RSGB Mounts Opposition to Possible UK Radio Deregulation (Mar. 24 2005)
"The RSGB is strongly opposed to any steps that Ofcom may take to bring deregulation onto the agenda and will fight hard to maintain the status of radio amateurs and the privileges they currently enjoy," the Society said in a news release. The RSGB fears that Ofcom is planning to propose a free lifetime license for radio amateurs to entice them into accepting general deregulation down the road. Any move in the direction of a free lifetime license, RSGB maintains, is a step in the direction of deregulation. "It is vital that we stop any attempts to deregulate the hobby; therefore, we must oppose any movement toward a license for life," the Society said. As a result of its initial contacts with Ofcom on the issue, the RSGB reports, the Ofcom Board has backed away from immediate publication of a "consultation document"--essentially a request for comments leading up to a full-blown rule making proposal--and sent it back for revaluation. The Society says that over the course of dealing with Ofcom during the past several months, it "began to realize that the intended preference was to tempt amateurs with a free license for life and then after a few years completely deregulate our hobby." In a "briefing note" entitled "The Future of Amateur Radio Licensing," the Society argues that deregulation would disenfranchise all amateurs and remove the need for examinations or licenses to operate on the amateur bands. It further asserts that deregulation could mean UK amateurs no longer would allowed to operate from--or have licensing reciprocity with--other countries. "Deregulation would mean the end of band plans and a free-for-all on the bands," the RSGB's briefing note declared, adding that the Society is not prepared to see Amateur Radio destroyed. "These are not empty threats on the future of Amateur Radio," the RSGB document emphasizes. "They are real, and they must be robustly opposed by the Amateur Radio community." RSGB General Manager Peter Kirby, G0TWW, said in a message circulated this week to the UK amateur community that he does not want the Society to be seen as scaremongering. "I want the facts to be put forward," he said. "The clues are there for amateurs to decide if we are scaremongering or not." He invited UK amateurs to "engage in debate" on the issue. ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said the level of deregulation the RSGB fears would fly in the face of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio Regulations, which oblige administrations to license radio stations--including amateur stations--and to verify the operational and technical qualifications of amateur operators. "We think it's important to maintain that," Sumner said this week. "Licensing provides a means of proving a level of technical competence." Citing its 80 years of Amateur Radio experience and expertise, the Society said it's prepared to assume responsibility for issuing and renewing amateur licenses in the UK and handling the administrative work involved. The RSGB has been calling on clubs throughout the UK to "join us to fight deregulation." (ARRL News Service)
Another series of important ITU meetings coming up in April and May (Mar. 13 2005) Beginning on March 29th, a series of meetings will be taking place in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) which will move us one step closer to decisions at the World Radio Conference on 2007. Since last fall, countries around the world have been doing their homework and are beginning to solidify their positions on items of importance to amateur radio. In Canada, Radio Amateurs of Canada and the IARU have been developing arguments in support of retention of the top of the 40 metre band between 7200 and 7300 kHz, for excluding broadcasters in Europe and Asia from that band, and for securing a world wide allocation for amateur radio from 7000 to 7300 kHz. In another area, we have been developing studies to support our case for an amateur band at 136 kHz. We have also been working to secure the support of other spectrum user's in Canada for our proposals. And finally, Canada has taken proposals to the CITEL meetings of all countries in North, Central and South America to try to develop a united position to take to the conference. Similar actions have been taking place in Europe and in Asia. So when everyone meets in Geneva in April and May, the studies and recommendations to the conference will be revised and updated, hopefully in our favour. The IARU will be represented in four different groups. The Broadcast group meets in the last week of March and the first week of April. The Mobile and Amateur group meets in mid April, and the Fixed service group meets towards the end of April. Then, in May, representatives of all three groups will meet for a short meeting in Geneva, to try to agree on an overall approach to the review of 4-10 MHz, hopefully with a place in there somewhere for amateur radio. We will keep you updated.
(RAC News Service)
World Amateur Radio Day 2005 Award Announced (Apr.18 2005) World Amateur Radio Day is celebrated by the IARU on 18 April each year. The WARD 2005 Award commemorates World Amateur Radio Day and is issued by MK QTC, the Polish radio amateurs' journal, with the support of PZK, the Polish national amateur radio society. The award is issued to those making at least 10 QSOs on the HF bands, or five QSOs on the VHF bands between 0000 and 2400UTC on 18 April. The price of the WARD 2005 Award is $5 or 5 euros. Send a standard application form (log extract), including the list of QSOs, to: MK QTC, The Radio Amateurs' Journal, Suchacz-Zamek, Wielmozy 5b, 82-340 Tolkmicko, Poland on or before 31 May 2005. (RSGB)
UK Military and RSGB discuss the Future of 70CM (Mar. 11 2005) The first of a series of meetings between the Radio Society of Great Britain and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense have taken place. The purpose is to discuss the future of the 70 centimeter band and access by ham repeaters to it. Under U-K telecommunications law
Amateur Radio is designated as the primary user the band. Even so,
back in February of 2002 the Ministry of Defense imposed a freeze on licensing
of 70 centimeter Amateur Service relay devices. This includes
unattended packet radio data nodes as well as repeaters. This meeting
was billed as the first move towards
The Ministry of Defense placed on record that they wish to work with the R-S-G-B as the representatives of the U-K amateur service on a partnership basis, and there was no wish to deprive the amateur radio community of the facilities previously available to them. For its part, the R-S-G-B is also talking to the Ministry of Defense through Ofcom -- the U-K Office of Communications. Discussions here center around interference being experienced on the 2 meter band primarily in Northern Ireland. These discussions are reported to be ongoing. (WIA News)
Mar. 25 2005 Tad Cook K7RA Solar Update
For the entire day on March 22, the College K index from Fairbanks, Alaska, was 0, which produced an A index for that day of 0. This was even slightly lower than the planetary or mid-latitude values. The forecast for this week shows more of the same, with solar flux slipping below 90. A solar wind stream may cause some unsettled to active conditions. The U.S. Air Force shows unsettled to active conditions with a planetary A index around 15 for March 27-29. RWC Prague shows unsettled to active conditions for March 26 and 27, with unsettled conditions for March 25, 28 and 29. Noel Petit, WB0VGI, sent a link to a magnetometer on a rural farm north of Minneapolis. The approximate location is northwest of Cambridge, Minnesota, at 45.616 degrees N, 93.312 degrees W. You can observe the output in terms of K index. This is similar to a K from NOAA index generated by nine magnetometers. The Cambridge K index gives a nice localized indication of real-time geomagnetic activity at that latitude in the upper Midwest. The peak of Cycle 19 in the 1950s continues to generate reminiscences. Here's one from John Goewey, KI5IG, of New Mexico: "During that peak K2UKN (Charles Groves) had a regular schedule with JAs every noontime on 6 meters. I DXed a YL on 6 meters in Missouri while I was WA2AJM in New Jersey. The YL had a curtain rod out the window, she said. Another unusual contact was off my light bulb dummy load in the basement shack. QSO was 20 miles away, 6 meters as well. Yes, I thought it was always going to be that way also." Emory Gordy, W4WRO--whose XYL is country singer Patty Loveless, KD4WUJ--was only 13 in 1958. "I was first licensed in 1958, the era of the BIG ONE. Being a novice-neophyte I, like others, innocently thought it would last forever. The fact that it hasn't been repeated didn't dampen my enthusiasm for ham radio." Peter Hansen, W8TWA, writes: "Having started my ham radio activity as a Novice in 1954, I have seen the best and worst several times now. One thing I miss is the two-weekend ARRL DX contest. Since the two weekends were separated by about a month, the March weekend seemed to be a bit more exciting as we approached the equinox. The two-weekend contest was a great opportunity to observe the changing conditions as winter came to a close. Maybe it was my imagination, but it always seemed easier to work the polar path, both long and short, to VU, UL, UH, UM, etc (excuse the old prefix references!) in March than it was in February. And while there were obvious variations in geomagnetic activity and availability of stations between the two weekends, it always seemed that March was better for that path. However, another contributing factor could have been that we spent more time listening because many of the stations had already been worked on the first weekend. To this day I continue to monitor the flux, A, and K indices before the contest, and find it of interest how that nuclear furnace 93 million miles away continues to affect our everyday living, as well as its influences on our hobby." For more information concerning radio propagation and an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see the ARRL Technical Information Service Propagation page: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html Sunspot numbers for March 17 through 23 were 35, 37, 41, 39, 53, 49 and 56, with a mean of 44.3. The 10.7 cm flux was 101.4, 96.5, 93, 89, 89.7, 87.3 and 87.7, with a mean of 92.1. Estimated planetary A indices were 12, 9, 14, 5, 8, 3 and 4, with a mean of 7.9. Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 8, 6, 9, 4, 5, 2 and 3, with a mean of 5.3. (ARRL News Service)
Europe Mar. 27 2005 Solar and propagation
report,
Flare activity has mostly been low
or very low, with only a thin scattering of C-class flares. These
had no effect on propagation. The solar flux drifted down from 93
to 82, averaging 88 - a decline of 19 units. The 90-day average was unchanged
at 98. The X-ray flux declined from B1.4 to A3.7, averaging A7. The
geomagnetic field was mainly quiet or slightly unsettled. However, a high-speed
coronal stream brought higher levels on the 25th and 26th. The average
was a daily Ap reading of 8.5. Solar wind speeds dropped as low as
293km/sec on the 21st, but were up to 650km/sec on the
Thanks to the generally low geomagnetic activity HF propagation was relatively good for the season and the current stage in the solar cycle. The Dxpedition stations on Kerguelen Island and the Maldives were both workable up to and including 28MHz, as was the Russian base in Antarctica. There was a little aurora on the 25th but this was confined to high latitudes. During the coming week we will have the quieter side of the sun toward us. Flare activity should continue to be low or very low. The solar flux may decline further but, by the end of the week, should begin a modest recovery. However, it seems unlikely to rise above 100. Geomagnetic activity will again be dominated by coronal holes. The coronal streams that have affected levels during the present weekend will give way to a quieter spell midweek, but a larger hole looks likely to bring increased activity by next weekend. MUFs at equal latitudes should be around 23MHz in the south and 20MHz in the north. Darkness hour lows will be in the region of 9MHz. Paths to South Africa should have a maximum usable frequency, giving a 50 per cent chance of an opening, of 27MHz. The optimum working frequency, where there should be a ninety per cent possibility of propagation, will be about 21MHz. This is currently among the most reliable of HF paths and it should be at its best between 1100 and 1800UTC. That report was prepared by Neil Clarke, G0CAS, and Martin Harrison, G3USF.
Australian Youngsters Quiz ISS Commander via Amateur Radio (Mar 22, 2005)
The teleconferenced contact between WH6PN in Honolulu and NA1SS in space was arranged by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. One youngster wanted to know if it would be possible for a baby to be born in space. Full Story: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/03/22/103/?nc=1 (ARRL News Service)
Project OSCAR inaugurates newsletter column service (Mar. 23 2005) Project OSCAR, the oldest Amateur Radio club dedicated to amateur satellites, has inaugurated a service aimed at encouraging satellite newcomers. "The Satellite Beacon" is a monthly column produced by Project OSCAR members that Amateur Radio newsletter editors may freely republish. Topics cover a wide range of satellite topics geared to new or novice satellite users. "We looked at the landscape of amateur satellite usage, and it appeared that there were geographical areas where there were no mentors for potential satellite users," said Project OSCAR Vice President and Beacon Editor Emily Clarke, W0EEC. "If there are no mentors, there are likely to be no satellite operators." Clarke says that by publishing "The Satellite Beacon," Project OSCAR hopes to provide a reliable source of information about amateur satellites at the local level and keep interest in ham radio high as the solar minimum approaches. Articles are available as both Adobe Acrobat (PDF) and MS-Word documents. Newsletter editors may subscribe to a monthly electronic distribution or download any of the currently available articles directly from "The Satellite Beacon" Web page. For more information, visit the Project OSCAR Web site: www.projectoscar.net (ARRL News Service)
Radio Amateur tapped to head NASA (Mar. 22 2005) President George W. Bush has announced his intention to nominate Michael Griffin, NR3A, to be the next administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He'll succeed Sean O'Keefe, who departed NASA earlier this year to become chancellor of Louisiana State University. Griffin currently heads the Space Department at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Prior to that, he was president and chief operating officer of In-Q-Tel Inc, served in several positions within Orbital Sciences Corporation and was NASA's chief engineer. In 2003 testimony before the US House of Representatives' Future of Human Space Flight Committee on Science, Griffin described himself as "an unabashed supporter of space exploration in general, and of human space flight in particular." expressed his belief that the human space flight program "is in the long run possibly the most significant activity in which our nation is engaged." His academic resume is extensive and impressive. In addition to a bachelor's degree in physics from Johns Hopkins, holds master's degrees in aerospace science, applied physics, business administration, civil engineering and electrical engineering and a doctorate in aerospace engineering. The US Senate must confirm Griffin's appointment, which is said to enjoy bipartisan support. (ARRL News Service)
ARRL offering Free Basic Electronics Presentation (Mar. 20 2005) The ARRL Education and Technology Program is offering schools and clubs a CD-ROM presentation on basic electronics. The instructional presentation is available free of charge upon request. "The Basic Electronics Course is intended for teachers and instructors who want a ready resource they can adapt to their instruction of electronics fundamentals," says ARRL Education and Technology Coordinator Mark Spencer, WA8SME. "The materials include a PowerPoint presentation and instructor's script." Spencer says the course is designed around affordable components, a prototyping board and a volt-ohmmeter (VOM). For more information or to request a copy of the presentation, contact Mark Spencer, WA8SME, mspencer@arrl.org; 860-594-0396. (WIANews)
The most complete list yet.......You might be a HAM if....!
73 William Breuer VE1SGV
New TrustedQSL software released for Logbook of the World (Mar 11, 2005) Version 1.11 of the TrustedQSL software used with ARRL's Logbook of the World system now is available. Windows, Linux and Mac OS X users are encouraged to update their systems. The new version fixes a serious bug that affected Linux and Mac OS X versions of the software. This bug caused users' saved certificate (.P12) files to be corrupted. Linux and Mac OS X users are strongly advised to install the new version of the TrustedQSL software and save all existing certificates into .P12 files. Older .P12 files saved from these systems should be discarded. Windows users of the TrustedQSL software
should update to the new version, in part because the updated Windows version
of the TQSL program now signs log data much faster. Instructions for downloading
and installing the software are available on ARRL's LoTW Web page: http://www.arrl.org/lotw/#download
Palestine, TX: Palestine/Anderson County Amateur Radio Club, K5PAL. 1600Z-2300Z Mar 26. Palestine Dogwood Trails Festival. 14.260 7.260. Certificate. David Carnathan, N5XPC, 504 Micheaux, Palestine, TX 75801. CQ WW WPX Contest--SSB--sponsored by CQ Magazine, from 0000Z Mar 26-2400Z Mar 27 (CW is May 28-29). Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SOAB, SOSB, SO-Assisted, -HP, LP and -QRP, MS (10 min rule), M2, MM, SO-Rookie, SO-Tribander-and-Single-Wire, SO-Band-Restricted. SO operate 36 hours max with off times at least 60 min. Exchange: RS(T) + serial number. QSO points: different continents--3 pts (14-28 MHz) and 6 pts (1.8-7 MHz), with North America--2 pts (14-28 MHz) and 4 pts (1.8-7 MHz), with own country--1 pt. Score: QSO points × prefixes worked (ie, N8, KA1, HG73, JD1) counted only once. For more information: www.cqwpx.com. Logs due May 1 (CW, July 1) to ssb@cqwpx.com (cw@cqwpx.com). Spring QRP Homebrewer Sprint--CW/PSK31--sponsored by New Jersey QRP Club, 0000Z-0400Z Mar 28. Frequencies: QRP CW and PSK31 frequencies on 80-10 meters, CW and PSK31 are considered separate bands. Exchange: RST + S/P/C + Output Power. QSO points: Commercial Equipment--2 pts, Homebrew Xmtr or Rcvr--3 pts, Homebrew Xmtr and Rcvr or Xcvr--4 pts. Kits okay as homebrew. Power Multiplier: 0>250 mW = ×15, 250 mW>1 W = ×10, 1>5 W = ×7, >5 W = ×1. Score: QSO points × S/P/C (counted once per band) × power multiplier. For more information: www.njqrp.org/data/qrphomebrewersprint.html. Logs due 30 days after the contest to n2cq@arrl.net text format) or Ken Newman, N2CQ, 81 Holly Dr, Woodbury, NJ 08096. Low Power Spring Sprint--CW--sponsored by the Slovak Amateur Radio Association (SARA) from 1400Z-2000Z Mar 28. Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: A (1 W), C (5 W), Q (25 W), X (50 W), Y (100 W), SOSB, SO-2 or 3 Bands, SOAB. Exchange: RST, grid square and power category (RST-only okay from non-contest stations). QSO points: with own continent--3 pts, diff cont--9 pts, OM station--18 pts. Score: QSO points × grid squares + WPX prefixes (counted once per band). Logs due 30 days after the contest to om3kfv@zoznam.sk or Radioklub OM3KFV, PO Box 3, 038 61 Vrutky, Slovakia. Lighthouse Spring Lites QSO Party--all modes--sponsored by the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society from 0001Z Mar 26-2359Z Apr 3. Frequencies (MHz): CW--1.830, 3.530, 7.030, 14.030, 21.030, 28.030; SSB--1.970, 3.970, 7.270, 14.270, 21.370, 28.370. Exchange: ARLHS member/lighthouse number or serial number, name, and S/P/C. Score: 1 pt/QSO, plus 2 pts for ARLHS member, plus 3 pts for lighthouse. For more information:http://arlhs.com/SL-2005-guidelines.html. Logs due Apr 30 to Dave Ruch, NF0J, PO Box 20696, Bloomington, MN 55420-0696. Missouri QSO Party--CW/SSB, sponsored by the Boeing Employees Amateur Radio Society of St Louis (BEARS) from 1800Z Apr 2-0500Z Apr 3, and 1800Z-2400Z Apr 3. Frequencies (MHz): CW--40 kHz from band edge and 1810 kHz; Phone--1.850, 3.980, 7.280, 14.280, 21.380, 28.310, work MO stations once per band and mode. Categories: Fixed, MO Mobile, MO Rover. Exchange: RST, serial number, and MO county or S/P/C. QSO points: CW--2 pts, Phone 1 pt. Score: MO stations--QSO points × States + Provinces + MO counties + 1 for DX; non-MO stations--QSO points × MO counties. Multipliers count only once. QSOs with W0MA count additional 100 QSO points. For more information-- www.qsl.net/w0ma. Logs due 30 days after the contest to n0aj@arrl.net or James L Kinser, N0AJ, 2147 Encino Dr, Florissant, MO 63031-7627. Montana QSO Party--Phone/CW/Digital--sponsored by the Flathead Valley Amateur Radio Club from 2300Z Apr 2-2300Z Apr 3. Frequencies: 160 meters-70 cm, no categories, repeaters and IRLP are permitted. Exchange: RST and S/P/C or MT county. If a station changes counties, it can be worked again. Score: QSOs × S/P/C + MT counties (counted only once). For more information: k7ncr@arrl.net. Logs due May 10 to angelmelody@centurytel.net or Norm Palin K7NCR, 68 Silver Leaf Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901. QCWA Spring QSO Party--CW/Digital/SSB--sponsored by the Quarter Century Wireless Association from 1900Z Apr 2-1900Z Apr 3. Frequencies (MHz): CW--1.810, 3.540, 7.035, 14.040, 21.050, 28.050; Phone--1.845, 3.890, 7.244, 14.262, 21.365, 28.325 plus all VHF/UHF bands, no crossband or repeater QSOs. Categories: Phone, Digital, Mixed. 15 QSOs with each station maximum and only one QSO with stations in home QCWA chapter. Exchange: Last two digits of year licensed and QCWA chapter or S/P/C. QSO points: Phone--1 pt, CW/Digital--2 pts. Score: QSO points × QCWA chapters + S/P/C counted once per band. W2MM counts as a 3-point multiplier on each band. For more information: www.qcwa.org/2005-qso-party-rules.htm. Send logs to w2od@aol.com or Robert Buus, W2OD, 8 Donner St, Holmdel, NJ 07733-2004. EA RTTY Contest--sponsored by the Unión de Radioaficianados Españoles (URE.) from 1600Z Apr 2-1600Z Apr 3. Frequencies: 80-10 meters, according to IARU band plan. Categories: SOAB, SOSB, MOAB, SWL. Exchange: RST and serial number or EA Province. QSO points: 10-20 meters: own continent--1 pt, diff cont--2 pts; 40 and 80 meters: own cont--3 pts, diff cont--6 pts. Score is QSO points × DXCC entities + EA provinces + W/VE/JA/VK call areas counted once per band. If operating portable, sign /call area. For more information: www.rttycontesting.com/rules/earttyrules2005.pdf. Logs due May 7 to ea1mv@ure.es as ASCII text or Cabrillo format or EA RTTY Contest, PO Box 220, E-28080 Madrid, Spain. SP DX Contest--CW/SSB--sponsored by the PZK Polish Amateur Radio Union and the SP DX Club from 1500Z Apr 2-1500Z Apr 3. Frequencies: 160-10 meters, according to the IARU Region I band plan, no crossmode QSOs. Categories: SOAB and SOSB (CW, SSB or Mixed), SO-Three Band Mixed, SO-QRP, MS Mixed (incl nets, packet, Internet), SWL Mixed. Exchange: RS(T) and serial number or Polish province abbreviation. QSO points: 3 pts for each SP contact, SP stations count 3 pts outside EU, 1 pt for EU (no pts for SP-SP QSOs). Score is QSO points × provinces (counted once per band and mode) or DXCC entities (for Polish stations). For more information: www.contest.spdxc.org.pl/en/index.php. Logs due Apr 30 to spdxc-logs@pzk.org.pl (Cabrillo format preferred) or to Polski Zwiazek Krotkofalowcow, SPDX Contest Committee, PO Box 320, 00-950 Warszawa, Poland. Kids Roundup--Phone, sponsored by the Anne Arundel Radio Club, Jr (AARC, Jr), from 1400Z Apr 2-2200Z Apr 3. Frequencies: 80 meters -70 cm. See Web site for categories and QSO Point rules. Exchange: Call sign, QTH, category, first name. Contacts with Amateur Radio station KI3DS count 25 points. For more information: www.ki3ds.org. Logs due May 1 to ki3ds@ki3ds.org or AARC Jr, Attn: Bob Rose, 7901 Pepperbox Ln, Pasadena, MD 21122-6328. DX YL to North American YL Contest--CW--sponsored by YLRL from 1400Z Apr 6-0200Z Apr 8, work 24 hours max (Phone--Apr 13-15). Frequencies: all HF bands. Exchange: RST, serial number and ARRL Section, province or DXCC entity. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO. Score: QSO points × S/P/C counted only once × 1.5 (<100 W CW, 200 W SSB) For more information: www.ylrl.org. Logs due 30 days after the contest to WX4MM, 216 Lee Rd 343, Salem, AL 36874. QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party--CW--sponsored by the QRP ARCI, from 1200Z Apr 9-2400Z Apr 10. (Same rules as Fall QSO Party, see Oct 2004 QST, p 98 or http://2hams.net/ARCI/index.htm.) EU Spring Sprints--SSB: Apr 9--managed by G4BUO, CW: Apr 16--managed by 9A6XX, from 1500Z-1859Z. Frequencies (MHz): SSB--14.250, 7.050, 3.730, CW--14.040, 7.025, 3.550. SO category only (results list LP with *), EU stations work everyone, non-EU stations work EU only. Exchange: your call, the other station's call, serial number starting at 001, your name--both stations must repeat both call signs. If any station initiates a call (CQ, QRZ?, etc) he is permitted to work only one station on the same frequency and must move at least 2 kHz before he may call another station or before he may call CQ again. Score is the total QSOs (1 point/QSO). For more information or contest software:www.qsl.net/eusprint. Logs due 15 days after the contest to eusprint@kkn.net (ASCII format) or to (SSB) Dave Lawley, G4BUO, Carramore, Coldharbour Rd, Penshurst, Kent, TN11 8EX, England, UK, or (CW) Hrvoje Horvat, 9A6XX, 25 Rujan 4, HR-52000 Pazin, Croatia. Japan International DX Contest (JIDX)--CW--sponsored by Five-Nine Magazine from 0700Z Apr 9-1300Z Apr 10 (Phone--Nov 12-13). Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB and SOSB (HP >100 W, LP), MO, Maritime Mobile. Exchange: RST + JA prefecture number or CQ Zone. QSO points: 80 or 10 meters--2 pts, otherwise 1 pt. Score: QSO points × JA prefectures + JD1 provinces (JA stations use DXCC entities). For more information: http://www.jidx.org/. Logs due May 31 to jidx-cw@jidx.org or JIDX "PHONE/CW" Contest, c/o Five-Nine Magazine, PO Box 59, Kamata, Tokyo, 144-8691 Japan. Georgia QSO Party-CW/SSB-sponsored by SECC and SEDXC from 1800Z Apr 9-0359Z Apr 10 and 1400Z-2359Z Apr 10. Frequencies: 80-10 meters. Categories: SOAB, MS, MM, Rover, Novice/Tech, HP (>150 W), LP, or QRP (<5 W). Rovers must activate at least six GA counties. Mobiles and portables must move the complete station including antennas at least 100 yards to change counties--no county line operations. Exchange RST and GA county or S/P/C. QSO points: SSB--1 pt, CW--2 pts. Score: QSO points × GA counties (GA station use states and provinces) counted only once per band and mode. For more information: http://gqp.contesting.com . Logs due May 10 to ku8e@bellsouth.net or Jeff Clarke, KU8E, 98 Mobley Ct, Hamilton, GA 31811. YU DX Contest--CW/SSB--sponsored by SRJ (Amateur Radio Union of Yugoslavia) and YUDXC (YU DX Club) from 1200Z Apr 16-1200Z Apr 17. Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SO-CW, SO-SSB, SO-Mixed, MS. Exchange: RST + ITU Zone. QSO points: with own zone--1 pt, own continent--3 pts, diff cont--5 pts. Score: QSO points × ITU zones + YU prefixes (counted once per band). For more information: http://solair.eunet.yu/~yu1ab/awards/rules.htm. Logs due 30 days after the contest to 2005@yudx.net or Savez radio-amatera Jugoslavije, YU DX Contest, PO Box 48, 11001 Beograd, Yugoslavia. Michigan QSO Party--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Mad River Radio Club, from 1600Z Apr 16- 0400Z Apr 17. Bands: 80-10 meters. Frequencies: CW--45 kHz from band edge, Phone (MHz)--3.850, 7.225, 14.250, 21.300, 28.450. Work stations once per band and mode, MI-to-MI QSOs allowed, mobiles and portables can be worked from each county. Categories: SO, MS, MM, Mobile SO, Mobile MO. Exchange: serial number and MI county or S/P/C. QSO points: CW--2 pts, Phone--1 pt. Multipliers for MI stations are states, provinces and MI counties; multipliers for non-MI stations are MI counties. Multipliers count once per mode. Score: QSO points × multipliers. For more information: www.miqp.org. Logs due 30 days after the contest to logs@miqp.org or Mad River Radio Club, c/o Dave Pruett, 2727 Harris Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48198. TARA Skirmish--Digital Prefix Contest--sponsored by Troy ARA, 0000Z-2400Z Apr 16. Frequencies: 160-6 meters, work stations once per band. Categories: High, Low (<100 W), Great (<20 W), QRP (<5 W), SWL. Exchange: Name and Prefix. Score: QSO's × WPX prefixes × power multiplier. (High ×0.5, Low ×1, Great ×2, QRP ×3) Multipliers count once per band. For more information: www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_dpx_rules.html Holyland DX Contest--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Israel Amateur Radio Club from 0000Z-2359Z Apr 16. Frequencies: 160-10 meters according to IARU Region 1 band plan, work Israeli stations once per band and mode. Categories: SO (Mixed Mode, CW, SSB, QRP), MS, MM, SWL. Exchange RST and serial number or Israel district. QSO points: 1.8 or 3.5 MHz--2 pts; other bands 1 pt. Score: QSO points × districts counted once per band. For more information: www.iarc.org. Logs due May 31 to 4Z4KX@iarc.org or Contest Manager 4Z4KX, Israel Amateur Radio Club, Box 17600, Tel Aviv, 61176, Israel. ES Open HF Championship--CW/SSB--sponsored by the Estonian Radio Amateurs Union from 0500Z-0859Z Apr 16. Frequencies: 80 and 40 meters. Categories: SO (SSB, CW, Mixed), MS, SWL. Exchange: RST and serial numbers, Duplicate QSOs allowed once per hour (see Web site). QSO points: SSB--1 pt, CW--2 pts. Score: QSO points × ES prefixes counted once per band and mode. For more information: www.erau.ee/index.php?newlang=eng. Logs due May 20 to esopen@erau.ee or Toomas Soomets, ES5RY, PO Box 177, Tartu, 50002 Estonia. Ontario QSO Party--CW/Phone--sponsored by the Ontario DX Association from 1800Z Apr 16-1800Z Apr 17. Frequencies (MHz): SSB--1.870, 3.735, 3.860, 7.070, 7.260, 14.130, 14.265, 21.260, 28.360; CW--30 kHz above band edges; VHF-SSB: 50.130, 144.205, 432.105; VHF-FM 52.540, 146.550, 446.1, no repeater QSOs. Categories: SOAB and SOSB (HP, LP <150 W HF and 50 W VHF, QRP <5 W) in CW, Phone, and Mixed Modes, SO VHF FM QRP (< 5 W), MS, SWL, Mobile, Rover. Exchange: RS(T) and S/P/C or Ontario QTH. QSO points: HF SSB-- 1 pt, HF CW--2 pts, VHF--5 pts (work stations once per VHF band), 10 bonus pts for each QSO with VE3ODX and VA3RAC. No county line QSOs allowed. Score is QSO points × Ontario QTHs (non-VE3 stations) or S/P/C + Ontario QTHs (mults count once per band). For more information: www.odxa.on.ca/oqphome.html. Logs due May 31 to ve3agc@rac.ca or Ontario QSO Party, Ontario DX Association, PO Box 161, Station "A," Willowdale, ON M2N 5S8, Canada. (Address changes will be shown on Web site.) EU EME Contest--any mode--sponsored by DUBUS and REF, 0000Z Apr 16-2400Z Apr 17. Frequencies: 50 MHz, 1.3, 10, 24 GHz and up. (May 14, 15--144 MHz, 2.3, and 3.4 GHz; Jun 11, 12--432 MHz and 5.7 GHz) Categories: Single and Multi-band, QRP and QRO--based on EIRP, Pro, CW, Digital, Mixed, Assisted. 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) × S/P/C from random QSOs (or any QSOs at 2.3 GHz and above). For more information: www.dubus.org or info@dubus.de. Logs due Jul 10 to f6hye@ref-union.org or Patrick Magnin, F6HYE, Marcorens, F-74140 Ballaison, France. EA QRP Contest--CW, sponsored by the EA QRP Club from 1700Z Apr 16-1300Z Apr 17. Frequencies: 80-10 meters (see Web site for operating periods). Categories: QRP (< 5 W) and QRPp (<1 W). Exchange: RST and EA province or EA QRP number or serial number. QSO points: QRP--1 pt, QRPp--2 pts. Score: QSO points × EA provinces + EA QRP members + DXCC entities on each band. For more information:www.eaqrp.com. Logs due 30 days after the contest to ea1bp@yahoo.es or Vocalia de concursos (Concurso CW), PO Box 73, E-46182, La Canada (Valencia), Spain. (ARRL News Service)
Santa Ana, CA: Anaheim Police Amateur Radio Club, K6O. 0000Z Apr 1-2400Z Apr 15. 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa in WW2. 28.450 21.350 18.150 14.250. QSL. Mark McMullin, KM6HB, PO Box 27271, Santa Ana, CA 92799. Gig Harbor, WA: Peninsula Amateur Radio Emergency Team, KA7EOC. 1600Z-2300Z Apr 2. Gig Harbor Health and Safety Expo. 14.270. Certificate. Mark Yordy, W7BBO, 8914 149th St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98329. St Joseph, MO: Missouri Valley Amateur Radio Club, W0P. 1400Z-2200Z Apr 2. Start of the Pony Express. 28.350 21.350 14.250 7.250. Certificate. Missouri Valley Amateur Radio Club, PO Box 1533, St Joseph, MO 64502. Tulsa, OK: Tulsa Health Department Amateur Radio Club, K5THD. 0000Z-2400Z Apr 2. Celebrating World Health Day 2005. 28.365 21.365 14.265 7.265. Certificate. Dave Cox, Tulsa Health Department Amateur Radio Club, 5051 S 129 E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74134. www.tulsa-health.org/k5thd. Zebulon, NC: Triangle East ARA, WA4UQC. 1400Z-2000Z Apr 2. Scootworks Open House & ACS Relay for Life. 21.275 14.275 7.275 147.39. Certificate. Dave Hockaday, WB4IUY, 7804 River Dare Ave, Youngsville, NC 27596. www.TEARA.org. Brampton, ON: Peel/Mississauga Amateur Radio Clubs, VE3XR. 1300Z-1600Z Apr 9. Ham-Ex Annual Hamfest. 14.265 7.240. QSL. Via bureau or direct to Jeff Richardson, VA3QSL, 36 Crawley Dr, Brampton, ON, Canada L6T 2S1. www.peelarc.org. Note: US postage cannot be used in Canada. Green Valley, AZ: Green Valley Amateur Radio Club, N7GV. 1500Z-2300Z Apr 9. Community Emergency Awareness in the Best Snowbird Nest in the Southwest. 21.375 14.245 14.050 145.29. Certificate. Gene Schouweiler, W0KAD, 214 N Crocodile Rock Dr, Green Valley, AZ 85614. Indian Orchard, MA: Titanic Historical Society, W1MGY. 1330Z Apr 9-0527Z Apr 15. Commemorating the 93rd anniversary of the Titanic voyage. 14.260 14.033 7.033 3.860. QSL. Titanic Historical Society QSL, PO Box 51053, 208 Main St, Indian Orchard, MA 01151-0053. www.hcra.org/titanic.htm. Trento, Italy: Carabinieri On The Air (C.O.T.A.), II3CC. 0700Z Apr 15-1900Z Apr 17. XVI National Meeting ANC Associazione Nazionale Carabinieri. 28.500 21.280 14.280 7.070. QSL. Orlando Balisciano, IZ8DDG, Via Villa Bisignano, V Traversa no. 21, Napoli, Italy 80147. www.cota.cc. Bossier City, LA: Shreveport Amateur Radio Association and 8th Air Force Museum, W5E. 2100Z Apr 15-2300Z Apr 17. 60th anniversary of the last combat mission flown by the 8th Air Force over Germany during WWII. 80-10 m SSB and CW; vintage 80 40 m AM/CW. Certificate. W5E, PO Box 37632, Shreveport, LA 71133. www.k5sar.com. (ARRL)
Anticipated Peter I Island DXpedition postponed until 2006 (Feb. 17, 2005) The anticipated Peter I Island (Antarctica) 3Y0X DXpedition has been called off at the eleventh hour. The DXpedition team announced February 17 that its charter vessel, the Cavendish Sea, has been delayed until February 20 instead of the hoped-for February 18. With a projected February 21 departure, the DXpedition ran out of time. "This latest delay, on top of numerous previous delays, simply makes it impossible for us to spend a sufficient amount of time on Peter I to justify the DXpedition this year," said the announcement from Bob Allphin, K4UEE, and Ralph Fedor, K0IR. "So, we have no choice but to postpone the DXpedition until 2006." The DXpedition's first vessel and helicopter backed out at the last minute, forcing the team to quickly regroup with a new vessel and helicopter earlier this week. All 20 3Y0X team members had assembled earlier this month in Ushuaia, Argentina.--The Daily DX (ARRL News Service)
Mar. 24 2005 ARRL DX News This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by N6IZ, NC1L, VE2TKH, QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST. Thanks to all. FIJI, 3D2. Brian, N6IZ will be QRV as 3D2IZ from Namotu, IOTA OC-121, until April 3. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. This includes an entry in the CQ WPX contest. QSL to home call. TUNISIA, 3V. Tunisia club members will be QRV as TS8A in the CQ WPX contest as a Multi/Single entry. QSL via YT1AD. JAMAICA, 6Y. Look for Kyle, WA4PGM to be QRV as 6Y6Y in the CQ WPX contest. QSL to home call. MALDIVES,
8Q. A number of Russian stations are QRV as 8Q7DV from Sun Island,
IOTA AS-013, until March 29. They will participate in the CQ WPX
contest. Outside the contest they are active with three stations
using CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK and Feld Hell. QSL via operators instructions.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 9Q. Mike, ZR5MGK is QRV as 9Q6MGK until mid April. Activity is on 20, 15 and 10 meters, including the newer bands, using SSB. QSL to home call. TAIWAN, BV. A group of operators from Taipei is QRV as BP0A from Peng Hu Island, IOTA AS-103, until March 28. This includes an entry in the CQ WPX contest. QSL via BV2KI. KERGUELEN ISLANDS, FT5X. The Micro-Lite team is QRV as FT5XO until April 1. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters, including the newer bands, using CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK31 and EME. They may avoid participating in the CQ WPX contest. QSL via VE3XN. GUERNSEY, GU. Rich, M5RIC is QRV as MU5RIC/p until March 28. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using SSB. He will be active as MU2Z in the CQ WPX contest. QSL both calls via M5RIC. THAILAND, HS. Champ, E21EIC will be QRV in the CQ WPX contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL to home call. Japanese stations should QSL via JR5XPG. DOMINICA, J7. Bob, WB2NVR, Mike, WA2VQW, Bob, N2DVQ and Adam, N2DHH are QRV as J75RZ on all bands until March 29. They will also participate in the CQ WPX contest. QSL via W2RZS. MONGOLIA, JT. Look for JU1DX to be QRV during the CQ WPX contest. QSL via operators' instructions. ALAND ISLAND,
OH0. Andrius, LY2TA is QRV as OH0/LY2TA until March 27.
He will participate in the CQ WPX contest as OH0Z. QSL both calls
via LY2TA.
CANADA,
VE. Steve, VE2TKH is QRV as VO2ZT from Labrador City until possibly
March 30 while training for the upcoming CY9SS operation from St. Paul.
Activity is on 160 to 2 meters using SSB. QSL via operator's instructions.
Meanwhile, Bela, HA8FW is QRV as VE3/HA8FW from Toronto until June 10.
He will participate in the CQ WPX
BERMUDA,
VP9. Stations W1HPH, WE1H, KO1H and N1HRA are QRV as homecalls/VP9.
They will participate in the CQ WPX contest as VP9L. QSL contest call via
N1HRA for this contest only. QSL all others to home calls.
INDONESIA, YB. Look for a large group of operators to be QRV as YE3K from Kangean Island, IOTA OC-217, for the CQ WPX contest. QSL via IZ8CCW. ASCENSION ISLAND, ZD8. Jim, N6TJ is QRV as ZD8Z until March 31. This includes an entry in the CQ WPX contest. QSL via VE3HO. THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO. The CQ World Wide WPX SSB Contest, Spring QRP Homebrewer CW/PSK31 Sprint, ARLHS Annual Spring Lites QSO Party, UBA 2-Meter Spring Contest and the Low Power CW Spring Sprint will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend. Please see March QST, page 92 and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest websites for details. (ARRL)
Mar. 27- Apr. 15 2005 I.C.P.O. Bulletin Islands, Castles & Portable Operations - I.C.P.O. 27/03/2005: EU-171
OZ/DJ4MG, OZ/DL1TM VENDSYSSEL-THY -
28/03/2005: BEL-003
OO4BRN/LGT LIGHTSHIP WESTHINDER II -
29/03/2005: NA-224
XF2ZEX SACRIFICIOS ISLAND -
29/03/2005: EU-129
DL5CW/P USEDOM ISLAND -
31/03/2005: AN-016
R1ANT MIRNY ANTARCTIC BASE -
31/03/2005: ARLHS:USA-857
WA3WSJ/P TURKEY POINT LIGHTHOUSE -
01/04/2005: CP6/DF9GR
BOLIVIA -
01/04/2005: ARLHS:USA-186
WA3WSJ/P CONCORD POINT LIGHTHOUSE -
01/04/2005: NA-016
ZF2UJ GRAND CAYMAN ISLAND -
02/04/2005: EU-123
GM3VLB/P ISLE of MAY -
02/04/2005: IIA:NA-022
I's/H.C.'s/P MEGARIDE ISLAND -
02/04/2005: EU-045
IBØCW VENTOTENE ISLAND -
02/04/2005: EU-092
MMØBQI/P TANERA MOR, SUMMER ISLES -
04/04/2005: EU-120
G5XW/P ISLE OF WIGHT -
04/04/2005: EU-026
JW/F8DVD SVALBARD -
04/04/2005: EU-125
OZ/H.C.'s MANDOE ISLAND -
04/04/2005: OC-013
ZK1APX SOUTH COOK ISLANDS -
06/04/2005: A25/H.C.'s
BOTSWANA -
07/04/2005: OC-220
VI5PN ST PETER ISLAND -
09/04/2005: EU-131
IZ3EAY/P, IZ3EBA/P LIDO ISLAND -
09/04/2005: USI:MD-017S
K4HTA/P TILGHMAN ISLAND -
15/04/2005: CIA-28
9AØIARU ISLAND OF MURTER -
15/04/2005: NA-080
C6AWF ABACO ISLAND -
15/04/2005: EU-127
DFØCB HELGOLAND ISLAND -
73 and Good
Hunting!
Home of
ICPO:
www.qsl.net/va3rj
Note: A complete list of Prefixes assigned by International Telecommunications Union can be found on the Trans Provincial Website: www.tpn7055.ca/callsign.html
Amateur Radio to Have Role in Largest-Ever Mass Casualty Exercise (Mar 21, 2005) Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) members in Connecticut, New Jersey and several other states in the Northeastern US are preparing to take part in what's being characterized as the most comprehensive terrorism response exercise ever conducted in the US. Sponsored by the US Department of Homeland Security and intended as a realistic test of the nation's homeland security system, the exercise--TOPOFF 3--gets under way Monday, April 4, and continues through the week. ARES primarily will support the American Red Cross--the only nongovernmental organization with a formal role in the recently released National Disaster Plan. The Red Cross has main responsibility for mass care under the plan. Connecticut Section Emergency Coordinator Chuck Rexroad, AB1CR, is in the process of lining up the 100 or so volunteers he estimates will be needed in the region for the mass casualty drill. Full Story: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/03/21/101/?nc=1 (ARRL News Service)
Huge mass casualty exercise will put Amateur Radio under scrutiny (Mar. 24 2005) Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) members in Connecticut and elsewhere in the Northeast are poised to take part in what's being characterized as the most comprehensive terrorism response exercise ever conducted in the US. Sponsored by the US Department of Homeland Security as a realistic test of the nation's homeland security system, the exercise--TOPOFF 3--will run Monday through Friday, April 4-8. Approximately 100 ARES volunteers primarily will support the American Red Cross. While governmental agencies will comprise the majority of those taking part in TOPOFF 3, Amateur Radio's cooperation with, and assistance, to the American Red Cross will be under scrutiny. ''We've been assigned evaluators and judges who will be watching what we do and how we do it to determine our suitability for such things in the future,'' explained Connecticut Section Emergency Coordinator Chuck Rexroad, AB1CR. ''So we do hope that this will show that we are very relevant in responding to a disaster situation.'' The TOPOFF 3 scenario will depict a complex terrorist campaign beginning in Connecticut and New Jersey and leading to national and international response that will include Canada and the United Kingdom. The only nongovernmental organization with a formal role in the recently released National Disaster Plan, the Red Cross has main responsibility for mass care. Rexroad anticipates that ARES will be providing its traditional ''backbone'' communication support among Red Cross mobile feeding stations, the organization's temporary stationary facilities and other Red Cross units. ARES also will be ready to provide back-up communication support the Connecticut Office of Emergency Management, he said. Rexroad and Connecticut Section Manager Betsey Doane, K1EIC, have been gearing up for TOPOFF 3 for more than a year. Both hope the ARES role in the drill will provide graduates of the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Communications courses a chance to put into practice what they've learned--on a national stage. With the drill just days away, Rexroad said he still needs volunteers from the region who will comfortable with a high-security environment, realistic-looking ''injuries'' and military aircraft flying overhead. Due to security requirements, all volunteers must register with ARES in advance. Information on the exercise and how to volunteer is on the Connecticut ARES Web site: www.ctares.org (ARRL Bulletin)
Washington ham nominated to National Inventors Hall of Fame (Mar 20, 2005) Congratulations to ARRL member Don Bateman, KK7UT, of Bellevue, Washington, who will be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in May. A Honeywell engineer, Bateman invented the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) in the 1970s and the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) in the 1990s. He is one of 13 nominees this year. The EGPWS is now required in all US turbine aircraft with at least six passenger seats. Other countries have implemented similar requirements. As a result of EGPWS, aircraft accident rates have declined dramatically. Should a pilot of an under-control aircraft unknowingly fly into terrain--called a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), something that usually happens as a result of poor visibility--a computerized voice in the cockpit repeats the warning, "Terrain ahead. Pull up! Terrain ahead. Pull up!" For the last several years, the annual CFIT rate in the US has been nearly zero. One of Bateman's most recent aircraft safety innovations comprises a real-time map display to make pilots aware of surrounding terrain when visibility is bad. The National Inventors Hall of Fame honors "men and women responsible for the great technological advances that make human, social and economic progress possible." Bateman's name will be among 221 inventors, including the inventor of the microphone, the inventor of the calculator and the inventor of the steam engine.--Ben Schupack, NW7DX (ARRL News Service)
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