RE: [DX-CHAT] EZ
Nope, sorry. EZ has been QRT for a few years now. The Turkmenistan government hasn't issued licenses for a long time and appears to have no plans to do so in the near future. I haven't heard anything at all within the last year. Some of the former licensees have been petitioning the government but so far nada. - 73 and Good DX Peter, W2IRT Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau Vice President, North Jersey DX Association -Original Message- From: kf...@njdxa.org [mailto:kf...@njdxa.org] On Behalf Of Barrie Smith Sent: Monday, July 25, 2011 9:53 PM To: dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: [DX-CHAT] EZ A few months ago a EZ8 was spotted on DX Watch. I tuned to the frequency and worked him. A few minutes later there was a spot, from another EZ, stating that the EZ8 was a pirate. Since then, I have not seen a spot for EZ. What's the story on EZ? Are there any active stations in that country? 73, Barrie, W7ALW --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org --- --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] Dayton 2012
Just found this picture of the Dayton public works department readying a sign for the Hara arena for 2012: http://hackedirl.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/9b63ce53-305d-436e-912b-0e4b947 bdca4.jpg About says it all, I think. Regards, Peter Dougherty --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---image001.gif
[DX-CHAT] Marathon 2010
Anybody else submitting an entry for CQDX Marathon 2010? Just e-mailed off my entry. A little disappointing; only 243 CQ entities (239 or 240 DXCC, IIRC), but all 40 zones in the log. I was shooting for 250 DXCC again this year (last time I hit it was 2006). - 73 and Good DX Peter, W2IRT Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau Vice President, North Jersey DX Association --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---image001.gif
[DX-CHAT] TN5SP?
Just worked a station signing TN5SP on 40 CW. Anybody know anything about that call? I haven't seen anything in the usual bulletins and nothing on QRZ. Did I just give our old friend Slim a new contact in his log or is this one legit? Strong signal to NJ beamed due east at 2245z so I'm not completely ruling it out, but my spidey-sense is tingling on this one for sure.. --- Regards, Peter, W2IRT --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---image001.gif
RE: [DX-CHAT] IRCs agn...
I feel your pain. My local post orifice morons barely understand the concept of IRCs, let alone what to do with them. There's only one clerk there who has a clue and I'll only deal with her. Yesterday I went in to buy a quantity of the new ones (with the 2012 expiration) and she tried to sell me the ones that expire this year. When I explained that they'll be worthless paper in under three months she just shrugged and said the manager won't order any new ones till all of the old ones are sold. And of course, said manager is *never* in when I ask for him. I'm just glad 90% of what I need to do at the PO I can do online or at the machine in the 24-hour lobby. If only I could get my IRCs and 61-cent stamps this way and mail out Media Mail parcels, I'd never need to actually enter a post orifice again. --- Regards, Peter, W2IRT -Original Message- From: kf...@njdxa.org [mailto:kf...@njdxa.org] On Behalf Of Steve Litwins Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 2:41 PM To: dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: [DX-CHAT] IRCs agn... Just went through a session at our local PO re redeeming the soon to expire IRCs. The postal clerks all work through a computer program which is used as inventory/cost etc control. I went in with some IRCs and they could not figure out how to get the computers system to take care of the transaction. So...if the computer program dies the PO must be shut down as it's the only way transactions can be recorded into the system. At least...that the way it was explained to me. The are stuck on square zero WRT dealing with IRCs until somebody in their mgmt sys tells them how to enter the transaction into their computer prog. So...I went back to the house with IRCs still in hand and have to wait until they can figure out how to deal with their computer system. I hope they can do this in the 3 months left to cash the expiring IRCs before the expiry date. I'll try and pass the info on so you all will not have to go through what I just did... 73/dx steve, k8wk *** --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org --- --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
RE: [DX-CHAT] IRCs agn...
I think I'll wait till they start trickling out through QSL managers, which is how I get most of my IRCs in the first place. I had 17 to get out between June and now and I probably won't need to send another card out (other than K4M) until the new year.s --- Regards, Peter, W2IRT -Original Message- From: Wally [mailto:wallyc...@comcast.net] On Behalf Of w1...@cooledge.com Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 3:38 PM To: w2...@verizon.net; litwi...@cox.net; dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: RE: [DX-CHAT] IRCs agn... For my IRC's I mail to this person rhode.p.ista...@usps.gov She is at PO in RI and can get you the new IRC's. All you want. About a one week turnaround. W1ioo Wally -Original Message- From: kf...@njdxa.org [mailto:kf...@njdxa.org] On Behalf Of Peter Dougherty Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 3:14 PM To: litwi...@cox.net; dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: RE: [DX-CHAT] IRCs agn... I feel your pain. My local post orifice morons barely understand the concept of IRCs, let alone what to do with them. There's only one clerk there who has a clue and I'll only deal with her. Yesterday I went in to buy a quantity of the new ones (with the 2012 expiration) and she tried to sell me the ones that expire this year. When I explained that they'll be worthless paper in under three months she just shrugged and said the manager won't order any new ones till all of the old ones are sold. And of course, said manager is *never* in when I ask for him. I'm just glad 90% of what I need to do at the PO I can do online or at the machine in the 24-hour lobby. If only I could get my IRCs and 61-cent stamps this way and mail out Media Mail parcels, I'd never need to actually enter a post orifice again. --- Regards, Peter, W2IRT -Original Message- From: kf...@njdxa.org [mailto:kf...@njdxa.org] On Behalf Of Steve Litwins Sent: Friday, October 09, 2009 2:41 PM To: dx-chat@njdxa.org Subject: [DX-CHAT] IRCs agn... Just went through a session at our local PO re redeeming the soon to expire IRCs. The postal clerks all work through a computer program which is used as inventory/cost etc control. I went in with some IRCs and they could not figure out how to get the computers system to take care of the transaction. So...if the computer program dies the PO must be shut down as it's the only way transactions can be recorded into the system. At least...that the way it was explained to me. The are stuck on square zero WRT dealing with IRCs until somebody in their mgmt sys tells them how to enter the transaction into their computer prog. So...I went back to the house with IRCs still in hand and have to wait until they can figure out how to deal with their computer system. I hope they can do this in the 3 months left to cash the expiring IRCs before the expiry date. I'll try and pass the info on so you all will not have to go through what I just did... 73/dx steve, k8wk *** --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org --- --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org --- --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
RE: [DX-CHAT] ZS8T
Not enough! --- Regards, Peter, W2IRT -Original Message- From: kf...@njdxa.org [mailto:kf...@njdxa.org] On Behalf Of Dick Flanagan Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 11:39 PM To: DX CHAT Subject: [DX-CHAT] ZS8T Does anyone know how many North American contacts were made with ZS8T? Dick -- Dick Flanagan K7VC d...@k7vc.com --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org --- --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
RE: [DX-CHAT] ZS8T
Yes, I agree; that was a huge and bitter disappointment for me. Marion is one I hope to get one of these days, but from what I last read last year, it's treated by the South African gov't the same way the U.S. treats Navassa, thus it probably won't be up for a long time. But, I did manage to get Petrus on Bouvet for an all-time New One, so I'm not too upset on-balance. I've had some amazing luck with rare and obscure entities in the last little while, but the truly world-class ultra-rare places are still not in my log, since most were all on before I got active and haven't been heard from since,-- or only here-and-there, for a day-or-two at most (Kingman, Heard, Macquarie, Campbell Island, Navassa, Yemen, etc). P5 I just couldn't hear and I only had low wires and 100W back then. I think the only one in that category that I can say I'm lucky enough to have snared was Scarborough Reef this last activation and I'm still over-the-moon thinking about busting that pile as many times as I did. VU4 and VU7 were similarly thrilling, too. I'm really looking forward to Glorioso next month as well. As I wrote in another forum, I'm utterly fascinated by the thought of working entities that have been artificially closed off, seemingly-forever, by government fiat -- rather than just plain difficult or expensive to activate. Think Navassa versus Peter-1. With no sunspots, the tense world security and financial situations, I hope I'm around long enough to see another 7O or P5 or ZS8. Gotta wonder, back in the day, how many hams never lived long enough to get a BY, VU or a ZA in their logs. --- Regards, Peter, W2IRT -Original Message- From: Dick Flanagan [mailto:d...@k7vc.com] Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 12:36 AM To: Peter Dougherty Cc: 'DX CHAT' Subject: RE: [DX-CHAT] ZS8T I truly wonder if Petrus will ever know just how many people donated time, money and equipment to make his operation a success. On the other hand, I am sure the pile-ups would have daunted even an experienced DXer, let alone a new and experienced ham like Petrus. If anyone could be blamed for the shortfall, I think it would be those who inflated the expectations of the DX community without knowing whether Petrus would be up to the task. In many ways I feel sorry for him and the legacy that will always follow him. Dick At 09:18 PM 8/20/2009, Peter Dougherty wrote: Not enough! --- Regards, Peter, W2IRT -Original Message- From: kf...@njdxa.org [mailto:kf...@njdxa.org] On Behalf Of Dick Flanagan Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 11:39 PM To: DX CHAT Subject: [DX-CHAT] ZS8T Does anyone know how many North American contacts were made with ZS8T? Dick -- Dick Flanagan K7VC d...@k7vc.com -- Dick Flanagan K7VC d...@k7vc.com --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] Dayton DX banquet tickets
Hi all, There's a small possibility that I may be able to make it to Dayton this year after all. I'm wondering if anybody knows if tickets are still available to the DX and/or contest banquets in the Crowne Plaza-or has a spare. Thanks in advance. I don't have any reservations finalized yet, but just wondering about the possibilities. --- Regards, Peter, W2IRT --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to imail...@njdxa.org In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---image001.gif
[DX-CHAT] Re: [DX-NEWS] [dx-check:1155] Operations approved for DXCC credit
A52AM Bhutan Operation from March 20 through September 26, 2007 Last I heard that operation was shut down by the A5 government because they ran unauthorized power, and as a result, Newington considered A52AM to be an invalid operation. Wonder what changed their minds? Of course, this happens just AFTER I busted the A5100A pileup this morning! Regards, Peter, W2IRT --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] Email spot alerting
Hello all, I've been using AR-User from Lee, VE7CC, for a few years now and it's worked wonderfully, up until I switched ISPs last month. My new ISP, Verizon, requires authorization to send, and this provision is not available in Lee's program. With that in mind, are there any alternatives out there that could either attach to the ar-user program like a ligger and forward a spot through a regular e-mail app, or any other way of notifying an external device? Are there any loggers that have a send-an-email option that uses authentication that I could run in the background as a spot collector/mailer? I guess the final possible solution to this might be if there's a way to use a different mail gateway that doesn't require authentication (given the spam problems out there, I'm guessing that's not a real possibility any more). Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Regards, Peter, W2IRT --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] 5X4X on 80m?
Hi all, Last night I heard a station signing 5X4X on 80m. This was quite loud and relatively easy to work with a vee at 70' and 1500W. I don't really have any directionality on 80 at all and I'm wondering if anybody heard this station and had an inkling of whether or not it was legit. I tried e-mailing 5X4X's manager (DF5GQ) but the e-mail address is no-good. I have my suspicions that this was a pirate due to the strong signal, but I'm not 100% sure. There's nothing on QRZ about him being active on 80. Anybody else hear this guy last night? Regards, Peter, W2IRT --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] Changing e-mail addresses
OK, I think old age is catching up with me. Can anybody tell me the URL I should use to change my subscribed e-mail address? I just got FiOS installed yesterday and I want to switch both this reflector and DX-News over to [EMAIL PROTECTED], but I'll be darned if I can find the link from the NJDXA home page. Thanks in advance. Regards, Peter, W2IRT --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] Changing e-mail addresses
At 01:34 AM 9/17/2008, David Rollitt wrote: Hi Peter I just unsubscribed my old addy and re-subscribed my new addy, the info is at the end of all postings. It may not be pretty but it works hi! Hi David (and all who replied) - this cutover from Comcast to Verizon hasn't been as smooth as I'd have hoped, and I overlooked the subscribe info when I sent my original post on the topic. I've already done as you've recommended and all's well. Regards, Peter, W2IRT --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] Anybody up for a Pacific trip?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26396214/ They mention Kingman specifically, and I'm sure a few more rare/ultra-rare ones will be included in that plan. Gotta say, it would be great to see at least one of those endangered entities activated before it's too late. Regards, Peter, W2IRT --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] Re: [DX-NEWS] Ducie on LOTW
At 03:47 PM 6/26/2008, Jim Abercrombie wrote: Today, I discovered all my qsl's on LOTW for Ducie Island. Jim N4JA Nothing here. I sent my $20 donation in cash with my physical card as soon as I got my last bandslot filled. Guess I shoulda done it online :-( Regards, Peter, W2IRT --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] Re: [DX-NEWS] Ducie on LOTW
At 05:01 PM 6/26/2008, Eric Scace K3NA wrote: Peter -- We received 9500+ envelopes in the post. About half have been opened so far by the QSL volunteers. Yes, on-line requests are much faster for both the DXer and the QSL volunteers. Thanks for your patience. Not a problem - was hoping that after my donation was received that my LoTW matches might have been uploaded but no worries - I'm not in a hurry - not going to Newington until December 30th or 31st. Thanks for your hard work and for being part of the team. 73 and Good DX Peter, W2IRT Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau North Jersey DX Association --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list. Please send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
Re: [DX-CHAT] Radio Procedure-on phone
At 11:08 AM 6/3/2008, David Yarnes wrote: You describe the problem very well. The only thing is, it's kind of like an accent. You can pick it up going in, and you tend to lose it going out. Habits are hard to break, but so long as we don't pick up on it ourselves, I think in time it will begin to fade. Personally hearing QSL instead of over doesn't bother me in the slightest, especially if the QSO is with someone who doesn't speak English very well. The more of an impediment the language barrier is the more inclined I am to follow the other op's lead; if he turns it over to me with QSL? I will use that with him if there's any doubt and if condx are marginal, etc. For stateside-to-stateside or between native English-speakers (from anywhere), I think it's silly, but to each their own. On local repeaters, though, it does grate on me, as does most other lingo when both sides are full-quieting and in-range of the repeater. When I elmer new hams I stress the importance of just speaking to other hams the same as you'd talk to non-radio friends on the phone. The one bit of cb-crap that sets my teeth on edge is on the side. Regards, Peter, W2IRT --- To unsubscribe or subscribe to this list send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message body put either unsubscribe dx-chat or subscribe dx-chat This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org ---
[DX-CHAT] YA/LY1Y is now valid!
#309 confirmed as of today. Per the DXCC blog: The following operation has been approved for DXCC credit: YA/LY1Y -- Afghanistan Operations in 2006 and 2007 If you had cards rejected for this operation send an e-mail to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] to be placed on the list for an update. 73 es DX! Bill Moore NC1L DXCC Manager Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] I wish to register a complaint!
Yesterday afternoon a cluster-crab made an off-hand about 10 and 15 (or was it 17 15) being dead - to which I replied in a very pythonesque manner. Well tonight, after a few choice single-malts, the creative juices began to flow and pretty soon the following oozed out of my brain and onto eHam's DXing forum. --- QRPer from down the hill enters an office containing a counter with an HF radio and microphone on it. A clerk is standing behind the counter. QRPer: I wish to register a complaint! Ofcom agent: Sorry, we're closed for lunch... QRPer: Never mind that, ol' man, I wish to complain about 10 meters, wot I got permission to use not half a year ago fom this very boutique. Ofcom agent: Oh, yes, 10 meters. What's, uhwhat's wrong with it? QRPer: I'll tell you what's wrong with it OM, It's DEAD, that's what's wrong with it. Ofcom agent: Oh no, it's resting. QRPer: Look matey, I know a dead band when I hear one, and I'm listening to one right now. Ofcom agent: No no, it's not dead, it's restin'. Remarkable band, ten metres...beautiful daylight coverage. QRPer: The coverage don't enter into itit's stone dead. Ofcom agent: no no no no, it's *resting*. QRPer: ALLright then, if it's resting, I'll wake it up. CQ. CQ TEN. I'M QRV BETWEEN LIGHTNING BOLTS ON CLIPPERTON ISLAND IF YOU'LL WAKE UP, TEN METERS! (Ofcom agent quickly breaks out a bug and oscillator and sends some fast CW) Ofcom agent: There, that was a signal QRPer: Not it wasn't, that was you sending on a practice oscillator. Ofcom agent: I NEVER QRPer Yes you did! Ofcom agent: I did naugh... QRPer: (quickly tuning the transmitter) S CUE TEN SCUE TEN!!! QRZ TEN METERS! THIS IS YOUR DX WAKEUP CALL (Turns up the AF gain and spins the VFO to only the sound of static). QRPer: Now that's what I call a dead band. Ofcom agent: No, no.no it's STUNNED. QRPer: STUNNED? Ofcom agent: Yeah, you stunned it just when you were tuning up. 10 meters stuns easily. QRPer: Umnow look, mate, don't play the slippery eel with me. That band is definitely deceased, and when I went QRV not six short months ago, my Elmer assured me that its total lack of activity was due to it bein' tired and shagged out following CQ World Wide. Ofcom agent: Well, it's probably pining for sunspots. QRPer: PININ' for SUNSPOTS??? What kind of talk is that and why did it fall flat the moment I put my tower up? Ofcom agent: 10 meters prefers keeping quiet like that. Remarkable band, innit? Beautiful Daylight Coverage. QRPer: Look tosh, I took the liberty of examining that band when the TI9 was on, and I discovered that the only reason there were any signals at all was because I was listening to other callers on ground wave. Ofcom agent: Well of *course* you were hearing them ground wave. Look, if there'd been any propagation at all they'd have all come in long path, and VOOM. QRPer: VOOM? Ofcom agent: Voom. QRPer: Mate, this band wouldn't voom if the solar flux was four hundred thousand! It's bleedin' DEMISED! Ofcom agent: No no, it's pining for sunsp QRPer: It's not pining, it's passed on. It has ceased to be. It's a wasteland just like 6 with no aurora! It's flatter than me 80 meter dipole. If it hadn't been for ground wave I'd be hearing crickets. It's off the dial, it's run down the coax and joined the bloody Palos Verdes Sundancers. Vis-a-vis DX QSOs, this band's 'ad it's lot. All statements to the effect of this band's being workable are from now on inoperative. TEN METERS IS NOW QRT! (slams mic down on the desk) Radio: CQ CQ CQ TEN VP8LP calling from the Falkland Islands, anybody, anywhere, CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ (fades out). QRPer: (astonished) Ofcom agent: Right! (evil grin on his face; pull back to reveal the Ofcom agent pull out a Wouff Hong and a Rettysnitch from behind the counter and chases the QRPer out of the office and down the street). --- (may be shamelessly copied eslewhere and modified to be funnier at will, but please credit W2IRT) Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Noise Cancelling Headset?
At 07:28 PM 3/27/2008, Stuart Santelmann KC1F wrote: I think contesting can be described as heavy duty use, as I think that's what my friend K1DG primarily would use that headset for... heh. Yeah, contesting and DXing at all hours of the day and night. Plus, I have a big head (heh...no comments necessary) so that's even more stress on 'em. Heil wouldn't fix a lemon headset for free ? The anti-ham radio fairies apparently sat on my Pro-Set a while ago, and I think I only paid for shipping to Heil for repair, although I can't remember for sure. Plus it came back with the latest upgrades. Oh, I never said that Bob didn't stand behind the products - don't get me wrong there! He's replaced them three times for just the cost of shipping. But it isn't the money that's the problem since even his full repair prices are extremely reasonable. The problem is the reliability of this particular item. Since it's no longer offered for sale on Heil's site, I'm guessing that says something right there. I hold no ill feelings for Bob or his company whatsoever. He's always been good to me. But. It's now 48 hours until the last major SSB contest of the season and my headset partially failed. Thankfully it does work in the ANR-ON mode so no harm, but still, it's a question of it being the fourth failure in three years and in my books that's where I have to draw the line and start looking for alternatives. People are lining up to spend $3000 to $10,500 on new high-end HF transceivers and there's a typical 10-12 week wait for $3000 SteppIR antennas. There IS room in the market for a high-end ANR boom mic headset. How I wish someone would fill it with a really well-engineered and ergonomically-designed product. Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Morse code buffs....question
At 08:41 AM 3/24/2008, Win wrote: It is different each week. It is usually the title of the episode. Nope - that was only the first episode (Jericho pilot). The second season started off with we're baaack. Each week it's 2 or 3 words relevant to the episode. Sometimes it's a sentence broken down over 2 or 3 weeks (as is the case now). Two weeks ago it was tho it is dark; last week it was know our flag and the sentence will be completed tomorrow night when the final-episode (ever) airs. Sadly, CBS didn't renew it. (Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to buy a few more pounds of Nuts) Win, W0LZ - Original Message - From: Rod [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: DX-Chat dx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Monday, March 24, 2008 1:00 AM Subject: [DX-CHAT] Morse code buffsquestion This is probably not the place to ask, but here goes. The Television show 'Jerico' has cw during the title, my cw is so rusty I can't tell what they are saying, is the message the same each week and each commercial break? Tnx, Rod KA5EJX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.8/1340 - Release Date: 3/23/2008 6:50 PM Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] On-Line Logs
At 09:28 AM 3/18/2008, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If you have to go to an on-line log to know whether you worked the station or not, you DIDN'T ... ... and the analogy is similar to the DX nets wherein the net control bleats out good one! My anti-flame suit is on. So don't waste bandwidth. You won't be in the log. Not a flame, but consider this: Sometimes a Q is good, you've clearly copied your call coming back and report, etc...and the DX station, through touch-typing on his laptop and paying attention to something else, logs a different call or enters nonsensical characters by accident - and doesn't pick up the error. Or maybe something even more basic - the log from that computer gets damaged somehow between when the Q was made and your card is presented to them for verification. We can live without online logs, but if they're available, that's a huge plus for us AND a huge plus for them (in terms of less dupes), AND a huge plus for the low power/low wire stations who have a bunch of extra chances to make *their* Q's since less big guys will be calling and duping. Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] On-Line Logs
At 10:38 AM 3/18/2008, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: Still, when last QSO posted is nearly 24 hours old when the log is posted, the on line log is practically useless. Depends on the band G. My 160 QSO with 5T5DC posted overnight, but if it didn't show up until dusk tonight, no big deal :-) !! (and *wow* do they have a nice signal on 160!) Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Tracking the SHOGUN?
Hi all, Just wondering if the position of the M/V Shogun can somehow be tracked online? I tried a few sites but the only references I could find to a vessel of that name were an Italian cargo ship and a pleasurecraft somewhere in California. Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Directional CQs
At 10:52 PM 3/16/2008, Charles Harpole wrote: Many recent DXpeditions have, in my opinion, over-studied the data to serve under served areas, have propagation charts, and be extra aware of their important position as the only (last?) hams to be at that locale. One effect is the extensive use of DIRECTIONAL CQs... usually only EU or only NA. This is one of my biggest gripes in DXing (well, that and by the numbers). Human nature says that whenever you exclude a group of people for whatever good reason you have, the excluded will generally take offense and resentment will start to form, regardless whether this is rational or not. As such, there really is only one solution to this problem, and that's to open it up to everyone, everywhere for as long as possible (though I do think looking for the hardest parts of the world from where the DX is operating on the low bands, at the grey-line, is excellent operating practice). What this means, on the other hand, is the DX station needs to be skilled enough to handle the onslaught of callers from everywhere and have equipment and abilities to work the pileup down efficiently. The other problem with directional calls is CW - It's very difficult on CW to convey a sense of where you want to hear from. It's easy to send USA or NA, but that leaves out Central and South America - would the DX want those too? Or does he really JUST want the US/Canada? Ditto for calling for JA, but leaving out the rest of Asia, VK and ZL, or EU but not Africa, the middle-East or western Asia, etc. It's easier on SSB and RTTY, but still, the longer it takes to say WHO/WHERE you're listening for, the bigger and more unruly the pileup will get. It's easier for the pileup and the operator to send XX1XXX QRZ UP than XX1XXX QRZ EU AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST ONLY or whatever. Sure, the wall will become louder on and near your QSX, but just work the loudest ones. Eventually you'll either get tired and go for an 807, or you'll run out of 59++ signals and you'll get to dig deeper to the ones who are only 59, then the 57s, then the 55s, etc...at least till you get spotted and get another round of 20-overs calling you again. If you have a rock-solid wall of noise with nothing leaping out at you, expand your QSX range to 5 or 7 kHz on SSB. Maybe even 10 if it's unusually bad. Work the edges, pick off the big guns. Eventually, you'll settle down to a single QSX with luck, pick 'em off with little effort. I sure can't speak for HS-land, but when I was on C6 I found that to be the easiest way to make Q's...take all callers. Though I DID take EU only for a couple of hours one night as I wanted to boost my country count a little. Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] how to be DX?
At 07:19 PM 3/7/2008, Charles Harpole wrote: I am vy minor DX but get large EU pile ups anyway (likely due to boredom, no one else to call that moment). Due to EU calling practices, I must use split, and feel guilty about using two freqs. on the band. Thus, I use one listening frequency. But, after a few minutes of working the REALLY LOUD, most of the ten to twenty callers are all the same strength and I can not get more than one letter. I am loath to ask for a 5kc spread of listening freqs 5 kHz is not a huge range for a big pileup and I daresay nobody would begrudge a difficult-to-work country 5 kHz of space outside of contests. What you could do, alternatively, is say listening up about 5. Move your receiver around between say 4 and 7 and eventually they'll catch onto what you're doing. You'll use a little less band if you're concerned with that, and still have a bit of a playground to work in. If you were trying to hog 20 kHz, yeah, that would be insane and poor operating practice, IMHO. HS-land isn't exactly the US, Japan, Italy or France - and it's not an easy path to NA or western Europe, so I say go for it and have fun. Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Cable X-perts out of busines ????
At 07:12 AM 3/3/2008, Jon Maguire wrote: Guys, I have severe arthritis in my hands, so assembling PL-259s has aways been a problem. I know, however, there are tools to both strip the coax, and install the connector with a minimum of hassle. Anyone have any pointers to these tools? Thanks in advance for any pointers. Go with the Cablematic UT-8000 coax prep tool for RG-213-sized cable and get a good high-quality ratcheting crimp tool for the connector bodies. IF you use a high-quality tool and do the job right you'll get a far better mechanical connection than you will with solder-type 259s. Here's the best link I found on the subject: http://www.bcdxc.org/pl259_crimp_on_connectors.htm Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] directional CQs
At 04:23 PM 2/21/2008, Charles Harpole wrote: Talking abt waiting out an EU only calling practice of 3 hrs from VP6DX. realize that there is NEVER a directional CQ for South East Asia. DXpeditions rarely call for Africa only, VK ZL only, nor South Asia only. An Asia only call really means JA if such a call was ever made. Yet another reason I'm vehemently against calling by areas, by numbers or any other kind of spoonfeeding in major DXpeditions. If they're going to be QRV for two or three weeks, take whoever you can hear loudest and let the loud guys make their Q's, then as the piles grow smaller, take the weaker and weaker stations until finally anybody who calls can get through. I can see a BS7 or similar ultra-rare/short-duration operations going by continent/area to give everyone a shot at one QSO in the log, but for big international multi-station QRO operations that will be on for a while, I'm strictly against this kind of operation. Of course, it's ultimately up to the organizers and operators on how they want to run their DXpedition--as it should and MUST be. My voice is just one from the thousands who try to work 'em everywhere. VP6DX has been an amazing DXpedition by all accounts but I must admit the hours-on-end of EU only on the low bands got very tiring very quickly. Dare I say it, I sincerely doubt we'll ever see six hours-on-end, every day, of NA only, EU-stand-by when a DXpedition starts up from some place where propagation to EU is better than it is to NA. Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] directional CQs
At 07:12 PM 2/21/2008, you wrote: There are an awful lot of casual DXers, as I brought up in the eHam thread, who work full-time jobs and strong family obligations, who really only get 2 or 3 hours a night between supper and bedtime to play radio. I can't argue with that! However, there are a lot of 'em in Europe too. (Wait screw 'em... we wouldn't want to spoon feed anyone ;-) ) You say it tongue-in-cheek; I say it with mostly a straight fact. I'm very survival-of-the-fittest in regards to how I see Life, The Universe and Everything. Without straying off target too far, suffice to say I do, very much, believe that you deserve to get the results commensurate to the effort you put into any task, and the results should be by your own actions and knowledge of the world and the situation around you. This is one of the big things that draws me into DXing, to be honest. Probably took me an hour or two total just dipping in and out of the shack one call, two call, five call kind of stuff... and the casual NA DXer will have all of that to look forward to this coming Saturday and Sunday I'm sure! Oh, for sure. Everyone who wants Ducie Island and has access to a radio and the desire to turn it on and call them will get a Q this weekend, almost guaranteed. Do the casual NA DXers have an easy time on FORTY meters? No, probably not, but many if not all not all of my higher band contacts on *Saturday* were completed after sunset in all of EU... mostly shutting down those bands there. I don't even think the EU's have been able to hear VP6DX much on the higher bands... but your prop charts may prove me right or wrong on that. I'm looking at prop for OH, SP and EA. OH doesn't have much at all above 20, and even there, just a few hours, period. 1400-1530 on 20, maybe the same on 17 with lower reliability and not much beyond that. Slight chance on 15 and nothing on 10 or 12 to speak of. SP has even less short-path and about 2 hours long-path on 20, and not much else. EA, on the other hand, has a very good shot on all bands, including 10m, and not too much different on 15 and above than W1/W2/W3. Grab a copy of W6EL Prop (freeware) and plug in VP6/D into Terminal A and a variety of others in Terminal B. It's an interesting way to compare. You can run batch comparisons, too, though I've never done that. I think EU only on 40m all evening here makes it possible for the casual EU DXer to wake up early and work VP6DX on a reliable band ... something that the US casual DXer will still have a chance to in their morning on 40m as well, I would suppose, though I haven't listened for them at that time. Yup, if your schedule (or in most cases, your family's schedule) allows you to be up hamming at Dawn - and up to about an hour and a half after dawn on 40, you should get them easily. 40m is a huge band for the EUs at the expense of NA guys, I won't deny that. However, I think VP6DX is just using the propagation there as an opportunity to make up for the other bands! OK. maybe I'll just go with the flow. I'll change my mind. Next time Glorioso, Tromelin, Heard, Amsterdam/St.Paul or Crozet come up, I'll get all huffity when I have to fight an EU wall louder than ANY wall the EU guys would have had to fight through for Ducie on 40. I'll bet you one nickel we won't have a clear shot on 40, ever. If it's a 3 week DXpedition to Bhutan (I missed the first one - here's hoping another one starts up soon), I'd be insulted to be spoon-fed Isn't a 3 week DXpedition to Bhutan spoon-feeding in its own right, as is VP6DX and any other DXpedition that isn't some dude with an IC-706 and a dipole? Interesting point, actually. I missed out Marion Island a couple of years ago (couldn't hear them), but got Bouvet like that a few weeks back. Sure takes DXing to a more challenging level, that's for sure! I like bagging a few new ones like that, but honestly, I DO welcome the big operations, since I also compete for the DXCC challenge. But to the issue at hand, all I really want from any big operation is Anyone, Anywhere. Let the propagation do what it will, let the best stations and the best operators reap the rewards from their hard work, knowledge and expensive hardware. I'd have positively hated that concept as a n00b in 2001; I love it now that I'm a modest station, a journeyman's knowledge of propagation and technique and have a love of competition. Anyone know of a table of # of hams per continent so we can normalize the VP6DX stats table to reflect per capita QSOs? Would be interesting in discussing the original question. All their stats on online. This, I think, is the one you're interested in. I don't know from statistical analysis, so have at it: http://ducie2008.dl1mgb.com/qsostatistics/continents/index.php To me, how an operation chooses to handle the 40m CW band slot when there's a simultaneous opening to the United States and Europe tells me just how
Re: [DX-CHAT] Kosovo
At 06:14 PM 2/19/2008, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Even though Kosovo has declared independence, doesn't it have to pass additional criteria (UN Recog, ITU, etc.) before it become a legit new DXCC country?? Yes. It must either be officially recognized by the UN or get a prefix block from the ITU, either one. The date that one of these occurs is the event date upon which it will become a new DXCC entity. Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] VP6DX - 160M SSB
At 11:29 AM 2/16/2008, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Has anyone on this reflector worked VP6DX on 160M SSB. As near as I can tell, they have not been on yet. If you have had a contact with them or heard them on 160M SSB, can you tell me the time and date?? They have not been QRV on 160 phone as of yet. Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] DXpedition Expectations
At 05:42 PM 2/10/2008, you wrote: TI9KK has monster raging pileups. I saw a spot for ZK2CC on 40m last night and one called 'em. 100W. Yup, I got the ZK2 on 15 (new band for me), low power/no-amp and with one or two calls, no waiting. Also this afternoon I got HC1MD on 12m CW, another new bandfill--also low power one call, as well as three mode-fills on RTTY yesterday (Uruguay, Nicaragua and Peru). (though I'm a little bit terrified of listening the first time they hit 160m ) You and me both! Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Ducie's QRV!
Just worked 'em on 40 CW. Fast op, huge signal, great ears; should be a hell of a DXpedition! Regards, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] TO5FJ 160m QSOs in online log yet?
At 03:05 PM 1/19/2008, Bernie McClenny, W3UR wrote: I worked them the first night and my QSO is in the online log search http://www.f6exv.org/LOG_ONLINE/ My guess is either you (W2UP) did not work him or he maybe a letter or so off. Either way I'd send a QSL (with all your other QSLs) and let him double check the log. My topband Q wasn't in the log this morning but is now, so it looks like Paul updated it sometime today. 73 Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] It Counts!
FJ/OH2AM counts for DXCC as per the ARRL this afternoon http://www.arrl.org/blog/DXCC%20Dialog Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Your own personal BPL generator
Or, more likely, your *neighbour's* own personal BPL generator: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/12/24/review_devolo_wireless_extender/ Oh, Joy. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] IRC's not valid/accepted in Lebanon
At 07:50 PM 1/9/2008, Don wrote: OD5NH informs me that IRC's are not valid in Lebanon. Which is why, I'll bet, there are so many complaints from people who don't get a card. He's had that on his QRZ.com page forever and how much do you want to bet that a lot of people send them anyways. Every time I've sent G$$ to Puzant I've gotten a card back. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] IRC's not valid/accepted in Lebanon
At 10:50 PM 1/9/2008, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: Every time I've sent G$$ to Puzant I've gotten a card back. You're lucky. Two tries a year apart (latest being seven months ago) with G$$ and not a thing. I should qualify that statement by saying all my submissions were sent before Lebanon went back into hell in 2006. All mine were in the 2002-2005 time frame, usually after about a 4-6 month turn-around. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] 5L2MS rejected by DXCC as a Shipboard Operation
Greetings all, Thanks to everyone who sent me private e-mail earlier today concerning this situation with 5L2MS. It does indeed seem that the operation was very much land-based and I suspect it will be rectified in the coming few weeks. Now, if only YA/LY1Y would count grin! Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] 5L2MS rejected by DXCC as a Shipboard Operation
Hi all, Just FYI, I had four claimed QSOs with 5L2MS rejected by the DXCC desk this afternoon; the reason indicated was that this was as a Shipboard Operation (despite the photos at http://www.liberia2007.com/pictures.php). I'm not sure if they operated /MM before or after the operation but the QSO dates that were rejected were October 8, 10, 12 and 13th, 2007 on 30, 17, 20 and 40m respectively. There was nothing on the cards indicating that operation was conducted /MM nor were they signing /MM at the time. Has anybody else received (or been denied) credit for this operation? Bill Moore is on vacation this week and next, so if this is an issue, I'll drop him an e-mail when he gets back in January. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] FJ Can of worms
Speaking about FJ, H boy, this is about to get interesting http://arp75.free.fr/Lettreaucomitedxcc_english.pdf All I can say, I'm glad FH5KH was QRV also. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Merry Christmas
My gracious and charming XYL and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone on DX Chat and DX QSL a very Merry Christmas. Here's hoping Santa's extra-careful with your new ACOM or K3 (it just Won't Do to have chimney soot on that nice finish!), and that you don't get eight flying reindeer tangled in your antennas! May the peace and joy of the season be with us all. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] FJ
At 08:33 AM 12/22/2007, G Nuth wrote: You guys are lucky with the great sigs for FJ stations, not a peep in ZL. Doubt if we would be lucky in a pile-up even if we could hear them. 73 ZL3ACA I took a peek at propagation forecasts and you should be able to at least hear them on 40 CW between about 0800 and 1030 UTC, and on 20 between 1200 and 1300. I know they were working JAs on 40 CW yesterday around 1000 when I turned the radio on. Thems the breaks from down-under. True, but think how easy a shot you have to ZL8, ZL9, Macquarie, Heard, Willis, Christmas and Cocos-Keling etc! Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] FJ Activity
At 08:24 PM 12/22/2007, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't know how many of you caught the activity down around 14.165 at 1930z and there after. FJ5KH was quite active at this time, easy to work and had a big signal. The natives are active. Yup; they were begging while Martti was bangin' 'em off, too. Surprising. The local guys said something about showing up on either 40 or 80 tonight, too, but so far nothing. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Re:A52AM
At 04:28 PM 12/17/2007, mike giddings wrote: A paragraph in the January issue of Radio Communication mentions that the RSGB have recently received an email from the Director,Bhutan Infocomm and Media Authority, to the effect that the callsign A52AM was cancelled on the 27 September 2007 and any subsequent operation under that callsign is illegal.The stated reason is that the station was operating with 1kW despite the 100 watt power limit in force in Bhutan. Anyone know if the ARRL will still honour QSO's with A52AM for DXCC purposes prior to 27 September 2007? According to an e-mail I got from Bill Moore this weekend, the whole operation is invalid for awards, unfortunately. I'm with you, personally - that there was a valid license was in force before that date, but I suspect (just my opinion, not Bill's) that it's a matter of integrity and making an example of an operator who flaunts the regulations. Would have been an all-time new one for me, too alas. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] RE: UP
At 12:39 PM 12/15/2007, Art RX9TX wrote: RNW they be charged with transmitting a false call sign, since UP is a Russian RNW prefix I cant tolerate that for that long :), UP is Kazakh, Kazakh, Kazakh prefix, not Russian. That's it, We'll send BORAT after them! Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] 'tis the season
At 05:19 PM 12/14/2007, Charles Harpole wrote: To Western hams, mostly K4VUD ... sounds like a Western callsign to me. Your new QTH must be wonderful and I'm glad you enjoy being there, and thus I expect by now you have submitted your American license for cancellation, returned your US passport to the Department of State and formally renounced your US citizenship? Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] 'tis the season
AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FOR 2008! God bless us. Everyone. Oh, wait a minute I might offend the athiests or agnostics--Even though I AM one, I'll say it anyway because it's that time of the year and it makes people happy. Charles (and other PC-types), maybe, instead, it would be best for each of us to wish our fellow hams -- and or fellow man for that matter -- something blessed and peaceful that we feel deep in our own hearts. If the ham on the other end of the circuit feels animosity towards me for being wished Merry (or Happy) Christmas on a day we hold near and dear, that doesn't say much for him, IMHO, and if that's the case, do I really want him in my log? Wish me a Merry Christmas, happy Chanukah, joyous Kwanzaa or bid me a merry winter solstice...I'll not take offence at any, nor will I think less of you for doing so. And while I'm at it and on the subject of the 4th of July, God Bless America and keep her men and women in combat safe. At 05:50 PM 12/14/2007, you wrote: HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !! AND HAPPY 4TH JULY AS WELL :-)) Original Message - From: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Charles Harpole To: mailto:dx-chat@njdxa.orgdx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 10:19 PM Subject: [DX-CHAT] 'tis the season To Western hams, mostly Please remember it is most polite to offer a seasons greetings or happy holidays to those not of the Christian faiths (instead of Merry Christmas for example). Receivers of the mis-directed merry christmases--most will forgive the senders' misplaced earnestness but the implied arrogance and cultural insensitivity still remains to taint in a small way an otherwise happy season. Thanks for your understanding of individual differences. And, no happy fourth of July to a Brit, pse. 73, Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] 'tis the season
At 12:47 AM 12/15/2007, Ron Notarius W3WN wrote: There were spots for E4/OM2DX on 80 and 40 earlier this evening. I THOUGHT I heard them, barely, on 80, but of course, the Russian Frequency Cops -- the ones with the 2 letter call UP -- were jamming the frequency. We've got a week, hopefully. Plenty of time. Got 'em on 80 through some QSB and my usual S9++ electrical QRN. They were stronger on 80 than 40 to me, and (of course) working EU heavily. Sigh. I lost them on 40 from about 10:30 to 11:30 pm then they came back up, albeit with deep fades, but by then, they weren't listening for stateside any more and the EU powerhouses took over. I'm hoping to nail 'em on 1 or 2 of the higher bands tomorrow before the impending Nor'Easter forces me to lower the tower for a couple of days (can't beam to them when it's down due to trees). They're saying freezing rain and heavy ice accretion possible as well as strong gusty frigid winds from the NW for 3 days afterwards. Ought to be interesting to say the least! I'm hoping I can at least get the tower back up part-way after the worst of the storm is over. Gotta say, it sure would be funny if I only get them on one band, and that band is 80! I think that would be a first for an All-Time New One! Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] How do you view new DXCC countries?
At 10:29 AM 12/11/2007, Barry wrote: If it's an exotic location, I can understand the excitement. However, when new DXCC entities are created out of relatively common, easy to work entities, due to political changes (YU, PJ, etc.) I view it as more of a pain in the a** having to work them and collect QSLs to maintain my position on the Honor Roll. What's your view? PITA, yes, but when you're bored silly and 5 or 6 new entities all come on at once (i.e. a year from now in the Caribbean), it will make for some Hot Times on the Old Bands. Personally, I love busting pileups so it'll be fun for me, especially if I can get all of them on 9 bands/3 modes in as short a time as possible. I'm also hoping to travel down for a first-activation of one of these, something that just wouldn't be possible to some far-flung island at the end of nowhere. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] How do you view new DXCC countries?
At 11:23 AM 12/11/2007, Dan Zimmerman N3OX wrote: Besides, don't you want to eventually be pushing 390 active+deleted someday? ;-) Remember, too, that's the *only* way newcomers will ever get high totals since there will never be another deleted entity according to the revised rules. As older DXers leave us, new DXers won't ever see those truly high numbers until more entities get created over the years. I'm really waiting for the other shoe to drop, however--the first time an entity is removed from the list and all credits just go away instantly. THAT will be an uproar that will reverberate throughout the Hallowed Halls Of Newington. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] 2008 New Ones
Looks like the bar may be set even higher. In addition to the Netherlands Antilles re-configuration possibly some action on Kosovo in '08... http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071210/ts_nm/serbia_kosovo_un_dc Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Power cycling the ACOM-1000
At 12:59 PM 11/19/2007, Paul M Dunphy wrote: I have an ACOM-1000 that has exceeded my expectation by far. This question is basic electronics, and I'm asking it in the context of the ACOM-1000, not radios, computers, etc. I use my station most of the day, from about 8:00 AM until midnight. This is done occasionally as in I'm in and out of the shack, and doing other things such as email, etc. Now and then something shows up on the DX Cluster I need, or I just decide to play radio for an hour or two. I may go 2-3 hours without using the amp even 4-5 hours if I don't need the extra power. I have been turning everything on in the morning and then turning it off around midnight. In terms of wear and tear on the ACOM-1000, as well as the life of the tube, would it be better to turn it off for the 2-3 hour periods when it is being used, or to leave it on all day as I have been doing? I know the off/on cycle stresses components, especially tubes, but so does leaving a piece of equipment running 15-16 hours a day. I'm curious about this too with my 3CX1200A7 in my AL-1200. My operating style is pretty well exactly the same as yours. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Rec'd: ZS1JX, EA6NB, 7Q7CE, EA6/I1RSA
ZS1JX: SAE+$2 sent direct on Oct. 22nd (#99 on 160m - larger-format card, op used his own envelope - TU!!). EA6NB: SASE/stamp sent direct on Nov. 7th (12 CW). 7Q7CE: SAE+IRC sent via IN3VZE on Oct. 22nd. (20 RTTY) EA6/I1RSA: SASE/stamps sent direct on Nov. 7th (20 RTTY completing 9 x 3 sweep of the Balearic Islands). DX of interest via LoTW: AN1A DH3RD XE1MW PJ2T Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] a little more on Ten Tec woes
At 08:26 AM 10/25/2007, Charles Harpole wrote: Ron's suggestion confirms my assertion that Ten Tec has a customer service problem radios that are orphans in the storm. I hope my message is a wake up call to a company whose products I admire and mostly proudly own. Three strikes.. ur out in the old ball game 73 I think you may have just bought your last new piece of T-T gear, whether you meant to or not. I've heard a few stories out there how T-T fires customers who slag them publicly by refusing to sell them anything new. Personally, I own one piece of T-T gear (a 238 tuner). It's OK, I suppose, but there are better out there and for less money. I'd briefly considered an Orion-2 but I think next year I'm going to pick up either a Flexradio or a K3 to replace my much-despised-and-frequently-deaf Mark-V. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] NA or USA
At 01:53 PM 10/6/2007, you wrote: I agree, especially on the first few days of an operation, DXpeditions have to cut things down somehow, and going by continent where they have the best propagation makes sense. I do not think they ought to single out a specific country. NA, EU, AS, etc. should be good enough. Given the relatively few VE and XE stations compared to W, does it really help to ask for USA only? If so, they ought to take 10-15 minutes and ask for VE only, and then XE only. Think how the ops in South America and the Caribbean must feel! Not to mention VK/ZL. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] DXpedition radios
At 12:05 PM 9/23/2007, Ron Notarius W3WN wrote: The Argonaut acted like it was the only rig there. The 706 could get blown out of the water when the Argonaut was transmitting. Would have to agree regarding the 706. It's front end is as bad as the New York Giants pass defense. Yes, *that* bad. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] DXpedition radios
At 07:15 PM 9/23/2007, Duane, WV2B wrote: No mention of any Kenwoods, other than a big negative on the TS-50. So not sure how the 570/480 class rank, but certainly not as good as the K3. The 570 is a great first-radio. It's NOT a great first DXpedition radio. If you put in a 2100 or 1700 SSB filter it's passable on SSB, but on CW it's unusable. You can only add one filter to that radio, so if you put in an SSB filter, which it does need, CW is useless. If you put in a CW filter (which I never did), reports are that on SSB if you're QSX is 5 to 10 up you won't need to touch the tuning. The AGC is so bad on the 570 that if there's a strong CW station even 10 kHz away the pumping will be so intense as to render the radio almost unusable. That was the first brand-new radio I ever bought and it got me up to about 225 countries and through 4 or 5 CQWW-SSBs and ARRL-SSBs, but that was by killing the AGC and riding the RF Gain. Once I started to get into CW the bloom really came off the 570's rose. I liked it as a n00b, but now that I've had a Mark V and an IC-7000, I wouldn't touch a 570 on a bet, unless it was to donate it to a new ham. You do NOT want that as a DXpedition radio, hands-down. My only concern with the K3 is the knobs are big and stick out a little more than on the IC-7000. Not a big deal, and may even be a Good Thing to the big-handed, unless we're talking about it bouncing around in a cargo hold or in hand luggage. I seriously don't know how much abuse that radio is capable of taking. I can say beyond a doubt that my IC-7000 took a poundin' the last two years I went to the Bahamas where it was in my carry-on luggage. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] 1B1AB
At 08:50 PM 9/5/2007, Charles Harpole wrote: Hello DXers, What is the possible DXCC status of Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)? I worked 1B1AB and his web page on qrz.com in interesting. Doesn't count for bugger-all; the first sentence on his site says it all: My part of the Island may not be internationally recognized... Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Postal thieves
At 11:32 AM 8/26/2007, Art RX9TX wrote: Hello Charles, CH Instead, try Registered Mail or, if desperate, use FedEx, UPS, or CH DHL. Instead, how about uploading VU4AN/VU3CHE and HS0ZCW logs to LoTW? Last upload for HS0ZCW: 2004-04-16 07:01:06Z Last upload for VU4AN/VU3CHE: No log data found Or even a stateside manager or maybe a mail-drop if you prefer to answer the cards yourself. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] DXCC Yearbook
Many on this reflector have made some excellent points on this topic. I would suggest these comments be put in writing to Newington (preferably by snail-mail) rather than preaching to the choir here. My letter is going out in tomorrow's post, and I would urge others to do likewise. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Yearbook whine
I don't think this is an issue of connectivity or the desire for non-computer-savvy hams to have to much through the ARRL site, etc. In my opinion, it's exactly the same issue as paper QSLs versus LoTW. With the standings printed in the yearbook, it's there on paper pages, now and forever more, what the standings were as of a certain snapshot of time. In 10 or 20 years, it's nice to go back and look at the standings and see where you and your friends were in 2007. Sure, the Web serves a purpose of giving you the information in near-real-time, but it doesn't have the permanence or the feel of authority of the printed page. I'm damned sick and tired of being nickled-and-dimed everywhere in life. This isn't a corporation that needs to meet the bottom line every quarter or face a shareholder revolt. The League is an organization who's mission includes administering the DXCC program. It's something we do for pleasure and a sense of personal pride of accomplishment. We pay per-QSO to have our cards checked, for each certificate, plaque and (formerly) pins, etc. Now insult is added to injury, IMHO, in removing the standings. At 05:46 PM 7/24/2007, Gerry wrote: Yes, that's what I said! - Original Message - From: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Jim Abercrombie To: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] ; mailto:dx-chat@njdxa.orgdx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2007 3:12 PM Subject: Re: [DX-CHAT] Yearbook whine A few minutes ago that page was not available on ARRL.org - Original Message - From: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Gerry To: mailto:dx-chat@njdxa.orgdx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2007 8:07 PM Subject: Re: [DX-CHAT] Yearbook whine They could go to the nearest Internet Cafe or public library and see/print them there. Gerry - Original Message - From: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Jim Abercrombie To: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] ; mailto:dx-chat@njdxa.orgdx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2007 1:26 PM Subject: Re: [DX-CHAT] Yearbook whine What are all those DX'ers who do not have the internet supposed to do? I guess they are gonna hafta whine like me. Jim - Original Message - From: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]Gerry Hohn To: mailto:dx-chat@njdxa.orgdx-chat@njdxa.org Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2007 6:28 PM Subject: [DX-CHAT] Yearbook whine I'm perfectly happy to see the standing on the WEB page. They are updated regularly and show the current standings rather than a once a year (outdated) snapshot. That being said, the Database that shows these standing is still unavailable! Gerry VE6LB/VA6XDX DXCC Field Checker-Southern Alberta VE/VA6 QSL Bureau Team (403) 251-0384 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.qsl.net/ve6lb/ Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.16/914 - Release Date: 7/23/2007 7:45 PM Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.10.16/914 - Release Date: 7/23/2007 7:45 PM Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Address change HS0ZCW
At 10:18 AM 06/26/2007, Charles Harpole wrote: My dream of having a simple Thailand address, Box 1, etc, was dashed by extensive postal mail theft by the Nakhon Chaisi government postal workers. They first stole the $$ from the incoming QSL card envelops, and after my first complaint, began stealing the whole envelop and all contents and destroying everything. This began about June 5, 2007. Thus I have a new QSLing address: utwo words: QSL Manager! I'm sure someone on one of these groups would be glad to ensure that those who need a confirmation of your activities get it easily, and would gladly forward the received cards to you. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] What! BS7H LOTW
At 10:07 PM 06/09/2007, Charles Harpole wrote: See the DX-News archives - QSOs were uploaded for Donors only. 73 - Jim AD1C Boy oh boy I got roasted when a friend posted for me a message that implied I needed cash for a 9N confirmation (not true). and now this (see above). Ham radio gotta come to terms with the cash side of DXing Yes, absolutely DXpeditions are for the wealthy (with time to spare, too), but the costs are very real regardless of resources. Issues that need careful thought : -real value prizes for ham contacts (or birthday celebrations or whatever). -donations that are really purchases. -contests that award with real value items. -cash for QSLs. -cash for LoTW. Well, in this instance this isn't cash for QSLs or LoTW. It's a nice gesture of thanks for those who donated ahead of time (they get their LoTW hits a few weeks before the cards come out). I got no problem with that, though I do wish I'd known this would have been the case ahead of time. I held off and sent a modest donation along with my card. From what the announcement said, after the bulk of the paper QSLs are mailed out, everything will get uploaded to Logbook. I have no problem with any operation doing a nice favour like this for those who were able to help them out before departure, just so long as the integrity of the log is never compromised and any requested QSL for a legitimate contact is sent. As it turned out this time, I couldn't afford to send a donation before they went (I was waiting for Uncle Sam to come through with our refund) so I just have to wait a few more weeks for the paper - and the electrons - to arrive. I have the satisfaction of knowing I did, ultimately, help this operation financially once I was able to do so, and I know from the online logs that my QSOs are all valid, so no biggie. Yes, there are more than a few hams out there who sell QSL cards or worse, collect green stamps, but that's a horse of a different colour, and my contempt for those individuals is well documented elsewhere. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] 3B6SP expedition?
At 09:42 AM 06/07/2007, Dan Zimmerman N3OX wrote: I could use ZS8 too... I hope the 3B6 guys are able to get underway soon... all I saw was a cluster spot from a GM station that said something like back to 3B7 ... I've got my fingers crossed that condx hold out... we don't need 85/2/0 solar condx for 3B6 from here but it sure wouldn't hurt. Don't forget the 5-Star DXpedition to St. Brandon in September (3B7C). Big power, big antennas and a 3 week operation. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] LoTW
At 05:44 PM 06/03/2007, nick cominos wrote: Anyone getting the Internal Server Error when uploading to the site? I've been getting this all weekend. Dunno about that, but I've been trying to e-mail someone with an arrl.org (i.e. staff) address and it's bounced all day today (was working FB yesterday). I uploaded 2 days ago, so haven't tried since. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] BS7H thoughts
At 06:59 AM 05/10/2007, Bernie McClenny, W3UR wrote: Back to the one and only way to remove a current counter from the DXCC list. The only way is if the said entity no longer meets the criteria in which put it on the list to begin with. Rules that are made up afterwards do not affect its status. Remember BS7H was added to the list back in the mid 90s. Then afterwards in an effort to not have any others added to the list like Scarborough Reef the 100 meter high tide rule was added. Believe me you don't want to remove anything off the DXCC list, unless it does not meet the criteria. I don't think there's a solution to this that will please everybody. I'd personally like to see the rules overhauled completely at some point down the road, but how that could be accomplished I really don't know. I'm not in favour of creating new ones by rule changes, nor deleting/removing old ones by fiat either, but the mish-mash that exists now is somewhat bizarre and could use a revamp at some point. I'm definitely not in favour of mollycoddling DXers and DXpeditioners by removing tough- or dangerous-to-activate entities just because they're tough or dangerous to activate. Free will is truly a wonderful concept. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Best BS7H quote I have seen
At 10:17 AM 05/06/2007, Dan Zimmerman N3OX wrote: I can't believe the nerve of people who think they're entitled to a contact with the DX just because there's a DXpedition on. It doesn't matter that they're a poor operator, it doesn't matter that their antenna system is garbage and they're running low power, they think it's the DXpedition's fault. The fact of the matter is that those of us on this coast who have built a radio station that can be used to contact some guys running medium power to simple verticals on some rocks 8000 miles away are the ones who get the contact. It's a team effort, but I think the major monster DXpeditions who can work EVERYONE in a particular geographical area have made some people decide that everything must be that way, even if it's technically impossible. Dan, you hit the nail on the head. If you fancy yourself a DXer you need a station to cash the cheques your mouth writes, first and foremost. If all you can afford is 100W and a wire, then you're a fair-weather DXer (solar-wise). You'll do well with sunspots, but will struggle at this point in the cycle. That was me from 2001 until 2003, after which I added a little AL-811 amp (600W). I had an Alpha-Delta DX-EE at about 45 feet up. 225 countries, more or less, 5B DXCC, WAZ, WAS, too. In 2004 and early 2005 it was rough, though, and my ability to get through the piles was a lot harder. I had to visit a better station to work the rare ones (my club's station, with a Cushcraft X9 at 120' and a kW in the shack). When I moved out here to New Jersey I had a choice of what I could put up. I enjoy contesting, but I'm a DXer first and foremost. I could have stuck up a 3 element tribander and some RG-8 and called it a day, but I knew I wanted a real shot at BS7 or P5 if either would ever come on again, and I wanted to be in the log first-day of any DXpedition that came down the pike. I went with the Force-12 C31XR and have not regretted it for a minute. 6dB over dipole on 20, 6.8 over a dipole on 15 and 7.4 over dipole on 10, 70 feet up, fed with 3/8 hardline and connected to an AL-1200 legal-limit amp and a pretty good transceiver. If you can't afford a good station or you've chosen to live in a CCR-restricted property that's fine; nobody's going to point their fingers at you and laugh, unless you start to whinge when you can't break through the piles of the bigger operations. We all have to start somewhere, with something, and if that setup leaves you in the dust for BS7, P5, 7O, etc, so be it. Ed was on in P5 when I lived at my old apartment with the wire and 600W. I heard him exactly once, and he had a pileup big enough to choke a horse that I had no hope of getting through. That's life. P5 will be on again, and I hope my station here will still be working when it does come back up. I'm willing to wager that for most of the complainers, if they did two things they'd get a lot more in the log. Buy a small amp. 600W or 800W makes a HUGE difference (difference between working an ultra-rare one and not), and two, if putting up a yagi - even a small one - isn't possible replace their 15 year old feedline with something that's not green and full of water on the inside. Frankly, though, a wire at 15 feet above the ground is really never going to cut it except near solar max, and even then Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Best BS7H quote I have seen
At 11:23 AM 05/06/2007, Dan Zimmerman N3OX wrote: I had to visit a better station to work the rare ones (my club's station, with a Cushcraft X9 at 120' and a kW in the shack). I've always resisted that. Even when I was in college and we had an X9 at the club station (K2CC), it was the rig in my dorm room and a wire or nothing at all. Just a personal handicap on the whole DXing biz, but you're not going to see me whining on the cluster. Of course, I was dorm hamming at solar max last time so I was knocking down new ones (T30 comes to mind) on 10m with a 12 foot wire. heh. The club station in question for me was the Hall of Science in Queens, WB2JSM, of which I'm a life member and past VP and station manager. I don't restrict myself artificially when it comes to all-time new ones, with one exception: I won't be spoon-fed on a handicapped DX net. If I can't work from my home station I will visit a station where I can work them from (and will let me use my own call). I'll use full legal power, the cluster, my ears and anything else that will give me an advantage and get my call in their logs. Yes, I've used a DX net in the past, but would never dream of accepting assistance from anybody on that net. If I work the guy, I exchange signal reports and if I don't get through, so be it (this was back in my 100W/wire days, before I knew better). Luckily (???) I'm now at the point that anything I need will be through DXpeditions. BS7H was number 300 in the log for me. I read that email on scarboroughreef.com ... you know, the profane guy with atrocious spelling... and I wondered what piece of crap he was trying to work BS7H on because I read his comments while I was hearing them just fine here near DC on my delta loop at 25 feet, and I have power line noise! Yeah, another real piece ofwork. Now AA8CH is ranting and whining on the e-ham DX forum, too. How much you wanna bet he's a colonel or captiain in the DX Police Deptarment, too :-) Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Best BS7H quote I have seen
At 09:17 PM 05/05/2007, Dan Zimmerman N3OX wrote: To ALL de IZ8DEO 1824Z : 10.104 the mother of the idiots is always pregnant Fantastic! BS7H a no go for me. Gotta wait 'till next time. I should have some big aluminum in ten years Heard 'em well on 20m several mornings but couldn't pull the trigger. Very easy here in NNJ. CW and SSB on 20 on Tuesday morning. Heard on 30 and 17 but too weak to work reliably, and I really didn't want to be a hog and deprive others of an all-time new one just for a band-fill. Never heard loud long-path or evenings, but booming early-mornings, before 8 am. I didn't really need a super-fancy antenna system either. No stacks, no long-boom monobanders, just a Force 12 C31XR up 70' or so (3 elements for 20m on a 31 foot boom), but having a legal-limit amp and diversity-receive on the Mark V really did make things go easier. I couldn't believe the cluster-crabs whining like girlie-men, and especially one nutjob in 8-land who needs some serious couch time - or at least a tribander, good feedline and a decent amp for next time. I'm laughing my @$$ off, too, because this lid was complaining how hard it was at solar minimum. Imagine an operation like this at solar max, with ten times the number of low-power/low-skill appliance-operators calling with their popgun stations making it a lot harder for the DX to hear anything out of NA. All in all a great big-ol THANK YOU to the whole team for a job well-done; card and DONATION on the way. I'm really looking forward to seeing their presentation at Hamvention. I still can't believe how lucky we, The Deserving, have been in just the last two years. KP5, VU7, VU4, Peter the First and now BS7. I missed Ed in P5 but someday :) Now hoping for Bouvet, Navassa, a legal/accepted operation from Yemen. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Re: BS7H
At 11:23 AM 05/02/2007, John Warren wrote: Larry K4WLS wrote: If you wanted a Give Away Extra, now you got it !!! ENJOY all the Lids, CB'ers, and QRM you invited in !! I got BS-7H back in '95 with a H.B. Vertical and 90W. Just for fun, bet I can do it again. Larry, There's no reason to believe that the BS7H QRM is due to the newcomers into our hobby. Doubt that most of them know who BS7H is! Much more likely to come from frustrated, impatient 20wpm OTs who are near the top of Honor Roll. Nope, I disagree with both of these. I'm not talking about frequency cops here, they're a different breed. I think many of the real problem-children here are more likely General- and Advanced-Class(less) ops who wander cluelessly through the hobby. This type of op likely has 20+ year old un-maintained equipment, coax that's more green than copper and white inside, a lossy trapped tribander on a rusty old 30 foot tall TV tower and who knows where to find his buddies and not much else. Because his station is crap or his ears aren't working, he'll come up and start calling on top of the DX, not hearing anything, just keep at it. Or the other type who looks at his cluster connection, sees a spot for something he doesn't quite understand and just starts throwing his call in. This last type is the kind of ham I knew a lot of when I was new to the hobby. This bunch gets excited when they have 20m SSB QSOs with Bulgaria, Latvia and the Czech republic (no offence to OMs from those FB countries intended) and ecstatic when they work a couple of JA, VKs and ZLs in a day. The concept of what BS7H really is is lost on them and they just blunder into the pile not understanding the dynamics involved, how to call, etc. They are NOT really DXers, they're wannabees or don't-wannabees. Think of the guys you see at hamfests in coveralls or other ill-fitting clothes and callsign-hats, wandering around with moths in their wallets and between their ears. This type will criticize or go against anything that they can't understand or can't afford. They'll put down contesters and DXers with big stations because they can't afford to do it themselves, or don't want to take the time to learn. I think we all know a bunch of guys who fit this description to one degree or another. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] BS7H INTO NE USA
At 06:34 AM 04/30/2007, Jerry Keller wrote: BS7H was 5-5 to 5-7 much of the afternoon here in eastern PA, n a 3 el yagi. I'm surprised that they couldn't be heard in NJ, just a few miles east of my QTH. Must be something wrong with the antenna or the feedline. Or maybe an arrogant, ill-mannered attitude blocks the ears (as well as the head). As another New Jersian, I can say they had a very readable signal most of the day on Sunday (when you could hear beneath the QRM). This morning they're about 53 (but perfectly copyable) as of 8:45am, short-path. I was able to hear them from the time they first showed up until about 3pm (Eastern time), then again from about 6:30 (weakly) on and off before I QSY'd to the TV at 8:30. All I have here is a C31XR (3 el on 20) at 70', so no stacks, etc, here. I'd also suggest checking your feedline! Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] BS7H INTO NE USA
I am not by any means a newcomer to DX, but THIS is worse than ever -- and no one can blame the US lids for it!!! Call by numbers is fine -- as long as WE can hear what numbers the DX is calling!!. Shame on the world's hams!! I Couldn't agree more. I was listening all day on both CW and SSB and the degree of insanity I heard was unlike anything I've ever heard anywhere, ever. I've never operated on CB but could it have been any worse than 14185 was today? Time for a good Rettysnitching, I say. I really don't understand what it is with (southern) European hams' attitudes. If you believe any of the propagation prediction programs, Europe generally has propagation to BS7 24 hours a day on at least one band, often as many as 5 or 6 bands are good simultaneously, so if the Scarborough guys are QRV chances are EU DXers will get a much better shot at them than NA will. Serious European DXers will likely get them on several bands and modes. Yet in the 3 hour window for NA, these clowns won't stand by or stop bitching on the DX frequency. On the other hand, it would also be nice if the team would call NA for a few hours at a time; seemed like it was JA and EU day all day long. I'm sure that will change in the next day or two, so I'm not too worried. Yet g. I don't know what the answer is; perhaps the DX operators once in a while should have a listen to their TX frequency and administer the clue bat when things get bad. Maybe along the lines of since you are so badly behaved, no more Europe for the next 12 hours, and hold to it. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] LoTW versus paper, etc.
At 09:33 AM 04/27/2007, Bob Schenck, N2OO wrote: The fairest way to do things is the way it is currently being done. LoTW is voluntary and it should always be such. Many reasons. There will always be people who paper log. There will always be DXpeditions that paper log. There will always be DXers who do not own a computer and/or do not have access to the internet. Paper QSLs therefore should always be available. 1% agree, Bob. I love 'em under certain circumstances. I will ultimately put together an album containing the nicese QSL I get from each entity, and every all-time new one gets a card request (and donation, now that I'm down to DXpedition-only needed, hi hi), and I look forward to each one with bated breath. I can say with strict confidence after handling 3Y0X (and associated calls), and the recent VU7 operations, that paper QSLing produces a rather large funding source for the mega expensive DXpeditions. Actually, much larger than I had originally thought. Which is why I suggested the wait be a year to 18 months. It would absolutely be foolish to cut off your primary source of funding by mandating a quick upload to Logbook. But conversely, there are those who aren't into paper at all and need a couple of band-fills for DXCC challenge points, or need RTTY for a mode-award. Logbook works perfectly for guys like that. I just got 5 Q's confirmed for Vatican City on LoTW the other day. Had I known they were going to upload, I wouldn't have sent my paper QSL request for the 2 new bands and one new mode, because at this point, how many more identical-looking HV0A cards do I need? This will never be recovered if LoTW is utilized soon after a DXpedition is over. Never. Trust me on this. If DXpeditions were forced to utilize LoTW, it would definitely negatively affect the funding. And as such, it could very well make it more difficult to do DXpeditions, especially to the rarer hard to reach entities. If they were forced to upload IMMEDIATELY upon their return, I completely concur. Hence, a statement on the Website that all logs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World between one year and 18 months after the completion of the DXpedition. We're about a year or so out from Peter 1 now; how many direct QSL requests with donations are you receiving, on average, per week now? As for some sort of PayPal donation account tied to LoTW in order to fund DXpeditions, that would of course be in contradiction to DXCC rules that state that nobody can ever require payment for a QSL card. And it would not be fair at all. Yeah, I'd concur about having it tied to receiving confirmation. That would stink like a herring in August. Having prominent PayPal donation links all over the site, though, there's nothing wrong with that, IMHO. Just NOT on the QSL page! Please, let's not take more away from the personal touch that a QSL card brings to our hobby and to the pursuit of the DXCC (and other) awards. But at the same time, not everyone wants a card if they're chasing paper. As I posted last night, if I never see another card from certain parts of the world it will be far too soon. I have a lot of entities on 8 bands and three modes already; all I'm missing is 12m (I never had a WARC antenna during the last cycle). I really don't care about paper cards, just give me a hit on LoTW for those and that's all I ask. Next Swains operation, for example. I need 'em on 10 and 12 only. I also have no problem with DXpeditions uploading their logs a year or two afterwards, but only if they choose to do so. The problem with it being voluntary is that LoTW stays in its infancy and never matures. If you give people a reason or incentive to upload a log they will. We're, what, 3 years into the LoTW program right now? My LoTW hits are at an all-time record high of 16.7%. And only that high because most of my hits come from contests. I know that you (Bob) and many others love paper cards and relish what they mean both individually and collectively to the hobby and its past; but there's a growing number of techno-savvy users who just don't want the hassle (or the expense) of going the paper route, and having a viable alternative to paper QSLing for the major operations I think should be a requirement at some point down the line. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Re: U.S. Postal rates set to go up
At 08:03 PM 04/26/2007, Ron Notarius W3WN wrote: Pete, If the ARRL or DXCC desk were to mandate LotW posting for DXCC approval, you would hear even more screaming from a certain small but vocal element of the DX community. Probably would, but sometimes a kick in the rear end is needed to jump-start new technologies or methodologies. I'm sure at first Cabrillo logs weren't universally accepted either. Let 'em moan and whine, I say. It costs nothing to do, takes a few minutes to sign and upload and you do it ONCE. If you've gone around the globe, camped with 4 other guys in a tent that you shared with crabs the size of turtles, gotten sunburned on bits of your body you never knew existed and made survived 20 days on the HMS ArrrMatey, you can take a half-hour to upload to LoTW. And frankly, mandating it would probably backfire on the League. Maybe a little in the first year or two. Hold your ground, stick to your principles and it would be a no-brainer pretty quick after that. As for DXpeditions, I'm talking about making this a requirement for any operation that requires an entry permit, special permission from the telecommunications authority to operate from; not making every Tom, Dick and Harry go through this when he comes back from vacation (though my Q's were uploaded from C6 while I was still down there!) I just can't see them doing it. Sadly, I think you're right about that. The continual increase in postage is going to put even more pressure, though, for electronic or other non-postal confirmations. Which in many ways is sad... there's nothing like the actual feel of a QSL card... and I for one get a small kick out of the 1932 W3WN card I have sitting in the shack right now, it conveys a sense of history that a computer entry or .jpg file online never will. I'll still send for cards from all-time new ones, for rare band-fills and on difficult bands. And of course for memorable contacts. But how many Italian, French, British, Portuguese and German cards do you need/want? For that matter, how many American cards does a typical French, British, Portuguese or German ham need?! We're just going to have to figure out an alternative funding method for DXpeditions. Well, that's why I suggested mandating uploading to LoTW within a year (or even say 18 months - a reasonable figure, and still shorter than the buro for some people). Lots of DXpeditions are putting up PayPal donation links on their Web sites, which I think is a fantastic idea, too. One thought would be this... if I work your DXpedition, one of thousands of W3's... why not permit me to confirm electronically via your web site, and not only request your return QSL the same way, but cover the postage and a donation cost on-line via a PayPal or similar service? There are some pitfalls in this, of course -- the biggest one of which is determining what the minimum charge would be to cover postage and handling, closely followed by the need to make any amount above and beyond that purely and totally voluntary. So it's a thought, but it needs work. Yeah, you could quickly devolve into a charging for QSL quagmire. Besides, can you imagine being a DX QSL manager having to look up 40,000 addresses, format them for your labels, print and stick 40,000 address labels before even stuffing the cards? No, I think for QSL direct, the old tried-and-true method is just fine, as is the buro. But if you just want a confirmation for an award, screw it...LoTW is the best way to go. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] DXCC application and ZD9
Hi all, This morning I received back the paperwork and cards for my 12/30/2006 DXCC application. All was well with one exception. ZD9ATN, (Good Buddy Simon, IZ7ATN) was kicked back for lack of documentation. I remember reading a few things about this operation when it was happening last year, but I assumed it would be authorized. Does anyone have any additional information? I e-mailed Simon also, but e-mails to him in the past have gone unanswered. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] BERU
At 06:50 PM 03/10/2007, Bob Nielsen wrote: On Mar 10, 2007, at 3:26 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I was unable to find this contest listed anywhere, including QST. What is BERU?? John Owens - N7TK British Empire Radio Union. In recent years, it has been called the Commonwealth Contest. Ah, OK, I thought it was in honor of the late Beru Lars of Tattooine (wife of Owen). Didn't live all that far from Toshi Station (home of good power converters) as I recall. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] F12 Delta 240
Hi guys, Just wondering if anybody here has used the new Force 12 Delta-240? I'm thinking of getting one this summer to go up about 80' or so, and I'm trying to find out what its real-world performance is like. I'm especially interested in seeing how well it plays with other yagis (I have a C31XR and small WARC yagi on the same mast), how it compares to other larger 2-element 40m antennas and what its construction is like. It LOOKS like a decent antenna on the F12 web site, but I don't know anybody using one around here. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Any TN news?
Hi all, A few weeks ago the bulletins were talking about an operation by some German hams from Congo (TN, not 9Q), originally supposed to happen in November, then postponed till November. Has anything official come out about this operation yet? Does anybody know if it's still on or postponed indefinitely? Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Merry Christmas
On behalf of my XYL (who's making a wonderful turkey dinner as I type this), I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and best of the holiday season. It's been a heck of a good year for DXers -- Peter the First, VU4, VU7, 5A and two all-time New Ones created amongst other highlights. Here's wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year for 2007! Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] [DX-NEWS] SWL QSL
At 04:02 PM 12/08/2006, Dan Violette wrote: Just put: TO: ONL8XYZ at the top, remove the QSO and 2X type items (cross-out) and replace with HRD WORKING, MODE, etc. example: HRD WORKING DateTime Mode RST (QSO with, 2X crossed out) PT4XX2006/12/07 1715Z SSB59 I use DX Base for logging, which has a very complex label generator, and I have special labels for SWLs (which frankly look better than my standard 2X labels!). I'm usually nice and give the SWL a 4-colour card, not a cheap BW buro card. I actually had one guy send me a SWL request from Wales with an SAE and $1 in US coins. Many countries require some SWL QSL card replies to get a license snip Is this still the case in 2006? I know Belgium, France and Germany still have SWL licenses, but is being a verified SWL still required there (or anywhere, for that matter) in order to become a licensed ham? Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] 3Y0X DVD arrived today
Just FYI, the Peter 1 DVD in this morning's post. Looking forward to watching it tomorrow night (when it's supposed to be about 25F and windy up here!). Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] VU7
At 08:16 PM 11/30/2006, Russell Kellam Jr wrote: VU7 is supposedly QRV but not a single spot on the DX Cluster, any band any mode?? Russ W4UBC They were spotted on 80 a few hours ago, but nada here at sunset (around 2200z). Their license is for December 1st to 31st, supposedly, so I'm not convinced that any Q's they did make before z on the 1st would be good anyway. Maybe that was just ol' Slim havin' some fun! Of course, the day they ARE going to be QRV we have (yet another) high-wind warning for our county so down comes the tower, and due to ill-placed branches, the beam's gotta be NW instead of NE. Sigh. Now that I think about it, ya know, I could become professional weatherman with my setup here. All I have to do is wait for a rare-entity DXpedition or CQWW-SSB to start and put out a guaranteed forecast for high winds and storms! Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] XF4 80m and topband last night
Hi guys, Worked what I thought was XF4DL on 80 and 160 CW tonight, but a few cluster spots were saying pirate (WFWL and all that). Anybody know definitively if they were in fact QRV on the low bands? Their Web site is less than clear on the subject. Thanks Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] will this help?
At 05:25 AM 10/07/2006, Charles Harpole wrote: Will this help? If a DXpedition station gave out serial numbers, incrementing for each QSO (like some contests ), would that retard pirates? A pirate could give out serial numbers, too, but could he ever get so close in sequence to the real DX to make confusion? Also, would serial numbers on the incoming QSL card requests make hand log searching easier? I could see that slowing a pileup down to a crawl, to be perfectly honest -- and to what end? Is call pirating really a major problem for DXpeditions? It might make QSLing a tad easier, but I think trying to get everyone to understand what's being done might be an exercise in futility, and if you think pileups are bad NOW, I'd hate to see what would happen with serial numbers. In this age of online logs for major DXpeditions, if I don't see my call show up within 2 or 3 days of a QSO on a needed band I just make another Q. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] HS-land wishes
With the recent news of the military coup in Thailand, here's hoping our fellow hams in HS-land are safe and that we'll continue to hear them on the air. Given the current situation, one has to wonder whether the operation of amateur radio equipment will continue to be permitted, at least in the short term. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] QSL METHODS
At 09:19 PM 08/24/2006, Ron Notarius W3WN wrote: The confirmed perecentage for Logbook of the World will go up in time, as more amateurs use it. I'm actually surprised at my own numbers. As of tonight my LoTW hit rate is 14.82%, not including the last 5 QSOs I made today. I'd say the majority of the LoTW hits I get are post-contest in the major DX 'tests, but if I was relying on LoTW solely as a QSL method, I'd have at least mixed and SSB DXCC and probably 20m as well. From what Wayne Mills has been saying, a *major* re-write of the LoTW interface is in the works for 2006/2007 so it should become easier for all as time goes on. As of today, there are 20,338 certificates active in the system and 13,465 individual users, and that number increases every day. I am willing to bet that outside of first-world nations, the knowledge of LoTW's existence is cloudy at best. What would be nice is if each national society went on a major push for their own members to become participants (again, with streamlined procedures), and maybe have local portals written in the local languages. Look at it this way, I can say a callsign, greeting, five-nine, thank you and 73 in about 4 languages besides English, but if I needed to log into a site and fill out an application in Spanish, German, Japanese or Russian it just wouldn't happen, period. I see it from the point of view of the guy for whom English isn't a daily language in Estonia, Azerbaijan or Georgia (take your pick on that one) . Cheers, Peter, W2IRT
Re: [DX-CHAT] QSL METHODS
At 09:59 PM 08/24/2006, Charles Harpole wrote: Ron, ur answer does not address my list of reasons why DX does not use lbotw... re: No computer... that does it... end of story which u acknowledged, but -long upload times and expense... no answer Long upload times? Are you joking? Even on a 14.4 or 28.8 modem transfer times for an incremental LoTW file would be a few seconds to one minute. I'm looking here at my last 10 uploads. The smallest was 2KB, the largest was 39KB. After a contest or large run it MAY be 100k. Upload once a week and costs couldn't be more than a few pennies. Surely it takes longer for a heavily-graphics-laden Web page to load than it does to E-MAIL ONE ATTACHMENT UNDER 100KB! -difficulty of use... ur answer is just keep trying until u get it... not a good answer to busy guys who have no real stake in sending the data anyway Other than the language issue, it's NOT difficult to use in the slightest once you're set up. You log in with your callsign and password (most PC's will even remember them for you if you have cookies enabled), click UPLOAD FILE, browse for it and send it. If you want to do it by e-mail it's even easier. e-mail your log to [EMAIL PROTECTED] as an attachment. Big Whoop. -when ham radio, a hobby, is more secure than banks, ah, where have we gone? Who says banks are less secure than the League's certificate system? Your bank verifies your personal info up the wazoo when you open your account. You get checked and verified from here to kingdom come. When the bank is sure you're you, and you get an ATM card, you like that to your data and it's all encrypted behind the scenes. It's more STREAMLINED for the bank user because frankly they have millions of dollars to pay programmers to make it idiot-proof (or at least idiot-resistant). The bottom line is that your local bank branch makes you prove you're you, just as the ARRL, up front, demands the same proof. And if you can't afford to mail a photocopy of your license to the US, you seriously need to reconsider this hobby, IMHO! -using mail to register and reregister and reregister etc... ur mail works many do not. Charlie, what are you talking about? re-register? UYou send in your documents ONCE, then you re-new once every 3 years ONLINE. It takes 30 flippin' SECONDS to renew. -limited EnglishSURPRISE, ENGLISH IS NOT THE ONLY LANGUAGE IN THE WORLD. Yup, that's a problem for sure, and as I wrote in a previous post, that's maybe something the local societies could work with the league in improving. I think at the least, the League should support English, Spanish and maybe French and German. Leave Sindarin, Qenya, Esperanto and Klingon to 3rd-party developers. -dislike of ARRL... maybe a factor but there is also distaste for America abroad now... USA lost all of its good graces abroad soon after 9/11 due to its foreign policies... Am. squandered all the huge sympathy within months of 9/11 believe me, America is not beloved anymore outside its boundaries, and that attitude spills over into ham radio as well as every other activity in modern life sad. But I bet many of those same stations that have a distaste for the United States government's foreign policy will willingly take a stateside ham's dollar bills and send a paper card out upon request. I don't know about you, but when I work a station from a country that is known to generally dislike the US, I don't personally give a rat's right royal rump what the politics of the situation are. I greet every ham I talk to with a GA/GE on CW, or nice to work you on phone. I'm working a fellow ham radio operator not their country's minister of propaganda. *well, *probably not). I think dislike for the ARRL as an organisation is probably more concentrated in this country than it is in the rest of the world. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] distaste for America especially after 9/11
At 10:20 PM 08/24/2006, nick cominos wrote: Re Charles Harpoles comments concerning LoTW don't bother me at all. He is entitled to his opinion. However, and I know this is no place for this, his comment about America having little standing in the rest of the world infuriates me. The rest of the world can go to hell and would if not for America. Rest of the world have a problem, call America. Need money, call America. Need resources, call America. The world called on America three times to save it's butt and at enormous cost we did. Guess my patriotism is showing, lets bring everyone home, close our borders to everyone, arm ourselves to the teeth and tell the rest of the world to go to hell. I have a better idea. Let's let the politicians fight this battle and save out passions for the pileups and contests. We're HAMS first and foremost. This kind of flag-waving, flag-burning and sabre-rattling is not in our best interests as HAMS. I have my own thoughts on what my own (and other) governments are doing wrong but I'll be damned if I'm going to project those thoughts to a gentleman or lady 8000 miles away who I just spent 10 minutes calling! If you really can't separate the country's politics from the country's hams, then just don't work hams from that country. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] KH8SI
At 05:43 PM 07/30/2006, nick cominos wrote: After reading a variety of opinions I felt compelled to add to the mix. While I have never been on the operating end of a DXpedition, the mere idea of allowing the entire ham population to call indiscriminately is atrocious. I disagree. Opening it up wide gets the Big Guns out of the way a lot faster. I'd say maybe target by continent, if anything, but not go by numbers all that much. Call area is one that I find to be the most rewarding for both the DXpedition and those calling. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Most recent example of this was last Friday night with Swains. They were going by numbers but with the band fading out, by the time they must have gotten around to 1 and 2 and 3, there was no more propagation to 1, 2 and 3. Conversely, they spent a long time in the initial go-around on 6s and 7s, whereas 6 and 7 would continue to have props LONG after the east coast lost signal. Going by numbers is probably better when dealing with a big European pileup than a big American pileup just because the calls are so intermixed there, much more so than here where I'd venture to say a good sized number of operators are operating from the same area as is their call (4's in 4-land, as opposed to a 2's living in 4-land). I think a better way would be to start out with an understanding of what circuits are open when/where and then target based on that data. East coast, central NA, west coast, northern EU, southern EU, South America, VK/ZL, Africa/Indian Ocean and JA. should, IMHO, be specifically targeted in a major operation. (and I stress MAJOR in this context). Simply spreading out the pile up and using enormous spectrum is not the answer. Good operators should be able to open it wide up first and second day over 10 to 15 kHz on SSB and maybe 5-10 on CW, max. I agree that there's no need to listen over 40 kHz for SSB. I still remember the 40m CW op on Peter 1, just kept going up and up and up and up and up andFeh. Best to let the guys who've put real money into their stations get their Q's and get out of the way. The DX station works the edges then wades into the middle and eventually starts working the little pistols everywhere in the middle. It is a cultural problem within the amateur community and not exclusive to one continent or another. Those of you who understand won't require further explanation. A good public shaming and temporary NIL will stop some of that. Or to avoid confrontation, just work the guy and don't log him. Enough DX does that and Lid gets the message when all of a sudden he doesn't get any QSLs from the 5 top DXpeditions he worked. Maybe that's what it takes for the message to sink in. Then the height of impropriety, as is the case for KH8SI right now, is breaking the pace of the pile up to talk with another station at length. These matters should be handled on another preassigned frequency with a Pilot station. It's the DX's prerogative. Period. If they WANT to talk to their pilot (or their best friend, or wife or club-mates or the man in the moon) that's their business. Frankly, I just heard the exchange you obviously did and I gleaned information from it. I think those QSOs are very informative and give perspective of the operation to The Deserving. It also is a way to get news of the inner-workings, trials, tribulations, successes and disappointments of the operators on the ground. Gone are the days when simple equipment, simple antenna arrangements and some stick to it allowed a new ham to work plenty of DX and didn't require mega bucks. It does NOT require megabucks today. Balderdash. 100W, a modest wire, patience, skill and a few handfuls of sunspots are all that's needed to get one's country count well into the mid-upper 200s. I came in in 2001 with a TS-820 and a wire at 35'. By the time I moved to my present QTH last fall I was up beyond 250 (with maybe 10 or 15 of those from a nice club station with a multiband yagi). Most of those were made with that wire and increasingly-better transceivers (TS-570 for 4 years, then a Mark V, then a 600W amp on top of it). A new DXer getting in today with a modest station would need a simple rig (TS-570 is an excellent starter rig, used for under $650 if you shop around), a modest antenna -- a few dollars worth of wire if you can get it high enough or scrounge around and be able to put up a small vertical or yagi if you can, maybe an AL-811 used for about $400 and you'll work pretty well anything you can hear if you have patience and learn the skillz needed. A broadband connection to a DX cluster sure helps, too! I worked enough to earn my 5-Band DXCC from the old QTH in 3 years and 7 months, and it took me 8 months to get my first DXCC certificate. So Bravo Seirra to needing a mega-station to get a high country count. Propagation sucks on the upper bands for the moment, yes. If I were getting
Re: [DX-CHAT] How do we make better DXers?
At 05:56 PM 07/30/2006, Jim Reisert AD1C wrote: Just because WX9QRO calls overtop of everyone, and in frustration and/or desperation, the DX operator works him to get him out of the way does NOT make it right, and does NOT mean that we have to follow that example. To that end it would be nice if the big-name operations (and operators) all got together and decided that Alpha-Hotels like WX9QRO in your example will get a proverbial Lump Of Coal in their QSL return envelope (and the donation kept). Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Logging Programs
At 08:01 PM 07/30/2006, KA5EJX wrote: Is it ok if I ask about a good logging program on here? I will assume there is a website dedicated to comparing various DX logging programs? Hi Rod, What you consider a good logger others would disagree, and it depends on your level of activity and desires and budget (is some cases). Me, I'm a software junkie and of all the apps I use for everything, I look at my logger more than anything including my browser and e-mail software. I want an 800-pound gorilla that will track everything, control my station and feed me Guinness and Wings in pileups. Well, almost I went with DX Base after a lot of trial-and-error with various and sundry loggers. The only one that came close was DX4WIN, but I didn't like the interface (personal choice). I found DX Base was more like traditional Windows apps, is phenomenally powerful and customizable. Over the years it's developped into a world-class logger (albeit with a handful of small annoyances), but compared to everything else out there, in my opinion, it's the best in show. Feature-wise and robustness-wise, I'd say DX4WIN and miLOG come very close, and Logger32 (freebie) and MacLog (Mac only) are serious contenders. There are a plethora of cheapies or lesser-powered loggers out there too. If you want basic logging and DXCC/WAS tracking, pretty well anything will do, but if you want full automation and station coordination, go with whichever of the Big Boys suits your tastes. Important, too, is a good contest logger if you participate in contests, and to these eyes and fingers, there's only one worth of using and that's N1MM Contest Logger. Freeware, easy as anything to use and absolutely second-nature. Read the reviews on eHam of those that you're interested in learning more about and many of them have trial versions of various usefulness before you whip out your credit card. I can tell you that DX Base will set you back a C-note first time, and yearly upgrades are $35. DX4WIN is a little cheaper, and ProLog is a little more if you include all the modules that make it useful. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] 4O3T
At 11:36 PM 07/24/2006, Ron Notarius W3WN wrote: GL on your end of the trip Tom. With any luck, I'll have an antenna operational at the new QTH by then! That is, once I find where the coax was buried (in amongst the boxes, that is), get a desk cleared off, unbury the rig... ...hey, at least Verizon was here today to get my Internet connection back up running. Now, you could say the techs were lazy... instead of running an Ethernet line from the basement demark to the computer, they gave me a wireless USB adapter for the computer. OK, so it's Part 15 802.11b, but RF is RF, right? g Actually, they probably did you a big favour, to be honest. Networks using unshielded Cat-5 can do some fun stuff to 20m, especially right around 14212 14273 at this QTH. If I ever get abmitious here I'll go 802.11g throughout the house and just hope I don't have to do massive file transfers any more. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Permission issues
At 06:56 PM 06/29/2006, Jeffrey Davis wrote: Perhaps prevent taxpayer money from funding amateur radio DXpeditions in the future? My read on this may be all wrong, but it sure sounds like Uncle Sam funded a good part of this excursion. Jeff, KE9V Yes, your read on this is wrong. This was NOT a DXpedition. I was at Kam's presentation in Dayton and talked to him afterwards as well. Essentially, he and Dave were involved with installing certain hardware that helps Uncle Sam keep a leg up on the Bad Guys. They operated in their spare time and were working for the government helping keep us safe or acting in the nation's best interests. I have NO problem with that. More power to 'em, IMHO. Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Permission issues
At 09:28 PM 06/29/2006, WC7N wrote: --Peter that is WONDERFUL and I assume (ass u me) that you are right... I read all of the published articles and it said nothing about a JOB. I don't know any more than what I gleaned from Kam's 20+ minute presentation of from the nice chat I had with him that night in the contesters' suite, but the gist of it was that indeed he's a specialist with certain technology and there are uses for what he does in that region. If I recall the presentation correctly, it was a brutal trip down (the boat was something confiscated by the feds from a smuggler, apparently) and neither of them got any sleep for almost 96 hours; it was humid and hot as hell the whole time and there were giant rats all over the place that make the Clipperton land crabs look cute and cuddly in comparison. Here's hoping Uncle Sam needs some nice spiffy new hardware on Navassa some day Cheers, Peter, W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Two ARRL-SSB entries
Hi all, Just dropping a note to maybe head off a little confusion in ARRL-SSB this weekend. I will be operating in the contest for a few hours tonight as my own stateside call, from my home QTH in New Jersey. My XYL and I will be flying to C6 for vacation during the day tomorrow (Sat.) and hopefully will be active on 20 single-band during the evening Saturday and daytime on Sunday as C6/W2IRT, then thereafter on 17 and 20 for the rest of the week. So if you work W2IRT tonight or early AM tomorrow and hear the call again on Sat. night or Sunday, it's not a dupe! See Ya In The Pileups 73 and Cheers - Peter W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Future DXpeditions
At 16:08 02/21/06, Tom Wylie wrote: I am open to constructive criticism as I try to do better on each expedition, but I hate time wasters, and all the other moaners. Russell Kellam Jr wrote: Well said Ken. Many of the criticisms can be taken as sour grapes as we move on to more better DX. I suppose the issue is where does valid constructive criticism stop and sour grapes begin. As one who's never travelled before with an HF radio (my first trip is a vacation to C6 the week after next and I'll only have 10, 17 and 15 on an indoor dipole with 100W), I welcome any suggestions on how to make it go more smoothly; afterwards, if I didn't handle something particularly well, I'd like to know so I can do it better next time -- maybe from someplace that might actually generate a real pileup grin. I suppose I'd be offended if I got e-mails saying you suck cuz you didn't work me on 9 bands plus EME and 160 SSTV, but I know I'd appreciate someone more experienced than me saying Gee, ya know if you'd have stayed on such-and-such band an extra 2 hours you'd have heard so-and-so region well. The way I see it, if I'm spending my money to go on a trip that will benefit the amateur radio community - I sure as heck want to know how I can best make use of my time, money and energy in so doing. - Peter W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Pronouncing VU7
At 16:08 02/21/06, petethepup wrote: Ok. We call it VU7, but how do I pronounce LAKSHADWEEP ? Vee You Seven -- Much easier! :-) :-) Next, let's try for the bonus round: R1MV !! I think you need a degree as a cunning linguist to pronounce that one, lest your dentures fly out of your mouth. - Peter W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Peter I
At 19:21 02/20/06, Charlie, W0YG wrote: Mal: I am amazed you can sit here and tell them over there what they should have done. It isn't in the cards for that to happen. Hi Charlie, Mal (et al). Constructive comments such as mine and others obviously can't affect an operation that's finished, but what of the next guys who decide to spend their time and money to give The Deserving a New One? I can tell you for sure that if my next radio trip were to someplace more exotic than C6 in a couple of weeks, I'd sure as heck want every bit of information I could lay my hands on that would mean more Q's in my log and more happy campers on the big end of the pile. It may be a case of someone looking through these messages as they plan a trip and realizing that hey, yeah...that makes sense and badda-bing, next time they activate Upper Slobovia for the masses, perhaps the pile on 40 (or wherever) won't be as bad. When a group of dedicated adventurers decides to spend more than a half a million dollars on a trip like this, I'm guessing that they probably want to be as successful as they can be, with the most Q's and orderly piles, etc. To not analyze their successes (many) and one or two relatively small shortcomings is a mistake, IMHO. There are a lot of top-ten locations still in need of a visit, and I know if I were going to BS7, VU7, VU4, KP1, etc, I'd want to look at what needs to be done to get that rare a place into as many logbooks as possible. I will say, though, it was great to hear an operation that was done so well. They did a million things right for the most part and we should rightfully thank them for their hard work. To overlook the couple of weak spots and just congratulate the successes alone I think isn't being honest. It would likewise be wrong to say a DXpedition was a poor because of one or two factors ignoring all the good. - Peter W2IRT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
