Next DXpedition

Yes, there will certainly be other DXpeditions for us. We learned a few new things and we will make it even better. I am sure Ed will talk about it. But while I have your attention, I would like your feedback on the other communication element of this DXpedition: the web, the survey, the blog etc... What was good? What needs improvement? Please let me know... Leave a comment.
And... if you are yourself planning a DXpedition, here is a little plug for my web services. I will be happy to create for you something similar than what we had here, with a blog for you to update (as easy as a kindergarden game) during your expedition and giving you valuable feedback from DXers - instantaneously!
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Update from Spratly

Well, we have been trying hard here at Layang Layang to get people from all over the World in the log on as many bands as possible. Here is a band by band breakdown of the activity:

10M – This has been very spotty and all in the JA – VK – BY South East Asia area. We will try again today and tomorrow. Mostly SSB on 28495 around 07 – 09Z alternating with 12M to see what is open.

12M – We had a nice opening to JA and even worked a couple of EU on Tuesday. We will also be on 24945 around 07 – 09Z today and tomorrow.

15M – No NA. No EU other than a little OH/SM. We will be likely on 21005 and 21295 +/- around 08 – 011Z. Nice JA/BY/VK runs though.

17M – We have had excellent runs on 17M including some EU and West Coast NA. 08 – 13Z and again around 23 – 01Z.

20M – Nice NA openings from 23 – 01Z and 13 – 15Z. EU has been excellent from 13 – 20Z although last night it shut down and then re-opened.

30M – A very fun band and surprisingly quiet using the vertical. Starting around 10Z on and off until 01Z. Often 20 and 30 are open at the same time. We have been hampered by interstation interference and have not been able to be active on both as much as we had hoped. I will be looking for NA at 23Z tonight.

40M – Its all about the dragon…sometimes its on and sometimes its off. When it is on…it literally shuts down the band. So when it is off, I tend to favor 40 because it will be back at other times. I have been going to EU around 15Z – 22Z however there have been times, like last night, when the dragon prevented it. Look for me again tonight around that time. For NA, the west coast is around 09 – 13Z. The East Coast has really only been one fantastic LP opening on Wednesday at around 2230Z. Boy that was fun.

80M – Nope. Noise actually isn’t terrible but my 100W to vertical a little too far from the water just isn’t making the cut. I have CQ’d on 3505 almost every day from 1030 – 1100Z and also at EU sunrise times.

160M – We didn’t put up the antenna based on the poor 80M performance.

We will be participating in WPX. When we are on the non-WARC bands on SSB we will be giving out contest exchanges.

48 hours to go.

73

Ed (N1UR) and Christine (KB1PQN)

Update... or not?

Two days that Ed did not post an update. I told you yesterday he would do it after lunch... oh well, it did not happen. He was too eager to get back to the radio. He says you'd like him more on the radio than blogging anyway!
But I cannot substitute for his knowledge here. Afterall, I am just a little helper. He is sleeping now (8AM Malaysia and China time - 8PM Eastern US time... don't ask for Greenwich time... I am not sure). At 3AM this morning, he was stopped in his tracks by the dragon and went to bed.
I will try to interview him a little later and post for him.
One thing I know though: he is not going to put up a 160M antenna. 80M is not open enough.
Finally, I know you guys care about contacts, however from my end, one thing really fun is when the rate picks up. I had my best rate 2 days ago at 144, and that same afternoon Ed peaked to 200+.
Fun! Keep it coming!

Chasing a shark

If you want to read about how Ed was literally chasing a shark, you are going to need to go read my posting at My Adventure in China.
For radio news, stay tuned, we should post an update in a couple of hours!

So much for the romantic walk!

At 11AM this morning, the bands were closed. Ed asked me if I wanted to go for a walk and then take a dive in the pool. Naively, I thought we were going for a romantic walk around the island. But next thing I know, Ed is treasure hunting for long bamboo poles! How naïve could I be!! The good thing for you guys searching for us on the air, is that we actually found a few 34-35 feet long poles out there. They seem to all be constructed the same way, with a square hole at the larger end, and fishing ropes attached to it. They must have some type of use for fishing, may be holding nets or something. In any case, we could get 40 feet by attaching 2 together. So, if you need 160m, don’t lose all your hopes yet! Ed will try to work 80m tonight before trying this major construction!
On another subject: I am sensitive to the “JA wall” issue. I am asking Ed when there is a chance for EU or NA to be open, and I have put the JA on standby a few times. So, let me know if you heard me while I was working JA. I’d love to know and to “serve” you better!
Talk to you on the air, hopefully!

Day 2

We are having fun. Conditions are still very spotty. There are times where signals are loud and rates are high and other times the bands are totally dead. Good openings to Europe on 20m and 30m yesterday. NA has been primarily 20. I tried 40 last night but the dragon was S9+ and I will try again tonight. 80m antenna is having problems. We'll try to fix it today. Still unlikely for 160. Good luck to all getting in the log.

Update Sunday

Conditions spotty. Tried 80m at sunset with no success. Will be on again at sunset. We're glad to have both radios operating!!! We blew a fuse yesterday trying to make 110 working on 220V. Ough!! We need more antenna flexibility, so we'll be putting up additional antennas on 15m and 17m today. 160m is doubtful at this time. I will try for success on 80. Hope to see you in the log and keep up the comments!