Edited for 160 info and brevity from The Daily DX:
Limited radio activity can be expected starting this weekend, while an all-band
effort will be made in the WPX SSB contest next weekend.
Remember, even though the contest effort will be taking place from the
DXpedition site in Temotu, QSOs will count for Solomon Islands DXCC
credit (H44) before 2359Z on 31 March. At that time, the H40AA call will be
debuted, and QSOs will begin counting for Temotu (H40) DXCC credit,
pending approval of the new country application.
The largest island in Temotu--officially known as Nendo--is more commonly
referred to as Santa Cruz Island. The H40AA operation will take place here,
in a small village known as Lata (10 deg 43.5 min S, 165 deg 48.1 min E).
Although it is the provincial capital, only about 1500 people live in Lata.
Far from the beaten path of tourists, only one small resort is available,
and its owners have agreed to allow it to be converted into "Operations
Central" for the H40AA DXpedition.
Lata is very hot, humid and WET--the annual rainfall often exceeds 600
cm (235 in). Because the H40AA operation will be taking place during the
rainy season, average daily rain totals of 2.5 cm (1 in) or more are
expected. The associated high QRN levels will make for challenging
reception at times, particularly on the low bands.
Three regional coordinators--Martin, G3ZAY; Bill, K6GNX and Gary,
K4MQG--have been appointed to provide the H40AA DXpedition with a
reliable, two-way information channel.
The coordinators can be reached via e-mail for any questions and/or
comments related to H40AA:
Martin, G3ZAY: eupilot@dial.pipex.com
Bill, K6GNX: k6gnx@telemetry.com
Gary, K4MQG: gdixon@infoave.net
Based on input from several DXers, two changes have been made to the
frequencies listed in the original H40AA announcement. Please note the
following new transmit frequencies:
160 (SSB and CW): 1824.5 kHz
Finally, because this will be a "new one" for everyone, the primary goal
of this operation is to maximize the total number of individual DXers
who make at least one QSO with H40AA. The secondary goal is to make a large
number of total QSOs by operating on multiple bands and modes.
Every effort will be made to exploit the critical openings to Europe,
which will be the most difficult target area to work. European DXers
are reminded that both short path and long path opportunities exist for
working Temotu. It is anticipated that short path will normally be best
for Northern and Eastern Europe, while long path will be most common for
Southern and Western Europe. Of course, this can vary by band, time of
day and many other factors. The cooperation of DXers in other target
areas will be most appreciated when the H40AA operators are working
Europe.
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