[IRCA] July Rockwork 4 DXpedition-- Top Ten Signals from the South Pacific

[d1028gary@xxxxxxxxxxx]

The ocean cliff DXpedition conducted this month from the Rockwork 4 Highway 101 turnoff (near Manzanita, Oregon) from July 5-11 featured an international DXing group, with most of the members coming from other countries. We were especially honored to welcome the noted Japanese DXers Hiroo Nakagawa and Satoshi Miyauchi, who certainly had full exposure to the thrills of ocean cliff DXing (in more ways than one).ÂÂÂÂ 
As is typical at this ocean cliff site South Pacific propagation was seriously slanted toward New Zealand, although we had several good Australian signals, an almost daily blowtorch signal from 738-Tahiti and occasional reception of 1017-Tonga. The recordings below were allÂmade on my Ultralight radio + FSL antenna systems, and represent the ten strongest DU signals observed over the 7-session trip. Both Tom and Nick were at the cliff for 3 sessions (July 9-11), while the Japanese were with us on July 10th and 11th. As most of you know by now, the July 10th session was notable for vicious rain and wind, making our antenna setup and DXing session a legendary struggle against the weather. Trying hard to adjust during their first session at the cliff, the Japanese probably wonderedÂif a tsunami would hit us next. 
 
531ÂÂ PIÂÂ (Auckland, NZ, 5 kW)ÂÂ Samoan broadcaster dominated on all 7 days with good signals, although 4KZ and More FM did manage toÂget throughÂat times. ThisÂgood-level Samoan female speech on 7-5 was typical 
https://app.box.com/s/pe8gr1917b4vn3gccskee5gep6go7cft  
 
603ÂÂ Radio WaateaÂÂ (Auckland, NZ, 5 kW)ÂÂ Usually the strongest of the Maori network, this vibrant regular plays a mix of Maori and Motown music. Its strongest signal was on the last day (7-11) at 1218 
https://app.box.com/s/xdxju7jr1flspiln9nz1havsvd8gy85o  
 
675ÂÂ RNZ NationalÂÂ (Christchurch, NZ, 10 kW)ÂÂ The new kingpin of RNZ network transoceanic strength (after the demise of 567's old tower), this relay consistently outperformed its 50 kW parallel. This signal at 1257 on 7-8 was typical 
https://app.box.com/s/wx9b9i1dex7mqyrb9b9zgbnk1n3svwew  
 
702ÂÂ 2BLÂÂ (Sydney, Australia, 50 kW)ÂÂ Easily pushing 702-Magic aside whenever it showed up, this Oz big gun was the dominant station on both 7-7 and 7-10. The interview format was much different from Magic's oldie music 
https://app.box.com/s/f0qfop5x7ymw1gbyowg65obveuqjwf6m  
 
702 Magic (Auckland, NZ, 10 kW) Capable of blistering signals when Kiwi propagation was enhanced, this oldie music broadcaster was the only DU on the frequency on 5 of 7 days 
https://app.box.com/s/gtd8u8zxduwpirycbso99kigyum2ja5c  
 
738ÂÂ Radio PolynesieÂÂ (Mahina, Tahiti, 20 kW)ÂÂ A real blowtorch on most days, this French-language signalÂat 1233 on 7-9Âwas the strongest DU recording made during the trip, and seriously tested the crunch resistance of my Ultralight radio 
https://app.box.com/s/pw2gpfgh7vd19b33yz8ag7466y18462t  
 
765ÂÂ Radio KahungunuÂÂ (Napier-Hastings, NZ, 2.5 kW)ÂÂ Once again this low-powered MaoriÂnetwork station acted very much like a Kiwi big gun throughout the week. Maori and Motown music // 603 is the norm, as in this recording at 1215 on 7-8 
https://app.box.com/s/p04c5i3fvvpxfw449nbsa2jlwmipsh6n  
 
774ÂÂ 3LOÂÂ (Melbourne, Australia, 50 kW)ÂÂÂLR Network big gun was strongÂat 1222 on 7-5 but missing in action under Radio Sport on most days 
https://app.box.com/s/egf89xhr29obvisblm7cb9bzehid62jh 
 
1035ÂÂ Newstalk ZBÂÂ (Wellington, NZ, 20 kW)ÂÂ The flagship relay of this talk radio network had potent signals on most mornings, including this discussion concerning NZ real estate at 1222 on 7-8 
https://app.box.com/s/a21xkbboz6pbbqj73lj0ted4ft3fjiua  
 
1386ÂÂ Radio TaranaÂÂ (Auckland, NZ, 10 kW)ÂÂ Hindu music broadcaster pounded in when Kiwi propagation was enhanced (as in this recording at 1246Âon 7-6), otherwise got lost in splatter 
https://app.box.com/s/aaguop8hp57aa38eulommx06tm3l22qw  
 
Of course many other DU signals were heard during the DXpedition, and a full report will be drafted after all of the recordings are reviewed. 
 
73 and Good DX, 
Gary DeBock (DXing at the Rockwork 4 ocean cliff near Manzanita, Oregon, USA) 
7.5" loopstick C.Crane Skywave Ultralights (3)+ 
17" and 15" DXpedition FSL antennas (Tom R.'s DXpedition Team Photo posted at https://app.box.com/s/xd8j1u7a7k5w9wvyflmrgjo49356203d Â) 
 
 
ÂÂÂ 
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