, the FCC Order said.
(ARRL News Service)
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Aug. 22 2004 Halifax Amateur Radio Club to Operate VE1FO from Peggy's Cove During the 2004 International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend
The Peggy's Cove Lighthouse - now officially know as the Peggy's Point Lighthouse - is located at the entrance to St. Margaret's Bay in Nova Scotia, and is one of the most photographed and well-known lighthouses in Canada. The first lighthouse at Peggy's Cove was erected in 1868 following a tragic shipwreck. This first lighthouse was a wooden tower built atop a keeper's dwelling at Peggy's Point. It had a red light and used a catoptric reflector (a round silver-plated mirror) to magnify the kerosene oil lamp. This structure was replaced in 1915 by the present tower, a pleasing and stout concrete octagon 50 feet west of the original light. The keeper's dwelling remained nearby for many years. The new lighthouse shows a white light from a dioptric lens, a series of glass prisms, to magnify the light.
The Halifax Amateur Radio Club was founded first in 1933 and is one of the oldest in Canada. The Club membership is committed to public service and works closely with the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) in Nova Scotia, assisting with emergency radio communication in times of disaster. During the Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2004, the Halifax Club will set up a portable radio station consisting of an Yaesu FT-990 running low power, and three antennas - a Cushcraft A3 for 10, 15 and 20 metres; and two inverted-"V" dipoles for 40 and 80 metres. All antennas will be mounted atop a 30-foot pneumatic tower attached to the EMO mobile repeater trailer.
Because Peggy's Cove is a major Nova Scotia tourist destination, with dozens of tour buses and hundreds of cars visiting daily, there will be a wonderful opportunity to promote amateur radio to the general public. On the other hand, the rugged rocky shore where the lighthouse is located makes operating from within or adjacent to the structure impossible. Therefore the Club portable station will be located about 500 metres from the lighthouse in the "Little Red Schoolhouse" that sits atop a hill overlooking and with a clear view of - except during foggy periods, and we have had our share this summer -the Peggy's Point Light.
A special QSL card will be printed to commemorate this event. Listen for VE1FO on both CW and Voice during the August 21st to 22nd weekend.
Submitted by:
Howard Dickson - VE1DHD
Secretary, Halifax Amateur Radio
Club
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The Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin
is looking for an co-editor to assist in publishing news and events for
the Atlantic Maritime region. If you are interested in assisting this publication
please contact the editor Jim Taylor VA3KU his e-mail address is va3ku@rac.ca
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APCO Conference 2004 - Montréal Quebec - August 8-12, 2004
This year's APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) Annual Conference was held in Montréal, Quebec and members of the Montreal Amateur Radio Club and the Club Radio Amateur Rive-Sud Montréal played a role at the conference. The amateur radio presence at the conference was organized by the Director General (General Manager) of RAQI, our provincial Amateur Radio organization, M. Guy Lamoureux, VE2LGL.
The primary purpose of our attendance was to give Amateur Radio visibility at this very important annual conference of Public Safety officials, in particular local government agencies that still are not aware of the capabilities of Amateur Radio in emergency situations. A secondary role of welcoming visiting Amateur Radio operators developed after a few Amateurs stopped by the table on Sunday afternoon while it was being manned by James and myself. It was decided that we should start keeping track of those who passed by the booth from that time on. We did have the CRA Rive-Sud Montréal (VE2CLM) communications trailer on Monday and Tuesday during the business hours of the conference.
Many thanks to the CRARSM club and to Guy Mercier, VE2GMP and Jean-Paul Harvey, VE2HPP for bringing the trailer both mornings and setting it up and then coming back in the afternoon to dismantle the installation and take the trailer back to Longueil. A very special thank you from both James and myself to Steven Henke, N9SH for helping re-program the Kenwood TM-742A that we were using at the station we were operating in the Convention Centre. It had lost its CTCSS setting and despite my efforts to reprogram it, it refused all my efforts to do so. Steve works for Kenwood USA and when his efforts to try and correct the problem failed, he called the Kenwood Service tech in Atlanta, GA and it was through his efforts he enabled us to get back on the air on 70 cm. Also thanks to Steven Verbil, NA1SV and Chris Verbil, N5CV for helping Paul MacDougall get the FT-897 HF radio in the VE2CLM communications trailer working.
The APCO conference was a very good opportunity meet other Amateurs and to share information which could prove useful in the future. James and I both visited the Exhibits on both Tuesday and Wednesday for a short time and saw a lot of nice toys that we both wish we could afford including a couple of Mobile Command Centres that was there on display. Of special interest to me was the talk given by Dan Miller, K3UFG, the ARRL Emergency Communications Course Manager entitled "Not a Last Resort -- Amateur Radio in support of Homeland Security". While it does deal with Homeland Security and the role Amateur Radio will play in it, the concepts can be borrowed to Canadian ARES and other emergency operations to improve both communication and inter-personal skills of both Amateur radio operators and managers.
Operators from The Montreal Amateur Radio Club included Ron Campbell, VA2RJC, Paul "Mac" MacDougall, VA2YQ, Vernon Ikeda, VE2MBS and James Hay, VE2VE and from the Club Radio Amateur Rive-Sud Montréal, Guy Mercier, VE2GMP and Jean-Paul Harvey, VE2HPP a special thanks for trailer. In addition, the RAQI President, Mario Bilodeau, VE2EKL came on Monday morning to help set up the trailer and Jean-Guy Renaud, VE2AIK passed by the booth on Tuesday to take pictures for the RAQI newsbulletin, "Le RadioAmateur". We had a steady flow of visitors thoughout the conference, both at the booth and the trailer. At least 65 amateurs signed the sign-in sheet that we had out. We did get a number of comments but the most common ones were "I wish that Amateur Radio could be more visible at events like this", "I should have brought my handi-talkie" and "You folks are doing a great job of helping promote the hobby". I have to admit that I really enjoyed spending the nearly four full days (half days Sunday and Thursday and Monday to Wednesday from 08:00 to 17:00).
www.marc.qc.ca/news2004/news0414.html
(Vernon, VE2MBS)
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Sept. 11 2004 West Island Amateur Radio Club Hamfest
WIARC Hamfest and Auction -
Dollard des Ormeaux, QC
Location: Karnak Shriners
Hall (West Island), 3350 Boulevard des Sources, Dollard des Ormeaux, QC
(STM Bus 215) nearby
Time: Vendors 08h00, Public
09h00 Auction 09:30
Admission: Vendors Tables
$15.00 (includes 1 admission) Public $5.00
Talk-in: VE2RWI 146.910 (-)
For information/table reservations
via E-mail at: ve2cwi@rac.ca
Webpage: http://shell.pubnix.net/~wiarc
(Vernon Erle Ikeda)
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Aug. 21 2004 BARC
Hamfest 2004
Sponsored by: The Brantford
Amateur Radio Club
Location: Brantford ON
South of Hwy 53 on Park Ave in Burford, Ontario
Opens: 9:00AM
Cost: $5.00 Admission (Children
Under 12 - Free) Vendors $8.00/table + Admission Tailgators $4.00
+ Admission
Talkin: VE3TCR 147.150
Notes: Vendor registration
informtaion available on our website
For more info visit:http://comdir.bfree.on.ca/ve3ba
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Aug. 28 2004 VHARA
(Lindsay) Hamfest 2004
Sponsored by: Victoria-Haliburton
Amateur Radio Association
Location: Lindsay ON VHARA
Hamfest 2004 will be held at the Manvers Arena, near the intersection of
Hwy. 35 and Hwy. 7A. Take Hwy. 35 south 22 kM. from Lindsay, or Hwy. 35
north 27 kM. from Hwy. 401. Watch for grain elevators and schools at Hwy.
7A intersection to Peterborough.
Opens: Vendors: 7 AM (breakfast
included), Public: 9 AM to 1 PM.
Cost: Admission $5, Tables
$10 (includes 1 admission).
Talkin: VE3LNZ 147.195
+
Notes: * Commercial
vendors expected, * Tailgate sales area in the front parking
lot. Large free parking area at Manvers Arena or at the schools.
See the VHARA website for updates
and details: www.va3kvd.ca/vhara
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Aug. 22 2004 Collingwood Amateur Radio Club Annual Corn Roast
On Sunday, August 22nd, 2004, the
combined Collingwood Elective Radio Teaching School and Collingwood Amateur
Radio Club will be holding their annual Corn Roast at the farm of Dale
Stubbington, VA3DSS. All amateurs and non-amateurs are invited to attend,
but as the event is potluck, those who are able are asked to bring along
a contribution of food, be it salads, bottled water, rolls, bread, etc.
The corn will be provided, as per usual. Anyone who plans on attending
is asked to e-mail Larry Armagost, VE3SPQ at the following address and
advise what they plan on bringing. Larry's e-mail address is:
spq@georgian.net
Directions to the farm are as follows:
From the west and south, take Grey
Rd #2 north to the intersection of Grey Rd #19. Turn east (right) onto
19 and go approximately 1.5 km to the entrance to the farm on the left.
There is a swinging gate at the road and if you get to the farm with the
white fence, turn around and retrace your steps to the farm before. If
you are coming in from the east, come to Collingwood, turn south on Cty
124 to Poplar Sideroad ( first traffic light south of town limits). Turn
west on Poplar Sideroad and go to second Stop sign. Turn right go about
1/4 km and turn left onto Grey Rd #19. Follow #19 up the mountain for approx
11 km past the white farm fence to the next farm and look for the entrance
on the right. The talkin frequency will be on VA3ROG (145.370 -) or on
146.550 simplex
(Glenn, VE3GNA RAC OBS)
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Aug. 8 2004 The Collingwood Linux "installfest" on July 17th was a success.
Approximately 30 people attended, including several radio amateurs. Linux was installed on five computers, and two existing users got help with their systems. Several demos were performed and many copies of Linux were distributed to casual visitors. Thanks to all who participated! Photos of the event can be seen at www.bglug.ca A Linux users group has now been started in Barrie, Ontario. Visit www.barrielug.org for information.
Brad Rodriguez, VA3VR / VE3RHJ
AEC, Grey County, Ontario
ve3rhj@rac.ca
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RAC Ontario Section News
The Ontario Section Cabinet team is pleased to announce two new appointments in the recently newly formed Ottawa District. Congratulations and welcome to Henry Jarzyna, VA3OV as the new Emergency Coordinator for the United Counties of Prescott Russell. Congratulation also to Mike Hickey, VE3IPC on his new role as the District Emergency Coordinator for the Ottawa District. A special thank you to Mike for all his hard work and dedication during his tenure as EC for the Prescott Russell ARES group these past six years. Thank you to both Henry and Mike for volunteering your time and leadership skills to the RAC ARES program to better serve your communities.
(Ontario Section Manager - Rose,
VE3RIS)
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Summer 2004 Newsletter Ontario South Region
Ontario
South Operates VA3RAC for Canada Day
With Canada
Day fast approaching, arrangements have been made for the Ontario South
Regional Director and most of his Assistant Directors, as well as the RAC
1st Vice President, to operate all bands and modes during the RAC Canada
Day Contest. Have fun and be sure to tune in to work this station
for bonus points and a friendly voice.
Canal Days
Assistant
Director Doug Frame, VE3JDF, has organized a special event HF station to
recognize the Marine Heritage Festival during the Civic Holiday weekend
in August.
Enjoying
Our Neighbours to the South
Even during
vacations, we are still fostering good relations with our "next door" neighbours.
As Assistant Director Stan Leschinsky, VE3TW, reported, he attended the
Charlotte, North Carolina Hamfest on March 13th, spoke with representatives
from ARRL, and then met the Grand Strand Amateur Radio Club in Myrtle Beach
on the air and for breakfast
Converting
a Duplexer
Assistant
Director Jerry Beneteau, VE3EXT, converted a duplexer from the commercial
to the 2M band, for use on a local repeaters. Lots of "techies" in
our midst!
Youth Education
Program still in the Forefront
Many clubs
and organizations continue to support the Youth Education Program
(YEP) across the country. Most recently, the Welland County Amateur
Radio Club donated $50 for YEP. The Burlington Amateur Radio Club
donated four hand-held radios for the use of students to assist with an
on-air presence. Thanks to all for the continued support.
Another exciting aspect in the program is that Assistant Director Mark Richardson, VA3OBO, has been instrumental in arranging regular communications between various school groups. In May, a net was held on the Raleigh reflector with Pearson, R. Tait MacKenzie Public School in Almonte, Ontario, Chestermere Middle School in Alberta, and Tom Kelly VE6TDK from the Calgary Aerospace Museum.
On another note, Mark contributed an article on the amateur radio program at the school into a newsletter which was sent home to every student in the Halton District School Board.
Radio Amateurs
of Canada, Board of Directors Meeting
May 4th to
9th was a busy week for Director Bob Cooke, VE3BDB, and Assistant Director
Sue Cooke, VE3SUH. It involved travel to Ottawa where both assisted
the General Manager and volunteers prepare for the Annual Board of Directors
Meeting which was subsequently held in Cornwall at the Nav Canada Centre.
The three-day event involved meetings that ran from 8:30 a.m. through to
10:00 p.m. with a lot of news and views to be discussed. Watch for
the minutes to be published in a forthcoming TCA publication.
More on
Echolink
Assistant
Director Doug Campbell, VA3DC, continues to work away on the technical
end of things. He states "the Echolink has generated some interest
and there have been check-ins from all over the world with some local activity
on 146.58 simplex in the Orillia area". He goes on to say, "Some
of the local hams are going to install a link at the local repeater located
at the OPP GHQ so when it is running the new one will have much better
range and this one will be taken down."
Morse Code
Lives On
Assistant
Director Gord Moogk, VE3DBP, continues to teach and encourage students
how to learn and operate Morse Code. His most recent class involved
five students. Assistant Director Mark Richardson, VA3OBO, has been
working with three of his basic licence graduates from the Youth Education
Program who hope to have passed their Code exam and be prepared to operate
CW during the Canada Day Contest. Good work!
Just the
Basic(s)
With another
Basic Course completed, Assistant Director Jerry Beneteau, VE3EXT, is proud
to report that there were eleven successful students who became qualified
amateur radio operators on May 19th. Also very impressive is the
fact every one of the students has joined Radio Amateurs of Canada.
Welcome aboard!
RAC Presence
at Hamfests
Now well into
the hamfest season, Radio Amateurs of Canada continues to be well-represented.
In March during HAMEX 2004, Director Bob Cooke, VE3BDB, was accompanied
by Assistant Directors Doug Frame, VE3JDF, Sue Cooke, VE3SUH, and the Vice
President of Regulatory Affairs, Jim Dean VE3IQ. We expect to be
in attendance at the Central Ontario Hamfest, Fergus (June); Ontario Hamfest
in Milton (July); and Brantford Hamfest in Burford (August). Come
over and say "hello". We will be happy to assist you with any
ham-related concerns, as well as sign you up or renew your RAC membership
and show you our ever-changing RAC product line.
10 Metre
Beacon
Assistant
Director Doug Campbell, VA3DC, put the finishing touches on the 10M beacon
VA3ROR, at 28.1904, operated from Orillia. Reports to va3ror@rac.ca
are most welcome.
Burlington
ARES
Assistant
Director Mark Richardson, VA3OBO, successfully negotiated an agreement
with the Salvation Army to move the Burlington Amateur Radio Club Station
to the Burlington Family and Community Services facilities. Club
meetings will be held there and the club will be available to provide community
service to the Salvation Army for some of their events and in case of an
emergency. This will become part of the disaster responsibility plan
for the Halton Region, being carried out in co-operation with the Burlington
Amateur Radio Emergency Service.
Writing
Skills to the Test
Several of
our Assistant Directors make regular contributions to and/or prepare newsletters
in Ontario South. During 10 months of the year, Assistant Director
Gord Moogk, VE3DBP, publishes the BARC (Bruce Amateur Radio Club) Newsletter;
Assistant Director Stan Leschinsky, VE3TW, prepared the Spring Black Fly
Repeater (VE3TBF) Association Newsletter; Assistant Director Doug Frame,
VE3JDF, contributed an article for the Feedline (NPARC newsletter); and
Assistant Director Sue Cooke, VE3SUH, brings you this quarterly newsletter
on Radio Amateurs of Canada Ontario South happenings.
Is your
information correct on the Callsign Data Base?
Assistant
Director Doug Frame, VE3JDF, is the webmaster for the Amateur Radio Call
Sign Data Base. In a recent presentation to the Welland County
ARC meeting, Doug reminded everyone that it is our collective responsibility
to ensure updates are reported immediately when addresses change or if
one becomes aware of a silent key. When was the last time you checked
your own information?
Is Summer
Coming?
On behalf
of all of us, working for all of you, please accept our best wishes for
a safe, healthy, happy summer complete with good operating and lots of
fun barbeques. Enjoy!
(Bob,
VE3BDB; Sue, VE3SUH; Doug, VA3DC; Mark,
VA3OBO; Jerry, VE3EXT; Doug VE3JDF; Gord,
VE3DBP; Stan, VE3TW)
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Aug. 20-21 2004 MARM Ham Fest
The Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum is hosting its 10TH Annual Ham Fest on August 20, 21 2004, in the Heritage Building on the grounds of The Manitoba Agricultural Museum at Austin, Manitoba, Canada. Friday night campfire/fun times – excellent camping come and enjoy the campfire and hospitality of fellow Amateurs and families. Saturday at 2:00 PM The Manitoba Repeater Society will have their meeting.
Registration $6.00 Lots of prizes, roast beef supper, free Sat night dance (music man) byob and munchies
Full Details: www.mts.net/~dsnydal/bboard.html
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Aug. 20 2004 Prince George
BC Campout
Sponsored by: PGARC &
PG Contest Club
Location: Prince George BC
VE7ZZZ Contest site
Cost: Free.
Talkin: 146.34/146.94
Notes: Lots of room for trailers
and motor homes. Flea Market on Sunday morning - 10:00 to 12:00
For more info visit: http://pgarc.org
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Aug. 13 2004 Tad Cook K7RA Solar Update
Big sunspot 649 rotated back into view this week, and sunspot and solar flux numbers are up. Average daily sunspot number for the week August 5-11 rose more than 35 points (from the previous week) to 77.9, and average daily solar flux was up more than 18 points to 106.5. There were no large geomagnetic events--only some periods of unsettled to active conditions.
Sunspot 649 is currently in the center of the visible solar disk and pointed straight toward Earth. It is a possible source of solar flares over the next few days. Solar flux is expected to rise over the weekend, peaking below 170 from August 15-17. The Prague Geophysical Institute predicts unsettled geomagnetic conditions for August 13, unsettled to active conditions for August 14, and quiet to unsettled conditions for August 15-16.
A solar cycle prediction released from NOAA SESC this week still shows the current cycle bottoming out around the end of 2006 and the start of 2007. It shows the lowest sunspot numbers from December 2006 to January 2007 and the lowest solar flux values from September 2006 through April 2007. For the start of the next cycle, the prediction goes out as far as December 2007, with a predicted smoothed sunspot number of 21. That's around the same value predicted for January-February 2005. So, with the cycle declining, their guess is that sunspot activity shouldn't return to the level of early 2005 until the end of 2007. This suggests that activity won't return to current levels until some time in 2008, although it is important to remember that activity in the rising part of the cycle increases more rapidly than it declines on the down side of the cycle.
Thomas Giella, KN4LF, wrote to announce a new e-mail listserver for propagation discussions. You can sign up on the Web: http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/propagation
Reader David Moore sent in a link to an article about research into the injection of solar wind plasma into Earth's magnetic field: www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=14806
For more information concerning propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service Propagation page. www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html
Sunspot numbers for August 5 through 11 were 36, 52, 71, 77, 101, 93 and 115, with a mean of 77.9. The 10.7 cm flux was 88.9, 91, 94.6, 104.8, 113.9, 121.4 and 130.8, with a mean of 106.5. Estimated planetary A indices were 7, 7, 20, 5, 13, 14 and 13, with a mean of 11.3. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 5, 3, 11, 2, 12, 12 and 10, with a mean of 7.9.
(W1AW)
Europe
Solar data and propagation forecast from Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF.
Flare activity was low for most of the past week. However, this changed on the 13th, when a major X1 flare and four M-class flares were reported. The return of a large sunspot group that greatly influenced the space weather a month ago brought a rise in the solar flux from 95 on the 7th to 149 on the 13th. The average for the week of 116 was 29 points up on the previous week. The 90-day average was up 2 and currently stands at 107. The X-ray flux was also up, averaging B4.2, compared with A7.9 a week earlier. A high speed coronal stream brought periods of enhanced geomagnetic activity on most days. The only quiet day was the 8th, with an Ap index of 5. The most unsettled day was the 7th, with an index of 20. Solar wind speeds ranged between 706km/sec on the 11th and 323km/sec on the 13th.
Despite the increase in solar flux, seasonal factors and the generally unsettled geomagnetic field resulted in fairly flat HF conditions. The flare activity on the 13th caused several shortwave fadeouts, particularly on the lower hands. Nevertheless, there were rewards for alert operators, notably some good early morning openings to the South Pacific and Australia. At 28 and 50MHz sporadic-E continued at reduced levels. And the Leonids provided many meteor-scatter contacts at 50 and 144MHz midweek.
Now the forecast.
During the coming week we will have the more active side of the Sun looking
our way. The recurring sunspot region mentioned earlier has the capacity
to produce major flares comparable to those we experienced during the previous
rotation. The indications are that the group of flares reported on the
13th will not greatly affect propagation. However, subsequent flares may
bring further low-band fadeouts and Earth-directed coronal mass ejections.
The solar flux should continue increasing for a few days more and may even
briefly approach the 170s registered during the last rotation before it
heads downward again. However, the chief factor governing conditions remains
geomagnetic activity. Most days will be 'unsettled to active', with an
outside possibility of a minor storm. Not an encouraging prospect
- unless you enjoy auroral working. MUFs at equal latitudes are unlikely
to exceed 20MHz in the south or 17MHz in the north. Darkness hour
lows will be about 11MHz. Paths to India should have a maximum usable
frequency, giving a success rate of about 50 per cent, of around 23MHz.
The
optimum working
frequency, where there is a 90 per cent prospect of a contact, will be
around 18MHz. This path should be at its best between 0900 and 1500UTC.
Sporadic-E working on 28 and 50MHz should still be possible occasionally.
And that's
all from the propagation team for another week
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Aug. 13 2004 ARISS at Ham Fair Japan
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station will be represented at the upcoming Ham Fair 2004 on Saturday and Sunday, August 21st and 22nd in Tokyo, Japan. The ARISS U.S. team provided photographs of the radio equipment in the Service Module to J-J-one-L-Y-U. He will display some of them along with a modified Kenwood D 700 E transceiver which looks like the flight radio. Other photos will be used in a slide show as part of an exhibit in the Kenwood Booth. Ham Fair is sponsored by the Japan Amateur Radio League with about 28,000 people is expected at the event.
(ARISS)
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Aug. 13 2004 NASA Approves New Design for Shuttle External Tank Fitting
NASA is moving ahead with plans to redesign a part of the Space Shuttle external fuel tank that investigators believe played a critical role in the Space Shuttle Columbia accident.
The Space Shuttle program will soon begin installing an improved bipod fitting that connects the external fuel tank to the Shuttle during launch. Investigators believe that during Columbia's launch in January 2003, insulating foam from the bipod area fell off the external tank and damaged the left wing of the Space Shuttle.
(NASA)
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Aug. 13 2004 Belgium...Galileo GPS System Approved by EU
Officials in Brussels, Belgium say the satellite navigation system the European Union is planning will not clash with one already in operation by the United States. This, as an agreement signed in that European nation will make sure that the proposed Galileo system will be compatible with the U-S owned Global Positioning System.
Galileo is slated to begin operation 2008. Together the two systems are expected to become a single world standard for positioning and radio navigation.
(ANS)
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Aug. 13 2004 Space Station Tour Providing Lots of Reading Time, Astronaut Tells Youngsters
NASA International Space Station Science Officer and astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, told youngsters in Tennessee via Amateur Radio this week he's been able to read a lot of books during his off-time since arriving aboard the ISS in April. Fincke spoke August 10 with students from Good Shepherd School in Decherd and Saint Paul's School in Tullahoma. The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program arranged the direct contact between NA1SS in space and K4FUN on Earth. Responding to a question about what he does in his free time and to wind down, Fincke said he's been catching up on his reading--and Expedition 9 still has almost three more months to go.
"We work really hard every day, and I don't have any TV up here--or the Internet--so I read books, and it's really great," Fincke said. He explained that he reads books on his computer, which means he's been able to get current titles uploaded to him during the mission. "So far I've read 30 books aboard the International Space Station."
Two youngsters asked about keeping animals aboard the ISS. "We haven't brought any animals up to the space station," Fincke responded. "I would really like to, because it would be kind of nice to have a pet up here. But it's also a lot of work--even more than usual--because you'd have to supply oxygen and food and things like that, and it's a lot tougher than it is on the planet."
Fincke also noted that, while he can't surf the Internet from space, he does have e-mail and telephone capability. He said he speaks with his wife every day from space.
Members of the Middle Tennessee Amateur Radio Society and the Stones River Amateur Radio Club cooperated to set up a station--Field Day style under a tent. The Stones River ARC loaned its K4FUN call sign for the occasion.
Students, parents and members of the news media surrounded the open-air arrangement, some sitting on blankets, others on folding chairs inside the tent. In all, approximately 250 people--including 150 students--were on hand for the event, which received excellent media coverage. The youngsters taking part included kindergartners through eighth graders from the two schools. Mike Boyea, KE4KMG, served as the control operator for the approximately 10-minute contact--Tennessee's first ARISS school group QSO.
Fincke signed off wishing all the students the best. "Study hard, and listen to your parents!" he advised as the space station started to go out of range.
ARISS in an international educational outreach with US participation by ARRL, NASA and AMSAT: www.rac.ca/ariss
(ARRL News Service)
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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
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Aug. 9 2004 Operation Heartland Defense declared a success
WEST SALEM, Wis. — Eight months of planning that culminated with what organizers called the largest four-hour disaster drill ever, the Operation Heartland Defense disaster drill was declared a success. "Fantastic," La Crosse County Emergency Management Coordinator Keith Butler said when asked for his assessment of the Sunday morning drill.
The mock derailment of a Canadian Pacific Railways train that caused an anhydrous ammonia spill at the Farmer's Co-op Supply was part of the month-long disaster drill designed to assess how prepared area agencies are for a bioterrorism attack. Despite some communication problems, Butler said preparations for Sunday's drill helped make the West Salem mock disaster come off better than expected and will give organizers a better idea of problems that need to be worked out to better deal with disasters. West Salem Fire Chief Dave Munson, who headed up the incident command before handing off duties to the county's mobile dispatch center, agreed that the biggest problem uncovered was incompatible radio systems, but the months of planning and discussion that led up to the event will eventually pay tremendous dividends.
"I saw the culmination of several months of meetings that brought together several agencies in La Crosse County," Munson said. "The communication between these agencies increased so dramatically, it's hard to put into words. The interaction, cooperation, input and enthusiasm has been phenomenal." Sunday's drill brought together more than 600 people from 10 fire departments, six emergency management agencies, 11 law enforcement agencies, nine public health agencies, 10 emergency medical service agencies, 10 hospitals, nine public agencies, seven private organizations and nine Department of Defense organizations. While hazardous material teams from La Crosse and Monroe counties worked on mock casualties at the "hot zone" where a derailed train ruptured an anhydrous ammonia tank, firefighters fought to control the cloud to protect the rest of the community.
About one mile away, at the La Crosse Interstate Fairgrounds, paramedic crews worked with military personnel to transport patients to area hospitals. Just west of the La Crosse Municipal Airport, more military personnel operated a mobile surgical hospital to treat some of the casualties. Through all of this, emergency personnel from the La Crosse area worked together to control the disaster scene and coordinate all of the other activities. With all of the various agencies, Butler said, communication problems are to be expected. Although those problems arose as anticipated, the agencies were able to deal with those problems rather quickly.
Bob Ritger, a bioterrorism coordinator with the federal Health Resources and Service Administration, said condensing events that would normally run over several days into four hours often takes away some of the excitement. However, he said, little would be accomplished by running this drill under real time conditions.
Butler said one of the best parts of the drill came with the realization that amateur radio operators can play an important role if the normal types of communication break down. With the drill completed, Butler said the work now will be to boil down what was learned and share that information with the participants.
"All future planning will be based on what happened here today. We'll be doing after action reports. We'll compile evaluators' notes that will help us steer and guide the exercise," Butler said. "We'll have a great package and will get it out to all of our participants so that we'll know what happened here today and what we can build on."
Dan Springer can be reached at (608) 791-8269 or dspringer@lacrossetribune.com.
(Dan Springer | La Crosse Tribune)
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Aug. 9 2004 Oregon amateurs aid in ocean rescue
Two members of the ARRL-affiliated Coos County Radio Club happened to be in the right place at the right time June 19 and were able to direct an emergency team to the correct site of a near-drowning. Ed Makaruk, KD7JFB, says he and Rick Livellara, KD7NTA, were walking along Bastendorff Beach when they monitored a call on the public service band that a rip tide had carried three youngsters out to sea. Looking up the beach, they were able to spot the scene. "A surfer was in the water, and we knew that the rescuers were being dispatched by a tourist who was giving them the wrong location," Makaruk said. As Makaruk headed up the beach, Livellara ran to the parking where the surfer had taken the swimmers. "I watched them to make sure they were all right, then put an emergency call out on the 146.280 repeater," Makaruk said. Andy Hoyle, KD7VCQ, heard it and called 911. "Andy was on the phone with them as we were talking and relayed the right location and that the kids were all right," Makaruk said. "I stood and waved in the sheriff when he showed up, then got out of the way so the pros could do their thing. It happened so fast that I was amazed at how walking on the beach and playing with radios turned into a way to help out. How great it is to have a ear listening when you need it!" Ham radio's role got a mention in The World, the local newspaper in Coos Bay, which identified the surfer-rescuer as Klint Wirebaugh. The three youngsters, ages 12, 12 and 14, were not seriously injured.
(ARRL News Service)
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Haliburton Forest Ultra Marathon Sept. 10 & 11 2004
The Minden club needs help to support the runners in a 100 mile, cross country race. We start our shift work after the runners have been going for twelve straight hours. We keep track of their locations after sundown, and on to the end of the race at noon the next day. It's a great opportunity to use your equipment, batteries and skill to assist this group in a forest area that has no cell phone or telephone service.
Further information is posted at: www3.sympatico.ca/ghewit/ve3gih/ultramarathon
To volunteer for this great event, or get answers to specific questions, email Len Foster VE3LGF lfos@sympatico.ca
Gord VE3GIH
District Emergency Coordinator Scugog
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Aug. 13 2004 FITTEST Seeking Assistance
The United Nations World Food Program's FITTEST operation is currently seeking Telecommunications Specialists for 3 to 6 month contracts.
FITTEST stands for the Fast Internet and Telecoms Emergency Support Team and it offers constant travel, constant pressure, constant challenges in a job that still allows you to combine a family life and a professional life in a two or three months on one month off duty regime.
Typically, FITTEST hires people with non-conventional career paths to provide emergency deployment of VHF and HF networks, Satellite and Telephone systems. They are looking only at people with direct hands-on experience willing to work under harsh circumstances.
To get an idea of the work they do
in Iraq and Afghanistan have a look at their web sites: www.hiciraq.org/mediacentre/gallery/FITTEST/
and www.qsl.net/ya5t
Applications to mark.tell@wfp.org
and martin.kristensson@wfp.org
(WIA News)
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Aug. 13 2004 Hams and scanner enthusiasts needed to serve as wildlife-tracking volunteers
ARRL Amateur Radio Direction Finding Coordinator Joe Moell, K0OV, says ARDF enthusiasts and scanner listeners are needed to volunteer in the Denton and Collin county areas of Texas, where wildlife researcher Jennifer Johnston is releasing rehabilitated orphan great horned owls into the wild. "Eight radio-tagged birds are now on the air near 150 MHz," he said. Volunteers are also standing by for the departure of radio-tagged young burrowing owls from their nesting sites in Florida. University of South Florida grad student Robert Mrykalo wants know where they will end up, Moell explains--whether they'll remain in Florida near their nesting areas or head north into Alabama and Georgia, or even head out over the open ocean. "If you live in the appropriate areas, you can listen these signals from your home or car," Moell says. "If you have direction-finding gear, you might be able to make a positive sighting." For project details, tag frequencies and equipment suggestions, visit Moell's Homing In ARDF Web site.
(ARRL News Service)
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50th Anniversary Worked All Europe DX Contest--CW--sponsored by the Deutscher ARC from 0000Z Aug 14-2359Z Aug 15 (phone is Sep 11-12; RTTY is Nov 13-14). Frequencies: 80- 10 meters according to Region I band plan. Categories: SOHP, SOLP, MS, SWL. Packet or spotting nets allowed (SO stations not using spotting assistance will be noted). SO operate 36 hrs max, up to three off periods of 1 hour min. Non-EU work EU only except RTTY, where everyone works everyone except own country. Exchange: RS(T) and serial number. Score 1 pt/QSO and 1 pt/QTC. Final score is QSOs + QTCs × weighted multipliers. Multipliers: non-EU use WAE countries, EU use DXCC entities plus call districts in W, VE, VK, ZL, ZS, JA, PY and RA8/9/0. (RTTY use WAE + DXCC.) Mults on 80 m count ×4, on 40 m ×3, otherwise ×2. A QTC is a report sent from a non-EU station back to an EU station of QSOs that took place earlier in the contest (RTTY QTC can be exchanged between any continents). A QTC contains the time, call sign and QSO number of the station being reported (eg, 1307/DL1AA/346). A QSO may only be reported once and not back to the originating station. A maximum of 10 QTCs can be sent to a single station. The same station can be worked several times to complete this quota, but only the original QSO has QSO point value. Keep a list of QTCs sent. For example, QTC 3/7 would indicate that this is the third series of QTCs sent, and seven QSOs are reported. For more information: www.waedc.de. Logs due by Sep 15 (CW), Oct 15 (Phone) or Dec 15 (RTTY) to waedc@dxhf.darc.de or to WAEDC Contest Manager, Bernhard Buettner, DL6RAI, Schmidweg 17, 85609 Dornach, Germany.
Maryland-DC QSO Party--CW/Phone--sponsored by the Antietam Radio Association, 1600Z Aug 14-0400Z Aug 15 and 1600Z-2359Z Aug 15. Frequencies (MHz): CW--3.643, 7.060, 14.060, 21.060, 28.035, Phone--1.895, 3.920, 7.230, 14.270, 21.370, 28.370, VHF/UHF--50.150, 52.525, 144.15, 146.55, 146.580, 432.15, 446.000. Categories: Club, Mobile, Novice/Tech, QRP and Standard. Work stations once per band/mode, portable/mobiles can be worked again in each county. Exchange: QTH and category. QSO points: Club --10 pts, Mobile--5 pts, QRP or Novice/Tech-- 4 pts, CW or RTTY or ATV--3 pts, all others-- 1 pt. Highest single point value applies. Score: QSO points × MD counties + Baltimore City + DC. (MD-DC stations also count SPC.) For more information: www.w3cwc.org/rules.html. Logs due Sep 15 to wa3eop@arrl.net (ASCII format) or Antietam Radio Association, PO Box 52, Hagerstown, MD 21741-0052
SARTG WW RTTY Contest, sponsored by the Scandinavian Amateur Radio Teleprinter Society, 0000Z-0800Z and 1600Z-2400Z Aug 21 and 0800Z-1600Z Aug 22. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB (HP, LP <100 W), SOSB, MS, SWL. Exchange: RST and serial number. QSO points: own country--5 pts, different country on same continent--10 pts, diff cont--15 pts. Score: QSO points × DXCC entities + W/VE/VK/JA call districts. For more information: www.sartg.com. Logs due Oct 10 to contest@sartg.com or to SARTG Contest Manager, Ewe Håkansson, SM7BHM, Pilspetsvägen 4, SE-291 66 Kristianstad, Sweden.
Keymen's Club of Japan Contest--CW--sponsored by the Keymen's Club of Japan, 1200Z Aug 21-1200Z Aug 22. Frequencies: 160-6 meters (JA allocations on 160 are 1.810- 1.825, 1.908-1.912 MHz). Categories: SOAB, SOSB (JA only), SWL. Exchange: RST and JA prefecture/district or continent. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO (JA count JA/JA--1 pt and JA/DX--5 pts). Score: QSO points × JA pref/dist from each band (JA also count continents). For more information: www.jarl.com/kcj. Logs due Sep 30 to kcjlog@freeml.com or Yasuo Taneda, JA1DD, 279-233 Mori, Sambu-town, Sambu-gun, Chiba 289-1214, Japan.
New Jersey QSO Party--CW/Phone--sponsored by Englewood ARA, 2000Z Aug 21-0700Z Aug 22 and 1300Z Aug 22-0200Z Aug 23. Frequencies (MHz): 1.810, 3.535, 7.035, 14.035, 21.100, 28.100, SSB--3.950, 7.235, 14.285, 21.355, 28.400, VHF/UHF 50-50.5 and 144-146 MHz. Exchange: QSO number and SPC or NJ county. QSO points: 3 pts/QSO. Score: QSO points × NJ counties. NJ stations use NJ counties + states (except NJ) + provinces, max 83. For more information: www.qsl.net/w2rj. Logs due Sep 18 to Englewood Amateur Radio Association, Inc, PO Box 528, Englewood, NJ 07631-0528.
SEANET Contest--CW/SSB/Digital--sponsored by the SEANET Convention, 1200Z Aug 21-1200Z Aug 22. Frequencies (MHz): CW--3.525, 7.025, 14.025, 21.025, 28.025, SSB--7.090, 14.220, 21.320, 28.320. Categories: SO, MS, AB, SB, Mixed and Single Mode combinations. Exchange: RS(T) and serial number. QSO points: SEANET-SEANET--10 pts (5 pts if same country), SEANET-World--10 pts. Score: QSO points × DXCC entities for SEANET entrants, QSO points × SEANET entities for non-SEANET entrants, counted once per band and mode. For more information and list of SEANET countries: www.seanet2004.com. Logs due Sep 30 to seanet2004@rast.or.th or Ray Gerrard, HS0ZDZ, PO Box 69, Bangkok Airport PO, Bangkok 10212, Thailand.
Summer VHF/UHF QSO Party--sponsored
by the Colorado QRP Club, from 1600Z Aug 22-2200Z Aug 22.
Frequencies: 2 m and 70 cm FM, 5 W output max, use recognized simplex frequencies
according to the ARRL band plan; do not use the national simplex frequencies
of 146.52 or 446.000 MHz. Categories: Portable, Non- Portable. Exchange:
Call sign, Grid square, first name, and CQC member # or power. QSO points:
1 pt/QSO. Total score: QSO points × names beginning with different letters
(26 max), counted once per band. 100 point bonus for QSO with W0CQC. For
more information: www.cqc.org/contests/summer04.htm.
Logs due 30 days after the contest to contest@cqc.org or CQC Contest, PO
Box 17174, Golden, CO 80402-6019.
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Aug. 21-22 2004 International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2004
This highly popular annual August event attracts hundreds of amateur radio stations at lighthouses and lightships (369 in 48 countries for the 2003 weekend .)world-wide. It is organised by Mike, GM4SUC, and Kevin, VK2CE is the web-master. This year the period of the event is from 0001 UTC on Saturday 21 August until 2359 UTC on Sunday 22 August 2004.
The event is NOT a contest. It is a special event weekend when amateur radio stations are established at lighthouses or lightships, they do not have to be adjacent to salt water, and each group decides how it will operate the station with regard to modes and bands. Participants are not committed to being on the air during the entire period - operate as much as you can. There are no restrictions on aerials or power. We wish operators to enjoy themselves and have fun while making contact with as many stations as possible whilst giving priority to other lighthouse/lightship stations. Please take some time to work the slow operator, the newly licensed and QRP stations.
As available space in many lighthouses is filled to capacity, participation in this activity does not have to take place inside the tower itself. Field day type set-up at the light or other buildings next to the light or adjacent field is OK. Permission MUST be obtained from any interested parties.
The International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend is used to obtain maximum exposure for our hobby. We invite the press and, QTH permitting, also the public and try to underline the parallel between the international aspects in lighthouses, lightships, and amateur radio. As from last year, the World Lighthouse Day is held on the Sunday of the event and lighthouse keepers/managers/caretakers all around the world open their lighthouses to the public. www.lighthouse.fsnet.co.uk/events/intlighthouseday.html
We use the event segment of the 5 Classic bands, consider the following as a range of suggested frequencies.
CW
80m: 3.510 - 3.540 kHz
40m: 7.005 - 7.035 kHz
20m: 14.010 - 14.040 kHz
15m: 21.010 - 21.040 kHz
10m: 28.010 - 28.040 kHz
PHONE
*80m: 3.650 - 3.750 kHz
*40m: 7.040 - 7.100 kHz
20m: 14.150 - 14.290 kHz
15m: 21.150 - 21.250 kHz
10m: 28.300 - 28.400 kHz
* Some of the frequency ranges listed above are NOT legal in the United States of America. As a substitute, USA operators should consider these alternatives.
USA PHONE
80m: 3.950 - 3.990 kHz
40m: 7.250 - 7.290 kHz
However because the ILLW is NOT a contest, you can operate on any authorised QRGs as per your licence, including the WARC bands. Please be sure to observe band limits for your class of licence and your country.
To assist other stations in the identification of lighthouse/lightship stations, we request that participating stations using CW add LS after their callsign at a lightship and LT at a lighthouse. SSB and other modes should use LIGHT, LGT, LIGHTHOUSE or LIGHTSHIP after their call. UK stations normally obtain a GB callsign with the letter L in the suffix and USA stations can request a Special Event callsign from the ARRL.
A list of the lighthouses/lightships of the world, currently 10,764 in 209 DXCC countries, plus their Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS) Number can be found at http://arlhs.com/awards/arlhs-numbers.html The list is constantly being updating and added to as more data become available. You can help: If you see a correction or an addition needs to be made, please send an e-mail with the information to K2JXW@arrl.net
If you decide to join us, please register on-line at http://illw.net/index.html with details of your name, callsign to be used, lighthouse/lightship, Country, qsl route etc. Although registration is not compulsory, doing so enables us to maintain a detailed list of participants at http://illw.net/2004.htm showing QSL address, web site and any special event calls they may be using. E-mail addresses will be modified with unicode to minimise harvesting by spammers.
So come and join us in the fun of the weekend, already 78 stations have confirmed their participation, establish a station at a lighthouse, lightship or maritime beacon. If you are unable to find a lighthouse/ship you can still join in the fun by contacting the special lighthouse/ship stations. The more the merrier.
73 Mike GM4SUC
gm4suc@compuserve.com
gm4suc@btinternet.com
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Lincoln, MI: Alcona County Amateur Radio Group, K8A. 1600Z Aug 7-0400Z Aug 15. 33rd Annual Alcona County Fair. 21.345 14.245 7.245 3.945. QSL. Stanley L. Darmofal, W8SZ, PO Box 15, Harrisville, MI 48740. www.alconaradio.org
Sycamore, IL: Northern Illinois Steam Power Amateur Radio Operator's, W9S. 1300Z Aug 10-2300Z Aug 16. 48th Annual Show commemorating Steam Power on the Farm. 28.390 14.245 7.245 3.980. Certificate. Bob Yurs, W9ICU, PO Box 341, Sycamore, IL 60178. www.w9icu.com
Rush Springs, OK: FAA Aeronautical Center ARC, W5F. 1400Z-2200Z Aug 14. The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival. 10/15/20/40/80 M. QSL. David Begue, K5FOZ, 2155 County Rd, Tuttle, OK 73089-3112. www.w5paa.org
West Union, OH: DeForest Amateur Radio Club, W8S. 1400Z-1900Z Aug 14. Ohio Covered Bridges On The Air--Adams County, Ohio. 14.250 7.233. QSL. DeForest Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 73, West Union, OH 45693. www.qsl.net/ohio-covered-bridges
Hagerstown, MD: Antietam Radio Association, W3CWC. 1600Z-1930Z Aug 14. Leitersburg Peach Festival in conjunction with MDC QSO Party. 20/40 m phone 146.55. Certificate. Antietam Radio Association Certificate, PO Box 52, Hagerstown, MD 21740. www.w3cwc.org
Russellville, OH: Grant Amateur Radio Club, W8B. 1500Z Aug 14-2000Z Aug 15. Ohio Covered Bridges-Brown County. 14.275 possibly 15/40 m gen bands. QSL. Carolyn Donner, PO Box 158, Hamersville, OH 45130. www.geocities.com/garcohio
Boxborough, MA: FEMARA, K1A. 0000Z Aug 14-2359Z Aug 15. 2004 ARRL New England Division Convention. 21.250 14.250 7.250. QSL. Mike Bernock, N1IW, 22 Redfield Circle, Derry, NH 03038.
Kankakee, IL: Kankakee Area Radio Society, W9AZ. 1400Z Aug 14-2000Z Aug 15. Celebrating KARS 80th anniversary. 14.280 7.280. QSL. James Schreiner, K9BIG, 436 S Prairie Ave, Bradley, IL 60915. www.w9az.com
Newton Falls, OH: Western Reserve Amateur Radio Association, W8T. 1200Z Aug 14-2100Z Aug 15. Ohio Covered Bridges on the Air. 10 20 49. QSL. Gail Wells, 708 Delaware SW, Warren, OH 44485. www.qsl.net/ohio-covered-bridges [Work 6 bridges for certificate.]
Window Rock, AZ: Navajo Amateur Radio Club, N7C. 1400Z Aug 14-0200Z Aug 15. Com-memorating Navajo Code Talkers Day. 14.260 14.033 7.260 7.033. QSL. N7HG, PO Box 3611, Window Rock, AZ 86515.
Baltimore, MD: Social Security Employees Amateur Radio Club, W3SSA. 1300Z-2200Z Aug 15. 69th Anniverary of The Social Security Act. 14.280 7.280. Certificate. Greg Stec, K3ANG, 1624 Pickett Rd, Lutherville, MD 21093.
Pikes Peak, CO: Colorado 14er Event Task Force, Various. 1500Z-1800Z Aug 15. Colorado 14er Event. 147.42 21.330 14.260 14.060. QSL. Bob Witte, 21060 Capella Dr, Monument, CO 80132. www.14er.org Contact 10+ summits for award.
Wrightstown/Grange Fair, PA: Warminster Amateur Radio Club, K3DN. 1600Z Aug 18-2000Z Aug 22. 50th anniversary of the Agricultural Reseach Service and 90th ARRL anniversary. 21.280 14.280 7.280 3.880. Certificate. Warminster ARC, Box 113, Warminster, PA 18974.
Marshfield, MA: Marshfield Fair Radio Club, NN1MF. 1600Z Aug 20-2359Z Aug 29. 137th annual Marshfield Fair. 18.160 14.260 7.260 3.860 2 m 70 cm. QSL. Robert F. Burns, K1RB, 27 George St, Apt 3, Whitman, MA 02382.
Alliance, OH: Alliance Amateur Radio Club, W8LKY. 1600Z-2100Z Aug 21. 100th Anni-versary of Scarlet Carnation and Carnation Days. 28.405 14.295 14.045 7.045. Certificate. AARC-W8LKY, PO Box 3344, Alliance, OH 44601.
Saranac Lake, NY: North Country Chapter American Red Cross, W2B. 1400Z-2000Z Aug 21. Celebration of Flight, Lake Clear Air Show. 14.257 14.030 7.250 7.045. QSL. Roland Patnode, W2WIZ, 162 Neil St, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.
Buffalo, NY: Western NY DX Association, W2DXA. 1300Z Aug 21-1600Z Aug 22. International Lighthouse Weekend K2L ARLHS-US-090. 21.040 14.040 HF bands CW and SSB. QSL. Robert Nadolny, WB2YQH, PO Box 73, Springbrook, NY 14140.
Burnt Island Lighthouse, ME: Yankee ARC, KA1RFD. 0001Z Aug 21-2359Z Aug 22. International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend. 21.270 14.270 7.270. QSL. Rod Scribner, KA1RFD, RR 4 Box 6770, Gardiner, ME 04345.
Dunkirk, NY: Dunkirk Lighthouse/Lancaster Amateur Radio Club, W2SO. 0001Z Aug 21-2359Z Aug 22. International Lighthouse Weekend--USA 248 Lake Erie. 21.350 14.250 7.225 3.950. Certificate. Via http://dunkirklighthouse.com or Lancaster Amateur Radio Club, 525 Pavement Rd, Lancaster, NY 14086.
Fire Island National Sea Shore, NY: Great South Bay ARC, W2GSB/LH. 1400Z Aug 21-2000Z Aug 22. International Lighthouse Weekend at Fire Island Lighthouse ARLHS #286. 7.240 14.260 21.260 28.460. QSL. GSBARC, W2GSB/LH, PO Box 1356, West Babylon, NY 11704. www.gsbarc.org
St Augustine, FL: St Augustine Amateur Radio Society, N4AUG. 1400Z Aug 21-2200Z Aug 22. Activation of St Augustine Lighthouse #789 for ILLW. 21.270 14.270 14.035. QSL. SAARS, PO Box 860084, St Augustine, FL 32086-0084. www.saars.net
Sioux City, IA: Sooland ARA, K0D. 0001Z Aug 21-2359Z Aug 22. Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery. 14.250 7.250. Certificate. Mike Clayton, WD0CJZ, 3600 Transit Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106.
Tuckerton, NJ: Old Barney Amateur Radio Club, W2T. 1300Z Aug 21-2200Z Aug 22. ARLHS Lighthouse #USA-911 and 4th Annual Classic Boat Festival. 14.280 7.280 146.835. QSL. Bob Schenck N2OO, PO Box 345, Tuckerton, NJ 08087. www.obarc.org
Eagle Harbor, MI: International
Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend, K8E. 0001Z Aug 21-2359Z Aug 22.
Lighthouse and two range lights. 14.275 14.030 7.275 7.030. Certificate.
QSL via bureau or direct to: N8MR, 14071 Fairway, Livonia, MI 48154. www.kc8nah.com/Interests/illw04.htm
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ARRL 90th Anniversary Offer Accompanies Debut of 2005 ARRL Handbook
To mark the League's 90th anniversary, those placing early orders for the 2005 edition of The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications will get a reproduction of the first edition of QST as a bonus. Orders received by 1159 UTC on September 30 will qualify to receive the bonus reproduction--while supplies last. The September issue of QST spells out details of the 90th anniversary promotion.
"A limited supply of QST, Vol I, No 1, will be printed before it is returned to the 'ARRL vault' for at least 10 years," said ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. He points out that the 2005 edition of the Handbook edition--the 82nd--is by far the most extensively revised version of the popular reference in a decade. ARRL Assistant Technical Editor Dana Reed, W1LC, edited the 2005 edition, with assistance from Dean Straw, N6BV, Jan Carman, K5MA, and Chuck Hutchinson, K8CH.
"Entire sections of this book were updated to reflect the most current state-of-the-art," Inderbitzen noted. The new edition includes material on digital techniques, DSP and software-defined radio design, surface-mount construction and components, high-speed multimedia and previously unpublished antenna designs plus advice on baluns, satellites and moonbounce--including details on the pending Phase 3E satellite--and much more. There's a new chapter covering Internet tips for hams, wireless fidelity ("WiFi") and other wireless and PC technology. The 2005 Handbook also includes more projects, including a new 10 W transceiver for 60 meters.
For the first time, the 2005 Handbook will come bundled with The ARRL Handbook CD (version 9.0)--a fully searchable and complete book on CD-ROM. In the past, the Handbook CD-ROM has cost an additional $39.95. The 2005 Handbook is available in softcover for $39.95 and hardcover for $54.95, and it will begin shipping by early October.
ARRL co-founders Hiram Percy Maxim and Clarence D. Tuska published the first issue of QST in December 1915 at their own expense. It cost 10 cents and contained 24 pages. Contents included the "December Radio Relay Bulletin," an ARRL membership application (membership was free in 1915!), a membership list, photographs of early amateur stations, advertisements for headsets and radio components and more. The debut back-cover advertised a rotary spark gap and a cat's whisker detector.
The first QST press run was delivered to the post office for mailing in a Franklin motor car. When the new publication's editor entered World War I service in 1917, QST suspended publication for the war's duration, reappearing in 1919.
The "First QST" premium may not be redeemed for cash. No returns will be permitted, and all exchanges must be accompanied by the premium. The offer is valid only on orders placed directly via ARRL, and it may be canceled or modified at any time due to system error, fraud or other unforeseen problem. The offer is void where prohibited.
(ARRL News
Service)
_______________
Aug. 12 2004 DXCC Branch accepting QSLs from Somalia operations
Effective immediately, the ARRL DXCC Branch will accept QSLs for operations taking place in Somalia (6O/T5). This includes the Somaliland (northwestern Somalia) and Puntland (northeastern Somalia) autonomous areas as well as the southern and central areas of Somalia. DXCC will accredit operations possessing written permission from any recognized authority that is acknowledged to be in control of a particular region. These QSLs will count for the Somali Democratic Republic (Somalia). QSLs for past operations will be accepted where proper documentation has been submitted. This is subject to change based on future developments in Somalia.
(ARRL News
Service)
____________
Aug. 12 2004 ARLD032 DX News
This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by K4QD, MM0DGR, NC1L, the OPDX Bulletin, QRZ DX, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST. Thanks to all.
PAKISTAN, AP. Bob, AP2JZB has been QRV on 17 meters around 1530z. QSL direct.
CANARY ISLANDS, EA8. Hans, ON6ZK is QRV as EA8/ON6ZK from Gran Canaria until August 19. His activity is only on 17 meters using CW and SSB. QSL to home call.
IRELAND, EI. Hal, KC8FS is QRV as EI/KC8FS/p from the west and southwest coasts until August 23. QSL to home call.
ESTONIA, ES. Oleg, ES1RA is QRV as ES1924J from Tallinn until September 4 to celebrate 80 years of amateur radio in Estonia. QSL to home call. Look for ES1924L to be active as well. QSL via ES6PZ.
SCOTLAND, GM. Look for GB8RU to be QRV until August 15 during the Scottish-Russian Marathon. QSL via bureau.
HAITI, HH. Jan, K4QD will be QRV as HH4/K4QD from August 16 to 27 from the Northwest Christian Mission. Activity will be on most HF bands, including 6 meters, using CW and SSB as time permits. QSL to home call.
SVALBARD, JW. Harald, LA6LHA and Roger, LA4GHA are QRV as JW6LHA and JW6GHA, respectively, until August 15. Activity is on all bands, including 6 meters. QSL to home calls.
WAKE ISLAND, KH9. George, AH8H is QRV as KH9/AH8H through the month of August as time permits. Of late, he has been active on 40 to 15 meters using CW. QSL via operator's instructions.
SUDAN, ST. Paul, ST2PN works for the UN World Food Program and is usually active from Khartoum as time permits. QSL direct via PA7FM.
GREECE, SV. Wolff, DJ5JH will be active as J43J in the Worked All Europe contest from the Peloponnese peninsula. QSL to home call.
CAMEROON, TJ. Acho, TJ1AD has been QRV on 20 meters around 2300z. QSL via operator's instructions.
EUROPEAN RUSSIAN, UA. Special event station UE0LBP is QRV until August 20 for the second International Bikers Festival in Kozina. QSL via operators' instructions.
BRUNEI, V8. Hide, JM1LJS is QRV as V8FDX until August 16. Activity is on 30, 17, 12 and 6 meters using CW and SSB. QSL to home call.
AFGHANISTAN, YA. Rene, DL2JRM is QRV as YA7X until early September. QSL via DL1JJI.
VANUATU, YJ. Clark, N5XX is QRV as YJ0XX for a few months. He uses mostly CW on 40, 30 and 20 meters. He plans to visit various islands in the New Hebrides. QSL via W6YOO.
Operations approved for DXCC credit: Effective immediately, the ARRL DXCC Branch will accept QSLs for operation taking place in the Somaliland (northwestern Somalia) and Puntland (northeastern Somalia) autonomous areas as well as the southern and central areas of Somalia. Operations possessing written permission from any recognized authority that is acknowledged to be in control of a particular region will be accredited. These QSLs will count for the Somali Democratic Republic (Somalia). QSLs for past operations will be accepted where proper documentation has been submitted. This is subject to change based on future developments in Somalia.
THIS WEEKEND
ON THE RADIO. The 50th Anniversary Worked All Europe DX CW Contest
and the Maryland-DC QSO Party are all scheduled for
this weekend.
The Scottish-Russian Marathon runs until August 15. Please see August QST,
page 94, and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.
(ARRL)
__________
Aug. 14 2004 425 DX News
The latest 425 DX News monthly
edition (July issues), edited by Maurizio Bertolino (I1-21171/IZ1CRR),
is now available for free downloading
in
either.pdf or .doc formats at http://www.425dxn.org/monthly/.
3B8 - Mart, DL6UAA/3B8MM will be back to Mauritius for several weeks between October and November. He might also operate from Rodrigues Island (3B9MM), if there is still demand. Please visit http://www.dl6uaa.com and let him know if you still need 3B9. [TNX DL6UAA]
4X - Look for Dov, 4Z4DX to be active from Jaffa Lighthouse (ARLHS ISR-005) on 20-22 August. QSL via home call. [TNX 4Z4DX]
7P - K4SV (7P8DA) and VA7DX (7P8NK) have decided to stay the entire time in Lesotho [425DXN 692] and will continue to operate as much as they can, with a special effort on the low bands, until 16 August in the morning. Please see www.k4sv.com for details. [TNX QRZ-DX]
7Q - Harry, G0JMU will be active again as 7Q7HB from Malawi for at least six weeks starting on 11 August. QSL direct only via G0IAS. [TNX G0IAS]
7Q - Ely, IN3VZE will be active once more as 7Q7CE from Malawi on 9-23 September. He plans to operate SSB on 10-160 metres. QSL via home call, direct (Ely Camin, Corso 3 Novembre 136/2, 38100 Trento - TN, Italy) or bureau. [TNX IN3VZE]
8Q - Jan, DL7JAN and Andreas, DL3GA will be active as 8Q7JF and 8Q7GA from Kandooma, Maldives (AS-013) from 26 August to 7 September. They plan to operate on 10-80 metres CW, SSB and RTTY (possibly on PSK31 as well). QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX DL7JAN]
9A - Zoran, 9A2CY reports he will operate as 9A2CY/P from Cres Island (EU-136) from 13 August to 1 September. He also plans to visit and operate from other islands located in the same IOTA group (Galijola, Trstenik and Zeca).
9H - The Gozo Amateur Radio Society will take part in the ILLW as 9H4GRS/P from Jordan's Lighthouse (ARLHS MLT-03) on 22 August. [TNX 9H5JO]
CT - Jose Luis, CT2GZB and Victor, CT1GPX will operate as CQ0RLH (SSB) and CT1GPX/LH (CW) from the lighthouse at Cabo Raso (ARLHS POR-011, FES 04) on 22 August. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX CT1END]
CU - Look for CU6/CU3AA and CU6/CU3EJ to operate SSB and CW from two lighthouses on Pico Island (EU-175), namely Ponta da Ilha (AZO-013, FAZ-016) and Sao Mateus (AZO-024, FAZ-019), on 21-22 August. QSL via home calls. [TNX CU3AA]
CX - The Centro Radioaficionados de Rocha (CX1TA) will participate in the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW, 21-22 August) from the Lighthouse at Cabo Santa Maria (ARLHS URU-004). QSL to CX1TA, P.O. Box 29, 27000 Rocha, Uruguay. [TNX CX2TG]
EA8 - Look for ED8LGP to be aired on all bands from the Barlovento Lighthouse (ARLHS CAI-029, FEA D-2846) on La Palma (AF-004) during the ILLW. QSL via EA8RCP, direct or bureau. [TNX EA8NQ]
F - During the ILLW the F6KUM ARS team will be active from Cap de l'Ailly Lighthouse (ARLHS FRA-012, PB 009), while Jean/F5IRC will operate from Antifer lighthouse (ARLHS FRA-220, PB 050). [TNX F5NQL]
F - Special station TM5BDM will be active on 4-5 September to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the first Battle of the Marne during World War I. QSL via F5ASD, direct or bureau. [TNX F5NQL]
F - Special event station TM8CDX will be active on 4-18 September for the annual Clipperton DX Club Convention, to be held at Malataverne on 18 September (see http://www.cdxc/ for information on this event). QSL via F5CQ. [TNX F5NQL]
F - Francis, F6HKS will be active as F6HKS/p from Leucate Lighthouse (PB-147, ARLHS FRA-230) on 20-22 August. He will operate 80, 40, 30, 20 and 15 metres CW with some SSB. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX F5NQL]
GM - The Scottish Ham Portal (http://www.scotham.net) provides a detailed (with pictures and historical information) list of stations that will be activated during the ILLW:
Call
QTH
ARLHS QSL VIA
--------------------------------------------------------------
GB2DL Dunollie
Lighthouse
SCO-064 MM1AVR
GB2ELH Eshaness
Lighthouse (EU-012) SCO-075
WA7OBH
GB2GNL Girdle
Ness Lighthouse
SCO-089 GM4JLZ
GB2LBN Barns Ness
Lighthouse
SCO-015 GM4UYZ
GB2LT Turnberry
Lighthouse
SCO-248 GM0JHF
GB2MSL Kinnaird
Head Old Lighthouse SCO-113
GM1JNS
GB2NCL North Carr
Lightvessel
SCO-151 GM3NHQ
GB2RRL Rubha Reigh
Rua Reidh Lighthouse SCO-191 GM4CHX
GB2SHL Stoer Head
Lighthouse
SCO-226 GM8UPI
GM3TKV/p Kingston Beacon
SCO-new GM3TKV
MM0MWW Hoxa Head
Lighthouse (EU-009) SCO-103
MM0EAX
MM1HMV Toward
Point Lighthouse
SCO-245 MM1HMV
MM3STM Ardrossan
Pier Head
SCO-317 MM3STM
GM - Nigel, 2M0NJW and David, GM4RQI plan to operate (on 20, 30, 40 and 80 metres CW and SSB) from St. Kilda (EU-059) on 22-25 August. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX OPDX Bulletin]
GW - The Barry Amateur Radio Society will operate as GB5FI from Flatholm Island (EU-124) from 27 August to 1 September inclusive. QSL via GW0ANA, direct or bureau. [TNX GW0ANA]
HA - Special event station HG8SDS (http://www.qsl.net/hg8sds) will be activated again on 16-21 August by Veszto Radio Club from Veszto-Magor during the "Sarret Days". QSL via HA8PH. [TNX HA8IC]
HH - Florida DXpedition Group member Jan Heise, K4QD will be active as HH4/K4QD on most bands SSB and CW from Haiti (NA-096) on 16-27 August. He is travelling to the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission where he will operate as time permits. Jan will leave a six meter station monitoring 50.125 MHz for openings and activity while working on other projects. QSL via K4QD, direct or bureau. [TNX K4QD]
HL - DS1NPP, DS4NMJ, DS5EVU, DS5LRJ and 6K5TET will be active as D88DX from Sonanji Island (AS-080) on 13-16 August. They will operate on 80-10 metres CW and SSB. QSL via DS3FGV. For further information please visit http://www.59dx.com/ [TNX DS5EVU and JI6KVR]
HP - The Panama Canal Amateur Radio Association (PCARA) will operate SSB, CW and PSK31 as HP2L from Gamboa Lighthouse in the Panama Canal (ARLHS PAN-027) during the ILLW. QSL via HP1IBF. [TNX HP1AC]
HS - E20HHK/p is active from Samui Island (AS-101). QSL via E21EIC.
I - Look for IT9GL to be aired from Isolotto Colombaia (EU-025, IIA TP-017) until 16 August. QSL direct to P.O. Box 200, 91100 Trapani TP [TNX IT9JLG]
I - Maurizio, IK2MLR reports he will be active on 10-40 metres SSB with some QRS CW as IG9/homecall from Linosa (AF-019, IIA AG-003) on 16-30 August.
I - Look for Fabrizio, IA5/IK5WOB (CW) and Carlo, IA5/IK5FTL (SSB) to operate from Isola d'Elba (EU-028, IIA LI-001) on 21-29 August. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX IK5WOB]
I - IQ7AF will be aired on 4-5 September during the amateur radio meeting organized by ARI Lecce (http://www.arilecce.it) [TNX Salento DX Team]
LU - Look for LT7W to be aired by Grupo Titan (http://www.lt7w.tk) from Golfo Nuevo Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-038), Patagonia during the ILLW. QSL direct to P.O. Box 4, 9120 Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina. [TNX LU4WG and LU5WW]
LU - The Bahia Blanca DX Group (http://www.grupodxbb.com.ar/) will take part in the ILLW from three different lighthouses in Buenos Air province. Expect activity as homecall/D from Recalada Lighthouse (ARG-009, operators LU4DRH, LU5DEM, LU6DRD, LU5DRV, LU6EPR, LU7EVP, LU8EBK and LU8EHQ), El Rincon Lighthouse (ARG-036, operators LU4ETN, LU8EBJ, LU9ESD, LW3DKC, LW8DMK and LW9EVA) and Segunda Barranca Lighthouse (ARG-067, operators LU1EUU, LU7AC, LU7DSY, LU8DWR and LW8EAG). QSL for all via LU7DSY (P.O. Box 709, 8000 Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina). [TNX LU8DWR]
OH - YL2FB, YL2CI, YL2GQG and YL1ZF will operate (on all HF bands CW, SSB and RTTY, VHF/UHF operation on 6m, 2m and 70cm is planned as well) as OH/YL2FB from an island in the Etela-Suomi (Uusimaa) Province group (EU-097) on 15-19 August. Weather permitting, they will participate in the ILLW from Soderskar lighthouse (ARLHS FIN-057). QSL via YL2FB. [TNX YL1ZF]
PA - Cees, PA3FXO and others will participate in the ILLW as PI4LDN from the lighthouse at Noordwijk, The Netherlands. QSL via bureau to PA7DA. [TNX PA3FXO]
PY - ZX35O is the special call Daniel, PT2OP will be using from 18 August to16 September to celebrate his 35th anniversary on the amateur radio bands. QSL via PT2OP, direct or bureau. [TNX PS7AB]
SV - Stavros, M0BBB/5B4AFM will operate as J42004A from from Skopelos (EU-072) and Athens from 17 August to 1 September. QSL via M0BBB, direct or bureau. [TNX NG3K]
SV - ON4BB, ON5JE and ON5KH will operate as SV8/homecall from the Kyklades (EU-067). On 8-18 September they will be on Naxos (MIA MG-075), while on 19-21 September they will operate from Mykonos (MIA MG-074). QSL home calls, preferably through the bureau. [TNX ON4BB]
SV5 - Wojtek, SP5MXZ is active (on 20 metres CW and SSB) as SV5/SP5MXZ from Rhodes (EU-001) until 20 August. During the weekend he will operate as SX5A (special call of the local club station) and next week he will use J42004/SP5MXZ. QSL via home call. [TNX SP5XSD]
T9 - Babs/DL7AFS, Lot/DJ7ZG and Chris/Z31GX will be active on 160-6 metres CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31 as T98LBC on 2-12 September. Before going to Bosnia & Hercegovina, Babs and Lot expect to operate for a few days as Z38Z from Macedonia. QSLs via DL7AFS. Further information at www.qsl.net/dl7afs [TNX DJ7ZG]
UR - Look for Andy, UT/RZ3EM and Serge, UT2FA to operate from a few Ukrainian lighthouses (ARLHS UKR-036/037/045 and, possibly, UKR-054/055/056) on 14-15 August. [TNX RV3ACA]
UR - Look for UU9JWM/P to be aired from Khersonesskiy Lighthouse (ARLHS UKR-022, ULA 021) during the ILLW. QSL via bureau or direct to UT5JAJ (P.O. Box 72, Sevastopol - 55, 99055 Ukraine). [TNX UT5JAJ]
VK - The official list of stations that are expected to take part in this year's ILLW (http://illw.net/2004_list.htm) includes VK9MI, which is announced to be active from Montague Island (OC-223, an IOTA group activated for the first and only time by VK2IOM back in September 1997). QSL via bureau or direct to P.O. Box 22, Bodalla, NSW 2545, Australia.
W - Look for Chuck, ND7K to operate on 20 metres SSB and CW and 40 metres CW from Bailey Island (NA-137) on 15-16 August. QSL to either P.O. Box 347, East Boothbay, ME 04544, USA or his CBA. [TNX The Daily DX]
W - Eagle Harbor Lighthouse (USA-253) will be active during the ILLW using the special 1x1 call K8E. Modes of operation include HF/VHF, CW/SSB, FM Satellite and possible HF digital. Collectors of ARLHS numbers can get credit for three upon request: Eagle Harbor Lighthouse USA-253, Front Range Light USA-254 and Rear Range Light USA-255. QSL via buro or direct to N8MR. The web page is at http://www.kc8nah.com/Interests/illw04.htm [TNX N8MR]
Good to Know
ANTARCTICA
AWARD ---> The Mediterraneo DX Club announces that the newly born Antarctica
Award will be presented during the amateur radio meeting to be held in
Lecce on 4-5 September. The first certificate will be awarded to Filippo
Corbelli, IK0AIH (the first time operator from Concordia Base at Dome
C) during
the XX Italian HF-DX Convention (Bologna, 25-26 September). Rules
and full information on this award will be available on www.mdxc.org as
soon as the site reconstruction is finished. [TNX MDXC]
DXCC NEWS ---> Effective immediately, the ARRL DXCC Branch will accept QSLs for operations taking place in Somalia (6O/T5). This includes the Somaliland (northwestern Somalia) and Puntland (northeastern Somalia) autonomous areas as well as the southern and central areas of Somalia. DXCC will accredit operations possessing written permission from any recognized authority that is acknowledged to be in control of a particular region. These QSLs will count for the Somali Democratic Republic (Somalia). QSLs for past operations will be accepted where proper documentation has been submitted. This is subject to change based on future developments in Somalia.
IIA TP-019 ---> Momo, IT9GNG operated (first time activation) from Scoglio Mal Consiglio (EU-025, IIA TP-019) on 11 August.
LIGHTHOUSES ---> Lighthouse enthusiasts may find this of interest: www.scenicreflections.com/free-international-lighthouses-screen-saver.htm
OPERATIONS
CANCELLED ---> Carl, N4AA (QRZ-DX) and Rolf, DL7VEE report that
the following announced operations have been cancelled:
13-15 August
4U1VIC, by DK7YY, DJ9MH and DL7VEE [425DXN 691]
12-17 August
C91DA & C91NK, by K4SV & VA7DX [425DXN 691]
10-14 August
KG4DX, by W4WX [425DXN 691]
PIRATE ---> "Whoever was active as TF8/LX9EG on 9 August was a pirate", says Norby, LX1NO. "I was sitting at home and I was listening to 'my' transmission...".
QSL BORNEO 2004 ---> Derek, G3KHZ and Maury, IZ1CRR inform that all of the V8PMB (OC-184) and 9M8PSB (OC-165) direct requests received so far have been processed and mailed.
QSL IR1CL ---> This station was active on 7 August from the lighthouse at Capo delle Mele (WAIL LI-003, ARLHS ITA-015). All of the QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau. Direct cards should be sent to IK1AWV. [TNX IK1AWV]
QSL VIA OK1MU ---> Pavel, OK1MU says he still has about 500 blank cards for his past activities as 5N0/OK1MU and 5N35/OK1MU. Cards can be sent either direct (Pavel Prihoda, Okruzni 331, Solnice 517 01, Czech Republic) or via the bureau.
___________
Aug. 14-22 2004 I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.
14/08/2004: LH-0658
9A6AA/P LIGHTHOUSE OF BIK -
Emir, 9A6AA, will try to activate
the lighthouse of Bik (WLH LH-0658, not IOCA, not IOTA), on August 14th
as 9A6AA/p. Depending on the weather he plans to be on the air at 08:00
UTC on 7060.00 kHz and later on 14255.00 kHz. QSL via home call, direct
or bureau. [Tnx DE0MST]
14/08/2004: EU-064
F4AJQ/P NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND -
Franck, F4AJQ, will be QRV between
August 14th and 28th as F4AJQ/p from Ile de Noirmoutier (IOTA EU-064, DIFM
AT-020). Activity will be on the HF and VHF bands. QSL via home call, direct
or bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]
14/08/2004: EU-064
F5JNE/P NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND -
Francois, F5JNE, and Gerard, F6ICG,
will be QRV August 14th as F5JNE/p from the Castle of Reconfort (DFCF reference
58061 for the French Castles Award, Department 58 (Nievre), Province of
Burgundy, Canton of Tannay DDCF 5824 and Zip Code 58190) in Saizy Town.
Activity will be on 40 and 20 meters, starting around 06:30 UTC, CW and
SSB. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]
14/08/2004: EU-032
F/MØARK/P RE ISLAND -
Brian, M0ARK, will be active August
14th to 24th as F/M0ARK/P from Re Island (IOTA EU-032, DIFM AT-022). Activity
will be on HF bands SSB, but will concentrate on 6 meters when the band
is open. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]
14/08/2004: EU-002
OHØ/IZØFKE ALAND ISLANDS -
Alberto, IZ0FMA, will be QRV August
14th to 18th as OH0/IZ0FKE from Finstrom, Aland Islands (EU-002). QSL via
IZ0FMA, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]
14/08/2004: EU-172
OZ5MJ/P & OZ7AEI/P FYN ISLAND -
Palle, OZ5MJ/p and Jakob, OZ7AEI/p
will operate from two lighthouses (namely Enebaer Odde/DEN-061 and Bogense/DEN-215)
on Fyn Island (IOTA EU-172, DIA FY-001 for the Danish Islands Award) August
14, 2004. Look for them on 40 and 20 meter SSB starting around 08.30 UTC.
[Tnx 425DXN]
14/08/2004: RDA:KA-16
UA2FF/P KRASNOZNAMENSKY AREA -
Vlad UA2FF will be active August
14th and 15th as UA2FF/p from the Krasnoznamensky Area (RDA reference KA-16)
or the Nesterovsky Area (RDA KA-18), Kaliningradskaya oblast (KA). QSL
via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx Site RDA]
15/08/2004: EU-030
OZ/DL2VFR BORNHOLM ISLAND -
Ric, DL2VFR, will be QRV between
August 15th and 27th as OZ/DL2VFR from Bornholm Island (EU-030). Activity
will be mostly CW during the ILLW (August 21-22nd) together with OZ/DL2SWW
from different lighthouses there. QSL via the bureau. [Tnx OPDX]
16/08/2004: NA-096
HH4/K4QD HAITI -
Jan, K4QD, a member of the Florida
DXpedition Group, will be active as HH4/K4QD from August 16-27th. Jan is
traveling to the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission where he will operate
as time permits. He will be active on most bands on SSB and CW. QSL to
K4QD via his new CBA (January 2004) or via the bureau. UPDATE: Jan announced
that he will be taking a 6 meter station and antenna with him. He will
leave the station monitoring 50.125 MHz for openings and activity while
working on other projects. The NW Haiti Christian Mission is Grid Square
FK39. [Tnx OPDX]
16/08/2004: EU-012
MM5PSL/P ISLAND OF BRESSAY -
Peter, MM5PSL, plans to be QRV August
16th to 18th as MM5PSL/p from the Island of Bressay (IOTA EU-012, IOSA
SH06, SCOTIA SI-08) and the Bressay Lighthouse (ARLHS SCO-021). QSL direct
to WA7OBH. [Tnx MM5PSL]
16/08/2004: AF-024
S79OA SEYCHELLES -
Look for Igor, RN3OA, to be active
as S79OA from the Island of Mahe (AF-024) between August 16th and 31st.
He may also activate the Island of Alphonse (AF-033). QSL via home call.
[Tnx OPDX]
17/08/2004: RDA:CU-03
UE4YYY MOSCOWSKY AREA -
Special event station UE4YYY will
be active August 17th to 24th from the Moscowsky Area (RDA reference CU-03),
Republic of Chuvashia (CU). QSL via RD3BB/4, direct or bureau. [Tnx Site
RDA]
18/08/2004: EU-025
IT9MRM/P ISOLA DELLE PALME -
Albert, IT9MRM, will be QRV August
18th to 20th, for the Italian Islands Award, as IT9MRM/p from Isola delle
Palme (IOTA EU-025, I.I.A. SR-010, M.I.A. MI-266). Activity will be on
40, 20, 15 and 10 meter SSB from 06:00 to 22:00 UTC daily. Further information
can be found on Albert's web page at www.mondoradiomania.tk
[Tnx IT9MRM]
20/08/2004: EU-057
DD6VSF/P RUEGEN ISLAND -
Sven, DD6VSF will be QRV August
20th to 22ndth as DD6VSF/p from Ruegen Island (IOTA EU-057, GIA O-07 for
the German Islands Award). Activity will be on 40, 20 and 17 meter SSB
and PSK31. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]
20/08/2004: PB-147
F6HKS/P PORT LEUCATE LIGHTHOUSE -
Francis, F6HKS, will be QRV for
the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (August 20-22, 2004)
as F6HKS/p from the Port Leucate Lighthouse (DPLF PB-147, ARLHS FRA-230).
Activity will be on 80, 40, 30, 20 and 15 meter CW. SSB QSO's by request.
The lighthouse is located in Department 11 (Aude), in the Province of Languedoc-Roussillon.
QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]
20/08/2004: NA-104
V47UY ISLAND OF NEVIS -
Look for Larry, KJ4UY, to be QRV
August 20th to 28th as V47UY from Nevis Island (NA-104). Activity will
be on all bands and modes, including 6 meters. QSL via KJ4UY, direct or
bureau. [Tnx K1XN]
21/08/2004: EU-054
IF9/I5RDF MARETTIMO ISLAND -
Look for Francesco, IF9/I5RDF to
be QRV August 21 to September 10, 2004, from Marettimo Island (IOTA EU-054,
I.I.A. TP-010, M.I.A. MI-056). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx
425DXN]
21/08/2004: PB-050
F5IRC/P ANTIFER LIGHTHOUSE -
Jean, F5IRC/p, will be active from
the Antifer lighthouse (DPLF PB-050, ARLHS FRA-220), for International
Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx
F5NQL]
21/08/2004: PB-009
F6KUM/P CAP D'AILLY LIGHTHOUSE -
The F6KUM ARS team will be active
from the Cap d'Ailly Lighthouse (DPLF PB-009, ARLHS FRA-012) as F6KUM/p,
for International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend. QSL via home call, direct
or bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]
21/08/2004: SCO-064
GB2DL DUNOLLIE LIGHTHOUSE -
Members of the Lorn Radio Amateur
Club (GM0LRA) will be active as GB2DL during the International Lighthouse/Lightship
Weekend (August 21-22, 2004) from the Dunollie Lighthouse (ARLHS reference
SCO-064). Location: West coast of Scotland, near Oban in Argyll and Bute
(Lat. 56:26'N - Lon. 05:30'W). QSL-cards for contacts with GB2DL should
be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau or direct to MM1AVR Stewart McIver, 9 Balvicar
Road, Oban, Scotland. [Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: EU-012
GB2ELH SHETLAND ISLANDS -
Ken MM0KAL, Hans MM0XAU and Peter
MM5PSL will be active as GB2ELH during the International Lighthouse/Lightship
Weekend (August 21-22, 2004) from the Eshaness Lighthouse (ARLHS reference
SCO-075). The headland of Eshaness in the north west of the Mainland has
jagged and dramatic low cliffs of volcanic rock, which have eroded into
fantastic shape such as that of Dore Holm. Stenness was a haaf fishing
station in the 19th century, while the squat, square lighthouse is an unusual
shape for Scotland. Location: West coast of Shetland Islands (IOTA EU-012,
Lat. 60:29'N - Lon. 01:38'W). QSL-cards for contacts with GB2ELH should
be sent via WA7OBH F. Lee Graves, 4341 SE Satinleaf PL, Stuart FL 34997,
USA. [Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: SCO-089
GB2GNL GIRDLE NESS LIGHTHOUSE -
Members of the Aberdeen Amateur
Radio Society (GM3BSQ) will be active as GB2GNL during the International
Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (August 21-22, 2004) from the Girdle Ness
Lighthouse (ARLHS reference SCO-089). This lighthouse was designed by Robert
Stevenson. It originally had two lights: one at the top of the tower and
another about one third of the way up. The lower light was discontinued
in 1890. Location: Entrance to Aberdeen Harbor, east coast of Scotland
(Lat. 57:08'N - Lon. 02:03'W). QSL-cards for contacts with GB2GNL should
be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau or direct to GM4JLZ E.M. Philip, "Struan",
1 Pitstruan Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 6QW, Scotland. [Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: SCO-015
GB2LBN BARNS NESS LIGHTHOUSE -
Members of the Cockenzie & Port
Seton Amateur Radio Club (MM0CPS) will be active as GB2LBN during the International
Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (August 21-22, 2004) from the Barns Ness Lighthouse
(ARLHS reference SCO-015). The Lighthouse at Barns Ness was built by David
A. Stevenson, Engineer to the Commissioners. The light was first exhibited
on 1 October 1901, approximately 2½ years after building operations commenced.
The tower is 121 feet high, and is constructed of stone from Craigree (near
Cramond) and Barnton quarries, as are the other buildings. The stone has
proved to be tough as Barns Ness was machine gunned during the War, and
no damage was sustained. Until 11 July 1966, the lighthouse was manned
by two lightkeepers; it then changed to one keeper as the light was being
converted to semi-automatic operation. A sealed beam light, powered by
mains electricity, replaced the old mantle and paraffin-operated light.
The candlepower of the light was 1,300,000 and was the first of its type
to be used in the Commissioners' Service. The optical equipment consisted
of a gearless pedestal, manufactured by AGA (UK) Ltd, on which was mounted
an array of eighteen sealed beam lamps, similar to modern car headlights.
The gearless pedestal operated from a 12 volt DC supply and battery standbys
for both these and the lamps were available. In the event of failure of
the mains electricity supply a standby generator automatically starts up.
If this generator fails to start, then the light is operated from batteries.
The lighthouse was automated in 1986 and is now remotely monitored from
the Board's headquarters in Edinburgh. Location: East Lothian, east coast
of Scotland, North Sea (Lat. 55:59'N - Lon. 02:27'W). QSL-cards for contacts
with GB2LBN should be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau or direct to GM4UYZ Bob
Glasgow, 7 Castle Terrace, Port Seton, Prestonpans, East Lothian, EH32
0EE, Scotland. [Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: SCO-248
GB2LT TURNBERRY LIGHTHOUSE -
Members of the Ayr Amateur Radio
Group (GM0AYR) will be active as GB2LT during the International Lighthouse/Lightship
Weekend (August 21-22, 2004) from the Turnberry Lighthouse (ARLHS reference
SCO-248). This lighthouse is on the Ailsa golf course. There is word that
the owners might turn the keeper's house into luxury apartments. Location:
Southwest coast of Scotland (Lat. 55:20'N - Lon. 04:50'W). QSL-cards for
contacts with GB2GNL should be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau or direct to GM0JHF
T.M. Mitchell, 7 Hillocks Place, Barassie Troon, Ayrshire, KA10 6TU, Scotland.
[Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: SCO-113
GB2MSL KINNAIRD HEAD LIGHTHOUSE -
Members of the Banff And Buchan
Amateur Radio Club (GM3GG) will be active as GB2MSL during the International
Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (August 21-22, 2004) from the Kinnaird Head
(Old) Lighthouse (ARLHS reference SCO-113). North of Aberdeen is Fraserburgh,
a fishing port in Buchan. In 1570, Sir Alexander Fraser of Philorth built
the castle of Kinnaird Head.. The laird's castle, on the rocks of Kinnaird
Head, was converted to a lighthouse in 1786, the first lighthouse in Scotland.
The interior has been adapted to its new purpose, but externally Sir Alexander's
tall central tower, with its 6ft thick walls, is all that remains of the
original building. Even with a lighthouse stuck on the top it is still
unmistakeably a castle. There were originally five floors, but only four
remain, the fifth being removed to make way for the lantern chamber of
the lighthouse. Standing on the tip of Kinnaird's Head, the lighthouse
marks the point where the Buchan coastline turns west along the Moray Firth,
following the rocky Phingask shore to Sandhaven and Rosehearty. Location:
Fraserburgh, North of Aberdeen, Northeast coast of Scotland (Lat. 57:42'N
- Lon. 01:60'W). QSL-cards for contacts with GB2MSL should be sent via
RSGB QSL-Bureau or direct to GM1JNS Gerald Bartram, 6 Craigewan Crescent,
Peterhead, AB42 6HL, Scotland. [Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: SCO-151
GB2NCL NORTH CARR LIGHTVESSEL -
Members of the Dundee Amateur Radio
Club (GM4AAF) will be active as GB2NCL during the International Lighthouse/Lightship
Weekend (August 21-22, 2004) at the North Carr Lightvessel (ARLHS reference
SCO-151). In a storm in December 1959, the lightship broke her moorings
and was in danger of being driven onto the rocks with potential for loss
of life. The RNLI lifeboat Mona, stationed at Broughty Ferry, was launched
but in the dark of night, while heading out over the bar of the River Tay,
she capsized with the loss of all her crew. The lightship was eventually
saved without loss of life or injury to any of her crew but she never returned
to station. Location: Dundee, East coast of Scotland (Lat. 56,29:N - Lon.
04,57:W). QSL-cards for contacts with GB2NCL should be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau
or direct to GM3NHQ Tom Harrison, 7 Cults Gardens, Broughty Ferry, Dundee,
DD5 1QT, Scotland. [Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: SCO-191
GB2RRL RUBHA REIGH LIGHTHOUSE -
Jim Kyle GM4CHX will be active as
GB2RRL during the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (August 21-22,
2004) at the Rubha Reigh (Rua Reidh) Lighthouse (ARLHS reference SCO-191).
Situated on a remote peninsula in the North-West Scottish Highlands, 12
miles from the village of Gairloch and 3 miles from the nearest dwelling,
Rua Reidh Lighthouse is a unique and exciting place to 'get away from it
all'. Built in 1910 by a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson, it is now fully
automated, allowing the keeper's house within the lighthouse compound to
be converted to provide comfortable and homely accommodation. Location:
Mainland, North of Gairloch, Highland (Lat. 57:52'N - Lon. 06:49'W). QSL-cards
for contacts with GB2RRL should be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau or direct to
GM4CHX Jim Kyle, Grianan, 7 Fasaich, Gairloch, Ross-Shire, IV21 2BD, Scotland.
[Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: SCO-226
GB2SHL STOER HEAD LIGHTHOUSE -
David McAlpin GM8UPI will be active
as GB2SHL during the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (August
21-22, 2004) at the Stoer Head Lighthouse (ARLHS reference SCO-226). Stoer
Head Lighthouse is located on the West Coast of Scotland in Sutherland
keeping ships safe in the Minch. It was built in 1870. David Stevenson
and Thomas Stevenson were the engineers for this lighthouse. It is was
a remote location and had only two keepers which made it not a popular
assignment with the keepers. The keepers were removed when the station
was automated in 1978. Now it's a self-catering accommodation (upper apartment,
sleeps four) can be rented per week from March to October. Location: Northwest
coast of Scotland (Lat. 58:14'N - Lon. 05:24'W). QSL-cards for contacts
with GB2SHL should be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau or direct to GM8UPI David
McAlpin, 68 Buckstone Loan, Edinburgh, EH10 6UG, Scotland. [Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: SCO-NEW
GM3TKV/P KINGSTON BEACON -
Members of the Moray Firth Amateur
Radio Society [GM3TKV] will be active as GM3TKV/p during the International
Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (August 21-22, 2004) at the Kingston Beacon
(ARLHS reference SCO-NEW). Situated on the left bank of the River Spey
where it flows into the Moray Firth, the Moray village of Kingston or Kingston-upon-Spey
was founded in 1784 by Messrs Dodsworth and Osborne of Kingston-upon-Hull
who were contracted by the Duke of Gordon to handle timber from the Duke's
estates in upper Speyside. Boats of up to 500 tons were constructed in
its dockyard and for nearly 100 years timber that had been floated down
the Spey from the Forest of Glenmore was exported. In 1829 nearly all of
the houses were swept away by the great flood known as the 'Muckle Spate'.
Location: North East of Scotland (Lat. 57:40'N - Lon. 03:07'W). QSL-cards
for contacts with GM3TKV/p should be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau or direct
to GM3TKV Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society, Rinnes View, Keith, AB55 6RJ,
Scotland. [Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: WAIL:LI-005
IU1L LA LANTERNA LIGHTHOUSE -
Look for IU1L to be aired again
from La Lanterna (WAIL LI-005, ARLHS ITA-177) during this year's International
Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend, August 21st and 22nd. QSL via bureau
or direct to ARI Genova, P.O. Box 1117, 16121 Genova - GE, Italy. [Tnx
425DXN]
21/08/2004: USA-253
K8E EAGLE HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE -
Eagle Harbor, Michigan - Keweenaw
County - Eagle Harbor Lighthouse (ARLHS reference USA-253) will be active
in the International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend (Aug 21-22), using
the special 1x1 call K8E. Modes of operation include HF/VHF, CW/SSB, FM
Satellite and possible HF digital. Collectors of ARLHS numbers can get
credit for three upon request: Eagle Harbor Lighthouse (USA-253), Front
Range Light (USA-254) and Rear Range Light (USA-255). Further information
can be found at www.kc8nah.com . QSL
via the bureau, or direct to N8MR with large (10.6cm x 24.1 cm) SASE. [Tnx
N8MR]
21/08/2004: ARG-038
LT7W GOLFO NUEVO LIGHTHOUSE -
The Grupo Titan, LT7W (http://www.lt7w.tk)
will operate during the ILLW from Faro Golfo Nuevo (Golfo Nuevo Lighthouse)
ARLHS reference ARG-038. QSL information is: P.O.Box 4, 9120-Puerto Madryn,
Chubut, Argentina. DX station send S.A.S.E. (w/2 IRC - NO GREEN STAMPS).
PLEASE DON'T SEND QSLs VIA BUREAU. Also, they we will confirm the QSOs
via e-QSL. [Tnx OPDX]
21/08/2004: SCO-103
MMØMWW HOXA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE -
A team from Orkney Amateur Radio
Club will be taking part in the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend
(August 21-22, 2004) from the Hoxa Head Lighthouse (ARLHS reference SCO-103)
on the Island of South Ronaldsay (IOTA EU-009, IOSA OR05, SCOTIA OI02).
The callsign for this event will be MM0MWW. The southernmost island of
the Orkney Island group, South Ronaldsay is linked to Mainland Orkney via
Burray by the Churchill Barriers which were constructed during the Second
World War to prevent German U-Boats from entering Scapa Flow. Rising to
a height of 118m (387 feet) at Ward Hill, the island has an area of 4980
ha (12,306 acres), most of which is given over to the production of beef,
dairy cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. The principal settlement is St Margaret's
Hope where there was once a chapel dedicated to St Margaret, Malcolm Canmore's
Queen. It was off the coast of South Ronaldsay that the Longhope Lifeboat
was lost in March 1969 with the loss of all on board. Each year in August
the Sand o' Right in Widewall Bay is the scene of a unique 'tidal' Ploughing
Match involving boys under 15 years old using miniature ploughs. The population
of South Ronaldsay has fallen from 2557 in 1881 to 943 in 1991, most of
the islanders engaging in farming, fishing, boat building, knitwear production
and crafts such as pottery and gold and silversmithing. Some are also employed
in the oil industry on the neighbouring island of Flotta, the oil pipeline
from the North Sea to the Flotta oil terminal passing through the north
end of the island. Location: Isle of South Ronaldsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland
(Lat. 58:49'N - Lon. 03:02'W). QSL-cards for contacts with MM0MWW should
be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau or direct to MM0EAX Dave Thomson, The Boathouse,
Finstown, Orkney Islands, KW17 2EH, Scotland. [Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: SCO-245
MM1HMV TOWARD POINT LIGHTHOUSE -
Brian Shearer MM1HMV will be active
during the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (August 21-22, 2004)
from the Toward Point Lighthouse (ARLHS reference SCO-245). This lighthouse
was designed by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of writer Robert Louis Stevenson.
The keeper's dwelling here is a private residence. Location: Toward Point
lies south of the settlement of Toward, 6 miles (10 km) south of Dunoon
in Argyll and Bute. From this point there are views west towards the settlement
of Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, south to the islands of Great and Little
Cumbrae and east across the Firth of Clyde to the settlements of Skelmorlie
and Wemyss Bay on the mainland (Lat. 55:52'N - Lon. 04:59'W). QSL-cards
for contacts should be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau or direct to MM1HMV Brian
A. Shearer, Latheron, uchamore Road, Dunoon, Argyll, PA23 7JJ, Scotland.
[Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: SCO-317
MM3STM ARDROSSAN PIER HEAD LIGHTHOUSE -
John MM3STM will be active during
the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (August 21-22, 2004) from
the Ardrossan Pier Head (ARLHS reference SCO-317). Situated on the north
side of Irvine Bay, an inlet of the Firth of Clyde, Ardrossan lies 5 miles
(8 km) northwest of Irvine. Founded as a resort in 1805 by the Earl of
Eglinton, its deep-water harbour was suitable for steam boats connecting
with Arran, Belfast, the Isle of Man and Campbeltown. Ardrossan also became
a seaport for the export of coal, iron and chemicals, although it never
realised its ambition to be a terminus on the proposed Glasgow, Paisley
and Ardrossan Canal. Created a burgh in 1846, one of the last to be established
in Scotland, Ardrossan became a centre of railway engineering, shipbuilding
and oil refining. It still maintains a ferry link with Arran (dating from
1834) and the Isle of Man (dating from 1892), and timber bound for the
paper mill at Irvine is imported. There are three railway stations at Ardrossan.
Offshore is the Horse Isle nature reserve. Lighthouse location (Lat. 55:39'N
- Lon. 04:50'W). QSL-cards for contacts should be sent via RSGB QSL-Bureau
or direct to MM3STM John, P.O. Box 8004, Beith, Ayrshire, KA15 2YD, Scotland.
[Tnx MM0DFV]
21/08/2004: NA-034
N4A ANCLOTE KEY -
Look for Keith, N4ZQ to be QRV August
21st and 22nd from Anclote Key (IOTA NA-034, USI FL-172S) using the special
call N4A. He will also be active during the daylight hours from Anclote
Key lighthouse (WLH LH-0857, ARLHS USA-013) for the International Lighthouse/Lightship
Weekend. Activity will be on 40 and 20 meter CW and SSB. QSL via N4ZQ SASE
or SAE plus postage required for all direct cards or via the bureau. [Tnx
USI]
21/08/2004: RDA:VO-30
RA1's/P SHEKSINSKY AREA -
Stanislav RA1QEN/p and Mike RA1QIH/p
will be active August 21st from the Sheksinsky Area (RDA reference VO-30),
Vologodskaya oblast (VO). QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx Site
RDA]
21/08/2004: RDA:TM-05
RKØBWW/P HATANGSKY AREA -
Alex RA0BA, Andy UA0BA and Victor
RW0BG will be active August 21st as RK0BWW/p from the Hatangsky Area (RDA
reference TM-05), Taymyr Autonomous Okrug (TM). QSL via the bureau. [Tnx
Site RDA]
21/08/2004: RDA:VO-21
RK1QXX/P SOOKOL'SKY AREA -
Team (Club station) RK1QXX will
be active August 21st as RK1QXX/p from the Sookol'sky Area (RDA reference
VO-21), Vologodskaya oblast (VO). QSL via home call, direct or bureau.
[Tnx Site RDA]
21/08/2004: RDA:MR-04
RK4SWF/P VOLZHSKY AREA -
Team RK4SWF will be active August
21st as RK4SWF/p from the Volzhsky Area (RDA reference MR-04), Republic
of Marij-El (MR). QSL via RU4SS, direct or bureau. [Tnx Site RDA]
21/08/2004: RDA:VO-20
RW1QN/P NJUKSENSKY AREA -
Sergey RW1QN will be active August
21st as RW1QN/p from the Njuksensky Area (RDA reference VO-20), Vologodskaya
oblast (VO). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx Site RDA]
21/08/2004: RDA:TB-04
RX3RC/P KIRSANOV CITY -
Roman RX3RC will be active August
21st as RX3RC/p from Kirsanov City (RDA reference TB-04), Tambovskaya oblast
(TB). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx Site RDA]
21/08/2004: RDA:NS-26
RZ9MXM/9 KYSHTOVKSY AREA -
Team RZ9MXM will be active in Russian
District Award Contest (August 21st) as RZ9MXM/9 from the Kyshtovsky Area
(RDA reference NS-26, for the Russian Districts Award), Novosibirskaya
oblast (NS). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx Site RDA]
21/08/2004: EU-132
SP5PB/P WOLIN ISLAND -
Peter, SP5PB, will be QRV during
the International LH weekeend (August 21-22nd) as SP5PB/p from the Swinoujscie
Lighthouse (ARLHS POL-019) on Wolin Island (IOTA EU-132, SPIA SZ-002).
QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx G0SGB]
21/08/2004: RDA:SV-32
UA9CUA/9 NIZHNYAYA TURA CITY -
Fred UA9CUA will be active August
21st as UA9CUA/p from Nizhnyaya Tura City (RDA reference SV-32), Sverdlovskaya
oblast (SV). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx Site RDA]
21/08/2004: NA-111
W2T TUCKER'S ISLAND -
The Old Barney Amateur Radio Club
(N2OB) will be active as W2T from the Tucker's Island Lighthouse (ARLHS
USA-911, IOTA NA-111, USI NJ-001S, Ocean county), New Jersey on August
21st and 22nd. QSL via N2OO (Bob Schenck, P.O. Box 345, Tuckerton, NJ 08087,
USA). [Tnx 425DXN]
22/08/2004: EU-059
2M0NJW/P & GM4RQI ST. KILDA -
Nigel, 2M0NJW and David, GM4RQI
will be on a two man DXpedition and will be attempting to reach the rarest
IOTA Island in Britain called St. Kilda (EU-059). Activity will be between
August 22 to 25th, and callsigns to be used are 2M0NJW/P and GM4RQI. Their
activity will be CW and SSB on 20, 30, 40 and 80 meters. QSL direct via
2E0NJW and G4RQI, or via the RSGB bureau. [Tnx OPDX]
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
________
Note: A complete list of
Prefixes assigned by International Telecommunications Union can be found
on the Trans Provincial Website: www.tpn7055.ca/callsign.html
|
|
Aug. 13 2004 North Carolina Utility ending BPL Field Trial
North Carolina's Progress Energy
Corporation says it's completed Phase II of its B-P-L field trial in the
Raleigh, and will be closing down the experiment. In an August
4th internal memorandum reported by the ARRL Letter, the company said its
program to test the viability of providing broadband service to communities
it serves will wrap up by the end of August. The company reportedly will
shut down the system once it's able to move its BPL customers to other
broadband
providers. Progress Energy's
decision comes on the heels of announced shutdowns of B-P-L field trials
in Penn Yan, New York, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(ARRL)
|
( Deadline Saturdays 10:00 A.M.) |
Subscribe to this bulletin and have it delivered to your e-mail box automatically every week, please put your name and callsign (if you have one) in the body of the text. hfradio@look.ca
Acknowledgments
RAC, ARRL, RSGB, SpaceRef.com,
SM3CER, ICPO, ODXA, DX Listening, CBC News, GB2RS, ARISS, NASA, AMSAT,
Daily Press,
ARES Ontario, Amateur
Radio Newsline, QRZ News, 425 DX News, CGC, Amateur Radio Club Members
, Published News Reports