I also cornered Paul at the registration booth but couldn't get him to talk. I was hoping he would be at the evening "Attitude Adjustment" but I didn't see him. You know, bring him a few Beers, loosen up the lips, etc. However I did have a nice chat with Rich and some of the guys from ZL9HR so that was fun. Today I attended the DX academy and learned some tips for working the new ones. It was great playing with all the toys at the exhibits. All the big boys are here, Yaesu, Kenwood (with their new TS-990S), Icom, Elecraft, Alpha, SteppIR, Force 12, etc., etc.

Anyway I'm sure that as soon as Paul announces the big news tomorrow one of us will be posting it as it happens so stay tuned around 10 - 11AM Pacific.

John K7KB

Learn, Learn, Learn and just have fun!   I've signed up for the DX Academy on Friday so I'm looking forward to that. And it will be great attending all the seminars on Saturday. And I'll probably just get depressed looking at all the equipment I wish I had but can't afford But I think the most fun will be seeing some old friends and hopefully meeting some new ones. See you there!

John K7KB

I've worked 3 XW stations, but all of them on 20M. So it will be nice to see a large scale operation from there so I can try to work them on the other bands.

John K7KB

I received my nice booklet card sometime ago. I usually use OQRS plus kick in a few extra $$$ as a contribution to help support the DX'pedition. Especially if it involves a ATNO

John K7KB

I think I would like to go to at least a semi-rare DX location on a expedition someday as part of my Bucket List. Nothing major like Amsterdam, but maybe something like Cocos-Keeling, Christmas Island, Midway, etc.

John K7KB

You are not the only one Jon. I need it myself for a ATNO. I think Pierre was just winding down his operation before I got my beam up. Up until then, all I had was my 43' Vertical. I'm hoping my 3-el SteppIR at 72' will be enough to snag one of the new operators. However it looks like they are going to be limited on their antenna and I don't think they took a amplifier. It's probably going to be a challenge for us.

John K7KB

Actually it is. QRM is QRM no matter where or who it's coming from 

Personally, I have nothing against someone who uses a net to get a new one if they need it. At one time I was very active with the Pacific DX Net with Jim Smith along with the Afrikaners net. I met a lot of very nice people on those nets and don't regret participating with them one bit. I don't participate in DX nets now but if you think I'm going to feel bad about using a net it the past, that's not going to happen Gene.

John K7KB

Well I'm going to throw my guess out there and go with Mt. Athos only because Paul recently visited there a few months ago. Since a few of us here are going to Visalia and I know where Paul is staying, perhaps we can hold him in the room and use various tortures until he gives us the info. Perhaps playing Country Music until his head explodes? 

John K7KB

Probably for me it was French Guiana (FY). Don't ask me why but for whatever reason for the first few years of DX'ing I just could not work one of those guys. It wasn't until I became active again a few years ago that I was able to work one to finally finish up all of my Central/South American countries. However still looming on the list is that darn UN Station 4U1UN. I still haven't managed to work them yet and they are just across the country. But go figure, I do have Navassa

John K7KB

No, you didn't. But it's fairly easy for the ARRL to tap into the FCC database to find all of your licensing info. That's not the case for all amateurs outside of the US.

John K7KB

Agreed. Often times when operating from remote locations like this there is limited or no medical facilities at all. We all have to keep in mind the sacrifices and hazards that each operator endures to participate in a DX'pedition. My condolences go to the family and friends of Ingolf.

LOL - Completely understandable and I concur

John K7KB

Col: Just make sure that when you do make the announcement it's NOT on April 1st. Delay it a day or two if required

John K7KB

I certainly appreciate all the effort and fine operation done by the operators of ZL9HR to bring a new one to the masses, including me. It's a real shame that the actions of a couple of people and HARAOA ruins it for all of those who did work so hard to make it happen. At least now I think more people will insist on some kind of accountability to make sure it doesn't happen again.

John K7KB