I heard 2 stations from China on 15 but was unable to work them...prop did not seem that good for me, anyway

1. Living the DX Code of Conduct

2. Giving back to the DX part of the hobby (QSL manager, Elmer, article author, belonging to a DX club, etc.)

3. Getting on the air

CHris/NU1O, my limited understanding of the sanctions is that the target is banking and hard currency along with consumer goods.  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/26/us-korea-north-combat-idUSBRE92P0V220130326?feedType=RSS

Does anyone remember as a teenager playing the Avalon-Hill board games? Called turn-based strategy games, it was a wargame scenario that allowed for movement and interaction of units in a theater scenario of a historical battle in the past.  I used to enjoy learning about tactics and World War 2, how the Third Reich initially succeeded and then had to retreat.  Same with Napolean.

Well about 10 years ago, I found that these types of games had been computerized!  You can play against another player (take a turn, mail the updated file, the other player takes a turn and mails back the file, etc) or against the computer.  Different parameters (degree of difficulty, reinforcements, etc.).  Well, one of the MOST INTERESTING of these was called Korea 85.  It is based on the Order of Battle (ORBAT) for 1985 on the peninsula.  North versus South. Summer and Winter campaigns.  It simulated how the North would attack in a full cross-border move.  The game received numerous awards for realism of strategy for both sides.  One of the illuminating elements of the game is how quickly Seoul would fall and how difficult it would be to hold ground for the South.  Basically a "trade territory for time until reinforcements arrive."  Heavy losses on both sides.  Of course, DPRK is a lot different today than in 1985 (and so are we).  But it was very informative.

http://www.hpssims.com/Pages/products/ModBat/Korea85/korea85.html

I eventually stopped playing these when they began to keep me up late at night (which was when I was supposed to be DXing!)

Given that the first thing which will happen when DPRK falls is a mass migration of refugees, desparate for food and clothing, it seems like the chaos will take some time to die down.  So maybe DPRK leadership change + 2 years until P5 is active again.  (Of course, the priority should not be on ham radio but in stability and getting order restored so people in DPRK can get some basics back in their lives).

Awesome!

+1 on Don/K2DC comments.

Although 40 is VERY interesting this morning (KH0 after local sunrise, and UX1LW 100% daylight path!), I worked Mayotte and Samoa on 10 meters and Qatar on 15 meters in just a few minutes of operating over the weekend.  And I have heard VK9/C strongest on 15 meters (although I have not gotten through yet).

Even in the bottom of the cycle in 2007-2009, I was always able to work some type of DX on 20 NS `7 (including DXpeditions), and there were openings occasionally on 15/12/10

According to Array of Light (the book), simple vertical dipoles (collabsable, lightweight) are THE way to go.

Very interesting article.  Lenin encouraged radio.

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2009/07/radio-russia-1.html

Chris, my understanding of DPRK is what you stated: until the elite (and the army) get fed up, there will be no change.  But the sanctions are apparently aimed at the elite this time.

There is a great pic somewhere (photoshopped) of Kim Jong Il playing golf with Tiger Woods (maybe that was when Kim shot a record 45 under par?)
 
Dennis Rodman.  "The worm."  If Kim Jong Un only knew what a carircature Rodman is...

Since there were so many elites with radio licenses during the height of Soviet power, I am surprised DPRK does not do the same (were there any ham operators during Stalin's time?).  It would be seen as a weapon of propaganda to show a (false) sense of freedom and openness and normalcy.  But at this point, maybe Kim is not even trying to put up a good show anymore.

Wow, I am at 148 towards a goal of 150 for 5B WAZ.  That is confusing...only 30 needed on 160 meters, only 150 needed for 5BWAZ.

0145 UTC, just barely hear a whisper of them on 21016.

Although I have a hex now, I did get to 170 countries using a half square and dipoles. 

So I heard ZL4PW calling CQ on 20 CW at 0330 UTC.  He is S9.  Other US stations call him back and give him strong signal reports.  So does a UA9 station, who says he is very strong. 

The UA9/0 stations are strong tonight as last night, but not as strong. 

So I am trying to figure out what is up here.  Strongest ZL station in a few weeks.  Skew path?  Also heard HC2 very strong, S9+.  And a US station, WC0W, had a polar flutter like pattern on his signal.  Reflection off of some boundary in ionosphere after last weekend's strong CME? 

It has been an interesting week on 20...

What model of Alinco?  Is it a 2 meter version?

Your idea is a great one, as this will allow you to operate without the restrictions.

RCFORB is complete remote control software including audio.  http://www.remotehams.com

You can get a digital external device like SignaLink (which I have, and love it) or RigBlaster.  This will allow you to send/receive APRS and anything else you want, as long as you have the computer with the software located near the rig.

SignaLink is very plug-and-play.  Cables for connecting your rig to the SignaLink are ordered on their home page.  A USB cable connects the SignaLink to your PC.  All you need after that is the software on the computer.

What else are you looking to do on 2 meters besides APRS?  Or is that not even your goal?

Rich/KY6R, that would be incredible...3 DXpeditions to 3 most-wanted islands going on at one time?  Talk about adrenaline rush!

1. Can somebody explain what packet is used for these days?  I know we have APRS, but is packet even used?  I thought ALE had replaced it on HF?

2. There are already some great remote control options out there for HF.

I guess I am missing a piece of the puzzle.  I would like to help you with the remote stuff since I do that a lot, but please help me understand the packet dimension.  Thanks.

Mark Lunday, WD4ELG