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DXER Ham Radio DX News

The latest dx news/current propagation and more. Visit mike's Amateur Radio Page at www.qsl.net/swlham

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Tytera TYT MD-380 DMR portable radio review - VA3XPR

Tytera TYT MD-380 DMR portable radio review - VA3XPR

Dipole Antenna Center Insulator – Ham Radio Basics by W6LG | QRZ Now – Amateur Radio News

Dipole Antenna Center Insulator – Ham Radio Basics by W6LG | QRZ Now – Amateur Radio News

Travel Footage: 3Y0Z Antarctic Bouvet Island DXpedition 2018 Expedition (by EY8MM) • AmateurRadio.com

Travel Footage: 3Y0Z Antarctic Bouvet Island DXpedition 2018 Expedition (by EY8MM) • AmateurRadio.com

The ham radio solar propagation dx news shortwave sdr Daily is out! Edition of 27 February 2018 - swlham1944@gmail.com - Gmail

The ham radio solar propagation dx news shortwave sdr Daily is out! Edition of 27 February 2018 - swlham1944@gmail.com - Gmail

WSJT-X Version 1.9.0 | Southgate Amateur Radio News

WSJT-X Version 1.9.0 | Southgate Amateur Radio News

Monday, February 26, 2018

3Y0I Bouvet DXpedition | Southgate Amateur Radio News

3Y0I Bouvet DXpedition | Southgate Amateur Radio News

The ham radio solar propagation dx news shortwave sdr Daily is out! Edition of 26 February 2018 - swlham1944@gmail.com - Gmail

The ham radio solar propagation dx news shortwave sdr Daily is out! Edition of 26 February 2018 - swlham1944@gmail.com - Gmail

IOTA news from OPDX | Southgate Amateur Radio News

IOTA news from OPDX | Southgate Amateur Radio News

Saint Brandon Island DXpedition | Southgate Amateur Radio News

Saint Brandon Island DXpedition | Southgate Amateur Radio News

Spies, morse code and clandestine radio in Hamilton, Scotland | Southgate Amateur Radio News

Spies, morse code and clandestine radio in Hamilton, Scotland | Southgate Amateur Radio News

Propagation Report from Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP | Southgate Amateur Radio News

Propagation Report from Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP | Southgate Amateur Radio News

Friday, February 23, 2018

-DXER- HAM RADIO NEWS on The Tweeted Times

-DXER- HAM RADIO NEWS on The Tweeted Times

Amateur Radio News - Ham Radio Library

Amateur Radio News - Ham Radio Library
SB PROP ARL ARLP008
ARLP008 Propagation de K7RA

Average daily sunspot number dropped from 24 during the previous
seven days, to 5.6 in the current reporting week, February 15-21.
That average is so low because no sunspots have been seen since
February 17, and no new sunspot regions were observed since February
4. Average daily solar flux dropped to 70.1 in the current period
from 77.4 in the previous week.

Based on the latest 45-day prediction for solar flux, I expect
sunspots to re-appear by March 2 or 3, when solar flux is expected
to increase suddenly.

Predicted solar flux is 68 on February 23 to March 1, 69 on March 2,
76 on March 3-12, 74 on March 13-14, 72 on March 15, 70 on March
16-25, 72 and 74 on March 26-27, and 76 on March 28 through April 8.

Predicted planetary A index is 8 on February 23-25, then 12, 16 and
8 on February 26-28, 5 on March 1-3, 8 on March 4, 5 on March 5-13,
then 10, 8, 12, 16, 14 and 12 on March 14-19, 8 on March 20-22, 5 on
March 23-30, 8 on March 31 and 5 on April 1-8.

Greg Andracke, TI7/W2BEE wrote from Costa Rica, where he is
vacationing:

"Now on the air with a 124.5 ft. sloper. Working CW ONLY when not in
the pool! In Playa Garza, Guanacaste, Costa Rica until about March
15. If anyone needs a CW contact, email me at, w2bee@arrl.net -- I'm
not running pileups, just chatting with folks. Made only a few
contacts during ARRL DX Test because I couldn't get antenna
installed until about 3 hours before the test was over.

"Worked VK3IO on 30M with my modest setup, K2/100 and sloper into
9:1 UNUN."

Greg has a fascinating career filming documentaries. See

A new space weather video from Dr. Tamitha Skov from last week:


Paul Gray, N0JAA of Melbourne, Florida wrote:

"Late Winter/early Spring is generally the time of year in Florida
when we typically experience tropospheric ducting.  2018 is no
exception.  This year I have experienced a good amount of ducting on
2 meters. I don't have sideband capability on that band currently,
so my experience is limited to FM repeaters and simplex.  For the
VHF bands of 2 meters and 1.25 meters, and the UHF 70 centimeter
band (and perhaps higher), tropospheric ducting in Florida occurs
mostly in the late evening and overnight hours.  The 6 meter band,
at least in my personal experience, does not appear to be
significantly affected by tropospheric ducting.

"Over the last week or so, I have been receiving a distant repeater
on my club's repeater frequency of 146.610 MHz (W4MLB) in Melbourne.
I have been able to receive and, after a fashion carry on QSOs with,
several stations on the K4GSO repeater.  The trick is to let each
repeater drop before responding, but it can be done.  Considering
that 2 meters is basically line of sight +/- a few miles beyond the
horizon, and the distance between Melbourne and Ocala is
approximately 150 miles, this is a good feat, especially with a
5-watt HT and a 1/2-wave mag mount antenna!  I would consider this
DX on 2 meters.

"This is my recent experience with propagation.  It isn't
ionospheric propagation, but tropospheric ducting will produce
propagation on a more local scale which is useful in and of itself."

Geomagnetic activity forecast for the period February 23 to March
20, 2018 by F.K. Janda, OK1HH.

"Geomagnetic field will be:
Quiet on February 25-26, March 1, 6, 10, 12-13, 19-20,
Mostly quiet on February 27, March 2, 7, 11,
Quiet to unsettled on February 23-24, March 3, 5, 8, 15-16,
Quiet to active on February 28, March 4, 9, 17-18,
Active to disturbed on March 14.

"Amplifications of the solar wind from coronal holes cannot be
predicted for the period until March 10, but I do not expect any
significant upsurge. Then solar wind will intensify on March 18-20.

"Remark: - Parenthesis means lower probability of activity enhancement. 
- With regard to ongoing changes, current forecasts
remain less reliable, especially in the first half of March."

Tomas Hood, NW7US who edits the Propagation column in CQ Magazine
was interviewed by Eric Guth, 4Z1UG for Eric's podcast "QSO Today."


If you change the end of the above URL from nw7us to k7ra, you'll
hear my interview from about two years ago.

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers,
email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net .

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL
Technical Information Service web page at,
numbers used in this bulletin, see

An archive of past propagation bulletins is at
information and tutorials on propagation are at http://k9la.us/.

Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve
overseas locations are at http://arrl.org/propagation.

Instructions for starting or ending email distribution of ARRL
bulletins are at http://arrl.org/bulletins.

Sunspot numbers for February 15-21, 2018 were 15, 12, 12, 0, 0, 0,
and 0, with a mean of 5.6. 10.7 cm flux was 72.5, 71.5, 69, 70.3,
69.1, 70.5, and 67.6, with a mean of 70.1. Estimated planetary A
indices were 11, 7, 12, 14, 17, 5, and 4, with a mean of 10.
Estimated mid-latitude A indices were 6, 7, 10, 14, 11, 3, and 3,
with a mean of 7.7.
NNNN
/EX

dxerhamnews

dxerhamnews

The ham radio solar propagation dx news shortwave sdr Daily

The ham radio solar propagation dx news shortwave sdr Daily

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

EL2EF – Liberia

FEBRUARY 5, 2018 — EL2EF now QSL via NR6M. LoTW coming soon. See here also. DECEMBER 2, 2017 — Eric is now active and has been making a few QSOs using an old Kenwood TS-120 and vertical. At the moment he is paper-logging but hopes to have a laptop soon. Thereafter, he will use the […]

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Monday, February 5, 2018

9XSDA – Rwanda

Christian, M0UPL will be active from Kigali, Rwanda as 9XSDA (call correct*) during February 11-18, 2018. QRV on 40 and 20m; mainly SSB. QSL via H/c. * “SDA” stands for “Seventh Day Adventist” Church.

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9XSDA Rwanda. From DXNews.com

Christian, M0UPL, informs dxnews.com, that he will be active as 9XSDA from Rwanda, 11 - 18 February 2018.

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3D2GE Viti Levu Island. From DXNews.com

Gerhard, OE3GEA will be active as 3D2GE, from Viti Levu Island, IOTA OC - 016, Fiji, until 9 February 2018.

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4L/TA7AOF & 4L/TA7AZC Georgia

Tevfik TA1HZ informs DxCoffee Readers:

“TA7AOF Furkan and TA7AZC Golkem will be travelling to 4L for the CQ WPX RTTY Contest 2018 as 4l/TA7AOF and 4L/TA7AZC, they will be on the air from Batumi, with the generous support of 4L6QC Sergo. The team will arrive on 8 February 2018 and will be on the air till the 12 February 2018, mainly working digital modes. Yaesu FT857 rig running 100w to a vertical antenna will be used.

QSL to homecall but LoTW preferred.”

 
Tevfik Aydın KAZANCIOĞLU
TA1HZ (aka CN2HZ / V51/TA1HZ  / 5Z4/TA1HZ / T88HZ / T5TC / ZA1TC / ex TB1CAK )

 


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ZV1C Cedro Island SA-029

John PY2GTA informs DxCoffee Readers:
 
“First Dxpedition from CabreuvaDx Team
 
ZV1C Cedro Island SA029 Rio de Janeiro State 
 
17 and 18 march 2018
 
Team: PY2GTA leader, PY2HP, PY2FMI, PY2ALC, PP5BT, PU2UGO, PU2UTY, PU2LEW, PU2KFL and PY2XIZ
 
2m sat,
10, 15, 20, 40 and 80m
SSB, CW and FT8
 
More infos in QRZ.com”
73, John PY2GTA
YouTube: PY2GTA John
CabreuvaDx


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5W0LR Samoa

Richard AD7AF informs DxCoffee Readers:

“I should be QRV from 4 Feb. to 22 Feb. 2018 from Savaii, Samoa as 5W0LR.  I plan on primarily using CW and FT-8, but also SSB if propagation is good enough.  I will be active mainly on 15 – 40 meters and also 80 meters if I get the antenna high enough.  I plan on participating in the ARRL DX CW contest.  I will upload to Club Log when possible, and upload to LotW after the trip.”

QSL direct to AD7AF.  73,

Richard Lemke, AD7AF, 5W0LR.



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BW/VK2HSL Taiwan AS-020

Steven, VK2HSL reports that from 16 to 18 February, Randson BV2DQ, Terry BU2CC, James BV2EL and himself  (operating as BW/VK2HSL) will be celebrating Chinese new year by activating Taiwan IOTA AS-020. Expect holiday style operation around 2pm-8pm Taiwan time on 40, 20 and 15 meters voice and CW. 10 and 6 meters available by request.
Frequencies announced by DX spot and VK2HSL QRZ page.
QSL via VK2HSL.
 
 


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D44EE Cape Verde

Henning OZ1BII informa i lettori di DxCoffee:

“Hi dear DxCoffee Readers:

I am going to Cape Verde in February this year.

I am at the island 15th – 20th February 2018

My main cause is to participate in the ARRL Intl. DX CW Contest.

I will be active on the bands before and after the Contest.

I bring my Elecraft K3 – 100 Watt

Antenna is:

Mosley TA-33 WARC

(2 elements for 40M)

Wire for 80/160M

Kindly offered by D44BS Angelo. 

 

Only mode is CW

Callsign is  D44EE

QTH will be in HK84FW

 

If you need more information please write to me.

Best 73 de  OZ1BII Henning

Also  D44EE – ZF2EE – 9H3EE – XP2I – OU2I – OZ2I



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SI9AM Sweden

Dirk ON3UN informs DxCoffee Readers:

“DD2CW  Jef and ON3UN Dirk gone be active from SI9AM.

Activation from 20 till 26 March 2017.

Including entry in WPX contest. They hope to work you all.”

QSL via Dirk ON3UN, bureau or direct.

 



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3Y0Z Bouvet Island, UPDATE of the 5 February

img_20160810_090438-696x469

5 February 2018, 0930 UTC

The Team informs DxCoffee readers:

MV Betanzos

South Atlantic Ocean

Our captain has decided that it is in the best interest of safety and expediency to proceed directly to Capetown, South Africa rather than Punta Arenas, Chile. We are currently heading north to avoid the possibility of encountering ice.   Currently there is no ice in sight or on radar.  In due time we will head easterly toward Capetown.

Our entire team is safe. Most are resting in their bunks and in good spirits.  We will keep the amateur radio community and our families informed as we continue our journey.

Ralph – K0IR

Bob – K4UEE

Erling – LA6VM

**********************************

3 February 2018

The Team informs DxCoffee readers:

During the last 72 hours we continued to experience the high winds, low clouds, fog, and rough seas that have prevented helicopter operations since our arrival at Bouvet. No improvement was predicted in the weather forecast for the next four days.

Then, last night an issue developed in one of the ship’s engines.

This morning the captain of the vessel declared it unsafe to continue with our project and aborted the expedition. We are now on our long voyage back to Punta Arenas.

As you might imagine the team is deeply disappointed, but safe.”

There is already talk about rescheduling the DXpedition.”

Bob K4UUE

Ralph K0IR

Erling LA6VM

***********************************

13 January 2018

Press Release # 11

“Heavy sea ice east and north of King George Island has made navigation between King George Island and Bouvet slow and of increased risk.  We will therefore depart from Punta Arenas and sail directly to Bouvet.  This has necessitated changes to preparations. That process is underway and moving as fast as possible.

Our sailing time to Bouvet is now estimated at 14 days.  We estimate that our sailing date and QRV date will move back 24 to 36 hours.  Our QRT date will be extended as necessary to provide everyone with the best possible chance of working Bouvet.”

K4UEE – Bob

LA6VM—Erling

K0IR —  Ralph

******************************

29 December 2017

Press Release # 10

We recently reached yet another milestone in our quest to activate Bouvet Island.

DAP, the Chilean company that owns and operates the M/V Betanzos and the helicopters has satisfied the last contractual requirements, prior to departure. We submitted to them a “fit for purpose” checklist with 120 items as part of our contract.  They have satisfied all the checklist items, and we will be transferring almost ½ million US dollars to them in the next few days. 

So, we are happy to report that we are on schedule for a January 13, 2018 departure to Bouvet Island, the World’s most isolated island and the number two most wanted DX entity. All team members will meet in Punta Arenas, Chile no later than January 10, 2018.  We will attend a one and one-half day marine safety course, purchase last minute supplies and then fly across the Drake Passage to King George Island in the South Shetlands.  There, we will board the newly refurbished Chilean vessel M/V Betanzos, and begin our 9 to 11-day voyage to Bouvet.  The team feels confident knowing that the ship’s captain and many of the crew have been with the vessel for eight years, and have extensive Southern Ocean experience.  The Captain reports he has previously been to Bouvet.

Sea ice has been reported along a direct route to Bouvet, and that may dictate we take a more northerly course, before turning East to approach Bouvet. That may add day or two to our transit time.

Our two helicopters have completed their 100-hour inspections, and are ready for service. There has been a thorough review of landing procedures and shelter and antenna layouts.  We have three alternative anchoring systems to secure the shelters and antennas to the ice on the surface of Bouvet.

So, the plan remains unchanged. We will have two stations on every open band whenever humanly possible, gain and directional antennas where possible, high power stations and a propagation-driven operation.  The primary modes will be CW, SSB and RTTY.  FT8 will be utilized if it is the only productive mode.  Anyone preparing to utilize FT8 must read the 3YØZ FT8 protocol on the Band Plan page of the DXpedition website.

Complete information on band plans and frequencies, propagation predictions and QSL procedures are available on the DXpedition website: www.bouvetdx.org.  You will find strategically placed “donate” buttons if you want to help with our substantial costs. I hope you share in the excitement of this great undertaking.  We anxious to get underway!

73,

Bob-K4UEE

Ralph-KØIR

Erling-LA6VM

***********************************************

18 October 2017

Press Release #9

After over 10 years of dreaming and 2 years of rigorous planning, we have turned a page. Our team is intact and ready.  We have 17,000 pounds of equipment.  It has been tested, sorted, inventoried and packed into our 40-foot sea container.  We have discussed all conceivable contingencies, including rough seas, clouds and fog, high winds and emergencies at sea and on shore.  We have studied propagation, maximized our location on the island, selected the best radio equipment, and have thought first and foremost of safety.  All of this culminated when we sealed our sea container on October 9th, entered it into customs bond, placed it on a truck and watched it begin its journey to Punta Arenas, Chile.  Our die has been cast.  Now, a new chapter begins: one of reflection, waiting anxiously and hoping (praying) that all will go well from this point on.

We have been blessed by the worldwide support of individual amateur radio operators, clubs and foundations. They have backed us, overwhelmingly.  We are inspired by the support we have received, both financially and in spirit.  We want to live up to all that is expected of us on this “generational” DXpedition, which is likely the largest and most challenging DXpedition —- ever.  Indeed, there may never be another like it.  We now have time to appreciate the responsibility that this project thrusts upon us.  We feel it, and we will do our utmost to meet the DX world’s expectations from Bouvet – the number 2 “most wanted” entity.

You will start seeing band plans, more detailed propagation information, QSL information and more on our website. Our Facebook and Twitter social media outlets will keep their conversational tone, but shift their focus to how you can best work us, plus current events and news of interest.  Our updated propagation forecasts continue to validate our predictions, as visualized on our website propagation page.

Our team now has a singular focal point, King George Island, where the next chapter begins. We will meet our ship there on January 13th, and sail 2,200 miles to Bouvet.  By departing from King George Island rather than Punta Arenas, we save about 400 miles of sea travel.  This essentially gives us one or two more days on the air from Bouvet. We will savor those days, because they will give us QSOs that otherwise would not have been made.

We have asked more from our team members than for any previous DXpedition. This includes their time, effort and money. We thank all of you who are helping to defray some of their costs. We continue to welcome new and additional support to help with these expenses.

We are counting the days…..

73,

Bob-K4UEE

Ralph-KØIR

Erling-LA6VM

 

*********************************

22 August 2017

Press Release #7

“This Press Release is meant to be an update to our many financial supporters in the DX
community and others who may be considering supporting our efforts to activate the # 2 DXCC most wanted — BOUVET Island.

Our fund-raising began about this time last year, so we have been at it for 12 months.  We are extremely grateful for the excitement, encouragement and actual contributions that have come our way. It has truly been amazing to see how the DX community has stepped up to help “make this happen”.

We believe that we have negotiated a contract with our transportation partners that gives us a good idea of what our costs will ultimately be. This expense represents most of our overall costs.

Regarding the remainder of our budget, cost control is a daily challenge and a priority for
leadership and the team. We take it very seriously.

However, recently we made a couple of changes affecting the expense side of our equation.
This accounts for a small 3% increase in our overall costs, but will make life on Bouvet safer and more comfortable.  We have decided to add a second Operating shelter (OP B) and a third sleeping shelter (Sleep C). This will allow us to have more room to place our 14 one-KW stations (12 HF and 2 EME) and to separate the operating modes. This will make our 14-16 estimated days of 24/7 operating more comfortable and less challenging. The bottom line is we have a small percentage increase in costs, but the on-island benefits are well worth the extra expense.

In summary, looking at our income from the Operating Team itself, the DX Foundations, DX Clubs and individual DXers worldwide and our estimates of what our costs will turn out to be, we feel we are in a good and enviable position…but we are still short over $100,000.

With this in mind, we are continuing to ask for your financial support. You may visit our
DXpedition website www.bouvetdx.org and click on a “donate” button.

Many thanks, CU in the pileups!”

73,
Bob-K4UEE
Ralph-KØIR
Erling-LA6VM

*************************************

1 August 2017

Ralph K0IR informs DxCoffee Readers:

As in any group, the moral compass, accountability, and integrity of amateur radio operators covers a wide spectrum. The best of these character qualities in the ham radio community came to light last week.

FlexRadio Systems and Ranko Boka, 4O3A, of SKY SAT wanted to be absolutely positive that they would in no way compromise the success of the Bouvet Island DXpedition. They looked at this DXpedition as a once in a lifetime experience for many DX’ers and put the success of 3Y0Z above personal gain, competition, and acclaim.

FlexRadio Systems and SKY SAT were concerned that: a.) Parts availability for production of the FlexRadio amplifiers may be a problem.  b.)  Sending a total of 14 amplifiers to Bouvet would cut into inventory they had promised to their customers.  c.)  Meeting our shipping date might compromise their testing and quality control.

We will take several new FlexRadio Power Genius XL amplifiers to Bouvet. However, FlexRadio and Ranko reached out personally to ACOM to assist in supporting 3Y0Z.  On short notice, and within 24 hours, ACOM agreed to help make the Bouvet DXpedition the best that it can be and agreed to provide 12 ACOM 1500 amplifiers.

ACOM, FlexRadio Systems, and SKY SAT/4O3A put aside personal gain and competition and worked together to help the Bouvet Island DXpedition be a better experience for you the DX’ers. These are truly quality people.

Ralph Fedor – K0IR Bouvet Island DXpedition Co-Leader

LINK TO ASSOCIATED WEB PAGE: http://www.bouvetdx.org/acom-flex-doc/

*************************************

28 June 2017

Press Release #6

In consultation with our new transportation partner Aerovias DAP, we continue to refine our plans for our Bouvet DXpedition. We expect to depart from King George Island, in the South Shetlands Islands on January 13, 2018.  Our transit time to Bouvet will be between 9 and 11 days depending on weather and the sea state.

Upon arrival at Bouvet we will conduct reconnaissance flights to the island and select a campsite free of crevasses.  As weather permits we will begin building our radio city on the ice and secure our infrastructure.  Then antennas will go up, our equipment will be assembled and we will begin non-stop operations. We are planning to be at Bouvet for 21 days, and depending on weather and other factors we hope to be on the air for 14-16 days.  Then we will return to either King George Island or Punta Arenas, Chile. All in all, we will be away from civilization for 6-7 weeks.

Final preparations continue this summer, and we still have a lot to do:

Equipment will be tested under simulated harsh conditions at the QTH of K9CT.

Antennas will be assembled, tested and packed for transit at the QTH of WB9Z.

The Sea Container will be packed and shipped from Atlanta the first week of October.

A team meeting will be held in Atlanta on Sept. 7-10. Topics to be discussed will include:

Safety

Helicopter operations

Site selection

Shelter erection and quick deploy plans

Weather

Escape plans and rescue.

Medical considerations

EME set-up and testing

Familiarization and operation of Flex Radios and Amplifiers

Propagation and our strategy

Operator scheduling

And….more.

Our fund-raising continues.  We are pleased with our progress toward our goal of $740,500.  The team has committed $400,000 cash as well as paying for their own transportation, food and hotel expenses.  DX Clubs have stepped up and some have added additional contributions as have many individual DXers. However, we are still about $200,000 short.  Please help if you can.  We have a large payment due for the vessel and helicopters in several months.

Please check our website http://www.bouvetdx.org  at periodically for updates and additions as we progress toward departure. You can also join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/639362206232014

For the 3YØZ team,

Ralph-K0IR

Bob-K4UEE

Erling-LA6VM

*******************************

7 May 2017

Press Release #5

The Bouvet Island DXpedition team (3YØZ), is pleased to make an important announcement about our transportation plans to Bouvet Island.

From the beginning, we have worked with Nigel Jolly to secure safe, reliable, and affordable transportation to Bouvet. We both have struggled with the costs involved in getting Nigel’s ship and a helicopter from New Zealand to the tip of South America to begin the voyage to Bouvet.  Together, we have been working to find alternatives while Nigel’s vessel, the Claymore II stood ready for our use if we could not find a suitable alternative. We are announcing today that we have found an alternate vessel that eliminates the repositioning costs and at the same time adds additional margins of safety for our team.

DAP, a Chilean maritime and aviation company that took some of us to Peter I in 2006, recently acquired a vessel that is perfect for our DXpedition to Bouvet.   This company also has a fleet of 16 helicopters. Bob, K4UEE, and George, N4GRN, have just returned from Punta Arenas, Chile where they inspected the vessel, the helicopters and discussed our requirements with DAP.  Nigel Jolly supplied us with a checklist to be used while inspecting DAP’s vessel and helicopter capabilities

Based on our observations, and our discussions, and based on DAP’s reputation and our personal history with DAP; we feel we have found a sound alternative and optimum means of transportation to Bouvet. DAP’s ship is somewhat larger than Nigel’s vessel, and they have offered us two helicopters instead of only one.  They are both  medium duty, twin engine BO-105 helicopters.  We will also have two pilots and mechanics with years of Antarctic flying experience. The ship is being re-fitted with a hanger to house those two helicopters during transit and poor weather conditions..

The vessel’s Captain and crew have sailed the vessel for many years and have been retained by DAP. Interestingly, one of the crew members that will accompany us to Bouvet is Alejo Contreras Staeding. He is a well known Antarctic explorer, guide, glaciologist and adventurer. We met him in 2006 on the way to Peter I. We are extremely pleased to have him join us.

We have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with DAP and a formal contract is being drafted. We will review that contract with Nigel, and expect to sign it soon.  This is an important step, as the new vessel and the capabilities of DAP will fully complement our team.  This is a winning partnership that helps assure not only safety for our team, but an excellent chance of a very successful DXpedition under the extreme circumstances we are expecting.

Our departure will be approximately mid-January, 2018, possibly sailing to Bouvet from King George Island. We expect 9-11 day voyage to Bouvet.  When the weather allows, we will land on the island by helicopter.  Our first priority will be to inspect the terrain, select a site clear of crevasses and establish our shelters stocked with emergency supplies.  Once secured, we will bring the rest of our equipment ashore and commence radio operations as soon as possible. We expect to be at Bouvet for 21 days, and allowing for weather, hope to be on the air for 14-16 days.

This is likely the most expensive DXpedition ever attempted and the operating team has committed to fund up to 50% of the costs. We are hopeful the DX community will fund the remainder.  You may follow our planning progress and see our fund-raisings results on our website www.bouvetdx.org.

73,

Ralph-K0IR

Bob-K4UEE

Erling-LA6VM

*****************************************

1 May 2017

Ralph K0IR informs DxCoffee readers:

“Here is a little announcement for DX Coffee —

Propagation predictions in video format are now available on the Bouvet Island DXpedition website:  www.bouvetdx.org   Simple click on the menu item at top of the home page.

Thank you, my friend.”

73 –

Ralph – K0IR

************************************

07 December 2016

PRESS RELEASE #3

Bouvet Island DXpedition 2018 

The Bouvet Island DXpedition Team is happy to report the following:

After extensive examination, we have found a suitable landing zone on Bouvet Island and have identified what appears to be the best operating location in the area. Our proposed site is at 540 24’ 23” South and 3 24’ 39” East at approximately 600 ft. ASL.  This is on the Slakhallet Glacier on the northeast quadrant of Bouvet.   It is relatively flat with areas of maximum slope not exceeding 8 degrees.  This is well below slope levels that are prone to avalanches.  We have less information on the presence of crevasses, but do not detect any on the highest resolution images that we have.  Of course, an on-site inspection upon our initial helicopter landing will determine our actual operating location.

We have researched and selected our Antarctic shelters. These four shelters will house our stations, our sleeping quarters, and our eating and meeting facility (the MEG tent).  These were selected to survive the high winds, precipitation, and temperatures expected on Bouvet.  We will heat our operating shelter and the MEG tent.  Our sleeping shelters will not be heated for safety reasons.

The ten HF beams that served us so well on Amsterdam Island (FT5ZM) will accompany us to Bouvet.  We intend to deploy them on a line along 2400 to 600.  This will keep the antennas from beaming into each other when aimed at Europe, Japan, and North America.  Our verticals for 160, 80, 60, 40, and 30 meters will be placed to minimize interaction.  Images of our antenna plans, shelter layouts, and shelter interiors are on our website.

The Japanese support team has reorganized and will be led by Hiro, JA4DND.  Joe, JJ3PRT, will be our new pilot for Japan.  JA4BUA, Kuwa, will be in charge of web and IT duties, and JK1KSB, Oku, will do our public relations.  In addition, we’ve added a VK-ZL-Oceania pilot, VK6VZ.

Our on-line store has opened!  You can now shop at Café Press for 3Y0Z souvenirs — mugs, hats, cups, T-shirts, etc.  You can purchase fun and usable products and at the same time…support the 3Y0Z team. (www.cafepress.com/3y0z)

Our Facebook page, 3Y0Z-Bouvet Island DXpedition, now has over 1500 followers.  Stop by for photos, articles, updates, and meeting fellow DXers.

Fundraising is an on-going process for us.  This is a demanding and expensive project;

possibly the most expensive DXpedition ever. We ask for your financial support. Please click on our “Donate” buttons on our website and help us make this happen.

The Bouvet Island DXpedition-2018 Team wishes you and your families a wonderful Holiday season and a New Year filled with DX!

*************************************

5 December 2016

A message to DX’ers About 3Y0Z – in English, Spanish, Deutsch, Greek, French, Russian and Italian

 

*************************************

24 September 2016

Ralph K0IR,  Erling LA6VM and Bob K4UEE informs DxCoffee readers:

PRESS RELEASE #3

Bouvet Island DXpedition 2018 

September 23, 2016 

The 20-member Bouvet Island DXpedition team is happy to report that our longstanding landing permit (2007) has been updated and revised to conform to current environmental protection regulations, planned landing and helicopter operations, base camp set-up, dates of operation, and operating plans.  The updated document has received signatorial approval of the Norsk Polar Institute. Our amateur radio license with the call sign 3YØZ has also been renewed and will be used during the Bouvet DXpedition 2018. 

An international team of pilots has been selected to serve as an interface between the DXpedition team and the DX audience worldwide.  They are your voice and will collect your feedback and information during the DXpedition and relay it to the team on Bouvet.  Those pilots are: 

            NV9L (Val)                Chief Pilot

            HK3W (Siso)            South America Pilot

            JA1WSX (Hiro)        Asia-Oceania Pilot

            K2SG (Tony)             North America Pilot

            ON9CFG (Bjorn)      European Pilot

            ZS2I (Johan)             Africa Pilot 

Foundations, DX clubs, corporate sponsors, and individuals have shown enthusiastic support for the Bouvet Island DXpedition.  This DXpedition is an expensive project with team members bearing 50% of its total cost.  Your financial support is encouraged and welcomed to help us make this happen.  Please see our list of donors and sponsors and learn how you can help on our website at:  www.bouvetdx.org 

73, For the TEAM,

Ralph-K0IR

Bob-K4UEE

Erling-LA6VM                               

 

**********************************

19 August 2016

3Y0Z, a great Team

unnamed (1)

*************************************+

10 August 2016

3Y0Z Bouvet Island DXpedition 2018, IOTA AN – 002.

Team: Franz DJ9ZB, Nodir EY8MM, Jorge HK1R, Ralph K0IR, Robert K4UEE, Craig K9CT, Erling LA6VM, Geroge N4GRN, Arnold N6HC, James N9TK, Jeffrey NM1Y, Michael PA5M, Andrew UA3AB, Robert VA7DX, John VE7CT, Glenn W0GJ, Gregg W6IZT, Hal W8HC and Jerry WB9Z.

QSL via N2OO.

Visit the official web site http://www.bouvetdx.org/

13892292_10210443130739434_399767963069416587_n



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3D2GE – Fiji

Gerhard, OE3GEA is active from Nadi, Fiji as 3D2GE until February 9, 2018. QRV on 30-10m, holiday-style. QSL via H/c. After Fiji, Gerhard goes to Tonga.

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N2CX antenna as a new QRPGuys kit

Joe Everheart N2CX can probably best described as a "QRP Guru".  Joe's tips regularly appear in issues of "QRP Quarterly" published by the QRP-ARCI.  He and George N2APB were the brain trust behind Atlanticon and are still the brain trust behind the NJQRP. They are both QRP geniuses.


That being said, Joe, who was always an active QRPer, got hit by the portable operations bug hard during the National Parks on the Air event. And by "hard", I mean REAL HARD!  He and his son traveled to just about anywhere they could get to, to put National Park entities on the air. As you can see from the NPOTA Leaderboard, Joe tied for 11th Place, nationwide in Activations, with 235. He made literally thousands of QSOs! And when the NPOTA program ended with 2016, Joe continued on. He is a major activator in the WWF POTA program. Joe is out there, putting parks on the air just about every chance he gets.


The reason for his success, is of course the superb operating skills that N2CX possesses. But right behind that was the equipment he used. And as all QRPers know, the antenna is probably the most important part of that link. It doesn't matter if you use the world's finest transceiver, if you hook it up to a piece of limp macaroni you might as well just stay home..

Joe's antennas were of course, of his own design.  The QRP Guys persuaded to coax some of Joe's antenna secrets out of him and they are offering his Tri-band (covering 40, 30 and 20 Meters) NPOTA antenna as their newest kit: You can get the details here - http://qrpguys.com/qrpguys-tri-band-portable-vertical-antenna



All you need to supply in addition to the kit is wire for the radiator and radials and some sort of support system - whether that be a mast or some way of hanging it from a tree limb. For only $15 for the kit, how can you go wrong?  And sooner than later, Winter will be over and Portable Ops Season (as I like to call it) will be upon us again.

Be ready!

72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!

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Weekly Propagation Summary – 2018 Feb 05 16:10 UTC

Here is this week’s space weather and geophysical report, issued 2018 Feb 05 0144 UTC. Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 29 January – 04 February 2018 Solar activity was at very low levels from 29 Jan – 03 Feb. Low levels were observed on 04 Feb as new Region 2699 (S04, L=171, class/area Hsx/080 […]

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The AirSpy HF+ R3 bypass modification

After SWling Post contributor, Guy Atkins, posted the survey results of his excellent Elad FDM-S2  vs AirSpy HF+ weak signal comparison, I received a few questions about the AirSpy HF+  “R3 Bypass” modification Guy mentioned in his post.

Guy has not yet performed the modification on his HF+–neither have I–but he points out that others have noted it: “significantly boosts sensitivity of the HF+ from longwave up to about 15 MHz, without any noted overload issues.”

I reached out to AirSpy president, Youssef Touil, for a little more insight about this modification. Youssef replied:

During the early phases of the design R3 was a place holder for a 0 ohms resistor that allows experimenters to customize the input impedance. For example:

  • A 300 pF capacitor will naturally filter the LW/MW bands for better performance in the HAM bands
  • A 10µH inductor would allow the use of electrically short antennas (E-Field probes) for MW and LW
  • A short (or high value capacitor) would get you the nominal 50 ohms impedance over the entire band, but then it’s the responsibility of the user to make sure his antenna has the right gain at the right band
  • A custom filter can also be inserted between the SMA and the tuner block if so desired.

Click to enlarge. (Photo source: RTL-S1DR.com)

R3 and the nearby resistors have been intentionally left outside of the RF shield, and their size was picked to be big enough to allow anyone to play with them. You will notice the size difference with the rest of the components.

In general, unless one knows what he’s doing, it’s not recommended to alter a working system. “If it’s working, don’t fix it”. But, we are hobbyists, and not doing so leaves an uncomfortable feeling of something unachieved. Most brands addressing the hobby market leave some tweaks and even label them in the PCB.

The main purpose of the HF+ is the best possible performance on HF at an affordable price. This is to incite HAMs to get started with this wonderful technology while using an SDR that isn’t worse than their existing analog rig.

The MW/LW/VLF crowd may have slightly different requirements, but that can be addressed by shorting a resistor.

Regards,

Youssef Touil

Thank you, Youssef, for replying to my inquiry so quickly and thoroughly.

No doubt, I too will eventually modify R3–it’s very difficult not to experiment, especially when a product was designed with the experimenter in mind.

I really feel like AirSpy has knocked it out of the ballpark with the HF+. For those of us primarily concerned with HF performance, this SDR is very hard to beat–especially at its $199 price point!



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Foxes and Hounds — FT8 DXpedition Mode is in the Works for WSJT-X

Speaking on behalf of the WSJT-X Development Team, Joe Taylor, K1JT, has issued a progress report on the team’s efforts to develop FT8 DXpedition Mode. The new digital mode will include new and innovative features, which are detailed in a draft FT8 DXpedition Mode User Guide, released on February 2. Taylor said the basic goal of FT8 DXpedition Mode is to enable DXpeditions to make FT8 QSOs at t...



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4L/TA7AOF & 4L/TA7AZC Georgia

Tevfik TA1HZ informs DxCoffee Readers:

“TA7AOF Furkan and TA7AZC Golkem will be travelling to 4L for the CQ WPX RTTY Contest 2018 as 4l/TA7AOF and 4L/TA7AZC, they will be on the air from Batumi, with the generous support of 4L6QC Sergo. The team will arrive on 8 February 2018 and will be on the air till the 12 February 2018, mainly working digital modes. Yaesu FT857 rig running 100w to a vertical antenna will be used.

QSL to homecall but LoTW preferred.”

 
Tevfik Aydın KAZANCIOĞLU
TA1HZ (aka CN2HZ / V51/TA1HZ  / 5Z4/TA1HZ / T88HZ / T5TC / ZA1TC / ex TB1CAK )

 


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ZV1C Cedro Island SA-029

John PY2GTA informs DxCoffee Readers:
 
“First Dxpedition from CabreuvaDx Team
 
ZV1C Cedro Island SA029 Rio de Janeiro State 
 
17 and 18 march 2018
 
Team: PY2GTA leader, PY2HP, PY2FMI, PY2ALC, PP5BT, PU2UGO, PU2UTY, PU2LEW, PU2KFL and PY2XIZ
 
2m sat,
10, 15, 20, 40 and 80m
SSB, CW and FT8
 
More infos in QRZ.com”
73, John PY2GTA
YouTube: PY2GTA John
CabreuvaDx


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5W0LR Samoa

Richard AD7AF informs DxCoffee Readers:

“I should be QRV from 4 Feb. to 22 Feb. 2018 from Savaii, Samoa as 5W0LR.  I plan on primarily using CW and FT-8, but also SSB if propagation is good enough.  I will be active mainly on 15 – 40 meters and also 80 meters if I get the antenna high enough.  I plan on participating in the ARRL DX CW contest.  I will upload to Club Log when possible, and upload to LotW after the trip.”

QSL direct to AD7AF.  73,

Richard Lemke, AD7AF, 5W0LR.



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BW/VK2HSL Taiwan AS-020

Steven, VK2HSL reports that from 16 to 18 February, Randson BV2DQ, Terry BU2CC, James BV2EL and himself  (operating as BW/VK2HSL) will be celebrating Chinese new year by activating Taiwan IOTA AS-020. Expect holiday style operation around 2pm-8pm Taiwan time on 40, 20 and 15 meters voice and CW. 10 and 6 meters available by request.
Frequencies announced by DX spot and VK2HSL QRZ page.
QSL via VK2HSL.
 
 


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FCC authorizes wireless power transmission experimental station

Many thanks to an SWLing Post contributor @experimradio who shares the following information from the FCC website:

Experiment authorized by FCC: WJ2XGB, 1800 kHz

https://apps.fcc.gov/els/GetAtt.html?id=202374&x=. [PDF]

Our Texzon Wireless Power™ system allows the Earth itself to be used for clean, safe and efficient transfer of power between any two points on the globe, wirelessly. The system represents a paradigm shift in the science of electromagnetics.

http://www.texzontechnologies.com/



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D44EE Cape Verde

Henning OZ1BII informa i lettori di DxCoffee:

“Hi dear DxCoffee Readers:

I am going to Cape Verde in February this year.

I am at the island 15th – 20th February 2018

My main cause is to participate in the ARRL Intl. DX CW Contest.

I will be active on the bands before and after the Contest.

I bring my Elecraft K3 – 100 Watt

Antenna is:

Mosley TA-33 WARC

(2 elements for 40M)

Wire for 80/160M

Kindly offered by D44BS Angelo. 

 

Only mode is CW

Callsign is  D44EE

QTH will be in HK84FW

 

If you need more information please write to me.

Best 73 de  OZ1BII Henning

Also  D44EE – ZF2EE – 9H3EE – XP2I – OU2I – OZ2I



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SI9AM Sweden

Dirk ON3UN informs DxCoffee Readers:

“DD2CW  Jef and ON3UN Dirk gone be active from SI9AM.

Activation from 20 till 26 March 2017.

Including entry in WPX contest. They hope to work you all.”

QSL via Dirk ON3UN, bureau or direct.

 



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Video: Comparing the SDRplay RSP1A and Airspy HF+ on HF & MW

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ivan Cholakov, who shares the following video where he compares the SDRplay RSP1A and the AirSpy HF+ software defined radios on shortwave and mediumwave:

Click here to watch on YouTube.



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Radio Taiwan International: French and Spanish language services to leave shortwave

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, G. Koopal, who who sent a tip regarding RTI’s French language service leaving shortwave. I followed up directly with RTI and received the following reply from their French language service team:

[English Translation]

We have just announced this news in the last “courriers des auditeurs” this Sunday, February 4th.

From March 25th, the French service and the Spanish service of RTI will unfortunately stop broadcasting on shortwave.

The schedule of programs will change a little but you can always listen to us on the new website that will be online very soon. More videos will be posted in the future. We have also opened a youtube channel where you can find all these videos!

Thank you for your question, see you soon.

The French service team of RTI


[Original French]

Nous venons tout juste d’annoncer cette nouvelle dans le dernier “courriers des auditeurs” de ce dimanche 4 février.

A partir du 25 Mars, le service français et le service espagnol de RTI cessera malheureusement de diffuser sur ondes courtes.

La grille des programmes va donc un peu changer mais vous pourrez toujours nous écouter sur le nouveau site internet qui sera en ligne très prochainement. Plus de vidéos seront postées à l’avenir. Nous avons d’ailleurs ouvert une chaîne youtube sur laquelle vous pourrez retrouver toutes ces vidéos !

Merci pour votre question, à bientôt.

L’équipe su service français de RTI



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WIA Radio and Electronics Convention and AGM on the Gold Coast:

The 2018 WIA Radio and Electronics Convention and AGM is being held at the SeaWorld Resort on Queensland's Gold Coast. The venue is located in the heart of the Gold Coast, with easy access from the airport and to a wide range of hotel accommodation and with parking nearby. We are pleased to announce that Registrations are now open for what is promising to be an exciting weekend. You can register via the online registration form on the WIA website.

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Hear the Untold Story of a Canadian Code Talker from World War II -- Video:

During World War II, Charles "Checker" Tomkins fought the enemy with a different kind of weapon. As a code talker in the Canadian military, he used his knowledge of the native Cree language to help develop a top-secret communication system to defeat the Germans.

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Ohio/Penn DX Special Bulletin 1350.1:

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K and the AR TelNet Clusters Network, and N7NG for the following DX information.

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Sunday, February 4, 2018

My start in Public Service

Thanks to a post on Facebook by Nicholas Bachar from South River, NJ, I was reminded that my start in Amateur Radio Public Service began some 38 years ago today, on February 4th, 1980. This was the day that the Olympic Torch, which was to light the Olympic Flame at the Lake Placid Olympics made its way through our local communities.

I was licensed for only fifteen months, and I had only upgraded to General eight months before, but I joined with other local Hams from the Old Bridge Repeater Association to volunteer for the event. We were tasked with keeping the Torch Relay support vehicles apprised of any problems or disruptions along the route as the Torch made it's way from Philadelphia through New Jersey and into New York. The torch passed through East Brunswick (my home town), into South River (my second home town - where Church and my elementary school were located) into Sayreville, NJ (my Mom's hometown).

This was all quite heady stuff for a Rookie Amateur Radio op - to be involved in something of national and international significance.  As I remember when we marshalled for duty, it was pitch black and cold, cold, cold!. The Torch was due to make its way through South River (where I was stationed) around 6:00 AM or so.  For various reasons, it was delayed and came though just as dawn was breaking.

Thanks to Nicholas Bachar and the "You know You're From South River" Facebook page for posting photos:


 








There was a short ceremony in the center of town as a commemorative Olympic Flame was lit in front of the library.. From there, residents were able to light souvenir candles that were being given out so that they could have their own remembrance of the day the Olympic Flame passed through town.


It all happened so quickly! It seemed like it was over before it started. Fortunately, there were no problems to report, but we enjoyed communicating with the Hams on the support vehicles, nonetheless. And if participating in such an event weren't enough in and of itself, about a month later this came through the mail.


Needless to say, from that day on, I was hooked!  And I'm proud to say that throughout my Amateur Radio career, I have been providing communications for various civic events.  Granted, nothing as "glamorous" as an Olympic Torch Run, but each vital and necessary to their respective communities in their own ways.

72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!

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