On 2/19/2024 1:07 PM, ok1tn wrote:
To top it all off, the expedition will not even be present on the island.
Another false belief. The difference is that only a few guys go to the
island, set up the station(s), and go back to their boat anchored
off-share. They return to the island periodically to refuel generators,
and fix things that break. And AA7JV has even developed a system for
remote operators on different continents to split operator shifts. K6MM,
a fine CW op who has been on a fair number of expeditions, gave a talk
last week to the NorCal DX Club about having operated from one of
George's setups in the South Pacific this season.
I've heard many talks by the guys who have been on or even led major DX
trips. The only differences are COST, HARDSHIP, and getting permission
to even BE on the island from the governments that control it. Many of
these rare island countries are wildlife sanctuaries. It is FAR easier
to get that permission for three people who spend little time on the
island than for 20 people who live there for two weeks!
Recent expeditions have cost half a million dollars, and of those there
have been serious failures; Radio In a Box would almost certainly have
been far more successful for at least one of them.
There is a saying here in the US about the understanding gained by
walking a mile in the other man's shoes. It may have come from our
European ancestors.
73, Jim K9YC
_________________
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
|