TRANSPOLAR SKITREK PROGRESS REPORT #3: February 12, 1988

     Prepared by Rich Ensign, N8IWJ, AMSAT Science Education Advisor
                 For Use With The AMSAT Teachers Guide
            "Exploring The High Arctic From Your Classroom"


                            NORDSKI COMM

Preparations continue for the Transpolar Skitrek Expedition as the UoSAT
OSCAR 11 Spacecraft is undergoing memory tests. Data is being read into and
then read out of memory to check the integrity of each memory cell. The tests
will run from February 11th through February 18th. During this time it is not
likely that digitalker tests will be run.


                    NEW HF COMMUNICATIONS DETAILS

Here are the first four Canadian amateur radio operators that will be running
the support base communications from Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island in the
Northwest Territory of Canada.

    Bill Hardie, VE3EFX........from February 23rd through March 12th
    Andy McLellan, VE1ASJ......from March 4th through March 19th
    Don Whitty, VO1QF..........from March 15th through March 26th
    Glen Wyant, VE3ICR.........from March 22nd through April 2nd

These hams will be operating on the 20, 40 and 80 meter bands under their own
calls or the Resolute Support Base call CI8C. All are active DX'ers and will
appreciate a QSO with you. Remember their critical role in the expedition as
you attempt contacts with them. If you make contact, QSL via Box 313, Don
Mills, Ontario, M3C 2S7.

Barry Garratt, VE3CDX/VE8CDX and Rick Burke, VO1SA will be representing the
Canadian communications team in Russia. Rick will be working from the
Sredny Island Base (Call is EK0QCG) and Barry will be working from the North
Pole 28 Ice Island Base (Call is 4K0DCG). Moscow calls associated with the
expedition are UA3HR, UK3KP and RK3KP. Canadian calls associated with the
expedition are VE3AUM in Ottawa and VE3CDM in Toronto.

It is unlikely that you will hear the actual expedition on the ice but, in
case you get lucky, their call in Russian jurisdiction is UK0CI and in
Canadian jurisdiction is CI8UA. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THEM.
Their radio is the skiers lifeline and they must have clear communications
with the support bases in order to preserve their communications capability
with limited battery life.

The four Canadian skiers have now left for Russia. Much of the information in
this report comes from Tom Atkins, VE3CDM, newly returned from very
productive planning meetings in Russia. Please note that the Sredny Island
call is in error in the guide and is correct as listed here.

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A continuing series of Progress Reports like this one may be accessed via
packet BBS, AMSAT Nets and the main educator source, the W0RPK AMSAT Bulletin
Board (1-515-961-3325). Comments and questions about the reports should be
addressed to Rich Ensign, 421 N. Military, Dearborn, MI 48124, U.S.A.

Progress Report #4 will be issued on February 19, 1988.