[KCDXC] tx5k easy on 20

[rick n0rb]

The whole operation WAS directed to Europe because that was where the
biggest need was. When they ask for money from us ( the lone star DX Assoc.)
we told them that FO/C was not in the top 100 needed list for central time
zone, and that was why we did not send any money. They understood that and
so do we. Sure I needed them on a few band slots, but that's all. I worked
them 11 times where I needed and so where I didn't need them, I sure didn't
keep anyone from working them for a new one. I will send them a small
donation when I send for my cards like I always try to do. They did a hell
of a job and this was a tune up for a much bigger trip next year.

All I am saying is:

 

Rick

N0RB

 

From: Jim Duncan [mailto:jdbandman at earthlink.net] 
Sent: Saturday, March 09, 2013 10:44 AM
To: 'KCDXC for Fun'; 'KCDXC'
Subject: RE: [KCDXC] tx5k easy on 20

 

Agreed. They did a great job. It's pretty obvious why they were favoring
Europe, though: most of the radio operators are European hams. There were
only THREE U.S. operators on island that were actually operating. "You take
care of your own first." We U.S. hams need to find a way to be more involved
in these things. Naturally they are quite expensive, but I suppose that
anyone that can afford the cost of the ticket could potentially go along. I
wouldn't be at all surprised that some of the operators expenses came from
various ham organizations. These things have to be funded. Most people don't
have the financial means to go out and book a supply/transport ship for a
month or own seaplanes.

 

It would be amazing if some of the U.S.-based DX clubs would pool resources
and send more U.S. ops to these things but it's astronomically expensive, no
doubt. I remember wanting to go on the Belize trip back in the 80's and I
recall that it was a pretty expensive price tag even then. 

 

It would sure be neat if KCDXC could organize another DXpedition again, even
if it wasn't to one of the top 10 most-needed spots.

 

A quick check this morning, hoping for getting up and running to the shack
to grab 80 and 160 SSB contacts showed only one station on the air and that
was on 40m SSB. The QSO rate at that point was still pretty low.

 

Current status check show 15CW, 10 SSB, and 17 and 20 Digital going on this
morning. I kind of expect them to shut down about 3 p.m. our time if
yesterday's blog entry is any indication. It IS great to get an ATNO, even
if I didn't get the sweep on SSB or make any digital Q's with them. In the
end, it's really just one more notch on the DXCC count, right?

 

I consider myself privileged to have been able to make the contacts I did
given the massive pile-ups and in spite of the frustrations, I'm grateful
that KK6EK put the trip together! I doubt that many others could have pulled
it off.

 

73 de Jim, KU0G