DX General information.
Current email address to enter info is "mycall"@uksmg.net

Malyj Vysotskij, R1/MV. By Jari OH2BU: "The day of deletion has now been confirmed: Finnish and Russian ambassadors met January 17th and exchanged the documents signed by the presidents of both countries. The new agreement of the lease of Saimaa Channel will be in force one month from today – February 17th. As the new agreement does not include Malyj Vysotskij, the island will be deleted from the DXCC-list the day before, February 16th 2012. This is, of course, subject to the decision of ARRL DXCC Committee. It’s unlikely that any DXpedition will come on from the island before the deletion, although our Russian friends would have a possibility to do it." (Sixitalia Weekly) 30 Jan. 2012

ARRL DXCC Diamond Award. During the year 2012, the ARRL's DXCC Award program will be celebrating their 75th anniversary, and as you know this is the world's preeminent DXing award. So reaching this "Diamond milestone", the ARRL decided to celebrate this event by going back to the roots of the award, and specifically reading the 1937 DXCC List (January 1937 QST, pages 52-53) to learn what countries were counted at the onset which led them to create the "Diamond DXCC Challenge". The country list that they will be using for the "Diamond DXCC Challenge" is based upon the list of 231 places shown in 1937. The list is available at: http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Diamond%20DXCC/QST_Jan_1937_p52-53.pdf The League has added some interesting twists to this award (ex. where working one country may count for two entities!). The "Diamond DXCC Challenge" is an "Honor Award" and will not require acquisition or inspection of QSLs or proof of confirmation. The Diamond DXCC certificate will be available for working 100 of the 226 entities and will be endorsable at 5 levels: 125, 150, 175, 200, and 225. If anyone works all 226, there will be a special award for that remarkable achievement! There will also be awards for the top finishers. For complete details
and picture of the award, go to:
http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-diamond-dxcc-challenge
E.d. Are we going to see one of these issued for contacts made on 50 MHz who is good for a challenge ? (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1043) 8 Jan. 2012

LOTW (LoTW Processing Update). The ARRL Letter reports: "Logbook of The World (LoTW) is continuing to accept and process logs, including logs from this past weekend's CQ World Wide CW Contest. Before the contest, LoTW had just about caught up with the backlog, but due to the high number of logs submitted after the contest, it is once again seeing delays. As of December 1st, the processing delay is at 22 hours -- down from 45 hours last week -- with approximately 830,000 QSOs in 2500 logs still waiting to be processed. If it has been more than 48 hours since you uploaded a log to LoTW and your log has not yet been processed, please upload it again. Remember: Do not send entire logs that contain previously uploaded QSOs -- use the date range option when signing logs, selecting only those QSOs in a specific date range to upload to LoTW. Thanks again for your patience." (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1039) 4 Dec. 2011

QSL info. VP9/N0JK QSL STATUS. Jon, N0JK, reports to OPDX, "I have just received new QSL card stock and have answered all QSL requests received for the July 2011 VP9/N0JK 6 meter activity. We moved several times during the summer and my permanent address for QSL requests now is: Jon Jones, 5212 Eisenhower Place, Lawrence, KS 66049. (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1033) 24 Oct. 2011

Denmark, OZ. Odense JO55EI. Amateur Meeting Fyn (ATF) 2010. November 6 th.
At FKS Hallerne, Tranehøjen 5, 5250 Odense SV, Denmark.
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 Simon 2E0IAF (OZ9SP), Robin M1DUD (OZ3RE), Bjørn "Matt" OZ6OM & possibly other group members. Besides from informing of "the joy of Six", we will run a station under the call OZ50MHZ. Mainly QRV at MGM / JT modes, 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 pleased to find You in our log.

21 Sep. 2011 - 6 Nov. 2010

Macquarie Isl., VK0. A second operator has joined Kevin, VK0KEV, on the Island of Macquarie. Look for Trevor, VK8TH, to be active as VK0TH. His length of stay is not known. Activity so far has been on PSK31, but he is expected to be on 80-6 meters using a Yaesu FT-897 into a 5 band vertical and a 40m dipole. QSL via JE1LET (direct only). (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1030) 10 Oct. 2011 - unknown

Bonaire, PJ4. New resident. N7BHC arrived on PJ4. Hi all, FYI, I have moved to Bonaire (PJ4) a couple of days ago. I'll be working here for many years with TWR (www.twr.org). I had brought down a bunch of 6m, 2m, and 70cm gear. It will take a few months to get settled into our house and the station and antennas up, but I expect to have a nice station set up by the spring. 73s (PJ4/N7BHC via MMMonVHF Newsletter) 28 Sep. 2011

Hungary, HA. At midnight on August 14 2011 the Budapest television broadcasting transmitter will cease operation on VHF channel one. The termination of Broadcasting Band I transmissions after 54 years of television broadcasting will be followed by four days of ham radio activity organized by Haros Radio Club, using the antenna system of the former TV transmitter. This activity at the special event station HG50MHZ is a memorial event celebrating more than half a century’s operation and at the same time publicizes the closure of a broadcasting transmitter which is well known to the six metre amateur radio community. The webpage of HG50MHZ http://www.hg50mhz.tv summarizes the 54 year history of Budapest channel one television broadcasting, the 6 years of HA activities on the six metre (50MHz) band and additionally provides details of the special event station. Channel one television broadcasts from Budapest are well known by radio amateurs all over the world and have in the past been widely used as a propagation indicator. This period of amateur radio activity will allow two way communications facilitating actual amateur radio contacts utilizing the antenna system of the television transmitter. The web-site http://www.hg50mhz.tv will also broadcast a video and audio stream in real-time from the station’s operating position, thus everybody will be able to listen to how his or her transmission can be copied at the former television station. The chat and guestbook pages of the site also provide another means of communications amongst the interested amateur radio community. The location of the station is at the Szechenyi-hill broadcast station of Antenna Hungaria (JN97II) Station operators are either employees of Antenna Hungaria who are licensed radio amateurs or are members of the Haros Radio Club. The planned modes of operation are: CW, SSB, FM and digital. Besides being available for normal tropospheric and sporadic E modes of propagation EME earth-moon-earth experiments are also planned at HG50MHZ. (Sixitalia Weekly) 19 Aug 2011

ConDX. Discovery of the February Eta Draconids. The Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams of the International Astronomical Union today issued this TELEGRAM announcing the discovery of the February Eta Draconids. Although CAMS was designed to confirm previously discovered showers, a meteor outburst was detected in CAMS February 4 data obtained at the Fremont Peak (Rick Morales, Loren Dynneson, et al.) and Mountain View (Peter Jenniskens) stations. This is the first new shower discovered by CAMS. It is also a very unusual shower, of a type that only occurs once or twice every sixty years and is caused by the dust trail of a (still to be discovered) potentially hazardous long-period comet. The new shower was named the February eta Draconids and is now listed as shower 427 in the IAU Working List of Meteor Showers. A paper on this discovery was submitted to the Journal of the International Meteor Organization http://cams.seti.org/ QSP and tnx info to Alex, F/SV1NZX (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2011-07-14) 24 Jul. 2011

"Green Station" Special achievement. Spiros, SV8CS. Today 5 July 2011 at 20:03 I had a EME qso on 50.190 with Lance W7GJ. This was NOT my first but I made this qso from my remote site with my Ecological - Green powered station. I am using a Kenwwod TS-480 (without external preamplifier), Linear amplifier by TE-Systems at 150W and 7 elements LFA-1 WOS antenna, without elevation. This set-up is powered by solar and wind energy (ECO station) using 4 bateries 12v 200A/h each (total 800A/h).Thai is my first EME qso with Green power station. Tnx to Lance and 73 to all de Spiros SV8CS.
QSO details
194800 4 -19 1.9 57 1 # SV8CS W7GJ DN27 OOO 1 0
195000 0 -29 1.8 54 39
195200 6 -23 1.9 78 1 # SV8CS W7GJ DN27 OOO 1 10
195359 1 -31 64 0 RRR
195559 0 -29 1.6 48 25
195759 2 -30 41 2 73
src:
http://uksmg.org/e107_images/newspost_images/771_1309898813_6M_EME.jpg (The UK Six Metre Group) 6 Jul. 2011

India, VU. Bharathi VU2RBI is now on 50MHz. She has SSB experience on HF but now she works on CW in order to help as many stations to work VU as possible. Her slow speed but self confident CW capability is combined with the SSB experience that can be heard on the recording of our yesterday QSO. During recent JA and EU openings she had so many callers that often they were difficult to handle. From today she will split around 50,090 +- QRM and expects callers to send call signs not more than twice. She asks not to request schedules because her intention is to work everybody if possible. Please send QSL card to QRZ.COM address but do not send IRC because it can't be traded in posts in India but green stamps that she would utilize not only for responding back but developing her station. Now she has a barefoot IC706 and a 5 element Dunax DK7ZB antenna that she plans to supplement with a PA and erect to a new and higher mast. (HA5PT via MMMonVHF Newsletter 2011-07-02) 2 Jul. 2011

Uruguay, CX. Beacon. A QSP from Robin M1DUD says; Hi there, Please note that the CX1CCC beacon, located in GF15 (Montevideo-Uruguay) is fully operational in 50.020 Khz.- 73 from Mirel Cardoso - VK2BOD 25 Jun. 2011

Guantanamo Bay, KG4. KG4EM is the new call club used by John Dempsey (KF4EME). He is now active also on 6m. For sure he had an ic706 and a 4 el. Yagi. We hope to have soon good contacts with him in ES season. (Sixitalia Weekly) 22 Jun. 2011

India, VU. From a msg passed in HF to some Italian Hams, Bharati, VU2RBI, inform that she wil be active on 6m, on daily basis, testing 6m propagations. (Sixitalia Weekly) 22 Jun. 2011

Bahamas, C6. Mike C6ANX, writes; A visit to my call sign on QRZ will introduce me ...just to inform you that I am very active on 6 and (2 meters) and enjoyed a nice opening to western EU on the 18th june from 2100Z till well after 2200.. I will be monitoring 50.145 regularly now daily around that time and earlier if propogation permits for contacts into Europe. Many thanks and 73 from Nassau Bahamas grid FL15IA Mike C6ANX 22 Jun. 2011

Silent Key. Peter, HB9PL, informs OPDX that Pierre Pasteur, HB9QQ, became a "Silent Key" (SK) on Saturday, June 11th, after a short but ferocious illness at the age of 80. Peter states, "Pierre was a multi-faceted Ham who was not only a seasoned DX'er but a highly regarded expert in VHF/UHF work and the 'magic band'. He was author of numerous technical papers and a book about VHF/UHF 'Operating Modes and Techniques'. Unforgettable were his VHF and EME expeditions to HB0, 8Q7, V51 and lectures of these adventures at many conventions and other Ham gatherings. Pierre achieved the WAC on 144 mc EME in 1984 and the DXCC on 50 MHz in 2002. An ex-Maritime Radio Operator, he was an Honorary Member of USKA (Union of Swiss Short Wave Amateurs) and a number of other distinguished societies
in Amateur Radio. He leaves his wife Inge, a son and a daughter. He will forever remain in our hearts." OPDX and its readers would like to send out our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of HB9QQ.
20 Jun. 2011

Peru, OA. A QSP from Per LA7DFA says; OA4TT 8 May 2011 on ON4KST chat: I am QRT for a month...my beacon is running on 50077 pointed at EU 50 W 8 el while I am gone. 16 May 2011

Angola, C9. I have recently started working in Mozambique - grid KG64fb - and am slowly getting a 6m station together - every piece of equipment has to be smuggled in over many trips :) . In the coming week starting 1/5/2011 I will be transmitting low power PSK31 during the evenings and during weekends when not at work. 50w into dipole. At this stage there is no allocation for 50Mhz in Mozambique so will
keep the QRO (1kw into 2 6M5 yagi) for when the band opens up and hope no one complains. So if people periodically listens in my direction I would appreciate any feedback. Kind Regards, Andre C91UA/ZS5UA (Sixitalia Weekly)
5 May 2011

United Kingdom, G. Ian G6GTO writes; Hi, GB3BUX Beacon which could be found on 50.000 and 70.000 Mhz is off the air, and has been since late March 2011. I have not been able to find the reason so far for this but I do have an idea! When I find out anymore information or the Beacon becomes active I will announce it via Email and online. 73 de Ian. G6TGO IO83. 5 May 2011

Spain, EA. Beacon. A new beacon is now active from Spain. The call is EA7URC/b and is located in IM78ie. (Sixitalia Weekly) 5 May 2011

Mauritius, 3B8. Mart, DL6UAA, is again active as 3B8MM and is trying to do some 6m qso. Look for him on HF band (mostly on CW) and on 6m. Time to time he'll be on beacon mode around 50110. (IK0FTA Sixitalia) 7 Apr. 2011

QSL info. SU1SK QSL. Hawk, SM5AQD, informs OPDX reader, "I am Said's QSL Manager. I only COLLECT his QSL cards and further the QSL information to Said via the InterNet. I have NO LOGS and NO QSL cards. Said himself is sending out QSL cards from Cairo, Egypt, after receiving my information. I do this service only because Said is a very old and nice friend, on the other hand it gives you a chance to get a QSL card from SU land. I am very sorry but a QSL card via bureau is impossible to arrange for me and him. Please follow my information on QRZ.com ... GD DX 73 / Hawk SM5AQD" (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #1005) 7 Apr. 2011

France, F. Try to get an allocation for the 6m band. F1DUE, the president of the French amateur radio union REF, writes about his efforts to open the 6m band for French amateurs. Already last year the REF asked the French frequency regulation authority (ARCEP) to deal with the case of the 6m band which was suspended two years ago. The ARCEP informed the REF that they consider to assign the frequency range 50-52 MHz for amateur radio. Thus ARCEP placed this proposal on the agenda of the Frequency Planning Commission (CPF) which was held in March. Yet nobody knows when the change of the bandplan is finalized and comes into effect. (DXNL 1722) 7 Apr. 2011

Band report. Joergen OZ1BNN reports to have experienced a Tep opening April 4th. where he worked ZS6CCY in KG45XX at 11.15 UT. 7 Apr. 2011

Southern Sudan, ST0. Antonio, EA5RM reports that "after a long way, a lot of hard work and several successful meetings with Southern Sudan Government officials of various Ministries", the first amateur radio license was issued by the new government on 18 March. "Our DXpedition will start on July 9th from Juba so please stay tuned". Bookmark www.dxfriends.com/SouthernSudan2011/ for updates. (Sixitalia Weekly) 30 Mar. 2011

Sked tool. ON4KST has created additional logger pages now on his excellent ON4KST chat site for us in Region 3: www.on4kst.org/chat/index.php look for 50 MHz Region 3 and 144/432 Region 3 logger pages. Plenty of ZL and VK's already registered and uing the site. All welcome on this excellent site thats been running successfully for many years. 73 (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2011-02-24) 8 Mar. 2011

Malawi, 7Q. Harry, 7Q7HB is back in Malawi for at least a couple of months. He is QRV in his spare time, mostly on digital modes and CW, plus some SSB "if asked". QSL via G0IAS, direct only. [G0IAS via 425dxn #1034]
INFO add by IK0FTA: Harry was active on 6m (also if for only few days) during the year 2002. I think he is one of rare opportunity to work Malawi now after the SK of Ron 7Q7RM. (Sixitalia Weekly & IK0FTA)
8 Mar. 2011

Mauritius Isl., 3B8. 3B8DB will be soon also on 6m. Tnx to a wide support of Sixitalia Group that have provided to him an ICOM 706 and some other individual italian hams as IZ5EME and IK5MEJ, that have provided a beam and pay the costs of spedition, Taher, 3B8DB, will be active, as resident ham on the island, on 6m from Mauritius Is we hope during this week. (3B8DB via Sixitalia.org) 8 Mar. 2011

New DXCC entity? South Sudan. As stated earlier there was a referendum held in Sudan to find out whether the south of the country should become an own country. With an overwhelming majority of more than 99 % the population voted for the separation of the south. South Sudan was an own DXCC counter before and may find its way onto the DXCC Entity List again soon. (DXNL 1714) 12 Feb. 2011

Afganistan, T6. T6PSE will be on air in next may also on 6m with a with a verical Stepp-ir and a 5 el Yagi M2 6m5. rig will be ic700 and PA Acom 1010. T6PSE website http://www.intrepid-dx.com/t6pse/index.php (QSP de IK0FTA) 19 Feb. 2011

Angola, D2. QSL Manager Mike, CT1IUA, informs OPDX that Paulo, D2CQ (aka CT1ITZ), will be back on the air very soon from Porto Amboim. He was off the air for almost 1 year after some equipment was stolen from his QTH (power supply, coax, PL's, windom). Paulo will be on the air with a G3TXQ Hexbeam and for now he will only be active on 20-6 meters SSB. He plans to put a dipole up for 40m and 80m soon. Mike mentions that sometimes the electricity goes down for 2 or 3 hours, so it is normal that Paulo suddenly disappears once in a while! (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #996) 12 Feb. 2011

Band report from Australia, VK. VK3OT Steve writes; On Tuesday NOV 11th had the pelasure of partipating in my first 2 way 6M QSOs with USA. The opening commenced for me with the chance observation on the vklogger that Norm VK3DUT has hearing the K6FV 6M beacon weakly and Zl1RS was working N5JEH. I tuned over Eds CW call on 50.105 at 0041 utc and was unable to break him so tunign up the band I heard a CQ call on 50.125 and was able to exchange a two way report with W0OGH at 00:41 in DM43ii AZ, then proceeded to work and log ( due to a very high qrm and confusion on 125 with the sudden appearance of VK amongst mid winter US Es). K7TNT W7KNT in MT, WA7JTM AZ, N7CW for sure in DM34 and K9HMB an incredible link over 2/3 of USA in En52 (5,500km) and finally AA7A at 0123. it was 20 years since last workign K9HMB in Illinois.
Condx the next day did not reoccur and I only worked KH7Y in BK29 after hearing the NH6P beacon at his house i also heard KH6SX who I have worked mni times before and did not call. other Dx worked and logged this week incudes H40FN Temotu, H44DA Solomons, FK8CP, DU1GM, DU7/PA0HIP, E51CG, VK5CP/VK9L, VK0KEV Macquarie Is., All VK1 thru 0 on Zl1 thru 4 Last dxcc was a month ago with qso to #`30 ZL8X Kermadecs. Steve VK3OT
26 Jan. 2011

United Arab Emirates, A6. By the time you read this Don, N1DG, is expected to leave Qatar (where he was active as A71A) to arrive in U.A.E on December 5th, for three days because of his job. However, his activity will be limited due to his work; he is expected to operate from the A61AD station once again, possibly on 12 and 17 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. The A61AD station does have a 4 element SteppIR for 20-6 meters, so Don's activity will be limited to those bands. Logs will be uploaded to LoTW upon conclusion of his trip. (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #988) 6 Dec. 2010

BBQ 2011. A QSP from Arne SM7AEd says; 2011 WW Six Meter BBQ save the date. Howdy..... Jimmy and I wanted to get this note 'out there' so that folks can start the planning process for next fall. As in the past, we have tried to pick a weekend to miss other events taking place at the same time. This means missing Univ of Texas home football games, EME contests, Microwave Update, Belton Hamfest and the Texas QSO Party. We have therefore selected the weekend of Oct 7-8, and the party will be back at Dick and Kathie's home. Much more to follow in the coming months, and please help us reach out to more six meter and EME folks that may not have been on the list. Very best regards for the holiday season.
Your big buddies, Jimmy, W6JKV and Dick, K5AND
30 Nov. 2010

Guadeloupe, FG. Jules,ex-FR1AN, is now staying on Guadeloupe, the home of his XYL. His new callsign is FG4NN. He started building antennas a few days ago so you can expect activity soon, also on 6m. The QSL manager of Jules is Buzz, NI5DX. (DXNL 1703) 30 Nov. 2010

Cameroon, TJ. Henri, F6EAY, who is in Cameroon for professional reasons and the duration of his stay is uncertain, just received his license to operate as TJ3AY. Activity will be on 40-6 meters using RTTY and SSB. Equipment at the moment is a R6000 vertical antenna and a dipole for 40 meters. He was heard this past week on 20/15/12/10 meters at various times. QSL is via F5LGE. It is suggested to be patient on the QSLs. QSL printing is not yet done; not until February 2011. (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #984) 13 Nov.

St Kitts, V4. A QSP from Andy N8OFS says; We just returned from Calypso Bay, St Kitts, after purchasing our vacation/retirement home. Our applications for St. Kitts residency have been submitted and will soon be approved. The antennas will be going up in Feb. when we return for an extended stay. 73, John W5JON - V47JA 13 Nov. - 2011.

The Netherlands Antilles. New entities. Bill Moore, NC1L, ARRL Awards Branch Manager, reports: "ARRL Awards Committee Statement on Dissolution of the Netherlands Antillies: To clarify the administrative process by which the anticipated changes to the two existing Netherlands Antilles DXCC entities will be made, the ARRL Awards Committee has determined that at 0400Z (12:00 AM local time in the islands) on 10 October 2010, the two Netherland Antilles DXCC entities will be deleted. Commencing at 0400Z (12:00 AM local time) on 10 October, 2010, operation from the islands of Curacao, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Saba, and St Eustatius will count for a yet-to-be-determined number of new entities under the DXCC List Criteria, and Political Entities, Rule 1 and/or Rule 2 Geographic Separation Entities. When the Awards Committee determines what Rule 1 or Rule 2 actions apply, it will announce the final disposition of the entities on the DXCC list. The DXCC desk will not accept confirmations for these new entities until after 1 January, 2011." (QSP from Arne SM7AED, cut from OPDX 978) 29 Sep. 2010

Nigeria, 5N. Ivan, OM3CGN/5N7M, from Abuja, will be active during the CQWW DX RTTY Contest (September 25-26th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. Ivan informs OPDX that he will probably be here for another 2-3 years. He also mentions that he hopes to fix his 160/80 meters vertical soon because in the winter season he prefers the lower bands. He is active on all HF bands, 160-6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. However, currently he has a problem with his Ham II rotor, the windings are bad, so he has his antenna fixed to the north. Ivan states that he is active almost everyday between 0600-0700z before he goes to work, during lunch time around 1100-1200z and after 1500z (possibly till 2300z) when he is at home. QSL via OM3CGN. His log is available at: http://www.clublog.org/charts/?c=5N7M#r
(Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #978)
29 Sep. 2010 - 2013

Digimode. A beta release of WSJT 9.0 is now available for free download on the WSJT Home Page. Briefly stated, WSJT 9.0 offers:
1. A new mode called ISCAT, which replaces JT6M
2. EME Echo mode
3. Enhanced features and performance for FSK441
4. Optional T/R period of 15 s for FSK441 and ISCAT
5. Enhanced user-editable message templates for FSK441 and ISCAT
6. Calculation of EME Doppler spread caused by lunar librations
7. Some simplification and clarification of the user interface.
More details can be found in the "WSJT 9.0 Supplement to User's Guide", available at:
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/WSJT_9.0_Supplement.pdf
A full WSJT 9.0 User's Guide is in the works, but not yet available. Go here
http://www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/wsjt.html to find the WSJT 9.0 download link. After gaining some experience with the beta release of WSJT 9.0, please share your views and opinions
about it!  Of course, bug reports are also welcome. (Joe, K1JT via MMMonVHF Newsletter 2010-09-10)
14 Sep. 2010

India, VU. Amateur Radio operators from India have once again been allocated use on 6 meters. The new allocation on 50-54 MHz includes activity on the following modes: F1B, F2B, F3E and F3C. "We will be trying to get clarifications on why A1A and J3E are missing but more importantly J2B for AFSK modes", says VU2PTT, Prasad. VU operators with General Class license can now operate with 400 watts on HF, which is up from the previous 150 watt limit. (The Daily DX via anonymous source) 19 Aug. 2010

Kuwait, 9K. 9K2YM (Kuwait) is installaing a 5el LFA Yagi after the fantastic results of his good friend A92GR. Yasser will be QRV on 6 within the next few days and said he will mail me to tell me he is now active. I will post here to let you all know to listen out for him. (Justin G0KSC via UKSMG ann.) 27 Jun. 2010

Oman on 6 meters. Abdalla Darwish Al Qasmi (A41KB), IARU Liaison Officer for the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society, reports that "the Omani Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has allocated the band 50-52 MHz to the amateur service on a secondary basis". (425 DX News #999) 26 Jun. 2010

Annobón Isl., 3C0. Sadly http://www.3c0c-annobon.com/logs/3c0c.php show that the expedition did not succeed with QSO´s at 6 meters. 18 Jun. 2010

DXCC news. The recent E4X operation from Palestine has been approved for DXCC credit. (425 DX News #998) 18 Jun. 2010

Malyj Vysotskij Isl., R1MV. A press release from Jarmo, OH2BN, dated June 5th, states: On May 27, 2010, an agreement on the lease of the Russian part of the Saimaa Canal zone to Finland was signed in Lappeenranta, Finland, by the Prime Ministers of the Republic of Finland and the Russian Federation. The new 50 year agreement supersedes the initial lease of 1963 which is due to expire in 2013. The new lease no longer includes Malyj Vysotskij Island, the present R1MV DXCC entity. The coming into effect of the agreement is subject to ratification by the parliament of Finland and the Russian duma later this year. (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #962) 11 Jun. 2010

Mauritius, 3B. 3B8CF, Jacky, tells The Daily DX that 6 meters is now authorized for Mauritius and he has purchased a new FT897. He's running 50 watts into a 3 element yagi and plans to build a bigger yagi in the near future. Listen for him to CQ on 50.110 in beacon mode. He listens for 10 seconds after each CQ. (Peter G3ZSS) 3 Jun. 2010

Bahrain, A9. A92GR Mohamed and A92IO Dave keep using every opportunity to make Bahrian available to the Six meter DX´ers. Latest A92GR Mohamad was heard working Scandinavia, Scotland and Faroes Thursday evening (27th.) - Well done guys!
("Matt" OZ6OM)
28 May 2010

Sudan, ST. Arne SM7AED has found the following report from ST2AR -and added the comment, What an operator! (Well is hard not to agree e.d. OZ6OM)
24 May 2010 - 6 meters.
What an opening on 6 meters last night!!! 400 CW and over 200 SSB QSOs in merely three and a half hours! This time the path was much broader, ranging from UR/UX all the way to F and UK. But only one EA and no CTs worked, although I tried to play around with the antenna. Signals on my side were extremely strong especially from SP, S5 and UX/UR, and at one point I could not work anything else but Italy. Generally, one can see a nearly instant propagation shift all the way from Southern EU into the northern areas (PA, DL, ON), and in the next few minutes UK was “beating” the rest. Amazing! 24 May 2010

UFT DX mail list now QRT. OPDX is sad to report that Maurice, F5NQL, Editor/Manager of the Union Francaise des Telegraphistes (UFT) DX Mailing List for the last ten year, has announced that he can no longer maintain the list "due to some personal reasons". The UFT Mailing List ended effective on May 4th. OPDX and its readers would like to thank Maurice for all his years of devotion and info to the DX community.
Personally I want to thank Maurice F5NQL for his contributions to "CQ Six" over the Years.
Maurice Your input has been valuable - and Your work highly appreciated.
The best to You and Yours.
Kindly Bjørn "Matt" OZ6OM.
15 Apr. 2010

Sudan, ST. Arne SM7AED has found this report from ST2AR, after his was audibele for more than an hour in SM7 (JO65) May 12 th. Finally some action on 50Mhz! Had a solid opening from 15:50 – 17:15Z yesterday and made over 150 QSOs on CW. It only worked in one rather narrow direction though. Looking at the contacts, I can see that the opening “window” was between 335 and 350 degrees which yielded many LZ, YO, YU, S5, 9A, DL, some SV and a few Scandinavian (SM&OH) contacts. Everything else further West or East was basically non-existent! I’ll be checking the band daily from now on. More information can be found at http://www.qrz.com/db/ST2AR 13 May 2010

UKSMG Presentation. The link shown below has been available since late March. The presentation has been produced by David Dix, G8LZE (G4JZS) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcLUp1RgM1Q It seam that this presentation have caught some viewers attention, Andy N8OFS for one have spread the link to this one. 1 May 2010

England. G. 2010 Report Norbreck Exhibition, Blackpool U.K.
This year, for the first time, the UK Six Metre Group was represented at the popular NARSA Exhibition in Blackpool.  The stand was manned by committee members Trev G3ZYY, Clive G4FVP and Ian G6TGO, supported by Trev’s wife Trish, G4KYY and Ian’s wife Grainne.
As well as a well-equipped display stand, the group mounted a 50MHz demonstration station using Weak Signal Propagation Reporting (WSPR), operating with a KENWOOD TS2000 and 5W to a halo located in between the stands at about 12ft on a tripod.
The team had a very busy few hours, signing up a number of new members and meeting new people who dropped in to the stand to pass on their congratulations for the UKSMG’s success in bringing awareness of the wonders of six metres.
  There were also many questions about 50MHz propagation, giving the team the opportunity to pass on their enthusiasm for the exciting world of 50MHz and to talk about the effect of solar behaviour on the band as Cycle 24 picks up.

The highlight of the day was a visit by RSGB President Dave Wilson M0OBW, himself a frequent user of 50MHz.  The UKSMG would like to thank the RSGB President and the NARSA team for putting on a great show and making the group very welcome. This was a Team event and extra thanks to UKSMG Secretary Chris G4IFX for his assistance, and Committee member Robin M1DUD for his assistance in sending the Banners and also to David G8LZE for the work with the UKSMG Presentation DVD and all the Members who visited the stand and signed the guest book also a special welcome to those who joined the UKSMG on the day. 73 From all the Team. (Ian, G6TGO via UKSMG ann.) 25 Apr. 2010

England, G. "Review". GB75BRS Bawdsey Research Station. We were very privileged to be invited to operate from Bawdsey Manor, the former WW2 RAF Radar Research station as part of the commemoration of the Daventry radar experiments. We are grateful to Alexander’s International school, the site owners for this wonderful opportunity.
Our operating position was from the Victorian White tower of the main manor building.
 We had three stations running two on HF (80, 40, 20) and one dedicated Six metre station. On the roof of the tower we erected a 3 element Cushcraft yagi. From Friday 26th until Sunday 28th we made just forty complete contacts on 50 MHz band. Band conditions were absolutely flat. Very few MS pings were noted. The majority of the contacts were inter-G on USB. The most distant station worked being G6TGO on CW and USB. We also made two demonstration contacts on SSTV (G1YLE and G3IRQ) and a single contact with OZ6OM in JO55 on JT6M. We also worked a couple of stations outside the UK – ON8DM in JO10 and DJ6XV in JO31.
We were keen to demonstrate QRP WSPR and had a little success during the weekend on 50 MHz with the FT817 and 3 watts. However we had a lot of luck in last hour of the operation on 40m WSPR, with several contacts being logged the best being VK6POP.
For those of you who were unlucky to have missed this operation, we will be back on air with a bigger and better station for
two weekends to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the start and end of the Battle of Britain in 1940. The callsign will be GB70BRS. These weekends will be 5/6 June, and 18/19 Sept. Operating bands and modes will be similar to those used at the February event. Full details are to be found at http://www.bawdseyresearchstation.org.uk/index.html 73 de M1DUD 1 Apr. 2010

Lebanon, OD. QSP From Lance W7GJ: I just heard from OD5KU that effective immediately they are no longer allowed to operate any 6m from Lebanon. It is now totally allocated to the military. Very sad news. (Nick 5B4FL via UKSMG ann.) 17 Apr. 2010

QSL business. Uzbekistan, UK8. OPDX received a report that Mike, UK8OM, states "DO NOT" send greens stamps to Uzbekistan because envelopes will be opened and they will be taken. Also, don't send envelopes. Just send an address label if you have one. Since January, only envelopes produced in Uzbekistan can be used there. (Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin #950) 6 Mar. 2010

Reverse Beacon Net / CW-Skimmer: Testing a 6m SDR receiver (50.010 MHz to 50.202 MHz) with CW-Skimmer. All identified/verified callsigns received here are pushed to www.reversebeacon.net. There is also a telnet server running: dk1max.dyndns.org 7300. I wonder what you think? Is this useful to get an activity overview or as a monitoring tool for band openings? It runs unattended at my 6m yagi when my station is not in use. Max DK1MAX (UKSMG ann.) 4 Mar. 2010

England, G. "Review". ‘Bawdsey Research Station’ GB75BRS Special Event Station, have been quite active over the weekend (Feb. 27th. & 28th.), at Six meters and HF. If You live within Flat ConDX, Tropo or Meteor Scatter distance, You have had a fair chance to work them. Here a couple of "shots" of the operators at Six #1 M1DUD and 2E0IAF #2 2E0IAF (relaxed) and #3 M1DUD & 2E0IAF (in dual mode).
I for one was lucky enough to find them both at 6 and 80 meters. OZ6OM "Matt"
28 Feb. 2010

Silent Key.Trev, G3ZYY writes at the UKSMG website; I have the sad duty to report that YV4DDK became SK 'some days ago'. He was a prolific operator on 6m and will be sadly missed. Source YV5TX. Trev, G3ZYY (UKSMG ann.) 15 Dec. 2009

Bahrain, A9. Breaking News...Bahrain (A9) Give privilege on 6 meter ! Good day to all hams..
I would like to announce the good news from Bahrain. Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) has released 6 meter for amateur radio. This fantastic news is confirmed by the long anticipated press release of the new national band plan.
Radio Amateurs in A9 were trying for many years to get access to 6 meter, a dream which finally come true. We got exclusive use of 50.000 MHZ - 50.500 as primary users, and shared use of 50.500 - 52.000 MHz. Other minor changes to band plan include access to new upper part of 40 meters band, and UHF band.
Bahrain's national band plan can be seen on TRA website:
http://www.tra.org.bh/en/home.asp
and PDF file of the plan can be directly accessed on this link:
http://www.tra.org.bh/en/pdf/KingdomOfBahrainNationalFrequencyPlanFianl.pdf
(Page 15-16) shows 6 meter.
We would like to thank TRA for their major step forward and their continuing support the to our small group of radio amateurs. Personally, i'm ready to do some DX on 6. I got an Icom ic-7400 and a 3 element yagi... lets pray for some propagation !
73 and hear you soon on 6. Dr Mohamed Ali Albufalasa A92GR Secretary, Amateur Radio Association of Bahrain (ARAB) (UKSMG mail)
10 Dec. 2009

Finland, OH. 50 & 70 MHz News All Finnish coastal areas are now free for 50 MHz operations (there were forbidden areas due to former Swedish CH2-TV activity) The big news is that as of today 70 MHz is released as legal for transmitting. The Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) [http://www.ficora.fi/en/index.html] will release the new regulatory document 6H/2009M on the Finnish/Swedish web pages tomorrow (11-05) 73, "Zaba" OH1ZAA/OHoMZA (MMMonVHF Newsletter 2009-11-06) 6 Nov. 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 -

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 -

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

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" !

 

† Silent Key †

AA5XE, Dale Newton Richardson, Jr. of Kerrville, Texas passed away in a local hospital on Thursday July 10th. He was 61. Dale served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1988. He had 335/352 (current/deleted) countries confirmed at the ARRL DXCC Desk. Dale also participated in the DXCC Challenge Award and had 2579 countries confirmed, including 120 on 6 meters and 155 on 160 meters, says W5OZI, Pat Rose. Dale operated with Pat a few years back in Guantanamo Bay as KG4XE and also was one of the CY9SS ops in 1997. He also served as the Secretary/Treasurer of SMIRK. AA5XE was a long time subscriber and supporter of The Daily DX. It was a pleasure to have met and know Dale over the years. Our condolences to his wife Maiko and the Richardson family. (The Daily DX Vol. 12 No. 139)

As an fellow colleaque, regarding his involvement in Six meters, Dale did a highly appreciated job, through SMIRK. Among others as webmaster of the SMIRK DX site. I for one have had the message that there was a terminal illness in Dales family, however it came as surprise that it was Dave himself - Dave go with God, be assured, You will be remembered in the Six meter community.
A last 73 de OZ6OM "Matt" 13 Jul. 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

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

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

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