[amsat-bb] KP5 Desecheo DXpedition on satellite

[Andrew Glasbrenner]

Updates from www.kp5.us indicate that at least part of the team is now on 
Desecheo, and will soon begin HF operations as K5D. Thanks to the support of 
AMSAT-NA, the team is equipped with a Kenwood D7 HT and Arrow antenna, as 
well as training on using the FM satellites. AMSAT-NA would like to thank 
Doug Faunt N6TQS, Tim Lilley N3TL, and Patrick Stoddard, WD7EWK for their 
generous donations of equipment for this and future DXpedition, as well as 
Keith Pugh, W5IU for training assistance.

Satellite operation is not expected to begin until the second half of the 
DXpedition, and then only on an as available basis. A second repeater on 
AO-51 (145.88/435.150) will be activated on February 16th and 
reserved -only- for contacts with K5D while within sight of the island. K5D 
may be active on either AO-51 repeater, SO-50 or the ISS voice repeater 
modes if available. Operation on the transponder satellites is not expected 
unfortunately. Outside of range of Desecheo, users are encouraged to operate 
under the standard AO-51 QRP rules. These guidelines are 10 watts output or 
less, to omnidirectional or handheld antennas only. Telemetry collection 
operations on AO-51 will occasionally interrupt the  435.150 downlink on US 
west coast passes not in range of Desecheo.

Users attempting contact with K5D should be aware the the DXpedition does 
not wish to exchange grid squares during the QSO in order to allow more 
operators the chance for a QSO. Their grid square is FK68, same as most of 
Puerto Rico. Please be courteous and limit yourself to one QSO. Logs are 
expected to be available online at http://www.kp5.us/ . Many prolific 
DXpeditioners are on this trip, and a positive experience with satellite may 
result in increased participation by future expeditions.

Good Luck on working a new one on satellite!

73, Drew Glasbrenner, KO4MA
AMSAT-NA VP Operations