[SEDXC] FT5ZM Press Release

[Ralph]

I haven't seen this posted to the SEDXC but maybe I missed it.  Sorry if 
it's a dupe.
It's from K0IR, Ralph Fedor, team leader of the upcoming January 2014 
Amsterdam Island (FT5ZM) DXpedition.

Press Release 05/03/2013

Since our last Press release early last month, we have a great deal of
news to report.

We have received the call sign FT5ZM.  It is a good call sign and we
thank TAAF for their cooperation.  Two new team members have joined the
team of fourteen. They are Neil, VA7DX and Andy, UA3AB.  Both men are
veterans of many DXpeditions and add expertise to the list of operators.

Several more sponsors have joined in with their support, Spiderbeam,
Cycle 24 Antennas, and Array Solutions.  Array Solutions will be
providing the new OM Power amplifiers for our low band operations.

The team will assemble in Perth, Australia on January 10/11, 2014.  The
DXpedition vessel Braveheart will arrive on January 12th and loading of
equipment and personal items will begin. The North Coast Radio Group of
Western Australia, along with Alek, VK6APK, will be offering logistical
support to the FT5ZM Amsterdam Island DXpedition Team.  The VK6's will
assist in obtaining masts, ground rods, electrical hardware, and some
medical supplies.  This will result in a substantial decrease in the
bulk and weight of material that the team has to ship from the U.S.  We
plan to depart for the 9 day trip to Amsterdam Island on January 15th.

We are grateful to the growing list of DX Foundations, DX Clubs and
individual DXers who have contributed toward the DXpeditions expenses.
NCDXF, INDEXA, ARRL/Colvin and several European based DX Foundations
have made unusually large commitments.  They are aware of the extreme
cost of the venture at over $400,000. (see our budget on the website.)

However, thus far, we have only raised just over 53% of the money that
we need to complete this DXpedition.  As payments on the vessel begin
next month, we must ask the world-wide DX community for their support.
Visit our website at: www.amsterdamdx.org and contribute whatever you
can.  We need your help.