I just worked EZ8BP on 20m CW, a brand new DXCC for me, and quite a rare one. It's number 30 on the Clublog
Most Wanted DXCC list, and there are, apparently, only about six licenced hams in that country. EZ8BP was CQing on 14.040, listening up 1, and to be honest I didn't think I had much of a chance because he had people calling him from Europe, the States, Japan and Australia. One VK3 station had a huge signal here. However, Vladimir was listening up slightly higher than 1kc, so I decided to call slightly above the pile-up on 14.041.5, and that's where he got me after a while.
He is a slow operator, but a good one, and before long I could hear "EI2KC 599" coming through the noise!! That's DXCC #289 worked here, and an unexpected one. I'm not sure whether EZ counts as
DXCC, but I will send a QSL card to Vladimir and hope that he responds.
Now, if only I can nab VK9NT for another new one, I'd be a very happy man!!
Good morning Anthony, very nice catch and it's all about being in the right place at the right time. For only having 6 hams in the entire country I am surprised it's only ranked 30 at club log.
ReplyDeleteMike
Mike, it's a strange one because although there are licenced operators in Turkmenistan, apparently amateur radio is banned there since 2006!! Ah well. I might be able to get a card of him. It won't count for DXCC, but it will be nice to have . . .
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ReplyDeleteUnfortunatly he is not valid for DXCC. QSL is just for the private collection.
ReplyDeleteNo, but the card will be nice to have all the same.
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