The multinational group activating Z81X from South Sudan November 15–28 will emphasize 160 and 80 meters. It also is urging DXers to be on their best behavior in the anticipated pileups. The DXpedition period includes the CQ World Wide DX CW contest, when Z81X will have as many as three single-band stations active; there will be a non-contest, low-band SSB focus during the contest weekend as well. The Z81X team departed November 13 and was scheduled to team up with Z81B and Z81D to set up their low-band antennas and start a series of workshops for the government of South Sudan.

“At least one station should be operational by late Friday evening,” the team announced this week. “Their selected low-band operating frequencies are 1826.5 KHz and 3523 KHz.” The Z81X expedition will not announce its operating frequencies on other bands in advance and advises checking Internet spotting networks.

The Z81X operators also will know if you've been bad or good. They will be looking for conduct that is consistent — or inconsistent — with the DX University “Best Practices for Courteous and Efficient DXing.” The DXpedition ops plan to record many segments of the operation in stereo — with Z81X on one channel and the DX pileup on the other — then upload selections to the DX University website to illustrate certain points.

Hosted by the South Sudan Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the group, led by IARU Region 1President Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T, also will conduct a series of workshops, with support by the Yasme Foundation, aimed at establishing a sound Amateur Radio spectrum management and regulatory regime for the Republic of South Sudan. Other operators will include Dietmar, DL3DXX; Wayne, N7NG; Olli, OHØXX; Martti, OH2BH; Pertti, OH2PM; Veijo, OH6KN, and Tevfik, TA1HZ (the team doctor), plus Massimo, Z81B (IZØEGB), and Diya, Z81D (YI1DZ).

Plans call for three generator-powered stations with amplifiers, low-band verticals and Beverage antennas; two sites may be used. Z81X team members will use their QRZ.com page to provide updates and to recognize supporters. Team updates also will appear on the DX University website.

Toward the end of the Z81X effort, the operators will try a modern twist on an old method to work as many of the “more-deserving, but DX-challenged” DXers as possible. Details will be announced.

Z81X Project Goodwill South Sudan is organized jointly by Radio Arcala, DX University, IARU Region 1, and Rock City Investments Co; the equipment sponsor is Yaesu.

The group welcomes support from individuals, clubs and foundations. Visit  the Z81X QRZ.com page. QSL via OHØXX. —Jarmo Jaakola, OH2BN