[RVRC] Spratly Island DXpedition

[Marvin Bronstein]

Countdown continues for The Spratlys DXpedition

With only 60 days to go until DX0DX hits the amateur bands, the DXpedition Team Leader, Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY has announced it will be extended to allow participation in the CQ World Wide 160m CW Contest.

He says while DX0DX was to go QRT on the 24th January, a couple of individual and keen members have asked if they could stay on air for that contest when ends at 2200 UTC Sunday the 30th of January. This will now extend DX0DX activation to 1st of February, 2011.

This limited extension was agreed in light of strong interest from Top Band contesters and the 160m band being the highest sought after in the DX0DX website online survey.

In another development, the pre-assembly, erection and tuning of eight HF yagi antennas in Fontana California went extremely well with the eight antennas tuned as per instructions to their allotted bands.

Each was then partly disassembled breaking down into four parts for allow for quick installation once they reach the island. Masts, rotators, masts and cabling have all been finalised.

Chris VK3FY & DU8/VK3FY says, well done to the Station & Planning Co-ordinator David Collingham K3LP for organising and attending the Pre-Assembly Gathering, and also DXpedition logistics coordinator Charles Spetnagel W6KK for his understanding in having all the equipment dispatched to his QTH and also for being part of the Pre-Assembly Gathering.

Special thanks for their hands-on contribution in this important phase of the exercise goes to DX0DX Team Leader Chris Dimitrijevic VK3FY, Nik Dimitrijevic VK3FNIK, Arnie Shatz N6HC, Bob Grimmick N6OX, West Coast Pilot Milt Garb W6QE, Dennis Juniper N7DDU, Byron Hunsaker NF6T and Richard Briano, who all attended the Pre-Assembly and Container loading gathering in Fontana, California over the weekend of the 30th and 31st October.

DX0DX will be on air from the 6th of January and now through to the 1st of February, 2011.



Jim Linton VK3PC
Public Affairs DX0DX