First DXpedition to Clipperton

[g4tut]

First DXpedition to Clipperton

With the TX5C 2008 Clipperton DXpedition now underway, Jeff, KE9V thought that now would be a good time to reflect on the first-ever amateur radio operation from that lonely atoll.

Hear the story of Bob Denniston, W0NWX and the rest of team who, in 1954, overcame incredible difficulties and setbacks just getting on the island. The 1108 contacts made by FO8AJ were as hard fought as any made since.

Jeff's website, 'Long Delayed Echoes', has the full story http://ke9v.net/2008/03/07/first-dxpedition-to-clipperton/







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[KW0U]

Thanks for sharing this. Dxpeditions can still be tough, but this one was a real victory for determination.

[KG6UTS]

I dug out an old QST with pictures from the 1954 DXpedition...looked rough just getting there.

73
EdZ KG6UTS

[KB2FCV]

Thanks for posting the info on the very first dxpedition. I am going to dig through my QST's from that year to try to find any articles on it. I noticed from the pic it appears they are running perhaps a Hallicrafters SX-101 and HT-32 pair? It must have been cool to be there! I just worked em' on 30 CW last night. Took a few hours but finally got em'.

* Edit: A little digging reveals that it was a Hallicrafters SX-88 and HT-20 that were used. 1954 I think was a little early for the SX-101 and HT-32 as those came out in 56 or 57

[JLCox]

Great story:
I was first licensed in 1952 at the age of 16 as W0KMV. I remember the pileups and frantic attempts to work FO8AJ on 40 meters. As a young ham, it was most exciting to listen and attempt to work Clipperton Island.

I also remember CE0AA, the first DXepedition to Easter Island. I don't recall the year, but it was in that era of fantastic operators and pounding brass.

Later, I became a CW operator for the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, but was never able to match the expertise of Bob Denniston and the rest of the Clipperton "gang".


Jack-W0XR