The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 552
BID: $OPDX.552
March 4, 2002
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF-80 BBS Cleveland, Ohio
Online at 440-237-8208 28.8k-1200 Baud 8/N/1

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network, K1MY, NC1L, WA2MOE, W3UR & The Daily DX, K4HB, K4QD, N4AA & QRZ DX, K5AND, K8AV, K8YSE, 9A6AA, 9A7K, A35RK, DL1EK & DX News Letter, E21EIC, F5PBQ, FJ5DX & La Gazette du DX, G0EFO, JA1BK, JI3ACL, OE5OHO, OZ6OM & OZ 50 MHz DX Bulletin, PR7AR, RA3SL, SP2FAP, SP2JMR, VA3RJ & ICPO, VE7DP and VU3DMP for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 24/February, through Sunday, 3/March there were 245 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3C, 3D2, 3V, 3W, 3X, 4J, 4L, 4S, 4U1I, 4W, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5U, 5V, 5W, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9U, 9V, 9X, 9Y, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C6, CE, CE0A, CE0Z, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D4, DL, DU, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FW, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H39, H4, H40, HA, HB, HC, HH, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HM, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J7, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JX, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH3, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ7, PY, PY0S, PY0T, PZ, S0, S2, S5, S7, S9, SM, SP, SU, SV, SV/a, SV5, SV9, T30, T5, T7, T8, T9, TA, TF, TG, TI, TI9, TJ, TK, TL, TN, TR, TT, TU, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2E, VP2M, VP5, VP6, VP8, VP8/h, VP8/o, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XT, XU, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YJ, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZC4, ZD7, ZD8, ZD9, ZF, ZK1/s, ZK2, ZL, ZP, ZS

* PLEASE NOTE: The report "could" contain "Pirate/SLIM" operations. As always, you never know - "Work First Worry Later" (WFWL).

5R, MADAGASCAR (IOTA Activity)
Bruno, F5DKO, is expected to be here now through March 17th. Activity will be on 20 and 15 meters. He is also expected to be active from Nosy Be (AF-057) now through March 10th and on Sainte Marie Island (AF-090) from March 11-17th. QSL via IZ8CCW.

5W, SAMOA (IOTA Operation)
Tommy/VK2IR and Bruce/VK2KLM will be active from Apia, Upolu Island (OC-097) between March 28th and April 3rd. Their operation will be on all bands 80 through 6 meters, SSB only. QSL to VK2IR, direct only, via call book address (Tommy Horozakis, PO Box 1, South Bexley, Sydney, NSW 2207, AUSTRALIA). DXpeditions come at a very high cost and all donations are very welcome. A web page has been set up for the DXpedition, updates, and log search at:

A3, TONGA
Paul, A35RK, informs OPDX that after being QRT for over 6 months (because of a 3 month trip to the United States, 2 cyclones, broken antennas, and a bad case of "Polynesian Procrastination"), A35RK is back on the air. He states antennas are now up for 80-10 meters, and he will be actively pursuing "new ones". He will try to work Europe as much as possible. His current modes of operation are CW (75%), SSB (25%), and he will be trying to get set up for HF RTTY and 6 meters. His hours of operation are (generally speaking): 1800-2000z (sunrise-early morning) and 0300-0800z (late afternoon and evening). However, he has limitations. There is a 100w power limit in Tonga; his equipment is battery powered and the Force-12 C-3 beam must be rotated by hand. No 160 meters, no PSK-31 and no SSTV. QSL via W7TSQ....only! PLEASE NOTE: NO "DIRECT" or "via A3 bureau" QSLs can be answered. He has no cards there, his "CBA" is incorrect, and there is no A3 bureau. Requests for schedules may be directed to: W7TSQ@aol.com

ANOTHER INTERESTING WEB SITE
If you enjoyed going to the "DAWG X-RAY CLUB" Web page last week, Hal, K4HB, also suggests to check out the following URL at:

D2, ANGOLA
Joao, CT1BFL, will be here for the next two years. His callsign will be D2U. Activity will be on 160-10 meters CW/SSB. QSL via CT1BFL.

D4, CAPE VERDE
Five members of the radio club VOEST will be signing the callsign D44TA now through March 13th. The operators: Rupert/OE1VBL, Gerhard/OE3GEA, Hubert/OE5MKM, Roman/OE5MRP and Roland/OE5RHO will be active the Island Santiago (AF-005). The team will concentrate on the 40 meters and up, including 6 meters if propagation permits. For more details of the operation go to:

DXCC NEWS. From Bill Moore, NC1L, DXCC Manager
* ZK1ETW (North and South Cook Islands operations in 2001) has been on hold awaiting supporting documentation. This has been received, and upon review, it is now being accepted for DXCC credit. Anyone who had this rejected during a recent submission can contact DXCC at dxcc@arrl.org for an update to their record. Or, it can be sent with the next submission for credit.

* ZK1TUG (North Cook Islands operation in 2001) has been on hold awaiting supporting documentation. This has been received, and upon review, it is now being accepted for DXCC credit. Anyone who had this rejected during a recent submission can contact DXCC at dxcc@arrl.org for an update to their record. Or, it can be sent with the next submission for credit.

* The 2001 DXCC yearbook is currently being assembled. We expect the yearbook to be ready for mailing sometime in late May or early June 2002. The period for the Annual List in this issue is from October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001. If you submitted an application postmarked during this period, and you are a current ARRL member, you are entitled to one free copy. You are also entitled to one free copy if you qualified for the DXCC Honor Roll during this period and were an ARRL member, even if you did not submit an application. If you are entitled to a free copy of the DXCC Yearbook, one will be mailed to you automatically. You do not need to do anything to receive this copy. If you are not entitled to a free copy, but would like one, you may order copies from the DXCC Branch for 5.00 USD each, postpaid. Orders may be placed after June 1, 2002. We wish to thank you all for your continued support for the DXCC Program!

IOTA NEWS
AS-041. Shin/JI3ACL/4 and Shige/JI3CEY/4 will be active from Oki Islands on March 16-18th. They will operate on 160-6 meters CW and SSB with two stations on the air. QSL to their home callsigns.

EU-016. Emir, 9A6AA, will be active from Kanula Lighthouse (CRO-064, LH-1430, CLH-047, JN82GS, 42.76 N 16.51 E) on the Island of Susac (IOCA CI-109) from March 23-30th. He will operate on 80-10 meters. QSL via his home address: Emir Mahmutovic, Slovenska 15, HR-10000 Zagreb, CROATIA. Story, photos and log will be available a few days after his DXpedition on:

EU-091. Operators IZ7AUH, IK7WDS and IK7JWY plan to be active March 9-10th from the Big Island of Porto Cesario as homecall/IL7. Operation will be on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters SSB and CW. QSL via home calls.

NA-079. Jan, K4QD, a member of the Florida DXPedition Group FDXPG), will be active from Garden Key (Ft Jefferson) in the Dry Tortugas for a few days starting about March 2nd. This is also Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society (ARLHS) USA-316. Jan is sailing to the island with John/AF4WM and Greg/N0LIR, so the start date and duration will depend upon weather conditions. QSL via K4QD CBA or bureau.

IOTA AND LIGHTHOUSE TOUR 2002
Kresimir, 9A7K, will be active from several Croatian lighthouses and islands. His DXpeditions will last from July 20th until August 5th. The following lighthouses and islands will be activated:
Island of Bisevo - Lighthouse Kobila (JN82AX, EU-016, CLH-050, CI-007, WLH-901 and ARLH CRO-067).
Lighthouse and Island of Host - (JN83CB, EU-016, CLH-039, CI-174, WLH-938 and ARLH CRO-056).
Lighthouse and Island of Krava - (JN83CB, CLH-055, and ARLH-072).
Lighthouse and Island of Barjak Mali - (JN83AB, CLH-008 and ARLH-028).
Lighthouse and Island of Volici - (JN83CC, CLH-187, and ARLH-192).
Hams interested in these DXpeditions and the Croatian Light House Award can get all the details on the following Web page at:

J3, GRENADA
Look for Manfred, DJ7RJ, to be active as J3/DJ7RJ until March 14th. Activity will be on 160-6 meters CW/SSB.

J3, GRENADA
William, VE3EBN, will be active as J37LR until March 31st. His activity will be on 40-10 meters CW/SSB. QSL via home callsign direct or via the Bureau.

P5, NORTH KOREA
This is the week Hrane/YT1AD and Voja/YU7AV are expected to fly to Pyongyang. The start of their activity as well as their callsign is unknown. Stay tuned and LISTEN, LISTEN and LISTEN. Remember, they are expected to train North Koreans. AMATEURS SHOULD BE ON THEIR BEST BEHAVIOR AND SET A GOOD EXAMPLE OF OPERATING SKILLS. DO NOT SCARE THE NEW OPERATORS AWAY (as well as their government listening over their shoulders).......

P5, NORTH KOREA
Ed, P5/4L4FN, will be off the air until about the middle of March. According to the KK5DO's Web page, Ed will be traveling around North Korea and will be making a trip to China. By the way, Ed made an interesting (rare) QSO this past week with the boys from PW0T.

QSL INFO AND NEWS
Frank, VE7DP, informs OPDX that all direct requests have been processed for his IOTA operations in February 2001 as VE7DP/DU1, 4I1P and 4H2B. All others were sent via the BUREAU to every station in the log.

If you worked EA8BH in last weekend's ARRL DX SSB Contest, you worked Martti/OH2BH and Pertti/OH2PM. QSL via OH2BH. Also, if you worked OH0B in the contest, you worked Toni/OH2JTE. Also, QSL via OH2BH.

Special event station "HS72NBD", which was active to celebrate the 72nd anniversary Thailand Broadcasting Day by Radio Amateur Soceity of Thailand (RAST) during February 21-25th, should be QSLed to E21EIC: Champ C. Muangamphun, P.O.BOX 1090 Kasetsart, Bangkok 10903, THAILAND. Operators were Winit/HS1CKC, Son/HS6NDK, Time/HS6MYW, John/HS1CHB, John/HS0ZDJ/W2YR and Champ/E21EIC.

RW6HS is the new QSL Manager for RW0BM. QSL direct with SASE to: Vasil M. Kasyanenko, P.O.Box 0, Novopavlovsk, Sravropolskiy kr., 357830 Russia.

Cholat, TR8CX, has now left Gabon and is now living in France. QSLs should now be sent to: Cholat Xavier, Quartier Lasalle, BP 1143, 73011 Chambery, France. His French callsign now is F5PBQ.

Chets, VU3DMP, informs OPDX that the logs for the operation to Sacrifice Rock (AS-161) by the VUIOTA Group are now available at:

The team of GDXG, that was active during ARRL DX SSB Contest as ZW7B, informs OPDX that QSLs can be sent via the Bureau or direct. QSL ZW7B via PU7EEL: Murilo Martins Ferreira Filho, Av. Sabiniano Maia , 715, Guarabira - Paraiba - Brasil, CEP.58200-000.

SPECIAL EVENT (Titanic 90th Anniversary)
Mike Shortland, G0EFO, from the Titanic Wireless Commemorative Group, informs OPDX readers to look for a special event station to operate from 1030z on Saturday, April 13th, through 0547z on Monday, April 15th, to commemorate the heroism of Jack Phillips, Chief Wireless Telegraphist of the Titanic. His SOS calls (in Morse Code), saved more than 700 lives when the liner sank 90 years ago to the day on April 15th at 0547z. Tragically, Jack himself was drowned. He was only 25 years old. The special callsign GB90MGY will be aired during this event (Titanic's callsign was MGY), which will be operated by the members of the Titanic Wireless Commemorative Group (20 local hams and all members of the local Guildford and District Radio Society). The station will operate from Godalming, Surrey, UK, birthplace of Jack, where his heroic deeds are still celebrated. Activity will be on all amateur bands, CW only, from 80-10 meters (including the WARC bands). QSLs via RSGB. More information (including preferred operating frequencies), can be found at:

VI, AUSTRALIA
Remember to look for the VI3GP special event station for Grand Prix Formula I race in Melbourne. VI3GP has been active on 20 meters this past week. Activity will continue until March 15th. QSL via VK3ER.

VK9L, LORD HOWE ISLAND
Jack, VK6CTL, is expected to be active as VK9LT between April 11-22nd. Activity will be mostly on SSB on 80-10 meters. QSL via HB9QR: Erwin Fink, Toedistr 7, Ch-8572 Berg, Switzerland.

VP6/D, DUCIE ISLAND
A press release sent out early last week states the plans for the Ducie Island DXpedition are now complete, and the group is in the final countdown phase. The team expects to depart from Mangareva, French Polynesia on March 12th. The team consists of VP6TC, VP6DB, VP6AZ, VP6MW, VP6BK/JA1BK, JF1IST, K9AJ, K5VT and N9TK. Mac, JA3USA, has had to leave the team because of unforeseen business conflicts, and Jim, N9TK, has replaced him. They will head to Pitcairn first to pick up supplies and equipment left there from their first attempt and then head on to Ducie Island. Their operations are expected to be for one week. The VP6 callsign is expected to be announced at the beginning of the activity. As announced earlier, their main activity will be on 21020 kHz (CW) and 21295 kHz (SSB) 24 hours each day until the demand falls. This is to allow more individuals to find and work the group, depending upon propagation to their area. Vince/K5VT and Mike/K9AJ will primarily operate the CW station while Jin/JF1IST and Jim/N9TK will be the primary SSB operators. Other prime SSB frequencies are 28495 kHz, and 14195 kHz, with 14020 kHz being the other prime CW frequency other than 15 meters. It is planned that there will be some operations on all bands, 160-6 meters, and RTTY in addition to SSB and CW operations. It is expected that low band and WARC operations are more likely to take place in the last days of the operation, as concentration from the beginning will be to allow as many operators as possible to work this rare IOTA and new DXCC Entity. The team will be chartering the ship "BRAVEHEART". The charter will cost them 68,000 USD, and support would be appreciated. Donations may go to the group's treasurer, JA1BK: Kan Mizoguchi, 5-3 Sakuragaoka 4 Chome, Tama-city, Tokyo 206 JAPAN. QSL Manager is VE3HO for all bands except 6 meters. 6 Meter cards go to JA1BK. Pilot stations will be WA2MOE and JE2EHP. For up-to-date info on this DXpedition and for log searches, go to the Web site at:

WORLD AMATEUR RADIO DAY "2002" AWARD
Sylwester Jarkiewicz, SP2FAP, Editor and Publisher MK QTC, sent the following to OPDX from the President of PZK, Piotr Skrzypczak, SP2JMR: "The W.A.R.D. Award is designed to commemorate the World Amateur Radio Day celebrated on April 18th each year. It is issued by PZK (Polish Amateur Radio Union) and the Editor of MK QTC. The WARD Award is available for at least the following number of contacts: 50 QSOs on HF bands or 10 QSOs on VHF bands. All contacts must be made on April 18th between 00:00 and 24:00 UTC. A standard application form including the list of QSOs should be sent before May 31, 2002 to: Redakcja MK QTC, ul. Wielmozy 5b, 82-337 Suchacz-Zamek, Poland. The price of the WARD Award is 3 USD, 5 IRC or 5 Euro. Full color Award, sized 210 x 297mm can be seen in at:

XQ0X, SAN FELIX (6 meters)
Dick, K5AND, reports the group will be active on 6 meters between March 15-30th. They will have a beacon on 50106 kHz, and when the band opens, they will move to 50145 kHz for transmit and listen from 50150-50160; when things shut down, they will move back to 50106. They request to please help them make more contacts by spreading the word NOT to send grid info; their grid will be EG93WT, just for the record. Equipment will be a 8 element yagi on a 40 ft. boom (at 65 ft. over the ocean) with a 3CX800 1KW amp; they will monitor 28885 kHz with IC-706 and 3 element yagi. By the way, they will be on all bands from 160-6 meters using the callsign XR0X. The XR0X team will have 14 operators. QSL via N7CQQ. Check out their web site for more info at:

XW, LAOS
Mauro, IN3QBR, is expected to be active until July 31st as XW3QBR

XZ, MYANMAR
Members of the Central Arizona DX Association (CADXA), Dan Brown, NA7DB, and two others (Sarah and Jessica; callsigns not provided), will be on the air from Myanmar during the week of March 29th through April 4th as XZ1SB, XZ1JB, and XZ1DB respectively in Yangon, and then from Mandalay as XZ5SB, XZ5JB, and XZ5DB. Their activity on the air, however, will not be like a fullblown DXpedition. This is really a Diplomatic DX visit. Their main purpose is to keep the CADXA ties and relationships strong with the government officials and lay the groundwork for a future fullblown DXpedition to Mandalay. They are really carrying on the work of Martti Laine, OH2BH, and Warren Hill, N7NG, in helping keep a rare DX country open for Amateur Radio activity.

ZY0, ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL ROCKS
Joa, PS7JN, is once again active as ZY0SAT until March 10-12th. Activity will be limited to his spare time, dipole and low power. It is suggested to watch around 7060, 14250, 21350 and 28600 kHz. However, he was heard this past week on 14253 kHz after 2330z, 14260 kHz after 2200z and 21260-21265 kHz after 1900z. QSL via PS7JN: Joaquim das Virgens Neto, Rua Carlos Serrano 1969, 59076-740 Natal RN, Brazil.

SPECIAL NOTE BY EDITOR: If you are having a problem receiving bounced mail by sending mail to me via " kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org ", please send mail to me via " kb8nw@arrl.net "...... TNX de Tedd KB8NW

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OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME (provided by John, K8YSE):
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ALSO VISIT THE NORTERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB HOME PAGE:
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Excerpts and distribution of The OPDX Bulletin are granted as long as KB8NW/OPDX/BARF80 receive credit. To contribute DX info, call BARF-80 BBS online at 440-237-8208 28.8k/14400/9600/2400/1200 and leave a message with the Sysop or send via InterNet Mail to:

Additional Bulletins for OPDX InterNet Subscribers

Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 08:58:56 -0500
From: "Taratula, Sharon" {staratula@arrl.org
To: "Mirgliotta, Ted KB8NW" {kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org}
Subject: Contest Branch News Release

ARRL NEWS RELEASE

February 26, 2002

For Further Information Contact: Dan Henderson, N1ND

ARRL Contest Branch Announces the ARRL Contest On-Line Soapbox

What was the biggest thrill for you in the last ARRL contest? Did you work a rare multiplier that gave you your best score ever? Did you end up scratching your head about a visit from Murphy to the shack? Were you caught by surprise when that final section you needed for a clean sweep answered your CQ?

Contests are full of surprises. For every competitive gain you plan, something usually comes up to challenge your operating skills or allow you the opportunity to push your personal envelope. The "Soapbox" section in QST result articles is full of brief contest tidbits, submitted by individuals as they take a moment to share the story of their contest with others. However, room isn't available in QST to include many of the interesting comments that are received. With more people learning the fun of contesting and submitting scores, the space in QST is filled with more line scores, and less commentary. Space also limits the ability to publish the numerous digital photographs we receive.

The ARRL recognizes that there are many great stories generated during each contest. We also know there are limited forums for sharing them with others. Some contest reflectors and web sites do have some contest post mortem, but we see a need for additional space accessible by all.

That is why the ARRL Contest Branch is happy to announce the development of an expanded on-line presence - the ARRL Contest On-Line Soapbox.

One of the most common suggestions we receive is that you - the contester - wish you had more expedient access to stories related to the contest they just finished. You have recognized that it takes time to assemble the logs from all corners of the world and to accurately process them. Log processing and checking will continue to happen. But the ARRL Contest On-Line Soapbox is an opportunity for you to share information with the contest community immediately after the contest.

Right now, we have three main features on the Contest Forum. The first is an expanded soapbox area, in which those of you wishing to make brief comments (2-3 paragraphs) about your most recent contest operation may do so. The second is a means for contest-related photographs. The third will be an area for those persons wishing to write a more extensive story about their contest exploits. Other features may be added as the project develops.

Submitting your contributions to the ARRL Contest On-Line Soapbox is easy. We have developed an on-line Website where you may upload your files. Visit

The ARRL Contest On-Line Soapbox will be opened at the end of each contest. View what participants have to share about the just completed event or share your thoughts about your contest participation. As time progresses, you will be able to access archives of the Soapbox from previous years. When they are available, results of various contests will also be reported and accessible from the On-Line Soapbox area.

The goal of the ARRL Contest On-Line Soapbox is to allow participants a place to share their interesting stories. Keep in mind that the audience that may be viewing your posts is broad, so we encourage you to exercise decorum in your postings.

The ARRL reserves the right to edit or decline posts that may be inappropriate to this forum. Responsibility for content of all posted material rests exclusively with the item's author. ARRL staff assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, and accuracy of items appearing on this page. All questions and comments should be directed to the person originating the item. Remember there are other forums that are more appropriate for discussing and debating contesting issues. If you have suggestions or ideas for expanding or improving the On-Line Soapbox, please contact Dan Henderson at n1nd@arrl.org or by phone at 860-594-0232.

From: "Taratula, Sharon" {staratula@arrl.org}
To: "Mirgliotta, Ted KB8NW" {kb8nw@barf80.nshore.org}
Subject: Contest Branch News Release
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 14:03:06 -0500
MIME-Version: 1.0
X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2653.19)

ARRL NEWS RELEASE

March 1, 2002
For Further Information Contact: Dan Henderson, N1ND

ARRL Contest Branch Announcing the ARRL Contest Rate Sheet

The ARRL is pleased to announce the ARRL Contest Rate Sheet - to be published every other week by the ARRL! It's intended to be a useful source of timely information for both the active and casual contester. The Rate Sheet will include information about events during the following two-week period and time-sensitive news items.

The first issue will be published March 13. ARRL Members may subscribe to the ARRL Contest Rate Sheet by going to the Member Data Page at:

We're going to start with a simple format. To keep the newsletter light and tight, we'll rely heavily on summaries and links to web pages that make available more extensive information. Additions and changes will be made over time, as the best use of the newsletter format becomes clearer.

In the meantime, suggestions for content and organization are welcome! Please send your ideas to rate-sheet@arrl.org

73, Ward N0AX

Here's the overall format and a sample of typical items...Each issue will begin with a Summary followed by critical bulletin-level items, such as FCC communications emergencies, short-notice rule changes, and so forth.

Announcements and Notices for the two-week period being covered will come next. This will include notices of which contests are running the coming weekends with Contest Corral text (including web links) and pending log submission deadlines.

News for this issue follows the announcements section and will include newsworthy items received during the preceding two weeks. Look for news reports from the ARRL Contest Desk, announcements of results availability, changes in contest databases, software releases, and other news from contributors. Technical and Technique items will be included, as they are available. We'll try to include a Contest Tip or very short technical/technique item in each issue.

Conversational pieces will be included if they're of general interest, such as limited press releases about contests, products, conventions, or contesters. And we'll slip in a humorous aside now and then, such as the occasional limerick.

The following are samples of the type of information that will be included in the Rate Sheet: Announcement - Virginia QSO Party, Phone and CW, sponsored by the Sterling Park ARC 1800Z, Mar 16 - 0200Z, Mar 18. Frequencies: CW - 1.805 and 50 kHz up; Phone -1.845 3.860 7.260 14.270 21.370 28.370 kHz; Novice/Tech -- 10 kHz up and 28.370; VHF/UHF - 50.125 144.200, 146.58, 223.50 446.00 MHz. No repeater or cross-mode QSOs. SO, MS, MM fixed station and mobile categories, no time limit, QSOs once per band/mode/VA QTH, VA stations work everyone, others work VA stations only. Exchange: serial number and SPC or VA county/city. QSO Points: Phone - 1pt, CW - 2 pts, Mobile - 3 pts. Multipliers - VA city/counties + SPC. Score: QSO Points x Multipliers (counted only once). VA mobiles add 100 pts per VA city/county activated. Add 500 pts for QSO with K4NVA. For more information - www.qsl.net/sterling. Logs must be emailed or postmarked by April 15 to ks4ii@arrl.net or Virginia QSO Party, Call Box 599, Sterling, VA 20167.

Notice - Log Deadline: New Hampshire QSO Party - March 31 - arrl@nhradio.org or NH-ARRL, POB 119 Goffstown, NH 03045-0119.

News from the ARRL Contest Desk - The list of Logs Received for the 2001 ARRL International EME Competition was posted after the logs were verified against the server - see www.arrl.org/contests.

Contest Tip - When operating QRP, don't append "/QRP" to your callsign. At best, it slows your contacts and at worst makes it much harder for the receiving station to copy your call correctly. You're already running low power, maximize the probability of correct copy by only sending what's necessary to get through.

Press Release - N6TR released version 6.63 of TR-LOG on 24 February. Zipped versions were sent to all subscribed users. A corrected version of the companion log-processing program POST was also sent as POST 6.63a. www.qth.com/tr/

McDuff had just worked his Clean Sweep; but he found that the cost was quite steep. He called for an hour; running maximum power; and his new amp collapsed in a heap.

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