Mar. 6 2004   Amateurs participate in BPL discussions at the ITU in Geneva

At a recent set of meetings at the Radio Bureau of the ITU in Geneva, users of the HF fixed service, and government spectrum administrators from many countries discussed the possible need to protect the fixed service from possible interference from broadband signals carried over outdoor medium and high voltage power lines (BPL).

The fixed service includes point-to-point, and point-to-multipoint, radio stations which are situated at fixed locations, but excludes amateur stations. Typical fixed service users are national defense and public security systems. Radio Amateurs are following these discussions closely, since the fixed service may turn out to be an important ally in our fight to ensure that BPL does not mean the end of amateur radio at HF.

WB7CSL representing the ARRL, and VE3PU representing the IARU, were present at the meetings and took part in the discussions in a working group chaired by VE3PU. For this first set of meetings, a process was put in place to collect characteristics of HF fixed service receivers, which might be appropriate for use in the studies. The protection requirements of the fixed service were discussed, but no conclusion was reached on what level of protection might be necessary to avoid interference from BPL.

Also discussed in the meetings, was the use of the frequency range 135.7-137.8 kHz by the fixed service, and the possibility of interference to such users, if a new LF amateur band is approved at WRC 2007.

As well, fixed service users discussed the review of the use of the range 4-10 MHz which will be undertaken in preparation for a possible change in frequency allocations at WRC 07. HF broadcasters have stated that they need more spectrum, and other users such as the fixed, mobile and amateur services might be affected.

(RAC News Service)

===========

Mar. 6 2004   Would you believe 283 THz ?

One Tera Herz (THz) is equal to one thousand Giga Herz (GHz) or one million MHz. So 283 THz is about two million times the frequency we use in the 2 metre band....

Would you believe that the ITU is drafting a formal Recommendation on the use of 283 THz for communications from deep space ? A summary of the draft says in part:

"This draft new Recommendation specifies technical parameters (frequencies, link, signal and data characteristics, antenna parameters, etc.) and operational characteristics of interplanetary and deep-space systems operating in the space-to-Earth direction around 283 THz, which could be used in sharing studies".

ITU Recommendations are copyright and can only be obtained by purchasing them directly from ITU headquarters in Geneva.

(RAC News Service)

===========

Mar. 4 2004  IARU Region 3 leadership changes,

Peter Naish, VK2BPN, was unanimously elected to succeed Fred Johnson, ZL2AMJ, as chairman of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region III Board of Directors. The action came during the IARU Region 3 Conference February 16-20 in Taipei, Taiwan. Johnson did not seek re-election. Elected as a new board member was Chandru Ramachandra, VU2RCR, the new president of the Amateur Radio Society of India (ARSI). More than 60 participated on behalf of Region 3 member-societies, and special event station BV0IARU was on the air for the week of the conference, put off from last August because of the SARS outbreak. The Chinese Taipei Amateur Radio League hosted the gathering. ARRL International Affairs Vice President Rod Stafford, W6ROD, represented the League, while ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, was on hand as an observer. Among working group recommendations adopted by the Plenary was a modification in Region 3 Strategic Plan objectives to emphasize the value of membership in a national IARU society and the need to attract newcomers to Amateur Radio. Member-societies also were encouraged to seek early implementation of changes to Article 25 of the international Radio Regulations resulting from World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 in their domestic regulations and to adopt Administrative Council Resolution 01-1, reaffirmed in 2003. That resolution supported the removal of Morse code testing as an ITU requirement to obtain an amateur license to operate on frequencies below 30 MHz. Only the Malaysia Amateur Radio Transmitters' Society opposed the action. Member-societies also heard advice on how to address the issue of Broadband over Power Line. The next Region 3 Conference will be held in Bangalore, India, tentatively in November 2006. The ARRL and IARU hosted a reception during the conference.

(ARRL News Service)

Mar. 5 2004  From RAC HQ   Bogus e-mails contain worms !

A new worm is circulating through the e-mail system, and appears to come from a legitimate source such as RAC. Delete it! It does not come from RAC, or any other amateur radio organization.

Here is how the e-mail will read (with variations)

From: management@rac.ca
Dear user of e-mail server "Rac.ca",

Your e-mail account will be disabled because of improper using in next  three days, if you are still wishing to use it, please, resign your  account information.

For details see the attached file.
Attached file protected with the password for security reasons.
Password is 81777.
Have a good day,
The Rac.ca team http://www.rac.ca

REPEAT !! This is not a genuine message from RAC or from their server.
Do not open the attachment ! Delete it !!

(RAC News Service)

===========

Mar. 6 2004  Trans Provincial Net News

The TPN is pleased to announce the following hams have been added to the Rogues' Gallery : James VE3WA,  Reed VE1NU  Mike VE3AWU,  Ben VE3ST,  Jim VE3XCR and Grace VE3HZB. All these fine hams can be viewed by visiting the Rogues' Gallery on the TPN web site at:  www.tpn7055.ca/Gallery1.html

(Website Editor Jim VA3KU)

Mar. 8 2004  The Truro Amateur Radio Club

The Truro Amateur Radio Club will be having there next meeting at 7:30pm on March 8th, 2004 at the Red Cross Centre, corner of Price Street and Forrester or across from Truro Police Station. Bruce Harvey VE1II will be putting on the continued presentation of linking systems with more things worth explaining and hands on use of the IRLP and Echo Linking systems. After the program will be the regular monthly meeting.

Paul Rodd VE1DGS

Mar. 27 2004  Hamfest 2004 du Club Radio Amateur Laval Laurentides

Sponsored by VE2CRL
Location: Polyvalente George-Vanier 3995, boul. Lévesque Est, Laval (Qc) Près de l'autoroute 25 ( à l'ouest )
Opening:  Ouvert aux exposants à 7h00 Ouvert au public à 9h00
Cost: Entrée 5 $ Table 10 $
Talkin: Radioguidage sur VE2CRL 147.315 (+)
For more info: www.ve2crl.qc.ca/hamfest.htm

Mar. 20 2004  HAM-EX 2004 Hamfest

Sponsored by  The Brampton and Mississauga Amateur Radio Clubs

Location:  Brampton Fall Fairgrounds Located on Heart Lake Rd at Old School Rd Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Opening: Vendors:7AM Public Fleamarket:9AM to 1PM Exhibits, Demos & Seminars:9AM to 5PM Banquet:6PM
Cost:  Entrance fee to public: $6CDN Raffle tickets: $2CDN each, 3 for $5CDN Tables: 8'- $30CDN ea, 6' - $25CDN ea Banquet cost: $18CDN each
Talkin:  PARC Repeater: 146.880 MHz(-),103.5 Hz; MARC Repeater: 145.430MHz(-), 103.5 Hz
Notes:  Speaker will be spokesperson from IC talking on AMateur Radio related topic(s)

Full Details:  www.peelarc.org  or   www.marc.on.ca

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

Mar. 2 2004  Tom ST-Julien VA3OFD Silent Key

ST-JULIEN, Thomas VA3 OFD Ottawa Fire Department Dispatch Passed away, in his 57th year, on Tuesday, March 2, 2004. Mourned by his mother Georgette St-Julien, his sister Suzanne Lineger, his son Michael (Laurie), his daughter Wendy (Jeffrey Ross) of Pembroke, ON; his wife Peggy (nee Aubrey) and his two grandsons Liam Ross and Jackson St-Julien. He will be missed by his amateur radio friends, especially Larry, Dan and Glen. Friends may visit at the St. Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 1200 Ogilvie Road at Aviation Parkway on Friday, March 5 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service in the Chapel on Saturday, March 6, 2004 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favourite charity would be appreciated.

Guy A. Ladouceur, VE3WGL

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

Mar. 6 2004  Canadian Police College Breakfast Club Report

Is Spring here, you ask? We complained about the snow; now the rain but we are Canadians so quit your bellyaching! Some of our breakfast friends who are holidaying in Texas, saw up close what a tornado is all about! VA3PFS and Sue will be at the next Breakfast in April 2004 so they will tell you first hand how lucky they were and why we Canadians should be happy with our three seasons: July, August and WINTER!

On with the March Breakfast Report, this morning we had 43 cholesterol-deprived people at Summerhays Grill at 1971 Baseline Road. The list is as follows: VA2BRR Ron & Julie - VA3GAG Gerry & Debra - VA3JHT Joe - VA3MPM Mike - VA3NAN Nancy & VE3PSK Ian - VA3PEK Pauline & VA3VKK Kim - VA3PUR Patricia - VA3ZBB Rod & VE3ZBB Betty - VE3BDK Bill - VE3CDA Ben & Karen - VE3CPH Paul & Jane - VE3DRO Don, Jackie & Patricia - VE3EIE Johnny  & Donna - VE3EQE Marg, VE3NJH Don, Jerri & Jeannine - VE3GK Gerry - VE3KEL Steve - VE3NPD Paul - VE3SPK Jim - VE3SUV Gurben & Nancy - VE3TL Clay - VE3WGL Guy, Marjorie, Chantal, Holly and Thérèse - VE3YY Frank, Mary, Conrad & Kelen.

We observed a minute of silence in the memory of our friend and fellow Amateur Radio Operator Tom St-Julien VA3OFD who became a silent key on March 02, 2004. Tom will be missed by a lot of his friends, co-workers and family.

It was brought to my attention by Don VE3DRO that we could help a fellow ham that has been doing wonderful work keeping all Canadian Hams informed by maintaining several websites (www.tpn7055.ca and www.hfradio.net) to name a few. Jim Taylor VA3KU has been financially supporting these sites for years and it is time that we chip in to help him. Please refer to Jim’s Letter  for more explanation ( www.tpn7055.ca/message.html ). To show our gratitude for his hard work and to ease some of the financial burden , I decided to donate the 50/50 draw portion and pass around a Donation Box called “Jim Taylor VA3KU – Internet Fund” for all those present at the Breakfast to donate if they wished. Well folks, you have come through again! We collected $130.00 in the Donation Box, $35.00 from the 50/50 Draw Club Portion and the winner of the 50/50 Debra Godbout (VA3GAG’s Better Half) donated the sum of $35.00 for a grand total of $200.00. I am dropping a money order for $200.00 in the mail addressed to Jim Taylor VA3KU as soon as I finish this Breakfast Report. On behalf of Jim VA3KU, Don VE3DRO and myself, I would like to say thank you for your generosity to all of you who attended the breakfast and donated.

This concludes this breakfast we will meet again on April 03, 2004. By the way don’t get caught on April Fools. Hope to see a lot of you back, bring amateur friends, family even your neighbour if you want!

Word of Caution – Make sure your sump pump is operational and you check your battery back up, Spring is here and it will be a wet one!

Club Website: www.ve3cpc.org

Take care and thank you again,
73 & 88,
Guy A. Ladouceur, VE3WGL

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

Mar. 5 2004  Ham Radio Course  Owen Sound

A radio course will be held starting Wednesday April 7th at St. Andrews Church, 865 2nd Ave. West in Owen Sound. The course will be Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. and will run for 10 weeks. The course fee is $85. This includes a $35 refundable deposit for course manuals, the "Industry Canada" Official examination, and GBARC membership for the balance of 2004. BRING a notebook, pen or pencil and a calculator. WE provide the rest.

Note:  We still have a need for course instructors. All the instructor manuals are done and all that is needed is delivering the material. There is ample help if you are unsure but the course content and layout as written has been delivered many times over the years.

Full Details:www.greynet.net/~gbarc

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

Feb. 28 2004  Richard Travers (Dick) VE3MFJ Silent Key

It is our sad duty to report that Richard Travers (Dick VE3MFJ) of Picton Ontario passed away Saturday Feb. 28 2004 at the age of 95 years. Dick was a long standing member of the Trans Provincial Net and will be remembered by all his friends. Eric VE3GGO held a tribute to Dick on Saturday Mar. 6 during the 4 o'clock hour.

Mar. 28 2004  B. C. Amateur Radio Coordination Council

BCARCC Annual General Meeting, March 28, 2004
Location:  North Shore Emergency Management Office 147 E. 14th Street, 2nd Floor. One block east of Lonsdale Avenue in RCMP building. Street parking is limited to 2 hours; use Pay Parking at Safeway lot or Lions Gate Hospital, or in surrounding streets.

Registration:  0915; Meeting 1000 - 1230 PST
Cost:  Yearly dues $15.00 per club delegate; no fee to observers
Talkin:  VE7RNS 147.26 +

Note:  The B.C. Amateur Radio Coordination Council is an association of amateur radio clubs, for the purpose of coordinating fixed-frequency repeaters within B.C., to interface with Industry Canada, and other Coordination Councils, and to publish a master repeater list for the province. All B.C. amateur radio clubs are invited to join the Council. Membership forms and repeater coordination forms can be downloaded from www.bcarcc.org

Full Details: www.bcarcc.org

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

Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club  Meeting

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

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

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

All are welcome!

Club Website:  http://ve4.net/warc

America's

Mar. 5, 2004  K7RA Solar Update

The ARRL International DX Phone Contest is this weekend, March 6-7, and propagation should be good. Geomagnetic conditions are expected to be quiet, with the predicted planetary A index at 10 for Friday, March 5, and just 8 for the following three days. Solar flux is expected to rise to 105 for Friday and 110 for the following three days. Solar flux is currently expected to stay above 100 until March 17.

Average daily sunspot numbers for the past week were up nearly 15 points to 76.9, compared to the earlier week, and average daily solar flux increased over 5 points. Geomagnetic indices were about double this week over last. A solar wind stream caused this, but no geomagnetic storm erupted. Around March 10 and 11, earth should enter another solar wind, and this could cause a geomagnetic storm, possibly lasting until March 12.

The vernal equinox is only two weeks away. It will occur on Saturday, March 20, and will be the beginning of spring. For the next few weeks HF radio conditions should seasonally improve.

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

Sunspot numbers for February 26 through March 3 were 105, 90, 104, 81, 66, 50 and 42 with a mean of 76.9. 10.7 cm flux was 120.8, 122.2, 115.8, 110, 101.8, 98.8 and 90.4, with a mean of 108.5. Estimated planetary A indices were 5, 11, 20, 21, 18, 17 and 15, with a mean of 15.3.

(W1AW)

Ham Radio connects Michigan, Ohio Youngsters with ISS

Youngsters at schools in Michigan and Ohio were the latest to have an opportunity to interview International Space Station Expedition 8 Commander Mike Foale, KB5UAC, via Amateur Radio. The contacts March 1 with Armstrong Middle School in Flint, Michigan, and February 20 with Glenwood Elementary School in Perrysburg, Ohio, were arranged via the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. Foale was at the controls of NA1SS for both QSOs. Originally set for January 12, the Armstrong Middle School contact had to be rescheduled because of the ISS air leak earlier this year. That now-resolved problem was the topic of the first question from an Armstrong student.

"Yes, we did fix it. We found the leak using a special detector that listened for hiss--ultrasound," Foale replied. The leak was from a hose used to keep condensation from building up on a window. "Since then, we've replaced the hose that went to that window, so we don't have the leak anymore."

Another youngster wanted to know what it was like to take off into space from Earth. Foale said the space shuttle offers a harder ride than the much-smaller Russian Soyuz vehicles the crews use now that the shuttle fleet remains grounded.

"It's very very rough," Foale said, describing the shuttle take-off, which he compared to lying on a washing machine in spin cycle with a pair of sneakers inside. "On the Soyuz rocket--the Russian rocket--it's a lot smoother," Foale continued, "but you still feel the same pressure on your chest as the Gs build up. In fact, it's like having three people sitting on your chest at the very end--after eight minutes."

Foale said that during his spare time, he enjoys using the NA1SS station for casual contacts, and he likes taking pictures of Earth--so he'll have something to remember his ISS experience.

Armstrong Middle School Science Coordinator Nannette Wolak selected the students who participated in the contact. Local amateur and ARRL member Duane Fischer, W8DBF, worked with the school and ARISS to make the ISS contact a success. The school, which opened in 1970, was named for astronaut Neil Armstrong--the first human to walk on the moon.

The ISS was over the US West Coast at the time, and W6SRJ at Santa Rosa College handled the direct uplink and downlink, and the students were linked via an MCI teleconference circuit. Bill Hillendahl, KH6GJV, was the W6SRJ control operator.

Glenwood Elementary School Science Coordinator Linda Cutler, KC8RWJ, has been waiting about three years for her students to have a chance to speak with the ISS via ham radio. Among other things, the Glenwood pupils wanted to know about ongoing research aboard the ISS.

"I'm working on experiments that grow plants that make new medicines to fight cancer," Foale said, "and also we're studying how we might make metals stronger." He noted that plants that can grow in space grow toward the light. He also said that cells grow differently in the zero-gravity of space than they do on Earth.

Space exploration is part of the curriculum at the kindergarten through grade six school, Cutler said. Glenwood pupils were involved with polishing mirrors for the Starshine 3 satellite project a few years ago.

Technical support for the direct contact came from the Wood County Amateur Radio Association and other local amateurs--among them James French, W8ISS, an AMSAT member and ham radio-in-space enthusiast. Larry Reitz, WA8CWD, was the primary liaison between the school and ARISS, and his call sign was used for the Earth station.

ARISS www.rac.ca/ariss is an international educational outreach program with US participation from ARRL, NASA and AMSAT.--some information provided by NASA, AMSAT, Duane Fischer, W8DBF, and Bill Chaikin, KA8VIT.

========

Mar. 4 2004   Radio amateurs fill key NASA space flight positions.

Two veteran astronauts and Amateur Radio licensees have been named to key space flight posts at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston. Bob Cabana, KC5HBV, who has flown on four shuttle flights, has been named JSC Deputy Director. Ken Bowersox, KD5JBP, will replace Cabana as director of flight crew operations.

Cabana succeeds Brock "Randy" Stone, who is retiring after 36 years with NASA that included work on the Apollo lunar missions, Skylab, the space shuttle, and the International Space Station. "These two appointments really enhance the strong team we have leading us into the space shuttle's return to flight and continuing space station operations," said NASA Associate Administrator for Space Flight William Readdy. JSC Director Jefferson D. Howell Jr said Cabana and Bowersox "bring a wealth of experience in human space flight and an understanding of the importance of space exploration. Their leadership will help us as we move forward in our journey of discovery." Cabana has logged more than 1000 hours in space. Bowersox has flown on five space missions and spent more than five months aboard the ISS as commander of Expedition 6, where he participated from NA1SS during Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) school group and casual contacts.

(ARRL News Service)

==========

AMSAT DC-area meeting and space seminar set:

The AMSAT-DC Meeting and Space Seminar will be held Sunday, March 21, starting at noon, at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Visitor Center auditorium, Greenbelt, Maryland. All ham radio operators, students and educators are welcome to attend. Sessions will include talks, demonstrations, tutorials and opportunities to socialize and discuss amateur satellites and balloon experiments in the mid-Atlantic region. Talk-in will be available on the WA3NAN 146.835 repeater or visit the GSFC Web site: www.gsfc.nasa.gov/vc/directions.html   Pat Kilroy, N8PK, will serve as host for the gathering. Free paved parking is available on site. Visit the AMSAT-DC Web site for more information. http://patkilroy.com/amsat-dc

(ARRL News Service)

========

AMSAT-NA president hopes to turn launch delay into advantage:

AMSAT-NA President Robin Haighton, VE3FRH, says that although he was disappointed to learn of the recently announced ECHO launch delay--which he hopes will be the last--it does allow AMSAT some extra time for integration and testing. None of the delays have been at AMSAT's request. The latest, which pushed back the planned launch window to June 29, resulted from a delay in the primary payload. "We are a long way down the list from the primary, so we have to take what we can get, but the price is right," Haighton philosophized. As of February 26, the ECHO Launch Campaign Fund had collected $59,409--or more than half of the the $110,000 goal.

For more information, visit the AMSAT OSCAR-E Web page: www.amsat.org/amsat/sats/echo/index.html

(ARRL News Service)

========

Note: For information about Amateur Radio on the International Space Station "ARISS" visit the ARISS English language
web site:  www.rac.ca/ariss

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

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

The JWM 1152 Phase Locked Oscillator

Looking at products of interest to ham radio experimenters, word that  JWM Engineering Group has announced availability of a new phase locked oscillator.  One designed to improve frequency control to microwave receivers and transmitters using crystal oscillator local oscillator chains.

According to Jerry Mulchin, N7EME, President of the JWM Engineering Group, the Model 1152 eliminates the frequency uncertainty of most microwave transverter systems.  Mulchin adds that Precise frequency control and stability eliminates at least one variable in establishing successful and enjoyable microwave communications.

Complete Details:  http://jwmeng.com

(JWM Engineering Group)

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

New 241-GHz distance record claimed

Perennial microwave-band record seeker Brian Justin, WA1ZMS, has claimed a new world and North American DX record for the 241 GHz band. On February 17, WA1ZMS/4 in EM96wx worked W2SZ/4 in FM07fm at a distance of 79.6 km (49.35 miles). The two stations used slow-speed CW (QRSS). Pete Lascell, W4WWQ, was the W2SZ operator. Both stations used Spectran  www.qsl.net/padan/spectran.html software to aid in receiving the slow-speed CW, in which a dit lasted about one second and each dah lingered for three. "The entire QSO took well over an hour to complete, with both stations having to send the exchanges several times," Justin said. "Some portions of the CW were copied by ear, but the DSP software came through in the end to help make the QSO happen." Justin says the QSO marked the fifth grid W2SZ needed for
the ARRL VUCC Award www.arrl.org/awards/vucc/ for 241 GHz--the first VUCC on that band. Additional details are on the Mount Greylock Expeditionary Force Web site:  www.mgef.org/zms_241_vucc.htm.

(ARRL News Service)

==========

Mar. 4 2004 Dayton Contest Dinner tickets on sale,

The North Coast Contesters have announced that tickets for the 12th annual Dayton Contest Dinner go on sale Thursday, March 4. Tim Duffy, K3LR, will serve as master of ceremonies during the event, Saturday, May 15, 6:30 PM (cash bar opens at 5:30 PM) in conjunction with Hamvention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Dayton. Additional details will be available on the Contesting.com Web site. The event will feature the 2004 CQ Contest Hall of Fame inductions. The dinner also will honor recent silent key and contester ambassador Jim White, K4OJ. Tickets are $33 per person, and seating is limited and not reserved. Tickets are available from Craig Clark, K1QX, at Radioware and Radio Bookstore, PO Box 209, Rindge, NH 03461. Call weekdays 10 AM until 6 PM Eastern Time, toll free 800-457-7373 or 603-899-6957; fax 603-899-6826; e-mail jcclark@prexar.com. Major credit cards are accepted. Tickets will be sent via first-class US mail no later than May 7. The order deadline .

Full Details: www.hamvention.org

Contest News

ARRL International DX Contest--Phone--0000Z Mar 6-2400Z Mar 7 www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2004/intldx.html

DARC 10-Meter Digital "Corona"--RTTY/AMTOR/PACTOR/PSK31/Clover, sponsored by Deutscher Amateur Radio Club from 1100Z-1700Z Mar 2
Full Details:  www.darc.de/referate/dx

EU EME Contest--any mode--sponsored by DUBUS and REF, 0000Z Mar 6-2400Z Mar 7. Frequencies: 432 MHz, 2.3-5.7 GHz (144 MHz, 1.3 and 10 GHz on Mar 27-28). Categories: QRP, QRO, Pro--based on ERP and equipment, send e-mail for more information. Exchange: call signs TMO/RST and "R." QSO Points: 144/432/1.3--100 pts for random, 10 pts for scheduled QSO, 2.3 GHz and higher--100 pts/QSO. Score: QSO Points (×2 for QSOs at 2.3 GHz and above) × DXCC entities and US states from random QSOs (or any QSOs at 2.3 GHz and above). For more information: info@dubus.de. Logs due 30 days after the contest to f6hye@ref-union.org or Patrick Magnin, F6HYE, Marcorens, F-74140 Ballaison, France.

RSGB Commonwealth Contest--CW--sponsored by the RSGB from 1000Z Mar 13-1000Z Mar 14. Open to British Commonwealth stations only, work stations once per band outside your own call area. HQ stations may be worked by everyone and count as a separate call area. Frequencies: lower 30 kHz of 80-10 meters. Categories: SO--open (full-time), --restricted (12 hrs max), Headquarters-MO and SO, no spotting assistance. Scoring: 5 pts/QSO, first 3 QSOs with a call area count 25 pts. For more information: www.rsgbhfcc.org. Logs due Apr 5 to commonwealth.contest.logs@rsgbhfcc.org or G3UFY, 77 Bensham Manor Rd, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 7AF, England.

Wisconsin QSO Party--Phone/CW--sponsored by the West Allis RAC from 1800Z Mar 14-0100Z Mar 15. Frequencies (MHz): CW--3.550, 3.705, 7.050, 14.050, 21.050, 10 meters; Phone--3.890, 7.230, 14.290, 21.350, 28.400; All modes-- 6/2 meters, UHF. No repeater QSOs. Categories: SO, MS, MM and Mobile. Mobile operators may not operate on county lines. Exchange: S/P/C or WI county. QSO Points: Phone--1 pt, CW--2 pts. Score: QSO pts × WI counties (max 72) + S/P/C (WI stations only) ×2 (< 5 W), 1.5 (<150 W). WI mobiles/portables add 500 bonus points for each county with 12 or more QSOs. For more information: www.warac.org. Logs due Apr 14 to k9kr@powercom.net (in WARAC Cabrillo format--see Web site) or Wisconsin QSO Party, West Allis RAC, PO Box 1072, Milwaukee, WI 53201.

Oklahoma QSO Party--Phone/CW/Digital--sponsored by the Oklahoma DX Association (OKDXA) from 1400Z-0200Z Mar 13 and 1400Z-2000Z Mar 14. Frequencies (MHz): SSB--3.860, 7.260, 14.260, 21.360, 28.360; CW--3.530, 7.030, 14.030, 21.030, 28.030. Categories: SOHF-HP (>100 W), -LP, -QRP (<5 W), SO-VHF, MS, MM, Rover (OK only). Exchange: serial number and SPC or OK county. QSO points: Phone--2 pts, CW/Digital--3 pts. Score: QSO points × OK counties (OK stations use States + Provinces), counted only once. For more information: www.okdxa.org. Logs due April 30 to k5yaa@okdxa.org (ADIF or CABRILLO format preferred) or OKDXA, PO Box 2591, Claremore, OK 74018-2591 (<100 QSOs only).

North American RTTY Sprint, sponsored by NCJ, from 0000Z-0400Z Mar 14. Frequencies 80-20 meters. North American stations work everyone; others work NA stations only. Exchange both call signs, serial number, name, and S/P/C. The same station can be worked multiple times provided 3 contacts separate the contact in both logs, regardless of band. QSY rule: Stations calling CQ, QRZ, etc, may only work one station in response to that call; they must then move at least 1 kHz before working another station or 5 kHz before soliciting another call. Once you are required to QSY, you may not make a new QSO on the previous frequency until you have made a contact at least 1 or 5 kHz (as required) away. For more information: www.ncjweb.com. Logs due 7 days after the contest to rttysprint@ncjweb.com. Check Web site for expected changes to contest manager and log submission addresses.

YL International Single Sideband System QSO Party--Phone, 0000Z Mar 13-2400Z Mar 14
Full Details:  www.qsl.net/yl-issb

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

CLARA and Family HF Contest March 2004

This year’s HF Contest, sponsored by the Canadian Ladies Amateur Radio Association (CLARA), will be held over the weekend of March 20th and 21st, 2004. Commencing at 1700Z March 20th and continuing until 1700Z March 21st, 2004. The Contest is open to all CLARA members and their families and also to all Amateurs.

These are suggested frequencies only for easier location of contacts: Call “CQ CLARA”.
FREQUENCIES:
• CW 14.033, 21.033, 7.033, 3.688
• Phone 28.300, 21.225, 14.120, 14.285, 7033, 7.200, 3.750, 3.900
Can work stations once per band/mode. Cross-mode contacts count as phone for both stations.

LOGS: Logs must include the date, time (GMT), mode, call sign of contact, contact name, contact QTH (city, town, etc.) and whether the contact is a CLARA member, family member, non-member YL, or OM. Logs are to be received by the Contest Manager no later than April 24th, 2004 and must include call sign, address and claimed score. Because we are in the age of computerization, electronic logs are encouraged. You can also e-mail your logs to me in Plain Text, MS Word or MS Excel format. For the white cane operators, other arrangements can be made for transmitting your logs. Please contact me, or Helen VA1YL at hfarchibald@ns.sympatico.ca in advance.

SCORING:
• Contact with CLARA member (includes CLARA to CLARA) – 5 points
• Contact with CLARA family member, (OM’s, sons, daughters, in-laws, etc.) – 2 points
• Contact with non CLARA member YL – 3 points
• Contact with OM (includes OM to OM) – 1 point MULTIPLIERS:
• 1 for each Canadian call area (14 possible)
• 1 for each ARRL DX Country contacted if the op was a YL
• No multipliers for DX OM’s
Points claimed – (Contact Points) x Multiplier

PRIZES:
• Mini prize draw from all logs submitted
• Trophy – Highest scoring CLARA member
• Certificate – 2nd highest scoring CLARA member
• Certificate – 3rd highest scoring CLARA member
• Certificate – Highest scoring DX YL
• Certificate – Highest scoring OM

Contest Manager:
Paulette Schouten, VE7VPE
c/o VECTOR, 3301 East Pender Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5K 5J3 Canada
e-mail: ve7vpe@rac.ca

Arlington Heights, IL: US Peace Corps ARC, KA9NLX. 1700Z Mar 1-2200Z Mar 7. 43rd Anniversary of founding of United States Peace Corps. 28.500 21.375 14.325 7.283. Certificate. John Paskevicz, 1423 North Ridge Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.

Various, England: Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society, GB6OT. 0700Z Mar 5-2359Z Apr 1. 60th Anniversary of Op Thursday Burma 1944. 21.070 21.056 14.070 14.056. QSL. Mike Humphrey, G0SWY/KF4OFR, 4 Bluebell Rd, Bassett Southhampton, Hampshire, England SO16 3LQ. www.rsars.org.uk. Amateurs outside the UK, please send 1€ dollar or $1 US to cover postage.

Weeki Wachee, FL: Spring Hill Amateur Radio Club, W4W. 1000Z Mar 5 and 2400Z Mar 7. Celebrating the 11th Annual Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest. 14.260 7.260 7.040. QSL. W4W/Spring Hill ARC, PO Box 6083, Spring Hill, FL 34611. www.kf4ixu.com

Chesapeake, VA: Chesapeake Amateur Radio Service, W4CAR. 1500Z-2100Z Mar 6. 142nd Anniversary, Monitor-Merrimac Battle of the Ironclads. 28.362 21.362 7.262 146.82. Certificate. W4CAR, PO Box 6867, Chesapeake, VA 23323. www.qsl.net/cars

Naples, FL: Amateur Radio Association of Southwest Florida, K4YHB. 1400Z Mar 6-2000Z Mar 7. Annual Spring Swamp Buggy Races. 12 m 17 m. Certificate. Mark Kennedy, K4SWF, 1241 12th St N, Naples, FL 34102. www.araswf.org

Hermann, MO: Hermann Bearcat Amateur Radio Club, K0S. 1400Z Mar 9-2100Z Mar 10. Science class study of radio spectrum. 14.250 14.246 147.135. Certificate. Saint George Catholic Elememtary School, 133 W 4th St, Hermann, MO 65041. 

Results of The DX Magazine's 2003 Most-Wanted Survey

According to The DX Magazine's 2003 survey of most-wanted DXCC entities, Scarborough (BS7) is at the top of the list, followed in order by Andaman and Nicobar Islands (VU4), North Korea (P5), Lakshadweep Islands (VU7) and Peter I Island (3Y/P). The results of the survey, taken last September, appear in the January/February 2004 issue of The DX Magazine. Publisher-Editor Carl Smith, N4AA, said the only differences in the Top 10 were "slight changes in their respective rankings." Rounding out the Top 10 were Yemen (7O), Juan de Nova (FR/J & E), Navassa Island (KP1), Desecheo (KP5) and Aves Island (YV0). The last operation from Scarborough was in 1997.

Website: www.dxpub.com/dx_mag.html

=========

Mar. 4  2004  ARLD009 DX News

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by CO2TK, KQ3V, PA3GIO, QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

TOGO, 5V.  Look for Franck, F5TVG, John, F5VHQ and others to be QRV as 5V7C until March 13.  Activity will be on all bands and modes. QSL via F5TVG.

JAMAICA, 6Y.  WN9O, WO9Z and W9IU are signing 6Y5/homecalls on all bands until March 14.  They will be QRV as 6Y8Z in the ARRL DX SSB contest.  QSL contest call via W9IU and others via home calls.

MALDIVES, 8Q.  Hardy, DL5SBA is QRV as 8Q7BA from Athuruga Island, IOTA AS-013, until March 20.  Activity is on 20 meters using RTTY and PSK modes.  He may try 30 and 17 meters as well.  QSL to home call.

GUYANA, 8R.  Olli, OH0XX will be QRV as 8R1K in the ARRL DX SSB contest.  QSL to home call.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 9Y.  Chad, WE9V is QRV as 9Y4/WE9V from Tobago Island, IOTA SA-009, until March 10.  He will sign 9Y4ZC during the ARRL DX SSB contest. QSL to home call.

CUBA, CO.  Pepin, CO2TK will be a Single Op/Mono Band/Low Power entry in the ARRL DX SSB contest.  QSL direct via F6FNU.  Meanwhile, Don, VE3ESE and members of the Santiago de Cuba University and City Club will be QRV as T48RAC during the ARRL DX SSB contest.  QSL direct via VE3ESE.

MARTINIQUE, FM.  Gilbert, FM5FJ will be QRV in the ARRL DX SSB contest as a Single-Op/Single Band/Low Power entry.  QSL via KU9C.

FRENCH GUIANA, FY.  Didier, FY5FY, Marc, F1HAR, Herve, F5HRY, Olivier, F5MZN and Laurent, F6FVY will be QRV as FY5KE in the ARRL DX SSB contest as a Multi-2 entry.  QSL via operators' instructions.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, HC8.  Alfredo, HC1HC is QRV as HD8A from Santa Cruz Island, IOTA SA-004, until March 9.  Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using mostly SSB with some CW.  He may also participate in the ARRL DX SSB contest and sign may also sign HC1HC/HC8 before and after the contest.  QSL via NE8Z.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, HI.  Ted, HI3TEJ will be active in the ARRL DX SSB contest as a Single-Op/All Band/QRP entry, mostly on 80 to 10 meters and possibly 160 meters.  QSL via ON4IQ.  Meanwhile, Bert, PA3GIO will be QRV as HI9/PA3GIO from Hispaniola Island, IOTA NA-096, from March 11 to 18.  Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters, including 17 and 12 meters, using SSB.  QSL via operator's instructions.

GRENADA, J3.  Harry, AC8G is QRV until March 9 and will be active as J37K during the ARRL DX SSB contest as a Single Op entry.  QSL to home call.

HAWAII, KH6.  Len, K1NU is QRV as K1NU/KH6 from the SeaQMaui resort. This includes being a low-power entry in the ARRL DX SSB contest. QSL to home call.

US VIRGIN ISLANDS, KP2.  Glenn, W0GJ and Paul, W0PJ are here until March 9 and will be QRV as KP2A as a Multi/Single entry in the ARRL DX SSB contest.  Before and after the contest they are QRV as KP2/homecalls.  QSL contest cal via W3HNK and others to home calls.

POLAND, SP.  Wilhelm, SP8AJC will be active as 3Z8Z in the ARRL DX SSB contest and the upcoming CQ WPX SSB contest as a Single-Op/All Band entry.  QSL to home call.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, VP5.  Look for WE3C, N3FTI and KQ3V to be QRV as VQ5A during the ARRL DX SSB contest as a Multi/Multi entry. QSL via KQ3V.

VIETNAM, XV.  JP3AZA and JA9BV will be QRV as XV3AZA and XV3BV, respectively, from March 6 to 14.  Activity will be on 80 to 15 meters using CW and SSB.  QSL both calls via JA3DYU.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO.  The ARRL International DX Phone Contest, Open Ukraine RTTY Championship, DARC 10-Meter Digital ''Corona'' Contest and the EU EME Contest will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend.  Please see March QST, page 100 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details.

(W1AW)

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

Mar. 4 2004   DX Newsletter a free weekly service of DARC Committee "DX and HF Contesting"

BALEARIC ISLANDS, EA6, EU-004
Christian,DL6KAC, is staying on Mallorca (EU-004, DIE E-021) again since Feb 25. He is QRV mainly in SSB on 10-40m, perhaps also on 80m until Mar 26. QSL via bureau.

BARBADOS, 8P, NA-021
Tom,W2SC, is signing 8P1A during the ARRL DX Phone Contest (Mar 6/7). QSL via NN1N.

BELGIUM, ON
ON6UM/L, ON4LO/L and ON4BAG/L will activate three Belgian lighthouses (BEL 001, BEL 005 and BEL 006) on Mar 6. QSLs via homecalls.

BERMUDA, VP9, NA-005
David,M0CNP/VP9, plans to be QRV in SSB/CW and perhaps also RTTY/PSK31 on 10-80m from Mar 10-22. QSL via homecall.

BRUNEI, V8, OC-088
Jim,G3RTE, Phil,G3SWH, Greg,V85GD, and Ray,HS0ZDZ/G3NOM, will stay in Negara Brunei Darussalam from Mar 8-15. Operating from the shack of Greg they will be QRV as V8JIM (QSL via G3SWH) with three stations in CW/SSB/digital modes on 10-160m and as V8NOM (QSL via GM4FDM) during the RSGB Commonwealth Contest. They plan to make 12.000 QSOs!

COSTA RICA, TI
Carlos,TI2KAC, Eddie,K4UN, Robert,W4BD, William,K4WPM, Van,N5VI, and Robert,NA4BW, will be active as TI8M during the ARRL DX Phone Contest on Mar 6/7. QSL via TI2KAC.

CUBA, CO, NA-015
Don,VE3ESE, and other members of the Santiago de Cuba University and City Club will sign T48RAC in the ARRL DX Phone Contest.QSL via VE3ESE.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, HI, NA-096
Bert,PA3GIO/HI9, will be on the air from Hispaniola (NA-096) in SSB on 80/40/20/17/15/12/10m from Mar 11-18. You can find more information on his website: http://www.pa3gio.nl/HI9

HAITI, HH, NA-096
Craig,AH8DX, cancelled his trip for the upcoming ARRL Contest due to the unsecure situation in Haiti.

HONDURAS, HR
Tom,HR3/W0GLG, is staying on Cayos Cochinos Island from Mar 1-6. You can find him working on 14260, 21260 or 28460 kHz.

IRAQ, YI
Ramon,YN1GSR, is momentarily active as YI9GS. He shall stay there for five months. QSL via EA5BYP, unfortunately only direct.

JAPAN, JA, AS-049
JA6PSE (SSB/RTTY) and JA6PSI (CW) plan to activate Kodakara (AS-049) on 10-160m for one week starting in early March. QSLs via homecalls.

JERSEY, GJ, EU-013
Pete,MJ/K8PT, and Craig,MJ/K3PLV, will be QRV in SSB/CW/RTTY on all HF bands from Mar 10-17. QSLs via homecalls.

MALEDIVES, 8Q, AS-013
Pierino,IV3YYK, is hitting the airwaves in SSB/CW signing 8Q7YY until Mar 7. QSL via IV3YYK.

MARTINIQUE, FM, NA-107
Albert,NH7A, will use the call TO5A during the ARRL DX Phone Contest on Mar 6/7. QSL via F5VHJ.

NETHERLAND ANTILLES, PJ2, SA-006
Martin,NW0L, Tom,AE9B, Geoff,W0CG, Jeff,K8ND, and Jerry,WB9Z, will work from the station of PJ2T on Curacao in the ARRL DX Phone Contest. QSL via N9AG.

TAIWAN, BV, AS-155
BV8BC, BV8BM, BV8BQ, BV8CM, BX8AAA and BM8BTM will sign BV9O from Orchid Island (AS-155) from Mar 11-15. Unfortunately QSL only direct to BV8BC.

TOGO, 5V
Dany,F5CW, Franck,F4AQJ, Franck,F5TVG, Frank,F5YVG, Pascal,F5JSD, Romain,F8BUI, and John,F5VHQ, will arrive in Togo on Mar 6. Their pilot stations will be Bruno,F5AGB, for Europe and Floyd,N5FG, for the US. They plan to be on the air as 5V7C until Mar 13. More information is available online at http://5v7c.free.fr/le_togo.htm

TURKEY, TA, AS-099
Gerhard,TA/DL3NBL/p, intends to be QRV mainly in SSB from Mar 7-14. He plans to activate the small island Uecadalar (AS-099) in the Gulf of Antalya off the coast of Tekirova on all HF bands. QSL via DL3NBL.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, VP5
John,WE3C, Steven,N3FTI, and Robert,KQ3V, will sign VQ5A during the ARRL DX Phone Contest (Mar 6/7). The prefix VQ5 has been issued for the first time ever. QSL via KQ3V.

YUGOSLAVIA, YU
Michele,YU8/IN3IZT, is QRV from the Kosovo on 10-40m during his spare time until mid May.

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

Mar 04 - 18, 2004   I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O.

04/03/2004:  Hardy, DL5SBA, will be active as 8Q7BA from about March 4th to 20th from Athuruga Island (AS-013). Activity will be on 20 meters, possibly 30 and 17 meters as well, on RTTY/PSK only. He will use a TS-50 with 50 watts into a wire quad antenna for 20 meters - possibly 17/30m with the tuner. Hardy reports that he will be there on vacation not an
expedition, so activity will be sporadic. QSL via bureau (preferred) to DL5SBA. [Tnx OPDX]

04/03/2004:  Rosel, CT3/DL3KWR, and Hardy, CT3/DL3KWF, will be QRV March 4th to 18th from Ilha da Madeira (IOTA AF-014, DIP MA-001). They will operate CW mainly on the WARC bands, typically in their late afternoon and evening hours. QSL via home calls. E-mail requests for bureau cards will be welcome at dl3kwr@darc.de and dl3kwf@darc.de . [Tnx 425DXN]

04/03/2004:  Len, K1NU, will be signing K1NU/KH6 from the SeaQMaui resort, Hawaii (OC-019) from March 4th to 9th. Plans include a low-power entry in the ARRL DX Phone Contest, some WARC band operation (mostly CW) before and after the contest, and possibly some 60m operation, if he can get an antenna up. All operating will be casual - vacation mode. Logs will be uploaded to LOTW upon his return home. QSL is also OK via the bureau or direct via his home callsign. [Tnx OPDX]

05/03/2004:  Members of the F6KOP ARS of Provins (near Paris) plan to be active as 5V7C from Lome (Grid Loc. JJ06PD, WAZ 35, ITU 46), Togo, between March 5 and 13, 2004. The crew will consist of Dany, F5CW (one of the last TO4E gang); Franck, F4AJQ; Pascal, F5TVG; Pascal, F5JSD; Romain, F8BUI; and Guenther, F5VHQ/OE5TGL. Activity will be on all bands 160 through 6 meter CW, SSB and digital modes. QSL via F5TVG (Franck Savoldi, P.O. Box 92, F94223 Charenton Cedex France). [Tnx F5NQL]

05/03/2004:  Harry, AC8G, will be QRV from Grenada (NA-025) starting March 5th and is expected to depart on the 9th. He will use J37K during the ARRL SSB DX Contest weekend (March 6-7th) as a Single-Op entry. QSL via AC8G; a SASE is best, but the bureau is OK (Do NOT send to the J3 Bureau). During the operating hours outside of the contest, he will put an emphasis on non-USA and Canadian QSOs. As a side note, if one sends IRCs be sure the left box is stamped by the issuing post office. His postal office is rejecting those with just a printed Country code or other printed info in that box. [Tnx OPDX]

06/03/2004:  Ian, G3TMA, will be will be QRV as 9M2/G3TMA from Pulau Ketam (AS-074) March 6th to 7th and 13th to 14th. Activity will be mostly on CW. QSL to Ian Buffham, Bekay Court, Lorong Enau, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. [Tnx 425DXN]

06/03/2004:  Francois (F5JNE) and Claude (F5MCC) will be active as F5JNE/p on 40m SSB, starting around 07:30 UTC Saturday March 6th, from the Saint Andeux Castle (DFCF 21021, Dept 21, Province of Burgundy). QSL F5JNE via bureau or direct. SWL cards are welcome too. [Tnx F5NQL]

06/03/2004:  Look for Michel F5OA/p and Christophe F5UBH/p to be QRV March 6th, starting around 11:00 UTC, from the Cap Levi (Fermanville) lighthouse (DPLF PB-086, ARLHS FRA-719, WW Loc. IN99CI). The lighthouse is located in the Province of Basse Normandie, Departement 50 (Manche). Activity will be on HF and VHF, mainly SSB. QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx F5NQL]

06/03/2004:  Look for ON6UM/L, ON4LO/L and ON4BAG/L to be QRV March 6th from three Belgian lighthouses (BEL 001, BEL 005 and BEL 006). QSL via home calls. [Tnx 425DXN]

06/03/2004:  John, KK9A, will be active from the Iguana Villa, Aruba (SA-036) as P40A in the ARRL DX Phone Contest (March 6-7th) as a Single-Op/Single Band (20m) entry. QSL via WD9DZA. [Tnx OPDX]

06/03/2004:  Operators Martin (NW0L), Tom (AE9B), Geoff (W0CG), Jeff (K8ND) and Jerry (WB9Z) will activate the PJ2T contest station on Curacao during the ARRL DX Phone Contest (March 6-7th) as a Multi/2 entry. QSL via N9AG. [Tnx OPDX]

06/03/2004:  Albert, NH7A, will be active from Martinique (NA-107) as TO5A during the ARRL DX Phone Contest (March 6-7th) as a Single-Op/All Band entry. QSL via F5VHJ. [Tnx OPDX]

06/03/2004:  Operators John (WE3C), Steven (N3FTI) and Robert (KQ3V) will activate, for the first time, the prefix "VQ5" during the ARRL DX Phone Contest (March 6-7th) from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Look for them to be active as VQ5A, a Multi/Multi entry in the contest. QSL via KQ3V. [Tnx OPDX]

06/03/2004:  XV3AZA (JP3AZA) and XV3BV (JA9BV) will be QRV from Vietnam between March 6th and 14th. Activity will be on 80 through 15 meter SSB, CW (NO WARC bands). QSL via the bureau or direct to JA3DYU. [Tnx JI6KVR]

07/03/2004:  Look for Don Fisher, VE3ESE, and members of the Santiago de Cuba University and City Club to activate T48RAC during the ARRL DX Phone Contest (March 7-8th) from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba (NA-015). They will be operating 40 and 20 meters. QSL via VE3ESE: Don Fisher, 48 Lucerne Dr., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2E-1B3 (SASE, with IRC or G/S -- Note Canadian postage only). [Tnx OPDX]

07/03/2004:  Gerhard, DL3NBL, will be QRV as TA/DL3NBL/p from Ucadalar Island (AS-115) between March 7th and 14th. He plans to operate on all bands mainly SSB. QSL via home call. [Tnx 425DXN]

08/03/2004:  Jim, G3RTE; Phil, G3SWH and Ray, HS0ZDZ (aka G3NOM), who are all members of FOC and CDXC, in association with Greg, V85GD will be mounting a multi-band, multi-mode DX-pedition to Negara Brunei Darussalam (Brunei) between 8th and 15th March 2004. The main operation will take place from the QTH of Greg, V85GD under the special callsign of V8JIM. A single operator entry will also be made in the RSGB's Commonwealth Contest using the special callsign of V8NOM. Brunei is #82 in the 2003 Most Wanted survey by the 425 DX News. The January 2003 ARRL listing shows Brunei at #129. In addition, Brunei counts as OC-088 for the Islands on the Air (IOTA) award. Activity is planned for all bands from 160 to 10 meters and will include CW, SSB and digital modes. Propagation permitting, they plan to have three stations on the air for as many hours every day as is possible. Their main objective is to work as many European, North American and ROTW stations on as many bands as possible. They have set an expedition target of 12,000 QSOs, with an approximately equal split between CW, SSB and digital modes. The QSL manager for V8JIM will be G3SWH and for V8NOM will be GM4FDM. [Tnx G3SWH]

09/03/2004:  Nicola, I0SNY, plans to be QRV March 9th to 27th as CO/I0SNY from Caibarien, Cuba (NA-015). He plans to concentrate on 17, 12 and 6 meters. QSL via home call. [Tnx 425DXN]

10/03/2004:  Pete (K8PT) and Craig (K3PLV) are off to the Channel Islands again. This is their 4th year in a row. They will be operating from Jersey (EU-013) between March 10th and 17th courtesy of the Jersey Amateur Radio Society. Callsigns will be MJ/K8PT and MJ/K3PLV. They should have 2 amplifiers operating this year which will help them during cycle 23 propagation. They will be operating all HF bands and modes of SSB, CW, RTTY, and will concentrate on the lower bands during darkness. QSL via individual home callsigns. [Tnx OPDX]

10/03/2004:  Operators BV8BC, BV8BM, BV8BQ, BV8CM, BX8AAA and BM8BTM will be QRV as BV9O from Orchid Island (AS-155) March 11th to 15th. QSL direct to BV8BC (Bill-Chen, P.O. Box 222, Taitung 950, Taiwan). [Tnx 425DXN]

10/03/2004:  David, M0CNP, will be QRV March 10th to 22nd as M0CNP/VP9 from Bermuda (NA-005). Activity will be on 80 through 10 meter SSB, CW and maybe RTTY and PSK-31. QSL via home call. [Tnx 425DXN]

11/03/2004:  Bert, PA3GIO, will be QRV March 11th to 18th as PA3GIO/HI9 from Las Terrenas, Dominica Republic (NA-096). He plans to operate on 80, 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meter SSB. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

11/03/2004:  Look for Gaetano (I8IHG), Nello (IK8HVJ), Salvatore (IK8NTN), Achille (IZ8CKS), Luigi (IZ8ENR) and Andrea (IK8GDA) to be QRV March 13th from Vivara Island (IOTA EU-031, IIA NA-005). Activity will be on 80 through 6 meter SSB. QSLs via home calls, direct or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

14/03/2004:  Harry, W6DXO, will be QRV as KP2/W6DXO from the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands (NA-106) between March 14th and 19th. Activity will be focused on 17, 12 and 10M. SSB and PSK activity planned. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Tnx W6DXO]

15/03/2004:  A35DH (QSL via DH3WO) A35DJ (QSL via DJ2HD) and A35DA (QSL via DL5DAN) will be QRV March 15th to 29th from Fafa (OC-049). Activity will be on 80, 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 meter SSB, PSK31 and RTTY. [Tnx
F5NQL]

15/03/2004:  The Lockyer Valley Radio Club will be QRV March 15th to 19th as VK4FRI from Fraser Island (OC-142). Activity will be on all HF bands using CW, SSB, PSK and SSTV. QSL direct only to P.O. Box 101, Laidley, QLD 4341, Australia. [Tnx 425DXN]

17/03/2004:  Moscow Contest Club members RD3AF, RN3AZ, RU3AV, RZ3DU, UA3DX and UA3AKO will operate as R1FJ from Franz Josef Land (EU-019) between March 17th and 25th, from the Island of Zemlya Aleksandry (RRA reference RR-05-04, RDA reference AR-32). They will operate on all bands CW, SSB and RTTY, and will participate in the Russian DX Contest (20-21 March). QSL via DL6ZFG (Rolf Rahne, P.O. Box 15. 39241 Gommern, Germany) or, For Russia and CIS countries, via UA3AKO (Victor Slabodchikov, P.O Box 867, Moscow, 119334, Russia). Financial support will be appreciated via either DL6ZFG (dl6zfg@dl6zfg.de) or UA3AKO (ua3ako@mail.ru). [Tnx 425DXN]

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

LOOKING AHEAD -

21/03/2004:  The members of the VK6 DX Chasers Club wish to advise that we will be conducting an expedition to Woody Island (OC-170). This will take place from around 06:00 UTC on March 21 to around 16:00 UTC on March 27. This is our second visit to this island which is part of the Recherche Archipelago, located 15 km from the town of Esperance and some 600km South East of Perth. Up to 3 stations will be active on 40 through 10 meters including 12 meters and 17 meters. There may be some 80 meter operation if conditions and static levels permit. The callsign is yet to be advised. Operators will be, VK6NE, VK6NU, VK6APK, VK6YEL, VK6KTN and VK6ZPP. All requests for QSL's are to go to Neil, VK6NE. [Tnx VK6APK]

23/04/2004:  The team of DL8RL/p (Axel), DL8DZL/p (Klaus), DF3UFW/p (Falk) and DL2DSL/p (Jorg) will be QRV April 23rd to 30th from Usedom Island (IOTA EU-129, DID O-13 for the German Islands Award). They also plan to activate Schlossinsel (O-31) and Grosser Wotig (O-35), for the German Islands Award. QSL via the DARC bureau is preferred. [Tnx F5NQL]

01/05/2004:  Jim, MM0BQI, plans an IOTA expedition to the uninhabited Treshnish Islands off the west coast of Scotland is scheduled for the first week in May, 2004. He will operate as MM0BQI/P from the island of Lunga (IOTA EU-108, IOSA NH17, SCOTIA DI09), the largest in the Treshnish group. Activity will be on all bands 80-6m, SSB, CW, RTTY using IC706g and IC7400 transceivers. Antennas will be Butternut verticals and wire dipoles. QSL via the bureau or direct to Jim Martin, MM0BQI, 3 Lismore Avenue, Edinburgh, EH8 7DW, SCOTLAND. All surplus money from direct QSLs will be donated to the Hebridean Trust, who own and work to preserve the islands and whose permission to land and operate is gratefully acknowledged. [Tnx MM0BQI]

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

Hamvention planning, preparations going full tilt!

Hamvention General Chairman Gary Des Combes, N8EMO, reports all is going smoothly as the 2004 show approaches. Hamvention will take place Friday through Sunday, May 14-16, at Hara Arena in Trotwood, near Dayton, Ohio. The theme for the 53rd Hamvention is "The Year of the Contact."

"Things are going well, and my team is outstanding," Des Combes said in summing up Hamvention's preparations to date. "I really am fortunate to have the best volunteers in the world."

Des Combes says all forum slots have been filled, and about two-thirds of the inside exhibit spaces have been spoken for--which, he points out, is ahead of last year. Des Combes says advanced ticket sales and flea market signups appear to be strong. "We are compiling data now, but demand is very high," he said. Hamvention has another mailing in the works in an
effort to attract additional exhibitors. Des Combes also notes that the Hamvention Web site has been upgraded and now provides for on-line, credit card ticket purchases.

Under the banner of its Great Lakes Division, the ARRL will offer a Hamvention forum, "How Grassroots Action Gets Lawmakers' Reaction," on Friday, May 14, 12:15 PM. Moderated by ARRL Great Lakes Division Vice Director Dick Mondro, W8FQT, the forum will feature an introduction by ARRL Great Lakes Division Director Jim Weaver, K8JE, and participation by ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, who will discuss "How to Influence Congressional Representatives," ARRL New England Division Vice Director Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, on "Getting State Legislators to Work with Us" and ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, who's titled his remarks "ARRL: Tighten that Cinch, and Go Do It!"

The annual ARRL Forum gets under way at 8:30 AM on Saturday, May 15.

Check the Hamvention Web site for additional details: http://www.hamvention.org

(ARRL News Service)

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