REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF REGION 2, Rod Stafford W6ROD:

THE NEW REGION 2 NEWSLETTER & NEW REGION 2 WEB SITE

This is the first edition of the “new” Region 2 E-News. A written newsletter has been sent to Region 2 societies in the past. However, the written Region 2 News was stopped a few years ago. David Evans VE6DXX did an excellent job as Editor of the Region 2 News for several years while it was distributed by electronic means only. At the Region 2 Conference in Trinidad & Tobago in September, 2004, the General Assembly passed a resolution to restart the Region 2 News. Everyone realized that it is very important that there is a continual flow of information from the R2 Executive Committee (“R2 EC”) to the R2 Member Societies and from the R2 Member Societies to the R2 EC.

The Region 2 E-News will be mailed to all Region 2 Member Societies and it will be emailed to the societies and several of the officers of each society. The R2 E-News will also be posted on the new Region 2 web site. The new web site is currently “under construction” but will appear soon at the following URL: www.iaru-region2.org.

WRC-07 PREPARATIONS

It seems only a short time ago that WRC-03 took place in Geneva, Switzerland. However, preparations for WRC-07 are well underway within CITEL, the Region 2 telecommunication organization.

There are two important amateur radio related issues that will be addressed at WRC-07. Agenda item 1.13 will review the allocations to all services in the HF bands between 4 and 10 MHz, excluding those allocations to services 7.0 to 7.2 MHz. WRC-03 expanded the 40 meter amateur allocation in Region 1 and most of Region 3 by doubling the band to include 7.0 to 7.2 MHz. In Region 1 and most of Region 3 the band prior to WRC-03 was 7.0 to 7.1 MHz. The expansion is due to be effective in 2009 but several of the Region 1 administrations have already allowed amateur operation in the expanded portion of the band. Of course, in Region 2 our 40-meter band is from 7.0 to 7.3 MHz. There is some thought that WRC-07 may “harmonize” the 40-meter band worldwide by simply taking the top 100 kHz from the amateur radio service in Region 2 so that the worldwide amateur radio band will be 7.0 to 7.2 MHz. It is important that all Region 2 Member Societies make their telecom authorities aware of the need to retain the top portion of the 40-meter band in Region 2. The IARU objective is to have a 300 kHz band worldwide for the amateur service. It is not too early for each R2 society to discuss this issue with their telecom officials. Any meeting or opportunity to discuss amateur radio issues with telecom officials presents the opportunity to bring this issue to their attention. One of the resolutions passed by the General Assembly at the IARU Region 2 Conference last year was to urge all Region 2 societies support the IARU objective of a 300 kHz worldwide amateur radio band with their own administrations and to urge their administrations to support that objective at CITEL meetings.

The other important amateur radio issue to discuss with telecom authorities is WRC-07 agenda item 1.15, which is a move to establish an amateur radio allocation at 135.7 to 137.8 kHz. Maintaining support for this issue within CITEL is necessary if this allocation is to become a reality. This issue should also be on the list of discussion topics with telecom authorities.

The Region 2 Executive Committee pays very close attention to all of the CITEL meetings. Members of the R2 EC attend many of the CITEL meetings, especially the PCCII meetings that deal with radio communication matters. The Region 2 Executive Committee will attempt to keep the R2 societies advised of important amateur radio issues being discussed within CITEL.

IARU REGION 2 CONFERENCE, 2004

There were a number of important decisions made by the General Assembly at the IARU Region 2 Conference last year. The various actions taken by the conference will be discussed in subsequent issues of the R2 E-News. However, a couple of the resolutions will be addressed in this issue.

The conference adopted the Region 2 Strategic Plan that was developed by the Region 2 EC. In 2003, the R2 EC spent 1 ½ days at a meeting developing the Strategic Plan and it was accepted by the 2004 conference. Several aspects of the plan deserve a closer look. One important aspect of the Strategic Plan is to strengthen the ties between the R2 EC and the R2 Member Societies. The plan calls for increased communications between the R2 EC and the societies. Increasing the frequency of Area Meetings is one of the ways to strengthen the relationship. An Area Meeting is attended by the Area Director from the R2 EC, officials from the Member Societies in the area and the President or Vice President of IARU Region 2. The basic purpose of the Area Meeting is to discuss amateur radio related issues that are of concern to both the Member Societies and to the R2 EC and to discuss any actions to be taken to address those concerns. It should be understood that the health of the IARU Region 2 is only as good as the health of the societies within Region 2. The R2 EC is here to assist the societies. If the societies are doing well the R2 EC will be doing well. Over the next several months, your Region 2 Area Director will be contacting your society to arrange for an area meeting. Please respond to those inquiries and please make a genuine effort to attend and participate in the area meetings. The R2 EC and the R2 societies have to work together to promote and preserve amateur radio within Region 2.

The R2 EC is in the process of preparing a survey to be sent to the R2 societies seeking input from the societies on relationship between the R2 EC and the societies. What does the society expect from the R2 EC? What should the R2 EC expect from the societies? When that survey is received by the societies it is important for the societies to give input to the R2 EC. The results from the survey will be discussed in a later issue of this R2 E-News.

The 2004 General Assembly also established the Amateur Radio Education Fund (“AREF”). This program sets aside $25,000 per year in order to provide monetary grants to R2 Member Societies that are willing to try to establish amateur radio in the school teaching curriculum within their country. If those societies incur expenses in their effort to establish ham radio in the school system then R2 will help the society pay any costs of that effort. The application process is currently being developed so that societies can apply for such grants. When the process is complete the information will be forwarded to all of the R2 Member Societies.

If you have any questions about the contents of this R2 E-News or about anything else related to IARU Region 2 feel free to contact any of the officers or directors of Region 2.

73 on behalf of the R2 Executive Committee
Rod Stafford W6ROD, President, IARU Region 2

(RAC News Service)

IARU Region 3 appoints new officials (Feb. 12 2005)

Peter Lake ZL2AZ has been appointed to the IARU Region 3 Council to fill the vacancy created by the death of the Peter Naish VK2BPN. ZL2AZ assumed his office February 2, 2005.
On February 4, following the election of ZL2AZ, Directors unanimously appointed director Mr. Young-Soon Park HL1IFM to Chairman of Directors IARU Region 3.
(Thanks to Keigo Komuro JA1KAB Secretary IARU Region 3 via WIA News)

(RAC News Service)

Licence arrangements for  hams visiting Australia  (Feb. 12 2005)

Due to efforts over many decades by the Wireless Institute of Australia and other IARU radio societies, there is a series of bi-lateral reciprocal licence agreements between Australia and other countries.

In addition, Australia is part of the common licence recognition provided through the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications (CEPT).

Not all licence types are part of a reciprocal agreement or the CEPT system. But if a licence is included in these then a radio amateur with that licence can apply for a VK licence. (The reverse applies to VK radio amateurs visiting overseas.)

Australia will introduce some time this year a 'class licence' that is expected to automatically allow CEPT licence holders to operate portable for short-term visits to Australia, without the need to apply for and obtain a VK licence.

Visiting CEPT licence holders are then expected to be able to operate portable using their home callsign /slash the VK* call area in which they are located - for example, G2XYZ/VK3. Until the change is made, CEPT licence holders must obtain a VK licence and callsign.

In addition to the reciprocal licence agreements, the ACA also has a list (Table B) of overseas licences it recognises and as equivalent to VK licences, and for which it will grant a licence.

Holders of either a Japanese "telegraph" or "telephone" class certificates will be granted a licence for operation on all bands above 30MHz.

Most visiting radio amateurs with their homeland licence documentation who are not covered by a reciprocal licence agreement, or the ACA equivalent recognition list, can still obtain a conditional 2m band FM licence, to get them on air, during their holiday.

Other conditions also apply in relation to operation from Australia DX entities. Full details of about Australia's licence requirements can be found on the ACA website.
 http://www.aca.gov.au/aca_home/publications/reports/info/visiting.htm

Thanks to Jim Linton VK3PC via WIA News

(RAC News Service)

New German Amateur Regulations now in force (Feb. 19 2005)

Beginning Saturday 19th of February 2005, new German amateur radio regulations are in force. WRC 03 has been considered. There have been quite some changes in favour and not so much in favour for us. It has to be studied first to give more details. Here the most relevant changes:

In Germany now there are only two classes of amateur radio licences. Class A (former class B and C or CEPT Class 1 or 2) and E (former class 3). The new class A applies to the HAREC certificate. Therefore longtime visitors or foreign residents with a CEPT licence will be issued a German A licence.

The former class D now class E is still limited to VHF/UHF only, but is now allowed 10 GHz. The output is limited to 10 W EIRP. There have been some changes to the spectrum allocation at 1.8 MHz as well. 

The original text of the new regulations can be found at http://www.darc.de/aktuell/afuv.pdf

Thanks to  Hans DF5UG, DARC IARU liaison

(RAC News Service)

For the attention of the responsible; 

In order to attend to the AKA 5th NATIONAL, 1st INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT EXERCISE, which will be realized on the date of 25/02/2005 by the organization of AKA Arama Kurtarma Araþtýrma Derneði (Search Rescue Research Association); please kindly fill in the form below and make it approved via stamp and signature of the president (or a responsible) of your association/institution, and send it back via fax to the fax no. +90 216 385 67 07 or e-mail to urcun.canel@travel2turkey.org  The set deadline for this application is 20/02/2005. Once your application form and documents are received, your registration will be finalized. 20/02/2005 is the last extended application date. 

Please examine the exercise introductory sheet. 

The institutions, persons or associations, who apply with the form filled in, receive the details about the acceptance and their role in the scenario. 

The followings shall be mentioned in the attachment of your application letter: 

1- The virtual fields you demand to work during this exercise (existing fields are listed below for your reference). 
2- Number of participants and list of the equipment to be brought 
3- An A4 size introductory letter about the participants or institutions. 
4- The copies for the licenses of participating radio amateurs. 

Working Fields: 
1-Logistics - Communication (radio amateurs, satellite-based phone users) 
2-Operations – search and rescue 
3-Logistics –collection and distribution of contributions 
4-Observers 

NOTES RELATING TO THE SUBJECT: The exercise will last appr. 24 hours. The location of the exercise is ISTANBUL, ANATOLIAN SIDE-KADIKÖY DISTRICT. The coordinate information of the field will be provided during the exercise. Those who have not applied for the exercise will not be authorized to be able to enter into the exercise field, due to the security reasons. 

Yours sincerely, 
AKA Search Rescue Research Assocation 
Coordination Responsible 
SÝBEL KURTOÐLU 
Tel : +90 216 360 10 10-+90 544 470 40 22 
Fax:+90 216 385 67 07 
aka@aka-arama.org or akakoordinasyon@aka-arama.org or disiliskiler@aka-aramaorg
www.aka-arama.org
Aka Exercise file downloadhttp://amatorplatformu.sitemynet.com/aka_exercise2005.doc
Aka Exercise Presentation file download http://amatorplatformu.sitemynet.com/aka__exercise_presentation.doc
YU8/TA2CDL ANIL ta2cdl@hotmail.com

Conditions improved this week over last. The average daily sunspot number rose nearly 34 points to 75.1, and the geomagnetic indices were down over the week. The geomagnetic field may become more active, and for February 18-20 the planetary A index is predicted at 20, 20 and 15. The major sunspot group affecting us this week will soon move off the visible solar disk, but there is a small sunspot group on the other side of the sun. Conditions should be fair to good for the ARRL International DX CW Contest this weekend.

For instance, this afternoon when I wanted a feeling for when 15 and 17 meters would still be open toward various locations, it was better to use W6ELprop with an average of sunspot numbers for the previous five days rather than today's solar flux. You can get the recent sunspot numbers from http://www.sec.noaa.gov/ftpdir/indices/DSD.txt, and download W6ELprop from http://www.qsl.net/w6elprop/.

This afternoon I went out to the car to do some 17 meter mobile work. Geomagnetic indices were low and the band was good. I had a nice CW chat with KG0TS in Des Moines, Iowa, and then worked 9Y4/YL2GM in Tobago on SSB. Juris was in the Caribbean getting ready for the DX contest from 9Y4W this weekend.

If you would like to comment or have a tip, email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net.

For more information concerning propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service propagation page at, http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html.

Sunspot numbers for February 10 through 16 were 63, 73, 72, 73, 115, 69 and 61 with a mean of 75.1. 10.7 cm flux was 114.1, 114.1, 116.4, 115.5, 118.1, 121.7 and 112.8, with a mean of 116.1.  Estimated planetary A indices were 17, 11, 5, 4, 5, 5 and 13 with a mean of 8.6. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 11, 7, 3, 2, 4, 1 and 8, with a mean of 5.1.

(ARRL News Service)

Feb. 19 2005  Solar and propagation report, 
compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS,and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

Solar flare activity has been mostly low, with one or two C-class flares on most days.  The solar flux reached 122 on the 15th but then headed downwards to stand at 104 on the 18th and average 114 - up 10 on the previous week. The 90-day average gained a point and now stands at 101.  The X-ray flux averaged B1.6 with little daily variation. The geomagnetic field was initially quiet or slightly unsettled, with the Ap index in single figures. However, on the 18th, coronal hole activity, brought the index up to 25. Solar wind speeds were generally below the high values of the previous week, dropping below 400km/sec on several days before rising again to 675km/sec on the 18th. Particle densities were mostly below 10 per cubic centimetre.

For most of the week low geomagnetic activity and more favourable seasonal factors meant that HF propagation was better than forecast.  Even at 28MHz all continents were workable at one time or other, though the band remained very patchy.  However, the other HF bands were correspondingly buoyant and more consistent.  On the 18th the heightened 
geomagnetic activity brought auroral conditions to 50 and 144Mhz. While this was largely confined to northern locations contacts were reported as far south as the Midlands on the evening of the 17th.

Now the forecast.  During the coming week the quieter side of the sun is expected to be looking our way.  Flare activity will be low or very low, though there may be an occasional M-class flare.  The decline in the solar flux will continue and it may well be down in the 80s within a few days.  The combined effect of coronal hole activity and a coronal mass ejection on the 17th looks likely to give rise to enhanced geomagnetic levels at the start of the week. Quiet-to-unsettled conditions should follow, but towards next weekend activity could well increase due to a well-placed coronal hole. Maximum usable frequencies at equal latitudes should reach 23MHz in the south and 20MHz in the north. The effects of lengthening periods of daylight in the northern hemisphere are becoming increasingly apparent, with the higher bands opening noticeably earlier and remaining open later.  Darkness hour lows should remain around 7MHz.  Paths to the East Coast of North America should have a maximum usable frequency, giving a fifty per cent chance of success, of around 20MHz.  The optimum working frequency, where there should be a ninety per cent chance of a contact, will be in the region of 16MHz.  The best time to try will be between 1200 and 1800UTC. 

(G3USF)

Earth Rarely Out of Sight or Mind for ISS Crew (Feb. 15, 2005)

While it's 220 miles distant, Earth seems never far from the thoughts of the International Space Station's Expedition 11 crew. Gazing upon the home planet from their vantage point in space is among the most favorite activities of those who have done duty tours aboard the ISS, and the current crew members are no exception. Speaking via Amateur Radio from NA1SS February 10, Expedition 10 Commander Leroy Chiao, KE5BRW, told youngsters at Fairview Elementary School in Mt Prospect, Illinois, that his new hobby is taking pictures of Earth from the ISS.

Chiao also informed Fairview Principal Kerry Swalwell that earthly topics dominate conversations between himself and crewmate Salizhan Sharipov. Full story: www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/02/15/3/?nc=1

(ARRL News Service)

Astronaut Amateurs preparing for International Space Station  (Feb.10 2005)

Expedition 11 will put two hams aboard the ISS ( -- The recent licensing of US Astronaut John Phillips, KE5DRY, will put two radio amateurs aboard the International Space Station (ISS) this spring. Heading the Expedition 11 crew will be space veteran and Russian cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR, who will be doing his second tour of duty aboard the ISS. Phillips' licensing eliminates complications for Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) school group contacts. The FCC granted Phillips' new Technician ticket February 2. Phillips (shown with his CSCE, after he passed his test) and Krikalev begin their six-month stay aboard the ISS in April. Krikalev served as flight engineer on the Expedition 1 ISS crew. Phillips, also a seasoned space traveler, will serve as flight engineer and as NASA ISS science officer during Expedition 11. Phillips flew to the ISS on the STS-100 shuttle mission in 2001, when the crew installed the Canadarm2 robotic arm. Krikalev, who also served duty tours aboard the Russian Mir space station in the late 1980s and early 1990s, has accumulated 625 days in space. By the time his Expedition 11 stay is over, he'll have spent more time in space than any other human. 

(RAC News Service)

AMSAT-DL reviews P3E satellite design (Feb 15, 2005) 

An international team gathered in Marburg, Germany, in late January to review progress on the Phase 3 Express (P3E) Amateur Radio satellite--essentially a scaled-down and less-complex version of the now-defunct AO-40. The meeting focused on the design of the integrated housekeeping unit (IHU-3) computer and the so-called "CAN-Do interface." AMSAT-NA is a partner in the P3E high-altitude, elliptical-orbit satellite, a prelude to the ambitious Mars-orbiting P5A spacecraft, and AMSAT-NA President Rick Hambly, W2GPS, was among those attending the gathering January 26-30. Being developed under AMSAT-DL leadership, P3E will provide a test bench for technology under development for the subsequent Mars mission. A launch is planned sometime before the end of 2006. The P3E satellite will be a 150-kg class spacecraft on the order of AO-10 and AO-13, offering both analog and digital communication on VHF through microwave. Also on hand for the Marburg gathering from AMSAT-NA were Bob McGwier, N4HY; Bdale Garbee, KB0G (in photo with spacecraft); Stephen Moraco, KC0FTQ; Lyle Johnson, KK7P, and Chuck Green, N0ADI. Representing AMSAT-DL were President Peter Gülzow, DB2OS; Karl Meinzer, DJ4ZC; Hartmut Paesler, DL1YDD; Gerhart Metz, DG2CV, and P3-E Project Manager Heike Straube. Attendees wrapped up preparation of a detailed task and schedule list to complete IHU-3 and related tasks over the next several months. Gülzow outlined plans for P3E during the 2004 AMSAT-NA Symposium and Annual Meeting last September.--Rick Hambly, W2GPS, via AMSAT News Service 

(ARRL News Service)

Radio Canada International - 60 Years of Radio Worldwide (Feb. 17 2005)

On February 25, 2005, Radio Canada International will be celebrating its 60th anniversary. RCI's history is one of remarkable successes and rich anecdotes. It's a history worth discovering... and rediscovering. Did you know that
Radio Canada International has attracted some of the leading lights in Canadian journalism over the years, including future Quebec premier René Lévesque and legendary CBC host Peter Gzowski?

Some might recall that Prime Minister W.L. Mackenzie King set up a shortwave service during the Second World War to inform and entertain our troops overseas with programming from Canada. But few people are aware that RCI also played a key role in promoting Canadian music. After making its debut on the international scene in 1945, RCI quickly became an ambassador for homegrown artists. Many famous names in Canadian music, including Oscar Peterson and Glenn Gould, made some of their first recordings in RCI studios.

(ODXA)

Radio for Kids  (Feb. 18 2005)

The Hasbro company will soon be targeting children ages 11 to 14 with a new consumer electronics item that bridges the gap between toys and communication devices.  The company's new Chatnow Two-Way Radio Communicator includes an integrated digital camera and text-messaging functions and sells in both clamshell-style and slide-style mobile-phone 
designs. 

The device does not provide wireless wide area network support.  Rather, it reportedly relies on direct point to point two-way radio with a claimed range of about 2 miles.  This will allow youngsters to send and receive text messages and take up to 30 digital pictures.  It also includes predictive text input software similar to that supplied with most standard mobile phones. 

What spectrum the Chatnow will use was not specified in the product announcement nor did it say what radio service the device will operate under.  None the less, it could be a very useful tool to nudge kids away from the World Wide Web and introduce some of them to our world of hobby radio. 

Retail price for either case style is expected to be in the $75 range. (Hasboro via Tech OnLine)

(ARNewsLine)

Some New Wrinkles in 2005 Field Day Rules (Feb. 2 2005)

Those planning to participate in this year's Field Day will need to bone up in advance on a few changes in the rules for the ever-popular operating event. Field Day this year takes place June 25-26. The 2261 Field Day entries for 2004 were the most ever. While similar in format to a contest, Field Day is primarily a means to exercise and demonstrate Amateur Radio's emergency operating capabilities while having fun at the same time. ARRL Contest Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, says that among other things rule changes for 2005 expand eligibility for bonus points. 

"All groups will be eligible for some kind of bonus points," Henderson said. "Make sure you carefully read Field Day Rule 7.3." That rule spells out how to qualify for such bonus points as 100 percent emergency power, media publicity, message handling, making satellite contacts, using an alternative power source and copying the W1AW bulletin, among other things. Many bonus point categories are available to all entry classes. 

Henderson notes that some large clubs often compete among themselves to see who can claim the highest number of transmitters. Under the revised rules, all transmitters must be on the air with an operator to count toward a club's entry class. "You have to actually have individual people and sufficient equipment capable of operating simultaneously," Henderson emphasized, referencing Rule 4. "The key word there is 'simultaneously.'" 

The Field Day exchange consists of the number of transmitters on the air followed by the participation category (A through F). Operators would send "3A," for example, for a club or non-club portable setup with three transmitters on the air at the same time. Rule 4 also specifically prohibits switching and simulcasting devices. 

The 2005 Field Day rules also modify the number of transmitters eligible for bonus points that a group can claim for its operating class. "You can only claim the emergency power bonus points for up to 20 transmitters," Henderson explains. "That's a maximum of 2000 emergency power bonus points." There no limit on the number of transmitters eligible participants may have on the air, however. Field Day rules already generally prohibit the use of more than one transmitter at the same time on a single band-mode. 

In addition, Field Day 2005 will introduce a new "Youth Element" bonus category (Rule 7.3.15). Clubs or groups operating in Class A, C, D, E or F now can claim 20 bonus points--up to a maximum of 100--for each person aged 18 or younger, who completes a valid Field Day contact. Single-operator Class B stations can earn a 20-point bonus if the operator is age 18 or younger. Two-person Class B setups can claim a 20-point bonus for each operator age 18 or younger, for a maximum of 40 points. The maximum number of participants for Class B entries remains at two. 

Another rule change clarifies that Get On The Air (GOTA) stations--instituted a few years ago to encourage new or comparatively inexperienced operators to gain operating practice--use the same exchange as the "parent" station. The maximum transmitter output power for GOTA stations is 150 W, and GOTA stations may only operate on the Field Day HF bands

Free transmitters do not count toward a group's total, and GOTA stations and free VHF stations for Class A entries do not qualify for bonus point credits. 

Henderson encourages Field Day participants to submit their Field Day summaries electronically using the Web applet form. "You may input your summary information at that site for a 50-point bonus," Henderson points out. Last year, approximately half of the Field Day entries arrived at ARRL Headquarters via this route. 

The Maritime Radio Historical Society's K6KPH, comprised of former operators of the KPH commercial shore station, now an historic site, again will augment W1AW Field Day CW and RTTY bulletin transmissions for West Coast participants. K6KPH will use the traditional W1AW frequencies. 

Finally, Henderson urges Field Day participants to share their experiences and photos with others via the Online Soapbox, which has become one of the most popular additions to Field Day. 

The complete 2005 Field Day packet now is available on the ARRL Web site: http://www.arrl.org/contests/forms/05-fd-packet.pdf

(ARRL News Service)

School Club Roundup--all modes, 1300Z Feb 14-0100Z Feb 19. www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/scr.html

ARRL International DX Contest, CW, 0000Z Feb 19-2400Z Feb 20. www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2005/intldx.html

CQC Winter QSO Party--CW/Phone--sponsored by the Colorado QRP Club, 2200Z Feb 19 to 0359Z Feb 20. Frequencies (MHz): CW--1.825, 3.560, 3.710, 7.040, 7.110, 14.060, 21.060, 21.110, 28.060, 28.110, SSB--1.910, 3.985, 7.285, 14.285, 21.385, 28.385. Categories are SOAB, SOSB, SO-Homebrew. Exchange: RST, S/P/C, name, CQC member number or power output (5 W max). QSO points: CW--CQC member--6 pts, non-member--4 pts, Phone--members--3 pts, non-members--2 pts. Score: QSO points × S/P/C (count once per band) × names (one name from each letter of the alphabet) + 1000 pts for QSO with W0CQC. For more information: www.cqc.org/. Logs due 30 days after the contest to ki0rb@idcomm.com or CQC Contest, PO Box 17174, Golden, CO 80402-6019. 

Mississippi QSO Party--CW/Digital/Phone--sponsored by the Vicksburg Amateur Radio Club, 1500Z Feb 26-0300Z Feb 27. Frequencies (MHz): CW--3.545, 7.045, 14.045, 21.045, 28.045; Phone--3.862, 7.238, 14.275, 21.375, 28.375; and VHF. Work stations once per band and mode. Categories: Fixed Station and Mobile. Mobiles may be worked again as they change counties. Exchange: RST and MS county or S/P/C. Score: QSOs × MS counties (MS stations add S/P/C). For more information: w5xx@vicksburg.com. Logs due Mar 26 to Vicksburg ARC, 64 Lake Circle Dr, Vicksburg, MS 39180. 

North Carolina QSO Party--CW/Phone--sponsored by the Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, 1700Z Feb 27-0300Z Feb 28. Frequencies (MHz): CW--3.540, 3.740, 7.040, 7.140, 14.040, 21.040, 21.140, 28.040, 28.140, Phone--3.860, 7.260, 14.260, 21.360, 28.360. Categories: SO, Mobile, Club, all stations 100 W max output. Mobiles may be worked again as they change counties. Exchange: RST and NC county, ARRL/RAC section, or DX prefix. QSO points: phone--2 pts, CW--3 pts, NC mobile--3 pts (either mode). Score: NC stations--QSO points × NC counties + ARRL/RAC sections + 1 DXCC entity, others--QSO points × NC counties (max 100). 50 bonus points for working Cherokee or Dare counties (150 for working both) and 50 points for working W4NC or W4WS (150 points for both). Mobiles add 100 bonus points for each NC county activated. For more information: www.w4nc.com. Logs due Apr 1 to henry@summitschool.com or NC QSO Party, c/o W2DZO, 934 Franklin St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. 

High Speed CW Contest--sponsored by High-Speed CW Club, 0900Z-1100Z and 1500Z-1700Z Feb 27. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SO (150 W max, members and non-members), SO-QRP (<5 W), SWL. Exchange: RST and HSC member number or NM. QSO points: member--5 pts, non-member--1 pt. Score: QSO points. Logs due 6 weeks after the contest to hsc-contest@dl3bzz.de or Lutz Schröer, DL3BZZ, Am Niederfeld 6, 35066 Frankenberg/Eder, Germany. 

North American QSO Party--RTTY--sponsored by the National Contest Journal from 1800Z Feb 26-0600Z Feb 27. Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SOAB and M2, 100 W power limit, SO operate a maximum of 10 hours (off times must be at least 30 min). Exchange: Name and S/P/C. Score: QSOs × States + Province + NA DXCC countries (counted once per band). For information: www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php. Logs due Mar 14 to rttynaqp@ncjweb.com or Wayne Matlock, K7WM, Rte 2 Box 102, Cibola, AZ 85328. 

1st Annual US Virgin Islands QSO Party--CW/SSB/PSK/RTTY--dedicated to the memory of Bob Denniston, W0DX/VP2VI, 1201Z Feb 26-2359Z Feb 27. Frequencies (MHz): CW--50 kHz above band edge; Phone--1.890, 3.890, 7.290, 14.290. 21.390, 28.390, 50.190. Exchange: Call, RS(T), serial number, (non-VI stations) name and S/P/C (VI stations) island name and current temperature in Fahrenheit. Total score: (Non-VI) QSOs + 100 pts per island worked + sum of temperatures, (VI) QSOs × S/P/C (counted once only). For more information: www.atthehelm.com Logs due 30 days from the contest to John Ellis, NP2B, PO Box 24492, Christiansted, VI 00824. 

AM QSO Party--sponsored by the Antique Wireless Association, from 2300Z Feb 26-2300Z Feb 27. Frequencies (MHz): 3.837-3885, 7.270-7.290, 14.250-14.280. Exchange: RS, name, year of equipment mfr. For scoring and other information: www.antiquewireless.org. Logs due Mar 7 to Marc Ellis at PO Box 1306, Evanston, IL 60204-1306. 

Collins ARC special event to feature operation from B-29 station (Feb 19, 2005)

The Collins Amateur Radio Club in cooperation with the Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club--both in Iowa--will operate special event station W0CXX/29 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the invasion of Iwo Jima. The special event gets under way February 19 at 1600 UTC and continues until February 20 at 0000 UTC. ARRL member Lawrence Robinson, KC0ODK, is heading up the volunteer team that's attempting to recreate a B-29 radio operator's position showcasing the Collins ART-13, the standard B-29 liaison transmitter. Former veteran B-29 radio op Clyde Hussey, KM4RC, is scheduled to inaugurate the special event. Approximate frequencies will be 3885, 7290 and 14,286 kHz on AM, and 3529, 7029, and 14,029 on CW. A special commemorative QSL card is available for an SASE to The History Center, 615 First Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. 

Details are on the Collins ARC B-29 Radio Project page: www.collinsclubs.com/carc/b-29/

(ARRL News Service)

Dayton, OH: Dayton Amateur Radio Association, W8BI. 0000Z Feb 1-24000Z Feb 28. Celebrating 75 years as a club. 40 20 15 10 m. QSL. DARA, Lori Perrenboom, K8XTQ, PO Box 44, Dayton, OH 454041. www.ceitron.com/dara/. 

Windsor, ON, Canada: Amherstburg Radio Club, VE3TMG. 1600Z Feb 19-2200Z Feb 20. 40th anniversary of the Canadian flag. 14.268 7.268. Certificate. Terry Greenwood, 2210 Janette Ave, Windsor, ON Canada N8X 1Z8. Include $1 US for postage--US stamps cannot be used in Canada. 

Alexandria, VA: Mount Vernon ARC, K4US. 1600Z Feb 19-2100Z Feb 20. Commemoration of George Washington's Birthday. 18.080 14.240 10.110 7.240. Certificate. MVARC, PO Box 7234, Alexandria, VA 22307. www.mvarc.com. 

Marquette, MI: Hiawatha Amateur Radio Association, K8LOD. 0001Z Feb 19-2359Z Feb 21. 16th Annual U.P. 200 Sled Dog Championship Race. 28.370 21.370 14.255 7.285. Certificate. Rich Schwenke, N8GBA, 21 Smith Ln, Marquette, MI 49855. www.qsl.net/k8lod. 

Santa Ana, CA: Anaheim Police ARC, K6I. 0000Z Feb 19-2400Z Mar 5. 60th anniversary of The Battle of Iwo Jima in WW2. 28.450 21.350 18.150 14.250. QSL. Mark McMullin, KM6HB, PO Box 27271, Santa Ana, CA 92799. 

Centralia, IL: Centralia Wireless Association, Inc, W9CWA. 1600Z-2200Z daily Feb 25- Feb 26. 75th anniversary of the founding of the CWA. 21.360 18.150 14.260 7.260 147.27. Certificate. Centralia Wireless Association, Inc, PO Box 1166, Centralia, IL 62801. 

Clay County, FL: St Augustine Amateur Radio Society, N4AUG. 1500Z-2200Z Feb 26. 10th Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games and Festival. 21.270 14.270. QSL. SAARS, PO Box 860084, St Augustine, FL 32086-0084. www.saars.net. 

Davis Mountains, TX: Tyler Amateur Radio Club, K5TYR. 1200Z Feb 26-2400Z Feb 27. DM-80 TXpedition commemorates the Last Unspoiled Frontier. 432.150 144.250 50.150 14.250. QSL. Tyler Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 6393, Tyler, TX 75711. www.tylerarc.com. 

Baton Rouge, LA: USS Kidd ARC/Baton Rouge ARC, W5KID. 1500Z Feb 28-2230Z Feb 28. 62nd anniversary of the launching of USS Kidd, DD-661. General class bands, 14.250 to 14.320; CW QRP subbands 28.060 21.060 14.060 10.106 7.040. QSL. W5KID, c/o USS Kidd Museum, 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. www.lsu.edu/brarc/USS_Kidd.htm. 

(ARRL)

CQ to celebrate 60th anniversary with "CQ Gang" on-air event
 

CQ Amateur Radio magazine invites Amateur Radio operators around the world to join in celebrating its 60th anniversary by taking part in an on-air event during the first 60 days of 2005. CQ's first issue was published in January, 1945.

(ARRL News Service)

DXCC listings now available on the ARRL Web site (Jan 28, 2005)

The ARRL Web site now features up-to-date listings of DXCC awards earned. The new system shows every issued DXCC award known to ARRL's computerized DXCC system, with the exception of individual standings for 5BDXCC. ARRL Membership Services Manager Wayne Mills, N7NG, says the Web site listing is more complete than the DXCC Yearbook ever was, since the printed list did not list inactive band accounts for the previous year. "This lists everything and everybody," Mills emphasized. "The new system makes available a separate listing for each DXCC award type--band or mode." Even more important, Mills notes, is that it essentially renders obsolete the manually generated monthly and yearly reports. "Under the new system, DXCC listings will updated daily," he emphasized. The DXCC standings of all ARRL members will remain in dark type. Call signs of non-members who have not submitted credits for 10 years or more are in grayed-out type. Each listing by band or mode is complete in a separate Adobe PDF file. The largest listing (DXCC Mixed) now runs to more than 50 pages, but the size of the PDF file is only about 150 kbytes because of file compression. Printing format options include US letter-sized or ISO A4 paper. 

(ARRL News Service)

Anticipated Peter I Island DXpedition postponed until 2006 (Feb. 17, 2005) 

The anticipated Peter I Island (Antarctica) 3Y0X DXpedition has been called off at the eleventh hour. The DXpedition team announced February 17 that its charter vessel, the Cavendish Sea, has been delayed until February 20 instead of the hoped-for February 18. With a projected February 21 departure, the DXpedition ran out of time. "This latest delay, on top of numerous previous delays, simply makes it impossible for us to spend a sufficient amount of time on Peter I to justify the DXpedition this year," said the announcement from Bob Allphin, K4UEE, and Ralph Fedor, K0IR. "So, we have no choice but to postpone the DXpedition until 2006." The DXpedition's first vessel and helicopter backed out at the last minute, forcing the team to quickly regroup with a new vessel and helicopter earlier this week. All 20 3Y0X team members had assembled earlier this month in Ushuaia, Argentina.--The Daily DX 

(ARRL News Service)

Feb. 17 2005 ARRL  DX News

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by K4QD, K7BV, K9EL, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, QRZ DX, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

NEPAL, 9N.  Stig, LA7JO is the Regional Telecoms Officer for the UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia and is QRV as 9N7JO from Kathmandu.  Activity is on 160 to 15 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. He may be here for more than one year.  QSL direct.

BAHAMAS, C6.  Steve, AK0M is QRV as C6ASB from Eleuthera, IOTA NA-001, until February 22.  Activity is on 160 to 6 meters, using mostly CW, with some SSB or digital modes possible.  He plans to be active in the ARRL DX CW contest.  His wife Sandy, KC0RD may also be QRV as C6ASC using SSB or digital.  QSL via AK0M.

ANTARCTIC.  Francois, F8DVD is QRV as TM8ANT until February 27  during the 2nd Antarctic Activity Week.  Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using SSB.  QSL via bureau.  Meanwhile, look for the F6KDF Team to be QRV as TM0ANT the last two weekends of February.  They will try to be active on all bands and modes.  QSL via operators' instructions.

CROZET ISLAND, FT5W.  Nicolas, F4EGX and Jean-Paul, F5BU are QRV as FT1WK and FT5WJ, respectively, until the end of March 2005.  QSL via operators' instructions.

SAINT MARTIN, FJ.  John, K9EL is QRV as FS/K9EL until February 26. He is active on 40 to 10 meters, including 17 and 12 meters, and possibly 80 meters.  This includes an entry in the ARRL DX CW contest.  QSL to home call.

HAITI, HH.  Jan, K4QD and Koh, JA7KAC will be QRV as HH4/K4QD and HH4/K2AC, respectively, from the St. Louis du Nord mission from February 21 to March 4.  Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY.  QSL HH4/K4QD to home call and HH4/K2AC via JA7AGO.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, HI.  Dennis, K7BV will be QRV as HI3TEJ in the ARRL DX CW contest.  Outside the contest, he is active as K7BV/HI3. QSL this call direct.  QSL contest call via ON4IQ.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS.  Danny, LZ2UU is QRV as LZ0A and VP8/LZ2UU from the Bulgarian Antarctic Base "St. Kliment Ohridski" on Livingston Island, IOTA AN-010, until late February.  QSL LZ0A via LZ1KDP and VP8/LZ2UU direct.

ARUBA, P4. Andy, AE6Y is QRV as P49Y until February 22.  This includes an entry in the ARRL DX CW contest.  QSL to home call.

FERNANDO DE NORONHA, PY0F.  Bill, W9VA is QRV as PY0ZFO until February 22.  He will be active as PY0FF during the ARRL DX CW contest as a Single Band entry.  QSL to home call.

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE, S9.  CT1APE, CT1FFU and CT2GLO will be QRV as S92RI from Ilheu das Rolas, IOTA AF-023, from February 20 to 26. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31.
QSL via operators' instructions.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, V2.  Larry, W1LR and Bill, W4WX will be QRV as V25LR and V25WX, respectively, from February 21 to 24.  Activity will be on 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meters using primarily PSK31 and some RTTY.  QSL to home calls.

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS, V4.  Alex, W2OX and John, K3TEJ will be QRV as V47KP in the ARRL DX CW contest as a Multi-2 entry.  QSL via K2SB.

MONTSERRAT, VP2M.  Larry, W1LR and Bill, W4WX will be QRV as VP2MHS and VP2MHX, respectively, from Volcano Island, from February 24 to March 2.  Activity will be on 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meters using primarily PSK31 and some RTTY.  QSL to home calls.  Meanwhile, Art, N2NB will be QRV as VP2MDY from February 24 to March 8.  Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters.  QSL to home call.

CAYMAN ISLANDS, ZF.  Jim, N6TJ is QRV from Little Cayman and will participate in the ARRL DX CW contest as ZF2TJ.  QSL via VE3HO.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The ARRL International DX CW Contest and the CQC Winter QSO Party are all scheduled for this weekend.  Please see February QST, page 102 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites
for details.

(ARRL)

Bulgarian Antarctic Base "St. Kliment Ohridski  (Feb. 4 2005)

The Bulgarian Antarctic Base "St. Kliment Ohridski" (LZ-02 for Antarctica Award) on Livingston Island, South Shetlands (AN-010) is situated at elevation of 12-15 meter above sea level on the coast of Emona Anchorage, at the foot of Sinemorets Hill. The Base operates during the austral summer, usually from November to March. Following an unsuccessful landing attempt at Cape Vostok on the northwest extremity of Alexander Island, on April 26-29, 1988 two prefabricated huts were assembled on Livingston Island by a four-member Bulgarian party logistically supported by the Soviet Research Ship Mihail Somov. The facilities were later refurbished and inaugurated as a permanent base on December 11, 1993. An expansion programme at St. Kliment Ohridski including the erection of a new multipurpose building was carried out in 1996-98 and subsequently. The first Christian Orthodox chapel in Antarctica, St. Ivan Rilski was built in 2003.

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

(IZ8CCW Ant Mediterraneo DX Club  #004 www.mdxc.org) 

Feb. 17 - 27  2005    I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

17/02/2005:  AN-004  3YØX  PETER I ISLAND -
The 3Y0X team members are scheduled to depart Punta Arenas February 7th. The 3Y0X activity from Peter I Island is expected to take place between February 17th and March 3rd, depending on weather. Nine stations will be active on the following suggested frequencies: CW: 1822.5, 3523, 7023, 10103, 14023, 18073, 21023, 24893 and 28023 kHz; SSB: 1842.5, 3750, 7073, 14190, 18165, 21295, 24987 and 28475 kHz; Digital: 10148, 14088, 18105, 21100, 24949 and 28092 kHz. These frequencies have been chosen to allow the team to occasionally activate as many as three stations on one band at the same time, in order to take full advantage of openings. There will be four pilot stations, namely Don Greenbaum/N1DG (don@goldtel.net, for North & South America), Klaus Wagner/DL1XX (dl1xx@gmx.net, for Europe, Africa & Middle East), Toshi Kusano/JA1ELY (ja1ely@bb.mbn.or.jp, for the Pacific Rim & Asia), Lee Jennings/ZL2AL (leejen@paradise.net.nz, for Australia & New Zealand). QSL via K4YL (Mike Grose, P.O. Box 183, Flat Rock, NC 28731-0183, USA). For further information on the DXpedition, and how to contribute to its success, please visit www.peterone.com (where on line logs, daily updates and pictures from the team on the island will be available). [Tnx 425DXN]

17/02/2005:  NA-105  PJ6/PAØVDV  SINT MAARTEN -
Joeke, PJ6/PA0VDV, will be active February 17-23rd from the island of Dutch Sint Maarten (IOTA NA-105). His next stop will be Curacao. QSL via home call. [Tnx DXNL]

19/02/2005:  NA-021  8P5A  BARBADOS -
Tom, W2SC, will be active from Barbados (IOTA NA-021) as 8P5A in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 19-20th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via NN1N. [Tnx OPDX]

19/02/2005:  DFCF:45018  F5JNE/P  CASTLE OF BELLECOUR -
Look for Francois, F5JNE, (and Claude, F5MCC, if he has recover of the flu), to be active February 19th as F5JNE/p from the Castle of Bellecour (DFCF reference 45-018), located in the city of Sainte Genevieve des Bois (Canton 45-08, Zip Code 45-230), Province Centre and Department of the Loiret (45). Activity will be on 40 meter CW and SSB, starting around 07:30 UTC. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. SWL cards welcome as well. [Tnx F5NQL]

19/02/2005:  NA-104  V44/K0EJ  NEVIS -
Mark, K0EJ, will be active from the Island of Nevis (IOTA NA-104) as V44/K0EJ (possibly a special contest callsign) during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 19-20th) as as Single-Op/Single-Band (15m)/Low-Power entry. QSL via home call. [Tnx OPDX]

19/02/2005:  NA-016  ZF2TJ  LITTLE CAYMAN ISLAND -
Jim, N6TJ, will be active as ZF2TJ in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 19-20th) as a Single-Op, All-Band, High-Power entry. Activity will be from ZF2NT's QTH on Little Cayman Island (IOTA NA-016). QSL via VE3HO (QRZ.com). [Tnx OPDX]

20/02/2005:  AF-023  S92RI  ILHEU DAS ROLAS -
CT1APE (José), CT1FFU (Tony) and CT2GLO (Filipe) will be active February 20-26th as S92RI from Ilheu das Rolas, Sao Tomé & Principe (IOTA AF-023, WW Loc. JJ31KA). Activity from 160 to 6 meter SSB, CW, PSK31, RTTY, WSJT. QSL via CT1APE (Jose Brilhante, Rua 16 De Marco, 2 P.O. BOX 745, Caldas Da Rainha 2504-911, Portugal). [Tnx CT1EEB]

20/02/2005:  NA-112  WA2USA/4  EMERALD ISLE -
Dennis, WA2USA, will be active February 20th to March 5th as WA2USA/4 from Emerald Isle (IOTA NA-112, USI NC-010S, Carteret County), located in Onslow Bay, North Carolina. He also plans to participate in the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 19-20th). QSL via home call (QRZ.com). [Tnx WA2USA]

21/02/2005:  NA-096  HH4/K2AC & HH4/K4QD  HAITI -
Jan-K4QD (HH4/K4QD) and Koh-JA7KAC (HH4/K2AC) will be operating from Haiti (IOTA NA-096) February 21st to March 4th. They will be operating from the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission in St Louis du Nord (WW Loc. FK39WD). Activity will be on all bands 160-10 meter SSB, CW and RTTY. QSL HH4/K4QD via K4QD and QSL HH4/K2AC via JA7AGO. [Tnx K4QD]

21/02/2005:  NA-100  V25LR, V25WX  ANTIGUA -
Larry W1LR, and Bill W4WX, will operate from Antigua (IOTA NA-100) as V25LR and V25WX, respectively, from February 21-24th. They will then travel to Montserrat (IOTA NA-103) on the 24th and operate from the Volcano Island, February 24th through March 2nd, using the callsigns VP2MHS (W1LR) and VP2MHX (W4WX). The activity will primarily be on PSK-31 and RTTY on 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meters. QSL direct only to their home callsigns. [Tnx OPDX]

22/02/2005:  SM1TDE/OA4  LIMA, PERU -
Eric, SM1TDE, will be QRV February 22nd to March 5th as SM1TDE/OA4 from Lima, Peru. Activity will be on 80 through 10 meter CW, with some RTTY and SSB. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

22/02/2005:  VP2V/H.C.'s  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS -
Look for operators Sigi DL7DF, Frank DL7UFR, and Wolfgang DL4WK to be active from the British Virgin Islands (IOTA NA-023) February 22nd through March 9th. Callsign will be VP2V/homecall. The team will have three stations with two linears available (at least one station will be on 24 hours a day). Activity will be on all bands (mainly low bands) CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK31 and SSTV. Antennas mentioned are: 21m Vertical, R7, Hexbeam and Yagi for 6m, for RX K9AY loop and beverage antenna. QSL via DL7DF, direct or bureau. [Tnx OPDX]

23/02/2005:  OC-016  3D2RE  FIJI -
Look for Eli, HA9RE, and Charlie, HA8IB, to be active as 3D2RE from Fiji (IOTA OC-016) for a few days. QSL direct only via HA8IB. No Bureau QSLs. [Tnx OPDX]

23/02/2005:  SA-009  9Y4/H.C.'s  TOBAGO ISLAND -
Ten operators from the Lufthansa Amateur Radio Club (LARC) plan to be active from 9Y4ZC's rent-a-QTH located near Scarborough, Trinidad Island (SA-009, WW Loc. FK90) between February 23rd and March 2nd. Operators mentioned are: Georg DD8ZX, Tom DG3FK, Jürgen DH6ICE, Frank DJ3FK, Norbert DJ9RB, Georg DK7LX, Rudi DK7PE, Bernd DK7TF, Silvio DL1FDS and Karl-Heinz DL4FP. The group will be signing 9Y4/homecall. At least two stations will be active on 160-10 meters, CW, SSB and DIGITAL. QSL via DJ3FK (Frank Kosidowski, Ina-Seidel-Str. 115, D-40885 Ratingen, Germany). Logs will be available online AFTER the operation. [Tnx OPDX & DJ3FK]

23/02/2005:  SA-036  P4ØW  ARUBA -
John, W2GD, will be active February 23rd to March 8th as P40W from Aruba (IOTA SA-036). Look for him to be active as P40W in the CQ WW 160m SSB Contest (February 26-27th) as Single-Op/High-Power entry. He will also be active in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 5-6th) as Single-Op/High-Power entry. Activity before and after both contests will be on CW and the WARC bands. QSL via N2MM. [Tnx OPDX]

24/02/2005:  5TØCW  MAURITANIA -
Phil, G3SWH; Jim, G3RTE; Jean, ON8RA and Adriano, ON5GA will be active from Nuachachott, Mauritania, on CW only on all bands 160 to 10 meters as 5T0CW between February 24th and 4th March 4th. Propagation permitting, they plan to have at least one station on the air on a 24 hours a day basis. QSL via G3SWH either direct with SAE and return postage, via e-mail for a bureau reply or via the bureau. [Tnx K1XN]

24/02/2005:  NA-104  V4/H.C.'s  ST. KITTS -
Mike W1USN, Bob AA1M, and Scott W1SSR will be active from the island of St. Kitts (IOTA NA-104) between February 24th and March 4th, signing V4/homecall. They hope to operate CW, SSB and PSK on all authorized HF bands. QSL via the bureau or their CBA. [Tnx OPDX]

24/02/2005:  NA-103  VP2MDY  MONTSERRAT -
Art, N2NB, will be QRV February 24th to March 8th as VP2MDY from Montserrat (NA-103). Activity will be on all bands 160 to 6 meters, including PSK31. QSL via N2NB (QRZ.com). [Tnx 425DXN]

24/02/2005:  NA-103  VP2MHS, VP2MHX  MONTSERRAT -
Larry W1LR, and Bill W4WX, will operate from Montserrat (IOTA NA-103), the Volcano Island, February 24th through March 2nd, using the callsigns VP2MHS (W1LR) and VP2MHX (W4WX). The activity will primarily be on PSK-31 and RTTY on 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meters. QSL direct only to their home callsigns. [Tnx OPDX]

25/02/2005:  V5/SP6IXF & V5/SP7VC  NAMIBIA -
Janusz, SP6IXF, and Przemek, SP7VC, will be active February 25th to March 11th from Namibia. They are landing in Windhoek on February 25th. The same day the will be in their QTH (Farm Heimat) located about 130 kilometers from the capital city. Farm Heimat is a HAM friendly location (http://www.natron.net/tour/heimat/index.html). They already have their licenses and the call-signs will be V5/SP6IXF and V5/SP7VC. On February 25th Janusz and Przemek are going to install 160m antennas and start to operate in the CQ WW 160m SSB the next day. They will have three beverages (for EU, USA and JA) for the top band. They will also participate ARRL DX SSB the next weekend. They will have FT-890, TS-50, IC-706MKIIG and TS-2000, 3el Mosley for 20/15/10 meters, 2el for 17/12 meters and wire antennas for other bands. They also plan to take 2el 40m Yagi but it depends on the weight. The web site of the DXpedition is located at: http://www.sp5zcc.waw.pl/dxpeditions/v5/ . If you need V5 on a choosen band, it is possible to arrange a SKED. Please e-mail before the DXPedition to Przemek SP7VC sp7vc@wp.pl .[Tnx SP5UAF]

27/02/2005:  AS-015  9M6/PAØRRS/2  PENANG ISLAND -
Rich, PA0RRS, will be QRV February 27th to March 19th as 9M6/PA0RRS/2 from Penang Island (IOTA AS-015), West Malaysia. QSL via home call, direct (Richard Smeets, Schoorveken 100, 5121NM Rijen, The Netherlands) or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

27/02/2005:  ZV2PHG  INTERNATIONAL PHARMACISTS HAM GROUP -
Luiz, PY2LEC (IPHG #046, FISTS #8326), will use the special call ZV2PHG from March 1st to 31st to celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of the International Pharmacists Ham Group. Activity will be on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter CW and SSB, also on 2 meter FM. QSL ZV2PHG via PY2LEC, direct (Luiz Eduardo "DUDA" Cardoso, PO Box 2030, Sao Jose dos Campos / SP, Brasil 12243-970) or through the bureau. [Tnx PY2LEC]

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

Standing room only reported at 2005 Amateur Radio Hurricane Conference (Feb. 17, 2005)

ARRL Emergency Communications Course Manager Dan Miller, K3UFG, represented the League at the 10th annual Amateur Radio Hurricane Conference February 5 at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. He reports some upward of 75 visitors--nearly all of them radio amateurs--turned out for the event. Scheduled in conjunction with the Miami Tropical Hamboree, which Miller also attended, the conference provided an opportunity to review the busy 2004 hurricane season and to discuss Amateur Radio's role to support emergency communication. "This was a phenomenal meeting," commented Miller, who delivered a presentation at the conference on ham radio's hurricane and tsunami-related activities. "Because 2004 was one for the record books, comments, reports and pictures from the people who live in the islands and in the affected areas of Florida, were that much more meaningful." Miller said the consensus at the gathering was that despite the best efforts to prepare, no one imagined the onslaught witnessed last year. Among featured speakers was Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) Manager Mike Pilgrim, K5MP. The HWN and the center's WX4NHC work hand-in-hand to funnel real-time weather data to NHC forecasters via Amateur Radio. The conference agenda also included reports from many areas affected by the 2004 hurricanes, including the Cayman Islands; Grenada; Marsh Harbour, Abacos, and, of course, Florida. The HWN Web site recorded more than 55 million hits during September alone! NHC Hurricane Specialist Stacy Stewart told the gathering how each storm presented varied characteristics and explained how computer modeling is not always right on the money in projecting a hurricane's path. Newly appointed Southern Florida Section Emergency Coordinator Jeff Beal, WA4AW, spoke about the Holiday Hams video, which chronicled the overwhelmingly successful ARRL Holiday Toy Drive to benefit youngsters affected by the Florida hurricanes. Serving as conference hosts were NHC Amateur Radio Coordinator John McHugh, K4AG, and Assistant Coordinator Julio Ripoll, WD4R. 

(ARRL News Service)

ARRL warns against spurious, virus-infected e-mails (Feb. 17, 2005)

Some ARRL members have reported receiving e-mail messages purporting to be from the ARRL and suggesting that the recipient's account has been used to send "a large amount of unsolicited commercial e-mail" and "now contains a hidden proxy server" or similar wording. They may be signed by "The arrl.org team" or "The arrl.net team." These messages, which include a file attachment, do not originate from ARRL, and recipients of such messages should never attempt to open the attached file. Outside of routine correspondence, the ARRL only sends e-mail to members who specifically request mailings, such as W1AW bulletins and The ARRL Letter. Opening the attached file on one of these spurious messages could unleash a nasty computer virus, quite possibly the W32/MyDoom.bb@mm mass-mailing worm. This recent MyDoom incarnation will attempt to disable anti-virus program updating and help a remote user to "hijack" an infected machine. The W32/MyDoom.bb@mm worm spreads using stolen e-mail addresses harvested from victim PCs and search engine queries. Some messages may show up as e-mail bounces from "Postmaster" or "Mail Administrator." As a defense against these kinds of viruses, ARRL strongly recommends installing virus-protection software on all personal computers and updating virus definitions on a regular basis. 

(ARRL News Service)

ARES/RACES drill participation draws FEMA praise (Feb. 15, 2005) 

Calhoun County, Alabama, ARES/RACES participated February 9 in a communication drill in which the scenario was a nerve gas release, and Amateur Radio the only communication system available to the local emergency operations center (EOC). The exercise, the annual Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) conducted by the Anniston Army Depot and the Calhoun County Alabama Emergency Management Agency, was aimed at checking the coordination of communications at the EOCs. Calhoun County Emergency Coordinator Randall Landers, KG4EUD, managed his team's activities from the EOC, while Alabama Section Emergency Coordinator Jay Isbell, KA4KUN, and staff headed up communications at the US Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Noble Training Center at Ft McClellan. A mission of the Anniston Army Depot is to incinerate stockpiles of chemical weapons. In the exercise scenario, 36 land mines exploded releasing VX nerve agent into the county. The ARES/RACES team provided updates and deployed volunteers to hospitals and schools and to Emergency Activation System radio stations, where they disseminated official news releases. "A FEMA Region 4 representatives said that the Amateur Radio group was the best they have evaluated, and that their knowledge of radio and communications was excellent," reported Alabama Section Manager Greg Sarratt W4OZK. 

(ARRL News Service)

New ARRL COO Harold Kramer, WJ1B, wants bright future for Amateur Radio (Feb. 17 2005)

New ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold R. Kramer, WJ1B, says he is looking forward to having an active role in confronting and resolving issues that may cloud Amateur Radio's future. The 56-year-old Cheshire, Connecticut, resident officially joined the ARRL Headquarters staff February 15, replacing Mark Wilson, K1RO, who stepped down last September. In his new role, Kramer says, he wants very much to be a part of the solution to keeping Amateur Radio vibrant.

"I not only want to ensure a future for Amateur Radio, I'd like to see it thrive," he said. Kramer wants the ARRL to augment efforts advocating Amateur Radio as a great leisure-time activity that also offers lifelong opportunities for both learning and public service. But he also concedes that there's no single answer to assuring a bright future for Amateur Radio.

"A lot of things have to happen," he said. "These include an ongoing emphasis on public service. That's something we need to continue doing."

As the Emergency Coordinator for Cheshire and an alumnus of the ARRL Amateur Radio Level I emergency communications course (he's working on Level II), Kramer's clearly willing to walk the walk. Besides public service work, he's a CW enthusiast.

A radio amateur since he was a teenager and possessing an education that spans the arts and the sciences, Kramer may be in an ideal position to foster his vision for ham radio's future. He holds an associate degree in electronic technology from the University of Hartford's Ward Technical College, where he still teaches an introductory course in electricity and
electronics. He also holds a BA in English and an MA in education (Instructional Media and Technology) from the University of Connecticut.

Kramer served previously as vice president for strategic planning, business development, and education at Connecticut Public Broadcasting. Prior to that, he was employed in the cable television industry.

ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, noted that Kramer's selection culminated an intensive search process. "Harold brings to the ARRL staff an outlook and relevant skills developed in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors," he said. "That, coupled with a lifelong love of Amateur Radio, makes him a strong addition to the ARRL management team."

Kramer says he'd like to see the ARRL firm up its position as an educational resource that enjoys a complementary role in turning out a better-trained technical workforce that's aware of current wireless technology and techniques.

"I'm convinced that ham radio gave a lot of people a career kick start, and that needs to continue," he said. Additionally, he'd like to promote Amateur Radio as an avocation that can adopt and integrate the Internet and other modern telecommunication technologies--and even developments still beyond the horizon.

At the same time, Kramer doesn't want to lose sight of the League's primary commitment. "I want ARRL to continue its tradition of excellent service to its members," he said. "Things like contesting, awards, technical support, our publications--those are things we want to continue to emphasize because that's really our main business."

(ARRL News Service)