The Illuminator

December Meeting

We are scheduled to have an auction at the regular meeting on Thursday, December 21, at 7:30 p.m. Your junk might be someone else’s treasure! Be sure to come armed with equipment and cash!

Propagation

By Larry, N3CR

Propagation has been on a roller coaster ride with periods of moderate solar flux and geomagneticn activity. During the 160m Contest, signals from Eastern Europe had a raspy sound to them indicating possible aurora action. Though evening conditions were more favorable the bands were not as populated as might have been expected. This solar cycle has really dealt us a left hook. The Ten Meter Contest is upon us and that looks to be a wipeout, low solar flux and moderate/active geomagnetic activity. I have a feeling you will get to know who your "locals" are. Groundwave should really be flowing.

On a good note, the peak for the month should be around December 23 to 26th. Those new HF rigs will really get a good workout and report. But will they perform when the flux hits the bottom??? My guess is a new antenna would have been a better investment. Perhaps a new 811a amplifier to help keep the shack warm !! Each shack needs a balanced look as to rig, antenna, and power output. The guy at the high end only needs to say "Hello". With the up/down propagation maybe a full size wire turnstile up a half wavelength may be a better solution to daily communications. But don't think of busting any pileups. This propagation is not about to change, at least not for a few months.

On a sour note, I am predicting we hit the peak of cycle 23 in November 2000. I believe we have seen all the surprises that this cycle could present. I believe the ride at the top of this plateau is going to be a short one and the decreasing numbers will be more of the normal routine. In other words, GET THE DX NOW OR FOREVER LIVE WITH YOUR GRIEF. There is no more waiting for the better conditions. Now is the time to work the bands for what they are worth. Outstanding conditions will be little more than one day affairs. What we have seeing is what will be only decreasing with time over the next couple years until we hit bottom again. I dread the thoughts of solar flux numbers in the 80's. Mix it up, get on them bands. Checking into our weekly Wednesday night net may be the only sure thing around. As always, I appreciate you taking time to send me your reports as I don't always get time to work the contests and band openings. Until next time, next meeting, 73s for a log book of entries and a better knowledge of propagation. Now for page two. Happy Holidays and 73s de Larry N3CR

Carbon Amateur Radio Club

Regular Meeting Minutes

November 16, 2000

By Bob, K3PH

Secretary Bob Schreibmaier, K3PH, called a regular meeting of the Carbon Amateur Radio Club to order at 7:44 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2000. Six people attended.

The minutes were read by Bob, K3PH, and approved by the members in attendance.

John, W3MF, read the treasurer’s report. At the last meeting, we had a balance of $729.67. We had no receipts, plus expenses of $11.88 for our two newsletter distributions, leaving a balance of $717.79. The members in attendance approved the Treasurer’s report.

Bert, W3OWP, proposed that we purchase a hard cover ARRL Handbook for the Palmerton library in memory of Jim Balliet, W3BBS. The motion passed.

There was a discussion of doing a mailing to all Carbon County amateurs to encourage new blood and new participation in the club. Bob, K3PH, volunteered to get a list of Carbon County amateurs, Rob, KB3BYT, volunteered to create a list of potential new amateurs, and Goody, K3NG, volunteered to do a draft of a postcard.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. for an excellent demonstration of the new Elecraft K2 transceiver by Lamar, N3AT.

This is not strictly a QRP item, but it came from a QRP reflector, and I think it will be of interest to ALL hams. It's a new way to get a cheap, but very good QSL card - if you have a printer. Robin Faulkner, N7GSU, has a great way to provide you with the means to print your own QSL cards, if you have a computer and color printer. He charges only $15 to design your card, and send it to you via email. You then use the Adobe Acrobat reader to bring it up on your screen, and then you print it on card stock. Looks like a real professional job. I have my own card now with a picture of the Elecraft K2 on it, and I think it looks great - real professional job.

If you are interested in exploring this further, Robin's wesite is found at this URL: http://www.nygsu.com

Take a look and see what he has available.

72 de Lamar

DX News

Provided by Bob, K3PH

The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 488
December 4, 2000
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF-80 BBS Cleveland, Ohio
Online at 440-237-8208 28.8k-1200 Baud 8/N/1

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AA1AC, AI2Q, N2OO, WB2YQH/ WB2RAJ & The 59(9) DX Report, W3HC, W3UR & The Daily DX, K4QD, K4VUD, KD4EUH, W4DXX, W4ZYT, AI5P, K7BV, N7NG, AG8L, K8YSE, BA1DU, CE6TBN, DJ5AV & DX News Letter, DK9KX, DL7VYL, EA3BT, F5NOD, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, JF1OCQ, JQ1SUO, JT1KAA, ON5FP, PY1NEZ, SQ4NR, VK4AAR, VK0MM, YS1RR, YT1AD and 9M2TO for the following DX information.

3D2, CONWAY REEF
Hrane, YT1AD, reports that their plans are firm for the upcoming DXpedition. The operation will take place February 18-27th in 2001. The operators will be YT1AD, YU1RL, YU1NR, YU7AV, YS1RR, Z32AU and Z32ZM. Activity will be on 160-6 meters as well as 2 meters. The modes to be used are: CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK and SSTV. The total costs of the DXpedition is 45000 USD. Any donation will be highly appreciated. More details will be forthcoming.

3DA0, SWAZILAND
Dan, W5AHC, is here currently installing a communications systems for church groups for an undetermined time. He has reportedly received the callsign 3DA0AA. So far no QSNs have been reported on any activity.

3Z, POLAND (Special Event)
Look for special event station 3Z0KOR from Olsztyn to be active during the whole of December. The station is on the air to celebrate 25 years of Polish Reserve Officers' Club. If you work this station a special award is available. QSL via SP4KSY (bureau or direct). You can find additional information on this activity on the Web site:

http://www.cqsp.republika.pl/3z0korenglish.htm

4S OPERATION WRAP-UP
Phil Whitchurch, G3SWH, informs OPDX that he had a rather disappointing operation from Sri Lanka. He reports, "The airline managed to lose my baggage containing the R-7000 antenna, the vibroplex, tools and headphones etc., not to mention all my clothes. I hand carried the IC-706, power supply, laptop etc. When the airline found and forwarded the bags, the Sri Lankan customs impounded the antenna, and all my other equipment and refused to release it without documentation from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence. A copy of my Sri Lankan licence was not acceptable. I was very lucky to manage to negotiate the release of the equipment in time to load it aboard the homeward bound aircraft. I did manage a limited operation, mainly on 24 MHz CW and made 584 QSOs with 63 DXCC entities, but it was nowhere near the level of activity which I had planned..... 73 for now."

A4, OMAN
Murtadha, A41LZ, has been active around 14180 kHz (+/- 10 kHz) after 0330z. Chris, A45XR, was heard this past week on 28033 kHz around 1459z.

A5, BHUTAN (and XU, Combodia)
By the time you read this, Charly/K4VUD and Yani/9M6US will be operating from Ham Center in Thimphu, Bhutan. They plan to run two stations. Charly will be operating from December 1-12th, signing A52UD on SSB/CW emphasizing the low bands. He was on this past weekend on/around 7048, 14260 and 28495 kHz. Jani will be using A52AP from December 1-7th, concentrating on SSB and RTTY on higher bands. He was heard this past weekend on 24936 kHz around 1145z. Jani will go to Cambodia (XU) from December 8-12th operating as XU7AAP including a participation in the ARRL 10m Contest. QSLs for A52UD go via K4VUD, while A52AP and XU7AAP go via N2OO.

BY/R1ANF
There has been some confusion on this station's activity. First this station is reportedly operating from the Chinese Antarctic Base "Great Wall" in the South Shetlands (King George Island), not China. The operator was Oleg, UA1PBA, visiting the Chinese base. This activity sparked a press release by Alan, BA1DU, stating "According to current radio regulation of China, it is impossible to issue such a BY/ callsign. The authorities never permit foreigners to operate amateur radio stations independently in China, and all holders of Chinese guest amateur radio operating license can only operate under a BY club callsign/guest's home call sign. Although there are no national boundaries in Antarctica, Chinese authorities never permit that callsign operation". QSL via RK1PWA: Nick Shapkin, P.O.Box 73, 164744 Amderma, Arkhangelskaja, Russia.

D6, COMOROS (Update to OPDX.486)
Josep, EA3BT, sent out another short press release this past weekend requesting input from the DX community on what "bands and modes" he and his wife (Nuria/EA3WL) should be active on from Comoros. Their activity will be from January 13-28th. You can find information on their DXpedition and leave your input on what bands and modes they should operate on at:

http://www.qsl.net/ea3bt

EP, IRAN (Update)
Hamid, EP3HR, manager of the club station EP4PTT, reports that this station is now only working on 20 meters SSB. This is because their equipment is homemade and can only work on 20 meters, but they are planning to make a four band radio which will work on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters. Unfortunately, a pirate station near their country of Iran and as been using the callsign EP4PTT asking for IRCs or green stamps. QSL information for EP4PTT is only via the bureau of Iran with this address: C/O Directorate of Telecommunications, Box 11365 - 931, Tehran, Iran.

ET, ETHIOPIA
Claudio, ET3VSC, was heard on 17/12 meters this past weekend. Activity was on 18076 kHz at 1958z and 24957 kHz beginning at 1300z.

FO/A & FO, AUSTRAL ISLANDS AND FRENCH POLYNESIA
Alain, F2HE, has left for the FO-lands via Los Angeles and hopes to be active on Rangiroa (OC-066) with his FO0CLA callsign. He will be there for at least 8 months and also hopes to be active from Rurutu (OC-050) in the Austral's, Mangareva (OC-063) in the Gambier Island group, and maybe from Pukapuka Atoll (OC-062). QSL via F6CTL.

FS, FRENCH ST. MARTIN
Just a reminder! Look for members from the North Jersey DX Association (NJDXA) to begin their activity December 5th (Refer to OPDX.482). The seven operators will be active until December 12th with two stations on the air on CW/SSB on all bands. They will be active during the ARRL 10M Contest as FS/W2JJ. Operators Mike/WA2VUN, Jay/WB2BHC, Gene/K2KJI, Maryann/K2RVH, Bob/W5GJ, Ann/W2AZK, and Brian/KF2HC will use their own individual callsigns outside of the contest. QSL via their home callsigns.

FT/W/X/Z, A NO GO
In OPDX.486 we mentioned that Andre, F6GQO, was going to travel on the vessel "Marion Dufresnes" and possibly be active from Crozet, Kerguelen and Amsterdam Islands. Unfortunatly, Andre, couldn't obtain the permission to be active.

IOTA NEWS
AF-050. The "LNDX" reports that Yannick F6FYD/5T5YD hopes to be active from Arguin Island soon, maybe during the coming week.

EU-038. Marc, ON5FP, and his YL Tine will make a short trip to Texel Island from December 28-30th. Marc informs OPDX that although this is primarily meant to be a relaxing trip, expect some activity from a nearby Texel lighthouse. Activity will most likely be on 20 and 40 meters, signing PA/ON5FP/P. QSL via his home callsign.

NA-079. Jan/K4QD and John/AF4WM will be active from the Dry Tortugas National Park for a few days starting about December 10th. The exact time of operation will depend upon weather because the team is sailing from North Florida. They will operate portable from Ft. Jefferson on Garden Key. QSL via CBA.

OC-NEW. Plans are well on the way for a trip to Breaksea Island by operators VK6YS/Wally (team coordinator), VK8AN/Dan, VK6CX/ Bruce, VK6KHD/Nigel and Jim, an interested party (not licenced), beginning January 18th or 19th through January 22nd or 23rd (2001), using the callsign VK6BSI. Alan, VK4AAR, reports that Breaksea Island is a Class "A" reserve and requires a special permit from the "Conservation and Land Management" (CALM) people in order to land and stay. Two of the operators are "survivors" of the ill-fated Browse Island expedition last September when their boat was driven up the beach by the sea. This island is in the "Western Australia State (South Coast) West Group" and lies just south of Albany at 35 degrees 11.334 minutes South, and 118 degrees 03.703 minutes East. It has never been activated before, and an IOTA Reference Number will be allocated once operations are under way. QSL via VK4AAR (direct only): Alan Roocroft, POB 421, Gatton 4343, Australia. Alan states, "Remember, it is NOT a good idea to send envelopes with Australian stamps as there is now a special type of stamp for use on international mail. The postal authorities assure me that using the wrong stamps WILL incur a penalty. So please use Greenstamps (for preference) or IRCs."

SA-024. A group of Brazilian operators will activate an island in the Sao Paulo State West Group called Comprida Island. This island is located near the city of Iguape, south coast of Sao Paulo State (PY2). Operations will take place from December 13-18/19th. This will be a full time operation, depending on propagation conditions on 160-6 meters on CW/FM/SSB. Look for the following callsigns/operators: PU1NEZ/2 (Carl), PY1LVF/2 (Zeca), PY1NEW/2 (Pete) and PY1NEZ/2 (Lima). QSL via their home callsigns (addresses are correct in the QRZ Database/Buckmaster/Flying Horse Callbook) or Bureau. Suggested frequencies are (+/- 10 kHz):
CW - 1835, 3530, 7030, 10115, 14040, 18098, 21040, 24895, 28040 and 50080 kHz.
SSB - 1850, 3755, 7055, 14190, 14260, 18128, 21260, 24950. 28360, 28460, 28560 and 50110.

JD1, OGASAWARA. Eiji, JQ1SUO, informs OPDX that he will be going to Hahajima (AS-031) and will be active as JQ1SUO/JD1 from December 30th through January 3rd (2001). Activity will be on 160-10 meters CW/SSB.

KH0, MARIANA ISLANDS
A group of JA operators will be active from December 8-11th on 40-10 meters SSB/CW, and possibly 6 meters. Look for the callsigns W1VX/KH0, KZ5C/KH0 and KH0/JR1IBD from Saipan Island. QSL routes are as follows: W1VX/KH0 via JF1OCQ, KZ5C/KH0 via JA0QBY and KH0/JR1IBD via JR1IBD. Please do NOT send directly to the U.S. or the Bureau.

KP2/WP2, U.S. VIRGIN ISLAND
Dave, AG8L, will be active from the Windwood contest station, WP2Z, from December 6-13th, including an entry in the ARRL 10M Contest. The callsign KP2/AG8L will be used outside of the contest. The station is located on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dave states that there is no 6 meter activity possible, but there may be some PSK-31 activity after the contest. QSL routes are: KP2/AG8L via NN6C and WP2Z (contest callsign) via KU9C.

PY0F, FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Andre, PY0FF, has been very active on 6 meters lately. Listen for him between 1330 and 1800z.

QSL INFO AND NEWS
JUST A REMINDER! If you are sending for stateside QSLs, the postal rate will be going up "1 cent" in the beginning of the new year 2001. Please be considerate and DO NOT stick the QSL Managers with the penny.

Tex, 9M2TO, reports that ALL the September and Ootober QSOS QSLs have been sent out to the JARL Bureau. Also, all the direct QSLs received for both JA0DMV and 9M2TO before November 18th have been replied to. He states that over the last 5 years he has made a total of 117,941 QSOs and has automatically sent to the QSL bureau 108,480 cards. He has also replied to 4,925 direct.

Several have asked what the address for 7M4PTE, QSL Manager for S21YH is. Well, here it is thanks to Eric/W4DXX: Kazunori Abe, 7-12, Kagura, Ashhikawa 070-8007, JAPAN

Mac, W3HC, reports that he is now the QSL Manager for BA2BI.

Rick, AI5P, reports that he is sorry to report that the CY9 QSL cards from the printers in Europe have not yet been received. The QSL cards for AI5P/CY9 were mailed from the Czech Republic October 6th, but have not yet been received in Arkansas. The other cards for KT1J/CY9, WA4RX/ CY9, and WV2B/CY9 are being printed in Bulgaria, and he has no status report on them. Please be patient and do not send second requests to any of the QSL managers. All will be confirmed in due course, and they are sorry for the extended delay.

Gerda, DL7VYL, informs OPDX that her husband Fritz, DL7VRO, QSL Manager for 7P8AA (and many others), states that he has been in the hospital. Fritz hopes to have the 7P8AA cards out by the end of December. ADDED NOTE: OPDX and the NODXA gang send out our best wishes and a get well quick for Fritz.

Jean Michel, F6AJA, reports that the FM/F2JD QSLs are not printed yet. However, if you are interested to see if you are in the log send an E-mail message to " [email protected] " with the callsign as subject and "FM/F2JD" in the body message.

Gil, F5NOD, one of the FR/F6KDF/T Team, reports that they are currently working on the Tromelin Island QSLs. He states that the first QSLs will be sent out during the second part of this month (around 12000 QSLs).

JT1R Team. Operators were JT1BH, JT1BJ, JT1BL and JT1CD. QSL to: P.O.Box 602, Ulaanbaatar-44, Mongolia.

A few people have requested the QSL address for Monk Apollo, SV2ASP and SY2A, so here it is: Monk Apollo, Monastery Dochiariou, GR-63087 Mt. Athos, Greece.

Alan, VK0MM, reports that an "eQSL" for ONLY VK0LD is now available via the Web at the following URL:

http://www.eQSL.cc/qslcard

He states, "Follow the instructions on the page and you can check whether you are 'in the log' AND obtain your QSL card at the same time. The log has been VERY carefully checked, however if a card is not available for you, and you are pretty certain that you had a bona fide QSO with VK0LD, then Email me and I will double check the original log. VK0LD QSL cards via postal means are not available." Alan's E-mail address is: [email protected] ADDED NOTE: Currently, the ARRL's DXCC Desk will not accept eQSLs for their award. However, according to Wayne, N7NG, from the League, reports, "DXCC is not prepared to accept electronic confirmations from anyone at this time. The League is actively engaged in establishing a suitable program, but it won't even be beta-tested until (probably) next summer."

SPECIAL EVENT. The USS Wisconsin Radio Club will make its debut under the callsign N4WIS during a four day special event from the Nauticus National Maritime Museum in Norfolk, Virginia, December 7-10th. This event commemorates the 59th anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor, and marks the permanent berthing of the Wisconsin at the Nauticus Museum. Operations from the museum will be on CW and SSB 40-10 meters (7035, 10110, 14035, 18078, 21035, 28035, 7235, 14210, 18120, 21260) as well as 2 meter FM (146.970). Times are 1300-2200z (0800-1700 EST). Other off site operation by the club on additional ham bands during other hours using the N4WIS callsign are planned. A commemorative QSL or certificate will be available. The complete press release with more information about the battleship will be sent to all OPDX InterNet Subscribers as an additional bulletin.

TT8, CHAD
The "LNDX" reports that Christian, TT8DX, has started to be active on 6 meters. There were no QSNs provided. Also, he is installing 7 elements beam soon for all HF bands.

VP2M, MONTSERRAT. "The 59(9) DX Report" reports that Graham, M0AEP, will be active from here December 6-20th as VP2MDD. There was no mention of bands or modes of operation. QSL via M0AEP.

VP5, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS
Bruce, AA5B, is now active from North Caicos. He was active as VP5K during last weekend's ARRL 160m Contest. He is also expected to be in the upcoming 10 meter contest running full power, but will be on the air during the week as VP5/AA5B. Look for him around the QRP frequencies and on the WARC bands alot. He states that he will be happy to have a 2xQRP QSO with you!

VP9, BERMUDA
Just a quick reminder! Mark, AA1AC, will be active next week (December 8-12th) from Hamilton Parish, Bermuda, as AA1AC/VP9. His activity will be on 80-10 meters CW/SSB. QSL via home callsign.

VY, CANADA
Dennis, K7BV, will operate the ARRL 10 Meter Contest from the VY1 Yukon multiplier. He will use VY1/K7BV in and outside of the contest. He will operate mostly CW from VY1JA's Whitehorse QTH. His "Warm-up" activity (literally-considering the location...) will occur in the 24 hours before the contest. QSL via Steve, KU9C.

ZD8, ASCENSION (Did not happen!)
Jim, N6TJ/ZD8Z, was not active from here as expected during the CQWW CW Contest, but changed his plans and was active from Hawaii instead as KH7R.

Check out http://incolor.inetnebr.com/n0ujr for other cartoons and to purchase N0UJR’s book, “N0UJR and His Friends.”

Heard Through the Grapevine…

The club needs an EC/RO for the ARES and RACES activities. Contact Larry N3CR for details.

December 2000