[ADXA] VP6D Ducie Island Press Release

[w5zn at w5zn.org]

For Immediate Release
Press Release #9
September 2 , 2018

VP6D Ducie Island 2018 DX-pedition
(OC-182)

The VP6D – Ducie Island 2018 project is on schedule. The equipment is 
now at Tauranga, New Zealand, stored in the Braveheart’s warehouse.

A real challenge for DX-pedition teams on uninhabited islands is knowing 
where in the world they’re being heard. The usual pilot reports tell us 
what happened, not what’s happening, propagation predictions tell us 
what might happen.

We understand that propagation may produce only short openings from 
Ducie Island to many locations around the world. For example, it’s not 
unusual for an EU opening to occur but EU callers are covered up by 
callers from other geographies. Until propagation changes for the better 
the EU stations can’t get through.

We have therefore augmented our pilot process to quickly identify these 
openings and get this information to the VP6D operators so they can 
exploit them. We’re confident this new capability will result in more 
timely coverage of difficult paths.

No one likes to be continually asked for donations. Today’s reality is 
DX-peditions to ecologically sensitive and restricted entities are 
expensive. Our boat and the freight invoices to New Zealand are now 
paid, the team is hoping to cover ~50% of the project cost.

Our fund raising target plus projected OQRS income should cover the 
remaining  50%. These bills must be paid whether or not you make a Q. We 
have a team of A1 operators who have been working on this project for 17 
months, they can use your help.

Look for another announcement in the next press release on or about Sept 
21st.

73,
Team Ducie – 2018