Morse code is alive and well (July 8 2005)

 It's just over two years ago the mandatory requirement of Morse code proficiency tests for access to the high frequency amateur bands was removed. That historic decision at the World Radiocommunications Conference 2003 resulted in many countries ending the code requirement. 

But what, if any, impact has that decision had on the use of Morse code by radio amateurs? There appears to be no sign of a demise of CW interest and operation. Listen to the HF bands and often there more simultaneous CW contacts than there are on phone. Sometimes there's plenty of QSOs on the bottom end of the band and no phone contacts to be heard. DXpeditions and some special event stations demonstrate that those which include CW in their operation have great successes. Contesting is another area of CW strength. Morse code operator clubs are attracting new members. Requests for CW learning materials regularly appear on the ham wanted and for sale sites, along with second hand straight keys and paddles. Manufacturers of paddles seem to be doing very well. New model ham rigs continue to have in-built CW keyers. Samuel Finley Breese Morse would indeed be pleased to hear that the telegraphic code which bears his name, and created a revolution in world communications, is being conserved for the future by radio amateurs. (Thanks to Jim Linton VK3PC and WIA News)

(RAC News Service)

WIA National News (July 1 2005)
 

In the last couple of weeks the WIA has lodged 2 important submissions. One was the BPL submission, which is the subject of other items in this broadcast. The other submission is in response to a Discussion Paper released in May by what was then the Australian Broadcasting Authority, and is now merged with the ACA to form the Australian Communications and Media Authority, ACMA, with broad responsibilities in respect of telecommunications, spectrum management, broadcasting and data casting.

We hope that the new Authority will be able to take a broader view of the totality of its functions than could be taken when the planning of the broadcast services bands was a separate responsibility of the  ABA.

The ABA Discussion Paper is in respect of the spectrum available for digital radio, looking at three possible bands allocated to broadcasting in Australia, namely the MF Band, the band 174- 230 MHZ and the band 45-52 and 56-70 MHz.

The WIA says that because of the unique propagation characteristics of that part of the spectrum the band 50-54 MHz is of particular interest to the amateur service.

It is those very characteristics that also make the band unsuitable for broadcasting.

The WIA argues that the 50-54 MHz band should be retained for and allocated exclusively to the amateur service once the existing Channel 0 transmitters are removed.

When the WIA makes a submission it seeks the advice of the experts in the relevant area, so that what it says is soundly based and cannot be attacked as being uninformed.

This involves a number of people and a great deal of time and effort. 

I would like acknowledge now the assistance that we have had from many people in putting together the two most recent submissions.

In particular, the BPL case has been led by WIA director Phil Wait, VK2DKN with Roger Harrison VK2ZRH and Keith Malcolm  VK1ZKM.

The 6 meter submission would not exist without the work of John Martin VK3KWA, once again Keith Malcolm VK1ZKM and Richard Winston, VK2ZRW and WIA director Glenn Dunstan VK4DU.

I really do believe that we should recognise the amount of time and effort that goes into writing these submissions, and to thank each of those involved in this very important aspect of the WIA's responsibility.
______________

EMERGENCY!.....New funding round to help emergency volunteers 

The umbrella body, Emergency Management Australia, provides funding to assist communities manage emergencies and it's a potential source of funds for volunteer groups and organisations.

The Australian Government recently launched its "Working Together to Manage Emergencies" initiative, committing $33 million to a Local Grants Scheme and $16 million to a National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund .over four years. 

The Government says it's keen to marshal the commitment and enthusiasm of local communities in order to build Australia's preparedness for emergencies and disasters.

Funding is available to emergency groups that have a definite role in State or Territory response or recovery plans. 

The volunteer support fund is for projects that boost the recruitment, retention and training of volunteer organisations, and fund capital equipment.

For more details, eligibility criteria and application forms contact Emergency Management Australia on 02 6256 4733 or its website www.ema.gov.au/communitydevelopment

Jim Linton VK3PC

(WIA News)

Great Britain...Ofcom publishes Spectrum Framework Review conclusions (July 1 2005)
 

Ofcom published the conclusions of its Spectrum Framework Review on 28 June. The report sets out Ofcom’s approach to the future management of radio spectrum in the UK.

The Spectrum Framework Review set out four key recommendations to achieve Ofcom’s duties and aims, and Ofcom now says that it will, over time, apply this market-led approach to more than 70% of the radio spectrum. However, the report also states that Ofcom will maintain existing regulatory controls:

-where signals cross international boundaries;

-where international mobility is critical, for example in aviation and maritime; and

-where the UK has agreed to harmonise spectrum use in line with important multinational accords.

Ofcom will continue to monitor and act against interference between spectrum users. It will introduce trading and liberalisation in a phased way, intervening where necessary to make sure that these initiatives do not result in excessive harmful interference for other users.

(RSGB2)

Amateur Radio Emergency Communication Focus of World Conference (Jun. 21 2005)

Tampere, Finland, played host June 13-14 to the first Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference (GAREC 2005). Participants from 17 countries and representatives of all three International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) regions gathered to discuss and exchange information on the role of Amateur Radio in emergency communication. A conference statement summarized the value of Amateur Radio to emergency communication worldwide.

"The Amateur Radio Service has the proven capabilities and capacities to serve the international community through its global network of infrastructure-independent stations," the statement concluded. "Such stations are not only most likely to withstand the physical impact of disasters, but their flexibility furthermore avoids the overload all public networks inevitably experience in the aftermath of disasters."

The statement also pointed to the Amateur Service as "an invaluable resource of skilled operators, trained and experienced in maintaining communications under the most adverse conditions." It further concluded that it's essential "to ensure that this resource can be fully utilized in the service of emergency and disaster response providers." Conferees agreed as well that the Amateur Service needs access to "appropriate portions of the shared and limited resource of the radio frequency spectrum."

The IARU has submitted the summary as an input document to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), set to take place in Tunisia this November.

Representing the IARU and chairing GAREC 2005 was Hans Zimmermann, HB9AQS, the IARU's International Coordinator for Emergency Communications. Past ARRL President Rod Stafford, W6ROD, represented IARU in his capacity as Region 2 President and the League in his capacity as International Affairs Vice President.

Major topics included cooperation between radio amateurs and institutional emergency response providers on the national level, and an exchange of experiences from recent events. Presentations showed how hams support emergency responders as skilled volunteer telecommunication operators as well as via their own global networks.

Conferees also talked over ways to improve and facilitate the work of emergency communication networks. Participants agreed on the desirability of establishing a "Center of Activity Frequency" for emergency traffic on 80, 40, 20, 17 and 15 meters. SRAL, the IARU member-society for Finland and the host of GAREC 2005 will forward a proposal to that effect to the IARU for its consideration. This could happen during the IARU Region 1 Conference in Davos, Switzerland, this September. GAREC-2005 did not put forth specific center-of-activity frequencies, but the proposal did recommend calling them "The Tampere Frequencies."

GAREC 2005 participants expressed their appreciation for the hospitality of Finnish radio amateurs and of Tampere. Because of its association with the history of emergency and disaster communication, the city's name has become nearly synonymous with emergency telecommunication. Among signal events, an experts conference there in 1991 adopted the Tampere Declaration on Disaster Communications. In 1998, the Intergovernmental Conference on Emergency Telecommunications (ICET-98) adopted the Tampere Convention on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations. Effective as of January 8, 2005, the convention largely eliminates roadblocks to moving telecommunications personnel and equipment across international borders into and within disaster-stricken areas. Tampere has hosted several related conferences on emergency telecommunication as well. To maintain the momentum, plans already are being discussed for a second global conference in 2006.

A conference summary is available on the IARU Web site. 

(ARRL News Service)

Israeli stations to honour Maccabiah Games June 21-July 21 (Jun 2, 2005)

The Israel Amateur Radio Club is sponsoring a special Amateur Radio operation honoring the largest Jewish sport event in the world -- the 17th Maccabiah Games -- to be held in Tel-Aviv July 10-21, 2005. 14 Israeli stations with letters in their suffix from which MACCABIAH can be spelled will be active for 30 days starting June 21. A special Award will be available for stations having at least 6 valid QSOs with the participating Special Event stations. The operation is valid for all radio amateurs and SWLs around the world. More details can be found at the Maccabiah Games page or via www.iarc.org. -- IARC

(ARRL News Service)

The Earth-facing disc of the sun went through a tremendous change over the past couple of weeks, ranging from a sunspot number of zero on June 26 to a reading of 192 on July 4. Along with this, geomagnetic conditions were very stable, an ideal combination for HF operators. The average daily sunspot number for the previous reporting week was only 19, but it jumped to more than 154 this week--a huge change. Average mid-latitude A index was lower by two points, with the planetary A index down by nearly five.

This is an example of how--even toward the solar cycle minimum--there can still be tremendous variation in activity from day to day. Those graphs you've seen of sunspot cycles are generally smoothed out using a moving average. In other words, if you draw your graph of daily sunspot numbers with every dot or section of line representing an average of the readings from the 90 days before and the 90 days after that date, the squiggly line tends to smooth out. This sort of representation helps us to visualize trends, and pay less attention to the day-to-day variations. 

The July 4 sunspot number of 192 was the highest reading since November 26, 2003. Having the number go from zero to 192 is quite a jump, especially when we observe the last time prior to November 2003 that the sunspot number was zero. This was clear back on the other side of sunspot cycle 23 on January 7-9, 1998. 

Someone wrote me about the big increase in sunspots, and mentioned a NASA article referenced in this bulletin a couple of months ago, entitled "Solar Myth." The message was about the fantastic conditions, how 15 meters has been open into the evening and that even lulls in the solar cycle can have spurts of activity. The article bears another reading. 

On July 7, an explosion near sunspot 786--currently aimed squarely toward Earth--hurled a coronal mass ejection that's expected to cause a mild geomagnetic storm. Predicted planetary A index for July 8-11 is 25, 30, 25 and 15. Solar flux peaked on July 3 at 129.8 (highest solar flux reading since January 19, 2005) and for July 8-11 solar flux is predicted at 120, 120, 115 and 110. Flux values are expected to remain above 100 until mid month. 

For more information concerning radio 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 available on this Web site. 

Sunspot numbers for June 30 through July 6 were 96, 122, 168, 179, 192, 181 and 143, with a mean of 154.4. The 10.7 cm flux was 102.5, 114.6, 123.8, 129.8, 123.7, 126.8 and 123, with a mean of 120.6. Estimated planetary A indices were 8, 16, 13, 11, 7, 5 and 5 with a mean of 9.3. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 4, 12, 12, 9, 5, 3 and 3, with a mean of 6.9. 

(ARRL News Service)

July 9 2005  Solar and propagation report, 
compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS,and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

The past week saw solar activity at low levels with numerous C class solar flares taking place, in fact 15 altogether. However, the largest solar flare of the period was a M4 which occurred on Thursday. Solar flux levels remained in the 120's but declined to 110 units on the 8th. The average was 123. The 90 day solar flux average was 97, three units up on last week. X-ray flux levels varied little day to day and averaged B2.9 units. Geomagnetic activity started at unsettled levels but declined to quiet levels for this week. The average was Ap 8 units. Solar wind speeds declined from 640 kilometres per second to 300 by Friday. Particle densities were low throughout. 

HF propagation was similar to recent week, better for those who get up early or go to bed late. 28MHz and 50MHz saw some good openings most days. Also on 28MHz, the New York beacon, 4U1UN, which belongs to the world-wide beacon network was heard in Germany. 50MHz was reported to be still open at 0100 hours UTC a few mornings ago.

And finally the solar forecast. This week the quiet side of the Sun is expected to rotate into view. Solar activity should be very low to low. However, for the next few days activity could increase to moderate. Solar flux levels are expected to decline and by next weekend be in the 90's. Geomagnetic activity should be mostly quiet but due to a small coronal hole activity could increase briefly around midweek. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 21MHz. The darkness hour lows should be around 12MHz. Paths this week to India should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of about 26MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be around 18MHz. The best time to try this path will be between 1000 and 1400 hours UTC. Sporadic E should take place most days. During the more intense openings on 28MHz and 50MHz would be a good time to check 144MHz for any openings on that band. 

And that's all for this week from the propagation team.

Best 73s de Neil, G0CAS.

No Kids, No Pets Allowed in Space, Texas Youngsters Told During Radio Contacts (Jul 8, 2005)

During two separate Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) school group contacts in late June, students in Texas peppered US astronaut John Phillips, KE5DRY, with questions about life in space. Students at Hockaday School in Dallas spoke with Phillips June 20, while a group of youngsters at Baylor University's Mayborn Museum visited with Phillips by radio a week later. One Hockaday student wanted to know about any "cool science experiments" the astronaut might be working on in space.

Full Story

(ARRL News Service)

Space station crew on the air for Field Day (Jul 6, 2005)
 

The International Space Station Expedition 11 crew of John Phillips, KE5DRY--operating as NA1SS--and Sergei Krikalev, U5MIR--operating as RS0ISS--thrilled a number of ARRL Field Day 2005 operations by handing out contacts from space over the June 25-26 weekend. Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Ham Radio Project Engineer Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO, reports Phillips was active over the US while Krikalev worked stations in the Americas and elsewhere around the globe--including non-FD stations in South Africa and Thailand. Phillips, meanwhile, managed about two dozen Field Day contacts over North America.

"The call signs reflect contacts in Alaska, Canada and the West Central US," Ransom said. Bob Wertz, NF7E, says his grandson's QSO with RS0ISS was the high point of the Get On The Air (GOTA) station at the Northern Arizona DX Association/Coconino Amateur Radio Club Field Day site in the Coconino National Forest. As time for the pass came around, Wertz's 11-year-old grandson Mike called the ISS, while Mike Key, K0MDK--aided by a compass--aimed skyward a 2-meter beam that he and his daughter Julie, KE7DEX, had cobbled together from PVC pipe and coat hangers. 

An anxious seven minutes into the pass, success: "NF7E this is RS0ISS, over!" Once the GOTA team regained its composure, the younger Wertz returned with a "2A Arizona" report. "Once again RS0ISS repeated our call and then went on to a California station as he was starting to fade out," Bob Wertz says. "It was quite a thrill for all of us. It made our day!" ARRL Contest Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, said it was great news to learn that the ISS crew was able to get in some on-air activity during Field Day. "My personal thanks to Sergei and John for keeping a great tradition going!" he said. 

(ARRL News Service)

SSETI Express Launch Date Announced (Jun. 3 2005)

The launch date for SSETI Express and three ‘cubesats’ has now been confirmed as 25 August, with the next day, the 26th, as a back-up. The satellite has now completed all its pre-launch tests and is presently back in the clean room where everything is having a final checkout and where the cubesats are being loaded into their launchers. Current plans show that the satellite will be packed and ready for despatch to the launch site during the last week of June. SSETI Express will automatically downlink general telemetry at 9K6 on 70cm and it will also be possible for amateurs to request specific downloads. It is planned that the 38K4 telemetry transmitter on 2.4GHz will also be available for amateur voice operation as a Mode U/S transponder after initial tests on the satellite have been completed. AMSAT-UK provided the 2.4GHz transmitter for the satellite and a presentation on SSETI Express will be given at the AMSAT-UK Space Colloquium to be held from 29 to 31 July at the University of Surrey in Guildford. All amateurs and SWLs are welcome to attend. 

(RSGB2)

AMSAT-UK Colloquium set for late July (May 4 2005)

The AMSAT-UK Colloquium for 2005 will take place Friday through Sunday, July 29-31, at the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK This year's event marks the 20th colloquium. Attendees do not have to be AMSAT members. AMSAT-UK invites presentations about space-related Amateur Radio activities and papers for the conference Proceedings. Final presentation documents must be submitted by mid-June. Send papers for presentation at the conference and/or for inclusion in the Proceedings to Jim Heck, G3WGM , or via surface mail c/o AMSAT-UK, Badgers, Letton Close, Blandford, Dorset DT11 7SS, UK. AMSAT-UK also invites anyone to submit program topic requests to G3WGM. The colloquium will include sessions specifically for amateur satellite beginners. Registration details and more information are on the AMSAT- UK Colloquium Web pages. Immediately following the AMSAT-UK Colloquium, the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) International Team will meet Monday and Tuesday, August 1-2. Although primarily for ARISS delegates, the meeting is open for anyone to attend as an observer and offers an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the ARISS program. 

(ARRL News Service)

AO-51 satellite back on track after software reset (Jul 7, 2005)

The AO-51 Command Team says the satellite will remain in V/U FM repeater and FM 9k6 digital, V/U Pacsat Broadcast Protocol BBS (PBP BBS) mode "for a number of days" while the team monitors its operation. On June 26 Echo experienced a software reset, and, following some analysis, the Command Team reloaded the software. "I spent a good deal of my holiday time this week and weekend at home in order to download the data and then reload the satellite software to get it back up and running asap," said the AO-51 Command Team's Mike Kingery, KE5AZN. He said the AO-51 Software Team reviewed data downloaded from the satellite memory after the reset but found nothing out of the ordinary. AO-51 went into orbit June 29, 2004.--AMSAT News Service 

(ARRL News Service)

eQSO Releases New Software (July 1 2005)

The eQSO VoIP network, which links radio amateurs using RF and PC users via the Internet, has now released new software and moved to a full registration system. The main Dallas Server has been updated to accept only connections from registered users. New and existing users need to log on to the eQSO website to register and download the new software. This update will not affect RF users, providing that their local RF gateway is now using the new software.

(RSGB2)

Study says Internet Surfing leads to less TV viewing  (July 1 2005)

Its well known that surfing the Internet is taking many hams away from the airwaves.  Now a new survey shows that the World-Wide-Web is affecting the television viewing habits of the world.

According to the investigation, Hungarian non-Internet surfers watch 17.5 hours of TV per week, while those who use the Internet watch only 11.8 hours per week.  That's a difference of 5.7 hours.  In the United States, Internet users watch 11.6 hours of TV per week, while non-Internet users watch 16.8 hours. 

The lengthy, first-of-its kind study, called the World Internet Project, conducted by UCLA Center for Communication Policy surveyed residents of 14 countries. In every case, Internet users watched less television that those who never surf the web.   (Science OnLine)

(ARNewsLine)

The view from Space....looking back with Google-Earth (July 1 2005)

Google Earth is a new 3D interface to the planet that is a new free beta service from the Google website.  Google Earth reproduces three-dimensional views of the planet.  With it you can pick the coordinates and resolution you want to view and what you want to see.

Right now, there are limitations to the operating systems supported by Google Earth.  To use it  you need at least a Pentium 3 class P-C running either the Microsoft Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system.  There are no Mac or Linux versions available.  At least not yet.  Windows users will find it at earth.google.com  (Google)

(ARNewsLine)

IARU HF World Championship--from 1200Z Jul 9 to 1200Z Jul 10 (see Apr QST, p 102, or www.iaru.org/contest.html).

FISTS Summer Sprint--CW, from 1700Z-2100Z Jul 10 (see Feb QST, p 102, or www.fists.org).

QRP ARCI Summer Homebrew Sprint--CW, from 2000Z-2400Z Jul 10 (see Dec QST, p 85, or www.qrparci.org/contest.htm). Add the following bonus points for each band on which homebrew gear is used; 2000 pts for homebrew transmitter, 3000 pts for homebrew receiver, 5000 pts for homebrew transceiver. Logs due 30 days after the contest to contest@qrparci.org or Jeff Hetherington, VA3JFF, 139 Elizabeth St W, Welland, ON L3C 4M3, Canada.

North American RTTY QSO Party--sponsored by the National Contest Journal from 1800Z Jul 16-0600Z Jul 17. Frequencies: 80-10 meters, 100 W max. Categories SOAB and M2, SO stations operate 10 hours max with off times of at least 30 min. Exchange: Name and S/P/C. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO. Score is QSO points × S/P/C (NA entities only) counted once per band. DX QSOs count for QSO points, but not as multipliers. For more information:www.ncjweb.com. Logs due 14 days after the contest to http://www.ncjweb.com/naqplogsubmit.php or Shelby Summerville, K4WW, 6506 Lantana Ct, Louisville, KY 40229-1544. 

CQ WW VHF Contest--all modes--sponsored by CQ Magazine from 1800Z Jul 16-2100Z Jul 17. Frequencies: 50 and 144 MHz bands, except 146.52 MHz (and other national simplex calling frequencies) and repeater frequencies. Please avoid the DX windows and international calling frequencies. Categories: SOAB, SOSB, MM, Rover, QRP (<10 W). Exchange: Call sign and four-digit Maidenhead grid. Work Rover stations in each grid. QSO points: 50 MHz--1 pt, 144 MHz--2 pts. Score: QSO points × grids counted once per band (Rovers count grids from each activated grid). For more information: www.cq-amateur-radio.com. Logs in Cabrillo format due Sep 1 to cqvhf@cqww.com, via Web submission form at www.b4h.net/cabforms/cqwwvhf_cab.php or CQ VHF Contest, 25 Newbridge Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801. 

SEANET Contest--CW/SSB/DIGITAL, sponsored by the SEANET Convention, 1200Z Jul 16 - 1200Z Jul 17. Frequencies (MHz): CW - 3.525, 7.025, 14.025, 21.025, 28.025, SSB - 7.090, 14.220, 21.320, 28.320. Categories: SO, MS, AB, SB, Mixed and Single Mode combinations. Exchange: RS(T) and serial number. QSO Points: SEANET-SEANET--10 pts (5 pts if same country), SEANET-World - 10pts. Score: QSO points x DXCC entities for SEANET entrants, QSO points x SEANET entities for non-SEANET entrants, counted once per band and mode. For more information and list of SEANET countries: www.seanet2005.com/html/News.htm Logs due Aug 30 to vu2ur@rediffmail.com or B. L. Manohar VU2UR, MIG-6 80 Feet Road, Kengeri Upanagara, Bangalore-560060, India. 

CQC Great Colorado Gold Rush--CW--sponsored by the Coslorado QRP Club, from 2000Z-2200Z Jul 17. Frequencies: 20 meters only. Categories: Wire, Vertical, Beam or Portable. Exchange: RST + S/P/C + Category + CQC member number or power output. Work stations up to three times during the contest, with at least 30 min between QSOs. QSO points: 1st QSO-- 3 pts, 2nd QSO--2 pts, 3rd QSO--1 pt. Score: QSO points × S/P/C + CQC members. For more information: www.cqc.org/contests. Logs due 30 days after the contest to contest@cqc.org or Colorado QRP Club, PO Box 17174, Golden, CO 80402-6019. 

Great Lakes Sweepstakes--Phone/CW/Digital, sponsored by the Michigan DX Association, from 0000Z Jul 23-2359Z Jul 24. Frequencies: 80-2 meters, including VHF FM (no repeater or satellite). Categories: SOAB (QRP <5 W, LP, HP >100 W), MO (including lighthouse entries). Exchange--see Web site. QSO points: Phone-- 1 pt, CW & Digital--2 pt. Total Score: QSO points × Great Lakes states (MI, IL, IN, WI, MN, OH, PA, NY, VE3) counted once per band and mode. For complete scoring and bonus point information: http://mdxa1.org/glsweepsrules.html. Logs due Aug 10 to k8khz@yahoo.com or Sean Fleming, K8KHZ, 27120 Barrington St, Madison Heights, MI 48071. 

Flight of the Bumblebees--CW--sponsored by the Adventure Radio Society, 1700Z-2100Z Jul 31. Bumblebees are low power portable stations that walk, bike or boat to their sites and sign "/BB" after their calls. Frequencies (MHz): 7.040, 14.060, 21.060, 28.060. Exchange: RST, S/P/C, and Bumblebee Number or power (5 W maximum). Score: QSOs × number of different Bumblebees contacted ×3. For more information: www.arsqrp.com/ars/pages/bumblebees/bb_rules.html. Logs due Aug 8 via the ARS Web site. 

RSGB Islands-On-The-Air Contest--CW/SSB--sponsored by the RSGB from 1200Z Jul 30-1200Z Jul 31. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB and SOAB-Assisted (SSB/CW/Mixed, 12 and 24 hour entries, High/Low/QRP Power), MS. All categories Island or World (non-Island). Exchange--RS(T) and serial number, Island stations add IOTA reference number. QSO points: Contacts with own IOTA--3 pts, with other IOTA--15 pts, non-island--3 pts. Score: QSO points × IOTA refs, counted once per band and mode. For more information: www.contesting.co.uk/hfcc/iota.shtml. Logs due Sep 1 to iota.logs@rsgbhfcc.org or RSGB IOTA Contest, PO Box 9, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3RH, England. 

(ARRL News Service)

Former RCA Station KPH Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary Coast Station KSM will make its Inagural Transmission Coast Stations WLO,  KLB, NMC AND NOJ to be on the Air

In the sixth annual event that has become known as the "Night of Nights", historic Morse code radio station KPH will return to the air in commemoration of the last commercial Morse message sent in the United States.

This year's Night of Nights is special: it's the 100th anniversary of KPH, KSM will appear on the air for the first time and four other US coast stations will be on the air, several of them on MF in addition to HF.

Frequencies and reception report information for all stations appear below.

KPH, the ex-RCA coast station located north of San Francisco,  will return to the air for commemorative broadcasts on 12 July at 1701 PDT (13 July at 0001 GMT), 6 years and one minute after the last commercial Morse transmission in the US. These on-the-air events are intended to honor the men and women who followed the radiotelegraph trade on ships and at coast stations around the world and made it one of honor and skill. 

Transmissions are expected to continue until at least midnight PDT (0700GMT). 

Veteran Morse operators, including former KPH staff members, will be on duty at the receiving station at Point Reyes, CA listening for calls from ships and sending messages just as they did for so many years before Morse operations were shut down.

The transmitters are located 18 miles south of Point Reyes in Bolinas, CA at the transmitting station established in 1913 by the American Marconi Co.  The original KPH transmitters, receivers and antennas will be used to activate frequencies in all the commercial maritime HF bands and on MF as well. 

Many of the KPH transmitters will be 50s vintage RCA sets.  KSM will use a 1940s vintage Press Wireless PW-15 transmitter on 12Mc.  Power output will be 4 to 5kW.  The transmitting antennas include a Marconi T for MF, double extended Zepps for 4, 6 and 8Mc and H over 2s for 12, 16 and 22Mc. 

KPH will send traffic lists, weather and press broadcasts as well as special commemorative messages, many of which will be sent by hand.  At other times the KPH and KSM "wheel" will be sent to mark the transmitting frequencies. 

Members of the public are invited to visit the receiving station for this event.  The station will be open to visitors beginning at 
1500PDT (3:00pm).  The station is located at 17400 Sir Francis  Drake Boulevard and is on the route to the Point Reyes lighthouse.  Watch for a cypress lined driveway on the right about a mile past the entry to Coast Guard station NMC. 

KPH is operated by the Maritime Radio Historical Society in cooperation with the Point Reyes National Seashore, part of the National Park Service. 

Further information may be found on the Maritime Radio Historical Society Web site at http://www.radiomarine.org or by contacting Richard Dillman at +1 415-990-7090 (email: rd@radiomarine.org) or Tom Horsfall at +1 510-237-9535 (email: wa6ope@hotmail.com). 

Station Information follows...

KPH

KPH will transmit on 4247.0, 6477.5, 8642.0, 12808.5, 17016.8 and 22477.5kc on HF and 500 and 426kc on MF. 

These frequencies have been made available through the generous cooperation of Globe Wireless, the current owner of the KPH and KFS licenses. 

KPH operators will listen for calls from ships on ITU Channel 3 in all bands.  The Channel 3 frequencies are 4184.0, 6276.0, 8368.0, 12552.0, 16736.0 and 22280.5kc on HF and 500kc on MF.

Reception reports may be sent to:

Ms. DA Stoops
P.O. Box 381
Bolinas CA  94924-0381
USA

Denice is a former KPH operator and was the first female telegrapher hired at the station.
 

KSM

KSM will transmit on 426, 500, 6474 and 12993kc

KSM will listen for calls from ships on 500kc and HF Channel 3 (see KPH listing for frequencies).

Reception reports may be sent to:

Ms. DA Stoops
P.O. Box 381
Bolinas CA  94924-0381
USA

WLO 

WLO will transmit on 438, 500, 8514.0 and 12660.0kc 

WLO will listen for calls from ships on 500kc and HF Channel 3 (see KPH listing for frequencies).

Reception reports may be sent to:

WLO/KLB 
700 RINLA AVENUE 
MOBILE, ALABAMA 36619 
USA 

Or via email to: wloradio@wloradio.com

KLB

KLB will transmit on 6411.0 

KLB will listen for calls from ships on 6276kc

Reception reports may be sent to:

WLO/KLB 
700 RINLA AVENUE 
MOBILE, ALABAMA 36619 
USA 

Or via email to: wloradio@wloradio.com

NMC 

NMC will transmit on 448, 472, 500, 6383.0, 8574.0 and 17220.5kc

NMC will listen for calls from ships on 500kc and HF Channel 3 (see KPH listing for frequencies).

Reception reports may be sent to: 

COMMANDING OFFICER 
ATTN ITC ERIC SIMMONS 
COMMUNICATIONS AREA MASTER STATION PACIFIC 
17000 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD 
POINT REYES STATION, CALIFORNIA 94956-0560
USA

NOJ 

NOJ will transmit on 8650.0, 12889.5 and 16909.7 

NOJ will listen for calls from ships on Channel 3 (see KPH listing for frequencies).

Reception reports may be sent to: 

COMMANDING OFFICER 
ATTN OSCM WILLIAM KECKLER 
US COAST GUARD COMMUNICATIONS STATION KODIAK 
PO BOX 190017 
KODIAK, ALASKA 99619 
USA 

BV ES VY 73 TO ALL,
MRHS

Richard Dillman, W6AWO
Maritime Radio Historical Society
http://www.radiomarine.org
Collector of Harleys, Willys and Radios over 100lbs.

(Thanks to Ron Walsh VE3GO)

Jul 5-Jul 31, 1300Z-2100Z, Port Colborne, ON, Canada. Niagara Peninsula ARC, VE3WCD. Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival. 28.350 21.250 14.250 7.250. QSL. Doug Frame, VE3JDF, 895 Lakeshore Rd E, Port Colborne, ON, Canada L3K 5V3. www.nparc.on.ca.

Jul 6-Jul 10, 1800Z-2400Z, Austin, TX. Naturist Amateur Radio Club, NU5DE. Nude Awareness Celebration/Nude Recreation Week. 28.465 21.365 14.265 7.265. QSL. Naturist Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 200812, Austin, TX 78720-0812. www.nu5de.org.

Jul 8-Jul 10, 1400Z-2359Z, Trenton, MI. Motor City Radio Club, W8MRM. 30th Annual Trenton Mid-Summer Festival. 14.244 14.044 7.244 7.044. Certificate. Motor City Radio Club, W8MRM, PO Box 337, Wyandotte, MI 48192. www.W8MRM.org.

Jul 8-Jul 10, 1800-0600 dailyZ-1800-0600Z, Salmon Arm, BC, Canada. Shuswap Amateur Radio Club, VA7C. Salmon Arm Centennial Celebration. 21.375 14.275 7.275 3.875. Certificate. Shuswap Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 2613, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4R5.Canada. www.jetstream.net/sarc.

Jul 8-Jul 18, 1400Z-1800Z, Steamboat Lake State Park, CO. Castle Rock Repeater Group, K0CRG. New US Islands activation CO-12, grid DN60, Routt County. 14.260 14.030 7.260 3.960. QSL. Roger Krautkremer, K0YY, 41 Cedar Way, Evergreen, CO 80439. www.crrg.org.

Jul 9, 1800Z-2200Z, Los Alamos, NM. Los Alamos Amateur Radio Club, W5PDO. Earthwatch Institute Student Challenge Awards Program from Fenton Hill Observatory. 28.450 21.350 14.250. Certificate. Don Casperson, AA5PA, 1423 43rd St, Los Alamos, NM 87544.

Jul 9-Jul 10, 0000Z-2359Z, Hannibal, MO. Hannibal Amateur Radio Club, W0MTL/MM. National Tom Sawyer Days from the Mark Twain Riverboat. 14.259 7.258. Certificate. Robert G. Mitchell, 816 Long Dr, Quincy, IL 62305. www.ewingmissouri.com/w0kem/.

Jul 9-Jul 10, 0900Z-1600Z, Somers, NY. Peekskill Cortlandt Amateur Radio Association, W4H. 4H Fair at Muscoot Farms. 21.310 14.275 7.255. QSL. W2NYW Peekskill Cortlandt Amateur Radio Association, PO Box 146, Crompond, NY 10517.

Jul 9-Jul 23. Lewis and Clark County, MT. Capital City Amateur Radio Club, K7L/C. 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark “discovering” Lewis and Clark County, MT. SSB and CW: 25 kHz down from the top of each band; PSK31. Certificate. Forrest Christian, AC7DE, 50 11th Ave, Helena, MT 59601-3642. County stations also signing /LC. www.w7tck.org/lc.

Jul 10, 1400Z-1900Z, Upton (Long Island), NY. National Weather Service Upton NY and Town of Babylon ARES, WX2OKX. Annual NWS OKX Open House, promoting the partnership between NWS and Amateur Radio in the Tri-State SKYWARN Program. 28.320 21.320 14.320 7.250. Certificate. NOAA/NWS, Attn: WX2OKX, 175 Brookhaven Ave, Bldg NWS-1, Upton, NY 11973. www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/Skywarn/openhouse05.html.

Jul 10-Jul 21. Israel Amateur Radio Club, 17th Maccabiah Games. Israel Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 17600, Tel-Aviv, 61176 Israel. For complete information go to: www.iarc.org/~4z4tl/Maccabiah17_main.htm.

Jul 11-Jul 16, 0001Z-0400Z, Santa Catalina Island, CA. Boy Scout Troop 655, Old Baldy Council, K1USC/6. Boy Scout Troop Camping on Catalina Island. 54.000 28.000 14.260 7.000. QSL. Tony Ruiz, 9755 Liberty Ct, Alta Loma, CA 97137. 

Jul 15-Jul 17, 1800Z-1200Z, Kane, PA. Kane Amateur Radio Operators, AA3GM. Celebrating the annual Kanesfest Festival. 21.355 14.255 7.255 3.875. Certificate. Kenneth T. Frankenbery, 5111 Glenwall Dr, Alquippa, PA 15001. 

Jul 16, 1300Z-1900Z, Wapakoneta, OH. Reservoir Amateur Radio Association, K8QYL. Celebrating the anniversary of the landing on the moon. 14.250 7.260. Certificate. Tom Kaup, KA1UP, 421 Lewis Ave, St Henry, OH 45883. 

Jul 16, 1300Z-2000Z, Chambersburg, PA. Cumberland Valley Amateur Radio Club, W3ACH. 50th Anniversary of the CVARC. 14.240 7.240 50.125 146.550. Certificate. Cumberland Valley ARC, PO Box 172, Chambersburg, PA 17201. www.cvarc-pa.com. 

Jul 16, 1000Z-2200Z, WSMR/Trinity Site-Ground Zero, NM. SNLARC, W5MPZ. 60th annversary of the 1st atomic bomb detonation at ground zero. 21.235 21.050 14.235 14.050. Certificate. SNLARC, 1021 Dakota SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. 

Jul 16-Jul 17, 0001Z-2359Z, Portland, OR. Oregon-Idaho DX Group, W7P. Museum Ships Weekend, from the Sternwheel Tug Portland. 28.360 28.039 21.360 21.039 14.260 14.039 7.260 7.039 3.860 3.539. QSL. via Buro, or to K7VAN, Box 12941, Salem, OR 97309. Info: k7vv@msn.com. Participating ships: www.qsl.net/k1usn/event.html. 

Jul 16-Jul 17, 0001Z-2359Z, Quincy, MA. USS Salem Radio Club, K1USN. Museum Ship Worldwide Radio Event. 14.260 14.039 3.860 3.539. Certificate for working ten participating ships. Robert Callahan, 56 Acorn St, Scituate, MA 02066. www.qsl.net/k1usn/event.html. 

Jul 16-Jul 17, 1200Z-0100Z, Mount Vernon, OH. Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club, W8V. Mount Vernon, OH, Bicentennial Celebration. 14.260 7.260 3.860. QSL. Mike McCardel - Bicentennial, 23695 Bear Run Rd, Danville, OH 43014. www.mvarc.net. 

Jul 16-Jul 17, 1400Z-1900Z, Jackson, MI. Cascades Amateur Radio Society, W8JXN. 23rd Annual Jackson Hot Air Jubilee. 14.260 7.250 3.890 145.05. QSL. CARS, PO Box 512, Jackson, MI 49204-0512. www.w8jxn.org. 

Jul 16-Jul 17, 1400Z-2230Z, Baton Rouge, LA. USS Kidd ARC/Baton Rouge ARC, W5KID. Museum Ships Weekend Event. General class bands, 14.250 to 14.320; CW QRP subbands 28.060 21.060 14.060 10.106 7.040. QSL. W5KID, c/o USS Kidd Museum, 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. www.lsu.edu/brarc/USS_Kidd.htm. 

Jul 17-Jul 18, 1700Z-0300Z, Disneyland, CA. WD6MM. Celebrating the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland’s 50th. 28.350 21.350 14.250 7.250. Certificate. Archie Willis, W6LPJ, 9276 Borden Av, Sun Valley, CA 91352. 

Jul 18-Jul 19, 1345Z-1630Z and 1900Z-2130Z daily, Randleman, NC, W1V. Victory Junction Children's Camp. 2 10, 17, 20, 40, 80 m Echolink. QSL. Bob Martin, W3LZX, 10603 Arron Ct S, Waldorf, MD 20603. home.comcast.net/~w3lzx/vjgcw1v.html. 

Jul 19-Jul 23, 1200Z-2400Z, Fremont, MI. Newaygo County Emergency Communications Group, W1B. National Baby Food Festival. 14.265 7.264 3.965 146.470. Certificate. Mike Foster, 7937.E 36th St, Newaygo, MI 49337. 

Jul 21-Jul 22, 2000Z-0200Z, Manchester, MI. Chelsea Amateur Radio Club, W8C. Manchester Chicken Broil - We 8 Chicken! 14.250. Certificate. WD8IEL Chelsea ARC, PO Box 43, Chelsea, MI 48118. kn8a@arrl.net. 

Jul 21-Jul 24, 1400Z-2100Z, Warren, OH. Warren Amateur Radio Association, W8P. 6th Annual Packard Museum Car Show. 28.450 14.260 7.260 3.860. Certificate. Gail Wells, KC8LRH, 708 Delaware SW, Warren, OH 44485. 

Jul 23, 1400Z-2000Z, Williamsburg, VA. Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club, K4RC. Promote Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. 21.35 18.15 14.25 7.261. QSL. Larry Wheeler, 163 Lakewood Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185. 

Jul 23, 1500Z-2200Z, Saline, MI. ARROW Communications Association, W8PGW. Saline Railroad Depot Museum Open House. 14.260 14.040 7.260 7.040. QSL. ARROW Communi­cations Association Inc, PO Box 1572, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. www.w8pgw.org. 

Jul 23-Jul 24, 1800Z-2200Z, DeSmet, SD. Huron Amateur Radio Club and Lake Area Radio Klub, W0NOZ. Annual Little House on the Prairie Pageant. 21.365 14.265 7.265. Certificate. HARC, PO Box 205, Huron, SD 57350. www.huronarc.info. 

Jul 23-Jul 25, 1200Z-0200Z, Springfield, OH. Independent Radio Association, K4H. Birthplace of the 4H Clubs of America. 21.370 14.265 7.235 3.865. QSL. Independent Radio Association, PO Box 523, Springfield, OH 45369. 

Jul 25-Jul 31, 0000Z-0000Z, Tiffin, OH. Seneca Radio Club, W8ID. Celebrating the 2005 Seneca County Fair in Ohio. 14.275 7.275 3.860. Certificate. Seneca Radio Club—W8ID, c/o Fair Special Event 2005, 126 Hopewell Ave, Tiffin, OH 44883. www.w8id.com/SCF2005. 

Jul 28-Jul 31, 1400Z-2100Z, Oshkosh, WI. Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club, Inc, W9ZL. EAA AirVenture 2005 Fly-In. 14.270 7.250 146.52 146.76. Certificate. Bernie Hengels, N9YMC, PO Box 5233, Appleton, WI 54912. www.fcarc.us. 

Jul 30-Jul 31. Douglas, Isle of Man. Scarlett Point Radio Group and Isle of Man Business School, GB5MOB. Isle of Man’s 175th Maritime Anniversary/Mutiny on the Bounty and Peter Heywood. All HF bands CW VHF UHF Echolink. Scarlett Point, 42 Close Rushen, Castletown, Isle of Man. www.scarlettpoint.com. 

(ARRL)

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

July 7  2005 ARRL  DX News

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

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, K. K2MET, The Metropolitan 222 Amateur Radio Society, is sponsoring a September 11th Memorial Station on Governors Island, New York, (IOTA NA-026), on September 10 from 11AM until 4 PM local, 1500-2000Z. Look for the station on 7250, 14250 and 21340. QSL via W2SN. 

AFGHANISTAN, YA. Rene, DL2JRM, is active for the next few weeks as T6KBLRM, from Kabul, using mainly CW. QSL via home call. Johnny, LA5IIA, plans to be active as T68G until March 2007. Look for him on CW on the newer and low bands. QSL via LA4YW. 

BELIZE, V3. Colin, KU5B, will be QRV as V31UB using CW and SSB on 80 through 10 meters and possibly 6 meters until July 10. QSL via home call. 

CANADA, VE. Ron, VE7RLE, has permission to use the special call VA7C in July. QSL via VE7RLE. 

EGYPT, SU. Gab, HA3JB, plans to be active again as SU8BHI using CW, RTTY, SSTV, PSK and SSB on all bands until December 31. QSL via HA3JB, direct only. 

MADEIRA, CT3. Special event station CS9SRA will be QRV from an exhibition in Porto Moniz during July. 

SOUTH COOK ISLANDS, ZK. Tommy, VK2IR, will be on the air as ZK1IIR using SSB on 40 through 6 meters, until July 12. 

PORTUGAL, CT. CT7DX will be active July 15 through 17 for the 23rd International Motorcycle Rally in Faro. Listen for Jose, CT1EHX, as the operator. QSL to his home call, direct or bureau. 

DJIBOUTI, J2. UA4WHX, Vladimir, is now QRV signing J20VB on CW and SSB. 

IRAQ, YI. YI9YTG, operator Tom, WB9YTG, is now active on 20 meters. He has had a few QSOs with North America but is hearing mostly Russia and other Europeans. 

RUSSIA, RA. Special event station R3K will be QRV from July 15 to 21 celebrating the 30 year anniversary of the Apollo-Soyuz space program. QSL via RN3DK. 

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, TL. Dave, W1DV/TL8DV, is expected to soon be QRV again from the Central African Republic. He'll probably be there for several weeks working on construction of a new orphanage. QSL via W1DV. 

CANARY ISLANDS, EA8. Peter, PC2A, plans to operate as EA8/PC2A through July 14 from Lanzarote Island (AF-004). QSL via PC2A. 

ICELAND, TF. TF/KB1T, operator John, will be QRV until July 10 with a CW only operation in the IARU contest, probably primarily on 40 and 20 meters. 

THAILAND, HS. HS0AC, the RAST HQ station, will be QRV in the IARU contest. QSL via GM4FDM. 

POLAND, SP. 60 operators and stations from around Poland that comprise the Polish Amateur Radio Union Team will be in the IARU contest signing SN0HQ. 

INDONESIA, YB. YE0HQ will be on the air from multiple locations for the IARU contest. This operation will be mixed mode with operators YB0AI, YB0AZ, YB0HD, YB0JS, YB0DPO, YB0ECT, YB0UNC and YB5AQB at the controls. QSL via the ORARI QSL Bureau or direct to YB0DPO's home address. 

RUSSIA, RA. Russia IARU headquarters station R9HQ will be QRV from Asiatic Russia for the IARU contest. 

HUNGRY, HA. Look for Hungary's MRASZ HQ station to be QRV as HG0HQ in the IARU contest. QSL HG0HQ via HA6NY. 

ROMANIA, YO. YR0HQ will be Romania's HQ (FRR) station this coming weekend in the IARU Contest. 

USA, K. Two USA Headquarters (HQ) stations will be QRV in the IARU contest on all HF bands and modes. The ARRL HQ station, W1AW, will be portable five in Arkansas with multi-multi contest station, K5GO as the flagship host station. The IARU HQ station, NU1AW, will be portable three with multi-multi contest station K3LR as the flagship host station. QSL to the W1AW and NU1AW addresses as listed on QRZ.COM or via the bureau for stations outside the US. 

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO. The IARU HF World Championship, WRTC style Team Challenge, FISTS Summer Sprint, QRP ARCI Summer Homebrew Sprint will keep contesters very busy this weekend. Please see July 2005 QST, page 104 for details.

(ARRL News Service)

July 15-31 2005    I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

15/07/2005:  AS-147  H.C.'s/8  REBUN ISLAND -
Sasi JA1KJW/8, Yama JJ1JGI/8, Akira JK1EBA/8, Mitsu 7N4AGB/8 plan to be active July 15-18th from Rebun Island (IOTA AS-147, JIIA AS-147-006), Hokkaido coastal island. QSL via their home call, direct or via the bureau. [Tnx JI6KVR]

16/07/2005:  EU-089  CU8/IZ5CML  ILHA DAS FLORES -
Look for Enrico (IZ5CML) to be active July 16-21st as CU8/IZ5CML from the Ilha das Flores (IOTA EU-089, DIP AZ-008). Activity will be on 40-10 meters, possibly 6 meter SSB. QSL via home, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425 DX News]

16/07/2005:  EU-123  GM3OFT/P  MURRAY'S ISLANDS -
Peter, GM3OFT, will be active July 16-17th as GM3OFT/p from Murray's islands (IOTA EU-123). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425 DX News]

16/07/2005:  NA-213  H.C.'s/P  DAUPHIN ISLAND -
Look for Rebekah WG4Y/p, Angela WN4C/p, Truman NN4C/p, Allan KV4T/p and Bridget KS4YT to be QRV July 16-17th from Dauphin Island (IOTA NA-213, USI AL-002S, Mobile County), Alabama. Activity will be on 80-10 meter CW and SSB. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

16/07/2005:  EU-005  MM/N5ET/P  ISLE OF ARDWALL -
Bob, N5ET, will be active July 16-17th as MM/N5ET/p from the Isle of Ardwall (IOTA EU-005). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425 DX News]

16/07/2005:  DPLF:PB-056  TM1MAN  AULT LIGHTHOUSE -
The Noyelles sous Lens ARS, F8KHD, will be active July 16-23rd as TM1MAN from the French onshore Ault Lighthouse (DPLF PB-056, ARLHS FRA-175). QSL via F8CSD. [Tnx F5NQL]

16/07/2005:  EU-064  TM5DUM  ILE DUMET -
The Radio Club of Redon (F6KQC) will be active July 16-17th as TM5DUM from the Ile Dumet (IOTA EU-064, DIFM AT-018). This activity will also count for DFCF reference 44-028, for the French Castles Award, Département de Loire Atlantique (44). Activity will be on all HF bands with 2 stations, one for CW and the other for SSB. They will also have one station for VHF phone. QSL via F5SRH. [Tnx F4BJW]

17/07/2005:  EU-015  SV9/F8UFT/P  CRETE -
Claude, HB9CRX, will be active July 17-31st as SV9/F8UFT/p from Kissamos, Candie [Crete] (IOTA EU-015). Look for him on 40-10 meter CW only, WARC bands included. QSL via F6ICG, direct or via the French bureau. [Tnx IOTW]

17/07/2005:  NA-067  W3L  OCRACOKE ISLAND -
Look for W3L to be active July 17-21st from Ocracoke island (IOTA NA-067, USI NC-001S, Hyde County), North Carolina. They will also be activating the Ocracoke lighthouse (ARLHS reference USA-561). QSL via operators instructions. [Tnx DL2VFR]

18/07/2005:  AS-147  H.C.'s/8  RISHIRI ISLAND -
Sasi JA1KJW/8, Yama JJ1JGI/8, Akira JK1EBA/8, Mitsu 7N4AGB/8 plan to be active July 18-21st from Rishiri Island (IOTA AS-147, JIIA AS-147-007), Hokkaido coastal island. QSL via their home call, direct or via the bureau. [Tnx JI6KVR]

20/07/2005:  EU-055  LA6Q  UTSIRA ISLAND -
Look for Bjorn LA5UKA, Andreas LA8AJA and Trond LA9VDA to be active July 20-24th as LA6Q from Utsira Islnd (IOTA EU-055). QSL via LA9VDA (QRZ.com). [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

21/07/2005:  WLH:DL-026  DAØLH  ROBBENPLATE LIGHTHOUSE -
Look for DA0LH to be active July 21-24th from the Robbenplate Lighthouse (DLTD/GLHA No. 43, WLH DL-026, ARLHS FED-198). QSL via the bureau. [Tnx DL2VFR]

22/07/2005:  AF-024  S79JAG  SEYCHELLES -
Karl, OE3JAG, plans to be active July 22nd to August 7th as S79JAG from Mahe, Seychelles (IOTA AF-024, WW Loc. LI75SF). This will be a DX holiday style operation. Karl will be using an FT-817, running QRP, with random wire and dipole antennas. Look for activity on the following bands and frequencies: CW - 14020, 18070, 21020, 24890 and 28020 kHz; SSB - 14190, 18140, 21190, 24940 and 28190 kHz; RTTY - 14080, 18100, 21080, 24920 and 28080 kHz; and PSK - 14070, 18100, 21070, 24920 and 28070 kHz. QSL via OE3JAG (DDr. Karl Jungwirth, Adalbert Stifter Strasse 25, 2232 Deutsch Wagram, AUSTRIA - EUROPE). Further information can be found on Karl's web site at: http://www.oe3jag.com/ . [Tnx OE3JAG]

22/07/2005:  EU-132  SP3BJK/1, SQ3RX/1  WOLIN ISLAND -
Look for Zick SP3BJK/1 and Przemek SQ3RX/1 to be QRV from Wolin Island (IOTA EU-132, SPIA SZ-002 for the Polish Islands award) from July 22 to August 2, 2005. Activity will be on all HF bands, CW and SSB, IOTA contest included. QSL via SQ3RX, direct or bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

22/07/2005:  EU-159  TM7CI  CORDOUAN ISLAND -
Laurent F8BBL (CW) and Jean Marc F4ECL (SSB) will be active as TM7CI from Ile de Cordouan (IOTA EU-159, DIFM AT-032) for 48 hours non stop between July 22-23rd. Activity will be QRP on 80-10 meter CW and SSB. Their equipment will be: FT817ND, W3FF Buddistick and dipoles. They will also activate the Cordouan lighthouse (DPLF PB 018, WLH F-012, ARLHS FRA-007 and WLOTA 0271). QSL via F8BBL, 100% via the bureau or direct. [Tnx OPDX]

22/07/2005:  USI  W8DXI  N. & S. MANITOU ISLANDS, MI -
On Friday July 22 through Sunday July 24th the Michigan DX Association (W8DXI) will activate South Manitou (USI MI-038L) and North Manitou (USI MI-037L) Islands in Lake Michigan, Leelanau County, Michigan. This will be their 12th Island activation and by far the most Islands activated by a Michigan club. The activation of these Islands will coincide with the clubs very own Great Lakes Sweepstakes on the same weekend. They will also activate the South Manitou Lighthouse (ARLHS reference USA-470). Further details to follow. [Tnx MIDX]

23/07/2005:  EU-175  CU4T, CU4/CT3FN  GRACIOSA ISLAND -
A group of 12 European operators will activate Graciosa Island (IOTA EU-175, DIP AZ-004) between July 23rd and August 4th. Hermann, HB9CRV, will kick it off as CU4/CT3FN on 6 meters, including a beacon on 50.112 MHz. The entire group will begin operations as CU4T from Ponta da Barca Lighthouse (TWLH CU-005, ARLHS AZO-011, WLOTA 0113) on July 27. The operators mentioned are: CT1AGF, CT1EPV, CT1EGW, CT1GFK, CT1GPQ, DJ2VO, DF6QV, G3KHZ, HB9CNU, HB9CQL, HB9CRV/CT3FN and HB9EBV. For the IOTA Contest, July 30-31, look for the group to be a Multi/Single entry, and the callsign will be changed to CU4M, then revert to CU4T after the contest. Outside of the contest, operations will include RTTY and PSK. QSL CU4M and CU4T to CT1GFK, direct or by the bureau. QSL CU4/CT3FN via HB9CRV, direct or by the bureau. [Tnx OPDX]

24/07/2005:  OC-067  FOØ/WB2REM  VAHINE / BORA BORA -
Jim, WB2REM, will be operating from Vahine Island and Bora Bora (IOTA OC-067, DIFO FO-003) as FO0/WB2REM from July 24th through August 3rd. Operations will be on 40-10 meter CW and SSB, as time permits. QSL via WB2REM. [Tnx OPDX]

24/07/2005:  EU-165  IK2MKE/IMØ  SAN MACARIO ISLAND -
Sal, IK2MKE, will be portable /IM0 between July 24th and August 9th from San Macario Island (IOTA EU-165, IIA CA-012, MIA MIS-030). QSL via the bureau or by the info on QRZ.com. [Tnx OPDX]

24/07/2005:  EU-052  SV8/HA8KW/P  ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND -
Feco, HA8KW, will be QRV July 24th to August 1st as SV8/HA8KW/P from Zakynthos Island (EU-052). Activity will be mainly CW, with some SSB. He will participate in the IOTA Contest as J48KW (12-hour Low Power CW only). QSL via home call, direct (Provics Ferenc, P.O. Box 620, Szeged-1, H-6701, Hungary) or bureau. [Tnx 425 DX News]

25/07/2005:  EU-042  DC1HPS/P  PELLWORM ISLAND -
Hans-Peter, DC1HPS, plans to be QRV July 25th to August 7th as DC1HPS/p from Pellworm Island (IOTA EU-042, GIA N-23 for the German Islands Award). Activity will be on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters, IOTA contest (July 30-31st) included. QSL via home call through the bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

25/07/2005:  EU-128  DH6GD/P  FEHMARN ISLAND -
Gerold, DH6GD, will be active July 25th to August 10th as DH6GD/p from Fehmarn Island (IOTA EU-128, GIA O-01). Activity will be on 80-10 meter CW, SSB and PSK-31. He also plans to participate in the IOTA contest. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425 DX News]

25/07/2005:  EU-011  H.C.'s/P & M8C  ISLES OF SCILLY -
A team, consisting of G0VJG, G0FDZ, G4BUO, G7GLW, 2E0ATY and M3CVN will be active July 25-31st from the Isles of Scilly (IOTA EU-011) on all bands as homecall/p and G3RCV/p (QSL via home calls). They will also participate in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 30-31st) as M8C (QSL via G4DFI). [Tnx NG3K]

25/07/2005:  EU-015  SV9/S59W  CRETE -
Tomaz, S59W, will be active as SV9/S59W from the Isle of Crete (IOTA EU-015, MIA MGC-005) between July 25th and August 14th. His activity will be limited, but he will be active in the RGSB IOTA Contest (July 30-31st) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via his home callsign. [Tnx OPDX Bulletin]

26/07/2005:  AF-083  3V8SM  DJERBA ISLAND -
Some members of The Canary Islands DX Society have announced that they will be active from Tunez on Djerba Island (AF-083) as 3V8SM (callsign of the Tunisian Scout Radio Club in the Houmt Souk City). Activity will be on the WARC bands and on SSB/PSK31/RTTY between July 26-29th. They will also be active on SSB during the IOTA Contest July 30-31st. The team icludes: Dunia EC8ADU, Javi EC4DX, Edu EC8AUA and some Tunisian operators. QSL via the bureau to Javi, EC4DX; with more infomation on QRZ.com. The team would like to send out a special thanks to Mr. Mustapha, DL1BDF, for his great help with them. The team also recommends that DXers pay special atention to their pilot station Oscar, EA4TD, and his Web page for up-to-date news from the team at: http://www.ea4td.com . More informations is forthcoming very soon. [Tnx OPDX]

26/07/2005:  EU-014  TK/DK1EAW  CORSICA -
Bon, DK1EAW, will be active as TK/DK1EAW from Corsica (IOTA EU-014, DIFM TK-001, MIA MCO-001) between July 26th and August 2nd. Activity will be CW only, with wire and vertical antennas, output 50-100 watts. Bon will also participate in the RSGB IOTA contest (July 30-31st) as a Single Op/Unassisted/CW/Low Power/24hr entry. Outside the contest look for him on the WARC bands. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. NO E-QSL! [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

27/07/2005:  AS-118  9K2F  FAYLAKAH ISLAND -
Faisal, 9K2ID, reports that a group of ham operators, with the support of the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society, are planning to operate as 9K2F from Faylakah Island (IOTA AS-118) from July 27th to August 3rd. They also plan to participate in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 30-31st). QSL via 9K2RA (KARS, P.O. Box 5240, 13053, Safat, Kuwait) or via the bureau (via bureau is preferred). [Tnx 9K2ID]

27/07/2005:  NA-063  CYØAA  SABLE ISLAND, NS -
Joe W8GEX, Wayne K8LEE and Phil W9IXX plan to be active as CY0AA from Sable Island (IOTA NA-063, CIsA NS-004) between July 27th and August 6th, IOTA Contest (July 30-31st) included. They expect to operate on 160-6 meter CW, SSB, PSK and RTTY. QSL and donations to help offset the cost will be handled by K8LEE. [Tnx 425 DX News]

27/07/2005:  EU-149  ES2U  RAMMU -
Andres ES1AN, Arvo ES1QV, Harald ES1LS, Eimar ES1LSR, Toivo ES2DJ and Juri ES2EZ will be QRV July 27-31st as ES2U from the island of Rammu (IOTA EU-149). Activity will be on 80-10 meter CW and SSB, IOTA contest included, running 100 watts. QSL via ES1QV (Arvo Saluri, Mustjoe 26, 10617 Tallinn, Estonia). [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

27/07/2005:  EU-038  PC6IOTA  TEXEL ISLAND -
JanJaap/PG7V and Jack/PD2JVE will be QRV July 27th to August 3rd from Texel Island (IOTA EU-038) with the special call PC6IOTA. Main activity will be participation in the RSGB IOTA contest (July 30-31st). Activity before and after the contest on all HF-bands in CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK and 6 meters, 2 meters and 70 centimeters. QSL via PG7V. Further information about the operation can be found at: www.pg7v.net/pc6iota . [Tnx PG7V]

28/07/2005:  NA-113  C6APR, C6ARV  CROOKED ISLAND -
Pete, W2GJ, and Steve, AA4V, are planning two trips to Crooked Island, Bahamas (IOTA NA-113). They will be there for the IOTA contest in July, 2005, and the CQ WW phone test in late October, 2005. The calls will be C6ARV (AA4V) and C6APR (W2GJ). The operations in the contest will be M/S with WARC bands operation by each operator before and after the contests. QSL via respective home calls (QRZ.com) [Tnx AA4V]

28/07/2005:  AF-New!  C93DX  CHILOANE ISLAND -
A group of operators from Ukraine plan to be active July 28 to August 1st as C93DX from Chiloane Island (IOTA AF-New!). Activity will be on 160-10 meter CW, SSB and digital modes. QSL direct to UT5UGR (Dimitry Stashuk, P.O. Box 115, Kiev-147, 02147 Ukraine). [Tnx 425 DX News]

28/07/2005:  EU-129  DL0KWH/P  USEDOM ISLAND -
DL2SWW, DH7NO, DH1LA, DG1RUG, DF9TM, DL2VFR and DL2RTK will be QRV July 28-31st as DL0KWH/p from Usedom Island (IOTA EU-129, GIA O-13), IOTA contest included. QSL via DARC bureau. [Tnx 425 DX News]

28/07/2005:  EU-130  IV3/DL3OCH  GRADO ISLAND -
Bodo, DL3OCH, will be QRV July 28th to August 1st as IV3/DL3OCH from Grado Island (IOTA EU-130, IIA GO-001, MIA MI-039). Look for activity from 160-10 meter CW only. Bodo will also be participating in the RSGB IOTA contest (July 30-31st). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx DL3OCH]

28/07/2005:  EU-088  OZ8MW/P  ANHOLT ISLAND -
OZ2TF, OZ7KDJ and OZ9V will be active July 28th to August 4th, IOTA Contest (July 30-31st) included, as OZ8MW/P from Anholt Island (IOTA EU-088, NK-001 for the Danish Islands Award). Look for them on 80 through 10 meter CW and SSB. QSL direct or via the bureau. [Tnx 425 DX News]

28/07/2005:  NA-014  VC9W  WHITEHEAD ISLAND, NB -
Fred VE1FA, Helen VA1YL, Howard VE1DHD, Bill VE1MR, Lynn, VE1ENT, Gary VE1RGB and Rich VA1CHP are planning to activate Whitehead Island for six days this summer, centering around this year's annual 24-hour IOTA Contest in July. Whitehead Island is located in the Bay of Fundy and lies off the coast of Grand Manan Island. Whitehead is IOTA NA-014, Canadian Islands NB-010, N. lat. 44° 37', W. long. 66° 40', Grid Square FN-64. In 1805, the Franklin family were the first settlers on tiny (2.5 x 1.5 km) Whitehead Island. The fishing was great then and 150 hospitable Islanders still harvest scallops, lobster, salmon and herring around its shores. The group will use the special call VC9W which has been allocated to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the island's first settlement. Activity will be on 80 through 6 meter CW and SSB, from July 28 to August 2, 2005, around the usual island frequencies. QSL via VE1FO (QRZ.com). [Tnx Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin]

28/07/2005:  NA-092  W5RTA  MUSTANG ISLAND, TX -
Members of the South Texas DX and Contest Club (STDXCC, W5RTA) will be active from Mustang Island (IOTA NA-092, USI TX-011S, Nueces County),Texas, from July 28-30th. STDXCC will operate as K5M from Mustang Island during the 2005 Islands On The Air HF Contest, July 30th and 31st. The callsign W5RTA will active on SSB, CW, and RTTY, on 80-10 meters (the WARC bands included), according to Obie Weathers, N5VYS, the K5M Station Manager. During the contest, K5M operations will be on SSB and CW on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. QSL via W6WF, Lyle Meek, the K5M QSL Manager. The pilot station and network support is Don Hinte, KA5EYH. The K5M operators include K5OLE, KS5V, KC5YKX, W5DK, W5QZT, AC5YK, KB5WT, and N5VYS. Questions regarding K5M during the IOTA Contest should be directed to N5VYS at k5mustang(at)swbell(dot)net. Information about the South Texas DX and Contest Club may be found at: http://stdxcc.org/ . Details of the K5M operation may be found at: http://stdxcc.org/mustang_.htm [Tnx OPDX]

29/07/2005:  EU-043  7S6TL  TISTLARNA -
Hakan SM6EQO, Bjorn SM6JOC, Magnus SM6VFJ, Lasse SM6ZBD, Loesaus SM6ZBC and Gundhard SA6AIF will be active July 29-31st as 7S6TL from Tistlarna (Goteborg and Bohus/Halland County group) (IOTA EU-043), IOTA Contest included. They will be operating from the Tistlarna lighthouse (ARLHS reference SWE-392) and will use the call 7S6TL/LH just before and just after the IOTA contest. QSL via SK6GO (QRZ.com). [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

29/07/2005:  AS-081  D7ØYT  CH'ANGSON ISLAND -
A group of operators from South Korea will be active as D70YT from Ch'angson Island (AS-081) from 29 July to 1 August, IOTA Contest included. QSL via HL5BDD. [Tnx 425 DX News]

29/07/2005:  EU-105  F/ON5MF/P  ILE DE BATZ -
Jurgen (ON5MF) and Tim (ON5HC) will be QRV July 29th to August 1st as F/ON5MF/P from Ile de Batz (IOTA EU-105, DIFM MA-018), IOTA contest included. Activity will be on all bands 80-10 meters. QSL via ON5MF, direct or bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

29/07/2005:  NA-132  FP/H.C.'s  MIQUELON -
Paul/K9OT and Peg/KB9LIE will be active from the island of Miquelon (IOTA NA-132, DIFO FP-002, Grid GN17) as FP/homecalls July 29th through August 7th. They will operate from the world-famous Room 5 at the Maxotel on Miquelon (NA-132) using CW and SSB, 100 watts and wire vertical antennas, plus a beam for 6 meters. Main bands will be 80, 40, and 30 meters CW and 40, 20, and 17 meters SSB, with activity on 160 meters and the higher bands if they appear to be open. They plan to be active in the RSGB IOTA Contest as Single-Operators and as FP/K9OT in the CW NA QSO Party. QSL via their homecalls (good in QRZ) with a SASE, or 1 greenstamp, Euro or IRC (old or new). Bureau cards are accepted but e-QSLs will not be acknowledged. [Tnx OPDX]

29/07/2005:  EU-011  M1KTA/P  ISLES OF SCILLY -
Dominic, M1KTA, and possibly Clive M5CHH, will be QRV as M1KTA/P on all bands, SSB activity, during the IOTA contest weekend 30/31st July and either side of it. Dominic will attempt to operate CW during the contest, probably slow CW during the bottom 20 minutes of each hour e.g. x:20 - x:40. He will likely be operating from St.Agnes for the contest as that is where they will be based but may also be operating from one of the other islands St.Mary's, Tresco or Bryher during the weekend. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

29/07/2005:  EU-123  MM3M  ISLE OF ARRAN -
A group of operators from the Sheffield Amateur Radio Club (G3VCQ) will be active July 29-31st as MM3M from the Isle of Arran, IOTA contest included. Members of the team may also be active using their own call signs/p and /m, please QSL as per their instructions. WAB squares that they intend activating during their stay are as follows: The district is North Ayrshire - NS01(Isle of Pladda), NS02 (Base camp), /m will be NS03, 04, 05; NR82, 83, 84, 93 and 94. Please note the team will be operating /m enroute to and from Sheffield and will be active on 40m and 20m. Light house activations will be Pladda (A4326), A4336 Broldick Bay Pier Head. SW End A4332. QSL MM3M via G4FAL, direct or via the bureau. [Tnx 425 DX News]

29/07/2005:  EU-012  MMØECG  SHETLAND MAINLAND -
Peter MM5PSL, Roger MM1FJM, Lars DF1LON/MM0LON and George DL1ECG/MM0ECG will participate in the IOTA Contest (July 30-31st) as MM0ECG from the Eshaness Lighthouse (WLH GM-026, ARLHS SCO-075, WLOTA 0867) on Shetland Mainland (IOTA EU-012, IOSA SH-01, SCOTIA SI-11). QSL via DL1ECG, direct or bureau. Expect some activity also before and after the contest. [Tnx 425 DX News]

29/07/2005:  EU-010  MMØLSB/P  BERBNERAY -
Look for Dennis (M0LSB) to be active July 29-31st as MM0LSB/p from Berbneray (IOTA EU-010, SCOTIA HI-15, IOSA OH-005), Outer Hebrides. Activity will be on, or near, the usual IOTA frequencies. QSL via M0LSB. [Tnx GM3VLB]

29/07/2005:  EU-092  MMØQ  TANERA MOR, SUMMER ISLES -
Jim, MM0BQI, will be QRV July 29-31st from Tanera Mor, Summer Isles (IOTA EU-092, IOSA SC-10, SCOTIA CN-32) using the special call MM0Q. Activity will be on 80 through 10 meters, no WARC bands, using CW and SSB. QSL via MM0BQI (Jim Martin, MM0BQI, 3 Lismore Avenue, Edinburgh, EH8 7DW, SCOTLAND). [Tnx IOTW]

29/07/2005:  EU-092  MMØTFU/P  ISLE OF ARRAN -
Iain, MM0TFU, will be active July 29th to August 5th as MM0TFU/p from Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran (IOTA EU-123, IOSA CL-01, SCOTIA CS-14). Activity will be on 80-10 meter SSB, IOTA contest included. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx MM0TFU]

29/07/2005:  EU-125  OZ/DFØTX  ROMO ISLAND -
Look for Mark DL1XAQ, Andy DG3XA, Olaf DL4HG, Andy DL7AT, Thorsten DG7TG and Ralph DL3LED to be active July 29-31st as OZ/DF0TX from Romo Island (IOTA EU-124, DIA NS-001). They plan to participate in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 30-31st) and will be active on 80-10 meter CW and SSB. QSL via DF0TX (QRZ.com). [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

29/07/2005:  EU-029  OZ/DL2JRM/P  LOLLAND ISLAND -
Rene, DL2JRM, will be active July 29th to August 1st as OZ/DL2JRM/P from Lolland Island (IOTA EU-029, DIA SJ-015 for the Danish Islands award). Rene will be active during the IOTA contest on 80-10 meter QRP SSB and CW, with an FT-817, windom and gp antenna, all solar powered. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx DL2JRM]

29/07/2005:  EU-065  TM4Z  ILE OUESSANT -
A multi national team from France, Scotland and Belgium will be active as TM4Z from Ouessant Island (IOTA EU-065, DIFM AT-001) for the IOTA Contest (July 30-31st). QSL via F4DXW, direct or bureau. [Tnx F6KHM]

29/07/2005:  EU-074  TMØEME  BREHAT ISLAND -
Jose ON4CJK, Kenny ON4DPX and Marc ON5FP will be active July 29th to August 5th as TM0EME from Brehat Island (IOTA EU-074, DIFM MA-012), IOTA Contest included. QSL via ON4ADN, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425 DX News]

30/07/2005:  NA-137  AK1Q  LOUDS ISLAND, ME -
Ken, AK1Q, plans to be QRV July 30th to August 1st as AK1Q/p from Louds Island (IOTA NA-137, USI ME-New!, WW Loc. FN53GW, Lincoln County), Muscongus Bay, Maine. The RSGB IOTA contest is the main purpose of this expedition. Activity will be on 40, 20 and 15 meters, mainly SSB but some CW at 15 wpm or slower. QSL via home call (QRZ.com). [Tnx AK1Q]

30/07/2005:  EU-145  CS1GDX  CULATRA ISLAND -
Look for Sam CT1EEN, Carlos CT1END, Luis CT1EEQ and other operators from the Portuguese DX Group to be active as CS1GDX in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 30-31st) from Ilha da Culatra (IOTA EU-145, DIP AL-001). QSL CS1GDX via P.O. Box 1156, 2736-996 Agualva, Portugal or via the bureau. [Tnx 425 DX News]

30/07/2005:  AS-105  DTØHF/2  TAEBU ISLAND -
Six operators from South Korea will participate in the IOTA Contest (July 30-31st) as DT0HF/2 from Taebu Island (AS-105). QSL via HL2FDW. [Tnx 425 DX News]

30/07/2005:  EU-071  G6UW/TF  HEIMAEY ISLAND -
Martin G3ZAY, Dominic M0BLF, Tim M0TDG and Tom M0TJH will be QRV July 30-31st as G6UW/TF from the island of Heimaey (IOTA EU-071). Activity will be 80-10 meter CW and SSB, IOTA contest included. QSL via M0BLF, direct or bureau. [Tnx IOTW]

30/07/2005:  EU-116  GB5MOB  ISLE OF MAN -
The Scarlett Point Radio Group will be active July 30-31st using the special call sign GB5MOB from The Old Nunnery, Isle of Man (IOTA EU-116), IOTA contest included. This activity is part of the celebrations for the Isle of Man's 175th Maritime Anniversary Year. QSL via MD0IOM. For further information on this event, including real time Internet video and audio streaming of all stations and operators, please visit www.scarlettpoint.com [Tnx 425 DX News]

30/07/2005:  EU-031  IC8OZM  ISLAND OF PROCIDA -
Operators IK8UND, IK8HCG and IK8TEO will join Virgilio, IC8OZM, for the IOTA Contest. They will be signing IC8OZM from the Island of Procida (IOTA EU-031, IIA NA-002, MIA MI-080). QSL via the home call sign. [Tnx OPDX]

30/07/2005:  NA-028  KL7/N7YX  ST. PAUL ISLAND -
Hillar, N6HR and others will participate in the IOTA Contest (July 30-31st) as KL7/N7YX from St. Paul, Pribilof Islands (IOTA NA-028, USI AK041S, 3rd S. Central County), Alaska. QSL via home call (QRZ.com). [Tnx 425 DX News]

30/07/2005:  EU-029  OZ/DH8SAM  FALSTER ISLAND -
Thomas, DH8SAM, will be QRV July 30th to August 12th as OZ/DH8SAM from Falster Island (IOTA EU-029, DIA SJ-016 for the Danish Islands Award). Activity will be on 40, 30 and 20 meter SSB and CW, in the mornings and evenings. He also plans to work some 2 meters with a HB9CV antenna and 50 watts. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

30/07/2005:  EU-176  SG3ZZR  GRIMSKAR ISLAND -
Anders SM3XGV, Hans SM3TLG, Staffan SM3JGG, Classe SM3GSK/SM3S, Tord SM3EVR, Gunner SM3DVN and Jorgen SM3CXS will be QRV for the IOTA contest (July 30-31) as SG3ZZR from Grimskar Island (IOTA EU-176). QSL via SM3CXS, direct or bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

30/07/2005:  EU-135  SK2T  BREDSKÄR ISLAND -
A large group of Swedish operators will be active July 30-31st as SK2T from Bredskär Island (IOTA EU-135, WW Loc. KP03DP). They will be participating in the RSGB IOTA contest as a Multi-Op/High Power entry on 80-10 meter CW and SSB. QSL via SK2AT (QRZ.com). [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

30/07/2005:  EU-037  SMØELV/7  IDÖ ISLAND -
Kent, SM0ELV, will be active in the RSGB IOTA contest (July 30-31st) as SM0ELV/7 from Idö Island (IOTA EU-037). Activity will be on both CW and SSB. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

30/07/2005:  EU-158  SY8M  PROTI ISLAND -
Nick, SV3SJ, will be active from Proti island (IOTA EU-158, MIA MG-092) during the IOTA contest as SY8M. August 1st he will be signing SV3SJ/p with particular attention for USA and JA. QSL both SY8M and SV3SJ/p via IZ8CCW, direct or bureau. [Tnx IZ8CCW]

30/07/2005:  EU-065  TM4Z  ILE D'OUESSANT -
Stephane, F4DXW, plans to be active July 30-31st as TM4Z from the Ile d'Ouessant (IOTA EU-065, DIFM AT-001) during the RSGB IOTA contest. QSL via F4DXW, direct or bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

30/07/2005:  EU-064  TMØxx  NOIRMOUTIER ISLAND -
A team of operators from the Provins ARC will be active from the QTH of Bernard, F9IE, on the Ile de Noirmoutier (IOTA EU-064, DIFM AT-020) during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 30-31st). The team will consist of Franck F4AJQ, Bernard F9IE, John F5VHQ and Pascal, F5JSD. They will use a special TM0xx call, which will be given at the last moment for their 24 hour effort. QSL via Franck, F4AJQ, direct or bureau. [Tnx F5NQL]

30/07/2005:  NA-081  VE9's/P  NS PROVINCE E GROUP -
Linda VE9GLF, and Len VE9MY, will operate from a "new" Canadian island in NA-081 (VE1 - Nova Scotia Province East Group) for the IOTA contest. They will have 100 watts, a vertical for 15-20 metres and a dipole for 40 metres. QSL via home calls. [Tnx 425 DX News]

30/07/2005:  EU-074  W4YO  HARBOR ISLAND, SC -
Ed, W4YO (palaver@islc.net), the only permanent resident amateur on Harbor Island (IOTA NA-110, USI SC-009S, Beaufort County), South Carolina, reports he will participate in this year's IOTA Contest. He is also available for skeds on 10-40 metres, SSB and CW. [Tnx 425 DX News]

31/07/2005:  EU-061  LA/DB5YB  FLEKKEROY ISLAND -
Yogi, DB5YB, will be active from Flekkeroy Island (IOTA EU-061) as LA/DB5YB between July 31st and August 12th. Activity will be on 40-10 meter SSB. QSL via home call, direct of bureau. [Tnx rsgbiota.org]

31/07/2005:  NA-077  VE2QRA/P  ANTICOSTI ISLAND, QC -
Guy, VE2QRA, will be active July 31st to August 5th from Anticosti Island (IOTA NA-077, CIsA QC-001) at the lighthouse of Pointe-Carleton (ARLHS CAN-395). It will be a holiday style operation on 80-6 meters, mostly SSB with 100 watts and wire antennas. QSL direct to VE2QRA (Guy Bouchard, 1108 rue Dollard, Val-Belair, Quebec G3K 1W6, Canada). [Tnx 425 DX News]

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

"Dangerous Dennis" Keeps Hurricane Watch Net, WX4NHC Active (Jul 8, 2005)

The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) on 14.325 MHz and WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center remain active to gather ground-level weather data for forecasters as Hurricane Dennis approaches the US. The storm now is packing winds of nearly 145 MPH with higher gusts as it bears down on Cuba.

Full Story here

(ARRL News Service)

Ham numbers down in USA  (July 8 2005)

As of June 2005, K3UD says that there were 28,151 Novice Class operators, 317,655 Technicians, 136,435 holding a General, 75,812 Advanced and 106,852 Extra Class.  That makes for a grand total of 664,905 United States license holders as of June 30th.  And while a respectable figure, it is down by 550 license holders since the last reporting period.

So where have we lost and where have we gained? 211 Novice's are gone as are 37 Technicians, 135 Generals and 301 Advanced class.  Only the Extra has seen any significant growth.  There are now 134 more of them than there was a month ago. 

Looking at the numbers one of the most interesting items is that Technician class category showed the least attrition.  Again as noted, only 37 Tech's opted out and these could easily have been upgrades rather than people abandoning the hobby.  This however is hard to know as the numbers presented do not track the  changes due to upgrades from one class to 
another. 

None the less, the overall stability in the number of Technicians flies in the face of the doom-sayers.  Those who prophesized that many Technicians would quickly tire of life on repeaters and not bother to renew or upgrade. The numbers seem to indicate just the opposite.

The other good news is in the growth of the Extra class.  This says that there is still a good deal of interest in the ham community in the highest license standard.  One which is not very easy to attain.  Even though the 20 word per minute Morse test is gone, the written exam is still a reach scorcher, as anyone who has taken it lately will attest. 

And even more good news: McCouch says that the latest decline was less than half the average monthly loss.  He says that the base totals that these figures are derived from are the month-to-month totals beginning back in May of 2000.  This is the implementation of the then new licensing changes. K-3-U-D says that he has been measuring the changes since September 6th of  2004. 

By way of reference, The peak number since the last restructuring was hit in April 2003.  (QRZ.com)

(Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, ARNewsline)
 

Regulation by Bandwidth Proposals, Strategic Planning Top ARRL Board Agenda (Jul 7, 2005)

When it meets July 15-16, the ARRL Board of Directors will consider recommendations that could result in a petition calling on the FCC to regulate the use of amateur spectrum by emission bandwidth rather than by emission mode. The ARRL Executive Committee reached consensus on a set of regulation-by-bandwidth proposals April 9, and the League has received more than 500 comments from the amateur community since the latest version of the draft recommendations went public. The ARRL will file nothing with the FCC until the Board gives its go-ahead, however. ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, says the Board essentially has four options.

Full Story

(ARRL News Service)

New Measure puts all Florida Radio Operators at risk of Jail (July 1 2005)

Florida has a new law that could mean jailtime for anyone who interferes with the reception of a licensed broadcast station.  Even hams, GMRS and other private radio operators are not exempt. 

On July 1st a new Florida state law took effect that makes it a felony offense to transmit without a license or cause radio interference to a licensed broadcast station even if you have a license.  According to information provided by a reader of the C-G-C Communicator and a post by William Sinbine, N4EXO, to QRZ.com, state measure F-S 877.27 provides penalties ranging up to a $100,000 fine and five years in prison, for each offense.  And as written even if you hold an FCC issued radio operators license the holder of a broadcast license take precedence. 

Sinbine goes further.  He notes a recent newspaper article that quotes Ralph Barlow of the Tampa FCC office.  Barlow says that under this new law, local police and sheriff departments can act without even having to contact the FCC. 

The American Radio Relay League acted early on to try to thwart the Florida legislation.  Back on February 25th the League filed a Request for Declaratory Ruling seeking to have the FCC invoke federal preemption to strike down the Florida radio law.  The ARRL's request said that the measure delves into issues that are way outside the jurisdiction of state laws.  It asked for the regulatory agency to declare it null and void.

(Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF. Amateur Radio Newsline)

500kHz Operation from USA Soon (July 1 2005)

In the USA, the Federal Communications Commission has issued the experimental call letters WD2XSH for use on 500kHz by the ARRL 600 Metre Group. Members of the experimental group are eagerly anticipating the issue of the licence itself, which will allow them to commence operation on 500kHz. When transmissions have started, reception reports via the experimental group’s website will be welcomed.

(RSGB2)