For Immediate Release
Press Release #5
July 27, 2019
South Orkney Islands DX-pedition
VP8/VP8DXU
(AN-008)
Project planning continues on schedule.
Tent Weekend
During the weekend of July 12th seven team members and three volunteers met in Placerville, California to prepare the tents for use on South Orkney Island. Participating were team members: Dave K3EL, Les W2LK, Gene K5GS, Steve W1SRD, Walt N6XG, Mike WA6O, and Rob N7QT. Volunteers Kevin K6TD and Bob W1RH helped with the preparation and Doris K0BEE prepared meals for the three days the team was doing the work. Temperatures hovered around 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37C), much different than the next location where these tents will be deployed.
These are the same tents that were used by VP8ORK 2011 South Orkney and, with a different configuration, KH1/KH7Z 2018 Baker Island DX-pedition. Kevin K6TD having previously assembled the tents on Baker Island offered his assistance to the team.
We unpacked and inventoried all the parts, assembled the tents, and marked key components for faster installation on the island. The inside and outside of each tent were power-washed and treated with a disinfectant to avoid inadvertent introduction of non-native species.
Flooring was constructed using approved materials, assembled and integrated with the tents. After this trial run the flooring was disassembled, power washed, and disinfected. Everything was packed and wrapped in waterproof tarps, ready for transport to our customs broker. Pictures of the weekend activities are at: https://sorkney.com/tent-weekend/
Band / Mode Addition:
We added 60m FT8 to the operating plan.
Fundraising
Team members made their 2nd payment to the project, and our 2nd payment to Braveheart was processed. As of this writing, 33 clubs / foundations and 273 individuals have shown their support for the project.
While we’re making progress, we have a long way to go to reach the goal of 50% team member funding of the estimated project cost of ~$325,000(USD). Please keep in mind, serious DX-peditions, especially those in the Southern Ocean, must pay the bills before leaving home, we are no exception. If you need South Orkney for an ATNO, or plan to work us, we would appreciate your help.
Ham Radio Events:
Please look for us at the Pacific Northwest DX Convention, Everett, Washington in August.
73,
Team VP8/VP8DXU
Website: https://sorkney.com/
Please direct your questions to: info@sorkney.com
