Season's Greetings

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

Painting at Meiji-Jinguu Gaien in Tokyo

I am waiting for arrival of license from 3D2 and P29.
Even if I get license my next trip will be in May or June in 2013.

73
aki  ja1nlx

Buro QSL from GlobalQSL

GlobalQSL says that.....

There were possibility that some QSL package for each Buro have not departed from Israel due to post service problem during 2011.

If you have not received my QSL for my DX vacation after 1.5 - 2 years and you really need these QSL then please let me know.  OQRS Direct/Buro are now available for ALL my DX pedition.

I will do my best to re-send QSL on your request.

73
aki  ja1nlx

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

As uploaded Log on LoTW have wrong IOTA (OC-187 instead of OC-160) revised Log has been uploaded again.

Sorry for inconvenience.

73
de aki  ja1nlx

HL-100BDX

Tested THP HL-100BDX during CQWW_CW contest on 28MHz.
This is max QSO rate by N1MM Logger. HL-100BDX worked very hard without problem.
I think this is much better than Juma PA-100D.

73

de aki  ja1nlx

Small amp for KX3

This is new HL-100BDX from Tokyo Hy-Power.

It makes good 100w output with about 3w input on all HF Bands. I will try to make more hard test during contest this week end.

I used Juma PA-100D during JA1NLX/VK4 QRV last October. I was very much disappointed that max power was limited under 30-50w on 24/28MHz due to high temperature.

73

aki  ja1nlx

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

QSL processing.....

For request via SASE or OQRS Direct
I send you QSL as soon as I receive your QSL. It is always in a few days.

For request via OQRS Buro
I will send corresponded Log to GlobalQSL in the end of this year.

For LoTW upload
All log has been uploaded on Nov 11, 2012.

If you have any problem then please let me know.

73
aki  ja1nlx

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

Some interesting pictures has been uploaded.  Look at following page.

http://ja1nlx.web.fc2.com/dxvacation/index.htm


73
aki  ja1nlx

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

All Log has been uploaded. If you have any problem then please let me know. I returned to Cairns today.

Online log serach

73
de aki  ja1nlx/vk4

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

Ready to go.....

Another important paper work is to make propagation prediction table referring VOACAP chart.
It tells me good Band and time for each direction. Opening for EU looks very limited and only good on higher Bands. I will do my best to work EU as many as possible. Opening for west coast looks very good but poor for east coast.

Internet connection may be available in my room. It means that I can check DX spot and email easily in real time. I will post daily topics on this page everyday if possible.

I will depart on Oct 17 and arrive Hamilton Island in early afternoon on Oct 18. If I have no problem then operation will start in 1 hour or so after arriving. Operation will end at about 1800  on Oct 23.  (Time in Local time)

Please read more in my previous post. Hope to meet you again from OC-160.

73
aki  ja1nlx

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

Propagation forecast for EU, JA and NA in October. It looks much better than before.
See forecast in 2011 here.

http://ja1nlx-aki.blogspot.jp/search/label/JA1NLX%2FVK4_2011

for DL

for JA

for W2

for W6

JA1NLX from OC-160

Plan fixed as of Sept 30, 2012

QTH: Hamilton Island, QLD, Australia IOTA OC-160. About 1 Hour fright from Cairns.

Hamiton Island. Hotel is in the circle above.

Overview from 19F private balcony

Schedule: Oct 18 - Oct 23, 2012
Band/Mode: 40m - 10m CW/SSB/RTTY  Freq: around IOTA freq
Transceiver: Elecraft KX3 with Juma PA100D
Antenna: Random wire with radials or Loop wire. It will be setup at 19F private balcony.


QSL info

QSL via JA1NLX

Log will be upload onto ClubLog (everyday if possible) and LoTW server when I return home.
You can check your QSOs on ClubLog LogSearch page.

If you REALLY need QSL then send me SASE with $2.00 or one IRC. This is most preferable.
You can choose another QSL option on LogSearch window above.  Simply click "Request QSL card" button.

 a. OQRS Direct  pay minimum $3.00 by PayPal please. You should give me your Name/Address clearly, otherwise I can not send you QSL.
 b. OQRS Buro  you need NOT send me your QSL. It takes 1 - 2 year for you to receive from GlobalQSL/your Buro.

I do not send QSL via Buro except your request above. You need not send me your QSL via Buro.

73 and hpoe many QSOs with you !
de aki  ja1nlx

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

Final check for trip.

"members" come together for final check. It will be first trip for following "members"

• Transceiver: Elecraft KX3 10w max
• Amp: Juma PA-100D 100w 100-150w max
• Power supply: MFJ-4230MV 25A continuously.

Another members....

• microHAM CW Keyer, Laptop PC, small paddle, microphone.

73
aki  ja1nlx

New Radio arrived

Elecraft KX3 arrived here.
I am checking KX3 with Juma PA100D 100w amp. PSU is new MFJ-4230MV. Total weight is only 3.44Kg !
I will take these to VK4 next month unless I find serious problem.

KX3 was ordered on June 17 and arrived here on Sept 15. It took just 3 months !!!


73
de aki  ja1nlx

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

I am wondering which radio I should take to Hamilton Island. The best friend is KX3+PA100D (100w amp). I do not know when it arrives although I ordered on June 17 (Assembled).
The latest shipping status is..........

It means that ordering before June 1 will be shipped in next 7 business days. My next choice will be TS480HX or K2/100 though.........

KX3 was shipped on Sept 10. It will arrive here in 7 to 10 days !!!


.

Problem to get 3D2 License

I do not know if this is widely known or not.
We have two serious problems to get 3D2 License at present time.

a) They request us to submit "Police clearance report" together with License application document. No need to submit "Police clearance report" when I made renewal license application  last year.
It is very difficult to get "Police clearance report" here in Japan, almost impossible because it takes a few month.

b) License has not been issued for almost all applications for a few months.
I do not know when 3D2C License was issued though.

3D2 government seem to dislike Amateur radio now.
My License has ended in August. I have no idea to get License again.  OH Well......

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

JA1NLX/VK4 will be active from Hamilton Island IOTA OC-160.

Schedule: Oct 18 - Oct 23, 2012
Band/Mode: 40 - 10m CW/SSB
Transceiver: TBD
Antenna: Random wire with radials or Loop. ATU is used.

- important note about QSL -

QSL via JA1NLX

Log will be upload onto ClubLog and LoTW server when I return home.
You can check your QSOs on following  ClubLog LogSearch page.

https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/JA1NLX/VK4_2012

If you REALLY need QSL then send me SASE with $2.00 or one IRC. This is most preferable.

You can choose another QSL option on LogSearch window above.  Simply click "Request QSL card" button.

 a. OQRS Direct  pay $2.00 by PayPal please. You should give me your Name/Address clearly.
 b. OQRS Buro  you need NOT send me your QSL. It takes 1 - 2 year to receive from GlobalQSL/your Buro.

I do not send QSL via Buro except your request above. You need not send me your QSL via Buro.

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

As accommodation is hotel with 19 floors antenna will be "random wire with radials" with ATU or "Loop" with ATU.  (I will be on 19F floor's room !)
"Random wire with radials" with ATU worked well at hotel with 7 floors at Noumea in 2007.

I am testing following "Loop" with ATU.

As far as it is set on the ground I get good match on all Bands (7 - 28MHz)   This type of antenna is very simple with good match without ground.

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

New small amp, Juma PA100D arrived here.

It is very small and light as well as HLA150. Input/Output characteristic is much better than HLA150. (HLA150 has been already sold out !)

Current limit is about 24A in PA100D. If input power is above 5W then it is shut down on 28MHz.
Turning ON -2dB attenuation makes possible to get 135W output with 5w input on this Band.

KX3 will arrive here at the end of this month or September. KX3 + PA100D will be companion in JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160.

JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-160

QTH: Hamilton Island  IOTA OC-160
Date: 2012/10/18 - 10/23
Band/Mode: 7 - 28MHz around IOTA Freq, CW and SSB

Online Log: https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/JA1NLX/VK4_2012

QSL info: TBD

JA1NLX/VK4 in 2012

I am planning to operate JA1NLX/VK4 from a island of Great Barrier Reef area, maybe Hamilton Island, IOTA OC-160.  Details not fixed yet.

Schedule: mid October, 2012  (TBD)
Band/Mode: 40-10m CW/SSB
Transceiver: TBD
Antenna: Random wire on fishing rod and radials laid on balcony floor with ATU.

Important note....
I am thinking to change my QSL policy. (TBD)
1) Log is uploaded on LoTW as soon as I return home.
2) I do not send/receive any Buro QSL any more.
3) If you really need my paper QSL then choose either way.
 a. Send me SASE with $2.00 or 1 IRC
 b. Pay $2.00 via PayPal and send me QSO data and mailing address by e-mail.
4) I do not accept eQSL.

Your comments will be appreciated. Thanks

Small AMP for QRP Transceiver

I purchased RM Italy HLA-150 Plus to get reasonable power with QRP Transceiver. It is 191x290x66 mm and 1.8Kg.
If it works with 130 to 150w output together with small/compact QRP Transceiver then
it is ideal for my DX Vacation.

I simply made input/output measurement with dummy connected.
It is driven by K3.

As you see 3 to 5 watts input is enough to get good output (120 to 140 watts) except 14MHz.
I do not know why it is saturated only at 110 watts.

If I chose KX3 as small/compact Transceiver then total weight is 2.7 Kg !

Spring in Japan

Spring has come with cherry blossom in Japan.

New PSU for DX Vacation

I am testing new PSU together with TS-480HX.
New PSU is Watson Power-Max-45 NF which provide 13.5V/40A (max 45A). It seems good for TS-480HX/200w operation.

TS-480HX+Power-Max-45-NF: 3.7+1.9=5.6Kg
FT-857+MFJ-4125=2.1+1.4=3.5Kg

New Transceiver for DX Vacation

TS-480HX arrived. It is expected as primary radio in next DX Vacation.
It is very small but much easier to use. 200w output will be available with 40A DC power supply.
I am investigating proper DC power supply. It must be small, light and reliable..

TS-480HX 200w output 3.7Kg
Eagle 100w output 3.3Kg
K2     100w output 2.6Kg
FT-857 100w output 2.1Kg

(KX3 10w output  <1Kg   need any amp for over 100w)

I have no reason to chose KX3 at present time. Elecraft have not announced yet about details of 100w amp

3D2YA updated

Summary (2)

Continent by Band chart

Log upload to LoTW
Log will be uploaded at the end of this month. If you have any question with your QSO please let me know.

Log has been uploaded on LoTW server. 2012/3/30

Buro QSL
Log will be sent to GlobalQSL at the end of this month. It may take 1 to 2 year for you to receive QSL from your Buro. You need not send QSL to me via Buro.

Log and QSL image has been sent to GlobalQSL. 2012/3/30

Direct QSL
If you need quick QSL then please send me SASE.

Transceiver and Antenna

Operation desk

Bravo-5

Random wire with radials and ATU

Bravo-5 worked well on all Band (20m - 10m) except one issue.
20m resonance frequency moved about 1MHz lower during hot day time.


Interesting pictures

Transfer boat

from Yangeta Island by mini-boat

Sunrise at Yangeta Island

another happy time

Bravo-5 coil/relay box

view from operation desk

view from beach

Miss "Cat" in the village

Farewell party

3D2YA updated

Summary (1)

3D2YA OC-156 QRV started at 0340 Mar 15 and ended at 0350 Mar 21 (UTC)
I just returned to Nadi this evening.
It was impossible to upload online Log because of poor internet connectivity.
Final Log has been uploaded on ClubLog server. If you are interested in your QSO  then please check. If you have any question give me a email.
Summay charts attached below.

Worked 5003 QSOs including some dupe QSOs. This is my new record !
Band opened for NA and AS on high Bands during day time. However I had very limited open for EU in the evening on 17m/20m and in early morining on 20m.
More details with interesting pictures will be uploaded on this page when I return home. See you again next time from somewhre in South Pacific.
73
aki  3D2YA, Ja1nlx

3D2YA in Nadi

Just arrived at Nadi this morning. I have no plan to be on the air here.
I will leave Nadi tomorrow morning and arrive at Yangeta Island in early afternoon.

73
aki  3D2YA in Nadi

3D2YA from OC-156 in 20112 Update

Schedule etc  (Time below is in Local time  Fiji time=UTC+12 hours)

3/13 13:55 Depart from Tokyo to Nadi via Seoul
3/14 08:20 Arrive at Nadi. One night stay in Nadi. NO QRV planned.
3/15 12:30 Arrive at Yangeta Island. Start 3D2YA from IOTA OC-156 at aroud 15:00.

Freq for CW: 7015, 10.115, 14035, 18085, 21035, 24895 and 28035KHz.
Freq for RTTY: 10140, 14.085, 18110, 21085, 24915 and 28085KHz
Freq for SSB: 14260, 18128, 21260, 24920 and 28460KHz

Transceiver: FT-857 100w
Antenna: Bravo-5 vertical Diploe by N6BT for 20-10m and random wire with ATU for 40/30m.

I operate mainly CW.  QRV on 80m/160m NO planned
I have daily schedule with my friend, 3D2ER Raj at 19:00-19:15 (07:00-07:15z) on 7015KHz CW. Please QRX for a while during this time.

3/21 17:00 QRT
3/22 17:45 Arrive at Nadi. One night stay in Nadi. NO QRV planned.
3/23 09:55 Depart from Nadi to Tokyo via Seoul.
3/23 20:45 Arrive at Tokyo

I have NO internet connection in the room.
e-mail check, daily Log upload and daily topics upload may be possible in reception room every morninig

I send QSL via buro (from GlobalQSL) for ALL QSOs. You need not always send your QSL via buro.
Log will be uploaded daily on CuluLog server (if possible) and uploaded on LoTW server when I return home.
Direct QSL request will be welcomed with SASE ($2.00 or 1 IRC). I will send back QSL in a few days after I receive.

I hope to see you very soon from beautiful island, OC-156.
73

3D2YA from OC-156 in 20112 Update

Propagation forecast

Referring to VOACAP Online good propagation will be expected during 3D2YA in March.
From top for JA, W2, W6 and DL
Check VOACAP Online when it is best between your QTH and 3D2YA and let me know the best time for you..

73

3D2YA from OC-156 in 20112 Update

I hope to upload daily Log on Clublog if good internet connection is available.

http://www.clublog.org/logsearch/3D2YA_2012

Only a QSO with JA1NLX is on the Log at present time.

73
aki  ja1nlx

3D2YA from OC-156 in 2012 Update

Transceiver and his staff are under testing.

Transceiver: FT857. This is his 3rd trip to 3D2.
microHAM CW Keyer: I always take him to South Pacific. Very useful for CAT and sending CW.
SignaLink USB: This is his first trip to South Pacific. Useful for Digital mode.
GHD mini Paddle: CW message is sent mainly by Logger32 macro and sometimes by this paddle. Very light and small.
W1 Power Meter: I always take him to South Pacific. Very light.
MFJ-4125 (not in this picture):  Power supply
MSI-U100 Mobile PC. Logger32 installed. (not in this picture)

Total weight above is under 6Kg

Note: K3 is not member of this team. I can not take him because he is too large and heavy !!!