Well-known Lance W7GJ published a notice about the upcoming EME 6m expedition E51SIX to the South Cook Islands (BG08dr). His companion will be Bob ZL1RS, which should ensure operation on 2m. The exact date of the start of operation is not yet known, but it will be at the end of March 2009.
Operation will be in JT65A mode, while E51SIX will always broadcast in the 1st period. Frequency 50.190MHz. QSL Sat SAX at E51SIX/W7GJ, Lance Collister, P.O. Box 73, Frenchtown, MT, 59834-9973 USA
South Cook Islands
The southern Cook Islands, denoted by the prefix E51, are an attractive destination for DX connections for radio amateurs from all over the world. Belonging to New Zealand, this Pacific archipelago paradise lies approximately 3,500 km northeast of New Zealand and falls within ITU Zone 32 and CQ zone 32.
Vďaka svojej odľahlej polohe sú E51 stanice často považované za vzácne „new one“ pre DX maniakov. Rádioamatéri tu prevádzkujú široké spektrum pásiem, od HF až po VHF/UHF, a aktívne sa zúčastňujú medzinárodných contestov a expedícií. Populárne sú najmä módy CW, SSB a digitálne, vrátane JT65 a FT8, which make it possible to overcome long distances even with low power.
Expeditions from these islands often bring unique QSL tickets and also serve as a platform for promoting radio amateurs and building the DX community. For many operators, the connection with E51 is a symbol of success and a valuable addition to DXCC.