The Ohio/Penn Dx PacketCluster
DX Bulletin No. 736
BID: $OPDX.736
November 21, 2005
Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW
Provided by BARF-80 BBS Cleveland, Ohio

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet Clusters Network, AA1AC, K1FK, K1XN & GoList, N1RR, NG3K, W3AWU, W3UR & The Daily DX, N4AA & QRZ DX, W4VQ, K8ND, K8MM, K8YSE, 9A6AA, DL1EK & The DX News Letter, F5NQL & UFT, F6AJA & Les Nouvelles DX, F8DVD, I1JQJ/IK1ADH & 425 DX News, JE8KKX, JI6KVR & JA-IOTA Islands News, JT1CD, LA5YJ, OH2BH, OH2BN, OK1DOT, ON7ZZ, PY7RP, UA9CDC and VA3RJ & ICPO for the following DX information.

DXCC COUNTRY/ENTITY REPORT
According to the AR-Cluster Network for the week of Sunday, 13th/November, through Sunday, 20th/November there were 216 countries active. Countries available: 3A, 3B8, 3B9, 3DA, 3V, 3W, 4J, 4L, 4S, 4X, 5B, 5H, 5N, 5R, 5T, 5U, 5V, 5X, 5Z, 6W, 6Y, 7Q, 7X, 8P, 8Q, 8R, 9A, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M2, 9M6, 9N, 9Q, 9V, 9Y, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, AP, BV, BY, C3, CE, CE9, CM, CN, CP, CT, CT3, CU, CX, D2, D4, DL, DU, EA, EA6, EA8, EA9, EI, EK, EP, ER, ES, ET, EU, EX, EY, EZ, F, FG, FH, FJ, FK, FM, FO, FP, FR, FY, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, H4, HA, HB, HB0, HC, HI, HK, HL, HP, HR, HS, HV, HZ, I, IS, J3, J6, J7, JA, JD/o, JT, JW, JY, K, KH0, KH6, KL, KP2, KP4, LA, LU, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OH0, OK, OM, ON, OX, OY, OZ, P2, P4, PA, PJ2, PJ7, PY, PZ, R1MV, S0, S5, S9, SM, SP, ST, SU, SV, SV5, SV9, T7, T8, T9, TA, TF, TG, TI, TJ, TK, TR, TT, TU, TY, TZ, UA, UA2, UA9, UK, UN, UR, V5, V6, V7, V8, VE, VK, VK9C, VK9N, VP2E, VP2M, VP2V, VP5, VP8, VP9, VQ9, VR, VU, XE, XU, YA, YB, YI, YK, YL, YN, YO, YS, YU, YV, Z2, Z3, ZA, ZB, ZC4, ZD7,ZD9, ZF, ZK1/s, ZL, ZP, ZS

* PLEASE NOTE: The report "could" contain "Pirate/SLIM" operations or more likely a "BUSTED CALLSIGN". As always, you never know - "Work First Worry Later" (WFWL).

3B8, MAURITIUS (Update)
Operators Richard/OM2TW, Rudi/OM3PC, Joe/OM5AW and Bebo/OM5RW will be active from November 18-28th, as 3B8/homecall. They will be active on CW/SSB/RTTY/PSK and SSTV with two separate stations on 160-10 meters (especially on 160/80 meters). They will also be active as 3B8/OM3PC in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Multi-2 entry. QSL via their home callsigns. More information and their on-line logs will be available at:

3Y0X DXPEDITION UPDATE
On November 13th, the Peter I DXpedition's team co-leaders Ralph/KŘIR and Bob/K4UEE posted a new press release (#2006-4) on the DXpedition's Web page. The OPDX InterNet Subscribers will receive the complete release as an additional bulletin. Excerpts from the press release indicate that much has been accomplished toward their goal of activating Peter I Island early next year. Since the team meeting in September, the DXpedition team is now up to twenty men with the possibility of adding two more operators and as many as four "other" travelers who may want to go along for the trip. They also mentioned that a 40 foot shipping container (containing exactly 11 tons of equipment, and personal gear) has been packed and is now on its way to Chile.

For the first time they can give approximate dates of their operation. They hope to arrive at Peter I around February 6th to begin their 16 day stay. Please remember that these dates are approximate and depend on many variables including, of course, the weather and sea ice conditions. They are projecting to be on the air for 12-14 days. The team has developed a quick strike plan that will enable two stations on the air quickly even if they have weather conditions that prevent the entire camp from being constructed immediately. Ultimately, they plan to have nine stations on the air and a complement of 23 antennas. This doesn't include the recent decision to make a real effort on 6m, 2m and 70cm EME.

QSL via N2OO. This may be the most expensive DXpedition ever. They solicit your support! Please check out the Peter I Web site, and catch up on the news. There are many pictures of their recent training session in Atlanta and of the container packing and shipping. Also, if you want to be a part of the adventure by contributing financially, click on one of the yellow "Contribute" buttons. Visit the Peter I Web page at:

4U60, UNITED NATIONS HQ
By the time you read this the United Nations HQ station might be on the air using the callsign 4U60UN to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. QSL via HB9BOU. Length of activity is not known. Some sources are stating 24 hours (maybe longer).

4W, TIMOR-LESTE
Jon Rudy, DU9/N0NM, will operate as 4W3ZZ from November 24-28th on CW only. He will also operate during the CQ WW CW Contest (November 26-27th). The emphasis of the operation will be on 160 and 80 meters. He has access to a 150 foot tower and intends to use a 160 meter sloper and a full sized loop on 80 meters. Jon is a full time church worker and could use a little help in pulling this off. John, W4DR, will collect small donations for him and forward them through his church agency. Many of you have worked him on the low bands from 3DA0CA, C91CO and currently from DU9. QSLs direct only via W4DR. His license has already been approved for DXCC credit.

6Y, JAMAICA
Kari, OH3RB, will be active as OH3RB/6Y5 during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via OH3RB direct.

6Y, JAMAICA
Kenny, K2KW, will be active from here between November 26th and December 5th. His activity will include the ARRL 160M CW Contest (December 2-4th) as 6Y0A as a Multi-Single entry. He reports that he will be running a 2 element vertical array with 76' elements with top loading and a large radial field... this will be the biggest 160 array he has installed to date. He will be running 1200w.

7X, ALGERIA
Operators Frantisek/7X0RY, Vladimir/OK1CW, Zdenek/OK1FIA, Karel/OK1TA and Slavek/OK1TN will be active as 7X0RY during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via OK1DYW. More QSL info at:

8Q, MALDIVES
Operators Vadim/UA9CLB, Igor/UA9CDC, Vladimir/UN9LW and Igor/RA9CMO will be active as 8Q7DV during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Multi-? entry. QSL via UA9CLB. Igor, UA9CDC, informs OPDX that they will be on Sun Island for 10 days starting November 23rd. Apart from the contest, they will operate after the contest on all the bands with some emphasis on 80 and 160 meters CW. Less attention will be given to WARC bands and DIGITAL modes. Igor states, "We mainly go there for the contest. The rest of the operation will be just for pleasure in between the water sports and other beach activities."

9A, CROATIA
Croatian members of Mediterranean DX Club (MDXC) will use a special callsign 9A0MDC during MDXC Trophy (February 3-5th). QSL Manager will be Corrado, IT9DAA. He will send all cards via bureau after he receives the log from 9A6AA (leader of 9A0MDC). Direct requests can be sent to IT9DAA.

A52, BHUTAN
Members of the Clipperton DX Club are now active as A52CDX until December 3rd. QSL via F9DK. The operation's Web page is available at:

AH2, GUAM
Members of the Guam Contest Club will be active as AH2R in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Multi-Op/Single-TX entry. The operators mentioned are: Aki/JI3ERV/NH2C (Leader), Toshi/JR7OMD/WI3O, Sam/JR8VSE/N2HN and Nozomu/JE8KKX/AH2K. Their Sunrise/Sunset is: 2026/0750z. QSL to JH7QXJ via the JA Bureau or direct (see (QRZ.com)).

CT9, MADEIRA ISLANDS
Jussi-Pekka, OH6RX, will be here between November 24-28th. He will be active as CT9A during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via OH6RX.

CU2, AZORES (CU2A PRESS RELEASE, November 15, 2005)

"A one-year building effort is completed and CU2A will hit the airwaves from this new - still tentative - site in the CQWW CW Contest, all-band, high-power category piloted by OH2UA, Toni. The brand new multi-directional site will be on for the first time from the westernmost point of Europe. Signing CU2/OH2UA from November 21, Toni will appreciate observation reports through the new website www.cu2a.com. The site also features a log search as well as some pictures and audio files from the CQWW SSB operation. QSL CU2A via OH2BH."

CX, URUGUAY
Operators Pedro/CX5BW, Frederick/K9VV and Calvin/K6CT(CX7TT) will be active as CX5BW during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Multi-2 entry. Listen for QSL instructions.

D4, CAPE VERDE
Stefano, IK2JUB, will be active as D44TD during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (20 or 15m) entry. QSL via CT1EKF.

FP, ST. PIERRE AND MIQUELON (Update)
Ian, K8MM, will be active as FP/K8MM from now until November 30th. Grids GN16 on St. Pierre and GN17 on Miquelon will be activated. Operations are planned on FO-29, VO-52, AO-07, AO-51 and SO-50. Ian states that he will be using CW and SSB, depending on how well he hears the analog birds. The group he is going with (See OPDX.726 and OPDX.731) will also be on 160-6 meters and CW, RTTY, PSK31 and maybe SSB. They will also be active for the CQWW CW Contest (as FP/K8DD). QSL with a SASE direct for any FP/K8MM contacts via CBA.

FT5X, KERGUELEN ISLAND
Gildas, TU5KG, is currently on board a fishing boat in the Austral Sea near Kerguelen. He has the callsign FT5XP and hopes to be active from Kerguelen when he stops at Port au Francais. He is expected to be there until December and back again for a 3 months period in January. He is using a IC-706 and MA5V antenna.

FT5Y, ANTARCTICA
Jean-Paul, F5BU (ex-FT5WJ on Crozet Island), will be going to Adelie Land in a few weeks. He will stay at the French Antarctic Dumont d'Urville station from mid-December to the end of February 2006. He hopes to be active during his free time on 20 meters SSB and has actually asked for the callsign (like) FT5Y**. The QSL will be printed a few weeks after his return and will be via his home callsign F5BU. This French Antarctic station has been off the air for a long time.

GJ2/MJ0, JERSEY
Richard, K2WR, will be active as GJ2A during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/High-Power entry. QSL via K2WR (Also, from non-USA to GJ3DVC). Look for Richard outside the contest as MJ0AWR. QSL via to K2WR.

HS0, THAILAND
Tony, G4UZN, will be in Bangkok as HS0ZGH from November 23rd to December 7th. He is expected to participate in the CQWW DX CW Contest.

IOTA NEWS
AF-019. Look for Fabio, IT9GSF, to be active as IG9A from Lampedusa Island in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (160m) entry. QSL via IT9GSF/KB1LNF. NOTES FROM FABIO: "I will try to reach the island as the sea is going to be strong and the ship doesn't go to Pantelleria and Lampedusa...but maybe with some luck you will listen to the signal from IG9A again this year. THIS CANCELS PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT OF IT9GSF SO2R FROM SICILY."

AS-076. Operators JA5BEX and JN4MBO will be active from Naoshima Island (JIIA AS-076-New) in the JA5 Shikoku Islands Group, December 3-5th. They will sign homecall/5. QSL to their home callsigns, direct or by the bureau.

NA-048. Al, W3AWU, is thinking of undertaking a 4 to 5 day DXpedition to the rare Bimini Island in the Bahamas Island Group to commence a couple of days before the IOTA Contest and then participate in it which will be scheduled for end of July, early August 2006. He states that this will be a modest operation with maximum of two stations and perhaps 3-4 operators running SSB and CW with wire antennas or verticals. Al is looking for input, comments and operators. He can be reached at: italiancookbook1@juno.com

SA-023. Operator Cris, PY7GK, will be active from Itaparica Island as ZY6GK between December 27-60th. He hopes to be active on 40/20/15/10 meters on both CW and SSB. QSL is OK via the bureau or direct via (QRZ.com).

IS0, SARDINIA
Mauro, IN3QBR, will be active as IS0/K7QB (or possibly as IS0U) during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/ Single-Band (160m) entry. QSL via IN3QBR.

IS0, SARDINIA
Martin, OL5Y, will be active as IS0/OL5Y (or possibly as IS0N) during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/ Single-Band (80m) entry. QSL via Ok1MG.

KP3, PUERTO RICO
Felipe, NP4Z, will be active as KP3Z during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/All-Band (160-10m) entry. QSL via WC4E.

OA, PERU (Update)
Daniel/DL5YWM and Eric/W0TT will operate from the Radio Club Peruno in Lima (OA4O), from November 15-29th. Callsigns will be most likely be OA4/DL5YWM and OA4/W0TT. Additionally, they plan to operate all bands in the CQ World Wide DX CW Contest as OA4O. QSL OA4O via OA4O. QSL activity outside the contest via their home callsigns.

OJ0, MARKET REEF
A Press Release (November 17, 2005): "ATTEMPT TO ACTIVATE MARKET REEF ON LOW BANDS: The Finnish quartet of OH0RJ, OH2BH, OH2BO and OH2PM will attempt a boat landing onto this barren rock from November 22-24, 2005, in their effort to put OJ0B and OJ0J on the low bands, both CW and SSB, for one week, including the CQ World Wide DX Contest. If landing is not successful by Thursday, the 24th, the operation will not take place this season.

The last winter season low-band activity from Market Reef was in 1988. One of the team members in that year, John, W2GD was injured and had to be airlifted out of the rock by rescue helicopter. With tightened aviation regulations, it is now impossible to carry petrol or any sizable objects, such as antenna masts, alongside the helicopter body; hence small boat landing remains the only potential choice. The ground temperature is below freezing and the sea is ice-cold and about to freeze, with high winds at this time of the year. As of November 17, first snow of about 4 inches fell on the Aland Archipelago. You can monitor the Market Reef weather at:

Please note that at the very best, the challenge will also be at your end of the circuit. Market Reef along with Finland is located at 60 degrees North inside the aurora oval. According to the statistics, the area is usually suffering the aurora for an average of 100 days a year. This time the geomagnetic conditions are expected to be favorable for LF since the operation is scheduled to take place between the impacts of recurrent coronal holes 194 and 195 (STAR tags). Operating frequencies are harmonized with the R1MVW group and are as follows:

CW: 1812.5 and 1834.5, 3512 and 3544, 7012 and 7034, 10112, 14034, 18082, 21034, 24894 and 28034 kHz
SSB: 1855, 3798, 7080, 14190, 18140, 21290, 24940, 28490 kHz

ADDED NOTE (OH0, ALAND ISLAND): During this past weekend Martti/OH2BH and Ville/OH2MM were on Aland Island (OH0) making preparations for the Market Reef outing and the CQWW CW Contest. Both were active from here. OH0B was heard on 30/20 meters, while OH0MM was heard on 80 meters. Look for Ville to activate OH0MM in the CQWW DX CW Contest as an All-Band category. QSL OH0B via OH2BH and OH0MM via OH2MM.

PJ2, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
The Caribbean Contesting Consortium (CCC) will operate as PJ2T from the Signal Point station on Curacao, with operators Jeff/K8ND, Dan/N1ZZ, Mark/N5OT, Steve/N8BJQ, Leo/S50R, Scott/W4PA, Jim/W8WTS, Noel/W9EFL, Jim/W0NB and Kyle/WA4PGM. QSL PJ2T via N9AG. Before and after the contest (November 17-29th), operators will use "PJ2/homecall" for callsigns, with all QSLs via their home address. The CCC just observed their fifth anniversary of the purchase of the former PJ9JT contest site, and sometime during the upcoming CQWW CW Contest, the 200,000th QSO using the PJ2T callsign will occur! In celebration of this landmark, they have arranged for propagation to be better than expected on all bands, and especially so on the lowbands (160/80/40m). Everyone is invited to make use of this gift!

QSL INFO AND NEWS
JW5YJ QSLS DELAYED. Hugo, LA5YJ, informs OPDX that anyone who worked him as JW5YJ and sent their cards to Norway will have to wait a little for their QSLs. Hugo had to leave on very short notice to Pakistan to help out with the emergency communication. He has been there since about November 2nd. Hugo states that he is really sorry but there is nothing he can do until he gets back. This also counts for the bureau cards for 9N7YJ and XU7ACW. He thanks you for your patience.

QSL ZS6CCY via OK1DOT, by the bureau or direct to: Petr Gustab, P.O. Box 52, CESKY BROD, 282 01 Czech Republic. QSL cards received by the bureau are answered via bureau. Cards received directly with SAE and 1 USD/IRC will be answered directly (do not send old IRCs please).

Jean-Michel, F6AJA, Editor of the LNDX, reports that his log from his recent activity from Bucarest as YO/F6AJA is online at:

R1MV, MALYJ VYSOTSKIJ ISLAND (MVI)
The multi-national team is now active through November 28th. Activity will include an entry in the CQ WW CW DX Contest as R1MVC. For any activity before and after the contest, they will sign R1MVW. A better URL Web address for this activity has been pointed out to OPDX.

SILENT KEYS
It was reported that Jean Liesse, ON4LE, became a "Silent Key" (SK) on November 10th.

It was reported that Baatar, JT1BG, became a "Silent Key" (SK) on November 14th. Baatar was the first to receive 5BDXCC, 5BWAZ and DXCC Honor Roll in Mongolia.

SPECIAL EVENT (French Telethon)
For years in France, and now in some other European countries (like Switzerland, Luxembourg, ...), the first weekend of December is the date choosen to hold a special major Telethon. This Telethon is a big event sponsored by the major French and other European Public or Private Companies, joint to the TV Net France2, to collect funds for the research against the genetic dieases. This year, as usually, a lot of special ham events stations are scheduled to be on the air. Please look for the following:

TM4THO - (North France) Activity by the Informatique, Communication Electronique ARS members, from December 1-15th, on HF and VHF, and CW/SSB/DIGIT. QSL and Award (5 Euros) available from David, F4EPU. Main activity on December 2-3rd from the City of Jeumont. Web page: http://www.qsl.net/f1lxl

TM8T - (North France) Activity between November 27th and December 11th. Main activity on December on 2-3rd from the City of Croix. QSL (w/SAE + 1 Euro for the Telethon), to: GCNF, 68 rue Jules GUESDE F 59170 CROIX, France.

TM6TLT - (Le Mans Area) Activity by the Sarthe l'A.R.A.S 72, from 1300z, December 3rd, to 1500z, December 4th. QSL per instructions on:

http://asso.proxiland.fr/aras72/

TM3TLT - (Vald'Oise near Paris) Activity by the Radio-club de VAUREAL (F8KGL) ARC. F5KES and the 95th division of the REF-Union will be on the air December 2-3rd, from the city of Vaureal. Look for activity on HF, VHF and UHF (+ ATV). Web page:

http://tm3tlt.f8kgl.com

HB9Y - (Switzerland) Activity by the members of the USKA-Valais-Wallis all December long. Main activity on December 3rd from the Midi Place in the City of Sion. QSL via Bureau. Web page at:

http://he1tele.radioamateur.ch/

ST0, SUDAN
Operator Jovica, T98A, will be active as ST0RM during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via T93Y. Visit the Web page at:

TF4, ICELAND
Charlie "CHAS", N1RR, will be active from here this week from Thor, TF4M, QTH. Chas believes Thor's station is first-class, with FT1000's - EMTRON Amps and amazing Rhombics and large VEE beams at 80ft. Even Icelanders, like TF3CW and TF3YH, believe that Thor's station is the best station in the country and certainly the best on the low-bands. Long beverages will be added this week, but the site is known to be incredibly quiet. The band conditions should remain excellent with the low absorption trend repeating from last month. Chas hopes to work some of you in the CQ WW DX CW Contest as TF4M, a Multi-Op/Two TX entry or before the contest as TF/N1RR. Look for him after the contest on 80/160m CW (for about 10 hours, before returning home).

TI, COSTA RICA
Phil, N0KE, reports that he will be at TI5KD's station for the CQ WW DX CW Contest and spend some time on 160m outside of the contest. Outside of the contest he will be active as TI5/N0KE. In the contest, he plans to be active as TI5X mainly on 15 meters. He also adds that Alanson/K0AV will be active as TI5N on 40m and TI5A on 20 meters. Phil is also expected to be in the ARRL 10M Contest.

TR8, GABON
Roland, F8EN, will be active again as TR8CR from Libreville. He will be there from December 12th to January 12th. Activity will mostly be on CW on 40/20/10 meters (7005 and 14005 kHz) and SSB (14170 kHz) during his morning.

VK0, MACQUARIE ISLAND (Possibly ZL9)
Several sources are reporting that Richard, W5VTS, plans to be active as VK0AVT starting November 23rd, for about 24 hours. Activity will be on 40/20 meters CW. Also, there is a possibility of some activity from Campbell Island around November 26th. Look for W5VTS/ZL9 to be active for about 24 hours. QSL via operator's instructions.

VK9C, COCOS-KEELING ISLAND
Remember to look for Bernd, VK2IA, to be active starting around November 22nd as VK9AA from here. He will also participate in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/All-Band entry. QSL via DL8YR.

VP2E, ANGUILLA
Operators Gordon/N5AU and Ray/KC5EA will be active as VP2E during the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Multi-Single entry. QSL via N5AU.

VP9, BERMUDA
Mark, AA1AC, will be operating from the Hamilton Parish, Bermuda, as AA1AC/VP9 from December 12-15th. QSL via to his home callsign, direct or via the bureau.

WP3, PUERTO RICO (Update)
Alfredo, WP3C, will be active in this year's CQWW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/All-Band/Low-Power entry. QSL via W3HNK. Visit his Web site at:

YI, IRAQ
Operator Ilian, YI9LZ (LZ1CNN), will be active in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/Single-Band (15m) entry. QSL via LZ1ZF.

ZB2, GIBRALTAR
Jorma, OH2KI, has postponed his VU2WAP operation but will now be active as ZB2X in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 26-27th) as a Single-Op/All-Band or Single-Band entry. QSL via OH2KI.

ZP0, PARAGUAY
Marco, N5ZO, will be active as ZP0R during the CQ WW DX CW Contest(November 26-27th) as Single-Op entry. QSL via W3HNK, direct or by the bureau

OPDX INTERNET HELP/SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE REQUEST:

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OPDX WORLD-WIDE WEB HOME (provided by John, K8YSE (k8yse@papays.com):
http://www.papays.com/opdx.html

ALSO VISIT THE NORTERN OHIO DX ASSOCIATION'S WEB HOME PAGE:
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Additional Bulletins for OPDX InterNet Subscribers

Peter I
Press Release #2006-4

Date: November 13, 2005
From: Team co-leaders:
Ralph Fedor, KŘIR and Bob Allphin, K4UEE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Since our last announcement much has been accomplished toward our goal of activating Peter I early next year.

In September, fourteen of the team met for four days in Atlanta to practice erecting the arctic shelters, the low band antennas, check out the generators and other critical equipment and to begin packing the crates for shipment. In addition, a total of ten hours were spent in classrooms discussing safety, offloading procedures and priorities, fundraising, recruiting, our current budget and the status of our vessel and helicopter arrangements. There was also time for team bonding, as we assimilated three new team members: FM5CD, N6JRL and W8MV.

During the month of October, we received the great news that Gary Stouder, K9SG, our team physician from the 2005 team would be able to join us again. Also, Al Hernandez, K3VN, a veteran of many Antarctic dxpeditions and an old friend has joined the team. We are pleased to have them both and they bring our number to twenty men. We have room for two more operators and as many as four "other" travelers who may want to go along, set foot on the island, help with the camp set-up, enjoy the travel experience, but not actually be part of the operating team. They would remain on the vessel. Contact Bob, K4UEE by clicking HERE if you have an interest in either opportunity.

Our 40 foot shipping container has been packed and is now on it's way to Chile. After returning from South America earlier this year, we completely unpacked everything, sorted, prioritized all of our equipment and then repacked. It was a huge job, but it will be worth the effort when we arrive at Peter I. The container contains exactly 11 tons of equipment, and personal gear.

Our contract calls for 16 days at Peter I. The weather will dictate our actual schedule, but we are projecting that we will be 12-14 days on the air. We have developed a quick strike plan that will enable two stations on the air quickly even if we have weather conditions that prevent the entire camp from being constructed immediately. Ultimately, we plan to have nine stations on the air and a complement of 23 antennas. This doesn't include the recent decision to make a real effort on 6m, 2m and 70cm EME.

For the first time, we can give approximate dates of our operation. The team will assemble in Punta Arenas on Jan. 29th and shortly afterward, fly to the Chilean Naval Base on King George Island, South Shetland Islands. We will board our vessel there and sail to Peter I. We expect to have two stations on the air from the vessel operating…. /MM. We hope to arrive at Peter I around February 6th to begin our 16 day stay. Please remember that these dates are approximate and depend on many variables including, of course, the weather and sea ice conditions.

One of our goals is to do what we can to help the DX community feel a part of this 3Y0X experience. We're going to be enjoying a once in a lifetime adventure, and although it will at times be tough and maybe a little scary, the adventure is something that motivates every member of our team. We want you, the DX community, to enjoy more than just a QSO or two, but to be able to live this adventure along with us. In an effort to do that, we are planning daily updates from the island along with photographs of what we are experiencing. In addition, through the technology of Iridium Satellite, we are hoping to provide periodic videos from the island as well. It seems to us that through video you can experience so much more.

This may be the most expensive DXpedition ever. We solicit your support! Please check out the Peter I website, www.peterone.com and catch up on the news. There are many pictures of our recent training session in Atlanta and of the container packing and shipping. Also, if you want to be a part of the adventure by contributing financially, click on one of the yellow "Contribute" buttons.

QSL via N2OO!

73,
Ralph, KŘIR and Bob, K4UEE
Peter I DXpedition co-leaders