RSGB IOTA DIRECTORY
ANNEX I - EQUIPMENT FOR DXPEDITIONING CHECK-LIST
ALL DXpeditions are different and an Arctic island expedition’s check-list will obviously be different from one to a tropical atoll. Likewise the inventory of equipment of a two- day single-operator DXpedition from a hotel will clearly be very different in both scope and size from that of a one-month operation by a team of 20 on an uninhabited island. A DXpedition entirely under canvas would obviously also re- quire tents and other camping equipment; these items are not considered here, nor - other than for sun protection - are
clothes or toiletries.
If flying to the DXpedition location you will be limited by weight allowances; a general principle here is that there is no need to take anything that you know you can source locally at the DXpedition location. An obvious example is fuel for generators.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it is hoped that it cov- ers most of the essentials and that it will prove useful for all intending IOTA DXpeditioners. A more detailed list, the mas- ter inventory for the 9M0C AS-051 Spratly Islands DXpedition, was published in DXpeditioning Behind the Scenes (RadioActive Publications, 2000).
Thanks to the following DXpeditioners for their input to this list: Falk Weinhold, DK7YY; Paul O’Kane, EI5DI; John Dunnington, G3LZQ; Neville Cheadle, G3NUG; Neil Ackerley, G3RIR; Richard Limebear, G3RWL; Roger Western, G3SXW; Nick Totterdell, G4FAL; Michael Wells, G7VJR; Ian White, GM3SEK; Bob Beebe, GU4YOX; Eric Scace, K3NA; Max Cotton, M0GHQ; Tim Beaumont, M0URX; Bob Grimmick, N6OX.
STATION EQUIPMENT
ˆ Transceiver(s) + mains and/or DC lead(s)
ˆ 13.8V / 20A PSU(s)
ˆ SWR / power meter
ˆ Linear amplifier(s) + RF lead, PTT switching and ALC leads with correct plugs for transceiver(s)
ˆ Microphone
ˆ Headphones or combined boom mic headset (e.g. Heil)
ˆ Footswitch
ˆ Keyer + spare batteries
ˆ Winkeyer + USB CAT adapter
ˆ Paddle
ˆ Laptop + PSU, with logging software and datamodes programs pre-loaded
ˆ Memory stick for laptop
ˆ Logging software on CD and/or floppy (for installing on a borrowed PC if necessary)
ˆ Mouse
ˆ Mouse pad
ˆ Full-size keyboard for PC
ˆ PC to radio interface cable
ˆ CW interface
ˆ Manual ATU (unless all antennas are 50Ω)
ˆ 2- or 3-way coaxial antenna switch
ˆ Band pass filters (e.g. Dunestar or similar) for multi- transmitter environment
ˆ Plug adapters for headphones
ˆ High power low pass filter (if in built-up area / hotel)
ˆ Great Circle map centred on DXpedition location
ˆ Propagation predictions
ˆ DX Edge grey-line charts
ˆ VHF or UHF handhelds for inter-station communications
ANTENNAS ETC
ˆ Antennas
ˆ Antenna Analyser (e.g. MFJ-259) or Mini-VNA analyser
ˆ Roll(s) of antenna wire
ˆ Rolls of thin insulated radial wire (use different colours)
ˆ Sufficient coax in several lengths, with properly soldered plugs pre-fitted
ˆ Spare coax (because you always need more than you think!)
ˆ Baluns
ˆ Beverage receive antenna wire
ˆ Beverage transformer
ˆ Beverage terminating resistor
ˆ Beverage ground stake
ˆ PL-259 to PL-259 patch leads (many!)
ˆ Spare PL-259 plugs with reducers
ˆ SO-239 to SO-239 back to back ‘barrel’ connectors (many)
ˆ SO-239 T-piece for making stubs
ˆ 50Ω termination
ˆ Tie-wraps
ˆ Insulating tape
ˆ Self-amalgamating tape or Coax Seal
ˆ Gaffer or duct tape
ˆ Fibre-glass ‘fishing rod’ masts for vertical or inverted-L
antennas (various lengths from 7m to 18m)
ˆ Rope for guying masts
ˆ Stakes for guy ropes
ˆ Spare Jubilee clips / hose clamps
ˆ Balls of thin string or polythene fishing line (Cardolene)
for suspending wire antennas
ˆ Lead fishing weights (for antenna installation)
ˆ Earth rods
ˆ Earthing straps and wire
ˆ Measuring tape (in imperial and metric units)
ELECTRICAL
ˆ Four- or six-way 13A mains distribution board (with sockets suitable for your equipment and plug suitable for DXpedition location)
ˆ 10m mains extension lead
ˆ Multimeter (voltmeter, ohmmeter)
ˆ Generator, petrol or diesel (fuel to be sourced locally)
ˆ Solar panels (useful in tropical countries with frequent power failures)
ˆ Filters (braid-breakers, high-pass ‘TVI’ filters)
ˆ Clip-on ferrites
ˆ Fuses – mains fuses + spare fuses for equipment
ˆ ‘Choc block’ terminal strips
ˆ 230V to 110V transformer
ˆ ‘Crocodile’ clips
ˆ Table lights
ˆ Table fans
TOOLS (do not attempt to take on plane carry-on bag)
ˆ Soldering iron + solder (lead solder works best)
ˆ Small gas soldering iron (can be heated by candle)
ˆ Flat head screwdrivers
ˆ Cross head screwdrivers
ˆ Pliers
ˆ Side cutters
ˆ Stanley knife (with retractable blade + spare blades)
ˆ File (to prepare metal on PL-259 to ease soldering)
ˆ Adjustable spanner (shift spanner)
ˆ Swiss Army Knife
ˆ Crimp tool and crimps
ˆ Tool belt / roofer’s belt for antenna work
ˆ Catapult (for antenna installation work)
ˆ Hammer or mallet (for guy stakes)
DOCUMENTS
ˆ Originals and photocopies of: Passport and visas, Operating and / or landing permission, Flight tickets, Credit cards, DXpedition licence, Home licence, Equipment inventory, Purchase receipts for equipment, ATA Carnet (if used), Driving licence, Diver’s licence,
ˆ Insurance policy with good repatriation cover
ˆ Operating manuals
ˆ Assembly instructions for antennas
ˆ Map of DXpedition region
ˆ Vaccination certificates
ˆ Spare passport photos
ˆ Laminated ‘prompt card’ with DXpedition callsign, IOTA reference, CQ & ITU zones, Locator, QSL Manager, licensed frequency bands (if different from home) etc.
ˆ Contact list, phone numbers (inc embassy of your country etc)
ˆ Paper log books
ˆ Paper scrap pads
ˆ Pens or pencils
ˆ Copies of all important documents on PC
PERSONAL EFFECTS
ˆ Medical kit including: analgesic tablets (Paracetamol / Ibuprofen or similar), plasters (Band Aids), antiseptic cream, malaria prophylaxis if in malarial area, Imodium or similar, rehydration salts, Vaseline, vitamin B, tablets (repels mosquitoes), tweezers, seasickness tablets, sunscreen (30 SPF or greater)
ˆ Lip balm
ˆ Medi-wipes (e.g. for cleaning headphones)
ˆ Insect repellent spray or cream
ˆ Mosquito net
ˆ Camera + spare memory cards, charger
ˆ Video camera, charger
ˆ Mobile phone with international roaming, charger
ˆ Wide-brimmed sun hat or kepi (to avoid sunstroke)
ˆ Gardening gloves (for antenna work)
ˆ Knee pads (to protect from sharp coral)
ˆ Neoprene or reef shoes (to protect from sharp coral)
ˆ Personal notebook / diary
ˆ Alarm clock or watch, set to UTC
ˆ Torch (flashlight) + spare batteries
ˆ LED torch on head band + spare batteries
ˆ Lighter
ˆ Survival blanket (useful in all climates if camping)
ˆ Compass
ˆ GPS receiver
ˆ Binoculars
ˆ Tin opener
ˆ Bottle opener
ˆ Small gifts for local helpers
ˆ Games or guitar for entertainment
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