Twenty-five years of life
As we said on our first bulletin on August 15th., 1977...
On past June the "Argentine CW group" has been constituted, identified with GACW letters. This accomplishment tries to fill in an immense emptiness in aspirations of radiotelegraph lovers, who have lacked during many years a suitable representation to get support for their rights.
Whereas on April, 1978 we affirmed:
a. as an answer to our restlessness we have received a great amount of breath voices and suggestions. GACW is thankful to everyone. Our excuses for anything we did wrong or anything not done, in spite of so many requests.
b. The fact is that we do not wish to make any task if we are not sure to compliment it with efficiency and free of censorship
c. Just remember we do not wish to be elevated to a sort of ham radio rescuers. Existing groups with structure and international representation must make the works of bands defense, just as all regulations defines them.
d. Trying to replace what they make (or not) may be a big mistake and condemn GACW to a short life
By the end of 1979 we made the first DX expedition to the Staten Island using LU7X callsign. 7100 QSO's were made in CW and SSB mode on 99 countries.
On June 1978 took place the first "Competencia Radiotelegrafica Argentina" with the participation of 75 stations and with GACW effort, LU3ZY from South Sandwich Island was activated in CW mode
On May 1980 and under "Bahia Blanca Radio Club" auspices, LU4XS, LU6EF, LU1AF and LU1DZ took place the first conference on DX expeditions with 150 participants. Next conferences were held by LU2DFX and LU1DZ in Burzaco (Buenos Aires); LU1DZ in Villa Carlos Paz (Cordoba); LU6EF and LU1DZ in City Bell (Buenos Aires); LU6EF and LU1DZ in Avellaneda (Buenos Aires), and on many other locations of Argentina
On October same year GACW requested some reforms to regulations in order to get an examination on CW mode for beginners and exclusive segments for CW on the bands.
During 1981 we get important agreements with the "Publishing Antenna" and the Rio de Janeiro (Brasil) group "Pica Pau Carioca Brasil" in order to develop the "Competition WWSA - Worl Wide South America CW Contest-" that finally took place on June 1982 for the first time.
It was during November 1982, when we announced that, with LU8DLK cooperation, modules BD59 and OA6 to build up a low cost transceiver for CW/SSB were available. We also get an electronic keyer donated by Spectrum Company from Brasil, being favored LU9LBJ
Same year, LU6EF represented GACW on a photographic exhibition of the DX expedition LU7X, held in Radio Club La Plata LU8DZE during the city centenary fair.
On 1983 GACW remarked its opposition to tax free import for ham radio equipment, stating for the first time that any kind of materials should be tax free only for home brewing in order to keep alive the spirit of the activity.
On November same year, a second DX expedition was held in the Staten Island. 6900 qso's were logged by L8D/X in cw/ssb modes from Crosley Bay.
On January and February 1984, LU3ZI from South Shetland Island logged 20.125 qso's in cw/ssb modes.
On 1984 the firsts dialogues with national technical education authorities were held in order to start up projects of activity and qualification. Same dialogues were held up with industries in order to help beginners to homebrew a transceiver basic kit with radio clubs participation.
We also participated in the elaboration and analysis of Bouvet and Pedro 1º Islands, on a group led by PA0GAM for political and geographical situation. By the end of the year our radio beacon LU4XS started its transmission installed near Moat river in front of Beagle channel in the south eastern edge of the Tierra del Fuego island
GACW also asked the Communications Secretary the restitution of exclusive segments for CW mode in all bands and specially on 40 and 80 meters.
The rights of AM operators to continue its emissions were defended in spite of generalized attacks from representative organizations Closing 1984 special mentions were granted to LU7XP - LU5DO - LU6UO - LU8DQ - LU9EIE - LU4XS - LU2XTA - LU1EWL - LU5DVO - LU9EMB - LU3FG - LU1DZ and to LU8EHW in June 1985, for their works managements, developments, etc.
Same year a new DX expedition to Marambio Island (Seymour Island) in Antarctica was held. LU6UO/Z logged 2.400 qso's in cw/ssb modes.
Later the presentation of "Radio Frequency" printed bulletin was announced, sustained by GACW principles and with a wider horizon to extend ideas and knowledge.
On December 16th. 1984, LU6EF's radio bulletin reached 100 continued emissions, reaching distant locations with useful DX information.
It was during 1986 when GACW started up an award plan named "ALFREDO EMILIO LUCIANO" outstanding LU6DJX, one of the best Dxman in Argentina. This award is granted for 2 way communications in CW mode with argentine stations members of GACW.
The certificate "FIVE ARGENTINE ISLANDS" was announced. It is granted for 2 way communications in CW mode with at least 5 different islands, in Argentina, some computable for DXCC and under the GACW's radio countries list.
Same year a new "Competencia Radiotelegráfica Argentina" was celebrated with 78 participants, 16 of them foreign stations who send their logs.
During 1987 and celebrating GACW 10th anniversary, a special prefix "AY" was allowed for the group members. Hector, LU6UO/Z, logged 10.600 qso's from Marambio Island and later from South Shetland Island.
Middle 1987 GACW continued denouncing Argentine stations for infringing local regulations during international contests when surpassing bands limits with total self confidence. Contests regulations were also infringed. Members were informed about financial difficulties, at that time.
During 1992 GACW members placed 17th on WAEDC and 130th on CQ WPX again
1993 classifications reiterated 17th place in WAEDC and 181st in CQ WPX. The sum of the points of the members during CQ WPX placed it in place 122nd, whereas in the CQ WW DX 29th. place.
1994 competition showed LU5ER with 78 X 39 and CP1BA with 26 X 17 in the first places. The WAEDC of this year showed in 11th. place and 168th. for CQ WPX.
On 1995 we asked Institutional organizations for a suitable and technical control on all ham bands, also a control for radioelectric pollution produced by domestic and public services. LU4AA and CX7BY get leading places on each category, on that year competition. WAEDC showed GACW on 11th position and 168th for CQ WPX.
During summer 1995/1996 LU6UO and LU4AXV with great success made up a new DXexpedition to South Orkney Islands, reaching 23559 qso's (140 radio countries).
On early 1996 LU1DZ visited and interviewed in London, RSGB authorities, showing them GACW activities and restlessness working on UIT's Amateur Radio Service. LU9WN obtained 103 X 43 and CX4GL 60X 32 during annual competition. On WAEDC GACW get to 16th position and 159th on CQ WPX.
During 1997 our 20th anniversary was celebrated with one more DX expedition to legendary Staten Island. Operators were LU3XQ, LU7XP, LU1DZ, LU4XS, O. Zamorano, O. Molinolo, LU9XQO and LU1XQG, who logged 5.303 qso's on 110 nations.
LU5BB logged 109 qso's and 49 multipliers on the Competencia Radiotelegrafica, with CX1SI heading the foreigners with 91 X 41. Ending that year LU1DZ had an interview with Canada radio amateurs leaders. International contests showed GACW 24th on WAEDC and 47th on CQWW DX. LU1BDY gave light to our first Home Page on the Internet, that was soon seriously complemented by LU5GPL support site and his program for CW learning.
During 1997/1998 Antarctica campaign, LU6UO and LU4AXV were again the leaders for one more GACW DX expedition, to Decepcion Island this time. Callsign was LU1ZC and the logged 37.820 qso's celebrating the 50 anniversary Base.
During 1998 GACW upgraded to 13th place on WAEDC, and we get 84th place on CQ WPX and 48th on CQ WW DX. On that time GACW's open letter "Telegraphy yes/telegraphy no" was spread out on all radio clubs, world wide.
On 1999 LU1DZ visited Bron Gendarmerie Radio Club and also met Lyon DX Gang members from France to explain GACW's activities. He also visited Ushuaia Radio Club LU8XW with same premises, where he get a warm welcome; and Radio Club Mar del Plata LU2DTwhere a new radio beacon on 10 m band was installed.
Due to an invitation from Argentina Federal Police, a group of police and Gacw members were active as LU4DD, with great success on WAE CW contest and then on ARRL 10 m Contest with the participation of some Radio Club Argentino members. The Competencia radiotelegrafica showed at that time LU7EE with 193 X 86 and PY1SL with 191 X 84. On that year GACW upgraded again on the WAEDC to the 8th place this time. On CQ WPX we get 38th place with 16.315.243 points, and on CQ WW DX the 50th place was achieved.
On year 2000 GACW announced a new service for Morse and Radio lovers, with a weekly bulletin distributed on the internet by LU7EE while LU5GPL offered an online member registration on his home page. Due to several troubles on WWSA organization with deep sorrow GACW gave up organizating the contest with LABRE RJ.
On early 2000 LU1DZ started a CW regular practice on 80 m band , 10 wpm, in order to consolidate the work done on every radio club teaching CW.
November 2000 the first "GACW's friend meeting" was held with great success and participation . LU5GPL presented a new release of his program to learn CW which was successfully distributed in Spanish speaking countries.
During October in Ushuaia city, LU7XP presented his book "Apuntes de radio". A great personal contribution with tales and histories from members and GACW activities.
Joyfully we reach 500 members. GACW announced the "Proyecto Titan" permanent award in recognition to the experiences of a group of hams from Ushuaia and Puerto Madryn cities.
GACW's Competencia showed LU7EE with 152 X 67 and PY3AU with 147 X 62. WAE from DARC contest showed GACW on 9th place on "non European associations". On CQ WPX GACW get 14.069.978 points, 44th place.
On 2001 Competencia radiotelegrafica GACW reached 141 participating stations, which was a record. GACW announced the new GACW DX CONTEST. A new Merit award was granted to JACO AISEMBERG LU2YA this time, for his excellent work "CW manual" and on late 2000 the award went to MARIO LORENZO LU5EE for his participation on Moreno Radio Club and on Grupo Morenense de CW teaching the Morse code.
It was during April, 2000 when a second "friends meeting" was held with a great success among authorities and radio friends.
A booklet named "Ham Radio a safe way for our children" elaborated by LU2YA and LU1DZ was presented, in order to promote amateur radio activities.
A technical competition named "Mauricio Del Castillo LU5DON" was also presented to promote experimentation and development of any project related to Morse code and amateur radio service.
GACW announced its participation on "The eQSL Electronic Card Centre" service for the electronic confirmation of any expedition. Electronic cards will be also accepted for any of our awards and a help desk was established in order to help GACW members tu use this service.
On late July same year, as a complementation of LU1BDY and LU5GPL websites and in order to promote the group's activities, the "GACW institutional home page" on the internet was announced. A site for Mr. Samuel Morse devotes...!!!
During spring time the GACW DX Contest was announced, to be started on 2002 year. A third friend's meeting was held. Jokes, smiles, friendship and a promise to come back next year with a better barbecue...!!!. CQ WW DX contest results showed, on club category, the GACW on 32nd place with 6.629.153 points.
During 2002, our 25th anniversary year, a merit award was granted to OSCAR ATIENZA LU1BW in recognition for servicing, for a very long time, the Bureau Service on the Radio Club Argentino. During same year same award was granted to JEAN MARC IDEE F5SGI, to the "UNION FRANCAISE DES TELEGRAPHISTES UFT from France, to MARTIN HENGEMUEHLE DL5QE and to the "DEUSTCHER TELEGRAFIE CLUB -DTC- from Germany, for their great works favoring radio telegraphy among international ham radio community.
On April our first international competition took place. Silently argentinian stations tried to work on all bands gathered with many South Americans, contesters and dx'ers from the five continents to show up the new GACW DX CONTEST. Software developers included this contest to YPLOG and AALOG programs.
Also on April, Communications Secretary authorized the "Ham radio a safe way for our children" program, elaborated by GACW's members and presented by the Ushuaia Radio Club in order to get a revalorization all kind of ham radio activities. Representative Institutions, schools and individual amateurs supported this program. More than 170 stations working on all bands with the special prefixes AY, L5 and L6, sending a hopeful message world wide
Since that time, GACW supported LU8XW's program and asked all members to use the special prefixes to celebrate the group's 25th anniversary
From May one of GACW's coordinator was designated on the eQSL Card Centre Advisory Board representing the group. A new technology step headed for GACW's members.
All over that year LU4XS and LU1ZC stories, Telegraphy Yes, Permanent awards, GACW DX Contest, GACW Key Day were published on ARRL, Contesting.Com, Contesting.Info, eHAM.net and many others websites, with a great success and satisfaction for everyone who worked in the group's name.
On late May, a new website was presented on Internet for all kinds of stories and news. A new stage was completed showing the morse code and the real spirit of ham radio.
The Competencia radiotelegrafica Argentina celebrated on short waves the group's 25 anniversary. Two new awards were presented to honor two of the most importants hams. Mr. Antonio "Tony" Navatta LU5AQ and Mr. Salvador Iglesias LU1EPQ. It was during August when the GACW KEY DAY was announced. An international, 12 hours, contest planned to meet everyone again on the bands using vertical, vibros, etc...
......From this point, everything else is up to date......
Translation by Fernando Fernandez LW2DX - L52DX.