Volume 6, Number 10



Volume 7, Number 12 DECEMBER 2002

The Nugget

The Newsletter of the Mother Lode DX/Contest Club

MEETING LOCATION

This month’s meeting will be Noon, the 7th of December in the banquet room of the Round Table Pizza in Martel, CA.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Both versions of CQWW have gone by, can the year be far behind? I haven’t heard any bragging on the net about scores. Where are you?

The windstorm last week took down two of N6KD’s towers and twisted up some aluminum. Dennis I hope your back up and in business soon. My tower projects are taking a back seat to firewood and other Winter projects.

I had a long telephone conversation with Linda Harper after the passing of W6KZN. She was a “rare one” in CQP and is surviving with a Butternut Vertical. All is well in MN with Linda and George.

One final personal note, Lew K6BPB had a bad spell a couple of weeks ago. His daughter reports he’s back in the senior center in Fair Oaks. His phone number is 916-967-4399. He’d appreciate a call.

Ken Harker WM5R has an Op Ed in the latest National Contest Journal. Ken states that the club competition rules for the ARRL contests can “do more harm than good.” I don’t exactly agree with his premise, but I do think the league rules could be amended

First, putting a limit of 10 logs for a local club and 50 for a medium club doesn’t make any sense to me. Now is the time to encourage participation and who cares how many members participate in what size clubs.

The 35-mile rule doesn’t compute for me either. The last time I checked Sepulveda Blvd in LA is over 100 miles long. Northern California is larger than a 35-mile radius. Is NCCC supposed to limit membership to that radius? In ether case the clubs would have to chop off members from club competition.

I agree with Ken’s suggestion of team competition. I agree with Dick Wilson and Ron St Jeans suggestion in a previous board meeting, that the MLDXCC participate in other contests besides CQP as a club. We can expand on Ken Harker’s idea of team competition. How about picking teams of three or four members to compete within the club. A big gun and a couple of little guns make up a team and shoot it out with other MLDXCC teams of the same horsepower. This would motivate more members to get on the air and the combined logs would increase the Club score.

Now is not the time to be limiting participation in contests. Now is the time to stimulate more activity. I don’t buy the “I’m not a contester” line. Ever listen to a Ten-Ten QSO Party? Hundreds of non-contesters slug it out for 10-10 numbers.

Lets talk about the ARRL club competition rules and give the league some feedback. My thanks to Ken Harker, WM5R. Page 29 in the current NCJ.

CU Saturday, Ray ND6S

From SM, SV: Jettie Hill, W6RFF:

The past three months have been busy with my getting up-to-speed, again as SM. Much of the League's information is on their web pages, and I am just beginning to get the feel of it. It is with deep regret that I announce that Harold Brown, W6KZN, became a silent key on October 30. Harold was very active in the Amador County ARC. Dave Thorne,K6SOJ, was presented the Pacific Division Certificate of Merit at Pacificon, by Director Jim Maxwell, W6CF. Congratulations Dave. Dave is the Section Emergency Coordinator and doing an excellent job. If you are interested in helping the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) in your area - contact

Dave. For those contesters and DXers, look for Ken, K6TA and Kay, K6KO who

will be operating from P4 as P40K and P40TA Dec 3-17 including 160 and 10-meter contests. They will try hard to work the 30 meter band and 6 meters outside contest. They will be nice and warm while we are cold and foggy. October was a busy month as I had several invitations to speak at clubs. Those I attended were Yolo ARS, Trinity County ARC, Amateur Radio Club of Anderson and the Shasta Cascade ARS. Also spoke with many section members at the Pacificon convention in Concord. MDARC will again sponsor the Division convention next year, as they have for several years. ALL CLUBS!! Please send me a copy of your club bulletins - either a hard copy or by email. Also be sure to update your club's listing on the ARRL web pages, including officers for the New Year. It only takes a few minutes to update. New classes for the Emergency Communications course 001 will be starting shortly. If you are interested, check out the ARRL web page. Please keep me informed of your club or groups activities - also individual activities as this is the type of information that makes the section news more interesting. There are reports that this may be a wet winter, so be prepared to help out your ARES or RACES groups. Training is important - before the emergency occurs!! If you need to locate your local Emergency Coordinator, contact K6SOJ at . Also my address, phone, and email are listed each month on page 12 in QST. Have you given something back to Amateur Radio by volunteering for an ARRL appointment, or as a club officer or committee member? Now is your chance as New Year nears and clubs are looking for help. Get involved with a club, ARES group, etc. Happy Holidays to all. 73 Jettie W6RFF ARRL Sacramento Valley Section Manager: Jettie B. Hill, W6RFF

w6rff@

MLDXCC PROFILE OF THE MONTH

Again, No one submitted a profile! Come on people. We have some with very interesting backgrounds, let’s see some Bio’s.

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

The past month has found me adding radials under the 40 and 80M vertical arrays; I now have over 32/array. I have also been polishing the rough edges off the SO2R contest setup. Jim, WX6V operated SO2R in the SS CW (low power) and phone (high Power)last month; he made over 2300 QSOs, 1400 in the phone alone. Not too bad from a two tri-bander, little pistol setup!

The low band conditions over the past month were less than wonderful, high static and disturbed conditions were the order of the day. But I did manage to find a few new ones, XT2DX and CY0MM were logged on 80M, HC8N,FM5GU and PJ2T were worked on 160M (all during the CQWW “CW”). I sure hope the 160M contest brings more DX activity, and that the static stays home, HI HI.

Karen and I made a five-day trip to Los Angeles to see the kids and Grandkids over Thanksgiving week. It was also our youngest son’s birthday, we had not been down to visit since last February so it was our turn in the barrel. It was great to see everyone and we really enjoyed that part of the visit. But man, what a mess the LA freeway system is, it’s hard to believe that I put-up with that crap for 40+ years!

The wind and rainstorm a few weeks ago made my WARC band antenna, a Cushcraft A3WS, become unusable for about a week or so. The traps were probably full of water and critters. I think fellow club member N6BT, of Force 12, has the right answer, build an antenna with no traps, I have never had any trouble with my 7+ years old C-3.

Bill, K6KM has invited W6QD and I to operate a multi during the 10M contest from his FB QTH. Don’t forget the NCCC is making a big effort in this one so plan to be active the 14th –16th. Enough rambling, C U All the 7th. de Rick, W6SR

THE SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT

MLDXCC Board Meeting November 9, 2002

Norm Wilson, Ron St Jean, Rick Casey and Ray Parker called the board meeting to order at 11 AM. The agenda was limit to allow for an early meeting and departure for Harold Brown’s, W6KZN’s memorial service.

Rick Casey volunteered to take a more active roll in 2003. The board discussed the leadership for next year with likely candidates to be Ron St. Jean, President; Dick Wilson, VP; Gary Stilwell, Sec/Tres; and Ray Parker, Director.

General Meeting

Eighteen members arrived for the general meeting. The topic of the day was using “Cut Numbers” in contests requiring numbers in the report.

A spirited discussion resulted in the conclusion to log’em as you hear them.

The question concerning the ethics of post contest log sanitation followed. There was no clear conclusion on this delicate topic. Using call sign databases established from previous contests, QRZ and using your own call for busted calls were proposed.

A reminder that it’s time to pay dues for 2003 concluded the meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Beginning Balance 10/31/02 453.60*

No income or expenses this month

Balance 11/30/02 453.60*

*Includes $100 to be used as repeater fund

GARY STILWELL, KI6T, TREASURER

COMING EVENTS

Foothill Flea Market

2nd Saturday of each month from March through October at Foothill College, Los Altos.

Livermore Swap Meet

1st Sunday of each month at Las Positas College in Livermore, 7:00 AM to noon, all year. Talk in 147.045 from the west 145.35 from the east. Contact Cliff Chiba, KF6EII, (209) 835-6715, email larkswap@.

Placerville Swap Meet – every third Sunday, 3970 B Missouri Flat Rd #3, Placerville. 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Talk-in on 146.865 – PL 142.2, 440.700 + PL 88.5. No fee, free parking. Hwy. 50 East, take Missouri Flat off-ramp. Go over Hwy. to 2nd light, into shopping center in front of Radio Shack.

CONTEST FEEDBACK

VP/Contest Report for November 2002.

We have many members here and in Silicon Valley that are also members of the Northern California Contest Club. Scores are submitted for NCCC in major contests such as SS, and this year the 10-Meter contest. I appreciate getting ‘war stories’ and scores so that we can all share in the glory and in some cases, the shoulda-coulda-wouldas. Observations about band conditions, participation, preparation (or lack thereof), logging programs, etc. could help others.

Last meeting George asked about some MLDXCC submissions. I looked at the CQ World Wide rules. They have created a team competition. Up to five people can submit scores. The scores can also be credited to a club for club competition. The make-up of the teams must be faxed or mailed to CQ before the contest. Maybe we could try this for WPX in March and May. The North American QSO Parties have team competition…there may be others.

Here are some great scores-and comments-from recent contests,

SS CW

K6KM, (N6TV, op) 1300 Qs X 79 (missed NL) = 205,400

AD6E, 704 X 80 = 112,640. A great show despite s/w and plumbing problems.

AE6Y, 1145 X 79 = 180,278. (Andy also missed NL)

W6ISO, (WX5S, op) 917 X 79 = 144,886. Matt missed…you guessed it-NL.

K6TA, (N6BV, op) 1223 X 80 = 205,400

WX6V, (at W6SR) 931 X 79 = 147,098

N6XI, 1012 X 80 = 161,920 (In spite of missing several hours of ‘prime time’ Sat evening.)

K6GT, 779 x 80 = 124,640

W6RKC, 356 X 75 = 53,400

K6LRN, 770 X 80 = 123, 200

SS SSB

K6KM (AE6Y, op) 1689 X 80 = 270, 240

WX6V (at W6SR) 1401 X 80 = 224,160

N6XI, 1034 X 80 = 165,440

K6GT, 1056 X 80 =168.960

K6LRN, 673 X 80 = 107,680

KI6CG, 1190 X 80 = 190,400

K6TA, 346 X 78 = 53,976

KI6PG, 154 x 70 = 21,560 (LP)

CQWW CW

N6XI, 1521 x 306 x 131 = 1.8 M

K6TA, 437 x 33z x 110c =161,447 (40 M only)

KG6CMS, ~100 Qs x 55 = ~5500

K6LRN, 420 x 105 x 219 = 366,120

K6GT, 154 x 47 x 61 = 45,144

K2KW (dba 6Y4A-80 M QRP!) 1648 x 29 x 97 = 442,308

K2KW, Ken, was part of the 6YxA multi operation. How many did you work? I think I missed only one band.

I got my antennas turning again. For Sweepstakes, I climbed up and strong-armed them more or less to a northeast direction. The Yaesu rotator arrived from AES in two days, but the rotator cable from RadioWorks was on back-order and didn’t arrive until 28 October. Didn’t get rotator installed until after SS SSB as there is only one other ‘Genie’ lift in El Dorado county.

Videos are ‘OK’ for club programs, but not as a steady diet. There have been some comments about more ‘show and tell’. I’m still trying to get ‘up to speed’ on new developments and some of the newer people could use some orientation. It wouldn’t have to be a long dissertation; a short description of program, device, practice and where to get more information would be good.

Speaking of videos; videos are available from the Northern California DX Foundation’s lending library. If you would like to help us review the library for quality and content, let me know and I’ll bring them to a meeting. Some of the videos date back to the 70s. I’m wondering how the videotape is holding up.

Year’s end is approaching. It is the time of year when many people make their contributions. Have you made your donation to NCDXF or to ARRL?? The ARRL is soliciting donations for W1AW restoration, the education fund and for the always- important WARC/Defense of frequencies fund. The Northern California DX Foundation relies on its members to fund DXpeditions, scholarships, the NCDXF beacon network and other endeavors. See respective web sites for addresses and other info.

Ron Wright, ZL1AMO, plus many Pacific call signs, is seriously ill. He was flown by air ambulance from Fiji to New Zealand. His daughters report ‘some improvement’. Bernie, W3UR, has been posting information in ‘Daily DX’ as new data arrives. INDXA has started a fund to help pay for the air transport.

UP-COMING CONTESTS

6 Dec ARRL 160M Contest Starts @ 2200Z

14 Dec ARRL 10M Contest Starts @ 0000Z

21 Dec OK DX RTTY Starts @ 0000Z

1 Jan 03 ARRL S K Night Starts @ 0000Z

4 Jan 03 ARRL RTTY Roundup @ Starts 1400Z

11 Jan 03 NAQP “CW” Starts @ 1800Z

Please, send me your scores; at k6lrn@

CU...73,Dick, K6LRN VP/CC

DX HAPPENINGS

Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin No. 589 December 2, 2002 Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW

3C, EQUATORIAL GUINEA (Update). Erik, SM0AGD, spoke to Vitaly, 3C2MV (aka

VE6JO) over the telephone from Malabo and was asked to pass on the following info to the OPDX bulletin. Vitaly worked 1400 QSOs in the CQWW CW Contest. Outside the contest, he has made about 4500 QSOs so far. He is astonished by the continuous big pile-ups! For 40 and 80 meters, he is using an Inverted Vee. He has no antenna for 160 meters and does not intend to be active on that band. Due to an upcoming election in Equatorial Guinea, he might have to change his itinerary and leave Malabo a week earlier than expected (possibly December 8th, but that is not definite yet). Over the past weekend, Vitaly was heard on 7016 kHz around 0530z, 10116 kHz between 2045-2130z, 24911 kHz between 1130-1730z, 28522 kHz between 1200-1345z and 28016 kHz after 1430z. QSL via VE6JO.

5T, MAURITANIA (Also, S0, Western Sahara). A group of operators from the Amateur International Radio Volunteers (IARV) will be active as 5T5PBV (JA1PBV), 5T5RUZ (JA8RUZ), 5T5RQ (JA6RQ) and 5T5CPS (JA1CPS) now through December 7th. QSL via their home callsigns. A group, consisting of JA1UT,JA1UPA, JA1PBV, JA8RUZ, JA1CPS and JA6RQ, will make a side trip to Western Sahara and be active as S07U from December 2-5th. A special effort will be made on 160 and 30 meters. QSL via JA1UT.

8P, BARBADOS. John, K4BAI, will be active as 8P9HT from December 10-17th which includes an entry in the ARRL 10 Meter Contest as 8P9Z. During the contest he will be active on both modes using high power if an amplifier is available. Outside of the contest, look for John to be active on 160-6 meters CW/SSB. QSL both callsigns via K4BAI. 9N, NEPAL. Toshi, JA1ELY, informs OPDX that Kiyo, JH3PAS, will be active once again from Kathmandu as 9N7AS between December 23-30th. Also, following the 9N7AS activity, look for Kazu, JA8MWU, to be active as 9N7WU, also from Kathmandu, between December 30th and January 6th. Both operations will be on all bands, 160-6 meters. 9N7AS will operate SSB, CW, RTTY and PSK31, but 9N7WU will only be active on SSB. QSL via their home callsigns direct or the JARL Bureau. JH3PAS - Kiyotaka Ichikawa, 1-74-3 Issiki-Nishi Hiraoka, Kakogawa, 675-0117 JAPAN JA8MWU - Kazunori Abe, 12-5-9, 7-Jyo, Kagura, Asahikawa, 070-8007 JAPAN

9S, DEM. REP. OF CONGO. Michel, F6COW, who was active in the CQWW CW Contest as 9S1X, continues to be on the air until December 8th. He has been very active on 20/17/12 meters CW/SSB and 40 meters CW. QSL via F2YT.

D88/HL0, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS. It has been reported that Lee, DS4CNB, will be joining the team at the Korean base King Sejong (WABA HL-01), located on King George Island, South Shetlands (AN-010). He is expectedto work at the base until November 30, 2003. Activity will be on allbands and modes as either HL0KSJ or D88S. QSL via his home callsign: Lee Dae Ryung, P.O Box 30, Tongyung 650-600, South Korea.

C6, BAHAMAS (IOTA/Lighthouse Op). Wade/AA8LL and Liz/K8LIZ will be active from here January 18-20th. They will be operating from Crooked Island, Bahamas, NA-113 as AA8LL/C6A and K8LIZ/C6A. They also have permission to operate as C6ALB from Bird Rock Lighthouse, LH-0118 for the World Lighthouse Award, and BAH 005 for the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society. Bird rock is also NA-113. Operation will be mostly SSB near the IOTA frequencies from 40-10 meters. This time there will be CW on request for those who always request it. QSL to their home callsign and C6ALB to AA8LL. They also now have a Web site at:

CRUISING THE PACIFIC ISLANDS. "The Daily DX" reports that Harry, W6YOO,

will be cruising the Pacific now through January 3rd. He is expected to

depart Los Angeles on December 2nd and plans to visit several islands on

his way to Sydney, Australia, on January 3rd. He activity will be QRP

mainly on 14040 and 14260 kHz using a FT-817. Operations will only be a

few hours from each island, CW and SSB. The main purpose of this trip is

for sightseeing, seeing a lot of the Pacific and to be active from as many

stops as possible. He has received permission from all locations expect

T32 and YJ0 (permission may be received before his departure). While cruising

the Pacific between the islands Harry will be using the callsign C6YOO/mm.

Here is his expected stops and island schedule:December 8th - Honolulu, Hawaii, IOTA OC-019, callsign W6YOO/KH6

9th - Maui, Hawaii, IOTA OC-019, callsign W6YOO/KH6 10th - Hilo, Hawaii, IOTA OC-019, callsign W6YOO/KH6

13th - Christmas Island, IOTA OC-024, callsign T32?? 16th - Bora Bora, French Polynesia, IOTA OC-067, callsign FO/W6YOO 17th - Moorea, French Polynesia, IOTA OC-046, callsign FO/W6YOO 18-19th- Papeete, French Polynesia, IOTA OC-046, callsign FO/W6YOO 20th - Raiatea, French Polynesia, IOTA OC-067, callsign FO/W6YOO 23rd - Pago Pago, American Samoa, IOTA OC-045, callsign W6YOO/KH8

24th - Apia, Western Samoa, IOTA OC-097, callsign 5W0HA 27th - Yasawa, Fiji, IOTA OC-156, callsign 3D2YOO

29th - Vanuatu, IOTA OC-035, callsign YJ0?? 30-31st- Noumea, New Caledonia, IOTA OC-032, callsign FK/W6YOO

January 3-6th - Sydney, Australia IOTA OC-001, callsign VK2IWV

DP1, ANTARCTICA. Felix, DL5XL, will be spending the upcoming winter season

2003 (March through November) as a radio operator and electronics engineer

at the German research base "Neumayer" in Antarctica. When his job/work

duties permit, he will try to be active on the amateur radio bands, mainly

on CW, but also on SSB, RTTY, PSK31 and HELL. His callsign will be DP1POL.

The Neumayer Station is located on the Ekstroem Shelf Ice, Atka Bay, in

the Northeast Weddell Sea (70"39'S, 08"15'W). Important reference numbers

are: DXCC - Antarctica (CE9/KC4), IOTA AN-016, WABA DL-03, CQ Zone 38 and

ITU Zone 67. QSL cards (including SWL reports will be welcome) will be

handled by Ray, DL1ZBO. Bureau cards are fine. If you prefer a direct

reply, please enclose an SAE and sufficient return postage: 1 IRC or 1 USD will cover postage to Europe, all others need 1 IRC or 2 USD for air mail.The QSL address is: Rainer Hilgardt, Hans-Sachs-Weg 38, D-64291 Darmstadt,Germany. More information about Neumayer Station (and a link to the Neumayer's webcam) is available at the official Web page at:



DX SURVEY. The "425 DX News DXCC Most Wanted Survey" for the year 2003

is up and running on their Web site. If you would like to participate,

please visit their Web page at:

FO, FRENCH POLYNESIA. Alain, F2HE, will be back in Polynesia as FO5RH. He will leave on December 6th. For Christmas he will be on Maupiti Island (OC-067). His FO5RH address is: Alain Claverie, PO Box 51.690, 98716 Pirae, Tahiti, Polynesie Francaise.

IOTA NEWS

NA-160. Hiro, HR3/JA6WFM, reports he had to cancel their planned IOTA DXpedition Cayo Cochino. The arrangement with the hotel was not possible. He will be finishing his work in Honduras and return home to Japan on December 8th.

SA-060. Operators PY8AZT, PY8DAN, PT2ND and PT2PS will activate ZW8P from Cotijuba Island, December 12-17th for the 2002 ARRL 10 Meter Contest. Two stations will be active on 80-6 meters. QSL via the Bureau or direct to PT2PS. Also, visit the Web page at:

LU, ARGENTINA (Mountain Expedition). In 2003, Robert, 3A2MY, will be signing LU/homecall from January 16-23rd, from the Aconcagua, the highest peak of the South American Andes mountains, 6959 meters ASL. He will be there with the Alibert expedition members.=Robert will use a home made QRP transceiver with 5 watts out supplied by solar cells. Frequencies and mode are: 14280 to 14290 SSB. A special QSL card will be issued when he returns to Monaco. QSL via his home callsign.

NORTH KOREA HAS GONE SILENT AGAIN! This surprising news was released on

the KK6DO Web page during the CQWW DX CW Contest on November 23rd: "P5/4L4FN QRT -- I (Bruce, KK5DO) just received word from Ed, P5/4L4FN, that the unfortunate and worst possible thing has just happened. Friday evening, 2002 November 22, Ed was called into a meeting with the 'Radio Regulation Board' without any explanation, he was politely asked to quit all transmissions and pack all his radio equipment. Saturday, he spent all day on the roof disassembling his antennas and packing boxes. At 2:30pm one of the government officials came by, sealed all the boxes, and when he leaves on December 10 for his two weeks R&R, he is to take everything with him out of the country. This really hits the ham community hard. I for one was looking forward to a satellite contact on AO-40. I know that many of you were still awaiting your first QSO. Ed will keep all the equipment for his next duty station. Any money received from now on will be donated to help ZL1AMO's emergency air ambulance trip from Figi back home." OPDX InterNet Subscribers will receive (as an additional bulletin) a copy of a message from Ed, 4L4FN, that was posted on the KK5DO Web Page expressing his feelings on the situation and thanking the ham community.

QSL INFO AND NEWS.................

Activity by 8Q7DC was Juergen, DL8LE. QSL via home call either direct or through the bureau.

9K2ZZ QSL INFO. Leo Fry, K8PYD, is one of the many volunteers at the

ARRL incoming 8th Area QSL Bureau. He states, "We receive many QSLs

each month for 9K2ZZ and 9K9Z to be forwarded to QSL Manager W8CNL.

However, the operator does not prefer to QSL any bureau cards. Therefore,

we have been asked NOT to forward these cards to the QSL Manager." In

the past years, they would stamp incoming QSLs stating that the manager

will only answer these cards if sent directly to the manager. They

would then been returned to the sender to be forwarded direct. Leo

now states, "Due to the large quantity of incoming QSL cards they will

NOT be returned to sender but destroyed! Please pass this information

on to the many DXers needing 9K2 confirmed so they do not waste sending

cards via the bureau." QSL Manager W8CNL's address is: Ray McClure,

5 McKenzie Circle, North Augusta, SC 29841-4319, USA.

Kaz, JA1IST, informs OPDX that he was active after the contest (CT9L),

and operated as CT3/DJ2AA at Santana, Madeira. QSL via Bureau to JA1IST or direct to WR6M via the address on . PLEASE DO NOT send QSLs to DARC Bureau.

CY0MM's on-line log has been updated as of November 29th. The log now contains 49511 QSOs and is current as of November 29th, 2002 at 1228z. The on-line log can be found at:

Pascual, EA5EYJ, informs OPDX that QSL routes for stations active in the recent 2002 CQWW DX CW Contest are now available on the Web page at:

Activity by both Pavel/UA0YAY (in Kyzyl, Tuva Region, CQ Zone 23) and Nick/UN7JX during the last CQWW CW Contest should be QSLed via their QSL Manager IK2QPR.

Edwin Musto, ZS5BBO, informs OPDX that he is not the QSL Manager for Ian, ZS9IL, anymore. He has not received a log book from him and has been trying to contact him. Also, Edwin doesn't think Ian is very active at this time - well, Edwin hasn't heard him on the band. Edwin feels embarrassed as people are asking him for cards, but he can't get a logbook from Ian to verify these contacts.

S2, BANGLADESH. Takeda, JF1EQA, is in Dhaka and has been active as S21YY

on RTTY and SSTV. Watch 15 meters. IMPORTANT NEW QSL ROUTE: Yoshitomo, JM1HXU, is now Takeda's QSL Manager. At the beginning of Takeda's operation, he gave his own callsign as the QSL route since a QSL Manager was not decided yet. All QSLs sent to JF1EQA will be forwarded to JM1HXU manually. Takeda states JM1HXU is very close to his home station (JF1EQA).

SILENT KEY. Excerpts from W1AW's ARRL Bulletin NR 70 reports: "Former ARRL Headquarters staff member Robert L. White, W1CW, of Seffner, Florida, died November 22nd from complications arising from pneumonia. He was 83. Known to many as 'Mr DXCC', White was the manager of the ARRL's DX Century Club program from 1952 until 1976, establishing the award--and its stringent standards--as Amateur Radio's premier DX achievement. White codified the rules for the DXCC program and oversaw the checking of some 250,000 QSL cards submitted yearly, often working as many as 90 hours a week to ensure that the job got done right. During his tenure at Headquarters, White also oversaw the ARRL QSL Service. He belonged to the ARRL for 62 years and was a Life Member. White was an avid DXer and CW enthusiast. Active in the first-class CW Operators' Club, White was also inducted into the CQDX Hall of Fame in 1998. His wife Ellen, W1YL, and his son Jim, K4OJ, survive him; both are former ARRL staff members." Friends may send condolence messages via E-mail to: w1cw@tampabay. Or send via mail to: 6607 Flicker CT, Seffner, FL 33584. The family invites memorial donations to the W1CW Memorial Fund-Florida Contest Group, c/o Frederick M Perkins Jr., 3437 Lake Josephine Dr, Lake Placid FL 33852. OPDX and its readers would like to send out our deepest sympathy to Bob's family and friends.

SPECIAL EVENT (REMEMBERING THE RADIO OPS OF WWII). The event that lead

to the United States becoming involved in World War II will be commemorated

by Amateur Radio. A group of survivors of the Japanese attack on Pearl

Harbor will visit the USS Hornet and take to the air this coming December

7th. The ship's callsign will be NB6GC. QSL Manager will be KO6HA. The

operating hours will be from 0900-1700 Pacific Standard Time (1700-0100z).

The suggested frequencies are:

SSB - 7260, 14320, 21320 and 28320 kHz

CW - 3530, 7030, 14030, 21030 and 28030 kHz. A special QSL card will be made available for those who make contact.

TI9, COCOS ISLAND. Jose Pastora, TI2JJP, informs OPDX that he will be

active as TI9JJP between December 10-25th. QSL via: P.O Box 2048-2050,

San Pedro Montes Oca, San Jose, Costa Rica, America Central.

TM7, FRANCE. Look for Laurent, F5MUX, will be active as TM7XX during the

upcoming ARRL 10 Meter Contest (December 14-15th) as a Single-Op/High Power/

Mixed Mode entry. QSL via F5MUX.

TO2, GUADELOUPE. Jack, F6HMJ, will be active as TO2FG from December 16th

to January 14th. Activity will be on all bands (6m included). QSL via

F6HMJ.

V7, MARSHALL ISLANDS. There have been several reports indicating that

Bruce, AC4G, will be active from here starting this week as V73CW. The

length of his stay is unknown at this time. As this went to print, no QSNs have been reported. QSL via AC4G, direct or bureau.

XV3, VIETNAM. Roi, JA1TAA, will be in Vietnam between December 12-20th

for a low band operation. His callsign will be XV3TAA, and his activities

will mainly be on 160-30 meters CW. Roi will put up a delta loop antenna

for 160/80 meters, so there will be one or two days for low band DXing.

There will be an online log search at the following URL address:



QSL ONLY direct (Sorry NO BUREAU) to JA1TAA with a SASE to: Hiroshi Hotta,

4-12-53 Kameino, Fujisawa, 252-0813 JAPAN.

ZA, ALBANIA (IOTA/Lighthouse Op). Alfredo, IK7JWX, and other members of

the Salantro DX Group are planning to be active from Sazan Island (EU-169)

between December 16-21st. They will be using ZA/homecalls. They also

plan to activate the Sazan Island Lighthouse (ALB-004). QSL via the

individual's home callsign.

ZD8, ASCENSION ISLAND. Look for Jim, N6TJ, to be active again as ZD8Z

from December 6-17th. His activity will include an entry in the ARRL 10

Meter Contest. Outside of the contest, look for him to be on all bands

including 6 meters. QSL via VE3HO.

ZD8, ASCENSION ISLAND. Glenn, K6NA, who has been active as ZD8A since

November 22nd, continues to be on the air for the next two weeks. He has

been very active on 160-15 meters, mostly CW with a little SSB. His QSL

Manager Terry, N6CW, informed OPDX to remind everyone that E-mail requests

for ZD8A Bureau cards can also be obtained at: qslvian6cw@

ADDED NOTE: Terry, N6CW, states E-mail requests for his recent operation as N6CW/PP5 can be sent also to the same E-mail address.

ZK3, TOKELAU. Atsu, 5W1SA, will be active from here for a couple of weeks.

By the time you read this, his activity should have already started

(December 2nd). Currently his ZK3 callsign is unknown and will be issued

to him upon his arrival. He is hoping for ZK3SA.

ZS6, SOUTH AFRICA (SPECIAL EVENT). Just a reminder to look for special

event station ZS6SOL (Refer to OPDX.584). Activity will take place between now and December 7th to cover the upcoming total eclipse of the sun in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, on December 4th. QSL via ZS5WI.

ZL1AMO UPDATE. Judy, AA7UC, continues to supply up-to-date info on Ron's,

ZL1AMO, health via Ron's daughter Terri. Early last week reports indicated that Ron was awake for a bit and tried to talk, however it was difficult to understand him. The family believed that he was trying to tell them that he wanted to go home. The family told him that his ham radio

friends have been E-mailing with prayers and get well wishes, and also

that they are all looking forward to meeting him on the air again, soon.

Before going to print, the latest word from Terri (as of November 28th)

is:"... the family had a meeting with Ron's doctors. The doctors informed

them that the pneumonia has not improved; Ron has no body mass; he still requires a breathing machine; and his body may be too weak to cope with

another infection. Following visits to the hospital, family members feel

that Ron is looking a little better. Thank you all for your support and

prayers. Let us continue to keep the faith!"

PROPAGATION FORECAST

Propagation Forecast Bulletin 50

From Tad Cook, K7VVV

ARLP050 Propagation de K7VVV

This is a short after-holiday catch-up bulletin to bring us up-to-date on solar flux, sunspot and planetary A index numbers. From the previous week, mean daily sunspot numbers dropped over 24 points and daily solar flux was down nearly 37 points. Average planetary A index was about double, from 11.3 to 23. The numbers run through last Wednesday, and geomagnetic indices have continued to run unsettled to active since then. In four days we should have an update for next weekend's ARRL 160-meter contest. For that event contesters will want quiet geomagnetic conditions and low A indices, preferably in the low single digits. Over the next few days solar flux is expected to rise from 155 on Monday to 180 by the weekend. Planetary A index is expected to continue unsettled, with values of 20, 20 and 15 for Monday through

Wednesday. I ran across a Finnish web site devoted to photographs of aurora

borealis at .

Don't miss paging through the gallery at. These are some fantastic photos taken in Finland and Lapland over the past couple of years. Sunspot numbers for November 21 through 27 were 143, 124, 126, 123,106, 100, and 112, with a mean of 119.1. 10.7 cm flux was 150.9,149.1, 147.5, 146.2, 136.8, 142.3, and 142.6, with a mean of 145.1. Estimated planetary A indices were 50, 24, 19, 16, 17, 14, and 21, with a mean of 23

MLDXCC 2002-03 Meeting Schedule

Dec 07

Jan 25

Unless otherwise announced, meetings are held at noon, on the 3rd Saturday of the month.

Membership Criteria

Membership criteria may be obtained by writing the Secretary/Treasurer at:

MLDXCC

PO Box 1073

Pine Grove, CA 95665-1073

The MLDXCC NEWSLETTER

Information may be reproduced provided credit is given MLDXCC.

2002 Officers of the MLDXCC

Ray Parker, ND6S, President

e mail: rayep@

Dick Wilson, K6LRN, VP

e mail: k6lrn@

Gary Stilwell, KI6T, Secty/Treas.

e mail: ki6t@

Ron St. Jean, KG6CMS, Director

e mail kg6cms@

Rick Casey, W6RKC, Director

e mail: ab1u@

Net: Wednesday’s 19:30 local, W6SF repeater 147.165 (+600)

WebSite: Effective 10/30/02 our new address is:



Nugget Editor

Rick Samoian, W6SR

e-mail: samoian@

Contest Feedback

Dick Wilson, K6LRN

e mail: k6lrn@

QSL Manager:

Norm Regan, WA6SJQ

Publicity Chairperson

Brandt Woodard, K6BEW

ARRL Awards Checkers

DXCC

Gary Stillwell, KI6T

Ken Anderson, K6TA

WAS & others

Dennis King, N6KD

QSL BUREAU

ARRL Sixth District QSL Bureau, PO Box 530, Weed, CA 96094-0530. For more information, visit the ARRL Sixth District QSL Bureau Web site >.

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