VP8STI in the log 40m CW at 0612 UTC!!!  

It only took me about 15 minutes to bust the pile up.......on 40m. I tried on 30m RTTY for hours with no luck.

Low band HF for the win again!!

Congrats!  

You must have the patience of the gods.  I listened a few times, but got tired of trying to pick out the real op from the intentional QRM and the clones....

Most of the time for me it feels like tilting at windmills when chasing DX.

Its wintertime and I enjoy fighting the pileups.  

The 2 inches of snow we had made the bands especially quiet last night, so it was good listening for most of the evening.

Wondering what equip / antennas you use?

I am hearing a lot of junk, clicks. pops etc. on the pile-ups on the IC706's, I'm guessiing that I need a rig with a better roofing filter?

I got up early 4:30 am here & there was a Minor geo storm going. Bad crashes & noise. I heard K5P on 40m. I could copy his call maybe 1 out of 3 times that he sent. Just not good enough to work. I tried for 20 minutes anyway. Stuck at work now, but looks like the geo storm has subsided. Geomagnetic Field listed as"Unsettled" now, with noise @ S2-S3.

I use a ZS6BKW antenna hung inverted V at about 40 foot. I use a Flex 6500 SDR and an Elecraft KPA500 amplifier.

Filtering is key for CW, especially on one of the budget radios.

If you were to get a 500hz CW filter your Icom IC-706 will really come alive.

I have the CW filter - it sounds like the interference is a combo of key clicks (which would be the of the other stations TX's fault), and some hard clipping type junk which I'm guessing is my radio's first IF going non-linear

Guess I will have to get a decent radio.  Damn you.

(and good job, esp on 80M - not easy with a low-ish dipole!!!)

He was in and out here for me last night...not clear enough to throw my call at.

I spent about 30 minutes messing with various filter settings and audio settings trying for best copy, but prop plus bad QRM made it a no go for me.

I copied K5P for all of about a minute, but by the time I got everything ready to try him he was gone.

I don't really hear the key clicks and other crap, as I run my CW filter at 50hz.

All I hear is the DX.

Outstanding!  

I think this one will be even tougher than K5P, for me.  Especially since there are  only a few days left.  It took me two years to get someone in the the Antarctic, and they seem to be on the air all the time.

After the first 150 or so it turns into a real slug fest.

Every single one becomes a huge victory.

I have K5P on 17m SSB, but that is the only time I've heard them

Tried most of yesterday to work Sammich Island but to no avail.  They were very weak all day.  Got so frustrated with them, I actually came into the office today.  

I am at 270 DXCC and its rare to work any new ones.

I usually have to wait for these dammed Dxpeditions and slug it out with the masses.

I am 20 contacts shy of DXCC on 80 Meters, so once that is completed I will have DXCC from 80 through 10 Meters.

Sadly due to my small city lot, 160m is out of the question.  From listening last night I discovered 160m was on fire into Europe.

Congrats, K9-Bob!  The log was updated just a little bit ago.

Here's my one contact from last night.

My 40m contact is in his log also!!

I think I got them on 40 CW a bit ago, we'll see if I'm in the log at the next update.  I know I worked him but he's sending way too fast for band conditions.  Lots of spots on the cluster saying the same thing.  Good operator but too fast for conditions.  

Log update finally.  I heard they were having satcomm problems.



ETA:  Weather conditions bad there, info here:

http://www.dx-world.net/vp8sti-vp8sgi-south-sandwich-and-south-georgia/

To those who have it in the log, congrats. Just be aware of the sacrifice those ops are going through to get you in the log.

This DXpedition is personal. Dave W5XU is a friend, a member of my local club, and a true Elmer to me when I was getting started in this game. When I built a 6C4 / 5763 MOPA transmitter and brought it to the club meeting he picked it up, turned it over to inspect the wiring. Got a bit misty eyed (could have been allergies), handed it to me and said, "Good work". No higher complement could I have been given. More than a couple solar cycles ago he built something similar. In a strange kind of way a torch was passed.

When we heard he was chosen to go on this DXpedition we understood that he knew the risks involved. He's been chasing DX since his early 20's and he's 72 now. He's done it all as far as logging DX. Now it's time to be on the other side of the pileup.

Then tonight I get an email.

"January 24 -  Since early this morning, we have been experiencing blizzard like conditions with strong winds and heavy snow fall. Some of our antennas have become damaged by the high winds and the snow fall is making access to them very difficult.  It is also increasingly difficult to re-fuel our generators.

Our biggest concern is our four tents, one of which has already been damaged by the high winds. We are in VHF communications with the Braveheart and we are discussing contingency plans to abort or shorten the DXpedition if safety requires.

The Braveheart is unable to maintain their anchor position and is moving out to sea. We are currently active on three stations however we are becoming increasingly less confident that we can maintain this activity. Please know that we are doing our best under extreme circumstances to make contacts with the global DX Community. This DXpedition has thoroughly tested each member physically, mentally and spiritually. We pray for a safe return.

We hope that we can continue however we feel the need to inform you that our activity may abruptly come to an end in the name of safety of our team and the crew of the Braveheart.

Best wishes from the Intrepid-DX Group VP8STI Team."

I can read between the lines. Shit just got real. Blizzard with high winds. No substantial shelter. No evacuation possible at this time. They are on their own. I'm not a religious guy by any stretch but I'm saying a prayer tonight.

NEWS UPDATE @ 21:20Z - Nigel Jolly, Braveheart owner, declared an emergency and ordered the VP8STI team to cease all operations and return to the ship. A large ice flow that had broken away due to last night’s storm starts to block the entrance to the Bay where they were camped. There was strong potential for the ice flow to prevent Braveheart reaching  them.

The Team is now safely aboard the Braveheart and they are moving away from Southern Thule Is. All equipment and personal gear is still on the island. They hope to return to camp site during next good weather window. Once they retrieve their equipment they could make a determination as to whether they can proceed to South Georgia to do VP8SGI as planned.

VP8 video

That's from a previous DXpedition. However it does give you an idea of the weather and logistics. The VP8STI Dxpedition is using a nearly identical game plan. Same boat. Same pickup at the Falkland's. Same time of the year.

We knew Dave was aware of it. However in Dave's sense of humor he said his biggest concern was that the temperature would go above 32f. Thawing poop from 1.5 million penguins would create havoc in many ways.

Looks like things are back on track after the weather event.

http://www.dx-world.net/vp8sti-vp8sgi-south-sandwich-and-south-georgia/

January 27 @ 22:00z - After nearly 24 hours with almost no information from team VP8STI, today messages from Paul, N6PSE started to flow. They are in good shape but tired and excited while they soon approach South Georgia Is. The Final VP8STI log will be uploaded from South Georgia.

January 27 @ 10:00z - Antonio EA5RM – VP8STI/VP8SGI Chief Pilot –  informs that finally, yesterday the team was able to collect all gear from Thule Is. All team members are OK and they are on the way to South Georgia where they will arrive after three days sailing. They will try to be on the air for eight days as VP8SGI.

Great news! Hopefully propagation will be good.

Went to the ham club meeting Tuesday. Of course one of the major topics was Dave and the DXpedition.

What was pointed out is that weather was a factor in the previous excursions to this destination. Sudden blizzards hit both of them. In one the winds were clocked at 120 mph. This team experienced a mere 70 mph. Either way not exactly on my list of fun things to do.

Only two members in attendance worked South Sandwich. One worked the team at 0100 local on 30m. Another worked the team on three bands, CW only, on late night operating. So, brush up your CW skills and slam a few Red Bulls to stay up late. Just giving you a heads up on propagation to South Georgia.

oops.

Amazing info...




The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster

DX Special Bulletin No. 1250.1

BID: $OPDX.1250.1

January 24, 2016

Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW

Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio)

 

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX

Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet

Clusters Network, and various sources and Web sites for the following

DX information.

 

VP8STI SOUTH SANDWICH ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS (Update).......

  Since early this morning, we have been experiencing blizzard like

conditions with strong winds and heavy snow fall. Some of our antennas

have become damaged by the high winds and the snow fall is making access

to them very difficult. It is also increasingly difficult to re-fuel

our generators.

  Our biggest concern is our four tents, one of which has already been

damaged by the high winds. We are in VHF communications with the Brave-

heart and we are discussing contingency plans to abort or shorten the

DXpedition if safety requires.

  The Braveheart is unable to maintain their anchor position and is

moving out to sea. We are currently active on three stations however

we are becoming increasingly less confident that we can maintain this

activity. Please know that we are doing our best under extreme circum-

stances to make contacts with the global DX Community. This DXpedition

has thoroughly tested each member physically, mentally and spiritually.

We pray for a safe return.

  We hope that we can continue however we feel the need to inform you

that our activity may abruptly come to an end in the name of safety of

our team and the crew of the Braveheart.

 

 

 

The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster

DX Special Bulletin No. 1250.4

BID: $OPDX.1250.4

January 25, 2016

Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW

Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio)

 

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX

Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet

Clusters Network, and EA5RM for the following DX information.

 

VP8STI SOUTH SANDWICH ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS (Update 2200z).......

  Today at 21:20 UTC, Nigel Jolly, Braveheart owner, declared an emergency

and ordered to VP8STI team to cease all operations and return to the ship.

A large ice flow that had broken away due last nights storm starts to block

the entrance to the Bay where they were camped. There was strong potential

for the ice flow to prevent Braveheart to get them.

  Team is now safely aboard the Braveheart and they are moving away from

Southern Thule Is. All the equipment and personal gear is still on the

island. They hope to return to camp site during next good weather window.

Once they retrieve their equipment, they could make a determination as to

whether they can proceed to South Georgia to do VP8SGI as planned.

            VP8STI QRT !

   EA5RM - VP8STI/VP8SGI Chief Pilot

 

 

 

The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster

DX Special Bulletin No. 1250.3

BID: $OPDX.1250.3

January 25, 2016

Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW

Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio)

 

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX

Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet

Clusters Network, and various sources and Web sites for the following

DX information.

 

VP8STI SOUTH SANDWICH ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS (Update 1515z).......

   Everbody is OK after worst part of the storm has passed.

   They made antenna repairs and they will be on the air with four

   stations until tomorrow morning.

 

   EA5RM - VP8STI/VP8SGI Chief Pilot

 

The Ohio/Penn DX PacketCluster

DX Special Bulletin No. 1250.2

BID: $OPDX.1250.2

January 25, 2016

Editor Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW

Provided by BARF80.ORG (Cleveland, Ohio)

 

Thanks to the Northern Ohio Amateur Radio Society, Northern Ohio DX

Association, Ohio/Penn PacketCluster Network, AB5K & the AR TelNet

Clusters Network, and various sources and Web sites for the following

DX information.

 

VP8STI SOUTH SANDWICH ISLAND DXPEDITION NEWS (Update).......

  Past night two tents and most of the yagis were destroyed by high

winds. Both of their main tents collapsed partially and the team worked

very hard through the night to save them. The Braveheart recorded winds

of 70 mph (112 Kph). They are running only on 40 meters due antenna =

damage.

Once they can assess damage they can determine whether they can proceed

to South Georgia or not. Right now they are doing last QSO as VP8STI due

they have asked the Braveheart to extract them when it=B4s possible. =

They

regret that they have fallen short of their plans , however the team and

crew safety is most important.

 

EA5RM - VP8STI/VP8SGI Chief Pilot


 

 

January 29 @ 11:45z -  – Antonio EA5RM – VP8STI/VP8SGI Chief Pilot – informs that VP8SGI arrived few hours ago to South Georgia Is.

They have very good weather and they started to work on antennas and shack set up.

They expect to be on the air in two or three hours.

They going back to Sammidge Isl.? I never worked them while there.

They are QRV on South Georgia Island.

Anybody in the pile-up @14.023? I've ben trying for about an hour. Just as his signal was strongest for me, he switched to Japan only!  

Hope his signal holds out, very strong now.

Can barely hear him here.  Not really workable.  Sounds like his is only working JA land right now, anyway.

Driving me crazy! He is booming in here, but working JA only.

30m, 40m, and 80m are a better choice this time of night.

Don't forget to try other bands if one is not working.

I can't even hear them on 30m or 80m, just barely on 40m. Hopefully he will switch to NA again before I have a psychotic episode.

Time to quit for the night and try again tomorrow.  You might have better luck at the evening grayline on Saturday.

Yeah, I'm about to give up soon. He is still solid copy on 20m here, but working JA only.

VP8SGI log now uploaded.  Signals on most bands way better for me than they were for the last island.

Haven't heard anything today.  

No joy for me. I have seen spots on 10m, 12m, 15m and 17m,  but have not been able to hear them yet.

They are super loud here on 15 CW right now!

ETA:  And also 21080 RTTY - 100% copy here.

Not a peep here.  Absolutely nothing.

Can't hear them today. I had a great copy on them till after midnight last night on 20m. Hoping that band opens later. He spent hours calling for JA stations & then faded away.

VP8SGI daily log upload just completed.

Holy cow! You have done well. I just sat down at rig & they have a workable signal on 20m.

they're on ssb 17m, 18.130 right now.

First time I've heard them loud and clear on SSB.  It was only from around 2300Z until they just faded out now. About a 30 minute or so window.  Magic gray line is magical, but I didn't get through and I can't copy them there anymore.

KwaiChangCaine what speed do you normally send for pile-ups?

I can barely hear them down in the noise on 17m SSB. Strong on 20m CW for now.

I can finally hear then on 20m, but there are so many DQRM assholes, that I'm bout to turn it off.

It depends on the speed that the DX is sending at and the pace of the pile-up.  Usually 22 to 24 WPM.  Some guys send so fast that they're done and the DX has sent back half of their call when I get back to receive.

They've popped back up on 17 SSB again for a while now.  Sometimes it does that.  Peaks good at gray line, drops to nothing, and then resumes at a medium strength with mild QSB like right now.

I'm about to give up tonight & watch some TV.

I managed to squeak by a contact on 20m CW about an hour ago.

Now I will be sitting on pins and needles till they upload their log to confirm.