[South Florida DX Association] Peter I Press Release #2006-4

[Bill Marx]

     Peter I
      Press Release #2006-4

  Date: November 13, 2005
        From: Team co-leaders:
           Ralph Fedor, KØIR and Bob Allphin, K4UEE


  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Since our last announcement much has been accomplished toward our goal of
activating Peter I early next year.

  In September, fourteen of the team met for four days in Atlanta to
practice erecting the arctic shelters, the low band antennas, check out the
generators and other critical equipment and to begin packing the crates for
shipment.  In addition, a total of ten hours were spent in classrooms
discussing safety, offloading procedures and priorities, fundraising,
recruiting, our current budget and the status of our vessel and helicopter
arrangements.  There was also time for team bonding, as we assimilated three
new team members: FM5CD, N6JRL and W8MV.

  During the month of October, we received the great news that Gary Stouder,
K9SG, our team physician from the 2005 team would be able to join us again.
Also, Al Hernandez, K3VN, a veteran of many Antarctic dxpeditions and an old
friend has joined the team.  We are pleased to have them both and they bring
our number to twenty men.  We have room for two more operators and as many
as four "other" travelers who may want to go along, set foot on the island,
help with the camp set-up, enjoy the travel experience, but not actually be
part of the operating team.  They would remain on the vessel.  Contact Bob,
K4UEE by clicking HERE if you have an interest in either opportunity.

  Our 40 foot shipping container has been packed and is now on it's way to
Chile.  After returning from South America earlier this year, we completely
unpacked everything, sorted, prioritized all of our equipment and then
repacked.  It was a huge job, but it will be worth the effort when we arrive
at Peter I.  The container contains exactly 11 tons of equipment, and
personal gear.

  Our contract calls for 16 days at Peter I.  The weather will dictate our
actual schedule, but we are projecting that we will be 12-14 days on the
air.  We have developed a quick strike plan that will enable two stations on
the air quickly even if we have weather conditions that prevent the entire
camp from being constructed immediately.  Ultimately, we plan to have nine
stations on the air and a complement of 23 antennas.  This doesn't include
the recent decision to make a real effort on 6m, 2m and 70cm EME.

  For the first time, we can give approximate dates of our operation.  The
team will assemble in Punta Arenas on Jan.  29th and shortly afterward, fly
to the Chilean Naval Base on King George Island, South Shetland Islands.  We
will board our vessel there and sail to Peter I.  We expect to have two
stations on the air from the vessel operating..  /MM.  We hope to arrive at
Peter I around February 6th to begin our16 day stay.  Please remember that
these dates are approximate and depend on many variables including, of
course, the weather and sea ice conditions.

  One of our goals is to do what we can to help the DX community feel a part
of this 3Y0X experience.  We're going to be enjoying a once in a lifetime
adventure, and although it will at times be tough and maybe a little scary,
the adventure is something that motivates every member of our team.  We want
you, the DX community, to enjoy more than just a QSO or two, but to be able
to live this adventure along with us.  In an effort to do that, we are
planning daily updates from the island along with photographs of what we are
experiencing.  In addition, through the technology of Iridium Satellite, we
are hoping to provide periodic videos from the island as well.  It seems to
us that through video you can experience so much more.

  This may be the most expensive DXpedition ever.  We solicit your support!
Please check out the Peter I website, www.peterone.com and catch up on the
news.  There are many pictures of our recent training session in Atlanta and
of the container packing and shipping. Also, if you want to be a part of the
adventure by contributing financially, click on one of the yellow
"Contribute" buttons.

  QSL via N2OO!

  73,
  Ralph, KØIR and Bob, K4UEE
  Peter I DXpedition co-leaders