Update May 9, 2024:TX5S QSL Manager Tim M0URX reports that by end of day Wed May 8th all the outgoing TX5S QSL cards will be ready for presort. By Friday May 10th all necessary weights, measures and postal documentation will be completed. The cards will be mailed from the United Kingdom on Monday May 13th. Please allow sufficient time for mail delivery from the UK.
Update February 6, 2024:We are now at the hotel in San Diego.
Waiting for us at the wharf were staff from Shogun's head office, the owner of the boat, and staff from Fisherman's Landing, who with Shogun's crew removed all of our equipment from the boat.
A rented truck was just a few minutes away and before too long the truck was loaded by the helpers and several TX5S team members. Two team members had personal vehicles here and they too were loaded with equipment destined for other locations.
It's been raining and as I type this note one of the US Navy's aircraft carriers is moving across the harbor, it's huge.
Joe JJ3PRT, there was a bottle of excellent sake in my bag and we opened it last night at dinner. The chef prepared prime rib and crab cakes to celebrate the successful completion of TX5S. This morning he had breakfast ready before our arrival.
K5GS/TX5S.
Update February 5, 2024:After 8 days at sea, sometimes rough seas, we are now scheduled to arrive San Diego on Monday morning, 9AM.
The team is in good spirits, and happy to having put another successful DXpedition in the log.
We begin offloading on Monday and will truck the equipment to its new home, a storage locker near Placerville, California.
During the 8 day sea journey we assisted our QSL Manager, Tim M0URX, to resolve Busted and Not in Log calls.
There are no additional logs to upload. If you're still having a problem and have not already submitted the form located on M0URX.com OQRS, please do so.
At this time there were 226 requests out of 113,737 QSOs to investigate, each has received a response, OQRS is being processed daily.
Thanks for the wonderful pileups. We appreciated all the emails we received and the comments on various reflectors.
We'll see you on our next project to ???
73,
GS K5GS for the TX5S team
Update January 31, 2024:The Software as a Service supplier that handles our donation processing is running behind.
We've been doing some manual entry, so it's a slow process.
Donations made Jan 26th and forward are in the system but the QSOs are delayed being sent to LoTW.
No data has been lost, it's just a slowdown in data transfer with the 3 involved applications.
OQRS is not impacted by this problem.
73, GS K5GS
Update January 30, 2024:All the logs are now on Clublog and M0URX.com
The missing 40m QSOs were found on that station’s laptop and are also online.
For confirmations: OQRS is open on M0URX.com
We are making our way to San Diego and expect to meet the wet weather being predicted for San Diego.
73,GS K5GS for the team
Update January 29, 2024:
1. We know there are some 40m QSOs from the 28th that are not in the log, we will investigate. It appears that a station computer dropped off the network during the night. Hold off reporting those QSOs.
2. The seas are knocking us about, not conducive for working on the log. We've retreated to our cabins.
3. We had to upgrade the Starlink plan to Global Mobile Priority with a data cap and per GB surcharge.
4. All Busted call and Not in Log requests must be submitted using the form on the OQRS system. Please, no more emails to team members or the PDXG accounts. Tim will work down the queue, please be patient. Remember Box 88, you waited 2 years back in those days.
Thanks,GS K5GS
Update January 28, 2024 @ 19:53:The team is back on the boat visiting the shower and having breakfast.
The crew is busy securing everything in preparation for getting underway.
The last of the logs have been uploaded to Clublog and to M0URX.com - OQRS is available at M0URX.com
Busted Calls and Not in Log requests should be submitted using the form on M0URX.com
We received requests for TX5S hats / shirts:
They are available from SQ1K Bart's Shop
Everyone is in good spirits, and happy with the results.
Thanks for the great pileups, we hope you too met your goals.
TX5S team members are scheduled to be at Visalia, Dayton and Friedrichshafen.
There will be *no* /MM operation on the return journey to San Diego
73, GS K5GS for the team
Update January 28, 2024:The scene right now is a monsoon like downpour on the island.
At sun up the crew will begin the process to bring back the equipment and people.
We'll leave after everything is tied down.
73,GS K5GS
Update January 28, 2024:Confirmation requests will be processed only at M0URX.com OQRS forTX5S is now open on M0URX.com 73,GS K5GS
Update January 27, 2024:All stations are now quiet.
We are taking most of the camp down now.
However, several brave individuals will stay on the island tonight and operate:
30-40-17-12-10 meters
We will be uploading logs from the boat, including the last of the satellite logs.
Thanks for the great pileups, you will have opportunity tonight for last minute QSOs.
Cheers,GS K5GS
Update January 26, 2024:There are a lot of things going on here as we prepare to shut down.
We will keep stations on the air as long as possible.
For those waiting for your early donor LoTW, I have been too busy to upload the logs to the OQRS server. I'll do that later today, and after we shut down. If I miss the shutdown upload I'll do it from the boat.
Please be patient and please, no more emails about busted calls, LoTW, QRZ.com confirmations, we do not use QRZ logging those emails are deleted.
The wind was howling last night, but the boat crew did come across this morning to refresh our food supply.
The pileups have been fantastic, thanks for that.
73,GS K5GS for the very tired team
Update January 26, 2024:Our departure windows are governed by the tides and weather forecast.
We can’t move people between the ship/shore at night, so we’re limited in options.
We’re estimating numerous shore – ship – shore runs to clear the island of equipment and people.
Based on today’s WX forecast the plan is:
All local dates:
- Saturday, Jan 27th begin tear down, and removal of all non-essential equipment and HF antennas. There may be some low band operation this night
-- Sunday, Jan 28th removal all DXpedition equipment and people from the island
- Monday, Jan 29th remove any remaining equipment and depart for San Diego
Expect 7 – 8-day journey to San Diego
The pileups were fun, we know many ATNOs were logged, and certainly more band fills.
We hope you had fun chasing us.
73, GS K5GS for the team
Update January 25, 2024:We're working with the skipper on a departure plan.
The weather outlook indicates an earlier departure than originally planned, exact date to be determined.
Safely getting over the reef is the goal and to do that the tides and the winds must cooperate.
The skipper is suggesting the ride back to San Diego will be uncomfortable regardless of departure date.
More information to follow after another meeting with the skipper in about 12 hours.
Cheers,GS K5GS
Update January 25, 2024:Tonight, we will be on 160m using Dave’s bespoke Top Band Express Antenna.
- There will be no additional 60m activity.
- We will be on 80m using the repurposed 60m antenna.
- And 160m using the repurposed 80m antenna.
In the next day we should have the skipper’s departure plan. The challenge continues to be getting over the reef, so we’re driven by the tide changes. More on that later.
73, GS K5GS for the team
Update January 24, 2024:The plan is 160 tonight, but sometimes plans have to change.
If not we'll communicate that to the community.
Tnx GS K5GS
Update January 23, 2024: Planned 23cm EME operation, awaiting hardware:Q65-60C 1296.080 MHz, 1st/Even @1500, CFOM, WSJT-X 2.7.0
Update January 22, 2024:As anyone who has been on an expedition to an uninhabited Pacific Island knows, things change in an instant and you need to be flexible. The weather continues to be our challenge so we redesigned the campsite on the fly to a smaller footprint. We have one operating tent with 5 radio positions, 1 satellite tent, 1 combined HQ / science tent and 8 sleeping tents.
Second to the weather, the next major challenge is the reef that circles the island. Getting over the reef requires a boat that can sustain hull / bottom damage if (when) it hits the reef, and it will strike the reef. The winds are typically 15 – 20 knots, the photos you see of the surf are what we're seeing 24 hours a day.
With the revised footprint we are removing non-essential equipment from the island before the actual departure date, which was planned for about Jan 30th. The journey to the island took an extra day so we need to consider that on the return trip. The skipper will establish the actual departure day, he’s closely monitoring the weather situation.
Today the 80m and 60m, antennas were installed. We’ll spend a couple of days on 80 then re-provision it for 160. We do have a dedicated 160m antenna but believe it’s too windy to install. We made some contacts on 6m and will be on 6 EME at our moon rise today.
Everyone is in good spirits, a few minor scraps and scratches, but nothing requiring more than a band aid.
As you probably know, to date, the bands have been smoking hot. At this writing over 30,500 QSOs with a 2.2% dupe rate. The pileups are constant and “energetic. We do appreciate it when we ask the pileup to QRX and allow the operator to work a particular caller. We're meeting our objective, we're told a lot of ATNOs are being claimed.
It remains very hot and humid during the day, with some moderation at night.
Cheers,GS K5GS
Update January 22, 2024:Satellite logs just uploaded to Clublog and M0URX com.
Curtis, WX4W
Update January 21, 2024:Hello from Clipperton where it is already hot and humid, 91f (32.7c)
We are on the air with over 11,800 QSOs since last night.
The log was uploaded to Clublog and to M0URX com There were some discrepancies between Live Stream when we first came up, we had a software glitch that was resolved. I am still working on the satellite log, hope to have it uploaded soon.
We still have additional setup to do, low band antennas, and the big amps. It’s difficult to work in the blazing hot sun, so we go slow to avoid heat related medical problems.
Please, do not send emails to our personal email addresses, to the DXpedition address, or directly to the PayPal email address. Also, many are sending us log screenshots, spreadsheets, and other files.we are not using QRZ com logging, so please do not send requests.
We are not making log corrections while on the island. All Busted Calls and Not in Log issues will be resolved by submitting the form on the M0URX Bespoke OQRS application. Received emails with attached files are being deleted without opening. Use the Groups io account to contact us, the pilots will summarize your comments and send to us.
The ride over to the island from the boat was uneventful, unlike the jet boat rides from the Braveheart.
Cheers,
GS K5GS for the TX5S team
Update January 21, 2024:All operators and most gear is on the island.
Campsite is coming together, we will be out of sunlight soon.Working on station setup.
Livestream is here
73, GS K5GS
Update January 20, 2024 at 1755z:We know many of you are anxiously waiting for us to come up more bands / modes. Here are the facts:
– At the moment, the WX is not good for landing more people / equipment on the island.
– The boat is rocking and rolling, a few team mates are feeling the effects of the motion.
– We had to stop sending over equipment when the seas became too dangerous.
– Yesterday one of the supply boats was swamped at the reef and a food resupply was lost. Also lost were some support equipment (not radio).
– The team on the island has the main operating tent and 6 sleeping tents installed, they have food, water and petrol. They have 4 monoband VDAs installed.
– Unfortunately, not all the RF kits made it over yet, life support kits were the priority.
– Live Stream will be activated when we get more than the minimal equipment to the island.
– We’ll upload the logs to ClubLog and to M0URX sometime today.
– We’re monitoring DXSummit and see the pirate spots and the usual comments / rumors.
– We are using WSJT-X in F/H mode – call above 1000hz
Update January 20, 2024 at 1500z:There as been no FT8 operation by TX5S, yet.
We'll get a log uploaded as soon as possible.
They're currently on 10CW, will switch to SSB soon.
Curtis - WX4W
TX5S Pilot
Update January 20, 2024:TX5S Clipperton Island Team start activity from Clipperton Island.
TX5S will come up with one station on 17m CW on Jan. 20th, 2:05z. Look for them on 18.069, up.
For this start-up operation Live Stream will not be activated, just yet.
As we were advised, getting over the reef is “very” challenging, this is why we’re running behind schedule.
Cheers, GS K5GS
Update January 19, 2024:This morning's plan is to bring over the remaining equipment, primarily radios, antennas, additional tents, etc. This should begin in 1 hour (7AM), there's a lot of work yet to be done.
There will be no additional updates until we're all on the island and the campsite setup is completed.
73, GS K5GS
Update January 18, 2024:9 TX5S team members are on the island, rest over tomorrow staging equipment..
There are no radios on the island, yet.K5GS
Update January 18, 2024:Circling back to the leeward side of the island. Waiting for the skipper to decide on a plan.
I've seen a few spots this morning for TX5S. These are either Pirate Stations or individuals who are mistaken. The team is not operating Maritime Mobile at this point and while they are close. You may track their progress using the TX5S website, which I encourage everyone to use for band plans, and other operational information that may be of interest.
73, K5GS &WX4W
Update January 17, 2024:We will arrive Clipperton early Thursday morning.
The boat crew will begin bringing our equipment out of the holds early in the morning. The skipper will take a trip around the island looking for known openings in the reef. Initially, three team members will go to the island and, based on where we land, select the camp location.
Two team members will stay on the boat to direct the transfer of equipment, first over: emergency food, drinking water, shelters, one small generator, petrol, tools, etc. followed by all other equipment.
As equipment goes over, one or two additional team members will take the ride over. The weather will dictate how many people can (will) go over on the first day.
Once we begin this process, we may not be able to send updates until the island Starlink terminals are deployed, or possibly some people may remain on the boat Thursday night.
Cheers,GS K5GS
Update January 17, 2024:On this project we have Starlink available to do emails and read the news.
The operators bring along books to read, laptops with videos, and the ship has a big screen TV with an HDMI port /cable we can use.
There's a lot of chatter about the island, the setup and day to day operations. Tonight we're having a meeting with the skipper: arrival / offload plan.
We have one professor from the University of French Polynesia and one from the University of Orleans. They will study the condition and relationship of the island's rat and crab populations, and other topics of their interest. Various governments are looking for ways to remove non native plants and wildlife, New Zealand leading the world with these types of projects. Their proposed projects were instrumental in the issuance of the landing permit.
We have a retired French Naval officer who represents the Association la Passion-Clipperton, an organization involved with improving and preserving Clipperton Island’s environment.
Cheers,K5GS
Update January 16, 2024:Nothing significant to report. The seas are still relatively calm, the boat is stable, with some minimal rolling, WX is perfect. The team is in excellent spirits.
The N6WM/MM log has just over 2,200 QSOs. The log will be uploaded to M0URX.com after the DXpedition. If you’re unsure of a contact work us again. However, there is no plan to do any additional 6M operation from the boat.
As a reminder, the pilots will be monitoring our Groups.io account. Please feel free to subscribe to the group and provide input, or read what others are reporting. The pilots will not have access to the logs.
While on the island or in transit we will not accept requests for "log checks" or to investigate busted calls. Busted call and Not in Log requests will be investigated by Tim M0URX. To request assistance you must use the form on Tim's Bespoke OQRS application.
And please, unless otherwise directed, do not send us e-mails that contain screenshots, spreadsheets, logs, pictures, or any other files, they will be deleted without opening.
With Starlink Internet on the boat the team is in contact with family, friends and is aware of world news.
Cheers, K5GS
Update January 15, 2024:The seas have been calm; we passed the half way point last night. The /MM station has been busy, with over 1,500 Qs in the log. Francesco IK0FVC is the primary SSB operator, various other operators have been working CW / FT8. Today we begin conducting planning meetings for the arrival.
As a reminder, we are using WSJT-X in Fox/Hound. Callers “must” transmit above 1,000hz. Please note: we are not using MSHV or any other derivative. Additionally, we plan to operate split on the other modes. This morning we installed a 6m dipole and are making FT8 contacts, 50.313.
Shogun has 3 custom built, double bottomed, aluminum skiffs, designed to minimize damage when transiting the reef. The boat crew developed their landing plan and they will help us with some of our major tasks.
Cheers,K5GS
Update January 14, 2024:We had a late start from San Diego due to weather. After the first day of rough seas the ocean is now relatively calm and the team is in the ship's routine.
Currently, we're about 3.5 days from Clipperton. We estimate 2 days to move the equipment to the island and setup the campsites.
The Elecraft K4 / KPA-500 is being used on CW, SSB and FT8, last count just over 1000 QSOs in the log.
While underway we're using N6WM/MM.
The /MM QSL card will include a Date / Time - Grid Square lookup table.
The Early Donor Program has been extended until the first QSO from the island is logged.
Cheers, K5GS
Update January 12, 2024:After a bumpy first 12 hours the seas have calmed down and the TX5S team is getting into the Shogun’s daily routine.
Boat crew served a wonderful breakfast this morning, and posted today’s menu.
Over the next few days, we’ll have team meetings to discuss the: landing plan, campsite setup / management, and then radio setup / operations.
The maritime mobile station is up and running: N6WM/MM using the Elecraft K4D, KPA-500 and a 4BTV vertical antenna.
To answer a question we've received: The TX5S call sign is only valid for 15 days, we could not use it for the /MM operation.
Cheers,K5GS
Update January 11, 2024: They are sailingon the way to Clipperton Island.Follow their progress to Clipperton.
Video available.
Update January 10, 2024:We began loading the boat at 8AM on Tuesday. Three helpers from Fishermen's Landing, 4 or 5 crew from Shogun and several of the TX5S team. By noon almost all of the equipment was aboard with just the generators on the landing waiting to be brought aboard this morning.
Just a few more supplies to buy at Costco today and we leave on Thursday morning after our passports are inspected.
K5GS
Update January 8, 2024:Members of the TX5S DXpedition team met in Northern California on Sunday Jan 7th to load the truck.On Monday they will drive approximately 10 hours to San Diego.Boat will be loaded on Wednesday, depart for Clipperton on Thursday.
Please look for N6WM/MM during the planned 12 days at sea.
For those that chase grid squares, we will keep track of the grid squares and note them on the QSL card.
QSL via M0URX.com
Unless otherwise announced, OQRS will be available shortly after we return to San Diego, currently scheduled for Feb. 6, 2024.
Departure from San Diego is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at 10AM, 1800z.
Update January 6, 2024:The TX5S team will be arriving San Diego, California January 8th/9th.
Loading of the vessel is scheduled for the morning of 9th. We depart on the Shogun the morning of January 11th, with the voyage to Clipperton Island being about a six day sail.
We look forward to seeing you in the pileups!
Update January 2, 2024:Press Release #9
This will be the last Press Release before we depart from San Diego on January 11, 2024. We will release periodic updates from the island.
The DXpedition equipment is packed and ready for the voyage to Clipperton Island, the team will begin assembling in San Diego on January 8th. Weather permitting, we expect a 6 day voyage each way, camp setup will take approximately 1.5 - 2 days.
Follow the Shogun
We expect to have a Garmin inReach transmitting Shogun’s position at regular intervals.
Log Uploads
There will be two Starlink terminals on the island. Logs will be uploaded at least once a day to both Clublog and to M0URX com ClubLog Live Stream
Shortly after we leave the island, confirmation requests (OQRS) will be processed only at M0URX com
Early donors that work us will receive their LoTW while we are on the island.
Not in Log and busted calls will be investigated by submitting the form at M0URX.com.
Please, no emails about Not in Log or busted calls. You must use the reporting form on the OQRS system.
K6TU Propagation Tools
Stu K6TU has again made his personalized propagation tools available at no charge during TX5S.
Fundraising:
TX5S donations are only at ~53% of the goal. While adding a donation to your OQRS request is always appreciated, the cash flow challenge is real, the bills must be paid before we sail.
Since the last press release the following organizations have joined the project as sponsors:
- Liga Amadores Bras de Rádio Emissão (Brazil)
League of Brazilian Amateur Radio Broadcasters
- Motherlode DX Club (significant donation)
- The Carolina DX Association
We wish to thank the organizations and individuals who have already pledged their support to TX5S and ask those of you who have not yet processed a donation to consider supporting the project before we sail on January 11, 2024.
FT8 Operation:
Unless otherwise noted, we will use WSJT-X in Fox/Hound mode. You must transmit above 1,000hz.
Special Thanks to Our Suppliers:
Equipment support from our suppliers was welcomed.
DX Engineering, Elecraft, RadioSport, ON5UR QSL Print Service, The DX Store, M0URX com, The Daily DX, LBS, RigExpert, Spiderbeam and SQ1K Bart’s Shop (for providing the team clothing). Additionally, John N7CQQ provided the 240V amplifier power grid, and other items, from previous Clipperton DXpeditions.
Good luck in the pileups.
73,
Clipperton 2024 Team
TX5S
Update January 1, 2024: Additional information provided by Andreas, N6NU, about the EME operation:
We will have StarLink Internet on the boat for sure and very likely on the Island as well.
Locator: DK50jh
– Satellite: IO-117 435.310 – Will be using the OZ9AAR Greencube Terminal to use multiple Callsign ACKS per transmission to optimize throughput
– 6M EME: Q65-60A 50.189 MHz, 1st/Even, @1200 WSJT-X 2.7.0 (Q65 Pileup capability)
– 23cm/1296 EME: Q65-60C 1296.080 MHz, 1st/Even @1500, CFOM, WSJT-X 2.7.0 (Planned awaiting hardware)
– If possible we will be using ON4KST (6M) and HB9Q (23 CM) to coordinate
– I will also be monitoring PskReporter to see if there are any 6M openings - just in case.
I hope to work as many of you as possible!
