"XM3XZ" --- Special Callsign Prefix

[Ed Swynar]

Hi Guys,

Well, I finished up with just over 300 QSOs in the log as "XM3XZ"...it was certainly enjoyable, & reminded me more than a little of Field Day in that I operated with the call outdoors for the whole time (I set-up the station on our patio table in the back yard, under a gazebo umbrella)...

Some interesting observations:

-10-meters was open on Saturday big time! The robot CW stations in "...beacon alley" were absolutely chock-a-block with 599 signals --- yet there was next to zilch "live action" to be had there, anywhere (have we all collectively just assumed 10 was dead ALL of the time?).

-15-meters had its share of openings, especially on Saturday. It's a funny band: to-day I worked an "SV1" station with a 599 signal --- yet there was nobody else audible on the whole band! Go figure.

-My best "runs" were with CW. I'd call & call CQ on SSB, with VERY little luck. As soon as I got on CW, I could run entire strings of calls --- even generated some pile-ups at the bottom end of 20! Just as well: CW is my favourite mode.

-The timing with the RAC Canada Day contest was a bit of good luck --- I'm sure more than a few of the guys I contacted were taken aback by the prefix ("Since when did Mexicoi become a part of Canada...?" one guy asked!).

-I heard NO OTHER Newcastle Hams using "XM3"...I would have hoped that at least SOME of the gang would have been encouraged to get on, but I guess I was the only guy sporting the special prefix.

Their loss, I guess...

Hope I managed to work a few of you...if so, many thanks! I hope to have some kind of QSL card made-up in short order...

~73!~ Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ



----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ed Swynar 
  To: Old Tube Radios ; AMRADIOS at webtv.net ; HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV ; hbr at mailman.qth.net ; Welcome to the Novice Rigs List! ; antiquewirelessassociation at egroups.com ; boatanchors at mailman.qth.net 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 8:50 AM
  Subject: "XM3XZ" --- Special Callsign Prefix


  Hi Gang, 

  Maybe this is a tad off topic, however, starting this Thursday --- and continuing right through the coming weekend --- our Industry Canada here has authorized the use of the special prefix "XM3" in place of "VE3", for licensed Hams operating within the village of Newcastle...

  This is in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the village's existance.

  We have a general population of about 8500 here, with a registered Ham count of 24: I personally mailed-out notices to all 24, and had 4-5 of the letters returned to me by Canada Post! These locals have either moved, become SK's, or otherwise fallen off the face of the earth. It seems the balance of the guys just aren't all that active, either...

  I hope to remedy that some, by signing "XM3XZ" for the duration --- all bands, all modes --- from a station set-up outside, in my back yard. If you're a prefix hunter, & you need "XM", have a listen for me! I hope to activate my Heathkit monobanders on 75- and 20-meters SSB, & my Yaesu FT-980 for the other bands + CW/AM...

  ~73!~ Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ  - "XM3XZ"

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