International

UK's Spectrum Management Advisory Group is Dissolved

The Communications Minister, Stephen Timms, has announced that the Spectrum Management Advisory Group, or 'S M A G', has been formally dissolved. On the 29th of December, responsibility for regulating the radio spectrum and communications services was transferred to Ofcom - the new converged regulator for the communications sector - and it is now for Ofcom to decide to what extent it requires independent advice on spectrum management issues and how this might best be provided. The S M A G was established in 1998 as a non-departmental public body to provide independent strategic advice on spectrum management issues to the relevant DTI Minister and the Radiocommunications Agency. The 11 members of S M A G were drawn from users of the radio spectrum, related services and academia.   www.ofcom.org.uk

(RSGB)

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India:  Ham Radio at the Children's Science Congress

Ham radio was a part of India's 11th National Children Science Congress.  Organized by the an educational group in the city of  Lucknow the event ran from the 27th to the 31st December with more than 2000 students,  teachers and science promoters from various parts of that nation taking part.

According to VU2DCT,  Lucknow hams were also called by program organizers to give the demonstration on Amateur Radio for the benefit of participants.  Most of attendees were astonished to listen a live QSO between VU2WAP and  a ham in Columbia, South America.  During their presentation the hams emphasized the role of Amateur Radio in disaster situations.

(Q-News)

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Jan. 16 2004  Now that's QRP !!

Over the Christmas period, Richard Newstead, G3CWI, carried out tests with a transmitter running just under 3 microWatts. This small signal was positively identified by two stations in Germany, one in Holland and one in Belgium.

The transmissions were on the 10 MHz band using very slow CW with 30-second dot lengths. This is a technique that has been widely used for LF communications at 136 kHz but is less common on the HF bands. Richard was encouraged to try this low power after receiving 'complaints' that earlier test transmissions using 150 milliWatts were "too strong"! There is an active group of HF QRSS experimenters in Europe and details are on the Internet:  www.cnts.be/knights_qrss

(RSGB News)

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Jan. 16 2004  Panasonic to introduce Home BPL Sytem

Best known for its Panasonic-brand products, a newly developed Matsushita Electric technology will make it possible to provide broadband connectivity to every room in a house via existing home power lines. This, using an Panasonic branded adapter about the size of an audiocassette that the company says cannot be interfere with by radio amateurs.

The adapter contains a power plug, power supply, LAN connector and an L-S-I chipset that converts broadband data  into signals that can travel over a power line. The unit connects a broadband Internet link such as D-S-L or optical fiber lines to the existing power lines in the home. According to Panasonic, a user simply plugs the P-L-C adapter into any AC power outlet to create a home broadband networking without installing new cabling.

The most interersting claim being made by Panasonic is that the new technology it calls H-D  P-L-C  resists interference from other signals such as those from ham radio that the company says often use the same frequencies as wired communications.  In order to realize this capability, Panasonic claims that it combined Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing and Wavelet technology to reduce the noise caused by the interference down to one-fifth of typical noise levels. This the company says creates a proprietary interference-resistant and ultra-high-speed modulation-demodulation method without use of additional
filter circuitry that eliminates the frequencies where interference is likely to occur. What impact that this new technology will have on over-the-air radio reception by hams and other spectrum users is not addressed.

Panasonic expects to introduce P-L-C adapters for both consumer and office use by the end of 2004 providing that the HomePlug Powerline Alliance determines a final  specification in the summer of 2004.  An L-S-I chipset will also become commercially available at the same time.

Matsushita Electric and its Panasonic subsidiary exhibited this new Powerline Communications technology at 2004 International CES held last week in Las Vegas.  Both companies are members of the HomePlug Alliance which has been working with the ARRL to notch out amateur frequencies from its powerline communications signals.

(ARNewsline)

January 2004   A Message from RAC President Daniel Lamoureux VE2KA

Happy New Year to everyone and may 2004 bring you your best QSOs ever.

On December 31st 2003, the term of office of the former RAC Executive came to an end. As provided for in the RAC Constitution, an election was held prior to that date in order to insure continuity and I have been elected to lead RAC for the next two years.

It all started sometime last August when a group of Regional Directors began looking for a candidate to assume the RAC Presidency. After some arm twisting, I finally agreed in September to allow my candidacy to proceed.    I’m looking forward to the new challenges!

Before agreeing to run, I already had an excellent insider look at the state of affairs of the Corporation. I have been sitting on the Board of Directors as the Quebec Regional Director since April 1997 and have participated in many Committees and events, enough to have a clear view of the RAC reality as well as a personal vision of where the Organization should go and how to get there.

I wish to thank the retiring members of the Executive for all of their hard work throughout the past two years and assure them and our membership that the incoming Executive members will continue this tradition.

You will surely agree with me that RAC badly needs more recognition in the Amateur community in order to add weight to our representativity. As it is now, our membership represents around 13% of the Industry Canada database. I know, you will tell me that this database includes SKs, double or triple callsigns, clubs and possibly others that should not be counted and I agree with you. Still, once all of these have been counted out, what percentage of the Amateur community does our membership represent? 15%, even a generous 20% would still be a much too small portion of the Amateur population to have a real credibility and impact when approaching Industry Canada, our regulator.

In the coming years, our bands and privileges will come under repeated and tougher attacks from those that claim a “need” for our frequencies. We will have to present a solid and united front and there is only one way to do this and it is through a major increase in our membership. The problem is, how can we do that?

The present situation is far from rosy. Membership has been in a steady decline in the past year and we must investigate new methods to reverse this trend. The snowballing effect of it will eventually ensure that RAC could have less resources than needed to fulfil it’s advocacy mandate and that would be a very serious problem. Fortunately, we are not at this juncture yet and we still have some leeway but we must act now.

One of my intentions is to make becoming a RAC member attractive to new comers and to entice them to stay. But how am I to do that? First of all, I’ll need help, a lot of help from a lot of you. You are reading this, meaning that you are already a member. This is where I want to start. I want to make RAC a true membership organization where the information flowes from the bottom up as well as from the top down. I will be listening to you, the members and I will see that your other representatives do the same. I plan to develop ways for you to talk to us easily and vice versa.

I will re-examine every part of our operation to identify what is working well and to keep it and rethink what is not. We will find new ways to do things with a goal of giving you more for your money and I anticipate that we will be able to surprise you. This is no small undertaking, I know. Why would I want to go to such trouble for RAC?

We are all Amateur Radio operators. We all worked hard to obtain our privileges and we all want to retain and enjoy them as well as for generations to come. It is our hobby and to most of us it has become a passion. I am sure that you are like me and you do not want to see Amateur Radio become extinct in your lifetime.

Here is the point where I need your help. Yes, I want you to help recruit new members but I also want you to recruit new Hams by talking about the hobby, by trying to initiate youngsters to radio or by explaining to local authorities how we can help when disaster strikes. But, there is more to do, a lot more.

All over the country we have a very dedicated group of volunteers doing all kinds of jobs to sustain services to you, the members. Some of these volunteers would welcome help while other are becoming tired and would like to ease off a bit. I have available a few jobs that could be very interesting, challenging and rewarding for the right people. If you are interested in becoming involved in our representation with the Government (especially if you are in the greater Ottawa area) or if you have experience in advertising, as a writer or translator, if you have special skills, tell us, we are only limited by our imagination.

Around the world, there are a few National Organisations that stand out. You know them. Why do they stand out? Why are they household names while most are not? Excellence is the reason. They have brought their services to a level of excellence that most others have not. Why don’t we do it with RAC in Canada? With your help, with the help of all, we can start today on the path of bringing RAC to such a level.

73,
Daniel, VE2KA

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

Jan. 16 2004   Message from the RAC Webmaster

As there is some confusion about the relative benefits of the various donation methods to both the donor and to RAC, you are urged to read the following brief summary of the several ways you can support amateur radio in Canada, whether as an individual or through your amateur radio club.

Donation to Defence of Amateur Radio Fund Trust
RAC collects donations to DARF, which we forward to DARF Trust.  DARF Trust is administered by an independent Board of Trustees who invest and donate funding solely at their discretion. The fund supports  the costs of attendance at the World Radio Conferences by a Canadian amateur radio delegate, which would normally be a delegate chosen by RAC. In this way RAC is an indirect beneficiary of DARF Trust activities. As neither RAC nor DARF Trust can be registered charities under the current Canadian rules, donation to DARF does not qualify for an income tax receipt. However, such a gift is very much appreciated to help RAC with our international travel costs associated with future World Radio Conferences, and we invite you to participate. Click here for details on DARF Trust, how to donate, and the current list of donors.

Donation Direct to RAC
There are dozens of meetings with Industry Canada, Radio Advisory Board of Canada, and even some international meetings with International Amateur Radio Union to establish and develop negotiating positions leading up to a World Radio Conference meeting. As well there are numerous meetings and research needs not associated with a WRC but which serve the needs of all amateurs - for example, the research and preparation of a brief on the National Antenna Tower Policy Review, the preparation of a brief to Industry Canada on the Morse code decision at WRC-03, and the preparation of an RAC response to Ontario Bill 49, to name only a few of dozens over the years.  The costs of those continuing advocacy efforts on behalf of all radio amateurs are over and above the normal overheads of RAC membership administration and the production and distribution of The Canadian Amateur magazine, and are not covered by DARF Trust donations. Though RAC is a not-for-profit membership association, because RAC cannot be a registered charity under current Canadian rules, a general donation to RAC operations does not qualify for an income tax receipt. However, such a gift is very much appreciated to help us with our increasing advocacy activities on your behalf, and we invite you to participate. The addition of the RAC Youth Education Program  has created a new avenue for Direct Donations to RAC where the donation can be further directed to the Youth Education Program.  Click here for the current list of direct donors to Radio Amateurs of Canada.

Donation to the RAC Foundation
Unlike the above two methods, donors of more than $20 to the RAC Foundation receive a receipt for income tax purposes, as the RAC Foundation funding is invested and disbursed by a registered charity, The Community Foundation of Ottawa. However, RAC does not directly benefit from such donations. In fact, RAC provides significant administration in collecting the donations from the donors, funneling them to the Community Foundation of Ottawa, on behalf of the donors, and helping to decide on the disbursement of the proceeds to successful grant applicants. In that sense, RAC donates part of the fund administration so your donation can be used for  worth-while causes in Canadian amateur radio, and you can receive a tax receipt (for donations over $20).  Click here for details on the RAC Foundation, the various RAC Foundation donation methods and the various types of RAC Foundation grants, as well as the current list of donors.

Doug Leach VE3XK

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

Jan. 9 2004   What has RAC done for me lately?

Did you know that...RAC last paid the IARU $4,438.74 (Canadian funds) for one year.  This breaks down to about 7 U.S. cents per Canadian Amateur.  The actual amount paid varies with the movement of the Canadian dollar VS the US dollar.

This is based upon the number of actual Amateurs, not clubs or repeaters or duplicates.  Of course, it is entirely possible that some silent keys slip through and are counted, simply because family, Amateur Radio friends of the deceased or members of his/her club failed to advise I.C.  This is definitely a problem but only the Amateur Radio community can fix it.

RAC also pays each year, on behalf of ALL Radio Amateurs in Canada, an amount at last count of $3,450 Canadian, to the Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC).

So, it can be fairly stated that those who are members of RAC pay out about $8,000 yearly to pay not only for RAC members but for non-members as well, for the good of Amateur Radio in this country....LET'S  DO OUR PART!  by becoming part of the team TODAY .   It's easy just click here!

Note: Information provided by Bob Cooke VE3BDB  RAC Director Ontario South...Thanks Bob!

Jim Taylor VA3KU RAC Member
Editor hfradio.net

Atlantic Maritime Section
 
 

Jan. 19 2004  West Island Amateur Radio Club Meeting

Meetings are on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7pm (official start is 7:30). We meet at the Lakeside Heights Baptist Church , 275 Braebrook in Pointe-Claire (western end of the Island of Montreal).

The club welcomes all visitors, so if you are going to be in Montreal and have some time, come down and join us.

Club Website:  http://shell.pubnix.net/~wiarc

Jan. 19 2004  Hart House Amateur Radio Club

There is a General Meeting on Monday, January 19 at 18:00 in the South Dining Room in Hart House, at the downtown University of Toronto Campus. Don Agro VE3VRW and Steve Forcht VA3SF will be giving a talk to the club.

The discussion is quite informal and non technical. It basically consists of a chat about the SSPB network and how it was created, a chat about Echolink, SSTV on the ISS and the VE3VRW Satellite Gateway. Usually it takes no more than 30-45 minutes depending on questions if there are any.

Everyone is welcome to attend; this includes members of the university and members of the community at large. Please RSVP by e-mail at hharc.harthouse@utoronto.ca to give us an idea on attendance.

Directions (including maps) to Hart House are available on the Contact Page:  www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~radio/contact.html

Thanks.
Daniel Kekez, VA3KKZ
HHARC Secretary
daniel.kekez@utoronto.ca
www.ecf.utoronto.ca/~radio

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Jan. 21 2004   Quinte Amateur Radio Club News

The Quinte Amateur Radio Club's next meeting is on Wednesday the 21 Jan in room P2 at Loyalist College. The main item on their agenda is listed as a 'Show & Tell' for some of the newer rigs currently on the market. For those that may be interested as to what the manufacturers are now squeezing into boxes, this can save you a trip to the big city(s).

For those that  were not with us last Tuesday night, Bob VA3SLO has indicated that he is re-activating the 2 meter net on the VE3TRN repeater every Sunday night at 7 PM. Hopefully if we can get this to fly again we might also be able to kick the 'swap & shop' back into action.

Cliff  VA3CAF

Club Website:  www.qarc.on.ca

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Feb. 7 2004   NPARC 26th Annual Big Event

Sponsored by the Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club
Location: Canadian Auto Workers Hall 124 Bunting Road St. Catharines, Ontario
Opening:  Vendors 7 am, Public 9 am to 1 pm
Cost: Admission $6, Vendors $20, Extra tables $14
Talkin:  VE3NRS 147.240 (+)

For table reservations contact Dave Wilson VE3BBN by phone at 905-262-5588 or by email at ve3bbn@rac.ca. For other event info contact Ron Counsell VE3NDI by phone at 905-688-8137 or by email at ve3ndi@rac.ca

Free Coffee, Door Prizes, Demonstrations, CANWARN, ARES, QSL Bureau, RAC, Radio World, Durham Radio, Mapleleaf Communications and more Dealers. Grand Prize Draw $1000.00 Radio World Gift Certificate

Website Info:  www.qsl.net/ve3vm/bigevent.html

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Feb. 28 2004   Burlington Spring Flea Market

Sponsored by: the Burlington Amateur Radio Club

Date:  Saturday, February 28, 2004
Opens: Vendors 7 am Public 9am to 12.00 noon

Location: Royal Canadian Legion-828 Legion Rd,Burlington From Toronto-QEW to Brant St,south on Brant St past Fairview St,right on Grahams Lane, right on Legion Rd From London-403 to QEW Toronto to Brant St,south on Brant St past Fairview St,right on Grahams Lane,right on Legion Rd

Cost: Admission $6.00 Tabales $10.00
Talkin:  VE3RSB 147.210 (+)

For more info check the Club Website: http://www.barc.ca

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It's not too early to be thinking spring and DXing!

This is the first invitation to join members of the Ontario DX Association at our next Radio Camp DX weekend at Shadow Lake Camp, 30 minutes north of Toronto, on April 2-4, 2004. Cost: $70 Canadian or $55 US per person. Food extra - pay on the weekend.

To book your spot: listeningin@rogers.com

Note: If you want to book a spot for the Fall 2004 Camp, the dates are November 5-7.

Harold Sellers, Newmarket, Ontario
Director, Ontario DX Association
www.odxa.on.ca
 

Western Provinces

Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club  Meeting

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

• February 9, 2004: David, VE4DAR, will be giving a presentation on "The RR DXpedition"
• March 8, 2004: Bruce, VE4KQ, will be giving a presentation on "How To Work DX, 144 Mhz and above"
• April 19, 2004: Our "Home Brew Night"
• May 10, 2004: Ed, VE4YU, will be giving a presentation on "Digital Communication"
• June 14, 2004: TBA

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

All are welcome!

Club Website:  http://ve4.net/warc

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Nortern Alberta Radio Club  Meeting

The next meeting is on Wednesday 21 January 2004 at 19:30 in the South East room on the main floor of the Continental Inn, 16625 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton.  The presentation at the meeting will be "The Anatomy of a PC", centered on the assembly of all the necessary components to build a new PC.

Club Website:  http://narc.net

Propagation Report    (For the week of Jan.18 2003)

America's

Jan. 16 2004  Forecast Bulletin 3  ARLP003 from Tad Cook, K7RA

Both average daily sunspot numbers and solar flux were up just a few points this week over last. Average daily planetary A index--a measure of geomagnetic stability--dropped from 23.4 to 15.9. HF radio operators prefer conditions when the A index is low, and the solar flux and sunspot numbers are high. Solar flux has been around 118 to 120, but it's expected to rise over the next few days. Solar flux for Friday through Sunday, January 16-18, is predicted to be 125, 130 and 135. Solar flux values should peak around 140 from January 19 until January 21 before dropping again.

As expected during the solar cycle decline, sunspot counts have been low. As of January 15, there were only two sunspot groups visible, and helioseismic imaging showed only a small sunspot group on the sun's far side. When the daily sunspot number reached 118 on January 8, it marked the first time the number had risen above 100 since December 23, and it hasn't been above 100 since.

Earth is moving into a solar windstream from a coronal hole, and geomagnetic conditions could become active. Predicted planetary A index for January 16-19 is 18, 25, 18 and 15. Conditions on January 17 may be similar to those of January 10, except the hours of daylight will be slightly longer (7 minutes in Dallas; 13 minutes in Seattle), and the solar flux and sunspot count should be slightly higher.

The Solar Terrestrial Dispatch Web site [ www.spacew.com  ] has a "Ham Radio" link on the left side of the page as well as other resources, such as MUF maps. Another interesting link is to Michigan Tech's site, which is devoted to auroras.
[ www.geo.mtu.edu/weather/aurora ]

One new service this editor uses is Spaceweather Phone [ http://spaceweatherphone.com ]. Unlike all other resources referenced in these updates, this one is not free. Subscribers can set thresholds for various events, such as geomagnetic planetary K index above a certain value, or X class solar flares to name just a couple. Once the customized threshold is passed, Spaceweather Phone automatically calls you and delivers a message about the event in progress.

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

Sunspot numbers for January 8 through 14 were 118, 88, 66, 53, 77, 53 and 58, with a mean of 73.3. The 10.7 cm flux was 120.1, 118.4, 119.2, 118.5, 118.3, 117.9 and 121.1, with a mean of 119.1. Estimated planetary A indices were 9, 21, 24, 17, 10, 18 and 12, with a mean of 15.9.

(W1AW)

Europe

Jan. 18 2004  GB2RS Propagation Update

Solar flare activity was low throughout the past week, with only the smaller C- class flares, which had little effect on propagation. The solar flux was almost stationary, starting the week at 119 and finishing it at 120, averaging 119. The 90-day average moved up a point to 138. The X-ray flux ranged between B2.6 and B4.3, averaging B3.5. The geomagnetic field was mostly unsettled to active, with the Ap index in double figures every day and averaging 17 units - but no day was seriously disturbed. Solar wind speeds, varying between 418km/sec and 728km/sec, were slightly above average.

HF propagation was somewhat below forecast levels. Even so, southern Africa and South America were workable up to 28MHz on several days and there was at least one opening to the East Coast of the US. Openings on the higher HF bands remained limited to the daylight hours, so 14 and 18MHz gave the most consistent DX results. On the low bands, north-south paths were quite good but east-west propagation was poorish. Aurora was reported on 50 and 144MHz on several days, but only at high geomagnetic latitudes.

During the coming week flare activity is expected to be low to moderate, with only occasional and probably smallish M-class flares. The solar flux seems unlikely to go much higher for the time being and is expected to decline slowly towards 110 units by next weekend. Over the next couple of days the geomagnetic field looks likely to be unsettled-to-active under the influence of a high-speed stream from a coronal hole. It should subsequently decline to quiet-to-unsettled. MUFs at equal latitudes are likely to reach 31MHz in the South but only 28MHz in North Britain. Darkness hour lows will remain around 7MHz. Paths to Japan should have a maximum usable frequency of around 29MHz. The optimum working frequency, where contacts should be possible almost every day, will be around 15MHz. And the path should be at its best between 0900 and 1100 UTC. However, Japan is currently among the more challenging areas to work. With Twenty metres the most reliable band for DX working, among the better possibilities this week will be ZL before and after breakfast, together with VK. There's also a fair chance of Polynesia and Western Australia around teatime. South-East Asia looks a reasonable prospect in the morning through to mid-afternoon, while the States and the Caribbean should open up shortly after mid-day.

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

Jan. 12 2004    NASA Space Station Status Report

With the help of Expedition 8 Commander Mike Foale and Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri, flight controllers traced the apparent cause of a tiny pressure decay on the International Space Station Sunday to a braided flex hose that is part of the window system in the U.S. Destiny Laboratory.

After extensive pressure checks on Saturday and Sunday in the Russian Progress resupply ship, the Pirs Docking Compartment, the Soyuz return vehicle and the U.S. Quest Airlock revealed no leaks, the crew used an ultrasound leak detector device for a second time at the Lab window, and detected an audible hissing noise emanating from the flex hose. That hose is hooked up to quick disconnect devices as part of a system designed to vent into space any condensation between the panes of glass to maintain the window's optically pristine quality.

Foale said he couldn't hear any hissing noise from the flex hose during a previous leak check last week because of other ambient noise generated by operating payload racks in Destiny. Sunday, those racks were shut down for a short time and the hissing noise was obvious. Foale reported that as soon as the flex hose was disconnected, the noise stopped. While additional evaluation is needed for confirmation, the pressure in the Station appears to have stabilized since the removal of the flex hose.

Although the leak may now be fixed, flight controllers are planning to ask the crew to close several hatches aboard the station this weekend, dividing the complex into three sections to allow further leak checks and to gather additional baseline data on normal air pressure fluctuations in portions of the Station. Flight controllers will monitor the pressure in each section during the weekend to gather air pressure data. All of the hatches are planned to be reopened Sunday night. The isolated sections will include the U.S. Destiny Lab; the Zarya Control Module, Quest Airlock and Unity Node; and the Zvezda Service Module, Pirs Docking Compartment, Soyuz rescue vehicle and Progress resupply vehicle. While the hatches are closed, the crew will remain in the section that includes the Zvezda living quarters module. To prepare, they will begin moving some additional equipment into the living quarters on Friday. Foale normally sleeps in the Destiny Lab while Kaleri normally sleeps i! n Zvezda.

Foale and Kaleri repaired the Russian Elektron oxygen generation system today and are scheduled to press ahead with repairs to the Vozdukh carbon dioxide removal system in the next week or so. In preparation for the Elektron repair work, the pressure in the ISS was increased late Sunday to about 14.2 pounds per square inch, using remaining oxygen in the Progress resupply ship tanks. The Progress will be discarded in about two weeks in advance of the launch of a new resupply vehicle on Jan. 29 carrying food, fuel and supplies for the crew.

Information on the crew's activities aboard the Space Station, future launch dates, as well as Station sighting opportunities from anywhere on the Earth, is available on the Internet at:  http://spaceflight.nasa.gov

Details on Station science operations can be found on an Internet site administered by the Payload Operations Center at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., at: http://scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov

(SpaceRef.com)

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

Jan. 12 2004   NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao Replaces William McArthur as Next Space Station Commander

Veteran NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao will replace William S. McArthur, Jr., as the commander of Expedition 9, the next mission aboard the International Space Station.

The change in crew assignment is a result of a temporary medical issue related to McArthur's qualification for this long duration flight. Because of medical privacy considerations, no information about McArthur's condition will be made public.

As a member of the Expedition 9 backup crew, Chiao has been training alongside McArthur for months. Chiao joins Russian Flight Engineer and Soyuz Commander Valery I. Tokarev for the six-month mission. The Expedition 9 crew is scheduled for launch aboard a Soyuz spacecraft in April. European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers is the Board Engineer rounding out the three-member Soyuz crew. Kuipers returns to Earth with Expedition 8.

"This is a temporary medical issue for Bill," said Astronaut Office Chief Kent Rominger. "Because we are very cautious in our approach to crew health, we train backups for this kind of situation. We plan to assign Bill to another flight in the near future," he said.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed I won't fly on the Expedition 9 mission, but I understand the necessity of the medical criteria that are in place for long-duration space flight," McArthur said. "I know that Leroy will ensure all of the Expedition 9 objectives are met, and I look forward to flying soon on another Space Station mission."

For information about Chiao and McArthur, visit:  www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios

For more information about the International Space Station, visit:  www.nasa.gov

(SpaceRef.com)

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

Jan. 12 2004   President's plan revamps station research

The scientific research conducted aboard the International Space Station by the United States will be completely revamped under President Bush's new space policy.

Bush on Wednesday is expected to announce a new focus for America's human space exploration efforts. Missions will be directed outward from Earth to the moon and, eventually, Mars and the asteroids. Sources told United Press International American assets on the space station will be dedicated to meeting that goal.

Senior administration sources told UPI that just as the U.S. space shuttle fleet is retired to make way for a new vehicle to carry humans into space, the space station will find itself reoriented to a more focused set of tasks.

Full Details:  www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=13412

(SpaceRef.com)

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

Jan. 11 2004  Echo Campaign near half-way mark

As of 8th January the Echo Launch Campaign had received $46,945, according to the 'thermometer' on the 'www.amsat.org' web page. The target is $110,000.

More details can be found at: www.amsat.org/amsat/sats/echo/index.html

(AMSAT News)

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Jan. 13 2004 AMSAT AO-40 Sculpture to help ECHO launch

A beautiful, original sculpture of AO-40 will be given to the person donating the most toward the AMSAT AO-ECHO launch campaign in an E-bay auction.

This bronze is the artist’s proof, one of only four pieces, created by long time AMSAT member Floyd Thorn, N5SVP(SK).  It has been donated to AMSAT by his family, to support the AO-ECHO launch campaign. The piece measures 11” x 4” and weighs just over 1 lb.  The wood base bears a brass plaque with the sculptor’s name and callsign.

Floyd Thorn, PhD, was a physicist with interests in astronomy, space communications, amateur radio, and jewelry making.  A long time member of AMSAT, Floyd flew F4F’s and PBY’s in WWII and developed a business providing cathodic protection systems to the petroleum industry.

The Sculpture will be auctioned on e-bay starting January 21.  Visit  http://www.amsat.org   for details, and to link to the auction.

The AO-ECHO satellite’s planned launch window runs from March to May of this year.  ECHO will enable satellite voice communications using simple handheld FM transceivers, along with other interesting modes.

AMSAT-NA welcomes your support.  AMSAT is a 501(3)C  organization, and donations may be tax deductible for US amateurs.

Jim Jarvis N2EA

(QRZ News)

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Note: For information about Amateur Radio on the International Space Station "ARISS" visit the Radio Amateurs of Canada website:  www.rac.ca/ariss

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

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

Grey County ARES News

Effective Thursday, January 8, 2004, Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, has ceased his term as EC for Grey County. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Brad for his strong leadership during his three years at the helm. During the period, we were able to put emergency stations, both VHF and HF, into Owen Sound and Durham. It was due primarily to Brad's initiative and presence that these stations came into being. The new EC is Bob Droine, VE3LKD, formerly AEC, of Owen Sound. We would like to extend, at this time, a warm welcome to Bob, and to wish him well in his new endeavor.

Glenn, VE3GNA

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

Jan. 31 2004 Ottawa ARES General Meeting

Everyone Welcome -Stop by to find out more about EMRG
Date:           Saturday Jan 31, 2004   THE DATE HAS CHANGED FROM JAN 24
Time:            9:00AM - 12:00PM
Location: Ottawa Fire Training Centre - 898 Industrial Avenue [Behind the Fire Station near the corner of Industrial & St Laurent]

Coffee:       Always

Agenda

•  General EMRG Upate
• Two neighbouring ARES group visits this month
• Communications room & equipment
• Packet Radio Status & Discussion...And More

Jan. 16 2004  Repeaters, Echolink and DX

Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, is the creator of Echolink, which is software that allows Amateur Radio stations to communicate with each other over the Internet using voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology. For example, a ham in Podunk may use an Echolinked 450-Mhz repeater to converse with a ham in Framistan who is using an Echolinked 2-meter repeater. The Internet fills the gap between the two repeaters.

My old friend Pete Kemp, KZ1Z, is a big Echolink fan and has written the following set of tips for getting the most out of Echolink when "working DX."

What it is, and isn't...

Echolink is fast becoming an enjoyable mode for many via linked repeaters. Having a conversation with someone in a foreign country always brings with it a certain fascination. To understand the process a bit better one should understand that these conversations are a blend of the Internet and Amateur Radio. Contacts (QSOs) don't count for anything except fun. You don't QSL a DX contact on a repeater for what is, in essence, an enhanced telephone call with a computer. Imagine the day when certificates are given for Working All Area Codes via telephone modems? Some amateurs may send you an e-mail or QSL to confirm a particularly friendly exchange, but they are off the books for awards.

With the growth of our hobby, there is a large number of licensed amateurs who have never operated on HF frequencies; the procedures on shortwave are a bit different than a local ragchew on the repeater. This can be confusing to some. To assist with this process, here are some helpful hints that may make your conversations go a little more smoothly.

Know Your DX Prefixes: Have a DXCC or ITU call sign assignment list readily available if you are unfamiliar with prefixes. This will help you zero in a bit to start off your conversation. Remember that on Echolink, you're likely to hear prefixes that you would never hear on HF. This is because some countries have a license class equivalent to our Technician (VHF privileges only.) The licensing authority often assigns special prefixes to these operators. For example, many Brazilian stations have a ZZ prefix.

Know the international or standard phonetic alphabet: Cute words are most confusing to others. Saying your name is "Pete, Pizza Every Thursday Evening" will destroy the flow on a conversation, as you have confused, instead of clarified, a response to the other operator. There are other lesser-known alphabets used mostly for domestic contacts. Pete could be Portugal Espana Tango Espana, if conversing with a Spanish speaking station, but in general, it is best to "stick to the standard."

Have a metric conversation chart handy: This helps when describing your QTH as being 60 kilometers northeast of New York City or giving the temperature in Celsius instead of Fahrenheit. This always seems so much colder to us.

Time Zones apply to the Internet: Remember that UTC/GMT is the international standard. If you want to meet again, you have to have base to start from. If one operator were to say "I'll work you again at 5" you are in big trouble. Five in the morning or five in the afternoon? His local time or yours? Don't forget the International Dateline, as it is possible to talk to tomorrow.

Speak slowly: While English is taught in the schools of most nations, and is one of the most common languages on HF, it is a second language for most DX stations. This does not mean you speak s-o s-l-o-w-l-y as if you are talking to a 3-year-old. The proper procedure would be to take your time, speaking in an unrushed fashion, clearly pronouncing each word. As an example, The Voice of America (VOA) was well known for their use of "special" English for newscasts. This was done specifically to assist foreign listeners in learning English. To test this theory, have a native English speaker turn on Telemundo or Univision on TV to watch the news. You can pick out a word here and there, but everything seems so fast.

Identify in English: As long as you identify your station's call sign in English, in accordance with the rules, you may try to converse in the other operator's languages. In the true ham spirit of enhancing international good will, try using some phrases in a foreign language. DXers have long known that a friendly "Hello" works wonders. DX operators are always glad to help you out with pronunciation and phrasing. Learning is a life-long process.

Follow the Amateur's Code: As with all Amateur Radio conversations, they should be friendly, informative and enlightening. Stay away from politics and other hot button issues, as they do little to build bridges.

Amateur Radio is a fun hobby/public service because there are so many avenues to pursue. Echolink has proven to be a fun road to travel, offering a fine adjunct to our hobby. Go to the Echolink web site to learn more about the software and download a copy for you. www.echolink.org

Until next time, keep on surfin'

Editor's note: Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU, is glad that Mac users can use the Echolink system, too, by means of the Mac OS X application called EchoMac. Visit the EchoMac web site [ http://dogparksoftware.com/EchoMac.html ]  for more information regarding EchoMac. Just don't send e-mails to Stan at wa1lou@arrl.net to complain about the lack of Echolink software for the Commodore 64.

Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU

(ARRL Website)

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

Ham Radio Deluxe, Freeware CAT/Sat tracking/PSK31/Mapping

The award-winning Ham Radio Deluxe Development Team are pleased to announce the release of Ham Radio Deluxe v1.1   A stable beta of v1.2 is also available.

For those who didn't know it already, Ham Radio Deluxe is the logical evolution of the immensely popular and groundbreaking FT-817 Commander program. Unfortunately the FT-817 Commander was only capable of controlling Yaesu's FT-817, and there was a clear requirement for a CAT program with comprehensive support for various rigs. This led to development of Ham Radio Deluxe being started in early June 2003, since when the program has been rapidly evolving.

Ham Radio Deluxe does not make the mistake of trying to look like a traditional radio with rotary knobs and buttons. The GUI is more reminiscent of an old Eddystone receiver, with clearly marked buttons for switching modes, filters and other functions. Some - but not all - rigs also support sliders, which can be displayed or hidden as preferred, to control volume, IF shift, RF gain &c. The GUI is fully user-configurable with respect to colours, fonts and band indicators: this offers the user an unprecedented level of customisation. Because the program is so simple and logical to use, no documentation is required other than the rig's user manual.  A satellite tracking option is also integrated.

Included in the package are PSK31Deluxe and Mapper.

PSK31 Deluxe is a very sophisticated PSK31 program based on Moe Wheately's PSKCORE.DLL. It has two main guises: a traditional QSO window type of user interface, and the revolutionary SuperBrowser - SuperBrowser allows you to monitor up to 40 QSO channels at one time while conducting a QSO. PSK31 Deluxe offers comprehensive user-defined macros and tags, and of course the GUI is fully user-configurable.

Some of the more interesting features are:  The unique SuperBrowser. Centring of the desired signal in the filter's passband. 'Click and insert' of your QSO partner's information into tags and macros (callsign, name, QTH &c) TX frequency shift for soundcards with differences between RX and TX frequency. A fully customisable waterfall display.

MAPPER:

Mapper is - the name says it all - an amateur radio mapping program. It is capable of printing customisable maps of up to 10 x 10 sheets of paper, but its main function is the capture and display of Maidenhead locator information from PSK31 Deluxe. Beam heading and distance can also be displayed, and for the QRP ops among us there is also a 'miles per watt' calculator. Just place your mouse pointer on the relevant spot on the map and read off the MPW.

RIG SUPPORT:

At the time of writing (22 December) the following rigs were supported: Elecraft K2, ICOM IC-703, IC-706, IC-706MkII, IC-706MkIIG, IC-718, IC-735, IC-7400, IC-746, IC-746Pro, IC-756, IC-756Pro, IC-756ProII, IC-775DSP, IC-781, IC-910H, IC-R10, IC-R8500, Ten-Tec Argonaut, Yaesu FT-100, FT-1000D, FT-1000MP, FT-817, FT-847, FT-857, FT-897, FT-840, FT-870, FT-890, FT-900, FT-920, FT-990  Kenwood TS-140S, TS-2000, TS-450S, TS-50S, TS60S, TS-570, TS-680S, TS-690S, TS-850, TS-870, TS-940S, TS-950.

These programs are in a constant state of development, with new features and rig support added almost weekly.

You are invited to join the Ham Radio Deluxe users group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ham-radio-deluxe  where you will find a great many enthusiastic users who can help you with (almost) any questions you may have.

Just to boast a little, Simon and I were awarded the RSGB's Special 90th Anniversary Award 'in recognition of (our) significant contribution to the development of amateur radio technology' for this package. You can download the latest version of all these programs at:  http://www.hb9drv.ch

Pete PH1PH - G7ECN

(QRZ News)

=========

Jan. 15  It's About Time... and Ham Radio

This is a true story of a bridge across time, an event that briefly brought together two people who likely would not otherwise have met, people separated by more than nine decades of life. The vehicle that brought them together was Amateur Radio and the place was Boise, Idaho.

Neva Heckman was born on April 10, 1903 into a world filled with the awe and wonderment of new discoveries. The United States was just getting ready to celebrate its 128th birthday. President Theodore Roosevelt would send the first message across the "Pacific Cable" interlocking San Francisco and Manila together in a new age of information-sharing and technology. Helium was discovered that year. Marconi was having great difficulty convincing the world's scientific community that his experiments with transmitting radio signals really did have a practical application.

Isaiah Livingston was born January 2, 1995, the cusp of the Internet revolution. Talking to Manila had been reduced to the mundane: one merely had to activate a cellular telephone or connect on-line by computer to an international chatroom. The year of Isaiah's birth was also the year that Neva Heckman got her Amateur Radio license.

Covered Wagons and Chat Rooms

Neva grew up in rural Idaho and said she clearly remembers traveling to Missouri with her family in a covered wagon. After living in Alaska for many years, she returned to Idaho. When asked why at age 92 she got her ham ticket, she quickly answered that it was because her son Paul "Doc" Rhines, KB7REX, wanted her to do so. Neva still lives at home, but requires her son's assistance on a daily basis. Neva Heckman, KC7MWB, turned 100 this past April, remains active on the bands and still participates in local ham radio nets. One of her favorites is the Over the Hill Net, which refers to going over the hill to work, as opposed to being over the hill in age.

Someone else who participates most days in the Over the Hill Net is Isaiah Livingston, KD7TBQ. At the time he was initially licensed in 2002, Isaiah was Idaho's youngest Amateur Radio operator at the age of 7. Every member of his immediate family is a ham. Isaiah's father, Ed Livingston, is WB6NNW; his mother, Becky, is KD7STM; brother Zachary is WB6UAL, and brother Isaac is KD7STN.

Ed is a teacher a Vallivue High School in Caldwell, Idaho, an ARRL "Big Project" school, which sports the club call sign K7VHS. At home, Ed infused his family with his passion for Amateur Radio. When Isaiah passed his test in October 2002, his mother remarked that it completed the transformation of the Livingston family into a ham-ily.

Crossing the Bridge

When Idaho Assistant Section Manager Gary Peek, K7TIH, heard that Isaiah had passed his FCC test, becoming Idaho's youngest ham, he put out an inquiry to determine the identity of Idaho oldest living ham. Rhines, an active member of both the Amateur Radio Emergency Service and the state's Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service programs, reminded Gary about his mother, who until recently had also attended RACES meetings herself. With his subjects identified, Peek made arrangements to get Neva and Isaiah together for a picture-taking session.

In November 2002, Gary brought together Idaho's youngest and oldest living Amateur Radio operators. As cameras recorded the occasion, the two hams talked about their experiences and aspirations. Both openly smiled as they talked in animated fashion, obviously excited about their common bond. For those present, it was as if time bent around, bridged a chasm of age with the shared interest and joy of Amateur Radio.

John Cline, K7BDS, is a former Section Manager of the ARRL San Diego section. A retired US Navy Lieutenant Commander, he also served as Idaho's Director of Disaster Services from May 1995 until October 2003. He's currently enrolled in a Master's program in homeland security and defense at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Cline can be reached via e-mail at k7bds@arrl.net.

John J. Cline, K7BDS

(ARRL Website)

Contest News

Jan 17-25 2004 Contest News

North American QSO Party--Phone, 1800Z Jan 17-0600Z Jan 18 . Logs due Feb 1 to ssbnaqp@ncjweb.com or Bruce Horn WA7BNM, 4225 Farmdale Ave, Studio City, CA 91604.

MI QRP Club January CW Sprint--1200Z Jan 18-2400Z Jan 19. Frequencies: 160-6 meters. Categories: SOAB with classes A (<250 mW), B (<1 W), C (<5 W), D (>5 W). Exchange: RST, SPC and MI-QRP number or power output. QSO points: MI-QRP members--5 pts, nonmember W/VE--2 pts, DX--4 pts. Score: QSO points × SPC counted once per band. If homebrew RX or TX, multiply by 1.25. If both RX and TX are homebrew, multiply by 1.5. For information: http://www.qsl.net/miqrpclub. Logs to n8cqa@arrl.net or L. T. Switzer, N8CQA, 427 Jeffrey Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48073-2521.

LZ Open Championship--CW, sponsored by the LZ1KPP Radio Club from 1200Z-2000Z Jan 17. Frequencies: 3.5 and 7 MHz. Categories: MS, SO and SO-QRP. Exchange: 6-digits, serial number and serial number received in previous QSO. Eg, the first QSO exchange is 001 000. A station can be worked once every 30 minutes. QSO points: same entity--1 pt, different entity--2 pts. Score: total QSO points. For more information: http://www.qsl.net/lz1fw/lzopen/index.html. Logs due 30 days after the contest to lz1fw@yahoo.com or LZ1KPP--Radioclub, PO Box 79, Sofia 1606, Bulgaria.

HA DX Contest--CW, sponsored by the Hungarian DX Club from 1200Z Jan 17-1200Z Jan 18. Frequencies: 160-10-meter bands. Categories: SOAB, SOSB, MS, MM and SWL. Exchange: RST and serial number, HA stations send county or HADXC member number. QSO points: Own DXCC entity--1pt, same continent--1 pt, different cont--3 pts, HA stations--6 pts. Score: QSO points × HA counties and members on each band. For more information: http://www.mrasz.hu/engver/mraszen.html. Logs due 30 days after the contest to contest@enternet.hu or MTTOSZ, Gyôr Városi Rádióclub, 9200 Gyôr, PO Box 79, Hungary.

070 PSKFest--sponsored by the Penn/OH DX Society (PODXS) from 0000Z-2400Z Jan 18. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOSB-QRP, SOAB-QRP,-MP (<50 W), -HP. Exchange: RST and SPC. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO. Score: QSO points × SPC counted only once. For more information: http://www.podxs.com/html/pskfest.html. Logs due Feb 17 to PSKFest@podxs.com, n9nds@yahoo.com or Brad Robertson, 53 E Robert Weist Ave, Cloverdale, IN 46120.

CQ WW 160-Meter Contest--CW, sponsored by CQ Magazine from 0000Z Jan 24-2359Z Jan 25 (Phone is Feb 21-22). Exchange: RST and SPC. Categories: SO-QRP (<5 W) -LP(<150 W) -HP, MO categories. Enter as MO if packet or spotting nets are used. QSO points: own entity--2 pts, same continent--5 pts, diff cont--10 pts, /MM stations count 5 points, but no multiplier. Score: QSO points × states + VE call areas (VY0 added this year) + DXCC entities (KH6 and KL7 count as DXCC only). For more infor-mation: http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/infoc.html. Logs due by Feb 28 to cq160cw@kkn.net (Cabrillo format only) or CQ 160 Contest, 25 Newbridge Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801.

REF French Contest--CW, sponsored by the Reseau des Emetteurs Francais, 0600Z Jan 24-1800Z Jan 25 (Phone is Feb 21-22). Contact French stations including Corsica, Overseas Territories and EU Council station TP2CE. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB, MS and SWL. Exchange: non-French stations send RST and serial number, French send RST and department number or prefix. QSO points: different continent--3 pts, 1 pt otherwise. Score: QSO points × departments and prefixes counted once per band. For more information: http://www.ref-union.org/concours/. Logs are due Mar 15 (CW) or April 15 (SSB) to cdfcw@ref-union.org or Reseau des Emetteurs Francais, REF Contest, BP 7429, 37074 Tours Cedex, France.

BARTG RTTY Sprint--sponsored by the British Amateur Radio Teletype Group from 1200Z Jan 24-1200Z Jan 25. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SO-Expert, SOAB, MO and SWL. Operators with a Top Ten log in the past three years must enter as an Expert. Exchange: serial number only. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO. Score: QSO points×DXCC entities + W/VE/JA/VK call areas + continents counted only once. For more information: http://www.bartg.demon.co.uk/. Logs in Cabrillo format due Mar 1 to ska@bartg.demon.co.uk with the call and entry class in the subject line and the log included as an attachment or by mail to John Barber, GW4SKA, PO Box 611, Cardiff, CF24 4UN, Wales (only logs with 50 or fewer QSOs may be submitted as printed logs).

ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes--1900Z Jan 24-0400Z Jan 26; see p 97, *Dec 2003 QST. *PLEASE NOTE: The QST Contest Corral dates are incorrect.

(ARRL Contest News)

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

Jan 2004 N2CQ QRP CONTEST CALENDAR

North American QSO Party (CW) (100w max. QRP Entries Noted)
Jan 10, 1800z to Jan 11, 0600z
Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php

070 Club PSKFEST Contest ... QRP Category
Jan 17, 0000z to 2400z
Rules: http://www.podxs.com/html/pskfest.html

Michigan QRP Club Contest (CW) ... QRP Contest!
Jan 17, 1200z to Jan 18, 2359z
Rules: http://www.qsl.net/miqrpclub

LZ OPEN CONTEST (CW 80M/40M) ...QRP Category
Jan 17, 1200z to 2000z
Rules: http://www.qsl.net/lz1fw/lzopen/index.html

North American QSO Party (SSB) (100w max. QRP Entries Noted)
Jan 17, 1800z to Jan 18, 0600z
Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php

Run For The Bacon (CW) *** QRP Contest ***
Jan 19, 0100z to 0300z
Rules: http://fpqrp.com

CQ WW 160-Meter DX Contest (CW) ... QRP Category
Jan 24, 0000z to Jan 25, 2359z
Rules: http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/awards.html

UBA DX Contest (Belgian) (SSB) ... QRP Category
Jan 31, 1300z to Feb 1, 1300z
Rules: http://www.uba.be

Thanks to SM3CER, WA7BNM, N0AX(ARRL), WB3AAL and others for assistance in compiling this calendar.

Ken Newman - N2CQ

.Davidsonville, MD: Anne Arundel Radio Club Jr, W3W. 1300Z Jan 17-1800Z Jan 18. Celebrating 3rd Anniversary of a club dedicated to kids. 28.335 21.365 14.265 7.237. Certificate or QSL. Andrew Kelly, K3ASK, 1561 Efford Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122. http://kidshamradio.com/specialevent.html.

Oyster Bay, NY: ARRL NY City/Long Island Section, W2V. 1300Z-2200Z Jan 18. Ham Radio University 2004. 21.270 14.270 7.270. Certificate. George Tranos, PO Box 296, Bellport, NY 11713. http://www.hudson.arrl.org/nli/hru2004.htm.

Various, England: Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society, GB6ANZ. 0700Z Jan 22-2359Z Feb 18. 60th Anniversary of the Battle for Anzio 1944. 21.070 21.056 14.070 14.056. QSL. Mike Humphrey, G0SWY/KF4OFR, 4 Bluebell Rd, Bassett, Southhampton, Hampshire, England SO16 3LQ. http://www.rsars.org.uk/.

Quincy, IL: Western Illinois Amateur Radio Club, K9E. 0000Z Jan 23-2359Z Jan 25. Arrival of the Bald Eagles on the Mississippi River. 7.250 14.250 21.350 28.350. Certificate. Robert G. Mitchell, 816 Long Dr, Quincy, IL 62305.

Green Bay, WI: Bay Area Relay League, W4P. 1200Z Jan 24-1800Z Jan 25. Packers Ice Bowl Remembered. SSB General bands; CW General and Novice bands. Certificate. George Russell, WN8VIX, 2530 Sun Terrace, Green Bay, WI 54311.

San Diego, CA: Challenger Middle School ARC, KI6YG. 1500Z-2400Z Jan 28. 18th Anniversary of the Challenger Disaster. 28.450 21.350 14.250 146.52 FM. QSL. Frank Forrester, KI6YG, Challenger Middle School, 10810 Parkdale Ave, San Diego, CA 92126.

Punxsutawney, PA: Punxsutawney Area Amateur Radio Club, K3HWJ. 1400Z-2100Z Jan 31. Commemorating Groundhog Day. 14.240 7.240 7.125 146.715. Certificate. Sherman Hollopeter, W3QOS, Box 20216 E Main St, Big Run, PA 15715. http://www.qsl.net/k3hwj.

Topeka, KS: Local Area Amateur Radio Operators, N0G. 1600Z-2200Z Jan 31. KS National Guard Museum Tribute. 28.400 21.350 14.310. Certificate. Steve Hamilton, 2523 SW Carlson Rd, Topeka, KS 66614.

Jan. 8 2004  ARLD002 DX News

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by LA2PA, NC1L, NO2R, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

ITU HQ, 4U_ITU.  Ivan, OM3CGN is QRV as 4U1ITU from Geneva until mid December 2004.  He will try to be active on 160 meters.  QSL via operator's instructions.

SENEGAL, 6W.  Andy, LX1DA is QRV as 6W/LX1DA until April 8.  He is running QRP.  He may try to operate from other countries in the area as well.  QSL to home call.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9Q.  Gus, SM5DIC will be in Kinshasa and will be QRV using the ARAC club call of 9Q0AR beginning around January 20.  He will be here for about 2 months and his activity is limited due to working time.  QSL direct via SM5BFJ.

THE GAMBIA, C5.  C56/G0VUH is QRV until January 30.  Activity is on all bands.  QSL to home call.

BAHAMAS, C6.  Wade, AA8LL/C6A and Liz, K8LIZ/C6A are QRV from Pittstown Point on Crooked Island, IOTA NA-113, until January 19. They will also be active as C6ALB from the Bird Rock Lighthouse. Activity will be mostly on 40 to 10 meters using SSB.  This includes the newer bands.  QSL via AA8LL.

CHILE, CE.  Marco, CE6TBN plans to be active as CE6TBN/8 from Wellington Island, IOTA SA-032, from January 17 to 20.  Activity will be on 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meters using SSB.  QSL via N1IBM.

ANGOLA, D2.  Ed, D2PFN has been QRV using SSB on 15 meters around 2000z.  QSL via KK5DO.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS.  Voytek, SP5QF is QRV as HF0QF and HF0POL from Poland's Henryk Arctowski station on Rakusa Point, King George Island.  He is here until December 2004.  QSL via SP7IWA.

GUANTANAMO BAY, KG4.  Tip, N4SIA will be QRV as KG4AS beginning January 20.  He is here for 8 days.  Activity will be on all bands. QSL to home call.

FERNANDO DE NORONHA, PY0F.  Bill, W5SJ will be QRV as PR0F from January 21 to 27.  Activity will be CW most evenings on 160, 80 and 40 meters.  He will also be an entry in the upcoming CQ WW 160-Meter contest. QSL via operator's instructions.

BURKINA FASO, XT.  Orlando, VE4JOP plans to be QRV as XT2OP for the next two weeks.  He hopes to be active daily from around 1200 to 1400z on 20 meters.  QSL to home call.

ZIMBABWE, Z2.  Dudley, Z22JE is generally QRV daily on 15 meters around 1830z.  QSL via K3PD.

BULLETIN CORRECTIONS.  As mentioned in DX Bulletin ARLD001, Erling, JW5RIA is actually QRV from Bear Island, IOTA EU-027.  Also, Peter, NO2R will not be in Cambodia until February 2, and will be here for 7 days.

The following operations are approved for DXCC credit:  5X2A from July 29, 2004 to July 1, 2004.  YA4F from September 2003 to April 2004 and YA8G from December 14, 2003 to January 31, 2004.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The North American Phone QSO Party, MI QRP Club January CW Sprint, LZ Open CW Championship, HA DX CW Contest and the 070 PSKFest will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend.  Please see January QST, page 98 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.

(W1AW)

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

Jan. 17 2004  4 2 5  DX  News

7Q     - Mark/G4AXX, Dick/GU4CHY,  Steve/G4JVG and Rich/M5RIC will operate from Malawi between 18 April and 1 May.  The callsign will be announced shortly before the start of  the operation. Activity will be on 10-80 metres CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK, using three stations with amplifiers and beam antennas. QSL via G3LQP direct (Roger Brown, 262 Fir Tree Road, Epsom KT17 3NL, England) or via the bureau. A website at http://www.malawi.digital-crocus.com has been set up and will include a log-search facility updated regularly. Each of the team members will be making a personal donation to a Malawian aid charity (details to appear on the website) and donations from DX clubs and individuals for the DXpedition or the charity would be welcome. They may be sent to G4JVG (Steve Telenius-Lowe,  27 Hertford Road, Stevenage SG2 8RZ, England). [TNX G4JVG]

9Q     - Gus, SM5DIC will be going back to the Democratic Republic of Congo on 20 January for two months and will operate (also on 6 metres and digital modes) the club call 9Q0AR in his spare time. QSL direct only via SM5BFJ (Leif   Hammarstrom, Lerklockan 4, SE-73091 Riddarhyttan, Sweden). [TNX The Daily DX]

C5     - Jan, PA9JJ will be active again as C56JJ from Kololi, The Gambia from 29 March to 5 April. This year he will operate also RTTY and/or PSK31 and will try to work on 160  metres. If the low bands are not good, he will concentrate on the WARC bands. No activity on 6 metres is planned. QSL information at www.qrz.com/c56jj [TNX PA9JJ]

C6     - Wade, AA8LL and Liz, K8LIZ have cancelled their 16-19 January activity from Crooked Island (NA-113) [425DXN 662]. The trip may  be rescheduled in February or March. [TNX AA8LL]

C6     - Steve, AK0M will be active (on 10-80 metres mainly CW) as C6ASB from Treasure Cay (NA-080), Bahamas  on 21-28  February, including some casual all-band operation in the ARRL DX CW Contest. Steve's wife Sandy, KC0RD may also be active as C6ASC. QSL via AK0M. [TNX  OPDX Bulletin]

CE     - CA5UBP reports he plans to operate (on 80, 40 and 10 metres, from 2 to 11 UTC) from the  Bio-Bio Region group  (SA-070, Santa Maria and Quiriquina Islands) on 20-25 January. QSL direct only to CA5UBP (www.qrz.com).

CT     - Weather permitting, CT1GFK/p, CT1GPQ/p, CT2IHP/p, CT2IUA/p and CT1EHX/p will operate from Ilha do Barro (not IOTA, DIP AL-21) on 18 January. Look for  them on  40, 20, 17, and  15 metres SSB and CW between 7 and 12 UTC. QSL via home calls. [TNX CT1END]

F      - Jean-Marc, F5SGI will be active, hopefully as TM6ILE, from Groix Island (EU-048, DIFM AT-012) on  11-18 April. This will be a 10-80 metres CW only operation. QSL  via home call (but contacts will be confirmed automatically via the bureau). [TNX F5SGI]

FM     - Guy, F5MNW will be active as FM/F5MNW from Martinique (NA-107, DIFO FM-001) from 21 February to 6 March. He will operate on the HF bands only CW during his spare time. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX F5NQL]

FS     - David/K3LP,  Larry/N7DD,  Steve/N3SB, Tyler/K3MM, Jeff/N8II, Clint/W3ARS and Kam/N3KS will be active as FS/homecall from St. Martin (NA-105) on 18-24 February. They will participate in the ARRL DX CW Contest (21-22 February) as FS5UQ (Multi-Multi). All QSLs are via www.qrz.com [TNX NG3K]

HA     - On 1 May Hungary will become a full member of the of the European Union and, to celebrate the event, special callsign HA2004EU will be used by members of MOM Radioclub through the end of the year. Further information is available at http://ha2004eu.hu/ [TNX HA5X]

HC     - Rick, NE8Z will be operating as HC1MD from Tumbaco, Ecuador on 22-28 January. Look for activity on 80-10  metres CW and SSB, with an emphasis on the WARC bands. On 26 January Rick will have access to 6 metres (100w + 5 element yagi)  and will be be monitoring 50110  kHz all day. QSL via www.qrz.com or K8LJG (John Kroll, 3528 Craig Drive, Flint, MI 48506, USA). Do not forget to give a look to the HC-DX Awards at http://www.octavia.com/qsl/awards.htm [TNX NE8Z]

J3     - Bob, AA1M and Mike, W1USN will be active as J3/homecall from Grenada from 29 January through 6 February. They will operate CW, SSB and some PSK on the HF bands. QSL via jome calls, direct or bureau. [TNX OPDX Bulletin]

KG4    - Tip, N4SIA will operate on all bands as KG4AS from Guantanamo Bay starting on 20 January for eight days. QSL via home call. [TNX  The Daily DX]

LU     - Henry, LU4DXU is currently active as  LU4DXU/X from Ushuaia  (Tierra del Fuego, SA-008) until 22 January. Look for him around 14290 kHz. Depending on transportation opportunities, Henry might operate also from other nearby  IOTA islands. QSL via home call. See Antarctic Operations below for the latest information on Henry's activity from the South Orkneys. [TNX DL5EBE]

LU     - Alberto/LU1DZ, Hector/LU6UO and Fernando/LW2DX  will operate as homecall/L from Esquina, in the rare Corrientes province of Argentina, on 22-27 January. The operation is sponsored by the Grupo Argentino de CW (GACW) and they will operate CW on all the HF bands. QSL LU1DZ/L via EA3RE, others via home calls. [TNX LW2DX]

PA     - ON6UM, ON4LO, ON4LN and ON4BAG will be active (SSB and digital modes) again from Schouwen Duiveland (EU-146) on 24 January.  [TNX ON6UM]

PY0_fni- Bill, W5SJ will operate as PR0F from the PY0FF station on Fernando de Noronha on 21-27 January. He plans  to be on CW most evenings on 160, 80 and 40 metres; on 24-25 January he will be on 10109, 14225, 18127, 21225, 24935 and 28450 kHz from around 15 to 18 UTC. The CQ WW 160 CW Contest is the main purpose for this trip. [TNX QRZ-DX]

T33    - The equipment for the T33C DXpedition to Banaba [425DXN 651] has been shipped. The team will arrive on Tarawa (T30) late in March and T33C should be on the air by 4 April. The 2-week expedition will be a major effort, featuring 24 hour a day operations on all bands and modes with seven separate stations. The expedition still needs contributions to cover costs. Contributions may be sent to F5CWU (Flo Moudar, 25  Rue du  Castel Salis,  37100 Tours, France) or by PayPal to  pa2r@muurkrant.com or pa5et@muurkrant.com;  for further information, please visit http://www.dx-pedition.de/banaba2004. [TNX K6SRZ, doctore@well.com]

T8     - Kazu, JH6WDG will operate (on 80-10 metres SSB and CW) as T88AQ from Palau (OC-009) from  27 January to  2 February. QSL via home call, bureau or direct. [TNX JH6WDG]

TJ     - Oscar/IK2AQZ, Giuliano/IK2OPW and Mario/IW2HUZ will be active as TJ1GA from  Cameroon on  16-30 January.  They will operate SSB and PSK31 on 80-6 metres. QSL via IK2AQZ, direct or bureau. [TNX I2FUG]

UA     - Alex/RV3DPM, Vadim/RX3AKL, Vadim/RX3AKQ, Serge/UA3DNR and possibly Dmitry/RA3DEJ will operate (on 80-10 metres CW and SSB) as RK3DZJ/3 (QSL via  RA3DEJ) and R3ARS/3 (QSL via RA3AKF) from the Russian National Park "Kerzhenskiy" (RRF-46, RDA NN-26) on 16-18 January. For full information on the RFF Award, please visit http://www.hamradio.ru/rrc/ [TNX UA3DNR]

XE     - Hector, XE2K and others will be active as XF1K from an island in the Sonora State South group (NA-166, the most "most wanted" IOTA group in North America) on 5-9 February.  Plans are to operate on 10-80 metres (maybe on 160m as well) SSB and CW, with three 100 watt stations powered by battery and generator for 18-24 hours on the air. They will have two triband yagis, two verticals for 10-40m and 10-80m (maybe a third one for 10-160m) and one dipole for 80-40-30m. QSL via N6AWD (Fred  K. Stenger, 6000 Hesketh Dr., Bakersfield,  CA 93309, USA). Further details will be provided in due course. [TNX XE2K]

XT     - Orlando, VE4JOP is currently active as XT2OP from Burkina Faso until 26 January. He plans to operate daily on 14195 kHz between 12 and 14 UTC. QSL via home call. [TNX The Daily DX]

YI     - Kaspars, YL1ZF is active as YI9ZF from Baghdad for the coming 6-8 months. Kaspars prefers CW, but he has also equipment for RTTY.  QSL via SM1TDE, either direct (Eric Wennstrom, P.O. Box 94, SE-62016 Ljugarn, Sweden)  or through  the SM  bureau. Direct cards without sufficient return postage will be replied  to via bureau. [TNX SM1TDE]

ZC4    - "After some extensive  negotiations", George, 5B4AGC  says, "we  are pleased to announce that ZC4A will be QRV during the upcoming CQ WW 160m CW Contest. This will be a combined operation from members of the various Sovereign base areas and we have been given permission to use a redundant 200 ft tower which we will be shunt feeding". The operators will be 5B4AGC, 5B4AGN, 5B4FL and ZC4CW. QSL via 5B4AGC.

ANTARCTIC OPERATIONS (*)

ANTARCTICA    - Obi,  JA0WJN/8J1RF will be going QRT from Dome Fuji Station (AN-016) on 20 January [425DXN 622 & 42DXN 626]. The research station will be closed on the 23rd and it will take a couple of weeks to reach Syowa station on East Ongul Island (AN-015) by snowmobile. For further information, please visit
http:// www.jarl.or.jp/English/4_Library/A-4-7_8j1rl/2002/frame.htm [TNX F5NOD]

ANTARCTICA    - Nikolai Makarov, UA3YH/AB0KG (R1ANM) is active as KC4AAA from the Amundsen-Scott Base (South Pole, AN-016). QSL via K1IED. Give a look to the beautiful  pictures on web site at http://mitglied.lycos.de/mapu2001/nsf.html [TNX F5NOD]

ANTARCTICA    - Michele, IK7JGQ  is active as KC4/IK7JGQ from "Baia Terra Nova" station until 31 January. He can be found on 14185 kHz, with Luigi (IK8OZZ), between 17.30 and 18.15 UTC.  For further information, please visit
www.italiantartide.it/default.asp  Give a look to the beautiful pictures on web site at www.gdargaud.net/Antarctica/TerraNova.html

SOUTH ORKNEYS - On 23 January Henry, LU4DXU will board the supply ship  "Almirante Irizar"; he expects to arrive to Laurie Island, South Orkneys (AN-008) on the 26th and to operate as AY1ZA from the "Orcadas del Sur" base until 29 February. He plans to operate SSB (28390, 24930, 21190, 18130, 14290, 7090, 3785 kHz), CW  (28035, 24905,  21035, 18090, 14035, 10120, 7025, 3515, 1835 kHz),  RTTY (28120,  21090, 14090  kHz) and PSK31 (21070, 14070 kHz) with a linear amplifier, a 4-element yagi, a rhombic antenna and some wire antennas. QSL via LU4DXU (Horacio Enrique Ledo,  P.O. Box 22,  1640 Martinez -  Buenos Aires, Argentina). [TNX DL5EBE]

(*) As far as base names, locations and accessory information are concerned, the reference source is the WABA Directory   2003 (which is also an acknowledged reference source for the RSGB IOTA Programme).

Good to Know:

1A0KM --->  Contrary to previous announcements, on-line logs for the most recent 1A0KM operation will not be available  - not for the time being, at least. According to their web page, 1A0KM  was pirated on the following days/times: 2 January 23-24  UTC (40  metres CW),  3 January  08-09 UTC  (20 metres CW), 4 January 01-06 UTC (40 metres CW) and 20-21 UTC (40 metres  CW). [TNX http://www.sixitalia.org/1a0km/1a0km2004.htm]

3XY1L ---> Leo, UT1WL/3XY1L logged about 15,000 SSB QSOs during his stay in Guinea, between 16  March and 9  December 2003. His QSL manager (UY5XE)  has sent out some 8,000 cards so far  (around 900 direct,  the rest via the bureau). [TNX UY5XE]

DELTA DX ASSOCIATION ---> The officers of the Delta DX Association (Metairie, LA) for 2004 are Chip Tilton/K5RSG  (President),  Don Boudreau/W5FK (Vice-President),  John Uhl/W5ZE  (Secretary) and Walt Cockerham/N5VN (Treasurer). [TNX W5ZE]

DXCC NEWS ---> The following operations are approved for DXCC credit: 5X2F (29 July 2003 - 1 July 2004), YA4F (September 2003 - April 2004) and YA8G (14 December 2003 - 31 January 31 2004). [TNX NC1L]

IPHG AWARD ---> The International Pharmacists Ham Group issues the I.P.H.G. Award for contacts made (or, for SWLs, heard) with IPHG members (details are available at http://www.malpensa.it/iphg/index.htm). Currently there are 170+ members representing 42 countries all around the world and many of them will be on the air on 18  January for the  IPHG Sked. Look  for them around  3618, 7098, 14318, 21318 and 28318 kHz. [TNX IK2UVR]

POSTAGE --->  Owing to the increasing strength of  some local currencies against the US dollar and/or new and more expensive postal  rates, 1 USD no longer covers return postage from several countries to destinations outside their own continents.  Reports received  so far  include Australia  (VK4AAR), Canada (VE3LYC),  Denmark (OZ1ACB),  France  (F5MNW), Germany  (DL6ZFG),  New Zealand (ZL4HU), The Netherlands  (PA3GIO), Sweden (SM7AED,  who adds that  1 USD is not sufficient also from Sweden to other European countries). As for Italy, 1 USD is no longer sufficient for Priority Mail letters sent to destinations outside Europe. The current postage for a standard letter up to 20 grams is EUR 0.62 (Europe),  EUR 0.80 (Africa,  Asia, Americas), EUR  1,00 (Oceania) by Priority Mail (more  reliable) and EUR  0.45 (Europe), EUR  0.65 (Africa, Asia, Americas), EUR 0.70 (Oceania) by Ordinary Mail.

QSL A52CQ ---> Dane, A52CQ (S57CQ) left Bhutan on15 January. He logged 1880 QSOs, many of them on the low bands.  According to Slavko, S57DX  (QSL manager), cards will be printed in the next 2 or 3 weeks.  If you use IRCs, please make sure that the coupon is properly stamped in the left corner. [TNX S57DX]

QSL KH7R ---> Please note that Ken, W8LU is not the the QSL manager for KH7R (Hawaii). The correct QSL route is direct to Ken Hoppe, P.O. Box 95521,  Las Vegas, NV 89193-5521, USA. [TNX K1XN and The Golist]

QSL PZ5A --->  QSLs for PZ5A  (CQ WW DX  SSB 2003) and for pre/post contest operation by PZ5UE, PZ5FF and PZ5CQ  have been received from the printer and it is hoped to have all direct requests received so far answered within two
weeks.   Refer to the web page for additional information (http://www.mdxa.org/pz_2003.html). [TNX W5UE]

QSL VIA N9NU ---> Tim, N9NU says there was a typo in his qrz.com information page and e-mail signature, as he is the QSL manager for A92GQ (and not A92GE, as reported in 425DXN  662). Tim says he will be handling QSL services for Serge, UA9CKN as well. Log searches are available at http://www.n9nu.net/logsearch/logsearch.php

QSL VIA UA3FDX  ---> Vladimir, UA3FDX  (not UA3DFX as reported by UA3SAQ  in 425DXN 662) is the new QSL manager  for 4J1S, 4K1V, 4K60AA, 4K7DWZ and  4K7Z. He has logs and cards also for 4K50V, 4K51V, 4K52V and 4K53V. The address is Vladimir Ulyanov, P.O. Box 10, Moscow 121615, Russia. [TNX UA3FDX]

+ SILENT KEY + Ace Jevremov, DJ0LZ (Z32FD) reports that Petar "Pepi" Krajcev, Z31PK passed away on 13 January at 64 years of age. "I was his QSL  manager", Ace says. "Pepi was one of the best teachers for all of us in Macedonia". [TNX K1XN and The Golist]

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

Jan. 15-29 2004   I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

15/01/2004:  Voytek, SP5QF, is QRV as HF0QF and HF0POL from Poland's Henryk Arctowski station (WABA SP-01) on Rakusa Point, King George Island (AN-010). He is here until December 2004. QSL via SP7IWA. [Tnx ARRL DX News]

15/01/2004:  Henry, LU4DXU, safely arrived in Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego (SA-008) today which is his first stop on the way to Laurie Island, South Orkneys. He will stay on Tierra Del Fuego until the 22nd of January and operate as LU4DXU/X. Depending on transportation opportunities Henry might use this week to become active from some nearby located islands for the IOTA program. Please check 14290 kHz to meet LU4DXU/X. QSL direct to LU4DXU (QRZ.com). [Tnx DL5EBE]

15/01/2004:  Martijn, PA3GFE, will be going back to Peru on January 15th for at least three months and will operate as OA7/PA3GFE in his spare time. His activity will be on 40 through 6 meters (hopefully also on 80 meters) CW and SSB, with the low and WARC bands as primary interests. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

15/01/2004:  Look for Emilio, PU5HAS, to be QRV January 15th to 17th from Mel Island (SA-047) as PY5/PU5HAS. Activity will be on 80 and 10 meter, SSB only (limited license). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

16/01/2004:  Andy, G0VUH, will be active from The Gambia as C56/G0VUH between January 16th and 30th. He is expected to be on every day and during the nights on all bands. He will have a big beam from 20-10 meters and two verticals that are combined for 80 meters. QSL via the home callsign G0VUH. [Tnx OPDX]

16/01/2004:  Look for RK3DZJ to be QRV from the Kerzhensky Natural Reserve (RFF-046 - New One, for the Russian Flora and Fauna Award,) located in the Borsky area (RDA reference NN-26, for the Russian Districts Award) January 16th to 18th. The expedition team will consist of RV3DPM, RA3DEJ, RX3AKL, RX3AKQ and UA3DNR. Activity will be on 40 and 20 meter CW and SSB. QSL via RA3DEJ. [Tnx UA3DNR]

17/01/2004:  Wade, AA8LL, and Liz, K8LIZ, will be QRV January 17th and 18th as C6ALB from the Bird Rock Lighthouse (WLA LH-0118, ARLHS BAH-005). Activity will be on 40 through 10 meter SSB, with an emphasis on the WARC bands. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

17/01/2004:  Marco, CE6TBN, plans to be active as CE6TBN/8 from Wellington Island (IOTA SA-032, DICE ICE-802) January 17th through 20th. Activity will be on 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meter SSB, with monoband verticals antennas and TS-140. QSL via N1IBM (Morris E. Maze III, 847 Dolan St., Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey 08734, USA). [Tnx CE6TBN]

17/01/2004:  Francois, F5JNE, and Gerard, F6ICG, will be QRV as F5JNE/p from the Castle of Bertreau (DFCF 89254, for the French Castles Award) January 17th starting around 07:30 UTC. Activity will be on 40 meter SSB. The Castle of Bertreau is located in Vermenton Canton (DDCF reference 8934), Yonne Department (DDFM 89), Province of Burgundy (DPF Burgundy) and the Town of Accolay (Zip code for the Ten millions award reference 89460). QSL direct or via the French bureau. SWL cards are welcome. [Tnx F5NQL]

17/01/2004:  Look for Patrick, F5MQW/p, to be QRV January 17th from the Fort La Tour Fondue (DFCF 83043 for the French Castles Award, DDCF 83-14, CP 83400). Activity will be on 40 meter SSB starting at 07:00 UTC. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

17/01/2004:  John, G4RCG, and Bruce, KI7VR, will be QRV from the Dominican Republic (NA-096) as G4RCG/HI9 and KI7VR/HI9 between January 17th and 31st. Activity will be on all bands 160 through 10 meters. Look for G4RCG/HI9 to take part in the CQ WW 160 Meter CW Contest. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

18/01/2004:  The Association of Radioamadores de Coimbra plan to activate the Castle Lousa (DCFP reference C-065, for the Diploma of the Castles and Forts of Portugal) on January 18th, using the call CS6ARC/p. QSL via CS6ARC, direct or bureau. [Tks CT1END]

20/01/2004:  Tip, N4SIA will be QRV from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (NA-015), as KG4AS beginning January 20th. He is here for 8 days. Activity will be on all bands. QSL to home call. [Tnx ARRL DX News]

21/01/2004:  Bill, W5SJ will be QRV from Fernando de Noronha (SA-003) as PR0F between January 21st and 27th. Activity will be CW most evenings on 160, 80 and 40 meters. He will also be an entry in the upcoming CQ WW 160-Meter contest. QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx ARRL DX News]

22/01/2004:  Rick, NE8Z, reports that he will be operating as HC1MD from Tumbaco, Ecuador, January 22nd to 28th. Tumbaco is located "just over the hill" from HCJB's massive antenna complex in Pifo, Ecuador. Rick will be using a TS850s + SB200 + Carolina Windom on 80-10 meters CW/SSB. He will be paying special attention to the WARC bands on this trip. On Monday, January 26th, Rick will be monitoring 50.110 MHz all day. That will be the only day that he will have access to 6 meters (100w + 5 element Cushcraft yagi). QSL via QRZ.com or K8LJG at: John Kroll, 3528 Craig Drive, Flint, MI 48506 USA. [Tnx OPDX]

22/01/2004:  Alberto (LU1DZ), Hector (LU6UO) and Fernando (LW2DX), are going to Corrientes Province, to operate from this "rare" Argentinian Province, between January 22nd and 27th. They will have the calls LU1DZ/L, LU6UO/L and LW2DX/L, where "L" stands for Corrientes Province, due to LU regulations. They plan to operate in all HF bands, from 160 to 6 meters, both CW and SSB. QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx LU6EF]

23/01/2004:  Henry, LU4DXU, will go onboard the icebreaker and supply vessel Almirante Irizar on January 23rd. Landing on Laurie Island, the QTH of Orcadas Base, is expected for the 26th of January. Activity on board the ship will be as LU4DXU/mm from Ushuaia to the South Orkneys (AN-008), if permitted. QSL direct to LU4DXU (QRZ.com). [Tnx DL5EBE]

24/01/2004:  Look for BW3/JD1BKQ to be QRV from Taiwan (AS-020) during the CQ 160-Meter Contest (January 24-25th) as a SOLP entry. QSL via JR3PZW. [Tnx NG3K]

24/01/2004:  D4B will be QRV from Sao Vicente Island, Cape Verde (AF-086) during the CQ 160-Meter Contest (January 24-25th) as a SO entry. QSL via K1BV. [Tnx NG3K]

24/01/2004:  Look for Jorgen (DL4SDW), Bernd (DL8SCG) and Philippe (LX2AJ) to be active as LX7I in the CQ 160-Meter CW Contest (January 24-25th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via LX2AJ. [Tnx OPDX]

24/01/2004:  Look for Martin (G4XUM), G0HSS and Tim (M0BEW) to be active from the Isle of Man (EU-116) as MD4K during the CQ 160-Meter CW Contest (January 24-25th) as a Multi entry. QSL via G3NKC. [Tnx OPDX]

24/01/2004:  Joeke, PA0VDV, will operate (only CW) as PJ6/PA0VDV from Saba (NA-145) between January 24th and February 18th. QSL via home call, direct (Joeke van der Velde, Delleburen 1, 8421 RP Oldeberkoop, The Netherlands) or through the bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

24/01/2004:  Bill, W5SJ will be QRV as PR0F from Fernando de Noronha (SA-003) during the CQ 160-Meter Contest (January 24-25th). QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx NG3K]

25/01/2004:  Bert WA1O will be active as KC4/WA1O after January 25th from the USN MARS Mc Murdo Base (WABA K-09) located on Ross Island (AN-011). QSL via KA1CRP (David E. Landry, 4 Jefferson Place, Lebanon NH 03766, USA) [Tnx W.A.P.]

26/01/2004: Henry, LU4DXU, will be QRV from the Orcadas Base (WABA LU-14) located on Laurie Island, South Orkneys (AN-008), as AY1ZA between January 26th and February 29th. Look for Henry on the following frequencies: SSB: 28390, 24930, 21190, 18130, 14290, 7090 and 3785 kHz; CW: 28035, 24905, 21035, 18090, 14035, 10120, 7025, 3515 and 1835 kHz; RTTY: 28120, 21090, 14090 kHz; PSK31: 21070, 14070 kHz. The HF equipment consists of an IC-751, a TL-922 linear, a 4 ele. KLM yagi, a rhombic antenna and some wire antennas. Please note that Henry will mostly run split some Khz up. QSL AY1ZA direct only via LU4DXU (Horacio Enrique Ledo, Caracas 2664 or P.O.Box # 22., Martinez (1640) - Bs.As., Argentina). [Tnx DL5EBE]

28/01/2004:  Operators Hans DL7CM, Sid DM2AYO, Manfred DK1BT and Juergen DL7UFN will be active from Haiti (IOTA NA-096, WW Loc. FK39) between January 28th and February 15th. The German team will be using the special callsign 4V200YH (Four Victor 200 Years of Haiti). Activity will be on 160 through 6 meter CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK and SSTV. They plan to have 3 stations on the air (two on the air around the clock with AMPs). Antennas will be: 27m GP, 3 element band beam, HF9V and a 4 element for 6 meters. QSL via DL7CM. [Tnx OPDX]

29/01/2004:  Bob (AA1M) and Mike (W1USN) will be QRV from Grenada (NA-024) as J3/homecall between January 29th and February 6th. Activity will be on CW, SSB and some PSK on the HF bands. QSL to their home calls, either direct or via the bureau. [Tnx OPDX]
 

ANTARCTIC NEWS -

Obi, 8J1RF, reports that they must close the Dome Fuji station until November, 2004. They will leave on January 23rd, but Obi will remain QRV until January 20th. They will travel to the Syowa station for 2 weeks by snow vehicle, then they will board the icebreaker SHIRASE. [Tnx F5NOD]

Gil, F5NOD, received R1ANM Amundsen-Scott (South Pole) Base QSL for 2001 and 2002 QSOs. Beautiful Picture of the base. Qsl manager was AB0KG (His US call). [Tnx F5NOD]

R1ANM is again active, this year, as KC4AAA. Nick (Nicolai) is QRV every evening on 20 meters. QSL direct via K1IED (QRZ.com). [Tnx F5NOD]

LOOKING AHEAD -

07/02/2004:  The Metro Amateur Radio Club, K9Y, will be QRV from the Chicago Harbor Breakwater South Lighthouse (ARLHS reference USA-1185) between 16:00 UTC February 7th and 23:59 UTC February 8th. Activity will be on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter CW and SSB. QSL via N9TN, direct (Bill Borgstrom, 1330 W Columbia Ave, Chicago, IL 60626) with #10 SASE (for U.S. stations) or SAE + IRC (or sufficient funds for postage) for DX stations. [Tnx Metro ARC]

21/02/2004:  Look for Guy, F5MNW, to be active as FM/F5MNW between February 21st and March 6th from Martinique main island (IOTA NA-107, DIFO FM-001). It will be a CW only activity on HF bands. Guy will be QRV at his spare time. QSL direct HC (SAE + 1 IRC or 2US$ - One green stamp is no more sufficient to cover today the postal fees for a card sent to Americas, Asia or Oceania) or via the French REF bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

18/03/2004:  Look for Andy, DL4OK/p, to be QRV March 18th to 25th from Staberhuk Lighthouse (ARLHS reference FED-226) located on Fehmarn Island (IOTA EU-128, DID O-01 for the German Islands Award). Activity will be on 80 through 10 meter CW and SSB. QSL via the DARC bureau to DL4OK. [Tnx DL4OK]

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

25/04/2004:  Look for DL0IH to be QRV April 25th from Helgoland Duene (IOTA EU-127, DID reference N-15 for the German Islands Award) and lighthouse (ARLHS reference FED-102). Contacts will also be good for the Helgoland Award and the German Nordsea Island Award. QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx DE0MST]

01/06/2004:  Fred, K2FRD, plans a mini-DXpedition to Zone Two, VO2 Labrador, from June 1, 2004 until September 7, 2004. He will use the call VO2/K2FRD. Activity will be on all bands, and he will also participate in the IARU (July) contest and the Canada Day contest (July 1, 2004). QSL via home call, direct (Fred Stevens K2FRD, 263 Keach Rd, Guilford, NY 13780) or via the bureau. [Tnx K2FRD]

21/07/2004:  The Cray Valley Radio Society will be operating from 21 July to 26 July, 2004, on the Isles of Scilly (IOTA EU-011). M8C/P is the proposed call for the IOTA contest (July 24-25th). All other times the operators will use homecall/p. The will be active on all bands, SSB, CW and data modes. The operators will be G0VJG (Nobby), G4BUO (Dave), G7GLW (Richard), G0FDZ (Chris), 2E0ATY (Ralph) and M3CVN (Simon). QSL Manager will be G4DFI. [Tnx G7GLW]
 

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

Jan. 16 2004  ARRL President Wins Third Term on Unanimous Vote

President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, has been elected to a third two-year term. There were no other nominees, and the ARRL Board of Directors today expressed its confidence in Haynie with a unanimous vote. The Board is meeting January 16 and 17 in Windsor, Connecticut. Haynie, who lives in Dallas, Texas, succeeded Rod Stafford, W6ROD, as the League's volunteer leader in 2000.

The Board also voted unanimously to re-elect ARRL First Vice President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, of Judsonia, Arkansas, and Second Vice President Kay Craigie, N3KN, of Paoli, Pennsylvania. Board members agreed with a proposal to eliminate the third vice president's position being vacated by Fried Heyn, WA6WZO.

Major discussion at the weekend session will involve draft proposals to implement changes in US Amateur Radio rules in the wake of World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 (WRC-03). Among other significant changes, WRC-03 delegates agreed last summer to leave up to individual countries whether to require a Morse code test for access to amateur high-frequency allocations.

The ARRL Board is expected to discuss in detail recommendations in response to WRC-03 that were developed during last November's meeting of the ARRL Executive Committee. Board members also will review Amateur Radio-related matters still in the pipeline at the FCC, including the League's 2002 "omnibus" Petition for Rule Making that called for elimination of the current Novice bands and "refarming" the spectrum. The subject of Broadband over Power Line (BPL) also is on the Board's agenda.

The Board also will elect members to the Executive Committee and appoint three directors to the ARRL Foundation Board.

(ARRL News Service)

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Jan. 15 2004  Bennett R. "Ben" Adams Jr, K4EZ, SK

ARRL Headquarters has learned that former ARRL Southeastern Division Director Ben Adams, K4EZ (ex-W4APU and ex-W4EV), of Cincinnati, Ohio, died November 28, a few days shy of his 95th birthday. While living in Alabama, Adams served as Southeastern Division Director from 1935 until 1940. First licensed as 4EV in 1926, Adams attended Georgia Tech, where he was president of the school's Amateur Radio club. After graduation, he worked for AT&T in a variety of capacities. An ARRL Life Member, Adams in his younger years was a very active DXer, contester and traffic handler. He served three terms as president of the Birmingham Radio Club. Following service in World War II, Adams moved to Decatur, Georgia, and subsequently was named a member of the Southeastern DX Club's DX Hall of Fame [ www.sedxc.org  ]. A DXCC Honor Roll member, he had belonged to the ARRL for almost 70 years. In 1995 Adams moved from Georgia into a long-term care facility in Cincinnati.

Some information from Dave Thompson, K4JRB, and Sandy Donahue, W4RU

(ARRL News Service)

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Jan. 16 2004 Rules for 5.9Ghz. Intelligent Transportation Adopted

The FCC has adopted service and licensing rules for the 5.9 GHz Band for Dedicated Short Range Communications or D-S-R-C.  This, from 5.850 to 5.925 Ghz in the Intelligent Transportation Systems Radio Service.

According to the Commission,  DSRC systems will provide a limited-range, wireless link to transfer information between vehicles traveling at high speeds and roadside units or other vehicles.  Some examples include intersection collision avoidance, work zone warnings, road condition warnings, electronic toll collections, and electronic payment for gas, fast food, or parking.

More is on the web at  http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-242309A1.doc

(CGC)

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