NEWS UPDATE

I am glad to report, on behalf of the group, that all is going well and all is on schedule for November.

  • The boat is chartered to leave Australia on November 3rd returning November 13th.
  • Plans are being made around what equipment to take.
  • The team is growing, the latest new member being Allan VK6CQ representing Western Australia.
  • Coverage is planned for 160m through 10m on SSB/CW/Digital (6 metres being considered if time & equipment allows).

Willis Island is currently No. 38 on the Club Log most wanted list. This DX’Pedition is being organised and run by the Hellenic Amateur Radio Association of Australia. HARAOA website: www.haraoa.com

73 Ed VK2JI, Publicity Officer VK9HR Willis Island DX’Pedition.

FEBRUARY 15, 2021

The dates for VK9 Willis are locked in. November 3rd to 13th 2021. MV Alfred Wallace departing Cairns Australia.

Operators to date (5 ops so far) VK2IR, VK3YP, VK2RF, VK2OK, VK2PN. Additional operators TBA.

Due to time constraints (operators away too long from their jobs etc) Mellish Reef will be on the radar for activation in 2022.

We are working with the license regulator (Australian Maritime College) for VK9W callsign (2 x 1) to be issued for this event. If we are unable to secure VK9W we will revert to VK9HR.

Antennas will be a full set of 20m to 10m VDA’s, 30m vertical full size, 40m vertical full size, 160/80m Inverted L. Below is the 12m VDA being tested Botany Bay, Sydney (thanks VK3YP)