The Amsterdam DXpedition has been the focus of many DXers in the last few weeks. Our friends are now back home with more than 170,000 contacts in the log. Congratulations! While waiting for the update of their website you can find some superb pictures and a short article on the TAAF’s website

 Concerning Tromelin 2014, a lot of work has been done since our previous press release.

 First of all, we are extremely proud and grateful of the mobilization of the amateur radio community. We want to thank the major sponsors who joined our project. In the same way, a large number of smaller clubs have shown much generosity. You can find all our contributors on the dedicated page.

 The budget is not balanced yet and all kinds of help will be necessary to make this expedition possible.

 It is important to understand how logistical constraints related to transport are the major element in the organization of our operation. A few days ago, a member of the team met with our plane pilot who showed him the aircraft that we will be using. Together, they dealt with the problems of the transportation of the team and equipment. As of today, all is in order from a material and administrative point of view.

 Also, in the next few weeks, we will reach for certain suppliers, manufacturers in order to provide us with equipment offering the best weight, reliability and performance ratio.

 Work also continues with the TAAF authorities. The list of the topics to deal with is relatively long, but since day one all our interlocutors have been very receptive, reactive, and have provided an invaluable help.

 The hamradio callsigns used on the territories managed by the TAAF are issued by their services on the Reunion Island.

FT4TA (Fox Tango Four Tango Alpha) has been issued to us for our operation from October 30th to November 10th, 2014.

 The pilot stations setup is being organized and will be revealed very soon. Schedules are being tweaked thanks to the forecasts and contributions of all.
 We are waiting for the return of Michel FM5CD, member of FT5ZM, in order to use his input from his last operation.

 New communications will follow, more specifically on the “radio” aspects of the expedition. At the same time, we are preparing a series of articles for our website which will help you discover the Scattered Islands (Iles Eparses in French) and more particularly our final destination.

 More than ever, stay tuned…

 The Tromelin 2014 team

http://www.tromelin2014.com/en/news/press-release-2/

 Very much like a large sandbank and only 7 metres (23 ft) high at its highest point, Tromelin is about 1,700 metres (1.1 mi) long and 700 metres (0.43 mi) wide, with an area of 80 ha (200 acres), covered in scrub dominated by Octopus Bush and surrounded by coral reefs. There are no harbours or anchorages, so that access by sea is difficult and a 1,200-metre (3,900 ft) airstrip provides the island's link with the outside world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tromelin_Island