02/03/2016
The VP8SGI team[1] on South Georgia has been running several stations
simultaneously in an effort to work as many of those needing need the rare DXCC
entity. The pileups have been enthusiastic, if not always orderly. The VP8SGI
operators are not listening on their transmit frequencies, so it's necessary to
operate split; listen to the operator's instructions on whether to transmit
above (UP) or below (DOWN) their own frequency.
Co-leader Paul Ewing, N6PSE, described South Georgia Island as "an amazing,
very beautiful, windy and cold place." It is snowing, and the noise level is
higher than usual. The DXpedition campsite is surrounded by penguins and seal
pups.
On February 3 they have been experiencing a G1 geomagnetic storm that is
affecting their operations on the higher bands. The operators report that their
phased verticals for 160 meters seem to work very well, though, and they expect
to continue a major focus on the low bands, including Top Band.
VP8SGI is planning to be active on 17 meter SSB on Sunday, February 7, for
those needing an ATNO (all-time new one) contact.
To accommodate VK and ZL stations that have had problems working South Georgia
on 15 and 30 meter RTTY, VP8SGI ops will be on 14.080 RTTY on February 4,
listening up, only for VK/ZL and Oceania stations. They also will try again on
6 meters (50.110 MHz CW at around 1600-1800 UTC and 2000-2200 UTC). They do not
have a 6 meter beacon.
The VP8SGI team will shut down at sunrise in South Georgia on February 8. -
Thanks to VP8STI/VP8SGI Chief Pilot Toni Gonzalez, EA5RM
[1] http://www.intrepid-dx.com/vp8/
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