Orient Pirate Radio Group
Email: info@oscarpapa.net
THE HISTORY OF THE ORIENT PIRATE RADIO GROUP
=========================
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 2002, responsibility for the Group was passed to Tim, 26 OP 141. Although he did not formally assume the position, he effectively helped maintain the Group’s continuity, supported by other members of Division 26.
The Orient Pirate Radio Group therefore continued its activities in different countries through the personal commitment of its members, their enduring passion for DXing and their attachment to the “Oscar Papa” callsign.
THE 45TH ANNIVERSARY AND THE 2026 REORGANISATION
==========================
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 redesign and relaunch of the official website;
- the progressive reorganisation of the Group;
- the activation of Special Event Stations celebrating the OP Group;
- selected DX expeditions, including relevant IOTA activations;
- special QSL editions produced in limited numbers, usually with a maximum print run of 150 copies.
MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANISATIONAL PRINCIPLES
=========================
Each Country Division may continue to apply the Group’s traditional membership requirement:
“To become a lifetime member of the Orient Pirate Radio Group, you must provide confirmation of contacts with 15 worked and confirmed countries on 27 MHz SSB.”
However, each Division may also adopt additional selection and membership criteria according to its own organisation and local requirements.
In practice, the OP Group operates as a confederation of Country Divisions. Each Division develops its own activities while preserving the principles, values and traditions of the Orient Pirate Radio Group.
The shared spirit of the Group remains unchanged:
“All our members have the same passion: making good DX contacts.”
Membership is free, lifetime-based and managed exclusively in digital form.
It is open to everyone, regardless of nationality, religion, political beliefs or membership in other clubs.
Like any hobby, our activities and initiatives involve costs. Your voluntary donation can help support the Group as a whole or a specific project.
ORIENT PIRATE RADIO GROUP
Oscar Papa — Since 1981
O.P.R.G. Since 1981 Oscar Papa Radio Group “More Than Just a Number”
M@il: info@oscarpapa.net
O.P.R.G. Since 1981 Oscar Papa Radio Group “More Than Just a Number”
M@il: info@oscarpapa.net