For Immediate Release Press Release #11 Feb. 2, 2020
We’re on autopilot, next stop Punta Arenas, Chile.
The project is on schedule
Team members will begin arriving in Punta Arenas on February 9th, Braveheart is scheduled to arrive on February 13th, we load the ship on Feb 14th and depart on Feb 15th for Signy Island. Nigel Jolly will have already arrived by air to arrange for refueling and resupplying Braveheart.
Logging – Log Search
We will use N1MM+ for logging and WSJT-X Version 2.1.2 for FT8
Assuming a stable satellite connection, QSOs will be uploaded to the log server in near real-time, you can monitor logging activity at:
https://www.m0urx.com/oqrs/logsearch.php?dxcallsign=VP8PJ
We do not upload by band, by mode or by operating position.
OQRS will be available within 10 days after we leave the island. We need time to validate the logs.
QSL Manager, Tim M0URX, will work on Busted Calls and Not in Log issues after the log is validated. Please use the form on Tim’s OQRS site, do not send e-mails.
Split Operation and Fox/Hound
The Band Plan is posted on our website (Island Operations), unless otherwise announced by the operator, all radio operations will be split. FT8 will use Fox / Hound mode on all bands except 60m, where we will use normal FT8 operation.
VP8PJ at Groups.io
A reflector is available at groups.io for you to provide input to the team. The pilots will monitor the reflector and summarize pertinent information by region. There’s a one-time registration for the reflector, please review the “Sticky Notes” at the top of the message list. Please, no requests for log checks, busted calls, Not in Log, or schedules. We appreciate thoughtful and helpful information from your region. [email protected]
Follow the Braveheart
Shortly before we leave Punta Arenas, we’ll activate the Garmin inReach personal locator. You’ll be able to follow our journey on the web during the estimated 6 days at sea to and from the island. You can Follow Braveheart from our website or share.garmin.com/sorkney
K6TU’s Propagation as a Service
We thank Stu K6TU for making available his K6TU Propagation as a Service tool at no cost to you. Accessed from our website (K6TU Propagation Tools), Stu’s website is configured with our station and antenna specifications. The tool automates and greatly simplifies the process of building VOCAP predictions customized for your location. Knowing the details of our station configurations, location and antenna heights, the tool will generate your customized propagation charts.
WSPR Beacon
“A QRP Labs Ultimate 3 WSPR beacon will be on board Braveheart running 30dBm on 40, 20 and 15m sequentially every 10 minutes whenever the VP8PJ/MM station is not in use.”
Fundraising
Early donors (those that donated before we sail on February 15th) will receive their LoTW confirmation(s) while we’re on the island, usually within 24 hours of the contact(s). All other donors will receive their LoTW confirmation(s) when OQRS opens.
With the Braveheart and freight bills paid and the equipment in Chile, our last remaining major expenses are shipping the equipment back home, generator fuel, port fees, general surcharges, fuel surcharge and a few smaller but still significant expense items. It’s not unusual for unexpected fees and other charges to materialize so we remain vigilant with the budget management.
We have over 600 individual (early) donors, 73 Premier Sponsors and 55 club / foundation sponsors. Is your club or name/call sign listed on our website? All donations are appreciated and will help offset the project’s estimated cost of ~$310,000(USD).
We want to thank everyone that helped us along the way to plan this project, especially members of the 2011 VP8ORK DX-pedition, Ralph K0IR and Don N1DG who provided invaluable assistance and information. Their guidance through the landing permit process and island logistics is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your continued interest and support of our project.
Good luck in the pileups. 73, Team VP8PJ
Website: https://sorkney.com/
Please direct your questions to: [email protected]
