Greetings ADXA Folks,

Rolf, DL7VEE and his band of merrymen DX’ers are off to V6D Micronesia in September & October. We have received a request for funding. This is the gang that activated P29RO, T2C, and C21MM. They are an accomplished group. V6 is currently #74 on the ADXA most wanted and the ADXA board has approved a $200 donation to their effort.

We have also received a request from Greg, W6IZT, to sponsor the PJ6Y Saba Island DXpedition in October. This is #205 on our need list and normally we would not give this any thought however, this is a youth DXpedition with 12-14 youth that will actually be on the island and another 30-40 who will operate the NextGen2 RIB’s on the island remotely. There are two very important aspects to this operation way beyond its location and position on the “need list”. These are youth and the Rig In Box (RIB). We have seen in just the past 5 years a significant reduction in the number “old guard” DX’ers physically able to travel on a DXPedtion. Many are already SK. The fact that the PJ6Y effort has recruited youth and to train them as DX’ers is extremely important. Greg, along with Glenn W0GJ, Gene K5GS, and Gerben PG5M will be holding a series of workshops for the youth to train and prepare them for DX’ing and the DXpedition ahead of time. You recall ADXA has been very proactive in sponsoring DX youth activity in IARU Region 1 (EU, AF, Middle East) and we should continue our support here at home. For this reason alone, we have approved a $100 donation.

I dislike the phrase “game changer” but that is exactly what RIB is. A couple of weeks ago at Ham Radio Friedrichshafen I had the opportunity to visit with George AA7JV, who’s impact with RIB and sailing to remote DX locations, establishing a satellite internet link, and testing the technology has been enormous for DX. Many of those activations would not have occurred without the RIB and George unselfishly providing his personnel resources to make them happen.

73 Joel W5ZN