[OKDXA] 3Y0J

[N5OK]

Thought I would put down a few thoughts on the current situation.  Most of
this came to me from questions that some of you have been sending me
privately.

First off, let me say that I'm having a lot of fun with this one. This
operation got in trouble right off the bat.  From their own admission, they
underestimated the harshness of the climate of Bouvet.  They also didn't
anticipate the strength and stamina it would take to get all the equipment
up on the ice.  At this point they are trying to salvage what they can.  I
feel for them.  I've been in similar circumstances.  I think they are doing
the best they can under the circumstances.

Much of the problem with low power and marginal antennas is that they will
be stronger into EU and Asia than they will be here.  We are the furthest
away from them.  May I suggest patience is the best solution.  They are in
batten down mode right now because of an incoming storm.  Where they are,
it could be life threatening.  I just hope they stay safe.

An issue that hasn't been brought up is that they are on the SE side of the
island and they are close to the beach.  The result is that they have this
huge mass of rock and ice between them and North America.  I think that is
why some are working them long path since they can't hear them short path.

The thing that is hindering us most right now are the cops and those half
asleep that are calling on his frequency.  It is being made worse because
they are running low power.  The VERY BEST way to handle these jerks is to
ignore them.  If  you get on and harass them it encourages them as that is
what they are looking for.  Maximum mayhem!  Unfortunately some of these
are very vulgar which is a black mark on ham radio.  Many hams are
frustrated because they can't even hear them much less work them.  It may
get even worse as their time on the island grows shorter.  If you think
this type of behavior is something new, that just isn't so.  I don't even
think it has gotten worse.

You put all these things together and you would think it impossible to work
these guys.  However, the ops there are obviously serious about working as
many as they can and I think they will work it out if they have enough time
before they have to leave.  A few days of good wx would help a lot.

I need them on digital for a new one there but I'm not going to panic if I
don't get them.  I'm going to turn 83 here in May and will likely not be
around for the next dxpedition to 3Y0.  So this is it for me.  So, bottom
line is be patience and stay after it in spite of the adversity.  Also pray
for the safety of the team.

Good luck.  Hope we all work them!

73, Coy

Coy C Day, N5OK
20685 SW 29
Union City, OK 73090
H(405) 483-5632 C(405) 448-2368
n5ok at arrl.net