[OKDXA] E51D - North Cook

[Jeff Martin]

Good Morning OKDXA...
   FYI... E51D - North Cook is on the air. I worked them on 14.023 CW 
listing up 2.

   This is the RIB group headed up by AA7JV. They arrived via a private 
vessel and deployed their RIB (Rig in Box) stations via an amphibious 
craft which they landed on the beach on Penhryn. They are on from 
Penhryn Atoll, North Cook Islands. N. Cook is currently # 63 on the 
Clublog Most Wanted List.

   Tip: There is a delay between transmit/receive switching when working 
the RIB station through the internet. I often notice repeat calls from 
them to the station they are trying to work. Call them once, stand by a 
second or so longer than normal before calling again. Get in their 
rhythm...

   This group operated a similar RIB setup from Ducie Island recently as 
VP6A. Here is some info regarding their QSL practices as VP6A from 
Ducie:
Every Direct 5 QSOs cost $5.00 to QSL.
No Buro Cards offered.
My 17 QSOs with VP6A would cost $20 for a QSL card.
>From VP6A QRZ.com page: Logs will also be uploaded to LoTW as QSLs are 
ordered and full log after the DXpedition, when direct inquires slow...
Enuf said...

   Another item of interest is whether the RIB type operation will count 
for IOTA (Islands on the Air) awards. I think the operator is supposed 
to be on the same IOTA as the station, but from what I have read, it is 
hard to determine their (IOTA) policy, the jury is still out...

   It appears ARRL is accepting RIB operations for DXCC, treating it like 
a remote land-based operation.

   Anyway, N. Cook is rare. It is something to work. Have fun....

73,
Jeff - K5WE