Hello from Clipperton where it is already hot and humid, 91f (32.7c)
We are on the air with over 11,800 QSOs since last night.
The log was uploaded to Clublog and to M0URX.com There were some discrepancies between Live Stream when we first came up, we had a software glitch that was resolved. I am still working on the satellite log, hope to have it uploaded soon.
We still have additional setup to do, low band antennas, and the big amps. It’s difficult to work in the blazing hot sun, so we go slow to avoid heat related medical problems.
Please, do not send emails to our personal email addresses, to the DXpedition address, or directly to the PayPal email address. Also, many are sending us log screenshots, spreadsheets, and other files.we are not using QRZ.com logging, so please do not send requests.
We are not making log corrections while on the island. All Busted Calls and Not in Log issues will be resolved by submitting the form on the M0URX Bespoke OQRS application. Received emails with attached files are being deleted without opening. Use the Groups.io account to contact us, the pilots will summarize your comments and send to us.
The ride over to the island from the boat was uneventful, unlike the jet boat rides from the Braveheart. Cheers, GS K5GS for the TX5S team
Author - Tim Beaumont
We know many of you are anxiously waiting for us to come up more bands / modes.Here are the facts:– At the moment, the WX is not good for landing more people / equipment on the island.– The boat is rocking and rolling, a few team mates are feeling the effects of the motion.– We had to stop sending over equipment when the seas became too dangerous.– Yesterday one of the supply boats was swamped at the reef and a food resupply was lost. Also lost were some support equipment (not radio).– The team on the island has the main operating tent and 6 sleeping tents installed, they have food, water and petrol. They have 4 monoband VDAs installed.– Unfortunately, not all the RF kits made it over yet, life support kits were the priority.– Live Stream will be activated when we get more than the minimal equipment to the island.– We’ll upload the logs to Club Log and to M0URX sometime today.– We’re monitoring DX Summit and see the pirate spots and the usual comments / rumors.– We are using WSJT-X in F/H mode – call above 1000hz We will update you as conditions change.
Today’s TX5S Plan:
– The wind has moderated some, not perfect yet, but better, we’re currently at slack tide.
– However, we’re still taking some heavy rolls.
– As the tide comes in, we will again try to put people on the island at a slightly different location, short walk to the campsite.
– We’re reassessing the campsite plan.
– We’ll then prioritize which equipment cases will go over and transfer equipment till sundown.
– Assuming similar conditions tomorrow, more equipment will go over when the tide comes in.
– Just like propagation, we are at the mercy of nature.
– Other than some seasickness, there have been no injuries during the boat ride. 73, GS K5GS for the TX5S team
This morning’s plan is to bring over the remaining equipment, primarily radios, antennas, additional tents, etc. This should begin in 1 hour (7AM), there’s a lot of work yet to be done.
There will be no additional updates until we’re all on the island and the campsite setup is completed.
73, GS K5GS
Good morning from Shogun.
The fair winds and following seas were yesterday’s news, today we’re bouncing around and rolling along. We finished breakfast a short time ago, and while some team members are in the lounge, others decided to ride out the weather in their bunk with 2,800 QSOs in the log the /MM station was dismantled and packed away.
Landing on the island will be dependent on the weather and access through the reef. The skipper said he will put two skiffs in the water. First over will be several radio team members and boat crew. They’ll bring over emergency food / water and shelter, then determine best campsite consistent with access.
We will arrive Clipperton early Thursday morning.
The boat crew will begin bringing our equipment out of the holds early in the morning. The skipper will take a trip around the island looking for known openings in the reef. Initially, three team members will go to the island and, based on where we land, select the camp location.
Two team members will stay on the boat to direct the transfer of equipment, first over: emergency food, drinking water, shelters, one small generator, petrol, tools, etc. followed by all other equipment.
As equipment goes over, one or two additional team members will take the ride over. The weather will dictate how many people can (will) go over on the first day.
Once we begin this process, we may not be able to send updates until the island Starlink terminals are deployed, or possibly some people may remain on the boat Thursday night. That’s it for now. Cheers, K5GS
Nothing significant to report. The seas are still relatively calm, the boat is stable, with some minimal rolling, WX is perfect. The team is in excellent spirits.The N6WM/MM log has just over 2,200 QSOs. The log will be uploaded to M0URX.com after the DXpedition. If you’re unsure of a contact work us again. However, there is no plan to do any additional 6M operation from the boat.As a reminder, the pilots will be monitoring our Groups.io account. Please feel free to subscribe to the group and provide input, or read what others are reporting. The pilots will not have access to the logs.Subscribe: [email protected]While on the island or in transit we will not accept requests for “log checks” or to investigate busted calls. Busted call and Not in Log requests will be investigated by Tim M0URX. To request assistance you must use the form on Tim’s Bespoke OQRS application.And please, unless otherwise directed, do not send us e-mails that contain screenshots, spreadsheets, logs, pictures, or any other files, they will be deleted without opening. With Starlink Internet on the boat the team is in contact with family, friends and is aware of world news. Cheers, GS K5GS
A couple of questions:
1) What are the dxpeditioners doing to keep occupied during the many hours on the trip out?
2) I read that three scientists are on board. What are they planning to study once on the island?
On this project we have Starlink available to do emails and read the news.
The operators bring along books to read, laptops with videos, and the ship has a big screen TV with an HDMI port /cable we can use.
There’s a lot of chatter about the island, the setup and day to day operations. Tonight we’re having a meeting with the skipper: arrival / offload plan.
We have one professor from the University of French Polynesia and one from the University of Orleans. They will study the condition and relationship of the island’s rat and crab populations, and other topics of their interest. Various governments are looking for ways to remove non native plants and wildlife, New Zealand leading the world with these types of projects. Their proposed projects were instrumental in the issuance of the landing permit.
We have a retired French Naval officer who represents the Association la Passion-Clipperton, an organization involved with improving and preserving Clipperton Island’s environment. Cheers, GS K5GS
The seas have been calm; we passed the half way point last night. The /MM station has been busy, with over 1,500 Qs in the log. Francesco IK0FVC is the primary SSB operator, various other operators have been working CW / FT8. Today we begin conducting planning meetings for the arrival.As a reminder, we are using WSJT-X in Fox/Hound. Callers “must” transmit above 1,000hz. Please note: we are not using MSHV or any other derivative. Additionally, we plan to operate split on the other modes. This morning we installed a 6m dipole and are making FT8 contacts, 50.313. Shogun has 3 custom built, double bottomed, aluminum skiffs, designed to minimize damage when transiting the reef. The boat crew developed their landing plan and they will help us with some of our major tasks. Cheers, GS K5GS
We had a late start from San Diego due to weather. After the first day of rough seas the ocean is now relatively calm and the team is in the ship’s routine.
Currently, we’re about 3.5 days from Clipperton. We estimate 2 days to move the equipment to the island and setup the campsites.
The Elecraft K4 / KPA-500 is being used on CW, SSB and FT8, last count just over 1000 QSOs in the log.
While underway we’re using N6WM/MM.
The /MM QSL card will include a Date / Time – Grid Square lookup table.
The Early Donor Program has been extended until the first QSO from the island is logged. Cheers, GS K5GS
In preparation for the H44WA QSL cards arriving here in two weeks time from now, I have printed off all QSO and address labels from OQRS. OQRS will now show the “QSL Status” as SENT. They will not be sent yet of course until i post the letters at the end of January all being well.
It seems that some of you are very famous and do not need a street number or street name on your letter? Please always make sure that you enter the address correctly on OQRS, this is the first line of ensuring that your QSL gets to you without any dramas. Considerable time and effort has gone into proof reading and correcting some of your addresses which would have failed to get to you had i left them.
I now have several boxes of envelopes ready for the printed cards to arrive.
After a bumpy first 12 hours the seas have calmed down and the team is getting into the Shogun’s daily routine.
Boat crew served a wonderful breakfast this morning, and posted today’s menu.
Over the next few days, we’ll have team meetings to discuss the: landing plan, campsite setup / management, and then radio setup / operations.
The maritime mobile station is up and running: N6WM/MM using the Elecraft K4D, KPA-500 and a 4BTV vertical antenna.
To answer a question we’ve received: The TX5S call sign is only valid for 15 days, we could not use it for the /MM operation.
Cheers, GS K5GS
San Diego – We began loading the boat at 8AM on Tuesday. Three helpers from Fishermen’s Landing, 4 or 5 crew from Shogun and several of the TX5S team. By noon almost all of the equipment was aboard with just the generators on the landing waiting to be brought aboard this morning.
Just a few more supplies to buy at Costco today and we leave on Thursday morning after our passports are inspected.
Have fun in the pileups, should be no problem to work us from Tucson.
