Mese: Gennaio 2019

Wolfs Fang Runway (aka Wolf’s Fang Runway), 71°31’ South, 08°48’ East, is a private runway established by White Desert Ltd, a luxury travel company, at Antarctica to provide access for tourist to the company’s Whichaway Camp (WAP MNB-NEW) by transiting to Novo Runway.

It is a re-establishment of a previous blue ice “Novo Runway”  that was also known as Blue One Runway, WAP MNB-Ø6 (which is located at 70° 49’ 31”South, 11° 31’ 41” Eas).

As soon as some Hams will operate from there, a New WAP reference will be issued.

Vernadsky Research Base (WAP UKR-Ø1), the only Ukrainian station in Antarctica, is located on Galindez Island in the Bellingshausen Sea, close to the Antarctic Peninsula, some 2,700 kilometers away from the South Pole.

Ukraine is one of the 30 countries in the world, which has its permanent station in Antarctica, which operates all year round. A team of 26 Ukrainian biologists, geologists, and engineers is to spend more than two months conducting important scientific research, according to the National Antarctic Scientific Center , the Ukrainian public body formed in 1993, responsible for coordination, managing and executing Ukrainian activities in Antarctica..

The 24th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition  set sail for the icy continent last Jan. 18^th.  Roman Bratchyk, UT7UA (ex UA1OT & UB5KBE, UX1KA, pic aside), is among the Team actually  travelling to reach Vernadsky Base, Galindez Island; Ronan will operate on HF Bands on his spare time, signing EM1UA and EM1U .

QSL via UT7UA:
Roman Bratchyk , Post office Box-19, Kyiv, 01001 Ukraine.

According to Pavlo UT1KY (a Ukrainian Antarctic veteran), it will take 2-3 weeks to reach the site, so we do not expect to hear Ronan before the beginning of February. The license issued, will expire 1st February 2020.

TNX UT1KY

In 1996 the British Faraday Station (WAP GBR-Ø6) was transferred to the members of the 1st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition and then renamed to the Akademik Vernadsky Station which is capable of supporting complex and systematic scientific research in Antarctica.

A revision has been made on Argentina Sub Antarctic Tierra del Fuego (WAP ARG-23).  At the light of new evidence showing Huts and Navy outposts, 2 New Ref. (WAP ARG-29 & WAP ARG-3Ø) has been issued; today we’ll see WAP ARG-29.

The  Isla de los Estados (Staten Island) is located in the South Atlantic Ocean to the east of Miter peninsula of the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego, from which it is separated by the 24 km of the Le Maire Strait. It belongs to the Department Ushuaia of the Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands province .

The entire archipelago is administered by the Government of the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands with the participation of the National Administration of National Parks and the Argentine Navy, which together make up the mixed Commission of Isla de los Estados.

Let’s have a quick view of this New WAP reference for Argentina Sub Antarctic Territories:

WAP ARG-29 – Isla de los Estados (Staten island)  54°47′00″South, 64°15′00″West, hosts a scientific station (pic aside) of the CADIC (Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas). In other sites of the Island,  there are Scientific Stations that study different aspects of flora, fauna, etc. which, forced us to decide to inserted Isla de los Estados  as a “New entry” into the WAP Directory.

WAP ARG-29 will also include: San Juan de Salvamento LH (WAP ARG-LH-Ø7), Puerto Parry  &  Com. Luis Piedrabuena Naval oupost-

Puerto Parry where the Navy post is the only refuge (See last pic below). The guard of the post changes every 45 days and the young soldiers remain there in the middle of that paradise of solitude. Only a radio and a radar link them with the base of Ushuaia.

Com. Luis Piedrabuena Naval oupost (Apostadero Naval Piedrabuena) of the Argentine Navy.

(Historical Note: Piedrabuena was the sole owner of the island, after the National Congress granted him the ownership of the island, along with an island at the mouth of the Santa Cruz River, which he named Pavón. He believed that in order to defend the sovereignty of this still-gestating state, it was necessary to give life to these places by populating them).

In the last issue of Radio Ref. January 2019, the French radio magazine there an article about the  16th AAW  (Antarctic Activity Week) , written by François  F8DVD – TM16AAW  .

This unique event, promoted by WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) has been  launched  16 years ago by WW Ham Radio community and lasting continuously  every year. Purposes of the event is  to draw attention to the Antarctic Continent,  to share what  Nations and Organizations are doing to protect this still non contaminated corner of the world, to share a WW message of peace.

TNX François  F8DVD – TM16AAW.

One of the last entry in this year’s edition of the AAW is KØANT, WAP-198, a special Club callsign (Kansas Antenna Club)

TNX Jim, KBØMZF, Secretary and Trustee for KØANT

2019 Edition  of the WAP-WACA & WAP-WADA directories (release 1.33 of Jan 16^th 2019) have been uploaded on WAP website together with the IK6CAC software (release 032 to manage your WAP Awards). The 2019’s edition contains the new entries such as new Antarctic sites come to light  or identified last year.
WAP-Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Lighthouse 2019’s edition is online as well, with the issued references and a list of callsigns that qualify each of the references assigned.

Chasers can download and print  the Directories that for convenience, have been uploaded in pdf  format.

Don’t forget that WAP Directories are a unique WW tool to follow Antarctica since the epic era.

The oceanographic research vessel  R/V Hespérides  of the Spanish Navy,  is sailing to the frozen Continent to participate in the XXXII Spanish Antarctic Campaign. About two hundred scientists and technicians will be in charge of the research projects, which will be carried out in the transits of the ship which will serve as a platform for carrying out 24 research projects. The deglaciation of the Antarctic, the activity of submarine volcanoes and the impact of parasites and contaminants on the penguin’s immune system, are some of the most outstanding projects in the XXXII Spanish Antarctic Campaign.
One of the interesting things of this Antarctic campaign,  is that R/V Hespérides hoists in its forward mast, the commemorative emblem of the V Centenary of the first round the world made by Fernando de Magallanes and Juan Sebastián de Elcano. The frigate’s captain José Emilio Regodón, commander of the ship, explained that during the voyage they will stop at the ports of Montevideo (Uruguay) and Ushuaia (Argentina) to later go to the South Shetland Islands to support the Antarctic Spanish Bses down there.

Spain has two bases in Antarctica: Juan Carlos I (WAP ESP-Ø1) and Gabriel de Castilla (WAP ESP-Ø2). R/V Hespérides will also support international research in Colombia, the United Kingdom, Chile, Norway, Brazil and Portugal.

At 70° 45’ 51”South, 11° 37′ 01”East  within the Schirmacher Oasis,  Whichaway Camp  (WAP MNB-NEW) is located within the wider study area comprise the Indian  Maitri Research station (WAP IND-Ø3), and Russian  Novolazarevskaya Research station (WAP RUS-Ø9).

Whichaway Camp is on Shirmacher Oasis in Queen Maud Land, located between the edge of of the Antarctic Ice Shelf, and the Novolazarevskaya Nivi Ice Shelf; behind camp there is  a frozen lake, then a giant ice fall, and then glaciers and ice as far as one could see, with Nunatak in the distance.  Arrival at Whichaway Camp is impressive and fascinating , a luxury hotel site in Antarctica; three centralized pods held the kitchen, lounge, and dining room and … more; just watch and enjoy the video!

As soon as some Hams will operate from there, a New WAP reference will be given.

The 16^th edition of the Antarctic Activity Week (AAW) will be on air next February  16^th and will last till the 24^th.

Some station will start  earlier  and will continue to operate their special callsigns  till the end of the month. If you are Ham, if you enjoy  Antarctica and its fashinating world , It’s time so sign in. Just apply for your special that may recall the Icy Continent,  or use one of the old callsigns already classified with a WAP reference, and join the event, the unique one worldwide of this greatness.

Last  Hams to have sign their participation are:  F8DHE Pierre who will operate 80 to 10mts,  CW and SSB  as TM16WAP (WAP-299) from his QTH located in center France, Department 42 in FFF-026. QSL via Home call, all info on QRZ.com, full color QSL  card for collection … of course !
II5ANT (WAP-Ø25), Massimo IZ5BTC will operate from the historical city of Lucca, in Tuscany Region. Info for both, available at QRZ.com, as well aa all the others that have already signed up.

We are just warming up … and you?

Danilo IZ1KHY is actually at Concordia Station (WAP MNB-Ø3) following a group of researchers. He will stay at Concordia till Jan 15th.

Danilo is operating as IAØ/IZ1KHY/p using the base equipment (100W), when available.

He is experiencing a real negative propagation condition; only few openings with Australia-New Zealand. Not to forget that, when there is air traffic, the HF radio is room is busy for the air traffic controllers.
He said to copy some signals from North America and Europe, but even if he is calling, nobody answer!  Actually he has few VKs in the Log.

We suggested him 14280 from 16:00 UTC and ahead and 7180 from 23:00 UTC.

TNX IZ1KHY

The Atka Bay Skiway site  (70°36’45” S, 8°07’25” W) is the location of the Emperor Penguin colony. The Camp, managed by White Desert Company lies not too far away to the structure of German Research Station Neumayer III (70°40´S, 8°16´W),  and stands right between Neumayer III (WAP DEU-Ø8) and Neumayer Emergency Base (WAP ZAF-11).

Picture of Atka Bay Skiway Camp, was taken last Jan.8^th  by Matthias DH5CW, on the way to Neumayer Emergency Base, aka South Africa Summer support Base  (WAP ZAF-11), together with Felix DL5XL.  Apart from the tents, there is a marked skiway for airplanes. Looking very closely, Neumayer Station III in the background (just over the left yellow tent) can be seen.

TNX Matthias DH5CW & Felix DL5XL

As soon as some Hams will operate from Atka Bay Skiway Camp, a New WAP reference will be issued.

Located at 75°53’ South, 162°45’East,  Starr Nunatak marking the North site of the mouth of Harbord glacier  on the coast of Victoria Land, Antarctica.

What is a Nunatak?
Nunatak is an exposed, often rocky element of a ridge, mountain, or peak not covered with ice or snow within (or at the edge of) an ice field or glacier.

Last week, Danilo IZ1KHY Expert Scout of the Italian Army, technical support of the scientific missions of the 2018-2019 Antarctic campaign,  has been at  Starr Nunatak field Camp with a group of geologist and researcher.  (See pics on this page)

This  Multinational field camp has been set for a  German-Italian Team who did conduct mapping and geological studies.

Danilo Collino, did operate HF SSB from this remote site, signing IAØ/IZ1KHY/P , using a dipole and 100W. He just worked few VKs and ZLs, unfortunately, even if he did try hard, there was no openings to any other  direction. To this remote site a new WAP reference MNB-1Ø has just been given .

Pics hereby show the site and Danilo IZ1KHY. Notice the mast and dipole antenna behind the blue tent.
Congrats to those who did work this brand new one!

TNX IZ1KHY

Every year, in the month of February, a special event  called  ANTARCTIC ACTIVITY  WEEK is set up. This year, the 16^th AAW will be held from February 16^th to 24^th.

All WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) special stations  has been issued a WAP reference number to be given during the QSO. Hams from all over the world are invited to join the unique worldwide event launched by radio amateurs to rise awareness and sensitize the world on the problems of both environment and peace, study and research.

To celebrate this event, as  already done last year as well, Paolo IK3GER has set a fully free diploma for OM/SWL, available at Paolo’s web site https://www.ik3ger.it  starting  Febr.1^st 2019.

Our appreciation to Paolo IK3GER for is great initiative!

The purpose of the Antarctic Activity Week (A.A.W.) launched by WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) www.waponline.it , is to improve the Worldwide interest around Antarctic Continent and its related  matters, with the aim of stay close to the researchers and personnel  who are spending their time away from home and families,  studying the Antarctic life and its secrets.

Antarctic Activity Week,  is celebrated every year on last week of February, in concomitance with the 22^nd of February, when Argentina celebrates the Argentine’s Antarctica Day (Dia De La Antartida Argentina).

Again our intention is to draw your attention to the Antarctic Continent, to understand what the Nations are doing to protect this still non contaminated corner of the planet, to share a message of peace among the World. This year the AAW is at the 16^th edition.

Once again, WAP wish to remind WW Hams to join  the event; apply for your special call sign, get your own WAP reference at be on air!

The “New collection TAAF 2019”  marks the tribute to Mario Zucchelli, director of the Italian Antarctic Program, who deceased on 24/10/2003,

The TAAF (Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises)  will shortly issue a stamp  dedicated to the Italian scientist Mario Zucchelli (1944 – 2003), for years a reference figure for the Italian Antarctic Program. In particular, the TAAF celebrate its important contribution to the realization of the French-Italian Concordia Station (WAP MNB-Ø3), depicted in the stamp along with the portrait of Zucchelli on a tricolor background.

In 2004 Mario Zucchelli was also dedicated to the Italian Antarctic Station in Baia Terra Nova (WAP ITA-Ø1).

The stamp, soft size with report 1,35 €, author Yves Beaujard, will be issued by 25 stamps per sheet for a total of 30.000 stamps

Other TAAF issues planned for 2019 at: http://philatelie.polaire.free.fr/spip.php?article1055

TNX Maurizio IZ1GJK

Matthias, DH5CW (Pic to the Left), and Felix, DL5XL (Pic to the Right), will be active from Neumayer Emergency Base (also known as SANAP Summer Base, WAP ZAF-11), Grid Locator IB59uj, from January 8 to 9, 2019 (weather permitting). The call sign used will be DP0GVN/p.
QSL via DL5EBE.

Main modes of operation are expected to be CW and FT8. They will be running 100 watts to a multi-band dipole antenna. To make it a little easier to find this rare base on the bands, the following CW skeds have been arranged:
08-Jan at 22:00 UTC on 10,122 kHz, 08-Jan at 23:30 UTC on 7,033 kHz,

09-Jan at 00:30 UTC on 14,042 kHz.

SANAP Summer Station/Neumayer Emergency Base 70º38´59´´South, 08º14´59´´West, WAP ZAF-11

In December 2009, the German Station “Neumayer II” (WAP DEU-02) has been handed over to South Africa. SANAP (South Africa National Antarctic Program) did continue to use this facility as a replacement for the old South African “E-Base” (WAP ZAF-01). “E-Base” is short for “Emergency Base” and it is used as a logistical facility in order to support supply operations to SANAE IV Base (WAP ZAF-Ø3) in Antarctic summer. In 2009, a team of 16 people arrived onboard SA AGULHAS in order to take down Neumayer II and install the new E-Base right on top of it above the snow. The remains of Neumayer II Base, large hollow metal tubes which once hosted living shelters and laboratories, are buried under thick ice. Today, just the garage is used as a storage facility by SANAP.

As far as we know, the only HAM radio activity from this remote Antarctic site, was done by Lars Lehnert DL1LLL who did operate as ZS7/DL1LLL on last 26 Oct. 2012 so, this new operation by Matthias DH5CW & Felix DL5XL  (that will sign DPØGVN/P) will be a great opportunity for the Antarctic Chasers … stay tuned and do not miss the chance!
TNX DL5XL (DP1POL) and DH5CW (DPØGVN)

Hams of Radio Club Ushuaia plan to activate the six protected areas of the Tierra del Fuego Province, doing radio activity in each and every one of them. Date will be announced gradually as long as each  the small expedition is fully organized. The tentative calendar includes January, February and March 2019.
These protected areas are under the supervision of the Government of the Province.  TNX Miguel Angel Lavalle LU1XU (ex LU1XPK)

To WAP ARG-23 belongs Puerto Almanza (54°52’12″South   67°33’51″West),  a town in the Ushuaia department,  of the province of Tierra del Fuego. In this site, there is a monitoring and control post for maritime traffic of the Argentine Navy.  Same reference is for  Base Naval Buen Suceso (LU1XY/X) and Isla Redonda on the Beagle chanel.

Buen Suceso is a small bay located on Peninsula Miter on Le Maire Strait,  in front of  Isla de los Estados (Staten Island) in the department of Ushuaia, on the east coast of the Great Island of Tierra del Fuego.  In the place, since the mid-88 there is a Navy Base with heliport;  it’s an excellent support since it has powerful radio equipment which provide maritime traffic control, thus ensuring efficient communication with Ushuaia. The Buen Suceso surveillance post, is covered by an officer and five non-commissioned officers who are periodically renewed. They have the mission to control  of maritime traffic in the area of influence and provide assistance to vessels sailing through the Strait of Le Maire.

FD83 stands for  Fuel Depot 83; the site is located at  83°00’ South, 11°38’ East.  FD83-South Pole camp is used as a stopping point, and refueling location by the White Desert during the 2018-2019 season.

We did suppose Oleg Sakharov RI1ANX could have been there and today, thanks to Felix DL5XL/DP1OL who have spoken with Oleg,  we got a confirmation from him directly, so that a  NEW WAP reference  WAP MNB-Ø9 has been issued to this Antarctic site.

Here, some news about it:  The Fuel Depot 83 location site (83°00’S 11°38’E), henceforth referred to as FD83, has been used as fuel storage depot and logistical base facility jointly by the Antarctic Logistic Centre International (ALCI) and The Antarctic Company (TAC) since 2010. The site is used during the austral summer, between November and January as a refuelling and rest stop location for onwards visits to the South Pole. It is used by TAC for refuelling in order to carry out visits on behalf of White Desert as well as other organisations.

Each year a group of “Arctic Trucks employees” participate in different projects throughout Antarctica and this Antarctica summer, seven members of the team have been working there on three different projects, one of which is the New site called Fuel depot on FD83 for  aircraft on their way to the South Pole.

The mission start from Novo Runway (WAP MNB-Ø6) with a traverse of 1700 kilometers journey to FD83. The journey was 90 hours, with 69 hours of driving! Since then the group has stayed there, preparing the landing strip and the fuel depot, servicing aircraft that have stopped there on their way to the South Pole. The Team is responsible for making sure the landing strip is safe, receive oil barrels that were dropped in by parachute and make the depot ready for the servicing of the aircraft. For a whole month the team stayed in this isolated place, in tents, with the temperature at around minus 40 degrees Celsius! On this 2018-2019 recent occasion, a group of Russians (RI1ANX is among them), who are still there,  did join the traverse that reached the site.

Now Oleg Sakharov RI1ANX is now on the way back  and we did work him again in the evening of Jan 2, 2019 at 23:25 UTC

Read also: https://arctictrucksnewsfeed.com/2017/12/19/project-1-fuel-depot-on-fd83/
TNX Oleg RI1ANX & Felix DL5XL/DP1POL