{"id":9376,"date":"2014-04-25T08:23:35","date_gmt":"2014-04-25T12:23:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=9376"},"modified":"2014-04-25T08:23:35","modified_gmt":"2014-04-25T12:23:35","slug":"virtual-radio-challenge-one-year-one-radio-one-very-remote-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2014\/04\/virtual-radio-challenge-one-year-one-radio-one-very-remote-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Virtual radio challenge: one year, one radio, one (very) remote island"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"SWL<\/a>

Pack your bags! We’re going on a trip!<\/p><\/div>\n

Shortwave listeners are interesting, creative\u00a0people\u00a0who do\u00a0interesting,\u00a0creative\u00a0work: they’re scientists, veterans,\u00a0corporate employees, students, retirees, volunteers, politicians, musicians, inventors,\u00a0entrepreneurs, engineers, humanitarians,\u00a0reporters, artists, researchers, sailors, pilots, pirates…and\u00a0most<\/em>\u00a0seem to be\u00a0travelers. But to say the least, they’re very\u00a0diverse. The joy of the SWLing Post<\/em>, for me, is the fascinating\u00a0readers here and the great<\/em> variety of questions and comments I receive from you.<\/p>\n

On this blog, I\u00a0often write\u00a0about selecting the “right” radio for home<\/a>, boating<\/a>, preparedness<\/a>,\u00a0off-grid living<\/a>, and of course travel<\/a>\u2013but sometimes I like to go through the mental exercise of imagining a scenario\u00a0a little more extreme.<\/p>\n

Indeed, I occasionally\u00a0receive such “extreme” questions from our readers, questions that push the limits of the hobby, demanding\u00a0highly specific needs in a radio. And, I readily admit, I thoroughly\u00a0enjoy\u00a0these questions! \u00a0They give me a chance\u2013and good excuse, really\u2013to be\u00a0imaginative and innovative, to\u00a0push beyond mere practical or\u00a0monetary constraints\u00a0to consider unique\u00a0environments, weather conditions, durability needs, power requirements,\u00a0and\/or resource availability…great\u00a0fun.<\/p>\n

If you\u00a0enjoy this kind of brain game, too, check out our\u00a0virtual\u00a0challenge that follows:<\/p>\n

Should you agree to take it on, you’ll need to complete it within two weeks. Why the time constraint? Let’s imagine that your flight leaves May 15th, and you’ll need to make sure you’ve received, tested, and packed all of your supplies by that date.<\/p>\n

[By the way, this scenario is based on an actual\u00a0reader question.]<\/strong><\/p>\n

Here’s your challenge…<\/h2>\n

\"TristanDaCuna-001\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Location:<\/strong>\u00a0Edinburgh of the Seven Seas,\u00a0Tristan Da Cunha<\/a>, South Atlantic Ocean<\/p>\n

\"Tristan<\/a>

Tristan da Cunha on 6 February 2013, as seen from the International Space Station (Source: Wikipedia)<\/p><\/div>\n

Accommodation:<\/strong>\u00a0A\u00a0rented room in a native Tristanian family home<\/p>\n

Electricity:<\/strong>\u00a0Mains power via the grid, but you’ll have to expect extended power outages if there is a generator failure<\/p>\n

Internet:<\/strong> The island has (slow speed) public Internet, but you will not have access at your\u00a0accommodation<\/p>\n

Your budget:<\/strong> $200 US\u2013which must cover all<\/em> of your radio requirements (radio, antenna, batteries, and all accessories)<\/p>\n

Scenario:\u00a0<\/strong>You’re on an assignment, being sent to one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands\u2013Tristan Da Cunha, in the South Atlantic (see this\u00a0overview of the island from Wikipedia<\/a>)<\/span>\u2013to undertake research\u00a0for one year. You’ll fly into South Africa, where you’ll board a cargo vessel for the one-week\u00a0journey to the island. The maximum amount of luggage allowed by your airline is one carry-on and two check-in bags, both of no more than 60 kg (132 lbs), total.<\/p>\n

Once on the island, you will not leave until a ship picks you up 365 days later.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Edinburgh<\/a>

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean (Source: michael clarke stuff)<\/p><\/div>\n

Tristan Da Cunha has less than 300 total inhabitants, so while there are basic\u00a0shops and accommodations, these are very<\/em> limited. Once there, ordering a new radio or accessories will\u00a0not<\/em> be an option. Getting your rig\u00a0fixed by an island electronics repair shop will be possible, to some extent (we’ll assume you don’t possess those repair skills yourself). Batteries are locally available, but very<\/em> expensive…<\/p>\n

You’ll be staying in a small, thick-walled stone cottage with a family\u00a0and\u00a0will have your own room, with a window. \u00a0The family will allow you to string a wire antenna outside, but there are no trees, only heath and shrubs. Additionally, winds are strong and rainfall substantial;\u00a0sunshine can be quite limited.<\/p>\n

We’ll assume you’re starting from scratch, that you have neither radio nor\u00a0any accessories. You’re allowing yourself a maximum of $200 US for all of your radio gear. \u00a0Your goal is to have the best shortwave listening set-up possible<\/em> for your budget and for this situation. Since your radio must be packed in your luggage, you can’t afford the space nor the weight of a large tabletop radio.<\/p>\n

Obviously, the more you understand the island and its limitations, the better choices you’ll make for your gear.<\/p>\n

Limitations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. You’re limited to a (virtual) budget of $200 US<\/strong> to procure your supplies; ideally, this includes shipping costs<\/li>\n
  2. You can select\u00a0used gear<\/strong>, but must base your choices\u00a0on reality (i.e.,\u00a0actually find item(s) online and document the price and time of\u00a0availability). If you “shop”\u00a0eBay, make sure you’re using the final price, not the current or opening bid. If you do\u00a0locate something used on eBay<\/a>,\u00a0QTH.com<\/a>, QRZ.com<\/a> or\u00a0at Universal Radio<\/a>, for example, include the link! (Just to\u00a0add to the fun.)<\/li>\n
  3. Your main objective is to listen to international broadcasters,\u00a0and do a little DXing,<\/strong> of course. FM sensitivity will not be a factor (of course, I’m joking here!)\u00a0Whether or not the radio has SSB mode is up to you.<\/li>\n
  4. We’ll assume that you’re bringing a laptop computer with you.<\/li>\n
  5. Remember, you’ll be stuck with this radio for one full year! So choose\u00a0something you’ll love to operate<\/strong>, and don’t forget your vital accessories.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Note: The limitations of\u00a0this exercise are simply to level the playing field for everyone as well as to make the challenge a little tougher\u00a0(and thus more fun!). Of course, they’re open to interpretation, but do try to honor\u00a0the spirit of the game.<\/p>\n

    Up to the challenge? You’ve got two weeks\u2013!<\/em><\/h2>\n

    \"GrundigG3\"<\/a>To participate, just comment on\u00a0this post with your suggested set-up, any links, and a brief explanation for your choices.<\/p>\n

    You’re also welcome to email me directly<\/a>\u00a0with your response.<\/p>\n

    We’ll select\u00a0some of the most interesting and relevant responses and post them in two weeks, on Friday, May 9, 2014.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Have fun! \u00a0We can’t wait to read the responses…!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Shortwave listeners are interesting, creative\u00a0people\u00a0who do\u00a0interesting,\u00a0creative\u00a0work: they’re scientists, veterans,\u00a0corporate employees, students, retirees, volunteers, politicians, musicians, inventors,\u00a0entrepreneurs, engineers, humanitarians,\u00a0reporters, artists, researchers, sailors, pilots, pirates…and\u00a0most\u00a0seem to be\u00a0travelers. But to say the least, they’re very\u00a0diverse. The joy of the SWLing Post, for me, is the fascinating\u00a0readers here and the great variety of questions and comments I receive from […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3,2787,43,1154],"tags":[2788,2790,2792,4125,2791,4082,2793,1153,2789],"class_list":["post-9376","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","category-reader-challenges","category-shortwave-radio","category-travel","tag-best-shortwave-radio-for-remote-island","tag-island-shortwave-radio","tag-radio-challenge","tag-reader-challenges","tag-shortwave-challenge","tag-shortwave-radio","tag-shortwave-radio-travel","tag-shortwave-travel","tag-tristan-da-cunha"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-2re","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9492,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2014\/05\/reminder-radio-challenge-ends-thursday\/","url_meta":{"origin":9376,"position":0},"title":"Reminder: Radio challenge ends Thursday","author":"Thomas","date":"May 5, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"We've received some brilliant, creative\u00a0entries in the\u00a0Virtual radio challenge:\u00a0your opportunity to piece together the best $200 (US) radio kit you might\u00a0pack for one year on the remote island of Tristan Da Cunha. To participate in this challenge, simply comment on our original post with your suggested set-up, any links, and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"TristanDaCuna-001","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/TristanDaCuna-001-1024x393.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/TristanDaCuna-001-1024x393.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/TristanDaCuna-001-1024x393.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10923,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2014\/09\/reminder-virtual-radio-challenge-ii\/","url_meta":{"origin":9376,"position":1},"title":"Reminder: Virtual Radio Challenge II","author":"Thomas","date":"September 27, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"We\u2019ve received some brilliant, creative\u00a0entries in the\u00a0Virtual Radio Challenge II:\u00a0your opportunity to piece together the best $1200 (US) radio kit you might\u00a0pack for two years in the remote off-grid village of Laya, Bhutan. To participate in this challenge, simply comment on our original post with your suggested set-up, any links,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Bhutan","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Bhutan.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Bhutan.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Bhutan.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10979,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2014\/10\/final-day-virtual-radio-challenge-ii\/","url_meta":{"origin":9376,"position":2},"title":"Final Day! Virtual Radio Challenge II","author":"Thomas","date":"October 3, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Today is the last day to submit\u00a0entries for the\u00a0Virtual Radio Challenge II:\u00a0your opportunity to piece together the best, innovative $1200 (US) radio kit you might\u00a0pack for two years in the remote off-grid village of Laya, Bhutan. 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Rememer:\u00a0this year, if your entry is picked by our judge (Dennis Blanchard, K1YPP), you will win a new CountyComm GP5\/SSB portable radio courtesy of Universal Radio! To\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"AT_-_Franconia_Ridge","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/AT_-_Franconia_Ridge.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/AT_-_Franconia_Ridge.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/AT_-_Franconia_Ridge.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14301,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2015\/08\/saturday-your-chance-to-win-a-countycomm-gp5ssb-in-our-virtual-radio-challenge-iii\/","url_meta":{"origin":9376,"position":4},"title":"Saturday: Your chance to win a CountyComm GP5\/SSB in our Virtual Radio Challenge III","author":"Thomas","date":"August 7, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"We\u2019ve already received some excellent, creative\u00a0entries in the\u00a0Virtual Radio Challenge III:\u00a0your opportunity to piece together the best radio for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Rememer:\u00a0this year, if your entry is picked by our judge (Dennis Blanchard, K1YPP), you will win a new\u00a0CountyComm GP5\/SSB portable radio courtesy of Universal Radio! 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