[SFDXA] NEWS FLASH - 3D2 AND T2T

[Bill Marx]

Hello DXers:
A couple of items for you this morning.
Not earth-shaking, but information you might be interested in.
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NEWS FLASH - 3D2 AND T2T  de VK4FW
Over the last several weeks, as many would know, there have been numerous problems on some Pacific Islands with water shortages.
When we came to Fiji we immediately saw the necessary persons to get assurance that all our equipment would be able to go to Tuvulu. We were assured as best we could get, and told to come back on November 1 to book it all in.  Well, that day came and MURPHY struck yet again........
Because of major back logs of very urgent freight (especially water) there are some 600kgs currently waiting to go. This continually rises daily.  We immediately searched for shipping by boat with no joy, then tried to charter a vessel and again with no joy.
So here is what will now take place........ All operators are permitted just 23kgs of luggage and nil oversize so we will take as many antennas as possible and 2 only complete Elecraft K3 and KPA500 stations.
If there are any positive changes then we will, of course, send more equipment as it is all in Fiji with us.
We would request the DX community have patience and try to understand that we have absolutely no choice unless we cancel the operation totally.
Meantime 3D2A by Eddie, VK4AN did a single op low power 10m in the CQWW with some 2822 QSO's.
We have also amassed over 5,500 QSO's as 3D2T. Eric, VK4NEF arrived today so that gives us 3 ops to continue here.
We have been very surprised at the 10m opening, but extremely disappointed with nil on 160 and very little on 80.

Cheers, Bill, VK4FW

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Malpelo DXpedition 2012
Nov. 2, 2011
Three members of the Malpelo 2012 team have just completed a seven day reconnaissance visit to Malpelo.
To see a short written summary of their observations and view some very revealing pictures, go tohttp://hk0na.com/hk0na-reconnaissance-trip-oct-2330/
This will be a very demanding DXpedition for several reasons. The terrain is particularly difficult, near vertical at times. And in order to have a clear radio view of Asia, the Pacific region and W6/W7; it will be necessary to locate operating site(s) and antennas at the top of the mountain.  This further complicates the difficulties and physical risks to the team.
Team members vary in age from 25 to 73.  But under the leadership and constant urging of our team’s medical doctors, K9SG and W0GJ, we have all embarked on a physical training regimen.  We should all be ready for the challenges come early 2012.
Three members of the team K4UEE, N4GRN and W6IZT will travel to Colombia Nov.5-8 for a planning meeting with team leader, Jorge HK1R and other team members. The purpose of the meeting is to review all the checklists and responsibilities for each team member.  With the information gained on the recent reconnaissance visit, decisions can be finalized concerning camp/operating sites, antenna types and placement, safety measures and other critical decisions necessary to the ultimate success for the DXpedition.
One critical decision to be made concerns the duration of the operation.  We have permission to stay on site for 17 days versus the 14 days now planned.  We will be reviewing the DXpedition budget to determine if we can afford the extra $15,000 expense for 3 additional days.
Contributions are gratefully accepted at:www.hk0na.com/sponsors
We plan periodic press releases with information of interest.  Also, watch the website for breaking news.

Thanks,
Jorge Prieto, HK1R-DXpedition leader	
Bob Allphin, K4UEE-co-leader
Gregg Marco, W6IZT-co-leader
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73,
Carl, N4AA