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Amateur radio operation from XZ land, by Simon Luttrell HS0ZIB

This is NOT a DXpedition station, but a (hopefully) permanent station that is operated by HS0ZIB , who works in Myanmar as a volunteer for provision of educational and humanitarian aid. (please visit my charity web-site at http://www.myanmarteachers.org)

For full details of my tentative band plan and schedule, and how you can receive a commemorative QSL for your amateur radio QSO or your SWL report, please visit my web-site at http://www.xz1k.org

My original plan was to try for a DXpedition, and I spent about 9 months in fruitless correspondence with the Myanmar authorities from my base in south Thailand, close to the Myanmar border.

Then I considered a longer-term plan to actually construct a small hotel and amateur radio room in south Myanmar. (That plan is still 100% on the table, but it’s a longer-term project)

Finally, I started travelling to Myanmar every week, in my quest for this authorisation. Those trips also opened up my eyes to the educational and humanitarian needs of the people of Myanmar. In agreement with my wife, I decided to split my time between Thailand and Myanmar, travelling to and fro each week and working in Myanmar as a volunteer English and Thai language teacher at the local primary schools.

My presence in Myanmar also helped me to make some new contacts and to enquire again about getting authorisation to operate a ‘low-key’ ham station from the country. That authorisation was then surprisingly easy to obtain, with the callsign of XZ1K (K stands for Kawthaung which is the town where I am located). But the emphasis by the authorities was on this ‘low-key’ stle of operation, with no team of operators, no large antennas, no high power etc. Hopefully, it will be possible in the future to expand my han operations in Myanmar.

So the status right now is that I’ve set up a dedicated web-site at http://www.xz1k.org which details my operating plans and QSL route.

My web-page on QRZ.com is just awaiting mods approval…

Initially, I mentioned in previous posts that operation would only be made using PSK31, however it is very likely that I will commence using SSB and then also operate in PSK31 mode (not at the same time…)

Operation will initially be made only on 10 meters (SSB only), 20 meters (SSB and PSK), possibly 40 meters (SSB and PSK). I currently have no 6 meter equipment and need to build some wire antennas for the low bands. CW operation may follow when my morse rate is adequate!

Operation has to fit in with my volunteer work and regular trips to/from Thailand

I will attempt to upload all QSOs to my online log in near real-time (I am near enough to Thailand to receive their mobile phone networks)

I will not use LOTW or eQSL or any bureau. Verification of logged QSOs and for SWL reports will only be made via OQRS.

I will use Paypal and/or credit/debit card online payment to cover postage costs and a small, optional donation towards my social enterprise in Myanmar – see http://www.myanmarteachers.org. You do not need a Paypal account to use the OQRS, but you need a credit/debit card. If you do not have this, then please ask a friend to make the payment for you. I also appreciate any direct donations made via MyanmarTeachers.org

QSL cards will be printed in due course, and will indicate whether it is for a confirmed QSO or for a SWL report. Please do not worry if there is a delay in receiving your QSL card – I need to get these printed and then mailed out from Thailand.

Please do not treat this like a DXpedition! I intend to work in Myanmar as long as I can, and so you have time to try for a QSO.

I will usually operate in split mode, typically up 5. Please respect the DX Code of Good Conduct.

Please keep your QSOs with me short – give others a chance to make a contact

I hope to do some initial operations within the next few days – best of luck to all for a QSO (but absolutely do not worry if you cannot hear my signal – I will get to know my new QTH and experiment to find the best set-up/antennas for getting my signal out). I’m sure my signals will be flakey to start with.

Simon XZ1K will be in Myanmar from next Monday. Activity planned for SSB, maybe some PSK. [ XZ1K twitter https://twitter.com/xz1k ]

UPDATE: Simon mentions his current transmissions are very sporadic because he is still commuting back and forth between Thailand and Myanmar. He understands that free accommodation is being arranged for him in Kawthaung and once he has an established QTH, will be able to bring in more radio gear and build some better antennas. QSL cards are almost at the printer.

UPDATE: XZ1K not (yet) accredited. LINK http://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php?topic=84769.0

Simon, ex-XZ1K updates readers with latest info regarding amateur radio in Myanmar:

Right now, the new telecoms Regulator has been very busy with updating the outdated telecoms laws to allow the auction of 3 new mobile telecoms licences.

Via a roundabout means, I was able to get a look at the proposed telecoms laws. The emphasis is on reducing legislation and paperwork, especially for ‘private’ and small-scale radio and telecoms use. But there was no specific mention of amateur radio in the plans.

Therefore, I prepared a presentation and info about amateur radio and emailed this to the Regulator, who is by all accounts a very nice young man and speaks good English. I emphasized that amateur radio can kindle a technical interest amongst young people to pursue a technical career etc, which surely will be useful for Myanmar. I also commented on how amateur radio can be very useful in times of natural disaster etc. Finally I proposed to make this presentation in person to him, and to operate a pilot ham station, to demonstrate it’s usefulness and zero risk to the country’s national security.

Anyway, I’ll see if I get a reply. My contacts have told me that the Regulator is not directly opposed to my suggestions, but that ham radio is of very minor importance at a time when they are busy working on the new telecoms laws and mobile licences. Even if the Regulator says OK, his decision will still have to go up the chain to the military bosses..

In the meantime, I will continue to seek out useful contacts in the government..

Simon, HS0ZIB informs:

During the months of May and June 2013, I will again operate XZ1K from Tanintharyi State. I will only operate on PSK31, according to when I have free time. From 1st July, I will be working in Laos, but I will try to return each holiday to re-activate XZ1K.

QSLs will only be available via online verification. There is of course, no bureau in Myanmar and I will have no permanent address there. I will mail out a hard-copy QSL for each QSO verification. SWLs may also submit their reception reports.

Simon, HS0ZIB updates:

I now have a copy of the licence that was issued to me last May for the callsign XZ1K. I have sent this copy, plus other required documents, by courier to the ARRL, for both DXCC consideration and for issue of a LoTW certificate so that I can easily upload any new QSOs to LOTW.

Simon, HS0ZIB updates:

I am now in Kawthaung, Myanmar. Please look for my signal on 20m PSK-31. You can check QSOs and request QSLs from my online log at http://www.myradioclub.org/xz1k/

LOTW is not yet available. I submitted documents to the ARRL for DXCC approval and LOTW account on 30/4/13, (by courier service from Yangon), but although the package is shown as delivered to the ARRL I have had no feedback. If/when I am allocated an LOTW account, I will upload to LOTW for requested QSLs.