12:00Z — APRIL FOOL CONFIRMED đ
DX-World has today learned that a major overhaul within ARRL DXCC (DXAC) is being planned. Details are still to be formally announced, but we can exclusively reveal the following:
- Â ARRL is considering adding “Moon” as a new DXCC entity when the next astronauts land there.
- Â Apparently ARRL will soon delete all DXCC countries where there has been no radio activity since 1st January 2000.
- In addition, but not yet confirmed, FT8 QSOs will now only count for Digital DXCC, and not Mixed DXCC.Â
Keep an eye on the ARRL website or DX-World for further updates.Â
The ARRL and other amateur radio organizations should seriously consider deleting some currently-existing entities from the DXCC Master List. This has happened before. Google Search those that have been removed for various reasons.
In my opinion, places like Crozet, Europa, Scarborough Reef, Peter and Paul Rocks, etc. that are either uninhabited (other than for restricted and temporary, scientific research) or off-limits due to environmental concerns, dangerous tides, questionable political status, and so on. Obviously, not every Iota (Islands on the Air) is on the DXCC list, nor ought to be, unless their situation changes in the years ahead.
This would remove the chaotic pileups such as what is presently ongoing with the FT8WW Crozet 2022-2023 operation.
If that island’s resident penguins could speak, what would they say to us humans?
Why not “Earth” operating from any hole or cave while more than 1 km deep. “Ocean” is another possibility, being without support (i.e. a ship) in the sea, and perhaps “Atmosphere” for free fall operations too. The air-land-sea award would be a “Worked All Planet” certificate, with ice cap and iceberg endorsements too.
Of course Moon is a DXCC entity, already Why is this in doubt?
So is Mars, .
Really. No April Fools.
Both are municipalities within Pennsylvania, so they are part of the entity US. Duh.
Maybe the call sign for both Moon and Mars should be EL0N, if Liberia is willing.
– ARRL is considering adding âMoonâ as a new DXCC entity when the next astronauts land there.
… what about QTH-Locator, grids, squares, etc.? … and what happens with the “Dark Side of the Moon (Pink Floyd)”
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– In addition, but not yet confirmed, FT8 QSOs will now only count for Digital DXCC, and not Mixed DXCC.
… good idea, otherwise we’re going to eleminate CW and SSB in the future, for RTTY it’s already done “RIP” except contests ;-))
Best greetings from AP1RIL
NEWSFLASH – We’ve also just heard a brand new award is being considered: “Worked All Space”.
@Deepak – so true! I think many ops and DXpeditions could learn a thing or two about how not to “beg” for $$$ by following the ISS QSL process!
“The best part about every operation from the ISS has been that they have never asked for donations and QSL with no strings attached.”
Good news on April 1
This info confused me until I looked at the calendar. đ But I really like the idea about FT8. The propagation is good but all the bands are nearly empty except the crowded 3 kHz spots.
The ISS should be made a separate entity as there is regular activity from it unlike the moon! The difficulty of working it is also high as propagation windows are only a few minutes long. The best part about every operation from the ISS has been that they have never asked for donations and QSL with no strings attached. The real spirit of ham radio has literally been up in the air all these years.
A truly deserving entity for the Deserving if there was ever one!
Deepak VU2CDP
April Fools to All
Joke on 1. April?
APRIL FOOL!!!!!
Although the other changes have been sanctioned at ARRL Board level, I believe debate continues re the status of the moon as a new DXCC entity. As the new DXCC 2100 program expands there is concern as to the precedent set by affording a satellite entity such as the moon new country status. Although other planets in the solar system will be granted country status on a new activation basis only, acceptance of the moon will bolster arguments for separate dxcc status for the asteroid belt. It is proposed that asteroids with a circumference of more than 100 kilometres will be separate counters as long as there is a separation from other qualifying asteroids of at least 1 million kilometres. Consideration also needs to be given to the status of planetary rings and exo planets although activation of the latter is considered unlikely and determination of status will be on a case by case basis only.
Paul – vk4ma