I just received a call from Bob, KK6EK, and he said that he, Arliss, W7XU, Bill, AE0EE, Dave, K3EL and several members of the Braveheart Crew are on Heard Island right now. The satellite connection was crystal clear – and he sure is one happy camper!
He said they have a beautiful view of Mawson Peak (Big Ben) – where it peaks out from the fog often. He said that they are planning exactly where the tents will go and making final staging plans. They arrived at 4 PM Heard Island local time, which was 2 1/2 hours ago as I write this. The ATV will get a work out in just over 12 hours!
They will be busy tonight staging the gear, and if this wonderful weather holds out – they will start camp setup as soon as the sun rises – their morning – in a little over 12 hours from now. It will take them all day to set up, but then they will be on the air!
Keep that sun dance going – your good thoughts are with the team, and vice versa!
Expect a flurry of photo’s – Bob said they are taking photo’s like mad and I will get them to all of you the minute I receive them. I will also post his voice log entries here.
Please also remember – that we plan to have Bob call into the W5KUB Webcast that is also simulcasted on shortwave radio station WBCQ. Details here:
http://tmedlin.com/wordpress1/blog-3/
Stay tuned – from now on – I will keep the words short and the images long – hi hi That “calm before the RF storm” is going to feel like a blink of the eye!
73, Rich KY6R
P.S –Â I notice he also made an audio log post – that cuts out a lot – so I will make sure to remind the team that they need to keep the sat phone antenna pointed in the right direction. For me – its even better news because the work that Alan, VK6CQ did months ago will pay off – he checked the “look angles” in preparation for using the 4 Explorer 710 BGAN terminals (fully sponsored including unlimited airtime), and they are much better with a connection since they are stationary and have great antennas:
In fact – you can remove the lid and pole mount them, which will be done if needed. We even tested them through the HDT Airbeam tents – and the tent fabric does not interfere. Onward!
vk0ek.org 
Awesome Words of excitement! May the foray soon begin! Very glad to see the wx report so nice in such a rugged part of the world. Will be waiting for the Pics of Big Ben and surrounding terrain!
Jim WA2MBP
Great news! In one word: FANTASTIC!
73 de Jan, ZS6BMN
I suppose all YLs, XYLs and OMs around the world are so excited about this magnificent moment! GREAT!!!
Good luck, clear skies and good sigs :-)))
73 de DD5XX
Saki
Hey guy’s just wanted to let you know K6UDA Radio (youtube channel) is featuring your DXpedition on this weeks show. I’m excited to work you guys. The west Coast on the US is buzzing about this.
Wondering if the first stations will go on the air before DXA is active or whether they will wait to get the satellite link and DXA set up first..?
The shelters and living gear will be set up first. Then the power and light system and then the stations. As the antennas are being erected, the stations and computers will be set up along with the BGAN terminals. I will update everyone with details as they happen.
Congratulations to the Team on a safe recon landing. Be safe, and have fun. KB!!
Why not use zulu time ?
15 hours from now becomes wrong in 1 hour.