NH8S – Swains Island

Joe, W8GEX released an announcement this afternoon on his latest DXpedition plans.

“Joe, W8GEX and Craig, K9CT are pleased to announce they are planning another DXpedition to a rare DX entity. Joe and Craig were co-leaders of the very successful PJ7E DXpedition on 10-10-10. Before that, they were part of the team that re-activated Midway, K4M in 2009.

This DXpedition will be to Swains Island in September, 2012. Swains ranks number 31 on DX Magazine’s MostWanted Survey and number 30 on Club Log’s Most Wanted List. Because of the anticipated demand, a highly experienced team of 20 operators has been formed. The team will operate six stations over a 14 day period, from 160 to 6 meters on all modes, using the callsign NH8S. Great emphasis will be placed on Europe where the DX entity is most needed.

Team members include AA4NN, DJ7JC, DL3DXX, I8NHJ, K5AB, K6MM, K6TD, K9CT, KH7Y, N2TU, N6HC, NA6M, ND2T, NI6T, SM5AQD, W4BUW, W6KK, W8GEX, WB4JTT, and WB9Z.

Swains is a privately owned island and the only way to get there is from American Samoa via ship. The time frame for this operation may not be the best for the low bands, but dates are dictated by transportation and weather. The team of international operators will first gather in Honolulu and then travel to American Samoa together.

Landing permission has been granted for tent and generator operations by the owner for this timeframe.

The website, (http://www.nh8s.org/) developed by team member John, K6MM, who will provide updates as they become available. There are no communication systems on Swains, but logs will be uploaded daily via satellite phone. Later, the group will also have an OQSL link on the website for easy QSLing.

All equipment must be sent from the US via cargo ship in June. Location, transportation, island costs, and other logistics make this a costly trip. Therefore, donations are very much appreciated. Details of how to donate to help defray expenses are on the website.

Thanks to ICOM, who will be supplying IC-7600s for use.  Joe, AA4NN, will be QSL manager, and Carl, N4AA of DX Magazine will sponsor the log search.”

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