VK9NT - ODXG Norfolk Island DXpedition 2013

Latest News:

Update: 3rd March 2014

VK9NT achieves DXCC (all via LotW!). Congratualations to the team and a special thanks to all who contacted us on the island and confirmed via LotW. Definitely the way to go these days!

Update: 23rd July 2013

As of 14 July 2013, VK9NT finances have been closed. All operators have seen and approved of the financial records. Due to the generosity of radio amateurs and clubs, all freight costs have been reimbursed to the 11 operators. On behalf of the VK9NT team we thank all amateurs who contributed to help offset our costs. Any further donations either via the VK9NT website or via our QSL Manager will be directed to ODXG Inc to cover some of the expenses that the club paid to assist VK9NT. 73 Chris VK3QB (VK9NT Leader)

QSLing up to date. All OQRS Direct and Direct (inc SWL) have been processed and sent. The first batch of OQRS Bureau has also been sent to VK outwards Bureau. QSLing will now be down weekly. Please note if no return envelope or insufficient postage is received it will result in the return of your card via the Bureau system.

Update: 1st July 2013

QSL cards have been received from the printer and processing has begun.
OQRS Direct first (all mailed on today!) then Direct. Then OQRS Buro then Buro.

Update: 30th May 2013

The VK9NT QSL cards have been ordered. Many thanks to all who have donated via the OQRS so far. Very much appreciated by the team.

Thanks also to Norfolk Island Tourism for their support.

Update: 14th May 2013

The VK9NT log has been uploaded to Logbook of the World (LotW). Some more pictures added to the gallery with more to come. Also have added to the Supporters list (more to come so don't worry if your not listed yet) All very much appreciated and all will be listed.

Update: 13th May 2013

The VK9NT team arrived safely back in VK today after going QRT at 2030 UTC with a final QSO total of 24559.
Many thanks to the two Wayne's and Sarah on Norfolk who could not do enough for us. Anson Bay and Pacific Palms were great places to operate from and to stay in. It was a great trip all around and congratulations to all that worked us and sorry to the ones who missed out. We did our best and had a great time on a beautiful island at the same time.

73 from the VK9NT team.

Update: 6th May 2013

The VK9NT team arrived safely (albeit with some equipment missing in freight for a while). Over 8000 QSO's in the log as of Monday night (local time) and slowly getting into a rhythm. Chris (VK3QB) is doing an interview with local radio station showcasing amateur radio a bit and also at the local school. Propagation not so good to EU but we are hopeful of getting more in the log. Please try to avoid Dupes as some are coming only minutes after the first call! If you are not in the log then work us again but please check the Clublog first! Unfortunately EU continues to be their own worst enemy by calling out of turn etc making it slow for everyone. Please read the DX code! See you in the pile :-) 73 from Norfolk Island.

Update: 2nd May 2013

The VK9NT team received notification today (2 May) from the SOTA Management Team that VK9 (External Territories) for Norfolk Island have been approved. We will have an Elecraft KX-3 radio and plan on activating at least one of the summits on Norfolk Island during our DXpedition. If you are chasing SOTA then listen for us from Norfolk Island between 3-13 May 2013. We will provide more info via this web site and also the sotawatch website once we are on the island. Individual team call signs will also be used for the SOTA activation so keep your ears peeled for any VK portable 9 operations. QSL ONLY via home calls for any SOTA contacts. Please listen to operator instructions.

We look forward to working you from Norfolk Island, and especially those chasing SOTA.

73, Chris

Update: 19th April 2013

Andre V51B has agreed to be our pilot station for Africa. Thanks Andre.

Update: 8th April 2013

This pic (see Gallery page) shows just some of the luggage the team is taking to Norfolk Island. Eight suitcases, one golf bag... Still to come are another 2 golf bags (containing the Hex beams) and three more suitcases. A total of just over 300kgs in freight, costing approximately $1,200. The bulk of personal items will be carried by team members as carry on luggage and is not seen in this photo. Any small donations to help offset this expense will be appreciated.

Update: 7th April 2013

The VK3 members of the team met up for a day to test some of the equipment. Looks like the Hex beam raising was a success. All on track so far. See the Gallery for pictures from the day.

Update: 28th March 2013

Planning has been continuing behind the scenes with most equipment being on hand now and all travel and accommodation locked in. A testing day will be undertaken shortly to make sure that everything goes together and more importantly that we don't forget something :-) Only 5 weeks to go!

Update: January 20th 2013

Operation officially announced.

Update: January 11th 2013

Lee VK3GK flies to Norfolk to check out accommodation and operating options etc.

All team members confirmed and flights booked.

Update: December 2012

Planning has begun! Here we go again :-)