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VK0IR – Heard Island DXpedition (1997)



One of the Most Legendary Operations in Amateur Radio History 🌍📡


The VK0IR DXpedition to Heard Island in January 1997 stands as one of the most ambitious, well-planned, and professionally executed expeditions in the history of amateur radio.


🌋 Location

Heard Island is a remote, uninhabited volcanic island in the southern Indian Ocean, approximately 4,000 km southwest of Australia. With its extreme weather, isolation, and challenging terrain, it was one of the rarest and most sought-after DXCC entities at the time.


📡 The DXpedition

  • Callsign: VK0IR

  • Dates of Operation: January 14–26, 1997

  • Location: Atlas Cove, northwest coast of Heard Island

  • Organized by: Cordell Expeditions, led by Bob Schmieder (KK6EK)

  • Team: 20 seasoned operators from the U.S., Europe, and Australia

  • Transport: Aurora Australis, a research and supply vessel for Antarctic expeditions


🔧 Operations

  • Continuous 24/7 operation for 13 days

  • Up to 8 stations on air simultaneously

  • All HF bands (160m–10m) + 6m

  • Modes: CW, SSB, and RTTY

  • Utilized high-performance antennas in harsh sub-Antarctic conditions: strong winds, ice, and freezing temperatures


📈 Results & Impact

  • Over 80,000 QSOs made worldwide

  • Set a world record at the time for QSOs on a DXpedition

  • Successfully activated one of the most difficult DXCC entities

  • Set new standards for DXpedition logistics, safety, and operating excellence


🏆 Legacy

VK0IR became a benchmark in DXpedition history, often cited as a model of teamwork, perseverance, and amateur radio spirit. The operation is thoroughly documented in the award-winning book and video, VK0IR: The DXpedition to Heard Island, authored by Bob Schmieder.


🎥 Watch the Expedition


📚 Learn More

 
 
 

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