k3trm

V31RN Belize 2011

---

Date: July 16-24, 2011 Grid: EK56 Zone: CQ-07, ITU-11

---

In the mood to try something different, we opted to visit Belize this summer. While still seaside, it was our first vacation from a mainland location and in Central America. New vacation homes and resorts are springing up north of Placencia, but the downtown area is rustic and still maintains the local culture. Our biggest surprise was the food..out of this world!

While researching available callsigns, my first choice V31RM was already issued to N3DXX. I was hoping the Public Utilities Commission would consider giving me the same call with a different number. Instead, when my license arrived, they had issued V31RN. This call was previously issued to Mike W1USN. I am very grateful to Mike for forwarding cards to me that were sent to him in error.

Results

Band	SSB	RTTY	CW	Total
40	0	16	0	16
30	0	78	0	78
20	583	269	0	852
17	318	140	0	458
15	412	23	0	435
12	43	0	0	43
10	4	0	0	4
6	422	0	2	424
Total	1782	526	2	2310

While the HF bands were in good condition that week, they weren't great, especially the higher bands. Most of the 2,310 QSO's were made on 15, 17 & 20M.

Just a few weeks outside of the 6M E-skip peak, I was still treated with several good openings. Unfortunately no openings outside of NA and the Caribbean. However, 6M still produced 424 QSO's.

Equipment

Rigs:
n Icom IC-706MkIIG
n Ameritron ALS-500

Antennas:
n Cubical Quad
n Butternut Vertical
n 6M Beam

QSL Information

QSL cards can be sent direct or through the bureau to my home callsign. Direct requests must include an SASE or SAE with either an IRC or $2US for return postage. Additional details can be found on my QSL Information page. All logs have been uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog.

Accomodations

We stayed at Palmetto Place, which has been home to many past DXpeditions and contest operations. The shack at Palmetto Place provides access to multiple rigs, antennas and an amplifier.

Useful Links

n Belize Public Utilities Commission

Logbook Search