Role of a DX'Pedition pilot for ZL9HR

Ed Durrant, VK2JI, has interviewed Rich, KY6R, who is one of the global pilots supporting the Dx'Pedition

“This experience has completely restored my respect for the DX community. I have got nothing but considerate, thoughtful and polite requests. Everyone who has sent a request - either by posting on eHam or via email has been civil, encouraging and constructive.”

“Working with the ZL9HR team is a joy. These guys are the best of the best. They have braved the odds of high seas, wind and rain that most of us couldn't handle. The cost is enormous and they have shown how hams can work with Departments of Conservation in a mutually beneficial way. They even got through quarantine in record time. The Pilots are my comrades - and Stan, KH6CG is a great DX-ers "mentor".

“Final thought - sure - I will do it again - I was hoping to know what “life after Honor Roll” will look like - and this is a fun new aspect of the hobby for me. The first day of the DX’Pedition was very, very stressful, but since then, just fantastic.”

— Rich, KY6R

“I wish the team safe journeys back and hope that everyone gets their ATNO (“all time new one”) - there is still time left, and I see the SSN is starting to rise again.”

More information from - http://www.zl9hr.com

Buddies in the Caribbean heading back to St. Lucia

The 'Buddies in the Caribbean' suitcase mini-DXpedition group which specializes in 100 watt or less low power radios and Buddipole portable antenna systems is going back to St. Lucia (NA-108, WLOTA L-1336)<br />again between 2-11th December.

They state, "The north shore villa location was magnificent on our first visit in Feb 2010 and subsequent visits in December of the following years with a new group of operators. Our goal is to demonstrate 'ultralite' DXpeditioning into magnificent 'vista' locations, operating a field portable battery-only radio with backpackable, lightweight antennas and most of all 'having fun' with a new group of operators who have never experienced the 'other side of a pileup!'

"The eight operators this Dec 2012 are: Everett/W6ABM, Robert/N7QT, Hugh/W4VAB, Bryan/WB8ISG, Scott/KA9P, Jerry/W5TDY, Budd/W3FF (J68FF), and Guy/N7UN (J68UN).

"There will be 3 villa stations in operation on 160-10m using CW, SSB, and RTTY or PSK. At the same time, several teams will be battery-only, field portable either from St. Lucia beaches or scenic mountain tops and will sign call/p.

"The group will participate in the ARRL 10m Contest (callsign: J68UN) on Dec 8-9th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL or mail to the operator's home callsign (SASE required)."

ZL9HR - They're on their way!

The team and all equipment left Bluff on the very southern most point of New Zealand's south island today en-route to Campbell Island.

A journey of up to 60 hours on the Great Southern Ocean, before they reach the UNESCO World Heritage Campbell Island IOTA (OC-037) / World Flora and Fauna radio award (ZLFF-019) DXCC most wanted No. 11.

ZL9HR will be active on all bands from 160m to 6m as soon as the antennas are up and the equipment installed from 28th November to 9th December 2012.

So if you want to contact the guys please remember from Wednesday to point any beams in Campbell Island direction. Here's hoping for mild weather for the sea trip and good propagation for the event.

DX'Pedition's website - http://www.zl9hr.com<