Friday, February 22, 2013

425 Group DX Calendar 2/22/2013

PERIOD           CALL                                                   REF
till  23/02      3D2ZF: Taveuni (OC-016), Fiji Islands                 1137
till  23/02      9U4U: Burundi                                         1131
till  23/02      A35WH: Tongatapu (OC-049), Tonga                      1133
till  23/02      KG4KL: Guantanamo Bay (NA-015)                        1136
till  23/02      V63ZM: Micronesia                                     1135
till  24/02      UE95RA: special callsign                              1138
till  24/02      XR2BH: Caleta Hornilla lighthouse                     1137
till  24/02      YO2013EYOWF: special event callsign                   1137
till  25/02      PY2FN/p: Sao Sebastiao Island (SA-028)                1137
till  25/02      XV2DLH: Vietnam                                       1136
till  27/02      WA2USA/4: St. George Island (NA-085)                  1131
till  28/02      5H1Z: Zanzibar Island (AF-032)                        1133
till  28/02      H44KW: Guadalcanal (OC-047), Solomon Islands          1137
till  28/02      HL1VAU/2: Kanghwa Island (AS-105)                     1137
till  28/02      LY16W: special callsign                               1135
till  28/02      PF100ZOO: special callsign                            1134
till  01/03      KG4WV: Guantanamo Bay (NA-015)                        1136
till  02/03      J52HF: Guinea-Bissau                                  1135
till  02/03      XT2VWT, XT2AEF, XT2IVU, XT2CJA: Burkina Faso          1137
till  03/03      5W0W: Samoa (OC-097)                                  1127
till  03/03      ES95: special callsigns                               1137
till  03/03      TO22C: Guadeloupe (NA-102)                            1136
till  06/03      XT2TT: Burkina Faso                                   1135
till  08/03      J38RF: Grenada (NA-024)                               1135
till  09/03      4S7KKG: Sri Lanka (AS-003)                            1121
till  09/03      HC2/RC5A and HC2/RA1AGL: Ecuador                      1135
till  10/03      6W2SC: Senegal                                        1132
till  10/03      J5UAP: Guinea-Bissau                                  1132
till  11/03      J88DR: St Vincent (NA-109)                            1135
till  12/03      YS1/NO7B: El Salvador                                 1138
till  14/03      VP2MRS and VP2MUR: Montserrat (NA-103)                1137
till  14/03      XU7AFU: Cambodia                                      1138
till  15/03      5V7JD: Togo                                           1135
till  18/03      XU7ACQ: Cambodia                                      1135
till  21/03      V47JA: St. Kitts (NA-104)                             1137
till  21/03      V63DXA: Micronesia (OC-059, OC-226, OC-010)           1137
till  22/03      PJ2/PA0VDV: Curacao (SA-099)                          1135
till  25/03      FG/F6ITD: La Desirade, Guadeloupe (NA-102)            1134
till  31/03      HG66MALEV: special station                            1135
till  01/04      HK3JCL: Colombia                                      1133
till  11/04      JX9JKA: Jan Mayen (EU-022)                            1024
till  15/04      JG8NQJ/JD1: Minami Torishima (OC-073)                 1132
till  May        9G5MS: Ghana                                          1134
till  October    T6MH: Afghanistan                                     1125
till  31/12      DL50FRANCE: special station                           1131
till  31/12      EI13CLAN: special callsign                            1130
till  31/12      Gx100C: special callsign                              1134
till  31/12      Gx100RSGB: special callsigns                          1130
till  31/12      HA30S: special callsign                               1136
till  31/12      HB30OK: special callsign                              1130
till  31/12      OU1RAEM: special callsign                             1130
till  31/12      RI1ANP: Progress Station (Antarctica)                 1132
till  31/12      S5300TP: special callsign                             1130
till  31/12      Z320RSM and Z320A-Z320Z: special callsigns            1130
till  Feb 2014   VK0JJJ: Mawson station (Antarctica)                   1135
till  Feb 2014   ZS7V: SANAE IV station (Antarctica)                   1136
23/02-24/02      TO1PF: Reunion Island (AF-016)                        1137
23/02-24/02      ZW5WIM: Ilha da Paz (SA-027)                          1138
24/02-02/03      A35WH/p: Vava'u (OC-064), Tonga                       1133
24/02-11/03      PJ2/DL5AXX: Curacao (SA-099)                          1138
25/02-03/03      FM/F5VHJ and TO5A: Martinique (NA-107)                1138
25/02-06/03      Z81Z: South Sudan                                     1137
26/02-03/03      8P9RM and 8P1V: Barbados (NA-021)                     1138
27/02-06/03      V31LJ, V31AC, V31VJ: Belize                           1138
27/02-04/03      VP2V/KE2VB: British Virgin Islands (NA-023)           1138
27/02-03/03      YN5Z: Nicaragua                                       1138
28/02-10/03      TX5K: Clipperton Island (NA-011)                      1137
February         6V2R: Senegal                                         1135
February         J5NAR: Guinea Bissau                                  1135
February         ST2SF: Sudan                                          1131
February         T6LG: Afghanistan                                     1111
01/03-10/03      3B9DX: Rodrigues Island (AF-017)                      1138
01/03-30/04      8J6ISG: special event station                         1138
01/03-08/03      9M6/N6MUF: East Malaysia                              1132
02/03-17/03      II0IDP: special station (Sardinia, EU-024)            1137
02/03-17/03      II0ICH: special station (Maddalena Island, EU-041)    1137
02/03-16/03      PD5MVH/p: Vlieland Island (EU-038)                    1137
02/03-16/03      W0FK: Longboat Key (NA-034)                           1138
02/03            W4/VA3RA: St. Simons Island (NA-058)                  1138
03/03-15/03      W4/VA3RA: Key West (NA-062)                           1138
06/03-26/03      7P8PB: Lesotho                                        1138
07/03-03/04      CT9/DL3KWR and CT9/DL3KWF: Madeira (AF-014)           1137
08/03-25/03      H44G: Guadalcanal (OC-047), Solomon Islands           1123
09/03-17/03      YE6A: Rondo Island (OC-245)                           1137
10/03-18/03      9M4SLL: Spratly Islands (AS-051)                      1138
11/03-14/03      VE3IKV/W4: Dry Tortugas (NA-079)                      1138
12/03-23/03      H40T: Nendo Island (OC-100), Temotu Province          1123
12/03-23/03      T2GM: Tuvalu (OC-015)                                 1135
20/03-27/03      XR0YG: Easter Island (SA-001)                         1138
30/03-13/04      VK9C/GM2MP: Cocos-Keeling Islands (OC-003)            1133
March            HR5/F2JD: Honduras                                    1131
March            ST2SF: Sudan                                          1131
04/04-18/04      5W0M: Samoa (OC-097)                                  1125
08/04-20/04      PJ4/SP6AXW and PJ4/SP9FIH: Bonaire (SA-006)           1137
06/04-12/04      V31HU, V31NV, V32EE: Twin Cayes (NA-180)              1137
21/04-26/04      XF2E: Isla de Venados (NA-171)                        1137
29/04-06/05      TS8TI: Djerba Island (AF-083)                         1137
April            HR5/F2JD: Honduras                                    1131
April            ST2SF: Sudan                                          1131
03/05-12/05      VK9NT: Norfolk Island (OC-005)                        1135
11/05-12/05      TO1PF: Reunion Island (AF-016)                        1137
May              HR5/F2JD: Honduras                                    1131
May              ZS8: Marion Island (AF-021)                           1136
01/07-31/07      TC150RC: special callsign                             1133
24/07-31/07      TM2BI: Belle-Ile-en-Mer (EU-048)                      1137
03/08-04/08      TO1PF: Reunion Island (AF-016)                        1137

425 DX Group News 2/22/2013

3B9    - Toshi JA8BMK, Ken JA8CDG/JN1THL and Yoshiko JQ1LCW will  be  active
       as 3B9DX from Rodrigues Island (AF-017) on 1-10  March.  They  will
       operate CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31 on  80-10  metres.  QSL  direct  to
       EA5GL. [TNX DX World]
7P     - Once again Peter, EI7CC will be active as  7P8PB  from  Lesotho  on
       6-26 March. He will operate holiday style from the station  of  his
       brother-in-law  Gerry,  7P8CC  (EI8CC,  the  Irish  amabassador  to
       Lesotho). QSL via EI7CC, direct or bureau. Logs  will  be  uploaded
       to LoTW on a daily basis is at all possible. [TNX EI7CC]
8P     - Gerry, W1VE will participate in the ARRL DX  SSB  Contest  as  8P1V
       from  Barbados.  The  week  before  the  contest,  starting  on  26
       February, he will be QRV as 8P9RM on 160-6 metres, with a focus  on
       CW and the low bands, with "some  SSB  and  RTTY  thrown  in".  QSL
       direct to home call. [TNX W1VE]
9M4_spr- Christian EA3NT  had  to  withdraw  from  the  10-18  March  9M4SLL
       DXpedition [425DXN 1132] due to  work  reasons,  but  he  has  been
       replaced by  Pista HA5AO and George HA5UK.  The other operators are
       John 9M6XRO, Steve 9M6DXX, James 9V1YC, Don G3BJ, Tony KM0O and Ben
       N6MUF/DJ0YI.  9M4SLL will operate from Pulau Layang Layang, Spratly
       Islands (AS-051)  with five  stations simultaneously at peak times,
       using  full  legal power  linear  amplifiers on  all  stations  and
       vertical  antennas sited within a few metres of the ocean. Activity
       will  be  on  160-10 metres, CW, SSB and RTTY. There will be no 60m
       operation  as that is  not permitted by the Malaysian licence.  QSL
       via M0URX  (OQRS for direct and bureau cards at http://m0urx.com/).
       Logs  will be uploaded  to LoTW within  a few days after the end of
       the operation. Further information,  including  suggested operating
       frequencies, can be found at http://m0urx.com/9m4sll [TNX 9M6DXX]
CE0_ei - Nigel G3TXF, Martin G3ZAY, Michael G7VJR and  John  G4IRN  will  be
       active as XR0YG from Easter Island (SA-001) on  20-27  March.  They
       will operate mainly CW on 160-10 metres, with a focus  on  the  low
       bands and Europe. QSL via G3TXF (OQRS for direct and  bureau  cards
       on Club Log). They plan to upload their logs to Club Log  and  LoTW
       during the expedition. Chile experiences regular  earthquakes,  and
       the XR0YG team is making a donation of $500 to RCCh (Radio Club  de
       Chile) "in support of their emergency communications  projects,  in
       appreciation  of  their  friendly  backing  of   our    expedition,
       especially for their help with our licenses  and  30m  permits  for
       Easter  Island".  The  website  for   the    expedition    is    at
       http://xr0yg.com/
FM     - Al, F5VHJ will be active as FM/F5VHJ from Martinique (NA-107)  from
       25 February to 3 March, including an  entry  in  the  ARRL  DX  SSB
       Contest as TO5A. QSL via home call, direct  or  bureau,  and  LoTW.
       [TNX NG3K]
JA     - Special event station 8J6ISG will be active on all bands and  modes
       between 1 March and 30 April to celebrate the opening  of  the  new
       airport of Ishigaki (AS-024). QSL via the JARL bureau. [TNX VA3RJ]
PJ2    - Ulf, DL5AXX  will be active as  PJ2/DL5AXX  from  Curacao  (SA-099)
       from 24 February to 11 March. He  will  operate  holiday  style  on
       80-10 metres, mainly CW with some RTTY. QSL via home call; an  OQRS
       for bureau cards can be found at www.dl5axx.de [TNX The Daily DX]
PY     - PU5IKE and PP5RK will operate SSB and digital modes as ZW5WIM  from
       Ilha da Paz (SA-027) and lighthouse  on  23-24  February.  QSL  via
       PU5IKE, direct or bureau, plus LoTW and eQSL. [TNX PT7WA]
UA     - Celebrating the 95th anniversary of the Russian  National  Military
       Forces, special callsign UE95RA  (Russian  Army)  will  be  in  use
       until 24 February on all bands and  modes.  QSL  via  UA3YLP.  [TNX
       RV3YR]
V3     - Lee N8LJ (V31LJ), Stan AC8W (V31AC) and Jim KB8TXZ (V31VJ) will  be
       active from Belize from 27 February to 6 March.  They  plan  to  be
       QRV on 160-6 metres CW, RTTY and SSB and to operate a  multi-single
       entry in the ARRL DX SSB Contest. QSL V31LJ via  K8ESQ,  QSL  V31AC
       and V31VJ via KB8TXZ. [TNX AC8JF]
VP2V   - Larry, KE2VB will be active as VP2V/KE2VB from the  British  Virgin
       Islands (NA-023) from 27 February to 4 March,  including  an  entry
       in the ARRL DX SSB Contest. He will operate CW and SSB  before  and
       after the contest, hopefully on 160-10 metres. QSL via NR6M.
W      - Lou, W0FK plans to be active from Longboat  Key  (NA-034)  on  2-16
       March. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX rsgbiota.org]
W      - Pete, VE3IKV will be active as  W4/VA3RA  from  St.  Simons  Island
       (NA-058) on 2 March and from Key West (NA-062) on 3-15 March.  Look
       for him on 30 and 17 metres CW. A side trip  to  the  Dry  Tortugas
       (NA-079) is planned on 11-14 March, if the weather is fine.  Expect
       him to be signing VE3IKV/W4 while on NA-079  (a  low-power  battery
       and solar power CW operation on 30, 17  and  6  metres).  QSLs  via
       VE3IKV, direct or bureau. [TNX rsgbiota.org]
XU     - Eddy,  ON4AFU  (www.on4afu.net)  will  be  active  as  XU7AFU  from
       Cambodia until 14 March. He will operate CW only  on  40-10  metres
       with 100 watts and wire antennas. QSL via ON4AFU, direct or bureau.
YN     - Scott, K7ZO will be active as YN5Z from Nicaragua from 27  February
       until 3 March. His main focus will be a SOAB entry in the the  ARRL
       DX SSB Contest. QSL direct to K7ZO and LoTW.
YS     - John, NO7B will be active as YS1/NO7B  from  El  Salvador  from  21
       February to 12 March. He will operate SSB  only  on  40-10  metres.
       QSL via home call. [TNX The Daily DX]
ZA     - Max, IZ4JMA reports he is now living in Albania and will be on  the
       air as ZA/IZ4JMA starting from 25 February for 18 months at  least.
       He can be QRV on all bands and modes. QSL via IZ4JMA.

                         ****  GOOD TO KNOW ... ****
                    
CQ WW 160-METER CONTEST (SSB) ---> Objective of the contest is for  amateurs
around the  world  to  work  as  many  US  States,  Canadian  provinces  and
countries as possible on 160 metres CW (http://cq160.com/rules.htm). A  list
of stations that have announced their participation  in  this  year's  event
(from 22.00 UTC on 22 February through 22.00 UTC on the 24th) is  maintained
by Bill, NG3K at http://www.ng3k.com/Misc/cq160s2013.html

NA-066 ---> The 20-24 February K6PV/6 activity from  Santa  Catalina  Island
[425DXN 1137] has been cancelled due to sea conditions. [TNX The Daily DX]

SA-030 ---> The 21-24 February CV5A  activity  from  Flores  Island  [425DXN
1137] has been postponed until  further  notice  while  the  Uruguayan  Navy
recovers the remains of an aircraft that crashed off  Flores  back  in  June
2012.

SW Radio Africa Report on SLW-ing

From the SW Radio Africa Web site:

By Violet Gonda
20 February 2013
Police have announced a ban on ‘specially designed radios’ that are ‘not compatible with state owned stations’, claiming the devices would be used to communicate hate speech ahead of polls scheduled for this year.
In a move seen as an attempt to silence external radio stations, such as SW Radio Africa and VOA’s Studio 7, broadcasting to Zimbabwe via shortwave and medium wave, police spokesperson Charity Charamba threatened to deal with organizations that helped to distribute portable radios, saying recipients would also be arrested.
She told journalists at a press conference in Harare on Tuesday: “We have information that some people or political parties are engaging in illegal activities, that is to say they are distributing illegal communicating devices to unsuspecting members of the public.
“We strongly believe that the intentions of such people are not holy but meant to create and sow seeds of disharmony within the country, especially now that the country is about to embark on the referendum and harmonised elections.”
The shocking news comes as police upped their onslaught on civil society organization looking for subversive material, gadgets and recordings.
The state controlled Herald newspaper confirmed that hundreds of shortwave radios have so far been confiscated, especially in the rural areas.
Nelson Chamisa, the MDC Communications minister, told SW Radio Africa that it was an ‘empty ban’ saying: “It’s laughable, ridiculous and misconceived. There is no way you can put effective ban on the hearing of people. You cannot put an effective ban on the ability of people to talk.”
He said it is bizarre that it is being said by an institution that is supposed to observe the rule of law in the country. The minister said there is no government policy or any law that can be used by the police to enforce such a ban.
The minister said such a pronouncement is very worrying as the country moves forward with the hope of free and fair elections.
“It’s a poisonous development that would make the plebiscite environment very un-conducive.” Chamisa added.
ZANU PF’s Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu was unavailable for comment.
The ban on radios has been slammed by various nongovernmental organizations. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Zimbabwe) said there is no clarity on what exactly these ‘communications devices’ that were confiscated were, as well as the lack of clarity on what basis the radio sets or their distribution is also deemed illegal.
“A reading of Section 38B of the Broadcasting Services Act states that one is not prohibited from possession of a receiver as long as it is in accordance with the terms and conditions of a listener’s licence as issued by the ZBC.
“The importance of a radio set cannot be over-emphasised as it is a generally affordable gadget used for receiving information by the public. The right to receive and impart information and ideas is enshrined in Section 20 of the current constitution as a vital component of citizens’ right to freedom of expression,” read a statement by the media watchdog.
The Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS), an umbrella body of community radio initiatives in Zimbabwe, said: “The banning of radio sets to marginalised communities is not only undemocratic, but is a clear indication that the inclusive government has no intention to promote media freedom and access to information in this country. The main question we must ask is why our citizens are resorting to alternative means to access information and exercise their right to free expression?”
“The banning of solar powered radios and subsequent distribution to not only marginalised rural communities but also areas not receiving ZBC transmission, is a clear attitude of a government which does not embrace principles of democracy- participation, openness, transparency, accountability and development,” ZACRAS chairperson Gift Mambipiri said.
Co-Home Affairs Minister Teresa Makoni revealed, through her Facebook page, that all radios that are receivers only, without ability to transmit, are perfectly legal and that there is no law at present which disallows anyone donating radios to the public.
However the minister said she held lengthy discussions with Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri, who said he is concerned that NGOs always intensify distribution just before elections.
Makone said: “I was very clear that airwaves are still restricted to other parties, that is why my party is distributing radios to our poor rural members…in the meantime he will have his engineers verify that the radios are simple receivers.”
Observers say this response ignores the fact that there is likely to be massive intimidation as the average police officer will not know the difference between a receiver and two-way radio communicators.
Listen to interview
To contact this reporter email violet@swradioafrica.com or follow on Twitter

Are Radios Next ?

People here in the US are up in arms about the possible seizure of guns in contravention of the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution. One has to wonder...Can radios be far behind? It seems that it is already happening in Zimbabwe 


Short-wave radios banned in Zimbabwe

The Thursday February 21 edition of the Times newspaper reports the Zimbabwe Information Minister has said short-wave radios are illegal communications devices.

Reportedly hundreds of short-wave radios have been seized in house searches.

The Times story says that for the past eight years the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has been distributing solar/ wind-up radios, manufactured in South Africa.

The article was republished online by the Times sister newspaper The Australian and may still be available at
http://tinyurl.com/ShortWaveRadioBan

The ban has also been reported on The SWLing Post site at
http://swling.com/blog/2013/02/zimbabwe-are-shortwave-radios-now-illegal/


(TNX Southgate ARC)

ARRL DXCC NEWS 2/20/2013



ARRL DXCC Manager Bill Moore, NC1L, reports that three current operations have been approved for DXCC credit: 5X8C in Uganda (commencing in 2012) and the T6TJ (commencing in 2012) and T6BP (commencing in 2011) operations in Afghanistan. “If you have had cards for these operations rejected in a recent application, please send an e-mail to the ARRL DXCC Desk and you will be placed on the list for an update,” Moore said. “If your QSOs were only via Logbook of The World (LoTW), they were not imported to DXCC, since the operations were not approved at the time of your submission. LoTW QSOs can be reclaimed via your next LoTW submission. Once updated, results will appear in LoTW accounts, as well as online in the daily listings.
(TNX ARRL)

IOTA News from the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club


21 February, 2013

Island activities:
AF-016, FR, Reunion Island:
FR1JB, FR1GZ, FR4NP, FR4DJ, FR4OA, FR4OM, FR4OO, FR4OS, FR4OU, FR4OV, FR4PE, FR4PF, FR4PG, FR5CU, FR5FC and FR5HV plan to be QRV from the volcano Piton de la Fournaise (Peak of the Furnace) during several weekends this year. This volcano is a UNESCO world heritage site. The first activity will take place on Feb 23/24. They will sign TO1PF from the Eastern part of Reunion Island (DIFO FR-001, WWFF FFF-011, WLOTA 1812) from a height of from 2632m. QSL direct via FR1GZ.
AS-105, HL2, Kyonggi-do Province group:
Rocky,HL1VAU, is on a business trip to Kanghwa Island until the end of February. He is signing HL1VAU/2 mainly in CW on the HF bands. QSL via homecall.
AS-126, HS, Malay Peninsula South West group:
Because of unexpected circumstances Eddy,ON4AFU, had to cancel the second part of his Thailand trip to Koh Butang.
NA-001, C6, Great Bahama Bank group:
Tom,N1GN, and Bill,NE1B, are visiting Nassau on the Bahamas (WLOTA 1115, Loc FL15gb) again and want to become active as C6ANM from Feb 20 until Mar 3. They plan to take part in the CQWW 160m SSB Contest as well. They will be joined by Mike,N1IW, and Paul,K1VK, for the ARRL SSB Contest. QSL via LoTW or direct via WA2IYO.
NA-016, ZF, Cayman Islands:
Dick,WN3R, is visiting Grand Cayman Island (WLOTA 1042) again as ZF2RW from Feb 20-26. QSL direct via WN3R.
---
John,K6AM, will sign ZF2AM from Grand Cayman Island (WLOTA 1042) during the CQWW 160m Contest (Feb 22-24). QSL via LoTW and K6AM.
NA-021, 8P, Barbados:
Gerry,W1VE, is going to hit the airwaves as 8P9RM from Saint Peter Parish on Barbados (WLOTA 0999) between Feb 26 and Mar 3.
He will sign 8P1V in the upcoming ARRL DX SSB Contest and will focus on
CW on the HF bands outside of the contest. QSL via W1VE.
NA-066, W6, California State South (Orange/San Diego County) group:
The Palos Verdes ARC members Ray,N6HE, Jeff,K6JW, Joe,NZ6L, Clay,AB9A, Diana,AI6DF, Bill,KG6WVF, Dan,K6DPY, Steve,K6NT, and Bob,W6HIP, plan to become active from Santa Catalina Island (USi CA016S, WLOTA 2912) signing K6PV/6 from Feb 21-24. They also plan to join the CQWW 160m SSB Contest but their main focus is to have fun.
QSL via K6PV. See also: http://www.palosverdes.com/pvarc
NA-099, KP4, Puerto Rico:
Members of the "Radio Operadores del Este" (RODE) will be QRV as KP3RE from Isleta Marina (USi PR-049) on Feb 24. QSL via KP3RE.
NA-102, FG, Guadelope:
FG4KH of the "E.M.E. Guadeloupe Clubs" shows up again from the island (Loc FK96hf) between Feb 15 and Mar 9. Their emphasis is put on 2m EME and Tropo QSOs in JT65B and SSB from Guadeloupe but from time to time they will work also on HF. QSL via F1DUZ.
See also: http://fgdxpeditionf1duz.monsite-orange.fr
NA-103, VP2M, Montserrat:
Christina,WD8MUR (VP2MUR), and Jack,KB8RJ (VP2MRS) are spending their holidays on Montserrat (WLOTA 1475, Loc FK86vs) from Feb 20 until Mar 14. Listen for them mainly in SSB on 80m-10m but they want to work in PSK as well. QSLs for both calls via KB8RJ.
NA-104, V4, St. Kitts and Nevis:
John,W5JON, works in SSB from 160m-6m (incl. 60m) signing V47JA from St. Kitts Island (Loc FK87pg) between Feb 20 and Mar 21 (including the ARRL DX SSB Contest). QSL via LoTW or direct via W5JON.
NA-106, KP2, Virgin Island:
Matt,K0BBC, and his wife Valerie,K0VAL, want to escape the cold and are planning a trip to St. Thomas (USi VI004S). They will work holiday style as KP2/K0BBC from Feb 26 until Mar 5, including the ARRL DX SSB Contest. QSL via LoTW and K0BBC.
NA-107, FM, Martinique:
Al,FM/F5VHJ, will be active from the QTH of Laurent,FM5BH, on Martinique (DIFO FM-001, WLOTA 1041, DDFM 97) between Feb 25 and Mar 3, including the ARRL SSB Contest (as TO5A). QSL via LoTW and F5VHJ.
OC-016, 3D2, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu group:
Jim,W8ERI, is working in SSB on 80m-10m signing 3D2ZF from Taveuni until Feb 23. QSL via W8ERI.
OC-064, A3, Vava'u group:
After staying on Tongatapu Werner,DJ9KH, plans to go to Vava'u Island from Feb 24 until Mar 2. Contrary to the published information in DXNL 1819 his call is A35WH (not A31WH ).
QSL via LoTW and DJ9KH. See also: http://www.tonga2013.de
SA-028, PY2, Sao Paulo State East group:
Marcelo,PY2FN/p, will be QRV only in CW on 40m-6m from the lighthouse Ponta da Sela (ARLHS BRA-287, Admiralty G0480, WLOTA 1007, Loc GG76gc) from Feb 22-25. QSL via PY2FN. This activity counts also fro the Brazilian awards program: Sao Sebastiao Island (DIB SP-02).
SA-030, CX: San Jose/Montevideo/Canelones Department group: Members of the Radiogrupo Sur, Urigay will be actice as CV5A from the Isla de Flores lighthouse (RGS CX-104, ARLHS URU-001, TWLHD CX-001, WLOTA L0528, Admiralty G0690, Loc GF25ab) from Feb 21-24. The team will work in all modes on 160m-6m. QSL only direct via CX2ABC.
See also: http://www.radiogruposur.org
SA-099, PJ2, Curacao Island:
Ulf,PJ2/DL5AXX, will spend his holiday on Curacao (WLOTA 0942) and will be working holiday style in CW and some RTTY on 80m-10m from Feb 24 until Mar 11. QSL via DL5AXX.
OQRS on http://www.dl5axx.de/dxlog/default.aspx?Logid=75
Lighthouse activities:
The South American Lighthouse Weekend (Fin de Semana de Faros
Sudamericanos) will take place on Feb 22-24. Expect many activities
from South America during this weekend.
See also: http://www.grupodxbb.com.ar/faros2013
---
Manuel,CE2UNE, is wokring as XR2BH from Puerto Aldea lighthouse
(NAC 133, ARLHS CHI-110, Admiralty G1896.20). QSL via CE2AA.
LT5D Punta Mogotes ARG-005
LU2WA San Jorge ARG-006, see: http://www.lu2wa.com.ar
LT5X Cabo san Pablo ARG-074, see: http://www.lu8xw.com.ar
L50EY Baliza Soberania Nacional ARG-136, http://www.lu1ey.com.ar
PQ7M Cabo de Sao Roque BRA-017
ZW6AJU Velho de Aracaju BRA-282, http://www.grupoapollodx.com
HK1X Castillo Grande COL-037
HD3LRC Punta Jambeli ECU-003
OC4FB La Marina PER-010
CW3R Baliza Punta Negra URU-015
YV5AAG De la Sabana VEN-042

Compiled by Klaus, DL7UXG

(TNX Southgate ARC)

DX Contests by WABNM 2/22/2013

CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB: 2200Z, Feb 22 to 2200Z, Feb 24
 Mode: SSB
 Bands: 160m Only
 Classes: Single Op (QRP/Low/High)
          Single Op Assisted (High)
          Multi-Op (High)
 Max operating hours: Single Op: 30 hours
                      Multi-Op: 40 hours
 Max power: HP: >150 watts
            LP: 150 watts
            QRP: 5 watts
 Exchange: W/VE: RS + (state/province)
           DX: RS + CQ Zone
 QSO Points: 2 points per QSO with own country
             5 points per QSO with other countries on same continent
             10 points per QSO with other continents
             5 points per QSO with maritime mobile
 Multipliers: Each US state + DC (excluding KH6/KL7)
              Each VE province
              Each DXCC+WAE country (including KH6/KL7)
 Score Calculation: Total score = total QSO points x total mults
 Submit logs by: 2200Z March 1, 2013
 E-mail logs to: 160ssb[at]kkn[dot]net
 Mail logs to: CQ 160 Meter Contest
               25 Newbridge Road
               Hicksville, NY 11801
               USA
 Find rules at: http://www.cq160.com/rules.htm

REF Contest, SSB: 0600Z, Feb 23 to 1800Z, Feb 24
 Mode: SSB
 Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
 Classes: Single Op All Band (QRP/Low/High)
          Single Op Single Band (QRP/Low/High)
          Multi-Single (QRP/Low/High)
          Club
          SWL
 Max operating hours: Single Op: 28 hours in no more than 3 increments of at least 1 hour each
 Max power: HP: >100 Watts
            LP: 100 Watts
            QRP: 5 Watts
 Exchange: French: RS + Department/Prefix
           non-French: RS + Serial No.
 Work stations: Once per band
 QSO Points: French: 6 points per QSO with French station same continent
             French: 15 points per QSO with French station on different continent
             French: 1 point per QSO with non-French station same continent
             French: 2 points per QSO with non-French station on different continent
             non-French: 1 point per QSO with French station same continent
             non-French: 3 points per QSO with French station on different continent
 Multipliers: French/Corsica departments once per band
              French overseas prefixes once per band
              non-French DXCC countries once per band (available only to French stations)
 Score Calculation: Total score = total QSO points x total mults
 Submit logs by: March 11, 2013
 E-mail logs to: cdfssb[at]ref-union[dot]org
 Mail logs to: (none)
 Find rules at: http://concours.ref-union.org/reglements/actuels/reg_cdfhf_dx.pdf


UBA DX Contest, CW: 1300Z, Feb 23 to 1300Z, Feb 24
 Mode: CW
 Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m
 Classes: Single Op All Band (Low/High)
          Single Op Single Band (Low/High)
          Single Op QRP
          Multi-Op
          SWL
 Max power: HP: >100 watts
            LP: 100 watts
            QRP: 5 watts
 Exchange: ON: RST + Serial No. + province
           non-ON: RST + Serial No.
 Work stations: Once per band
 QSO Points: 10 points per QSO with Belgian station
             3 points per QSO with other EU stations
             1 point per QSO with non-EU stations
 Multipliers: Each Belgian province once per band
              Each Belgian prefix once per band
              Each EU DXCC country once per band
 Score Calculation: Total score = total QSO points x total mults
 Submit logs by: March 11, 2013
 E-mail logs to: ubacw[at]uba[dot]be
 Mail logs to: (none)
 Find rules at: http://www.uba.be/en/hf/contest-rules/uba-dx-contest-rules

Monday, February 18, 2013

Myanmar Report


Pyin Oo Lyin train station was an open air covered station with a line of offices that the station attendants also lived in. We tried to purchase tickets in advance and that was not possible we soon found out why.

The morning we were to leave we arrived 1 hour before the train was scheduled to leave. Everyone was still asleep. We got in line with a few locals and waited in the morning chill of 50 degrees. Even the coffee shop did not open till 8 for the 8:20 train. We wondered how they could assign seat tickets with no computers. They wait until the train is out of the canyons and in phone range and the conductor calls into the station master what seats he has available then they start selling tickets.

Unfortunately the train derailed before reaching us so we had a 3 hour wait with the other foreigners to get tickets when the train arrived in the station. It was going to take a little time to fix it and we were moving by 1 pm.

The best part of the ride is the amazing 1904 trestle made of iron and built by an American company out of Philadelphia. But the train de railed just before the trestle and in a rocky area so we were not allowed or able to get off the train during the 4 hour wait for an additional engine to get there to pull it back in line and across the amazing canyon. Which did not get to see because it was dark by then,  We did see it on our way out of town and were thankful we had been told not to try to bike the only road thru it.

We arrived in Hsipaw at 1:30 am and had to put the bikes together wheels and handlebars so we could ride into the sleeping town to find our hotel. There was no one to ask for directions and we cruised the streets until some man sitting by the street drinking with friends lead us there on his motor bike. We were so glad to get to our room that night and have a hot shower to take off the crusty sweat and dust and to warm up again because now it was almost cold and we were 9 hours later than expected.

This mountain town has a nice trekking area into the Shan villages. The first day we walked for 9 hours much of it up, some on trails thru the rice paddies and fields. The towns were what we see on the bike but very differ to the bus traveler,

Our guide Johny was not too experienced and we asked many questions that he did not have the English words for. We arrived at his Auntie’s village of 20 homes. She had the last and largest barn/home in town with a side building that was a store.

We were sent to the town well to clean up and we were very dirty and dusty, water flowed out of two pipes across the cement and down the hill into a pasture, A couple local women were doing their daily bath covered with a longie and pouring water over themselves and using a scrub brush for their feet. We joined in but did not get all that wet and kept our clothes on.

Back to the store we realized it was also the family’s living room and dining area for the restaurant of 4 tables. They had hot tea going to warm us after the cold water. We got a warm beer for Bruce and Phillip who had joined us on the treck and got a bottle of whiskey, The shop had tables where men were sitting around and they seemed amazed I was adding liquor to my tea.

During the dinner we learned that the guide did not wait until after we ate but jumped in first and acted like he was the guest of honor.  The Burmese all eat and drink from the same bowl and cup so he was double dipping. I tried to explain not to do that but that concept did not get through.

After dinner we played cards and Phillip brought bubbles and gave them to the young girl there. She was to shy but the 80 year old Auntie had a great time blowing bubbles.

They put a pan of warm coals under the table near our feet and laughed as we played. All tried the cigarettes that Bruce and Phillip rolled and we had a good time while the teenage girls put a soap opera on the computer and watched it. At 9:00 they turned off the light bulb and sent us to the single pallet in the barn that was 10 feet long and rose 3 feet from the ground. It was made of bamboo slats and a pile of blankets awaited us. The guide was asleep on the pallet already and the family went upstairs to the loft to sleep. In this barn were bags and bags of dried corn and rice, farm equipment and tools, spider webs and dust.

The outhouse was out the side door and through the garden and I know each person got up at least once that night to visit it. This was after all a home stay!

We learned the well was paid for by the United Nations and the Home Stays and Treks were eco tourism.

Our next few days we poked around the country side and went for long rides. The move to Inle Lake had to be by bus because there were areas between the two cities we were not allowed to be in. The overnight bus went thru the canyon we missed seeing on the train and it was an amazingly steep road. We went down for over two hours with a rest stop at the bottom where they put hoses on all the brakes of the bus to cool them ….Then climbed out for another 3 hours of hair pin turns so steep that Independence pass would seem straight in comparison. The trucks were so large one at a time could do each turn with a spotter giving the ok and motor bikes weaving in and out between the trucks.

The bus dropped us off at 4:00 am 10 miles outside of Inle Lake. There was a coffee shop there just opening. The baker was frying his donuts in a large wok over a wood fire right on the side walk. The tea is a spiced chai and soon it was filled with men on the way to work and young men just hanging out.

This large body of water at least 20 miles long with resorts on the southern banks, fishing villages on stilts all around. We stayed in town and took a great boat ride to the pagodas around the lake and the weaving village, the silver village, and a stop in a private home where the 40 ish middle generation daughter provided for the family by rolling cigars. She can roll 800 in a day. There were 4 generations living together in this weaved mat home on bamboo stilts in a town of water streets. The area of land under the home had chickens and pigs. The kitchen was a step down and the wood fired stove to cook on was on a metal plate,

We had tea and smoked cigars and left a thank you gift of money. It was very educational to see all living in 2 rooms and the hammocks and pile of mats they sleep on, but no furniture except the tv and stand.

Here fishermen use their leg and heel to paddle with a long oar. It is like a dance on the tip of the boat, with a basket in hand to drop over the fish they see,

There are hot springs here as well. There is no night life, the towns close at 9pm

The electric is on only from 6 pm to 6 am so everything a family needs done is completed then. The large resorts have their own generators for the day hours. We rode along the lake and learned about floating gardens that produce tomatoes and pumpkins and beans, Much of the wonderful shrimp we ate was farm raised in the lake, and the ponds it feeds.

We left Inle Lake and took 24 hours of bus rides to the beach  for 5 days of quiet evenings and sun filled days. We ate steamed fish and drank too much rum.

The major crop was sugar cane in that area. They made great rum and sold it in 700mm bottles for about$1.50, add fruit juice and soda ( which costs as much as the rum) and for $6 we could have a great evening.

The internet was only available once in a while, when the power was on and the router was working. I had reason to believe everything going out was being checked. I must have not been complimentary because you all did not get my e mails.

This beach was 13 miles long and very flat. We road our bikes up and down the sand to the fishing villages, went snorkeling, played cards and had sea side massages.

We finished our Myanmar trip back in Yagon at Bike World where we started from. It was great to be back with Soe Soe and enjoyed that coming back to a friendly familiar place to take the bikes apart and pack up for Thailand.

We are now in Chiang Mai, another familiar place. We have been to the dentist, had Thai massages, ate Green Curry and sweet pineapples.

DNews 425 DX Group

3D2    - Jim, W8ERI will be active as  3D2ZF  from  Taveuni  (OC-016),  Fiji
       Islands on 17-23 February. He will operate  SSB  on  80-10  metres.
       QSL via W8ERI. [TNX The Daily DX]
3V     - Alfredo,  IK7JWX   and  several  other  operators  (I8LWL,  IK2DUW,
       IK6JRI, IK8GQY, IK8TEM,  IS0AGY,  IW2NLC,  KF5EYY,  3V8ESG,  3V8SA,
       3V8SF and 3V8ST) will be active on all bands  and  modes  as  TS8TI
       from Djerba Island (AF-083) between 29 April and  6  May.  QSL  via
       IK2DUW. [TNX IK7JWX]
A6     - Alex, SQ9UM will be active as A6/SQ9UM on 16-22 February.  He  will
       operate mainly CW and  RTTY,  with  some  SSB  and  PSK,  on  40-10
       metres. QSL via home call. [TNX SQ9UM]
CE     - Manuel, CE2UNE will be active  as  XR2BH  from  the  lighthouse  at
       Caleta  Hornilla  (Puerto  Aldea)  on  20-24  February,   including
       participation in  the  South  American  Lighthouses  Weekend.  [TNX
       CE3FZL]
CN     - EA5CP, EA5YU and EA9BLJ are active as 5C5T from  Morocco  until  18
       February, including a Multi-Single LP  entry  in  the  ARRL  DX  CW
       Contest. QSL via EA5YU. [TNX NG3K]
CT9    - Once again Rosel, DL3KWR  and  Hardy,  DL3KWF  will  be  active  as
       CT9/DL3KWR and CT9/DL3KWF from Madeira (AF-014) from 7 March  to  3
       April. They plan to operate mostly in CW and digital modes  with  a
       focus on 12,  17  and  30  metres.  QSL  via  home  calls.  E-.mail
       requests for bureau  cards  can  be  sent  to  dl3kwr[@]darc.de  or
       dl3kwf[@]darc.de respectively. [TNX DL3KWR]
CX     - A team from Radiogrupo Sur (www.radiogruposur.org) will  be  active
       on all bands and modes as CV5A  from  Flores  Island  (SA-030)  and
       lighthouse on 21-24 February. QSL via  CX2ABC,  direct  only.  [TNX
       rsgbiota.org]
ES     - Celebrating the 95th anniversary of the Estonian Republic, a  large
       number of callsigns with special prefix ES95 will  be  active  from
       15 February to 3 March. Information on the relevant award  will  be
       published  on  the  Estonian  Radio  Amateurs    Union's    website
       (www.erau.ee). [TNX ES2TI]
F      - A team from the Lanester Amateur Radio Club (F6KPQ) will be  active
       on all bands and modes as TM2BI from Belle-Ile-en-Mer  (EU-048)  on
       24-31 July,  IOTA  Contest  included.  QSL  via  F6KPQ,  direct  or
       bureau. [TNX F4FFZ]
FO_ci  - Announced frequencies for the TX5K DXpedition to Clipperton  Island
       [425DXN 1136] are:
       CW   1833  3523  7023  10103  14033  18083  21033  24903  28033
       SSB    -   3785  7185    -    14185  18165  21285  24975  28515
       RTTY   -     -     -   10137  14087  18097    -      -      -
       The team expects to arrive  at Clipperton  on 28 February.  It will
       take  at least  one day  to  land and get  the camp set  up, so QRV
       should not  be expected before  1 March.  Bookmark www.tx5k.org for
       updates.
FR     - A group of FR operators will be active as TO1PF from  Piton  de  la
       Fournaise, a 2600m high volcano  on  Reunion  Island  (AF-016),  on
       23-24 February, 11-12 May and 3-4 August. QSL via FR1GZ.
H4     - Phil, G3SWH and Jim, G3RTE will be active as H44KW from Guadalcanal
       (OC-047), Solomon Islands on 18-28  February  [425DXN  1117].  They
       will operate CW only on 80-10 metres: "please  make  only  one  QSO
       per band", they say. "Duplicate QSOs will not be  logged".  Subject
       to a reliable Internet connection, they  will  upload  the  log  to
       Clublog and  www.g3swh.org.uk  on  a  daily  basis.  Otherwise  the
       complete log will be uploaded after the expedition. QSL via  G3SWH,
       direct or bureau (OQRS for both direct and bureau cards  on  Phil's
       website). The log will be uploaded to  LoTW  as  soon  as  possible
       after they return home. [TNX G3SWH]
HL     - Rocky, HL1VAU is staying on Kanghwa Island (AS-105) until  the  end
       of February. He is on a business trip and will operate  on  the  HF
       bands mainly CW as HL1VAU/2. QSL via home call. [TNX HL1VAU]
IS0    - Special stations II0IDP from Cagliari (EU-024, QSL via IS0IGV)  and
       II0ICH  from  La  Maddalena  (EU-041,  QSL  via  IM0QMA)  -    both
       representing former coast radio stations  of  the  Italian  Navy  -
       will be active on 2-17 March  for  the  7th  Italian  Navy  Coastal
       Radio Stations Award (www.assoradiomarinai.it). [TNX IS0IGV]
J8     - Mike, VA3MW will be active as J8/VA3MW from the  island  of  Bequia
       (NA-025) on 15-19 February. He  plans  to  be  QRV  on  20  and  15
       metres. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX VA3RJ]
PA     - Look for  Marcel,  PD5MVH/p  to  be  active  from  Vlieland  Island
       (EU-038) on 2-16 March. He will  operate  SSB  on  40,  20  and  10
       metres. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX PD5MVH]
PJ4    - Kazik, SP6AXW and Janusz, SP9FIH will be active on 160-6 metres  as
       PJ4/SP6AXW and PJ4/SP9FIH from Bonaire (SA-006) on 8-20 April.  QSL
       via  SP9FIH.  Logsearch  and  further information  can be found  on
       www.pj4-dxpedition.com [TNX SP9FIH]
PY     - Marcelo, PY2FN will be active as PY2FN/p  from  the  lighthouse  at
       Ponta da Sela on Sao Sebastiao Island (SA-028) on  22-25  February.
       He plans to operate CW only on 40-6 metres and  to  participate  in
       the South American Lighthouses Weekend. QSL via home  call,  direct
       or bureau.
V3     - Lee, N8LJ will be active as V31LJ from Placencia,  Belize  from  27
       February to 6 March. QSL via K8ESQ and LoTW.
V3     - Hernan V31HU, Ismael V31NV (XE1AY) and Enrique V32EE  (XE2AA)  will
       be active from Twin Cayes, South  Water  Cay  (NA-180),  Belize  on
       6-12 April. They plan to operate on the HF bands and 6 metres.  QSL
       via IT9EJW.
V4     - Once  again  John, W5JON will  be  active  as  V47JA from St. Kitts
       (NA-104)from 20 February to 21 March.  He will operate SSB on  80-6
       metres, and will  participate  in the ARRL DX SSB  Contest. QSL via
       W5JON and LoTW. [TNX W5JON]
V6     - Mike, WB7DXA will be active as V63DXA from  Micronesia  between  21
       February and 21 March. He plans to  operate  from  Kosrae  (OC-059)
       "for about a week", then hopefully from IOTA  group  OC-226  (Mokil
       and Pingelap Atolls, "but it all depends on WX and other  factors")
       and finally from Pohnpei (OC-010). Main activity is expected on  20
       metres SSB, possibly with some CW. QSL via home  call,  direct  and
       bureau, and LoTW. [TNX OPDX Bulletin]
VP2M   - Jack, KB8RJ (VP2MRS) and Crissie, WD8KUR (VP2MUR)  will  be  active
       from Montserrat (NA-103) from 20 February to 14  March.  They  will
       operate holiday style on 80-10 metres, mainly SSB with some  PSK31.
       QSL via KB8RJ.
W      - Members of the Palos Verdes ARC will operate as K6PV/6  from  Santa
       Catalina Island (NA-066) on 20-24 February. They plan  to  run  two
       stations on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres,  possibily  also  on
       17, 12 and 6 metres. Main activity will be on SSB,  but  they  will
       be able to work CW, RTYY and PSK31 as  well.  QSL  via  K6PV.  [TNX
       rsgbiota.org]
XE     - Ismael XE1AY, Benjamin XE1AU,  Armando  XE1CIC  and  Enrique  XE2AA
       will be active as XF2E from  Isla  de  Venados  (NA-171)  on  21-26
       April. They will be QRV on the HF  bands  and  6  metres.  QSL  via
       IT9EJW.
XT     - JA3VWT  (XT2VWT),  JH3AEF  (XT2AEF),  JA3IVU  (XT2IVU)  and  JA1CJA
       (XT2CJA) will be active from Burkina Faso from  22  February  to  2
       March. They will  operate  SSB,  CW  and  digital  modes  on  80-10
       metres. QSL via home calls. [TNX The Daily DX]
YB     - Ucok YB6AR, Adhi YB3MM, Budi YF1AR and Evendi YC6EI will be  active
       as YE6A from Rondo Island (OC-245) on 9-17 March. QSL  via  IZ8CCW.
       They have a website at www.mdxc.org/oc-245/
YO     - Special  event   callsign  YO2013EYOWF  will  be  active  on  15-24
       February for the European Youth Olympic Winter Festival to be  held
       in Brasov, Romania. Expect activity on 80-10  metres  SSB,  CW  and
       digital modes. QSL via YO6MP. Information  on  the  relevant  award
       can be found at www.qrz.com/db/YO2013EYOWF
Z8     - Ken, K4ZW will be active again as Z81Z from Juba, South Sudan  from
       25 February to 6 March. He plans to be QRV  on  the  low  bands  as
       time permits. QSL via home call. [TNX The Daily DX]


3D2C ---> The International DX Association has been given  the  first  video
of the Conway Reef DXpedition (3D2C) from September  2012.  This  25  minute
video is on the INDEXA web  site  (www.indexa.org)  and  can  be  viewed  by
clicking on the "DXpedition Videos" tab. [TNX K4MQG]

ANTARCTIC ACTIVITY WEEK ---> The Worldwide Antarctic Program  has  announced
that the 10th Antarctic Activity Week will be held from 18 to  24  February.
The aim of this annual  event  is  to  promote  worldwide  interest  in  the
Antarctic continent. Special callsigns  (QSL  via  operator's  instructions)
are expected  to  be  aired  during  this  year's  AAW  from  the  following
countries:
Australia        VK2ANT
Bulgaria         LZ10ANT
Canada           VA3WAP, VA7AAW
France           TM10AAW, TM10WAP
India            AT3ANT
Italy            II2ANT, II5ANT, IO5ANT, IO5SP, IP2ANT, IP8AAW, IR0WAP,
               IR1ANT, IR1SP, IR7WAP
Poland           HF0A
Romania          YQ0ANT, YQ8ANT
Spain            AO1ICE, AO4HAG, AO7WAP, EG1WAA
Switzerland      HB9ICE
The Netherlands  PA6ANT, PF13ANT
USA              K0ANT, K4A, K4K, N6A
Complete information on the AAW can be found at www.waponline.it

CO8DM & LOTW ---> Doug, CO8DM is converting his paper logs  into  electronic
format and uploads them to LoTW. This is an error-prone exercise, so if  you
cannot find a match on LoTW, please email your QSO data to Doug for  him  to
correct any error. [TNX CO8DM]

DXCC NEWS ---> The following operations have been approved for DXCC credit: 5X8C (Uganda, current operation), T6BP  (Afghanistan,  operation  commencing
in 2011), T6TJ (Afghanistan, operation commencing in 2012),  Z81A  and  Z81D
(Republic of South Sudan, current operations commencing in 2012).

IOTA NEWS ---> The following operations in the period  October  2012/January
2013 have provided acceptable validation  and  are  therefore  approved  for
IOTA credit: RA4HKM/0 (AS-025), C6AVA (NA-048 & NA-054),  YB4IR/5  (OC-075),
L22D (SA-022) and LU6W (SA-096). SA-096 is now confirmed  as  a  valid  IOTA
group. [TNX G3KMA]

LIGHTHOUSE WEEKEND ---> The fifth South American  Lighthouses  Weekend  will
be held on 22-24 February. Details, including  a  listing  of  partecipating
stations, can be found at www.grupodxbb.com.ar/faros2013/index.htm

QSL VIA F5OZC ---> Alain, F5OZC   has  logs  and  cards  for  the  following
operations by F8DQZ: 3XD02 & 3XD02/p (AF-051, April 2003), J5UAT  &  J5UAT/p
(AF-020, April-May 2003), 3XDQZ/p (April 2004, the first  and  so  far  only
operation from IOTA group AF-096) and F8DQZ/p  (EU-105,  August  2004).  QSL
direct only to Alain Rebondy, 4

DX Calendar 425 Group 18 Feb 2013

PERIOD           CALL                                                   REF
till  16/02      T47RRC: Coco Island (NA-086)                          1136
till  17/02      FM/R5GA and TO5X: Martinique (NA-107)                 1136
till  17/02      K5KUA/5: Galveston Island (NA-143)                    1135
till  17/02      YB6AR/p and others: Pulau Bunta (OC-245)              1135
till  18/02      5C5T: Morocco                                         1137
till  18/02      5X8C: Uganda                                          1133
till  18/02      HS0ZJF/8: Koh Samui (AS-101)                          1129
till  18/02      OE2013: special prefix                                1131
till  18/02      VK4NM/p: Fraser Island (OC-142)                       1133
till  19/02      J8/VA3MW: Bequia Island (NA-025)                      1137
till  20/02      PJ2/K9KM, PJ2/K9QVB, PJ2/N0VD: Curacao (SA-099)       1136
till  20/02      PJ2/NP2L, PJ2/W9NJY, PJ2/W9VA, PJ2DX: Curacao (SA-099)1136
till  20/02      VP2ME: Montserrat (NA-103)                            1136
till  20/02      ZK3T: Tokelau (OC-048)                                1135
till  21/02      3D2RX and 3D2RO: Rotuma (OC-060)                      1134
till  21/02      C6ABB: Nassau (NA-001)                                1135
till  21/02      VP5/K0UU and VQ5RP: Grand Turk Island (NA-003)        1135
till  23/02      9U4U: Burundi                                         1131
till  23/02      A35WH: Tongatapu (OC-049), Tonga                      1133
till  23/02      V63ZM: Micronesia                                     1135
till  24/02      YO2013EYOWF: special event callsign                   1137
till  27/02      WA2USA/4: St. George Island (NA-085)                  1131
till  28/02      5H1Z: Zanzibar Island (AF-032)                        1133
till  28/02      HL1VAU/2: Kanghwa Island (AS-105)                     1137
till  28/02      LY16W: special callsign                               1135
till  28/02      PF100ZOO: special callsign                            1134
till  02/03      J52HF: Guinea-Bissau                                  1135
till  03/03      5W0W: Samoa (OC-097)                                  1127
till  03/03      ES95: special callsigns                               1137
till  08/03      J38RF: Grenada (NA-024)                               1135
till  09/03      4S7KKG: Sri Lanka (AS-003)                            1121
till  09/03      HC2/RC5A and HC2/RA1AGL: Ecuador                      1135
till  10/03      6W2SC: Senegal                                        1132
till  10/03      J5UAP: Guinea-Bissau                                  1132
till  11/03      J88DR: St Vincent (NA-109)                            1135
till  15/03      5V7JD: Togo                                           1135
till  18/03      XU7ACQ: Cambodia                                      1135
till  22/03      PJ2/PA0VDV: Curacao (SA-099)                          1135
till  25/03      FG/F6ITD: La Desirade, Guadeloupe (NA-102)            1134
till  31/03      HG66MALEV: special station                            1135
till  01/04      HK3JCL: Colombia                                      1133
till  11/04      JX9JKA: Jan Mayen (EU-022)                            1024
till  15/04      JG8NQJ/JD1: Minami Torishima (OC-073)                 1132
till  May        9G5MS: Ghana                                          1134
till  October    T6MH: Afghanistan                                     1125
till  31/12      DL50FRANCE: special station                           1131
till  31/12      EI13CLAN: special callsign                            1130
till  31/12      Gx100C: special callsign                              1134
till  31/12      Gx100RSGB: special callsigns                          1130
till  31/12      HA30S: special callsign                               1136
till  31/12      HB30OK: special callsign                              1130
till  31/12      OU1RAEM: special callsign                             1130
till  31/12      RI1ANP: Progress Station (Antarctica)                 1132
till  31/12      S5300TP: special callsign                             1130
till  31/12      Z320RSM and Z320A-Z320Z: special callsigns            1130
till  Feb 2014   VK0JJJ: Mawson station (Antarctica)                   1135
till  Feb 2014   ZS7V: SANAE IV station (Antarctica)                   1136
16/02            9M4CNY: Penang Island (AS-015)                        1135
16/02-22/02      A6/SQ9UM: United Arab Emirates                        1137
16/02-23/02      KG4KL: Guantanamo Bay (NA-015)                        1136
16/02-18/02      T46RRC and T46T: Santa Maria Island (NA-204)          1136
16/02-25/02      XV2DLH: Vietnam                                       1136
17/02-23/02      3D2ZF: Taveuni (OC-016), Fiji Islands                 1137
17/02-01/03      KG4WV: Guantanamo Bay (NA-015)                        1136
17/02-03/03      TO22C: Guadeloupe (NA-102)                            1136
18/02-28/02      H44KW: Guadalcanal (OC-047), Solomon Islands          1137
20/02-24/02      K6PV/6: Santa Catalina Island (NA-066)                1137
20/02-02/03      HS0ZJF/9: Koh Butang (AS-126)                         1129
20/02-21/03      V47JA: St. Kitts (NA-104)                             1137
20/02-14/03      VP2MRS and VP2MUR: Montserrat (NA-103)                1137
20/02-24/02      XR2BH: Caleta Hornilla lighthouse                     1137
21/02-24/02      CV5A: Flores Island (SA-030)                          1137
21/02-21/03      V63DXA: Micronesia (OC-059, OC-226, OC-010)           1137
21/02-06/03      XT2TT: Burkina Faso                                   1135
22/02-25/02      PY2FN/p: Sao Sebastiao Island (SA-028)                1137
22/02-02/03      XT2VWT, XT2AEF, XT2IVU, XT2CJA: Burkina Faso          1137
23/02-24/02      TO1PF: Reunion Island (AF-016)                        1137
24/02-02/03      A35WH/p: Vava'u (OC-064), Tonga                       1133
25/02-06/03      Z81Z: South Sudan                                     1137
27/02-06/03      V31LJ: Belize                                         1137
28/02-10/03      TX5K: Clipperton Island (NA-011)                      1137
February         6V2R: Senegal                                         1135
February         J5NAR: Guinea Bissau                                  1135
February         ST2SF: Sudan                                          1131
February         T6LG: Afghanistan                                     1111
01/03-08/03      9M6/N6MUF: East Malaysia                              1132
02/03-17/03      II0IDP: special station (Sardinia, EU-024)            1137
02/03-17/03      II0ICH: special station (Maddalena Island, EU-041)    1137
02/03-16/03      PD5MVH/p: Vlieland Island (EU-038)                    1137
07/03-03/04      CT9/DL3KWR and CT9/DL3KWF: Madeira (AF-014)           1137
08/03-25/03      H44G: Guadalcanal (OC-047), Solomon Islands           1123
09/03-17/03      YE6A: Rondo Island (OC-245)                           1137
10/03-18/03      9M4SLL: Spratly Islands (AS-051)                      1132
12/03-23/03      H40T: Nendo Island (OC-100), Temotu Province          1123
12/03-23/03      T2GM: Tuvalu (OC-015)                                 1135
30/03-13/04      VK9C/GM2MP: Cocos-Keeling Islands (OC-003)            1133
March            HR5/F2JD: Honduras                                    1131
March            ST2SF: Sudan                                          1131
04/04-18/04      5W0M: Samoa (OC-097)                                  1125
08/04-20/04      PJ4/SP6AXW and PJ4/SP9FIH: Bonaire (SA-006)           1137
06/04-12/04      V31HU, V31NV, V32EE: Twin Cayes (NA-180)              1137
21/04-26/04      XF2E: Isla de Venados (NA-171)                        1137
29/04-06/05      TS8TI: Djerba Island (AF-083)                         1137
April            HR5/F2JD: Honduras                                    1131
April            ST2SF: Sudan                                          1131
03/05-12/05      VK9NT: Norfolk Island (OC-005)                        1135
11/05-12/05      TO1PF: Reunion Island (AF-016)                        1137
May              HR5/F2JD: Honduras                                    1131
May              ZS8: Marion Island (AF-021)                           1136
01/07-31/07      TC150RC: special callsign                             1133
24/07-31/07      TM2BI: Belle-Ile-en-Mer (EU-048)                      1137
03/08-04/08      TO1PF: Reunion Island (AF-016)                        1137