ISLANDS NOW:
RUHNU ISLAND (EU-178) . Peter, YL2PN, will be active as ES0/YL2PN from Ruhnu Island (WLOTA LH-4244), July 23-27th. Activity will include the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). QSL via his home callsign, direct or by the bureau. (OPDX).
CHUGINADAK ISLAND (NA-234). (Update/IOTA NEW ONE!) Breaking News: The KL7DX IOTA-expedition to Chuginadak Island (Aleutians Islands, Alaska) is under feasibility review by team members - Yuri Sushkin/N3QQ, Sergey Morozov / RA3NAN and Yuri Zaruba / UA9OBA. The Okmok Volcano, located 75 miles away from their destination, continues to erupt. The volcano is currently at aviation color code RED and alert level WARNING. All areas immediately around the volcano are considered hazardous. Airborne ash and gas continue to drift with the wind and pose a hazard to aviation in the area. Satellite data continues to show a long (~250km) plume moving east, the height of the plume is approximately 9,100m (30,000 ft) above sea level. Cleveland Volcano on Chuginadak Island has current aviation color code YELLOW and volcano alert level ADVISORY. Please see http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Okmok.php for more information. The team from Russian Robinson Club is planning to land on the island by boat and start operation between July 19th and July 21st with participation in IOTA Contest July 26-27th weather and seismic conditions permitting. QSL via AC7DX. Please look for them on the usual IOTA fre- quencies and on-line tracking of KL7DX's position via GPS/SPOT Messenger is available on: http://www.NA-234.com MORE BREAKING NEWS: RZ3EM passes the latest news from KL7DX as of 0300z, July 19th -- "Smoke and ash continue in the area of the volcano, but the team has decided to continue on to Chuginadak Island. They have made arrangements to proceed on a larger boat, the Lady Gudny. They leave Dutch Harbor on 19 July."
ALASKA (W1AW/KL7 to Operate from Arctic Circle). The ARRL Letter reports: "Just 300 miles south of the Alaskan Arctic Ocean -- where the Arctic Circle crosses the Dalton Highway (66 degrees, 33 minutes north) -- W1AW/KL7 will be on the air (grid square BP56) July 26-August 10 on all bands from 160-6 meters. This ARRL 2008 Alaska State Convention Special Event Station plans to run two HF stations operating CW, SSB and digital, one satellite station and one station devoted to 146.52 MHz. The Alaskan summer skies are ablaze with gray line-enhanced propagation effects, providing six to eight hour spurts of activity to most of the ham radio world. W1AW/KL7 plans to be active from 0600 UTC-1400 UTC to maximize gray line propagation. From Alaska, signals will take off in both directions at the same time: Europe to the east on one side, with Asia to the west on the other side. For an illustration of how Arctic gray line propagation works, see page 21 in the August 2008 issue of QST. The 2008 Alaska ARRL Convention will run from August 1-4, 2008 in Anchorage. For more information, please see the W1AW/KL7 Web site at: http://www.akhamfest.com/arcticcirclespecial.php
MADEIRA ISLAND - Look for Lars, DF1LON to be QRV July 24-31st as CT3/DF1LON from Madeira Island (AF-014, DIP MA-001, WLOTA LH-0053), with an entry in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th) included. QSL to home call, direct or bureau. [NG3K].
SELVAGENS GRANDE - GIRA - Grupo de Investigação de Radiocomunicações e Ambiente, will operate as CQ9U and CT95S from Selvagens Grande Island (AF-047, DIP MA-004, WW Loc. IM20BD, also count for WLOTA LH-0692) from July 24-27th, including an entry in the RSGB IOTA Contest. They will simultaneously operate two stations on the HF bands and also expect to operate on VHF (145MHz). Operators mentioned are Jorge/CT1BOL, José/CT1DSV, Paulo/CT1EFS, António/CT1ENV, Paulo/CT1FEK and Rui/CT1HFS. QSL via CT1BOL, direct or bureau. Further information can be found at: www.cq9u.com/ [CT1DSV].
INIS OIRR - The South Dublin Radio Club Contest team EJ0GI will be participating in the RSGB IOTA Contest from Inis Oirr (EU-006, the smallest of the Aran Islands). The team comprises of members from SDR and Belfasts' COBRAS, several of whom are ISWL members (Gerry/GI0RTN, Alan/GI0PCU, Bill/GI3MMF and David/GI8SKN). They will be QRV before and after the contest 80-6 meters, CW and SSB. QSL via EI2SDR. [Pete's-DX-Newsdesk].
INISHEER - Look for David, EI3GKB to be active from Inisheer (EU-006, also count for WLOTA LH-2314) as EJ3GKB from July 24th to 30th, IOTA Contest included. QRV 80-6 meters before and after the contest. QSL direct or Bureau to EI3GKB. [rsgbiota.org].
ISLE OF ARRAN - Operators Colin / G3VCQ, Peter / G3PHO, Andy / M0GAV, Tim / 2E0TJX, Sharon / M3VCQ, Steve / M1ERS, Trevor / M0TWS and Jack / 2E0JTL will be active as GS3RCM/p from the Isle of Arran (EU-123, IOSA CL-01, SCOTIA CS-14) from July 24-28th, IOTA Contest included (July 26-27th) using the call MM3M. This will be their fourth entry from Arran into the IOTA Contest. They will also be activating the Isle of Pladda (EU-123, IOSA CL-07, SCOTIA CS-12) July 25th and 26th. QSL via G3VCQ, direct (QRZ.com) or bureau. Further infomation will be posted at: www.sheffield-live.co.uk/ [rsgbiota.org].
ISLE OF TIREE - The will once again operate from the Isle of Tiree (IOTA EU-008, IOSA NH04, SCOTIA DI10, WAB NM04) during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th) using the clubs special contest call sign GM2T. Pre contest activity will be as MM0CPS/P. This years team consists of Cambell/MM0DXC, Bob/GM4UYZ, John/MM0JXI, Brian/M0RNR, Gary/MM0FZV, Moe/MM0MRM, Geoff/MM5AHO, Ellis/GM4GZW, Bob/GM4IKT, Jim/G3VOU, Jonno/M5FUN and Duncan/MM0GZZ. QSL route to GM2T via the bureau, or their QSL Manager GM4UYZ, bureau or direct, details at www.qrz.com/gm2t [Pete's-DX-Newsdesk].
PEZHOSTROV ISLAND - Elena/RA3ACC and Pavel/UA3AUG will be active as RK3AZY/1 from Pezhostrov Island (EU-147) from July 24-31st, IOTA Contest included. [425 DX News].
SM/G3LAS FOGDO ISLAND - John, G3LAS will be active July 24-29th as SM/G3LAS from Fogdo Island (EU-084), IOTA Contest included. QSL via home call. [rsgbiota.org]
OUTER ISLAND, NS - Operators Fred / VE1FA, Helen / VA1YL, Bill / VE1MR, Rich / VA1CHP, Howard / VE1DHD, Al / VO1NO, Lowell / VY2OX and Lynn / VE1ENT will be active as VC1T from Outer Island [a.k.a. Bon Portage] (NA-126, CIsA NS-128) and lighthouse (ARLHS CAN-360, Admiralty H3790, WW Loc. FN73DK) from July 24-30th. Their main goal is the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th) as a Multi-Op/DXpedition entry. Outside the contest they will be QRV 80-6 meters, using various modes. QSL via VE1RGB (QRZ.com). For direct QSLs, please enclose TWO "green stamps". All others can go via the bureau. [NG3K].
ISLA PIRITU ADENTRO - A group of operators from the Radio Club Venezolano will be active as YW6AJ from Isla Piritu Adentro (SA-090, DIV-002 for the Venezuela Islands Award), Anzoalegui State, from July 24-27th. The team will participate in the IOTA Contest as YW6A, but YW6AJ will remain active on 12, 17 and 30 meters, as well as on the digital modes. QSL via YV5AJ, direct or bureau. [425 DX News].
TINHARE ISLAND - Cris, PY7GK will be active as ZW6GK during July 24-27th from Morro de São Paulo, Tinharé Island (SA-080, DIB #60, for the Brazil Islands Award), Bahia State, Brazil, as ZW6GK. He will be active specially on CW, maybe SSB, on 20, 30 and 40 meters, using only 100 watts and G5RV antenna. QSL direct to PY7GK. [rsgbiota.org].
BORNHOLM ISLAND - Charlotte/OZ0CP, Jorgen/OZ1J and Jorgen/OZ2JBC will be active from Bornholm Island (EU-030, DIA BO-001, WLOTA LH-2203) using the call sign 5Q2T from July 25-28th, IOTA Contest included as a DX-pedition/Mixed entry. If possible they will work on digimode and on the WARC bands (also SSB and CW) before and after the contest. QSL 5Q2T via OZ0J, direct or Bureau or LoTW. [rsgbiota.org].
CROOKED ISLAND - Operators Pete/W2GJ, Ed/K3IXD and Dallas/W3PP will be active July 25-28th as C6APR from Crooked Island (NA-113), Bahamas, including a Multi-Op/DXpediton entry in the RSGB IOTA contest. Before and after the contest C6APR will be on 80m thru 10m, including the WARC bands, CW and SSB. Also before and after the IOTA contest the call C6AXD will be used on 6m and HF RTTY. Their initial calling frequency on 6 meters is 50.125 MHz SSB (WW Loc. FL22TT) using 100 watts and Moxon at 25 feet. All QSLs to K3IXD, direct with SASE or SAE with US$1 or 1 new IRC; or via bureau. Both calls are Bird Rock Lighthouse (ARLHS BAH-005, TWLHD WLH C6-002, WLOTA LH-0118, Admiralty J4792). [K3IXD].
LA GROSSE ILE - Operators François/VA2RC, Guy/VE2QRA, Steve/VE2TKH and Dany/VE2EBK will be active as CG2I from La Grosse Ile, Quebec (NA-128, CIsA QC-010, Grid FN47), from 1600z July 25th to 1400z July 27th. QRV all modes and bands 160-6 meters, with two stations. The 2 stations (KW, beams and dipoles) should be active at the same time. QSL via VA2BK, direct or bureau or Email request. This activity is also in celebration of the 400th Anniversary of Québec City. [RAC].
NEUWERK ISLAND - Operators Hans-Jörg / DO3HJW, Andreas / DD8ZJ, Michael / DG5LAC, Petra / DB1LPS, Georg / DK7LX and Olaf / DL4HG will be active as DA0T/p from Neuwerk Island (EU-127, N-12 for the German Islands Award, WLOTA LH-2311) between July 25th and 27th, RSGB IOTA contest included. Activity will be on 10-80m, including WARC bands, using CW and SSB with 100W and two Stations, verticals and dipoles. QSL via the DARC bureau. [rsgbiota.org].
CAPRAIA ISLAND - Stefano, IV3LZQ and Paolo, IV3PUT will be active as IA5/homecall from Capraia Island (EU-028, IIA LI-020, MIA MI-013, WLOTA LH-0545) from July 25-27th. They will operate on 80-10 meter CW and SSB and will participate in the IOTA Contest. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [425 DX News].
GRANDE ISLAND - The Salento DX Team Italia, along with members of the ERI Lecce (Alfredo IK7JWX, Enzo I7PXV (CW), Gilberto IK7LMX, GianCarlo IK7QMJ, Michele IK7FPX) and Castellamare di Stabia (Leopoldo I8LWL, Titti IK8GQY, Ciro IZ8LFK (CW) and Michele IZ8GNW) will be QRV July 25-27th from Isola Grande (EU-091, IIA LE-02, MIA MI-040), RSGB IOTA Contest included using the call I8LWL/7. Peri contest activities too, in digital modes and 6 meters. QSL via H.C., via bureau A.R.I. [IK7JWX].
AEROE ISLAND - Hans, OZ7BQ will be operating as OZ7BQ/p from Aeroe island (EU-172, DIA FY-014) between July 25-28th, including an entry in the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via home call, direct or Bureau. [rsgbiota.org].
MILOS ISLAND - Look for Cliff, SV1JG to be active as SV8/SV1JG from Milos (EU-067, MIA MG-072, WLOTA LH-4149) between July 25th and 28th. QSL via home call (QRZ.com). [rsgbiota.org].
HEARN ISLAND - Look for Bruce/KD6WW and Mike/K9AJ to be active as homecall/VY0 between July 25th and 28th, RSGB IOTA Contest included, from Hearn Island, Hudson Bay Quebec Coast NE group (NA-229 New One!, CIsA NT-New One!). They plan to be QRV with two stations at the same time. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [IZ8CCW].
GREAT BERNERA - Dennis, M0LSB plans to be active holiday style as MM0LSB/p from Great Bernera (EU-010, IOSA OH-12, SCOTIA HI-27) from July 25-27th, RSGB IOTA Contest included. QSL via M0LSB, direct or by the bureau. [rsgbiota.org].
GRAND ISLE, LA - A group of operators from the Delta DX Association and the Texas DX Society (namely Max/K5PP, Bob/N5ET, Buzz/N5UR, Don/W5FKX and Mike/W5ZPA) will be active as N5I from Grand Isle (NA-168, USi LA-003S, Jefferson County), Louisiana, from July 25-27th, RSGB IOTA Contest included. They will operate CW, SSB and RTTY/PSK with two stations covering 30-10 meters, depending upon propagation. QSL via N5UR, direct or bureau. Further information at: www.deltadx.net/N5I.htm [425 DX News].
TERSCHELLING ISLAND - Henk/PA0HFT, Ben/PA0I, Leo/PA0LMD, Hans/PA0WYS, Jille/PA1DV, Gert/PA5TS and Hans/PA7HPH will be active as PA0HFT from Terschelling Island (EU-038, WLOTA LH-0943), including an entry in the IOTA Contest. QSL via Bureau or direct to PA0HFT. More info on QRZ.com. [rsgbiota.org].
SCHOUWEN DUIVELAND - Operators Jeroen / PD5CW, Will / PE1OPM and Manfred / PE1OXV will be on a holyday weekend to the Island of Schouwenduiveland and Goeree Overflakkee (EU-146). They will be QRV SSB only 80-10m from Zonnemaire, Zeeland (WW Loc. JO11XQ), RSGB IOTA Contest included, using the call signs PD5CW and PE1OPM/p. QSL all calls via PD5CW, direct or bureau. More information at: home.versatel.nl/eu-146/ [rsgbiota.org].
ITAPARICA ISLAND - Ricardo, PY6RA will be active from Itaparica Island (SA-023, DIB #15 for the Brazil Islands Award) between July 25-28th, IOTA Contest included. Outside the contest he will be QRV 80-10 meters using SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL via home call, direct (QRZ.com) or Bureau. [rsgbiota.org].
STROGILI ISLET - A new SX5C DXpedition from the Radio Amateur Association of Greece from July 25th to August 4th - The following Greek hams: Cliff / SV1JG, Spiros / SV1RC, George / SV1RP, Nikiforos / SV1EEX, Theodoros / SV1GRM, Sotirios / SV1HER and Daniel / SV1JCZ will activate the rocky islet Strogili (EU-001, GIOTA DKS 001, MIA MGD-022, WW Loc. KM46TC) and Ipsili lighthouse (ARLHS GRE-123, TWLHD WLH WLH SV-058, WLOTA LH-1653, Admiralty E5848). QSL via SV1HER. [MMMonVHF].
NIKOL'SKY AREA - Special Event station UE1RYR/p will be active July 25-26th from RDA district VO-19 (Nikol'sky), Vologda oblast (#120, VO for Rossija award). QSL via UA1RJ, direct or bureau. [RX3RC].
HOLYLAND SQUARES - Look for Mark, 4Z4KX/M to be active July 26th from several Holyland areas. He plans to activate E-17-AS, E-17-RH, D-17-RH, D-16-AS and E-16-AS. QRV on, or near, 14265 kHz. In case of pre IOTA contest QRM, the alternative frequency will be 14275 kHz. QSL via home call. [4X4JU].
KANGHWA ISLAND - Operators Kang / DS2AGH, Robin / HL1IWD, Sung / HL1XP, Harry / WX8C and Robert / AC4RK will be active from Kanghwa Island (AS-105) during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th), using the call sign 6M0HZ/2. QSL via HL1IWD. [NG3K].
HEGURA ISLAND - The 40th anniversary of Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park special call 8J9HGR plans to be active from Hegura-jima [jima in Japanese means Island] (AS-117, JIIA AS-117-039, JA9 Ishikawa Prefecture, JCC-3004, WW Loc. PM87LU, WLOTA LH-0056) from July 26-30th, including one station in the RSGB IOTA Contest. QRV all HF bands, using CW and SSB. Operators include JA9FR, JA9SA, JA9ARC, JA9AYV, JA9DII, JA9LNB, JA9OVX, JA9RGU, JH9GRW, JH9UYZ, JR9NFC, JE9BGI, JO2SLZ, JF3MZP, JA9SZN, JO3DDD, JP1HCS, JH9GMW, JK1MVF, JA1AGS, JA8CCL, WB6Z, JN1ORA and others. QSL via the JARL bureau, or direct to JH9UYZ (QRZ.com). Further information at: hegura.hp.infoseek.co.jp/ [JI6KVR & JJ1WTL].
SISARGA GRANDE - Once again the OCV DX TEAM will be on another expedition for the RSGB IOTA Contest from the island of Sisarga Grande (EU-077, DIE O-137 for the Spanish Islands Award, WLOTA LH-0693). They will use their contest call sign AM1S, as a Multi-Op/Low-Power entry. Operators mentioned are Pepe / EA1DKV, Domingo / EA1DAX, Carlos / EA1US, Javier / EA1FDI, Luis / EA1NT, Amadeo / EA1CA, Jes / EA1JO, Pedro / EA1FCH, Manuel / EA1HP, Jose / EA1ADP, Augusto / EA4TG, Gerard / EA4ST and Jose / EA1OS. Look for possible activity before the contest with the operators using their personal homecall/p. QSL AM1S via EA1OS, direct or bureau. More info at: sisargas.calandraca.com/ [rsgbiota.org].
LOBOS ISLAND - Edu, EA8AUW reports that a group of operators will be active as AN8L from Lobos Island (DIE S-008, WLOTA LH-0155), Canary Islands (AF-004), as a Multi-Op/High-Power entry in the RSGB IOTA Contest. Team members mentioned are EA8AUW, EA8BGO, EC8AMI, EC8ADW, DH1TW, DL5RMH, EC4DX, EC4JD, EA4DRV, EA4TD, EA4ATA, EA5FX, EA5KM and EA5AER. QSL via EC8AMI, direct or bureau. Further information can be found at: www.islotedelobos.com/ [NG3K].
TAIWAN - Jimmy, BX5AA will be active during the RSGB IOTA Contest from Taiwan (AS-020, also count for WLOTA LH-0022) as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. [NG3K].
CAMAGUEY ARCHIPELAGO - Ed, CO7PH is planning to be active again, as either CO7PH/p or with a special call sign (possibly T47CF), from NA-086 (Camaguey Archipelago) for the IOTA Contest. He expects to be joined by two other operators, and they will try to run two stations to cover both CW and SSB at the same time. QSL via W3HNK. [425 DX News].
TERCEIRA ISLAND - Alain, F5LMJ will be on vacation with his family and plans to be QRV from Terceira Island (EU-175, DIP AZ-003 for the Portuguese Islands Award, WLOTA LH--0524) from July 26th to August 1st, RSGB IOTA Contest included. He will have a FT-857 and half-size G5RV and will be active maily on CW and digital modes. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [NG3K].
HELGOLAND ISLAND - Felix, DL5XL/p will be QRV in the RSGB IOTA Contest as a Single-Op/CW-Only/24hr/High-Power entry from Helgoland Island (EU-127). For those that collect counters for the various island and lighthouse awards, the reference numbers are as follows: IOTA EU-127 (Schleswig-Holstein State South West group), DID N-14, DOK E20 (Insel Helgoland), Grid JO34WE, LDK PI, POAR DL-107. Helgoland Lighthouse (about 750m from my QTH): DLTD #26, ARLHS FED-101, TWLHD WLH DL-009, WLOTA LH-0518, Admiralty B1312. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [DL5XL].
MOURO ISLAND - EA1DR, EA1RC, EA2DCF, EA3NT, EC2ADN and DD1MAT will participate in the IOTA Contest as EE1MI from Mouro Island (EU-142, DIE N-016, WLOTA LH-2720). QSL via EA1DR. [425 DX News].
ILE ST-MARGUERITE - Bodo, DL3OCH will be active from Ile Sainte Marguerite (EU-058, DIFM ME-020) as F/DL3OCH/p for the IOTA Contest. QRV 40-15 meter CW, running 100 Watts with IC-706 and vertical antenna. QSL via home call, direct or Bureau. [rsgbiota.org].
CASTLE DU BREUIL - Freddy, F8CKS/p will be active July 26th from the Castle Du Breuil (DFCF 24-103), commune of Grives, canton of Belves. QSL via home call, bureau preferred. [F8CKS].
FORT OF DONGERMAIN - The Association des Radioamateurs et Ecouteurs du Toulois, F8KGZ plan to activate the Fort of Dongermain (DFCF reference 54-004) on July 26th using the call sign F8KGZ/p on 80 and 40 meter SSB. QSL direct or by the bureau. [F5LHJ].
RATHLIN ISLAND - Declan/EI9HQ, Joe EI7GY (GI0MPG), Sean / EI4GK, Pete / EI4GZB and Peter / GI4VIV will participate in the IOTA Contest from Rathlin Island (EU-122). They will operate as GI0MPG from Rathlin East Lighthouse (ARLHS NTI-011, TWLHD WLH GI-001, WLOTA LH-0283). QSL via GI0MPG, direct or bureau. [425 DX News].
RATHLIN ISLAND - The Kilmarnock and Loudoun Amateur Radio Club will be active during the RSGB IOTA Contest from Rathlin Island (EU-122, also count for WLOTA LH-0283), Northern Ireland, using the call sign GI3YS. Members of the team include Allan / GM3OZB, Barry / GM3YEH, Stephen / GM4OSS, John / GM0DJG and Gordon / MM0BIM. QSL via the bureau to MM0DHQ. [rsgbiota.org].
ISLE OF JERSEY - The Bristol Contest Group will be active once again from the isle of Jersey (EU-013, also count for WLOTA LH-0818) during the RSGB IOTA Contest using the call sign GJ6YB. QSL via G3SWH. [NG3K].
ISLE OF COLONSAY - A group of operators from the West of Scotland ARS will be active from the Isle of Colonsay (EU-008, IOSA NH19, SCOTIA DI05) during IOTA Contest. Two contest call signs will be used - GM2Z (CW) and GM4A (SSB). A separate station will be working PSK outside of the contest, call sign is MS0EPC ( www.eu.srars.org/ ). At the moment their team consists of MM0DFV, GM0WRR, MM0GDL, GM4TOQ, GM7WED and MM3LKV. A couple of other operators may join them. QSL cards for both contest stations and MS0EPC should be sent to MM0DFV. [MM0DFV].
GREAT CUMBRAE - Members of the Crocodile Rock Amateur Group (CRAG) will be active as GM5C from the Isle of Great Cumbrae (EU-123, IOSA CL03, SCOTIA CS17) during the IOTA Contest. Operators mentioned are Bob/GM0DEQ, Robbie/GM0SEI and Jennifer/MM0JJV, with the support from Livia (SWL) and Corrie. QSL via GM0SEI. [OPDX Bulletin].
KERRERA ISLAND - A team from the Kilmarnock and Loudoun ARC will be active as GM7A from Kerrera Island (EU-008, IOSA FL02, SCOTIA CN02, WAB: NM83 Argyle and Bute, WW Loc. IO76GK) for the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via GM7AAJ, direct or bureau. [Southgate ARC].
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Edwin, HI3K plans to be active during the RSGB IOTA Contest from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (NA-096, also count for WLOTA LH-2974) as a Sinle-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via KB2MS. [NG3K].
ROATAN ISLAND - Ray, WQ7R will be active from Roatan Island (NA-057, also count for WLOTA LH-1671) as HQ9R during the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via K5WW. [NG3K].
ELBA ISLAND - IA5K will be active for the RSGB IOTA Contest from Elba Island [Isola d'Elba] (EU-028, IIA LI-001, MIA MI-022, WLOTA LH-0564). QSL via IZ5BTC. [F5NQL].
MADDALENA ISLAND - Jack, IZ3DBA will be active as IM0/IZ3DBA during the RSGB IOTA Contest from Maddalena Island [Isola Maddalena] (EU-041, IIA SS-001, MIA MIS-013). QSL via home call, direct or by the bureau. [F5NQL].
SANT'ANDREA ISLAND - The Strange Radio Team - Headquarters will be active as IQ8OM/7 from Sant'Andrea Island [Isola Sant'Andrea] (Gallipoli) (EU-091, IIA LE-001, MIA MI-100, ARLHS ITA-084, WAIL PU023, TWLHD WLH I-037, WLOTA LH-0075, Admiralty E2168, WW Loc. JN80XB) during the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via IZ8EDJ. [F5NQL].
SICILY - Operators Marcello/IT9ABY, John/IT9DQM, Sal/IT9HUV and Joe/IT9RBW will be active as IR9Y from Sicily (EU-025, IIA SC-001, MIA MI-107, WLOTA LH-1362) during the RSGB IOTA Contest as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via IT9ABY. [OPDX Bulletin].
CRETE - The Cretan Amateur DX Team will be participating in RSGB IOTA Contest using the call sign J49A from Cape Sidero, the eastern part of Crete Island (EU-015, MIA MGC-005, WLOTA LH-1400, WW Loc. KM35DH). Operators mentioned are SV9JI Manos, SV9ANJ Manos, SV9BGE Nikos, SV9BKZ Kostas, SV9BMJ Manos, SV9CJO John, SV9COL Dimitris, SV9DJO George, SV9GPV George, SV9GPY Michalis, SV9IOI Manos and SV0LB/9 George. QSL via SV9GPV. [NG3K].
SVALBARD - JW7QIA will be active for the IOTA Contest (SOAB SSB) from Spitsbergen Island (EU-026, WLOTA LH-0125). QSL direct or via the Bureau. [NG3K].
HUNTING ISLAND - Dan, KF8Z/p will be QRV from Hunting Island NA-110, USi SC-003S, WLOTA LH-2265, Beaufort County), South Carolina, with his XYL for some vacationing and casual operation, slow CW and SSB on 7MHz and up from July 26-30th. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [rsgbiota.org].
CONANICUT ISLAND - Mark, KO1U will be active as KO1U/m from Conanicut Island (NA-031, USi RI-007S, WLOTA LH-1422, Newport County), Rhode Island, for the RSGB IOTA Contest. Activity will be sporatic on 7040, 14040 and 14260+ 50093.3+/- kHz. QSL via home call (QRZ.com). [rsgbiota.org].
VAGSOY ISLAND - Operators Trond/LA9VDA and Bjorn/LA5UKA will be active as LA6Q from Vagsoy (WLOTA LH-2181) between July 26-30th. Look for them to be in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). They will also use the special call sign LA2008TSR (to celebrate the 2008 Tall Ships Race). QSL info for both call signs can be found on QRZ.com. [OPDX Bulletin].
LONGSTONE - Look for Jon, M0OVL/p to be active July 26-27th from Longstone (EU-109, WLOTA LH-0234, Admiralty A2814), Farne Islands. He will be joined by Harold/G8JUZ and Charles / M0GAX operating under their own calls. Jon will also use another call 2E0OVL/p during his non contest operating times to give as many stations as possible a chance to work the island, but NO contest serial number will be given. In the event of bad weather on the morning of the contest an alternative operation will take place from Lindisfarne (EU-120). QSL via home call, direct or by the RSGB bureau. Further information at: www.2e0ovl.com/ [rsgbiota.org].
ENGLAND - Dom/M1KTA and Clive/M5CHH will be active as M1KTA for the RSGB IOTA Contest on all HF bands using SSB and CW, QRP only, from mainland England (EU-005, also count for WLOTA LH-1841). They would like to contact as many other QRP stations as possible during the activation and will make every effort to have a high percentage of 2xQRP QSOs. QSL via M1KTA, direct or bureau. [rsgbiota.org].
ISLE OF MAN - Dave/G3NKC, Peter/G4MJS, Martin/G4XUM and others will be active as MD4K from the Isle of Man (EU-116, also count for WLOTA LH-0449) during the RSGB IOTA Contest as a Multi-? entry. QSL via G3NKC. [NG3K].
LES MINQUIERS ISLANDS - Charlie/M0OXO and Nigel/M0NJW will be active as MJ0X from Les Minquiers Islands (EU-099) for the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via M3ZYZ. [NG3K].
TANERA MOR - Colin, MM0NDX states that IOTA EU-008 will be on air for sure during the 2008 IOTA Contest. He will use the call sign MM0NDX/p. Tanera Mor (EU-092, IOSA SC10, SCOTIA CN32), Scotland. QSL direct only to his home call. [rsgbiota.org].
SKYE - Paul, M3KBU will be active for the RSGB IOTA Contest from the isle of Skye (IOSA NH-07, SCOTIA CN-14), Inner Hebrides (EU-008), using the call sign MM3KBU/p. QSL via M3KBU, direct (QRZ.com) or bureau. [rsgbiota.org].
ISLAY - Douglas, GM0ELP will be active as MM3T from the isle of Islay (IOSA NH22, SCOTIA CS25, WLOTA LH-1826), Inner Hebrides (EU-008). IOTA contest the category will be Single-Op, All-Band, Low-Power, Expedition and period of operation will be 12 hrs. QSL via MM3T at eQSL. [rsgbiota.org].
LONG ISLAND, ME - Operators Doug/K1DG, John/K1AR, Randy/K5ZD and possibly others will be active during the RSGB IOTA Contest from the Long Island DX Society club station (N1LI), located on Long Island (NA-137, USi ME-083S, Cumberland County), Maine, using the club call sign. Multi-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via N1LI. [rsgbiota.org].
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, VA - Stan, N2US will be active as N2US/p from Assateague Island (NA-139, USi VA-024S, WLOTA LH-4206, Accomack County), State of Virginia, for the IOTA Contest. He will operate CW and SSB. QSL direct or bureau. [425 DX News].
CORE BANKS, NC - Barry/K4CZ, Keith/W4KAZ and Nate/N4YDU will be active as N4A during the RSGB IOTA Contest from Core Banks Barrier Island - Cape Lookout (NA-067, USi NC033S, WLOTA LH-0596, Pamlico county), North Carolina. They plan to be a M/S Low-Power Island Dxpedition entry. Active on all bands SSB and CW. QSL direct only to N4YDU (QRZ.com). More details at: www.w4kaz.com/n4a/ [NG3K].
LONG ISLAND, NY - Andrei, EW1AR will be active as NP3D/W2 from Long Island (NA-026, USi NY-003S, Queens County), New York, during the RSGB IOTA Contest as a Single-Op/Mixed/Low-Power enty. QSL via W3HNK, LoTW or direct. [NG3K].
MIDDLE HOOPER ISLAND, MD - Steve, NY3A will be active as NY3A/p from Middle Hooper Island (NA-140, USi MD-016S, Dorchester County), Maryland, during the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL direct to home call. [rsgbiota.org].
ROMO ISLAND - DL2SWW, DF9TM and DL2VFR will participate in the IOTA Contest as OZ0FR from Romo Island (EU-125, NS-001 for the Danish Islands Award). QSL via DL2VFR, direct or bureau. [425 DX News].
MOEN ISLAND - Bert, DK2BR will be active for the IOTA Contest as OZ/DK2BR from Moen [Mön] Island (EU-029, DIA SJ-017), Denmark. QRV 40 and 20 meter SSB only. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [NG3K].
NORDJYLLAND - Look for Netti / DO6XX and Rene / DL2JRM to be active as OZ/homecall/p from Vendsyssel-Thy/Nordjylland (EU-171, NJ-001 for the Danish Islands Award) between July 26th and August 9th. QSL via home calls, bureau preferred. [rsgbiota.org].
SCHOUWEN DUIVENLAND - Operators ON4ON, ON5SY, ON6CX, ON7PO, ON7PQ, ON7XT, ON8LW, ON4ASG and ON6JM will be active as PA/OQ1C/p from Schouwen Duivenland (EU-146) during the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via ON4ON. [OPDX Bulletin].
GOEREE ISLAND - Operators ON3DX, ON4ATW, ON4AHF, ON4AXU, ON4HIL, ON4IA, ON4TTT, ON6LEO, ON6NL, ON6ZG and ON8PH will participate in the IOTA Contest as PB2M/p with two high power stations from Stellendam, Goeree Island (EU-146). All of the QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau. [425 DX News].
CURACAO - Hans, PB2T will be active as PJ2/PB2T from the island of Curacao (SA-006, WLOTA LH-0942) for the RSGB IOTA Contest, as a Single-Op entry. QSL via home call. [NG3K].
BLIDO ISLAND - Mel, SM0MPV will be active as SK0HS/0 from Blido Island (EU-084) for the RSGB IOTA Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via home call, bureau preferred or via LoTW. [NG3K].
TJURKO ISLAND - Freddy/SM7WDG and Richard/SM7OHB will be QRV as SK7OA from Tjurko Island (EU-138) for the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via the Bureau. [rsgbiota.org].
WOLIN ISLAND - Look for Mek/SP7VC and Adam/SP8RX to be active as homecall/1 from Wolin Island (EU-132) during the RSGB IOTA Contest. No entry category was mentioned. QSL SP7VX/1 via home call. QSL SP8RX/1 via DJ0IF. [NG3K]
CRETE - Tomas, OK2PTZ will be active from the island of Crete (EU-015, MIA MGC-005, WLOTA LH-1400) as SV9/OK6Y during the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL via OK2PTZ. [NG3K].
RHODES - Operators SV5AZP, SV5AZK, SV5DDP, SV5DKL, SV5DZR, SV5FRD, SV5KJC, SV5FRP, SV5CJK and SV5CJQ will be active as SX5P from Rhodes (aka Rodos) Island (MIA MGD-028, WLOTA LH-0045), Dodecanese Islands (EU-001) during the RSGB IOTA Contest as a Multi-Multi entry. QSL via SV5FRD. [NG3K].
GIRESUN ISLAND - Mustafa, TA2MW, will be active as TA0GI from Giresun Island (AS-154) during the RSGB IOTA Contest as a DX/24h/SSB entry. QSL via TA2MW. [OPDX Bulletin].
NOIRMOUTIER - The Provins ARC (F6KOP) team will be active as TM7C from Ile de Noirmoutier (EU-064, DIFM AT-020, WLOTA LH-1224) for the RSGB IOTA contest, as a IOTA FIX MS MIX 24H LP entry. Operators will include Bernard/F9IE, Frank/F4AJQ, Romain/F8BUI, Flo/F5CWU, Bruno/F5AGB and Maurice/F5NQL. QSL via F6KOP, bureau preferred. [F5NQL].
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - Ken, K6LA will be active for the RSGB IOTA Contest from the 'PEI DX Lodge' on Prince Edward Island (NA-029, CIsA PE-001), as a Single - Op / All - Band / High - Power / Mixed entry. QSL via K6LA. [NG3K].
SUMATRA - Adhi (Bimbo), YB3MM, will be active as YB3MM/5 from Sumatra Island (OC-143, also count for WLOTA LH-0458), Indonesia, during the RSGB IOTA Contest, as a Single - Op / Single - Band (15m)/Mixed-Mode entry. QSL via the LoTW. QSLs are also OK via IZ8CCW, by the bureau or direct. [OPDX Bulletin].
LAMPEDUSA ISLAND - Alex/IK8YFU and Giovanna/IZ8FEV will be active as either IG9/homecall and IG9/IQ8PP from Lampedusa Island (AF-019, IIA AG-001, MIA MI-126, also count for WLOTA LH-2312) from July 27th to August 2nd. QSL via home calls. [425 DX News].
SANTA ROSA ISLAND - Swen, DL3YCF will be QRV holiday style from Santa Rosa Island (NA-142, USi FL003S, Okaloosa county), Florida, as W4/DL3YCF between July 27th and August 6th. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [rsgbiota.org].
IOTA EU-123/SCOTIA DI30 and DI31 - Good morning all...I hesitate to suggest that "summer" has arrived in these parts...However, it seems that after months of almost permanent strong winds off the north coast, there could be a lull over the next few days. I have just, a few moments ago, spoken to my intended boatman and he suggests we "make a run for it" late tomorrow afternoon/early evening...So, with a bit of luck: IOTA EU-123 Eilean HOAN SCOTIA DI30 (WAB NC46) 25 to ?? July (maybe 27th) by GM3VLB. IOTA EU-123 RABBIT Island SCOTIA DI31 (WAB HC56 or 66 depending on landing point) 27 July or later (transport not finalised) also by GM3VLB. I've just realised it is the IOTA Contest weekend - not the best time for a portable QRP station - please listen carefully "around" 14.257 or on 40m around 7.065. I may also to resort to more CW than normal...(14.040 & 7.025 +/-). FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENT: ....The BASS ROCK... IOTA EU-123 BASS Rock SCOTIA CS02 (WAB NT68) 16 August (most likely date) by GM3VLB and Col MM0NDX...No overnight operation permitted but we hope to be there the best part of 12 hours, primarily on 20m and 40m. I am also working on other transport/dates... either before or after 16 August... for a further "solo" operation. (Col is well-known in DX circles and was the prime mover in the recent unsuccessful attempt to activate ROCKALL). As always, my XYL Veronica will be pleased to receive any "progress report" ( vsaun@aol.com ). Best wishes and good luck...André, GM3VLB.
TIMOR-LESTE. Jose, CT1ERC, was heard this past weekend signing 4W6UTL on 20 meters SSB (14195 kHz around 0329z and 0800z). He is expected to be there until early August. QSL via CT1ERC. (OPDX).
TONGA. Paul, A35RK, informs OPDX that he just received a SignaLink USB interface and software package for digital modes (RTTY, PSK, etc), courtesy of Mike, K6BR. He hopes to be active on some of the digital modes sometime this week. Paul states, "I haven't been on the digital modes for years, so please be patient with me while I attempt to teach an old dog some new tricks.... HI" BREAKING NEWS: A35RK is now QRV on the digital modes as of 2200z, July 19th. He worked many stations on PSK31 and a couple on RTTY (he stayed away from RTTY, because there was a contest on). Look for him to be active on 20m and 17m digital, as time permits.
CANARY ISLANDS (Update/IOTA Op). Operators from the RSGB IOTA Contest 2005 (3V8SM Djerba Island) and 2006 (ED7SPI Sancti Petri Island) operations will use the following callsigns and activate Lobos Island (AF-004) and lighthouses in the Canary Islands between July 22-29th: AN8L - From Lobos Island (AF-004) during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th).Reference numbers are: IOTA AF-004, DIE S-008, ARLHS CAI-005, WLOTA 0155, FEA D2786 and DME 35014. AM8IL - From Lobos Island and Punta Martino Lighthouse (possibly the first time activated). Reference numbers are: IOTA AF-004, DIE S-008, ARLHS CAI-005, WLOTA 0155, FEA D2786 and DME 35014. EH8RDB - On July 25th; Islote de Barrieto (Barreto Rock). Reference numbers are: DIE: S-117, IOTA: AF-004 and DME: 35014. EH8VCL - On July 24th and 27th; Vertice Geodesico (Caldera de Lobos). Reference numbers are: Spanish Bench Mark Award DVGE: VGGC-035, DME: 35014, IOTA: AF-004 and DIE: S-008. The Lobos Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Fuerteventura Island and is uninhabited. Operators mentioned are: EA8AUW, EA8BGO, EC8ADW, EC8AMI, DH1TW, DL5RMH, EA4DRV, EA4TD, EA5AER, EA5FX, EA5KM and EC4DX. They state it took several months of hard work to get the right permits, but they thank the Canary Islands authorities. Activity will be on 160-6 meters including 30/17/12 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. They plan to have at least 3 or 4 stations active at the same time in two different camps, as well as a portable station for EH8RDB and EH8VCL. QSL via EC8AMI, by the Bureau or direct. Their Web site is at: http://www.islotedelobos.com (OPDX).
AZORES. Operators Toni/OH2UA and Martti/OH2BH will be here doing some antenna work and will occasionally appear on the bands between July 21-28th. In the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th), they will activate CU2A. QSL via OH2BH. (OPDX).
BALEARIC ISLANDS. Andre, LX1FX, is expected to be active from Minorka Island (EU-004) between July 22nd and August 15th (possibly one week longer). Activity will be on the HF bands and 6 meters as well as 70, 144 and 432 MHz. Modes will be CW, SSB, as well JT6 via MS. Andre's equipment is an ICOM 7000, OZ xvrtr/4m - dipole antenna for VHF and a "Fieber- glaasstab" on the HF bands. He will be on stand-by with an Marine-TRX ICM-710M on 14.333 MHz and 10.133 MHz (0900z). (OPDX).
ST. BARTHELEMY. Sam, FG5ED (ex-FG7AS, FK0AT, YJ0KMS), will be active from the St. Barthelemy Radio Club station FJ5KH between July 21-31st. Activity will be mainly CW. QSL only direct to: Sam Sahai, Ch. GODEAU, 13 Avenue Buckeburg, F-72300 Sable, FRANCE. (OPDX).
JERSEY (EU-013). Members of the Bristol Contest Group (G6YB) will be active as GJ6YB during the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th). QSL via G3SWH. (OPDX).
ECUADOR. The HD2A Contest team will be joined by some JA operators in this year's CQWW DX SSB Contest (October 25-26th) as a Multi-Single or Multi-? entry. QSL route TBD.
BORNHOLM ISLAND (EU-030). Operatprs Roald/OZ1BLO and Karl/LA8DW will be active from Bornholm Island (DIA BO-001, WLOTA LH-2203), July 21-26th. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL via bureau. (OPDX).
SKOPELOS ISLAND (EU-072) - Laci/HA6NL and some friends will travel to Skopelos Island, Greece, and be active as SV8/homecall between July 21-31st. During the the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26-27th), they will be using J48 callsigns as follows: J48NL (Laci / HA6NL) , J48JJ (Al / HA7JJS), J48P (Laci / HA7PL) and J48PS (Zsolt / HA6PS) . Activity is planned for all HF bands and 6 meters. QSL via the HA QSLBureau or direct to their home callsign.
ISLANDS NEXT:
SVALBARD. Niels, OZ8KR, will once again be active from Spitsbergen (EU-026) for the 3rd time in August. He has rented the club station in Longyearbyen for 4 days and plans to be active as much as possible as JW/OZ8KR between August 12-17th. Activity will be on 20 meters SSB. He likes the frequncies 14220 and 14260 kHz. QSL via his home callsign.
GUAM. Operators Hiroshi / JJ1CCE, Shima / JH3AAZ, Koji / JK7TKE and Hiroshi / K6IAA will be active from here between August 2-3rd. Look for operators to sign as KH2/homecall with the exception of K6IAA/KH2. Activity will be holiday style operations. QSL via each operator's home callsign, by the Bureau or direct (See QRZ.com).
KENYA (IOTA Op). Antonio, IK8VRH, will be active as 5Z4/IK8VRH from Malindi, time permitted, in August. Operations will be from the Coast Province North Group (AF-040) between August 15-17th and the Coast Province South Group (AF-067) between August 20-22nd. Enrico, 5Z4ES, will be with him. Activity will be on 40/20/17 meters using CW/SSB/RTTY. Equipment will be a FT450AT with a Sommerkamp 300watt PA, Bubbledipole, Zx Mini Beam,-USB II MicroHAM and MiXW. (OPDX).
ISLAND OF ELBA - Matt, IK2SGC plans to be QRV as IA5/IK2SGC from the island of Elba (EU-028, IIA LI-001, MIA MI-022, WLOTA LH-0609) between July 30th and August 29th. Look for activity on all bands. QSL via LoTW is preferred. [rsgbiota.org].
MOZAMBIQUE (Update). Frosty's, K5LBU, team was very active this past week from Mozambique. They should be on the air until July 30th. Frosty reported that Hal, ZS6WB, had an accident with his car and has no trans- portation to C9, so regretfully there will be no EME or 6 meters this trip. The C9 team now consists of the following operators: Charles F. Frost (Frosty) K5LBU - C91CF, QSL via home callsign. Tom Kramer NQ7R - C91TK, QSL via home callsign. Jay Sewell W5SL - C91SL, QSL via home callsign. John Plenderleith 9M6XRO - C91XO*, QSL via M3SDE. Bill Dzurilla NZ5N - C91BD, QSL via WA4WTG. Bob Novak K0OK - C91OK*, QSL via home callsign. Ben Pyfer DJ0YI - C91YI*, QSL via home callsign. * Callsign pending Activity will be on all bands from 160-6 this trip. They have a log search on the Web at: http://www.tdxs.net/C9.html (OPDX).
ANTELOPE ISLAND - Look for Ralph, NM5RC/p to be active July 30th from Antelope Island (USi AZ-023/UT-023), which borders Kane county, Utah and, Coconino county, Arizona. Short stay as the temperature of the red rock will rise to 120° F by noon and there is no shade. 20m mostly, but some 40m. Will also move to 40m upon relayed request. Will send QSL cards to all contacts by end of August. [USi].
NEW YORK STATE ISLANDS - Jay, NS4J will be on a Buffalo, New York, road trip for a long weekend. He would really like to put on two new ones, Squaw NY032 and North NY044 for the US Islands Award. Plans are to activate any or all or none of the following US islands: Grand (NY-001R, Niagara County), Squaw (NY-032, Erie County), South (NY-037L, Erie County), North (NY-044, Erie County) on 40, 20 and 15 meters. Jay will use the call sign NS4J/p or K3USI. QSL via home call, direct or bureau or USi e-QSL. [USi].
LABRADOR ISLANDS - Cezar/VE3LYC and Ken/G3OCA will activate Finger Hill Island (NA-194) and Paul Island (NA-205), between July 30th and August 5th using the call sign VO2A. They intend to operate for three days from each island, with two stations on the air from 40-6m, CW and SSB. Rigs will be ICOM 7000 (Cezar) and TS50 (Ken). Antenna will be wire GP capable to work 6 to 40 m. Power will be 100W top, but will likely run less in CW when propagation conditions will permit. Call signs will be VE3LYC/VO2 (Cezar) and VO2/G3OCA (Ken). QSL via VE3LYC, direct or by the bureau (G/GM/GW/GI stations can confirm via G3OCA). [VE3LYC].
LAMPEDUSA ISLAND - Sal/IT9HUV and Joe/IT9RBW will be active as IG9/homecall from Lampedusa Island (AF-019, IIA AG-001, MIA MI-126, WLOTA LH-2312) from August 1-7th. They will be active holiday style on 10, 15, 20 and 40 meter SSB, possibly with some RTTY and CW. QSL via IT9DQM. [425 DX News].
CRETE - Martin, G4XUM will once again be active as J49K from the island of Crete (EU-015, MIA MGC-005, WLOTA LH-1400) between August 1st and 15th. QRV on 6m, 4m and 2m from KM25CK and possibly from KM15. Sked requests (JT6 & SSB) to g4xum'at'md4k'dot'com. QSL via G4XUM. [DL8EBW].
KOSOVO - SCC DXpedition to Kosovo - YU8/S56M will be the call sign of Slovenia contest club team which will visit Kosovo in first part of August 2008. Main target is participation in WAE CW contest. Activity outside of the contest will be on all HF bands and modes, including 6 meters. QSL via S57U. More information will be available at: lea.hamradio.si/~scc/kosovo/kosovo.htm [S50XX].
ASCENSION ISLAND. Bob, VP8LP, will be active as ZD8LP between August 15-16th and September 14th. Bob will only be using a vertical antenna, so don't expect to hear big signals, but he intends to be very active on 40-10 meters as propagation permits. QSL direct to his home callsign VP8LP only.
LIGHTHOUSE/LIGHTSHI P ACTIVITIES (ILLW - August 16-17th) - INTERNATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE/LIGHTSHI P WEEKEND. Kevin, VK2CE, ILLW Webmaster and Coordinator, reports (edited): "This highly popular annual amateur radio event (not a contest) will be held over the weekend of August 16-17th, 2008. There were 380 lights on the air from 48 countries last year. All you need to know about the event is contained on the official Web site at: http://illw. net Originating in 1999, the event is organized and managed by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group in Scotland since the passing of the founder of the weekend, Mike Dalrymple, GM4SUC, in December 2005. To register for the event go to the web site at http://illw. net and complete the online entry form so you can be listed on the entrants page." Any questions about the event can be sent to Kevin, K2CE, via the Web site E-mail facility. Publishing this notice in your club bulletin or sharing it with your club members would be most appreciated.
BBDXG LIGHTHOUSE ACTIVITES. Members of the Bahia Blanca DX Group (BBDXG) will transmit again, this time, from seven different lighthouses at the same time during the International Lighthouse/Lightshi p Weekend (ILLW) which will be held on the third weekend of August (August 16-17th). Look for them from the following lighthouses: MORRO NUEVO Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG?"048, ILLW AR-0031) -- Will be activated for the "FIRST TIME". Lat. 42' 52" S/Long. 64' 08" W. Grid Locator = FE77wd. Located at the south end corner of Valdez Peninsula. It indicates the entrance to the "Nuevo" Gulf. 750 Km. South from Bahia Blanca. Operators and callsigns used: LU9ESD/W, LU4ETN/W and LW9EAG/W.
SAN GREGORIO Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-062, ILLW AR-0028) -- Will be activated for the "FIRST TIME". Lat. 45' 01" S/Long. 65' 38" W. Grid Locator = FE74ex. Located in the southeast of Chubut Province. Operators and callsigns used: LU1EUU/W LU5DEM/W and possibly others.
CABO ARISTIZABAL Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-023 HISTORIC, ILLW AR-0027) -- Will be activated for the "FIRST TIME". Lat. 45' 13" S/Long. 66' 32" W. Grid Locator = FE64rs. Located at the north end of "San Jorge" Gulf, in Chubut Province. Operators and callsigns used: LU7DSY/W, LU5DIT/W, LU6DBL/W and possibly others.
PUERTO ROSALES Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-095, ILLW AR-0029) -- Will be activated for the "FIRST TIME". Lat. 58' 55" S/Long. 62' 04" W. Grid Locator = FD81xc. Located in the access to the main wharf of the commercial port of Punta Alta city in the south of Buenos Aires Province. Callsign used: LU3DXG/D (Official callsign of BBDXG). Operators: LU5EAO/D, LU8EHQ/D, LU7EUZ/D, LU5DKT/D, LW5DAD/D and LW2ENB/D.
BALIZA CHICA Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-083, ILLW AR-0026) -- Lat. 38' 53" S/ Long. 61' 58" W. Grid Locator = FF91ac. Located in the Base of Marines called "Baterias". 20 km southeast from Naval Base Puerto Belgrano and 40 km. from Bahia Blanca. Operators and callsigns used: LU8DWR/D, LU8DIP/D , LU3DZO/D, LU4ELE/D, LU4UZW/D and LU4DBP/D.
BALIZA PUNTA ATALAYA Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-099, ILLW AR-0024). Lat. 35' 01" S/Long. 57' 32" W. Grid Locator = GF14fx. Located in the perimeter of the Argentine Naval Prefecture, detachment Atalaya, 102 Km east from Buenos Aires city. Operators and callsigns used: LU6DRN/D and LU6EU/D.
CLAROMECO Lighthouse (ARLHS ARG-014, ILLW AR-0008). Lat. 38' 51" S/ Long. 60' 03" W. Grid Locator = FF91xd. Located in the Claromeco Spa, near Tres Arroyos town. 200 Km east from Bahia Blanca. Operators and callsigns used: LU7HW/D, LU3HKA/D, LU7EHL/D, LU7DR/D and LU4DBT/D.
All Bands and modes will be worked, including digimodes (RTTY, PSK31, SSTV...) and CW. PLEASE NOTE: SAN GREGORIO, CABO ARISTIZABAL and MORRO NUEVO Lighthouses will use each operator's callsigns plus "W" because they are located in the province of Chubut.
PUERTO ROSALES LH will use the official BBDXG callsign LU3DXG for this first time activity. Contacts with PUERTO ROSALES, BALIZA CHICA, BALIZA PUNTA ATALAYA and CLAROMECO Lighthouses will be valid for the "PROVINCE OF BUENOS AIRES LIGHTHOUSES" Award organized by Bahia Blanca DX Group. Also, the above lighthouses are valid for the "Argentine Atlantic Coast Lighthouses 2008" award. For more info on these awards, please contact Manu, LU9ESD, at: lu9esd@yahoo. com The QSL and Award Manager is LU7DSY: Carlos Almiron, P.O. Box 709, 8000 Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Please send one envelope with all your QSLs. Up to 2 QSLs = 1 IRCs. Up to 4 QSLs = 2 IRCs. Up to 6 QSLs = 3 IRCs. Up to 8 QSLs = 4 IRCs. For 9 QSL without award, please send 5 IRCs. If you want the award, send QSLs for each light- house and 8 IRCs.
GAMBIA. Niels, OZ8KR, will once again be active from here in 2009. He mentions that his license is good one year and he will be active as C56KR between January 9-14th and again (after his trip to Senegal) between January 23rd and February 4th. Activity will be on 40-10 meters SSB using a FT-857 and wire antennas. His QTH will be Bakuto on the Atlantic Ocean. Niels states that his travel plans are booked with a Hotel/apt. The transceiver is already in The Gambia. QSL via his home callsign OZ8KR. (OPDX).
MOZAMBIQUE. Operators ON4AEO, ON7BK, ON4CJK, ZS6GC, ZS5AYC, ZR6APT, ZS6IMO, VK4AHT, VK4EMH and possible others will be active as C91FC next year in April 2009 (possibly between 8-17th). QSL via ON4CJK. More details will be forthcoming and a Web page will be online in January 2009 at: http://www.c91fc.be (OPDX).
MOROCCO (IPA Op). Gab, HA3JB (SU8BHI), reports that he now has a new license from Morocco. Look for him to be active as CN2IPA between September 21st and October 5th. Activity will be good for the Inter- national Police Association Award (IPA). He plans to be on CW, RTTY, PSK, SSTV and some SSB, as well as an entry in the 2008 CQ DX RTTY Contest. QSL via HA3JB: Gabor Kutasi, H-8601 Siofok, P.O.Box 243, HUNGARY, EUROPE. (OPDX).
PACIFIC TOUR (Update). Willi, DJ7RJ, is expected to join Ulli, DL2AH, in traveling around in the Pacific areas between September and early November. A report from Willi, DJ7RJ, indicates that he has already booked his flights for August 26th and October 27th, via LAX to Samoa (5W) and his return. He mentions that Ulli, DL2AH, and he are planning to visit the Tokelau Islands (ZK3) together (specific dates are in the planning stages). After that, they will return back to Samoa, before going on to the next island (possibly, Marquesas Island (FO/m), Wallis & Futuna Island (FW) or American Samoa (KH8). Willi states, "With our journey to 5W everything is running well. We are in touch with the shipping company in Apia. Two ships are leaving Apia a couple of days after we arriving on Samoa. We have a good chance to get a reservation for one of these ships. Maybe we will arrive on Tokelau on September 2nd or September 5th. We have to stay at least three weeks on Nukunonu (OC-048) before we travel back to Apia. So it means we will be back in Apia at the end of September! Afterwards, I will decide what will be the next island to visit. I am not sure yet. My flight back to LAX will be October 21st. QSL via CBA."
JURA ISLAND (EU-008). Members of Sands Contest Group and Workington Amateur Radio Society are combining to activate the Isle of Jura, from September 22-29th. They are hoping to be active on all modes and bands as conditions allow. The Sands Contest Group has previously activated Mull in 2006 and Workington Amateur Radio Society has had several activations, the last of which was Barra Island in 2007. More information as it happens can be found on the Sands Contest Group blog at: http://m0scg.blogspot.com This blog will have daily updates during the activation. They hope to work as many stations as possible. There should also be some SOTA activation during the week. (OPDX).
CALDEY ISLAND (EU-124). Look for GB2CI or GW3SVJ/P to be active from Caldey Island (WLOTA 4056), September 2-8th. QSL via G8ATD.
PICO ISLAND (EU-175) . Joao, CU6AY, will be active as CU6AY/p from Pico Island (DIPAS-006, WLOTA LH-1321) between August 12th and September 4th. He will also activate for the first time the Natural Reserve of Montanha do Pico for the World Flora Fauna - WFF Award (CTFF-045 CU). QSL direct to his home callsign (see QRZ.com).
HATTERAS ISLAND (NA-067) . Members of the Tennessee Valley DX Association (TVDXA) will activate Hatteras Island using the callsign W4PL. This island is part of the North Carolina State East Group. W4PL plans on being active about 1900z on Saturday, September 27th, and will go QRT Saturday, October 4th. The group will use 100 watt transceivers and plan to be active on 80-10 meters HF (SSB, CW with some PSK and RTTY), and 6 meters SSB and CW. Operators include: Barbarra / WA4RMC, Kathy / W4KRY, Lynn / K0MAI, Tom / K4VCM, Greg / WA4NFO, Tommie / K4KWK, Kenny / AB4GG, Charlie / AD4F, Paul / WA4AA, Peter / KB3PGU, Larry / WA4IVO and Virginia / KI4MPK. Non- licensed team members include Nancy, XYL of WA4AA and Halyna, XYL of KB3PGU. Please QSL via K4KWK direct (SASE) or by the bureau. Additional information will be added to their Web site during and following the activation at: http://www.tvdxa.com ADDED NOTE: TVDXA states, "We are calling this a 'Mini DX- pedition' since we are not going to some far away exotic place. However, we are very serious about this trip and hope to make many contacts (and have loads of fun along the way). This is the fifth consecutive island we have activated in as many years. Antennas will include a multi-band vertical, tri-band beam, end fed wire and 6 meter beam along with other backup antennas. Please visit our Web site and watch for further updates."
SVALBARD. Haugseth, LA7WCA, will once again be active from Spitsbergen for the second time as LA7WCA between September 19-26th. Activity will be on 160-10 meters, mainly SSB with some CW. QSL via LA7WCA (QRZ.com). Also, he will be joined by two friends for their time on Svalbard: Finsveen/LA8BCA (JW8BCA) and Tom/LB9UE (JW/LB9UE).
DX NEWS:
QSL ROUTES by Johannes/DK8JB and Tedd/KB8NW: 4K3FPL direct - 9A8M via 9A3JB - AO4EC via EA4RCH - AT6T via VU2PTT - CT3FQ LoTW (preferred), Bureau, or direct to CT3KN.
9X0R QSL STATUS. We received a report that Antonio, EA5RM, is stating direct QSLs requests should be coming out very soon.
[QARTest] NEW RELEASE 2.3.0 - : Consumers QARTest - I inform You that the new release is on-line 2.3.0 of QARTest. These the novelties: to.. Management Contest Iota (this weekend) b.. Management PTT street CAT for all the operational ways (only radio that supports the function) - c.. New radios interfacciate through CAT: Icom IC-781 and IC-7700 Il manual is in phase of updating, and you/he/she will be released as soon as possible. Download software and manual here: http://www.ik3qar.it/software/qartest_ita/download/ - Contest Iota - Memory that: to.. the window of the multipliers (references Iota) it opens to the usual one with Halt-M or from the menù it Shows--> Multipliers. b.. Her stations Iota they will also pass besides the RST and to the seriale the reference Iota: to move herself from the field call to that of the seriale to that of the reference Iota to use as usual the bar. The reference must be written in the format (es.) EU001 - Proposed of the references As already fact for other contest, also for the Contest Iota I have set a system to try to propose the reference of the island to forehead of the digitation of a nominative (followed by the bar spaziatrice), first still that the correspondent passes it, so that to know what "to wait us." In the case of the Iota, over that "to fish" the reference from a list of known nominatives already and precaricati, the program tries to draw the reference however, where possible, founding himself on the nominative. In the case of a prefix or country corresponding to more references, that more probable is proposed. For instance, any station of Great Britain or rather G, GM, GW will be proposed as EU005, unless the nominative expressly is not present with another reference in the file iotacalls.mlt. And' clear that can be stations English that transmit from other islands, but that as EU005 is proposed: in this case it is necessary to modify the reference as from indications of the correspondent, moving himself/herself/itself on the field with the bar spaziatrice. Another example, more next to us, it comes from Sardinia: IM0 can be both EU041 and EU165: the program proposes EU041, that is the most probable. If the correspondent gives us EU165 you will be enough to correct the reference. If subsequently we will contact the correspondent on another banda/modo, the system it will propose the correct reference picking her up from that inserted to log in the preceding Qso. And' always however essential to verify correct reference Listening to her/it From the Correspondent. That proposed by the system serves only for having a suggestion, but it never owes to be taken for "strained gold". Who didn't desire to use the automatic suggestion of the reference, he can simply eliminate or to rename the file iotacalls.qcl (only that!) and to restart QARTest. I finally remember that on my site it is present a space devoted to the Italian contesterses where our declared scores and the comments can be inserted for the principal contests national HF/VHF and foreigners. This is the link: http://www.ik3qar.it/contest/ declared / they are to disposition for possible explanations and suggestions, eventually also on skype (previous sked). 73 Paul IK3QAR.
DXCC NEWS (2007 DXCC Honor Roll List). Bill Moore, NC1L, Awards Branch Manager, reports: "Upon receiving the August issue of QST it was discovered that some Honor Roll members were incorrectly listed, mostly from numbers from their previous submission, while a couple were not listed at all. We apologize for this and as soon as we have a handle on those who were not properly listed, a correction will be published in QST later in the year. (Issue to be determined once we have all the information) . If you notice an incorrect listing, please send an E-mail to dxcc@arrl.org to be placed on the list for the corrected listing. Remember that the period for this listing is from January 1 through December 31, 2007 only, the prior period of April 1 through March 31 has been changed."
PERSEIDS ACTIVITY LEVELS? - I'm very new to both VHF operation and Meteor Scatter. In my limited experience, the Ping Jockey reflector seems to mostly a few "regulars" and the occasional visit from other stations. I gather that I cam to the "party" a bit late, and that most of the folks who have been active on WSJT are currently involved in experimenting with the WSPR modes on HF. Nothing wrong with that of course, but it does tend to the limit the number of stations that one can attempt to work. From what I can read, the peak of the Perseids shower on August 12th may be an exception to that rule? I'm trying to plan to maximize the number of stations/grids that I can work, especially on 2 Meters. So, I'm wondering if some of the more experienced folks can give me an idea of what to expect/plan for? In general, I'm interested in the following: 1. Will a large number of stations be active on August 12th? 2. What frequencies and modes will be used? Do some folks still use SSB and/or CW to work folks during the shower, or is all the activity related to the WSJT modes? 3. What can I do to maximize the number of stations that I can work on 2 Meters? 4. Should I plan on operating all day? What about the days before and after the peak? Will there be increased activity on those days as well? I'm equipped for MS on 6M, 222, and 432 as well...but my main goal at the moment is VUCC on all bands. A good first sporadic E season has netted me over 150 grids on 6 Meters, so my focus right now is on 2 Meters. Only have 28 grids to date, so I'm hoping to improve on that total. Any and all advice gratefully appreciated. 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF les@highnoonfilm.com
INVALID OPERATION LIST. Tony, EA5BY, informs OPDX that some members of Lynx DX Group have created a list of "invalid operations" for the different amateur radio awards; especially DXCC. They are looking for some help to keep the list complete and updated. Any information is highly welcomed and can be sent to: info-dxcc@lynxdxg.com They would also like to scan every QSL of every callsign that is listed and help with this is also welcome. The Web site is fully operational at: http://www.lynxdxg.com/novalidas/novalidas.htm
QSL AP2DKH via W2FB (for stateside). Steve, W2FB, informs OPDX that Dr. Khalid, AP2DKH, visited the NJ/NY area in June. Steve had the privilege to meet him. In addition to their eyeball QSO, they also exchanged QSL cards. Steve told Dr. Khalid that getting QSLs out of Pakistan is very difficult especially for U.S. stations. Dr. Khalid left Steve some cards to issue QSLs for stateside stations. He now has his log and can issue direct cards for the deserving DXers still waiting for their first AP confirmation. Please use a large envelope as the AP2DKH card is larger than the usual stateside QSL. Use a EU style envelope or No. 10 envelope for reply, with a SASE, GS, or IRC. Wayne, W5KDJ, reports that the logs for 3DA0KDJ, A25KDJ, C91KDJ and YN2KDJ are now available at: http://dx.qsl.net/logs/
TOP 5 QSL MANAGER SURVEY. John, K1XN, Editor of the GoList, reports" "With the bands in such sorry shape, I am sure everyone has been busy catching up on your QSL chores. You know, that job you put off for reasons unknown by normal folks. This might be a very good time to take a Top 5 QSL Manager or QSL card hander survey. It has been several years now since I last conducted the last survey and it will be interesting to see results during this 'down' period. There will be no plaques nor money, but there will be a lot of bragging rights to the most vote getters for Top 5. The rules are simple. Send me the callsign of that QSL Manager or card handler that impressed you most this year in sending you a con- firmation card. Don't base it on past years or popularity, but on the actual per- formance by that person. Send your vote to me via E-mail at: golist@gmail.com In the subject line please put TOP 5 QSL MANAGERS, this will help me sort the mail. The survey will run until the 20th of August, and I will report the results on this reflector (GoList Mailing List). This survey is open to all amateurs around the world. I hope to hear from many of you soon..... John K1XN @ The Golist (golist@gmail. com)"
TX7LX QSL BUREAU REQUEST. Georg, DK7LX/TX7LX, informs OPDX that he now offers the option to request Bureau-QSLs via E-mail for his recent Mayotte Island (TX7LX) operation. His E-mail address is published on both, QRZ.com as well as his TX7LX Web page. Georg states, "People are welcome to send me a list of their QSOs, and I'll take care of it as soon as I receive QSLs from the printer." Further details can be found under the sources mentioned above. LAST MINUTE UPDATE: Georg informed OPDX on July 20th: TX7LX has been APPROVED for DXCC per Bill, Moore/NC1L.
V73 QSL BUREAU CLOSED. Neil, V73NS, informs OPDX: "It is with the deepest regret we announce that the V73 Bureau is CLOSED. We are unable to accept cards due to circumstances beyond our control. Cards should be sent only to address of the home call of the V73 operator." See QSL info site: http://www.qsl.net/v73ax/qsl.html
CHRISTMAS ISLAND (OC-002). By the time you read this, the "DXciting Group" should be getting ready to go QRT. As this was being typed, operators Marq / CT1BWW (VK9XWW), John / EA3GHZ (VK9XHZ), Henry / EA5EOR (VK9XOR) and Dina / EC5BME (VK9XME), have made 6,438 QSOs (2917/CW and 3521/SSB) as of 0255z, July 20th. QSL via EA4URE, direct or by the bureau. The official VK9X Web site is at: http://www.dxciting.com/vk9x
PIRATE ---> Bobby, N5BJ is still being pirated, as he is still receiving QSL cards for contacts made on 160 metres CW. Please note that the genuine N5BJ works neither 160m nor CW.
QSL TX7LX ---> Georg, DK7LX is receiving direct cards for TX7LX (his recent activity form Mayotte, http://www.dk7lx. mayotte.2008. ms/) with old IRCs or insufficient return postage. These requests will be processed via the bureau. Please note that, because of the high postal rates in Germany, 2 USD are needed for destinations in Europe, and 3 USD are needed for destinations outside Europe, while 1 new IRC is all right for both. To speed up the QSLling process, bureau cards can be requested by e-mail (dk7lx[at]web. de). [TNX DK7LX]
QSL VIA W2FB ---> Steve, W2FB says he has received the logs from Dr Khalid, AP2DKH and is now able to issue the QSL cards (direct preferred, but bureau cards will be accepted as well).
MARION ISLANDS. There is still no activity reported. For updates and the first offical announcement of ZS8T being on the air, please visit the official ZS8T Web site at: http://zs8t. net
+ SILENT KEYS + Recently reported Silent Keys include Dale Newton Richardson, Jr. (AA5XE), Tom Higginson (GW3AHN) and Rodrique Gagnon (VE2NN).
PROPAGATION:
Current Solar Indicies from WWV 26-Jul-2008 at 0008 UTC SFI = 66 A = 6 K = 1 Conditions during the last 24 hours No space weather storms were observed for the past 24 hours. Forecast for the next 24 hours No space weather storms are expected for the next 24 hours.
Solar Wind Data Provides solar wind velocity and energetic particle intensity Updated at: 0055Z on July 26, 2008 Velocity (km/s): 394.5 Density (protons/cm3): 4.7
Penticton Observatory SFI Measurement WWV only updates its SFI reading once a day at 2100Z The Penticton solar observatory takes measurements at 1700Z, 2000Z, and 2300Z (WWV uses the 2000Z Penticton measurement)
The Penticton Observatory SFI value on 25-Jul-2008 at 2300Z was: 66
Three Day SFI and A-index Forecast (updated daily after 2200Z) This report issued on Jul 25, 2008 at 2203Z
Date SFI A-index 25 Jul 066 5 26 Jul 066 5 27 Jul 066 5
Solar Activity Forecast Solar activity is expected to be very low. Geophysical Activity Forecast Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet levels through the period (26 - 28 July).
Recent Major Solar Flare Activity (usually reported within 30 minutes of event peak)
No major flare activity to report
NOAA (American) Sunspot Number This number is reported daily around 0225Z and reports the number of sunspots observed in the previous 24 hour period
The NOAA Sunspot number for 24-Jul-2008 was: 0
Most recent five days (oldest first): 12 11 0 0 0
GOES-8 Background X-ray Flux This value is reported daily around 0225Z and reports the average background x-ray flux level as measured by the GOES-8 satellite
The GOES-8 Background X-ray Flux level on 24-Jul-2008 was: A0
Most recent five days (oldest first): A0 A0 A0 A0 A0
