Project Complete

May 20, 2021 

The Southwest Ohio DX Association (SWODXA) is proud to announce that the 2021 DXpedition of the Year award goes to VP8PJ, South Orkney Island.

The DXpedition team consisted of: Dave, K3EL and Les, W2LK (co-leaders); Gene, K5GS; Arliss, W7XU; Heye, DJ9RR; Laci, HA0NAR; Vadym, UT6UD; Walt, N6XG, Rob, N7QT; Steve, W1SRD; Mike, WA6O; Ken, NG2H; Hans-Peter, HB9BXE; and Alan, VK6CQ. Congratulations on a well- organized and executed DXpedition in a very challenging environment.

Each year the Southwest Ohio DX Association presents the DXpedition of the Year Award at the annual DX Dinner. Our goal is to recognize excellence in DXpedition planning and execution from Most Wanted entities. DXpeditions that completed from March 2020 through February 2021 are eligible for this year’s award. Winners of the DXpedition of the Year award have overcome significant access, licensing and logistical challenges to deliver a large number of contacts to a broad swath of the global amateur community. They represent the pinnacle of DXpeditioning. 

 

German DX Foundation Trophy
Best DXpedition 2020

 

Results of the GDXF Trophy 2021 of the best DXpedition 2020

The results are based on 337 votes.

 

DXpedition Location Votes
VP8PJ South Orkney Is. 23.7 %
TI9A Cocos Is. 15.4 %
HU1DL El Salvador 14.8 %
R207RRC Chukotka Is. AS-207 11.3 %
TO7DL Reunion 10.1 %
TX0T Tatakoto Atoll OC-298 8.6 %
Z66DX Kosovo 7.7 %
XR8RRC Wellington Is. SA-032 7.1 %
CB0Z Selkirk Is. SA-101 1.2 %

GDXF Trophy Best DXpedition


 

Congratulations to the VP8PJ team, the other DX-pedition teams, and the individuals who received the following awards

Japan International DX Meeting Committee
JIDXM Award Program 2020

Japan International DX Meeting Committee is pleased to announce the awards which will be presented to the following DXpedition teams and radio amateurs who have made outstanding contributions to the DX community during the year.

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Presented by: Japan International DX Meeting Committee
– CQ ham radio
– SEISA
– FGC – Foundation for Global Children

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JIDXM DXpedition of the year 2020
VP8PJ South Orkney DXpedition Team(February 2020)
◆VP2VB Yasme Memorial Expedition Team( March 2020)
◆TO0Z St. Barthelemy Expedition Team(September 2020

Despite the situations caused by covid-19 pandemic, these teams overcame
all the difficulties and organized DXpeditions successfully with their fine teamwork, and provided pleasure
and deep impressions to the world’s DX community.

JIDXM Contribution Award 2020
◆ K1JT Joseph H Taylor, JR
For inventing “WSJT” Software with cutting edge digital technology, and contributing to the activities of ham radio operators of all over the world with “FT8” mode.
◆ W3IZ Norman Fusaro
For demonstrating the brilliant leadership in managing DXCC Award Programs during the covid-19 pandemic.

 

We also appreciate receiving the 2020 Intrepid Spirit Award 

 

The complete log was uploaded to LoTW on September 15, 2020.

Final Press Release

We Appreciate our Premier Sponsors:

 

QSL Update

August 8, 2020

If you have not received your card(s) from the May 21st mailing please email Tim M0URX.

 

May 31, 2020

Thousands of QSL cards were mailed from the UK on May 21, 2020. Requests received since then will be processed at least weekly. Buro cards will be sent to the buros in early 2021.

 

Click Here for QSL Card Images

WSPR Map

WSPR – VK6CQ Photo

Thank you for the pile-ups!

The Perseverance DX Group has completed its project to the South Orkney Islands (Signy Island). We were active 10 – 160m, CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8 from Feb 22, 2020 to March 7, 2020, a full 15 days on the island.

The team of 14 experienced DX-pedition and/or contest operators made 83,724 contacts with 20,530 unique call signs, 168 DXCC entities were contacted.

We especially want to thank the off-island support team for their invaluable assistance during the project: Glenn KE4KY, Hiro JA1WSX, Luke VK3HJ, Björn ON9CFG, Alex 4L5A, Andre V51B, Cesar PY2YP, Mason KM4SII, Doris K0BEE and of course Tim M0URX.

VP8PJ Team, Orwell Glacier – K3EL Photo

Because of the expected extreme weather, heavy-duty tents suitable for the environment were used. These tents were very expensive and each weigh approximately 600 pounds (270 kg). The team erected two WeatherPort buildings for radio operations, sleeping and eating.

VP8PJ campsite
VP8PJ Campsite – K3EL Photo

Signy Island is inhabited by various bird species, including giant petrels and penguins as well as elephant seals and fur seals. Our campsite was located to avoid disturbance to the wildlife. Establishing a camp site requires extensive research, documentation and permission from multiple government agencies, all of which we received. Minimal disruption of the environment and strict adherence to the landing permit requirements were our goals.

The MV Braveheart, from Tauranga, New Zealand) transported us from Punta Arenas, Chile to Signy Island. The ship remained on station during the project. With a supply of breakfast foods on the island, the crew brought over two hots meals each day, fresh water and generator fuel.

Braveheart owner Nigel Jolly and skipper Matt Jolly have both been to Signy Island and were well aware of the geography and challenges associated with this project.

MV Braveheart – K6NRJ Photo

Project Cost:
The activation of South Orkney Islands was an expensive project with the cost now approaching $325,000(USD), books not yet closed. As with all DX-peditions into the Southern Ocean, the most expensive line item is the ship charter followed by freight and port costs.

We established a budget plan that seeks 50% funding from the DX community and the remaining 50% from the DX-pedition team. By making a donation you can help us offset the cost of this project.

Due to the cost of activating this DXCC entity, it is expected to be several years before it is again activated.

We kindly invite you to donate to this project, and always appreciate your support.