SAINT LUCIA, J6. Until August 21, Mike N4XTT is operating as J68TT and activating several
POTA references with J69Z.
MAURITIUS, 3B8. From August 21 to 27, Alex is operating as 3B8/SQ9UM. QSL via his callsign SQ9UM.
ASIATIC RUSSIA, UA8, 9, 0. From August 21 to 28, Vladimir RK8A and Igor UA3EDQ will be
operating as RI8KR from four islands in the Obskaya Gulf group (Kara Sea), IOTA ref. AS-109. See
https://robinsons.ru/ri8kr/. QSL via RZ3EC.
FRANCE, F. Until August 22, Fabien is operating as F4GYM/P from Pilier Island (IOTA EU-064), an uninhabited island off the port of L'Herbaudière, north of Noirmoutier Island (Department 85, Vendée).
MARKET REEF, OJ0. Until August 22, Henri (OH3JR) will be active as OJ0JR, and Anne (OH2YL) as OJ0YL. QSL OJ0JR via home call OH3JR and OJ0YL via home call OH2YL.
UNITED STATES, K. This Saturday, August 22, members of the Potomac Valley Radio Club will operate station K3S aboard the nuclear-powered ship *Savannah* to commemorate the vessel's maiden voyage in 1962 (64 years ago).
ITALY, I. This Saturday, August 22, from 07:00 to 16:00, members of the Savona ARI section (IQ1SV) will operate as II1LH from the Capo Di Vado lighthouse.
LESOTHO, 7P. This Saturday, August 22, from 08:00 to 15:00, Francisco (ZR6FAR) will be active as 7P8FR.
EAST MALAYSIA, 9M6, 8 / WEST MALAYSIA, 9M2. Between August 22 and September 30,
to mark National Day (August 31) and Malaysia Day (September 16),
several special call signs will be active from various Malaysian states and federal territories:
in East Malaysia, 9M26MS (Sabah) and 9M26MQ (Sarawak); and in West Malaysia,
9M26MA, 9M26MB, 9M26MC, 9M26MD, 9M26MJ, 9M26MK, 9M26MN, 9M26MP,
9M26MR, 9M26MW, 9M26MM, and 9M26MT.
LATVIA, YL. Until August 23, special call sign YL35ZS for the 35th anniversary of the
Latvian National Guard.
ASIATIC RUSSIA, UA8, 9, 0. Until August 23, special call sign R1996A for the 30th anniversary
of the escape of the IL-76TD aircraft crew from captivity by the Afghan Taliban.
CROATIA, 9A. Until August 24, Jan is operating as 9A/SQ5BUJ from Orebic.
ITALY, I. Until August 24, Luca is operating as IA5/IW2LUY from the island of Elba, IOTA EU-028.
DOMINICA, J7. Until August 24, FM5FJ and FM5BH are there and likely operating
using J7/homecall callsigns. They will return from October 18 to 27 with F5VHJ and
S53R, and will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest using the callsign J75A.
SPAIN, EA. From August 24 to 30, the special callsign AO5FSB will be used from Cieza
during the San Bartolomé Fair.
EUROPEAN RUSSIA, UA. From August 24 to September 13, the special callsign R440L
marks the 440th anniversary of the founding of the city of Tyumen.
RÉUNION, FR. From August 25 to 27, André will be operating as FR/ZS6AJG.
CORSICA, TK. Until August 26, Alexander will be TK/OE5AUH and David will be TK/OE5DDJ
while hiking the GR20 (long-distance trail).
ICELAND, TF. Until August 26, special callsign TF5SS for the Scout Jamboree in the
municipality of Hamrar, Akureyri.
OMAN, A4. From August 26 to 28, special callsign A43KD during the "Dhofar Khareef." This
is a monsoon season that transforms this region of southern Oman from mid-June to mid-September.
Light rain, misty skies, and cool temperatures (20°C to 27°C) turn the arid landscapes
completely green, attracting many visitors to Salalah.
NAMIBIA, V5. From August 26 to September 20, Hanspeter will be V5/HB9BFM using Olivia mode,
8/250 protocol, on 14.072 kHz between 16:00 and 19:00 UTC.
NAMIBIA, V5. From August 26 to October 10, Gunther DK2WH will use callsigns V51WH and
V55Y from Omaruru, alongside his photography work in South Africa.
ENGLAND, G. From August 28 to 30, GB100TL from Lundy Island (IOTA EU-120).
LIECHTENSTEIN, HB0. From August 28 to 30, the AmateurFunk Verein Liechtenstein
(national amateur radio association) celebrates its 40th anniversary with the callsign HB040A.
SOLOMON ISLANDS, H4. From August 28 to September 11, Lance W7GJ will be H44GJ from Lola
Island, New Georgia Islands group (IOTA OC-149). Lola Island is an island in the Vona Vona Lagoon, southeast of Vonavona Island, in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands.
CANARY ISLANDS, EA8. Until August 29, Richard is operating as EA8/IZ1GDB from Gran Canaria.
WEST MALAYSIA, 9M2. From August 29 to September 4, the special call sign 9M15J has been granted by the administrative authority to the Penang State Scout Association for the 15th Malaysian Scout Jamboree, operating from Batu Kawan, Penang.
MEXICO, XE. Until August 31, the special call sign 4A2MAX will be active again in memory of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. Born in 1894, Father Kolbe (SP3RN) died on August 14, 1941, at Auschwitz. QSL via EA5GL.
MARSHALL ISLANDS, V7. Until August 31, Mac (KC8CPK) is on assignment in Kwajalein as a nurse; he has obtained a license and the call sign V73RM.
WALES, GW. Until August 31, Kevin (MW9KJC) and Curtis (MW0USK) are operating as GB64MOD.
MOLDOVA, ER. Until August 31, special call signs ER35MD and ER35RM are in use to mark the 35th anniversary of the country's independence (August 27, 1991).
FRANZ JOSEF LAND, RI1FJ (ex-4K2). Until August 31, R7AL, RW8A, RW9JZ, UA3QLC, R2DVE, and RA4DX are operating as RI1FJL from Heiss Island (IOTA EU-019). A second expedition will take place from September 9 to 25 (see further down in the bulletin).
SOUTH KOREA, HL. Until August 31, the special call sign HL81V is being used by members of the Korean Amateur Radio League's Chungbuk HQ (6K0MF) to mark the 81st anniversary of the Liberation of Korea (August 15, 1945).
UKRAINE, UT. Until August 31, EN35UKR is active to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.
NEW ZEALAND, ZL. Until August 31, Stuart ZL3TUX is operating as ZL100TUX to mark the centenary of the founding of the NZART (New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters).
ASIATIC RUSSIA, RA8, 9, 0. Until August 31, Oleg RD1A is operating as RI0SP from the Arctic,
with the North Pole-42 expedition aboard the drifting research vessel "Severny Polyus." QSL
via RN3RQ.
FAROE ISLANDS, OY / ICELAND, TF. Until August 31, Berthold is traveling by camper van—
first to the Faroe Islands (as OY/DO1BBM/m), then to Iceland (as TF/DO1BBM/m).
He served as a radio teletype operator during his military service and became a radio amateur three years ago.
ASIATIC RUSSIA, UA8, 9, 0. During August, the "Arctic Legends" team will operate as RI0BU from
Uyedineniya Island, IOTA AS-057. See https://www.rt9k-club.ru/en/index.html.
TANZANIA, 5H. In late August/early September, Eyal 4X1RE will operate as 5H2RE (SSB) and Dov 4Z4DX
as 5H2DX (CW, FT8), likely from various POTA locations.
… through the end of 2026 …
POLAND, SP. Special callsigns 3Z100LKK, HF100LKK, SN100LKK, SO100LKK,
SP0LKK, SP100LKK, and SQ100LKK mark the 100th anniversary of the "Lwowski Klub Krotkofalowcow"
(Lviv Radio Club). It was one of the largest radio clubs in Europe before World War II.
GIBRALTAR, ZB2. Several times a year, the special callsign ZB2FTY is on the air to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the "Gibraltar Amateur Radio Society" in 1976 and the 80th anniversary of the first ZB2 callsign (issued in April 1946). Direct QSL via ZB2BU.
ANTARCTICA, KC4. Tom VK2TBC is operating as VK0TBC from the Australian "Casey" base—ref. VK-02 (in the Antarctic base registry)—located on the Bailey Peninsula, Vincennes Bay, Budd Coast, Wilkes Land (66°17 S - 110°32 E); IOTA ref. AN-016.
ITALY, I. The Fidenza section of the ARI (IQ4FE) is activating a special callsign each month in 2026 to honor Marconi: II4KEMP (August), II4PAGE (September), II4NTTI (October), II4GCLB (November), and II4SLRI (December).
NETHERLANDS, PA / POLAND, SP. PA3HEN is using the callsign PG75HSC and SP3LPR is using 3Z75HSC to mark the 75th anniversary of the High Speed Telegraphy Club (HSC), founded in 1951.
BELGIUM, ON. Special callsign OT26B for the 100th anniversary of the SNCB (Belgian National Railway Company). QSL via OR4K. On May 5, 1835, Belgium inaugurated Europe's first railway line—between Brussels and Mechelen—a landmark event that made Brussels the world's first capital city to be served by rail.
GREENLAND, OX. Loren KK5LM is operating as OX5LM from Pituffik Space Base.
GERMANY, DL. The special callsign DB70DLRS marks the 70th anniversary of the DARC's
weekly bulletin, the "Deutschland-Rundspruch." See the QRZ.com page. QSL via DK5ON.
GERMANY, DL. Special callsign DQ30GDXF for the 30th anniversary of the German DX Foundation.
The callsigns DG0GDXF, DG30GDXF, and DF0GDXF have also been announced.
GERMANY, DL. To mark the 170th anniversary of Nikola Tesla's birth, the DARC's
Mainz local chapter (DL0MZ) is using the callsign DR170TESLA. QSL via DK8ZZ, Club Log.
BULGARIA, LZ. The Blagovestnik radio club (LZ1KCP) will activate the following
special callsigns: LZ67PP (August), LZ936BA (Sept.–Oct.), and LZ911TD (Nov.–Dec.)
to celebrate Orthodox saints. Additionally, the "Radio Telegraphy High Speed Club" (HSC)
is using LZ75HSC to mark its 75th anniversary. QSL via LZ2JE.
CROATIA, 9A. The national amateur radio association is celebrating the 170th anniversary of Nikola Tesla's birth using the callsign 9A170NT. QSL via LoTW, Club Log, or QRZ.com.
MALAWI, 7Q. From 2026—and possibly through 2027—Chris (ZS6RI) is operating as 7Q5C from Karonga, in the north of the country. He works in six-month rotations. QSL via LoTW or Club Log.
UKRAINE, UR. To mark his 50 years of licensure, Nick (US8AR) is using the callsign EM50AR. Additionally, the special callsigns EM100W and EN100WLKK celebrate the centenary of the Lviv radio club, founded in 1926 as the *Lwowski Klub Krotkofalowcow* (LKK). It was one of the most important radio clubs in Europe prior to World War II. Also, the special callsign EO80F marks the 80th anniversary of the Palace of Children and Youth in Izmail. Izmail is Ukraine's largest port and a vital hub on the Danube.
SOUTH ORKNEY ISLANDS, VP8, LU_Z. Ramon Alberto is operating as LU1DMZ/Z from the LU1ZA station at the "Orcadas" base on Laurie Island (IOTA AN-008). Established in 1904, it is the oldest Antarctic base. The first Argentine crew, including José Moneta, arrived in 1927, and the first official radiotelegraph station in Antarctica was inaugurated. Since 1951, the Orcadas Observatory has been under the authority of the Argentine Navy.
TAJIKISTAN, EY (formerly UJ, RJ). Special callsigns EY35D and EY35S mark the 35th anniversary of the Republic's independence. QSL via W0VTT.
NEW ZEALAND, ZL. The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) and the
Auckland radio club ZL1AA will operate as ZL100AA to mark their centenary. NZART
members may use the ZM prefix throughout the year. For a three-month period, NZART
operators and local branches may use the ZL100 prefix.
BANGLADESH, S2. Over the course of two or three days throughout the year, the S21DX
team is activating 17 grid locators via QO-100, using two stations per locator in SSB and
CW modes. The locators are NL41–NL46, NL51–NL55, and NL60–NL65. Operators are
also using their personal callsigns: S21ACP, S21AM, S21FIA, S21HMX, S21MOB, S21RC,
S21RED, and S21YLJ.
POLAND, SP. Each month, the Dobrzycki radio club (SP3PDO) uses a different special
callsign to honor various Polish saints: SP1905MFK (August), SP1373AB (September),
SP1550SK (October), SP1234KK (November), and SP1835JK (December).
… from September onwards …
CANADA, VE. Until September 1st, during the night between approximately 23:00 and 01:00, Mark is
operating as VY0/WB2OIL from Qikiqtarjuaq (Broughton Island), part of the Baffin Coastal Islands
group (Nunavut East), IOTA NA-130. He is a member of a scuba diving research team.
FRANCE, TM. On Sundays in September and October, the Mazirat radio club (Dept. 03,
Allier), F4KOK, is operating as TM3CF to mark the geographic center of metropolitan France
(including Corsica and coastal islands). The club uses the poetic name "GRAAL"
(like the Quest of the same name), standing for *Groupe Radio Amateur Allier Libre*. The schedule
may be disrupted by weather conditions, a lack of available operators, and various
minor technical issues. QSL via the bureau. The Allier department has two points
recognized as the geographic center of metropolitan France (including Corsica), but the
site at Nassigny (locator JN16GM) was chosen. The club plans to be
active from the other recognized point in 2027.
GRENADA, J3. From September 1st to 12th, GM5RDX will operate as J38DX and M6IJU as J38LD.
POLAND, SP. From September 1 to 30, the Dobrzyca radio club (SP3PDO) will activate
several special callsigns to mark the 100th anniversary of the Polish State Railways (PKP):
SP100PKP, SQ100PKP, HF100PKP, SN100PKP, SO100PKP, and 3Z100PKP. QSL via
SP3PDO. Additionally, during the same period, the special callsign HF26BMS will be used
for the 26th World Hot Air Ballooning Championship.
GREECE, SV. From September 1 to 30, the "Fifth Ocean Ham Aviator’s Club" will operate
as SX48JM to commemorate the 48th anniversary of pilot Joseph Migadis's heroic
action on August 9, 1978, when he safely returned Olympic Airways flight "OA 411"
to Hellinikon Airport following an engine explosion during takeoff.
PALAU, T8. From September 4 to 7, Nobuaki (JA0JHQ) will be at the radio club in Koror
to prepare antennas for the All Asian DX SSB contest (Sept 5–6), where he will operate as T88PB.
KOSOVO, Z6. From September 4 to 11, Giovanni (IZ2DPX) will operate as Z68PX from Grashticë,
and Angelo (IZ1CTE) will operate as Z68BR.
VIETNAM, 3W. From September 4 to 12, Jacek (SP5APW) will operate as 3W9C from Hòn Sơn Island
(also known as "Hòn Rái"), IOTA AS-128. While other operations have taken place under this
reference, Jacek is the first to activate it from Hòn Sơn itself. This will be his final
operation in Vietnam, as his license is expiring soon.
EAST KIRIBATI, T32. On September 6–7, Ken KH6QJ will operate as T32AZ for the All Asia Contest,
then on September 12–13 for the Worked All Europe contest, and on October 3–4 for the Oceania Contest.
FRANZ JOSEF LAND, RI1FJ. From September 9 to 25, RA1ZZ, R9LR, RA9USU,
UA6EX, R3CN, and RW6MD will operate as RI1FJZ.
SEYCHELLES, S7. From September 11 to 21, Kasimir will operate as S79/DL2SBY from the north of
Mahé Island (Inner Islands group, IOTA AF-024), 100m from the coast.
GREECE, SV. From September 11 to October 10, Dirk ON5CT will operate as J48S from Samos Island
(IOTA EU-049, locator KM37). He will be active on bands from 80m to 10m using FT8, FT4, SSB, RTTY, and some
CW, and will participate in the CQWW RTTY contest. QSL via eQSL and LoTW; no paper QSLs.
LIECHTENSTEIN, HB0. On September 12 and 13, René DL2JRM will operate as HB0DX.
OGASAWARA, JD. From September 12 to 19, Rudi DK7PE (also JG1PFR) will operate as
JD1/JG1PFR. CW operation only.
AZORES, CU. On September 16, the national association CU2ARA will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
DENMARK, OZ. On September 19 and 20, René DL2JRM will operate as OZ0MF.
MALDIVES, 8Q. From September 20 to October 10, Jürgen DL3JH will operate as 8Q7JH from Thulhagiri Island, North Atoll (IOTA AS-013). QSL via the DARC bureau or direct via DL3JH.
SAMOA, 5W. From September 21 to October 12, Jacek SP5EAQ will operate as 5W0AF.
MOLDOVA, ER. From September 25 to 28, René will operate as ER/DL2JRM.
OGASAWARA, JD. From September 26 to October 6, JI1LET will operate as JD1BOI from Chichijima Island (IOTA AS-031).
FRANCE, TM. From September 27 to October 11, the callsign TM47CDXC will be used for the 47th General Assembly of the "Clipperton DX Club" in Carcans (Gironde department, 33), taking place from October 9 to 11.
CROATIA, 9A. Until September 30, 9A10SOTA marks the 10th anniversary of the SOTA program.
ROMANIA, YO. Until September 30, the special callsign YR100RC marks the centenary of the
"Craiova" radio club, the first radio club established in Romania on March 18, 1926.
ANTARCTICA, KC4. Until October, David VK2JDS is operating as VK0DS from the Australian
"Davis Research Station." Direct QSL via D. Scott VK0DS, 4139 Freemantle Road,
GOWAN, NSW 2795, Australia.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, 9Q. From October 1
st to 11th, the
Mediterranean DX Club will operate as 9T0MD (prefix 9T0 used for the
first time). QSL via IK2VUC.
NEPAL, 9N. During October, DL4XT will operate as 9N7XT. QSL via QRZ.com and LoTW.
FRENCH POLYNESIA, FO. During October, Haru JA1XGI will operate as TX9XG from
Rangiroa Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago, IOTA OC-066.
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS, VP8. Until October, Rafal SQ4O is operating as HF0PAS
during the 50th Polish Antarctic Expedition from the "Henryk Arctowski" station on
King George Island. I made a QSO on Tuesday, August 18, at 23:07 UTC on 40m (7135/7130)—59+10dB!
THE GAMBIA, C5. From October 1 to November 4, Ljubisa "Lui" YT3PL (also known as YU5R) and
Luc F5RAV will operate as C5R from Tanji, near Banjul. Their humanitarian work continues at
the Wilcos School, which serves children aged 3 to 5.
SENEGAL, 6W. Between October and November, an Italian team will be on an expedition with 4
active stations. Call sign not yet specified. See https://www.i2ysb.com/idt/
JUAN FERNANDEZ, CE0. Sometime in October, for about ten days,
Moises CE3VTZ and Felipe XQ7IR will operate as XR0Z from Alejandro Selkirk Island (IOTA SA-101).
They list this reference on their QRZ.com page, even though it does not exist in
the "bible" known as the "IOTA Directory," which classifies this island under reference SA005. Further info to follow. They will set up the station in a shelter at an altitude of 1,057 meters. Accessing the
site poses a significant physical and logistical challenge, as it involves a 4-hour, 7-kilometer
hike from the village to the mountain summit. To transport all the necessary
equipment, each operator will carry a 15 kg backpack, with assistance from local
fishermen. https://www.xr0z.net/. QSL via M0URX.
SOLOMON ISLANDS, H4. From October 7 to 21, 9A3MR, DK8ZZ, 9A2NA, 9A3CJY (age 17),
9A4WY, and 9A7Y will operate as H49A from Guadalcanal Island (IOTA OC-047),
paying tribute to 15 years of charitable work by the "Croatian Sisters of Charity
of Saint Vincent de Paul in Buma."
USA, K. From October 8 to 11, NV4C, K4JTT, and WK4U will operate as N4N from Sapelo Island (Georgia), IOTA NA-058, marking the 16th anniversary of their initial activity in 2010 during the International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend.
TUNISIA, 3V. The 22nd IARU High Speed Telegraphy World Championship will take place in Sousse from October 8 to 12.
NORWAY, LA. On October 10 and 11, René DL2JRM will operate as LG5LG.
LESOTHO, 7P. From October 16 to 29, DL7DF, DK1BT, DL4WK, DL6SAK, DL7BO, and DL7UFR will operate as 7P8GE. QSL via DL7UFR.
BERMUDA, VP9. From October 17 to 20, Josh will operate as VP9/W9HT.
SAO TOME & PRINCIPE, S9. From October 17 to 31, EC7R, D2ACE, CT1BOL, D2IM,
CT1BZG, CT2GFW, and CT3MD will operate as S9R from Tamarindos (locator JJ31rp)
using three stations.
OGASAWARA, JD. From October 17 to November 2, Koutarou (JP1IHD) will operate
as JD1BQP from Chichijima.
DOMINICA, J7. From October 18 to 27, FM5FJ, FM5BH, F5VHJ, and S53R will
operate as J75A for the CQ WW DX SSB Contest on October 24–25.
POSTPONED. BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, VP2V. Expedition originally scheduled for
October 19–27 postponed to 2027 (exact dates to be announced); a team will
operate as VP2VXX from Tortola Island (IOTA NA-023). Participation in the
CQ WW DX SSB contest on October 24–25 is cancelled.
RODRIGUES ISLAND, 3B9. From October 20 to 28, Kazu will operate as 3B9/M0CFW
and as 3B9KW during the CQ WW DX SSB contest (Oct 24–25); he will also be
active from November 22 to December 2, including during the CQ WW DX CW
contest (Nov 28–29). QSL via LoTW.
SAINT PIERRE & MIQUELON, FP. From October 21 to 26, Matthew will operate
as FP/WF2A and participate in the CQ WW DX SSB contest on October 24–25.
PALAU, T8. From October 21 to 29, JH3LSS, JA3IVU, JA3HJI (other sources cite JA3HJU),
JI3DNN, and JA3AVO will operate as T88DK, T88ED, T88DN, T88CZ, and T88MB, respectively.
SCOTLAND, GM. From October 22 to 26, Stewart G4AFF will operate as GM4AFF/P from one of the
Shetland Islands, IOTA EU-012. He will use the callsign GM5E for the CQ WW DX SSB contest on the 24th/25th.
KOSOVO, Z6. From October 22 to 26, René DL2JRM will operate as Z68XX.
DOMINICA, J7. On October 24/25, during the CQ WW DX SSB contest, FM5BH, FM5FJ,
F5VHJ, and EA1BP will operate as J75A. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog OQRS, or direct via F5VHJ.
JERSEY, GJ. On October 24/25, Tev will operate as MJ/TA1HZ in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest.
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR, VU4. From October 24 to November 7, W0ZB, K1LZ, VE2DX,
VU2RS, K1NZ, KB2FMH, K2SAV, and N4VGE will be active from Andaman, IOTA AS-001.
5 stations operating 24/7. They will activate 3 POTA references (IN-0003, IN-0005, IN-0007) and
participate in the CQ WW SSB DX contest. Call sign pending.
JAPAN, JA. Until October 26, the special call sign 8J7SPO is active to celebrate the 80th "Japan Games" and the 25th National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities, held in Aomori Prefecture. Direct QSL via JQ7ATB.
PALAU, T8. From October 26 to 30, Ken BW2/JP1RIW (also known as BM2JCC) will operate as T88KH.
LESOTHO, 7P. From October 26 to November 25, Wolfgang HB9CCS will operate as 7P9EA from
Thaba-Tseka (locator KG40HL) in the country's mountains. Schedule and frequencies: 04:00 to
06:00 UTC on 14.051 MHz CW, and 15:00 to 18:00 UTC on 28.051 MHz CW, 28.510 MHz SSB,
21.023 MHz CW, and 21.223 MHz SSB. Depending on propagation, he will also be active on 12m and 17m.
AMERICAN SAMOA, KH8. From October 29 to November 13, following the T2C,
C21MM, and V6D expeditions, the German team is preparing for its next South Pacific
adventure: KH8A. Nine operators, four 24-hour stations, 160m through 6m, CW, SSB, FT8, RTTY.
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA, V2. From October 30 to November 6, JJ2RCJ (also known as AB2RF),
JA3FHL, JA3PJL, JH3UHG, and JA0JHQ will be active from the V26B station.
WILLIS ISLAND, VK9W. Until October 31, Sands VK4WXW is operating as VK9WX; he has been at the weather monitoring station since May for a winter mission with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Established in 1921, this station issues cyclone warnings for Queensland. QSL via Charles M0OXO.
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS, VP8 (South Shetland), HF0. Until October 31, Rafal SQ4O is part of the 50th Polish expedition and will operate as HF0PAS from the "Henryk Arctowski" Antarctic station on King George Island, IOTA AN-010.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, VP2V. During November, Bob will operate as VP2V/GU4YOX and VP2VBB for the CQ WW DX CW Contest on the 28th and 29th.
BANGLADESH, S2. During November, the S21DX team will be active from Kutubdia Island, IOTA AS-127.
TOKELAU, ZK3. From November 17 to 31, N7QT, K5GS, W1SRD, KE4KY, K3EL, WD5COV, WA7CPA, N9ADG, Jacky ZL3CW (F2CW), IK0FVC, HA0NAR, YL Violetta KN2P, and Jack N7JP—all members of the "Perseverance DX Group" (PDXG) or the "Western Washington DX Club" (WWDXC)—will be on an expedition from Fakaofo Atoll, Tokelau Islands group, IOTA OC-048. The callsign ZK3ZL has been requested to mark the 100th anniversary of relations between New Zealand and Tokelau. QSL via M0URX.
MOZAMBIQUE, C9. From November 10 to 19, OK1BOA, OK1FCJ, OK1CRM, OK1GK,
OK2ZA, OK2ZC, OK2ZI, and OK6DJ will operate as C8K. QSL via OK6DJ, OQRS, or LoTW.
CEUTA & MELILLA, EA9. From November 13 to 15, EA4HUK, EA4GHH, EA4IWX, and
EA3JAQ will operate as EG9MM from the "Autonomous City of Melilla." They will activate
several references for the DMA, POTA, LLOTA, and TOTA programs. Activity-specific QSLs
via QRZ.com, LoTW, or eQSL.
ARMENIA, EK. From November 14 to 16, René will operate as EK/DL2JRM.
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS, VP8/KC4. In mid-November, Gil IZ2GMR (also
known as K2GMR) plans a 9-day stay on King George Island, Antarctica (IOTA
AN-010). He will operate as K2GMR/MM from the boat and as KC4/K2GMR once on the island.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND, VK9X. From November 16 to December 4, the VK9XY expedition—
"The Next Generation Takes the Helm"—will take place, organized by the
Pacific Islands DXpedition Group (PIDXG) and the "Youth on the Air" (YOTA) program.
QSL via M0OXO. See the article at the bottom of last week's bulletin.
BONAIRE, PJ4. From November 23 to December 1, KU8E, N8VW, and K9NW will
operate using their home calls (PJ4/homecall); on November 28–29, they will operate as PJ4A
in the CQ WW DX CW contest. QSL for PJ4A and PJ4/KU8E via K4BAI; for the others,
via their respective home calls.
BRITISH BASE IN CYPRUS, ZC4. From November 23 to December 1, Adrian G0KOM
will operate as ZC4MK from Melanda Beach. He will participate in the CQ WW DX CW Contest.
PALAU, T8. From November 25 to December 3, JH1OLB will operate as T88DT and
participate in the CQ WW DX CW Contest on November 28–29.
MICRONESIA, V6. From November 26 to December 1, JH3AIU will operate as V6AIU
and JR3RIU as V63JX from Chuuk Island (IOTA OC-011). QSL via home calls.
LUXEMBOURG, LX. On November 28–29, for the CQ WW DX CW Contest, Suad DK6XZ
(also E77XZ) will operate as LX7I.
TONGA, A3. On November 28–29, for the CQ WW DX CW Contest, W6NV (also A31WW) and K0AV (also A31AV) will operate as A31W from this entity (also IOTA reference OC-064). QSL via W6NV.
LIECHTENSTEIN, HB0. On November 28–29, René DL2JRM will operate as HB0DX.
SAINT MARTIN, FS. From November 28 to December 11, K9NU, KT8X, NQ9N, VA3CW, WB8BZK, W9MR, W9AP, and K9EL will be part of the TO9W expedition and will participate in the CQ WW DX CW Contest on November 28–29.
PANAMA, HP. Until November 30, HP1CDW is operating as 3E40CDW to mark the 40th anniversary of his license.
ZIMBABWE, Z2. From December 1 to January 25, 2027, Dumisani ZS6ND will operate as Z21MY.
SOUTH SUDAN, Z8. Until mid-December, Diya YI1DZ is operating as Z81D from Juba. He works for the World Food Programme. QSL via OM3JW, OQRS.
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR, VU4. From December 17 to 30, the "DX India Foundation" is organizing an international expedition using the call sign VU4R.
SEYCHELLES, S7. From December 28 to January 8, 2027, OK1GK, OK2ZA, and OK6DJ will operate as S79/OL1T. QSL via OK6DJ.
MARIANA ISLANDS, KH0. From December 29, 2026, to January 3, 2027, Ken will operate as KH0/AJ6VJ from Saipan.
PALAU, T8. From January 8 to 14, 2027, JA6EGL will operate as T88SM.
FALKLAND ISLANDS, VP8. From January 10 to 17, 2027, Santiago Martel (LU2DUR)
plans a personal expedition to East Falkland; he is awaiting a VP8 call sign.
JAPAN, JA. Until January 29, 2027, the special call sign 8J70JARE will be used from various
locations across the country to mark the 70th anniversary of the Japanese presence in Antarctica.
On November 8, 1956, the *Syowa*—the first Japanese ship to explore Antarctica—left Tokyo
with 53 crew members; 17 of them landed on the Ongul Islands on January 29, 1957, to
establish the first research station, which was named "Syowa." QSL via JG2MLI.
PETER I ISLAND, 3Y. Sometime in February 2027, a team of 19 operators will operate as 3Y0L.
The Norwegian Polar Institute granted landing authorization in April 2024.
SOMALIA, T5, 6O. From February 15 to 27, 2027, ON5UR, ON4AMX, ON4HIL, ON5TN,
ON6CC, ON6DX, ON7RU, ON7USB, ON8AZ, PA3EWP, N6PSE, and PA7DX will operate as 6O6X.
The pilots are Champ (E21EIC) for Asia and Steven (NC6R) for the United States.
NIUE, E6. In the first quarter of 2027, Gavin ZL3GAV will operate as E6SP.
ANTARCTIC CRUISE. In early 2027, Mehdi F5PFP will embark on a four-week
sailing cruise. Departing from Navarino Island (IOTA SA-050, Chile), he will
stop at the South Shetland Islands (IOTA AN-010). He will then sail along
western Graham Land and other archipelagos, making stops at various islands,
bases, and refuges depending on the weather: Machu Picchu Base (Peru),
Commandante Ferraz Base (Brazil), the ruins of Base G-Admiralty Bay (UK),
the ruins of Giacomo Bove Base (Italy), Brazil Refuge (Brazil), Pieter Lenie
Field-Copacabana Base (USA), Republica del Ecuador Refuge (Ecuador), and
Arctowski Base (Poland). As a French expedition, the sites fall under the
jurisdiction of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. The journey includes
crossings of the Drake Passage and Bransfield Strait, with a possible
additional stop at the South Shetland Islands on the return leg from Antarctica.
SOUTH GEORGIA, VP8. In March 2027, LA7THA, LB1QI (also F6JJX), LB5GI, W0ZB, F4HEC, G0VJG, G4PUM, IU2EFB, LA3BO, OE7PGI, OK2WX, UR8UQ, and UR5UY will operate as VP0SG from Husvik. Three young operators will be part of the team: YL Violetta KN2P (licensed since 2012; she has solid expertise in safety, is a flight instructor, and is also a member of the Tokelau expedition). The other two young operators are Léon DL3ON and YL Megan EI5LA (19 years old, from Cork, Ireland).
DOMINICA, J7. Until March 2027, Haluk TA2LE will frequently operate as J79H, sometimes from POTA reference locations such as Morne Trois Pitons and Cabrits National Parks.
SAINT LUCIA, J6. From March 9 to 16, 2027, Stephen will operate as J6/KB4YKC and Paul as J6/KB4PML.
GRENADA, J3. In late March 2027, for two weeks, Mike VY0ZOO (also VE2XB) will operate as J38XB. QSL via VE2XB.
MARSHALL ISLANDS, V7. Until 2027, Randall KX4QD is operating as V73HW while on assignment on Kwajalein Island (Ralik Chain group, IOTA OC-028). QSL via KX4QD, Club Log, LoTW. Also on Kwajalein Island until June 2027, John WA4IYB is operating as V73RJ.
FRANCE, TM. In April 2027, members of the "PlusScouts PA3EFR/J" group will operate as
TM27OMAH from Omaha Beach to support the "Normandy Camporee 2027."
JAPAN, JA. Originally scheduled for May 22–23, 2026, Take JI3DST/6 and Ken JA4GXS/6
had to postpone their planned expedition to the Danjo Islands (IOTA AS-056)
until May 2027 due to weather conditions. These islands are uninhabited and have
no regular ferry service. The IOTA AS-056 reference is the second most sought-after
island group in Japan.
LORD HOWE, VK2 (formerly VK9L). From May 24 to June 7, 2027, DL2AWG, DF4GV,
DL2AMD, DL2SAX, DL1KWK, DL6RY, DL4VK, DJ7TO, EA5GVH, and DL4SVA
will operate as VK2LHW. QSL via ClubLog OQRS, LoTW, or direct via DL2AWG.
NORTHERN IRELAND, GI. Until June 20, 2027, the special callsign GB5NCL is being
used from the industrial port town of Larne (on the east coast of County Antrim,
one of Northern Ireland's six counties), a key link between the region and Scotland.
The special callsign celebrates historical ties between northeastern County Antrim
and western Scotland, notably Robert the Bruce's crossing of the North Channel
in 1306 and the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada. It also commemorates the wireless
telegraphy link established by Marconi in 1898 between Ballycastle and Rathlin
Island—the first commercial use of this technology in Ireland.
KYRGYZSTAN, EX / TAJIKISTAN, EY. Until mid-2027, Yuri UA4LCQ is operating as EX7CQ (EX9A in contests) from Bishkek. He is occasionally in Tajikistan using the callsign EY8DX (EY0A in contests).
CAMBODIA, XU. From November 13 to 23, 2027, the XU7X DXpedition will take place on Koh Rong Island (IOTA AS-133)—a premier tropical destination in Southeast Asia—featuring an international team of 20 operators from Brazil (PY2WAS team leader, PY2DV co-leader, PY2PT, PY5EG, PY2BS, PS8RV, PY5HSD, PY5KD, PY6RT), the USA (N6PSE co-leader, K3NQ team doctor, K3VN, K6TD, N2WB, N6JRL, WN6A, WD5COV [low-band antennas]), Ecuador (HC5VF), Bosnia & Herzegovina (E70A), and Japan (JH4RHF). The unspoiled island of Koh Rong, off the coast of Cambodia, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. It is one of the most sought-after IOTA entities (AS-133) and a WWFF reference (XU-0008). Six stations will be active simultaneously, 24 hours a day. Locator: OK10pq. QSL via Tim M0URX (via OQRS). Website: xu7x.net.
ANTARCTICA, KC4. Until the end of 2027—possibly until 2028—Yuri Kovalenko (UA1CCI)
is operating as RI1ANY from the Russian station "Novolazarevskaya" (locator JB59vf).
NORFOLK ISLAND, VK9N. Dom VK2HJ is currently operating as VK9HJ (he visits regularly for work). He is using a telescopic vertical antenna covering the 20- to 10-meter bands with 100W of power.
KYRGYZSTAN, EX. Since October 2025—and for the next several years—Erman (an operator from the Philippines) has been active as EX/4G1HOD while awaiting a local callsign.
SOUTH SUDAN, Z8. Alex HB9FND is operating as Z81Q from Juba. QSL via Club Log's OQRS.
CUBA, CO. The Grupo DX de Cuba (GDXC) will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the "Federación de Radioaficionados de Cuba" (FRC)—founded in Havana on July 15, 1966—using the callsign T40FRC. Exact dates for the operation have not yet been announced.
NEW ZEALAND, ZL. Jacky ZL3CW (also known as F2CW) is celebrating his 30th anniversary in the country using the special callsign ZL30CW. Jacky was one of the original writers for *Mégahertz-Magazine*, alongside his friend Denis Bonomo F6GKQ. Additionally, the callsign ZL100AA is being used to mark the centenary of the New Zealand association and its Auckland branch (which has operated as the Auckland Radio Club since 2021).
ALBANIA, ZA. Vincent is operating as ZA/F4MXR—in accordance with the CEPT T/R 61-01 agreement—using portable or mobile setups. He is traveling in a motorhome with his wife.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, A6. Hamed 9K2HS is currently operating as A65HS from Abu Dhabi.
MOZAMBIQUE, C9. Bill ZS6ACY is currently active again as C91CCY. It generally starts on 3.795 kHz around 04:00 UTC, then switches to 7.153 kHz around 04:30 UTC. It moves to 14.188 kHz around 05:00 UTC. Other activity in the country: Paulo ZS6CRZ is operating as C95CRZ from the city of Tete. Also, R7AL and OK8AU are operating as C91RU from Ressano Garcia. WEST MALAYSIA, 9M2. The Penang radio club (9M4CPM) is operating as 9M9TYT to mark the appointment of the 9th Governor of Penang. QSL via 9M2NAL. UGANDA, 5X. John (originally from Texas) will soon be active as 5X/KF5NSR; he is awaiting a license and a 5X call sign. His QTH is at a high point near Lake Victoria, at an altitude of 1,200m. Equipment: Buckmaster OCF 7-band wire antenna, IC-703. Uganda is one of the lightning capitals of the world, and Kampala records more strikes than any other city globally. ANGOLA, D2. Coming soon: Isabel CR7BZL will be D2IM, and Vasco will be D2ACE. BONAIRE, PJ4. Coming soon: Fred K9VV will be PJ4WW, and Lisa W4LIS will be PJ4LIS. KURE, KH7K / JOHNSTON, KH3 / MIDWAY, KH4. The Intrepid DX Group is awaiting authorization to proceed with its plans for these three expeditions. Midway Atoll remains closed to the public, with management focusing on conservation, safety, and site preservation. TIMOR-LESTE, 4W. Darren VK4MAP is operating as 4W6DA from Atauro Island (IOTA OC-232).
EUROPEAN RUSSIA, UA. Eugeny is active again as UA4RX/1 (formerly RI1FJ) from a weather station located in the heart of the boreal forest; this station is rarely activated and carries the RDA reference AR-21. QSL via UA4RX.
SINT MAARTEN, PJ7. David is operating as PJ7/W1DIA from Fort Amsterdam.
SOUTH COOK ISLANDS, E5. Frank (DJ5NQ) is operating as E51ANQ from Rarotonga.
CEUTA & MELILLA, EA9. Eugene (EA5EL) is operating as EF9M in several contests this year.
GERMANY, DL. Several times in 2026, the callsigns DA100LH, DL100LH, and DK100LH will be used to mark the 100th anniversary of Lufthansa Airlines, while DA100TV and DL100TV will mark the 100th anniversary of television in Germany.
WEST MALAYSIA, 9M2. Mike is operating as 9M2/KM9D from Teluk Kelubi Beach on Rebak Island (Perlis/Kedah State group, IOTA AS-058).
MEXICO, XE. The Aguascalientes Radio Club is active as 4A2DX, operating from POTA locations and in contests.
SOUTH KOREA, HL. The special callsign HL70KARL marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean Amateur Radio League (KARL), founded on April 20, 1955. No specific dates provided.
MARIANA ISLANDS, KH0. Chusuke is operating as KH0/JR1FKR from Saipan Island (IOTA OC-086).
QSO with Gérard FO5SK (French Polynesia) on Monday, August 17, on the 20m band (SSB).
He lives in Uturoa, Raiatea Island (IOTA OC-067).
Raiatea is an island in French Polynesia and the administrative center of the Leeward Islands subdivision within the Society Islands archipelago. It is the fourth-largest island, following Tahiti, Nuku Hiva, and Hiva Oa. The island is located 4.5 km south of Tahaa, 34 km west-southwest of Huahine, and 201 km west-northwest of Tahiti. It shares the same lagoon as the island of Taha'a. Its main town is Uturoa, and it is divided into three communes: Uturoa, Taputapuatea, and Tumaraa. The island was recognized as an independent state in 1847 and officially became French in 1888. It is the third most populous island in the collectivity, ranking behind Tahiti and Moorea.
… changes coming to the DXCC Honor Roll? …
Rumor has it that the DX Advisory Committee is reviewing the program and its current rules, a move that could lead to a change in the threshold required to make the "Honor Roll." Currently, there are 340 active entities, 331 of which must be confirmed to qualify for the Honor Roll. This situation has become a point of contention because, for the time being, this goal is unattainable, and any solution risks sparking heated debate. The reasons cited are as follows:
North Korea (P5) is closed off. Turkmenistan (EZ) is not issuing (or no longer issues) amateur radio licenses. Scarborough Reef (BS7H) and Pratas Island (BV9P) are located in disputed waters of the South China Sea, with no civilian access. Johnston Island (KH3), Midway (KH4), and Kure Island (KH7K) are inaccessible due to USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) regulations regarding "marine monuments." The last activation of Navassa (KP1) was in 2015, and the USFWS has indicated that no further activations will be permitted. Syria (YK), Sudan (ST), Afghanistan (YA), and Myanmar (XZ) cannot host legitimate operations under current conditions.
That amounts to 12 entities—or even more—that are out of reach. The maximum number attainable for a DXer starting out today is around 328.
Given that the current threshold of 331 is unattainable for new DX hunters,
the Honor Roll seems to reward longevity rather than performance. Indeed, the operator
who has confirmed the highest number of entities (395) is 89 years old. So, if you
started DXing in 1950, you may have contacted many entities that
no longer exist or are no longer eligible to be counted in 2026. No one among those
who began DXing in this millennium will ever reach the impressive
figures held by this group of octogenarians who sit alone at the top of the rankings.
DXCC involves confirming one hundred countries (entities). This was an achievable goal when
the program was reset in 1946. The basic award poses no problem.
Difficulties arose as the program and its rules evolved to capture the attention
and interest of those who had already obtained the basic award. Some radio amateurs have devoted
their entire lives to this quest, motivated by new rewards periodically dangled
before them like a carrot. The "Honor Roll" ranking became the most
prestigious and coveted goal for those gripped by this consuming passion.
An increasing number of operators under the age of 80 will be excluded from this highly prized
elite circle. The Advisory Committee finds itself at an impasse. Finding a way to ensure the
future of the Honor Roll—without disrespecting older radio amateurs, many of whom
oppose any change—promises to be a delicate task. Will lowering the threshold for
entry into the "Honor Roll" satisfies more people than it displeases? That appears to be the crucial question—a question
that could find an answer, or else be ignored, by the end of the year.
Translation of the article by Jeff KE9V
Translation from French to English by Frank SWL F14368 / FØDUW
If you like to receive every Friday the "DX news" in French send a message to Gaby F5PSI (it's FREE!) f5psi@wanadoo.fr
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