IOTA Contest preparations well under way

There are just a few days before the 2009 IOTA Contest on 25 and 26 July.

This is the big event of the year for island chasers and, for most, it is a great chance to improve scores.

Already a number of DXpeditions have announced they will be active for the contest.

Here a just a few of the stations to look out for:

• MM0NDX will be active as GM5A from the main island of Hirta in the St. Kilda group, which is IOTA reference EU-059. QSL via GM4FDM.

• A nine-strong team of VK operators will be active from Norfolk Island as VK9NI. They will have a 2-element 40m beam and Spiderbeams for HF as well as a range of verticals for all bands including 160.

• HS0AC/P will be on the air from Si Chang Island, which is reference S-107. The QSL Manager is HS0ZFZ.

• The Strumblehead DX and Contest Group will operate from Ramsey Island off the West Wales using the call MW9W for the contest and MC0SHL at other times. The island will not only count for the IOTA contest but also WAB awards and the WFF award. QSL via M0URX.

• IC8/IW8EHK will be active from Capri, reference EU-031 with some activity outside the contest period. The QSL manager is IK7JWX.

• CO8ZZ will be active during the contest from Cuba, taking part in the CW only category. QSL via DK1WI. Cuba’s reference is NA-015.

• YC9MDX will be on the air from Timor Island, reference OC-148.

Don’t forget that if the stations you work send in their logs you can claim the contest QSOs for your IOTA Awards without needing to get their QSL cards.

See the ‘Activations’ tab on the home page at www.rsgbiota.org for more information on these and other upcoming activities

Thanks to Southgate Radio Club for the info.