International

-Oct. 22 2003....RSGB hosts RAYNET 50th anniversary:

The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) will celebrate 50 years of Amateur Radio emergency communication at the RAYNET Emergency Communications Convention in Birmingham, UK, Saturday October 25. RSGB formed RAYNET--an acronym for "Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network"--in 1953 following the disastrous UK East Coast floods, during which radio amateurs provided emergency communications. RAYNET is comparable to the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) in the US.  Special event station GB50RAEN ("Radio Amateur Emergency Network") will continue on the air until October 31. QSL via the RSGB bureau. There's more information on the RSGB's Emercomms Web pages.--Paul Gaskell, G4MWO

Full Story: www.rsgb.org/emergency

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-Oct. 22 2003....IARU gets vote of confidence in CQ poll:

A recent survey sponsored by CQ magazine gave a strong vote of confidence for the time and money invested in helping to secure the compromise agreement on 40 meters. The compromise--effective in 2009--will double the size of the 40-meter band for amateurs in Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania (from 7000-7100 kHz to 7000-7200 kHz) by relocating broadcasters from the 7100-7200 kHz segment. (There's no change in the band for US amateurs.) The survey of CQ readers showed that 78 percent of respondents said the effort was "a worthwhile investment of member dues and staff time." The IARU was at World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 (WRC-03) earlier this year as an observer. Several members of the IARU team had been working on the 7 MHz issue since the 1970s. While the ARRL is an IARU member-society and serves as its secretariat, the League itself was not represented at WRC-03. The CQ survey dealt primarily with opinions within the amateur community on the Morse code test requirement. It revealed that CQ readers who responded were strongly in favor of granting at least some HF privileges to Technician licensees who don't have Element 1 (5 WPM Morse) credit but were more evenly split on the question of whether the FCC should change its current Morse code requirement. More than 400 readers participated in the survey.

Full Story:  www.cq-amateur-radio.com
 

-Oct. 25 2003....RAC Board recommends that examinations be revised and mandatory Morse testing dropped.

Following the change, in July 2003, of the international regulations governing the requirement for Morse testing as a prerequisite for access to the amateur bands below 30 MHz, the Board of Directors of Radio Amateurs of Canada established a small ad-hoc committee to review the results of consultations with Canadian amateurs, and to make recommendations as to appropriate action. The Ad Hoc committee, composed of Chair Jim Dean VE3IQ, and members Brice Wightman VE3EDR and Bob Kavanagh VE3OSZ   submitted their report to the RAC Board in September.

 The RAC Board approved the report and it was presented to Industry Canada at the fall meeting of the Canadian Amateur Radio Advisory Board, held in Ottawa on October 23 2003. Industry Canada has subsequently asked RAC to submit a formal proposal.

 In particular, the report recommends that:

Morse proficiency cease to be a mandatory requirement for access to the amateur bands below 30 MHz, and that an optional Morse test be retained for Canadian amateurs who may need  it to qualify for operating privileges abroad.

To maintain an adequate standard needed for HF privileges, the report also recommends an increase in the examination pass marks.

 The result of these changes would be a progressive, three-tier, scheme of qualifications: Basic, Intermediate (replacing the present Basic + Morse) and Advanced.

 Finally, the report recommends certain enhancements to the privileges granted to holders of the Intermediate Qualification.

 These recommendations are such that the authors believe they could be implemented by Industry Canada relatively quickly and would not prejudice a possible restructuring of the system of qualifications which might be contemplated for the future.

 The report also examines, in a preliminary way, other aspects of the system of qualifications and examinations. In particular, it suggests that consideration be given to replacing the present Basic Qualification by a new entry level qualification. This would resemble the entry or foundation levels existing or planned in other countries to encourage the entry of new people, particularly young people, into Amateur Radio while maintaining a high standard of proficiency.

 It also suggests that the Intermediate syllabus, in future, would include increased emphasis on operating procedures and on modern technologies.

 Because these concepts will require further time and effort to refine, the authors suggest that the report be considered to be an interim report and that the ten specific recommendations contained therein be acted upon forthwith.  They also suggest that the ad hoc committee be authorized to continue its efforts concerning these matters of qualifications and examinations with a view to submitting a further report in due course.

 The complete report (17 pages) can be downloaded from this web site in MS Word format, or in pdf format by clicking on the addresses below.

http://www.rac.ca/downloads/Morse_report.PDF       or
http://www.rac.ca/downloads/Morse_report.doc

 Also available, are the results of the RAC web site survey on the Morse question at:

 http://www.rac.ca/downloads/Survey_results.PDF     or
 http://www.rac.ca/downloads/Survey_results.doc

(RAC Website)

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-Oct. 23 2003...Canadian Provinces Award introduces a new award level!

Starting November 1 2003 earn points toward this new level award. The goal is to earn 500 points to achieve this beautiful award.  To kick things off we are having a November blitz. For the month of November only we are offering a 11 point bonus for each contact made with another Canadian Ham.

Also to encourage Canadian Amateurs to participate in Canadian Nets we are offering 1 bonus point for each contact made while acting as a Net Control Station on any Canadian Net.

Example: If you take a spot on the Trans Provincial Net and get 30 checkins during your hour you could receive 30 bonus points for logged stations.

Note: Please check with the Net Manager of the net you participate in for approval. Please do not work on this award on any NTS or ARES Nets as these nets are for formal & emergency traffic.

Full details about this award can be found on the Trans Provincial Net website: www.tpn7055.ca

Eric Olsen VE3GGO
Awards Chairman

Atlantic Section

-Oct. 24 2003....New VHF TransAtlantic Beacon

The Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland and the Baccalieu Amateur Radio Club of Carbonear have been successful in
placing  a VHF Transatlantic beacon on the air. The beacon is transmitting  on 144.400MHz. The transmitter 250 W PA
is the same one previously used by VE1SMU beacon. The VHF exciter board and the CW ID board have been built by Joe
Craig VO1NA.  The 11 element Cushcraft yagi, 1/2 inch hardline feeder and 35 amp power supply to run the beacon have been donated by Frank VO1HP.  The yagi and feeder were in-stalled by Boyd VO1CBS, Roy VO1XPand Joe VO1NA  on
August 30, 2003.  The repeater site is in the middle of a large field at a turkey farm!!....and it has a clear view of the North Atlantic ocean through the mouth of Conception Bay on the South East coast of VO1 land.  It is in the town of Carbonear at  co-ordinates N47 45'24" W53 12'59" with the antenna is at about 300' (90m) ASL.

Transatlantic VHF beacon VO1ZA was placed on the air October 19, 2003 at 1330UTC on 144.400Mhz by Frank VO1HP and Boyd VO1CBS. The beacon is sponsored by the Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland and the Baccaleiu Amateur Radio Klub. All beacon co-ordinates and information previously released to the public are still valid.  Any amateur station who claims to have heard this beacon are asked to send reports via e-mail to either vo1hp@rac.ca  or vo1na@rac.ca.  Please
describe what you have heard and if possible the complete information being transmitted by the beacon."

73   Frank Davis, VO1HP
 

-Oct. 18 2003....Norm Dennis VE3ZH....Silent Key

Norm Dennis VE3ZH of Downsview Ontario, passed away on Oct. 16 2003 at the age of 83 years. Funeral Service to be held at Benjamin Funeral Chapel 2401 Steeles Ave. W. 11:30am on Mon. Oct. 20 2003, no visitation.

Norm was the President of the Toronto Amateur Radio Club and the Metro Amateur Radio Club for 38 years. Along with many volunteers he was the driving force in setting up the Ham Radio Stations in both Riverdale and Sunnybrook Hospitals. The Station in Sunnybrook was set up in the warriors wing and was appreciated by the vets.

Clive Sutherland VE3CCY

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-Oct. 18 2003...Ben Sheppard VE3UC...Silent Key

SHEPPARD, Reginald David Benjamin (Ben), VE3UC, P.Eng. _ Passed away suddenly Friday, October 10,  2003 at the age of 80 years.

Born in Primate, Saskatchewan in 1923, Ben moved to Toronto to attend Radio College in 1941. He served in the Signals Corps during WWII and subsequently attended University of Toronto 1945-1949, graduating in Engineering Physics. He worked in the electronics field and for many years operated his own business (Sheppard Agencies). He was a lifetime member of the IEEE and the Radio Amateurs of Canada. Ben always had a keen interest in sound and in his retirement years designed and built the ''Sheppard Amplifier'' which was well-regarded by tube amplifier aficionados. Ben was predeceased by his beloved wife Blanche Tucker (1923-1990).

He will be missed by his second wife Helen Secord and by his children Dr. Suzanne Sheppard (Dr. Donald Gilchrist) of Saskatoon, Dr. Robert Sheppard (Karen) of Thunder Bay and Dr. John Sheppard (Andrea Carska) of Montreal and by his grandchildren Ainslie and Duncan Gilchrist, James, Paige and Abigail Sheppard, and Daniel and Samuel Sheppard of whom he was very proud. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgetown, Ontario.

Brian Smith - ODXA

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-Nov. 1 2003....York Region 27th Annual Hamfest

Sponsored by: York Region Amateur Radio Club
Location:  Markham Fairgrounds  McCowan Road at Elgin Mills Road East, Markham
Opening: Vendors 6:30 am, Public 9 am to 2 pm
Cost:  Admission $5, Tables $20 (not including admission)
Talkin: VE3YRA 145.350 -

Notes: Plenty of on site parking, unlimited space, grand prizes, plenty of door prizes, refreshments available, socializing area, coffee and donuts available prior to 9:00 a.m. at outdoor pavillion.

Website: www.yrarc.on.ca/hamfest

Western Provinces

-Nov. 1 2003....Ham Happenings 2003

Sponsored by:  Westcoast Amateur Radio Association (WARA)

Location: Mary Winspear Center in downtown Sidney  BC
Opening: Vendors 8 am, Public 9:30 am to 4 pm
Cost:  Admission $5, Tables $20
Talkin: VE7VCC 146.660 (-) tone 123 hz

Notes:  The theme for this hamfest is the Bigfoot contest (QLF) There will be the prestigious trophy given to the winner. The Bigfoot trophy has been an attraction for the competive ham. Seminars for RAC, DX, IRLP, ARPS, PACKET, RTTY, ACTIVE ANTENNA ELECTRONICS, Slideshow and more. Tim Ellam, lawyer for Amateur Radio will be on site and possibly give a seminar. Door prizes every hour. 50/50 every hour. 7:00 am Breakfast on site and after, food in the main building all day long.

Website: www.ve7vic.ca

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-Nov. 2 2003...Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club....Fall Flea Market

Held at the Heritage Victoria Community Club, 950 Sturgeon Rd. Come on out and socialize before the winter hibernation sets in. It is a great opportunity to have "Eyeball QSO's" with your friends.

The W.A.R.C. Flea market is a great way to turn that corner of unused "Stuff" into spendable CASH!! Book your vendor's table now! The cost it $ 10 per table, and two vendors per table. To book your table, contact VE4BB. [ ve4bb@rac.ca ]

The doors open to the public at 10:00 AM. Admission is $ 2.00. Be sure to get there early for the "Good Stuff".

There will be a talk-in on 147.390+

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-Nov. 2 2003....Maple Ridge ARC Electronic & Computer Swapmeet

Sponsored by:  Maple Ridge Amateur Radio Club
Location: Old Rec Center, 12460 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC
Opening: Vendors 7:30 Public 9am to 1:30
Cost: Admission $3, Tables $18
Talkin: VE7RMR 14.800 (-)600 Tone 156.7

Notes:  Using the Large hall more room for vendors and lots of space to move around.

Website: www.qsl.net/ve7rmr

Propagation Report    (For the week of Oct. 26 2003)

America's

Propagation Forecast Bulletin 43  ARLP043 from Tad Cook, K7RA

Big news this week is a colossal sunspot that appeared on Sunday, October 19. It first emerged at about seven times the earth's diameter, but two days later on Tuesday, it had grown to around the size of Jupiter, which is equivalent to eleven earth diameters. This is one of the largest sunspot groups to appear during the current cycle 23. Along with this large spot have been coronal mass ejections, keeping the earth's magnetic field upset, and an additional spot by mid-week. An ejection caused a radio blackout on Sunday around 1650z.

This is a big change from the recently spotless sun. Now a large coronal mass ejection threatens, and the predicted arrival time is Friday, October 24. This is not good news for contesters who hoped to work the CQ Worldwide DX SSB Contest this weekend. Currently on Thursday evening, the forecast is for a planetary A index of 50 for Friday through Sunday, October 24-26, but this could be a modest projection. Solar flux has risen since October 14 when it was only 92, and should top 200 by the middle of the coming week.

The growing solar activity is dramatic enough that it is now national news. Check the following sites for articles.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/984388.asp?cp1=1
http://rockymountainnews.com/drmn/state/article/0,1299,DRMN_21_2369006,00.html

The solar flux value of 191 shown below for October 22 is the value measured at the Penticton observatory. The number from the NOAA Space Environment Center was lowered to 154, probably because of a flare enhancement to the Penticton reading. Those who keep records may want to lower the value for that day to 154 from 191, which would make the week's average for the daily solar flux 123.4 rather than 128.7. Not shown here is the following day, October 23, when the observatory at Penticton measured 209.3 and the SEC reported it as 183. These seem to be estimates based upon the morning measurements made three hours before local noon, which were both around 154 and 183 for the two days.

Sean Blackburn, KB7OOH of Everett, Washington wrote to inquire about a source for sunspot numbers to use with the W6EL prop software for propagation prediction. The numbers are at, [ www.sec.noaa.gov/ftpdir/indices/DSD.txt.]

It is probably best to average several days of sunspot numbers to use with this program.  As always, it is available free at.
[ www.qsl.net/w6elprop.]

For more information about 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 October 16 through 22 were 28, 66, 91, 89, 113, 144 and 117, with a mean of 92.6. 10.7 cm flux was 95.2, 98.8, 108.6, 120.4, 135.1, 151.5 and 191, with a mean of 128.7. Estimated planetary A indices were 26, 31, 27, 32, 30, 39 and 33, with a mean of 31.1.

Europe

-Oct. 26 2003...GB2RS Solar Report

Now the solar report look backs on a lively week and forward to prospects for propagation over the days ahead.

Even though we are now well down the current solar cycle the sun is still capable of sudden bursts of intense activity. That is what has been happening in recent days. Two very active regions emerged. One developed remarkably rapidly on the 18th and grew to eight Earth diameters within a day, eventually covering an area of over 5,200 million square kilometers. The other appeared around the Sun's south-eastern limb on the 21st. These two regions have already produced three major flares: an X1.1 on the 19th, an M9.9 on the 22nd and X5.4 and X1.1 flares on the 23rd. Coronal mass ejections were associated with all these events, though they were not entirely Earth-directed. Associated shortwave fadeouts wiped out skywave propagation on the lower bands, while the geomagnetic field was at active to minor storm level for long periods. The Ap index in the high 20s or 30s until the 22nd, though the 23rd was quiet. HF propagation was seriously degraded for long periods, particularly at high latitudes. VHF aurora occurred on most days, but was confined to high latitudes.

Meanwhile, the solar flux soared from 99 on the 17th to a remarkable 183 on the 23rd, the highest level since June. The average for the week was 142, up 26 points. Paradoxically, the 90-day average was down two points at 114. The X-day flux also rose, from B1.4 on the 18th to C4.9 on the 22nd. Such healthy figures would normally bring a smile to the faces of HF operators. Sadly, the benefits were more than cancelled out by geomagnetic disturbances.

So what are the prospects for next week? The large, complex solar region that appeared on the 22nd could well produce further major flares. More medium-sized flares look highly probable. Consequently, further coronal mass ejections may bring increased geomagnetic activity during the weekend and into next week. Shortwave fadeouts may again occur in the immediate wake of major flares during the daylight hours. So, if 80 and 40 are unnaturally empty and even the international broadcasters are weak, this - rather than a problem with the rig - may be the explanation. Meanwhile, the solar flux has probably peaked for the time being and a decline will be under way in the next day or so. Short-term prospects for HF propagation are accordingly rather gloomy, but there is a fair chance of VHF aurora at Six and Two metres. If we do get some quiet days MUFs at equal latitudes should reach 32MHz in the south and 29MHz in the north, with darkness hour lows again about 9MHz. Paths to South America should have a maximum usable frequency of around 34MHz this week, with the optimum working frequency about 24MHz. 1200 to 1800UTC will be the best times.

And that's all for this week from your propagation team, G0CAS and G3USF.

-Oct. 21 2003....Five Hams Now Aboard International Space Station

The contingent of space travelers now aboard the International Space Station (ISS) expanded to five early Monday, October 20, with the arrival of the Expedition 8 crew and a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut who accompanied them into space. Expedition 8 Commander and NASA ISS Science Officer Mike Foale, KB5UAC, and Russian Cosmonaut and ISS Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri, U8MIR, and ESA Astronaut Pedro Duque, KC5RGG, joined Expedition 7 Commander Yuri Malenchenko, RK3DUP, and NASA ISS Science Officer Ed Lu, KC5WKJ, after their Soyuz TMA-3 transporter docked with the ISS above Russia.

The Expedition 8 crew, which left Earth from Russia October 18, will spend the next six months on the ISS. NASA says the two teams will conduct crew hand-over activities during their eight days of joint operations. The formal change of command takes place October 24. The Expedition 7 team of Malenchenko and Lu has been aboard the ISS since April.

Duque, who's flying under a commercial agreement between the Russian space agency Rosaviakosmos and the ESA, will spend the week conducting a series of scientific studies before returning to Earth with the Expedition 7 crew. He's also scheduled to conduct two Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts with school groups in his native Spain.

ARISS Vice Chair Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, credits the Union de Radioaficionados Espanoles (URE)--Spain's International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) member-society--with working to obtain the special call sign--ED4ISS--assigned for Duque to use. The ESA launched a competition among all of Spain's schools, and winners will get the chance to interview Duque via ham radio. Bertels says the ESA has established a special Web site (in Spanish) to document Duque's ARISS activities. (Click "El Concurso" and then "¿Qué es una comunicación por radio?")

This mission mark Duque's second space flight, following his mission on the shuttle Discovery on the STS-95 mission in 1998.

Malenchenko, Lu and Duque are scheduled to depart for Earth October 27 aboard the Soyuz vehicle now attached to the ISS. During his duty tour, Malenchenko was married by proxy to Ekaterina Dmitriev, a native of Ukraine who now lives in Texas. Upon his return, the couple reportedly plans a church wedding in Russia followed by a honeymoon in Australia. Malenchenko is 41; Dmitriev, who lives in the Houston area, is 26.

The Soyuz, which carries a crew of three, will remain the prime crew transport system. Russian Progress rockets will transport needed supplies.

Foale, 46, is a veteran of five space flights and has spent a total of nearly 180 days in space--including more than four months on the Russian Mir space station in 1997. During his Mir stay, Foale found ham radio a valuable supplement to conventional Russian and NASA communication systems after the station was damaged in a collision with an unmanned Progress cargo rocket. Kaleri, 47, flew on three Mir missions and has logged 416 days in space. information provided by NASA was used in this report

(ARRL)

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-Oct. 22 2003....OSCAR Echo to Launch in March

AMSAT-North America has announced that launch of the AMSAT OSCAR-E Amateur Radio microsat--the "Echo Project"--has been moved up to March 31, 2004. Earlier plans had called for a May 2004 launch. Echo Project Team member Richard Hambly, W2GPS, reported at AMSAT-NA's Annual Meeting and Space Symposium October 18-19 in Toronto, Canada, that the Echo project has made significant progress in recent months.

Full Story: www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/10/22/2/?nc=1

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-Oct. 23 2003....AMSAT Volunteer Survey

AMSAT North America says that it has developed an on-line volunteer survey  designed to identify the interests and skills of those who may be available to directly help in efforts to develop the amateur satellite program.  The survey is designed to be completed and returned on-line, and takes only a few minutes to fill out. To request the survey, simply send an e-mail request to volunteer@amsat.org.

Website:   www.amsat.org

(ANS)

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

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

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Oct. 22 2003....Hams recognized at Montana forest fire volunteers appreciation picnic:

Amateur Radio's role in Montana's forest fires this past summer got official recognition this month when the US Forest Service and Helena-area businesses and organizations hosted an appreciation picnic. The event honored firefighters, law enforcement officers and community volunteers--including Amateur Radio operators--who assisted with firefighting efforts in Lewis and Clark, Powell, Jefferson and Broadwater counties this past summer. Individual hams recognized included Rollie Fisher, KC7WBP, and Jim Haslip, W7CK. Fisher set up at Lincoln's Hooper Park every day during the Lincoln Complex fires, providing current information to residents and visitors. He and his wife, Eenie, KC7WBO, were among the many families forced to evacuate their homes because of the fire danger. Haslip has been an aerial fire spotter for 40 summers. Amateur Radio's support of Red Cross and other relief agencies during the fire emergency also received recognition. Lewis and Clark County Emergency Coordinator Bob Solomon, K7HLN, accepted a plaque on behalf of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service and the Capital City Amateur Radio Club. An estimated 300 people turned out for the event at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds. Dignitaries on hand included Montana Gov Judy Martz, Montana congressional staffers and county commissioners. Volunteer fire departments, county, state and federal fire and law enforcement agencies, and supporting agencies were recognized and awarded plaques that read, "United by Fire. The 2003 Montana fire season was marked by volatile fire behavior and overwhelming response. We faced these challenges jointly as community members, volunteers, fire and law enforcement officials. With our collective and individual sense of pride, may we commemorate our efforts and remain united."

(ARRL)

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-Oct. 22 2003....Huge power outage is scenario for first statewide Florida SET:

For the first time, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) members in all three Florida ARRL sections participated in a Simulated Emergency Test (SET) October 2-4. The scenario was a three-day statewide electrical power outage. A QNC ("All net stations copy!") went out to all Florida amateurs October 2 to advise of the SET. Also sent was a request from the Florida State Warning Point--which monitors for major incidents and emergencies--for status information from all Red Cross chapters in Florida. "With no advance warning as to the nature of the emergency, amateurs across the state quickly responded to the requests," reported ARRL West Central Florida Section Manager Dave Armbrust, AE4MR. "Special nets were called and scheduled with checkins from stations operating on emergency power." Armbrust said he was impressed by the number of stations that had emergency power capability. "A large number had generators and large quantities of fuel on hand," he said. "There is no question in my mind that if we had a statewide power outage, it would not mean that Amateur Radio would be off the air." Armbrust said the SET clearly established that many Florida amateurs consider it essential to continue to be able to communicate when conventional power fails. "They have, at great expense to themselves, set up stations that will remain on the air in all but the most extreme circumstances," he said. "They will be there when we need them the most." Armbrust reported "exceptional cooperation" among the three sections--Northern Florida, Southern Florida and West Central Florida. "We clearly proved that all ARES and National Traffic System (NTS) members in the state can work together as a single large team if a statewide disaster would require us to do so," he concluded.

(ARRL)

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-Nov. 8 2003...Simulated Emergency Test (SET)

The Simulated Emergency Test (SET) will take place on Saturday Nov. 8 2003. The Trans Provincial Net will be participating in this years exercise. Priority communications will be given to ARES groups checking in on the frequency, all other operators are asked to standby and follow the instructions of the Net Co-ordinator. After ARES traffic is dealt with regular check ins will be accepted.

As an alternate to 7.055 mhz, the ONTARS Net 3.755mhz, will also be participating, for those instances when propagation is poor on 40 meters.

As a result of this participation, we will need extra operators to be on standby if required. If anyone can assist us with this exercise, provided they are not needed by their own ARES groups, please inform the undersigned, in the case of TPN, or Shawn, VE3PSV or Glenn, VE3GNA, in the case of ONTARS.

Thank you for your co-operation
Jim Taylor VA3KU
TPN Assistant Net Manager

Note: For more information on ARES Ontario HF Nets please visit  www.tpn7055.ca/ares

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Oct. 24 2003....Ham radio operators get TV time in South Dakota:

Ham radio operators in South Dakota will be featured during an upcoming segment of the Public Television program "Dakota Life." The show will highlight how local hams have contributed during emergencies. It will air November 6, 8 PM Central/7 PM Mountain Time. Reruns are scheduled for November 9, 1 PM Central/ noon Mountain Time and November 25, 9:30 Central/8:30 Mountain Time.

Visit the South Dakota Public Broadcasting Web site for more information [ www.sdpb.org ]

(ARRL Newsletter)

-Oct. 23 2003....Measuring the speed of gravity

The great Albert Einstein was correct when he said that the speed of gravity matches the speed of light.  This, according to astronomers who took advantage of a rare planetary alignment to survey the relationship of these two fundamental forces of nature.

Edward B. Fomalout of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and, Sergei Kopeikin of the University of Missouri, measured the amount that light from a distant star that was deflected by the gravity of Jupiter as the planet passed in front of it.  The researchers used 10 radio telescopes scattered around the world to precisely gauge how light from a distant quasar was bowed or warped as it passed by Jupiter on its way to the Earth.

To make the measurement, the instruments had to detect a minute deflection of the light.  Dr. Fomalout compared the required precision to being able to measure the width of a human hair from 250 miles away.

Jupiter is in the precise position for such a measurement only once a decade.  The locations of the telescopes ranged from from Hawaii to Germany.  Researchers are very happy with the experiments seeming total success.

Knowing the precise speed of gravity is important to physicists looking for technologic break-throughs.  It also affects some of the basic theories of the relationship of space and time.

(Science Today)

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-Oct. 20 2003..."It Seems to Us . . ." Who Needs BPL?

What is the driving force behind the idea of delivering Broadband over Power Lines (BPL)? Who needs it?

Not consumers. Most already have access to broadband service (if they want it) via DSL, cable modems, wireless local area networks and satellites. They are not clamoring for more choices. Consumers might like lower prices, but no one is offering any guarantees on behalf of BPL in that regard.

According to the International Telecommunication Union, DSL is the most common broadband platform in the world today and is growing rapidly. Cable modems are popular in economies with developed cable TV networks.

As for future growth, the ITU says: "The cost of installing the fiber optic cables previously made it prohibitive for connecting small communities or homes, but prices have fallen to the point that in several economies, users can now connect to the Internet via fiber optic cable at speeds 20 times greater than the fastest DSL and cable modem connections. Several governments are gradually laying fiber infrastructure to have it ready when it finally becomes cost effective to install the connections and 'light up' fiber to the home."

BPL proponents claim to be interested in serving rural areas. The ITU has many experts working to bring the benefits of telecommunications to rural and under- developed areas. However, the best way to do that is by wireless local area networks. Again according to the ITU, "WLANs are an effective way to share wireless Internet access from a broadband connection within a distance of 100 meters. They are also increasingly used to provide broadband access over long distances in rural areas and developing nations (using special equipment and technology to boost the effective distance of the connection points).... WLAN technologies...are easy to install and inexpensive. Many projects around the world are looking for ways to use WLAN to bridge the last mile."

Who needs BPL? Not investors. They've already lost billions of dollars on other telecommunications ventures for which there was no market, such as mobile satellite services. Investors have already paid for the installation of a staggering amount of unused fiber optic cable that is generating no return for them. They don't need another black hole.

BPL is a latecomer to the broadband marketplace. To succeed, a latecomer has to demonstrate a clear superiority. BPL has none. It may not be cheaper, but it's definitely slower than other broadband delivery systems. It's fraught with potential safety and security issues that do not arise with its competitors. It pollutes the radio spectrum. There's not a single reason a consumer would select BPL over its competition if the competing service is available, and for most consumers it already is--and BPL isn't.

Who needs BPL? Not the power utilities. They have their hands full managing their core business. The smart ones realize that, at least while the public and the government are watching them like hawks to see how they respond to the August 14 blackout, they must avoid the distraction of a doomed venture. Anyone who thinks that BPL is a pot of gold right around the corner should consider this quote from an industry source in an Associated Press story earlier this year: "I think they're a long ways from proving it, let's leave it there," said Larry Carmichael, a project manager with the Electric Power Research Institute. "The tests to date have been so small as far as looking at the financial and technical viability. It's still at the very early stage of development."

Who needs BPL? Not anyone who uses radio communication--and not just those who use the frequency range from 1.7 to 80 MHz. In its comments in response to the FCC's Notice of Inquiry in ET Docket No. 03-104, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration observes: "As a result of non-linear elements in the electrical power distribution system, BPL systems may radiate emissions at frequencies substantially higher than the frequencies actually used intentionally within the BPL system." That makes BPL a concern to anyone who watches television, listens to FM radio, rides in an airplane, train or boat, cares about weather forecasting or radio astronomy, or relies on police and fire departments or any other services that use land mobile radio--including the power utilities themselves, who are heavy users of the Power Radio Service.

Who's left? Well, there are the companies that would like to sell BPL hardware. Were it not for the fatal flaw of its spectrum pollution, the engineering that has gone into making BPL work would be worthy of admiration. However, since it involves transmitting RF via an inappropriate medium--a transmission line designed for 60 Hz, not 6 or 60 MHz--it is the sort of admiration one might have for a dog walking on its hind legs: the dog doesn't walk very well, but the surprising thing is that it can walk at all. One can only hope that these engineers will find a better outlet for their talents on their next assignment, or with their next employer.
 

David Sumner, K1ZZ
ARRL Chief Executive Officer

************

Oct. 24 2003....Back on the water again:

David Clark, KB6TAM--the oldest person to circumnavigate the globe solo--is back under sail, this time to spend some
time in the Caribbean. Clark, now 79, completed his near-disastrous round-the-world sail on December 7, 2001, when he sailed into Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after two years on the high seas. During his adventure, Clark used ham radio to keep in touch with his wife, Lynda, in California, and with friends around the world. Ham radio also helped save his life after his first vessel, the Mollie Milar, foundered off South Africa and was lost. Clark subsequently resumed his voyage in another vessel, which he named Mickey in honor of his canine traveling companion of the same name who was lost when the Mollie Milar went down. Lynda Clark reports that her husband planned to spend a few days in Nassau, the Bahamas, and might play clarinet at one of the Poop Deck restaurants owned by his friend Eloy Roldan. He has ham radio aboard the Mickey. She says Clark is continuing to work on a book about his circumnavigation. An article by Clark appeared in the September issue of Soundings,
[ www.soundingsonline.com ] a boating industry publication.

(ARRL Newsletter)

Contest News

Nov.1-7...HA-QRP Contest CW www.sk3bg.se/contest/haqrp.htm

Nov.1...IPA Radio Club Contest CW SSB  www.ipa-rc.de

Nov.1-2...Ukrainian DX Contest CW SSB RTTY  www.qsl.net/ucc

Nov.1-3...ARRL Sweepstakes CW  www.arrl.org/contests

Nov.1-3...North American Collegiate ARC Championship CW   www.sk3bg.se/contest/nacarccs.htm

Nov.2...High Speed Club CW Contest  CW  www.hsc.de.cx

Nov.2...DARC 10 m Digital Contest "Corona" DIGI   www.darc.de/referate/dx/fgd.htm

-VA3IF "In Flanders", the Special Event Station

The Guelph Amateur Radio Club is setting up a Special Event Station VA3IF from Monday November 3,2003 to Tuesday November 11, 2003.  This event is operated from the Birthplace of Col. John McCrae which is now a Museum.  John McCrae wrote the famous poem "In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow, between the crosses row on row.

We will be operating weekdays from 10-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 1-5pm.  There are also some evenings that there are programs, that we will be operating.  The following bands will be being used: 80mtrs, 40mtrs, 20mtrs, 15mtrs, 10mtrs, 2 mtrs ( both VE3ZMG 145.210- and IRLP on Node 2260 [147.540 with a tone of 131.8] )

During our time at the Museum, we work with many groups of School classes, Cubs, Brownies, Sea Cadets etc. explaining about Amateur Radio, letting them talk on air, and promoting World Peace and Remembrance.

Anyone who is in the area of Guelph during this event is more than welcome to visit the Museum which is located at 108 Water St., Guelph ON.  Anyone interested in Amateur Radio is welcome to come and operate, you do not need to be licensed, as a licensed amateur will be on site to guide you.  There are also some "hand on" activities for children (of all ages).

73
Linda VE3ILJ
ve3ilj@rac.ca

************

Brevard, NC: Transylvania County Amateur Radio Club, K4HXZ. 1400Z-2100Z Oct 31. Halloween in Transylvania County. 28.335 21.365 14.295 7.237. Certificate. TCARC, PO Box 643, Brevard, NC 28712.

Columbus, OH: Central Ohio ARES, WA8RES. 1500Z-2000Z Nov 1. Ohio Bicentennial. 28.450 21.300 14.500 7.260. Certificate and QSL. Frank Piper, 496 Hillview St, Pickerington, OH 43147-1197. http://www.qsl.net/coares/events/WA8RES.html

Lafayette, LA: Acadiana Amateur Radio Association Inc, KE5LP. 1300Z Nov 1-2400Z Nov 2. Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase. 28.465 21.365 14.265 7.240. QSL. Roland Guidry, NA5Q, 118 W Betty St, Rayne, LA 70578. http://www.w5ddl.org/clubsite/.

Panama: Radio Club de Panama, HP100RCP. Nov 1-Nov 3. 100 years of the Republic of Panama. All bands. QSL. Radio Club de Panama, PO Box 10745, Panama 4, Panama. http://www.radioclubdepanama.org/.
 

-Oct. 22 2003....DX contesting era coming to an end:

According to The Daily DX, well-known DXpeditioner and contester Martti Laine, OH2BH, reports an era is coming to an end. The highly successful and well-known EA8BH, EA8AH and EA8EA call signs from the QTH of Laine and friends OH2MM and OH1RY in the Canary Islands will be on the air for the last time during the CQ World Wide DX Contest (SSB) October 25-26 weekend. EA8BH will be an 80-meter single band entry, while EA8EA will be single-band on 15, and EA8AH will be single-band on 40. Laine tells The Daily DX that the Canary Islands station is being dismantled.

(ARRL)

***********************
-Oct. 23 2003...ARLD043 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by IT9BLB, K9QQ, KA2AEV, XE1NK, the OPDX Bulletin, The Daily DX, 425DXnews, DXNL, WA7BNM and Contest Corral from QST.  Thanks to all.

GEORGIA, 4L.  Imeda, 4L4AJ will be QRV as a High Power entry in the CQ WW SSB contest.  QSL direct.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, A6.  Look for a number of operators to be QRV as A61AJ during the CQ WW SSB contest as a Multi/Multi entry.  QSL via K2UO for US stations and DJ2MX for all others.

BAHAMAS, C6.  Terry, W8JE is QRV as W8JE/C6A from Abaco Island, IOTA NA-080, until October 27.  Activity is on 80 to 10 meters, using CW, SSB and possibly RTTY.  This includes an entry in the CQ WW SSB contest. QSL to home call.

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS.  Lee, DS4CNB is QRV as D88S from the South Korean research base ''King You-Jong'' on King George Island, IOTA AN-010, until November 30.  Activity is on 40 to 10 meters, including the newer bands, using CW.  QSL to home call.

FRENCH GUIANA, FY.  Look for a group of operators to be QRV as FY5KE from Zone 9 during the CQ WW SSB contest as a Multi/Single entry. QSL via FY5KE.

LIECHTENSTEIN, HB0.  A large group of operators will be QRV as HB0/HB9AON from Triesenberg during the CQ WW SSB contest.  QSL via DJ2YE.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, HC8.  Dave, NN1N will be QRV as HC8N in the CQ WW SSB contest as a Single-Op/All Band entry.  QSL via W5UE.

ITALY, I.  Some members of the Tikirriki Contest Club will be QRV as IH9P from Pantelleria Island, IOTA AF-018, during the CQ WW SSB contest. Before and after the contest, they may also be QRV as homecalls/IH9 using CW and RTTY.  QSL via KR7X.

LUXEMBOURG, LX.  Look for LX5A and LX9SW to be Single Band entries in the CQ WW SSB contest.  QSL both calls via LX1RQ.

SURINAME, PZ.  K3BYV and N3CXM are QRV from here until November 4. This includes being a Multi Single/Low Power entry in the CQ WW SSB contest as PZ5JR.  QSL via K3BYV.

GREECE, SV.  A group of operators from Italy and Greece will be QRV as SY8A during the CQ WW SSB contest as a Multi/Single entry from Zante Island, IOTA EU-052.  QSL via operators' instructions.

COSTA RICA, TI.  Wayne, K8LEE, Byron, WA8NJR and Joe, W8GEX are QRV as TI5AA from Palmara until October 28.  They will be active as TI5A during the CQ WW SSB contest.  QSL via TI5AA.

ASIATIC RUSSIA, UA0.  Andy, UA0ANW will be active as RM0A from Zone 18 in the CQ WW SSB contest as a Single-Op/All Band/High Power entry.  QSL direct.

ANTIGUA, V2.  Team Antigua will be QRV as V26B as a Multi Op/Two Transmitter entry in the CQ WW SSB contest.  They will also be active with their own V2 callsigns until November 2.  QSL contest call via WT3Q and all others to home calls.

NAMIBIA, V5.  Vlado, ZS6MG and Emil, ZS6EGB are QRV as V55E and V55V, respectively, until October 27.  They will also be QRV as V55V during the CQ WW SSB contest.  QSL contest call via ZS6MG as well as home calls.

MARSHALL ISLANDS, V7.  Brian, K9QQ will be QRV as V73/K9QQ from Kwajalein Atoll until October 28.  This includes an entry in the CQ WW SSB contest as V73AZ.  QSL V73AZ via K9JS and V73/K9QQ to home call.

MEXICO, XE.  Look for XE1NK, XE1UN and XE1NTT to be QRV as 6D9X from Cocoyoc, the State of Morelos, as a Multi/Single entry during the CQ WW SSB contest.  Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters.  QSL via operators' instructions.

SOUTH COOK ISLANDS, ZK1.  Dave, W6AQ and Don, K6IPV are QRV as ZK1AQT and ZK1IPV, respectively, from Rarotonga, IOTA OC-013, until October 28. This includes being an entry in the CQ WW SSB contest as ZK1SSB. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using mainly SSB, with some CW, RTTY and PSK31.  QSL via W6ORD.

****************
-Oct.25 2003....4 2 5  D X  N ews  #651

3W
Eddy Visser, XV9DT has been authorized to operate as 3W22S until  31 December. This special  event call  celebrates the  22nd SEA  (South East Asian) Games hosted by Vietnam. On line logs will be  available at http://www.qsl.net/3w22s/logs [TNX 3W22S]

EA6
Laci/HA6NL, Zsolt/HA6PS, Tibor/HA6ZV and Sanyi/HA7JJS will be active as  EA6/homecall/p  from  the  Balearic  Islands  (EU-004)  on   2-9 November. QSL via home calls. During the HA-QRP Contest they will be signing EA6/HA5RT/p (QSL via HA6NL) on  +/- 3511 kHz with 10  watts. [TNX HA0HW]

F
Look for Bruno, F5JYD/P to be active from a few islands in  Normandy on 27-30 October. He plans to  operate QRP from the islands of  Mont St. Michel (not IOTA, DIFM MA-005),  Rimains (not IOTA, MA-006)  and Landes (not IOTA, MA-034). QSL via home call. [TNX F5JYD]

F
Laurent, F8BBL reports he will be active as TM7W on 16-30  November, CQ WW CW Contest included. QSL to F8BBL via bureau.

FR/E
Dany/F5CW, Eric/F5JKK, Phil/F5PHW, Christian/TR8SA,  Stephane/F5KIN, Freddy/F5IRO, David/F0CRS and Daniel/F1IWH are the operators for the DXpedition to Europa Island [425DXN 647]  which is now scheduled  to take place from 24 November to 15 December. They plan to operate on 160-6 metres SSB, CW and RTTY  with three stations (one for CW,  one for SSB and one for digital modes and 6 metres). Requested calls are TO4E and  TO4WW (the  latter to  be  used during  the  CQ WW  DX  CW Contest). Suggested frequencies, as well  as other information,  are available at       http://europa2003.free.fr/europa_2003-e.htm; contributions will be gratefully accepted and  can be sent to  F5OGL (Didier Senmartin, P.O. Box 7, 53320 Loiron, France), who will  also be the QSL manager for the operation.

GM
Look for Peter, GM3OFT/p to operate  from the Isles of Fleet on  1-2 November. If  conditions  allow,  Peter  will  be  active  from  the Murray's Isles (EU-123), otherwise he will be on the more accessible  island of Ardwal (EU-005). [TNX GM3VLB]

HB0
Look for  HB0/HA0HW/p  (Laci), HB0/HA4DX/p  (Tomi)  and  HB0/HA4XG/p (Geza) to  operate from  Masescha (1350m  a.s.l.), Liechtenstein  on  2-10 November.  They  will  be active  on  160-10  metres  (with  an emphasis on the low bands) CW, SSB and RTTY, using groundplanes  and wire antennas. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX HA0HW]

HH
Manfred/DK1BT,  Hans/DL7CM,  Juergen/DL7UFN  and  Sid/DM2AYO  will operate as 4V200YH  (Four Victor Two  Hunderd Years  of Haiti)  from Haiti (NA-096) from  28 January until  15 February.  They will  have three stations active on 160-6 metres  CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK and  SSTV. QSL  via DL7CM.  The web page for the operation  is at http://www.qsl.net/dl7cm/haiti2.htm [TNX DL7CM]

HL
Han/DS2GOO, Chae/DS5BSX, Ryu/DS4NYE and others  will be active  from Soan  Island  (AS-085)  on  1-4  November.  They  will  operate   as homecall/4 (QSL via home call) or D90HE/4 with 100w transceivers and various wire antennas. [TNX HL1VAU]

HP
Look for Mike, HP1/DL2OE  (QSL via DL7CM)  and Will, HP1/DJ7AA  (QSL via home call) to be active  on 160-6 metres CW,  SSB and RTTY  from Contadora Island (NA-072) until 29 October. [TNX NG3K]

HP
Special event station HP100RCP will be active on all bands and modes on 1-3 November to celebrate the  100th anniversary of the  Republic of Panama. QSL  to Radio  Club de  Panama, P.O.  Box 10745,  Panama, Panama. [TNX HP1AC]

I
Alfredo, IK7JWX  reports  he will  be  signing  IR7LH  from  various lighthouses during  the weekends  between  November 2003  and  April 2004. QSL via IK7JWX, bureau or direct.

KH6
Max, KH6ZM is QRV for Southern Europe daily on 80 metres CW around 5 UTC. QSL direct only via I0MWI (http://www.qsl.net/i0mwi) [TNX I0MWI]

OA
Jack, F6BUM (http://www.f6bum.fr.st) will be active  on CW, SSB  and RTTY as OA4-7/F6BUM from Peru from  5 November until 5 December. On 17-21 November he will operate from  the island of Suasi (not  IOTA)  in Lake Titicaca. QSL direct only to home call. [TNX F6BUM]

PA
A group  of  operators  from  ON4IPA  (the  Belgian  branch  of  the International Police Association) will be active on 10-80 metres CW, SSB and digital modes as PA/homecalls from EU-146 between 31 October and 2  November.  They  will  participate  in  the  IPA  Contest  as PA/ON4IPA (QSL via ON6ZV). [TNX ON6ZV]

T33
Rob Snieder, PA2R (ex-PA5ET) will lead the international team of  21 operators to activate Banaba (OC-018) as  T33C for two weeks  during April 2004 [425DXN  629]. The expeditioners will travel  by air  to Fiji, and  then to  Tarawa (T30),  from where  they will  be  active during the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest. From Tarawa, the operators will go to Banaba by chartered vessel. Because of severe weight restrictions on flights to Tarawa, most of  the equipment is being shipped  ahead by container from Rotterdam. The expedition  will be  a major  effort, featuring  24 hour a day operation. CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK, and SSTV will be used as  appropriate on all bands 160 through 6  metres and AO-40.  There will be  seven separate stations, including a dedicated station  for the digital modes and  another for  6 metres,  equipped  with amplifiers and a variety of transmitting and receiving antennas. Logs will be transmitted daily to  Australia for publication on  the Internet. The  T33C group  is seeking  volunteers to  operate  pilot stations in Asia, Oceania and South America. The  expedition   still   needs  contributions  to cover costs. Contributions may be  sent to F5CWU  (Flo Moudar, 25  Rue du  Castel Salis, 37100 Tours, France). For  further information, please  visit http://www.dx-pedition.de/banaba2004. [TNX K6SRZ, doctore@well.com]

V6
Cal/WF5W  and  Paul/W5PF   will  be  active   as  V63WC  and   V63PF respectively from Yap Island (OC-012), Micronesia on 22-29 November. They will run 100 watts into wire dipoles for 30 and 40 metres and a 2-element yagi for 20-6 metres. Operation  will be CW and SSB;  some  limited activity in the CQ WW DX CW Contest may be possible. QSL via W5PF. [TNX W5PF]

V7
Brian, K9QQ will  be active  as V73/K9QQ  (QSL via  home call)  from Kwajalein Atoll (OC-028), Marshall Islands until 28 October. He will participate in the  CQ WW DX  SSB Contest as  V73AZ (QSL via  K9JS). [TNX ARRL DX Bulletin]

ZL
Chris, GM3WOJ will  operate  (on 40  and 20  metres  CW and  SSB) as ZL1CT/4 from Stewart Island (OC-203) on  11-15 January. For  further information please visit http://www.qsl.net/gm3woj/ [TNX GM3WOJ ]

Good to Know:

BQ9P
The  Pratas Island  DXpedition went  QRT at  6 (local  time) on  16 October, after  some  27,000  QSOs.  A photo  gallery  is  now  available  at http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~iota/newpage64.htm [TNX JI6KVR]

NCDXA
At  the October meeting,  the members of  the National Capitol  DX Association (http://www.qsl.net/ncdxa/)  elected  the following  officers  to serve in  2004:  Dick  Mayott, W2YE  (President);  Terry  Hines,  N2ZH  (Vice President); Brian Bayus, N1KC (Treasurer); George Vincent, K3GV  (Secretary). [TNX K3GV]

MARIA ISLAND
IT9YRE, IT9EJW and I1SNW logged about 1800 QSOs in 36 hours during their recent and unfortunate operation from Maria Island (OC-264,  new one for IOTA). Over the last couple of weeks  425 DX News has received a  few inquiries from IOTA chasers who are  willing to send a  donation in order to compensate the operators for part of  their losses (two transceivers and  two antennas fell overboard and sank).  Donations can be sent either along with the QSL cards (QSL via home  calls) or to  Gaetano, IT9GAI (Gaetano  Giudice, Via dei Mille 94, 96017 Noto - SR, Italy), who has offered to help collecting contributions. Direct requests that are being  received will be processed in time for the  cards to reach  the "deserving" before  the IOTA annual  update deadline. [TNX IT9GAI]

NOT THE MANAGER
Danny, LZ2UU is not  and has never been the QSL  manager for ZA1MM [425DXN  650]. We  apologize for  any inconvenience  this may  have caused Danny and our readers. [TNX LZ3SM]

PY1OW
This is the new call sign  of Antonio Da Silva, formerly known  as PY1XP, from the island of Itacuruca (SA-029).

QSLS
Giovanni,  IZ2DPX and  Stefano, IK5PWQ  report that  the cards  for their  ZA3/IZ2DPX  (May-June  2003)  and   IM0/IK5PWQ  (July  2003,   EU-165) operations have been printed and direct as well as bureau requests are  being
processed.

QSL VIA JE7IDA
The correct address for JE7IDA, QSL manager for UK/JE7RJZ [425DXN 650], is: Kunihiko Nakano, 2-5-4  Mitsuwari, Morioka, 020-0011 Japan.

QSL VIA YL2GN
Don, YL2GN  has received the C5P  and FG/YL2KL cards  from the printer and the relevant logs from YL2KL. Direct cards will be  processed first, bureau  cards will  follow (requests  for the  latter are  welcome  at Ziedonis.Knope@lattelekom.lv). [TNX YL2GN]

SV2ASP/A
Monk Apollo is back on the  air thanks to the help provided  by George Varvitsiotes, K6SV. George has taken Monk Apollo a new transceiver and power supply to  replace the broken  gear [425DXN  635]; he also planned to install all the antennas that were previous donated in order to get  SV2ASP/A back on the air "in a big way". [TNX OPDX Bulletin]

TJ OPERATION  CANCELLED
Alfredo, IK7XGF  has had  to cancel  his  16-28 October operation from Cameroon [425DXN 650], as "after the initial  struggle for the license, other problems of  family nature added on  top and forced  a quick return home". [TNX IK0FTA]

WRTC 2006
The World Radiosport Team Championship Sanctioning  Committee, the Liga de  Amadores de Radio  Emissao (LABRE)  and the  Araucaria DX  Group (GADX) have  announced  that the  fifth  WRTC competition will be held in Florianopolis, capital of the Santa Catarina State, in July 2006.

SILENT KEY
Enzo Tancredi, IK6BOB, one of the most active DXers in  Italy, becane a SK on 14 October. [TNX IK6DEN]

***************

-Oct 23 - Nov 6, 2003....Islands, Castles & Portable Operations

23/10/2003:  Operators DH1TW, DK2PH, DK5TX, DK8FS, DJ6QT, LX1NO, OH4XX and OH6RX will be active from the Madeira Islands (AF-014) as CT9L in the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest (October 25-26th) as a Multi-2 entry.
QSL via DJ6QT. Before and after the contest, operators will use CT3/home call. QSL via their home callsign. [Tnx OPDX]

23/10/2003:  Special event station EM60QM will be activated October 23rd to dedicate the 60th anniversary of the release of Melitopol from the Fascist-German aggressors. A special multicoloured QSL card will be available to all stations making contact with EM60QM. QSL via UX7QJ direct (Nikolaj Goenko, P.O. Box 30, Melitopol, 72311, Ukraine) or via the bureau. [Tnx UR7QM]

23/10/2003:  JE1JKL, JF1SQC, JH1EAQ, JP1NWZ and JA5OVU will be active as KH0AA from Saipan, Mariana Islands (OC-086) October 23rd to 27th, including a Multi-Two entry in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest. QSL via JA5DQH, direct (Akito Nagi, P.O. Box 88, Tokushima, 770-8691 Japan) or bureau. [Tnx 425DXN]

23/10/2003:  Richard, AD5OZ, will be operating from Shemya-Club-Station, Shemya Island (IOTA NA-037, USI AK-019S, 3rd S. Central county), Alaska, as KL7FBI between October 23rd and 28th. He prefers CW on 40, 30 and 20m. QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx DL4FDM]

23/10/2003:  Harry AC8G, Ron WA8LOW, Ron W8ILC, Brian KA7KUZ, Kecko TI5KD, Tony VE3RZ, Jorge CX6VM, Ed K1EP, Tom ZP5AZL, Juan ZP5MAL, Dale N3BNA and Dave WT8R, will be manning the TI5N Contest station as a
multi-multi entry in the CQWWSSB contest (October 25-26). QSL TI5N via W3HNK. For a day or two before and after the contest, the individual operators will be on the using TI5/own-callsign as time permits. Expect a higher level of CW and other non SSB modes on the contest bands due to the large SSB volume in the contest. Attention will also be directed to 6 meters and the WARC bands using various modes. QSL's for the individual QSO's should go to the callbook address unless advised
otherwise. IMPORTANT - do not mix the contest QSL with ones for the individual contacts. [Tnx KA2AEV]

23/10/2003:  Six operators from the radio-club of Nancy (F6KIM), will be QRV October 23rd to 27th from Porquerolles island (IOTA EU-070, DIFM ME-010, WW Loc. JN38), using the call sign TM5CRO. Activity will be on all bands 160 meters through 23 centimeters, except 6 meters (not allowed in this department) and 432 MHz. WSJT activity is also planned.
QSL via F5RMY. [Tnx F5NQL]

23/10/2003:  Vlad V5/ZS6MG (QSL via ZS6MG) and Emil V5/ZS6EGB (QSL via ZS6EGB) will be QRV from the evening of October 23rd until the morning of October 27th from Outjo, Namibia. They also will be active in the CQWW-SSB Contest (October 25-26th) as V51E (QSL via ZS6MG). Before and after the contest they will be active on most HF bands on CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK. [Tnx K1XN]

23/10/2003: Brian, K9QQ, will be QRV as V73/K9QQ from Kwajalein Atoll (OC-028, Grid Loc. RJ38) until October 28th. This includes an entry in the CQ WW SSB contest as V73AZ. QSL V73AZ via K9JS and V73/K9QQ to home call. [Tnx ARRL DX news]

24/10/2003:  Look for RA9MZH to be QRV October 24th to 26th from the Sherbakul'sky region (RDA reference OM-42 for the Russian Districts Award), located in Omskaya oblast (OM). Activity will be mostly on 80 meters. QSL via operator's instructions. [Tnx RA9MJ]

24/10/2003:  Willy Dellaert, ON5AX, reports that he will be active (SSB and CW) as S79AX from Mahe, Praslin and La Digue (AF-024), Seychelles between October 24th to November 4th (CQ WW SSB DX Contest included) and as 3B8/ON5AX from Mauritius (AF-049) between November 6th to 15th. QSLs via ON5AX. [Tnx 425DXN]

24/10/2003:  Naoki, JE7RJZ, will be visiting Tashkent, Uzbekistan, between October 24th and 29th, as a member of a television repair crew. Look for him to be QRV, in his spare time, as UK/JE7RJZ. He also plans an entry in the CQ WW DX SSB contest (October 25-26th). QSL via JE7IDA direct (Kunihiko Nanao, 2-5-4, Mitsuwari, Morioka, 020-0011 Japan) or
via the JARL bureau. [Tnx JA1ELY]

25/10/2003:  Anci, JA2ZL, will be active October 25th to 28th from Western Samoa (OC-097) as 5W0ZY. Activity will be on 80 through 12 meter SSB, CW and RTTY, with 100 watts, dipoles and 2 element beams. He also hopes to participate in the CQWW-SSB Contest (October 25-26th). QSL to his home call via JARL bureau (until July, 2004) or direct to his home
address (Anci Yamada, 17-8-2 Takirocho, Tajima, 507-0813 Japan). [Tnx F5NQL]

25/10/2003:  Members of the Guam Contest Club will be on the air during the CQ WW DX SSB Contest SSB (October 25-26th). Look for operators JI3ERV/NH2C, JR7OMD/WI3O, JP1JFG/N2IU, JG3RPL/N1BJ, JH7QXJ, JR8VSE/NH2N
and JE8KKX/AH2K to activate AH2R from Guam Island (KH2, Zone 27, IOTA OC-026) as a Multi-Op/2TX entry. QSL via JH7QXJ (Direct or JA bureau, NOT the KH2 bureau). [Tnx OPDX]

25/10/2003:  Tatsuhiko, JD1BKQ, will be active from Taiwan (AS-020) as BW3/JD1BKQ in the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest (October 25-26th) as a Single-Op/All Band entry. QSL via JR3PZW. [Tnx OPDX]

25/10/2003:  Fabio, I4UFH, will be active as D44TD from Santa Maria, Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde (AF-086) during the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest (October 25-26) as a Single-Op/All Band entry. QSL via CT1EKF. [Tnx OPDX]

25/10/2003:  Raymound, WQ7R, will be active as HQ9R from Roatan Island (NA-057), Honduras, in the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest (October 25-26) as a Single-Op/All Band/Low Power entry. QSL via N6FF. [Tnx OPDX]

25/10/2003:  Bill, W8QZA, will be operating the CQWW DX SSB Contest (October 25-26) from KH6SQ's QTH on Maui (IOTA OC-019, USI HI-018S). His callsign will be KH6/W8QZA. He will operate in the contest as a 20 meter Single Band entry and will be QRP. There will be some acivity before and after the contest on HF. QSL via his home call. [Tnx OPDX]

25/10/2003:  Once again, operators G0HSS, G1GEY, G3NKC, G4XUM and M0BEW will be active from the Isle of Man (EU-116) in the CQWW SSB Contest (October 25-26th). For additional interest, they will be operating from the Point of Ayre Lighthouse (ARLHS IOM013). There is a possibility of some activity before the contest with operators using their own
callsigns (especially 160m!). QSL to G3NKC; or Bureau request through their web page at: http://www.md4k.com . [Tnx OPDX]

25/10/2003:  Marko, OH4JFN, will be QRV October 25th to 28th from the Aland Islands (IOTA EU-002, Zone 15) as OH0Z, including a SOAB entry in the CQWW-SSB Contest (October 25-26th). QSL via OH5DX. [Tnx 425DXN]

25/10/2003:  Look for OX3UB to participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 25-26th) from Christian IV Island or Prins Christian Island (NA-151). QSL direct to OZ1GER. [Tnx 425DXN]

25/10/2003:  Operators SV8CS, SV2DCD, IK2QEI, IK4MTF, IK2SGC and IZ2AAJ will use the special callsign SY8A in the CQWW SSB Contest (October 25-26th) as a Multi-Single. The QTH is Zante Island (EU-052), from the house of Spiros, SV8CS. NOTE: This is NOT Mount Athos. QSL via SV8CS (QRZ.com). [Tnx OPDX]

25/10/2003: Operators VE2CVI (Raphael), VE2PGI (Paul) and VE2GTZ (Sebastien) will be active from ZONE 2 as VE2CVI during the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest (October 25-26th). They will be located at Sept-Iles, Quebec, grid locator FO60. QSL via VE2CVI direct (Raphael Cloutier, 239 Place Cotnoir, Boisbriand, QC  J7G 1L5, Canada) or via the
bureau. [Tnx OPDX]

25/10/2003:  Operators Trent VK4TI, AJ VK2IR, Chris VK3FY and Les VK3WA will be active as YJ0X in the CQ World Wide DX SSB Contest (October 25-26th) as a Multi-Single entry. Other operators are invited to join the crew by sending an E-mail to: trent@sampson.net.au . QSL via VK4TI, using the QRZ.com address. [Tnx OPDX]

26/10/2003:  Look for LU7EGY/D, LW5EOL/D and LU1DMA/E to operate from Mar Chiquita Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-044) October 26th and 27th. QSL direct to LU1DMA (Luis Fernandez, O. V. Andrade 1638, 1718 S.A. de Padua - Buenos Aires, Argentina). [Tnx 425DXN]

27/10/2003:  Three of the YLs who operated VK9YL and ZK1XYL last year, namely Gwen/VK3DYL, June/VK4SJ and Elizabeth/VE7YL (CW), Cocos Keeling (OC-003) as VK9CYL from October 27th to November 10th. Activity will be on 80 through 10 meters, SSB and CW - no RTTY or PSK. QSL via VK3DYL. [Tnx OPDX]

27/10/2003:  MB2HFC will be the call sign for the RSGB HF and IOTA Convention to be held in Manchester from October 31st November 2nd. The station will be operational on 80-10 metres. QSL via G4BWP. [Tnx 425DXN]

28/10/2003:  Jose, ON4LAC, will be QRV as 3B8/ON4LAC from Mauritius (AF-049) between October 28th and November 23rd and again between December 17th and 27th. During the period of November 26th and December 15th, Jose will be QRV as FR5/ON4LAC from Reunion Island (AF-016). He plans to be QRV on SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL via home call. [Tnx 425DXN]

01/11/2003: Look for CE0Y/SP9PT and CE0Y/SP9EVP to be QRV as CE3/SP9PT/m and CE3/SP9EVP/m between November 1st to 8th while visiting the Atacama Desert. QSL via home calls. [Tnx 425DXN]

01/11/2003:  Operators DS2GOO (Han), DS5BSX (Chae), DS4NYE (Ryu) and possibly others will be active from Soan Island (AS-085) between November 1st and 4th. They will use their homecall/4 or D90HE/4 with 100w transceivers and various wire antennas. QSL via operator's homecall. [Tnx OPDX]

01/11/2003: Weather permitting, Peter GM3OFT/p will operate SSB from the Isles of Fleet (IOTA EU-123, IOSA SF-03, SCOTIA CS-10), from about 12:00 UTC on November 1st until about 15:00 UTC on November 2nd. Bands used will follow propagation. QSL via home call. [Tnx M0ADG]

02/11/2003:  Look for a Hungarian team to be active from the Balearic Islands (EU-004) between November 2nd and 9th and also participate in the HA-QRP Contest as EA6/HA5RT/p. The contest station will be on 3511 kHz using around 10 watts. The operators will use their home calls on the other bands as follows: EA6/HA6NL/p (Laci), EA6/HA6PS/p (Zsolt), EA6/HA6ZV/p (Tibor) and EA6/HA7JJS/p (Sanyi). Their main mode is CW, but some digital activity will also take place. QSLs should go via the bureau by their home calls, and for EA6/HA5RT/p via HA6NL. [Tnx OPDX]

03/11/2003:  Hans PA0VHA (RTTY) and Jack PA3BAG (SSB) will be active as 3B8/homecall from Mauritius Island (AF-049) November 3rd to 9th and November 15th to 24th. From November 10th to 14th they will operate as 3B9/homecall from Rodrigues (AF-017). QSL via PA0VHA. [Tnx 425DXN]

06/11/2003:  Willy Dellaert, ON5AX, reports that he will be active (SSB and CW) as 3B8/ON5AX from Mauritius (AF-049) between November 6th to 15th. QSL via ON5AX. [Tnx 425DXN]

LOOKING AHEAD -

01/11/2003:  Look for IR7LH to be QRV, from a different Italian lighthouse, every weekend between November 2003 and April 2004. The lighthouses will count for the Italian Lighthouse Award (W.A.I.L.) and Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society Award (ARLHS). QSL via IK7JWX, direct or bureau. [Tnx DE0MST]

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

-Oct. 22 2003....Gallagher tapped to head NTIA:

President George W. Bush has nominated Michael D. Gallagher to head the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The NTIA administers spectrum allocated to federal government users and guides White House telecommunications policy. If confirmed, Gallagher would replace Nancy Victory as NTIA's assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and NTIA administrator. He now serves in an acting capacity. Most recently Gallagher served as the deputy chief of staff for policy and counselor to the Secretary of Commerce. Gallagher is credited with directing NTIA's technical study that led to the FCC's approval of Ultrawideband (UWB). He also headed the development of NTIA's spectrum allocation plan paving the way for deployment of so-called third-generation ("3G") advanced mobile telecommunications services. Gallagher also spearheaded the NTIA effort to bring together the US Department of Defense and industry to permit Wi-Fi devices to coexist with sensitive 5-GHz military radars. That compromise enabled the US to support a globally harmonized 5-GHz allocation for unlicensed Wireless Local Area Network systems at World Radiocommunication Conference 2003. A former vice president for state public policy at Verizon Wireless, he previously was managing director for government relations at AirTouch Communications and a former administrative assistant to Rep Rick White (R-WA). An attorney, Gallagher is a member of the Washington State Bar.

(ARRL)

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