Latest News

Updated 14/01/2012

 

Jan. 14, 2012 For the last couple of nights there have been many bogus HK0NA spots on the clusters. While there is a limited operation by the advance crew, and thus some of thespots are valid, one or more 'slims' are apparently calling CQ using theHK0NA call.  Because CW Skimmers pick these up and place them on clustersthe 'slims' are apparently enjoying this new method of causing trouble.  Theoffenders probably call CQ until they get spotted by a CW Skimmer, and thenquit...perhaps to head to a different band to perform the same shenanigans. What can a user do to minimize this?   1)  Turn off skimmer spots 2)  Block spots posted by W3LPL Using CC-User connected to a CC-Clusters, such as AE5E-1 DXSPOTS.COM you can elect to receive or decline CW Skimmer spots.  While these can be useful in some circumstances, the CW Skimmer spots are a target for troublemakers as explained above. CC-User can also be used to block spots posted automatically from W3LPL. You can do this on CC-User at "Configuration>Reject Ann or Dx Spots",entering W3LPL as the offending spotter.  These are actually CW Skimmer spots which are processed for 'accuracy' by W3LPL automatically.  'Accuracy' I am told is measured by matching spots from multiple CW Skimmers...if a sufficient number match, then W3LPL's system puts them out in a format which is identical to a normal spot. Under ordinary circumstances W3LPL's spotting system is useful as it reduces the number of mangled calls.  But it is still subject to the 'slim' problem outlined above.

Jan. 12, 2012 The "Fabulous Four" advance team continue their work of building the infrastructure for HK0NA with emphasis shifting now to OP. A (top of the mountain).  And ..in their spare time making some QSOs with the deserving. Of course, we are hearing from a small minority that they are doing everything wrong and not listening here or there or whatever.  May we suggest you everyone be patient and remember that 16 more operators will be there the morning of the 21 st. for up to 17 days. Yesterday the DXCC desk confirmed that QSOs made by the advance team , when they used their individual calls, will count for DXCC purposes.  Those logs will not be available until after the DXpedition concludes. May we suggest that you work HK0NA also. We intend to upload the HK0NA logs to ClubLog soon after the arrival of the main operating team.  Don't bother checking the "Log Online" until then. Lastly, our volunteer pilots kindly request that you not contact them until after the main operation begins! Thanks to all !

Jan. 9, 2012   Contact: bob@k4uee.com The advance team to Malpelo, commonly referred to as the "Fantastic Four", are working very hard and doing a great job on the Island, despite several days of heavy rain and wind. All of the camp infrastructure and antennas for OP.B (bajo) is now complete and the guys have tested all the antennas. They appear to be working as planned with good signal reports from around the world, including Asia long path. The next step in the project is to make safe the climb to the top of the mountain where OP. A (alto) will be situated. Safety lines are being installed along the most treacherous sections of the trail. Once in place, construction will begin. There will be an operating tent with four radios and 500 W amps and six antennas. There will also be a sleeping tent, as the decision has been made to send crews to the top for 48 hour shifts. This is to minimize the risks of transit up and down. Under the current scheduling plan devised by W0GJ, each team member will serve on four 48 hour shifts during our stay on the island. Beginning at 0001 Zulu, January 10, 2012 the advance team will begin using the HK0NA call sign. Please understand that their primary purpose on the island is to prepare everything for the team arriving in about 10-12 days. In their off time, they may be QRV. Any contacts made with the men using their home calls should count as valid contacts with Malpelo and will be confirmed through the team's QSL manager N2OO. Keep in mind their logs won't be sent to N2OO until after the DXpedition and those QSOs will not show in the HK0NA "log lookup". The team has asked two experienced DXers to act as team "Pilots". San, K5YY is chief pilot and all communications to the team will go through him. Col, MM0NDX will act as the European Pilot. Please check the website for their "guidelines." And please, do not contact them prior to the beginning of the DXpedition which should be on the afternoon of January 21 st if all goes well. We want to thank all of our sponsors for their generosity. This includes DX Foundations, DX Clubs and hundreds and hundreds of individual DXers who have contributed toward our expenses. Contributions can be made via our website at: www.hk0na.com/sponsors We plan periodic uploads of pictures and updates from the island. Watch the website for ongoing news. Thanks, Jorge Prieto, HK1R Co-leaders: DXpedition leader Bob Allphin, K4UEE, and Gregg Marco, W6IZT

January 6/2012 The fantastic four" are working very hard and doing a great job on the Island! We are in daily contact with them. They are tired but in high spirits. Most of the camp infrastructure and antennas for Op.B (bajo) is now complete. Two antennas require further testing. Today, they made the climb to the top of the mountain (300m), this will be the location for Op. A (alto). The purpose was to survey the antenna and operating locations. It is a fairly strenuous climb, and it took about 40 minutes to get to the top. Afterward, a decision was made to place the operating position and sleep tent at the very top of the mountain and schedule operators for 2 day shifts to minimize transit risks. Set up of the camp infrastructure and antennas at OP A will begin in a couple of days. We plan another press release prior to our departure to Bogota on Jan. 18 th.

December 28/2011 The fantastic four arrived to Malpelo at 14:00 UTC today

December 27/2011   Four members from the Theam ( HK1N,HK1T,HK6F AND HK1MW ) has departed from the Pier of the Navy Base BAHIA MALAGA aboard the Patrol Boat JOSE MARIA PALAS on 26-12 2011. The target of this advanced team called THE FANTASTIC FOUR is to set up all the 11 stations, the 2 camps and wireless network in order to have everything ready when the main group arrive on Jan 21 2012. To this 4 Brave mans who are going to spend more than 40 days on the island and have sacrfice the Holidays away from his families, we have to express our admiration and gratitude

November 29/2011   Recently three US members (K4UEE, N4GRN and W6IZT) of the Malpelo 2012 DXpedition flew to Cartagena, Colombia and met with six of their Colombian counterparts. The purpose of the two day meeting was to make some critical decisions about the upcoming DXpedition to Malpelo Island. Also, checklists and inventories were finalized and all team members' responsibilities were assigned. Since it is highly unlikely that the various Colombian authorities will permit another DXpedition to Malpelo anytime soon; a decision was made to extend the DXpedition to 16-17 days from the previous 12-14 day plan. The approximate dates of operations will be January 21, 2012 through February 5/6, 2012. Four team members will travel with all equipment, radios, antennas and infrastructure to Malpelo in early January. They will be transported by the Colombian Navy. They will arrive about two weeks prior to the rest of the Team and will set up camp, the two operating sites, radios and antennas. They will spend about 30 days on the island. This will allow the rest of the team to begin radio operations immediately upon arrival by chartered vessel. As mentioned there will be two operating sites, each with a complete complement of antennas and radios with amplifiers. The first operating site will be co-located with the Colombian marine's camp on the east side of the island. It is clear to East Coast USA, EU and Africa. In order to have a clear shot at JA/Asia, the Pacific region and W6/W7; the second operating site will be located near the top of the highest mountain peak on the island. However, to lessen the physical risks to the team members, the operating site will be located on platforms situated below the actual peak. Still, it will be a 45 minute uphill climb to reach the platforms. The antennas for that site will be on the top of the mountain peak. At times, there will be as many as nine stations QRV with the capability of dual mode operations on all bands. Safety of the team is paramount. We will be installing a winch system to hoist team members and all of our equipment from our chartered ship's Zodiac onto the island. From there, manpower will carry the equipment the 300 meters straight uphill to the marine camp. The trail to the elevated operating site is extremely dangerous. We will utilize harnesses and safety ropes to minimize the risks. This is going to be a difficult and expensive DXpedition. Every effort will be made to maximize QSOs while protecting the safety of the team members. It is a delicate balance. Your financial support is necessary and gratefully accepted. Contributions can be made via our website at: www.hk0na.com/sponsors We plan periodic press releases with information of interest. Also, watch the website for breaking news. Thanks, Jorge Prieto, HK1R DXpedition leader Co-leaders: Bob Allphin, K4UEE Gregg Marco, W6IZT

November 6/2011 Bob, George and I arrived in Cartagena and were greeted by Jorge and his lovely wife Monica. Pedro HK1X joined us for dinner and a wonderful time was had by all. Today we are off with our new Compadres to Barranquilla to meet with the rest of the team for planning discussions and hopefully some time on the air!

Observations from the HK0NA Reconnaissance Trip Oct. 23/30. We departed from Buenaventura, Colombia at 20:00 local time on Saturday, Oct. 23rd. The trip to Malpelo lasted 23 hours. Usually it takes 20 to 24 Hours depending of SEA and WIND conditions When we arrived to Malpelo the marine patrol boat was waiting for us. They approached us in an inflatable boat and took us to the island. The first day the climbing to Malpelo on the rope ladder was tough. Although the sea level (TIDE) was high and we only had to climb 3 steps, the lack of practice made it hard. The experience of the inflatable boat driver is essential for this operation. Faber HK6F says is possible to avoid using the ladder. We could get onto Malpelo with a pulley and harness arrangement pulling from above the same way you pull a load up. The climb to the Navy marine’s house is very steep, with slopes of 60 degrees, we had to climb very high steps once in a while, it took us 20 minutes to get from “ el tangon” (the rope ladder and catenary) to the house. We arrived completely exhausted. There isn´t a clear marked path, we had to climb through volcanic rocks. They were birds nest everywhere, birds were very aggressive. I suffered two attacks that injured my legs. The house that they will lend us while during the expedition is very small, in the first level there is a toilet and a bit of space, upstairs there is a space that is currently used as a warehouse. We took the position by using a GPS and a compass. From that location, the mountains block all views towards the southwest, west and north between 220 degrees and 10 degrees. We climbed with the marines to the highest point of the island. The rise is vertical too, with a slope of 60 degrees, volcanic rocks, in some parts you have to use your hands to get up. Before we arrived to the top we had to climb a vertical wall with a rope, the wall is about 20 meters high. Is not that hard to climb because the rock is not smooth, you can support your feet and use the rope to make sure you don’t fall. It took us 40 minutes from the house to the top of the mountain. There we found the lighthouse, a 360 degree view at 300 meters of height above the sea... The top is solid rock and part volcanicrock. The useable area is 80 meters long and 20 to 30 meters wide.Towards the south there is a lower top, 240 meters tall, with steep volcanic rocks. It takes also 40 minutes from the house to the second top. The highest mountain blocks the north between 320 to 40 degrees. For all other directions there is excellent visibility. Water The water on the island is collected from the highest top of the mountain. It is possible to use it to get a bath, but this is a better activity to do on the boat. Camp At the highest parts, is not possible to establish a camp, only an operating site. We can set our camp around the navy house. We will have to climb up and down every day to the operation sites. Temperature and climate The marines told us the temperatures are not extreme. The temperature during the day rises to 30 degrees Celsius and at night drops 18 degrees. Of course, inside the operating tents it will be warmer. We do not expect any rain in January, but on Malpelo, the rain isn’t very heavy, only sprinkles. There are strong winds once in a while, south winds predominates, in January we are expecting north east winds. Ok team, I Hope you have a small idea of what is waiting for us. My advice…continue your workouts…you must be in good physical shape! 73 SAL-HK1T JORGE-HK1R FABER-HK6F

September 30/2011 The Malpelo 2012 DXpedition is pleased to announce that the HK0NA operating team has added two new operators, both physicians..W0GJ and K9SG. The team now consists of 18 operators representing eight countries. Two members of the team will travel to Malpelo for a reconnaissance visit in late October. The purpose is to check out possible operating sites and make final decisions on the type and placement of antennas. We want to try to have antennas oriented for all parts of the DX world. Also, some equipment will be moved onto the island and stored until our DXpedition begins in late January 2012. Every effort is being made to extend the length of time available for operating. This requires coordination with the authorities and agencies that oversee the island and the charter boat company. It appears that we can get to the island one day earlier and may have the option of staying a few extra days. Of course, our costs will rise accordingly. The current plan has the team QRV on or about January 23rd for 12-14 days. Operations are planned on 160 through 6 meters on CW, SSB and one Digital mode. Several of the Elecraft K3s are already in Colombia. The other K3s, five KPA500 amplifiers, antennas from DX Engineering, and Spiderbeam 65 foot masts for the low band antennas will be shipped soon. The Alpha 8410s are on their way. The Malpelo team is paying all their transportation expenses to/from Colombia and putting up about one-half of all the DXpedition costs. To cover the remainder of our expenses, your financial assistance is kindly requested. Contributions are being sought from DX Foundations, DX Clubs and individual DXers. You may contribute directly to DXARC (Colombia) or to K4UEE (North America), DJ9ZB (Europe), or JA1ELY (Asia/JA). See our website: www.hk0na.com for further information on how you can help. N2OO and the SJDXA have graciously agreed to handle QSL duties. We plan periodic press releases with information of interest. Also, watch the website for breaking news. Thanks, Jorge Prieto, HK1R DXpedition leader Bob Allphin, K4UEE-co-leader Gregg Marco, W6IZT-co-leader

August 1/2011 The HK0NA DXpedition team is pleased to announce that Bob Schenck, N2OO and members of the SJDXA will be handling QSL duties. Bob is a member of the CQ DX hall of Fame and the founder of the QSL Manager’s Society. His professionalism and dedication was on display recently as he and the SJDXA handled the the 3Y0X and K5D DXpedition QSL duties.

July 22/2011 3 new members had join the TEAM, Now we have all the Team complete. The new members are VE7CT John, LU9ESD Manu ,WB9Z Jerry.

July 14/2011 New sponsor comes to our DXpedition ELECRAFT Radios.

June 24/2011 New operator comes to Malpelo Dxpedition 2012 expeditionary expert Bob Allphin K4UEE ..35 DXpeditions including 9 to "top 10 most wanted" including: AH1A, VK0IR, A52A, VP8THU, VP8GEO, 3Y0X, VU7RG, K5D and PJ6A.

June 20/2011 New operator comes to Malpelo Is. Dxpedition 2012 San Hutson K5YY Medical Doctor and very nice operator from BS7H, BQ9P, /BW4, /CE0Z D68AF 1978, D6A* 1976, K5QHS/FH8 1976, K5QHS/FL8, FM0AYZ, K5QHS/KS4 Swan Island , K5YY/KS6, K5QHS/KV4, K5YY/ST2, ST0YY, T31A, K5YY/V51, VK9LA, VS5YY, ZK2YY, 3B8YY, K5YY/5H1, 5W1CS , 9M6YY, 9V1VP. Malpelo the dream for 2012.

June 7/2011 New Operators comes to a Team, Pedro Allina HK3JJH and Gregg Marco W6IZT Pedro ex. Malpelo Expeditionary and Gregg K5D ex. Desecheo 2009 and PJ6A 2010.

May 2011 Today Jorge HK1R contacted the vessel SEA WOLF to sail the team for Malpelo 2012 Dxpedition. This ship makes frequent authorized sailings to Malpelo for diving expeditions and has accommodation for 16 people in independent rooms with air conditioning and bathroom. Based on the conversations with them and the visits schedule by the Environmental Authority which controls the Island Access our most probable sailing date will be February 15 2012.

May 2011 Today Jorge HK1R contacted the vessel SEA WOLF to sail the team for Malpelo 2012 Dxpedition. This ship makes frequent authorized sailings to Malpelo for diving expeditions and has accommodation for 16 people in independent rooms with air conditioning and bathroom. Based on the conversations with them and the visits schedule by the Environmental Authority which controls the Island Access our most probable sailing date will be February 15 2012.

May 2011 Jim, HK1N, will be in charge of 50 MHz operation with emphasis in EME.

May 2011 Jorge announces to the Club the Official Isuue by Colombian Licensing Authority of the official call for the DXpedition, HK0NA.

January 2011 Start contacts with Colombian Authorities for Permits and Licenses for the expedition. At the same time, messages have been sent to International friends inviting them for sponsor.

October 2010 Start internal discussions about Malpelo DXpedition. Jorge proposes January 2012 to run it with our own funds.