Welcome to ZS8T - Marion Island!

In such a short space of time two of the most wanted DXCC entities have been made possible by one man. Petrus ZS6GCM, most recently on Bouvet as 3Y0E, is now headed to another rare DXCC - Marion Island using the callsign ZS8T. Within ZS8T.net you will find an abundance of information, discussions, images/movies and enough viewing to entice you into working Petrus. The entire ZS8T Team would be delighted if you joined us in following Petrus by subscribing to the RSS-feed or our ZS8T-newsletter.

In April, Petrus ZS6GCM arrived on Marion Island to begin a year of work. Sometime in May he erected the SteppIR vertical he took along and ran into a few difficulties. He did make one contact during the month but efforts to resolve these difficulties were unsuccessful and Petrus’ work commitments impeded our efforts to communicate via other methods with Petrus.

It has been over two months since we have heard from Petrus and are as much in the dark as the DX Community as to his plans.

At this point we are at a loss why Petrus has not been able to find time to put ZS8T on the air, he certainly made the efforts to obtain permissions and training before leaving for the Island. We must assume his job as administrator to the scientific community was much more than he contemplated. Petrus is on Marion Island for 7 more months.

If and when Petrus surfaces we will inform the DX Community. We are as disappointed as you.

73
Rhynhardt Louw ZS6DXB
ZS8T Press Officer, Logistical Support
http://zs8t.net/
zs6dxb@kats.za.net

Hi All

We are all patiently awaiting Petrus to activate ZS8T. We are not in the position to promise any dates currently and are crossing fingers that we will be able to bring a full report soon.

For the time beings guys please be patient as we all await the activation of ZS8T

73
Rhynhardt Louw ZS6DXB
ZS8T Press Officer, Logistical Support

zs6dxb@kats.za.net

We have confirmation from the authorities in charge of Marion Island that there is infact communications issues on the Island.

We did get a brief update that Petrus is very aware the world is waiting for him to be QRV, but important matters in running the camp (he is in charge of the operation down there) are taking up his waking hours. Petrus is there for 11 more months and there will be plenty of time for dx-ing once these issues are resolved.

73
Rhynhardt Louw ZS6DXB
ZS8T Press Officer, Logistical Support
http://zs8t.net/
zs6dxb@kats.za.net

Over the past 24 hours numerous spots have been appearing on DX clusters mentioning Petrus is on air.

As yet, we have no confirmation from Petrus. It’s becoming apparent there are internet/phone problems on the island, so news is currently scarce.

In the meantime,  be aware of bogus  ZS8T stations appearing on the bands. If you’d like to familiarize yourself with Petrus’ voice please visit previous recordings during 3Y0E

As soon as we hear again from Petrus, all news will be updated.

DL6KAC / MM0NDX on behalf of ZS8T team

It has been little over a month since Petrus ZS6GCM started his journey to Marion Island and we are glad to report that the staff takeover period is completed and the SA Agulhas is making its journey back to Cape Town.

Petrus and Rhy ZS6DXB have been in contact and are happy to report on the following.

• Petrus has already undergone a full circle walk around the Island with one of the research scientists, and has been out of base camp for the past week.

• The team is currently on cleaning duty since the takeover and is now cleaning the entire camp - furthermore it is business as usual and all is well.

• Petrus plans to start construction of the antennas soon and will be QRV as ZS8T by the middle of May.

• Petrus has also confirmed that the newly installed satellite internet system on Marion Island is working beyond expectations to date, so correspondence between Petrus and the ZS8T team are a lot easier than during the Bouvet Island 3Y0E operation.

We hereby say good luck to all in working ZS8T and we look forward to seeing your callsign in the ZS8T logbook. We will, of course, notify you all on the first lucky contacts that make it into the log and of any further developments.

73 and good hunting
Rhynhardt Louw ZS6DXB

ZS8T Press Officer/Logistical Support
http://zs8t.net/
zs6dxb@kats.za.net