FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — August 31, 2026

Contact: Max Freeman, N4ML
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VK9XY Remote Operation Plan and Young Operator Sign-Up

The Pacific Islands DXpedition Group (PIDXG), in partnership with Youth on the Air (YOTA), is pleased to announce plans to provide remote operating opportunities to approximately forty young amateur radio operators around the world during the upcoming VK9XY DXpedition to Christmas Island.

VK9XY will operate from November 16 through December 4, 2026. As part of the operation, we will deploy two NexGen RiB2 remote radio systems, to be located approximately six hundred meters west of our primary operating site.

Remote access to the RiB2s will be provided through a new cloud-based system called DXter. DXter supports CW, SSB, and digital modes and is accessed directly through a standard web browser, with no additional software or applications required.

Young Operator Remote Team Leaders

The remote operating team will be led by Kees, W0AAE, and Steve, KI4WKR.

Young operators interested in participating on the remote team should contact:

Kees W0AAE: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Steve KI4WKR: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Remote operators will have an opportunity to become familiar with DXter before the DXpedition begins. During October, both RiB2 stations will be made available to the remote team for training and familiarization. A short instructional video will also be provided to help young operators learn how to use DXter and prepare for the VK9XY operation.

This is an exciting opportunity for young operators to experience the challenge of a DXpedition from anywhere in the world.

How You Can Support Us

As a nonprofit organization, PIDXG relies on the generosity of the amateur radio community and our supporters to help make these educational and operating opportunities possible.

Fundraising is currently under way, with the goal of covering all expenses associated with the participation of our young operators.

Donations can be made through PayPal at:

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Checks may also be made payable to:

PACIFIC ISLANDS DX GROUP
69 Saddleview Lane
Morganton, GA 30560

Every contribution, large or small, helps provide young operators with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in DXpeditioning, develop their operating skills, and become part of the next generation of Dxpeditioners

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For additional information about VK9XY, visit vk9xy2026.com.

Thank you in advance for your support. Your QSO with VK9XY might just be with a young operator running a pile-up for the very first time!