Updates from www.kp5.us indicate that at least part of the team is now on Desecheo, and will soon begin HF operations as K5D. Thanks to the support of AMSAT-NA, the team is equipped with a Kenwood D7 HT and Arrow antenna, as well as training on using the FM satellites. AMSAT-NA would like to thank Doug Faunt N6TQS, Tim Lilley N3TL, and Patrick Stoddard, WD7EWK for their generous donations of equipment for this and future DXpedition, as well as Keith Pugh, W5IU for training assistance.
Satellite operation is not expected to begin until the second half of the DXpedition, and then only on an as available basis. A second repeater on AO-51 (145.88/435.150) will be activated on February 16th and reserved -only- for contacts with K5D while within sight of the island. K5D may be active on either AO-51 repeater, SO-50 or the ISS voice repeater modes if available. Operation on the transponder satellites is not expected unfortunately. Outside of range of Desecheo, users are encouraged to operate under the standard AO-51 QRP rules. These guidelines are 10 watts output or less, to omnidirectional or handheld antennas only. Telemetry collection operations on AO-51 will occasionally interrupt the 435.150 downlink on US west coast passes not in range of Desecheo.
Users attempting contact with K5D should be aware the the DXpedition does not wish to exchange grid squares during the QSO in order to allow more operators the chance for a QSO. Their grid square is FK68, same as most of Puerto Rico. Please be courteous and limit yourself to one QSO. Logs are expected to be available online at http://www.kp5.us/ . Many prolific DXpeditioners are on this trip, and a positive experience with satellite may result in increased participation by future expeditions.
Good Luck on working a new one on satellite!
73, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations