[amsat-bb] AMSAT DXpedition loaner gear project.

[Andrew Glasbrenner]

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 at 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