Kids Day is January 8th 2006

Kids Day happens twice a year.  These are two days each year that hams across the nation are urged to open their hearts, homes and ham stations to young people in your local area.  Invite them over, set them in front of your radio and have them talk with others their age while exposing them to the magic that is ham radio. 

Kids day is not a contest.  It is truly an operating event created by Tree Tyree, N6TR, and Oregon's Boring Amateur Radio Club to open up ham radio to the young.  Several years ago it came under sponsorship of the American Radio Relay League which has expanded Kids Day into a pair of premiere operations held in January and June of each year.

The Kids Day rules are simple.  From 1800 to 2400 U-T-C on January 8th and again on June 17th, you welcome some local kids to your QTH or go out to where they are with your portable gear.  Then you call CQ Kids Day and make contact with whomever responds.  And here's the important part:  You then let the youngsters at both ends of the QSO talk with one another while you keep legal control over your station. 

A suggested contact exchange is each child's name, age, location and favorite color, but there is no hard or fast rule.  In recent years many kids we have listened in on have brought up their favorite music group or a movie that they have seen.  Its really up to them.

Some frequencies to look for Kids Day contacts are on 14.275 to 14.300 megahertz on 20 meters, 21.380 to 21.400 on 15 and  28.350 to 28.400 on 10
meters if 10 is open.  And since Kids Day lends itself well to local contacts where the young folks might eventually meet one another in person, two meter repeaters make an ideal operating environment as long as the system owner does not mind.

There is lots more to tell you about Kids Day than we can in a one or two minute story, but you can read it all for yourself by taking your web browser to www.arrl.org and putting the words Kids Day in the site search on the front page.

(Amateur Radio Newsline)

ARRL and IARU contribute to ITU UWB Study (Dec. 15 2005)

The ARRL, and the International Amateur Radio Union have contributed to I-T-U Radiocommunication Sector studies of Ultra-Wide Band short-range RF 
technology and its potential to interfere with licensed radio services. 

According to the ARRL Letter, Ultra-Wide Band devices operate by employing very narrow or short-duration R-F pulses that result in very sizeable, or wideband, transmission bandwidths. In February, 2002, when the FCC released its 122-page Report and Order in its Ultra-Wide Band proceeding, it 
expressed its belief the technology offers significant benefits for government, public safety, businesses and consumers. But the Commission also allowed that the substantial benefits of Ultra-Wide Band could be outweighed if these devices interfered with licensed services and other important radio operations.

ARRL Chief Technology Officer Paul Rinaldo, W4RI, and ARRL Technical Relations Specialist Walt Ireland, WB7CSL, served on the Task Group, took 
part in many of the group's U-S studies and preparatory meetings, and served as part of the U-S delegations to international meetings. The League and the IARU also provided the characteristics of Amateur Radio systems. 

(ARRL News Service)

Famous Saudi club closes (Dec.17 2005) 

The well-known HZ1AB club station in Saudi Arabia is no more. Originally the US Military Training Mission station and more recently the Dhahran Amateur Radio Club, HZ1AB was a well-known DX callsign for almost six decades. 

But club secretary Thomas Carlsson, SM0CXU/AB5CQ, has informed GB2RS that the station has had to be shut down as a result of new station licence requirements in Saudi Arabia . The HZ1AB callsign has now been reissued to a Saudi national. 

(RSGB2)

Ireland: New 4 and 6 Metre Nets (Dec. 15 2005)

Ireland now has a monthly six meter FM net that meets on the first Monday of each month on 51.525 MHz FM using vertical polarization at 9.00 p.m. local time. The purpose of this net is to increase activity on the so-called "Magic Band" by giving a local time and place to gather, and DX a known place to look. 

There is also a monthly 4 meter activity night. Operators who are equipped for and licensed to operate the United Kingdom 70 MHz Amateur Radio allocation are invited to listen for and join in any activity on 70.2626 MHz FM. Four meter activity night is the first Tuesday of each month. 

(Southgate AR News)

Dec. 16 2005 Tad Cook K7RA Solar Update
 

Last weekend's ARRL 10-Meter Contest was a nice surprise, considering that we're close to the bottom of this solar cycle. From morning to mid-day here in the Pacific Northwest, conditions seemed quite good, with lots of transequatorial propagation to South America and the Caribbean quite strong as well. In North America we were mostly hearing southern-tier states--from New Mexico, Texas, across the Gulf Coast, and on up into North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Average daily sunspot numbers were down more than 18 points for the week (compared to the previous seven days), and average solar flux values were down nearly six points. Geomagnetic indices indicate quiet for the most part, although the days of the contest were unsettled. 

Don't expect any big changes over the next week. Solar activity should stay about the same. RWC Prague expects geomagnetically quiet conditions December 18 and 19, quiet to unsettled conditions December 17, 20 and 21, and unsettled December 16 and 22. 

Jon Shea, N3DRK, of Liberty, North Carolina asked about the ACE-HF PRO System Simulation and Visualization Software. We'd mentioned this program back in our June 28, 2002 bulletin but haven't tried it since. Do any readers use this software for predicting HF propagation? 

For more information concerning propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service Propagation page. An archive of past bulletins is on the ARRL Web site. 

Sunspot numbers for December 8 through 14 were 51, 61, 55, 51, 41, 67 and 55, with a mean of 54.4. The 10.7 cm flux was 89.6, 89.1, 91.4, 93.1, 88.3, 87.9, and 89.6, with a mean of 89.9. Estimated planetary A indices were 1, 4, 12, 22, 9, 5 and 2, with a mean of 7.9. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 1, 3, 17, 10, 7, 4 and 2, with a mean of 6.3. 

(ARRL News Service)

Europe
Dec. 17 2005  Solar and propagation report,

It has been another quiet week. Solar flare activity has been low or very low, with a scattering of small C-class flares.  The solar flux slipped from 93 to 86, averaging 89 - a drop of one point. The 90-day average dropped two points to 83.  The X-ray flux slipped from B1.4 on the 10th to A4.7 on the 16th. The average was A7.7, compared with A9.7 the previous week. The geomagnetic field was active last weekend, with an Ap index of 22 on the 11th. Subsequently it has been in low single figures. Solar wind speeds have mostly been slightly below average, with a high of 582 km/sec on the 11th and a low of 291 km/sec on the 10th. Particle densities have consistently been very low. The interplanetary magnetic field showed only minor variation, apart from the 11th, when bz ranged between +10.2 and -9.1 nanoteslas

HF propagation broadly followed the pattern of recent weeks, with 14MHz the only consistently reliable band, with openings to all continents on most days. 24 and 28MHz were both very patchy, with increased geomagnetic adversely affecting the later stages of the 28MHz contest.  Auroral propagation was reported on 50 and 144MHz on the afternoon and early evening of the 11th, at peak reaching down to the south coast. The Perseids shower brought many reports of MS contacts.

Now the forecast.  Solar activity will mostly be low or very low. There are currently no signs of sunspots with substantial flare potential, though this could change later in the holiday period.  Even at the present stage of the solar cycle sunspots capable of generating substantial flares can occur from time to time.  Where propagation is concerned, we can never exclude the unexpected. However, over the Christmas period the solar flux is most likely to vary between the mid-70s at worst and 100 at best, with the underlying trend very slowly downwards. The geomagnetic field will be quiet for the next few days and then mainly quiet-to-unsettled. However, there are likely to be occasional active periods, chiefly related to recurring coronal holes. At this stage of the cycle these can affect propagation disproportionately. On quiet days, MUFs at equal latitudes will be around 23MHz in the south and 20MHz in the north. Darkness hour lows will be around 7MHz. 

And, to end, reminders that, in some years, the post-Christmas period brings sporadic-E on frequencies up to 50MHz, and that the Quadrantids meteor shower peaks on January 3rd and 4th. 

And that's all for another week, indeed another year, from the propagation team.

Report prepared by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF. 

ISS 12 Commander Shooting for WAC, WAS and Maybe DXCC from Space (Dec. 14 2005)
 

ISS Expedition 12 Commander Bill McArthur, KC5ACR, has proven to be one of the more active Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) operators among ham radio operators who have occupied the space station. Early in his ISS duty tour, McArthur got on the air from NA1SS for Scouting's Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) event in October, but he's also been available during his off hours to make some quick, casual QSOs on 2 meters as well. In fact, McArthur's having so much fun operating from space that he's hoping to complete Worked All Continents (WAC), Worked All States (WAS) and maybe even DXCC from space.

"Bill McArthur continues to be active on voice and now has a couple of personal goals he is trying to achieve," says ARISS Ham Radio Project Engineer Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO. "He is trying to talk to someone in every state in the United States. According to his log, he has managed to work 37 states so far." In addition, Ransom says, McArthur wants to work as many countries as he can. 

"He's off to a good start with 28 DXCC entities in his log as of December 12," he said. "These contacts have been with amateur stations on every continent with the exception of Antarctica." That contact could happen this weekend, however. Although the IARU does not require WAC applicants to have worked Antarctica, Ransom says that ARISS tradition calls for an Antarctica QSO to achieve WAC from space "since the astronauts seem to have an unfair advantage." 

Expedition 9 astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, became the first ISS crew member to contact all seven of the world's continents via Amateur Radio from NA1SS. Fincke worked KC4AAC at Antarctica's Palmer Research Station for his last contact. In 1992, shuttle astronauts David Leestma, N5WQC, and Kathryn Sullivan also worked Palmer Station to complete their WAC list. 

States on McArthur's most-needed list are Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. 

"The list of DXCC entities is just starting to grow, so he needs a lot right now," Ransom conceded this week. "I figure he can get it if we are able to add a handful of smaller entities." He noted that Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA, soon would be in Guantanamo Bay and will try to work the ISS from there. Ransom says he hasn't included ARISS school group contacts in his counts and hopes McArthur will achieve his goals without them. "I hope Bill gets WAS and DXCC from space as well as WAC," he said. "We won't know the official results for months after the mission." 
 

During a brief 2-meter contact November 26 between the US Naval Academy's W3ADO and NA1SS, McArthur cheered for an Army win in the traditional Army-Navy football game December 3. "Thanks very much for the contact, but I can't resist," said McArthur, a US Army officer and veteran. "Go, Army. Beat Navy!" It didn't help. Navy won this year's game. 

Just before contacting W3ADO, McArthur discussed the crew's Thanksgiving dinner with ARISS aficionado Al Lark, KD4SFF, in South Carolina, who was operating the Experimenters' Group Amateur Radio Club's N4ISS. McArthur reportedly made some three dozen casual contacts during Thanksgiving week, most of them over North America and a few over Europe and New Zealand. 

Nine-year-old Mattie Clausen, AE7MC, of Oregon recently enjoyed her third QSO with McArthur, and the two now are on a first-name basis. McArthur made contacts with stations in the US on December 6. He also spoke with stations in Australia, New Zealand and the US on December 11. 

McArthur is about halfway through his approximately six-month duty tour aboard the ISS. He and crewmate Valery Tokarev will return to Earth in April. 

The NA1SS worldwide voice and packet downlink frequency is 145.800 MHz. In Regions 2 and 3 (the Americas, and the Pacific), the voice uplink is 144.49 MHz. In Region 1 (Europe, Central Asia and Africa), the voice uplink is 145.20 MHz. The worldwide packet uplink is 145.99 MHz. 

When NA1SS is in crossband FM repeater mode, the worldwide downlink is 145.80 MHz, and the uplink is 437.80 MHz. All frequencies are subject to Doppler shift. The Science@NASA Web site provides location information for the ISS. 

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is an international educational outreach with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and NASA. 

(ARRL News Service)

When to contact the ISS

If you are out looking for a contact with the ham radio crew on the International Space Station, PD0RKC has some advice for you on when best to try.  According to Cor, there are several good times that will afford you the best chance to make a voice contact on 2 meter FM.  These do include some periods during the astronaut crews' normal work from 19:30 until 22:00 UTC. 

Also, try 12:00 to 1500 UTC. That's when Expedition 12 Commander Bill McArthur, KC5ACR might operate while having a meal break. He's usually off eating for about an hour during that two hour period.

And last, don't forget to listen in over the weekends. That's when the crew has fewer duties and you might have a good chance for a contact from 7:00 until 23:00 UTC. 

All voice contacts use a downlink frequency of 145.80 MHz narrowband FM. Your transmit frequency to the ISS varies depending where in the world that 
you live.  More information regarding the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station and how it operates is on-line at  www.rac.ca/ariss

(PD0RKC)

Microsoft warns of new security flaw in IE (Dec. 15 2005)

Microsoft has warned users of its Windows operating system of a critical security flaw in its software that could allow attackers to take complete control of a computer. On Tuesday, December 13th, the company announced that a weakness exists in its Internet Explorer web browser that an attacker could exploit to take over a P-C if the user happened to visit an infected website.

The company has already issued a patch to fix the problem as part of its monthly security bulletin. Computer security experts and Microsoft are urging users to download and install the patch which is available at www.microsoft.com/security.

Over 85% of the world's personal computers run on some version the Microsoft Windows operating system. In recent years, though, other operating systems such as Linux have been making inroads into the Microsoft empire by offering better security and an open architecture at a fraction of what Microsoft charges or for free. 

(Published reports)

R U L E S

Date 
16.00 Z Sat. to 16.00 Z Sun, Apr. 1st - 2nd,  2006

Mode 
BAUDOT only.

Bands 
10, 15, 20, 40 and 80 meters, according to  IARU bands plan.

Classes 
A. Single operator, all bands
B. Single operator single band
C. Multi operator, all bands only   (Only one  signal is allowed at any time)
D. SWLs (accepted only SWL call sign)

Contest Call 
CQ EA TEST

Message 
RST and serial number. Only EA stations send RST and "PREFIJO PROVINCIAL" (province prefix)

Scoring 
On 10, 15 and 20 meter bands, ONE POINT for QSO within own continent, TWO POINTS for QSO outside own continent. On 40 and 80 meter bands, THREE POINTS for QSO within own continent, SIX POINTS for QSO outside own continent.

Valid contacts 

Contacts between stations world-wide are valid. Contacts between own country stations are valid. It is not necessary to contact EA stations.
Station can be worked only once for each band. Additional contacts may be made with the same station if a different band is used.
Only for Class D Stations (SWL): 

Multipliers 

· DXCC Entities
· Spanish Provinces  (Max. 52 per band)
· USA, Canada, Japan and Australia call areas

Notes

a) Stations operating from call areas other than their call ID, must use "/x" for their actual call area. For instance, ZL2XYZ operating from ZL4 call area, must work with the following call:ZL2ZZZ/ZL4

b) Each multiplier counts as a Multi point only once a band.

c) The first QSO with EA, EA6, EA8 and EA9 stations, on each band, counts for two multipliers (DXCC Entity  + Province)

d) The first QSO with W, VE, JA and VK stations, on each band, counts for two multipliers (DXCC Entity + call area)

e) The use of cluster is allowed for all classes.

SPANISH 
PROVINCE 
PREFIXES 
A- ALICANTE
AB - ALBACETE
AL - ALMERIA
AV- AVILA
B - BARCELONA
BA - BADAJOZ
BI - BILBAO
BU - BURGOS
C - CORUÑA
CA - CADIZ
CC - CACERES
CE - CEUTA
CO - CORDOBA
CR - CIUDAD REAL
CS - CASTELLON
CU - CUENCA
GC - LAS PALMAS
GI - GIRONA
GR - GRANADA
GU -GUADALAJARA
H - HUELVA
HU - HUESCA
IB . ISLAS BALEARES
J - JAEN
L - LERIDA
LE - LEON
LO - LA RIOJA 
LU - LUGO
M - MADRID
MA - MALAGA
ML - MELILLA
MU - MURCIA
NA - NAVARRA
O - ASTURIAS
OU - OURENSE
P - PALENCIA
PO - PONTEVEDRA
S - CANTABRIA
SA -SALAMANCA
SE - SEVILLA
SG - SEGOVIA
SO - SORIA
SS - SAN SEBASTIÁN
T - TARRAGONA
TE - TERUEL
TF - TENERIFE
TO - TOLEDO
V - VALENCIA
VA- VALLADOLID
VI - VITORIA
Z - ZARAGOZA
ZA - ZAMORA

Final score 
Total points in all bands x total multipliers in all bands.

SWL 
Station callsign can be reported no more than10 times in each band
The same scoring rules for the Classes A, B and C,  will apply to the Class D Stations.

Logs

· The EA WW RTTY CONTEST DOES NOT ACCEPT PAPER LOGS

· ALL LOGS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN CABRILLO FORMAT, either via Internet, or on diskette by post.

· The Cabrillo log file must include both an accurately completed header (containing the summary information) and complete QSO log data for each contact.

· Logs sent via Internet should be sent as an e-mail attachment, not in the text of the e-mail, and the filename for the log should be yourcall.log.

· The Class C logs shoud include the callsign and the name of all operator     involved.

· A Cabrillo Converter software is available free at http://www.ure.es/ftp/plantilla.zip

· The Commettee will be able to decide at any moment to exclude from the score any log with "unique call" percentage bigger than 5%
 

SWL Logs
Log should show: Band, date, time, callsign and complet exchange  of heard station,  callsign of station being worked. 
If both sides of a QSO are heard, they may both be claimed for points.
A summary sheet with the following data is requested for SWLs Logs: Valid QSOs  number, QSO Points, multipliers, claimed score 

E-mail
E-mail Log to: rttycontest@ure.es

Mailing address 
Send the Logs on diskette to:
EA RTTY CONTEST
P.O.Box 220
28080 - MADRID (Spain)

Deadline

All entries  must be e-mailed no later than 2006, May 12th  to qualify.

Trophies

Plaque to winner in each Class, if the valid QSO number is higher than 50. Certificate all four Classes 1st  to 3rd place. Certificate to higher score of  JA and VK stations. For Class C stations, certificate to all operators involved.

CABRILLO LOG Template for the EA WW RTTY CONTEST 

Freq mode     date     time    call       rst exch sent      call           rst exch. recvd 
QSO: 14090 RY 2005-04-02 1601 9A4RX         599 0001     GM0FNE        599 0001 
QSO: 14090 RY 2005-04-02 1603 9A4RX         599 0002     G6CSY            599 0001 
QSO: 14090 RY 2005-04-02 1603 9A4RX         599 0003     W0ETC           599 0002 
QSO: 14090 RY 2005-04-02 1605 9A4RX         599 0004     RA6DB           599 0005 
QSO: 14090 RY 2005-04-02 1606 9A4RX         599 0005     JA1BHK         599 0004 
QSO: 14090 RY 2005-04-02 1607 9A4RX         599 0006     EA1MV           599 BU

Lighthouse Christmas Lights QSO Party--all modes, sponsored by the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society, 0001Z Dec 17, 2005-2359Z Jan 1, 2006. Frequencies (MHz): CW--1.830, 3.530, 7.030, 14.030, 21.030, 28.030, SSB--1.970, 3.970, 7.270, 14.270, 21.370, 28.370, plus VHF and repeaters. Exchange: sequential serial number or ARLHS member number or ARLHS Lighthouse number + name + S/P/C. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO, add 2 pts for ARLHS member, add 3 pts for lighthouse. Score is total QSO points. Stations activating light beacons multiply total points by 2. Special logging requirements apply. For more information:http://arlhs.com or send SASE to ARLHS, Box 2178, Riverton, NJ 08077. Logs due Jan 31 to Dave Ruch, NF0J, PO Box 20696, Bloomington, MN 55420-0696. 

DARC Christmas Contest--CW/SSB, sponsored by the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club, 0830Z--1100Z Dec 25. Frequencies (MHz): CW--3.510-3.560, 7.010-7.040, SSB--3.610-3.650 and 3.700-3.775, 7.040. Categories: SO-Mixed, SO-CW. Exchange: RS(T) + DOK or Special Station code. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO. The station calling CQ must QSY after making a QSO. Score: QSO points--DOK codes + WPX prefixes. For more information:www.darc.de/referate/dx/fedcx.htm. Logs due 3 weeks after the contest to xmas@darc.de or Markus van Bergerem, Brandenberg 5, D-47533 Kleve, Germany. 

RAEM Contest--CW, sponsored by the Central and Krenkel Radio Clubs, from 0200Z - 0959Z Dec 25. Frequencies: 80 - 10 meters. Categories: SOAB (LP, HP), SOSB, MO, SWL. Exchange: Serial number and lat/lon (degrees only). QSO Points: 50 pts/QSO + 1 pt each degree of difference in lat/lon. Polar Circle stations - add 100 pts, RAEM station - add 500 pts. Score: total QSO points. Logs due Jan 10 to alo@udmurtneft.ru or to RAEM Contest, PO Box 3945, Izhevsk 426011, Russia. 

ARRL Straight Key Night--from 0000Z-2359Z Jan 1, 2006. http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2006/skn.html

(ARRL News Service)

DX pedition to Carmen Island IOTA NA-135
Dec 16-Dec 18, 0000Z-2359Z, Campeche, CA. Radio Club Cancun, XF3NN. DX pedition to Carmen Island IOTA NA-135. 28.460 28.085 21.260 14.085 . QSL. N6AWD, 6000 Hesketh Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309. www.radioclub.cancun.com.mx/. 

75th birthday of The Forsyth Amateur Radio Club
Dec 17, 1200Z-2200Z, Winston-Salem, NC. Forsyth Amateur Radio Club, W4NC. 75th birthday of The Forsyth Amateur Radio Club. 21.320 14.270 7.250. QSL. Ed Swiderski, KU4BP, 2105 D Fiddlers Ct, Winston Salem, NC 27107. home.triad.rr.com/ku4bp/main.html. 

Celebrating the Christmas season from Bethlehem, New Mexico
Dec 17-Dec 25, 1300Z-2359Z, Bethlehem, NM. Valencia County Amateur Radio Association, KC5OUR. Celebrating the Christmas season from Bethlehem, New Mexico. 28.273 21.273 14.273 7.273. QSL. VCARA, PO Box 268, Peralta, NM 87042. www.qsl.net/kc5our/. 

Holyland DX Group, 4X411A. From Holyland squares M25BS and M26BS
Dec 23-Dec 24, beginning 0700Z, Dead Sea, Israel. Holyland DX Group, 4X411A. From Holyland squares M25BS and M26BS. 80-10 m CW and SSB. QSL. Shalom Barak-Bacalu, 4Z4BS, PO Box 43101, Tel Aviv 61430, Israel . www.4z5la.net/4z411a; www.qrz.com/4x411a. 

M&M Amateur Radio Club, celebrating the New Year
Dec 31-Jan 1, 0400Z-1600Z, West Memphis, AR. M&M Amateur Radio Club, KB5ZMU. Celebrating the coming of the New Year. 14.300 7.330 7.275 3.925. QSL. Marc Gwin, 1402 Stratford Dr, West Memphis, AR 72301. http://geocities.com/marca2gwin. 

(ARRL)

2006's  3rd Antarctic Activity Week (A.A.W.) (Feb. 20-26 2006)

Worldwide Antarctic Program (WAP)'s Staff, from http://www.ddxc.net/wap announce the launching of 3rd Antarctic Activity Week, which will be held from 00:00 GMT Febr. 20th through 24:00 GMT of Febr. 26th 2006. Purpose of this A.A.W. is to improve Worldwide interest around Antarctic Continent and its related  matters,  to understand and share what the Nations and Organizations are doing to protect this still non contaminated corner of the world, to share a message of peace WW.

Antarctic Activity Week,  is celebrating every years on last week of February, in concomitance with the 22nd of February, when the Argentines rejoice the Argentine's Antarctica Day (DIA DE LA ANTARTIDA ARGENTINA see www.marambio.aq ). This invitation, is  addressed  to all Radio Amateurs (OMs & SWLs) around the world, to the Clubs and Organizations who would like to join and share with us, this initiative.

We are looking for Special Prefixes, with the  specific request to have ANT as suffix. Some of this Calls, have already been issued and we will up date the list, from now to about 15 days before Febr. 20th .

OMs and SWLs have to work as many Special Prefixes,  as well as many Antarctic stations as possible. Nobody will have to give progressive numbers, nothing at all, just working an log as many stations as possible,  as a DX stile. List operation are not allowed, and will not qualify for Awards request. Club stations of the Antarctic Institutes, as well as Antarctic Organizations (such as LU2CN Servicio Auxiliar de la Armada who care the Antarctic matters in Argentina, or any eventual other of such stations, are welcome  to join WAP Antarctic Activity Week.

So far we have received confirmation from the followings:

VU2ANT by VU2UR
4O3ANT by YZ1SG
IR1ANT  by I1HYW
IO2MET by IK2IWU & IAF Meteo Center

I know others comers are in progress; we'll keep the list updated.

WAP & Antarctica a unique goal, enjoy it!

Activation of Lighthouses in the Mull of Galloway Area (Jan 30-Feb. 4 2006)

Monday 30th Jan to Friday 4th Feb I shall be around the Mull of Galloway area activating the Lighthouses in the Area. eg. Corsewall Point, Port Logan,
Black Head, Port Patrick. as GM0VML/P on Tueday 31st Jan 2006. I shall be signing as GM1MVL/P from the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse ARLHS SCO144. during this 24 hr period will try and be active on as many bands as possible. This is to Celebrate my 40th Birthday, and 21 yrs on passing the Examination for Licence. ( original callsign GW1MVL ) so, as part of my start of my "Mid Life Crisis", I wish everyone to join me on the Air and celebrate with me.

Thanks once again.
73's de Ian GW0VML / GW1MVL
www.gw1mvl.supanet.com

Holyland DX Group (Dec. 23-24 2005)

The "Holyland DX Group" will operate from the middle of the Dead Sea at the lowest dry point on the Globe, 411 meters below the sea level. The HDX Group will be active on Dec 23rd and 24th 2005 starting 0700 UTC and received special permission from the Dead Sea Works factory positioned in a very rare Holyland squares M25BS and M26BS.

The call sign will be 4X411 A indicating this special point. The team of 4Z4BS, 4Z4KX, 4Z5LA, 4Z5FI, 4Z1UF and 4X1VF will run two complete stations with power amplifier on 80-10M, CW and SSB. The QSL manager will be Shalom 4Z4BS. www.4z5la.net/4x411a.

(Jan 4X1VF) 

EGYPT, SU.  Gab, HA3JB will be QRV again as SU8BHI from July  01 to December 31.  He will be active on all bands using CW, RTTY, SSTV, PSK and some SSB during many of the major upcoming contests.  QSL direct only  via  HA3JB  (Kutasi  Gabor, P.O.  Box  243,  H-8601 Siofok, Hungary).
Logs available at: http://www.qsl.net/ha3jbe-mail:ha3jb@t-email.hu

Dec. 15 2005 ARRL  DX News

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

DESECHEO, KP5.  N3KS and K3LP are reportedly en route with landing permission from the Fish and Wildlife Service and are expected to be on the air Thursday evening.  It will be a short operation, with a minimum of 48 hours but possibly through the weekend.  This is a working trip and not a full-blown DXpedition.  The ops will be on as much as possible.  Look for N3KS/KP5 and K3LP/KP5 on 160 to 10 meters, using CW and SSB.  QSL via W3ADC.

SRI LANKA, 4S.  4S7PAG and Mario, 4S7BRG are QRV from Barberyn Island, IOTA AS-171, and are active on 20, 17 and 15 meters using SSB.  QSL both calls via F5PAC.

BAHRAIN, A9.  Special event station A92BND is QRV in celebration of Bahrain National Day, and is active until the end of December.  QSL via A92GR.

CHINA, BY.  David, BA4DW has been active on 160 meters during his sunrise and sunset times.  QSL direct to home call.

ANTARCTICA.  Torsten, DD1TG is QRV as DP0GVN from Neumayer Base until January 11.  Most of his activity is on 20 meters.  QSL to home call.

ARMENIA, EK.  Anna, EK6YL has been active on 20 meters using RTTY around 1430z.  QSL via SP9ERV.

TAJIKISTAN, EY.  Alex, EY8CQ has been QRV on 30 meters between 1145 and 1300z and then around 0600z.  QSL via DJ1MM.

FRANCE, F.  Special event station TM1JV is QRV until December 31 to mark the 100 years following the death of pioneer science fiction author Jules Verne.  QSL via F4CEI.

ITALY, I.  Special event stations IO1NOR, IO1SHO, IO1SKE, IO1SNO and IO1SPE are QRV until January 9 to mark the approach of the XX Olympic Winter Games being held near Torino in February.  QSL via bureau.

MINAMI TORISHIMA, JD1.  Masa, JA1DDH will be QRV as JD1YBJ from the Marcus Loran Ham Club station from December 20 to mid January 2006. He will place an emphasis on 160 meters.  Meanwhile, JE7IZM/JD1 is also QRV from here.  QSL via operators' instructions.

LUXEMBOURG, LX.  Robert, LX1RQ plans to be QRV as LX5A in the OK RTTY Contest.  He will be a Single Band on 40 meter entry.  QSL to home call.

POLAND, SP.  Special event station SP0TPAX is active during December to commemorate the very first Polish amateur radio QSO by Tadeusz Heftman in 1925.  QSL via operators' instructions.

TURKEY, TA.  Mark, W4CK may be QRV as either TA2KA or TA2/W4CK from the Ankara Amateur Radio Club.  QSL via operator's instructions.

CAMEROON, TJ.  Lionel, TJ3SL has been QRV on 20 meters around 0700 to 0900z and 15 meters around 0900 to 1400z.  QSL via F5PSA.

NAMIBIA, V5.  Marco, IK1RAE is QRV as V5/IK1RAE until December 11. Activity is on 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meters during his evening hours.  QSL to home call.

ANTARCTICA.  Alan, VK6CQ is QRV as VP8PJ from the Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions base at Patriot Hills in Ellsworth Land. He is active from December 21 to January 30.  QSL via DL5EBE.

CHAGOS ISLANDS, VQ9.  Larry, VQ9LA has been QRV using RTTY on 20 meters between 1140 and 1220z.  QSL via operator's instructions.

HONG KONG, VR.  Brett, VR2BG has been active on 30 meters around 2300z.  QSL direct.

INDONESIA, YB.  Operators YB8HZ, YB8FS, YB8BRI, YB8HGM and YC8AJB are QRV as YB8ZC from Kodingareng Keke Island, IOTA OC-236, until December 18.  Activity is on 80 to 15 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL via YB8HZ.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The Stew Perry Top Band Distance CW Challenge, North American High Speed Meteor Scatter Winter Rally, Russian 160-Meter Contest, MDXA PSK Death Match, OK DX RTTY Contest, RAC Winter Contest, Croatian CW Contest, International Naval
Contest, ARCI Holiday Spirits Homebrew CW Sprint and the Run for the Bacon QRP CW Contest will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend.  Please see December QST, page 86, and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.

(ARRL News Service)

Dec. 15-30 2005    I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

15/12/2005:  6W/HA7TM  SENEGAL -
Tibi, HA7TM, will be active as 6W/HA7TM from the QTH of 6W7RV located in Le Caola, Senegal, December 15-22nd. Activity will be HF, mainly CW and SSB, possibly RTTY. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx NG3K]

15/12/2005:  AN-017  FT5YH  DUMONT D'URVILLE BASE -
Jean-Paul F5BU (ex FT5WJ on Crozet Island) is going to stay at Dumont d'Urville station (WAP FRA-01), Petrel Island (IOTA AN-017), Adelie Land, Wilkes Land, for a few days. His schedule has changed and must leave Adelie Land quickly. He will be signing FT5YH. He hopes to be active in his free time on 20 meter SSB and is actually asking for a callsign like FT5YH. The QSLs will be printed a few weeks after his return and will be available via his home call F5BU. [Tnx F5NQL]

15/12/2005:  NA-062  K2ZR/4  KEY WEST, FLORIDA -
Dick, K2ZR will be operating as K2ZR/4 from Key West (IOTA NA-062, USI FL-040S, Monroe county), Florida between December 15th and May 15th. QSL via home call (QRZ.com). [Tnx 425DXN]

15/12/2005:  NA-095  K3LP/KP5, N3KS/KP5  DESECHEO -
N3KS (Kam) and K3LP (David) are enroute to Desecheo Island (KP5, IOTA NA-095) and are expected to arrive on the island shortly and be on the air this evening. It will be a short operation, a minimum of 48 hours, possibly through the weekend. It is a working trip and NOT a full blown DXpedition operation. They will be on the air as much as possible. It is reported that they DO have landing permission from the Fish and Wildlife Service. They will be signing N3KS/KP5 and K3LP/KP5. They expect to operate 160-10 concentrating on 80, 40, 20, 15 CW and SSB. They have three radios and two small amps. No word on antennas. QSL route is via W3ADC. [Tnx N4AA]

16/12/2005:  H.C.'s/PY2  nr SALESOPOLIS, BRAZIL -
A group of operators from the Japy DX Group (PY2ENO, PY2HN, PY2MTM, PY2NI, PY2OC, PY2ZX and possibily others) will be active as homecall/PY2 from a mountain location near Salesopolis (GG76aj) December 16-18th. They plan to operate on 6 metres (as well as on 2m, 70cm and possibly 23cm). E-mail py2zx@mandic.us or py2oc@yahoo.com.br for skeds. [Tnx 425DXN]

16/12/2005:  NA-135  XF3NN  CARMEN ISLAND -
Radio Club Cancun will be active as XF3NN from Isla del Carmen (IOTA NA-135) December 16-18th. They plan to operate on 160-6 meter SSB and RTTY, with some PSK31 and Satellite. QSL via N6AWD. [Tnx 425DXN]

16/12/2005:  AS-133  XU7TAS  KOH TAS ISLAND -
Wim, XU7TZG, will once again activate Koh Tas Island (IOTA AS-133) and the Koh Koang Kang lighthouse (ARLHS CAB-006), Cambodia, from December 16-18th. QSL via ON4AJY (QRZ.com). [Tnx W8TTS]

16/12/2005:  OC-236  YB8ZC  KODINGARENG KEKE ISLAND -
Operators YB8HZ, YB8FS, YB8BRI, YB8HGM and YC8AJB will be active as YB8ZC from Kodingareng Keke Island (Celebes Coastal Islands, IOTA OC-236) December 16-18th. Activity will be on 80, 40, 20 and 15 meter SSB and CW. QSL via YB8HZ (QRZ.com). [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

17/12/2005:  SOTA:DL/NW-050  DG5MM/P  STERLING SUMMIT -
Look for Michael, DG5MM/p, to be active December 17th from Steling summit (SOTA DL/NW-050, 656M), North Rhine-Westfalia region. Activity will be on 40, 20 meter SSB, 2 meter SSB and FM, starting around 11:00 UTC. QSL via home call. [Tnx SOTA U.K.]

17/12/2005:  SOTA:DL/HExxx  DH3ZK/P  GERMAN SUMMITS -
Wolfgang, DH3ZK/p, will be active December 17th from the following German summits for the SOTA Award - 09:00 UTC Königsstein summit (SOTA DL/HE-303, 788M, WW Loc. JO40XM), Hesse region; 12:00 UTC Teufelsstein summit (SOTA DL/HE-021, 715M, WW Loc. JO40WM), Hesse region; and 14:30 UTC Heidigskuppe summit (SOTA DL/HE-298, 702M, WW Loc. JO40WM), Hesse region. Activity will be on 40 meter SSB, 2 meter SSB and FM. QSL via home call. [Tnx SOTA U.K.]

17/12/2005:  SOTA:DL/SX-071  DL1JMS/P  FESTUNG KÖNIGSTEIN -
Matthias, DL1JMS/p, will activate Festung Königstein summit (SOTA DL/SX-071, 361M), Saxony region, December 17th. Activity will be on 40, 10 and 2 meter SSB, starting around 11:00 UTC. QSL via home call. [Tnx SOTA U.K.]

17/12/2005:  SOTA:DL/BW-020  DL2GPS/P  BREND SUMMIT -
Sven, DL2GPS/p, will activate Brend summit (SOTA DL/BW-020, 1149M), Bathe Wuerttemberg region, December 17th. Activity will be on 40 meter SSB, 2 meter SSB and FM, starting around 16:00 UTC. OV A18 with DL0STG Uhrenjockele Award is possible. QSL via home call. [Tnx SOTA U.K.]

17/12/2005:  ARLHS  KD3CQ/P  LIGHTHOUSE ACTIVATIONS -
Dan, KD3CQ (ARLHS member #989), is planning to activate several lighthouses in the State of Maryland on December 17th. First will be the Wicomico river Entrance lighthouse (ARLHS USA-1295) and the Cobb Point Bar lighthouse (ARLHS USA-989), Charles county, Maryland, at around 15:00 UTC. He will then activate the Lower Cedar Point lighthouse (ARLHS USA-458), Charles County, Maryland, starting around 18:30 UTC. Activity will be on 40 meter SSB (7.260 +/-) and 20 meter SSB (14.270 +/-). QSL via home call, direct with SASE. [Tnx KD3CQ & ARLHS]

18/12/2005:  RDA:OR, TL  H.C.'s/P /3  RUSSIAN DISTRICTS -
RU3EJ (Alex) and RV3ECW (Mike) will be active December 18th as homecall /p /3 from the following locations for the Russian Districts Award (RDA) - Mtsensk City (RDA OR-06), Mtsensky area (RDA OR-20), Orlovskaya oblast (OR); Arsen'evsky area (RDA TL-15), Plavsky area (RDA TL-30) and Chernsky area (RDA TL-34), Tul'skaya oblast (TL). QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx RX3RC]

18/12/2005:  DCI:MO007  IK4DCS/P  CASTELLO O ROCCA ESTENSE -
Look for Frank, IK4DCS/p, to be active December 18th from the Castello o Rocca Estense di Finale Emilia (DCI reference MO-007, for the Italian Castles award), Region of Emilia Romagna, Province of Modena (MO). There is the possibility that he will activate another reference on his return trip. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx IK4DCS]

21/12/2005:  OC-073  JD1YBJ, JE7IZM/JD1  MINAMI TORISHIMA -
Masa, JA1DDH will be QRV as JD1YBJ from the Marcus Loran Ham Club station, Minami Torishima (IOTA OC-073, JIIA OC-073-001), between December 20th and mid January, 2006. He will place an emphasis on 160 meters. Meanwhile, JE7IZM/JD1 is also QRV from here. QSL via operators' instructions. [Tnx ARRL DX News]

21/12/2005:  NA-213  KV4T/P, KS4YT/P  DAUPHIN ISLAND -
KV4T (Allan) and KS4YT (Bridget) will be active as homecall/p from Dauphin Island (IOTA NA-213, USI AL-002S, Mobile county), Alabama, December 21-24th. Activity will be on 40 and 17 meter CW and SSB. QSL via home calls. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

21/12/2005:  AN-016  VP8PJ  PATRIOT HILLS, ANTARCTICA -
Alan, VK6CQ, is QRV as VP8PJ from the Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions base at Patriot Hills (WAP MN-01, IOTA AN-016) in Ellsworth Land. He is active from December 21 to January 30. QSL via DL5EBE. [Tnx ARRL DX News]

22/12/2005:  OC-086  KH2VL/KHØ  SAIPAN -
Hide, JM1LJS, plans to be QRV as KH2VL/KH0 from Saipan (IOTA OC-086), Northern Mariana Islands December 22-25th. QSL via JM1LJS (QRZ.com). [Tnx JM1LJS]

23/12/2005:  4X411A  DEAD SEA -
4Z4BS, 4Z4KX, 4Z5LA, 4Z5FI, 4Z1UF and 4X1VF will operate as 4X411A from the Dead Sea, the lowest exposed point on the Earth's surface. The Dead Sea is 411 meters deep at its deepest point, hence the special call issued to this operation. Activity will take place December 23-24th, with two stations on 80-10 meter CW and SSB, from Holyland squares M25BS and M26BS. QSL via 4Z4BS. [Tnx 425DXN]

23/12/2005:  NA-001  C6AYM  NEW PROVIDENCE & PARADISE -
Eric, K9GY, will be active as C6AYM from December 23rd to January 1st. He will be on the Islands of New Providence [Nassau] (IOTA NA-001, lighthouse WLOTA LH-1115) and Paradise (IOTA NA-001). Activity will be mainly QRP CW on 40-10 meters and also 6 and 2 meters. QSL via K9GY. [Tnx OPDX]

23/12/2005:  EU-129  DL7VOX/P  USEDOM ISLAND -
Helmut, DL7VOX, will be active as DL7VOX/p from Usedom Island (IOTA EU-129, GIA O-013 for the German Islands Award) between 23 December 23, 2005 and January 2, 2006. He will operate CW only on the HF bands. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

23/12/2005:  DMF  F5PRR/P  FRENCH MILLS -
Jean Michel, F5PRR/p, will be active December 23-26th from several French Mills. He plans to activate the Mill of Longor (DMF 55-011), commune of Pagny on Meuse (DDCF 55-28), Void Vacon (CP 55190) on December 23rd; then the Mill of Chanteraine (DMF 55-012), commune of German St on Meuse (DDCF 55-24), Vaucouleur (CP 55190) on December 24th; and finally the Mill of Villiers (DMF 55-013), commune of Aulnoy under Veruzey (DDCF 55-05), Commercy (CP 55200) on December 26th. Activity will be on 40-15 meters, including WARC bands. There is also the possibility that Jean Michel will activate the Castle of Gombervaux (DFCF 55-023). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5PRR]

24/12/2005:  AS-117  JA4GXS/4  YASHIRO ISLAND -
Kenji, JA4GXS/4, will be active December 24th from Yashiro Island (IOTA AS-117, JIIA AS-117-118), JA4 Yamaguchi Prefecture. Activity will be on 40, 30, 20 and 15 meter CW and SSB (IOTA frequencies). QSL via home call, direct (Kenji Sasaki, 2-15 Ishikannon-cyo, Yamaguchi-City, 753-0038 JAPAN) or bureau. [Tnx JI6KVR]

25/12/2005:  TT8PK  CHAD -
Philippe, F4EGS, returns to Chad from December 25th to the end of February 2006, and again from May to July 2006. These are Military assignments. Once again the callsign TT8PK has been issued. Activity is scheduled from 20 to 10 meters with a FT100 and a MA5V antenna. If Philippe may have the loan of Cushcraft R7 or R8 antenna, he will be active from 40 to 10 meters. The mode uses are digitals and may be SSB. You can indicate to Philippe, the bands you are needing from Chad/TT8, at Philippe's address: kochp@wanadoo.fr . QSL via F4EGS. He will answer the QSLs when he return to Metropolitan, France. [Tnx F5NQL]

26/12/2005:  EU-047  DD6VSF/P  NORDERNEY ISLAND -
Sven, DD6VSF/p, will be active from Norderney Island (IOTA EU-047, GIA/DID N-05 for the German Islands award, lighthouse WLOTA LH-1621) between December 26, 2005, and January 5, 2006. As this activation will be a holiday style operation, 24/7 activity is definitely not planned. Look for Sven between 40 and 10 meters, ARC included, CW only. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

27/12/2005:  SA-023  ZY6GK  ITAPARICA ISLAND -
Cris, PY7GK, plans to be QRV December 27-30th from Itaparica Island [BA] (IOTA SA-023, DIB 15 for the Brazilian Islands award). Activity will be on 20, 15 and 10 meters, maybe 40 meters, CW and SSB. QSL via home call (QRZ.com). [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

28/12/2005:  AS-015  9M2/PAØRRS  PENANG ISLAND -
Rich, PA0RRS, will be active from Penang Island (AS-015) between December 28, 2005, to March 8, 2006. He will operate as 9M2/PA0RRS, but hopefully he will get an official 9M2 callsign. A trip to Langkawi Island (AS-058) may be possible. QSL via home call, direct (Richard Smeets, Schoorveken 100, 5121 NM Rijen, The Netherlands) or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

28/12/2005:  OC-010  V63O  POHNPEI -
Nao, JK1FNL, will be QRV December 28-31st as V63O from Pohnpei (OC-010), Micronesia. Activity will be on 80-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via JK1FNL, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

28/12/2005:  NA-016  ZF2CJ  CAYMAN ISLAND -
Kan, AB2RF, will be active from Cayman Island (IOTA NA-016, lighthouse WLOTA LH-1042) as ZF2CJ between December 28, 2005 and January 1, 2006. Activity will be focused on the low bands and the digital modes. QSL via AB2RF. [Tnx OPDX]

29/12/2005:  SOTA  GW3CWI/P  WELSH SUMMITS -
Richard, GW3CWI/p, will be active December 29th from the following locations for the Summits On The Air award (SOTA) - Foel Goch summit (SOTA GW/NW-039, 611M), North Wales region, Grid Reference: SH 953423, starting 12:30 UTC; and Carnedd y Filiast summit (SOTA GW/NW-032, 669M), North Wales region, Grid Reference: SH 871446, starting 15:30 UTC. Both will be short activations on 7.030 MHz CW. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx SOTA U.K.]

30/12/2005:  SOTA  GW3CWI/P  WELSH SUMMITS -
Richard, GW3CWI/p, will be active December 30th from the following locations for the Summits On The Air award (SOTA) - Cyrniau Nod summit (SOTA GW/NW-034, 667M), North Wales region, Grid Reference: SH 988279, starting 11:30 UTC; and Arenig Fach summit (SOTA GW/NW-027, 689M), North Wales region, Grid Reference: SH 821416, starting 15:00 UTC. Both will be short activations on 7.030 MHz CW. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx SOTA U.K.]
 

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

ARES emergency net established after Missouri dam break (Dec 16, 2005)

When millions of gallons of water breached the wall of a mountaintop hydroelectric reservoir in rural Reynolds County, Missouri, December 14, an ARES emergency net was quickly established on the Van Buren repeater. The deluge washed down the mountainside, sweeping away homes and vehicles and flooding the valley below. A dwelling occupied by a park superintendent, his wife and three children was among those washed away. The family was found a half-mile away, and the children all were hospitalized, at least one of them in serious condition. The town of Lesterville was under a voluntary evacuation order. ARRL District G Emergency Coordinator Dave Hannigan, KN0D, reports stations checked into the net from Poplar Bluff, Piedmont, Eminence, Elsinore, Van Buren, Redford and Koshkonong. 

The net also heard from mobile stations near Leper, Piedmont, Van Buren and Ironton. "KC0SEH checked in from radio station FM 91.3 in Van Buren and KC0SWU from radio 106.7 in Ellington," Hannigan said. The reservoir breach reported occurred after a pump failed to shut down at utility Ameren UE's Taum Sauk hydroelectric plant, which stores water from the Black River in an upper reservoir, releasing it to a lower reservoir to generate electricity. Hannigan said HF and VHF stations activated at emergency operations centers in Shannon and Carter counties. "I was contacted by the Shannon County sheriffs dispatcher through the NPS [National Park Service] dispatch," Hannigan said. "The various net controllers kept me updated as I was working but had a 2 meter [equipment] with me. No emergency traffic was passed but it was a good exercise, and I was really proud of the rapid wide-area VHF radio coverage." In all, 16 stations responded to the emergency callup.--Missouri SM Don Moore, KM0R 

(ARRL News Service)