My strategy for Desecheo has paid off so far. I have a long weekend and decided to set the alarm for 3am to try on 40m this morning. K5D was on 7.175 listening 185 – 195 for Europe and Asia and the pile up quite fierce, as you would expect. At 4am they took a 5 minute break and then when they came back on the pile up seemed to thin out. I was logged at 4:15am! DXCC number 273 Worked. I called on 7.1925 MHz and I also heard M1WDK in a few minutes before me.
At this point they do not realise that not all Europe can TX above 7100.0. I am only using a 40m wire loop from gutter to fence. So NO big gun station here! More like a water pistol.
Now Monday 16th! 1100z K5D started in the last hour on 20m .. pointless trying to follow the last QSO frequency always S20 so I looked for a gap using 2nd VFO 14.209.5 S meter was only S7 so I called and he got me first time!!!!! Wooohooo 20m in the bag…. Sitting on 17m now awaiting a signal on there.
Good luck everyone!
For the website go to: http://www.kp5.us/ They need sponsors too! Very expensive expedition.
I also received the VK9DWX QSL card today from the 2008 Willis Island DXpedition. More information at their website http://www.vk9dwx.de/index.php
DXCC number 267 Confirmed! Still a long way to go but enjoying the chase.
RSGB QSL Sub Bureau QSL cards
G4Dxx 900 cards ready to send 14/02/09
G4Rxx 450 cards ready to send 14/02/09
M0URX managed calls 600 cards will be replied to soon.
G4Dxx and G4Rxx i have over 1,000 QSL cards unclaimed awaiting envelopes.
