Welcome to 320DA011 Karl
March 29, 2009 by Darren
The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is pleased to introduce its latest member in the Pacific Ocean area…320DA011 Karl. Based on the secluded Micronesian isle of Banaba, Karl is a well known and respected Freeband DXer in the Oceania region who commutes between his homeland in Western Kiribati (224 Division) and neighbouring Banaba Island every few months for employment purposes. Therefore, Karl has also been issued with the callsign 224DA011.
One of the most remote and most wanted DXCC and IOTA entities in the world of radio communications, Banaba Island (also known as Ocean Island) is a solitary raised coral island west of the Gilbert Island chain, 300 km east of Nauru, 400 km south-west of Tarawa and just south of the equator. Referenced as OC-018 in accordance with the Radio Society of Great Britain’s IOTA program, Banaba Island is part of the Republic of Kiribati and has an area of 6.5 km².
DA-RC’s newest member 320DA011 Karl resides in the Village of Antreen (Tabiang) on the highest point of the island where he operates a modest Islands On The Air (IOTA) station and is active most days on the International Call frequency.
When he’s not behind the microphone chasing DX, Karl is committed to improving the lives of children on the unique island setting in his role as school teacher at the Banaba Island Elementary School. Specialising in Social Sciences (anthropology, communication, economics, geography, history, politics, psychology and sociology), Karl teaches children aged between 11 and 14 years in Forms 1, 2, 3 and 4 who travel to Antreen each day from Banaba’s other three villages: Umwa (Ooma, Uma), Tabewa (Tapiwa, Tabwewa) and Buakonikai.
Sadly, much of Karl’s QTH has been destroyed by phosphate mining which has left a weird landscape of stark coral pinnacles protruding from burning white rock, littered with rusted mining equipment. In some ways then, Karl’s work with the next generation of Banabans is an important part of the healing process.
On behalf of all members, welcome to the Club, 320DA011 Karl. We look forward to supporting your IOTA operations in any way we can and making many great radio contacts with you on 27 MHz in the future.
[Please note that a special IOTA QSL card is available to confirm contacts with Karl's DA station and this is available from 43DA001 who is the OC QSL Manager].
*Product Review* bhi NES-5 Noise Eliminating Speaker
March 28, 2009 by Darren
The NES 5 Noise Eliminating Extension Speaker by bhi Ltd UK is a loudspeaker with built-in DSP filter. Having owned a NES 10-2 model for some time, I was interested to see how the less expensive ‘little brother’ would stack up in the noise cancelling stakes when I saw one for sale ‘as new’ at a recent Ham fest in VK2.
As you’re probably aware of by now, I’ve loved everything that has hit my radio shack bench top in the past from noise cancelling specialists bhi Ltd and I was convinced that this would be no different.
In previous product reviews for DA-RC I’ve made reference to the fact that my QTH is within 1000m of gigantic telecommunications towers which stand like a row of giant grey dominoes against the horizon. I’ve also complained that these steel monstrosities have been the cause of much hobby angst ever since I moved here from the Western Torres Strait Islands (OC-138) a few years back. Nothing’s changed either.
Each day in the first few months, for instance, was spent dreaming of ways to prevail over this great burden on my hobby…with S-7 static ruining any chance of working weak stations on any band.
More often than not, after lengthy periods working DX (or more correctly in today’s conditions ‘chasing dx’) I was pretty wiped out due to the harsh listening conditions I had to endure, particularly if the NES 10-2 switch was in the OFF position. Some days, for instance, I walked away from the shack with my ears ringing and a bloody great big headache – all because of the white noise and static crashes emanating from my Kenwood TS-2000′s chassis top speaker.
Just like its big brother the NES 10-2, the moment I’d connected the NES 5 model for work on HF frequencies and others where I spend the majority of my listening time, the clarity and intelligibility of my RX audio was radically enhanced.
The S-6 static, in fact, dropped to an S-4 which is an amazing 33.3% reduction, thus greatly improving the signal to noise ratio. Straight away I was able to make more contacts and more contacts were easier on the ears as well. I challenge anyone to name any other non-bhi product that would achieve that same result!
What I concluded was that these loudspeakers are ideal for HF operations such as those on 26-27-28 MHz frequencies, to lessen static and background clatter caused by plasma televisions, refrigerators, car engines and other electronics devices. Did I mention telecommunications towers? Well them too! Unfortunately, it doesn’t reduce background noise created by kids or the YL however I am yet to find one on the market which does.
In contrast to the NES 10-2 version donated by bhi Ltd UK for this year’s Oceania Contest, this model comes with the DSP filter at a fixed level. It comes with a two metre audio lead with a 3.5 mm mini plug (mono) and a DC cable too. The supplied mounting bracket is helpful for installation in a car or at home and I was fortunate in that the original mounting bracket also came with this second-hand purchase.
In conclusion, the NES 5 Noise Eliminating Extension Speaker is recommended for use in many applications where extreme background noise and interference mean that you cannot clearly hear what is being said. It’s just the thing for improving SSB and FM/AM use too!
Though not tested on this occasion, suitable applications where the speakers have proven to be of great benefit to the user include radio amateur base stations, citizens band radio, transport base stations, two-way radios, HF radios, marine communications, scanners, emergency vehicles, telephone extension speakers, taxi base stations and hands-free car kits.
The NES 5 Noise Eliminating Extension Speaker normally retails for around £80.00 or around $150 AUS but unfortunately the bhi Ltd UK website says that they are currently out of stock. If you’re still keen to add a noise cancelling product to the shack, however, and can’t get one of these little gems second hand, then I recommend the NES 10-2 DSP Speaker MKII, a pair of noise cancelling headphones or one of the ANEM Noise Cancelling Modules. They will well and truly do the job!
Just check out the bhi website at http://www.bhi-ltd.co.uk/ . If you can leave the site without buying something for the shack then you’re a better man than me.
73 de Darren 43DA010/001Welcome to 43DA225 Frank
March 25, 2009 by Darren
One of Australia’s longest functioning eleven metre band operators, 43DA225 Frank is a passionate and enduring DX’er who has not only been active on radio for more almost 30 years, but is also considered a great mate by hundreds of radio operators all around the country.
43DA225 Frank’s QTH in South Australia is the pretty Adelaide suburb of Hilton in the city of West Torrens and from here he has developed a reputation on 27 MHz airways as being one of 43 Division’s most likeable characters.
In addition to former membership links with the Alfa Charlie and Delta Tango DX Groups respectively, Frank has worked in a leadership role with AC as his State’s Coordinator. During this time, he has also tallied up enough DXCC and IOTA entities to qualify for the DX Chaser classification three times over (See http://www.delta-alfa.com/about/become-a-member/ ), being a constant presence in the logs of most major DXpedition station logs in the past 20 years.
In addition to deriving much pleasure from the radio communications hobby, Frank balances a thriving private business in the building industry which he has owned for 39 years with a love of building model aeroplanes, as well as a strong interest in cars and motorbikes.
In fact, the first person in Australia to ever install and use a cb radio on a motorbike, Frank is a former Vice President of the famous Ulysses Motorbike Club and is still involved, advocating the country’s largest motorbike club’s initiatives aimed at supporting the older generation of rider in Australia.
Obviously, the spirit of adventure rings true with 43 Division’s newest team member as he has also travelled around Australia three times on a motorbike with a small trailer in tow.
On behalf of the DA-RC Headquarters Team (14DA911 Eric and 13DA007 Simon) and its growing team of practised dx adventurers, I’d like to welcome 43DA225 Frank to the Club and hope that he thoroughly enjoys the experience as a member of the world’s most innovative and original dx group.
Welcome to 41DA105 Brian
March 25, 2009 by Darren
The Land of the Long White Cloud is home to DA-RC’s newest member in the South Pacific region with 41DA105 Brian joining the team. Formerly with the Alfa Tango DX Group as 41AT105 but working in the Oceania Contest more recently as 41NZ105, Brian is one of the most experienced Freeband DXers in New Zealand, forging a reputation as one of the North Island’s finest radio operators over a period of more than 15 years behind the mic.
41DA105 Brian’s home in OC-036 is the picturesque port city of Napier (Ahuriri in Māori) in Hawkes Bay, which doubles as the largest cross-bred wool centre in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the largest apple, pear and stone fruit producing areas in New Zealand.
In addition to meeting DA-RC’s membership requirements in the DX Chaser category (See http://www.delta-alfa.com/about/become-a-member/ ), Brian’s skills and expertise in radio communications also extend to Short Wave Listening (SWL), a hobby in which he has achieved considerable success in many of the world’s premier ham DX Contests with the advantage of his prized Kenwood R2000 Receiver.
What’s more, Brian is also a member of the Shortwave Amateur Radio Listeners Group (SWARL) and is certain to be a valuable source of information for DA-RC moving forward as we develop our own professional SWL program.
When he’s not in the shack chasing DX as a dedicated Freeband or Short Wave Listener (SWL), though, 41DA105 Brian gets pleasure from the quiet side of life, collecting and studying rare postage stamps and related objects, such as covers (envelopes or packages with stamps on them) (Also known as Philately). He also enjoys relaxing at home with a cold beer or a glass of fine wine from one of Napier’s important grape growing and wine production areas around Metropolitan Hastings.
A self-confessed ICOM fan whose shack’s bench top is festooned with the IC-720a, as well as the IC-290a for 2m use, Brian looks forward to the arrival of Cycle 24 and re-establishing his lonely Oceanic DXCC as one of the premier DXstinations on the planet.
On behalf of everyone associated with the Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC), welcome to the team, Brian. We look forward to sharing your hobby successes in the future and working your station when propagation permits.
QSL Manager Protocols and Recommendations
March 21, 2009 by Darren
Most people would reason that dealing with a QSL manager when it comes to exchanging confirmation cards is far more reliable than dealing directly with a home operator. Some hobbyists, nonetheless, have had nasty experiences with QSL Managers to the point where they will no longer deal with them, electing instead to send direct to the operator himself – even if it means risking a non-return of card and/or wasted contribution.
The poignant fact is that there are more protocols to follow when exchanging QSL cards with a manager than there are fleas on a dingo and most of these remain unwritten rules that rival the cloak and dagger stuff of terrorism suspect detainment.
While DA-RC Continental QSL Managers operate in accordance with the accepted protocols of Freeband QSL Managerialship duties established over many years, this is not the case with a handful of Freeband managers from other groups who operate more as QSL card mercenaries than persons entrusted with providing a service for their DX Group and/or its respective members.
Some non-DA-RC managers, for instance, are known for demanding additional contributions, among other things, as currency for the card, or even just pocketing the US dollars offered as contribution if the letter contains no self-addressed envelope (SAE).
True, these rules of engagement can be very confusing for the inexperienced Freebander or even the part time QSL’er who sends only a couple of cards every few years for ‘Most Wanted’ DXpedition contacts. The rules, after all, change almost daily.
With this in mind, here are some recommendations for hobbyists around sending correspondence to managers, including DA-RC Continental Managers, in order to achieve the best results. They are by no means relevant to all managers but if you follow the advice given then you can’t go wrong (with DA-RC Managers in particular)…
Recommendations
- Make sure you have the correct Manager for your particular contact, as well as the correct coordinations. Many DX Groups have a large number of managers and it can be difficult to keep track of whom is managing whom. (Note: This is the main reason why DA-RC limits its Managers to continental regions only).
- On the front of the envelope write clearly the recipient’s name (ie. the Manager) and his/her postal address. Be sure to write your name and return address on the back of the envelope – even if you have included a SAE or sticky address label inside.
- Do not write other details on the envelope such as the manager’s callsign, your progressive number, QSO dates, or whatever you include as contribution. Do not write the DXpedition operator’s name c/o either – just the Manager’s name only.
- It is courtesy to include a SAE or a sticky label with your address written on it to save the manager both time, as well as the additional cost of providing an envelope. Some non-DA-RC managers are known to pocket contributions and dispose of QSL cards to the rubbish bin which do not contain a SAE despite the fact it is generally considered not compulsory.
Be sure to write the correct callsign on the QSL card you send. Many hobbyists use more than one callsign but occasionally forget which one they made the contact/QSO with. They then write the incorrect callsign on a card and send it off. Upon receipt of this card, the manager will check against the log sheet provided to them by the DXpedition operator to ensure that the QSO details, including the progressive number, are correct. If a callsign does not appear in the log then a card will not be sent and rarely will a card and contribution ever be returned.- Instead of local time, use only UTC or GMT time on your QSL cards and always state which one you have used.
- Never use as contribution the postage stamps from your country as they are worthless in others. Only use International Reply Coupons (IRC) or US or €. You also should check that IRCs are suitable in the country of the QSL manager before you send. (Note: IRC are valid forms of contribution for all DA-RC activities)
- Make sure you have put enough postage (stamps) on the envelope you are sending to the QSL manager. Your post office will tell you what amount is required; it is not good if the QSL manager has to pay at his end to see your letter, and the quickest way to have your cards tossed in the ‘Time Wasters’ rubbish bin.
- Do not use IRC stamped in the lower right corner or both lower corners as they are void. This is a common mistake performed by Post Office staff who are not familiar with how the IRC concept works.
- By all means, send a polite email enquiry to the QSL Manager if your card is not received after a couple of months. Most cards are received within 6 months so be patient. This option is better than worrying that it’s gone missing in the mail or worse still spreading word of a certain manager being unreliable… Then you definitely won’t get your card!
If you include samples and or a photo or postcard, don’t always expect the same back from the manager. Remember he only represents the operator who you have contacted and is not privy to souvenirs from that location or photographs of the operator’s station. Standard contribution also will only cover a basic postage cost so if extras are included then the manager would have to pay additional costs out of his own pocket. DA-RC Managers will often include sample cards where appropriate.
Lastly, remember that most QSL managers operate at a loss for the benefit of their group; as a courtesy for its members and as a service for the DX community in general. And while there is some rotten fruit amongst the crop, just as there is in all walks of life, most QSL managers do a fantastic job!
I hope this information helps.
73 de Darren 43DA001/010 World HQ Team OC/NA/SA/AS Continental ManagerTeam MX8 Transceiver…Modern and Stylish
March 19, 2009 by Darren
Team from Frankfurt recently released a new 27 MHz AM/FM mobile transceiver onto the market place; this time called the MX8. Sounds nothing unusual at the moment right? But in fact this is the first radio on the market with a scrolling display of text at the bottom of the display. For example, it can show power, channel and banding at the bottom! Nice idea and well done to Team for being the first to come up with the concept. In this hobby there are always the leaders and those that follow so we must congratulate them on the courage to experiment with this idea!
What you get?
The radio in itself looks not so interesting in the days of detachable fronts and other modern features like this. Ice Blue and Orange backlight display, ASC and standard Squelch, channel selector and buttons that control the DW (dual watch) mode and channel 9/19 are there. As too are the 6 pin mike socket and the standard mike that you see with the Roadcom which allows the options of up/down with the signal key that is common on the Teams. Also, inside the box comes the normal manual, u shaped bracket and the power lead with a 6 pin mike with the usual up/down features.
The size of the radio is also the key and this is nice indeed at 13.1 cm x 3.2 cm x 14.5 cm. It therefore fits nicely into many places. I must also add here that the Ice-Blue looks super at night, is strong and bright. Orange may be a better option at night in a car though where the blue is perhaps a little too bright.
Banding
You guys know me! I am a Brit and indeed find it hard that Team release a radio that does not include 40 of the English 80 channels. You drive to the UK on holiday and this radio is useless as the CEPT channels are hardly used in the UK.
As you cannot make the other 40 then there is need to take another radio that can manage the channels. Then you can also enjoy the people with tourettes, people who key there mics and not speak, bad language users and other idiots that are sat there to make the life of a serious radio operator miserable. So maybe a nice idea after all skipping these channels lol.
Supplied here on the mainland inside EU will be the MX8 Multi-Norm and this is because it manages:
- 80/40 40 channel 4w FM, 40 channel 1w AM
- 40/40 40 channel 4w FM, 40 channel 1w AM
- 4000 40 channel 4w FM
Also quoted on some websites are *export versions with 120 channels AM/FM thus being 26515-27855*. This option would be a waste of time, and why? 27.405 MHz upwards is SSB land and then from 605-855 there is the offset from the UK channels and on the channels below. We have now legal from 26.565 MHz so why would you want to have a few more channels to make it 26.515 MHz? It seems the smart option to me is to keep the legal version just that…legal. And I haven’t said that in many a year!!!!
** Not confirmed, just read from various web sites**
Options
There is not any CTSS so as a gateway in these days it would be limited and the lack of true multi is also something that can make it hard to sell. I’m positive though that they will sell many pieces of the radio. For people that want a mobile radio, trucker radio and one that can sit and be used with out fuss then the MX8 is indeed the one for you. The 12v/24v feature is a nice idea and makes the radio appealing as it can be fitted into a truck quickly and easily.
EXTRA INFORMATION RECEIVED
I can now reveal maybe some secrets thanks to the kindness of Mr Siemann from Team who has kindly supplied me with some extra information. There is indeed going to be a UK version but, although this radio can make it, there will be a different one sooner rather than later.
Other great news for many readers is that the Polish frequencies that end in zero will also be an option on the radio soon (26.960 MHz-27.400 MHz) so another great feature here it seems.
On Air
AM and FM Audio is amazingly strong. It seems to be maybe too strong, the deviation set a little too high, so it makes a sort of nasal sound when speaking; the sort of sound you get when speaking through a tissue. (It is easier to understand when hear it rather than to write in words).
The ASC is excellently implemented. It opens and closes well, borderline areas it suffers and stays closed moreso than open to allow noise inside. It seems more care was taken this time, maybe some process changes?
But there is something different and better than some other models. Gone are the birdie noises, processor clock noises – all banished to history. So that is again another plus point.
Team aimed this at the 80-100 euro market and, in my opinion, it is positioned correctly. I think a new idea for menu systems is needed though. Using numbers, and having something so narrow on a radio branded a Multi-EU is hard. For example: Imagine you drive for your career. If you travelled to Poland and the UK you would need 3 radios as a multi-EU bought in Germany does not have PL or UK as standard. According to my understanding, you would need to buy one in Poland and UK to have this on-board. So, it cannot be multi-EU as a radio at the moment when the channels are standard based around the German 80 channels.
- Radio in Germany with the German Channels
- Another with the Polish norms
- Another with the English Settings
Sure, it might not be important but if other manufacturers make true multi norms then I believe Team should be on the bandwagon also. Power on the bands were fine indeed, making 3.8w on FM and also 1w on the AM side of the band so within the area of acceptance.
Summary
This radio is a lot better than some before. Some previous areas of doubt seem to be addressed and changed. Audio is a concern, but when you speak away from the microphone the sound seems to become a little better and more audible.
ASC implemented as well as the President range. Build quality is fine and this seems an area where real improvements were made also. Additionally, the Ice Blue display and the scrolling text is a nice feature indeed. When you have it, it is something you want if you understand me!
The word Multi-EU is not so really correct to the letter of the word and indeed the paperwork needs to be changed now as the UK does not have a license needed now. Team has made big steps here with many issues and indeed seem to be learning and advancing with each release. The scan function also is 100% better than on some other models too. It flies across the channels and stops where there is a voice, and the ASC does not hinder, nor does it make troubles with it also.
This is a radio that can be the start of making Team a real player on the market and not just one of the others.
Points to Address:
Change the menu ideas, allow PL, UK as an option and not make it that the person either needs to experiment internally or try and buy one from another source or area.
Add CTSS next time as it is something for the future and look to the area of the audio. There is sure something of an issue there. More than one person commented on it, so must generally be an issue.
Team very kindly, openly and generously loaned me the model that is reviewed here. It is a courageous matter to send a model to someone that can either love or hate it! Mr. Siemann from Team is indeed very generous to allow such a thing to happen. Many manufacturers hide behind emails and exclude any idea of a test, a genuine one to be made. I thank him un-reservedly for his kindness and that of Team GmbH.
Written by 13DA007 Simon
(Simon also writes for RadioUser magazine)
Welcome to 224DA308 Taketi
March 15, 2009 by Darren
224DA308 Taketi is the Dx Adventure Radio Club’s newest member from the Central Pacific Ocean’s Northern Gilbert Islands (224 Division). One of Western Kiribati’s most dynamic DXers and a regular competitor in the Oceania Contest events each year, Taketi’s QTH is the isolated village of Tekarakan on Marakei Atoll which has a population of around 2,500 people, not to forget a growing number of staunch DX Adventurers such as 224DA111 Donnie, 224DA321 Kairirieda and 224DA276 Taken.
A minuscule coral atoll spanning the equator about 75 kilometres from the main island and Government centre of Tarawa, Marakei has a central lagoon which consists of several deep basins and is encircled by two isles where the atoll’s many village communities lie such as Temotu, Rawannawi, Antai, Tekuanga, Bainuna, Terokea, Tekarakan, Buota and Norauea. (See Marakei Atoll map).
Such is the remoteness of Taketi’s island is that there is no electricity, no telephones, running water or sewage system. Furthermore, all of the houses are simple thatched huts made out of coconut trees.
In addition to a passion for citizens band radio communications which includes conversing with friends on the other 20 inhabited islands of Kiribati, Taketi is a devout Christian and works as a Pastor with the Catholic Church in his small village. Many of the Churches, in fact, communicate daily via 27 MHz radio in the native Melanesian tongue and it is here that the DX seed is normally sewn!
Taketi is also a committed family man and spends much time with his wife Tetaarai and two sons, playing soccer, volleyball or basketball (which are common in Kiribati), fishing from a canoe, singing traditional songs or dancing such the Ruoia’s te kemai, Bino, Kaimatoa and Tirere.
On behalf of your new radio club Taketi, welcome! We hope you enjoy your new callsign 224DA308 and look forward to enjoying many contacts with you on the airways!
Welcome to 14DA017 Regis
March 7, 2009 by Darren
The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is delighted to present our latest affiliate from the French Republic…14DA017 Regis. Formerly with the Delta Xray, Alfa Tango, Florida Alfa Tango and International Radio DX clubs, Regis resides in the charming Alsace town of Saint-Louis in the Haut-Rhin (Locater: JN37SO).
The fourth smallest of the 26 regions of France (8,280 km²), and the smallest in metropolitan France, Regis’ delightful QTH is located on 14 Division’s eastern border and on the west bank of the upper Rhine adjacent to Germany (13 Division) and Switzerland (15 Division).
Commencing his life time on radio back in 1994, 14DA017 Regis has achieved such elevated standards in the hobby that enable him to satisfy not one, not two, but three DA-RC membership entry classifications. (See http://www.delta-alfa.com/about/become-a-member/ )
Reminiscent of his new Club’s other French team members, Regis is one of the leading young DXpedition operatives in continental Europe with a number of avant-garde activities in his DX résumé. These include an exciting activation of Djibouti in the horn of Africa as 186IR0, a regional activation of his home province as 14FAT/A and an activation of Inland Water Island (IWI) Rhin as 14IR/RI, as well as portable activities in 13 and 15 Divisions respectively operating in SES mode as HB.
Adding to his credentials for the DXpeditioner classification, Regis was also part of the support team for 186AT/AF053 from the Gulf of Tadjoura Group of islands which includes coral islands Maskali and Moucha – prime scuba diving locations in the centre of the Gulf.
On account of the gargantuan 265 confirmed DXCC entities to his name, as well as a sizeable number of confirmed IOTA contacts, 14DA017 Regis also meets DA-RC’s DX Chaser membership entry categorisation requirements. [Note: To become DA-RC via this classification requires a minimum of 50 DXCC and 100 IOTA worked and confirmed].
Furthermore, 14DA017 Regis’ leadership experience in the hobby is praiseworthy too. In addition to being a past 11-11 DXCC, Cluster dk Lounge Member and DXpedition Support System (DSS) associate, Regis has also designed premium QSL cards for 182IR0, 182IR/AF051, 225/14IR707 and 291IR0 respectively.
When he’s not partaking in DXpedition travel, chasing rare DX from the succour of his home shack or shaping classy QSL confirmation cards for others in the world DX neighbourhood, Regis spends much time relaxing in the garden, tending palms and other exotic plants. He also enjoys the artistic world of photography, specialising in landscapes and portraits, and maintaining a special online collection of his photographic achievements at http://bordet.smugmug.com . (Please see DA-RC Member websites at http://www.delta-alfa.com/qsl-gallery/member-websites/ )
On behalf of everyone linked with the Dx Adventure Radio Club, welcome to the team, 14DA017 Regis. It’s terrific having you on board for our exciting journey into Cycle 24 as the world’s most professional and innovative DX group!
Welcome to 224DA104 Hang
March 2, 2009 by Darren
The presence of DA-RC in the remote Central Pacific Ocean region has again been consolidated with the inauguration of our newest member in Western Kiribati…224DA104 Hang.
A past member of the Alfa Tango and Sugar Papa DX Groups respectively, 224DA104 Hang subsides on Tarawa Atoll’s tiny Betio (Pronounced ‘Bes-she-o’) Islet which carries the reference number OC-017 in accordance with the Radio of Great Britain’s fantastic IOTA program.
Hang’s far-flung QTH (CQ Zone: 31, ITU Zone: 65) is one of twenty four islets which make up Tarawa Atoll, of which at least 8 are inhabited. These narrow isolated islets cover an area of 23 square kilometres and are regarded by most as among the most wanted IOTA contacts in the world of radio communications.
Separated by about 4 kilometres from Bairiki Islet at the extreme southwest of South Tarawa, Betio Islet has the port, shipyard and main power station, as well as the largest population in Kiribati. “It also has a large number of war relics,” according to Hang, “after fierce fighting during the major marine assault”. During this time, apparently, aerial bombing and naval gunfire by the American forces against the Japanese who occupied the islands, stripped Betio of almost all vegetation. (Though green again, the islet has never recovered its pre-war serenity, though Hang still speaks fondly of its beauty).
A keen IOTA Hunter and an experienced DXpeditioner with over 200 confirmed island contacts to his credit, Hang hopes to activate his islet during the 2009 World Wide Radio Organisation’s Islands Festival, an event administered by the world Freeband community’s governing body, which has already attracted extensive DA-RC member support!
Also an experienced Ham, Hang is arguably the longest serving radio operator in his small Oceanic DXCC, being active on 27 MHz frequencies for more than 20 years. So famous is 224DA104 Hang in the Pacific region, in fact, that an article has appeared about him in one of the world’s best known CB radio magazines.
Away from the radio shack, Hang enjoys gazing at sunsets and exploring old WWII relics such as battered Japanese command bunkers, rusted shipwrecks and broken Japanese coastal defence guns still pointing out to sea, of which there are many scattered on the islands of Kiribati.
Welcome to the Dx Adventure Radio Club, Hang. It’s terrific having you as part of the team!
