Philippines, DU. Kouichi/JI1FGX, who lives now in Occidental Ozamiz on Mindanao island, is active as JI1FGX/DU9. 80/40/20/17/15/10/6 m, SSB, RTTY & SSTV. QSL vía JF1LZQ: Yutaka Sakurai, P.O. Box 1, Suyama, SUSONO, SHIZUOKA, 410-1299, JAPAN. (Maurice F5NQL) 29 Oct. 2009 - Semi resident

Mozambique, C91. Mike, ZS6TAF, who works in Maputo from time to time, operate mobile using the callsign C91BA. He uses Yaesu 857D and Watson Multiranger mobile antenna for 80/40/20/15/10/6 meters. He was heard this past week on 7083 kHz at 1539z. QSL via his home callsign. (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #931) 24 Oct. 2009 - Semi resident

Denmark, OZ. Odense JO55EI. Amateur Meeting Fyn (ATF) 2009. November 1st.
At FKS Hallerne, Tranehøjen 5, 5250 Odense SV
Link to Amateur Meeting Fyn (ATF) website in Danish, and a travel guide can be found here.
The UKSMG will run a stand at this meeting, this year it will be manned by Robin M1DUD / OZ3RE committee member, OZ6OM Bjørn "Matt" & possibly OZ1BNN Jørgen.
Besides from informing of "the joy of Six", we will run a station under the call OZ50MHZ. Mainly QRV at JT6m, proving Six meters is always open. We might be found round 50.230 MHz. between 09 and 15 UT.
If You are attending the meeting, please drop in at the stand. Otherwise we would be glad to find You in our log.

Archive photo from previous year.

Tragic accident. QSP from G3ZYY, M1DUD, F5NQL a.o. says;
"It is with great sadness that I have to inform the community of a tragic accident this morning at 630am EST.
The C6APR team, consisting of Pete W2GJ, Ed K3IXD, Randy K4QO and Dallas W3PP were all killed this morning as their aircraft crashed on take-off from Summerville Airport, SC on their way to Crooked Island, Bahamas.
They were on their way to operate in the CQWW contest this weekend.
Our thoughts are with their families in this tragic time!
More as it made available!
Paul - NN4F"
(Have taken the liberty to add a few links from the text. one describing the accident the other showing the airport.
My condolences to their relatives and friends. Guys rest in peace, You were heading at doing what many of us competitive HAM´s like so much - contesting. A team missing due to an tragic accident, will always cast a dark shadow over a event. Despite the tragic way You passed, Your efforts will always stand!
CQWW participators, allow me to plea when entering a log this year, let us remark it;
In remembrance of, The C6APR team, Pete W2GJ, Ed K3IXD, Randy K4QO and Dallas W3PP.
I had the plessure to QSO with W3PP myself. E.d. OZ6OM "Matt" - fellow HAM and airman) 22 Oct. 2009

Software. GJTRACKER Version 2.0.4 Howdy!  I am grateful for such prompt feedback on Version 2.0.3! It seems everyone uses the program a little differently ;-) There were some errors in how the program handled real time mode calculations when a user's computer clock was not set to UTC. The program now works correctly with any local time offset from UTC (including fractional hours, where applicable). As always, the correct current version is available in the complete distribution package with associated files at bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/GJTRACKER.zip If you are already a user of GJTRACKER and only need the updated application file, it also is available at http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/GJTRACKER.exe Good luck and DX to all! See you off the moon! VY 73 Lance, W7GJ (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2009-10-09) 10 Oct. 2009

VHF Database. MMMonVHF, VHF-DATABASE, Issue  2.60 - 10/2009. Dear VHF-DATABASE-friends,
A year is over again and we will be able to spread around a new issue of the VHF-DATABASE (2.60 - 10/2009) to private USER as well to all interested DX-Cluster Sysops (DX-Cluster-Types: CLX, SPIDER, AK1A and / or DXNet).
The source of the VHF-DATABASE will be at our VHF Portal MMMonVHF Meantime there are lot of sort functions and several visualisation tools. After LOGIN at MMMonVHF you are able to use all these functions and as well the download of the free of charge MS-DATABASES (Call3.txt for WSJT!). If that is still not enough and you want to have your own USER VHF-DATABASE-File or a DX-Cluster-Version we are
able to provide you with a D-base, WIN-Zipped file which will be given out once per year in autumn.
If you interested in more details please do visit our MMMonVHF-FORUM:
http://www.mmmonvhf.de/minibb/index.php?action=vtopic&forum=3 and you be able to find more details (VHF260e.pdf), the history (history.pdf) and more...
Direct links to obtain the new VHF-DATBASE:
DX-Cluster Issue 2.60:  http://www.mmmonvhf.de/dbaseexport.php?dxcdb
USER-Version 2.60:      http://www.mmmonvhf.de/dbaseexport.php?usrdb
Wish you a lot of fun with these new VHF-DATABASE!
Wuppertal, september 2009. 73 de D L 8 E B W  Guido (Guy)
Team of MMMonVHF the VHF-DX-Portal (MMMonVHF) 1 Oct. 2009

The VHF Distance Scoring Working Group has been considering many distance scoring options over the last several months. This effort has been a grass-roots, independent activity outside of the usual contest sponsor committee structure. It was thought that ideas could be developed by the VHF community itself for further consideration of all potential sponsors.
The working group can be found at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VHFDistanceScoring/
The full report of the working group is now available at:
http://www.w9smc.com/SMC%20VHF/DistanceScoring2009Report.pdf
Please feel free to look at the entire document and provide comments.
The working group believes that current VHF rules are adequate in many situations, but the uniformity and sameness of the current rules set may be generating complacency and boredom. There has also been a concern expressed over short-range contacts to strategically located nearby grids. Distance-based methods would emphasize operator skill and technical abilities by constantly reaching for longer contacts.
The central issue boils down to this: Why must there be such a high degree of uniformity of contest rules in almost every VHF contest? Why cant there be at least one VHF contest that is expressly based on longer distances? Variety is the spice of life.
The VHF working group recommends the following items be considered. Constructive, well-reasoned comments would be greatly appreciated.
1. In the short-term, experimentation with distance rules should be done either in the VHF Sprints or a new event.
2. If and when distance rules are perfected and prove to be a success in the Sprints or other event, then the concept could be attempted in one or more major event.
a. Simulations show that distance events may degenerate into 6 meter contests when significant Es is present, so June and CQ VHF may not be the best suited for distance concepts.
b. January or September would likely be better for a distance event, with band activity being more dispersed.
c. Two simulations also showed that the August UHF is well suited for distance efforts.
3. Regarding the distance method to be used, there was overwhelming support among group members for a points per km system.
4. A gradual band weighting schedule should be given consideration in multi-band distance events.
5. Reasonable types of distance limits, such as a sliding scale, should be given further consideration, but no ban or severe limit should be imposed on very long contacts.
6. The majority of the working group believes that some type of re-contact rule should be given further consideration.
7. Wherever possible, distance rules should be kept simple.
8. On a near-term basis, 4 digit exchanges may be viable. Over the long-term however, 6 digits should eventually be adopted.
9. Contest sponsors develop and announce a standard method by which distances will be calculated.
These above recommendations are not designed to be the definite answer to all distance-based efforts. Indeed, we developed a baseline set of distance rules along with alternate proposals, just so that further discussion would occur. We also developed model distance calculation standards which also contain alternate language. It is simply hoped that a more discussion will be given to distance concepts in one or more VHF contests.
Future efforts of the VHF Distance Working Group will likely focus on the 2010 VHF Spring Sprints, as there have been suggestions that the Spring Sprints feature distance measures next year. Please feel free to drop by and join the distance working group at the above link.
Kevin W9GKA, Moderator, Distance Scoring Working Group. (Andy N8OFS) 1 Oct. 2009

Afghanistan, T6. T61AA in MM21eo active on 6m now! Ross had a FB -25 dB signal tonight and we completed at 0520Z during his moonset. He seems to have a good ground gain lobe up around 18 degrees elevation...I went back to bed before the moon got down low enough for him to see where the lower lobe was. He seems to be hearing well though and has a good quiet location where he is now. He is using a 4 element yagi and 600w. Degradation was -4.3 dB tonight. He hopes to be active on his moonrise and moonsets next week when cndx are 3 dB better. PSE email him for skeds! I think next month he will be gone from this grid, and may be back in a noisy location again. So take advantage of the FB EME cndx next week while he is QRV! (Lance W7GJ via UKSMG ann.) 11 Sep. 2009

Software beta Test. MMMonVHF DX Client - beta: We are looking for beta Tester for our new DX Client! This client combines several essential low traffic tools for the DXers:
- Telnet access to ON4KST chat
- Telnet access to DXcluster
- Up-to-date info from MMMonVHF Website
Additionally you may use this client even as DXBlog tool during your next DXpedition, in order to send simultanously your info from one program to different locations (chat + dxblog). This client is still in a beta status. However, we would like to share it with the public now. If you are interested to test the client all for free, without any key registration, just drop us a mail using our contact form: http://www.mmmonvhf.de/kontact.php You will receive the download link information then. Many thanks for your support! (Ansgar, DG2KBC, on behalf of the MMMonVHF Team) 14 Aug. 2009

San Andres, HK0. "Review". Hello 6M Fanatics, 5J0BV proved to be almost as much "fun" as last year's 5J0M. Lots of RFI, grumpy neighbors, power line QRN, power outages, kept me moving around the island trying to find a "home" for the operation. 4th QTH a winner but almost a week lost. Added a 3rd week to the trip to make up for the lost time and the amp failing. Missed the huge openings to EU while being kicked out of various QTHs - only had two openings but did finish with 1,291 and 23 DXCC from the Caribbean "RF Black Hole." Now that I have found the perfect QTH, I would love to go back again next year with a reliable amp but I think the cost to get to this place is going to keep that from happening. Thanks to all for your huge patience and hours watching for those two EU openings. 73, Dennis K7BV (UKSMG ann.) 15 Jul. 2009

Mali, TZ. "Review". The TZ6EI web page (http://www.w0sd.com/mali/mali.htm) now has post DXpedition information (statistics, distances, pictures, etc.), as well as the link to the on-line logs (6 metres only). This was primarily a 6m DXpedition (546 unique calls), but TZ6EI also worked on the HF bands (over 1000 uniques on RTTY). [TNX W0SD] (425 DX News #949) 10 Jul. 2009

Unique Logsystem. UcxLog - Freeware Log and Contest Program. As well as the own UcxLog DATABASE the new issue of UcxLog (from up 6.41 - download at: http://www.ucxlog.org/ ) which was mostly based on contest entries, Ben, DL7UCX, decide to include also the MMMonVHF VHF-DATABASE for a total of now 75000 call/locator entries at UcxLog. The UcxLog from up issue 6.41 include the VHF-DATABASE 2.20 and can be easily updated by the USER himself. Find details about the latest issue at: www.mmmonvhf.de/dbaseexport.php (Guido DL8EBW, on behalf of the MMMonVHF Team) 3 Jul. 2009

Qatar, A7. Ken G4IGO received this mail (June 16th.) from Dave K5GN/M0FGA. First time on 6m from here, you were my 30th QSO, 15th Country, less than one hour. A71AW lent me an FT-857 and A71EM lent me a couple of broken 5el yagis from which to rebuild one. I put the antenna on the roof of this two-storey villa, sitting on a plastic water tank about 1m from concrete , just after sunset. Pointed sort of at Europe. Plugged coax into it and the rig and there were signals all over the band! Wow! Then I had to find my keyer! Will have to find some water pipe and put it up properly this weekend. What a huge opening. All the way to G-land! Also heard LA7VJA or something like that, though he didn't hear me. QSL via NN1N. We're going to put my logs on LOTW, eventually, also. I'll be available until mid-July, then off to the states for a month. Dave K5GN/M0FGA (UKSMG ann.) 15 Jun. 2009

Andorra, C3. "Review". After my return from Andorra found the transatlantic path solid open for hours last two days, shame it wasn't last week!. Had three good days of Es with Europe out of the eight of the operation. Es-skip is obviously rather different than from EA7. We made as C37NL 2500 QSOs, 2000 unique calls, in 60 DXCC entities. Also made a 1st C3 ever EME QSO on 6m with W7GJ. Longest distance think it was with amigo Pat, W5OZI, ~8700 km. The most remarkable was the great hospitality of the Andorran league URA of all members, always helpful and friendly. The country is a reathtaking natural beauty, specially the site of the shack, up in the high hills, Naturlandia. There is a plan by the "6 Meter Beacon Project" to set up a bcn up there. All this I believe have encouraged locals to be keen on the band. Thanks all for the great fun. The QSLs, via C37URA, may delay their delivering because of the print shop impression problems. Good luck with the coming 6m DXPs .. Jose, EA7KW (UKSMG ann.) 19 Jun. 2009

Jubilee !. 20 years ago on the 12 th. of June 1989, was the very start of what have developed into this information page. The first issues was a band report only, the fist one came out approx. half a year before the 6m. band was available to Danish radio amateurs. As You may see below, contacts was made by cross-band 6m. to 10m. Here follows a copy ... You may note the contacts made 0.30 UT !
Dr. Reader.
This is an extract from OZ1IZB 's log, and SWL OZ DR 2159.
The Rig is : Kenwood TS 680 S , and vertical system for cross band.
                    - # -  TS 120 V , and a PW MEON tv. antenna is an dipole.
The following is from the " quite unsual " opening, during the weekend 10 / 11 & 12 of June.
  Day    UTC      Call        Fq.         Mode.    RST.    Remarks.
   11   00.31    FC1EAN     50/28         USB      53      JO 06 CP
   11   00.36    F1FHI        50/28         USB      53      IN 97 GD
   11   00.39    FD1NWK     50/28         USB      52      IN 97 FE
   11   01.42    I2SOD          28           USB      56
Following stations are recived by OZ DR 2159 ( OZ1IZB ).
   10   10.58    G4VXT      50.109        CW       439
   10   14.50    PA1HIP     50.107        CW       53A     wkd. G stn.
   10   17.03    PE1DAB     50.133        USB      53A     JO 23 ..
   11   00.17    FD1NWK    50.110        USB      53
   11   00.26    FD1GTU     50.115        USB      55      JN 05 IF
   11   01.08                   53.750        FM       59+     TV sound Spanish.
   11   18.06    OH3NJC     50.154        USB      57      KP 11 SN
   11   18.16    OH5IY/4    50.258        USB      53      KP 31 JK wkd G3CEG
   11   18.20    GB3RMK     50.060        CW       529     Beacon
   11   18.32    GI3RXV      50.130        CW       519     cq call
   12   15.02    5B4TMG     50.102        CW       319     KM 64 ..
   12   15.10    5B4CY       50.499        CW       429     Beacon
   12   17.52    G4XNS      50.105        CW       529
   12   17.56    GB3SIX     50.020        CW       519     Beacon
   12   18.02    GB3NGI     50.062.5      CW       579     Beacon
   12   18.22    GM4IGS     50.101        CW       559     wkd. G stn.
So thats all from OZ for now. hpe cu on 50/28 pse dont forget us without permission to use our tx.
vy 73 de OZ1IZB @ OZ5BBS. "Matt"... 12 Jun. 2009

Corsica, TK. No Go area. Maurice F5NQL, writes; Summer holidays are coming. A lot of you may have scheduled a trip to Corsica which is a touristic goal for numerous.

The French know, but to all of you let us inform about the local radio regulation.

For 6 meters:

The 6 meters band use is strictly forbidden in Corsica. 
The concerned zones are the main island and the other islands in the neighbourhood, depending of the two South Corsica (Ajaccio) and North Corsica (Bastia) departments.

By them are the Sanguinaires, Lavezzi , Girolata and so on. For 40m, the extension from 7100 to 7200 is not yet granted.

So have fun on other bands and on our sunny beaches. 2 Jun. 2009

Slovakia, OM. 70 MHz band assigned to amateur radio in Slovakia. Roman,OM3EI, president of the Slovakian Amateur Radio Association SARA, reports that radio amateurs in Slovakia gained access to the 70 MHz band on May 1, 2009. Amateur radio operation is allowed from 70.250-70.350 MHz with 10 watts EIRP for Extra Class only. Each station must apply for a special permission to operate on 70 MHz. (DXNL 1626) 2 Jun. 2009

Portugal, CT. CEPT valid in Portugal for 50mhz and 70mhz. From today on 1/6/2009 any Class 1 CEPT licence holder is alowd to operate 50mhz and 70mhz in any Portuguese territory. However conditions still the same has before. 50mhz - 25W ERP 70mhz - 100W ERP the callsing must be: ex: CT7/G0KSC or CT7/EA7KW CT1 prefix no longer the primary. Band plan still the same. best 73's all have nice vacations in CT. Tony, CT1FFU (UKSMG ann.) 2 Jun. 2009

Contest, Open / WW.
What to do on a rainy tuesday evening - or a sunny for that matters ?
- Well the 4th. tuesday in the month brings You "The 50 MHz Open"
- Thats the Tuesday comming up - the 23 rd. 17 - 21 UT.
- You could help us out with some QSO´s
- or participate ...
You may find the rules for "The 50 MHz Open" here http://www.qsl.net/oz6om/the50mhzopen/The50MHzOpen.html
and check out the standings at
http://www.qsl.net/oz6om/the50mhzopen/The50MHzRes2009.htm
- so are You ready to give "The 50 MHz Open" a try ?
Hope to see You down the log - and Your log ...
Vy 73 de "Matt" OZ6OM. 24 May 2009 - 23 Jun. 2009

United Nations, 4U. HB9BOU is now the single, official, coordinated source for 4U1UN QSL. He has ALL available log books, both the old manual and more recent computer logs. He (and his team) provide a very conscientious QSL service. 73, Henry, KT1J (Andy N8OFS GOT6???) 10 May 2009

EME U.K. 6m. record. Congrats to Peter G8BCG and Rod ZL3NW on making a 6m eme contact over a great circle path distance of close to 19200km today, that will be the longest path G qso ever made on 6m eme, and single yagis too I believe. I think you need to sit on the cliffs at lands end with you´re feet in the water to beat it hi. 73 Ian G5WQ (UKSMG ann.) 30 Apr. 2009

Lord Hove Isl., VK9L. VK9LA "Review". The VK9LA DXpedition made 30,160 QSOs. Breakdown of the QSOs are as follows: 18842/CW, 9261/SSB and 2057/RTTY. By bands: 160m/627, 80m/3347, 40m/9111, 30m/4458, 20m/6714, 17m/3579, 15m/2158, 12m/2158, 10m/161 and 6m/5. (Data from Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #904) 12 Apr. 2009

South Cook Isl., E5. Operation "Review". E51SIX has now been finished for a week, and the very preliminary summary and photos of the 6m EME operation are available for viewing on http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/E51SIX.htm. I will be preparing a more computer summary over the next month. Many thanks to all who listened and gave me a call. I completed 28 QSO's with 26 different stations all on random - some as small as a 5 element yagi. In addition, I copied many others without completed contacts, because polarity was not reciprocal. Except for the first few days and the last two days, my moonrise was blocked by the neighboring house, high electron content in the ionosphere toward moonrise, and QRM from the neighbor's house - I heard nothing at all until I began to elevate. Luckily, the operation was saved by my ability to elevate the 6M8GJ yagi, and fortunately it had enough gain to copy small stations even while elevated. The other two factors which contributed to my success while elevated were the very low feedline loss of only 0.3 dB (50' of Times Microwave LMR600UF) and 800w output from K6MYC's water cooled amplifier with a pair of MRF157 transistors. It was quite rewarding to be able to provide a new DXCC to over two dozen 6m DXers ;-) No terrestrial propagation at all was encountered on 6m, but the good EME conditions now at the bottom of the solar cycle permitted excellent success - even during a period with less than ideal degredation! QSL's are being sent out as cards are received. I am anxious for the next trip and promise it will similarly be someplace very rare and new for all. We must take good advantage of the most excellent conditions now at the bottom of the sunspot cycle ;-) GL and VY 73, Lance W7GJ (UKSMG ann.) 11 Apr. 2009

Italy, I. Hi all, just to inform that SIXily News (6m reports from Sicily Island) is back updated witn more of 200 6m dx real audio files..50 MHz SSTV screen shots , qsl routes..and more... New url www.it9tyr.com Thanks 73 de Tony IT9TYR (previous IW9CER) (UKSMG ann.) 5 Apr. 2009

Portugal, CT. As far as I understand the new CT law that will be effective from April 29th 2009 6m operation will be permitted for all CEPT class 1 licence holders. QRG range 50.0 to 50.5 MHz.! chat 73 and GD DX to and from CT Joe, CT1HZE/DL8HCZ (UKSMG ann.) 3 Apr. 2009

ConDX. 2009 Leonids may be extra good ? "On November 17, 2009, we expect the Leonids to produce upwards of 500 meteors per hour", according to Bill Cooke of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. On 2008 Nov 17 the earth passed thru a dust stream from Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. Jeremie Vaubaillon of Caltech had predicted this crossing with one-hour precision. While almost no one expected the old stream to produce a strong shower, observers in Asia and Europe counted as many as 100 meteors per hour. This outburst proved that the 1466-passage stream is rich in meteor producing debris. On 2009 November 17, the earth will pass through the 1466 stream again, but closer to the center of the stream. Both Cooke and Vaubaillon expect a sub-storm outburst on November 17, peaking between 2134 and 2144 UTC. For visual observers, this timing favors observers in Asia. In North America, it will be late afternoon before the radiant rises, but radio coverage of the shower may still be possible. And the Leonids can surprise us, so mark the date on your calendar. http://www.qsl.net/w8wn/hscw/papers/hot_news.html (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2009-02-27) 27 Feb. 2009

Nanibia, V5. "Review". Dear friends, We have updated our homepage with the photos of our DXpedition (see photo-gallery at http://www.hb9q.ch/photo/main.php?g2_itemId=3223 ) On the DXpedition page we have also updated the logs with the QSLs we already have received. The V5-QSL are ordered and should arrive in about 3 weeks. As soon as we get them we will send out the QSLs to all we already got the QSL from. vy 73 Dan, HB9CRQ/KT6Q www.hb9q.ch (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2009-02-20) 20 Feb. 2009

Software. WSJT modes. Dear Users of WSJT: I'm looking at some new ideas for future development of the WSJT program, and I need some user input. JT2, JT4, and the "QSO mode" of WSPR have always been considered as experimental additions to WSJT. I learned a lot from their implementation, and I've received some useful feedback from others who have used them. I have mentioned before that they may not become permanent additions to WSJT. My present assessment is these modes are not much being used, and I'm considering removing them from future versions of WSJT. Do I hear any advice to the contrary? ...  73, Joe, K1JT Contact Joe via WSJTGROUP Reflector or use mail: joe"at"princeton.edu (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2009-02-20) 20 Feb. 2009

Silent Key. A QSP from M1DUD says; It is with deep sadness that I inform you that Jim (VK9NS) passed peacefully away on Norfolk Island at 15:40 local time on 10 February 2009 after a short illness.
Jim is survived by his wife Kirsti (VK9NL) and his four children: Bruce (G3HSR), Stuart, Sheena and Fraser (all living in the UK). Jim's contribution to Amateur Radio, DX-ing and IOTA is inestimable. He will be sadly missed. Further information and condolences can be sent to Kirsti at jimkirsti@ni.net.nf Bruce (G3HSR) 10 Feb. 2009

Sweden, SM. A mail from Arne SM7AED translates into English as; New amateur radio band in Sweden from today (29 January 2009).
From today we do have access to a new general amateur radio band in Sweden, 50-52 MHz. The official information from the PTS is;
The 50-52 MHz frequency band is available from now, to amateur radio with an output of maximum 200 Watt. Existing 6 meter licensees will not be debited any annual fee for 2009. Licenses witch expired 31 December 2008, does not need to apply to be prolonged. Allegations is ongoing between the SSA and the PTS in a try to change the power limit to 1000 Watt. But for now the limit is 200 Watt.
So now it just to hookup the 50 MHz antenna and get on with it .... 5 Feb. 2009 -

Singapore, 9V. Hi everyone, I just wanted to let all of you know that today, after a lengthy process, I was able to obtain 6M privileges for Singapore. This will mean that there are 2 operators in Singapore currently, the other being Selva 9V1UV. Some of you may have worked me under my old call of VK8AH from Darwin. Hoping to apply the little knowledge I have obtained to a slightly different latitude! I will be very limited in capacity due to the regulations applied (6M is not normally allowed in Singapore) and as such I only have 50-50.2 at low power. However, its a start! Whilst the rig etc is all ready to go (IC-7800) the antenna will go up on the weekend. First stage will be AR-6, but when I have approval (rented accomodation etc) M2 6M3. So.... very modest station I am sorry and a far cry from 9EL and 400W in Darwin, but I hope I can give you guys 9V when the propogation returns!
All the best, see you on the "Magic Band". (UKSMG ann.) 5 Feb. 2009 -

Software. GJTracker Version 1.05 Lance did updated the program to include the option to permit the ESC key to automatically exit the callsign and locator fields or to eliminate all the noise and just use the standard editing to enter the callsigns and locator. Of course if you choose to operate without the ESC key activated, you will have to remember to manually press the button to the right of each of those fields to either look up the callsign or calculate the coordinates from the locator you entered. Http://bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/GJTRACKER.zip GL and gud DX! VY 73, Lance (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2009-01-16) 16 Jan. 2009

Swiss, HB9. The Swiss authorities will allocate the 50 MHz band to amateur radio on a secondary basis by Jan 1, 2009. All Swiss and foreign CEPT class licensees may send with 100 watts PEP on 50-52 MHz without any antenna restrictions. Primary users may not be disturbed which includes the Ticino since there are still some TV stations active in the VHF band I in Northern Italy. (DXNL 1601) 16 Dec. 2008 -

Cuba, CO. CO2WF QRV soon on 6 meters I received word from Winty that he will soon be QRV on 6 meters digital modes. He has built an interface and is currently working on an antenna. His locator is EL83we in Boca Ciega just east of Havana City. His plans are to listen and send CQ's on 50.260MHz, and he is planning to be active during the upcoming Geminids. Internet access is very limited there, so he will not be on PJC, but I am sure he would appreciate anyone hearing him to make his presence known there. I am his QSL manager. Phil - N1KI. SOURCE: Phil, N1KI via Reflector of the WSJT Group (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2008-11-21) 15 Dec. 2008 -

Laos, XW. On Tuesday, W1JJ and I both worked XW1A on 6m EME. Currently, the antenna at XW1A/XW1B is only an old 5 element yagi, but they now have made arrangements to obtain four of the 10 element YU7EF yagis and plan to assemble a fully steerable array for 6m EME. I am sure they will be very active on Es next summer with their new array, too. VY 73 and GUD DX! SOURCE: Lance, W7GJ, via The UKSMG Announcement (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2008-11-21) 15 Dec. 2008 -

New DXCC entities to come ? - Postponed ! A QSP from Arne SM7AED says; It would seem that the new DXCC entities from the Netherlands Antilles are on hold for now. Guido van den Berg, PA0GMM, 1st Vice-President of the "Vereniging voor Experimenteel Radio Onderzoek Nederland" (VERON), informs OPDX that no new ones will take place on December 15th, 2008. He states, "Status of Netherlands Antilles will not be changed before 2010 (even 2010 is not guaranteed)." (Arne SM7AED) 18 Nov. 2008

Angola, D2. Father Gabriele, D2EB is back to Angola after five years. He will be active on the HF bands and 6 metres, SSB and CW. QSL via IZ3ETU (direct only) or LoTW. (425 DX News #905) 11 Sep. 2008

Bosnia and Herzegovina, E7. After more than four months reviewing the applications, effective September 1, 2008 Bosnia and Herzegovina Communications Regulatory Agency granted 54 one-letter suffix licenses for Hams in Bosnia and Herzegovina, says E73Y (ex T93Y, E73TW), Boris Knezovic. That is 46.96% of the total number of applications received (115). A complete list of the issued callsigns is available at the BH CRA WEB Page (unfortunately English version is not yet updated): http://www.rak.ba/hr/freq-mgmt/msword/OdlukaE7naRadiamateriHr.doc. (The Daily DX Vol. 12 No. 170) 3 aug. 2008

Kosovo, YU8. Update on the Republic of Kosovo, by Martti Laine, OH2BH.
Many have been wondering what the status with regard to the Republic of Kosovo is as of today, both in general and in amateur radio terms specifically. Substantial progress has been made, and a new approach to get Kosovo totally on its own feet is well on its way. The United Nations (UNMIK) has scaled down its administrative role while the European Union (EULEX) has initiated its supporting role to help integrate the "interim administration" functions into the local institutions.
The United Nations Frequency Management Office (FMO) is one of those local institutions. This Office was responsible for authorizing Amateur Radio operations before and after the Kosovar declaration of independence, but as of today the FMO does not exist nor are licenses issued. You may still hear some stations operating as YU8 since those licenses issued in the past have not been specifically terminated.
Undoubtedly, Kosovo as a "country" has all required country requirements; (A) a defined territory, (B) a permanent population and (C) a government and (D) is capable of interacting with other countries with whom it has established diplomatic relations. As of today, the Republic of Kosovo is recognized by 46 countries representing many leading states and all geographical continents.
From an Amateur Radio and DXCC perspective, a great deal of confusing discussion has taken place; one side argues that the DXCC criteria needs to be honored at all times. Others see the criteria as not being engraved on a tablet of stone but that the rules facilitate "entities" dynamically in the context of an ever-changing world. Both views have some merit and should be appreciated.
Western Sahara (SO), another disputed DXCC country, is currently recognized by 48 countries and even today it is not a member of the United Nations nor does it have a dedicated ITU prefix. At the time Amateur Radio entered this desert country, no one had argued that it belonged to DXCC. When Swains
Island was up for DXCC discussion it was decided that the DXCC criteria had to be changed and so Swains entered the scene. Swains was added not decades ago - but just recently.
Before Swains Island, DXCC used three "measuring sticks"; UN membership, ITU prefix or IARU society. In facilitating Swains, the ARRL Board of Directors decided to keep the UN and ITU parts but changed the IARU rule to recording of an event by the US Department of State, which again opened up another
gate for more DXCC entities.
Now Kosovo meets the highest US Department of State criteria - Kosovo is an independent state recognized by the United States and easily passes the US State Department gate, if that gate is honored in the right spirit. With DXCC rules in place as they existed before Swains, Kosovo would enter through the IARU gate because of its permanent amateur radio population and its national society, SHRAK.
The above is just an illustration of the dynamics of the DXCC at any given time, following the dynamics of the world.
The world outside Kosovo abounds with many other examples that offer a slightly different perspective in the international arena. Another oft-mentioned entity - Northern Cyprus - is recognized only by Turkey, and the situation regarding Cyprus remains deadlocked. Two new cases - South Ossetia and Abkhazia - are recognized by the Russian Federation and probably soon by Belarus (EW) and Venezuela (YV). If they ever achieve wider recognition apart from the countries subject to the current conflict, they will become another set of DXCC candidates.
An immediate UN membership gate is pointed more in the direction of those that get themselves established with no gun fire. The UN's potential for resolving conflicts to its own satisfaction is seriously hampered by the Security Council veto structure that plays a major role in eliminating new
countries at that gate.
So, the ARRL is left to define a workable recognition based country criteria - be it qualitative and/or quantitative. Kosovo with its almost 50 recognitions is the first one at the gate. Delaying action on the Republic of Kosovo so that it does not qualify for anything is not an option for the ARRL. Kosovo is a country with a permanent amateur radio population and therefore Kosovar amateurs should be welcomed to our community.
Back to the practical world; YU8/OH2R QSLs for the first amateur radio operation from the Republic of Kosovo were printed last week by Gennady, UX5UO and they will be in the mails in a few days. We thank Gennady for his efforts and support in making these full-color cards meet the spirit of the Kosovo case as they represent a special moment for those involved with the Kosovo project and those who follow world events as well as the development of the DXCC program.
You can view these cards at http://www.dailydx.com/Kosovo.htm
You may read more about YU8/OH2R and Kosovo at www.n4gn.com/yu8/. Martti Laine, OH2BH. (Ohio/Penn Special DX Bulletin #873.1) 3 aug. 2008
OZ6OM note - over due time for the ARRL and DXCC desk to "shape up" !

Afghanistan, T6. Recent information about Afghanistan includes activity by Ross now T61AA and VK4ADX/T61. There is a good write up / blog under T61AA on the qrz.com callsign lookup details or T61AA. VK3SIX, Steve (UKSMG ann.) 22 Aug. 2008

Peru, OA. OA4TT (N6XQ), Jack, is now on 6 meters with a four-element Yagi up 30 feet. His rig is an Icom IC-756ProII. He is in the process of converting a Kenwood TL-922 amp to six meters, which will give him a KW. He hopes to have an 80-foot tower up in about six months. Jack lives in Peru about 70 percent of the time and his routine is normally five to six weeks there, then two to three weeks in California. He says his place in Lima is not really radio friendly, and he has a house in the middle of farmland in Canete that he "uses for relaxing and radios." The OA4B six meter beacon is at his house in Canete. When he is there he normally turns off the beacon so he can monitor the band, and did work KP4 and FJ5DX last week. He says it's possible to get into the U.S. on sporadic E and TEP, trans-equatorial propagation, but "it is not very common." His current Peru visit ends May 29th and he thinks he will probably return the third week of June. QSL via N6XQ. (The Daily DX Vol. 12 No. 099) 19 May 2008

Some new tools to play with from Joe, K1JT. WSPR (pronounced "whisper") stands for "Weak Signal Propagation Reporter". This program implements transmitting and receiving for a digital soundcard mode called "MEPT_JT", an acronym for "Manned Experimental Propagation Tests, by K1JT". This is the initial release of a GUI-based version of the program. Have a look at: http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/ There will be an nice Chat with several of these users of WSPR all over the World: http://www.electroblog.com/drsked/index.html - after getting familiar with the program you might have auto upload your results and can view the Condx at: http://www.electroblog.com/drsked/stats.php?hours=1 Lot VHF are tested and lets hope we can run these at 2m as well... (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2008-04-01) 3 Apr. 2008

Saint Barthelemy, FJ. Busy summer for Phil FJ5DX? Please watch http://www.50mhz.fr/page11.htm (Arne SM7AED´s notebook) 27 Mar. 2008

Bosnia-Herzegovina, E7A-E7Z. Back in August 2007 the ITU allocated the new prefix block E7A-E7Z to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), replacing T9A-T9Z. Amateur radio operators will begin using their new callsigns (E7#xx or E7#xxx, for the time being) on 22 March at 23 UTC. (Arne SM7AED´s notebook) 21 Mar. 2008

WPX Award program expansion. CQ magazine and WPX Awards Manager Steve Bolia, N8BJQ, have announced several changes to the WPX Award program in response to feedback from program participants. The changes, effective immediately, add new bands (60, 30, 17, 12, and 6 metres) and create a new Digital WPX Award. Details on these and other changes will be published in the March 2008 issue of CQ magazine and can be found on the CQ magazine website at http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WPX_Award_Rules_Mar08221308.pdf (425 DX News #876) 16 Feb. 2008

Falkland Islands, VP8. Newly sponsored UKSMG member Mike, VP8NO lives in Port Stanley, Falkland islands and will no doubt be a very welcome sound to be heard in other members receivers. With a clear takeoff to the north straight over the harbour. Mike runs an Elecraft K2 plus transverter with an ACOM linear and a five-element beam. He has worked Bob, VP8LP who is also in Stanley, though a bit higher up the hill. Doubtless, Mike's now looking for some (Arne SM7AED´s notebook) 8 Feb. 2008

Congo, 9Q. 9Q1EK, Georges, has a new Yaesu FR2000 and OM2500 amplifier and is now QRV on 6 through 160 meters. He's still using the same antennas, 3 element for 50 MHz with 200 watts, six element log periodic for 10 to 30 MHz, dipole for 40 and 80 meters and a 51 meter inverted L for 1.8 MHz. He hopes to have the new station up very soon on his blog at http://www.ve2ek.blogspot.com/. (The Daily DX Vol. 12 No. 024) 1 Feb. 2008

Lord Howe Isl., VK9. VK9ZLH, Doug, on Lord Howe Island has just installed a 6 meter beam and runs 100 watts. He works at the airport, so he can't be QRV all the time. (The Daily DX Vol. 12 No. 001) 2 Jan. 2008

DXCC Desk Announces New Entity. The ARRL DXCC Desk is pleased to announce the addition of St Barthelemy (FJ) to the DXCC List, making the island entity number 338 with an effective date of 14 December, 2007. Cards with contacts dated December 14, 2007 or after will be accepted for DXCC credit. New card submissions for St Barthelemy will not be accepted until January 1, 2008 in order to allow time for administrative adjustments. (The Daily DX) 21 Dec. 2007

Spain EA. The spanish government has given authorisation to use the full 50 to 52 Mhz band to ham radio stations beginning on Nov 24th. It's the end of the 50 to 51 Mhz limit. Also, now it's possible to operate from the previously forbidden zone, but with a 10W power limitation and maximum antenna gain of 6db, and at a maximum height of 35 m a.g.l. Restrictitions will be automatically removed when no more TV repeaters remain in service. Xavier, EB3CZS (UKSMG ann.) 28 Nov. 2007

Georgia, 4L. Levan 4L4CC, LN12kc, now also QRV on 6M. QSL via RV1CC. Also QRV are 4L1UN, LN12dg, (QSL direkt via RW6HS) and 4L9W, LN12kc. (Arne SM7AED´s notebook) 27 Jul. 2007

Saudi Arabia, HZ. No go area. Currently there are around 100 Amateur Radio operators in Saudi Arabia after the mid 2004 opening of the hobby in this country. First Class licensees (HF/VHF/UHF) are using the 7Z1 and HZ1 prefixes. Class 2 licensees (VHF/UHF) are assigned 7Z2 and HZ2 prefixes. As of this time operations on 6, 30 and 80 meters are prohibited in Saudi Arabia. QSOs prior to the changes in 2004 on these bands do count for DXCC. Currently there is no Amateur Radio society or QSL bureau. (The Daily DX Vol. 11 No. 127) 2 Jul. 2007

Spain, EA. Yesterday (April 26 th. 2007) the Spanish league URE got from Telecomunications Advisor Committee the full opening of the 6 meters band from 50 to 52 MHz to everyone in Spain. Those places in the middle of the Iberian  peninsula where transmitions were not allowed can now do it with some limitations on power and aerials. The whole story: http://www.ure.es/ureinforma/URE_informa_04_2007_reunion_CATSI.pdf Jose, EA7KW (UKSMG ann.) 27 Apr. 2007

Contest activity. Hi, have You been QRV at last Thuesday in the month between sometime between 17.00 and 21.00 UT ? Perhaps it may be something for You, to enter a log in The 50 MHz Open. This is an cumulative contest without any qualifying contacts ! - and straight forward rules. 2006 Classes includes high power, medium power & QRP sections. The 50 MHz Open - rules 2007. First results is allready up, to be found at The 50 MHz Open - results 2007. Hope to see a entry from You too, logs to oz6om (at) qsl.net or oz6om (at) uksmg.net 30 Mar. 2007

Definition of valid QSO. IARU Region 1: The definition for a valid QSO. Excerpt from Region 1 VHF -UHF -MW Newsletter, Edition 45 / 06. March 2007 Michael Kastelic, OE1MCU, Sub Working Group, Vienna 24/25 February 2007 (http://www.iaru-r1.org/Newsletter_45.pdf)
B08. (From SM2CEW reg. WSJT) had been withdrawn by SSA before the meeting – but see B18 is related, below.
B18. Minimum Requirement for a valid QSO, introduced by OZ7IS: This considered a definition
of a valid contact on bands above 30 MHz. A vote was taken on the following wording (the Idea
originally came from DJ5HG)
A definition for a valid QSO on VHF and on higher bands should be: A valid contact is one where both operators during the contact have
(1) mutually identified each other
(2) received a report, and
(3) received a confirmation of the successful identification and the reception of the report.
It is emphasized that the responsibility always lies with the operator for the integrity of the contact.
Vote: All in favour. To be included in the Handbook following circulation via the Newsletter. (QSP de SM7AED Arne) 17 Mar. 2007

Alaska. KL7. Trans-northern pole opening. Last week, on June 21st, NL7Z, Kevin, made six-meter history by working Europe from Alaska. Kevin says, "Working Europe on 6M from [Wasilla] Alaska was a real thrill. I have been watching several indicators since the beginning of June, and this time it paid off. Starting at about 1130Z (3:30 in the morning local time) I first heard a very weak beacon, but I couldn't get the call. Come to find out it was OZ7IGY running 30 watts! Also, being 3:30 AM and I wasn't quite awake yet, I had to fumble for a few seconds before I realized that what I was hearing was the "other side" of the FSK keying on it. Shortly thereafter I called CQ and about fell out of my chair when I heard PA4PA (Netherlands) coming up out of the noise. After working Ray, I worked the following stations over a 35-minute period: DL9USA, OZ1DJJ, OZ1LO, OZ8RW, DL3DXX, DL2DXA, SM6CMU and DL7CM. After the opening, and after the adrenaline was out of my system, it reminded me of a 160M opening.which by the way is still exciting. I did not hear any polar flutter, no aurora, just QSB at a fairly steady rate. I was battling some noise at the time, and I know I missed several stations. I made some MP3 recordings of some of the stations, which can be found on my website, http://www.mtaonline.net/~nl7z. (The Daily DX Vol. 10 No. 119) 26 Jun. 2006

Alaska. KL7. Trans-northern pole opening. Yesterday an historic 6 meter opening took place between Alaska (KL7) and Europe. The band opened up between 1130 and 1230Z with seven EU QSOs in NL7Z's, Kevin, log. "PA4PA was first to work Kevin, other contacts followed with SM, OZ & DL", reports 6 meter enthusiast G0LCS, Kerry. All of the QSOs were on CW. You can hear OZ1DJJ's, Bo, QSO at http://oz1djj.geronne.dk/oz1djj%20to%20NL7.mp3. (The Daily DX Vol. 10 No. 117) 26 Jun. 2006

Greece, SV. Some good news: since 12th May 2006 6m (50-52Mhz) and 4m (70.20-70.25Mhz) bands are open for ALL SV's, as well for CEPT licensees, for experimental (mainly) purposes. Max O/P 100W PEP and narrowband modes only allowed (No FM), for all HAREC level A licensees. 73 Costas, SV1DH (UKSMG ann.) 16 Jun. 2006

Monaco, 3A. Effective January 26, 2006 Amateur Radio operators from the Principality of Monaco have the following new frequency allocations reports 3A2LF, Claude Passet, Secretary of the Association des Radioamateurs de Monaco (ARM).
6 Meters - 50.000-52.000 MHz (51.200-52.000 MHz Secondary shared)
4 Meters - 70.000-70.500 MHz (Secondary shared)
160 meters - 1850-2000 MHz, 1810-1850 MHz (Primary exclusive), 1850-2000 MHz  (Secondary shared)
Also the 135.7-137.8 KHz segment has been conceded to Amateur Radio Service for several years as a Secondary shared band. (The Daily DX Vol. 10 No. 038) 02 Mar. 2006