OPDX Bulletin 1346 January 8, 2018

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 1346
BID: $OPDX.1346
January 8, 2018
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio)
Written and Sent from Strongsville, Ohio

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network, K1RV, NJ1Q & W1AW, WO2N, K3LR, NG3K & ADXO, W3UR & The Daily DX, AA4NC, WB6RSE, NN7A, K8CX, K8GI, K8YSE, W8GEX & 60m DX News, K8EL, K9MM, CX3AL, DL1SBF, DL7UXG & The DX News Letter, DxCoffee.com, DXNews.com, DX.Today, DX-World.Net, ES1CW, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, HL1VAU, I1JQJ/ IK1ADH & 425 DX News, I2MQP & DX Italia News, ON7TQ, OZ6OM & 50 MHz DX News, Pete Rayer & ISWL, PG5M, Sixitalia Weekly, and VA3RJ & ICPO for the following DX information.

SPECIAL NOTE FROM EDITOR (Tedd, KB8NW)
First off, I would like to thank the many individuals who sent me condolences on the unexpected passing of my step-mother. They were comforting during this time, especialy during the holiday.

Secondly, since I did not have an OPDX issued during New Years, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Years and let's hope 2018 is a much better year than last year.... 73 de Tedd KB8NW

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 31st/December, through Sunday, 7th/January there were 222 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4U1I, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5V, 5W, 5X, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9V, 9X, 9Y, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, C5, C9, CE, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D4, D6, DL, DU, E4, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, F, FG, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FS, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HH, HI, HK, HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J5, J6, J7, J8, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JX, 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, PJ4, PJ5, PJ7, PY, PY0F, PZ, S0, S5, SM, SP, SU, SV, SV/a, SV5, SV9, T5, T7, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TR, TU, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V3, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9L, VK9N, VP2E, VP2M, VP5, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XW, XX9, YA, YB, YI, YK, YL, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, 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".

2017 DX SOUND BITES! Tom, K8CX, has done it again. He has provided DXers
with 118 memorable rare DX sound clips (now in MP3 format) from 2017.
Visit Tom's famous "HAM GALLERY" Web site at: http://hamgallery.com/dx2017
While there, also check out some of the other features on his Web page,
such as: 20 years of "Rare DX Sound Clips" of the past (as well as some
clips from the 1960's and 1970's), QSL Card Museum, Dayton Photo Galleries
and Tribute to Silent Key Ham Operators. Tom states, "If anyone has any
old HF recordings, I would be interested in hearing from them." (especially
sound clips pre-1998 to add to the site) His E-mail address is: 
 k8cx@hamgallery.com


3B7A ST. BRANDON ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS. The dates for the 3B7A DXpedition
to St. Brandon Islands (AF-015) have been announced -- April 5-17th. Look
for 8 operators (listed in OPDX.1330) to be active on 160-10 meters using
CW, SSB and RTTY, with five stations on the air. QSL via F5CWU (direct
or by the Bureau), ClubLog's OQRS or LoTW. For more information, see:
 http://www.saintbrandondx.com


3W, VIETNAM. Trung, W6TN, is now active as 3W9T throughout Vietnam until
January 11th. Activity will be on 40/20 meters CW. QSL via his home
callsign.


3Y0Z BOUVET DXPEDITION NEWS (Posted December 28th). "All Dressed Up and
a Place to Go -- Here she is, the Betanzos (see URL below), the ship on
which we will begin our journey to Bouvet in just over two weeks. It's
been a busy year for this vessel. She's been pulled from the water,
inspected, refurbished and remodeled stem to stern to prepare her for
new life as an Antarctic support vessel, and for our expedition to Bouvet.
 During her previous life in commercial fishing, she was at sea for
months at a time. Her captain of 8 years is still with her, and knows
the Southern Ocean, the ice and his ship very well. Beneath that new
coat of paint lies a rugged vessel manned by an able crew. We'll climb
aboard on January 13, 2018 to begin our voyage to Bouvet.
 http://www.bouvetdx.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Betanzos-New-2.jpg


5W20, SAMOA. To celebrate his 20th anniversary for being on the air,
look for Atsu, 5W1SA, to be active as 5W20SAMOA throughout 2018 on HF
and 6 meters. He has been on Samoa (OC-097) since 1998 and has logged
approximately 100K QSOs. QSL via LoTW (preferred), eQSL after confirm
LoTW or ClubLog's OQRS. Atsu states (about paper QSLs), "After 20 years
operating and living in Samoa, there is not enough budget available for
QSL card printing. If anyone offers me part of cost or actual printed
card, please contact myself or my QSL manager JA1DXA (Katsu) for arrange-
ment."


60 METERS NEWS. Vlada, OK1IVU, reports that radio amateur from the Czech
Republic, as of January 1st, are now allowed 60m band access to the WRC-15
60m amateur secondary allocation of 5351.5 ­ 5366.5 kHz under ITU Footnote
5.133B - i.e. with 15W EIRP. 


6K23/DS23/HL23, SOUTH KOREA (Special Event). The Central Radio Manage-
ment Office (CRMO), the Korean Spectrum Management organization, sent
an official letter to Korea Amateur Radio League (KARL) on December 19th,
informing them that they would approve the amateur radio station special
callsigns to promote and support the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic
Games. According to the official letter, all authorized amateur radio
stations in the Republic of Korea will be able to change their area
number in the prefix to "23" between January 1st and February 28th.


 Their instructions and suggestions are as follows:
 * HL1XXX --> HL23XXX
 * DS1XXX, DS2XXX .... DS5XXX --> DS23XXX/1, DS23XXX/2 .... DS23XXX/5
 * Whole club stations (Area number 0) like HL0XX, DS0XX, 6K0XX etc.,
 --> HL23XX, DS23XXX, 6K23XX


 For example, HL0HQ can be operated as HL23HQ, HL1VAU as HL23VAU, DS4NYE
 as DS23NYE/4, and D70LW as D723LW.


 The already announced HL0WOP and DT23WOP will continue to operate until
February 28th. Don't be surprised if you encounter these callsigns on
the air or DXclusters, and they hope all their radio friends around the
world be able to get many QSOs with these special event stations.


6O, SOMALIA. Operators Ken/LA7GIA and Adrian/KO8SCA continue to be active
as 6O6O from Somalia until January 16th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters
using CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8. They seem to have Internet access available
at their site because they are posting QSOs to ClubLog and LoTW. Paper
QSL cards are via M0OXO and his OQRS. 
 JUST A REMINDER: Adrian informs OPDX that Somalia is a country ravaged
by poverty and war, but it is slowly returning to normal. Their DXpedition
will also have a humanitarian aspect. Both Ken and Adrian will pay for all
the DXpedition expenses. All money raised during the DXpedition will go to
the not-for-profit Doctors Without Borders (DWOB) [see the following Web
page <(http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org>] which recently returned to
Somalia 
after an absence of a few years. They have also set up a dedicated PayPal
address for these donations <6o6o@la7gia.com>. Closing date for donations
is February 1st, 2018, when donations will be wire transferred to DWOB.
9Z4, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO. Thomas, DL9OBQ, is now active as 9Z4/DL9OBQ
from Saint Augustine, Trinidad Island (SA-011), until February 7th, 2018.
Activity will be on 30/17/15 meters using mostly CW. QSL via his home
callsign by the Bureau.


6Y, JAMAICA (Reminder/Update). Members of the JA3 DX Vacation Group will
be active as 6Y6J from Southfield at Josh's, 6Y5WJ, St. Elizabeth QTH
between January 11-22nd. Operators mentioned are Shozo/JA3HJI, Tsuguya/
JA3UJR, Kunio/JH3LSS, Munekazu/JI3DNN and Masumi/JA3AVO. Activity will
be on 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via JA3AVO,
direct, by the Bureau, LoTW or ClubLog's OQRS. They have a Web page up
at: http://ja3avo.jp/6y6j.htm


6Y, JAMAICA. Yuri, VE3DZ, is once again active as 6Y2T from Jamaica
(NA-097) between February 13-20th. Activity will include the ARRL
International DX CW Contest (February 17-18th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/
High-Power entry. Operations outside of the contest will be on 160-10
meters, including the 30/17/12 meter bands and using CW, SSB and RTTY.
QSL via VE3DZ.


9Y4, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ISLANDS. Operators Anna/W6NN and Rich/KE1B will
be active as 9Y4/W6NN and 9Y4/KE1B, respectively, from Tobago Island
(SA-009) between March 18-31st. Activity will be on 40-10 meters using
CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK. They also plan to be in the CQWW WPX SSB Contest
(March 24-25th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL 9Y4/W6NN via W6NN or LoTW.
QSL 9Y4/KE1B via KE1B or LoTW.


A5, BHUTAN. Pat, N2IEN, is now active as A52PD from Bhutan until January
14th. He is expected to be moving around the country with a FT-991A, a
TWA and Buddipole. Activity will be on various HF bands using mostly CW
and the Digital modes. Pat states, "I will try to do 80 meters, but may
depend on the situation at each QTH." QSL via NR6M, direct or LoTW.


A7, QATAR. Look for Alain, F6BFH, to be active as A7/F6BFH until January
12th. Activity will be on various HF bands. QSL via F6BFH.


C8, MOZAMBIQUE (IOTA Op). Operators Johannes/PA5X (C93PA) and Gerben/PG5M
will be active as C8X and C81G, respectively, from Ibu Island, Mozambique,
between January 28th and February 4th. Ibu Island is in the Cabo Delgado
District IOTA group and counts for AF-061. Activity will be on 80-10
meters, including 60 meters and using modes CW, SSB and FT8. Equipment
will be FT-5000 and Elecraft K3, Acom1010 and Expert 1.3K-FA, 5-band
Hexbeam with pentaplexer, 40/60/80m verticals and 30m VDA. They will
upload logs several times a day (internet permitting) to ClubLog (the
preferred method). QSL C8X via PA5X, and C81G via PG5M or his OQRS at
.


C8, MOZAMBIQUE. The Belgian Lions DX-Team (OT8T) are proud to announce
their new adventure/DXpedition to Mozambique between May 2-15th. Their
planning has been completed, and the preparations are well advanced.
The location is ready for them and their flight tickets have been booked.
The team of 14 operators has been selected and are all hungry to work
the pile-ups! Their callsign and full license has arrived and it is C8T.
Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and possibly other
Digital modes (PSK, FT8). The team will also do 2m-EME(ATNO) and 60m(ATNO).
They have the permission to do 60m by the IARU-Region1-bandplan(15W EIRP).
Their setup will consist of 4 stations operating 24/7 and a fifth station
for 2m EME and extra Digi-modes on all bands. Operators mentioned are
Kurt/ON8KW (Team Leader), Roger/ON7TQ (Co-leader), Bruno/CS8ABG (Co-leader),
Paulo/CU2CO, Emil/DL8JJ, Ron/ON1DX, Philippe/ON4ACP, Marc/ON4AMX, Erik/
ON4CCV, Olivier/ON4EI (EI8GQB/EI1A), Herman/ON4QX, Ivo/ON5CD, Cis/ON6LY
and Franky/ON7RU. QSL route TBD, but ClubLog will be used. For more details
and updates, see: https://mozambique2018.wordpress.com
 https://youtu.be/STP0SN8HnvQ


C96/C98, MOZAMBIQUE (2 IOTA Op). Members of the Russian Robinson Club
(RRC) will be active as C96RRC (AF-088) and C98RRC (AF-066). Operators
mentioned are Vasily/R7AL, Vasily/RA1ZZ, Al/RZ3K and Vlad/RK8A. The
pilot station will be Victor, UA3AKO. Their tentative schedule is as
follows:
 April 29th-May 3rd - From Mozambique Island (AF-088) as C96RRC
 May 5-9th - From Inhaca Island (AF-066) as C98RRC


 Activity will be on 40/30/20/17/15/10 meters using CW, SSB and the
Digital modes. QSL via R7AL or ClubLog's OQRS (preferred). ADDED NOTE:
In 2018 the RRC is celebrating their 25th anniversary of "Russian Robinson
Club".


CE0Y, EASTER ISLANDS. Michael, DF8AN, will once again be active as
CE0Y/DF8AN from Easter Island (SA-001) between February 21-28th. Activity
will be on various HF bands using CW and the Digital modes. QSL via his
home callsign, direct, by the Bureau or eQSL. NO LoTW.


CN, MOROCCO. Operators Manfred/DK1BT, Wolf/DL4WK, Sigi/DL7DF and Frank/
DL7UFR will be active as CN2DF and CN2FR from Tahazout between February
13-20th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31,
with two stations on the air. Pilot for this DXpedition is Bernd, DF3CB.
QSL via DL7DF, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW (within 6 months after the
DXpedition). For more details and updates, see: http://www.dl7df.com/cn


CQ's 2017 DX MARATHON NEWS (Log Submission Deadline Approaches). John,
K9EL, DX Marathon Manager, reports: The deadline for submission of 2017
logs for CQ's annual DX Marathon is January 10th at 2359z. Information
on the Marathon and how to easily submit your log can be found at:
 http://www.dxmarathon.com


D6, COMOROS. Operators IK5BCM, IK5CBE and IK5CRH will be active as D68I
from Comoro Islands (AF-007) between January 28th and February 10th.
Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes.
QSL via IK5CRH.


DAYTON TOPBAND DINNER (29th Annual Event!). Tim Duffy, K3LR, reports:
[edited] Continuing the great Dayton TopBand dinner tradition that George/
K8GG and George/W8UVZ started, I am proud to announce the 29th Annual
Dayton TopBand dinner. Dinner reservations are now available for 2018!
 Friday evening May 18th, 2018, at the Crowne Plaza in the Presidential
Ballroom - downtown Dayton, Ohio. Top Band Social hour is at 6:00 PM and
Dinner starts at 7:00 PM. Come and have dinner with the guys you work on
160 meters and enjoy great TopBand discussions.
 I am proud to announce that our featured speaker will be Jerry Rosalius,
WB9Z. Jerry has worked and confirmed 316 countries and all 40 zones on the
Top Band. He is about to leave now to go to Bouvet Island 3Y0Z. You do not
want to miss his presentation.
 Dinner reservations are available online with credit cards and PayPal.
 Thanks to Teri, K8MNJ, for coordinating the TopBand Dinner.


 The 2018 Dayton TopBand Dinner details are here: http://topbanddinner.com
 Scroll down to make your reservations.


 Four nights of great Top Band, DX and Contesting hospitality are also
at the Crowne Plaza Contest Super Suite. 2018 info will be posted soon.
 http://contestsupersuite.com
 Slots are filling up fast at 2018 Dayton Contest University:
 http://contestuniversity.com
 2018 Contest Dinner reservations are open at: http://contestdinner.com


 If you enjoy having fun on the 160 meter band, the 29th Annual Top Band
 Dinner is for you!


 Hope to see you at the 2018 Dayton TopBand Dinner...
 73, Tim K3LR -- Dayton Top Band Dinner Chairman


DOWNUNDER DX NEWS (Free weekly DX Newsletter for Urban DXers). Nick,
VK2DX, reports, "Feel free to check it out at .
While the newsletter mainly focuses on JT modes, topic like IOTA and
general DXing are well covered. You are welcome to submit your DXCC/Zone/
WAS standings for our 'Who's Who..." rank list. Written by experienced
"Urban DXers" for fellow antenna restricted, noise polluted, unfriendly-
neighborhood urban DXers."


DXCC'S MOST WANTED (ClubLog). The "DXCC Most Wanted" entities list has
been updated on ClubLog as of December 31st. The list contain 339 entities
and the top 10 entities still remain the same and they were:
 1. P5 DPRK (North Korea) 6. CE0X San Felix Islands
 2. 3Y/B Bouvet Island 7. BV9P Pratas Island
 3. FT5/W Crozet Island 8. KH3 Johnston Island
 4. KH1 Baker Howland Islands 9. VK0M Macquarie Island
 5. BS7H Scarborough Reef 10. KH7K Kure Island
 The complete "DXCC Most Wanted" entities list is available at:
 https://secure.clublog.org/mostwanted.php


ERITREA 2018 DXPEDITION (Press Release). [edited] "E31A The FGC Radio
Team will active from Eritrea between 14-23 JAN 2018" -- Operators Zorro,
JH1AJT, will travel to Asmara, Eritrea, with Franz/DJ9ZB, Dima/RA9USU,
Yan/RZ3FW and Champ/E21EIC. They will be on CW, SSB and RTTY on 160m-6m.
Main purpose of this trip is to support the Eritrea National Olympic
Committee (E.N.O.C). The SEISA's group will "coordinate pre-game training
camp" for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and select students for a
scholarship program at the SEISA Kokusai Junior High School and University.
 QSL via JH1AJT: Y. Zorro Miyazawa
 P.O. Box 8 Oiso
 Naka-Gun Kanagawa 259-0111
 Japan
A OQRS will be available at ClubLog after his return to Japan.
Support : FGC - Foundation for Global Children 
http://www.fgc.or.jp/english/ 
 73 Champ, E21EIC
 FGC Radio Team


FK, NEW CALEDONIA. Alex, 5B4ALX/IZ4AMS, will bes active as FK/5B4ALX
from New Caledonia between March 20th and April 4th. Activity will be
on various HF bands (80-6m) using CW, SSB and RTTY. He will also be in
the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 24-25th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (15m)/
Low-Power entry. QSL via IZ4AMS and "NOT NOT NOT CYPRUS QSL BUREAU".
Also, ClubLog's OQRS. For more details and updates, see:
 http://www.5b4alx.cloud


HP, PANAMA (Reminder/Update). Will, AA4NC, will be active as HP1/AA4NC
from Panama between January 10-24th. He will be operating portable from
several different call areas in Panama. Activity will be holiday style
on 160-6 meters with 100 watts and wire antennas. Modes of operations
will include CW, SSB, RTTY and possibly other Digital modes. QSL via
AA4NC, direct (w/SASE) or LoTW.


HR, HONDURAS. Gerard, F2JD, will once again be active as HR5/F2JD from
Copan Ruinas, Honduras, between February 15th and May 10th. Activity
will be on various HF bands using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via F6AJA, direct
or via the French REF Bureau. The log will be posted on:
 http://lesnouvellesdx.fr/voirlogs.php 


IOTA NEWS..............
 AS-053. John, ZB2JK, is active as HS0ZIQ from Phuket Island until
 January 10th. Activity will be on various HF bands. QSL via
 ZB2JK direct.


 NA-123. Jim, W2JHP, is once again active as V31TA from Turneffe Atoll,
 Belize, until January 10th. Activity will be limited but will
 be on various HF bands using SSB and maybe some Digital modes.
 He is using 100 watts and a wire in a palm tree. QSL via EA5GL,
 direct, LoTW or eQSL.


 NA-143. Gary, N5PHT, is now active from Galveston Island until January
 14th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters (possibly 80m) using
 CW only.


 OC-016. (Reminder) Jim, WB2TJO, will once again be active as 3D2JS
 from Taveuni Island, Fiji, between early January and the middle
 of March. Activity will be on 40-15 meters using CW, SSB and
 the Digital modes. The rig will be an ICOM 706 MK IIG with
 an MFJ 971 manual tuner. QSL via his home callsign.


 OC-022. Emmanuel, F5LIT, will once again be active as YB9/F5LIT from
 Bali Island between January 30th and February 10th. Activity
 will be on 20/17/15 meters using SSB. QSL via his home call-
 sign, direct or LoTW. No Bureau QSLs.


 OC-077. Uli, DL2AH, has announced that he will be active as WH8/DL2AH
 from Ofu Island, American Samoa, between October 2-29th.
 Activity will be on 80-10 meters using SSB, RTTY and FT8,
 with an Icom 7300 into a WINDOM antenna. He will take part
 in different contests (VK-ZL Oceania, WAG, CQWW). QSL via
 his home callsign direct. More details will be forthcoming.


 OC-244. A group of Philippine operators will be active as DU0DM from
 Corregidor Island between January 13-14th. Operators mentioned
 are "MJ"/4G1ABT, Brian/DU1MS, Audie/DV1ZDR, DV1ZDQ, P'Jay/DV1YZD,
 Bert/DW1QRZ, Herbert/DW1XNG, Alex/DU1YMD, Joel/DU1YLR and
 Noel/DU1XRF. Activity will be on 40/20/15/10 meters using CW,
 SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via DU1MS direct.


 PLEASE NOTE: Since the Webmasters of the new  have
 decided NOT to post or dedicate a Web page to announce upcoming IOTA
 operations, PLEASE send your IOTA operations information to the OPDX
 and we will post it here in an upcoming bulletin......


ISWL CALLSIGNS (For January). The following ISWL club callsigns will be
used throughout the month of January:
 GX4BJC/A - Operated from Clacton on Sea, in Essex, by George, G1IPU
 (/A WAB Square TM11 - England, IOTA EU-005, WLOTA 1841).
 MX1SWL/A - Operated from Seckington, in Staffordshire, by Geoff, M1EDF
 (/A WAB Square SK20 - England, IOTA EU-005, WLOTA 1841).


 ALL QSLs will be handled by Herbie, G6XOU - The QSL Manager and NOT
the individual operator. 
 The I.S.W.L. is a member of the European PSK Club. All QSL info is on
 or  or  or via .
NO LoTW.
 I.S.W.L. Awards are available to all Hams and SWLs, see 
for full details. eQSL.cc cards ARE welcomed for their awards.


J3, GRENADA. Nobby, G0VJG, will be active as J3/G0VJG (pending) from
Grenada (NA-024) between June 13-27th. Activity will be on various HF
bands as well as 6 meters using SSB. QSL via G4DFI.


KM1, UNITED STATES (Rare Grid). Operators Pi/K1RV, Barbara/N1NS, Rick/N1DC,
Martin/N1VH, Henry/K1WCC and possibly others will activate the rare grid
FN51 (inside the large Coast Guard Building - Coast Guard Beach) on
January 18-19th, for the 2018 ARRL International Grid Chase! Activity
will be on all HF bands using CW, SSB and possibly FT-8. Logs will be
uploaded to LoTW. For more details on the ARRL International Grid Chase,
see: http://www.arrl.org/news/announcing-the-arrl-international-grid-chase 


OA, PERU. Dave, WJ2O, will be active as OA4/WJ2O from Peru between February
13-21st. Activity will include the ARRL International DX CW Contest
(February 17-18th) as a Single-Op/All-Bands/Low-Power entry. Operations
outside of the contest will be on the 30/17/12 meters. QSL via LoTW.


PJ2, CURACAO. Joeke, PA0VDV, will once again be active as PJ2/PA0VDV
from Curacao (SA-099) between January 16th and February 8th. Activity
will be on 80-10 meters CW only. QSL via his home callsign, direct or
by the Bureau.


PROPAGATION FORECAST/REPORT (January 8-14th).......
 Jan/08th HN Jan/11th AN Jan/13th LN
 Jan/09th AN Jan/12th AN Jan/14th HN
 Jan/10th AN


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


 REALTIME BAND CONDITIONS WEB SITE :
 The purpose of this experimental Web site is to provide 24-7-365 actual
 (REALTIME) band condition information to CW QRPp, QRPe and CW/SSB for
 Contesters interested in increasing their scores. It can also be of
 benefit to other Radio Amateurs to determine band conditions for Nets
 and casual QSO's. This information is NOT based on any software pre-
 dictions or any kind of satellite based readings. It is based on a
 new Ionospheric sounding method called "HF Ionospheric Interferometry"
 which operates very similarly to the PolSAR system used by NASA.


 Also, check out the VOACAP predication Web page at:
 http://www.voacap.com/prediction.html
 A daily HF radio wave propagation forecast can be found at:
 https://www.facebook.com/thomasfranklingiellaw4hm
 Also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/@GiellaW4hm


QSL INFO AND NEWS...................
 QSL-INFO from DB0SDX by Lothar, DL1SBF (December 31st and January 7th)
 
 --------------------------------------------------------------------
 3Z0R via SP9SX EA8/DF9AE via DF9AE OH/DF1XC via DF1XC & (L)
 4T18PAX via OA4O EA8AH via OH1RY OH0Z via W0MM
 4U1GSC via 9A2AA EO25PA via UR3PA OR1Z via ON6IX (d/e)
 5P9Z/P via DL7UZO ER4DX via ER1FF OY1R via OY1R (d/L)
 5T1R via A92AA EX/HB9DUR via HB9DUR (d) PA/SP1MVG/P via SP1MVG
 5Z4FV via N3ZS FG/F6HYE via F6HYE PF2018LWD via PA0MBD & (L)
 6Y6Y via W8YCM (d) FM/DD0VR via DD0VR PJ7/UT6UD via UT6UD (d/L)
 9L1/KW4XJ via KW4XJ GB2KW via GB2KW (L/e) SM9A via DL1IAO
 9M2/R6AF via R6AF (O) H91IT via HP1RCP SN100PW via SP3ZAC
 9M2MRS via PA0RRS (d/L/C) HB0/DK3RED/P via DK3RED SN100ZHP via SP1ZZW
 9Z4/DL9OBQ via DL9OBQ HF100ZHP via SP6ZDA SN20UM via SQ9UM
 A52PD via NR6M & (L) HH2AA via NR6M & (L) SO4M via SP4MPG
 A70X via M0OXO (O) HK3JCL via DK8LRF TK/NZ1C via DD5ZZ
 A71/F6BFH/P via F6BFH HL23EIL via HL3EIL TM0CXX via F6FMT
 CT/HB9GIP via HB9GIP IT9/IU3BTY via IU3BTY TM6M via F4DXW (d)
 CT7/RC2A via RC2A J6/VP2EIH via VP2EIH (d) V5/DK7PE via DK7PE
 CU2DX via CU2AA & (L) K5K via N5KWD (d) V5/ZS1AO via DJ2HD
 CX7CO via EA5GL (d) LY2017XMAS via LY2QT V53DX via DO4DXA (O/L)
 D80MT via DS3EXX & (L) LZ140LO via LZ1ZF VI70HI via M0OXO (O)
 DA0AA via DJ9MH LZ1833PSS via LZ1KCP VK8NSB via M0URX (O)
 DK200MARX via DK5PZ LZ25TRC via LZ1YE W2T via W2ZQ
 DL/ON8WR via ON8WR N0E via K0FG W4/DJ8OG via DJ8OG
 DL0FFF via DL2RPS N4C via K3LU (d) W8/DJ4GX via DJ4GX (d)
 DL0IL via DO1BEN N4P via K3LU (d) Z33F via EB7DX
 DL1250BRET via DF9IK N4R via K3LU (d) ZA/IK2RLM via IK2RLM(e/L/**)
 DQ4L via DH3JF N4V via K3LU (d) ZL18HNY via ZL1SLO
 DR18WRD via M0SDV (O/L) N9N via W9BZW ZS4JAN via EA5GL (d/L)
 E709JAN via E77E (O/N) OD5ZZ via NI5DX (d) ZX8NO via PT2GTI
 EA7/PE1DMH via PE1DMH OG3R via OH3RU ZX8TI via PT2GTI
 (e) eQSL only (d) direct only (B) Bureau only (*-B) DX's- Bureau
 (O) OQRS only (C) ClubLog only (L) LoTW only (N) No QSL needed
 (I) No IRC (P) PayPal ** via IZ2LSP(d)


 LOGS ONLINE AT CLUBLOG.ORG THIS WEEK......
 https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/6O6O
 https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/A70X
 https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/PJ7/UT6UD
 https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/Z2LA


 CX3AL OLD QSOS UPLOAD TO LOTW. Leo, CX3AL, reports: "This is to inform
 the DX Community that I have uploaded to LoTW all hand written logs
 since 28th April 2006 till today for a total of 19K QSOs. Anyone that
 do not have a match and need my QSO confirmation please E-mail me with
 QSO data to check the log. During 2018 I will keep working to upload
 QSOs from 2001 till April 2006 (mostly 12 and 17 m QSOs). I keep all
 my hand written logs since 1970 (mostly CW QSOs). If anyone needs
 CX3AL LOTW confirmation for an old QSO just e-mail me too."


 OLD QSL COLLECTION (Update). Jean Michel, F6AJA, wants to remind every-
 one to visit the Les Nouvelles DX (LNDX) Web page to see more than
 15,300 old QSL cards in several different albums/galleries. This site
 contains:
 - The ten most wanted DXCC entities (2007 to 2016) with more than
 500 QSLs
 - At least one card for each 60 deleted DXCC countries (more than
 1800+ QSLs)
 - Nearest the totality of current prefixes, disappeared now (more
 than 5100+ QSLs)
 - Album for stations from North Africa 1945-1962 (400+ QSLs)
 - More than 950+ QSLs from the Antarctic bases.
 - With 270 QSLs from the TAAF (Terres Australes and Antarctiques
 Francaises).
 - More than 100 cards from Eparses Islands such as FR/B/E/G/J/T
 - More than 450 QSLs for the rare French Pacific Islands such as
 FK, FK/C, FO/C, FO/A, FO/M, FO/C and FW
 - The FG, FM, FP, FS, FY stations from 1945 to 1969
 - Commemoratives stations for ITU and IARU with more than 700 QSL.
 - More than 2500 cards for the old timer with more than 150 countries
 before 1945.
 - Cards from the French Department before 1945.
 - At least one card from each of the states in the U.S. before 1945.


 The URL address for the Web site is: http://LesNouvellesDX.free.fr
 Some cards are still needed for the collection, and your particip-
 ation is welcome. Only a ".jpg" file (both sides of the card) is required.
 Please visit the site and give them your comments by sending an E-mail
 to: LesNouvellesDX@free.fr


 QSLS RECEIVED VIA LoTW: 3C0L, 3C1L, 4X1QQ, 5T1A, 6O6O, 9H1CG, 9M2CNC,
 9U4M, 9Y4D, 9Y4DA, AI6MQ, BH4SYG, C5YK, CF3FF, DK7ZT, DL9MRF, E44YL,
 EA1DR, EA6SX, GW0A, HI8CSS, IS0CDS, JA5BEN, JE1RXJ, JT1DN, K7EV, K7ZG,
 MM0EAX, OH0Z, OH1TD, PA3AT, PU2VCP, PY5XH, PY6HD, RI50ANO, S9YY, SV2HTI,
 T2AR, TI2CC, TR8CA, V6A, VA3HP, VA3TIC, VE3EJ, VE3XOV, VE9WH, W6IA,
 XE1HG, YV5OIE, ZA1WW and ZK3RR


 QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 5A1AL, B90IARU, CT9/DL5AXX, E51WL, EP2LMA,
 FO0IGS, H40GC, HC8LUT, J5T, J68GD, LU3ZI, S21ZDC, TI7W, TU2C, VK9CI,
 VK9CZ, VK9XI, VP9/DL7LX, VU2GSM and ZL8AFH


 QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 5V7FMD, 5V7GD, 8P5A, 9H3G, A35JP/P (IOTA
 OC-064), AH2P, AM725RCV, AN400S, AO190DD, AO4HAG, AO5ANT, CT9/EA5KA,
 DF0WRTC, DL1NKS, DM3HZN, E6GG, EA6DB, EA6ES, EA6/EA5BB, EA8AAW, EA8BMG,
 EA8CCF, EA8EZ, EA8/EA7AIN, EB5BBM/BY7, EB8AIU, EF0F, EG8WRD, EH0P,
 EK/DK7AJ, FS/NF9V, HB0/HB9AON, HF2016HNY, IS0BBY, OH0/ES2TT, P29LL,
 P4/DL5RMH, PT70FEB, S9YY, SV5/DL3DRW, SY9AAA, TF/DL6JZ/P, TF/DO2JX,
 TM0RHUM, V26BH, V51WH, VP5/W0BM, VP6EU, VP9/M0BLF, XT2AW, YF1AR/8
 and ZS8C


RI1, ANTARCTICA. Nikolai, RW6ACM, is currently active as RI1ANA from the
Molodezhnaya Base Station (WAP RUS-08, IOTA AN-016) until sometime in
February. Activity will be limited to his spare time on all HF bands
using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. QSL via RN1ON, direct, by the Bureau,
LoTW or ClubLog's OQRS.


SILENT KEY. It is with great sadness to report that well-known DXer/
Contester David Collingham, K3LP, has become a Silent Key (SK) at the
age of 59. Paul Ewing, N6PSE, reports that David, on Friday night, January
5th, let his dog outside. When the dog not return, Dave went out in his
truck to search his 25 acre property for the dog. He found that his dog
had fallen through an icy pond and tried to make a heroic rescue to save
his dog. After some time had passed, Dave’s wife Rebecca went looking for
him. She found the truck at the pond and then called 911. Fire personal
recovered David's body as well as his dog. Efforts to resuscitate him
were unsuccessful.
 DX-World mentions, "David had been on over 70 DXpeditions, visited over
100 different DXCC entities, operating from 62 of them. He was a leader
or co-leader on over 14 major DXpeditions. He was inducted as a member
of the CQDX Hall of Fame in 2014. In addition, he activated Most Wanted
DXCC Entities; 8 of the Top 10 and 16 of the Top 50. Over the last twenty
years, he had supported numerous youth education and development projects,
and youth sports."
 OPDX and its readers would like to send out our deepest sympathy to
the family and friends of K3LP.


TI, COSTA RICA. Nate, N4YDU, will once again be active as TI7W from the
Guanacaste Province during the ARRL International DX CW Contest (February
17-18th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via W4FS or LoTW.
Also, look for him to sign as TI7/N4YDU prior to the contest.


TM100, FRANCE (Special Event). Operators Rachid/F5IQG, Fab/F5RLW, Mario/
F5TGW, Laurent/F5ILS, Christophe/F4HLW and Roger/F4GZN will be active as
TM100ARM between July 12-16th and November 9-12th. First activity is to
commemorate the 100th anniversary of Moroccan Fighters who died to defend
a country, and the second activity is to commemorate the 100th anniversary
of the signing of the armistice, ending the First World War. See QRZ.com
for more details and the QSL information.


TM15AAW, FRANCE (Special Event). Look for special event station TM15AAW
to be on air during February. Activity is to celebrate the 15th Antarctic
Activity Week (AAW). Operations will be made by François, F8DVD, from his
QTH of Mâcon, in the east part of France, 60 km North of Lyon. The new
reference number for the WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) program is 285.
Activity will be on 40-10 meters using mostly SSB. QSL via F8DVD, direct
(SAE + 2 USDs) or via the Bureau. For more details on TM15AAW, see QRZ.com
 or contact François at: a.pole@laposte.net
For more information on the WAP, see: http://www.waponline.it


V3, BELIZE. Paul, VE3AXT, is once again active as V31AX in the northern
part of the country, Consejo Shores, Corozal, until April 4th. His rig
is an IC-7000 with 100 watts into a G5RV dipole. QSL via M0URX and OQRS.
Bureau QSLs are via OQRS ONLY at . Please do not
send YOUR QSL card via the Bureau. For more info and pictures, see his
V31AX QRZ.com Web page.


V3, BELIZE. Victor, WB0TEV, will once again be active as V31VP from
Blackman Eddy Village (west of Belmopan) between February 8-12th. He will
be teaming up with Scott, KK7JS, on this trip. Activity will be on various
HF bands including the CQWW WPX RTTY Contest (February 11-12th) as a
Multi-Single entry. He will use 100 watts and wire antennas. QSL via his
home callsign, direct or by the Bureau.


V3, BELIZE. Art, NN7A, will be active as V31JZ/p from South Water Caye,
Belize (NA-180), between February 8-14th. This will be a one-person
operation using a 100 watt transceiver and wire antennas. Operation
will be mostly CW on 160-10 meters including the 30/17/12m bands. Online
log will be available. QSL via Clublog's OQRS, direct via NN7A (Art
Phillips, P.O. Box 73, Eckert, CO 81418 USA), or to NN7A via the ARRL
Bureau. Bureau cards sent to Belize cannot be answered (there is no
active V3 bureau). 


V5, NAMIBIA. Rudi, DK7PE, will be active as V5/DK7PE from Namibia by the
end of January. The length of his stay is unknown. Activity will be on
various HF bands but with a focus on 160/60 meters as well as the CQWW
DX 160m Contest (January 27-29th). QSL via his home callsign, direct or
by the Bureau.


VI70, AUSTRALIA (Special Event). Look for Lee, VK3GK, to be active as
VI70HI, a special callsign issued to commemorate the first ANARE Expedition
to Heard Island in December 1947, until February 28th, and he will also be
in the 15th Antarctic Activity Week (February 17-25th). Activity will be
on all HF bands, 160-10 meters, using CW, SSB, RTTY and possibly the
Digital modes. PLEASE NOTE: This activity is from mainland Australia
(OC-001) and NOT from Heard Island. The VI70HI has a WAP reference number
of WAP-288 and it can be used for the WAP Awards. A special commemorative
QSL card will be available after completion of the activation via M0OXO,
direct, by his OQRS  or LoTW.
For more details, see QRZ.com.


VQ920, CHAGOS ISLANDS. Jim, ND9M/VQ9JC, is once again active with a
special callsign, VQ920JC. Watch for his activity on 17 meters using
mainly CW. QSL via his home callsign.


XT2, BURKINA FASO (Update). Harald, DF2WO, will once again be active as
XT2AW from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, between January 8-22nd. Activity
is usually holiday style on 40-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital
modes. He states that he works mostly on the Digital modes (PSK31,
JT65 and RTTY) and slow CW. Harald states, "As soon as the conditions
go up to USA, I will work the US. Also, I will test 60m a little." Radio
is a FT-450D. QSL via M0OXO, direct or OQRS .
ADDED NOTE: Harald, DF2WO, also mentioned he will be active as D44TWO
from Praia Baixa, Cape Verde, sometime in May.


YJ, VANUATU. Chris, VK2NYA/VK2YUS, will once again be active as YJ0CA
from Port Vila, Efate Island (OC-035), possibly between January 9-17th.
Activity will be on 40 and 20 meters SSB only. QSL via his home call-
sign direct.


YS, EL SALVADOR. Markus, HB9KNA, is now active as YS1/HB9KNA from La
Libertad (WW Loc. EK53hl) until May 2018. He moved there in early December
and is waiting for his permanent residence papers so that he can apply
for his YS callsign. Activity will be on 160-6 meters using SSB. Currently,
there is NOT a QSL route (no Bureau, no e-QSL or LoTW).



Z2, ZIMBABWE. Operators LA7THA, Arne/LA7WCA and Thor/LA9VPA will be active
as Z2LA sometime in early March for 10 days (specific dates not announced
yet). Activity will be holiday style on various HF bands (including 160m)
using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. Look for more details and a Web
page to be forthcoming soon.


ZD8, ASCENSION ISLAND. Andy, M0HLT, is now active as ZD8AC from Georgetown
for the next two years. Activity will be limited to his spare time. He
hopes to be on the air Saturday afternoons on 20 or 15 meters on/near
the RSGB IOTA frequencies. He will be using his TS-50 and a Spider beam
(40-10m). QSL via eQSL.