Islands, Castles & Portable Operations 11/29-12/7, 2007

Islands, Castles & Portable Operations.
Listing is by calendar date (day/month/year).
Note: Listings with announced digital operations are in italics.


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29/11/2007: Gena, RA9CMI is currently QRV until December 15th as RA9CMI/9 from District AL-72 (Belokuriha), Altaysky kraj (AL). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [RX3RC]

29/11/2007: Juergen, DJ3KR is currently QRV until December 15th from Indonesia using the call sign YB1AQB. He will be active on all bands with an IC-7000 and a vertical with a height of 10m. QSL via DJ3KR. [DX Newsletter]

30/11/2007: Radio Club Ushuaia, with yearning to activate different geographic points of the Isla Grande, Tierra del Fuego (SA-008) [according to the connected Awards], will be active from 'MOAT' (Destacamento de la Prefectura Naval Argentina) Grid Square FD65PA, from 1501 UTC November 30th to the 1800 UTC December 2nd, using AY7X call sign, operating SSB, CW, PSK and RTTY around the following suggested November 30th to the 18:00 UTC of December 2nd, using AY7X callsign, frequencies: CW - 3.550, 7.020, 14.010, 21.010 28.050 MHz; SSB - 3.680, 7.080, 14.200, 21.200, 28.300 MHz; PSK - 3.610, 7.035, 14.070, 21.070, 28.120 MHz; RTTY - 3.620, 7.040, 14.080, 21.070, 28.130 MHz. QSL via WD9EWK, direct (Patrick Stoddard, 4031 E. Aster Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85032-7417, U.S.A.) or bureau. Contact with Tierra del Fuego qualifys,for WAP Awards (ARG-023) or IOTA (SA-008 - Tierra del Fuego islands). Web site at: www.lu8xw.net/ [I1HYW]

30/11/2007: Lee Sanghoon, DS4NMJ (DT8A) will be QRV from Chung island (AS-060) with other Japanese and Korean operators, namely HL4/JA1HGY, HL4/JA1WPX, HL4/JA1RJU, DS4NMJ, HL4CEL and HL4CEY for 24 hours from 0400z November 30th to 0400z December 1st. This IOTA is for attending JA's Korean Wedding ceremony. [F5NQL]

30/11/2007: Rick, K6VVA will be going back to Revillagigedo Island (NA-041, USi AK-141S, 1st S. Eastern County), Alaska, again for the ARRL 160m Contest (Nov 30 - Dec 02) operating as KL8C, and also hopes to be QRV on other bands as K6VVA/KL7 again (the Sept/2007 QSLs are being printed - QSL via N6AWD). The operating QTH has a great over-salt-water path to the U.S. and much of Europe, although condx in Sept. were not good for EU. There is a big hill in the direction of JA, so Rick may try to operate from the other side of the Island with a clear shot to JA for a while during the daytime/non-160m hours (if not this trip, then the next time). QSL via N6AWD. [K6VVA]

30/11/2007: Victor RX6DL will be active November 30th to December 2nd as RU9QRP/6/p from Districts KR-26 (Apsheronsky), Krasnodarsky kraj (KR) and AD-06 (Majkopsky), Republic of Adygeya (AD). QSL via RX6DL, direct or bureau. [RX3RC]

30/11/2007: Alan, WQ5W will be signing V25W from the island of Antigua (NA-100, WLOTA LH-1118) during the ARRL 160 Metre Contest (November 30-December 2) as a Single-Op/High-Power entry. QSL direct to WQ5W, or via LoTW. Further info at: wq5.blogspot.com/ [NG3K]

01/12/2007: Jan, PA4JJ will once again be active as C56JJ from Banjul, The Gambia, between December 1-11th. Further information and QSL route can be found at: www.c56jj.pa4jj.nl/ [NG3K]

01/12/2007: Jean/ON5JV and Georgette/ON6AK will sign EA8/homecall from Tijoco Bajo, Tenerife Island (S-012 for the Spanish Islands Award, WLOTA LH-1276), Canary Islands (AF-004), between December 1, 2007 and January 31, 2008. Mainly on 20 and 40m in the evening (local time). QSL via home calls, bureau preferred. [F5NQL]

01/12/2007: Patrick, F8DYD/p will be QRV December 1st to activate the Castle of Boivre (DFCF 86-039) and the Mill of Vouneuil sous Biard (DMF 86-003), located in the City of Vouneuil sous Biard (CP 86580), Poitiers 5th canton (DDFM 86-35), Department Vienne/86, Province Poitou Charentes (DPF 19). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [F8DYD]

01/12/2007: Peter, RW3PF will be active December 1-2nd as RW3PF/m from the following RDA Districts TL-02 (Privokzal'nyj - Tula Area), TL-03 (Proletarian - Tula Area), TL-13 (Shchekino City), TL-12 (Uzlovaya City), TL-33 (Uzlovsky), TL-28 (Novomoskovsk) and TL-25 (Kireevsky), Tul'skaya oblast (TL). QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [RX3RC]

01/12/2007: Claude, F6AEW/p will be QRV December 1st using the special call TM7AJ from the Castle of l'Aune Mongenard (DFCF 53-144), Martigne sur Mayenne (CP 53470), Department Mayenne/53, Province Pays de Loire (DPF 17). Activity will be on 80 and 40m, starting around 0830z. QSL via F6KSU, direct or bureau. [F6AEW]

02/12/2007: The Radio Club of Fagnes (F5KDB) and some of its members will be QRV December 2nd to finish the reactivation of the Forts of the defense of Maubeuge. These Forts will count for the Diplôme des Forts du Val de Sambre (DFVS). Information about the Val de Sambre Fortresses award can be found at: pageperso.aol.fr/f8bmn/ReglementDFVS.html. This activity will take place mainly on 40m and possibly 80m, propagation permitting. The following calls and Forts will participate: F5KDB will be at Fort de Leveau in the buildings of the Radio-Club (DFCF 59-013), commune of Feignies (CP 59750, DDCF 59-08, DFVS 59-01); Bruno, F4FIU/p will reactivate the Fort des Sarts (DFCF 59-033), located on the commune of Mairieux (CP 59600, DDCF 59-44, DVFS 59-06); and J-François, F8BMN/p will reactivate the Fort d'Hautmont (DFCF 59-023), located on the commune d'Hautmont (CP 59330, DDCF 59-69, DFVS 59-02). QSL via operator's instructions. [F8BMN]

04/12/2007: Well-known DXer Kan, JA1BK will be visiting Southwestern Europe and Africa between December 4-13th. He might be showing up on the air time permitting in his busy schedule. Look for him as F/JA1BK from the Bordeaux area, EA3/KH6BK from Barcelona, side visit to Gibraltar (activity unlikely), then EA7/KH6BK. Paul, F6EXV, plans to join him and both will attend the Spanish URE DX Convention in San Fernando. On December 10th and 11th, Kan along with Paul, will be visiting Juan, EA9IE and might take the mike and/or the key, signing EA9/KH6BK and EA9/F6EXV. QSL respectively to their home call signs (JA1BK and F6EXV). [OPDX]

04/12/2007: Look for Geoff, W0CG and others to be active as PJ2/homecall from Signal Point, Curacao (SA-006, WLOTA LH-0942) between December 4-11th. Their main focus will be the ARRL 10-Metre Contest (December 8-9th) using the call sign PJ2T, a Multi-Single entry. QSL PJ2T via N9AG. QSL others via their home call. [CCC]

05/12/2007: Michael, F1IQH will visit Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, as XT2WC December 5th through early January 2008. QSL via F1IQH. [DX Newsletter]

06/12/2007: Bob/K0OK and Dale/KB7UB, will be active as VP5/K0OK and VP5/KB7UB from Providenciales (NA-002), Turks and Caicos Islands, December 6-11th. Look for activity on 6 through 160 metres CW and SSB. They will be operating in the ARRL 10 Metre Contest (December 8-9th) as VP5E (K0OK) and VP5UB (KB7UB). QSL via home calls. Online logs will be available at: www.dxer.com/dxlogs/; all QSOs will be uploaded to LOTW. [425 DX News]

06/12/2007: Look for Dave, KY1V to be active as 6Y1V from Hopewell, Jamaica (NA-097, WLOTA LH-0214) for the ARRL 10-Metre Contest (December 8-9th), as a Single-Op/High-Power/CW entry. QSL only to OH3RB, direct preferred but bureau ok. [6Y1V]

07/12/2007: Hiro/W1VX, Toshi/N3YS, and Hide/AB2WE will be active from Saipan, Northern Mariana Isands (OC-086), December 7-10th as KH0/homecall and KH0D. They plan to operate 80-10 metre CW, SSB, RTTY and FM. QSL W1VX and KH0D via JF1OCQ, N3YS via JE1SYN, AB2WE via JI1JPJ. See QRZ.com. [F5NQL]

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LOOKING AHEAD

08/12/2007: The Radio Club F6KIM (Dept. 54) will air the special call TM4AFM for the 21st annual Téléthon 2007, the fund-raising event organized by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association on December 8th and 9th from the town hall in Richardménil. They will add on the QSL confirming the QSO a recall to make gifts for the AFM. QSL via operator's instructions. [F5TSB]

12/12/2007: John/G7HIA and Robert/G8ATE will be using the special call sign GB0OO (golf bravo Ø oscar one) between December 12-16th. The 12th of December is an unofficial OSCAR DAY celebrating the launch of Amateur radio's first satellite Oscar-1. They will be operating only on analogue satellites. Further information can be found at: www.turlington.supanet.com/ [Southgate ARC]

15/12/2007: Special event station 8J1TFD will be aired from December 15, 2007 until March 31, 2008 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Tokyo Fire Department. Look for activity on all bands and modes. QSL via the JARL bureau. [JJ1WTL/AC6IM]

11/02/2008: André, ON7YK will be QRV from Kerr Serign, Banjul, The Gambia (WW Loc. IK13PM, as C56YK between February 11th and March 6th. 80m-10m, for 80 and 40 metre with a FD4 Ant. and for all other bands with a spiderbeam. Also QRV on 6 metre and 160 metre bands. QSL Information - see C56YK's notice on QRZ.com. [F5NQL]

12/02/2008: José, ON4LAC will be in The Gambia as C56JC, between February 12th to March 5th. He will focus on PSK and RTTY modes which were, unless we are mistaken, never actived from C5. Some SSB too, except when André, C56YK will be using this mode. QSL via home call. [F5NQL]

29/03/2008: Operators Trent/VK4TI, Tony/VK3TZ and Laurie/VK4VCC will be active from Vanuatu, New Hebrides (OC-035) during the CQWW WPX SSB Contest (March 29-30, 2008) as a Multi-Two entry, using the call sign YJ0AX. QSL TBA NA and Europe. [NG3K]

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SPECIAL EVENTS

26/11/2007: The 'ARAN 59' will activate the special call TM8T again this year, by F0FGG, F4DBA, F5TBE and F6BDM in Croix, for the 21st annual Téléthon, the fund-raising event organized by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association that will take place December 7-8th. Activity will be from November 26th to December 9th on 80, 40, 20 metre CW and SSB, also on 144 MHz FM and SSB. Strong activity on Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. This demonstration is done in collaboration with association "A Croix Tous Ensemble for the Téléthon (ACTE)", which gathers a score of associations Croisiennes, the Association of the Radios Amateurs of North (ARAN 59), as well as the "Genealogy Club of the North and Flandres (GCNF)" of Croix. A special QSL could be obtained against exchanges your QSL, 2 Euros or 3 dollars and a self addressed envelope. A diploma could also be exchanged for all contacts carried out on two different bands: 80, 40, 20, 2m and 70cm and Echolink, counter exchanges your QSL, 5 Euros or 8 dollars and self addressed envelope, which covers the QSL and diploma. If possible an A4 self addressed envelope. This money will be transferred for Telethon. Address: GCNF, 87 Avenue Roger Salengro, 59170 Croix, France. For obtaining the special QSL all information can be found at: f6bdm.free.fr/ [F6BDM]

28/11/2007: One of the most important French Engeneers Higher School, located in Toulouse, South France, the ENSEEIHT, l'Ecole Nationale Sup'rieure d'Electro-technique, Electronique, Informatique, Hydraulique et T'l'communications, is celebrating its first Century. A special callsign, TM7IET, will be activated between November 28th and December 9th. 7 is for 1907, year of founding, and IET for Institut Erlectrotechnique de Toulouse which was the first name of the School. HF bands, in SSB, CW and PSK31 and on VHF FM at the intention of the novice operators. You can contact this call sign operating from the Higher School, Monday/Friday, during the day, from the F5KSE ARC facilities Saturday amd Sunday during the day, and from various operators' homes every evening. QSL via F4DQG. [F5NQL]

01/12/2007: Santa Claus Land (OH9SCL) will be again active in December from the Artic Circle. Activity will be on 10-160 metre CW, SSB and digital modes. Among others, Santa's helpers will include Rami/OH3BHL, Erkin/OH9KL, Kimmo/OH9MDV, Juha/OH9MM and Aaro/OH9RJ. QSL via OH9UV. [425 DX News]

01/12/2007: Look for special event station 8J7AKARI to be aired December 1-31st to celebrate the "Sendai Pageant of Starlight", which will be held in the City of Sendai December 12-31th. The Sendai Tuning DX Club will operate from the City of Sendai on HF/VHF/UHF using SSB, CW, RTTY, PSK31, SSTV and AO51 satellite. Suggested digital frequencies are 7.028 10.144 14.080 18.108 21.080 and 24.922 Mhz, with SSTV on 21.335 and 18.160 Mhz. Note: AKARI is Japanese word that means light with warmth. It is simple physics-like; shine, and hold it. For example, the warmth to show human feeling, love and friendship in. QSL info can be found at: www.qrz.com/callsign/8J7AKARI/ [JJ1WTL/AC6IM]

01/12/2007: Special event callsign PF30FRG will be aired during the month of December to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Frisian Radio Amateur Group (FRAG) in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. QSL via PI4FRG. [425 DX News]

01/12/2007: Look for special event station SP80KKK to be aired from Cracow, Poland during the month of December to commemorate the area of Crakow 80 years of revolt of movement (traffic) Krótkofalarskiego and Cracow land (earth). QSL via SP9PKZ. [DX Summit]

01/12/2007: Look for special call sign UE3DWP to be QRV December 1-9th for the days of activity of the Moscow suburbs and areas. This activity counts for the diploma "KM3-65". Activity will be on all bands and modes. QSL via operator's instructions. Inforamtion on the diploma "KM3-65" can be found at: www.qrz.ru/awards/detail/2301.html [QRZ.ru]

01/12/2007: The Thailand FCC, called the NTC, is sponsoring a celebration of His Magesty the King of Thailand's 80th birth year with the fact that the King is a ham, HS1A, and has been active as such over the years. The special call sign of HS80A (HS8 zero A) will be used from the NTC celebration site. Date is December 1, 2007, All day Thai time (+7 UTC). No freqs. yet determined. check RAST web site. [K1XN & The GOLIST]

01/12/2007: The ISWL Club Callsigns in use during December 2007 will be: GX4BJC /A - Operated from Braintree in Essex, by Keith M0CLO (WAB Square = TL72 ESX & IOTA = EU-005). MP1SWL /A - Operated from Guernsey, in the Channel Islands, by Lionel MU0GSY (WAB Square = WV38 & IOTA = EU-114). All QSL Info is on www.iswl.org.uk or www.qrz.com or via www.eQSL.cc NO LOTW! ISWL Awards are available to all Hams and SWL's - see www.iswl.org.uk eQSL.cc cards ARE accepted for their awards. [Pete's-DX-Newsdesk]

08/12/2007: The Radio Club F6KIM (Dept. 54) will air the special call TM4AFM for the 21st annual Téléthon 2007, the fund-raising event organized by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association on December 8th and 9th from the town hall in Richardménil. They will add on the QSL confirming the QSO a recall to make gifts for the AFM. QSL via operator's instructions. [F5TSB]

U.S.A. Special events can be found at: www.arrl.org/contests/spev.html

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LIGHTHOUSE CALENDAR

27/11-18/12 P40TA: Aruba Island WLOTA:0033 QSL WM6A (d/LoTW)
27/11-03/12 PJ2/K8ND: Curacao Island WLOTA:0942 QSL H/C (d/b)
27/11-03/12 PJ2/W8WTS: Curacao Island WLOTA:0942 QSL H/C (d/b)
30/11-02/12 PJ2T: Curacao Island WLOTA:0942 QSL K8ND (d/LoTW)
30/11-02/12 V25W: Antigua Island WLOTA:1118 QSL WQ5W (d/LoTW)
01/12-31/1/08 EA8/ON5JV: Isla de Tenerife WLOTA:1276 QSL H/C (b)
01/12-31/1/08 EA8/ON6AK: Isla de Tenerife WLOTA:1276 QSL H/C (b)
04/12-11/12 PJ2/W0CG: Curacao Island WLOTA:0942 QSL H/C (d/b)
08/12-09/12 6Y1V: Jamaica Island WLOTA:0214 QSL OH3RB (d/b)
08/12-09/12 PJ2T: Curacao Island WLOTA:0942 QSL N9AG (d/b)

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Pedestrian mobile spans the globe -

Despite the sunspot minimum, Blackpool amateur Dave Starkie, G4AKC, has managed two way pedestrian mobile contact with G7LPW/ZL3 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

On 15 November they completed the 21,100km contact on 20 metres SSB. This was the result of two years work to improve and develop a high performance HF backpack which was used at both ends of the contact. [GB2RS]

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EA - SPAIN -

Effective November 24, 2007 Spanish Amateur Radio operators were authorized use of 7100-7200 kHz on a secondary basis, using a total radiated power not exceeding 24 dBW. EA ops also gained access to the 51-52 MHz band giving them use of 50-52 MHz with a maximum power of 100 watts, except in the center of the country where the power is limit is 10 watts. [UBA HF News]

NETHERLAND'S ANTILLES -

New DXCC-Entities to come: As found on the homepage of EUDXF, President of EUDXF Hans, PB2T, visited ARRL HQ in Newington July 24th. There was discussion about the DXCC status of Netherland's Antilles after December 15th, 2008. It looks like four new entities for Curacao, Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Bonaire for future DXCC. (DJ5AV: I remember there should be no further Deleted Entities added to the existing ARRL-DXCC list - compare DXCC Rules, Removal Criteria.)

Political Background: The association "Netherland's Antilles" will finish with "Kingdom's Day", December 15th, 2008. Until late 2008 status of a new system will be set up. Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius voted for closer connection with the Netherlands, while Curacao and Sint Maarten want an autonomous status like Aruba. [DX Newsletter]

J5C UPDATE -

A change happened in the list of the next F6KOP team for the next January 2008 trip to J5, Guinée Bissau. Unfortunately, Serge, F6AML had to cancel his participation for some reasons independant of his one’s will. Jean-Marc, F8IXZ, (ex 6W1/F8IXZ, 6W4/F8IXZ, TM0GAY, F8IXZ/D44AC,5H1C), a CW operator will join the F6KOP team and go to in place of Serge. Please visit our pages at : http://www.j5c.eu/. If you want to help us you can use the information put on the sponsor page. And don’t forget to write a little word on our guest book. [F5NQL]

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ANTARCTIC NEWS

The 6th Edition release 1.10 of the WAP Directories (WAP-WACA & WAP-WADA) are available to download for free at the WAP web site www.waponline.it. Just go to the site and when on the download section, click on the "compass" to download WAP-WADA Directory and on the "penguin" to download WAP-WACA Directory. On the same location, you can download the Polar Ship Book, 180 pages edited by IT9MRM , Official at the Italian Navy and founder of ARMI. Suggestions new calls to insert and new report of Antarctic activities are always welcome. [I1HYW]

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QSL INFO

Denis, F5RJM reports that all direct QSL cards, received up November 25th for the last Tombelaine Island (EU-156) have been answered and mailed. The bureau cards are beeing to be treated and will be sent to the French REF-Union bureau at the beginning of December 2007. [F5NQL]

9Y - Trinidad and Tobago, SA-011
Trinidad and Tobago no longer permit two calls to one person - one for regular QSOing the second one for contests. Therefore Andy, 9Y4ZC, decided to maintain his contest call 9Y4W only. The last QSO as 9Y4ZC took place October 22nd, 2007 at 0319 UTC. He hopes that it takes some time until 9Y4ZC will be distributed again to avoid confusion with the QSLing. (You get Andy's QSL via DL4MDO, bureau ok!). [DX Newsletter]

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PIRATE REPORT

During CQWW CW, the callsign MU0A was very active, and was spotted numerous times, as well as making many S&P contacts. Sadly, this call has never been issued, a fact which has been confirmed by Ofcom, the licencing authority in the UK, and therefore the operation was a pirate. [GU0SUP]

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73 and Good DX!
Dave Raycroft - VA3RJ
Home of ICPO: http://webhome.idirect.com/~va3rj/
Contest Calendar - DX Calendar - Lighthouse Activations
Join ICPO e-Group: http://webhome.idirect.com/~va3rj/icpo_mail.html

Canadian Checkpoint For:
All Croatian Islands Award - ACIA
All Croatian Islands Award Group - ACIAG
The World Light House Diplom - TWLHD
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ARRL Contest Rate Sheet 11-28-2007

CONTESTER'S RATE SHEET
28 NOVEMBER 2007

Edited by Ward Silver N0AX

Published by the American Radio Relay League Free to ARRL members - tell your friends! (Subscription info at the end of newsletter)


SUMMARY
o Our HF Bookends - ARRL 160 and 10 Meter Contests
o Duck and Cover! - TARA RTTY Melee and PSK31 Death Match
o Bob Heil K9EID Awarded Parnelli Audio Innovation Award
o KONG DX-peditions For LW Receiving
o Radio Row and Broadcast Radio
o Dig Safe Update
o Joule Thieves
o Sporadic-F

NEW HF OPERATORS - THINGS TO DO
o If you've given HF contesting a try during the multi-band contests, the ARRL 160 and 10 Meter contests are great ways to find out about these interesting and tantalizing bands. Don't worry that you haven't got a full-sized 160 meter antenna - load up what you have a give it a try!

BULLETINS
o No bulletins this issue.

BUSTED QSOS
o A golden issue last time!

CONTEST SUMMARY (Rules follow Commentary section)

Dec 1-2
- ARRL 160 Meter, CW
- TARA RTTY Melee
- Top Operators Activity, CW
- Bruce Kelley Memorial 1929 QSO Party, CW

Dec 8-9
- ARRL 10 Meter, CW/SSB
- 28 MHz SWL
- PSK31 Death Match
- Russian 160 Meter, CW/SSB
- Croatian CW Contest

--o- ooo - --o- ooo - --o- ooo - -oo o
NEWS, PRESS RELEASES, AND GENERAL INTEREST
- oooo o o-o o- - o ooo oooo o o - -o-

ARRL 160 Meter Contest note - stations located in overseas and non-contiguous U.S. Territories may be worked by DX stations. This includes Alaska KL7, the Caribbean US possessions KP1-KP5, and all of the Pacific Ocean territories KH0-KH9, including Hawaii KH6. These stations can work BOTH domestic stations (US and VE) as well as DX
stations around the world. Check your software BEFORE the contest to be sure it will accept these QSOs.

Bob Heil K9EID was awarded the Parnelli Audio Innovation Award http://www.transaudioelite.com/bobhetore20p.html on November 16th. Bob is well-known in ham radio for his audio products from Heil Sound http://heilsound.com/. The Parnelli award, however, is the "Grammy" of the sound industry and honors Bob not for his ability to get us
through the 20 meter pileups, but for his many innovations in professional sound systems. Congratulations, Bob! (Thanks, Tim K3LR)

The latest 28-page issue of PileUP! by CCF is available http://www.helsinki.fi/~korpela/PU/PU3_2007.pdf as a 3 Mbyte PDF file. Articles and photos for the next issue(s) are welcome and can be emailed to oh1wz@sral.fi. Dave K6LL notes that contesters will identify with the post-contest trauma photography! (Thanks, Ilkka OH1WZ)

Larry F6FVY has written a very nice on-line http://f6fvy.free.fr/qthLocator/fullScreen.php coordinate finder that uses the Google maps interface. Click anywhere on the map to see lat/long and 6-character grid locator. Or enter the grid locator (2-, 4-, or 6-character) and go directly to a display of the appropriate map! (Thanks, Jim AD1C)

Randy K5ZD reports an error in the master.scp file http://www.k5zd.com/scp contained in the zip file. Files downloaded before 2118Z on 19 Nov contain the error and should be re-downloaded. All of the *.dta files are OK.

Since we all just spent the weekend staring at global maps, shouldn't we all do very well on a geography quiz? Tom K1KI contributes this week's mind-muddler - http://tinyurl.com/ytezqd - caution, this is addictive!

The Adventure Radio Society's popular "The ARS Sojourner" Web site is now a "wiki" and reporting good results. Access is free with a short signup procedure described at
http://arsqrp.pbwiki.com/PBwiki+Identity. The name of the wiki is "arsqrp" and the access password is "summit". (Thanks, Russ AA7QU and Richard KI6SN)

While you're restively waiting for the next contest, here's a good book about one of ham radio's magical spots, Clipperton Island. "Clipperton, A History of the Island the World Forgot", by Jimmy M. Skaggs will fill you in on a number of details often left out in more casual reviews. (Thanks, Paul W8AEF)

If you think the somniferous ionosphere hasn't been holding up its end of the bargain lately, don't kvetch. Maybe the story "Strange Space Weather over Africa" at http://tinyurl.com/yth2yj will explain things. (Thanks, Tom K1KI)

Fans of low-band receiving will enjoy the serious-SWLing Web site http://www.kongsfjord.no of the KONG DX-pedition group. These folks are broadcast DXers and a lot of what they do and know is directly applicable to low-band amateur operation. Be sure to check out "The Dallas Files" for even more goodies. (Thanks, Tim K3LR)

The authors of SH5 (a log analysis package) have now taken on the conversion of N6TR's TR-LOG contesting software from DOS to Windows. You can find out more about the project and download the latest version at http://tr4w.qrz.ru/. (Thanks, Hector XE2K)

URL of the Week - Long distance? Well, it's all relative, especially at very, very, very high frequencies. The world record for WiFi (IEEE 802.11 wireless networking) is more than 150 km and that is pretty darn good for 2.4 GHz. Steve XE1UFO contributes this collection of WiFi DX and homebrew sites for our collective amusement:

http://www.wallawalla.edu/frohro/Airport/Primestar/Primestar.html
http://www.cs.cornell.edu/w8/~eckstrom/802.11a/primestar/
http://www.wifi-toys.com/wi-fi.php?a=about&f=c&id=13
http://www.lincomatic.com/wireless/homebrewant.html
http://www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/
http://www.findmorecollectibles.com/wifi.html

oooo o -o-- -o-- o- o-oo o-oo
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
o-- o- - -o-o oooo - oooo oo ooo

Randy K5ZD will have recorded his SOAB operation in CQ WW CW and you can listen at http://www.k5zd.com/. He has also written up articles about operating and posted them at
http://www.k5zd.com/articles/index.html. Randy recommends the recordings and adventures http://tgeorgens.home.mindspring.com/ of W2SC's adventures from 8P, too.

Learn Out Loud http://www.learnoutloud.com/ is offering a free audio book this month that covers the history of early broadcast radio. Search for "Conrad's Garage" by Joe Richman. Access to the site requires signing up at no cost (Thanks, Steve XE1UFO)

"Radio Row" on Cortland Street in New York once occupied stores where the World Trade Center towers were built. The Sonic Memorial Project, dedicated to the history of the WTC site, has published http://sonicmemorial.org/public/radiorow/radiorow.html an audio
program, called "Radio Row - The Neighborhood before the World Trade Center". It's about 12 minutes long and is in Real Audio format. (Thanks, Thom K3HRN)

What does a 160-meter Yagi look like? No, the answer is not that no one knows because you can't build one! At least, not anymore. Take a look at this still-recumbent monster going up at OH8X http://butthead.campus.luth.se/~micke/images/oh8x. The antenna weighs more than 4000 pounds and will live atop a construction crane. Think you could sneak that one by the Homeowner's Association? (Thanks, Dave N2NL)

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RESULTS AND RECORDS
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ARRL Contest Desk Update - Sean Kutzko, KX9X
We've received over 1100 logs for Sweepstakes Phone and just over 1000 logs for Sweepstakes CW! IARU logs have also been processed and sent to the results author thanks to the assistance of N1ND. Sean will also operate W1AW in this weekend's ARRL 160 Meter Contest.
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The claimed scores from the 2007 Collegiate Championship, CW are now on-line at http://www.collegiatechampionship.org/results/2007 There were at least eight college/university clubs on the air for the CW weekend of the ARRL November Sweepstakes. (Thanks, Ken WM5R)

The results of the October 2007 RTTY Contesting survey are now available at http://tinyurl.com/26zynj and comments can be posted on the associated blog page. (Thanks, Don AA5AU)

The logs-received list for the 2007 Japan International DX contest is now posted at http://jidx.org/2007ph-logliSthtml. If your log is not listed, please contact Tack JE1CKA at jidx-chairman@jidx.org.

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OPERATING TIP
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Who says you can't get good SO2R practice outside of major contests? The first step is to get your ears used to hearing two completely different audio streams. We are wired to do some pretty sophisticated correlation and processing to combine our binaural audio inputs. SO2R requires that processing to stop for a while. It can be pretty disconcerting, but with practice becomes fairly natural. Start simply by listening to the ball game in one ear of your headphones and the regular ham bands in the other. See if you can get to where you can listen to a QSO and the sporting event at the same time. Hint, the harder you try, the harder it gets...relax!
Then move on to listening to a pair of ham signals. There are several tutorials on SO2R at the TR Log Web site http://www.trlog.com/tworadiosupp.shtml

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TECHNICAL TIPS AND INFORMATION
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Rich NU6T wrote to say that the Dig Safe or Underground Service Alert One-Call system is now up and running. A previous Rate Sheet noted the national One-Call system was due to be up and running this past spring and, by golly, it is! The Construction Web links Web page http://tinyurl.com/2mmoo provides links to each state's program as well as discussion of the program and recognized problems. Since each state has a different implementation, it is best for
readers to visit their state's One-Link web page for details.

Don W7WLL has found a good, low-cost source for weather and salt-resistant wire antenna support line at a distributor for marine hardware. He recommends the very fine braided nylon and Dacron leader line that comes in ½-pound and larger spools and available in black, white and green. Working strength ranges up to 450 pound test It is also very thin and hard to see.

Don't you just *hate* throwing away batteries when you *know* they have a few electrons left? The circuits known as "joule thieves" http://www.emanator.demon.co.uk/bigclive/joule.htm can put that energy to work, so to speak. Basically a DC-to-DC converter with a blocking oscillator at the core, they step up a low-voltage source to more applicable levels. They won't get to that very last electron hiding in the electrolyte, but they get close. (Thanks, Bill KD7S)

Another "I hate when that happens" event is a connector pin sagging out of alignment while soldering. Les W2LK and George K6GT stops the plastic from melting and pins from moving by plugging the connector into a mating socket. Les then clips a clothespin type heat sink to
the pin being soldered at the rear of the mating socket. It's not a guaranteed remedy, but it works well enough to give you a better chance to get the job done!

Top Band operators sometimes need to determine a bearing to AM stations to track down harmonics, spurs, or just adjust a receiving antenna. Gary NL7Y suggests http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/amq.html as a way of finding the information for a particular station. A second site http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/distance.html can be used
to determine the azimuth or relative bearing from your location's lat/long based on the transmitter location. Jim K9YC notes that in the station information, "DA means Directional Antenna, ND means non-directional, DA-N means DA at night only, DA-2 means different
directional patterns day and night."

Eric N3EF has been converting his power connectors to Tyco/AMP Power Lock connectors www.mouser.com/catalog/627/1063.pdf to increase the pull-apart force. These connectors also mate with Anderson Powerpoles. The Tyco/AMP connectors have an 8-pound disconnect force
as opposed to 3 for the Powerpole low-detent and 5 for the high-detent. The PowerLock-Powerpole combination has a 6-pound disconnect force.

Winding large coils for amplifiers and matching networks isn't too hard if you use soft copper tubing such as is used in refrigeration equipment. Wind the coil on a round form a bit smaller than the desired end result. Clamp one end in a vise in order to create some tension to hold the tubing. Then let the coil expand. Cut 3 lengths of 1/4" thick polystyrene flat stock (or fiberglass for high-temp applications) and notch at the desired pitch and spacing. Insert in the coil and epoxy in place. (Thanks, Carl KM1H)

TECHNICAL URL OF THE WEEK -- Science being what it is, the quest for knowledge occasionally leads to some pretty gnarly dead ends. Thanks to Jack WA0RJY's unquenchable thirst for knowledge, we can enlighten ourselves about some of these less-successful scientific
misadventures at http://picks.yahoo.com/picks/i/20071114.html.

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CONVERSATION
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Sporadic-F

Well, I spent the pseudo-postprandial Thanksgiving weekend enjoying the hospitality of Dale VE7SV and his team of VE7AG, VE7AHA, VE7CC, and VE7CT. Banded together there on the slopes of Mt Thom outside Chilliwack, BC, we did our best to bludgeon our signals through the
sulky ionosphere in various directions. To a satisfyingly large degree we succeeded. Except on 10 meters.

Oof. More fingers than QSOs were recorded on this very quiet band. VE7SV is just too far north (barely across the 49th parallel that marks the US-VE border) to catch even the reliable trans-equatorial long-skip propagation that turns many DX contests into the CE-LU-PY QSO Party. 15 meters was barely better - just a weak shadow of its former self even last year.

While I am used to the patchy, spotty performance of 10 meters during sunspot minima, this year sounded below and not quite to the call of duty. Sporadic-E was asking too much - it felt like we were using Sporadic-F!

I suspect things will be quite a bit better in a couple of weeks during the 10 Meter Contest because everybody will be on the band and because December does offer a bit more in the way of low-layer high-jinks. (For you new-to-HF hams, you won't believe your ears as the clock rolls over to 0000Z on Friday afternoon or evening!) But what is the new cycle is weak, as some predict? It could be a while before we get to the halcyon days of 10 (and even 15!). Maybe now is the time to start thinking about adapting some of the VHF+ practices to the wan and flaccid bands at the top of HF.

Could JT65 be adapted to 10 meter QSOs? What about the meteor scatter protocols? Maybe we should adapt the satellite-tracking antenna systems to follow aircraft flying in and out of the local airport in an effort to use them as reflectors! And tropospheric propagation - why, there's a whole world of techniques and tips to put to use!

And if your home antenna installation doesn't seem big enough to put out a Big Signal on 10 meters, then it might be time for a hilltop expedition! That parking garage roof that did so well this past September with a 6 meter beam might also work on 10 meters. The only thing missing from a VHF+ contest will be your grid square!

All this is somewhat tongue in cheek, but not completely. Perhaps some of you thought, "Hmmm, what if I plug this into that instead? Could I run that EME protocol on 28 SSB?" And therein we get to the normal ham inventivity - soon a whole new subculture will spring to
life! What better for ham radio than another strange experimentation bringing new life and perfervid activity to what has been a pretty lame band for the traditional modes.

By the way - welcome back to the CQ WW CW, Dale! Last year, just before the contest, a nasty windstorm took down many trees and did a lot of damage to the station's antennas. After a year of solid teamwork, not only is VE7SV back, but there is one more tower in place. And a lot of firewood. Well done!

73, Ward N0AX

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CONTESTS -- 28 NOVEMBER THROUGH 11 DECEMBER 2007
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Note that the following abbreviations are used to condense the contest rules summaries: SO - Single-Op; M2 - Multi-Op - 2 Transmitters; MO - Multi-Op; MS - Multi-Op, Single transmitter; MM - Multi-Op, Multiple Transmitters; AB - All Band; SB - Single Band; S/P/C - State/Province/DXCC Entity; HP - High Power (100 W); LP - Low Power; QRP (5W or less)

HF CONTESTS

ARRL 160 Meter Contest--CW, from 2200Z Nov 30 - 1600Z Dec 2. Work US/VE only, no DX-to-DX QSOs, and reserve 1.830 - 1.835 MHz for intercontinental QSOs. Note that stations in ARRL/RAC sections PAC, AK, PR, and VI count for QSO credit with DX stations. Categories:
SO-QRP/LP/HP, MS. Exchange: RST and ARRL/RAC section or ITU region for maritime mobiles (DX sends RST only). QSO Points: US/VE - 2 pts, DX - 5 pts. Score: QSO points x ARRL/RAC sections + DXCC entities. For more information: http://www.arrl.org/contests Logs due 2 Jan 2008 to 160meter@arrl.org or 160-Meter Contest, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.

TARA RTTY Mêlée--sponsored by the Troy Amateur Radio Assn, from 0000Z-2400Z Dec 1. Categories: SOAB-HP (150 W), SOAB-LP (150 W), MOAB, SWL, 10 min band change rule for MO. Frequencies: 160-10 meters, operate 16 hours max. Exchange: RS + State/Province or serial number for DX. QSO points: 1 pt/QSO. Score: QSO points--S/P/C counted once only (US and VE only count as S/P). For more information: http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_melee_rules.html. Summary sheets (no logs) due Dec 31 via on-line submission form at http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_melee_score.html.

Top Operators Activity Contest (TAC)--CW, sponsored by the PRO-CW-CLUB, from 1600Z Dec 1 to 1800Z Dec 2. Frequencies: 80 meters. Categories: SO (HP, LP, QRP) MO, PRO-CW-Club and TOPS members. Exchange: RST + serial number (+ PRO or TOPS if member). QSO points: own entity: 1 point, own continent: 2 pts, different cont: 6 pts, with MM: 6 pts, with TOPS and PRO members 2 pts, between TOPS and PRO members 8 pts. Score: QSO points x WPX prefixes. For more information: http://www.procwclub.yo6ex.ro/. Logs due 31 Dec to
yo2rr@clicknet.ro or Nelu Brange YO2RR, Str. Imparatul Traian nr.2, RO-305500 Lugoj, Romania.

Bruce Kelley Memorial 1929 QSO Party--CW, sponsored by the Antique Wireless Association from 2300Z Dec 1 - 2300Z Dec 2 and 2300Z Dec 8 - 2300Z Dec 9. Frequencies (Mcs): 3.550-3.850 and 7.030-7.050. 10 watts plate input power max. (20 watts after 0500Z). Exchange: RST, Name, State or QTH, type of transmitter (TNT, MOPA, TGTP, etc), transmitter year (27, 28, 29 etc), and power. Use circuits, tubes, and techniques available to hams in 1929. For more information: http://www.antiquewireless.org/.

ARRL 10 Meter Contest--0000Z Dec 8 - 2400Z Dec 9. Operate 36 hours max. Categories: SO-QRP/LP/HP in Mixed Mode/CW/SSB, MS (includes SO stations using any spotting assistance). Exchange: W/VE (incl. KH6 and KL7) send RST and state or province, DX sends RST and serial
number, maritime mobile send RST and ITU region (1 - 3). Novices and Technicians add '/N' or '/T' to their calls on CW for QSOs to score extra points. QSO Points: SSB-2 pts, CW-4 pts, CW with /N or /T-8 pts. Score: QSO points x S/P/C + ITU regions. Note that District of Columbia (DC) counts as a separate multiplier. For more information: http://www.arrl.org/contests Logs due 19 Jan 2008 to 10meter@arrl.org or 10-Meter Contest, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington,
CT 06111.

28 MHz SWL Contest--runs at the same time as the ARRL 10 Meter ConteSt Categories: SO-SSB, SO-CW, SO-Mixed (separate logs). Log stations making contest QSOs. QSO Points: first station from S/P/C - 5 pts, second station - 3 pts, third station - 1 pt. Score: QSO points x DX entities. For more information and logging software: http://www.veron.nl/cie/nl/swlcontest Logs due 31 Jan 2008 to NL290@amsat.org or Ruud Ivens, NL290, Hittekamp 29, 3956 RE Leersum, The Netherlands.

PSK31 Death Match--PSK31 and PSK63, sponsored by the Michigan DX Association, 0000Z Dec 15 - 2400Z Dec 16. Frequencies: 80 - 6 meters, PSK31 and PSK63 count as separate "bands". Categories: SO, Class 1 (100W), Class 2 (25W), Class 3 (10W). Exchange: Name + S/P/C. QSO Points: 20 meters--1 pt/QSO, 6 meters--3 pts/QSO, other bands--2 pts/QSO. Bonus points: W8DXI 500 pts (once) and 100 pts for uploading logs to LoTW within 30 days of contest Score: QSO Points x total S/P/C + bonus points. For more information: http://www.mdxa1.org/deathmatch.html. Logs due 20 Jan 2008 to w8vom@sbcglobal.net.

Russian 160 Meter Contest--CW/SSB. sponsored by Radio Magazine, from 0000Z -- 0200Z Dec 16. Categories: SO, MO, SO and MO 18 years and younger, Mixed Mode only. Exchange: RST, serial number, and square ID (see www.radio.ru/cq/contest/rule/map-2.gif for a map showing the squares) QSO Points: own square--1 pt, adjacent sq--2 pts, 1 add'l pt each add'l square distant. Score: total QSO points. For more information:
http://www.radio.ru/cq/contest/rule-results/index11.shtml. Logs due 16 Jan 2008 to contest@radio.ru, or Radio Magazine, Seliverstov per. 10, Moscow 107045, Russia.

Croatian CW Contest--sponsored by Hrvatski Radioameterski Savez (HRS), from 1400Z Dec 15 - 1400Z Dec 16. Frequencies: 160-10 meters. Categories: SOAB (HP 100W, LP, QRP 5 W), SOSB (HP, LP), MO, SWL. Exchange: RST + serial number. QSO Points: 9A stations--10 pts on
160-40, 6 pts 20-10; different cont--6 pts 160-40, 3 pts 20-10; own cont and country--2 pts 160-40, 1 pt 20-10. Score: QSO points x DXCC entities (+ 5 WAE countries) on all bands. For more information: http://www.hamradio.hr/. Logs due 30 days after the contest to 9acw@hamradio.hr (preferred) or Hrvatski Radioameterski Savez (HRS), Croatian CW Contest, PO Box 149, 10003 Zagreb, Croatia.

Bruce Kelley Memorial 1929 QSO Party (see Dec 1-2)

VHF+ CONTESTS

No VHF+ contests are scheduled.

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LOG DUE DATES - 28 NOVEMBER THROUGH 11 DECEMBER 2007
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November 28 - NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint, email logs to: naqcc33@alltel.net, post log summary at: http://www.arm-tek.net/~yoel/sprint_submit_log.html, paper logs and
diskettes to: Tom Mitchell, KB3LFC, RD6 Box 122A, Kittanning, PA 16201, USA. Find rules at:
http://www.arm-tek.net/~yoel/sprint200711.html

November 30 - JARTS WW RTTY Contest, email logs to: (none), Upload log at: http://www.kiznax.com/p/jarts/submit_form.html, paper logs and diskettes to: (none). Find rules at: http://www.edsoftz.com/JARTS/2007/rules2007.html

November 30 - W/VE Islands QSO Party, email logs to: CM@usislands.org, paper logs and diskettes to: John Almon, WA4JA, 1411 Oak Leaf Dr., Columbia, TN 38401, USA. Find rules at:
http://www.usislands.org/contest_rules.html

December 1 - CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB, email logs to: ssb@cqww.com, paper logs and diskettes to: CQWW SSB, CQ Magazine, 25 Newbridge Road, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA. Find rules at: http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/CQWWDXContestRules8407.pdf

December 1 - CQ-WE Contest, email logs to: (see rules), paper logs and diskettes to: (see rules). Find rules at: http://cqwe.cboh.org/rules.html

December 1 - OK/OM DX Contest, CW, email logs to: okomdx@crk.cz, paper logs and diskettes to: OK-OM DX Contest, CRK, PO Box 69, 113 27 Praha 1, Czech Republic. Find rules at: http://okomdx.crk.cz/g.html

December 1 - Feld Hell Sprint, email logs to: (none), post log summary at: http://www.wa6l.com/contests/autolog.html, paper logs and diskettes to: John Graf, WA6L, 23085 Old Ranch Rd, Alpine, CA 91901, USA. Find rules at: http://feldhellclub.org/MonthlySprintRules.htm

December 1 - YO International PSK31 Contest, email logs to: yo5crq@gmail.com, paper logs and diskettes to: Radioclubul YO5KAD, PO Box 220, RO-430281 Baia Mare, Romania. Find rules at: http://www.yo5crq.ro/Rules2007EN.htm

December 2 - SKCC Weekend Sprintathon, email log summary to: bill@nt9k.com, post log summary at: http://www.nt9k.com/skcc/sf.htm, paper logs and diskettes to: (none). Find rules at: http://www.nt9k.com/skcc/wknd-sprint-rules.html

December 3 - RSGB 2nd 1.8 MHz Contest, CW, email logs to: 2nd160.logs@rsgbhfcc.org, paper logs and diskettes to: RSGB-G3UFY, 77 Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 7AF, England. Find rules at: http://www.contesting.co.uk/hfcc/rules/r18mhz.shtml

December 3 - SARL Field Day Contest, email logs to: hfcontests@netactive.co.za, paper logs and diskettes to: Field Day Contest, Bloemfontein Radio Amateur Club, PO Box 12104, Brandhof,
9324, South Africa. Find rules at: http://www.sarl.org.za/SARL%20Contest%20Manual%202007.pdf

December 4 - DARC 10-Meter Digital Contest, email logs to: df5bx@darc.de, paper logs and diskettes to: Werner Ludwig, DF5BX, PO Box 1270, 49110 Georgsmarienhuette, Germany. Find rules at: http://www.darc.de/referate/ukw-funksport/sonder/tei-digi.htm

December 4 - Ukrainian DX Contest, email logs to: urdxc@ukr.net, paper logs and diskettes to: Ukrainian Contest Club HQ, PO Box 4850, Zaporozhye 69118, Ukraine. Find rules at:
http://www.ucc.zp.ua/urdxc2007rules_eng.htm

December 5 - ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW, email logs to: SSCW@arrl.org, paper logs and diskettes to: November SS CW, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111, USA. Find rules at:
http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2007/novss.html

December 5 - NA Collegiate ARC Championship, CW, email logs to: SSCW@arrl.org, email log summary to: wm5r@wm5r.org, paper logs and diskettes to: November SS CW, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111, USA. Find rules at: http://www.collegiatechampionship.org/rules/

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

The Contester's Rate Sheet wishes to acknowledge information from the following sources:
WA7BNM's Contest Calendar Web page - http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal
SM3CER's Web site - http://www.sk3bg.se/contest

ARRL members may subscribe at no cost by editing their Member Data Page as described at http://www.arrl.org/contests/rate-sheet.

Windows and Vista are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation

THE ARRL CONTEST RATE SHEET is published every other Wednesday (26 times each year), by the American Radio Relay League--The National Association For Amateur Radio--225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200; fax 860-594-0259. Editor: Ward Silver, N0AX.

The ARRL Contest Rate Sheet offers a useful source of timely information for both the active and casual contester. The Rate Sheet includes information about events during the following two-week period, time-sensitive news items, upcoming deadlines, and other news of
interest to contesters.

Material from The Contester's Rate Sheet may be republished orreproduced in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to The ARRL Contester's RateSheet/American Radio Relay League. Editorial questions or comments: Ward Silver, N0AX, rate-sheet@arrl.org

ARLP049 Propagation de K7RA

This is an off-schedule post-Thanksgiving bulletin. Because ARRL headquarters was closed on Friday, the day this bulletin is normally released, and the last Propagation Forecast Bulletin ARLP048 was written before the end of our reporting week (which is Thursday through Wednesday), the sunspot, solar flux and geophysical numbers normally at the end of the bulletin are in this bulletin, but were not a part of ARLP048. Friday, November 30 will find us back on the regular schedule with Propagation Forecast Bulletin ARLP050.

The last propagation bulletin reported a brief return of sunspots on November 16-17, when sunspot group 974 emerged, and the sunspot number was 13 on both days. There were six more days of no spots, then November 24 saw the emergence of group 975, with a sunspot number of 15. The next day the sunspot number declined to 12, and the area it covered was about half the area on the previous day.

A solar wind stream on November 20 caused the most active recent geomagnetic day, with the planetary A index rising to 28, and Alaska's high-latitude college A index going to 48. Geomagnetic indices were somewhat unsettled over the last weekend (November 24-25), but are quieting down now, with the expected planetary A index at 10 for today, November 26, and then 5 until December 11. The planetary A index over November 22-25 was 13, 10, 12, and 11. The numbers for the seven days previous to that are listed below.

Unexpected bottom-of-the-cycle propagation still crops up. On November 21, a number of Northeast United States stations reported working Central and South America on 10 meters. W1RM worked Mozambique on 12 meters and Ecuador on 10 meters.

In Propagation Forecast Bulletin ARLP047 on November 16 we mentioned briefly some unusual daylight DX on 75 meters. Note that most of these stations had what many of us would consider monster directional antenna arrays for 75 meters, such as 2-3 element Yagis anywhere from 100-165 feet.

Glenn Rattmann, K6NA of Valley Center, California wrote, "I have been a serious DXer on 75/80m for more than 35 years, and we observed something there on November 10 that hasn't been seen much before, at least among the west coast 75m morning longpath DX crowd. A number of folks here worked a group of ZS stations on 3795 kHz under unusual circumstances."

He continues, "As you know, working into the Middle East, Diego Garcia, and Europe on 75m longpath from the west coast is a fairly routine occurrence during the period November through February. Northeast Africa would also be commonly worked on this grayline path, but for the lack of activity in places like SU, J28, ET3."

He goes on to say, "However, historically there has not been propagation to the southern part of Africa during the west coast sunrise-grayline window, because the position of the grayline is not favorable. Although we in the northern hemisphere are moving into shorter and shorter days (later sunrise too), in the southern latitudes they are moving into more and more daylight. It is possible that a far northwestern station in Seattle, or VE7 land, with the latest sunrise time, has worked a 5R8. Speaking personally, I have never heard of someone working a ZS--even further west than 5R8--on this path. The other significant item is that normally the most easterly and southerly stations in California (that would be San Diego, where I am) have the earliest sunrise, and therefore tend to lose the band earlier than others north and west of us. Typically one hears long path signals fading completely by about 25 minutes after local sunrise on our end."

Glenn continues, "The short story regarding why we don't hear ZS stations on the longpath on 75m is: Sunrise occurs on the west coast 'too soon,' in conjunction with the sunset period occurring 'too late' in South Africa (southern latitudes), even for stations in WA or BC. However, on November 10th such an opening did occur to ZS."

He goes on to say, "I came to the band a bit late that morning, and immediately heard K7ZV and W6KW working a ZS. I listened a while, and they worked several ZS stations in a roundtable. I called in at 1555Z--already one hour and forty minutes after my sunrise!--and logged ZS4TX who gave me a 59 plus report. He was true S-7 on my S-meter. The other California stations received similar reports for the most part. I copied perfectly several other ZS stations but didn't bother to work them; some were using low power and low dipole antennas. All said they had never worked a US west coast station prior to this. I heard ZS4TX say that his sunset would be 'after 1700Z sometime.' So all stations on both ends of the path were in full daylight with significant overlap, although of course much of the path had to be in darkness or something approaching grayline."

He continues, "Note, there were no "regular" longpath signals, i.e. those from Zone 15-16-20-21, audible at all during this opening."

Glenn continues with, "A brief timeline: San Diego sunrise Nov. 10th: 1414Z. K6NA QSO (San Diego): 1555Z. K6NA left the shack, with ZS4TX still copiable: 1625Z. ZS4TX sunset: after 1700Z."

Glenn mentions the antennas used at each location:

K6NA San Diego: 2 el wire Yagi horizontal flat-top at 128 feet oriented SW for longpath.

W6KW Redding: 3 el rotatable Yagi at 165 feet.

K7ZV Oregon: 3 el rotatable Yagi at 130 feet.

W6OG-Oroville, CA and ZS6CCY-400 miles north of Cape Town: 4-square vertical arrays.

ZS4TX: 2 EL rotatable Yagi at 100 feet.

He goes on to say, "ZS6HA may have had a horizontal rotary also. All other ZS who commented said they had dipoles or low dipoles. K6NA, W6KW and K7ZV received 9+ reports from ZS4TX, while W6OG received S7 to S8. A couple of Californians with average-height dipoles successfully made contacts."

Glenn closes by saying, "This little extended opening on 75m longpath was very interesting to experience for the first time. Although I can't explain the mechanism, due to my long-time activity on 75/80m I can state that this was an extremely rare event and thought you might find it of interest."

Peter Dalton, W6KW commented, "The first ZS/West Coast QSO long path took place 3 years ago between ZS6CCY who answered my CQ at approximately 1435 one October, and continued to build in Strength for the next 20 minutes. ZS6CCY worked only one other West Coast station that day, N7UA. We have had several other openings to ZS since then, but NONE the likes of this past one on November 10."

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers, email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net.

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL Technical Information Service at, http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/propagation.html. For a detailed
explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin see, http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/k9la-prop.html. An archive of past propagation bulletins is at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw/prop/. Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas
locations are at, http://www.arrl.org/qst/propcharts/.

Sunspot numbers for November 15 through 21 were 0, 13, 13, 0, 0, 0 and 0 with a mean of 3.7. 10.7 cm flux was 69.2, 70.6, 69.8, 68.8, 69.5, 69.7, and 69.1 with a mean of 69.5. Estimated planetary A indices were 5, 6, 5, 2, 3, 28 and 13 with a mean of 8.9 Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 5, 5, 5, 1, 2, 10 and 9, with a mean of 5.3.

FCC License Search URL Changes Again!

I am beginning to think that the webmasters at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are on commission and being paid by the number of webpage URLs/changes they make. I honestly have lost count of the number of FCC database search templates and URL changes that this agency has made in the last five years. But if you went to your favorite search template bookmark this morning and didn't get the search page you normally use, they have changed the ULS search template and ULS again.

So point your browser to http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp and you will be able to search away again for non-federal government frequency information.

The best search template to bookmark (it is the one I have in my favorites) is the advanced license search template located at http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchAdvanced.jsp.

So, if you like change then you most love these folks at the FCC. So I have a tip for the government employees at the FCC from a taxpayer who helps pay your salary, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Enough already."

Islands, Castles & Portable Operations 11/22-30, 2007

I.C.P.O. Bulletin (November 22 - 30, 2007)
Islands, Castles & Portable Operations.
Listing is by calendar date (day/month/year). This bulletin has extensive coverage of stations that have announced CQ WW CW Contest participation which will be this weekend.
Note: Listings with announced digital operations are in italics.

===========================================

22/11/2007: Look for JS6RRR, JI3DST/JS6 and JH5YCW/JS6 to be active on 160-10 metres plus 6 metres SSB, CW, RTTY, PSK31 and FM from Miyako-Jima (AS-079, JIIA AS-079-005, WLOTA LH-0249), November 22-27th. QSL to home calls via the bureau. [425 DX News]

22/11/2007: Look for KH2/JL3RCU (QSL via JL3RCU), KH2/N3MU (QSL via JA3CEK), KH2/KI6MHU (QSL via JI3DNN) and KH2/K2JA (QSL via JL3SIK - FISTS member 9836) to be active from Guam (OC-026, WLOTA LH-0064), November 22-25th. They plan to operate CW, SSB and some digital modes on 160-6 metres and to participate in the CQ WW DX CW Contest. Cards can be sent direct or via the bureau, and JL3SIK will upload the logs for KH2/K2JA to LoTW. [425 DX News]

22/11/2007: Jim, K1NA will be QRV as PJ5NA from St. Eustatius Island (NA-145, WLOTA LH-1851) from approximately November 22nd and 27th, including a Single-Op/All-Band entry in the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 24-25th). QSL via home call, SASE only. [NG3K]

22/11/2007: Ed/PY4WAS and Julio/PQ2BT will be in the rare Brazilian State of Amapa, November 22-26th. They plan to be active on 10-80 metre CW and SSB as PQ8KL, and to participate in the CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL via PY4KL. [425 DX News]

22/11/2007: Kei, JJ1RJR will be active as T88RJ from the Palau Islands (OC-009), November 22-26th, including a Single-Op/High-Power entry in the CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL direct to JJ1RJR. [NG3K]

22/11/2007: Esa, OH7WV will be signing T88WV from the Palau Islands (OC-009) from around November 22nd to November 27th, CQWW DX CW Contest included as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. Before and after the contest it will be casual operation only. QSL via OH7WV, direct or by the bureau. [NG3K]

22/11/2007: Mac, TZ6JA (JA8SLU) will stay in the Republic of Mali for work again from November 22 to December 14, 2007. He hopes to do some DXing during his stay. Mac will move to a small village in the east, 150km from the capital of Bamako for work from December 1-12th. There is no electricity, and therefore this location is an area with less noise. He will bring a 1.5kWH generator to operate for 500w AMP. He will put up two 2el phased verticals for 75m and 40m, and a 7ele Log-Periodic antenna for 20m, 17m and 15m. QSL direct only to: Makoto Obara, P.O. Box 59, Tama, Tokyo, 206-8691 JAPAN. [NG3K]

22/11/2007: Look for Juergen, DJ3KR to be active from India as VU3JRA between November 22nd and December 16th. He will work single band on 80m in the CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL via DJ3KR. [DX Newsletter]

22/11/2007: Jack, F6BUM will be active as XU7BUM from Cambodia from November 22nd to December 12th. He plans to operate only CW during his spare time. QSL via F6CXJ. [425 DX News]

22/11/2007: Look for Tony, KM0O to be active from Cambodia as XU7MWA between November 22-26th, including the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 24-25th) as a Single- Op/High-Power entry. QSL via home call. [NG3K]

23/11/2007: Yoshi, JK2VOC plans to be active as T88IW from Koror, Palau Islands (OC-009) between November 23-26th, including a Single-Op/All-Band entry in the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 24-25th) using the call sign T88FY. Before and after the contest, Yoshi will be QRV on the WARC bands, and also satellite operation (VO-52, FO-29, AO-7, AO-51, AO-27). QSL T88IW via JF2IWW and QSL T88FY via JK2VOC [NG3K]

23/11/2007: Operators JA1OZK, JA1CGC, JA1OHP, JF1TAB, JH1FUD, JL1LOW, JQ2IQW and JK1DRM will be active from Australia (VK4) between November 23rd and 28th. The will participate in the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 24-25th) as VK4AHY, a Multi-? entry. Outside the contest they will be active using their personal home calls. QSL via the operators home call. QSL VK4AHY via JA1OZK. [NG3K]

23/11/2007: Juhani, OH3SR plans to be active holiday style as VP9/OH3SR from the island of Bermuda (NA-005, WLOTA LH-0201), November 23-27th, including a casual entry in the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Low-Power entry. Outside the contest Juhani will be QRV on all bands using SSB, CW and RTTY. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Marko, N5ZO/OH6DO plans to be active from Swaziland signing 3DA0ZO during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via the bureau to Olli, OH0XX, or direct to his Panama address (Olli Rissanen, Apartado 0860-00432, Villa Lucre, Panama). [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Look for Leon, 4K8F to be active during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 24-25th) as a Single-Op/Multi-Band/Low-Power entry, from Azerbaijan (CQ Zone 21). He will concentrate on the low bands. QSL via 4K8F (QRZ.com). [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Jack, RW3QC will be QRV as 5B4AII, a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry from Cyprus (AS-004, MIA MCI-002, WLOTA LH-0051), in the CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL via RW3RN. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Ismael, XE1AY will be active during the CQWW DX CW Contest from Manzanillo, Mexico, as 6H1AY. No operating category was given. QSL via XE1AY (P.O. Box 440, 28200 Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico). [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Jovica, T98A will be active from Senegal as 6W1SJ during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Single-Band (40m)/Low-Power entry. QSL via T93Y, direct or bureau. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Operators Dave/KY1V, Ken/N4OI and possibly others will be active from Hopewell, Jamaica (NA-097, WLOTA LH-0214) as 6Y1V in the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Multi-Single/High-Power entry. Note: experienced cw ops needed for M/S or M/2 category. QSL only to OH3RB, direct preferred but bureau ok. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Tom, W2SC will be signing 8P5A from Barbados (NA-021, WLOTA LH-0999) during the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via NN1N. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Jon, KL2A will be active from Abdullah Al-Salem Area, Kuwait, as 9K2HN during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL direct or by the bureau to 9K2HN. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Ed, N1UR will be active from East Malaysia as 9M6AAC during the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via N2OO. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Jim, N6TJ will be active as 9Y4AA from the 9Y4ZC QTH in Scarborough, Summerhill, Tobago Island (SA-009, WLOTA LH-0412), during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via VE3HO. [OPDX]

24/11/2007: Members of the Guam Contest Club, namely Aki/JI3ERV, Toshi/JR7OMD, Kazu/JK3GAD, Osamu/JR8VSE and Nozomu/JE8KKX will be active from Guam (OC-026, USi GU-003S, WLOTA LH-0064) as AH2R during the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via JH7QXJ. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Members of the new formed "Coconut Wireless Contest Club" will be active from Hawaii (OC-019) as AH6XX in the CQWW DX CW Contest. Operators include Tetsuo/AH7C and Kan/JA1BK (KH6BK). QSL via QRZ.com. [OPDX]

24/11/2007: Arno, RV1AW will be QRV as CN2AW, from the CN2R superstation in Morocco, during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Single-Band (20m) entry. QSL via home call. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Stefano, IK2QEI plans to be QRV from Morocco as CN3A during the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via I2WIJ. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Winton, CO2WF will be active as a Single-Op/Single-Band (40m)/Low-Power entry during the CQ WW DX CW Contest. QSL via N1KI. [OPDX]

24/11/2007: Look for Luis, CO6LP to be active during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Single-Band (80m) entry. He will be using a FT-80C at 100w, with dipole antenna at 10 metres above ground. Especially listening for EU on 3580-3590 MHz and Asia on 3505-3520 MHz. QSL direct only! [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Juan, CO8TW will be active from Cuba as a Single-Op/Single-Band (20m)/Low-Power entry during the CQ WW DX CW Contest. QSL via HB9SVT. The log will be online after the contest at: www.qsl.net/co8tw/ [OPDX]

24/11/2007: Jose, CT1BOH will be active as CT3NT from Madeira Island (AF-014, MA-001 for the Portuguese Islands Award) during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via CT1BOH, direct or via LoTW. Further info at: www.qsl.net/ct1boh/ct3nt.htm [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Operators Lars/DF1LON, Adam/DJ0IF, Diethelm/DJ2YE, Falk/DK7YY and Stewart/GM4AFF will be QRV as CT9L from Santana, Ilha da Madeira (AF-014, DIP MA-001, WLOTA LH-0053) during the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Multi-? entry. QSL via DJ6QT. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Toni, OH2UA will be active from Ponta Delgada, Ilha de Saõ Miguel (EU-003, DIP AZ-002, WLOTA LH-2016) as CU2A for the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via OH2BH. Web site at: www.cu2a.com/ [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Look for Dej, E21YDP to be active as a Single-Op/All-Band entry from Thailand during the CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL via http://www.qrz.com/. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Operators Detlef/DK3QZ, Markus/DL1EKC, Hape/DL1EMH, Kai/DL3HAH, Joerg/DL3QQ, Stefan/DL5XX and Rein/PA0R will be signing ED8A during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a M/? entry. Also look for them to be QRV outside of the contest as EA8/homecall. QSLs for ED8A will be sent automatically via bureau and the log will be uploaded to the LotW. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Operators Valery/RD3AF, Alex/RZ3AZ, Yuri/RA9JR and Yuri/UA9AM will be signing EF8M from the Canary Islands (AF-004) for the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Multi-Two entry. QSL via RX3DU (QRZ.com) [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Look for Serge, UT5UDX to be signing ER0WW from Kyiv, Ukraine, during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via UT3UA. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Look for Nodir, EY8MM to be QRV for the CQWW DX CW Contest from Dushanbe, Tajikistan Republic, as a Single-Op/Single-Band 160m/High-Power entry. QSL via K1BV, direct or bureau. Skeds are welcome before the contest (ey8mm.codan.ru/ ). [NG3K]

24/11/2007: François/F5JNE and Gerard/F6ICG will be QRV November 24th as F5JNE/p from the Castle of Chanteloup (DFCF 58-086), in the City of Guipy (CP 58420), canton of Brinon sur Beuvron (DDCF 58-01), Department Nièvre/58, Province of Burgundy (DPF 05). As usually, starting around 0700 UTC, 80 then 40m, both CW and SSB. QSL via the bureau is always preferred and SWL QSL cards are welcome. [F5NQL]

24/11/2007: Jacky, F5OGC/p will be QRV November 24th (weather permitting) from the Castle of Pierre (DFCF 72-062), on the commune of Coucredieux, Department Sarthe/72, Province Pays de Loire (DPF 17). Activity mainly on 80m to be completed, if need be, on 40m. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Radioamateur.org]

24/11/2007: Look for J-François F8BMN/p to be active November 24th from the Castle of Odomez (DFCF 59-117, WW Loc. JO10SL), located on the commune of Odomez (CP 59970), canton Conde sur Escaut (DDCF 59-19), Department Nord/59, Province Nord Pas de Calais (DPF 16). Activity mainly on 80 and 40 metres. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [Radioamateur.org]

24/11/2007: Look for Saty, JE1JKL to be QRV as FM5BH, from the QTH of FM5BH on the island of Martinique (NA-107, WLOTA LH-1041), for the CQWW DX CW Contest. He plans on a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via W3HNK. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Steve/KN5H and Art/N3DXX will be signing FS/N3DXX during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Multi-Two entry from the QTH of FS5UQ on the island of Saint Martin (NA-105, DIFO FS-001, WLOTA LH-0711). QSL via KN5H. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Look for Didier, FY5FY to be active from Kourou, French Guiana during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/QRP entry. QSL via FY5FY, direct or bureau. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Ray, WQ7R will be signing HQ9R from Roatan Island (NA-057, WLOTA LH-1671), Honduras, during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via K5WW. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Look for Dan, HR2DMR to be QRV during the CQWW DX CW contest from Progreso, Honduras, as a Single-Op/Single-Band (160m)/Low-Power entry. He has a full set of sloper antennas for 160m. QSL via QRZ.com. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Fred, K3ZO will be signing HS0ZAR as a Single-Op/All-Band entry from Thailand during the CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL via K3ZO. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Cha, HS8KAY will be active during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Single-Band (20m)/Low-Power entry, from Phuket Island (AS-053, WLOTA LH-0701), Thailand. QSL via http://www.qrz.com/. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Thomas, HZ1EX will be active from the QTH of HZ1GW in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, during the CQWW CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. Note that 80m is not permitted in HZ. QSL via SM0BYD, direct or bureau. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Art, IK7JWY will be signing IH9M from Pantelleria Island (AF-018, IIA TP-001, MIA MI-124, WLOTA LH-0041), African Italy, during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Single-Band (80m) entry. QSL via IK7JWY. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Look for Emilio, IZ1GAR to be active as IH9R from Pantelleria Island (AF-018, IIA TP-001, MIA MI-124, WLOTA LH-0041), African Italy, during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Single-Band (40m) entry. QSL via IZ1GAR. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Claudio, I1NVU will sign IH9U from Pantelleria Island (AF-018, IIA TP-001, MIA MI-124, WLOTA LH-0041), African Italy, during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Single-Band (40m) entry. QSL via I1NVU. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Martin, OK1FUA will be active as IS0N from the island of Sardinia (EU-024, IIA SD-001, MIA MIS-035, WLOTA LH-1608) during the CQ World Wide DX CW Contest, as a Single-Op/Sinlge-Band (40m or 80m)/Low-Power entry. QSL via OK1MG, direct or bureau. [OPDX]

24/11/2007: Mauro IN3QBR will be QRV as IS0/K7QB from the island of Sardinia (EU-024, IIA SD-001, MIA MIS-035, WLOTA LH-1608) during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via the bureau to IN3QBR. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Operators Ann/WA1S, Bill/VE3EBN, Ulf/DL5AXX, George/N2GA, Diane/K2DO, Leo/S50R, Tim/K5AC, and Les/W2LK will be active as J3A from the island of Grenada (NA-024, WLOTA LH-0718) during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a M/? entry. Outside the contest they will be using personal call signs. QSL J3A via WA1S, others via their home calls. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Dick, G3URA will be active as J49XF from the island of Crete (EU-015, MIA MGC-005, WLOTA LH-1400) during the CQWW DX CW Contest as an All-Band entry. QSL via G3URA, direct or by the bureau. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Look for Alan, WQ5W to be QRV from the island of Dominica (NA-101) using the call J75W for the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Single-Op/Single-Band(40m)/Low-Power entry. QSL via WQ5W, direct or bureau. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW. Further info at: wq5w.blogspot.com/ [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Joel, KG6DX will be active during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry, from Guam (OC-026, USi GU-003S, WLOTA LH-0064). QSL via QRZ.com. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: The LA3Z Club of Stavern, Norway, will be active as LN3Z during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 24-25th), as a Milti-Single entry. Operators mentioned are Harald/LA5UF, Paul/LA6YEA, Jon/LA8HGA and Tom/LA9GX. QSL via LA9VDA, direct or bureau. QSL cards can also be requested by e-mail to la9vda2003 -at- yahoo.no [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Radio Club de los Andes LU8YE (www.lu8ye.com.ar/) will be ready with a Multi-Op crew for the next CQ WW CW contest. The GACW representatives Carlos/LW1EXU, Fernando/LW2DX and Alberto/LU1DZ will drive more than 1,700 km from Buenos Aires to San Martin de los Andes to participate with the local crew. [F5NQL]

24/11/2007: Operators Tom/DL1QW, Juergen/DL4SDW, Bernd/DL8SCG, Philippe/LX2A and maybe others will be QRV from Luxembourg as LX7I during the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via LX2A. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Ian, G3WVG will be active as MZ5B from Shetland [main] Island (EU-012, IOSA SH-01, SCOTIA SI-11, WAB HU27) and Eshaness lighthouse (ARLHS SCO-075, TWLHD WLH GM-026, WLOTA LH-0867) during the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Single-Op entry. Ian has not yet decided on a category. QSL via G3TXF, direct or bureau. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Felipe, NP4Z will be active during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry, from Puerto Rico (NA-099, USi PR-006S, WLOTA LH-2802). QSL via QRZ.com. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Operator Ari, OH5DX, reports that there will be three Single-Band entries from the Radio Sporting Team site (OH0Z) during the CQ WW CW Contest. Please look for OH0M (by OH1JT) on 160m, OH0Z (by OH5DX) on 15m and OG0Z (by OH1RX) on 10m. QSL OH0M via OH1MM, OG0Z and OH0Z via W0MM. [OPDX]

24/11/2007: Seppo, OH1VR will be QRV once again as OH1VR/VP9 from the island of Bermuda (NA-005, WLOTA LH-0201) between November 24-27th, including the CQ WW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Single-Band (20m)/Low-Power entry. QSL via home call, CBA. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: John, KK9A will be QRV as P40A from Iguana Villa, island of Aruba (SA-036, WLOTA LH-0033), during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 24-25th), as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL direct to Tim, WD9DZV, with sufficient postage/IRC and SAE. [NG3K]
24/11/2007: Andy, AE6Y will be active from the island of Aruba (SA-036, WLOTA LH-0033) as P49Y during the CQ WW DX CW Contest, as a Single-Op/All-Band/High (or Low)-Power entry. QSL via AE6Y. [OPDX]

24/11/2007: Operators RZ9AR, RZ9AW and RA9AA will be active from Asiatic Russia as RK9AWN during the CQ WW DX CW Contest, as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via the information at http://www.qrz.com/. [OPDX]

24/11/2007: Operators RA3ATX, RK3AW, RK3FT, RL3FT, RU3RQ, RU4PL, RV3BA, RV3FF, RW3FO, RX3APM, RX3DCX and UA3ASZ will be active from European Russia as RL3A during the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via W3HNK. [OPDX]

24/11/2007: Stig, LA7JO will be signing S21JO from Bangladesh as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry during the CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL direct to HS0ZGD. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Bernd, DL6FBL will be active as SV9CVY from the island of Crete (EU-015, MIA MGC-005, WLOTA LH-1400) during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via SV9CVY (http://www.qrz.com/). [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Ozer, TA2RC will be active from Turkey as a Single-Op/Single-Band (160m)/Low-Power entry during the CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL TA2RC direct or by the bureau. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Operators Matthieu/F5PED, Dany/F5CW, Francis/F5QF, Manu/F5NCU, Bruno/F5AGB, Romain/F8BUI, Martin/F4UKP (DD4UKP), Frank/F4AJQ and Maurice/ F5NQL will be active from France as TM2S during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via F5PED. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Sam, FK8DD will be active from Noumea, New Caledonia (OC-032, DIFO FK-001, WLOTA LH-1280) as TX3SAM during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via LZ1JZ. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Dave, WJ2O will be QRV from Belize as V31DF, a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry, in the CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL via WJ2O. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Andy, N2NT will be operating as V47NT, from the QTH of V47KP, on the island of St. Kitts (NA-104) during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via W2RQ. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Prasad, VU2PTT plans to be active from Bangalore, India, during the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via the bureau, direct or LoTW. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Alfredo, WP3C will be active during the CQWW DX CW Contest from Puerto Rico (NA-099, WLOTA LH-2802) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via W3HNK. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Larry, XW1A will be active from Vientiane, Laos, during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op entry. QSL via E21EIC. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Operator Pri, YB0ECT, will be active from Indonesia during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Single-Band (20m)/Low-Power entry. QSL via K3AIR only. [OPDX]

24/11/2007: Adhi, YB3MM will try to be QRV again from the Karimunjawa Islands (OC-186) as YB3MM/2 during the CQWW DX CW Contest. The last planned DXpedition to Karimunjawa Islands (OC-186) by Adhi during the CQWW SSB Contest was cancelled due to transceiver problems, probably due to unstable voltage. QSL via IZ8CCW. [4X4-2238]

24/11/2007: The Z37M Team (R. C. "Nikola Tesla"), including Chris/DL1MGB, Tom/DL5LYM and Anja/DO2WW will be active in the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Multi-Two entry from Stip, Macedonia. QSL via Z37M (http://www.qrz.com/). [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Jorma, OH2KI will be QRV as ZB2X, a Single-Op/Single-Band or Single-Op/All-Band entry, from Gibraltar during the CQWW DX CW Contest. QSL via OH2KI. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Tom, KC0W will be active from St. Helena Island (AF-022) as ZD7X during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Single-Op/Low Power entry. QSL via W0MM (see QRZ.com). [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Operators John/K6AM, Robert/K5PI and Steve/AC6T will be active as ZF1A from Grand Cayman Island (NA-016, WLOTA LH-1042) for the CQWW DX CW Contest, as a Multi-Two entry. QSL via W5ASP. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Steve, G4EDG will be active as ZL4LW or ZL/G4EDG from the South Island (OC-134, WLOTA LH-0342), New Zealand, during the CQWW DX CW Contest. Notes: ZL4LW if the licence arrives in time, ZL/G4EDG if not.QSL via G4EDG. [NG3K]

24/11/2007: Operators Fred/ZS1FZ, Allan/ZS1AAX, Martin/ZS1SM, Deon/ZS1ZL and Sigi/DL6QW will be signing ZS1FZ from the Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, during the CQWW DX CW Contest as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via DL6QW, direct or bureau. [NG3K]

27/11/2007: Ken, K6TA, will be active from the island of Aruba (SA-036, WLOTA LH-0033) as P40TA from November 27th to December 18th. He plans to be active in the ARRL 160 Metre Contest (November 30th-December 2nd) as a Single-Op/High-Power entry. QSL via WM6A and LotW. [OPDX]

27/11/2007: Jeff/K8ND and Jim/W8WTS will be QRV from Signal Point, Curacao (SA-006, WLOTA LH-0942) as PJ2/homecall between November 27th and December 3rd. They will also be active in the ARRL 160-Metre Contest (November 30th-December 2nd), as a Single-Op/High-Power entry using the call sign PJ2T. QSL PJ2T via N9AG or LoTW. QSL others via their home call. [CCC]

30/11/2007: Rick, K6VVA will be going back to Revillagigedo Island (NA-041, USi AK-141S, 1st S. Eastern County), Alaska, again for the ARRL 160m Contest (Nov 30 - Dec 02) operating as KL8C, and also hopes to be QRV on other bands as K6VVA/KL7 again (the Sept/2007 QSLs are being printed - QSL via N6AWD). The operating QTH has a great over-salt-water path to the U.S. and much of Europe, although condx in Sept. were not good for EU. There is a big hill in the direction of JA, so Rick may try to operate from the other side of the Island with a clear shot to JA for a while during the daytime/non-160m hours (if not this trip, then the next time). QSL via N6AWD. [K6VVA]

30/11/2007: Alan, WQ5W will be signing V25W from the island of Antigua (NA-100, WLOTA LH-1118) during the ARRL 160 Metre Contest (November 30-December 2) as a Single-Op/High-Power entry. QSL direct to WQ5W, or via LoTW. Further info at: wq5w.blogspot.com/ [NG3K]

Be sure to check Bill's (NG3K) web site for updated CQWW DX CW Contest activity at: www.ng3k.com/Misc/cqc2007.html

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LOOKING AHEAD

01/12/2007: The Thailand FCC, called the NTC, is sponsoring a celebration of His Magesty the King of Thailand's 80th birth year with the fact that the King is a ham, HS1A, and has been active as such over the years. The special call sign of HS80A (HS8 zero A) will be used from the NTC celebration site. Date is December 1, 2007, All day Thai time (+7 UTC). No freqs. yet determined. check RAST web site. [K1XN & The GOLIST]

26/12/2007: A Peru IOTA DXpedition by Jorge/OA4BHY, Daniel/DL5YWM, Rene/DL2JRM and Bodo/DL3OCH will start with the team being QRV December 26-27th as OA4/homecall from the Club station OA4O des Radioclub Peruano, located in Lima, Peru. They will then travel to Isla Blanca (SA-098, WW Loc. FH32WX) and be active December 28-30th, using the call sign OC6I, with 2 stations simulaneously from 10m to 160m. Note: dates can vary depending on the weather and the sea. The team will then travel to Isla Lobos de Tierra (SA-076, ARLHS PER-053, WLOTA LH-1521) where they will be active again with 2 stations on all bands from January 2-7th, using the call sign OC1I. From January 8-12th the team will be back in Lima where Bodo/DL3OCH is planning to do some 23cm EME (JT65) work. QSL OC1I and OC6I via DL5WM, direct or bureau. QSL OA4/homecall via the operators home call. For more information and how do you get a EME-Sked, check the website at www.qslnet.de/oc1i or www.qslnet.de/oc6i [DE0MST]

13/01/2008: Hans, DL7CM will be operating holiday style (with xyl) using the call 5H1CM from Uroa White Villa, Zanzibar Island (AF-032, Grid KI93, WLOTA LH-1080), Tanzania, January 13-24th. He plans to be QRV 160m to 6m, CW, SSB and RTTY with emphasis on the low bands. Hans will be using IC706 + 800 Watt amp, 31mtr long sloper for 160/80 and other wires. QSL via DL7CM direct preferred (Hans-Rainer Uebel, Hartmannsdorfer Chaussee 3, 15528 Spreenhagen, Germany), bureau ok. Further information can be found at: www.qsl.net/dl7cm/5H1.htm [NG3K]

09/02/2008: Dej, E21YDP will be active from Thailand as a Single-Op/All-Band entry during the CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest. QSL via www.QRZ.com. [NG3K]

09/02/2008: Heijo, DJ1OJ will be QRV as EA8OM from Tenerife (S-012 for the Spanish Islands Award, WLOTA LH-1276), Canary Islands (AF-004), during the CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest (February 9-10th), as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via home call. [NG3K]

09/02/2008: Costantino, HI3CCP plans to be QRV as HI3C from Loma del Toro, Dominican Republic (NA-096, WLOTA LH-2274) during the CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest (February 9-10th), as a Single-Op/Low-Power entry. QSL via ON4IQ. [NG3K]

04/04/2008: Kirk (ITAYA, WE8A, JF3MYU) will be QRV April 4-5th from the island of Guam (OC-026, USi GU-003S, WLOTA LH-0064) on 80-12m SSB with some CW. QSL direct only to his JA address: Kirk Itaya, 5-1-35, Daikaidori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe, 652-0803, JAPAN. [NG3K]

21/05/2008: Look for Eric, K9GY to be active May 21-26th as C6AYM from New Providence Island [Nassau] (NA-001, WLOTA LH-1115), Bahamas. QRV on 80-10m CW and 6m SSB/CW, including a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry in the CQ WPX CW Contest (May 24-25th). QSL via K9GY. [NG3K]

24/05/2008: Alfredo, WP3C will be active during the CQ WPX CW Contest (May 24-25th) from Puerto Rico (NA-099, WLOTA LH-2802) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via W3HNK. [NG3K]

24/05/2008: Tom, KC0W will be active from St. Helena Island (AF-022) as ZD7X during the CQ WPX CW Contest (May 24-25th) as a Single-Op/Low Power entry. QSL via W0MM (see QRZ.com). [NG3K]

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SPECIAL EVENTS

25/11/2007: A group of stations will be active from India with special call sign prefix blocks (AU1 to AU0) from November 25th to December 2nd, during the birth anniversary of the great Indian scientist Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose (which falls on November 30, 2007). Look for the following special event stations: AU1JCB (Op. Arasu, VU2UR), AU2JCB (Op. Datta, VU2DSI), AU4JCB (Op. Horey, VU2HFR), AU7JCB (Op. Suhas, VU2SMN), AU8JCB (Op. San, VU2SDF), AU9JCB (Op. Shinde, VU2SMS) and AU0JCB (Op. D.C.Sharma, VU2DCT). In addition, some more applications are under process for the special call signs, all of which have common Suffix "JCB" with varying prefixes from AT1 to AT0, and AU1 to AU0. All DX stations are requested to send QSL via VU2SMN direct only (http://www.qrz.com/) with 2 IRCs of the latest version only, which expire on 31.12.2009. All VU stations are likewise requested to QSL with SASE for QSLs. No QSLs will be handled via the bureau. Further information can be found on their web
site at: au9jcb.angelfire.com/ [F5NQL]

U.S.A. Special events can be found at: www.arrl.org/contests/spev.html

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NEWS FROM ANTARCTICA

LU4ZS Marambio, Seymour Island (AN-013) - Daniel the new radio officer appeared for the 1st time, last night at 2230 gmt on 40 meters with an excellent signal and seems to be very enthusiast for exchanging reports. [F5NQL]

Summer bases - The Argentine icebreaker "Almirante Irizar" burnt and could not be repared in time for this summers Antarctic campain. So, the usual summer camps Camara, Melchior, Petrel, will stay closed, but Primavera, Decepcion, Matienzo could be active. [F5NQL]

Antarctic DX Net - Due to poor conditions we plan to remove our usual dx net on 40 metres more or less 23 or 00 GMT, once again LU1ZV Esperenza, LU4ZS Marambio joined us with big signals. [F5NQL]

Sunday November 18th - LU1ZV Esperenza op Edgardo, LU1ZG Belgrano 2 op Martin, LU1ZD San Martin op Daniel could appear at 1800 gmt on 14.315 mhz according to LU4DXU but we are pessimist due to the very low sun spots numbers. [F5NQL]

The old Antarctic vessel "Corbeta Uruguay" is now in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has become a museum. Horacio is planing an activity from the ship for the antarctic challenge program. [F5NQL]

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LU8XW - EXPEDITION MOAT - AY7X
30 November, 01 and 02 December 2007

Radio Club Ushuaia, with yearning to activate different geographic points of the Isla Grande, Tierra del Fuego (according to the connected Awards), will be active from "MOAT (Destacamento de la Prefectura Naval Argentina) Grid Square FD65PA, from 15:01 UTC of November 30th to the 18:00 UTC of December 2nd, using AY7X callsign, operating SSB, CW, PSK and RTTY around the following suggested frequencies: CW - 3.550, 7.020, 14.010, 21.010 28.050 MHz; SSB - 3.680, 7.080, 14.200, 21.200, 28.300 MHz; PSK - 3.610, 7.035, 14.070, 21.070, 28.120 MHz; RTTY - 3.620, 7.040, 14.080, 21.070, 28.130 MHz.

QSL via WD9EWK (Patrick Stoddard, 4031 E. Aster Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85032-7417, U.S.A.). http://qsl.wd9ewk.net/

Contact with Tierra del Fuego qualifys, for WAP Awards (ARG-023) or IOTA (SA-008 - Tierra del Fuego islands). For any additional question, feel free to write us via our e-mail:lu8xw@uolsinectis.com.ar LU9XT Luís Groh SECRETARY, LU5XPP Pablo Miskulin PRESIDENT. WEB site at: www.lu8xw.net/ [I1HYW]

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E4/OM2DX Palestine

After almost one year of hard working with Palestinian authorities a callsign E4/OM2DX was issued. As a country which wasnt activated for almost 8 years and which is on 26th place on the ARRL Most Wanted List we didn't hesitate and made immidiate steps to active this call as soon as possible. After Slovak hamfest which was held on the third weekend in November the team got complete. We decided to go in group of 4 operators. Mike *OM2DX* , Steve *OM3JW* , Rudy *OM3PC* and Miro *OM5RW* . All four top CW operators and contestmans with plenty of experiences from the past. The operation is planned on 14.-22.12.2007 and we will be active on all bands from 160m - 10m CW, SSB and RTTY with two stations. QSL manager will be OM3JW. More informations comming soon. [K1XN & The GOLIST]

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73 and Good DX!
Dave Raycroft - VA3RJ
Home of ICPO: http://webhome.idirect.com/~va3rj/
Contest Calendar - DX Calendar - Lighthouse Activations
Join ICPO e-Group: http://webhome.idirect.com/~va3rj/icpo_mail.html
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Canadian Checkpoint For:
All Croatian Islands Award - ACIA
All Croatian Islands Award Group - ACIAG
The World Light House Diplom - TWLHD
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