A grid dxpedition to EM97 in West Virginia is planned for Saturday afternoon October 24th. It's about 600 miles round trip so the first pass of AO-27 at 1734z will likely be the beginning of the operation. Then AO-27 at 1912z, AO-27 a 2054z followed by AO-51 at 2200z and possibly 2339z if it's not too dark.

West coast stations should try for the 2054z AO-27 pass since the 2339z AO-51 pass could be dropped. West Virginia is very mountainous and it is difficult to find a high point that can see down low to the horizon. That and the fact that there are not that many hams in this grid are likely the cause of it being uncommon.

There are no digi's close to where I will operate but there may be coverage from mountaintop digis far away. Track with k8yse-8. I'll also have the ISS APRS radio going which might relay the position to the aprs servers. Unfortunately, there will not be any ISS passes while I'm at the operating location, however, there will be passes in the morning on the way down. The APRS radio is k8yse-9. I will attempt to operate on the way down while in motion.

I'll have HF capability on the way, probably on 40 meters most of the time.

The weather forecast is for rain and possible thunderstorms. I hope they will not be too severe. As long as it is not lightning, I will operate in the rain somehow.

Please email with suggestions and/or schedule requests. As always, no qsl card is necessary. All contacts will be confirmed.

73, John K8YSE