ZD9BV station upgrade project - Tristan da Cunha and Gough Isl.

PRESS RELEASE

ZD9BV station upgrade project

By Bob Schenck, N2OO

About six months ago, I was approached by Ken K4ZW (YASME) about the possibility of helping Andy ZD9BV improve his antenna setup on Tristan da Cunha. At that time, Andy’s station consisted of a Marine vertical and an IC706MK2G transceiver utilizing the internal tuner. YASME was considering providing Andy with a setup for an RBN. I was asked if INDEXA could assist with the antenna upgrade. Before I could put in a request for INDEXA assistance, I needed to see what might be available that would meet Andy’s needs and his property footprint. What evolved was quite a wonderful surprise.

I started by initiating communication with Andy. He had limited space on his property for an antenna. So, compromise rotatable antennas were considered. I started by contacting DX Engineering. But, while I was at it, I decided to also see if they might consider an improved radio for Andy. They decided to ask ICOM for their help, and a new IC7300 was provided and DX Engineering agreed to add some lengths of coax and cover the shipping of the items to Andy. As for the antennas, they were not available in the USA so they suggested contacting WIMO in Germany to see what they might have. They would also be able to provide a 240vac rotor which was not available in the USA.

Moving on to WIMO

Next, I approached WIMO about the antenna system desires for Andy. This would include a small mini-beam and an 80-6 meter vertical. In addition, a 240vac rotor, associated rotor hardware, a rotorcontrol cable, and a 240v 12VDC power supply were also requested. My plan was to ask for pricing so I would know how much the project would cost before I moved forward looking for financial support. What followed was another heartwarming surprise. WIMO asked why Andy was not considering a HEX Beam, and I advised them that Andy felt that it would not handle the occasional harsh weather that would be experienced on ZD9. So, WIMO offered to add a HEX Beam to the package. WIMO agreed to provide all of the equipment at no charge but asked if INDEXA would cover the shipping cost which was around $500 USD.

Moving on to INDEXA

INDEXA does not normally support private stations. However, in this case we had the only licensed ham on a remote island entity whose population is around 250 people. ZD9 is #55 on the most wanted DXCC list (Club Log) even after some serious activity by ZD9W in 2023. In addition, we already had extraordinary support from ICOM, DX Engineering, WIMO and YASME. So, in the end it was an easy decision for INDEXA to cover the shipping expense. Without the support from ICOM, DX Engineering, WIMO, INDEXA, YASME, N3FJP and UX5UO, I would have needed to run a separate funding campaign of some sort.

Finally, moving on to N3FJP and UX5UO

Andy was logging using an Excel format and QSLing is all done via direct mail to him on the island. I asked Andy if he would do LoTW uploads occasionally but he did not have regular logging software there. I approached Scott, N3FJP asking if he would provide his software package to Andy which would make uploading the log easier either directly from him, or via an assist from me. Scott quickly obliged. This part will be an ongoing project. I will continue to assist Andy on this. Meanwhile, Andy shared his Excel log with me that goes back a few years, and I am working on it to create an ADIF. After Andy gets his hardware together and operational, we will move forward with logging upgrades and work on how to set up LoTW. Andy wanted to design a new QSL card that promoted the new sponsors and he asked me for help with the design. He has a local printer in South Africa who prints his cards. So, I asked Gennady UX5UO if he would help design a new card for Andy and I sent him a couple of photos that Andy shared with me. Gennady quickly obliged and provided a professional quality design which Andy will use with his local printer. These will take a while to get printed. But they will be worth the wait.

So, that’s our story. I want to thank everyone who helped put this project together. All items have arrived at ZD9 and are currently being assembled. Looking forward to seeing Andy on the air as he gets everything operational. His preferred modes are CW and SSB.

Bob Schenck,

N2OO Vice President, INDEXA

www.indexa.org