South Cook Islands E51A - E51MMM - E51NNN: Nov 7, 2007

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Top Band Operations

We have been receiving many requests for 160m and 80m QSOs from European stations, and we will do our best to honor them. In reviewing our operating plan, it is only a guess at this point as to what times will work out best for Top Band QSOs. However, European sunset and E51 sunrise coincide nicely, so be on the lookout for openings from 1330z to 1430z. Also, watch at E51 sunset time (0450z) for an hour or so as EU is coming into sunrise. Openings to the US could occur from about 0700z to up to 1400z or 1500z. Openings to JA could occur from about 0800z to our E51 sunrise at 1552z.

E51 Sunrise - 1552z
E51 Sunset - 0454z

Our plan is to be QRV with two 700 watt stations using Acom 1010 amps, so we can be on any two bands simultaneously. Antennas, as mentioned in our previous post, will be as follows:

160m - Inverted L on 20m fiberglass pole
80m - Vertical on 20m fiberglass pole
40m - Phased F12 40m Sigma vertical dipoles
20 - 10m - F12 Sigma vertical dipoles

All antennas are planned to be near the high water mark on the north shore of Rarotonga, in S. Cooks.

Any additional information that can be provided about optimal times for 160m and 80m openings will be appreciated. Also, please let us know what are preferred tx frequencies for us in E51.

73, George, K5KG - E51MMM

DOs and DONTs of QSLing

Having just completed the answering of 1300+ cards that have been received, I offer the following DOs and DONTs of QSLing:

DO use envelopes with peel and stick flaps. They speed up sealing of envelopes.

DO put your call sign in bold, large print on the same side as the QSO information.

DO enclose enough postage or an IRC to cover the cost of return postage. IF this isn't possible, send the card anyway with a self addressed envelope.

DO avoid extraneous enclosures. Personal notes, canceled stamps, etc. should be avoided unless critical. Sometimes they are nice, but slow down the process.

DO NOT enclose a small return address label instead of an envelope.

DO NOT use envelopes without glue. They have to be taped shut, and that is a real pain!

DO NOT seal envelopes so tightly that they can't be quickly opened with a letter opener.

DO NOT mix cards to or from different call signs. They really slow down the processing of cards.

DO NOT fold or "hide" IRCs or Green Stamps so intricately that they are hard to unfold when opening.

QSLs

There is no QSL bureau in the Cook Islands. All QSLs must go to K5KG, either directly with an s.a.s.e. or via the W5 QSL Bureau, attn K5KG.

Direct QSL requests must be sent to:

George Wagner, K5KG
5113 Higel Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34242 USA

The QSLs have been designed and printed. We began the process of answering 1300+ QSLs beginning in late January 2008. As of Feb 4th, '08, nearly all cards have been answered. We continue to receive 6 to 10 cards daily by direct mail. We have not yet received any QSL requests via the W5 QSL bureau.

73, George