DXØDX POSTPONEMENT
Jan. 12, 2011 – 0506 GMT
To the DX Community at large - It’s with regret that as Team Leader, I have to announce the postponement of the DXØDX Spratly Islands DXpedition 2011, due to circumstances beyond the control of the DXØDX Team.
Our situation began when our original mode of transport by ship was terminally damaged back in late October 2010. We then went to our contingency plan which was to fly in, as there were no ships deemed to be safe and provided facilities for safe passage to Pag-Asa, available.
We hand landing permission and booked the correct sized aircraft and with the security cleared pilots. To simplify it, there was conflicting agreements and hence the aircraft could not get approval of its flight plan.
The bottom line is this. We have a licence, we have authority to land via ship, hence when the ship becomes available in the near future, it is my intention to activate this entity in 2011.
The team has worked tirelessly to remove the hurdles that were placed before the team in the last minute.
As time was running out for this window of opportunity, and before more operators become stuck here in Palawan, the decision was made to postpone the activation.
A call was placed to PARA advising them that a postponement of the activation would be sought to a date in in the near future, where the activation will look at again taking place.
All equipment will need to be exported out of Philippines to comply with current Philippine Customs Law in which it was brought into the country.
The plan is to be re-assessed so the current operators have the first opportunity to be on this future trip.
Once more information is at hand, I will advise the DX Community.
Regards
Chris de VK3FY
Team Leader DXØDX
7th January 2011
To the DX Community,
We are still in Palawan, VK3FY has been working very hard to secure final approvals over in Manila the entire week.
We now have our gear out of customs and are ready to load the container with provisions etc.
The toughest obstacle remaining is the final approval to make the trip, and we still do not know how long this may take beforea decision is rendered.
Logistics for some is a minor issue as many of us must check out of the current hotel and go to another tomorrow.
Chris VK3FY our team leader is arrving late morning and we will call a team meeting to adjust our schedule keying off any approval date which may be received.
Since the boat will take 2 days to reach the island, and we can fly there in 1 hour by plane, we cannot leave Palawan until we know our food and water is safely on Pagasa.
So as it stands
1. Get Approval 2. Load Boat (1 day) 3. Boat Transit (2 days) 4. Fly to Pagasa. 5. Setup Camps (2 days).
Basically, we are looking at 5-6 days from receipt of approval until activation.
Wish I had more definitive (and better news) news but that's where we are and Chris wanted us to keep "the deserving" in the loop as best as we can.
That is all at the moment, we will try our best to keep everybody updated on this situation.
DX0DX Team
26th November 2010
The Spratlys DXpedition gets wings
With just over 40 days to go before the month-long DX0DX DXpedition, comes news that the operators will now fly to Thitu (Pag-Asa) island rather than taking a 30 hour plus trip by sea.
Team Leader, Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY said while flying had been an option in early planning, when the boat that would have ferried the operators was damaged in heavy sea and needing substantial repairs, aviation transport to and from the island became available.
The charter of a twin-engined aircraft adds to the expense of the DXpedition and the personal costs for all taking part in it. Smaller sea transport will still be used to get equipment and supplies to the island.
The 37 operators from 15 countries are ready to arrive and take part in three teams to put DX0DX on air from 6 January to 1 February 2011, including the CQ World Wide 160m CW Contest. The special DX entity The Spratlys Islands (IOTA AS-051) will have a big presence on all bands.
Chris VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY said, ‘There is a real excitement within the amateur radio community about this particular DXpedition, and most of the operators just can't wait to be part of action.
It is much more than activating a rare DX spot. There is no doctor or health service on the island. As part of a humanitarian contribution, two DXpedition members who are doctors, Josette Docherty VK2FXGR and Edward Soriano 4F1OZ, will provide medical checks to the island's residents.’
It was announced today that Amateur Radio Victoria VK3WI had voted to make a substantial donation directly to purchase medical supplies for use as part of the humanitarian effort.
In other news, Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY announced that for the 160m band DX0DX will have two 65 foot Top Hat phased verticals and a back-up Titanex V1602E antenna.
“The DXpedition will be doing its utmost to satisfy the demand for contacts on the Top Band, as demonstrated by it having the highest sought after rating in the DX0DX website online survey,” he said.
All equipment for the DXpedition will have arrived in The Philippines. Earlier it was reported how eight HF Yagi antennas had been pre-assembled and tuned, ready for construction and erection on the island.
The Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA) has appointed DX0DX team member, Dindo Garcia DV1UD, as the PARA liaison person to handle all Bureau of Customs requirements.
Thank you to 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.
For more information about the DXpedition please check out the www.dx0dx.net website which has just been extensively updated.
Jim Linton VK3PC, Public Affairs
4th November 2010
Going to plan: The Spratlys Islands DXpedition 6 January to 1 Feb 2011
A recent meeting chaired by the DX0DX DXpedition Team Leader, Chris Dimitrijevic reviewed progress achieved so far with only 60 days to go until special DX entity The Spratlys Islands (IOTA AS-051) hits the amateur 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 ACOM1000 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 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
29th September 2010
Countdown to Spratly Islands
With 100 days to go before DX0DX hits the ham bands there is mounting interest in making contact with the DX Special Entity, The Spratlys, over three weeks 6-24 January 2011.
DXpedition Team Leader, Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY - DU8/VK3FY said "With equipment starting to arrive in the Philippines including the Titanex V160E vertical the excitement is mounting.
"Currently 31 operators are confirmed while a number of positions are still available should any DX operator wish to join the team.
"The authority given to the DXpedition permits a maximum of 30 operators on the island at the same time. With the DXpeditioners assigned to three separate groups on the island for different durations, the total numbers can exceed 30."
While set to maximise the QSOs the DXpedition includes medical doctors who are also making a humanitarian contribution to the island. This is acknowledged in a 'Certificate of prior approval and consent' from the Municipality of Kalayaan, dated 14 September setting out the duration and nature of the DX0DX operation.
It is signed by the Mayor Eugenio B. Bito-Onon Jr, who is very welcoming of the DXpedition and states on the Certificate "The Municipality of Kalayaan is also in favor of the humanitarian medical mission, to provide medical checkup of all the island's inhabitants."
In other news, ICOM has announced that DX0DX will have the new IC-9100 available for the VHF/UHF station. It will be fitted with a UX-9100 23cm module. This transceiver is to be coupled to M2inc yagi's on 6m, 2m, 70cm & 23cm. For the sought after 6m band the antenna is the 6m7 while the 2m radiator is the 2m9ssb. These two bands will supported by the OM2006 6m amplifier and 2m with a Commander 1kW amplifier.
Also there will be beverage complete systems supplied by HiZ Antennas, which Chris VK3FY - DU8/VK3FY said, "Should provide great ears for the low bands, which is an area DX0DX will be concentrating on." An interesting development is that some of the DXpeditioners have been downsizing through weight loss, their destination has also gotten smaller in recent years under the ravages of sea erosion.
The team, and in particular the DX0DX Station Layout Coordinator David Collingham K3LP, is awaiting the results of a new photographic high-tide survey of the latest beach conditions where the various operating camps are to be relocated.
Chris VK3FY - DU8/VK3FY said a dozen operators are tasked as an advance crew with setting up four camps on the island to enable DX0DX to have a big presence on the bands. The CW camp is at the northern edge of the island while SSB operating will be in the south, with the other two being dedicated for RTTY/Digital and VHF/UHF.
The DX0DX.Net website online survey, after 4,600 votes, currently has 160m as the most desired band for this top forty wanted DX entity. A TITANEX V160E vertical with a minimum of 32 radials will be erected for that band right on the beach. The intended frequencies are 1824 (CW) and 1840 (SSB). The 80m band is also highly sought and CW (3504) and SSB (3790) signals on that band will radiated from two independent 4-square antenna arrays.
The other HF bands, including the WARC '79 allocations, are fairly even in the online survey. The 6m band has a relatively strong demand and a 7-element beam is to be used for contacts on the magic band. In relation to the preferred modes, the survey has CW remaining in the highest demand. This is of no surprise to the operators assigned to the CW camp.
With 1,400 votes cast so far, SSB and RTTY a steady in second and third place respectively, with PSK31 attracting 7% of the votes which although low will still yield thousands of contacts.
The recently announced addition of moon bounce to DX0DX also has the EME exponents thinking about the possibilities.
Funding support and individual contributions towards this major DXpedition continue to arrive and are gratefully acknowledged on the website.
Jim Linton VK3PC Public Affairs
6th September 2010
Moon bounce for DX0DX The Spratlys DXpedition 2011
Sponsorship and other support continues to grow.
DXpedition Team Leader, Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY has announced that Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) contacts are planned as part of the DX0DX activation of The Spratlys.
Also advised is latest external funding support that has been confirmed for the DXpedition that will involve some 30 radio amateurs in three teams on Thitu Island, 6-24 January 2011.
In the latest news, experienced EME contester and DXpeditioner, Colin Brown GM0RLZ will be active on both 6m and 2m.
Chris VK3FY said, "We're delighted to have Colin GM0RLZ join DX0DX so it can be propagated by bouncing signals off the lunar surface.
"He has filled a vacancy on DXpedition Team 2 (6-15 January) and has the role of coordinating any requests for moon-rise and moon-set contact attempts."
The equipment proposed is an ICOM IC-9100 transceiver, OM2006 6m amplifier, Commander 2m amplifier, with antennas being a 6M7 for 6m and 2M9 on 2m, both by M2 inc.
Chris VK3FY said all other plans for the DXpedition are continuing satisfactorily and with 120 days to go there's a lot of work yet to be done.
He said, "Support for DX0DX is growing steadily and thank you to those who have already given financially or in other ways towards this major undertaking."
The Team acknowledges funding it has from NCDXF, EUDXF, CDXC (Chiltern DX Club), East Iowa DX Association, GMDX Group, Western Washington DX Club W7DX and the Helenic Amateur Radio Association of Australia Inc.
Other financial support has been received from individual radio amateurs:
Brad WA6JJB, Paul N6PSE, Marc DO4DXA, Maurice N4LZ, Vic W4VIC, Ken N5TY,Allan VK2CA, Paul VK2HV, Scotty KG9Z, Clay K7HC, Mitch DJ0QN, Neill K4ESE, Doyl AB4IQ, William K3WA. Billy W3EL, Hans SM0IMJ, Robert W0ZT, Albert N8NN, Tom N6AJR, Patricia K7EIE, John G3LZQ, and Tony VK3VTH.
The corporate sponsors to date are:
ACOM International
Ham Radio Outlet
Heil Sound
ICOM America
ICOM Australia
Kabayan Online Grocery
M2 antenna systems
microHAM
Mosley
OM-Power
QRO Communications
Rohn Products
SteppIR
Spiderbeam
THAMWAY Corp
The RF Connection
Titanex
WX0B Array Systems
Support has also been given by the IARU Region 3 member society Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA), DXWORLD, The Daily DX and ClubLog.
"He has filled a vacancy on DXpedition Team 2 (6-15 January) and has the role of coordinating any requests for moon-rise and moon-set contact attempts."
The equipment proposed is an ICOM IC-9100 transceiver, OM2006 6m amplifier, Commander 2m amplifier, with antennas being a 6M7 for 6m and 2M9 on 2m, both by M2 inc.
Chris VK3FY said all other plans for the DXpedition are continuing satisfactorily and with 120 days to go there's a lot of work yet to be done.
He said, "Support for DX0DX is growing steadily and thank you to those who have already given financially or in other ways towards this major undertaking."
The Team acknowledges funding it has from NCDXF, EUDXF, CDXC (Chiltern DX Club), East Iowa DX Association, GMDX Group, Western Washington DX Club W7DX and the Helenic Amateur Radio Association of Australia Inc.
Other financial support has been received from individual radio amateurs:
Brad WA6JJB, Paul N6PSE, Marc DO4DXA, Maurice N4LZ, Vic W4VIC, Ken N5TY,Allan VK2CA, Paul VK2HV, Scotty KG9Z, Clay K7HC, Mitch DJ0QN, Neill K4ESE, Doyl AB4IQ, William K3WA. Billy W3EL, Hans SM0IMJ, Robert W0ZT, Albert N8NN, Tom N6AJR, Patricia K7EIE, John G3LZQ, and Tony VK3VTH.
The corporate sponsors to date are:
ACOM International
Ham Radio Outlet
Heil Sound
ICOM America
ICOM Australia
Kabayan Online Grocery
M2 antenna systems
microHAM
Mosley
OM-Power
QRO Communications
Rohn Products
SteppIR
Spiderbeam
THAMWAY Corp
The RF Connection
Titanex
WX0B Array Systems
Support has also been given by the IARU Region 3 member society Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA), DXWORLD, The Daily DX and ClubLog.
6th August 2010
Only 150 days to go before the scheduled QRV of the multi-operator DXpedition on Thitu Island in the Spratlys 6-24 January 2011 and more substantial progress has been achieved.
The Philippines National Telecommunications Commission has issued the DX0DX licence and DXpedition Team Leader Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY and DU8/VK3FY confirms that the required documentation is filed with the DXCC Advisory Committee.
Formal DXCC accreditation is expected soon after proof is electronically submitted that operators have reached the island and DX0DX is on air. It was earlier announced that
Bob Schenck N2OO has been appointed the QSL manager.
Among the current and growing list of corporate sponsors are ICOM America which is providing ten top-line IC7600 transceivers & a iC-9100 Transceiver, Amplifiers from Acom International, OM Power and THAMWAY Corp. Antennas from SteppIR, Spiderbeam and Mosley- Electronics. Bandpass Filters from WX0B Array Solutions, Masts from Rohn Products. Ham Radio Outlet, Head-sets from Heil Sound, Feeders The RF Connection.
Decisions are now being finalised on the roles needed for the DXpedition. The logistical co-ordination of equipment from sponsors is being headed by Charles W6KK where we are basing our shipments.
The massive logistics exercise to get the equipment, supplies and operators shipped to Thitu Island has received confirmation that the boat to be used is undergoing its annual dry-dock maintenance and certification.
Other expertise within the team is being used to plan rostering, logging and the many different tasks required to make it a success.
The team’s medical doctors are ready to assist should anyone become unwell, and to also outreach to the island’s residents as part of the DXpedition’s humanitarian, health and welfare contribution.
It has also been learnt that some of the 30 operators lined up for the DXpedition are using it as a personal incentive to lose some body weight as they prepare for their stay on the island.
This will be especially helpful for those wishing to frequently walk between four dedicated operating camps for SSB, CW, RTTY and 2m & 6m operation. Not to mention trips to the mess tent for meals.
Online surveying of DXers finds that the demand for The Spratlys on 160m to 10m is fairly equal with each band falling in the 9% - 11% range after 2,670 votes received.
The preferred mode survey results to date are SSB (36%), CW (35%) and RTTY (27%) with 785 votes cast.
The DX0DX Team acknowledges the financial support already received from individual radio amateurs Brad WA6JJB, Paul N6PSE, Marc DO4DXA, Maurice N4LZ, Vic W4VIC, Ken N5TY, Allan VK2CA, Paul VK2HV, Scotty KG9Z, Clay K7HC, Mitch DJ0QN, Neill K4ESE, Doyl AB4IQ, William K3WA and Billy W3EL.
Support has also been given by the IARU Region 3 member society Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA), DXWORLD, The Daily Dx and ClubLog.
Bob Schenck N2OO has been appointed the QSL manager.
Among the current and growing list of corporate sponsors are ICOM America which is providing ten top-line IC7600 transceivers & a iC-9100 Transceiver, Amplifiers from Acom International, OM Power and THAMWAY Corp. Antennas from SteppIR, Spiderbeam and Mosley- Electronics. Bandpass Filters from WX0B Array Solutions, Masts from Rohn Products. Ham Radio Outlet, Head-sets from Heil Sound, Feeders The RF Connection.
Decisions are now being finalised on the roles needed for the DXpedition. The logistical co-ordination of equipment from sponsors is being headed by Charles W6KK where we are basing our shipments.
The massive logistics exercise to get the equipment, supplies and operators shipped to Thitu Island has received confirmation that the boat to be used is undergoing its annual dry-dock maintenance and certification.
Other expertise within the team is being used to plan rostering, logging and the many different tasks required to make it a success.
The team’s medical doctors are ready to assist should anyone become unwell, and to also outreach to the island’s residents as part of the DXpedition’s humanitarian, health and welfare contribution.
It has also been learnt that some of the 30 operators lined up for the DXpedition are using it as a personal incentive to lose some body weight as they prepare for their stay on the island.
This will be especially helpful for those wishing to frequently walk between four dedicated operating camps for SSB, CW, RTTY and 2m & 6m operation. Not to mention trips to the mess tent for meals.
Online surveying of DXers finds that the demand for The Spratlys on 160m to 10m is fairly equal with each band falling in the 9% - 11% range after 2,670 votes received.
The preferred mode survey results to date are SSB (36%), CW (35%) and RTTY (27%) with 785 votes cast.
The DX0DX Team acknowledges the financial support already received from individual radio amateurs Brad WA6JJB, Paul N6PSE, Marc DO4DXA, Maurice N4LZ, Vic W4VIC, Ken N5TY, Allan VK2CA, Paul VK2HV, Scotty KG9Z, Clay K7HC, Mitch DJ0QN, Neill K4ESE, Doyl AB4IQ, William K3WA and Billy W3EL.
Support has also been given by the IARU Region 3 member society Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA), DXWORLD, The Daily Dx and ClubLog.
10th July 2010
The Team headed by Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY continues to work towards completing a range of matters mainly related to the logistics that go with such a large and prolonged DXpedition on a remote island.
A multi-national group of up to 30 amateur radio operators from eleven countries will reach Thitu Island in the South China Sea by boat in three dedicated teams to put DX0DX on air 6-24 January 2011.
In the past week with a change in local government leadership on the island Chris VK3FY reports it has been re-assuring that the level of support and encouragement from officials remains strong.
The appointed DX0DX QSL Manager is Bob Schenck N2OO who has a very good track record in handling the QSLing for more than 100 DXpeditions.
In early online polling on the DX0DX website www.dx0dx.net of the DX community on the mode that DX0DX is wanted was fairly evenly divided between SSB (37%), CW (35%) and RTTY (28%), and there’s an even spread of band preference 160m to 10m.
So far the VHF & UHF bands rate poorly, but undoubtedly when DX0DX has propagation it will be in great demand. The chosen HF, VHF & UHF frequencies appear on the DXpedition its website. For those interested in 6m, a propagation beacon will run on 50.090MHz when the band is closed.
With six months to go before DX0DX gets on air, Chris VK3FY reports that steady progress is being made to seek further sponsorship and funding support. It is hoped to be able make more announcements in coming months.
To date the corporate sponsors are ICOM America, SteppIR, Spiderbeam, WX0B Array Solutions, Ham Radio Outlet and Heil Sound. It is hoped to be able make more announcements in coming months.
The DX0DX Team acknowledges the financial support already received from individual radio amateurs Brad WA6JJB, Paul N6PSE, Marc DO4DXA, Maurice N4LZ, Vic W4VIC, Ken N5TY, Allan VK2CA, Paul VK2HV, Scotty KG9Z and Clay K7HC and Mitch DJ0QN.
Support has also be given by the IARU Region 3 member society Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA), DXWORLD, and ClubLog.
13th June 2010
Team Leader Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY has just returned from The Philippines where he held high level discussions related to the DX0DX DXpedition being held in January 2011.
A series of meetings included one with the current Municipal Mayor of Paga-Asa (Thitu Island) where the DXpedition will be mounted. Later he met with the Mayor-Designate who will take office in September, and at that time current Mayor becomes the Vice-Mayor.
Other discussions were held with military authorities plus officials of the IARU member radio society, Philippines Amateur Radio Association (PARA) which is strongly in support of the DXpedition.
Chris VK3FY said, “Those face-to-face discussions enabled the amateur radio and humanitarian aims of the DXpedition to be fully explained and agreed, and also clarified the requirements of both local and federal authorities.
“The result has been universal support for the activity. The next step is to complete the necessary immigration procedures for each non-Filipino national radio amateur that will be part of the DXpedition. Once that is completed a formal letter of approval is to be issued.
Chris VK3FY said, “Those face-to-face discussions enabled the amateur radio and humanitarian aims of the DXpedition to be fully explained and agreed, and also clarified the requirements of both local and federal authorities.
“The result has been universal support for the activity. The next step is to complete the necessary immigration procedures for each non-Filipino national radio amateur that will be part of the DXpedition. Once that is completed a formal letter of approval is to be issued.
“The team is mindful that it not only has to meet the requirements of The Philippines authorities but also those of the DXCC Committee to have the DXpedition accredited.”
At the 2010 PARA Hamvention & 17th International Grand Eyeball June 4-6, Ed Valdez DU1EV, who will on the DX0DX team, made a presentation on the two previous DXpedition to the island (DX0K 2005 and DX0JP 2007), and finished off by announcing the January 2011 DXpedition.
The announcement of such a major proposed activation, in terms of numbers of operators (30) and duration (3 weeks) resulted in a standing ovation being given to that news.
Ed DU1EV and Chris VK3FY spent a lot of time talking to some of the 300 delegates who were keenly interested to learn all they could about it.
The next few months will be extremely busy with further work on arranging supplies, logistics, customs clearances, and finalising sponsorship and funding support.
A multi-nation team of 30 radio amateurs will operate ten HF stations – CW (4), SSB (4) and RTTY (2), plus a VHF-UHF Station on 6m/2m /70cm & 23cm. That range of stations appears best suited in response to the known demands of the DX community.
Sponsorship support has so far come from ICOM America, Ham Radio Outlet, Spiderbeam, WX0B Array Solutions, Heil Sound and DX Engineering. Individual donations via PayPal are welcome.
“The team is highly motivated with each individual member preparing themselves for the trip to the Philippines and then on to island for this major DXpedition,” concluded Chris VK3FY.
At the 2010 PARA Hamvention & 17th International Grand Eyeball June 4-6, Ed Valdez DU1EV, who will on the DX0DX team, made a presentation on the two previous DXpedition to the island (DX0K 2005 and DX0JP 2007), and finished off by announcing the January 2011 DXpedition.
The announcement of such a major proposed activation, in terms of numbers of operators (30) and duration (3 weeks) resulted in a standing ovation being given to that news.
Ed DU1EV and Chris VK3FY spent a lot of time talking to some of the 300 delegates who were keenly interested to learn all they could about it.
The next few months will be extremely busy with further work on arranging supplies, logistics, customs clearances, and finalising sponsorship and funding support.
A multi-nation team of 30 radio amateurs will operate ten HF stations – CW (4), SSB (4) and RTTY (2), plus a VHF-UHF Station on 6m/2m /70cm & 23cm. That range of stations appears best suited in response to the known demands of the DX community.
Sponsorship support has so far come from ICOM America, Ham Radio Outlet, Spiderbeam, WX0B Array Solutions, Heil Sound and DX Engineering. Individual donations via PayPal are welcome.
“The team is highly motivated with each individual member preparing themselves for the trip to the Philippines and then on to island for this major DXpedition,” concluded Chris VK3FY.
25th May 2010
A multi-national team of 30 Amateur Radio operators from nine countries is in advanced preparation to operate from Spratly Island group in the South China Sea.
Following 12 months of discussions with military and civilian authorities permission has been received to operate on Thitu Island (Pagasa in Filipino), the second largest island in the Spratly Islands with a population of about 100.
The DXpedition, organized by the South Pacific Contest Club, will run from 6 to 24 January with the final 420 km travel leg for three groups of operators, equipment and supplies is by cargo boat. All supplies including food, water and fuel to sustain the DXpedition needs to be transported to the island.
The team includes five doctors which is not only reassuring other DXpeditioners, but will provide a welcome humanitarian effort through free medical checks for those permanently on the remote island.
The plan is to have four CW stations, four Phone, two RTTY/Digital Modes plus VHF/UHF.
Sponsors include ICOM (America), Ham Radio Outlet, SpiderBeam, Heil Sound and DX Engineering. Further corporate sponsorship and funding is expected, and individual donations will be acknowledged. The DXpedition is supported by the IARU national radio society, Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA).
The team leader is Chris VK3FY. The rest of the team to date includes: Keith VK3FT, Roger VK3FZ, Peter VK3FGRC, Jim VK3PC, Nik VK3FNIK, Allan VK2GR, Josette VK2FXGR, Wally VK6YS, Dindo DV1DIN, Ed DU1EV, Edward 4F1OZ, Cholo 4F8BOF, Kaye DV9XO, Toshi JA8BMK, San K5YY, Oscar EA1DR, Christian EA3NT, George EA2TA, Vincent F4BKV, Bjorn SMOMDG, Charles W6KK, Arnold N6HC, Robert N6OX, John N7CQQ, David AH6HY, Simon IZ7ATN, Bill N2WB, Jack W0UCE, Al K3VN, David K3LP, Michel FM5CD, Jay WX0B, Krassy K1LZ, Hrane YT1AD, Paul N6PSE and San K5YY.
Chris VK3FY will visit the Philippines next month to check out the logistics arrangements and ensure all other requirements are finalised.
