The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 1196
BID: $OPDX.1196
January 5, 2015
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio)

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network, K1XN & GoList, NJ1Q & W1AW, W2GB, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, K5GS, WB6RSE, K8CX, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m News, W9ILY, W0GJ, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DL1SBF, DO1DXX, DxCoffee.com, DXNews.com, DX-World.Net, ES1CW, F5NQL, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, F8BBL, F8DVD, I1JQJ/ IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, JA1XGI, ON4WW, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, PA2P, PS7AB, RSGB IOTA Web Site, Sixitalia Weekly, TK5EP, VA3RJ & ICPO, VA3QSL and the VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 28th/December, through Sunday, 4th/January there were 227 countries active. Countries available: 1A, 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 3X, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1I, 4X, 5B, 5R, 5U, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9V, 9X, 9Y, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, CY0, D4, DL, DU, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FR, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H4, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JX, JY, K, KH0, KH2, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OJ0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ4, PJ7, PY, PZ, S0, S2, S5, S9, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV/a, SV5, SV9, T2, T30, T5, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TR, TT, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2V, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YJ, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, Z8, ZA, ZB, ZD7, ZD8, ZD9, ZF, ZL, ZP, ZS

PLEASE NOTE: The report "could" contain "Pirate/SLIM" operations or more likely a "BUSTED CALLSIGN". As always, you never know - "Work First Worry Later".

2014 DX SOUND BITES!
Tom, K8CX, has done it again. He has provided DXers with 152 memorable rare DX sound clips (now in MP3 format) from 2014. Visit Tom's famous "HAM GALLERY" Web site at:

Tom states, "If anyone has any old HF recordings, I would be interested in hearing from them." (especially sound clips pre-1998 to add to the site) His E-mail address is:

3Y/B, BOUVET 2016 (Press release #2

Bouvet Project - de ON4WW). Update dated December 30th:
It is getting close to 'decision time' whether or not the Bouvet project will go forward. I am amazed by the amount of funding intentions received from individual DXers and DX Foundations/Clubs alike.

As stated from the beginning, I will be very transparent about every aspect of this project, finances not being the least.

At this point in time, 112k euro out of the needed 250k euro are on the budget spreadsheet, this is exciting news!

The funding intentions from individual DXers range from 10,- USD to a staggering 100,000 USD (8,- EUR to 82,000 EUR).

Yes, there is an angel contributor willing to donate this much of money to see this project succeed!

I am expecting the input of some of the DX Foundations, DX Clubs and other Amateur Radio related Institutions to reach me in the next few weeks. As such, I am postponing the deadline for a possible go ahead until the end of January 2015.

Some of you have raised a point of concern about two teams possibly activating Bouvet around the same time period. I have done my homework on this, and with all data at hand I see no reason to adjust my initial concept. In regard to possible funding for the two efforts, luckily for you, the deserving DXer and the DX Foundations/Clubs there are mechanisms in place to determine the viability and success factors of both efforts.

The unique one-man effort over a 3 month time period, will undoubtedly show how this different approach will make more people happy (compared to a multi-operator team, short time period).

Have a closer look why.

It is in the scope of this project:
1. To work as many unique stations as possible; Thanks to the 3 month time period, I will be able to work 1 or 2 specific bands exactly for this purpose. The very last interested QRPp station willing to work Bouvet and willing to put the necessary time and effort from his/her side into it, will be able to get in the log;

2. To work those stations that need Bouvet on certain bandslots/modes to achieve 9 band clean sweeps;

3. To provide SSB, CW and RTTY contacts for those needing certain modes.

Whether or not there will be two DXpeditions activating Bouvet, all the target audiences (unique/9 band-ers/modes) will ultimately have a better shot with the 3 month concept.

For this approach to be successful, it needs one or two things.

- Club Log is a great asset to Amateur Radio. However, the 'Leaderboard' function will not be used;
- I will ask to those who already have Bouvet confirmed on certain bands/modes: only work Bouvet where you need it.

For those of you who would like to, and are able to contribute to the project upfront, pse send an e-mail to "bouvet2016 'at' telenet.be" with the amount you intend to donate.

Again, I do not want/need any money now, there is no PayPal account, it is just your funding intention I need to know at this point in time.

The final total on my spreadsheet will tell me whether to go ahead or not. A final thought: 112k out of 250k is not enough to go ahead.

Thank you to those who already stepped forward, much appreciated!
Wishing all of you a happy and healthy 2015, and may your logs be filled with wonderful DX....
73 - Mark - ON4WW

6W, SENEGAL (Reminder)
Francis, F6BLP, will once again be active as 6W7SK from Saly Portudal, 80 kms south of Dakar on the coast, between January 10th and February 5th. Activity will be holiday style using the same station as last time (IC-7000 into G5RV antenna) operating mainly CW on 80-10 meters. If possible, he also hopes to be active on 160m with an Inverted L with a 300 watts solid state amplifier. Look for his low band activity during his local sunrise and sunset. QSL via F6BLP, direct or by the Bureau. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW and eQSL. For more details, logs and pictures of his last operation, visit:

C2, NAURU
Operators Ernoe/DK2AMM, Guenter/DL2AWG, Hans/DL6JGN and Ron/ PA3EWP will be active as C21EU (pending) from Nauru between March 25th and April 4th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and possibly PSK. They will have two K3 with two 600w amps into a 5 band Spiderbeams and some verticals. QSL via DL2AWG. Look for a Web page in the coming weeks.

C6, BAHAMAS
Jack, KB7HH, will be active as C6A/KB7HH from San Salvadore Island (NA-001) until January 6th. Activity will be holiday style on 17/15/12 meters CW running 5 watts. QSL via KB7HH, by the Bureau or direct.

CARIBBEAN TOUR CRUISE
Chuck, W7AUM, announces that he is going on a cruise with his 90 year old father to the Caribbean and plans to operate QRP and portable, with his Elecraft KX3 and a wire antenna, on the Holland America "MS Ryndam" as PA/W7AUM/MM and, if all goes well, on the white sand beaches from the following islands:

January 30th - St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (NA-106) as KP2/W7AUM
February 2nd - Curacao (SA-099) as PJ2/W7AUM
February 6th - Cayman Islands (NA-016) as ZF2UM

CQ HALL OF FAME AWARDS
Nominations for the Contest and DX Halls of Fame are made by contesting or DX clubs or national organizations and must be submitted by March 1 of each year to be considered. A maximum of two (2) people may be inducted into each hall of fame each year. Nominations for the CQ Contest and DX Halls of Fame should be directed to CQ (DX or Contest) Hall of Fame, c/o CQ magazine, 25 Newbridge Rd., Hicksville, NY 11801 USA; or via e-mail to w2vu@cq-amateur-radio.com. Be sure to specify for which hall of fame the nomination is made.

Nominations for the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame (see recent January issue of CQ for details) are due by March 1 of each year. They may be submitted by individuals as well as radio clubs or national organizations and should be sent to CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame, 25 Newbridge Rd., Hicksville, NY 11801 USA; or e-mailed to hall-of-fame@cq-amateur-radio.com. For more details, see:

CT, PORTUGAL (IOTA & SOTA)
Laurent, F8BBL, will be active CT7/F8BBL next summer from Portugal. Activity will be holiday style mainly CW, but also SSB and Digital. His equipment will be a FT-857D, w/100w into MP1 dipole antenna. He also plans to be active as CT7/F8BBL/P from Ilha da Insua (EU-150) and Alto Sao Bento (SOTA CT MN-046). QSL via F8BBL, direct or by the Bureau. For more details and updates, see:

DX SURVEY RESULTS (DX Magazine's 2014 Most Wanted Countries Survey)
DX Magazine's has published their Most Wanted Countries from a survey that was conducted in September/October 2014 time frame. Here are the "Top 20" in the overall World-Wide Results as per DX Magazine (Jan./Feb. 2015 issue):

2014                        2013    2014                            2013
Rank Prefix  Country        Rank    Rank Prefix     Country         Rank
---- ------ ------------    ----    ---- ------ -----------------   ----
 1    P5     North Korea     1       11   BV9P   Pratas Island       14
 2    KP1    Navassa Island  2       12   E3     Eritrea             15
 3    3Y/B   Bouvet          3       13   FR/JE  Juan de Nova/Europa 13
 4    FT5W   Crozet          4       14   CE0X   San Felix           19
 5    VK0/H  Heard Island    6       15   KH3    Johnston Island     18
 6    BS7H   Scarborough     7       16   VP8/G  South Georgia       17
 7    VP8/S  South Sandwich  9       17   KH1    Baker & Howland     25
 8    FT5T   Tromelin Island 10      18   KH7K   Kure Island         20
 9    KH5K   Kingman Reef    12      19   ZS8    Marion Island       8
10    KH5    Palmyra         11      20   VK0/M  Macqarie            22

HR, HONDURAS
Will, AA4NC, will be active as HR5/AA4NC during the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February 21-22nd) as a Single-Op entry. QSL via LoTW.

EP6T IRAN DXPEDITION (Kish Island - AS-166)
Press Release #4, dated December 29th [edited]:
With only 16 days to go before the EP6T DXpedition will take place in the I.R of Iran, the Rockall DX Group is in the final process of finalizing their newest set-up:
5 High power stations, more than 6km of radials, new RX systems, filters, combiners, verticals, phased arrays, a 4 SQ and 5 beams should make it possible to get YOU in our log!

Out of almost 4,800 voters who filled out our poll, it's obvious that “the Low bands” will become the challenge of this expedition. Our Low band (160/80/40) operators will be QRV from local sunset (1345Z) up until our sunrise (0300Z) and will hopefully be able to pull out the weaker W6/W7 signals that will reach us on 160 meters via the long path.(27.000KM!) During the first two days of the expedition, we encourage DX stations from all corners of the world to listen to us on the Low bands and to keep our pilots informed of your best times so we can focus based on the data we receive. During these days we will also be doing our utmost to thin out the EU pile.

Propagation predictions show that almost all continents are within decent signal range, with North America the only exception. The EP to NA path is extremely difficult and of short duration. To give everyone a fair chance and to obtain a leveled continental balance, we will have to use all openings to NA to the fullest! The 10 meter antenna has been replaced by a 5 element OWA Yagi. By doing so, our signal will be significantly stronger, but we also hope to be able to log West Coast stations via LP.

You will be able to find us on the frequencies listed on our website at:

During our stay it is likely that next to the experts from the C.R.A, some local radio amateurs will come and visit us. Together, we will share all our experiences and help them discover the fun of pile-ups. Please be patient and help them to discover this wonderful hobby.

Your QSL card is guaranteed, all information can be found on our website and note that each individual sponsor in our log receives a QSL card completely free of charge!

The Rockall DX Group wishes you Happy Holidays, and a good EP6T hunt!
*For your convenience we have listed useful information below for you to work us:

      Lowbands
   -----------------------------------------------------------------
   North America - West coast -- 1345-1630z (LP)
   North America - East coast -- 2200-0300z
   Australia                  -- 1900-2140z
   Pacific - New Zealand      -- 1700-1730z (SR - ZL)
   Japan                      -- 2030-220z (SR)
   Europe                     -- PSE avoid calling us on peak moments
                                 for other continents!!!


  For North America
  ------------------------------------------------------------------
  28 MHz  West coast   -- 1500-1800z (LP) * 0400-0600z (LP)
  24 MHz               -- 1300z - until band closing * 1500-1800z (LP)
  21 MHz               -- 1300z - until band closing * 0215-0500z (LP)
  18 MHz               -- 1200-1600z * 1500-1700z (LP)
  14 MHz               -- 1200-1700z

"I am going to operate from Con Son Island during my next spring vacations. The island is not very remote and inaccessible. However, AS-130 group has been claimed by 17.1% IOTA chasers only... So, I expect to experience nice pile-up. My QTH will be on southeastern coast what causes that short path to NA and EU will not work well. Unfortunately all resorts are located in this part of the island. See you on air!"

AS-200. Kenji, JA4GXS, will once again be active as JA4GXS/5 from Shodo Island (Kagawa Prefecture) between January 23-25th. Activity will be on 40-15 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via JA4GXS, direct or by the Bureau.

NA-178. (Update) According to a post on their FaceBook page at:

"Hi All - so far, we are ON for 1/5 & 1/6 on the island. Some of you have heard, and I'll make it clear here now, that this trip to the island will likely not 'count' for IOTA credit. Paperwork and politics being what they are, we will likely not have certification from IOTA for these QSO'S next week. Please consider this a dry - run for a future trip. See you on the band's Monday evening 73"

J3, GRENADA
Bob, G3PJT, will once again be active as J34G from Grenada (NA-024, WLOTA 0718) between March 12-25th. Activity will be holiday style on 80-10 meters, mainly CW, using a K2 w/100 watts and vertical antennas. He plans to also be in the RSGB's Commonwealth Contest (March 14-15th). Look for him outside of the contest, especially on 80 and 30 meters. QSL via his home callsign.

JW, SVALBARD
François, F8DVD, will once again be active as JW/F8DVD from Longyearbyen located on Spitsbergen Island (EU-026) between April 9-15th. His activity will be on HF bands. He will use the Longyearbyen Radio Club's equipment which consists of an Kenwood TS870 and a 500 watts amp into an optibeam antenna on a 30 meters high tower. The log will be uploaded on Clublog and on LoTW. QSL via his home callsign, through the French REF Bureau or direct, with SAE + 1 IRC or 2 USDs to: Francois Bergez, 6, Rue de la Liberte, 71000 MACON, France. For more info, visit:

K1N NAVASSA DXPEDITION
(Press Release - December 30th):
It is now about 4 weeks before K1N goes on the air. The exact date of departure from the staging area will be dependent upon a combination of the date U.S. FWS transportation is available and upon weather windows. It is looking like K1N will be QRV the first two weeks of February.

Most of the team have their bags packed and are ready to go. Because of the helicopter logistics, this will be a no-frills-minimum-comfort operation for the team. Meals will be MRE's. The container has been organized for a quick camp setup and quick radio/antenna setup to take advantage of every moment. It is estimated there will be two full days of helicopter shuttles to get everything needed to start operations. A small team of FWS personnel will accompany us, including armed Federal Law Enforcement Officers.

Efficiency is not just for the team, but also for the DX community. It has been over 22 years since Navassa was activated and USFWS will not allow another operation for at least 10 more years. This is a ONCE IN 32 YEARS opportunity to work Navassa! Everyone can make the most of this opportunity by LISTENING to the operator's instructions and following the cadence of the operator. We will not be working all modes on all bands, but limiting most bands to a specific mode, so that we can work the pileups down to the last little pistol.

Fund raising has been going well. The team has contributed about half of the total budget. For those in the U.S., it is possible to make a year-end tax-deductible donation, directed through the Northern California DX Foundation. See www.navassadx.com and follow the instructions on the DONATE tab.

We have a Facebook page to watch and a Twitter feed (@navassa2015) to follow along.

For the KP1-5 Project,
Bob Allphin K4UEE
Glenn Johnson W0GJ
Mike Thomas NA5U

OJ0, MARKET REEF
Operators Peter/ON8VP, Mike/ON6QQ and Ron/ON5TQ will be active as OJ0V from Market Reef between June 28th and July 4th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via ON5TC.

PA70, THE NETHERLANDS (Special Event)
For the second year in a row the amateur society VERON, branch Nijmegen, will activate the special event station PA70OV between February 6-8th. Activity is to commemorate Operation Veritable, the successor of Operation Market Garden. Operation Veritable is not known very well to most people. It was the battle which formed the prelude to the leap across the Rhine after which the eventual defeat of Germany soon followed. They would like us to commemorate and celebrate 70 years of freedom in the Gennep-Nijmegen region. During the 3 days, they will activate the callsign PA70OV and try to work as many amateur radio operators across the world. Whether you are an amateur radio operator hoping to contact a new country or a casual visitor, they welcome you to visit their website at:

PP70, BRAZIL (Special Event)
Ronaldo, PS7AB, will activate special event station PP70FEB between January 6-31st. Activity is to celebrate 70th anniversary of World War II and to remember the importance of PEACE. The special callsign is also in honor to all who participated in the war, especially the Brazilian Expeditionary Force - FEB, on the battlefields in Italy. Operations will be on CW and SSB. QSL via PS7AB, direct (1 USD), by the Bureau, eQSL or LoTW. Each month in 2015, Ronaldo will activate a different callsign and also send 12 different QSLs. For more details, see:

PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (January 5-11th)

 Jan/05th HN      Jan/08th  LN      Jan/10th  HN
 Jan/06th AN      Jan/09th  AN      Jan/11th  HN
 Jan/07th AN


   SOLAR REFERENCE KEYS/INDEXES AND GEOMAGNETIC REFERENCE
   ======================================================
    NORMALITY               GEOMAG       K Values    Alpha
   -----------------        ------       --------    ------
   AN  - Above Normal       Quiet        K=0-1       0-7
   HN  - High Normal        Unsettled    K=2         8-15
   LN  - Low Normal         Active       K=3         16-29
   BN  - Below Normal       Minor Storm  K=4         30-49
   DIS - Disturbed          Major Storm  K=5         50-99
   VRY DIS - Very Disturbed Severe Storm K=6-9       100-400

PY0F, FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Leo, PP1CZ, will once again be active as PY0F/PP1CZ from Fernando de Noronha (SA-003, DIB OC-01, WLOTA 1208, WWFF PYFF-016) between January 8-15th. Activity will be holiday style on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. QSL him direct, by the Bureau (Slow), LoTW or OQRS (pp1cz@terra.com.br). Check out the pictures of his 2013/2014 operations on QRZ.com.

PY0F, FERNANDO DE NORONHA (Early Announcement)
Will, AA4NC, will be active as PY0F/AA4NC from Fernando de Noronha between October 17-27th. Activity will be holiday style on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. He does plan to be active in the CQWW DX SSB Contest. QSL via LoTW.

QSL INFO AND NEWS

  QSL-INFO from DB0SDX (January 4th)
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3Z2015NY via SP6IEQ       HF2014PRNF via SQ3BKH      RM3F via UA3DPX
  8P2K via KU9C             HF2015HNY via SP2ZAO       S507PMC via S59DCD
  AH2/AB2RF via JJ2RCJ (d)  HF7SIEMA via SP7PTK        SN5N via SP5KP
  AU1SV via VU2SMS          HF90IARU via SP1MGM        SN90IARU via SP1PMY
  C5YK via ON6EG            II2YOTA via OM2FY          SQ90IARU via SP7PTM
  DJ90IARU via DL2VFR       KP2/AG1LE via AG1LE        TC5OCK via TA5FA
  DK65DARC via DF1QR        LZ290MB via LZ1KCP         UN7JX via RW6HS (d)
  DL65DARC via DF1QR        OE2S via OE2GEN            YL5W via YL2GN
  EM90WF via UR5WA          OU2X via OZ1AXG
  HA60KWO via HA8LKM        RC3W via RW3WWW
    (e) eQSL only  (d) direct only   (B) Bureau only  (L) LoTW only
    (O) OQRS only  (C) ClubLog only

QSL RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 7N4SJX, 9M2TO, AH2/AB2RF, CT3DZ, CO2RVA, DK5MO, DL1ZBO, DL9HO, HA5AGS, J6/DL7VOG, JA0EQL, JA0GJJ, JA4DND, JF2MBF, LA4OGA, LZ9W, ON8NT, PS7YL, SM0OEK, V5/DL3DXX, V63CX, VP5/G3SWH, VP8ROT, YC8ROP, YV5IAL, ZL1BYZ and ZS6RJ

QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 5R8IC, 5V7TH, 5W0AG, 7O2A, B9/BY9GA, CE0Z/UA4WHX, CE7/UA4WHX, CE9/UA4WHX, DU7/JH1BXH, EG2INT, EI100T, EX8M, EX8MLE, HK0/UA4WHX, J79L, JY9FC, PJ7PK, PY22XB, SX8SA, T30D, VK9XSP, VQ9XR, VU4CB, YJ0X, YP0F, ZA/UA4WHX, ZA/YU7CM, ZK3E and ZK3Q

QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 1A0KM, 3V8SM, 4O/HA3NU, 5B/HA5PP, 5B/IZ4AMS, 5V7DX, 6O0CW, 6W/HA0NAR, 7P8AO, 9A/HA3HP, 9A/IV3TMM, 9N7MD, A25ZY, A61ZZ, C6AGU, D64K, EA9/HA3NU, ED9M, HA5MASAT, HA40KKC, HA100CGCDH, HA800LP, HB0/HA0HW, HB0/IN3YKS/P, HB0/IZ4DPV, HC2IOH, HG5FIRAC, HG0A, HG0HQ, HG0WFF, HG19JASZ, HG20MAT, HG30LP, HG52FC, HG60VOTT, HG66MALEV, HG100VA, HG460EV, HG1912PTTT, HG2011U, HI9/IZ2KTE, HP2/I5OYY, HZ1TT, ID9/IW9FRB, IF9/IZ5JMX, IG9/IW5ELA, II9HY, IS0BOY, IS0BRD, IS0T, IS0UWX, J5NAR, J48HW, J48NAR, J48OV, J48P, J48XG, S79UN, SV8/IZ7ATN/P, SX8R, TK/IZ4BBF, TX3A, VK9GMW, XF2E, YJ0HA, Z38N, ZA/HA1DRR, ZL1BYZ, ZL2ATU, ZL3LF, ZL4AS and ZL6LH

RESULTS ARE IN (DXpedition of the Year 2014!)
The DX-World.net has announced the results of their "2014 DXpedition of the Year" survey. The Top Five are:

1) FT5ZM - Amsterdam Island
2) FT4TA - Tromelin Island
3) VK9DLX - Lord Howe Island
4) VK9MT - Mellish Reef
5) ZD9XF - Tristan da Cunha

TX5, CHESTERFIELD ISLAND
(Press Release dated January 3rd).
Gene, K5GS, sent out the following [edited]:

Chesterfield Islands 2015 DX-pedition (OC-176) -- 2015 / 2016 are shaping up to be one of the best ever DX- pedition seasons. Along with the skipper of Evohe we developed our tentative sailing schedule. We will ship equipment to Auckland, New Zealand, where the boat will be loaded and sail for Noumea, New Caledonia. Sailing in the Coral Sea is always a challenge, avoiding the cyclone season is a top priority.

   1. Advance Team arrives in NZ                12 Sept, 2015
      Buy locally sourced items, Load Evohe     13 ­ 16 Sept
   2. Evohe departs for Noumea                       17 Sept
   3. Evohe arrives Noumea                           23 Sept
   4. Radio Team arrives in Noumea              25 - 26 Sept
   5. Sail to Chesterfield                      28 ­ 30 Sept
   6. Land on Chesterfield                            1 Oct
   7. Setup                                         1­2 Oct
   8. Radio operations                             2-12 Oct
   9. Tear down                                      12 Oct
  10. Sail to Noumea                              13-15 Oct
  11. Evohe arrives Noumea                           15 Oct
  12. Evohe sails for NZ                             17 Oct
      Radio team departs for home.                   18 Oct
      Several members return to NZ to meet Evohe
  13. Evohe arrives NZ                               23 Oct
  14. Offload boat in New Zealand               24 / 25 Oct
  15. Repack equipment for shipping               25-27 Oct

Additional team members will be added. Interested in joining the team? Please e-mail: chesterfield@pdxg.net

Landing Permit: After some initial confusion we confirmed that a landing permit is not required for DXCC purposes. We will provide the ARRL DXCC desk photos with GPS coordinates and a copy of the ship's log when we drop anchor.

QSL Management: We will manage our own QSLs. Partnering with a well known QSL manager we wrote a fully integrated cloud based: Log Search ­ OQRS ­ QSO management application: that delivers the familiar user functions plus an integrated approach to QSL label management and LoTW management. Working from a single cloud data base the QSL team's workload and manual tasks will be greatly reduced.

TX3X License: Our license application for TX3X was submitted and received in New Caledonia. The process requires the application be forwarded to and processed by the ANFR in France. We are being assisted by New Cale- donia resident Remi Touzard FK8CP. We are well ahead of the usual license processing time which is typically months. So, until the official license arrives we will refer to TX3X as “pending”.

Equipment Consolidation Location: Our equipment will be shipped to Auckland, New Zealand and placed in secure storage. We‘ll load the boat at the Bayswater Marina which is located across the harbor between Auckland suburbs of Devonport and Takapuna.

Project Cost: The preliminary budget for this DX-pedition is ~$150,000(USD). As with any DX-pedition that requires a boat charter team safety is the top priority. We are using a known boat and skipper. We encourage support from worldwide individual DXers, DX clubs and DX foundations.

Our goal is to cover 50% of the total cost through donations. The team members will pay their own travel / living expenses and will cover the difference between total cost and donations received. At the end of the project we will provide club and foundation donors with a financial summary.

Please direct any questions to: chesterfield@pdxg.net
Please see our website for additional information:

VK0EK HEARD DXPEDITION
(Press Release - Dated December 31st):
Team members, support people, sponsors, and interested persons — We have official confir- mation from the vessel for the dates of the expedition: Nov. 10th ­ Dec. 22nd, 2015.

These dates mean depart/return Fremantle, Australia. The visit to Kerguelen is not yet confirmed­the skipper is working on that, so we'll update you when we have news.

Thanks to Rodney Russ for arranging with the Shokalskiy for extra time in Fremantle in order to accommodate this need. Some team members would have been unable to participate had we not been able to return before Christmas. This is a nice present, and ensures that the expedition can make (and keep) the plans......
Bob, KK6EK (Cordell Expeditions)

ADDED NOTE: A FAQ page has been added to the VK0EK Web site at:

VQ9, CHAGOS
Word has it that Bob, N7XR, is returning to Diego Garcia (AF-006) again between January 15-28th, and will be active as VQ9XR. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using SSB and RTTY. QSL via his home callsign direct only. No Bureau or LoTW. Look for possible updates on:

YJ, VANUATU (Update)
Haru, JA1XGI, will be active as YJ0XG from Port Villa between April 13-19th. Activity will be on 40/30/20/17/15/12/10 meters, using CW (mainly), SSB and the Digital (RTTY/PSK). He will be looking especially for EU by PSK mode. Suggested frequencies are:

CW - 7025, 10115, 14015, 18075, 21015, 24895 and 28015 kHz
SSB - 7145, 14200, 18140, 21260, 24945 and 28445 kHz
Digi - 7035, 10140, 14088, 18110, 21088, 24920 and 28088 kHz

ZF, CAYMAN ISLNDS
Bob, K3UL, will once again be active as ZF2UL from the Cayman Islands (NA-016) between March 14-20th. If like last time, activity will be mainly CW, "holiday style" on 160/80/30 meters. QSL via his home callsign.

ZF, CAYMAN ISLNDS
Col, MM0NDX, will be active from three different Cayman Islands between April 25th and May 2nd. His callsign is pending, but he plans to sign as ZF2CI from Grand Cayman, as ZF8/ZF2CI from Little Cayman and ZF9/ZF2CI from Cayman Brac. Activity will be holiday style on 160-10 meters, SSB only. QSL via IW7EGQ.

ZL7, CHATHAM ISLAND
Nobuaki "Nobu", JA0JHQ, will be on a short vacation from the Chatham Islands as ZL7/JA0JHQ between January 30th and February 1st. Activity will be mainly on 17/15 meters CW and SSB. He will try 30 meters CW. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the Bureau. For updates, watch his home page at:

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