[SMCARA] Fwd: KK6EK regarding the VKØEK DXpedition

[Tom]

Here's your chance to go on a rare DXpedition!
Contact KK6EK if you're interested.

Tom


-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: 	KK6EK regarding the VKØEK DXpedition
Date: 	Thu, 20 Aug 2015 11:34:25 -0700
From: 	Robert Schmieder <robert at schmieder.com>
Reply-To: 	robert at schmieder.com
To: 	w4okw at md.metrocast.net



Dear W4OKW:

I see on NG3K.com (“Announced Operations”) that you were a member of a 
previous DXpedition, which is why I am motivated to contact you. Please 
let me tell you what it’s about...

You probably know about the upcoming (March/April 2016) DXpedition to 
Heard Island, VKØEK. I am the organizer/Expedition Leader for the 
project. You can see a lot of information on the main website 
www.heardisland.org <http://www.heardisland.org>, the blog www.vk0ek.org 
<http://www.vk0ek.org>, and various news outlets. We distribute a 
Newsletter that you can subscribe 
<http://www.heardisland.org/HD_pages/HD_newsletter.php> to, and you can 
get back issues 
<http://www.heardisland.org/HD_pages/HD_newsletter_back_issues.html>. 
Co-organizer of the project is Rich KY6R 
<https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=13865634&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile> 
and here <http://www.heardisland.org/HD_team/HD_KY6R.html>. and the 
link. My personal CV is here 
<http://www.heardisland.org/HD_team/HD_Schmieder.html>; I have been 
organizing and leading expeditions for 35 years, under the auspices of 
my nonprofit organization Cordell Expeditions <http://www.cordell.org/>.

Heard Island was last activated as VKØIR in 1997. At that time it was 
the #1 Most Wanted entity in the world. I was the organizer/expedition 
leader of that operation, which in spite of being exactly at the bottom 
of the sunspot cycle, logged a world record number of QSOs. You can read 
all about that project in my book _VKØIR Heard Island,_ which you can 
download <http://www.heardisland.org/HD_pages/HD_book_VK%C3%98IR.html> 
(free). There is a very good reason why Heard Island has not been 
activated for almost 20 years: The combination of cost, time for the 
voyage, permit requirements, and complexities of a full life-support 
DXpedition to a subantarctic island have thus far proven too great–no 
one has been willing to tackle this enormous challenge. Not 
surprisingly, Heard Island has again climbed nearly to the top of the 
Most Wanted list.

About 3 years ago, I decided to undertake this expedition. Since then, 
after considerable evolution of the plans, we have reached the stage of 
secure arrangements and stable plans, and we are in the process of 
acquiring the equipment and other resources for the trip. Here is a 
basic summary of how this will be carried out:

The team of 14 will sail on the Braveheart from Cape Town, South Africa, 
on March 10, 2016, arriving at Heard Island somewhat over a week later. 
With the help of the vessel crew, they will erect a major campsite at 
Atlas Cove, the historical site of various expeditions since 1947, and 
the location of our 1997 campsite. Radio operations will commence on the 
first day, and continue for most of the next three weeks. During this 
time, some members of the expedition will be carrying out scientific 
investigations, principally aimed at searching for unknown species in 
support of climate-change studies. During one week part of the team will 
move to the opposite end of the island to establish radio contacts with 
Central and West Coast North American stations, and to carry out 
scientific explorations in that very interesting location. After the 
3-week stay, the facilities will be packed and the vessel will sail for 
Fremantle, Australia, arriving on or about April 22.

But the DXpedition is more than just operating radios and logging 
contacts. A key element in the plans and preparations is technology 
innovation, motivated by the desire to advance the art of amateur radio 
communications. One element is DXA 
<http://www.heardisland.org/HD_pages/HD_DXA.html>, the real-time online 
radio log server. This system, used previous on K7C and TX5K, allows 
DXers to get online confirmation of their QSOs within 1 minute after 
making them, enabling correction of errors, elimination of pirates, and 
immediate ordering of QSL confirmation. Another innovation that we are 
working on is enabled by the anticipated use of satellites for 
high-speed data transmission, using the new Ka-mode, capable of handling 
real-time video. We are developing a multi-purpose instrumentation 
platform to be installed permanently on Heard Island, accessed via 
Inmarsat. In addition to weather instruments, video cameras, and other 
environmental sensors, we are considering a HF radio that can be 
controlled remotely through the satellite link. Yet another innovation 
we are working on is an automated capability for electronic fulfillment 
of QSL requests, enabling very rapid generator and mailing of QSL cards.

So (finally), let me tell you what motivates me to write to you. A few 
months ago, we were forced to change the vessel, and the 
schedule/itinerary. Unfortunately, two of the team members could not 
accommodate to the change, and had to withdraw. I have filled one of 
those spaces, but as of this moment, I have one space left. We are 
looking for an appropriate person to take this space and join us for 
this adventure. I am hoping that either you might be interested, or if 
that is not appropriate, helping us find the last team member.

Here are the essentials of the DXpedition:

ØTime: March 10 (Cape Town) to April 22 (Fremantle, Australia)

ØCost: Negotiable (see below)

ØSkills: Some experience with radio operations on DXpeditions

ØPrep: Personal clothing, travel, job and family arrangements

ØHealth: No disabling medical issues

ØTeam: Planning, helping with preps, teamwork on the expedition

ØLegal: Radio license, VISA for travel to S. Africa, Australia

ØInsure: Personal travel/evacuation insurance.

Regarding the cost: The actual cost of putting the team on Heard Island 
is US$35k/person. In fact, we have been very effective in fundraising, 
so the fair-share team contribution is US$18k. However, a significant 
reduction in this fee to the 14^th team member might be possible, and I 
am open to this.

An editorial comment: I hope you see that this is probably a 
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Heard Island is such a difficult a 
DXpedition target (partially due to its environmental sensitivity) that 
it is likely that it will not be activated for another 20 years, and 
possibly never. At this point we have made the essential arrangements, 
including the permit from the Australian government), and therefore the 
hard work already has been done to make this possible.

So let me summarize: If you are in a position to contemplate taking the 
last seat on the expedition, I would very much like to talk with you (no 
obligation). You could call me at *925 934 3735*, or we could do it all 
by email. If however, this is not a possibility for you, but you might 
be able to help us find that last team member, we will be very grateful. 
You are welcome to talk with any of the team members, advisors, 
collaborators, etc., in order to get a better sense of the project.

I do appreciate the chance to connect with you, and of course I wish you 
Good DXing and/or Great DXpeditioning!

73,

/Bob KK6EK/

Dr. Robert Schmieder

Cordell Expeditions

4295 Walnut Blvd.

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

(925) 934 3735

KK6EK at cordell.org <mailto:KK6EK at cordell.org>

http://www.heardisland.org

info at heardisland.org <mailto:info at heardisland.org>