 The Spratlys DXpedition going to plan
A recent meeting chaired by the DX0DX DXpedition Team Leader, Chris
Dimitrijevic VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY reviewed progress achieved so far with
only 60 days to go until special DX entity The Spratlys (IOTA AS-051)
hits the amateur radio bands.
The meeting was attended by the DX0DX Co-Leader and Webmaster Peter
Dernikos/VK3FGRC, Public Affairs Officer Jim Linton/VK3PC, and team
members Keith Proctor/VK3FT, Lee Moyle/VK3GK and Nik Dimitrijevic/VK3FNIK.
It heard that the pre-assembly, erection and tuning of eight HF yagi
antennas in Fontana California went extremely well with the antennas tuned
as per instructions to their allotted bands.
The antennas are three TW-33-XL 30-17-12m band 3-element tri-banders,
three TA-33-M 20-15-10m 3-element tri-banders, and two 4-element mono-banders for 20m.
Each was then partly disassembled breaking down into four parts for
allow for quick installation once they reach the island. Masts, rotators,
masts and cabling have all been finalised.
Other main equipment includes ten ICOM IC7600 transceivers (four each
for CW and SSB, plus two on digital modes), an IC9100 (6m, 2m, 70cm &
23cm), eight generators with associated electromagnetic interference (EMI)
filters, 11 laptop computers, four SteppIR Verticals, 1x 2 element SteppIR
Yagi, 2x 80m 4sq's, 2x 40m 4sq's, 6x OM Power OM3500HF amplifeirs, 3x ACOM
1000 amplifies, 1x OM Power OM2006 6m amplifier, 1x ACOM 1010 Amplifier,
2x Thamway amplifiers, 1x Commander 144MHz Amplifier, headsets, foot
switches and interfaces.
Chris/VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY said, "Well done to the Station & Planning Co-ordinator David Collingham/K3LP for organising and attending the Pre-Assembly Gathering and also DXpedition logistics coordinator Charles
Spetnagel/W6KK for his understanding in having all the equipment dispatched
to his QTH and also being part of the Pre-Assembly Gathering."
Special thanks for their hands-on contribution in this important phase
of the exercise goes to DX0DX Team Leader Chris Dimitrijevic/VK3FY, Nik
Dimitrijevic/VK3FNIK, Arnie Shatz/N6HC, Bob Grimmick/N6OX, West Coast
Pilot Milt Garb/W6QE, Dennis Juniper/N7DDU, Byron Hunsaker/NF6T and
Richard Briano, who all attended the Pre-Assembly and Container loading
gathering in Fontana, California over the weekend of 30-31 October.
The Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA) has appointed DX0DX
team member, Dindo Garcia DV1UD, as the PARA liaison person to handle
all in coming equipment shipments, and liaise with the Bureau of Customs
in respect of all equipment for the DXpedition.
Chris/VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY said, "A new high tide photographic survey
commissioned by the DXpedition has confirmed that the island's coastline
and available beach has dramatically changed from what was previously
known, due to rising sea levels and sea erosion.
This has meant a change in some aspects of the location of antennas
and operating camps, but being fully aware in advance has enabled David
Collingham/K3LP the Station Layout Coordinator and other DX0DX Team
members to ensure it does not have a significant impact of the DXpedition
plans."
The four operating camps will use hand-held VHF/UHF transceivers,
kindly provided by ICOM Amateur, for intercommunication.
The meeting also had its lighter moments in discussing the island's
resident goats and whether they could take a liking to coax cable, and
if a diet high in vitamin B12-rich Marmite might ward off mosquitoes.
In recent hours Chris/VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY has been informed that the
boat hired to transport the team and its supplies to Thitu Island is
now in need of extensive repair following damage sustained in very
rough weather.
"The official advice received is that it is doubtful repairs can be made
before the team is due on the island. While this is a disappointment, with
it occurring two months out from the DXpedition sufficient time remains to
source a replacement vessel," he said.
The excitement continues about this major DXpedition that will see more
than 37 radio amateurs from 15 Nations, who have made their individual
substantial financial commitment to be part of the DX0DX operating team
over the four weeks. As part of a humanitarian contribution, two doctors,
Josette Docherty/VK2FXGR and Edward Soriano/4F1OZ are also to provide
medical checks to the island's residents.
In another development, Chris/VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY said that the DXpedition
is to be extended to accommodate the CQ World Wide 160m CW Contest. The
Municipality of Kalayaan has agreed to the time extension.
He said, while DX0DX was to go QRT on 24 January, a couple of individual
and keen members have asked if they could stay on air for that contest when
ends at 2200 UTC Sunday 30 January. This will now extend DX0DX activation
to 1 Feb 2011.
"This limited extension was carefully considered and agreed in light of
strong interest from Top Band contesters and the 160m band being the
highest sought after in the DX0DX website online survey."
The generous corporate sponsorship that makes the DXpedition possible by
providing equipment and other needs, plus funding support from DX groups,
clubs, and individual radio amateurs which is still being received. All
are gratefully acknowledged on the DX0DX website.
Jim Linton VK3PC
Public Affairs DX0DX
www.dx0dx.net
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