Welcome to 224DA247 Akau
October 29, 2009 by Darren
The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is delighted to introduce its most recent member from the Pacific Ocean’s Gilbert Islands group……224DA247 Akau.
Formerly known on the eleven meter band as 224DU247 and an associate of the old Delta Uniform cb radio club, Akau’s QTH is the far-flung North Tabiteuea Atoll. North-Tab as it is abbreviated to, is the largest and most popular outer island of the Southern Gilbert Islands and one of the most picturesque in Kiribati.
Located some 400km from Tarawa, the collective Tabiteuea atoll consists of two main islands which are serviced by both Air Kiribati and the Kiribati Shipping Corporation. This makes it a viable DXstination for any prospective DXpedition team in the future.
The first, 224DA247 Akau’s home, is Eanikai in the north which has one airport. This island has a land area of 26 km² and a population of 3600 spread amongst 12 scattered villages, including the capital Utiroa and Akau’s own Terikiai Village.
The second is Nuguti in the south which also has one airport. Home to many of Akau’s radio friends and family members, this island has a land area of 12 km² and a population of 1299 distributed among 6 villages, including the capital Buariki.
There are also several smaller islets in between along the eastern rim which are sparsely populated.
A keen and skilful 27 MHz and ham radio operator, Akau’s working conditions consist of a modified Galaxy DX959 transceiver which powers at approximately 80 watts thanks to an old world war two tank battery and a simple but effective homemade half-wave antenna, constructed from a fishing rod, on the roof of his hut some 15 metres off the ground. These ensure he puts a decent signal into neighbouring island DXCC in the Pacific area and others in the OC-017 IOTA group and will be sure to make some noise on the band in other continents during Cycle 24.
Outside the radio communications pursuit, Akau works as a policeman on the island which unfortunately still suffers the anguish of past regional conflicts.
“In the late 19th century,” Akau tells, “Our two islands were the site of a religious war when the people of Tab-North converted to Christianity and invaded Tab-South which had kept its traditional religious practice…”
In addition to his peace keeping and law enforcement duties in the Tab-North community, 224DA247 Akau gets pleasure from traditional dancing, singing and magic which play a significant part of his life. He also enjoy his wife’s home cooking – his favourite dishes being dried pork and tuna, baked eel, sashimi and vegetable salad, fresh fish, chicken and salad.
“All men are equal here,” says Akau. “Although police are respected, chiefs are forbidden and the old men rule the villages through maneaba meetings…”
On behalf of the HQ Team and all DA-RC members, welcome to the Club, Akau. We trust you will bring these same commendable leadership traits into your new Club as a leader of DX in the Pacific area!
Coochiemudlo IOTA Recon
October 25, 2009 by Darren
With an IOTA DXpedition imminent in the next few months alongside other members of Team 43 DA-RC, today my family and I caught a passenger ferry across to gorgeous Coochiemudlo Island (26S—28.13S/153.03E—153.67E) a couple of kilometres off the South East Queensland coast for a combined DX recon/family getaway. It was an excellent day too!
Sharing the RSGB IOTA reference number OC-137 with other islands in the Queensland State (South Coast) South group (i.e. Garden, Green, Karragarra, Lamb, Long, Macleay, Moreton, Mud, North Stradbroke, Old Woman, Pannikin, Peel, Russell and St Helena), this ‘never before’ activated DXstination lies in the south part of Moreton Bay, where its shallow beaches and mangroves are protected from the crystal blue breakers of the South Pacific.
Although Coochie, as the island is known locally, is only 5 square kilometres in size, it boasts more than 4 km of beautiful golden sandy beaches in the foreground of great yagi take offs to the Americas and other small Oceania island DXCC. These same stretches of white wrap around the island’s southern, eastern and northern sides while mangrove forests cover the western foreshore of the island.
Having never been to the diminutive sand island before, it was a terrific reconnaissance opportunity indeed — perfect, in fact, to check out both prospective ham friendly accommodation and achievable antenna positions — not to mention a wonderful place for a refreshing ocean swim with the kids and a picnic lunch.
The following anecdotal notes were made during our peaceful day trip to the island where we wandered about the place, walked from one side of the island to the other, and took many photographs on the digital camera…
Transport
- Easily reached by a short ferry trip from Victoria Point — approximately 20 minutes in duration
- Serviced by passenger ferry, operating approximately every half hour between about 5:00 am and 11:00 pm
- Vehicular barge operates regular services to and from island
- Ferry permits luggage (e.g. radio equipment) and would also accept a telescopic mast u
p to 10m - Costs $7 return for 1 adult passenger
Food Supplies
- Small corner store provides key staple items (e.g. bread, milk and coffee)
Accommodation
- Styles range from traditional 1950s fibro beach shacks, contemporary light weight beach houses, relocated Queenslanders (architecture) and conventional suburban brick and tile
- Many holiday houses for rent suitable for housing a DX station — although prices are quite expensive…up to AUS $1500 AUS for 1 week
- Mostly small blocks with abundant large gum trees not ideal for large antenna arrays but some larger blocks in remote parts of the island with potential
- Best DX location is a natural cliff composed of exposed iron-rich rock on the south western side of the island — portable operation from this location only
General
- Large biting march flies — must take tropical strength insect repellent
- Exquisite bird life (of the bikini variety hihi)
Details of an IOTA DXpedition to this island in OC-137 will be announced soon. Furthermore, if you would like to participate in this activity then please email me 
73 de Darren, 43DA001
*Log* 14DA/CI Comtesse
October 25, 2009 by Darren
| PROG | DATE | GMT | CALLSIGN | NAME | FREQ | MODE | RST |
| 001 | 19/08/09 | 7H49 | 14W109 | Dany | 27.580 | USB | 3/0 |
| 002 | 19/08/09 | 7H50 | 14DA049 | Fred | 27.580 | USB | 3/0 |
| 003 | 19/08/09 | 7H52 | 14AT824 | Philippe | 27.580 | USB | 3/0 |
| 004 | 19/08/09 | 7H53 | 14AT118 | Jean Louis | 27.580 | USB | 5/9 +60 |
| 005 | 19/08/09 | 7H56 | 14IF5004 | Bernard | 27.580 | USB | 5/3 |
| 006 | 19/08/09 | 7H57 | 14SD049 | Christophe | 27.580 | USB | 5/0 |
| 007 | 19/08/09 | 7H59 | 14HD001 | Daniel | 27.580 | USB | 5/3 |
| 008 | 19/08/09 | 8H01 | 30IR046 | David | 27.580 | USB | 5/9 |
| 009 | 19/08/09 | 8H19 | 30ARP002 | — | 27.580 | USB | 5/5 |
| 010 | 19/08/09 | 8H22 | 14AT014 | Jean Pierre | 27.580 | USB | 4/0 |
| 011 | 19/08/09 | 8H23 | 14DA101 | Christian | 27.580 | USB | 5/1 |
| 012 | 19/08/09 | 9H13 | 165CM102 | Manuele | 27.580 | USB | 5/7 |
| 013 | 19/08/09 | 9H19 | 30ET374 | Paco | 27.580 | USB | 5/8 |
| 014 | 19/08/09 | 10H11 | 31FAT010 | Paolo | 27.605 | USB | 5/0 |
| 015 | 19/08/09 | 10H44 | 14DX181 | Marc | 27.605 | USB | 3/0 |
*Log Update* 43DA/NSW
October 25, 2009 by Darren
| PROG TX | DATE | GMT | CALLSIGN | NAME | FREQ | MODE | RST |
| 001 | 13-11-08 | 06:50 | 43DA050 | Geoff | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 002 | 16-11-08 | 05:59 | 172AT115 | Jean | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 003 | 16-11-08 | 06:10 | 317AT101 | Andy | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 004 | 16-11-08 | 06:18 | 35AT160 | Peter | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 005 | 16-11-08 | 06:36 | 161SD777 | Jerzy | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 006 | 16-11-08 | 06:44 | 161VIP123 | Max | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 007 | 16-11-08 | 06:53 | 161AT142 | Marian | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 008 | 16-11-08 | 06:54 | 161AT427 | Bogdan | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 009 | 16-11-08 | 07:01 | 14AT069 | Jean-Louis | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 010 | 16-11-08 | 07:14 | 327PG01 | Joze | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 011 | 16-11-08 | 07:15 | 14TB01 | Bruno | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 012 | 16-11-08 | 07:22 | 14CT1557 | Richard | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 013 | 16-11-08 | 07:24 | 14KW013 | Patrick | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 014 | 16-11-08 | 07:57 | 43SD114/M | Neville | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 015 | 16-11-08 | 08:01 | 130NI195 | Peter | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 016 | 17-11-08 | 04:01 | 43DA007 | Mike | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 017 | 17-11-08 | 05:34 | 172AT101 | Philippe | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 018 | 17-11-08 | 07:45 | 43SD333 | Rod | 27.640 | USB | 5/5 |
| 019 | 17-11-08 | 07:47 | 43DA021 | Brian | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 020 | 21-11-08 | 03:13 | 43DT225 | Frank | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 021 | 24-11-08 | 02 :21 | 43DW009 | John | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 022 | 24-11-08 | 02 :32 | 101AT170 | Andy | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 023 | 24-11-08 | 02:50 | 43SD071 | Graham | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 024 | 24-11-08 | 09:30 | 43DA234 | Tom | 27.540 | USB | 5/9 |
| 025 | 26-11-08 | 02:30 | 302RA010 | Boris | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 026 | 27-11-08 | 06:03 | 25JCB06 | Aki | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 027 | 1-12-08 | 05:41 | 43DA120 | Geoff | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 028 | 2-12-08 | 06:27 | 41LWC279 | Joe | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 029 | 6-12-08 | 02:13 | 43WA044 | Adrian | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 030 | 6-12-08 | 02:30 | 43PG001 | Mark | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 031 | 6-12-08 | 04:00 | 43SD280 | Jordan | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 032 | 24-1-09 | 03:41 | 43Unit 410 | Bob | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 035 | 24-1-09 | 03:48 | 43NB027 | Dick | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 036 | 24-1-09 | 03:55 | 43AC025 | Rodney | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 037 | 24-1-09 | 04:16 | 43JDW073 | Barry | 27.420 | LSB | 5/9 |
| 038 | 25-1-09 | 07:04 | 43NDY726 | Bill | 27.640 | USB | 5/9 |
| 039 | 30-1-09 | 03:28 | 43WR174 | Jim | 26.300 | USB | 5/9 |
| 040 | 30-1-09 | 03:38 | 43WT085 | Neil | 27.165 | LSB | 5/9 |
| 041 | 30-1-09 | 03:41 | 43SV576 | Steve | 27.165 | LSB | 5/9 |
| 042 | 30-1-09 | 03:47 | 43TM066/P | Terry | 27.165 | LSB | 5/9 |
| 043 | 11-4-09 | 23:26 | 320DA011 | Karl | 27.640 | USB | 5/4 |
| 044 | 25-4-09 | 05:06 | 224DA111 | Donnie | 27.640 | USB | 5/2 |
| 045 | 25-4-09 | 05:26 | 17SD101/Mobile | Joe | 27.640 | USB | 5/6 |
| 046 | 10-10-09 | 00:04 | 25JA110 | Yoshi | 27.640 | USB | 5/9+ |
| 047 | 10-10-09 | 06:44 | 172DA010 | Kevin | 27.640 | USB | 5/4 |
| 048 | 11-10-09 | 09:58 | 1AT692 | Aldo | 27.640 | USB | 5/6 |
| 049 | 24-10-09 | 02:26 | 43SD136 | Les | 27.640 | USB | 5/8 |
| 050 | 24-10-09 | 05:57 | 43DA021 | Brian | 27.640 | USB | 5/2 |
| 051 | 24-10-09 | 07:07 | 161SC074 | Jack | 27.640 | USB | 5/8 |
| 052 | 24-10-09 | 07:20 | 35OD127 | Gregor | 27.640 | USB | 5/3 |
| 053 | 24-10-09 | 07:32 | 161AT239 | Greg | 27.640 | USB | 5/3 |
| 054 | 24-10-09 | 07:40 | 161EE261 | Michael | 27.640 | USB | 5/3 |
| 055 | 24-10-09 | 07:50 | 330AT112 | Tom | 27.640 | USB | 5/4 |
| 056 | 24-10-09 | 07:51 | 161SD137 | Jack | 27.640 | USB | 5/2 |
| 057 | 24-10-09 | 08:06 | 1SD224 | Alberto | 27.640 | USB | 5/4 |
| 058 | 24-10-09 | 08:19 | 1SD188 | Loris | 27.640 | USB | 5/5 |
| 059 | 24.10.09 | 08:20 | 1AF019 | — | 27.640 | USB | 5/3 |
| 060 | 24.10.09 | 08:21 | 1WD153 | Mark | 27.640 | USB | 5/5 |
| 061 | 24.10.09 | 08:22 | 109HA013 | Gabor | 27.640 | USB | 5/4 |
| 062 | 24.10.09 | 08:23 | 1IR209 | — | 27.640 | USB | 5/5 |
328DA/CI-082 Log *Part 2*
October 19, 2009 by Darren
| PROG TX | DATE | GMT | CALLSIGN | NAME | MODE | RST |
| 101 | 26/08/2009 | 9:20 | 14 FR 048 | Remi | USB | 5/8 |
| 102 | 26/08/2009 | 9:21 | 14/19 SG 001 | John | USB | 5/7 |
| 103 | 26/08/2009 | 9:22 | 47 DX 047 | Leif | USB | 10 |
| 104 | 26/08/2009 | 9:23 | 14 FR 391 | Charles | USB | 5/9 |
| 105 | 26/08/2009 | 9:24 | 14 HD 001 | Daniel | USB | 5/9 |
| 106 | 26/08/2009 | 9:27 | 19 LR | — | USB | 5/7 |
| 107 | 26/08/2009 | 9:30 | 14 AT 632 | Marcel | USB | 5/8 |
| 108 | 26/08/2009 | 9:37 | 14 TC | — | USB | 5/2 |
| 109 | 26/08/2009 | 9:40 | 14 DX 461 | Ludo | USB | 5/2 |
| 110 | 26/08/2009 | 9:41 | 14 FDX 041 | Guy | USB | 5/3 |
| 111 | 26/08/2009 | 9:48 | 14 SD 158 | Gui | USB | 5/9 |
| 112 | 26/08/2009 | 9:49 | 14 TRC 042 | Monique | USB | 5/9 |
| 113 | 26/08/2009 | 9:49 | 14 AT 728 | Daniel | USB | 5/9 |
| 114 | 26/08/2009 | 9:50 | 14 SM | — | USB | 5/5 |
| 115 | 26/08/2009 | 9:50 | 14 OD 001 | Guy | USB | 5/9 |
| 116 | 26/08/2009 | 9:51 | 14 MA 179 | Daniel | USB | 5/7 |
| 117 | 26/08/2009 | 9:52 | 14 AT 482 | Gisele | USB | 5/9 |
| 118 | 26/08/2009 | 9:53 | 14 SD 149 | Karoll | USB | 5/6 |
| 119 | 26/08/2009 | 9:55 | 14 AR 1574 | Christophe | USB | 5/5 |
| 120 | 26/08/2009 | 9:59 | 14 AT 069 | Jean Louis | USB | 5/9 |
| 121 | 26/08/2009 | 10:00 | 14 SD 104/MP | Seb ( N° 178) | USB | 5/9+20 |
| 122 | 26/08/2009 | 10:07 | 30 RC 107 | Ivan | USB | 5/9+20 |
| 123 | 26/08/2009 | 10:08 | 30 RC 106 | Victor | USB | 5/9+20 |
| 124 | 26/08/2009 | 10:09 | 14 RCA 011 | — | USB | 5/9 |
| 125 | 27/08/2009 | 8:27 | 14 ZK 758 | Alain | USB | 5/9 |
| 126 | 27/08/2009 | 8:28 | 14 ZK 110 | Michael | USB | 5/9 |
| 127 | 27/08/2009 | 8:29 | 14 FR 244/M | Jose | USB | 5/9 |
| 128 | 27/08/2009 | 8:30 | 47 PL 122 | Arne | USB | 5/9 |
| 129 | 27/08/2009 | 8:31 | 14 IR 777 | Philippe | USB | 5/9 |
| 130 | 27/08/2009 | 8:32 | 14 VC | USB | 5/9 | |
| 131 | 27/08/2009 | 8:33 | 14 IAA160 | Paul | USB | 5/9 |
| 132 | 27/08/2009 | 8:34 | 14 AT 912 | Jean Claude | USB | 5/9 |
| 133 | 27/08/2009 | 8:34 | 183 SD 102 | Maurice | USB | 5/8 |
| 134 | 27/08/2009 | 8:34 | 14 FR 006/M | Eric | USB | 5/7 |
| 135 | 27/08/2009 | 8:35 | 14 WC 020/M | USB | 5/6 | |
| 136 | 27/08/2009 | 8:35 | 14 SD 277 | Patrice | USB | 5/8 |
| 137 | 27/08/2009 | 8:35 | 14 TRC 428 | USB | 5/9 | |
| 138 | 27/08/2009 | 8:36 | 14 DT 282 | Yoann | USB | 5/9 |
| 139 | 27/08/2009 | 8:37 | 14 AT 406 | Guy | USB | 5/9 |
| 140 | 27/08/2009 | 8:38 | 14 GT 045 | Michel | USB | 5/9+20 |
| 141 | 27/08/2009 | 8:40 | 14 JC 02 | Claude | USB | 5/9 |
| 142 | 27/08/2009 | 8:42 | 47 IR/EU 125 | — | USB | 5/9 |
| 143 | 27/08/2009 | 8:43 | 14 IR 244 | Jose | USB | 5/9 |
| 144 | 27/08/2009 | 8:45 | 14 RI 040 | Chris | USB | 5/9 |
| 145 | 27/08/2009 | 8:46 | 14 GT 046 | Robert | USB | 5/9 |
| 146 | 27/08/2009 | 8:47 | 14 SD 171 | Bruno | USB | 5/9 |
| 147 | 27/08/2009 | 8:49 | 13 DL | — | USB | 5/9 |
| 148 | 27/08/2009 | 8:53 | 14 DL 117/M | Francis | USB | 5/7 |
| 149 | 27/08/2009 | 8:59 | 14 TA | Andre | USB | 5/9 |
| 150 | 27/08/2009 | 9:01 | 14 FR 012 | Cedric | USB | 5/5 |
| 151 | 27/08/2009 | 9:03 | 14 YI 384 | Frederic | USB | 5/3 |
| 152 | 27/08/2009 | 9:04 | 14 GB 059 | Gerard | USB | 4/2 |
| 153 | 27/08/2009 | 9:07 | 14 ZK 118 | — | USB | 5/9 |
| 154 | 27/08/2009 | 9:10 | 14 AM | Michel | USB | 5/8 |
| 155 | 27/08/2009 | 9:11 | 14 RV | François | USB | 5/9 |
| 156 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 157 | 27/08/2009 | 9:15 | 14 SD 110 | Alain | USB | 5/8 |
| 158 | 27/08/2009 | 9:18 | 14 CJ | — | USB | 5/7 |
| 159 | 27/08/2009 | 9:20 | 14 IR 177 | Pascal | USB | 5/7 |
| 160 | 27/08/2009 | 9:23 | 14 VD 33 | — | USB | 5/9 |
| 161 | 27/08/2009 | 9:25 | 14 DM 055 | — | USB | 5/9 |
| 162 | 27/08/2009 | 9:27 | 14 AT 022 | Daniel | USB | 10 |
| 163 | 27/08/2009 | 9:28 | 14 KW 002/M | Michel | USB | 5/7 |
| 164 | 27/08/2009 | 9:30 | 14 RD | Raymond | USB | 5/8 |
| 165 | 27/08/2009 | 9:31 | 14 AD 270 | — | USB | 5/2 |
| 166 | 27/08/2009 | 9:35 | 14 RC 065 | Yves | USB | 5/9 |
| 167 | 27/08/2009 | 9:37 | 14 AT 596 | Georgette | USB | 5/9 |
| 168 | 27/08/2009 | 9:38 | 14 GT 337 | Eric | USB | 5/7 |
| 169 | 27/08/2009 | 9:40 | 161 AT 080 | Jarek | USB | 5/3 |
| 170 | 27/08/2009 | 9:45 | 14 MA 031 | — | USB | 5/6 |
| 171 | 27/08/2009 | 9:46 | 14 AT 147 | Chantal | USB | 5/5 |
| 172 | 27/08/2009 | 9:47 | 14 AT 044/M | Max | USB | 5/3 |
| 173 | 27/08/2009 | 9:48 | 26 SD 103 | Ron | USB | 10 |
| 174 | 27/08/2009 | 9:49 | 13 DX 056 | Uli | USB | 5/2 |
| 175 | 27/08/2009 | 9:53 | 161 DT 211 | Michael | USB | 5/6 |
| 176 | 27/08/2009 | 9:54 | 161 EX 016 | Mac | USB | 5/3 |
| 177 | 27/08/2009 | 9:57 | 14 AT 025 | Marc | USB | 5/3 |
| 178 | 27/08/2009 | 9:58 | 14 BG 610 | Alain | USB | 5/7 |
| 179 | 27/08/2009 | 9:59 | 26 SD 103 | Ron | USB | 5/5 |
| 180 | 27/08/2009 | 10:00 | 14 FBV 01 | Benjamin | USB | 5/3 |
| 181 | 27/08/2009 | 10:04 | 14 AT 278 | Michael | USB | 5/5 |
| 182 | 27/08/2009 | 10:05 | 13 AT 120 | Mike | USB | 5/9 |
| 183 | 27/08/2009 | 10:09 | 13 OD 002 | Dario | USB | 5/9 |
| 184 | 27/08/2009 | 10:10 | 14 LG 034 | Fabrice | USB | 5/9 |
| 185 | 27/08/2009 | 10:12 | 14 GT 025 | Denis | USB | 5/5 |
328DA/CI-082 *Part 1*
October 19, 2009 by Darren
| PROG TX | DATE | GMT | CALLSIGN | NAME | MODE | RST |
| 001 | 16/08/2009 | 12:15 | 26TR 155 | Marcus | USB | 5/9 |
| 002 | 16/08/2009 | 12:24 | 163S 276 | — | USB | 5/8 |
| 003 | 16/08/2009 | 12:30 | 163TM100 | Steve | USB | 5/9 |
| 004 | 16/08/2009 | 12:31 | 26SD103 | Ron | USB | 5/9 |
| 005 | 16/08/2009 | 12:32 | 30/14 KW 605 | Patrice | USB | 5/5 |
| 006 | 16/08/2009 | 12:35 | 26 DX 047 | Darran | USB | 5/9 |
| 007 | 16/08/2009 | 12:37 | 14 DX 181 | Marc | USB | 5/5 |
| 008 | 16/08/2009 | 12:40 | 26 AT 114 | Paul | USB | 5/9 |
| 009 | 16/08/2009 | 12:42 | 26 TM 105 | Dave | USB | 5/5 |
| 010 | 16/08/2009 | 12:44 | 14 AT 014 | Jean Pierre | USB | 5/9 |
| 011 | 16/08/2009 | 12:46 | 14 SD 065 | Didier | USB | 5/7 |
| 012 | 16/08/2009 | 12:55 | 14 DA 049 | Fred | USB | 5/9 |
| 013 | 16/08/2009 | 13:00 | 14 SSC 948 | Stephane | USB | 5/5 |
| 014 | 16/08/2009 | 13:02 | 14 IR/AT 124 | Diego | USB | 5/9 |
| 015 | 16/08/2009 | 13:11 | 14 AT 147 | Chantal | USB | 5/9 |
| 016 | 16/08/2009 | 13:14 | 14 AT 044 | Max | USB | 5/9 |
| 017 | 16/08/2009 | 13:15 | 14 ED 128 | Arnault | USB | 5/7 |
| 018 | 16/08/2009 | 13:20 | 26 NB 352 | Paul | USB | 5/9 |
| 019 | 16/08/2009 | 13:21 | 26SA001 | Stuart | USB | 5/9 |
| 020 | 16/08/2009 | 13:22 | 14DX010 | Olivier | USB | 5/9 |
| 021 | 16/08/2009 | 13:25 | 14 KW 142 | Bruno | USB | 5/9 |
| 022 | 16/08/2009 | 13:26 | 14 FR 040/M | David | USB | 5/5 |
| 023 | 16/08/2009 | 13:27 | 14 FDG 010 | Yoann | USB | 5/5 |
| 024 | 16/08/2009 | 13:28 | 14 AT 063 | Jacques | USB | 10 |
| 025 | 16/08/2009 | 13:28 | 14 AT 145 | Philippe | USB | 5/4 |
| 026 | 16/08/2009 | 13:29 | 26 AT 016 | Paul | USB | 5/8 |
| 027 | 16/08/2009 | 13:30 | 26 RD 001/M | Andy | USB | 5/8 |
| 028 | 16/08/2009 | 13:31 | 14 DX 041 | Chris | USB | 5/9 |
| 029 | 16/08/2009 | 13:31 | 26 FB 001 | Dave | USB | 10 |
| 030 | 16/08/2009 | 13:32 | 26 SD 215 | Richard | USB | 10 |
| 031 | 16/08/2009 | 13:33 | 30 RC 368 | Agostinho | USB | 5/5 |
| 032 | 16/08/2009 | 13:34 | 14 RI 029 | Bruno | USB | 5/8 |
| 033 | 16/08/2009 | 13:35 | 14 DA 115 | Muriel | USB | 5/7 |
| 034 | 16/08/2009 | 13:36 | 14 DA 911 | Eric | USB | 5/7 |
| 035 | 16/08/2009 | 13:40 | 14 AW 047 | Jerome | USB | 5/9+20 |
| 036 | 16/08/2009 | 13:45 | 14 DA 028/P | Philippe | USB | 5/3 |
| 037 | 16/08/2009 | 13:46 | 30 DX 401 | Christian | USB | 5/9 |
| 038 | 16/08/2009 | 13:50 | 30 RC 106 | Victor | USB | 5/9 |
| 039 | 17/08/2009 | 18:30 | 31 BC 013 | Rui Cruz | USB | 10 |
| 040 | 17/08/2009 | 18:40 | 26 TM 152 | Steve | USB | 3/2 |
| 041 | 17/08/2009 | 18:47 | 68 WT 248 | Marty | USB | 5/5 |
| 042 | 17/08/2009 | 19:10 | 14 SD 049 | Christophe | USB | 10 |
| 043 | 17/08/2009 | 19:15 | 163 NW 054 | Griam | USB | 5/7 |
| 044 | 17/08/2009 | 19:20 | 19 AC 079 | Jan | USB | 5/6 |
| 045 | 17/08/2009 | 19:26 | 26 SD 103 | Ron | USB | 5/5 |
| 046 | 17/08/2009 | 19:35 | 14 DA 101 | Christian | USB | 5/8 |
| 047 | 17/08/2009 | 19:40 | 19 SD 265 | Rene | USB | 5/8 |
| 048 | 17/08/2009 | 19:43 | 30 RC 169 | Luis | USB | 5/7 |
| 049 | 17/08/2009 | 19:45 | 26 DA 019 | Nigel | USB | 5/7 |
| 050 | 17/08/2009 | 19:46 | 26 AT 050 | Dave | USB | 5/5 |
| 051 | 17/08/2009 | 19:55 | 26 SC 026 | Russel | USB | 5/9 |
| 052 | 17/08/2009 | 19:57 | 26 FB 001 | Dave | USB | 5/7 |
| 053 | 17/08/2009 | 19:58 | 18 SD 001 | Jim | USB | 5/8 |
| 054 | 17/08/2009 | 20:05 | 14 FR 062 | Jean Claude | USB | 5/7 |
| 055 | 17/08/2009 | 20:19 | 26 OK 006 | Alfie | USB | 5/7 |
| 056 | 17/08/2009 | 20:25 | 14 RI 107 | Yannick | USB | 5/9 |
| 057 | 17/08/2009 | 20:29 | 26 TM 025 | Joshua | USB | 5/5 |
| 058 | 17/08/2009 | 20:30 | 26 SD 224 | Paul | USB | 5/8 |
| 059 | 17/08/2009 | 20:32 | 26 DX 044 | Terry | USB | 5/9 |
| 060 | 18/08/2009 | 12:30 | 30 URVE 3 | Jose | USB | 5/5 |
| 061 | 18/08/2009 | 12:47 | 30 SD 013 | Fran | USB | 5/7 |
| 062 | 19/08/2009 | 18:50 | 29 SF 044 | Paul | USB | 5/5 |
| 063 | 20/08/2009 | 18:53 | 14 IF 5004 | Bernard | USB | 5/8 |
| 064 | 20/08/2009 | 19:25 | 14 SD 087/M | Jean Claude | USB | 5/7 |
| 065 | 20/08/2009 | 19:27 | 26 FB 204 | Simon | USB | 5/3 |
| 066 | 20/08/2009 | 19:28 | 328 MIC 008 | Toni | USB | 5/8 |
| 067 | 24/08/2009 | 8:45 | 14 AT 119 | Eric | USB | 5/9+20 |
| 068 | 24/08/2009 | 8:53 | 14 DX 079 | Merry | USB | 5/9+20 |
| 069 | 24/08/2009 | 8:54 | 14 FAT 226 | Andre | USB | 5/9 |
| 070 | 24/08/2009 | 8:55 | 14 CJ 050 | — | USB | 5/9 |
| 071 | 24/08/2009 | 8:57 | 14 GT 044 | Pierre | USB | 5/9+20 |
| 072 | 24/08/2009 | 8:59 | 14 EL 030 | Nicolas | USB | 5/9 |
| 073 | 24/08/2009 | 9:01 | 14 VC 096 | Serge | USB | 5/5 |
| 074 | 24/08/2009 | 9:05 | 14 SG 022 | — | USB | 5/4 |
| 075 | 24/08/2009 | 9:10 | 14 AT 158 | Jeff | USB | 5/7 |
| 076 | 24/08/2009 | 9:17 | 14 AT 072 | Norbert | USB | 10 |
| 077 | 24/08/2009 | 9:45 | 30 RC 001 | Manuel | USB | 10 |
| 078 | 24/08/2009 | 9:46 | 163 GB 001 | Trevor | USB | 10 |
| 079 | 24/08/2009 | 9:50 | 14 TRC 085 | Phil | USB | 5/5 |
| 080 | 24/08/2009 | 10:04 | 26 SD 283 | Jason | USB | 5/8 |
| 081 | 24/08/2009 | 10:05 | 34 SD 127 | Jon | USB | 5/1 |
| 082 | 24/08/2009 | 10:07 | 14 ZK 033 | Laurent | USB | 5/5 |
| 083 | 24/08/2009 | 10:09 | 14 EF 056 | — | USB | 3/2 |
| 084 | 26/08/2009 | 8:30 | 14 AT 072 | Norbert | USB | 5/9+20 |
| 085 | 26/08/2009 | 8:32 | 14 RC 095 | Daniel | USB | 5/9 |
| 086 | 26/08/2009 | 8:34 | 14 HR 062 | — | USB | 5/9 |
| 087 | 26/08/2009 | 8:35 | 47 AT 124 | Palle | USB | 5/2 |
| 088 | 26/08/2009 | 8:41 | 31 FAT 010 | Paolo | USB | 5/5 |
| 089 | 26/08/2009 | 8:42 | 47 PL 122 | Arne | USB | 5/9 |
| 090 | 26/08/2009 | 8:45 | 14 SD 196 | Ludo | USB | 5/9 |
| 091 | 26/08/2009 | 8:47 | 13 AT 027/EU 042 | Wolfgang | USB | 5/5 |
| 092 | 26/08/2009 | 8:50 | 14 W 109 | Dany | USB | 5/1 |
| 093 | 26/08/2009 | 8:53 | 14 FAT 240 | Remi | USB | 5/7 |
| 094 | 26/08/2009 | 8:55 | 14 ED 409/M | Richard | USB | 10 |
| 095 | 26/08/2009 | 8:57 | 14 VC 078 | Gerard | USB | 5/5 |
| 096 | 26/08/2009 | 8:59 | 14 RD 078 | Romain | USB | 5/5 |
| 097 | 26/08/2009 | 9:03 | 14 GT 041 | Jean Claude | USB | 5/5 |
| 098 | 26/08/2009 | 9:12 | 19 AT 106 | Eddie | USB | 5/8 |
| 099 | 26/08/2009 | 9:13 | 14 CAM 153 | David | USB | 5/7 |
| 100 | 26/08/2009 | 9:17 | 30 RC 234 | Luis | USB | 5/8 |
Recon — Essential for DXpedition Planning
October 2, 2009 by Darren
In my opinion, prior to any scheduled DXpedition venture, it’s wise for the DXpedition team or individual to have undertaken a journey to the place of operation and gained pertinent info for the upcoming DX event. This practice is called ‘reconnaissance’ and is an essential part of the DXpedition planning phase in all DA-RC activations.
In actual fact, reconnaissance (also known as ‘scouting’ or a ‘reckie’ or ‘recon’) is a military term denoting exploration conducted to gain information. In the world of radio communications, though, it can best be described as…
“A mission undertaken by members of the DXpedition team (i.e. the reconnoitres) to gather data as a prelim to operating a DXpedition station…”
This info is then taken back to the home QTH in the form of anecdotal observations, scribbled notes, diagrams to scale, photographs, brochures, etc. and then used to inform preparation for the future DXpedition.
Here, much time can be saved and radio ops simplified, I think, if features of the planned DX operating environment are known in advance — rather than when the team arrives at their DXstination for the very first time.
For instance……finding out when you turn up at your DXstination that there’s no room for a skypper antenna, let a lone a 6 element yagi; or that a mountain range blocks your pathway to the Pacific; or that hostile natives in the neighbouring huts don’t take kindly to CQ calls during their afternoon siestas; or that packing hiking boots would’ve made carrying equipment up a steep cliff face for great yagi take offs safer and easier, can be demoralizing — especially if you realize there are no quick fixes to turn to when you’ve stepped off the boat or plane.
In many ways then, the data gathered on a recon trip can decide the fate of your DXpedition event. In my experience, it can determine whether or not the money paid for permits, accommodation, transport, radio equipment, food and other supplies, as well as the time off work, will be a waste. It can also reveal whether or not your efforts behind the mic chasing pile ups will be validated with plenty of contacts in the log.
Occasionally the DXpedition recon trip will take the form of a ‘suitcase’ or ‘microlite’ DXpedition. This means that the reconnoitre will sometimes take uncomplicated, unobtrusive equipment, such as a small rig and a whip antenna, to conduct test ops in the lead up to a full-scale activity. Indeed, this can be helpful as it gives you a feel for the operating conditions. You can also sneak in a few contacts hihi!
When embarking on a reconnaissance mission, my advice is to check for the following things:
- Terrain which potentially blocks/obstructs pathways to continents (EU, AS, OC, NA, SA and AN) — It’s no good going to all the trouble of carrying out a DXpedition if you can only work a few continents.
- Locations and space to install an antenna/s — Obviously more space will be required to erect a yagi antenna than a vertical though verticals with ground radials also require larger space
- Guying points — Look for trees around the residence where wires and ropes can be fixed. This will determine whether or not you will need to take a sling shot for shooting guys through tree forks
- Approximate coaxial cable lengths to ensure there is ample feedline to reach th best possible antenna location
- The attitude of neighbours to possible disruption of their immediate living environment with ‘unsightly’ arrays
- That the accommodation is ham friendly
- Possible exposure or vulnerability to extreme WX (e.g high winds, temperatures, tsunamis, etc.)
- The availability of medical services and/or supplies in the case of sickness or injury to one of the team members
- The availability of food perishables such as meat, milk and bread
- The reliability of any power source (e.g. scheduled blackouts)
Due to the extremes of distance and associated costs (including time) with some scheduled DXpedition work, nevertheless, scouting missions to accumulate facts about planned DX operating environments are not always feasible.
In these circumstances, rather than journey to the DXstination to seek particulars through direct inspection, reconnoitring can also take the form of gathering information through other, more convenient means.
The internet, for example, is a valuable reconnaissance mechanism for DXpedition enthusiasts and serves as an adequate substitute for authentic recon missions. Images of anticipated DXstinations, including accommodation and surroundings, are almost always obtainable online, as too are accounts from other DX teams (including hams) who’ve operated in the past from that particular area.
Any comprehensive pre-DXpedition fact-finding mission, in fact, should combine an actual excursion to the DXstination with images and information gathered via the internet. Anything less in the modern technological world for a dx adventurist is ill-advised.
Here are some good places to start for an online reckie exercise:
- Google images (and other online image sources such as Flickr and Photobucket) — type in the name of your anticipated DXstination and save all relevant images to a folder. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to piece them together like a jigsaw to get a clearer picture of your operating environment.
- DX Holiday (See http://www.delta-alfa.com/about/partner-organisations/ )
- The homepage of your projected lodgings — ask for a description of the surrounds from personnel. They are usually more than happy to oblige.
While some DXpeditioners are prepared to tempt fate and take their chances with what their intended DXstination will throw up, DA-RC members are more vigilant and meticulous with their planning efforts.
They realise that undertaking a journey to the place of DX operation in order to gain pertinent information for the upcoming DX event, while sometimes being an inconvenience in a busy existence, is a necessary and significant part of serious DXpedition work!
