TX5S Clipperton Island NA-011

[IK0ZCW]

For Immediate Release Press Release #1 March 20, 2023

Clipperton Island DXpedition (NA-011)

Since its formation in 2013 the Perseverance DX Group (PDXG.net) has conducted five DXpeditions, logging over 340,000 QSOs. From being chased off Mellish Reef by a cyclone to living on an Antarctic island for two weeks the team continues to plan projects that create excitement on the bands for the big guns and the little pistols.

After their successful 2020 VP8PJ South Orkney Islands and 2022 TX5N Austral Islands projects the Perseverance DX Group is pleased to announce their intention to activate Clipperton Island (NA-011).

Now designated a protected environmental reserve, visits to Clipperton require a lengthy and detailed application process. Leveraging our previous experience to sensitive and UNESCO World Heritage locations, the government of French Polynesia issued our team a landing permit.

Planning has begun for an expedition January 18 – February 2, 2024. A team of experienced DX and contest operators will operate from Clipperton Island for up to 15 days. The call sign TX5S has been reserved for this project. Up to eight operating positions are planned for 160-6 meters, SSB/CW/Digital operation. It will have been 11 years since the last Clipperton DXpedition, future activations may have to wait even longer. This will be the first 60m and FT8 operation from Clipperton.

The team will sail from San Diego, California aboard Shogun, a veteran of the 2000, 2008 and 20013 Clipperton DXpeditions.

Team members include: Jacky ZL3CW, Dave K3EL, Steve W1SRD, Ricardo PY2PT, Gene K5GS, Heye DJ9RR, Laci HA0NAR, Walt N6XG, Rob N7QT, Glenn KE4KY, Chris N6WM, Arliss W7XU, Philippe FO4BM, Dave WD5COV and Andreas N6NU. Joining the team will be a scientist from the University of French Polynesia who will conduct studies while on the island.

Additional details will be announced as they develop. Website:TX5S.net Please direct your questions to: info@pdxg.net

73, Clipperton 2024 Team

[IK0ZCW]

The Northern California DX Foundation (https://www.ncdxf.org/) has announced it is granting USD 25,000 to the TX5S DXpedition to Clipperton Island (January 2024). The mission of NCDXF is to provide necessary financial support for well-organized DXpeditions to desirable DXCC entities, and to support advances in DXpeditioning skills, technology, and infrastructure: "your contribution will help make DX happen".

[IK0ZCW]

For Immediate Release
Press Release #2
April 20, 2023
TX5S Clipperton Island DXpedition
(NA-011)
January 18 – February 1, 2024

The French national frequency agency, ANFR, has reserved the callsign TX5S for use during the Clipperton Island DXpedition, the license will be valid for 15 days. We expect to operate maritime mobile, call sign to-be-determined.
As the cost of expeditions to highly most wanted DXCC entities continues to increase the importance of donations to support these projects has never been greater. The Clipperton Island project budget is $350,000. The ship’s fee represents the largest expense and must be paid in advance. We have set a fund-raising target of $175,000. To date we have raised $35,800.
Support of the DX community is more important than ever and we wish to thank our early individual donors, foundations, clubs and corporate sponsors:

Foundations and Clubs:

- The Northern California DX Foundation $25,000
- The European DX Foundation
- UK DX Foundation
- The Clipperton DX Club
- Twin City DX Association
- Lone Star DX Association
- Danish DX Group
- LA DX Group
- Spokane DX Association
- North Alabama DX Club
- Corporate Sponsors
- DX Engineering
- GigaParts
- The DX Store
- The Daily DX
- RadioSport
- Rig Expert
- ON5UR QSL Service
- United Radio QSL Management Bureau

Team member update: Nodir EY8MM, Allan EA3SHO and Dave WD5COV have joined the team, in addition to Jacky ZL3CW, Dave K3EL, Steve W1SRD, Ricardo PY2PT, Gene K5GS, Heye DJ9RR, Laci HA0NAR, Walt N6XG, Rob N7QT, Glenn KE4KY, Chris N6WM, Andreas N6NU, and Arliss W7XU.

Look for TX5S team members at the International DX Convention in Visalia, Dayton Hamvention and Ham Radio Friedrichshafen, we hope to see you there.
Additional details will be released as they develop.

Please direct your questions to: info@pdxg.net

73,
TX5S Clipperton 2024 Team

[IK0ZCW]

For Immediate Release
Press Release #3
May 23, 2023

TX5S Clipperton Island DXpedition
(NA-011)

January 18 – February 1, 2024

Fundraising:
Our fundraising campaign is underway with 18 Clubs / Foundations and 87 individuals already showing their support for the project.

At 24% of the target, we have a long way to go in order to reach the goal of 50% team member funding of the estimated project cost of $350,000(USD). If you need Clipperton for an ATNO, or will work us, we would appreciate your help, most bills must be paid before we sail.

Many of the current individual donors and organizations have supported our previous DXpeditions whether they needed the entity or not. We appreciate their confidence in our team, and invite others to sign on.

We wish to thank the most recent organizations for their sponsorship. We also appreciate the individual donors who have donated through the website and/or directly.

- Southwest Ohio DX Association
- Southeastern DX Club
- National Capitol DX Association
- Mile High DX Association
- Bullitt Amateur Radio Society
- The Intrepid DX Group
- The Swiss DX Foundation
- The Hoosier DX and Contest Club

TX5S JA Website:
We want to thank our partners in Japan for creating a dedicated JA website for the TX5S DXpedition project, and representing the project in Japan (http://ict-kuwa.net/tx5s/index.htm):

- Hiro JA4DND, Project Manager
- Seiji JK1KSB, Public Relations
- Karl JA4BUA, I/T, Website
- Joe JJ3PRT, Pilot, Fundraising

Joining the Team:
Paul Ewing N6PSE needs no introduction. Many of you will know Paul from his DXpeditions to rare entities, including: YI9PSE Iraq, ST0R Republic of South Sudan, 3D2R Rotuma Island, ET3AA Ethiopia, 7O6T Yemen, 3D2C Conway Reef, XZ1J Myanmar, E30FB Eritrea, VP8STI South Sandwich and VP8SGI South Georgia Islands. Paul brings years of DXpedition DX experience to the team.

Band / Mode Additions:
Satellite:
Look for TX5S from Clipperton Island on the satellites. We’re in the process of sourcing the necessary equipment.

6m EME:

With the help of Lance, W7GJ, we’ve added 6m EME to the Clipperton project plan.

Science:

Joining the team are three French citizens each who have interest in Clipperton Island:

- Anthony Tchékémian and Patrick Leleu are scientists who will conduct research while on the island.

- Jean-Francois Beaulieu is with the “Association la Passion-Clipperton”, an organization dedicated to improving and preserving Clipperton Island’s environment.

Ham Radio Friedrichshafen, Germany:
Several TX5S team members will attend this world class event, we look forward to meeting many DXers.

Groups.io
We will again have a Groups.io presence during the DXpedition. Registered users will be able to communicate directly with the pilot team using the Groups.io platform. The address will be announced before we sail.

Social Media:

You can follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tx5s2024

Additional details will be released as they develop.

Website: https://TX5S.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tx5s2024

Please direct your questions to: info@pdxg.net

73,
Clipperton 2024 Team

[IK0ZCW]

For Immediate Release
Press Release #4
June 30, 2023

TX5S Clipperton Island DXpedition (NA-011) January 18 – February 1, 2024

Corporate Sponsors: Joining as a Corporate Sponsor is: Bart, SQ1K – Embroidery For Ham Radio Bart is providing the team with TX5S clothing which will also be available at his webstores at: https://www.ebay.com/str/sq1kbartsstore and https://www.etsy.com/shop/sq1kbartsshop/?etsrc=sdt Equipment Week: The first of two equipment consolidation projects occurred on June 6 – 8, 2023. Team members met in California to begin the process of emptying and inventorying and our equipment storage locker to make room for TX5S equipment.

John Kennon N7CQQ, a veteran of three Clipperton DXpeditions, donated equipment from his previous projects. Most importantly are the 220VAC power grid and rebar tent / antenna staking solutions used in past years.

The next planned equipment meeting will be in December, 2023 to integrate, test and repack the DXpedition equipment. Beginning in July we will be sourcing the campsite tents, generators and other logistics.

Satellite Update: Our satellite station manager, Andreas N6NU reports the following preparation activities:

First QSO’s made on the IO-117 (GreenCube) Satellite. This Satellite has passes that last over an hour and has a huge footprint since it is in an almost 6,000 KM orbit.

Andreas has an 11 Element 70CM antenna, RAS Mini AZ/EL rotator with Green Heron Controller, Icom IC-9100H, Rigblaster TI-5000 and Icom AG-35 mast mounted pre-amp. The 6ft mast uses a home brew base. The next step is to configure an Icom IC-9700 as backup. Then on to RS44 and 6m and 23 cm EME.

We appreciate the help and advice offered by several AMSAT members.

Ham Radio Events: We met many DXers at the Dayton Hamvention and at Ham Radio Friedrichshafen (Germany). Next stop will be Tokyo Ham Fair in August where we will attend a DX Seminar / Dinner on Saturday, August 19th. Additional details: http://ict-kuwa.net/tokyodxseminar/

Fundraising: Our fundraising campaign continues with 29 Clubs / Foundations and 147 individuals showing their support for the project.

At 31% of the target, we still have a long way to go in order to reach the goal of 50% team member funding of the estimated project cost of $350,000(USD). If you need Clipperton for an ATNO, or will work us, we would appreciate your help, most bills must be paid before we sail. We wish to thank those organizations and individuals who have already pledged their support to TX5S.

Since the last press release the following organizations have joined the project as sponsors:

– The German DX Foundation – with a significant grant to TX5S
– Kansas City DX Club
– Nara DX Association
– Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB)
– GMDX Group
– West Tennessee DX Association
– Dominion DX Group
– Tokyo 610 Group
– East Tennessee DX Association
– Madison DX Club
– Tennessee Valley DX Association

Social Media: You can follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tx5s2024
Additional details will be released as they develop. Website: https://TX5S.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tx5s2024 Please direct your questions to: info@pdxg.net

73, Clipperton 2024 Team

[IK0ZCW]

For Immediate Release
Press Release #5
August 8, 2023
TX5S Clipperton Island DXpedition
(NA-011)
January 18 – February 1, 2024

Camp Site Design:
Detailed planning is underway.
Our current plan consists of two operating camps: CW/Digital/Satellite/EME and SSB/Digital.
The camps will be separated by about 500 meters, with CW located at the main campsite and SSB being the distant camp. The combination of distance, bandpass filters, horizontal and vertically polarized antennas at both camps will enable simultaneous operation on the same band. WiFi networking will link the camps.
The main encampment consists of ten sleeping tents (two people per tent) the CW tent, kitchen / dining tent and a HQ/networking tent. The power grid will consist of six Generac GP6500 generators. Five units will be on-line 24X7 and one spare.
TX5S Team:
The nineteen person team consists of sixteen radio operators, one scientist each from the University of French Polynesia and the University of Orleans, and one environmentalist from the Association la Passion-Clipperton (France). The radio operators are each experienced DXpedition operators and/or contest operators.
Internet Availability:
Confirmed (in writing) from Space X, Clipperton is within the Starlink footprint. We will have at least one Starlink terminal online 24/7. Logs will be uploaded to M0URX.com at least once per day.
Corporate Sponsors:
- Elecraft has been a long time partner of PDXG projects, and the tradition continues. Elecraft will provide several K4D transceivers and KPA-1500 amplifiers to augment our lineup of K3 transceivers and KPA-500 amplifiers.

- SSB-Electronic GmbH (Germany) offered to supply equipment for the project.

Fundraising:
Our goal is always to split the expedition funding approximately equally between the expedition operators and the DX community – organizations and individuals. At the moment we still have a long way to go to reach that goal, and if you need Clipperton for an ATNO or will work us for the DX Marathon or a club competition or similar, or just for the fun of competing in the pileups, we would appreciate your help. Most bills must be paid before we sail, and we wish to thank those organizations and individuals who have already pledged their support to TX5S.”
Since the last press release the following organizations have joined the project as sponsors:
- Eastern Iowa DX Association
- West Virginia DX Association – significant donation to the project
- Lynx DX Group
- Northeast Wisconsin DX Association
Sponsor logos appear on our website and will appear on the TX5S QSL card.
Ham Radio Events:
We met many DXers at the Dayton (Xenia) Hamvention and at Ham Radio, Friedrichshafen (Germany).
Next stop will be Tokyo Ham Fair in August where we will attend a DX Seminar / Dinner on Saturday, August 19th.
TX5S was featured at the July Ham Radio Festival, Kansai, Japan
Additional details will be released as they develop.
Questions to: info@pdxg.net

73,
TX5S Clipperton 2024 Team

[IK0ZCW]

For Immediate Release
Press Release #6
Oct. 3, 2023
TX5S Clipperton Island DXpedition
(NA-011)
January 18 – February 1, 2024

Clipperton Island:
Clipperton is #28 most wanted in Europe and #37 most wanted globally. FT-8 and 60m have never been activated from Clipperton. We expect the pileups to be deep and energetic, we will do our best to meet the demand.

Campsite Design:
The campsite design was finalized, there will be two operating locations separated by approximately 500 meters. CW/Satellite/EME/Digital will operate from the main campsite. SSB/Digital will operate from the distant campsite. Each will have a full complement of antennas for their designated bands. The main campsite includes the dining (kitchen) tent, Starlink / local area network HQ and sleeping tents, the camps will be linked by Wi-Fi. A toilet and shower will be located close to the main camp. Each camp will have a generator shed, a supply of fuel, and drinking water.

Marine Protected Area:
Since the last major DXpedition in 2013 a “Marine Protected Area” (MPA) was established around Clipperton. In 2016 the French government enacted legislation to further restrict and protect Clipperton and its surrounding waters. While the government recognizes amateur radio as a legitimate endeavor, the legislation does not explicitly identify amateur radio as an approved activity – see here.
The landing permit process is long, and of significance is the requirement for bona fide scientific content, with French representation. DX-peditions combined with sufficient scientific content will be considered. Our team includes two French scientists and one French environmentalist who each will conduct studies on the island.

Equipment Plan Finalized:
Our HF transceivers are the Elecraft K3 line and K4D for 8 operating positions, plus a satellite position. The amplifier plan includes Elecraft KPA-500 and KPA-1500, OM Power OM-2000+, SPE 1.3, Flex PGXL and the Gemini DX-1200 (from the UK.) The satellite and 6m EME station will include Icom HF and satellite transceivers and several amplifiers. HF antennas include monoband VDAs, NA4RR hex beams, verticals for 30m and 40m, and a vertical for 60m. For 160 we’ll use the same Inverted-L antenna we used at South Orkney, VP8PJ. Rounding out the antenna inventory are Yagi antennas for the satellite station and an M2 6M7JHV for 6m EME.

Satellite / EME:
Satellite: IO-117 435.310.
Will be using the OZ9AAR Greencube Terminal to use multiple Callsign ACKS per transmission to optimize throughput
6M EME: Q65-60A 50.189 MHz, 1st/Even, @1200 WSJT-X 2.7.0 (Q65 Pileup capability)
23cm/1296: Q65-60C 1296.080 MHz, 1st/Even @1500, CFOM, WSJT-X 2.7.0
We plan to coordinate using ON4KST (6M) and HB9Q (23 CM).
Fundraising:
The cost to activate Clipperton is impacted by the current global inflationary trend. Ship charter, labor, insurance, fuel and food have each contributed to the ever increasing cost.
The long standing DX-pedition funding model is to split the DX-pedition cost equally between the expedition team and the DX community, i.e. organizations and individuals. TX5S donations are only at ~40% of the goal. No doubt a sign of today’s inflationary impact. But the fact remains – DX-editions are expensive and the teams need your help. The cash flow challenge is real, we must pay the bills before we sail. Since the last press release the following organizations have joined the project as sponsors:

Far East DX-Ploiters (Japan)
Northern Illinois DX Association
Western Washington DX Association
Willamette Valley DX Club
Central Oregon DX Club
Northern Ohio DX Association
The Akita DX Association (Japan)
The Greater Milwaukee DX Association
Islands on the Air (IOTA) Ltd.
Sponsor logos appear on our website and will appear on the TX5S QSL card.

We wish to thank the organizations and individuals who have already pledged their support to TX5S and ask those of you who have not yet processed a donation to consider supporting the project before we sail on January 11, 2024.

Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tx5s2024
Website: https://TX5S.net

Questions to: info@pdxg.net

73, Clipperton 2024 Team

[IK0ZCW]

For Immediate Release
TX5S Press Release #7
Nov. 5, 2023
TX5S Clipperton Island DXpedition
(NA-011)
January 18 – February 1, 2024

Clipperton Island:
Clipperton is now #26 most wanted in Europe and remains #37 most wanted globally. FT-8 and 60m have never been activated from Clipperton, the pileups will be deep and energetic. Our team is well balanced with experienced CW, SSB and digital DXpedition and contest operators, with an operating schedule that will keep them busy.
Joining the Team:
We’re happy announce that Francesco IK0FVC has joined the TS5S team. Francesco has been licensed since 1985, he holds #1 Honor Roll, 10 Band DXCC, and 5 Band WAZ. Over the years he has handed out over 300,000 QSOs from two historical DXCC entities: The Vatican HV0A and The Sovereign Military Order of Malta 1A0KM. He is an attorney, and lives in Rome, Italy. Francesco is an amateur astronomer and he enjoys sports cars.
It’s Official:
Phillipe FO4BM was our primary interface to the High Commissioner of French Polynesia for securing the landing permit and with ANFR for the call sign. The landing permit was issued in March, 2023 and TX5S was reserved but not issued. It’s now official, we have the TX5S license in-hand and ARRL has issued the LoTW Certificate. Our QSL Manager, Tim M0URX, loaded the certificate into his Bespoke OQRS system.
Groups.io Forum
During our VP8PJ South Orkney Islands DXpedition in 2020 we created a Groups.io account for interested people to post comments about the operation and to communicate with the Pilots. The Pilots consolidated submissions from their region and that information was sent to the Chief Pilot who communicated with the island team.
The process worked so well we will again use Groups.io. A Groups.io account is required to post to the group. You may subscribe to the forum by sending an e-mail to: Clipperton-2024+subscribe@groups.io
The island team will not be monitoring Groups.io, nor will the Pilots have access to the log. Please do not send emails to the Pilots or the team asking for log checks, busted calls, or making schedules.
Satellite / 6m EME
Our satellite / 6m EME station captain, Andreas N6NU, was recently in Middlegate, Nevada participating in the ARRL 6m EME contest, using the same equipment he’ll bring to Clipperton. From the reports and emails we’ve received the station performed very well.
When the station is not actively pointed at the moon we expect it will be running 6m FT8 (tropo). We appreciate the interest and help we’ve been getting from the 6m / EME community. There certainly seems to be a pent up demand for Clipperton via EME.
We will also be active on the GreenCube IO-117 satellite. Several of our 16 team members have indicated interest in operating the satellite position.
Fundraising:
The long standing DX-pedition funding model is to split the DX-pedition cost equally between the expedition team and the DX community, i.e. organizations and individuals. TX5S donations are only at ~44% of the goal. The cash flow challenge is real, we must pay the bills before we sail, we need your help.
Since the last press release the following organizations have joined the project as sponsors:
- Southeast Michigan DX Association
- Arkansas DX Association
- International DX Association (INDEXA) made a significant grant
Sponsor logos appear on our website and will appear on the TX5S QSL card.

We wish to thank the organizations and individuals who have already pledged their support to TX5S and ask those of you who have not yet processed a donation to consider supporting the project before we sail on January 11, 2024. After the books close, all sponsoring clubs / foundations will receive a TX5S financial summary.

73,
TX5S Clipperton 2024 Team

[IK0ZCW]

For Immediate Release
Press Release #8
Dec 2, 2023
TX5S Clipperton Island DXpedition
(NA-011)
January 18 – February 1, 2024

Equipment Week:
During the first week of December several team members will meet in Northern California to prepare the campsite and radio equipment for shipment to our boat Shogun which is docked at San Diego. We will inventory the tents and review their installation procedures, the Elecraft transceivers will be integrated with the computers, amplifiers, and the island’s WIFI environment will be configured and integrated with Starlink. The EME and satellite stationsare separate turnkey packages. Shogun will provide meals on the island; we will provide the necessary campsite logistics and management.
Clipperton Island ATNO Day Planned
Clipperton remains #26 most wanted in Europe and #37 most wanted globally. It will have been 11 years since the last major DXpedition to Clipperton we know there are many people that need it for an All Time New One andband fills.
Log Uploads
We plan to upload the logs at least once a day to both Clublog and to M0URX.com
Shortly after we leave the island confirmation requests (OQRS) will be processed only at M0URX.com
Not in Log and busted calls will be investigated by submitting the form at M0URX.com. Please, no emails about Not in Log or busted calls, you must use the reporting form on the OQRS system.
FT8 Operation
The team will use WSJT-X exclusively for all FT8 operation. We plan to use Fox / Hound on non-standard frequencies. Occasionally, we might start up on a standard frequency in normal mode, then QSY. See the website for the band plan.
Groups.io Forum
The pilot team will be using Groups.io to collect input from the DX community. The process worked so well at VP8PJ we will again use it again. A Groups.io account is required to post to the group. You may subscribe to the forum by sending an e-mail to: Clipperton-2024+subscribe@groups.io

Fundraising:
The long-standing DX-pedition funding model is to split the DX-pedition cost equally between the expedition team and the DX community, i.e., organizations and individuals. TX5S donations are only at ~45% of the goal.While adding a donation to your OQRS request is always appreciated, the cash flow challenge is real, we must pay the bills before we sail, we need your help.
Since the last press release the following organizations have joined the project as sponsors:
- Northern California DX Club
- Fort Wayne DX Association
Sponsor logos appear on our website and will appear on the TX5S QSL card.

We wish to thank the organizations and individuals who have already pledged their support to TX5S and ask those of you who have not yet processed a donation to consider supporting the project before we sail on January 11, 2024. After the books close, all sponsoring clubs / foundations will receive a TX5S financial summary.

73,
TX5S Clipperton 2024 Team

[IK0ZCW]

[IK0ZCW]

For Immediate Release
Press Release #9
Jan. 1, 2024
TX5S Clipperton Island DXpedition
(NA-011)
January 18 – February 1, 2024

This will be the last Press Release before we depart from San Diego on January 11, 2024. We will release periodic updates from the island.
The DXpedition equipment is packed and ready for the voyage to Clipperton Island, the team will begin assembling in San Diego on January 8th. Weather permitting, we expect a 6 day voyage each way, camp setup will take approximately 1.5 - 2 days.
Follow the Shogun
We expect to have a Garmin inReach transmitting Shogun’s position at regular intervals.
Log Uploads
There will be two Starlink terminals on the island. Logs will be uploaded at least once a day to both Clublog and to M0URX com ClubLog Live Stream
Shortly after we leave the island, confirmation requests (OQRS) will be processed only at M0URX com
Early donors that work us will receive their LoTW while we are on the island.
Not in Log and busted calls will be investigated by submitting the form at M0URX.com.
Please, no emails about Not in Log or busted calls. You must use the reporting form on the OQRS system.
K6TU Propagation Tools
Stu K6TU has again made his personalized propagation tools available at no charge during TX5S.


Fundraising:
TX5S donations are only at ~53% of the goal. While adding a donation to your OQRS request is always appreciated, the cash flow challenge is real, the bills must be paid before we sail.
Since the last press release the following organizations have joined the project as sponsors:
- Liga Amadores Bras de Rádio Emissão (Brazil)
League of Brazilian Amateur Radio Broadcasters

- Motherlode DX Club (significant donation)

- The Carolina DX Association
We wish to thank the organizations and individuals who have already pledged their support to TX5S and ask those of you who have not yet processed a donation to consider supporting the project before we sail on January 11, 2024.
FT8 Operation:
Unless otherwise noted, we will use WSJT-X in Fox/Hound mode. You must transmit above 1,000hz.
Special Thanks to Our Suppliers:
Equipment support from our suppliers was welcomed.
DX Engineering, Elecraft, RadioSport, ON5UR QSL Print Service, The DX Store, M0URX com, The Daily DX, LBS, RigExpert, Spiderbeam and SQ1K Bart’s Shop (for providing the team clothing). Additionally, John N7CQQ provided the 240V amplifier power grid, and other items, from previous Clipperton DXpeditions.
Good luck in the pileups.
73,
Clipperton 2024 Team
TX5S

[IK0ZCW]