The AMSAT Operations team is in the process of acquiring a few sets of basic loaner gear that will be available to DXpeditions and other groups in order to promote activity on the satellites. Initially these will consist of simple FM portable stations including a full duplex dual band HT and an Arrow or other suitable antenna. Depending on the success of the program, we will likely expand it to include the transponder and digital satellites as well. We also expect to be able to integrate AO-51 operations into the program. In the recent past, similar efforts have been undertaken by individuals within AMSAT, including W9AE's AO-40 package, and KO4MA's gear loaned to the KG4SB Gitmo operation.

Thanks to the past generosity of AMSAT-OZ and a few individual donors to a prior personal effort to equip a Peruvian university station for AO-40, I have approximately 140 dollars to redirect to this project. To complete the first phase of this, I'd like to have on hand two split boom Arrow antennas with diplexers and two late model full duplex handhelds. The preferred rig is the Kenwood D-7 or Yaesu FT-530. These will be packaged together in two custom crush-proof PVC carrying tubes. We already have a major DXpedition to a location within LEO range of most of North America interested in participating in the early part of 2009.

If businesses, organizations or individuals would like to assist in this program, please email me at ko4ma@amsat.org. All sponsors will receive full recognition from AMSAT for their participation. As indicated above, our major needs at this point are two split boom Arrow antennas with diplexers and two full duplex dual band HTs.

73 and thanks for your support of AMSAT, Drew KO4MA AMSAT-NA VP Operations