DX Info Dec. 1, 2008
The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 886
December 1, 2008
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio)
Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX
Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet
Clusters Network, ARRL Letter, K1XN & GoList, NJ1Q, NY2U, W2VU, NG3K,
N4AA & QRZ DX, K8YSE, DX-IS News Site, Pete’s-DX-Newsdesk, 9A6AA, A35RK,
DK8JB, DL7MAE & The DX News Letter, F5NQL & UFT, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles
DX, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, MM0NDX, OE1WHC, OM3JW, RSGB IOTA Web
Site and VA3RJ & ICPO for the following DX information.
** EDITOR’S SPECIAL NOTICE: This week’s bulletin was sent out earlier
than normal to accommodate the late CQWW DX CW Contest announcements.
Also, we wanted to provide the readers with a consolidated listing
of the CQWW DX CW Contest participants.
DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT: According to the AR-Cluster Network for the
week of Friday, 21st-November, through Friday, 28th-November there were
230 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3D2, 3DA, 3V,
3W, 3X, 4J, 4L, 4O, 4S, 4X, 5A, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5V, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y,
7P, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9X,
9Y, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, BV, BY, C3, C5, C6, C9, CE, CE0Y, CE9, CM,
CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D4, DL, DU, E5/n, E5/s, E7, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9,
EI, EK, EL, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP,
FR, FS, FW, G, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H4, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HC8, HI, HK,
HK0/a, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J2, J3, J5, J6, J8, JA, JD/o, JT,
JW, JX, JY, K, KG4, KH0, KH2, KH6, KH9, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ,
OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OJ0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ7,
PY, PZ, S2, S5, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV9, T33, T7, T8, TA, TF, TG, TI, TR,
TT, TU, TY, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V2, V3, V4, V5, V7, V8, VE, VK,
VP2E, VP2V, VP5, VP6, VP8, VP8/h, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XT, XU, XW, YA,
YB, YI, YJ, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZC4, ZF, ZL, ZP, ZS
* PLEASE NOTE: The report “could” contain “Pirate/SLIM” operations or
more likely a “BUSTED CALLSIGN”. As always, you never know - “Work
First Worry Later” (WFWL).
3V, TUNISIA. SWL Ashraf, 3V4-002, will be active as 3V8SS from the “Radio
Club Station of Tunisian Scouts” in Sousse, and in his first ever CW
contest (CQWW DX CW Contest) as a Single-Op entry. QSL via the Bureau.
Also, read about Ashraf on his Web page at:
ashraf3v4002.wordpress.com
5X, UGANDA. Robert, S53R, will be active as 5X1AB (from Arik/5X1AB’s QTH)
during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/
High-Power entry. QSL via K6EID. Activity will be mainly 40/20/15/10
meters. See Arik’s Web page at: www.ek6do.com
5C, MOROCCO. Members of the URE Cartagena team will be active from the
club station CN8MC in Rabat as 5C5T during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November
29-30th) as a Multi-Single/Low-Power entry. QSL via EA5YU, by the Spainsh
Bureau or direct. Operators mentioned are: Juan/EA5BLJ, Jose/EA5CP and
Jose/EA5YU.
7X, ALGERIA. Frantisek, OK1DF, will be active as 7X0RY from Alger during
the CQWW DX CW Contest (Novemmber 29-30th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (40m)
/High-Power entry. QSL direct to OK1DF: Zuzana Rybarova, P.O.Box 109,
11121 Praha 1, Czech Republic.
8Q, MALDIVES. Andy, G7COD, will be operational for the fifth time from
the Island of Embudu in the Kaafu Atoll (AS-013) using the callsign
8Q7AK between January 11-27th (2009). Activity will be CW and SSB on
40-10 meters including 30/17/12 meters. He plans to be operational every
day from approximately 0730-0830z, 0900-1030z, 1300-1500z and 1730-1800z.
Suggested frequencies are:
CW - 7003, 10103, 14003, 18073, 21003 and 24893 kHz (+/- for QRM)
SSB - 7063, 14147, 18133, 21253 and 24953 kHz (+/- 10 kHz)
For comprehensive details on QSL information etc, please check 8Q7AK
on QRZ.COM. IMPORTANT NOTE FROM ANDY: “I am completely up to date with
the return of QSLs for those received direct and/or eQSLs from previous
activations. If you have not received yours, please send your QSL again.
If you have not received a return QSL for cards sent via the bureau,
this is because of the slow process rate. I will return cards via the
bureau as soon as possible, as and when I receive them from the bureau.
All QSLs should be sent via the bureau or direct to G7COD. Also, please
note that 8Q7AK is approved for DXCC credits.”
A3, TONGA. Dave “Kawe”, W6ZL, had a brief operation as A35KL between
2200z, November 24th and 1800z, November 25th, from FOA Island (OC-169)
in the Ha’apai Island Group, thanks to Paul, A35RK, who loaned him a
Kenwood TS-570D. His antenna was a full wave horizontal loop on 20m,
about 3m above the sand. Kawe states that he made 56 contacts (where 48
were on CW) with all continents except Africa. He is expected to leave
for New Zealand (did not mention if he will operate from there) on
December 6th, but plans to return again and possibly operate from the
same place around 0000z, December 17th until 1800z, December 19th. QSL
via W6ZL, SASE or new style IRC, or via the LOTW (may not be able to
post log until after his return to U.S. around Christmas time).
A5100, BHUTAN (Update/QRT). Members of the Clipperton DX Club, active as
A5100A, went QRT at 2130z on Monday, November 24th, making some 5805 QSOs.
AN8, CANARY ISLANDS. Luis, EA8AY, will use the special callsign AN8R
during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/All-
Band/Assisted/High-Power entry. QSL via EA8AY. Visit his Web page with
a Web cam on it at: www.ea8ay.com/an8r
CQ News (CQ RTTY Contest Director Named). Richard Moseson, W2VU, Editor
CQ Amateur Radio, sent out the following press release: Ed Muns, W0YK,
Named CQ RTTY Contest Director (Hicksville, NY November 24, 2008) –
Ed Muns, W0YK, of Los Gatos, California, has been named Director of ‘CQ’
magazine’s radioteletype (RTTY) contests, ‘CQ’ Editor Rich Moseson, W2VU,
announced today. ‘CQ’ sponsors the world’s two most popular annual RTTY
competitions, the CQ World Wide RTTY WPX Contest each February and the
CQ World Wide RTTY DX Contest every September.
Muns succeeds Glenn Vinson, W6OTC, who has been CQ’s RTTY Contest
Director since 2000, and who guided the events to their current levels
of popularity. The number of logs submitted for the RTTY DX contest has
tripled in the past eight years despite declining sunspots throughout
the period. “I am glad to have had this opportunity to help promote
RTTY contesting,” says Vinson, adding that Muns has already been working
closely with other members of the CQ RTTY Contest Committee, software
authors and other CQ contest directors to assure a smooth transition.
“I feel very confident that these contests will continue to gain strength
year over year.”
Ed Muns was first licensed in 1962, and has been contesting since the
1970s. He has been active in RTTY contesting since 2004 and very quickly
set two world records in operations from Aruba. He has also been the NA
RTTY Sprint contest manager since 2005. Professionally, Ed is retired
from a career as an engineering executive for Hewlett-Packard, and
currently owns and operates a Pinot Noir vineyard in California that he
started ten years ago.
Both Glenn and Ed point out that Glenn’s original plan had been to
transfer responsibility for the CQ RTTY contests to his co-director for
the past several years, Paolo Cortese, I2UIY. However, Paolo unexpectedly
became a Silent Key in October 2008. Ed stepped in to fill the void that
was created by Paolo’s passing.
“We thank Glenn for his many years of service to our RTTY contests,
and his great success in building up their popularity,” noted ‘CQ’ Editor
Moseson, “and we welcome Ed to the CQ ‘family’ with thanks for his
willingness to step up to the plate on short notice and take on this
responsibility.”
C9, MOZAMBIQUE (Update). Igor, UY5LW, continues to be active as C91LW
from Maputo until December 2nd. Activity will be on 160-10 meters with
800 watts using CW, SSB and the Digital modes. He will also be in the
CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) using the callsign C98LW from
Inhaca Island (AF-066) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (40m) entry. QSL via
his home callsign. For more details, updates, logs and photos, please
visit: www.dxer.com.ua/c91lw
CK2, CANADA. Operators Nelida/LW8EXF, Claudio/VE2DWA, Gary/VE2GK, Rich/
VE3KI and Davis/VO1AU will be active as CK2DWA during the CQWW DX CW
Contest (November 29-30th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via VE2DWA.
DV1, PHILIPPINES. Alex, DV1UBY, will be active during the CQWW DX CW
Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (15m) entry. QSL
via DV1UBY direct.
E4/OM2DX VIDEO ON YOUTUBE. Steve, OM3JW, reports that a short video clip
of the Slovak DXpedition to Palestine (between December 14-22nd, 2007)
as E4/OM2DX can be viewed at: de.youtube.com/watch?v=6HDNMUvgkBo
E7, BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA………..
Tomislav, 9A2AJ, will be active as E77CFG from the “Gradski Radio Klub
‘Nikola Tesla’ Brcko” during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th)
as a Single-Op/Single-Band(160m)/Low-Power entry. QSL via LoTW, Bureau,
direct or e-QSL.
Emir, OE1EMS, will be active as E7DX during the CQWW DX CW Contest
(November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/ALL-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via
E77E.
Operators Edo/E73CW, Daniel/E73M, Boris/E73Y and Edin/E74A will be
active as E73M during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a
Multi-Single entry. QSL via K2PF.
EA6, BALEARIC ISLAND. Julio, EA3AIR, will be active as EA6IB from Ibiza
Island during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/
Single-Band (40m) entry. QSL via EA5BM, by the Bureau, LoTW or direct
to: P.O. BOX: 309 CP 12540 VILA-REAL (CS) SPAIN.
EA8, CANARY ISLANDS. Mauri, OH2BYS, will be active as EA8CMX during the
CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (80m)
entry. He is testing a 3 element wire beam. QSL via OH2BYS.
EP, IRAN. Moshen, EP3SMH, has been operating on 20 meters RTTY around
1400z. He has been calling for North America on a regualar basis. It is
suggested to LISTEN because Moshen likes to operate simplex.
FR/G, GLORIOSO ISLAND. Over the past few weeks many have been asking,
“Where is the Glorioso DXpedition?” All we can say is there is nothing
being reported on their Web page. However, the editor of “QRZ DX” reported
this week, “Over the past weekend I (Carl, N4AA) got the following word
from the Team, ‘The DXpedition is still on, but is delayed until 2009
due to difficulty of scheduling transportation.’”
FT5Y, ANTARCTICA (Update). Nicolas, F4EGX, continues to be active as
FT5YI from the French scientific station “Dumont D’ Urville” during
his free time until mid-December. Jean-Michel, F6AJA, reports that he
received an E-mail from Nicolas, and he stated he will try to be on the
air between 2300z and 0200z for North America. Watch around 14267 kHz.
Also, watch for activity Saturday night from 1500-1700z around 14272 kHz.
QSL via F4EGX. Take a look at some of the interesting photos he is putting
on his Web page at: f4egx.homelinux.net
HC5, ECUADOR. Hiro, JA6WFM, will be active as HC5WW during the CQWW DX
CW Contest (November 29-30th), as a Single-Op/Low-Power entry. QSL via
JA6VU, direct or LoTW.
HR2, HONDURAS. Gus, LU1DY, will be active as HR2/LT0E during the CQWW
DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry.
QSL via HQ2LAS.
HS, THAILAND. Operators Cy/HS0GBI and Winit/HS1CKC will be active during
the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th). Look for them to be on the
following bands:
HS1CKC - Single-Op/Single-Band (160m/window 1800-1825 kHz); QSL via
HS1CKC by the Bureau.
HS0GBI - Single-Op/Single-Band (80m/window 3500-3540 kHz); QSL via
HS0GBI by the Bureau.
IOTA NEWS…………………..
EU-189. In a update by Col, MM0NDX, in regards to Isle of Rockall, he
states, “Never been a better chance of this rare one being
activated. There is potential that more than one trip to Rockall
will occur next year, but still to be finalized. Will provide
more info when known.” In a press release by Island Man/Andy
Strangeway, he states, “I appreciate it would appear that
there has been little news in the last few weeks, but I can
assure everyone that things have certainly been moving. I
expect before Christmas that news of transportation to Rockall
being secured will be announced. Working in tandem with my
friend Col, MM0NDX, I am acutely aware of the interest shown
in EU-189. With this in mind I would like to invite radio hams,
be they individuals or clubs, to contact me with their proposals
to be part of this exciting expedition. I require the following
information to be included in the proposal.
* The maximum and minimum number of berths that would be
required.
* A CV of previous radio activations of those that would be
involved.
* Any information of additional skills that would strengthen
the depth of the expedition, for example any crewing of
yacht/boat, tender experience or climbing ability.
The countries who have so far shown the greatest interest in
the expedition are Belguim, France, Japan, Norway, UK and USA.
I would especially like to hear from Japanese radio hams as
not one operator from Japan has ever contacted Rockall. EU-189
is the most wanted IOTA in Japan.
Once the transport has been secured, the team for the expedition
will be selected and dates announced. A website can be built
especially for the radio hams and a QSL manager is already
secured should you require these extras. For all proposals in
the first instance, please contact Andy at info[kringelis]island-man[taskas]co.uk
within the next seven days.” To keep updated on the Island Man’s
Rockall Expedition 2009, visit the following Web site to see
the latest news at: islandmanrockallexpedition2009.com/
IS0, SARDINIA (EU-024). Giuseppe, IT9VDQ, will be active as IS0/IT9VDQ
during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/All-Ban/
QRP entry. QSL via his home callsign.
JT, MONGOLIA. Khos, JT1CD, will be active during the CQWW DX CW Contest
(November 29-30th), as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via
JT1CD.
JT, MONGOLIA. Enkhbayar, JT1DA, will be active during the CQ WW DX CW
Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (40m)/High-Power
entry. QSL via JT1DA.
JW, SVALBARD. Operators Svein/JW1CCA and Math/JW5NM will be active as
JW5E during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Multi-Op/
All-Band entry. QSL via LA5NM.
KH8, AMERICAN SAMOA. Paul, A35RK/KK6H, is still stateside visiting his
family, but has confirmed that he will be in Pago Pago on December 5th.
He will be active as KH8/KK6H between December 5-9th, from Larry’s, KH8LG,
QTH on Tutuila Island (OC-045, USi AS-007S). QSL via W7TSQ or LoTW.
KP5, DESECHEO ISLAND DXPEDITION (Updates and News)…………….
* DXpedition dates have been assigned! February 12-26th, 2009!
* Team 2009 Desecheo has been updated on their Web page. The On-Island
Team now includes: Ralph Fedor/K0IR, Glen Kesselring/K0JGH, Grant
Kesselring/K1KD, Brad Farrell/K4RT, Bob Allphin/K4UEE, Tim Pearson/
K5AC, Dick Hanson/K5AND, Gary Stouder/K9SG, George Nicholson/N4GRN,
Mike Mraz/N6MZ, Mike Thomas/NA5U, Neil King/VA7DX, Steve Wright/VE7CT,
Glenn Johnson/W0GJ, Jim Livengood/W0NB, Gordon Hardman/W0RUN, John
Crovelli/W2GD, Gregg Marco/W6IZT, Garry Ritchie/W8OI and Jerry
Rosalius/WB9Z. The Off-Island Team now includes: Asia Pilot Station
Toshi Kusano/JA1ELY, Propagation Dude Carl Luetzelschwab/K9LA (check
out Carl’s Propagation section on the Web page), QSL Manager Bob
Schenck/N2OO, Webmaster Chaz Cone/W4GKF and Antenna Guru Paul Playford/
W8AEF. Remember, for updates visit the KP5 Web page at:
www.kp5.us
* The Documentary Archive Radio Communication provides, on its Web site
Desecheo DXpedition: A first exclusive interview with Co-Team Leader
Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, and extensive background information on this
and all prveious KP5 expeditions. Further interviews before, during,
and after the February 2009 Dxpedition are scheduled.
OD5, LEBANON. Jean-Marc, ON4JM, is once again in the southern part
of Lebanon near the city of Tibnin and is signing OD5/ON4JM until mid-
December. As part of the Belgian Army, he is there to assist the United
Nations Forces. Jean-Marc’s activity will be limited to his spare time.
He plans to be active on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via the ON
Bureau; for direct QSLs via his home address. For more details, visit
his Web page at: www.on4jm.net/pages/bluerings_s5pag.html
OH0, ALAND ISLAND. Simo, OH2LRE, will be active as OH0/OH2LRE during the
CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL
via his home callsign OH2LRE.
PIRATE ALERT. Several sources are stating that C31FF is a pirate, so
don’t send your QSLs and save your green stamps.
QSL INFO AND NEWS…………………
8Q7GU & 8Q7GC QSL INFO. QSL by the Bureau or direct. For the Bureau,
QSL to: UN-QSL Bureau, c/o Mr. Sergey Borissov (UN1II), P.O.Box 113,
03000 Aktobe, Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstani QSL Bureau is a reliable
service, but it may take up to 4 months to see your cards. If QSLing
direct, it is recommended to include 1 IRC (and not green stamps). In
case if you cannot get a hold of IRCs then please include 2 USDs
(unfortunately 1 USD is not sufficient). IRCs are easily exchanged
with the postal stamps and ensure air mail reply. Direct address are:
8Q7GU - Mr. Andrey Kvochkov, P.O. Box 179, 050000 Almaty, Kazakhstan
8Q7GC - Mr. Mikhail Chirkov, P.O. Box 15, 050009 Almaty, Kazakhstan
9A0IARU QSL INFO. Emir, 9A6AA, reports that during IARU R1 Conference
in Cavtat (close to Dubrovnik, Croatia, November 15-21st), operators
(guest) made over 4200 QSOs using the special callsign 9A0IARU. QSLs
are ready, but save your money and don’t send your card. Everyone who
is in the log will get his card via bureau! PLEASE NOTE: The Croatian
Postal system has issued a postage stamp commemorating that event:
www.posta.hr/UserDocsimages/marke/0702.jpg
VK9DWX QSL/LOTW STATUS. According to the VK8DWX Web page, the team
states, “We already received over 1800 direct QSLs and over 3500 online
requests through the OQRS. The design for our QSL card is in progress.
We expect to get the QSL cards from the printer before X-mas. The first
direct cards should be sent at the turn of the year. We again want to
encourage you to use our Online QSL Request System if you have not
already done it. It’s a lot less work for us and you will get your QSL
card much faster. If you have already donated but not entered your data
in the online form, you may do it now to get your QSL directly to your
address. — LOTW — As soon as we get the certificate to upload QSO data
to the LOTW database, we will do the first upload for our sponsors. If
you need your DXCC credit for Willis Island before December 31st, 2008,
we encourage you to support VK9DWX and make a little donation which we
should receive before December 30th to do the upload in time. We will
upload all the remaining QSO data to LOTW in spring 2009.” ADDED NOTE
ABOUT DONATIONS. The VK9DWX team reports, “We want to say a big thank
you to all sponsors so far! You really made it happen! If you still do
not find your donation on our website don’t hesitate to contact us.”
NEW QSL MANAGER. Buzz, NI5DX, is now the QSL Manager for Donovan, ZS2DL.
Buzz already has the logs and will be able to answer any requests for
cards as soon as a supply of blank cards (already on their way) arrives
from Donovan.
QSLS VIA LOTW: 4O3T, 4O/K1ZZ, 5H3RA, 7Q7OO and VK9DWX
QSLS RECEIVED VIA MAIL: 1A4A, 3B8CF, 5J0E, 7Q7VB, 8Q7XR, 9L1X, 9U0VB,
BX5AA, CN2R, D60VB, EA4DS, ET3SID, KH6LEM, NY1E, R1FJT, S92FM, SV1UT,
UK8FF, VK6ANC, VK9CNC, VP6DX, XW1IC, Z2/UA4WHX and ZF1DX
QSLS RECEIVED VIA THE BUREAU: 6W/IZ2DPX, 8P8P, 8R1K, 8S8TBS, 9A8RR,
A61AS, AO4RCT, CQ3T, CT9L, CU8/CT1EGW, DK1MM, DQ2006T, EA1DDO, EA1ET,
EA3AGB, EA7ELY, EA8ZS, EF8A, EG5G, EH7H, EI70FOY, EJ0GI, ES5RR, ES5S,
F/DL3PS, FS/EA3GHZ, G6PZ, GB100TT, GI7ABX, HK3JJH, I2ZGC, IE9/IK4RUX,
IF9/IT9YMM, II4A, II7BP, IO4T, IQ3ME/P, IQ0PG, IR4X, IS0XCU, IV3YIM,
IZ6ERS, IZ7GXB, J42WT, J48YL, J6DX, JA3USA, JG2TKH, JM1NKT, LU9DAG,
LY0HQ, 
LY8O, LZ07KM, OH2U, OH0/SP/VC, OK1CF, OL1X, PA6Z, RA3ZOM, RI1CA,
RI1CGR, RK3QWW, RN1NGJ/P, RV3DSF, RW4HBD, RZ0SR, SP5NZA, TA0U, TK5EP,
TM5EL, TM8D, UR7GP/P, UT5FB/MM, UX2IQ/P, UZ2M, V31PP, VA3DFZ, VC3O,
VE2DX, YL2CF, YM0DX and YO3CZW
SILENT KEY. It is with great sadness to report that ARRL President Emeritus
George S. Wilson III, W4OYI, of Owensboro, Kentucky, became a “Silent
Key” at his home on November 25th. He was 76. The announcement of W4OYI’s
passing was reported in this week’s “ARRL Letter”. Wilson served as the
ARRL’s 11th President from January 1992-July 1995. He resigned from the
position after a stroke in 1995. Read the complete press release about
W4OYI in “ARRL Letter” Vol. 27, No. 47, November 26th.
SILENT KEY (News from CQ: “Hashafisti Scratchi” a Silent Key). Richard
Moseson, W2VU, Editor of CQ Amateur Radio, reports: (Hicksville, NY,
November 25, 2008) — The man who wrote “Scratchi” for ‘CQ’ magazine is
a Silent Key. George H. Floyd, Jr., WA4DGA (ex-W2RYT), of Lynchburg,
Virginia, entertained thousands of his fellow hams for more than two
decades — between 1947 and 1971 — writing as a politically-incorrect
(by today’s standards) Japanese-American ham with fractured English and
contorted spelling. He wrote from “Feenix, Ariz.,” began each column
with “Deer Hon. Ed.,” and regularly skewered the pomposity and poor
operating practices he encountered on the air. He passed away November
22 at the age of 91.
In real life, George Floyd was an engineer and executive with General
Electric, working in Schenectady and Syracuse, New York, before moving to
Lynchburg, Virginia in the late 1950s. GE alumni will also remember George
– pseudonymously as well — as “Lighthouse Larry” in GE employee public-
ations.
Scratchi first appeared in ‘CQ’ in June, 1947. The column became a
regular feature between 1948 and 1960, then returned from 1966 to 1971.
For many ‘CQ’ readers in that time period, Scratchi was the first item
they read when the magazine arrived each month. ‘CQ’ Publisher Dick Ross,
K2MGA, writing in the magazine’s 50th anniversary issue in January, 1995,
said: “For many years the name Hashafisti Scratchi has been almost
synonymous with confusion and consternation in amateur radio. It seems,
too, that whenever the unusual or impossible is happening, Scratchi is
there helping it happen.” Upon receiving news of George’s passing, Ross
noted, “As saddened as I am to learn of George’s death, the mere mention
of his name brings a smile to my face, knowing how his good humor and
wonderfully creative imagination entertained so many of us for so many
years.”
Floyd was pre-deceased by his wife, Miriam; and is survived by two
daughters, two granddaughters and six great-grandchildren. The family
asks that those interested in making donations in Floyd’s memory contribute
to the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, the American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the Humane Society of the United
States.
‘CQ’ readers are invited to submit reminiscences of Scratchi for a
tribute in an upcoming issue of the magazine. A special e-mail address
has been set up at
T30 & T31, WESTERN AND CENTRAL KIRIBATI (Update). Haru, JA1XGI/W8XGI,
who was active as T32XG during late May and early June, will now be
active as T30/T32XG from Western Kiribati starting November 28th for
about one week. He will then move to Central Kiribati and operate as
T31/T32XG for about two weeks. Activity will be mainly CW and on the
low bands, but there will also be some SSB and digital modes on 40/30/
20/17/15 meters. QSL via JA1XGI, direct or by the Bureau.
TARA RTTY MELEE CONTEST. Bill, NY2U, wants to remind everyone that the
Troy Amateur Radio Association’s (TARA) RTTY Melee will be held between
0000-2400z, December 6th. He states, “This is an excellent chance for
all of you to test your station out for the ever popular ARRL Roundup in
January.” For more details/information on this event, please visit:
www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_melee_rules.html
TF, ICELAND. Siggi, TF3CW, will be active in the CQWW DX CW Contest
(November 29-30th) as Single-Op/Single-Band (40m) entry. QSL via LX1NO.
TL0, CENTRAL AFRICA. Christian (ex-TZ9A and 5U5U) is in France at the
moment and is expected to head back to Africa around January 15th. He
will be here and has requested the TL0A callsign.
TR50, GABON (Update). Roland, F8EN, will be back again in Libreville
between December 15th to January 26th. Look for him to use the special
callsign TR50R until December 31st. After January 1st, he will then use
the callsign TR8CR. Activity will be on 40/30/20 meters mostly on CW.
QSL via F6AJA.
TU, COTE D’LVOIRE. Phil’s, F4EGS, next assignment is in Abidjan. He will
depart on Christmas day and stay in Abidjan until the end of February
2009. His callsign will be TU8/F4EGS. Activity will be on all HF bands
using CW, SSB and RTTY. He plans to be on 160/80 meters on all modes,
but his focus on the other bands will be CW and RTTY. QSL via F4EGS,
direct or by the bureau.
V7, MARSHALL ISLANDS. Neil, WD8CRT, will once again be active as V73NS
from the Island of Roi-Namur (Grid RJ39), Kwajalein Atoll (OC-028),
starting around January 5th. He is expected to remain there for at least
two years. Activity will be mostly CW on 160-6 meters. QSL by the Bureau
or direct to: Neil Schwanitz, Box 8341, APO, AP 96557, USA. Visit his
Web site at: www.qsl.net/v73ns
VP5, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. David, WJ2O, will once again be active
from Jodi’s, VP5JM, “Hamlet” on Providenciales Island (NA-002) as VP5DF
during the ARRL DX CW Contest (February 21-22nd) as a Single-Op/All-
Band entry. QSL via his home callsign.
YM, TURKEY (Update). Operators Nick/LZ1NK, Con/DF4SA, Zoli/HA1AG, Ilian/
LZ1CNN, Valy/LZ1WX, Krasimir/LZ2UW, Savko/LZ1UK, Thom/OZ1AA and Mustafa/
TA2TX will be active from Asian Turkey (Zone 20) as YM3A during the CQWW
DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL via LZ1NK. They
request “PLEASE” do not send QSL cards for YM3A to the Turkish QSL Bureau!
The Bulgarian QSL bureau is available. They plan to have 3 stations on
the air using fullsize Spiderbeam Yagis on each of the 40/20/15/10 meter
bands and fibreglass verticals on the 160/80 meter bands.
ZC4, UK SOV. BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. Andy, G3AB, will be active as ZC4VJ
during the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th) as a Single-Op (possibly
as Single-Band 20m) entry. QSL ZC4VJ via the QRZ.com address.
ZM2, NEW ZEALND. Operators Lee/ZL2AL, Stan/ZL2ST, Gary/ZL2IFB and Phil/
ZL2RVW will be active as ZM2M from Napier, New Zealand (OC-036, also
counts for WLOTA LH-0069) for the CQWW DX CW Contest (November 29-30th),
as a Multi-Single/High-Power entry. QSL via ZL2AL, direct or by the bureau.
ZS8, MARION ISLANDS. There is still no activity reported. For updates
and the first official announcement of ZS8T being on the air, please
visit the official ZS8T Web site at: zs8t.net
————————————————————————–
The following stations are expected to be active in the
CQ World Wide DX CW Contest (November 29-30th, 2008)
————————————————————————–
Thanks to Bill, NG3K, for providing OPDX readers with the following
consolidated listing of the participants in the 2008 CQWW DX CW Contest.
For a more detailed listing (and up-to-date changes/corrections) in HTML
format, please visit Bill’s Web page at:
www.ng3k.com/Misc/cqc2008.html (By call sign)
www.ng3k.com/Misc/cqcd2008.html (By entity)
www.ng3k.com/Misc/cqcz2008.html (By zone)
Contest DXCC CQZ Class QSL
Callsign Entity Route
3V8SS Tunisia 33 SO LP 3V8SS Buro
3X5A Guinea 35 M/M G 3SXW; LoTW
4F1AL Philippines 27 SOSB 4F1AL
4L0A Georgia 21 M/S EA7FTR
5B4AII Cyprus 20 SOAB RW3RN
5C5T Morocco 33 M/S EA5YU; QSL Buro or direct
5K0T S.Andres/Providencia 08 M/? HA7RY
5X1AB Uganda 37 SOAB HP K6EID
5X1NH Uganda 37 SO LP G3RWF
6V7N Senegal 35 SOAB LP DL1EFD
6Y1V Jamaica 08 M/? OH3RB
7X0RY Algeria 33 SOSB 40m OK1DF
8P5A Barbados 08 SOAB HP NN1N
8Q7DV Maldives 22 M/? UA9CLB
8Q7RW Maldives 22 
LY1A
8Q7SC Maldives 22 SOAB LP LotW; QSL via SP2JMB
9A1P Croatia 15 SOAB HP 9A1UN
9J3A Zambia 36 LP S57S
9M6/N2BB East Malaysia 28 MD0CCE
9M6NA East Malaysia 28 SOSB 80M JE1JKL; email Buro requests
AH2R Guam 27 M/S JH7QXJ
AH6XX Hawaii 31 M/2 K2WR
AH0BT Mariana Is 27 SOAB HP 7L1FPU
AN8R Canary Is 33 SOAB HP EA8AY
B4TB China 24 M/S BA4TB
C4N Cyprus 20 M/S W3HNK
C6AKX Bahamas 08 SOSB 20M WA4WTG
C6AQQ Bahamas 08 SOSB 40M LoTW; QSL via ND3F
C6ARR Bahamas 08 SOSB 160M WA4WTG
C6ATA Bahamas 08 SOSB 80M WA4WTG
C98LW Mozambique 37 SOSB 40M UY5LW
CK2DWA Canada 05 M/S VE2DWA
CN2M Morocco 33 SOSB 20M HP1WW; QSL via LoTW
CN2R Morocco 33 SOSB W7EJ
CO6LP Cuba 08 SOAB LP CO6LP Direct
CO8ZZ Cuba 08 SOSB 20M DK1WI
CS2T Portugal 14 SO2R CT1ILT Direct
CS9M Madeira 33 SOAB LoTW
CT/LZ3ND Portugal 14 SOSB 20M LZ1NK
CT9L Madeira 33 M/M DJ6QT
CU2X Azores 14 SOAB OH2BH
CW5W Uruguay 13 M/S CX6VM
CW7T Uruguay 13 SOAB HP K5WW
CX9AU Uruguay 13 SOAB CX9AU CBA
D4C Cape Verde Is 35 M/2 CT1ESV Buro; QSL via IZ4DPV
DC4A Germany 14 SO A
DV1UBY Philippines 27 SOSB 15M DV1UBY Direct
E21EIC Thailand 26 SO LP E21EIC; JA QSLs to JR5XPG
E7DX Bosnia-Herzegovina 15 SOAB HP E77E
E73M Bosnia-Herzegovina 15 M/S K2PF
E77CFG Bosnia-Herzegovina 15 SOSB 160M LoTW; QSL via Buro/direct/e-QSL
EA6IB Balearic Is 14 SOSB 40M EA6IB
EA8CMX Canary Is 33 SOSB 80M OH2BYS
EE2W Spain 14 M/M EB2BXL
EF8M Canary Is 33 M/2 OH1RY
ER0/UT0FT Moldova 16 SOAB UT0FT
ER0FEO Moldova 16 SOAB UU0JM
ER0WW Moldova 16 SOAB HP UT3UA
EY8MM Tajikistan 17 SOSB 80M K1BV
FJ/WJ2O St Barthemely 08 SOAB LP WJ2O
FK8IF New Caledonia 32 TBA
FM/F5IRO Martinique 08 SOAB LP F5IRO
FY5KE French Guiana 09 SOAB LP FY1FL
GU4YOX Guernsey 14 SOSB 40M GU4YOX
HB0/DK4YJ Liechtenstein 14 SOSB 40M DK4YJ
HB0/DK9TN Liechtenstein 14 SOSB 80M DK9TN
HC5WW Ecuador 10 SO LP LoTW; QSL via JA6VU direct
HD2M Ecuador 10 M/M SM6FKF
HI3T Dominican Republic 08 SOSB 160M ON4IQ
HK1AR Colombia 09 RX3RC
HR2/LT0E Honduras 07 SOAB LP HQ2LAS
HP1RIS Panama 07 SOSB 10M HP1RIS
HQ9R Honduras 07 SO LP K5WW
HS1CKC Thailand 26 SOSB 160M HS1CKC Buro
HS0GBI Thailand 26 SOSB 80M HS0GBI Buro
HS0ZGD Thailand 26 SOSB HS0ZGD
IG9W African Italy 33 SOSB 40M IZ1GAR
IG9X African Italy 33 SOSB 80M IK1QBT
IO4T Italy 15 M/S IZ4JMA Direct
IR9X Sicily 15 LoTW
IR9Y Sicily 15 M/S IT9ABY
IS0/IT9VDQ Sardinia 15 SOAB QRP IT9VDQ
J3/DL5AXX Grenada 08 SOAB DL5AXX
J49I Crete 20 M/S IK0EFR
J49XF Crete 20 SOAB G3URA; QSL via Buro or direct
J68V St Lucia 08 SOAB QSL only via K5WW or LoTW
J88DR St Vincent 08 SOAB LP G3TBK
JT1CD Mongolia 23 SOAB HP JT1CD
JT1DA Mongolia 23 SOSB 40M JT1DA
JU1DX Mongolia 23 M/S JU1DX
JW5E Svalbard 40 MOAB LA5NM
KG6DX Guam 27 SOAB HP LoTW; QSL also OK direct
KH6/NE1RD Hawaii 31 SOAB LP NE1RD
KP2B Virgin Is 08 SOAB EA7FTR Direct
KP2M Virgin Is 08 M/2 AI4U
KP4EE Puerto Rico 08 SOAB
LN3Z Norway 14 M/S LA9VDA
LN8W Norway 14 M/S LA9VDA
LQ0F Argentina 13 SOSB 15M EA5KB
LS1D Argentina 13 M/S LW9EOC
LU8YE Argentina 13 M/? EA7FTR
LX7I Luxembourg 14 M/2 LX2A
LY4A Lithuania 15 M/S LY4A
LY7A Lithuania 15 M/M LoTW; QSL also OK via LY2ZO
LZ9A Bulgaria 20 SO LZ2HM
LZ9W Bulgaria 20 M/M LZ1PM
OG50F Finland 15 M/2
OH3SR/VP9 Bermuda 05 OH3SR
OH5Z Finland 15 M/S LoTW
OH6M Finland 15 SOSB 20M OH6AH
OH8X Finland 15 SOAB HP OH2UA
OH0/OH2LRE Aland Is 15 SOAB OH2LRE
OH0V Aland Is 15 SOSB 160M
OH0X Aland Is 15 SOSB OH2TA
OH0Z Aland Is 15 SOAB HP W0MM
OK2RRR Czech Republic 15 M/M OK2RZ
OP4K Belgium 14 M/S ON4JZ; QSL via Buro or direct
OT5W Belgium 14 SOAB LP ON4RU
OX5AA Greenland 40 M/2 G3TXF
OZ7HAM Denmark 14 SOAB LP OZ7HAM
P40Q Aruba 09 SOAB LP
P40W Aruba 09 SOAB LoTW; QSL via N2MM
PJ2T Netherlands Antilles 09 M/2 LoTW; QSL via N9AG
PJ4A Netherlands Antilles 09 M/? K4BAI
PR1T Brazil 11 M/S PY1ZV
PW2D Brazil 11 SOAB HP PY2VM
PZ5TT Suriname 09 SOAB VE3DZ
RA9A Russia (Asia) 17 M/S RK9AWN
RG3K Russia (Europe) 16 SOAB HP UA3QDX
RK2FWA Kaliningrad 15 M/S DK4VW
RL3A Russia (Europe) 16 M/S W3HNK
RM3F Russia (Europe) 16 SOAB LoTW
RT9W Russia (Asia) 16 M/S RZ9WWH
RU1A Russia (Europe) 16 M/S RU1AE
RZ9OZO Russia (Asia) 18 SOAB HP RZ9OZO
SN1I Poland 15 M/S SP1NQF
SV9CVY Crete 20 SOAB HP SV9CVY
SX5R Dodecanese 20 SOSB 15M LoTW; QSL direct per QRZ.com
T88CJ Palau 27 SOAB HA7TM
TA3D Turkey 20 SOAB TA3D
TA3KZ Turkey 20 M/S TA3KZ
TC4X Turkey 20 M/? OH2BH
TF3CW Iceland 40 SOSB 40M LX1NO
TM2S France 14 M/S F5PED
TM4Q France 14 M/S F6FYA
TO2HI Guadeloupe 08 TBA
TO3R Reunion 39 M/S RW3RN
TO4X St Martin 08 M/? KQ1F
TO5X Martinique 08 K5UN
UA3R Russia (Europe) 16 M/S LoTW; QSL via RN3RQ, Buro/direct
UN4L Kazakhstan 17 SOSB 80M
V26K Antigua 08 SOAB LP AA3B
V47NT St Kitts & Nevis 08 SOAB HP W2RQ
VE6SV Canada 04 M/? VE6SV; QSL via Buro or direct
VK2IA Australia 30 SOAB DL8YR
VK8NSB Australia 29 SOAB VK6NE
VP2MDG Montserrat 08 SOAB K2DM
VP5W Turks & Caicos 08 M/S W7TSQ
VP9I Bermuda 05 SOSB 20M VP9I CBA
VU2PAI India 22 SOAB VU2PAI Direct as per QRZ.com
VU2PTT India 22 SOAB LoTW; QSL per QRZ.com
XQ4CW Chile 12 SOAB XQ4CW
XU7XXX Cambodia 26 SO LP KC0W Direct
XV4BX Vietnam 26 SOAB LP EB7DX
XW1B Laos 26 SOAB E21EIC
YB0DPO Indonesia 28 SO LP
YB0ECT Indonesia 28 SOSB 20M LoTW
YE1ZAT Indonesia 28 M/S
YM3A Turkey 20 M/2 LZ1NK
YM0T Turkey 20 SOSB 160M TA2RC
YN2Z Nicaragua 07 LoTW
YS4RR El Salvador 07 SOAB LP LoTW
YV5KG Venezuela 09 SOSB 15M YV5KG
YW4D Venezuela 09 SOAB LoTW; QSL via EA7JX
Z37M Macedonia 15 M/2 Z37M; by Buro or info on QRZ.com
ZC4VJ Cyprus SBA 20 SOSB ZC4VJ Direct
ZF2AM Cayman Is 08 SOAB LoTW; QSL via K6AM, Buro/direct
ZM2M New Zealand 32 M/S ZL2AL
ZM4A New Zealand 32 M/S ZL4AA
ZP0R Paraguay 11 SOAB ZP5AZL
ZS4TX South Africa 38 SOAB HP LoTW
ZY7C Brazil 11 SOAB HP PT7WA
LY2ZZ
LY3X