.The Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin
The Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin is a weekly service that brings you the latest in Amateur Radio News from around the world. Providing over 30 pages of information every week to keep you up to speed with current events on the Amateur Radio Scene, delivered to over 2400 hams every week.

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Radio Amateurs of Canada

Great Britain....Science Ambassadors Promote Amateur Radio

Under the SETPOINT scheme, SETPOINT Cumbria recently held a radio workshop at which over 100 children spent the day finding out about radio waves, practising Morse code and building an AM radio. Seven members of the RSGB trained as Science and Engineering Ambassadors to support the project. A SETPOINT spokesman said, “Their dedication and enthusiasm rubbed off on the children and their teachers, which made the day a great success.” The Science and Engineering Ambassadors scheme is sponsored by the government and is coordinated nationally by SETNET, the Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Network: www.setnet.org.uk

(RSGB)
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SAQ Named World Heritage Station

SAQ, the Alexanderson alternator VLF transmitter at Grimeton in Sweden has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.  According to the RSGB News, the decision was made by the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO at a meeting near Shanghai in China on the 2nd of July.

S-A-Q continues to make occasional transmissions on 17.2 kHz on CW.  The last one was on the 4th of July.

(RSGB)
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Somalia Gives Ham Radio Increased Power Limits

The Ministry of Information, Telecommunication and Culture in Somalia has made changes as part of action to implement the W-R-C 2003 accords.

The nation of Somalia has acted to grant its ham radio population a power increase to 3 kilowatts. They are also letting hams use the 88 to 108 Mhz band for F-M and permitting Amateur Television broadcasts to be conducted on any unoccupied standard VHF or UHF television channel.

Additional frequency allocations for amateur radio experimenters in Somalia:  Radio Amateurs in that nation can operate on additional bands including Zero to 9 Kilohertz,  from 70  to 90 Kilohertz and 130  to 190 Kilohertz.  On Medium Wave frequencies include 495 to 526 Kilohertz, while on the High Frequencies the hams of Somalia get 5.060 to 5.450 MHz and 26.100  to 29.700 MHz excluding 27.995 the sliver band from to 27.999.

If you are planning to visit Somali a 'Somali Visitors Amateur Radio License' is now issued to any class of overseas amateur radio license holder as a courtesy.  It is free of charge and issued for life unless canceled by the Somali Government.

(ARNewsLine)
 

July 20 2004  RAC President sends formal proposal on Morse Testing to Industry Canada

Following informal discussions over a period of about one year, and decisions reached at the CARAB meeting last fall, RAC has prepared a  formal proposal to Industry Canada, with detailed recommendations on issues related to Morse testing, and other aspects of certification. It is expected that Industry Canada will make every effort to consult with interested amateurs and other spectrum users in Canada, and reach a decision as soon as possible.

The covering letter from President Lamoureux to Mr. Jan Skora Director-General of the Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulatory Branch of Industry Canada is available on the RAC website in the Canadian News area: www.rac.ca/news

(RAC News Service)
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July 13 2004  RAC Directors proposing revisions to the RAC constitution

Any changes to the constitution of a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization such as RAC must be approved not only by the membership at an Annual General meeting, but also subsequently by Corporations Canada, the arm of Industry Canada which ensures compliance with the Canada Corporations Act.

For some time, members of the RAC Board have been considering how its constitution might be revised to correct some deficiencies, and to add improvements and clarification where appropriate. The Board has now approved draft changes, and the proposed revised constitution will be published in TCA and posted on the RAC web site in sufficient time for it to be submitted to the membership at the Annual General meeting this fall. Watch here for more details on the proposals soon.

(RAC News Service)
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July 13 2004  RAC Board approves new policy on privacy of information

Federal government legislation  requires that organizations such as RAC develop and promulgate their policies on privacy of information.

At a teleconference meeting on July 13th,  the RAC Board of Directors approved a new policy  governing treatment of information provided by members, or by users of the RAC web site. The intent of the Board decision is not only to set standards for the protection of  such information, but also to ensure that amateurs have full access to the policy. The full details of the privacy policy are now on the RAC web site and can be found at:  www.rac.ca/privacy.htm

(RAC News Service)
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July 8 2004  RAC General Manager VA3RGM presented with plaque

Since RAC first began operations 11 years ago, Ms. Debbie Norman VA3RGM has been the General Manager.

At a small ceremony at RAC headquarters on July 8th, attended by Ontario North Director Doug Leach, VE3XK, Quebec Director Murray Epstein, Vice President Regulatory Affairs Jim Dean, VE3IQ, and other guests, Ms Norman was presented with a plaque, expressing the recognition and appreciation of the Board of Directors.

In Part, the plaque, presented by President Daniel Lamoureux VE2KA, reads:

" ....... be it resolved that The Board of Radio Amateurs of Canada recognizes the dedication of Ms Norman, and sincerely thanks her for her loyalty and perseverance as the corporations sole permanent and full time employee."

(RAC News Service)
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Industry Canada authorizes Special Event Callsign with 4 character suffix for QCWA convention

QCWA National Capital Chapter 70 has been authorized by Industry Canada to use the special event call sign VE3QCWA from 17 September 2004 through 17 October 2004 for the QCWA International Convention that will be held in Ottawa 15-16-17 October, sponsored by National Capital Chapter 70.  Although a QCWA convention, the Convention in Ottawa will be open to all radio amateurs.  QSL Manager for VE3QCWA will be VE3IQ.

(RAC News Service)
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July 24 2004  News from HFRADIO.NET

While working on this bulletin Thursday afternoon the computer monitor screen, an 7 year old 17 inch monitor, started to shake, spark...then a cloud of smoke issued out and all went black. I attempted to use the 14 inch backup monitor which was stored in the basement but to no avail, the screen was much to small for these tired old eyes! While bemoaning my dilemma on the Friday morning Toronto ARES Group chat net, a voice from one of our members spoke up saying "Jim, we think we can help you". Later that day I meet with Steven (VA3DUN) and Lauri (VA3SLA) Schmucker from the Scarborough Amateur Radio Club , much to my delight they donated a 21" Optiquest V115 monitor to the HFRADIO.NET Service Group.

Thank you so much Steve and Lauri for your generous gift and what a delight it is to work with an 21" inch monitor......I can see clearly now!!

(Jim Taylor VA3KU  Website Administrator)
 

August 1. 2004  Franklin County Amateur Radio Club Event

The F.C.A.R.C. is looking for your help again for an up and coming event on Sunday August 1. 2004 The 21 Annual Greenfield Triathlon. The location we be at the Greenfield swimming area on Nash’s Mill Rd. The first race starts at 8.00 am should run till 1200 pm. In the past the F.C.A.R.C. has been providing all the radio communication for this races plus it is one of the biggest events this club has. I know from talking to the event staff and some of the participants they look forward to us being there in case there is an emergency they know help will be coming.

If you have the time can you come out and play and lend a helping hand. I have always said if you can give me a couple of hour or just 5 min please come on down. I would also like to invite you to come down if you cannot work the event but you are passing by to please stop by and chat with your fellow radio operators. This does help to boost the moral of the all radio operators working the event plus who knows you may have a lot of fun too. We will need around 10 to 14 radio operators to work this event and provide the communications they are asking for. I ask that all Amateur radio operators please meet before 7.00 am in the parking lot just pass the swimming area on the right as up go up the hill on Nash’s Mill Rd. Please note they will start warming up after 7.30 am and the race starts at 8.00 am so we will need to be at are post before 8.00 am.

Directions:

From I-91 north, take exit 26 and go ¾ way around the rotary Route 2 West. At the first light turn Right (before Texaco Station) onto Colrain Rd. Follow Colrain Rd. about 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Nash’s Mill Rd. Park & swim area will be on the left.

From I-91 south, take exit 26 and take a right on to Route 2 West. At the first light turn Right (before Texaco Station) onto Colrain Rd. Follow Colrain Rd. about 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Nash’s Mill Rd. Park & swim area will be on the left.

For more information about the Franklin County Amateur Radio Club website: www.fcarc.org

(Tom Foxwell N1OTS  FCARC Club President)
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The Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin is looking for an co-editor to assist in publishing news and events for the Atlantic Maritime region. If you are interested in assisting this publication please contact the editor Jim Taylor VA3KU his e-mail address is va3ku@rac.ca
 

Sept. 11 2004  West Island Amateur Radio Club Hamfest

 WIARC Hamfest and Auction - Dollard des Ormeaux, QC
 Location: Karnak Shriners Hall (West Island), 3350 Boulevard des Sources, Dollard des Ormeaux, QC (STM Bus 215) nearby
Time: Vendors 08h00,  Public 09h00 Auction 09:30
Admission: Vendors Tables $15.00 (includes 1 admission) Public $5.00
Talk-in: VE2RWI 146.910 (-)
For information/table reservations via E-mail at: ve2cwi@rac.ca
Webpage: http://shell.pubnix.net/~wiarc

(Vernon Erle Ikeda)
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The Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin is looking for an co-editor to assist in publishing news and events for the Quebec Region. If you are interested in assisting this publication please contact the editor Jim Taylor VA3KU his e-mail address is va3ku@rac.ca
 

The Lanark County and North Leeds ARES Group Annual Flea Market

Will be holding their Annual Flea Market in Westport, Ontario, on Saturday, July 31.
Venue is the Legion Hall, located on County road 10, heading south towards Kingston, just outside of Westport.
Time: 08:00 for vendors; 09:00 for buyers.  Close at 13:00
Admission free.  Tables $10.00:  Tailgaters $5.00
Refreshments and sandwiches. Great shopping for the XYLs in Westport!
For info/ table bookings call 613-273-3896 or email: normh@rideau.net

(Tony VE3XNT  OBS Lanark County and North Leeds ARES Group)
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July 31 to Aug 1. Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival

Look for the Welland County Amateur Radio Club on freqs. 28.350 21.250 14.250 7.250.
QSL to:
Doug Frame, VE3JDF,
895 Lakeshore Rd E, Port
Colborne, ON L3K 5V3, Canada.

RAC Ontario Section News

July 18 2004

It is with much regret that I inform you that Paul Davidson - VE3UUM has tendered his resignation from the role of Section Emergency Coordinator for Ontario effective July 17, 2004. Paul has provided outstanding support and initiative in his short term as the SEC, to the rejuvenation of the ARES in Ontario and his dynamic attitude and enthusiasm for the "Project" were second to none. Despite personal health concerns, he has been an ardent and active member of the Section Manager's Cabinet and highly instrumental in re-building our interface with Emergency Management Ontario. His work 'behind the scenes' i.e. Yahoo groups, coordinating discussions, work groups and the Provincial District realignment, has more than demonstrated his unwavering dedication to the ARES and its desire to make a difference as an auxiliary communications service to the Province.

We will be actively searching for someone to fill the SEC role in the weeks to come, but in the meantime, the duties and functions shift to the Section Manager for all ARES matters in the Province.

I hope you will join my Section Staff and me in extending to Paul our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for his future.

Regards,
Rose Scholtyssek, VE3RIS
Ontario Section Manager
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July 16 2004
Dufferin ARES Group has acquired the old Dufferin County Ambulance, so they now have their mobile command post. Paul, VE3PWZ, expects to be having an installation party for all the equipment that they will be putting into the rig.

Glenn Killam VE3GNA
Dufferin ARES
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For more information on events in the RAC Ontario Section visit:  www.aresontario.ca
 

July 10 2004  Western Canadian amateurs announce their first experimental 2200 metre QSO

Steve McDonald VE7SL and Scott Tilley, VE7TIL, have been granted special permission by Industry Canada to conduct experimental communications in the 2200 metre band (137 kHz). Steve sent in the following story.

I am pleased to announce the first western Canadian contact on the 2200m band! The QSO was completed on 137.754 kHz. ( July 10th) between myself, VE7SL (Mayne Island, BC - CN88) and Scott Tilley, VE7TIL (Vancouver, BC - CN89), a distance of approximately 50km. VE7TIL utilized slow-speed CW (QRSS3) mode while VE7SL used normal CW.

At the time of our initial two-way QSO, Scott's transmitter consisted of a homebrew DDS exciter using a Darlington-pair final running about 1W output. My transmitter was also homebrewed, using a crystal controlled exciter into a single FET amplifier at 100W out. Both of us used similar antenna systems for transmitting, a loaded three-wire flattop 'T' . On receive, both  stations used small backyard loop antennas. During beacon tests the following night at 100 watts, both stations received encouraging reports from southern Oregon at a distance of 460 miles.  Being the only 2200m activity west of Ontario, it is hoped that our efforts will stimulate more interest in LF on the Canadian west coast and western provinces. As well, we are both working towards improvements in antenna systems and increased power levels for the upcoming winter season.

Those wishing to learn more about 136kHz activity and equipment can visit "THE VE7SL RADIO NOTEBOOK":" www.imagenisp.ca/jsm  and VE7TIL at: www.scottboxx.com/radio

(Thanks to Steve  VE7SL)
(RAC News Service)
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July 28-30 2004  Annual Threshermen’s Reunion

The Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum’s station VE4MTR will be in full operation during the Reunion from 10 AM TO 6 PM each day. Our parade float will be in the daily vintage parade in front of the grandstand. Excellent camping and, lots of activities. For further info visit: www.mts.net/~dsnydal/austin.html
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Aug. 20-21 2004  MARM Ham Fest

The Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum is hosting its 10TH Annual Ham Fest on August 20, 21 2004, in the Heritage Building on the grounds of The Manitoba Agricultural Museum at Austin, Manitoba, Canada. Friday night campfire/fun times – excellent camping come and enjoy the campfire and hospitality of fellow Amateurs and families. Saturday at 2:00 PM The Manitoba Repeater Society will have their meeting.

Registration $6.00 Lots of prizes, roast beef supper, free Sat night dance (music man) byob and munchies

Full Details: www.mts.net/~dsnydal/bboard.html
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The Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin is looking for an co-editor to assist in publishing news and events for the Western Provinces Region. If you are interested in assisting this publication please contact the editor Jim Taylor VA3KU his e-mail address is va3ku@rac.ca
 

July 23 2004   Tad Cook K7RA Solar Update

Rising solar activity is in the news this week. Sunspot 652, a really big one, is currently looking straight at Earth. We are also experiencing effects from a coronal mass ejection from this spot. Early Thursday, July 22 (actually Wednesday night in the Americas) geomagnetic K indices were at 0 at all latitudes, even above the Arctic Circle. The effects of the coronal mass ejection itself were unimportant, but there was a strong solar wind behind it and the interplanetary magnetic field pointed south, which makes Earth vulnerable. By Thursday night K indices were at 5 and 6.

Average daily sunspot numbers this week over the week previous rose more than 72 points. Average daily solar flux rose nearly 48 points. When the daily sunspot number reached 176 on Monday, July 19, it was the highest reading of this index since November 30, 2003. The solar flux at 175.2 on July 20 was the highest flux value since November 24 of last year. Of course, this doesn't signal any sort of upward trend in the solar cycle, but at this point there is still enough variation to provide some excitement and interest.

The latest SEC prediction still shows the low point of the smoothed sunspot cycle around December 2006 to January 2007. The January 2005 predicted smoothed sunspot number of 21 is two years prior to the predicted cycle bottom, but December 2007 shows the smoothed sunspot number rising back to 21. You can see this at the back of this week's Preliminary Report and Forecast from Space Weather Operations, on the web at, http://www.sec.noaa.gov/weekly/pdf/prf1507.pdf You will need Adobe Reader to view it.

For July 23-26, Friday through Monday, the predicted planetary A index is 25, 15, 10 and 10. Predicted solar flux for those same dates is 170, 160, 160 and 150. For HF, we generally want sunspot counts to be high for several days with stable geomagnetic conditions. Often the two don't arrive together.

Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, wrote a great piece for the propagation section of the ARRL Technical Information Service site titled "Propagation Planning for DXpeditions." The information in this article isn't just for folks planning expeditions to rare DXCC countries, but has good information about HF propagation and planning your ham radio activities. The link to his article is http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/propplan.pdf

Here is an interesting website: http://space.rice.edu/ISTP/#Forecast  This is the Space Weather Resources Page from the Rice Space Institute at Rice University in Texas. This page has many interesting links for those interested in space weather and its effects.

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

Sunspot numbers for July 15 through 21 were 146, 142, 165, 169, 176, 147 and 162 with a mean of 158.1. 10.7 cm flux was 145.7, 146.5, 149.2, 155.1, 170.2, 175.2 and 172.2, with a mean of 159.2. Estimated planetary A indices were 9, 12, 24, 9, 9, 9 and 6, with a mean of 11.1. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 7, 8, 13, 6, 8, 6 and 5, with a mean of 7.6.

(W1AW)
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Six Meters Across the Atlantic

It's looking like it could be a big DX season for hams and SWLs on both sides of the Atlantic.  GB2RS reports that during a Sporadic E opening on June 19th a path opened from Europe to North America.  The Maximum Usable Frequency rose at least as high as the FM broadcast band.  A North American station was received on and recorded at 88.5 MHz between 13:10 and 13:30 UTC.  During the event, trans-Atlantic television carriers were also received on 55.25, 61.25, 67.25 and 83.25 MHz.

(ARNewsLine)
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New Propagation Beacons in CM88

Some new propagation beacons to report.  K7XC reports over the VHF Reflector that as of 05:00 U-T-C on July 19th the KJ6KO 2 meter, 1 and 1/4 meter and 70 centimeter beacons in grid square CM88 are all clearly audible at his home in Fallon Nevada.  Thats grid DM09.

The new beacons operate on  144.282 at 40 watts into a pair of loop antennas.  The 1 an d 1/4 meter unit is on 222.014 with 25 watts into two stacked loops and the 70 centimeter beacon runs 100 watts into four stacked loops on 432.292 Mhz.   KJ6KO says that he would apreciate any Q-S-N reports.  Send them to his Callbook address.

(VHF Reflector)
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July 24 2004 Solar report and propagation forecast, Europe

Solar report and propagation forecast from Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF.

The sun had another active week, with 2 X-class flares and 11 M-class flares, including one of M9.1 magnitude on the 22nd.  The most recent flares were associated with the very large sunspot region we reported last week. This also sustained a continuing high level of solar flux. 175 on the 20th was the highest level since November 2003.  The average for the week was 166, compared with 125 the previous week.  The 90-day average jumped six points to 104 - though this looks like a statistical blip.  The general trend remains downward.  The X-ray flux also increased - from an average B6.2 to B7.1.  The geomagnetic field was 'active' on the 17th, with an Ap figure of 24. It decreased to unsettled until the 22nd, when we were reached by a high-speed coronal wind. The ACE satellite recorded a rise from around 400km/sec to 700km/sec at a time when the interplanetary magnetic field was strongly southward. The resulting geomagnetic disturbance intensified on the 23rd, bringing the Ap for the day to 47, making this the most disturbed day since January.  Active conditions continued into the 24th.

HF propagation was below expectations, with the 23rd particularly poor - although earlier there had been occasional openings to Africa and South America even on 28Mhz. On the low bands, daylight fadeouts arising from the larger flares were reported on several days.  VHF aurora reached most parts of the UK at good strength  during the afternoon and early evening of the 23rd. Sporadic-E was more sparse, though one or two good openings were reported on 50MHz.

During the coming week flare activity is likely to be lower than recently but there is still a fair chance of sizeable flares. The solar flux is now declining fairly rapidly, maybe to around 125 by next weekend. Over the next day or so the geomagnetic field will remain unsettled to active due to coronal mass ejections from recent flares. Quieter levels seem likely to prevail subsequently. However, the possibility of an earth-directed coronal mass ejection bringing higher levels of geomagnetic activity cannot be ruled out. MUFs at equal latitudes should be around 22MHz in the south and 19MHz in the north.  Darkness hour lows will remain at about 12MHz.  Paths to the Middle East should have a maximum usable frequency of 18MHz and an optimum working frequency around 18MHz. The path should be best between 0800 and 1800 UTC.  There should be some sporadic-E at 28 and 50MHz, though this is tending to become less frequent and less intense.

And that's all from your reporters, Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF,
 

July 24 2004 Current ARISS Crew enthusiastic amateurs

The ARISS programme is fortunate to have another all-ham crew that is very enthusiastic about talking to ground-based Amateur Radio operators.

The ARISS team wants to remind everyone that the crew is on a strict schedule, so the best time frame to try contacting them is between 0800 and 1900 UTC. And we have a better chance of talking to them on the weekend. For more information on Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, visit: www.rac.ca/ariss
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July 23 2004  ARISS US Team Completes Phase II Equipment Checkout

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) US team this week successfully completed a comprehensive checkout pass of the ISS Phase II equipment with astronaut Mike Finke, KE5AIT, aboard the ISS. Utilizing ground stations in Greenbelt, Maryland; Orlando, Florida; and Houston, Texas--and linking ARISS team members in Kansas, Colorado, Maryland, Florida and Texas--the ARISS US team performed voice and packet radio uplink tests to fully validate the NA1SS Kenwood TS-D700E Phase II equipment for use during future ARISS school group QSOs. ARISS International Chairman, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, said the test pass was a tremendous success.

"We were able to really ring out the D700 radio system in the Service Module July 22, clearing the way for future use of the radio system with schools," Bauer said. During an East Coast pass, the ARISS team was able to perform signal strength measurements and voice quality checks on 2 meters and 70 cm using the Phase II Kenwood radio and the ARISS-built WA1 antenna system. Completion of testing by the US team now means the ISS has two fully functional Amateur Radio stations onboard.

Installed last December by ISS Expedition 8 Commander Mike Foale, KB5UAC, the new Kenwood dualband transceiver in the Zvezda Service Module--the crew's living quarters--until now has been used only for the RS0ISS packet system and for testing. The ARISS Russia team completed its Phase II Earth-space equipment tests earlier this year. Activation of the new gear will mean a power boost for the NA1SS downlink signal. The modified Kenwood transceiver is capable of operating up to 25 W out, although ARISS has been running it at 10 W.

ARISS team member Mark Steiner, K3MS, said Fincke provided feedback to help the team understand how the radio sounds on orbit. "Mike said that the signals from the 70 cm uplink were especially booming," he added.

From Orlando, ARISS Hardware Specialist Lou McFadin, W5DID, uplinked a special APRS message to the ISS ham radio station. Finke enthusiastically read it back to the ARISS team, confirming the message uplink capability.

All participating stations--on Earth and onboard the ISS--reported excellent signals on 2 meters and "tremendous 40 over S9 signals on 70 cm," Bauer said. The International Space Station Amateur Radio Club station, NN1SS in Greenbelt, noted that the team needed to be especially disciplined to track the fast-moving Doppler on 70 cm.

During the test pass, Bauer expressed his thanks to Fincke and to ISS Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, RN3DT, for their outstanding support to ARRL Field Day and for the casual contacts that Fincke has made recently. "Mike said he is really enjoying the contacts with the ham community and expects to be on more in the future," Bauer said.

Control operators at the three ground stations included Gil Carman, WA5NOM, at the Johnson Space Center Amateur Radio Club's W5RRR in Houston, Lou McFadin, W5DID, in Orlando, and Dave Taylor, W8AAS, NN1SS station in Greenbelt.

ARISS is an international educational outreach program with US participation from NASA, AMSAT and the ARRL:. www.rac.ca/ariss

(ARRL News Service)
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July 20 2004  ECHO Progress Update

The command team continues to work and test Echo. At the present time they are testing the satellite's software on the ground in preparation for general amateur use. The team continues reloading and testing software on the satellite. Telemetry data is also being collected when Echo is in the sun, to work on attitude determination.

The satellite has been in a low power mode while software is loaded. The 435.150 MHz downlink is being used for this task. There are a few more tests to complete before the satellite is opened up for use by the general amateur community. This step will not signify the completion of commissioning by any means, but it has always been the goal of the command team to insure that the satellite's hardware is working properly first, and then open the satellite for everyone to use.

Much more work and testing is yet to be done. The command team, at various times, following general use, will disable the current operating mode to compete the necessary tests. This will occur without prior warning. When we begin this phase, please consider the satellite in experimental operation mode.

At the present time it is anticipated that Echo will be opened initially in 9k6 digital mode, via the BBS system. After running a few days in that mode the FM repeater may be enabled. All modes will start at low power and gather data while looking at the overall health of the satellite, - specifically the power consumption in each configuration. As the command team gains knowledge they will gradually increase the power, and again watch the data.

The command team asks at the present time, that you continue to NOT transmit to Echo. Your patience in that regard up to this point has been appreciated. When Echo is ready, a BBS message will be posted on the Satellite, as they have tried to do from time to time to inform the 9k6 digital group what is happening with commissioning. Also a bulletin through ANS and on the AMSAT website will be issued. So, please continue to show restraint and you will be making your first contacts through Echo soon.

(RAC News Service)
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July 23 2004  ARRL International EME Competition changes okayed

The ARRL Program and Services Committee has approved some changes to the ARRL International EME Competition. The object of the event is to make two-way communication via the earth-moon-earth path on any authorized amateur frequency above 50 MHz. It now will span three weekends, with the first and third weekends devoted to the lower VHF/UHF bands, 50-1296 MHz, while the second weekend will be for 2304 MHz and higher. For 2004, October 9-10 will be 50-1296 MHz; October 30-31 will be 2304 MHz and up, and December 4-5 will again be 50-1296 MHz. Multipliers for stations within the US are now states; in Canada, multipliers are provinces and territories. There also are new entry categories starting with this fall's event: Single operator, multiband 50-1296; single operator, multiband 2304 and above; multioperator, multiband 50-1296; and multioperator, multiband 2304 and above. The new rules have been posted on the ARRL Contest Branch Rules page: www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2004/eme.html

(ARRL News Service)
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July 22 2004  "We Need to Work Together," Astronaut Tells Students in Japan

It was a truly international Earth-space Amateur Radio contact July 13 when International Space Station astronaut Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, spoke with students at Meizen High School in Japan. Fincke, who's fluent in Japanese, answered most questions in both Japanese and English. During the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact between NA1SS in space and 8N6A in Japan, one questioner wanted to know what Fincke saw for the future of space development.

"The future of space development is very important to everyone on the planet," Fincke replied. "We need to work together, and we can go to the moon, we can go to Mars, we can go to the stars."

Speaking of stars, Fincke told another student that he hasn't been able to view any of the constellations from space because the ISS ports face earthward. "The constellations are above us, and so far, I've only looked down on the Earth, and the Earth is very bright," Fincke said.

The astronaut also noted that the ISS inhabitants could see pollution on Earth from space. "Yes, we can see a little bit of environmental pollution," Fincke said in response to a student's question. "We must keep our planet clean."

Regarding his newborn daughter Tarali, Fincke said he's only seen her via a computer linkup.

Seventeen youngsters--10 elementary pupils and seven junior high and high school students--participated in the event, which attracted attention from local and national news media. Six TV stations, including NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), and five newspapers fielded reporting teams for the occasion. An audience of 50 elementary, 20 junior high and 250 high school students plus some 80 parents also was on hand.

The nearly nine-minute contact was marred by occasional signal dropout from NA1SS. In all, Fincke answered 16 of the students' questions before he got out of range. Osamu Nakamura, NH7TA, who attends Meizen High School, served as control operator for the direct 2-meter contact. Nakamura received his General class FCC license last November specifically for this event.

Listen to audio of the conversation between Mike Fincke, KE5AIT, and students at Meizen High School in Japan: [8:39] ARRL thanks Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ/AD6GZ, for providing this audio clip. www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/07/22/2/audio.m3u

"All preparations for this contact were made by the Meizen High School students themselves," said ARISS Japan mentor Satoshi Yasuda, 7M3TJZ/AD6GZ. "This was a first for Japan and a very successful event for all!"

The next ARISS school group contact also will be with students in Japan. On Thursday, July 29, fifth and sixth graders attending Habikigaoka Elementary School in Habikino will have the opportunity to question Fincke.

Fincke requested that a video, "Expedition 9 Tour," be sent to Habikino prior to the scheduled contact. In the presentation, Fincke and Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, RN3DT, answer commonly asked questions about life aboard the ISS.

NASA says Fincke and Padalka are scheduled to take their next space walk August 3. The extravehicular activity--or EVA in NASA parlance--is designed to deploy and retrieve experiments on the Russian segment of the space station and to outfit the Zvezda Service Module with navigation aids for next year's maiden flight of the European Automated Transfer Vehicle cargo ship.

ARISS is an international educational outreach program with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and NASA.

(ARRL News Service)
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July 30-Aug 1 2004  Amsat-UK Space Symposium

And AMSAT - UK is holding a Space Symposium at the University of Surrey from Friday the 30th of July to Sunday the 1st of August.  On the Saturday there will be special beginners sessions run by Howard Long, G6LVB, aimed at those wishing to get into the fascinating world of amateur satellite communications. The RSGB GB4FUN van will be on site throughout the event.  For booking information and full program details take your web browser to www.uk.amsat.org or contact Jim Heck by e-mail to g3wgm@amsat.org

(AMSAT-UK)
 

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
_____________

July 23 2004  Hams muster in wake of Florida capital blackout

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) teams and local amateurs in the Tallahassee, Florida, area volunteered to assist after electrical power went out in about half of the capital city July 13. The region was affected for about three hours before power was restored. Gadsden County Emergency Coordinator Bill Mapoles, KG4LFT, said hams helped during the blackout by reporting traffic difficulties, non-operating traffic signals and other power failure-related problems. The 2 PM blackout during hot, humid weather, killed air conditioning, snarled traffic and led Florida A&M University to close for the rest of the afternoon. Former Capital District EC Kent Hutchinson, KC4TOC, started up an informal Tallahassee blackout net, subsequently picked up by Paul Eakins, KJ4G. Amateurs staffed the local emergency operations center and also assisted the American Red Cross, which opened a shelter and three aid stations. "We have a very active ARES group here in the Capital District," Mapoles said, "and all the local hams as usual responded immediately. I'm proud to be a part of our local ARES group, and I can say that we, in the Capital District, are prepared for anything." More than a dozen amateurs participated in the blackout response.

(ARRL News Service)
__________________

Great Britain.....Fire Evacuation Leads to Raynet Group Call-out

On Monday the 5th of July at 7.55pm Lancashire Emergency Planning called-out Rossendale Raynet to attend a Rest Centre in Colne. A fire at a building that contained an acetylene cylinder meant that local residents had to be evacuated. About 40 people went to the Rest Centre but the majority were able to find accommodation for the night with friends or relatives. Social Services arranged accommodation for the remainder. Rossendale Raynet was stood down at 10.08pm when the Rest Centre closed for the night.

(RSGB)
__________________

Aug. 12-15 2004 Volunteers needed for the Tour for Kids charity bike ride

 John Meskes VE3POJ has asked me to pass on his request for volunteers for the Tour for Kids charity bike ride. This ride runs from Thursday, Aug. 12 to Sunday Aug 15, and covers a number of our ARES districts.

John's message continues "My idea is to escort or follow "the pack" as they ride through each region. In case of accident/crash/pileup call authorities and protect the scene as best possible. 1-2 hours (30-60km) per ham team should do it for the long distance riders (250k). The 100k route is covered by the organizers, but the riders could get spread out, so extra vehicles roving the route would be useful there too.

Our areas are on weekdays, so may not conflict with other major events which are usually on weekends:

• Toronto, Mississauga, Dufferin is on Thursday.
• Dufferin, Georgian, Haliburton is on Friday.

Details at www.tourforkids.com

Gordon Hewit  VE3GIH
Scugog District Emergency Coordinator
__________

Haliburton Forest Ultra Marathon Sept. 10 & 11 2004

The Minden club needs help to support the runners in a 100 mile, cross country race.  We start our shift work after the runners have been going for twelve straight hours. We keep track of their locations after sundown, and on to the end of the race at noon the next day.  It's a great opportunity to use your equipment, batteries and skill to assist this group in a forest area that has no cell phone or telephone service.

Further information is posted at: www3.sympatico.ca/ghewit/ve3gih/ultramarathon

To volunteer for this great event, or get answers to specific questions, email Len Foster VE3LGF lfos@sympatico.ca

Gord VE3GIH
District Emergency Coordinator Scugog
 

South Africa.....Cell Phone Takes Bullet Aimed at Subscriber

A South African merchant says he owes his life to the Nokia cellphone he was holding to his ear when he was ambushed by someone in a passing car.  Andre Steyn felt the bullet penetrate his hand, only to be stopped by the phone before it could penetrate his head.  The entire story is on-line at www.mobilemonday.net/mm/story.php?story_id=3653

(CGC)
 

RSGB Islands-On-The-Air Contest--CW/SSB --sponsored by the RSGB from 1200Z Jul 24-1200Z Jul 25. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB (SSB/CW/Mixed), SOAB-Limited (SSB/CW/Mixed, 12 hours max), 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 or iotacontest@rsgbhfcc.org . Logs due Sep 1 to iota.logs@rsgb.org or RSGB IOTA Contest, PO Box 9, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3RH, England.

Russian RTTY WW Contest, sponsored by Radio from 0000Z Jul 24-2400Z Jul 25. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB, SOSB, MO, SWL. Exchange: RST + CQ Zone number + Russian oblast. QSO points: 5 pts--own continent, 10 pts--diff cont. Total score: QSO points × DXCC entities and oblasts counted once per band. For more information:www.radio.ru . Logs due Sep 1 to contest@radio.ru or Russian RTTY WW Contest, Radio Magazine, Seliverstov per 10, Moscow 107045, Russia.

Flight of the Bumblebees--CW--sponsored by the Adventure Radio Society, 1700Z-2100Z Jul 25. 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 max). Score: QSOs × number of different Bumblebees contacted ×3. For more information:www.arsqrp.com/ars/pages/bumblebees/bb_rules.html . Logs due 14 days after the contest via the ARS Web site.
 

DeSmet, SD: Lake Area Radio Klub and Huron Amateur Radio Club, W0WTN. 1600Z Jul 24-2200Z Jul 25. Annual Little House on the Prairie Pageant. 28.465 21.365 14.265 7.265. Certificate. LARK, PO Box 642, Watertown, SD 57201. www.w0wtn.org

Warren, OH: Warren Amateur Radio Association, W8P. 1200Z Jul 24-1000Z Jul 25. National Packard Auto Show. 10 20 40 m. Certificate. Gail Wells, 708 Delaware SW, Warren, OH 44485.

Oshkosh, WI: Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club Inc, W9ZL. 1300Z Jul 26-2100Z Aug 1. Airventure 2004-Experimental Aircraft Association. 14.270 7.250. Certificate. FCARC-W9ZL, PO Box 5233, , Appleton, WI 54912-5233. www.fcarc.us.

Port Colborne, ON, Canada: Welland County Amateur Radio Club, VE3WCD. 1300Z Jul 31-2100Z Aug 1. Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival. 28.350 21.250 14.250 7.250. QSL. Doug Frame, VE3JDF, 895 Lakeshore Rd E, Port Colborne, ON L3K 5V3, Canada.

Indianapolis, IN: Indianapolis Motor Speed Amateur Radio Club, W9IMS. 1500Z Jul 31-0300Z Aug 9, weekends of Jul 31-Aug 1 and Aug 7-8 and intermittently on week days. Brickyard 400 (NASCAR). 28.340 21.340 14.240 7.240 3.840 PSK31. QSL. Indianapolis Motor Speedway ARC, PO Box 18495, Indianapolis, IN 46218-0495. www.qrz.com/w9ims
_____________

Aug. 21-22 2004  International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2004

This highly popular annual August event attracts hundreds of amateur radio stations at lighthouses and lightships (369 in 48 countries for the 2003 weekend .)world-wide.  It is organised by Mike, GM4SUC, and Kevin, VK2CE is the web-master.  This year the period of the event is from 0001 UTC on Saturday 21 August until 2359 UTC on Sunday 22 August 2004.

The event is NOT a contest.  It is a special event weekend when amateur radio stations are established at lighthouses or lightships, they do not have to be adjacent to salt water, and each group decides how it will operate the station with regard to modes and bands.  Participants are not committed to being on the air during the entire period - operate as much as you can.  There are no restrictions on aerials or power.  We wish operators to enjoy themselves and have fun while making contact with as many stations as possible whilst giving priority to other lighthouse/lightship stations. Please take some time to work the slow operator, the newly licensed and QRP stations.

As available space in many lighthouses is filled to capacity, participation in this activity does not have to take place inside the tower itself.  Field day type set-up at the light or other buildings next to the light or adjacent field is OK.  Permission MUST be obtained from any interested parties.

The International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend is used to obtain maximum exposure for our hobby. We invite the press and, QTH permitting, also the public and try to underline the parallel between the international aspects in lighthouses, lightships, and amateur radio. As from last year, the World Lighthouse Day is held on the Sunday of the event and lighthouse keepers/managers/caretakers all around the world open their lighthouses to the public. www.lighthouse.fsnet.co.uk/events/intlighthouseday.html

We use the event segment of the 5 Classic bands, consider the following as a range of suggested frequencies.

CW
80m: 3.510 - 3.540 kHz
40m: 7.005 - 7.035 kHz
20m: 14.010 - 14.040 kHz
15m: 21.010 - 21.040 kHz
10m: 28.010 - 28.040 kHz

PHONE
*80m: 3.650 - 3.750 kHz
*40m: 7.040 - 7.100 kHz
20m: 14.150 - 14.290 kHz
15m: 21.150 - 21.250 kHz
10m: 28.300 - 28.400 kHz

* Some of the frequency ranges listed above are NOT legal in the United States of America. As a substitute, USA operators should consider these alternatives.

USA PHONE
80m: 3.950 - 3.990 kHz
40m: 7.250 - 7.290 kHz

However because the ILLW is NOT a contest, you can operate on any authorised QRGs as per your licence, including the WARC bands.  Please be sure to observe band limits for your class of licence and your country.

To assist other stations in the identification of lighthouse/lightship stations, we request that participating stations using CW add LS after their callsign at a lightship and LT at a lighthouse. SSB and other modes should use LIGHT, LGT, LIGHTHOUSE or LIGHTSHIP after their call.  UK stations normally obtain a GB callsign with the letter L in the suffix and USA stations can request a Special Event callsign from the ARRL.

A list of the lighthouses/lightships of the world, currently 10,764 in 209 DXCC countries, plus their Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS) Number can be found at http://arlhs.com/awards/arlhs-numbers.html  The list is constantly being updating and added to as more data become available. You can help: If you see a correction or an addition needs to be made, please send an e-mail with the information to K2JXW@arrl.net

If you decide to join us, please register on-line at  http://illw.net/index.html  with details of your name, callsign to be used, lighthouse/lightship, Country, qsl route etc.  Although registration is not compulsory, doing so enables us to maintain a detailed list of participants at http://illw.net/2004.htm showing QSL address, web site and any special event calls they may be using.   E-mail addresses will be modified with unicode to minimise harvesting by spammers.

So come and join us in the fun of the weekend, already 78 stations have confirmed their participation, establish a station at a lighthouse, lightship or maritime beacon. If you are unable to find a lighthouse/ship you can still join in the fun by contacting the special lighthouse/ship stations. The more the merrier.

73 Mike GM4SUC
gm4suc@compuserve.com
gm4suc@btinternet.com
 

July 22 2004   ARLD029 DX News

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

ROTUMA, 3D2.  Christian, 3D2EA will be QRV as 3D2EA/R for one to two weeks beginning around July 26.  QSL via EB2AYV.

MALTA, 9H.  Max, OE5CMN is QRV as 9H3OE until July 28.  This includes an entry in the IOTA contest.  QSL to home call.

CHINA, BY.  A group of amateurs will be QRV as BI5D from Dongtou Island, IOTA AS-141, during the IOTA contest.  QSL via BA4RD. Meanwhile, another group of amateurs will be QRV as BI5Z from Zhoushan Island, IOTA AS-137, for the IOTA contest.  QSL via BD5HAG.

CUBA, CO.  Juan, CO8TW will be a Mixed Mode entry in the IOTA contest.  QSL via IZ8CCW.

PORTUGAL, CT.  A large group of amateurs will be QRV as CS7T from Berlenga Island, IOTA EU-040, during the IOTA Contest.  They will be a Mixed Mode/Low Power entry.  QSL via CT1ILT.

GERMANY, DA.  DJ7YT, DJ7ZL and DL8LAS will participate in the IOTA Contest as DJ7YT/p from Fehmarn Island, IOTA EU-128.  QSL via DJ7YT.

SCOTLAND, GM.  GM2Z will be QRV from the Isle of Bute, IOTA EU-123, during the IOTA Contest.  QSL via bureau.

SOUTH KOREAN, HL.  Han, DS2GOO will be QRV as DS2GOO/2 from Tokchok Island, IOTA AS-090, from July 23 to 25.  This includes an entry in the IOTA contest.  Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters.  QSL to home call.

THAILAND, HS.  Nopporn, HS0EHF, Dej, E21YDP and Champ, E21EIC will be QRV as homecalls/p in IOTA Contest from Si Chang Island, IOTA AS-107.  Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL to home calls.

ITALY, I.  Look for a group of amateurs to be QRV as IC8M from Licosa Island, IOTA EU-031, during the IOTA contest.  QSL via IZ8EDJ.  Meanwhile, IK4DCS/4 and IK4GLV/4 will be QRV July 25 from Scanno di Piallazza, IOTA EU-155, during the IOTA contest.  Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL via operators' instructions.

JAPAN, JA.  Kenji, JA4GXS will be QRV as JA4GXS/4 from the Yashiro Islands, IOTA AS-117, during the IOTA contest.  Activity will be on 30, 20 and 15 meters.  QSL to home call.

BULGARIA, LZ.  Boyan, LZ1BJ and Ely, LZ1JB will be QRV as homecalls/1 from Sveta Anastasiya Island, IOTA EU-181, from July 23 to 31.  They plan to be active on 80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL to home calls.

LEBANON, OD.  Alfeo, I1HJT, Tony, IK1QBT and Claudio, I1NVU will be QRV as OD5/homecalls/p from July 24 to 26.  They will be joined by Naim, OD5LN and will participate in the IOTA contest from Ramkin Island, IOTA AS-108.  After the contest, they will be active from the mainland until July 29.  QSL via I1HJT.

CZECH REPUBLIC, OK.  Berkin, TA3J will be QRV as OK/TA3J from various locations from July 23 to 25.  Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters, including 30, 17, 12, 6 and 2 meters, using SSB and FM.  QSL to home call.

FAROE ISLANDS, OY.  Carsten, OY1CT will be QRV from Stroemoy, IOTA EU-018, in the IOTA Contest as a Single Op/All Band CW entry.  QSL to home call.

NETHERLANDS, PA.  PB2T, ON4IA, ON4ATW, ON5UM, ON6CC and ON6NL will be QRV as PB2T/p from Goeree Overflakkee, IOTA EU-146, during the IOTA contest.  QSL via operators' instructions.

SWEDEN, SM.  A group of Swedish amateurs will be QRV as SM3S from Grimskar Island, IOTA EU-176, during the IOTA contest.  QSL via SM3GSK.

POLAND, SP.  Zick, SP3BJK/1 is QRV from Wiselka on Wolin Island, IOTA EU-132, until July 27.  This includes an entry in the IOTA contest.  QSL to home call.

DODECANESE, SV5.  Anton, PA7DX will be QRV as J45C from Kos Island, IOTA EU-001, during the IOTA contest.  QSL to home call.

EUROPEAN RUSSIA, UA.  Members of Radio Club RZ3DYG are QRV as UE3FWM/1 from Moshchnyy Island, IOTA EU-133, until July 28.  This includes an entry in the IOTA contest.  QSL via RZ3DYG.

CAMBODIA, XU.  Wim, ON6TZ is QRV as XU7TZG from Sihanoukville until August 2.  He will operate as XU7POS from Koh Pos Island, IOTA AS-133, during the IOTA contest.  QSL via operator's instructions.

AVES ISLAND, YV0.  In celebration of its 70th anniversary, members of the Radio Club Venezolano and other amateurs will be QRV beginning after July 28 to August 8.  Callsign to be announced. Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters, including the 30, 17, 12, 6 and 2 meters, and 70 cm, using CW, SSB, RTTY, SSTV, PSK31, FM, EME and satellites.  QSL via KB6NAN.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The RSGB Islands-On-The-Air Contest, Russian RTTY WW Contest and the Adventure Radio Society Flight of the Bumblebees CW contest are all scheduled for this weekend. Please see July QST, page 98, and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.

(W1AW)
__________

July 24  2004  425 DX News

The  Radio  Club  Venezolano  (yv5aj-rcv@cantv.net) has released official information on the long awaited DXpedition to Aves Island (NA-020), organized by RCV to celebrate their 70th anniversary. The expedition will take place between 28 July and 8 August. Actual QRV time will depend on the length of the voyage (it takes some 24 hours to reach the island, which lies around 600 kilometres north of mainland Venezuela) and on set-up. The main antennas will be taken down the day before departure, but operations might continue until the last moment on 8 August.

The team will include:  YV1AVO, YV1DIG, YV4BOU, YV5AMH, YV5IVB, YV5JBI,  YV5KM, YV5KXE, YV5OIE, YV6BTF  and YY5FRD,  plus K4UEE,  K6MYC, OH2BH  and OH0XX  as guest operators.  They will  operate on  all bands  and modes  (callsign  not provided) with six HF stations and one 6m/2m, EME and satellite station.

Suggested frequencies are:
CW:   1823, 3503/3523, 7003/7023, 10103, 14023, 18073, 21023, 24893, 28023, 50103, 144100, 432100
SSB:  1843, 3795, 7055, 14195/14260, 18145, 21295/21195*, 24945, 28480/28905*, 50103, 144200 ( for novices only)
RTTY: 3580, 7035, 10133, 14083, 18101, 21083, 24920, 28083
SSTV:  14233, 21343, 28683
PSK:   3580, 7035/7080, 10143, 14071, 18101, 21071, 24920, 28120
FM:    29600, 146520
EME:   50103, 144080

At the hour and at half hours the operators will be looking respectively for AF/AS/OC and short  skip stations (Caribbean  and northern  SA) only,  please refrain from calling if you are not in those areas. The pilot stations  will be  ZL2AL (Asia  and Oceania),  K6GNX (America)  and OH2RF (Europe).

If a good communication can be established, logs will be uploaded daily and made available on the RCV's web page (www.radioclubvenezolano.org). QSL via KB6NAN, either direct (Dianna R Killeen, P.O. Box 911, Pescadero,  CA 94060-0911, USA) or through the bureau.  Logs will be uploaded to the  ARRL's LOTW (Logbook of the World).
______________

9A     - 9A2004YC will be activated until  27 July for  the World Wide Young Contesters Meeting [425DXN 679]. The web site for the event is at www.wwyc.net/meeting2004  Look for 9A2004YC to be aired from the island of Sv. Andrija (EU-110, IOCA CI-110) during the IOTA Contest. QSL via 9A5AEI. [TNX 9A6XX]

BV     - Look for BW9W to be aired on all bands and modes from P'engchia Yu Island (AS-155) on 23-26 July. QSL via BV2KI. [TNX The Daily DX]

C5     - Josep, EA3BT and Nuria, EA3WL will try to operate from Bijol Island (AF-060) during their 29 July-4 August  activity from The Gambia [425DXN 689]. It will be a one-day operation, possibly on 31 July or 1 August, on 20 metres SSB only. [TNX EA3BT]

DL     - Josef, DL5RJ/p will operate QRP on 40 and 20 metres CW and SSB from Usedom Island (EU-129) from 27 July to 17 August. QSL via bureau. [TNX DL2VFR]

ES     - Oskar, ES7NY will be active as ES7NY/2 from Naissaar Island (EU-149) for about two months. QSl via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX OPDX Bulletin]

GM     - Dennis,  M0LSB/MM0LSB is currently touring the Outer Hebrides (EU-010) and plans to visit and operate from  several different islands until 18 August. [TNX GM3VLB]

HI     - Look for Ralph, HI9/DL9MWG to operate  mostly CW from the Dominican Republic from 28 July to 16 August. QSL via bureau. [TNX DL2VFR]

I      - IV3IPS, IV3WMS, IV3TYS,  IV3EPO, IV3IFN, S57NDT,  S57VAH and others will operate as as IQ3GO/P from Isola Del Campo (EU-130, IIA GO-029) on 23-26 July, IOTA Contest included. QSL via bureau. [TNX IV3IPS]

I      - Alessio/IZ0CKJ,  Simon/IZ7ATN,  Luca/IZ6DSQ,  Paolo/IZ0EVI  and Lino/IZ0CBB will operate as IB0/homecall  from Palmarola Island (EU-045, IIA LT-008) on 24-25  July. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX IZ0CKJ]

I      - Look for Riccardo, IK0YUJ to operate (on 40-6 metres mainly CW) as IA5/IK0YUJ/P from Isola del Giglio (EU-028, IIA GR-002) from 31 July to 7 August. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX IK0YUJ]

IS0    - IS0BMU, IS0CPU, IS0IGV,  IS0JOO and IS0XIA will be active as IM0A from Isola dei  Meli (EU-165,  IIA CA-006) on 23-26  July. QSL  via IS0BMU. [TNX IT9DAA and MIA Bulletin]

I      - Franco, IK4GLV has replaced IK4RVG  for the announced operation [425DXN 688] from Scanno di Piallazza (EU-155) on 25 July. Look for IK4DCS/4 during the IOTA Contest and  IK4GLV/4 outside the contest. QSL via home calls. [TNX IK4DCS]

JA     - Taka, JR3TVH and Natsu, JJ3NAW will operate as JR3TVH/8 and JJ3NAW/8 from Rishiri Island  (AS-147) until around 1 UTC on 25 July.  They will be active during the IOTA  Contest. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX JR3TVH]

PJ4    - Bob/K9MDO, Bill/N2WB and John/W9ILY will operate as PJ4/homecall from Bonaire (SA-006) on 22-29 September. They will operate on 10-80 metres SSB, CW and RTTY.  Look for PJ4/W9ILY to participate in the CQ/RJ DX RTTY Contest. QSL PJ4/K9MDO via W9NJB (direct) or home call (bureau), QSL  PJ4/N2WB  via N2OO,  QSL PJ4/W9ILY via home call. Further information at http://n2wb.tripod.com [TNX N2WB]

SV9    - Rolf, DL6ZFG will be active (mainly on 20 metres SSB with some RTTY) as SV9/DL6ZFG/p from Crete (EU-015) from 27 July to 8 August.  After 1 August he might use the special olympic callsign (J42004ZFG). [TNX DL6ZFG]

UA     - Finally RI0CM became active from the Malminskiye Islands (AS-172) on 22 July  at 13.16  UTC. Owing to strong  wind and rain they were running 100 watts into a vertical, a better antenna was expected to be set up on the 23rd. The team  should be on the island until 24 July at least. [http://www.mdxc.org/ri0cm/]

W      - Look for Manfred, VA3RMF to be active on 80, 40 and 20 metres as VA3RMF/W1 from Mount Desert  Island (NA-055) between 30 July and  2 August. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX VA3RJ]

XU     - Wim, ON6TZ  will be active as XU7TZG from Kompong Som (Sihanoukville), Cambodia until 2 August. During the IOTA Contest he will operate as XU7POS from Koh Poah/Pos  (AS-133). [TNX The  Daily DX]

YA     - Henry, F6EAY is currently in Kabul, Afghanistan and has been issued the call T6RF. He operates PSK31 only. QSL via F6ITD. [TNX F5NQL]

IOTA CONTEST - LATEST ADDITIONS & CORRECTIONS
Look for the following stations to participate in this year's event:

BY - Terry, BA7NQ and  several other operators as BI7N from Nanpeng  Island (AS-131).

BY - BD5HAG and others as BI5Z from Zhoushan Island (AS-137). QSL via BD5HAG.

BY - Jin, BA4TA and others as BI5D from Dongtou Island  (AS-141). QSL via BA4RD.

CO - Juan Carlos, CO8TW (SSB and CW) from Cuba (NA-015). QSL via IZ8CCW. On-line log will be available at http://www.qsl.net/co8tw

F  - Gunther/F5VHQ, Pascal/F5JSD,  Frank/F4AJQ and Bernard/F9IE as F6KOP/P from Noirmoutier Island (EU-064).

GM - In addition to GM2Z (CW only) [425DXN 689], GM4TOQ/p (SSB) from the Isle of Bute (EU-123).  QSL via GM4TOQ.  The operators will be John/GM0WRR, Jurij/MM0DFV, Alan/GM4TOQ, Ross/GM7WED, Eric/GM4BOA and Bill/GM0FNL.

GM - MM0CWJ/p (SSB only) from the Monach Islands (EU-111). QSL via WA3RHW.

HS - Nopporn/HS0EHF, Dej/E21YDP and Champ/E21EIC as homecall/p from Si Chang (AS-107). QSL via home calls.

HS - Choon, E20HHK as E20HHK/p from Chang Island (AS-125). QSL via E21EIC.

JA - Kenji, JA4GXS/4 (SSB and CW) from Yashiro Island (AS-117). QSL via  home call, direct or bureau.

OD - OD5RMK is the callsign to be used by  I1HJT, I1NVU,  IK1QBT and OD5LN [425DXN 687] during their operation from Ramkin Island (AS-108). QSL via I1HJT. [TNX IK1HJR]

OY - Carsten, OY1CT  (all bands CW) from the Faroe Islands (EU-018).  QSL direct.

PA - PB2T, ON4IA, ON4ATW, ON5UM, ON6CC and ON6NL as  PB2T/P from Goeree Overflakkee (EU-146).

PY - Cris, PY7GK as ZW6GK (mainly CW on 15 and 20 metres) from Itaparica Island (SA-023).

SM - The IOTA Contest callsign to be used from Tjorn Island (EU-043) will  be SK6M (not SC6AG as announced in 425DXN #687). There is also a change in the QSL route, which now is via SM6DYK, direct or bureau.

SP - Zick, SP3BJK as SP3BJK/1 (SSB  and CW) from Wolin Island (EU-132).  QSL via home call, direct or bureau.

UA - Victor/RN1NU, Dmitry/UA1NFA and  Roman/RN1NGJ from the White Sea Coast group (EU-147) as RI1NU.

VE - John, VE1JS from  Brier Island (NA-127).  QSL via home  call, direct  or bureau.

W  - Jeff, KU8E and John, K4BAI as KU8E/p from St George Island (NA-085). QSL via KU8E.

YV - Neris, YV7QP (SSB and CW) from Margarita Island (SA-012).

Good to Know

The latest 425  DX News monthly  editions (May  and June  issues), edited  by Maurizio Bertolino (I1-21171/IZ1CRR), are now available for free  downloading in either.pdf or .doc formats at http://www.425dxn.org/monthly/.

3V8 QSL BUREAU ---> Andy, DJ7IK reports  that the 3V8 QSL Bureau, located  at Tunisian Scouts HQ, is now up and running. The address is: Scouts  Tunisiens, Amateur Radio 3V8ST, Avenue  Juguartha, P.O. Box  339, Tunis Mahrajene  1082, Tunisia.

4S7PAG ---> Joel, F5PAC became active as expected from the Sri Lanka' Coastal Islands group (AS-171). QSL via home  call, either direct (Joel Sutterlin,  1 Rue du Rossberg, 68310 Wittelsheim,  France) or through  the bureau. The  web page for the operation is at www.qsl.net/f5pac/4s7.htm

6O0A ---> Sam  Voron, VK2BVS (6O0A)  [425DXN 636] has been back in Galkayo, Central Somalia for a while and will be there until 30 September. He has established two club stations (the first at the Radio Galkayo ARC and the second at the Radio Daljir ARC) which are being used for amateur radio radio training courses. Those stations are also available for the use of foreigners and details on getting the Somalia Visitors ham radio license can be found at:  www.radiogalkayo.com/banner/radio_school3.php  As for getting a QSL card from 6O0A, this is a  "QSO only" station and Sam  is not interesting  in QSLling: "I  am  leaving  the QSLing for the hams who may mount future dxpeditions or when the locals can do it", he says.

BARENTS SEA ISLANDS ---> Albert, RA1QHJ reports that the islands activated by Nick, RA1QQ/1 and  Dmitrij, RW1ZZ/P  (QSL for  both via  RA1QQ) during  their recent trip [425DXN 685] were:
Voron'i Ludki       (EU-082, RRC-0319, WLH - new one)  2-4 July
Kil'din                  (EU-082, RRC-0303, WLH - 1196)       5-7 July
Bolshoj Gryaznyj  (RRC-0318)                                          11-12 July
Kharlov                (EU-161, RRC-0302, WLH - 0640)     13-15 July

PIRATE ---> Vit, EZ8CW says that EZ4XX (quite active in contests) is a pirate station.

QSL AY1ZA ---> The QSL cards, donated by 425 DX News and the Mediterraneo DX Club for Horacio's, LU4DXU,  operation from the South Orkney Islands, can be viewed at http://www.mdxc.org/ay1za.asp [TNX IZ8CCW]

QSL II7ANT --->  Frank, IZ7AUH reports that direct cards for this special event station, which was active during the  Antarctica Activity Week  (22-28 February), are being mailed. Direct requests without return postage will be processed via the bureau.

T.W.L.H.F. --->  The World Lighthouse Foundation has just been formed by several amateur radio from across the world. It is also open to SWLs and anyone unlicenced who just wishes to share their interest in lighthouses with other like minded people. The website is at:  www.twlhf.com [TNX M3ZYZ]
___________

July 25-31  2004   I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

25/07/2004:  EU-023  9H3RH  MALTA -
Jun, OE1ZKC/JH4RHF, will be active and on holiday from Malta (IOTA EU-023, MIA MM-001) as 9H3RH between July 25th and August 8th. He will probably be active on 40 through 10 meter SSB, CW, RTTY and SSTV upon request. QSL via OE1ZKC. PLEASE NOTE that 1 USD does not cover the postage from OE to outside EU. [Tnx OPDX]

25/07/2004:  WAIL:CL-005  I8/IK5XCT  CAPO VATICANO LIGHTHOUSE -
Stefano, IK5XCT will operate mainly CW as I8/IK5XCT from the lighthouse at Capo Vaticano (WAIL CL-005, ARLHS ITA-047) between July 25th and August 7th. QSL via IK5XCT, direct or bureau (e-mail requests for bureau cards can be sent to ik5xct@amsat.org). [Tnx 425DXN]

25/07/2004:  EU-155  IK4GLV/4  SCANNO DI PIALLAZZA -
Franco, IK4DCS and Sandro, IK4RVG will be QRV from around 05:30 UTC until 14:00 UTC, July 25th, from Scanno di Piallazza (IOTA EU-155, IIA FE-001, MIA MI-104). Activity will be on SSB and CW, with 100 watts, vertical and a dipole. They will use IK4DCS/4 during the IOTA Contest and IK4GLV/4 outside the contest. QSL via home calls (IK4DCS welcomes bureau cards requests at ik4dcs@libero.it). [Tnx 425DXN]

26/07/2004:  OC-060  3D2EA/R  ROTUMA -
Christian, 3D2EA expects to operate as 3D2EA/R from Rotuma (OC-060) for one or two weeks starting around July 26th or 27th. QSL via EB2AYV. [Tnx 425DXN]

26/07/2004:  EU-016  9A/HA8KW  ISLAND OF BRAC -
Feco, HA8KW, will be active as 9A/HA8KW from the Island of Brac (IOTA EU-016, IOCA CI-010, MIA MC-042) between July 26th and August 2nd. After August 2nd, Feco will go to Pag Island (EU-170, IOCA-082). Activity from all locations will be on 30 through 10 meters. QSL via his home callsign either direct or through the bureau. [Tnx OPDX]

26/07/2004:  ENG-068  G1VDP/P  LIZARD LIGHTHOUSE -
Chris, G1VDP plans to operate from The Lizard Lighthouse (ENG-068) on July 26th as G1VDP/p. Look for him on or around 7064 kHz in his mornings and 21265 kHz in his afternoons. If he can get his G5RV erected, he will try also 14263 kHz. [Tnx 425DXN]

27/07/2004:  EU-129  DL4AO/P  USEDOM ISLAND -
Heinz, DL4AO plans to be QRV July 27th to August 6th as DL4AO/P from Usedom Island (IOTA EU-129, GIA O-13). Activity will be mostly CW on 40, 30, 20 and 17 meters, with some SSB and RTTY. QSL via bureau to DL4AO. [Tnx 425DXN]

27/07/2004:  EU-129  DL5RJ/P  USEDOM ISLAND -
Josef, DL5RJ/p will operate QRP on 40 and 20 meter CW and SSB from Usedom Island (IOTA EU-129, GIA O-13) between July 27th and August 17th. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

27/07/2004:  SJ9WL  MOROKULEN PEACE REPUBLIC -
The Norsk Radio Relae Liga, LG5LG, will be active as either LG5LG and/or SJ9WL on 14277 kHz between July 27th and August 9th from Fredsriket Morokulen (Morokulen Peace Replic). We have been told that this is a little republic located between the borders of Sweden and Norway. It was founded to honor the peace between the two countries. QSL both calls via SM5DJZ. [Tnx OPDX]

27/07/2004:  EU-019  SV9/DL6ZFG/P  CRETE -
Rolf, DL6ZFG, will be QRV between July 27th and August 8th as SV9/DL6ZFG/p from the Island of Crete (IOTA EU-019). There is the possibility that he will use the special event call J42004ZFG after August 1st. Activity will be mainly on 20 meter SSB and RTTY, using a TS-480SAT (100 watts) and vertical antenna. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx DL6ZFG]

27/07/2004:  NA-174  VYØ/KD6WW  NUNAVUT (FOXE BASIN GRP. -
Bruce, KD6WW, will be QRV July 27th and 28th as VY0/KD6WW from Nunavut (Foxe Basin) Group (IOTA NA-174). The operation will be mostly CW but some SSB. QSL is via KD6WW either direct or the bureau. You can also request a bureau card by sending an email. [Tnx KD6WW]

28/07/2004:  NA-096  HI9/DL9MWG  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC -
Ralph, DL9MWG, will be active between July 28th and August 16th as HI9/DL9MWG from the Dominican Republic (NA-096). Activity will be mostly CW on all HF bands with 100w. QSL via the bureau to his home call. [Tnx OPDX]

28/07/2004:  NA-020  YVØ  AVES ISLAND -
The Radio Club Venezolano (yv5aj-rcv@cantv.net) has released official information on the long awaited DXpedition to Aves Island (NA-020), organized by RCV to celebrate their 70th anniversary. The expedition will take place between 28 July and 8 August. Actual QRV time will depend on the length of the voyage (it takes some 24 hours to reach the island, which lies around 600 kilometres north of mainland Venezuela) and on set-up. The main antennas will be taken down the day before departure, but operations might continue until the last moment on August 8th.

The team will include YV1AVO, YV1DIG, YV4BOU, YV5AMH, YV5IVB, YV5JBI, YV5KM, YV5KXE, YV5OIE, YV6BTF and YY5FRD, plus K4UEE, K6MYC, OH2BH and OH0XX as guest operators. They will operate on all bands and modes (callsign not provided) with six HF stations and one 6m/2m, EME and satellite station.

Suggested frequencies are: CW - 1823, 3503/3523, 7003/7023, 10103, 14023, 18073, 21023, 24893, 28023, 50103, 144100 and 432100 kHz; SSB - 1843, 3795, 7055, 14195/14260, 18145, 21295/21195*, 24945, 28480/28905*, 50103 and 144200 kHz; RTTY - 3580, 7035, 10133, 14083, 18101, 21083, 24920 and 28083 kHz; SSTV - 14233, 21343, 28683 kHz; PSK - 3580, 7035/7080, 10143, 14071, 18101, 21071, 24920, 28120 kHz; FM - 29600, 146520 kHz; EME - 50103, 144080 kHz (* for novices only). At the hour and at half hours the operators will be looking respectively for AF/AS/OC and short skip stations (Caribbean and northern SA) only, please refrain from calling if you are not in those areas.

The pilot stations will be ZL2AL (Asia and Oceania), K6GNX (America) and OH2RF (Europe). If a good communication can be established, logs will be uploaded daily and made available on the RCV's web page (www.radioclubvenezolano.org). QSL via KB6NAN, either direct (Dianna R Killeen, P.O. Box 911, Pescadero, CA 94060-0911, USA) or through the bureau. Logs will be uploaded to the ARRL's LOTW (Logbook of the World). [Tnx 425DXN]

29/07/2004:  NA-097  HI3/KB2MS  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC -
Mark, KB2MS, will be active between July 29th and August 15th as HI3/KB2MS from the Dominican Republic (NA-097). Activity will be mainly on 20 and 6 meters. QSL via his home callsign. By the way, Mark is the QSL Manager for HI3NR. [Tnx OPDX]

29/07/2004:  NA-130  VYØ/KD6WW  NUNAVUT EAST GRP. -
Bruce, KD6WW, will be QRV July 29 to August 2nd as VY0/KD6WW from Nunavut (Baffin's Coastal Islands) East Group (IOTA NA-130). The operation will be mostly CW but some SSB. QSL is via KD6WW either direct or the bureau. You can also request a bureau card by sending an email. [Tnx KD6WW]

30/07/2004:  EU-128  DD6VSF/P  FEHMARN ISLAND -
Sven, DD6VSF will be QRV July 30th to August 1st as DD6VSF/p from Fehmarn Island (IOTA EU-128, GIA O-01 for the German Islands Award). Activity will be on 40, 20 and 17 meter SSB and PSK31. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

30/07/2004:  NA-055  VA3RMF/W1  MOUNT DESERT ISLAND -
Manfred, VA3RMF will be active between July 30th and August 2nd as VA3RMF/W1 from Mount Desert Island (IOTA NA-055, USI ME-021S, Hancock county), Maine. Acitivity will be on 80, 40 and 20 meters, around the usual IOTA frequencies. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx USI]

31/07/2004:  EU-028  IA5/IKØYUJ/P  ISOLA DEL GIGLIO -
Riccardo, IK0YUJ, will be QRV July 31st to August 7th as IA5/IK0YUJ/P from Isola del Giglio (IOTA EU-028, IIA GR-002, MIA MI-036). Activity will be on 40 through 6 meters, mainly CW. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

31/07/2004:  RDA  RX3RC/4  RUSSIAN DISTRICTS -
Roman, RX3RC, will be QRV July 31st as RX3RC/4 from the following references for the Russian Districts Award (RDA) - 05:00 to 09:30 UTC from the Bekovsky Area (RDA PE-11), the Tamalinsky Area (RDA PE-35), Penzenskaya oblast (PE) and the Rtishchevsky Area (RDA SA-48), Saratovskaya oblast (SA); 10:30 to 15:00 UTC from the Arkadaksky Area (RDA SA-20), the Romanovsky Area (RDA SA-47) and the Turkovsky Area (RDA SA-53), Saratovskaya oblast (SA). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx Site RDA]

31/07/2004:  VO2/VA2RC  LABRADOR CITY, ZONE 2 -
Francois, VA2RC, will be QRV July 31st (12:00 - 06:00 UTC) and August 1st (12:00 - 04:00 UTC) from Labrador City (CQ Zone 2). Activity will be on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter SSB and RTTY. QSL via bureau to VA2RC. [Tnx 425DXN]

01/08/2004:  EU-170  9A/Z32FD  PAG ISLAND -
Look for 9A/Z32FD to operate from Pag Island (IOTA EU-170, IOCA CI-082, MIA MC-282) starting August 1st. Length of stay was not given. QSL via DJ0LZ (Ace Jevremov, P.O. Box 14, D-82378 Peissenberg, Germany). [Tnx 425DXN]

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
 

July 21 2004  ARRL Board Okays Volunteer Grassroots Lobbying Effort

The ARRL Board of Directors has formalized a grassroots congressional lobbying program with an initial focus on BPL. Acting July 16 during its second meeting of 2004 in Windsor, Connecticut, the Board acknowledged the need to "immediately begin a BPL grassroots lobbying campaign" this year.

To establish a coordinating structure, the Board created the positions of Division Congressional Action Chair, Congressional Action Coordinator and Congressional Action Assistant. The Board authorized the League's 15 division directors to appoint qualified volunteers to these positions.

Hudson Division Director Frank Fallon, N2FF, who headed the Ad Hoc Committee on Grassroots Lobbying, sees the creation of a national "political machine" as a practical way to protect Amateur Radio spectrum. "We're going to use our members as constituents to talk to key legislators," Fallon said after the meeting. While the campaign will zero in on BPL in the near term, it eventually could expand to support bills dealing with spectrum protection with and deed covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) and their impact on amateur antennas.

Fallon said member-constituent contacts can serve to open the door to later meetings between members of Congress or their staff members and League officials.

Under the plan the Board adopted, the Division Congressional Action Chair, one in each ARRL division, would be a cabinet-level volunteer with some experience in lobbying activities. There would be at least one Congressional Action Coordinator in each state, ideally selected in consultation with section managers. These volunteers also would be members of the director's cabinet. Working with the director, the Congressional Action Coordinator will designate and develop a number
of Congressional Action Assistants to "accomplish the mission of getting the ARRL message to legislators," the ad hoc committee's report explained.

Fallon said the grassroots lobbying effort will fold into a comprehensive broadband over power line strategy, which the Board discussed at length but did not make public. The Board expressed the hope that the lobbying effort could be up and running by fall.

(ARRL Bulletin ARLB021)
 

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