KH9 - Wake Is Dxpedition

[VK4CZ]

Handy to know if we just keep hearing the beacon and don't get to work Colin KH9/WA2YUN

March 1, 2013

Team Leader Lou N2TU and the Management Team of Joe W8GEX, Craig K9CT, and Joe AA4NN are proud to announce they are planning a Commemorative DXpedition to a rare DX entity. This DXpedition will be to Wake Atoll (KH9) in October 2013.

Joe and Craig were the co-leaders of the very successful DXpeditions to Swains Island NH8S in 2012, and Sint Maarten PJ7E in 2010. They were also team members of the Midway K4M DXpedition in 2009. Joe AA4NN is a veteran of these as well as many other DXpeditions across the globe. Lou was also a member of the Swains NH8S team.

This operation is a Commemorative DXpedition in that it combines a DXpedition and a commemoration of an event. 98 civilian contractors working for Morrison- Knutsen, lost their lives on the atoll in October 1943. The group has been named the "Forgotten 98". Our operation, observing the 70th anniversary of their deaths, will be dedicated to keeping their memory alive and honoring their sacrifice.

Wake ranks number 15 in Club Log's Most Wanted Entities. A highly experienced team of 12 operators is being formed. They plan to operate five stations over a 14 day period, 160 to 6 meters on all modes, using a callsign to be announced at a later date.

Team Operators include Joe AA4NN - John K6MM - Carl K9CS - Craig K9CT -
Mike K9NW - Lou N2TU - Tom N4XP - Tom ND2T - Dick W3OA - Joe W8GEX -
Hal W8HC and Jerry WB9Z.

Wake Atoll's access is extremely limited and the time frame is dictated by transportation issues. As such, official dates have not been set but will be announced as soon as possible. The team will gather in Honolulu and then travel to Wake. Official landing permission has been obtained.

Our website, http://www.wake2013.org, developed by team member John K6MM, will provide updates as they become available. Later, the group will also have an OQRS link on the website for easy QSLing.

We want to thank Elecraft, who will be supplying K3s and KPA500s for our use. Steppir will be supplying an assortment of versatile antennas, and we appreciate their help. This Commemorative Dxpedition would not happen without the outstanding support of these companies. Others will be added and shown on our website as planning progresses.

Thanks also to Joe AA4NN, who will be the QSL manager.

Full details are at: http://www.wake2013.org/

[VK4ABW]

The KH9 beacon is being heard regularly in Darwin every evening now around 0930z - 1130z. Very unique key clicks and easily spotted with the radio on 50.013.331 usb (putting the tones at 700hz on spectran).
The Op appears to be listening and if they hear 'something' will announce for you to call again in 15 minutes (on the 15 - 30 - 45 minute marks).
It took me 45 minutes (3 attempts) of calling for him to understand that my callsign was VK8 and not AK8.


The Op did hear my initial call when the KH9 beacon was S1, so i recommend calling them even if the beacon is weak to you

oops. almost forgot to mention. They are on 50.120 SSB. No CW as far as i know.

cheers
Gary VK8AW

[VK4CZ]

Looking forward to this DXpedition. KH9/WA2YUN bcn agn in tonight up to 529, but no Q completed for DXCC. This is the fourth or fifth time the bcn has been heard here, and now two nights in a row.

Always tough when the band opens up to this part of VK, but Colin is at work!