Fabio 1 OP 114 page
THE HISTORY OF THE ORIENT PIRATE RADIO GROUP
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The Orient Pirate Radio Group is an international 11-metre DX club founded in Belgium in August 1981 by Carl, 1 OP 001.
The original “1” prefix used in the callsign reflected the fact that, at that time, the Group adopted a prefix list different from the one that would later become commonly used by most DX groups.
Shortly after the Group was founded, Carl passed away. The Club was then managed by Frank, originally 1 OP 003 and later 16 OP 003, who became Honorary President, together with Gaby, originally 1 OP 002 and later 16 OP 002, who became Honorary Vice President.
In 1994, the management of the Group passed to Fabio, 1 OP 114, as President (Country Director Italy Since 1992); Raoul, 1 OP 123, as Vice President (RIP); and Luca, 1 OP 125, as QSL Art Director, Antonio, 1 OP 120 (RIP) and Massimo, 1 OP 165.
Following an initial year of transition, the Group reformed its prefix list in 1995 and adopted the system that is still commonly used today.
The arrival of early image-editing and digitalisation techniques made it possible to produce QSL cards for Special Event Stations, DX expeditions and individual members. Some editions were printed in limited numbers and became collectors’ items.
Evidence of these activities is preserved in the Group’s Virtual Museum.
The new management also organised international meetings in Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, with the cooperation of the respective Country Directors.
In 2005, the Group entered a new phase under the guidance and coordination of the leading members of Division 26, who took responsibility for helping preserve the values, principles and spirit of the OP Group.
Through their commitment, together with the continued support of members in other countries, the Orient Pirate Radio Group maintained its identity, its international presence and the tradition associated with the “Oscar Papa” callsign.
Over the years, the Group continued to live through the dedication of its members, their passion for DXing and their shared commitment to keeping the original OP spirit alive.
THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY
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In 2026, in agreement with Frank, 16 OP 003, Honorary President, and Gaby, 16 OP 002, Honorary Vice President, the Group launched a new phase to mark its 45th anniversary.
This phase included:
- the creation of this web site;
- the activation of Special Event Stations celebrating the OP Group with special QSL editions produced in limited numbers (usually 100 copies);
- selected DX expeditions, including relevant IOTA activations;
ORIENT PIRATE RADIO GROUP
Oscar Papa — Since 1981