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08 October 2011

HK0NA MALPELO ISLAND 2012 DXPEDITION PRESS RELEASE (Dated Sept. 30th):

"The Malpelo 2012 DXpedition is pleased to announce that the HK0NA operating team has added two new operators, both physicians..W0GJ and K9SG. The team now consists of 18 operators representing eight countries.

Two members of the team will travel to Malpelo for a reconnaissance visit in late October. The purpose is to check out possible operating sites and make final decisions on the type and placement of antennas. We want to try to have antennas oriented for all parts of the DX world. Also, some equipment will be moved onto the island and stored until our DXpedition begins in late January 2012. Every effort is being made to extend the length of time available for operating. This requires coordination with the authorities and agencies that oversee the island and the charter boat company. It appears that we can get to the island one day earlier and may have the option of staying a few extra days. Of course, our costs will rise accordingly. The current plan has the team QRV on or about January 23rd for 12-14 days. Operations are planned on 160 through 6 meters on CW, SSB and one Digital mode. Several of the Elecraft K3s are already in Colombia. The other K3s, five KPA500 amplifiers, antennas from DX Engineering, and Spiderbeam 65 foot masts for the low band antennas will be shipped soon. The Alpha 8410s are on their way. The Malpelo team is paying all their transportation expenses to/from Colombia and putting up about one-half of all the DXpedition costs. To cover the remainder of our expenses, your financial assistance is kindly requested. Contributions are being sought from DX Foundations, DX Clubs and individual DXers. You may contribute directly to DXARC (Colombia) or to K4UEE (North America), DJ9ZB (Europe), or JA1ELY (Asia/JA). See our website: www.hk0na.com for further information on how you can help. N2OO and the SJDXA have graciously agreed to handle QSL duties. We plan periodic press releases with information of interest. Also,watch the website for breaking news.