ARI CONTEST ---> An unexpected routing malfunction has occourred for the submission of the ARI Internation DX Contest logs to ARI's central system. While waiting for the problem to be fixed, and in order to avoid loosing logs, (please note: if you have already submitted your log, but have not received the expected automatic acknowledgement of receipt, please re-submit your log to <aricontest@kkn.net>) in the Subject line please enter the callsign used during the Contest and the category (e.g. IT9BLB SOMIX, SOSSB, SOCW, SORTTY, MO, SWL). The Contest Manager will confirm the log has been received, but the acknowledgement will not be immediate - please be patient! [TNX IT9BLB, ARI HF Contest Manager]
EMERGENCY TRAFFIC IN CHINA ---> Following the catastrophic earthquake that hit Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province (BY8) on 12 May, the Chinese Radio Sports Association (CRSA) has requested that 7050, 7060 and 14270 kHz should be kept clear for Amateur Radio Emergency Service traffic.
EUROPEAN CASTLES DAY ---> The seventh edition of the European Castles Day will take place on 18 May between 6 and 16 UTC. Several stations are expected to operate from fortresses and castles in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom and Switzerland. Information on the event can be found on Jean-Pierre's (F6FNA) web site at http://f6fna.club.fr/jecruleanglais.html
GEOPARKS WEEK ---> A number of special event stations will be active for the European Geoparks Week (21 May-6 June). GB6GEO will be on the air from Kent's Cavern in Torquay, English Riviera Global Geopark (24-25 May) [425DXN 883]; other European stations include GB1GEO (Worcester Geopark), GB2GEO (Smoo Cave Geopark, Scotland) and DK0GEO. Activity is also expected to take place from Geoparks in Greece and Ireland. [TNX G3VOF]
ITALY GAINS NEW FREQUENCIES ---> Effective 13 May 2008, Italian amateur radio operators are authorized to use 7100-7200 kHz (for the time being on a secondary basis) using a total radiated power not exceeding 24 dbW. [TNX IZ0FMA]
LOGS ---> On-line logs for HG80HQ (QSL via HA7PL), HA80MRASZ (QSL via HA1DAE) and HG80MRASZ (QSL via HA1DAE) can be found at http://ha1dae.atw.hu . These special event stations will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Hungarian Radio Amateur Society (MRASZ) until the end of the year. Information on the relevant award can be found at http://www.mrasz.hu [TNX HA1DAE]
ON THE ROAD ---> Paolo/I2UIY, Dick/K6KR and Rusty/W6OAT have been travelling through Canada and the US since 1 May and have now arrived in Dayton. Their journal with several pictures can be found at www.i2uiy.it/usa2008.htm
OPERATOR NEEDED ---> Two Papua New Guinea's rare IOTA groups (OC-181 and OC-041) will be activated between 18 October and 4 November [425DXN 883], and "due to a cancellation we can accommodate one more person", Derek, G3KHZ says. If interested in joining the team, please contact him (g3khz@derekcox.plus.com).
ROCKALL (EU-189) ---> Mike, K9AJ was unable to operate from Rockall [425DXN 888], because although the sea state itself was slight to moderate, the incoming swell kept battering off Rockall and made it impossible to land. [TNX MM0NDX]
QSL VIA RN3RQ ---> The Michurinsk Contest Group (UA3R) was recently active as RP63RQ, RP63RTK, RP3RST and RP3RZK. QSL via RN3RQ, direct or bureau. The logs will be uploaded to LoTW in June. RN3RQ can also confirm contacts made with UA3RAR, RX3RXX and RP3RTK after 1 January 2002. E-mail requests can be sent to rn3rq@tamb.ru (but please note that on 1 March 2008 he sent some 12,000 cards to the bureau). [TNX RN3RQ]
QSL VIA YB9BU ---> Kadek is now the QSL manager for YC7IPZ (OC-166), YC8RSW/p (OC-236), YC8TXW (OC-210), YC8TXW/p (OC-022 and OC-236), YC8UFF/p (OC-236), YC8XNE (OC-076) and YC8XWJ (OC-076). [TNX Mediterraneo DX Club]
ZS8T ---> According to the latest Marion Island update posted on 13 May, Petrus "is very aware that the world is waiting for him to be QRV, but important matters in running the camp (he is in charge of the operation down there) are taking up his waking hours. Petrus is there for 11 more months and there will be plenty of time for DXing once these issues are resolved". Bookmark http://zs8t.net/ for further updates.
+ SILENT KEY + Dr Ronald A. Parise, WA4SIR, passed away on 9 May at 57 years of age. The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station programme is "deeply indebted to WA4SIR for his leadership, technical advice and tremendous vision", ARISS Chairman Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO says. "His accomplishments were many, including space explorer, pioneer, astrophysicist, pilot, ham radio operator, avionics and software expert, inspirational speaker and motivator, student satellite mentor, husband, father and friend".
| Notes | This 'Good to Know' report is brought to you courtesy of 425 DX News. |