[50mhz] VK9 6m DXpedition Update

[Lance Collister, W7GJ]

Hello!

I am very excited by all the new stations on 6m digital due to the widespread use of 
MSK144 on random meteor scatter! All these stations also have the capability to run 
JT65A mode, and many probably have the capability to operate 6m EME during their 
moonset or moonrise. Please spread the word to any newcomers to 6m digital about my 
upcoming 6m EME DXpedition, and invite them to try practicing with some big stations 
before next September ;-)

Since my last update, I have been busy finalizing plans for the upcoming DXpedition, 
as well as checking out my equipment. A separate PTT was added to the FT-857 I am 
taking to VK9:

http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/FT857ptt.htm 
<http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/FT857ptt.htm>

I also have been finishing a plan for the operating schedules at VK9.  New EXCEL and 
PDF links to the planned operating schedules at VK9C and VK9X are on my webpage:

http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/Indian%20Ocean%202017.htm

Because I am so far away, the only possibility for eastern NA is during my moonset, 
and the only possibility for western NA is on my moonrise. Please refer to the posted 
planned operating schedules for details. If you think that you will not be able to be 
QRV for any of the times shown on the operating schedule, or are concerned that you 
think I may not be QRV during your only moon windows, please send me an email and I 
will try to make a special effort to watch for you.  However, remember that I will 
have trouble elevating over 60 degrees elevation, so please try to work me when my 
moon is lower than that. I know there also are a number of new stations planning to 
come onto 6m EME in the coming months - please make sure that I have your callsigns 
and grid squares in my CALL3.txt file so I don't disregard your call as a false decode!

Please note that the above planned operating schedules are subject to change.  
However, I am planning to operate from moonrise to moonset for 3 days from each DXCC 
during the 3 days of lowest Degradation each month. This hopefully will provide 
enough opportunity even for stations who are not in EU or NA.  Please note that the 
days of lowest Degradation will also be over a weekend while I am in both DXCC, so I 
am providing activity at a time when I hope most stations can be active. Even though 
6m EME conditions are not ideal, I also plan to be QRV from moonrise to moonset from 
VK9XGJ during the first weekend of the ARRL EME Contest, October 7-8.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Good luck and I hope to see you from 
VK9 in just 5 months from now! Best wisehs for success during the upcoming Es season!

VY 73, Lance

-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ
(ex WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX, 3D2LR, 5W0GJ, E6M, TX5K, KH8/W7GJ, V6M, T8GJ, VK9CGJ, VK9XGJ)

P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT   59834-0073
USA
TEL: (406) 626-5728
QTH: DN27ub
URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
Skype: lanceW7GJ
2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815

Interested in 6m EME?  Ask me about subscribing to the Magic Band EME
email group, or just fill in the request box at the bottom of my web
page (above)!