[DXR] Pratas Island, BQ9P
Joe, AA4NN, posted this on topband, but I thought some of you may enjoy his description of the Pratas Island DXpedition. 73 --- Steve Wheatley KU9C PO Box 5953 Parsippany NJ 07054-6953 (yes, the -6953 is correct!) U.S.A. Phone: 973.644.5111 Fax:973.644.5053 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Original Message -- From: Joe L Blackwell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2001 09:30:53 -0500 Greetings Topbanders, de Joe, aa4nn Congratulations to those in the log for BQ9P, it was a rough trip! My apologies to the callers whom I just couldn't hear. Aligator? Hardly, maybe. 400 watts from the AL572B and I could hear the 5.5kw generator groan. Pratas Island power was typically 90vac, so that was no good. We had several generator failures. XMT was the 87' Titanex vertical, kevlar guy lines except for the last, longest guy, upwind, which was of unproven material, strong, light, cellophane type material. Within an hour of erection, the winds began to rip this unproven guy line to shreds until eventually the guy became useless, and the antenna bent over into the famous Battle Creek Special configuration. I have pictures. Yet, VSWR was 1 to 1 on 40, 80 and 160. Perfect. After three days the antenna broke and fell. We patched the break and used some nr14 wire with occasional insulators to raise it up once again. The second Titanex vertical was missing a section or two, plus there was no kevlar for guy lines. Ken, W4NZC, and I put together six sections for a 12 meter vertical which Ken tuned for 40 meters. The last couple of days Ken tuned this vertical for 30 meters. REC was a single beverage, initially on the ground. Any beverage on Pratas Island is an exercise in futility. The bushy growth is dense and filled with razor wire. The roads weren't straight, yet I managed a BOG favoring 22 degrees by zigzagging along and across the roads. 500 ft. Not good. Never worked. Terminate or not to terminate, there was no experimentation after dark. We were advised to not leave the compound after dark as there were sentries and dogs everywhere and let's not get shot at. I'm serious. I had material for two beverages, but the second one proved impossible to put into the SSE direction. Additionally, I counted up to 18 beacons from 1.800 to 1.830, not too loud, but enough to catch my attention as perhaps a weak stateside station. 80m was full of local choppy CW stations apparently in a local network of some kind. SSB on 80 n 40 just about covered us up in the CW band. 9M0M killed me on 3.503 which was my published 80m freq. Best for me was 3.511 & 3.513. I put together some sections of the unuseable Titanex so that Ken and I could push the beverage up, over and into the bush to achieve an elevated beverage favoring 22 degrees. Unterminated one night proved somewhat effective, next night with a termination was much better. Crossed three roads at a height of 14 feet because of the huge army trucks that continuously patrolled the area. No way a ground rod could be effective, so I used a 1/4 wave counterpoise and 470 ohm terminating resistor. ICE beverage box at the coax end. At 1030z every day I would begin CQing on 1.826.5 listening for USA. East coast was just not in there. Typically I could work into Texas, then a few 8s and 9s. Then the 0s, 7s and 6s would prevail. On occasion I went to 80m at 1100-30z calling specifically for K4ESE and N4JJ with no results. Believe me, 160 was my concern. I was listening and I tried, but I just couldn't hear. Around 1500z I would relinquish the radio to Alex, RK3DT, who wanted to run 160 and 80 toward his Russian friends. I never knew if he did any USA during east coast sunset. BTW, the station I carried to Pratas was my Ten-Tec Corsair II & AL572B amp. Big signal from Bill, K6GNX, worked him using CW and SSB on 1.826.5. Also big 80/160 signal from KH6DX/M !! Don, you are just incredible!! Gary, K4MQG, was our unofficial pilot station, with daily contacts on 20m. Big signal from Gary. All paper logging, no computer network. Total Qs were just short of 30,000. (Yep, lots of JAs in there). Speaking with Paul Pai, BV4FH, a most efficient DXpedition organizer and one very well connected to pull off a DXpedition to the Military base on Pratas Island, I learn that he is looking for someone to take the helm for future DXpeditions. There may not be a BQ9P in 2002. 2003 maybe. The problem with Pratas Island is the sensitive Military operation there. Mountains of paperwork must be approved. The operation must be kept secret until the final go ahead is issued. Hence, the last minute call for operators who can quickly join the team on short notice. The operation cannot be publicized to acquire support from manufacturers or to get world class operators, so the Ops put money up front for all expenses. All Ops do their best. We had five po
[DXR] IRCs available
I have a large quantity of airmail IRCs, correctly marked, for sale. $1.00 each, including postage to you. Please contact me first before you send anything to make sure I have some left. The 'extra' beyond the postal rate will be directly returned to the DXPeditions that have caused these to com into my mailbox! 73 ------- Steve Wheatley KU9C PO Box 5953 Parsippany NJ 07054-6953 (yes, the -6953 is correct!) U.S.A. Phone: 973.644.5111 Fax:973.644.5053 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news To post a message, DX items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DXR] IRCs available
Still have some available! I have a large quantity of airmail IRCs, correctly marked, for sale. $1.00 each, including postage to you. Please contact me first before you send anything to make sure I have some left. The 'extra' beyond the postal rate will be directly returned to the DXPeditions that have caused these to come into my mailbox! 73 ------- Steve Wheatley KU9C PO Box 5953 Parsippany NJ 07054-6953 (yes, the -6953 is correct!) U.S.A. Phone: 973.644.5111 Fax:973.644.5053 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news To post a message, DX items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DXR] 80 cent airmail stamp coming!
Just received the recent stamp brochure (I'm one of their 'premier' customers...HI). On April 17, the 'Mount McKinley 80 cent self-adhesive stamp will be issued in Alaska, and probably available soon thereafter at your local post office. If you use these frequently, you can also order online (www.usps.com and go to 'the postal store') or 1-800-Stamp-24. To order a sheet of 20, it's their item number 561440. It appears you can also get in books of 10 or 4. NoI don't work for the postal service, and I am not a paid endorser, but I tend to use their product with frequency!~ 73 --- Steve Wheatley KU9C PO Box 5953 Parsippany NJ 07054-6953 (yes, the -6953 is correct!) U.S.A. Phone: 973.644.5111 Fax:973.644.5053 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news To post a message, DX items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DXR] PW0S/BQ9P QSL Status
I've had several requests for information on BQ9P and PW0S statushere goes: PW0S: I have the logs and have started the process of printing labels for the cards I have. We've about completed the QSL design, which I think you will find a prominent spot in your collection for, as it depicts the challenges and personal efforts and risks the team took in putting PW0S on the air for you. As soon as we get the QSL into the printing process, I'll have an arrival date and be able to predict when cards will go out and the first round of cards completed. There are on-line logs at http://www.soutomaior.eti.br/mario/ and then follow the PW0S linkand click on logs. Please report any problems to me at [EMAIL PROTECTED], but please also note I'm a bit behind, and in many cases, have to direct the question to the appropriate PY amateur. Also, if you have submitted your card, no need to ask via email, I'll research it as I process the cards. BQ9P: The logs were all by hand, and have yet to be entered into a computer. I'm about to start that process. The QSL design has been started, and as with PW0S, when I send the card to the printer, I'll be able to predict when the cards will be going out. It too will be a color card, so your patience will be rewarded with a nice QSL to commemorate this operation. Logs may be posted on the web if I find time, although there appears to be limited value in doing so. If you have submitted your card, your QSOs will be checked against the paper logs if there are any questions. Email me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] if you have any questions. 73 Steve KU9C ------- Steve Wheatley KU9C PO Box 5953 Parsippany NJ 07054-6953 (yes, the -6953 is correct!) U.S.A. Phone: 973.644.5111 Fax:973.644.5053 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news To post a message, DX items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DXR] [Dx-QSL] 80 cent airmail stamp coming!
Carl, Shipping/Handling within the US is $1, but it is $5 for foreign orders.If you need some, and are willing to risk the mail, which I think the $5 fee does from them as well (I don't think it's registered or insured...hi)I'll do it for the cost of the postagelet me know if you need some stamps... --- Steve Wheatley KU9C PO Box 5953 Parsippany NJ 07054-6953 (yes, the -6953 is correct!) U.S.A. Phone: 973.644.5111 Fax:973.644.5053 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news To post a message, DX items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DXR]
Update on PW0S QSL Status: It appears that I will have the QSL cards for PW0S, barring unforeseen shipping problems, the weekend BEFORE Dayton. I expect them to arrive at my QTH on May 11th. If this happens on schedule, I plan to issue ALL direct QSL cards that are clean in the log by Tuesday, May 15th (it will be a busy weekend, but most of the preparation is done).Thus, many of you should have a shot at having your card in advance of the Dayton Hamvention. If the schedule slips, my plans are to do what I can do before leaving for Dayton, and finishing the process upon my return. Some of the PW0S members will be at Dayton, and will be hand carrying the paper logs, which will allow me to research any of the 'not in log' qsos. Thus, if your card does not appear in your box immediately, please give me a few weeks to research the logs, as you may well be not in the log. I'll post a note when the QSL process is 'up to date'. Thanks to all of you that included donations with your QSL requests. The donations will be forwarded to the PW0S team to help pay down the expenses of this operation. If you would like further details, PY7ZZ's web site has a very detailed accounting of the DXpedition expenses, which you may find of interest. Go to the log search page at http://www.soutomaior.eti.br/mario and click on the 'Costs' shortcut.Donations are still being accepted by myself and W9VA, Bill, as we are still trying to close the gap on expenses. 73 es DX IS! Steve KU9C --- Steve Wheatley KU9C PO Box 5953 Parsippany NJ 07054-6953 (yes, the -6953 is correct!) U.S.A. Phone: 973.644.5111 Fax:973.644.5053 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news To post a message, DX NEWS items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DXR] PW0S QSL Status
Update on PW0S QSL Status: It appears that I will have the QSL cards for PW0S, barring unforeseen shipping problems, the weekend BEFORE Dayton. I expect them to arrive at my QTH on May 11th. If this happens on schedule, I plan to issue ALL direct QSL cards that are clean in the log by Tuesday, May 15th (it will be a busy weekend, but most of the preparation is done).Thus, many of you should have a shot at having your card in advance of the Dayton Hamvention. If the schedule slips, my plans are to do what I can do before leaving for Dayton, and finishing the process upon my return. Some of the PW0S members will be at Dayton, and will be hand carrying the paper logs, which will allow me to research any of the 'not in log' qsos. Thus, if your card does not appear in your box immediately, please give me a few weeks to research the logs, as you may well be not in the log. I'll post a note when the QSL process is 'up to date'. Thanks to all of you that included donations with your QSL requests. The donations will be forwarded to the PW0S team to help pay down the expenses of this operation. If you would like further details, PY7ZZ's web site has a very detailed accounting of the DXpedition expenses, which you may find of interest. Go to the log search page at http://www.soutomaior.eti.br/mario and click on the 'Costs' shortcut.Donations are still being accepted by myself and W9VA, Bill, as we are still trying to close the gap on expenses. 73 es DX IS! Steve KU9C --- Steve Wheatley KU9C PO Box 5953 Parsippany NJ 07054-6953 (yes, the -6953 is correct!) U.S.A. Phone: 973.644.5111 Fax:973.644.5053 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news To post a message, DX NEWS items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DXR] Take it or leave it.
Martti OH2BH had a great discussion of this item in the annual DXCC listing.a worthy read for DXers and DXpeditioners/QSL managers alike! Not sure if that article is on the ARRL web site, but maybe it should be??? 73 --- Steve Wheatley KU9C PO Box 5953 Parsippany NJ 07054-6953 (yes, the -6953 is correct!) U.S.A. Phone: 973.644.5111 Fax:973.644.5053 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news To post a message, DX NEWS items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DXR] [Dx] d44bc-sk
If that hasn't happened, and anyone knows where the logs are, I'll do it! shame to see those logs gone. ------- Steve Wheatley KU9C PO Box 5953 Parsippany NJ 07054-6953 (yes, the -6953 is correct!) U.S.A. Phone: 973.644.5111 Fax:973.644.5053 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Original Message -- From: "Ron Notarius WN3VAW" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 11 May 2001 17:39:02 -0400 >At the time D44BC became a SK there was some talk about someone getting >Julio's logs and assuming the QSL duties. I don't know if that ever took >place, though. > >73 > >- Original Message - >From: Steve Litwins <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Friday, May 11, 2001 5:50 PM >Subject: [Dx] d44bc-sk > > >Hello all; >I just got MY qsl card back from Julio's xyl, Ondina, saying Julio passed >away 13 Oct. 99. The 5 Qs that I had requested conformation for were not >confirmed...obviously Ondina is not the keeper of the logs. I wonder if >anybody knows if somebody has collected Julio's logs and is in a position to >confirm his past qsos...73/dx >steve, k8wk > > > > >Your Moderator is Larry Wilson KE1HZ >Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >--- >Submissions [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > >Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news >To post a message, DX NEWS items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ >This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org > Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-news To post a message, DX NEWS items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives available at http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net/ This is the DXR reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
