The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 919
BID: $OPDX.919
August 3, 2009
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, NG3K, N4AA & QRZ DX, KH6BZF, K8YSE, A35RK, CX3AL, DJ8NK, DL7MAE & The DX News Letter, DX World of Ham Radio Web Site, F5NQL & UFT, G3VOF, G4PLY, HA0HW, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, LZ1PJ, M0XDF, Pete's-DX-Newsdesk, RSGB IOTA Web Site, VA3RJ & ICPO and VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 26th-July, through Sunday, 2nd-August there were 205 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1U, 4W, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5V, 5X, 6W, 6Y, 7P, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A4, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, CE, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, DL, DU, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FH, FK, FM, FO, FR, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OJ0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ7, PY, PY0F, S2, S5, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T7, TA, TF, TG, TI, TK, TL, TN, TT, TU, TY, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9N, VP2V, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XU, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YJ, YK, YL, YN, YO, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZC4, ZD7, 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" (WFWL).

3D2/C, CONWAY REEF (Update)
Jan, DJ8NK, informs OPDX this past week that "all is working to schedule, paperwork is done, flights are booked, boat (a catamaran) is chartered and hardware is in store." During the next few weeks the team will test all of their antennas by taking them to a beach resort by the salt water on the North Sea. Their Web page is now active at:

3DA0, SWAZILAND (Just a Reminder)
Operators David/GI4FUM, Tony/G4LDL, Malcolm/GM3TAL, Gerry/M0VAA, Michael/NC4MM and Yuri/UT5EL are now active as 3DA0DJ, 3DA0TB, 3DA0MH, 3DA0VA, 3DA0MM and 3DA0EL until August 11. The group will operate mainly from the Hawane Resort, but will also be active as 3DA0SS from the international scout camp near Manzini. Activity is expected on 160-10 meters using two stations. Over the past weekend there has been plenty of activity on 80/40/30/20/17 meters using mainly CW/SSB but some RTTY. QSL via their home callsigns.

4W, TIMOR-LESTE (Update)
AL, CT1GPQ, will be active as 4W6AL from Timor Lorosae between August 7th and October 3rd. Activity will be on 40/30/20/17 meters SSB, RTTY and preferably CW. His station setup will be an Icom IC-706 MK2g, a dipole for 40 and 30 meters and square loops for 20 and 17 meters. Pilot station and QSL Manager is Toze, CT1GFK. The pilot station will be in daily contact with CT1GPQ. Any questions or suggestions should be sent to:

5B/C4, CYPRUS
Andy, LZ2HM, will be active as 5B/LZ2HM between August 4-11th. Activity will be on the HF bands plus 6 meters and possibly VHF/UHF bands (KM64HV). QSL via info on (QRZ.com).
ADDED NOTE: Andy was also active during the WAEDC CW Contest this past weekend as C4I.

5H, TANZANIA
Pat, N2IEN, will be active as 5H2PD until August 8th. Activity will be on 40/30/20/15 meters using CW and SSB. Over the past weekend Pat was on 30 meters CW after 1600z. QSL via N2IEN.

7P, LESOTHO (Update)
A team of five operators are now active from the "Trading Post Lodge" in Roma until August 13th. They have two stations on the air at all times with a third station to possibly be on for PSK and RTTY. Activity will be on all bands, but with a special effort on 160/80 meters. Operators are: Pista/HA5AO (7P8AO), Frosty/K5LBU (7P8CF), Laurent/W0MM (7P8MM), John/9M6XRO (7P8OK) and Ben/DJ0YI (7P8YI). QSL 7P8OK via M0URX, others via their home callsigns. For more details, please visit the Texas DX Society's Web site at:

A2,BOTSWANA
Operators Les/W2LPL and his son Dan/W2DBL will be active as A25/W2LPL from the Tuli Block in Mashatu, after their South African operation (see below), between August 16-19th. Activity will be mainly 20 meters using SSB and PSK31. They will use a FT-857 into an end feed antenna running 100 watts. QSL via W2LPL.

A3, TONGA
Paul, A35RK, informs OPDX that changes are (and will be) taking place in Tonga. He informs that he has recently made a visit to Nuku'alofa, the capital city, and during his stay there, Paul had a very productive meeting with the Radio Licensing Officer and the Technical Officer in the newly formed Department of Communications. In the past amateur radio issues have been managed by a variety of different government agencies: Tonga Telecom, Marine and Ports, the Post Office, the Treasury, and most recently the Prime Minister's Office. Pauls states, "All that has changed, and we now have a 'one-stop-shop' for amateur radio licensing and regulation. Virtually all radio-related legislation is currently under review, and a number of changes will be coming soon. A brief summary of our discussion, and the outcomes, follows:

INFORMATION AVAILABILITY - The Department of Communications is building a website. They intend to make license application forms available online.

LICENSING PROCEDURES - Licensing procedures for visiting operators and yachts in transit will be simplified, especially for those entering the country somewhere other than Nuku'alofa (ie Vava'u). They may also make it possible to actually apply for a license online. However, they still want to 'see' an applicant before actually issuing a license.

ENTRY LEVEL LICENSE CLASS - A 'Novice' type of entry level license may be created, in order to encourage more activity. The formation of a club station and licensing classes (possibly thru the Tonga Maritime Training Institute) was discussed.

CALLSIGN ALLOCATION
- 1) A35x (single letter suffix) callsigns may soon be issued to resident 'Advanced Class' licensees, and possibly to special event and contest operations.
2) A35xx (2 letter suffix) callsigns may be issued to entry level licensees.
3) A35xxx (3 letter suffix) callsigns may be issued to short-term visitors and transitting yachts.
4) The existing callsign registry will be 'purged' of all inactive callsigns, thus allowing for more new issues. An effort will be made to publish a list of 'current' licensees annually.

POWER LIMITS - Permitted output power will increase from the present 100 watts to 400 watts. This will bring Tonga up to the same level that is authorized in New Zealand and Australia.

ADDITIONAL 40 METER ALLOCATION - The current 40M allocation is 7.0-7.1 MHz. In addition, 7.1-7.2 MHz operation will be permitted on a secondary basis.

60 METER ALLOCATION - This was discussed, but no allocation will be considered until further studies and consultations are made, possibly next year.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS - Tonga now has a government Emergency Response Plan, and amateur radio participation is authorized in conjunction with the Tonga Defense Force, the Tonga Meteorological Service, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Tonga Red Cross.

MONITORING and ENFORCEMENT - The government intends to more carefully monitor amateur and maritime communications in an effort to reduce 'boot-legging' and to insure compliance with regulations.

I'll keep you advised as things develop. Discussions continue, and I must say that the new Department of Communications is very open and cooperative. If anyone needs further information, they may contact: Fe'ao Vakata (That's pronounced "Fay AH oh Va ka TAH"), Radio Licensing Officer fvakata@pmo.gov.to"

A3, TONGA
Ramon, XE1KK, is planning to be active from Tonga in October during the CQWW DX SSB Contest (October 24-25th). His callsign will be announced later. He is expected to use 100 watts into some dipoles. QSLs are preferred via LoTW, but the Bureau is "OK".

AM5/AN5/AO5/EG5/EH5, SPAIN (Special Event)
Look for the following special event callsigns to be active between August 8-23rd. Activity is to celebrate the "Formula One Grand Prix of Europe" in Valencia, Spain. The following special callsigns will be activated by the following operators:

    AM5FUV - Juan/EC5BZR            EG5FUV  - Jose/EA5FL
    AN5FUV - Vincent/EB5GGB         EH5FUV  - Nando/EA5GVZ
    AO5FUV - Pepe/EA5UB

GB111, ENGLAND (Special Event)
Viv, G4PLY, will activate special event station GB111HP on the air during the month of August. This is a tribute to Harry Patch (GB90WWI) who sadly passed away on Saturday, July 25th, 5 weeks after celebrating his 111th birthday. He was the oldest surviving combatant living in the UK who fought in World War I. QSL via G4PLY, direct or by the Bureau. NO e-QSL or LoTW.

GB4, ENGLAND (Special Event)
Look for special event station GB4WINGS to be active between now and August 8th. Activity will be on HF (SSB/Data with some CW) and 2m (SSB), mostly during the day and some evenings. The special event is during the "WINGS 2009" (Windsor INternational Guide and Scout camp, see http://www.wings2009.org.uk in Windsor Great Part, England. Some 6,000 Guides and Scouts from over 40 countries across the globe will be attending this 7 day event of fun, adventure and challenge. QSL via the bureau or direct to M0XDF (QRZ.com).

IOTA NEWS
AF-019. Tony, IK1QBT, will once again be active as IG9X from Lampedusa Island (African Italy) during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-29th) as a Single-Op/High-Power entry. He will concentrate on the lower bands prior to contest as IG9/IK1QBT. QSL via his home callsign, by the Bureau or direct.

OC-130. Hans, DL5SDF, has returned to Mindanao (OC-130) and will be active again as DU9/DL5SDF until June 2010. His activity will be CW only, once all his antennas are installed (sometime in August). QSL via DL5SDF, by the DL bureau or direct to: Hans Bohnet, Purok 5, Lower Bon-Bon, Libertad, Butuan City 8600, Philippines. PLEASE NOTE: All bureau requests will have to wait until he returns.

J7, DOMINICA
Pierre, HB9CUA, is once again active as J79PAK from Nature Island (FK95ii) until August 6th. Activity has been mainly 6 meters using CW and SSB. There has been activity on 20/17/15 meters. QSL via home callsign.

JU85, MONGOLIA
Look for special event station JU85TTC to be on the air to celebrate the 85th anniversary of "Technique Technology College of Mongolia" between now and September 31st. Activity over the past weekend has been on 20 meters CW. QSL via JT1DN.

KH6BZF PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (For July August 3-9th

 Aug  3    AN         SOLAR REFERENCE
 Aug  4    AN         ---------------
 Aug  5    AN          AN - Above Normal/Geomagnetic Level is QUIET
 Aug  6    AN-HN       HN - High Normal/Geomagnetic Level is UNSETTLED
 Aug  7    AN         GEOMAGNETIC REFERENCE
 Aug  8    AN         ---------------------
 Aug  9    AN          QUIET - The "A" index is expected to be between
                               0-7 and the "K" index will be 2 or less
                   UNSETTLED - The "A" index is expected to be between
                               7-16 and "K" index will be 3 or less

Members of the "Radio Club Uruguayo" will be using the special callsign CW1R from the Punta del Este Lighthouse (ARLHS URU-008, Grid Locator GF25ma) during the upcoming International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend between August 14-16th. Activity will be on 80-15 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. They will have at least two stations on the air. This will be the first activation of Punta del Este Lighthouse. QSLs for this activity are only DIRECT to: Radio Club Uruguayo, P.O.Box 37, 11000, Montevideo, URUGUAY, SOUTH AMERICA (w/SAE and 1 new IRC or 2 green stamps).

LAST MINUTE CHANGE. Operators Doug/KD8CAO and John/K8YSE activated "Big Red" Holland Harbor South Pierhead Lighthouse (USA 375), Michigan, instead of Grand Haven South Pierhead LH on August 2nd. QSL via K8YSE.

Members of the "Air Mobile Radio Operator Society" (ND3E) will activate Reedy Island (Not IOTA, USI DE-001, New Castle County, Delaware), plus Old Reedy Island lighthouse (ARLHS USA-568) between 1700z, August 7th and 1900z, August 8th. Activity will be on 80/40/20 meters using CW, SSB and PSK31. QSL by the Bureau or direct to AE3J with SASE.

Members of the "Valley of the Moon Amateur Radio Club" will be active as N6P from the Point Reyes lighthouse (ARLHS USA-636, WW Loc. CM87LX, Marin County, California) between August 7-9th. Bands/modes of activity were not provided. QSL via W6AJF: VOMARC, c/o K. McTaggart, 402 Fourth St. E, Sonoma, CA 95476. Visit their Web page at:

Members of the "Grupo Mistongo DX Tandil" will activate the following lighthouses in the city of Puerto Quequen, Necochea, during the Inter- national Lighthouses/Lightships Weekend (ILLW), August 15-16th:
Baliza Pescador Posterior - ARLHS ARG-113
Baliza Espigon Este - ARLHS ARG-114
Other activity pending: Baliza Las Grutas - ARLHS ARG-115 (Rio Negro)

Three radio clubs in Argentina will activate the following lighthouses for the upcoming ILLW and the "Faros del Litoral Atantico Argentino 2009 Award". Look for the following between August 14-16th: * GRUPO DX BAHIA BLANCA (GDXBB - LU3DXG):
- Recalada Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-009) - LU5DRV/D and other
- El Rincon Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-036) -LU4ETN/D and other
- Claromeco Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-014) - LU4DBP/ and other
- Punta Conscriptos Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-052) - LU1WJF/W and other
- Malecon Este Beacon (New one! ARLHS ARG reference number to be issuedd) - LU3DXG.
QSL all via: R.C. GDXBB, C. de Correo 709,8000 Bahia Blanca.
* GRUPO MISTONGO DX TANDIL (GMDXT - LU2EE):
- Pescador Posterior Beacon (ARLHS ARG-113) - New one!
- Espigon Este Beacon (ARLHS ARG-114) - New one!
QSL all via: GMDXT, C. de Correo 184, 7000 Tandil.
* AVELLANEDA RADIO CLUB (LU7EO)
- Punta Medanos Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-008) - LU7EO.
- KM. 0.900 Beacon (ARLHS ARG-110) - LU9DPD/D.
QSL all via: Avellaneda Radio Club, C. de Correo 41, 1870 Avellaneda (BA).

Helmich, PA0HEL, will be active as TM0LHG from the Gravelines Lighthouse (ARLHS FRA-751, ILLW FR-0002) at Petit Fort Philippe during the ILLW (August 15-16th). QSL direct or by the VERON Bureau only (Not the French Bureau).

P2, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (IOTA Op)
Hans, SM6CVX, is expected to continue his IOTA hopping in Papua New Guinea (this time solo) during the month of November. He is going to activate three IOTAs this time. Activity will probably be mainly CW using the callsign P29VCX. QSL via SM6CVX. His current schedule is as follows:
November 11-13th - Hastings Island (OC-117)
November 13-14th - Normanby Island (OC-116)
November 15-16th - Loloata Island (OC-240)
Look for more details and updates on the following Web page at:

PZ, SURINAME (Update)
Mike, AJ9C, will be active as PZ5M between October 22-29th. He is expected to be active on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY, as well as an entry in the CQWW DX SSB Contest (October 24-25th). QSL to his home callsign with SASE/USD(s) for return postage.

QSL INFO AND NEWS

QSLS VIA LOTW: A7/M0FGA

QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 3D2YA, 3DA0ZO, 3XM6JR, 4U1UN, 5T5DC, A7/M0FGA, AT9RS, E44M, EX8MLE, EZ8AQ, HZ1FS/p, K5D, LU7YS, OJ1ABOA, R1FJT, S92LX, T47C, TF3CW, V63TO, VP5/K5CM, ZF2XP and ZY0F

QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: NONE reported this week!

SPECIAL GEOPARK AWARD AVAILABLE (Update/Be The First!)
Martin, G3VOF/ GB6GEO, reports: For amateur radio stations/SWLs around the world who contact/hear Geopark stations, the English Riviera Geopark is offering a special commemorative European Geoparks Network radio amateur certificate for contacts with GB6GEO (instant qualifier), or two Geopark stations excluding GB6GEO. (This award will also apply to SWLs on a heard basis). This certificate is endorsed by our Queens husband H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh with his own words congratulating the holder. Certificates will cost 2.20 UK(pounds) each, 3 Euro's and rest of the world 5 USDs. Alternatively certificate holders to be the first in their country to claim the certificate will have an 'FC' suffix following the certificate number. This denotes the first person in their country to claim the 'Geoparks' award.

These certificate holders will be worth one point towards the basic certificate, and two holders are required to claim the award, or work any five (5) non first country certificate holders to claim it. Certificate Manager is Martin Foster, G3VOF. QSL direct via the address on QRZ.com. Only log details are necessary. Also see QRZ.com for more details and the latest updates. Only log details are necessary.

First country holders so far include, G4FCN, ON4CAS, K7IWH, 2E0WAI, S53EO, IW2CAM, GW4BKG, and DL3FJK. (You will need only two of these callsigns worked/heard to claim the award) Other callsigns include M6PHD, G7URW, G6CLD, 2E0TAD, G3LQX, M0XLT, G3LHJ, G3PVB, G1FON, G4VUD, 2E0PDL, G7JHE, G3BIT, M1AEI, G3GHS, G0KEK, G3SNU, 2E0JWJ, DJ6WX, 2E0TAG, 2E0GHR, G4VFG, G3SVK, G3JSR, G4VTO, G3NJA/A, 2E0TQR, and M0HEM. (Any five of these callsigns worked/heard will enable you to claim the certificate) Many of these certificate holders can be found on the Torbay Amateur Radio Society LF/HF/VHF nets, details from the Web site:

SX2, GREECE
Pista, HA8UT, and his family are currently on a summer holiday in Neo Potidea (KN10qe) on the Kassandra Peninsula until August 4th. They are using the callsign SX2Z. The family consists of: Pista/ HA8UT (aka HA8Z and HG8Z), Erzsi/HA8TU (XYL), Eliz/HA8TT (the younger daughter of Pista), Andrea/HG8SS (the older daughter of Pista) and her husband Dezso/HA8SS. Their rig is an IC-706 MK2G, and they will be using a vertical and dipole antennas. Activity will be on 40-10 meters plus 6m on CW and SSB. QSL via HA8UT, by the HA Bureau or direct ((QRZ.com) address).

T6, AFGHANISTAN
Steve, W7VOA, will be in Kabul for national election news reporting between August 8-22nd, and will be active as T6AD when time permits. Activity will be on 40/20/15 meters CW (and maybe PSK) using 100 watts and a G5RV antenna. QSL via K2AU.

TK, CORSICA (Update)
Laurent, F8BBL, is on holiday on the main island of Corsica (EU-014, DIFM TK-001, MIA MCO-001, WLOTA 1390) between now and August 15th. His QTH will be located in the Valinco Gulf, near the city of Olmeto (Department South Corsica/2A, WW Loc. Loc JN41KQ). His activity will be QRP using a FT-817 and a new MP1 antenna. He is signing TK8B. Activity is on the HF bands, mainly CW, but some SSB during his spare time. His other possibly activities (weather and sea permitting) will be:
August 6th - Activity from the Lavezzi Islands (EU-164, DIFM TK-011, Loc JN41OI) starting around 0900z.
August 8th - Laurent will climb the summit Punta di Buturetu (SOTA TK/TK112, 870m ASL, WW Loc. JN41KR) and expects to be on the air around 1000z.
August 11th - Activity from the Sanguinaires Islands (EU-104, DIFM TK-002, Loc JN41HV) starting around 0900z.

Suggested frequencies are: 7032 kHz/CW, 7096 kHz/SSB and 10118 kHz/CW. QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the REF-Union Bureau only or by the LoTW. Visit his web page at:

TM9, FRANCE (Special Event)
The 31st Clipperton DX Club Convention will be held in Strasbourg, France, between September 18-19th. Look for special event station TM9CDX to be on the air between September 5-19th. Operators mentioned are: Gerard/F2VX, Thierry/F4TTR, Laurent/F5AEG, Rafik/F5CQ, Flo/F5CWU, Alain/F5LMJ, Maurice/F5NQL, John "Gun"/F5VHQ, Serge/F6AML, Maurice/F5NQL, Laurent/F1JKJ, David/F8CRS and Laurent/F8BBL. Activity will be on all HF, VHF and UHF bands using CW/SSB/FM/Digital modes. QSL via F5CWU, direct (SAE + postage) or by the French REF-Union Bureau (please only this bureau.).
PLEASE NOTE: Number designator will now change every year and represent the year of the convention (ex. 2010 will be TM0CDX, 2011 TM1CDX, etc...)

VK9N, NORFOLK ISLANDS (Op QRT!)
Members of the Hellenic Amateur Radio Association of Australia (HARAOA Group) are now QRT as VK9NI as of 2110z, July 28th. According to their Web page, the HARAOA Group made 11199 QSOs with 5397 unique callsigns. A complete breakdown of QSOs can be seen at:

WFF ACTIVITY
Plamen, LZ3FM, plans to activate the Biosphere Reserve Kamchia (LZFF-011) during his holiday between August 10-20th. Callsign to be used will be either LZ01WFF/2 or LZ3FM/2. Equipment will be IC-746 plus a 4-band GP and dipole antennas. Activity will be on HF + 6m, mainly CW with some SSB. QSL via LZ1PJ, direct or by the Bureau. E-mail requests for Bureau cards are accepted ( via lz1pj@bfra.org ). Write QSO details and callsign worked, since Ivan, LZ1PJ, manages other callsigns too.
PLEASE NOTE: LZ01WFF is used for activation for other WFF references by other operators. Ivan, LZ1PJ, will manage this activation only. For other activations listen to operator's instructions.

ZS6, SOUTH AFRICA
Operators Les/W2LPL and his son Dan/W2DBL will be active as ZS6/W2LPL between August 11-15th. Activity will be mainly 20 meters using SSB and PSK31. They will use a FT-857 into an end feed antenna running 100 watts. QSL via W2LPL.

PLEASE NOTICE (as of February 12, 2007), NEW ADDRESS CHANGES FOR THE OPDX INTERNET HELP/SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE REQUEST:

Help: opdx-request@barf80.org Subject:help
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OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME (provided by John, K8YSE (k8yse@papays.com):
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ALSO VISIT THE NORTERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB HOME PAGE:
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