The EUDXF is proud sponsor of the Baker 2018 DX-pedition. Here we share the latest news from the KH1 team:
Dear DXer:
We are contacting you because you have supported one of our past trips either directly or through OQRS. The Dateline DX Association is approximately 30 days away from arriving at KH1, Baker Island. Our gear has now all been shipped and our website updated to reflect all operating frequencies, operating plans, and up-to-date propagation routines to ensure you know where and when to look for us. We hope to be QRV around June 27. Please visit us at http://www.baker2018.net
Our experienced DXpedition team has conducted successful DXpeditions to many rare countries. We also have a worldwide net of pilots. They are there to relay back to us any missed or rare openings so we can react to them and be there to work you. Please do not hesitate to contact them: http://www.baker2018.net/pages/team.html
Our timetable for going to Baker Island was based on (a) the timing of our US Fish and Wildlife Service permit, (b) availability of our ship, and (c) the typhoon season in the Pacific. We understand the lack of darkness for some areas for low band activity, but with KH1 being the number 5 most wanted entity, ATNO QSOs are a priority and 20 meters offers the best worldwide propagation in June. Stations will be on 20 meters 24/7. We expect Eastern Europe to be able to work us on 17 and 30 meters as well.
Our group helped develop the latest WSJT-X software to incorporate a DXpedition fox/hound mode. Please download version 1.9.0 before we are QRV around 27 June. This may expand the bands we are able to use at this point in the solar cycle. We’ve also put a “how to use the new FT8” primer on our site. It will help those new to the mode to quickly master the new version. Check it out at http://www.baker2018.net/pages/plan.html
We have spent many months preparing for this trip, and last month simulated the island setup. Please visit http://www.baker2018.net/pages/pretrip.html to see more pictures relating to our testing activities.
As with any DXpedition to the really rare ones, this will be another large budget operation. The operator team will contribute over 50% of the expected budget of $400,000. You can help make this DXpedition happen by visiting our website, and contributing today. http://www.baker2018.net/pages/donate.html
Thank you in advance for your support.
The Baker Island 2018 Team