The BS7H 1997 DXpedition to Scarborough Reef is still on target to hit the airwaves in approximately two weeks. Team leader BA1OK met with JA1BK in Tokyo this week to finalize several key details of the operation. The U.S. members of the operating team--N7NG, W6EU and W6RGG--met at the recent International DX Convention in Fresno to review logistics issues with N4GN, a member of the two previous BS7H DXpeditions.
Here are some details which will be of interest to the DX community:
- All necessary licenses, operating permits, landing permission, visas, and other documents are now in hand.
- BS7H will be on the air for approximately 7 days, starting 30 April. As with most DXpeditions of this type, the exact schedule is dependent on weather, transportation and other variables.
- The following transmit frequencies will be used by BS7H:
CW--1826.5, 3505, 7005, 10105, 14024, 18073, 21024, 24895, 28024 and 50110 kHz
SSB--1826.5, 3790 (3750 secondary), 7065, 14195, 18115, 21295, 24935, 28485 and 50110 kHz
RTTY--14083 and 21083 kHz
- BS7H will also be QRV on the Russian RS satellites.
- As stated previously, the primary goal of this operation is to give as many DXers as possible the opportunity to work an all-time new one. Providing QSOs on multiple bands and modes is a secondary goal. The operating team requests that DXers who worked the BS7H 1995 operation refrain from making additional QSOs on the same band-mode. Similarly, RTTY QSOs on multiple bands are discouraged.
- The BS7H operators will frequently make an effort to listen in the U.S. General class sub-bands and the Japanese sub-bands as appropriate. Periods of simplex operation will also be conducted, particularly during the last few days of operation.
- DXers are reminded that QRM from driftnet beacons, shortwave broadcast stations and various illegal 'encroachers' can be a problem on the amateur bands in the South China Sea, particularly on 40, 80 and 160 meters. Follow the directions of the BS7H operators, and be alert for changes in listening frequencies which may be necessary to work around such QRM.
- The operators will be looking for sporadic-E openings on twelve, ten and six meters. When six meters is not in use, a beacon will be placed on 50110 kHz.
- DXers in Japan should QSL via JA1BK. All others should QSL via W4FRU.
For additional information, please visit the BS7H 1997 Home Page (http://www.n4gn.com/sr/) or contact Tim Totten, N4GN, at e-mail n4gn@n4gn.com or fax +1-502-239-7766.