The Araucaria DX Group DXpedition to St. Peter and St. Paul Rocks, PY0S, (under the call sign PT0S) is just hours away.
There has been an official ban on Amateur Radio activities from PY0S (IOTA SA-014). Although the ban, (which was created for environmental and safety reasons), remains in place, the Araucaria DX Group was given a special permit by Brazil’s SECIRM (Secretaria da Comissao Interministerial para Os Recursos do Mar), the Brazilian Navy, Ministry of Environment and LABRE to conduct a two week long operation.
The operation will have a strong low band focus. There will be a dedicated 160 meter station operating on 160 meters from sunset to sunrise. A second station will be on 80 and 40 meters at night. During the day we will operate two stations on the higher bands — and 6 meters — based on conditions. RTTY will also be supported.
The DXpedition’s goal is to give this rare and difficult entity to as many amateurs as possible, taking maximum advantage of this unique opportunity. The group will be using newly designed RX antennas and receiving equipment to allow small and QRP stations to work PT0S on all bands, but especially on 80 and 160 meters. All QSOs will be loaded onto LoTW within 36 hours of taking place.
They are scheduled to sail for St. Peter and St. Paul Rocks the evening of Nov 05 (maybe early Nov 06). They expect to arrive on the rocks the morning of Nov 09. They also hope to raise the main station during the day and be on 160m in the evening.
