KCØW Says, "See Ya".

[ZD7X]

Hello all,


I will be departing one day earlier than planned, thus I'm posting this thread now instead of Sunday morning.

As some of you know, I'm moving to St. Helena island. My callsign is ZD7X. I have buckled my seatbelt for the crazy ride that I will experiencing by living on the "second most remote island in the world which is inhabited". The official title of THE most remotely populated island is Tristan da Cunha. Tristan is located about 1400 miles south of St. Helena. More about Tristan in a minute.


Why I'm doing this:


When I hit the age of 40 (two years ago) I felt there was more to life than working 12 hour days, six days a week year after year after year. Call it a mid-life crisis? Maybe so.

I have been very lucky in life. Through working my a$$ off, I will be able to live comfortably in "semi-retirement" on the island into the foreseeable future. I'm divorced & we decided not to have kids. It's great being able to do whatever the hell I want to in life now!!!


Getting to St. Helena:


Getting to St. Helena is logistically interesting. One must first fly to Europe. You then change planes for the flight to Cape Town, South Africa. After a layover in Europe, it's on to Cape Town on a 12 hour flight. Total travel time is 26 hours straight from Minnesota including layovers in the USA & Europe.

One then boards a cargo/mail ship for the 5 day voyage to St. Helena. An airport does not exist on the island, thus all travel must be done by ship. An airport is scheduled for completion by 2010 or 2011. Once in international waters, you just might hear kcØw/mm calling CQ. The registry of the ship is British.

St. Helena island is located roughly 2/3 of the way between Brazil & Angola, in Africa. It really is in the middle of nowhere. That is why the British exiled Napoleon to St. Helena, where he lived out the remaining of his days. The islands population is about 3,800 with a mixture of locals, British & South African residents. I will be the only American on the island according to everyone with whom I have spoken with on St. Helena. I lived in London for six months in the late 80's. The British are some of the nicest people that one could ever run across.


Passion for amateur radio:


I applied for & received the ZD7X call sign little over a month ago. It's a good call and quite a memorable one I feel. There are currently about a dozen licensed amateurs living on ZD7 land. Only three are what I would call "semi active". Bruce, ZD7VC, is probably THE most active amateur on the island. According to DX Summit (a DX cluster) he gets on the radio about once or twice a month for about an hour each time.......Thus, St. Helena is very "ripe for the pickin" in terms of people needing ZD7 land on amateur radio. Again, according to DX summit, there have not been any DX spots over the last 5 years on the 160 & 80/75 meter bands. On 40 meters there has been ONE spot a few years ago. On 30 meters there have been about 6 spots............It is going to be absolutely insane when those bands get activated!!!

A total of 402 pounds of amateur gear was successfully delivered to Cape Town about two weeks ago & placed onboard the ship for the voyage. Due to expediting the gear thru South African Customs, shipping with DHL was recommended. The only method that DHL uses to ship to South Africa is by 2nd day air. I can now easily understand why the big multi teamed DXpeditions can rack up $150,000+ just in personal and gear transportation fees.

The main radio that I will be using is a highly modified Yaesu 1000D. This rig is really my baby & I will be devastated if anything has happened to it while in transport. This is followed by three quality backup rigs. Antennas (for the time being) are verticals by ZeroFive antennas. I have something plans for yagis to be shipped to the island in January or so.

Tristan da Cunha island (1400 miles south of St. Helena) is very much needed on many bands, especially 160 & 80/75. I have been in contact with a cargo line that visits Tristan once a month departing from Cape Town. It is my goal to launch a 3 band DXpedition to Tristan next year. Those bands will be, 160, 80 & 20 meters. Because Tristan is located so far south, my main (if only) mode will be CW. #


What to expect:


I hope to personally meet MANY of you who post here on QRZ "on the air" from St. Helena. No more of this "meeting people on the computer screen", but actually talking with many of you on the air be it CW or SSB........Be sure to ask me about what it's like paying over $8 for a gallon of gasoline on the island. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Thanks guys, I have had a blast reading many of your posts over the years on QRZ. Although I might have been a jerk to a few of you at times, I was dealing with 12 hour work days and a marriage from hell.

Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings as I will soon be starting the most exciting chapter in my life yet!!!



# # # # # #Live your dreams. Ya only go around once,

# # # # # # # # #



# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Tom ZD7X

[NA4BH]

Good Luck, Tom. I hope to work you some day. Send pictures, "You just might actually start THE ISLAND OF MISFIT HAMS".

73 OM

Bob

EDIT TO ADD (because I just got to, and I mean nothing by this. It is a QRZ tradition, DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU). # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif # # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[n2nh]

Happy Trails. Hope to work you on the air someday. Let me know if their mai-tai's are as good as on IOMHs.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[w6vps]

Tom:

Bon Voyage..be safe...hope it is everything you wished for...Just think..now you'll be one of the expatriates we read about.

73 & good DX 2 u
Paul/W6VPS

[KE5FRF]

Well Tom, does this mean no internet access? I guess you won't be answering that....seems that you'll have SOME means, a library? A satellite service?

Good luck and hope to work you again...worked you once about a year ago. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (w6vps @ Aug. 31 2007,22:21)]Tom:

Bon Voyage..be safe...hope it is everything you wished for...Just think..now you'll be one of the expatriates we read about.

73 & good DX 2 u
Paul/W6VPS
Well, in the words of Bugs Bunny, "bum Voy-ah-gee..."

But seriously, we wish you luck health and prosperity.

Really, good luck. We'll all be looking for you on the air in the months to come.

[K5FH]

Quote[/b] (ZD7X @ Aug. 31 2007,21:15)]When I hit the age of 40 (two years ago) I felt there was more to life than working 12 hour days, six days a week year after year after year.
Enzo Ferrari once said, "It's too bad that I build the kinds of cars that I build, because by the time a man is wealthy enough to own one he's too old to really enjoy it."

You're doing it the right way, Tom. #Don't wait until you're 65 and pensioned off with a whole list of ailments and regrets.

Wish I could join you. #Oh, well, maybe some day soon...

[KD4LEI]

Have a good one and have fun. I guess if you like Kenny Chesney, just play, "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems..."

[KM5FL]

Like you, I worked my a$$ off and managed to "semi-retire" very early in life. It took me 9 years longer than you.. I've now had 12 years of practice.. Believe me, Tom, it gets better each and every day..

Enjoy yourself and report back to us occassionally..


Live long and prosper..........


KM5FL

[KC2ESD]

Quote[/b] ] Live your dreams. Ya only go around once,


This is why I'm going for my Pilots License next year or two. You are right about bringing your dreams to life and your posts got me thinking about going after my dream, to Fly a Airplane. Good luck and hope to work you on 20 meters.

73 de Rick KC2ESD

BTW I have your new QTH already marked in Google Earth from the last time your posted about your dream move.

[KG4CGC]

Need a roomie?

[ka5piu]

Hello.

I can understand about that married part.
I have never married, and most likely never will, the American female selections? I think I will pass.
At least you have a few years left to devote to what you want to do, live your dreams and not some female nightmare.

[W3MIV]

Good luck, Tom. I hope all your dreams have happy endings.

[n1ydx]

Live the dream. Very glad you could do it and make me keep the dream alive.

All the best

N1YDX - Lee

[KI4ITV]

Good luck, Tom! I feel a voyage like that deserves a Godspeed too! I'll keep an ear out for you.

So with the island being so small and gas at 8 dollars a gallon, my calculations indicate that your total annual gas expenses will be around 16 dollars. Not Bad! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[w4rot]

Tom,
Rock on!
Now let me swing this chair south and east..
There we go.
Glass raised to you!
Enjoy.
rot

[W4HAY]

Good luck, and best wishes for a happy life! We'll be looking to pound some brass with you!

[kq9j]

Good luck have a safe trip and have fun! Look forward to working you from St. Helena!

[KA4DPO]

Tom, I lived in Africa for a couple of years and have one word of advice for you, GENERATOR..

Have a safe trip and I'll look for you on the DX end of the pipe.

John.

[N2RJ]

Good luck, Tom.

I was glad to do the opposite of what you did - move from a small island nation to the USA. Glad because I didn't have to deal with lack of infrastructure. #I do understand why you're doing this though.

And any favors for anything you need stateside, let me know. #I know you probably have contacts to do that stuff already, but in case they decided you're a crazy mo-fo and decide to abandon you, just drop me a line...

Also, I'll be heading to Trinidad sometime next year (not this year as I planned, due to citizenship/passport delays) for a small operation, so hope to work you then.

73 and good DX!

Hope to work you!

Ryan, N2RJ && 9Y4RAJ && M0RAJ

[ky5u]

Best of luck amigo. Will be looking for you on CW.

[K7KBN]

I'd always thought Easter Island, 3600 km from Chile and 2079 km from the nearest inhabited island (Pitcairn) was the most remote place on earth.

Matters little, though...both of 'em are pretty well off the beaten path. I've worked St. Helena on CW, from 40 through 10, and Tristan once, while /mm on USS Kitty Hawk, from very nearly the antipodal point!

From my house on Helena Drive to you on St. Helena, here's wishing you a great ride!

[wa9cwx]

I predict you will meet a nice young lady from Minnesota.
She will miss the snow, ice, and cows, and skeeters.
You will move back..

You will marry, sell your gear, and raise pigs and chickens.

HOWEVER, should I be wrong... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Have a great time, enjoy, and I WILL work you on CW.

Congratulatons Tom!

73, Frank

[WA2ZDY]

Good luck and good DX OM.

And I still say ZD7Y would be a better call!

[K4GUN]

You're living the dream. I'd tell you to savor it, but I can see you already are. You have my eternal envy.

[KC7UP]

May the pileups be plenty and conditions be good. Hope to see you in contests Tom.
Curt

[KB3LIX]

Bon Voyage from me too Tom.
Remember, you are getting to do what a WHOLE BUNCH of us would like to do.
Enjoy, good luck and GOOD DX !!!!!

That weak voice calling from Pennsylvania will be me. Listen REAL HARD !!!!

[KI4ITV]

Quote[/b] (KB3LIX @ Sep. 01 2007,11:41)]Bon Voyage from me too Tom.
Remember, you are getting to do what a WHOLE BUNCH of us would like to do.
Enjoy, good luck and GOOD DX !!!!!

That weak voice calling from Pennsylvania will be me. Listen REAL HARD !!!!
I'll see you in the pile-up Bill.
(I almost always do) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[K3STX]

You're right Tom, you only DO live life once!!

Have a safe trip and I'll talk to you during CQWW.

paul

[w4nti]

Tom,

I have always liked this statement: Do it now, so you won't have to say "I wonder if". I lived my life that way.

Would you believe back in 68 I bought me a one way ticket to Bangkok Thailand and lived there till my money ran out and I couldn't find a job? I traveled to Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Okinawa, I've drunk the local brew and passed out in a Binjo ditch more
times than I would like to admit. I've been to places that
General MacArthur forgot about. And I lived on the island that Ferdinand Magellan died on.

I have swam in the Atlantic and the Pacific from both sides. I have speared Great White Sharks off of Kwajelien Island, I have lived on the beach in the Philippines and I have traveled in Europe, I loved it all
and wish I could do more.

I even managed some ham operations along the way.

I'm too old and falling apart to do it anymore. But you enjoy, I'll see you on CW. You only live once. ENJOY

Dan/W4NTI

[k0dxc]

Good luck

[cu2jt]

Quote[/b] (ZD7X @ Aug. 31 2007,21:15)]Live your dreams. Ya only go around once,
I did exactly the same 3 years ago. Quit my work, sold everything and moved to the island of São Miguel. Indeed a slightly more populated and bigger island than St Helena and maybe not that attractive DX-wise but not a minute of regret.

Good luck and say hello to ZD7BG and ZD7JC - two of the ZD7's I have worked from here.

[ky5u]

BTW, folks should look at St. Helena Island with Google Earth. Basically a volcano with people hanging on its edge.

[G0GQK]

Well you'll have plenty of radio friends wanting to contact you on St. Helena, if you can hear them above the din of every radio loon who keeps calling non stop.!
Best thing to do is get on PSK, you can have nice contacts with no QRM. Enjoy yourself, I hope you don't mind windy conditions !

G0GQK

[AA0CX]

Well, Tom, I'll miss ya. Never worked you, but always enjoyed reading your posts! LOL!

Good luck.

[ka0sog]

Via con Dios OM
73's

[ka5s]

No turning back now, eh? Good for you! You'll do great.

Look for you on the air if the UP 2 LID crew lets me hear you.




Cortland
KA5S

[ZD7X]

Hello From Cape Town, South Africa.

Thanks for the many kind workd you guys have posted about my departure.

The cargo ship leaves tomorrow morning for the 5 day journey to St. Helena Island. I have a lot of stuff to setup once on the island, but you should hear the mighty ZD7X on the air no later than September 15th.

Brought along another 188 pounds of gear in the belly of the aircraft. Total weight shipped now is almost 700 pounds of high class radio grear now.

Now on for a 5 day cargo voyage tomorrow morning to the island. As always, I'm really looking forword to working lots of the guys from QRZ & eHam forms as ZD7X.


Getting close now!!!


Tom ZD7X

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (ZD7X @ Sep. 04 2007,13:55)]The cargo ship leaves tomorrow morning for the 5 day journey to St. Helena Island. I have a lot of stuff to setup once on the island, but you should hear the mighty ZD7X on the air no later than September 15th.
My birthday, incidentally.

Hopefully I can work ZD7 for my birthday! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[ZD7X]

Allright Ryan,

We shall maybe make a go of it..........Happy birthday & will be listening for you. Must QRT now to get ready for the 5 day voyage to the island in the morning..



See ya,


Tom ZD7X

[W0JBC]

Goodbye Tom.....

[w5klb]

Fair winds and following seas, Tom.

[K9FV]

Sure hope you can get some type of internet connection there Tom - we'll miss your posts - Have fun, isn't that the purpose of life?

73 de Ken H>

[KC2ESD]

I'll be in Virginia Sept 15th. I hope to get back on HF and the end of Sept with my new Vertical. In Oct I hope to make contact with KC0W/ZD7X as my signal flys over the Atlantic Ocean in the October Sky.

Good Luck and 73 de Rick KC2ESD

[ZD7X]

Hello from St. Helena Island!!!

Just picked up my ZD7X license today........All radio gear looks like it had survived the trip OK.

Will be putting the big antenna up in the next few days. Have a 40 meter dipole up but I'm gonna wait until I can get my main antenna up before any QSO's take place.

Just tuning accross the bands, it's amazing how LOUD African stations are here........It's gonna have a blast.

Hope to work a lot of you in the next week or so after the station install is done.

No computer at the house yet. Already bought a motorcycle. Now if I could only get used to driving on the left hand side of the road all will be great!!!


Good DX,


Tom ZD7X

[WS2L]

Best Wishes Tom, I retired at age 35 and am now 43. Who knows maybe I will be ZD7Y one day.

[KC5CSG]

By far one of the more interesting posts. Wife and I sort of have the same dream when I retire. Good luck man and I'll make sure to keep an ear out for you.

73

KC5CSG

[NN3W]

Quote[/b] (ZD7X @ Sep. 12 2007,05:05)]Hello from St. Helena Island!!!

Just picked up my ZD7X license today........All radio gear looks like it had survived the trip OK.

Will be putting the big antenna up in the next few days. Have a 40 meter dipole up but I'm gonna wait until I can get my main antenna up before any QSO's take place.

Just tuning accross the bands, it's amazing how LOUD African stations are here........It's gonna have a blast.

Hope to work a lot of you in the next week or so after the station install is done.

No computer at the house yet. Already bought a motorcycle. Now if I could only get used to driving on the left hand side of the road all will be great!!!


# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Good DX,


# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # Tom ZD7X
Glad you made it ok. If you want to test stuff out, I'll be at the N3HBX "farm" this coming weekend to test out contesting software.... He's got a few antennas that should be able to hear most anything.

[N2RJ]

Good luck, Tom!

My SteppIR MonstIR is arriving on Friday. So I am scheduling my install for next week or the week after next. So you are right on schedule!

Driving on the other side of the road is no big deal. When I moved to the USA I thought that driving on the right would be difficult. It wasn't. When I went to Trinidad last year I thought I'd make an accident because they drive on the left too. Guess what, I was worried for nothing.

73 and good DX!

[WA3KYY]

Hey Tom, with everyone chasing 3B7C, maybe us little guys can sneak in a few Qs with ZD7X. We promise not to spot you if you give us preference!

73,
Mike WA3KYY

[w3wn]

Quote[/b] (ZD7X @ Sep. 12 2007,08:05)]Hello from St. Helena Island!!!

Just picked up my ZD7X license today........All radio gear looks like it had survived the trip OK.

Will be putting the big antenna up in the next few days. Have a 40 meter dipole up but I'm gonna wait until I can get my main antenna up before any QSO's take place.

Just tuning accross the bands, it's amazing how LOUD African stations are here........It's gonna have a blast.

Hope to work a lot of you in the next week or so after the station install is done.

No computer at the house yet. Already bought a motorcycle. Now if I could only get used to driving on the left hand side of the road all will be great!!!


# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Good DX,


# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # Tom ZD7X
Just let us know when you're ready Tom. I'm already looking forward to working you on 80, 30, 17, & 12 meters! Just say the word...

73, ron w3wn

[KC2ESD]

Good Luck Tom and don't forget to wear your Helmet.

73 de Rick KC2ESD/4

[NN3W]

Tom was average copy yesterday. He was busy working Europe on 20 SSB. Not even my stack could get into him...

[N2RJ]

I had my mom and my aunt and cousins over yesterday. I couldn't get on the radio.

[w3wn]

Quote[/b] (NN3W @ Sep. 16 2007,09:27)]Tom was average copy yesterday. #He was busy working Europe on 20 SSB. #Not even my stack could get into him...
Saw one spot for him yesterday afternoon, but copy was very light.

Plenty of time, though!

73

[K0RGR]

Many years ago, I had a long QSO with a fellow on the island of Nauru. He said he needed somebody to help him run the broadcast station on the island and wondered if I would be willing to take the job. I've always regretted not taking it!

Good luck, and I hope we'll see you after I get my new hamshack built.

[KC2ESD]

I can't work KC0W yet, I'm in 4 land Virginia and I only have my VHF/UHF radios with me. I'm going to the GW Bush School of spelling and grammer, wish me luck. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[cu2jt]

Quote[/b] (K0RGR @ Sep. 16 2007,08:30)]Many years ago, I had a long QSO with a fellow on the island of Nauru. He said he needed somebody to help him run the broadcast station on the island and wondered if I would be willing to take the job. I've always regretted not taking it!
I was offered a job at the new Sheraton (?) hotel on Rarotonga (Cook Islands) but I felt not ready to move at the time.

I eventually ended up on this island instead. Fun and much closer to the old country (Sweden) than Rarotonga...

[WB2WIK]

Quote[/b] (cu2jt @ Sep. 19 2007,08:15)]I was offered a job at the new Sheraton (?) hotel on Rarotonga (Cook Islands) but I felt not ready to move at the time.
I was offered a position in Michigan but chose not to move also.

At least I think that's what they were offering me when they told me to "go to Hell." http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

http://www.hell2u.com/

WB2WIK/6

[W0BKR]

Living large!

Have fun at the new digs and post when you get time. You can now officially poke fun at the "stupid" US ops posting on here as a DX station.

Be safe, live safe and most of all, enjoy!

[KC2ESD]

Oh one more week and my Vert goes up, Counting the days...

Rick KC2ESD temp 2 land.

[ZD7X]

Hello guys,

Things moving along here great. Almost finished with the antenna install.........About 2500 QSO's thus far.


See ya soon,


Tom ZD7X

[ZD7X]

Hello all,

The HF path to North America is difficult at best. I had no idea of this fact before I got here.

Japan on 80 meters CW is an honest 20 over nine. Unreal.........Propagation highly highly favours Europe & Asia on all bands. Days can go by without even a peep from NA.

Antenna is now done. It's a ZeroFive vertical with 60 radials. Total length of the wire used for the radials is 2650'. Vertical is very close to the ocean.

Bands are crazy to Europe & Asia. Hope to work my NA friends as soon as propagation improves.


Tom ZD7X

[kf4vgx]

Tom I've been reading this topic for quite a while.

One of the better topics on QRZ http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif .
If theres one thing I can admire is a person who goes after their dreams http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif . However I am quite envious http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif.

Enjoy !

[w2rdt]

Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Sep. 01 2007,01:45)]Hello.

I can understand about that married part.
I have never married, and most likely never will, the American female selections? I think I will pass.
At least you have a few years left to devote to what you want to do, live your dreams and not some female nightmare.
What a revoltin deveopment this is!
A man goes to a destituded ilsand and
you hate women in the USofA.
What do ya do for recreation?
If ya know what I mean?
Well maybe we shouldnt go there.
What ever trips yer trigger. LOL
Russ==KC2RKO

[M0MJH]

Hi Tom, thanks for the QSO we had last evening (25th Sept) under the club callsign of G0GHK. Was great to speak to someone on St Helena island for the first time. I was, however, using the clubs 4 ele beam and 100w instead of my usual wire antennas!

73
Mark
M0MJH

[KC9ECI]

Tom was just spotted on the dx cluster on 14.214

[KC9ECI]

19:14Z

[K8ERV]

Do they have ac power there? Girls?

Tom K8ERV Montrose Co.

[KC9ECI]

2156Z spotted on 14.188 by W0BKR

[N2RJ]

Wow, he's very very light here. But when I put up my SteppIR this week maybe I'll hear him better.

[KC9ECI]

I could tell there was someone there, but too light to copy. On an unrelated and sad note concerning DX, at the end of June I was told that I had 35 cards waiting for me at the DX buro. I sent some $$ off for postage. Got to wondering when my cards were going to come today, so I emailed the fellow that handles those, and he replied that he was very sorry, but he had set them aside for me and had gotten the envelopes and postage, filed them, and then threw my QSL cards away.

Doh!

I guess Allah didn't want me to be a DX chaser.

[ab8ma]

Tom is on 14.195 if anybody can hear.

[k0dxc]

Good luck and have fun

[KC2ESD]

Tom ZD7X/KC0W is in the October QST on page 83. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ZD7X]

Quote[/b] (KC2ESD @ Oct. 03 2007,17:43)]Tom ZD7X/KC0W is in the October QST on page 83. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Funny how this is "news" to QST now.

Several months ago I sent an email to the ARRL letting them know that I'm relocating here & will be VERY active on the bands. I asked them if they would kindly put a blurb about it in QST.

I received an email back (a week later) from the woman who runs the news part of QST. She stated that someone moving to ZD7 land & being very active on the bands was "not really news for print" (her exact words) for QST magazine.

Amazing........Really makes one wonder.


Tom ZD7X

[N2RJ]

Tom,

you shoulda tried CQ magazine. Those folks there actually like to write stories about REAL ham radio...

[w3wn]

Quote[/b] (ZD7X @ Oct. 08 2007,08:41)]Quote[/b] (KC2ESD @ Oct. 03 2007,17:43)]Tom ZD7X/KC0W is in the October QST on page 83. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Funny how this is "news" to QST now.

Several months ago I sent an email to the ARRL letting them know that I'm relocating here & will be VERY active on the bands. I asked them if they would kindly put a blurb about it in QST.

I received an email back (a week later) from the woman who runs the news part of QST. She stated that someone moving to ZD7 land & being very active on the bands was "not really news for print" (her exact words) for QST magazine.

Amazing........Really makes one wonder.


# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Tom ZD7X
Nothing to wonder about.

I don't have my October QST here in front of me, but I'll bet you apples to oranges that Page 83 is the How's DX? column written by Bernie W3UR.

DX News and General Interest News are edited/written by two different people. Bernie would always be the right person for this. And it would also be where DX'ers would look for news and information.

Don't sweat the small stuff!

73

[ZD7X]

Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ Oct. 08 2007,05:45)]Tom,

you shoulda tried CQ magazine. #Those folks there actually like to write stories about REAL ham radio...
I want to write an article for CQ Magazine about how a guy who LOVES amateur radio moves to the South Atlantic to DX day and night.

I hope to start the article in the next month or so. I believe some of the CQ readers might be interested in a little bit of the story.

Been here for three weeks now..........Just passed 6000 QSO's last night. My goal is 70,000 by mid September 2008.

The BEST operators in the world are the Italians. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Should have the 80' tower & the StepIR MonstIR on the ship departing from the UK in September 2008. Only two ships come here per year to stock the island from the UK. I'ts too late for the March 2008 ship to deliver the tower & the antenna.


Tom ZD7X

[ZD7X]

Quote[/b] (w3wn @ Oct. 08 2007,05:52)]I don't have my October QST here in front of me, but I'll bet you apples to oranges that Page 83 is the How's DX? column written by Bernie W3UR.
Yes, Bernie has been nothing but great.

His Daily DX newsletter is a great read & really worth subscribing to.


Tom ZD7X

[w3wn]

Quote[/b] (ZD7X @ Oct. 08 2007,09:00)]Quote[/b] (w3wn @ Oct. 08 2007,05:52)]I don't have my October QST here in front of me, but I'll bet you apples to oranges that Page 83 is the How's DX? column written by Bernie W3UR.
Yes, Bernie has been nothing but great.

His Daily DX newsletter is a great read & really worth subscribing to.


# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # Tom ZD7X
Yes, it is. And he's a great guy. I'm lucky that I can consider him a friend -- although outside of email, we only see each other at Dayton.

And I'd still like to make a sked with you for at least 30 meters sometime soon! (But wait until I'm done editing my club newsletter tonight!)

73

[KC2ESD]

ZD7X: QRZ.com's number one DX Station. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[cu2jt]

Heard a pile-up calling you on 18135 but nothing heard from St Helena. Do you do any CW and 30/40M ?

[WB2WIK]

Quote[/b] (ZD7X @ Oct. 08 2007,05:58)]Should have the 80' tower & the StepIR MonstIR on the ship departing from the UK in September 2008. Only two ships come here per year to stock the island from the UK. I'ts too late for the March 2008 ship to deliver the tower & the antenna.
Wow!

I guess the "manana" attitude sets in pretty quickly in a place like that.

I can't picture myself waiting until September 2008 for anything other than hopefully a retirement.

Seems like next year. Oh wait...it IS next year! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

WB2WIK/6

[N2RJ]

Worked Tom on 15M on Sunday morning. Quite the pileup, but the MonstIR served me well, since I worked him barefoot (100w).

Best of luck with the SteppIR MonstIR. Mine is just wonderful, but it is truly a beast, both in size and weight. The PST71D has NO problems whatsoever with it, however, but it is NOT an antenna to just throw up there without proper planning and a strong rotor and tower.

What bottom of the cycle? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif