From the IOTA-chasers mail list:

Weather permitting, and assuming no flight cancellation, I am authorized to be active from NA-066 San Nicolas Island November 08-12. It is the most remote island in California (farthest from the mainland, 98 km). Grid Loc: DM03gg.

While NA-066 is relatively common, San Nicolas is arguably the rarest California island, due to its status as a sensitive US Naval facility. While Saint George Reef (NA-184), White Rock (NA-187), and Los Farallones de los Frailes (NA-178) were each activated twice, and relatively recently, the only documented operation from San Nicolas island was by two California radio amateurs operating as WZ6SNI for Armed Forces Day, May 1971; that was over 50 years ago !

While most of you who subscribe to this e-mail group are serious IOTA chasers and probably have NA-066 confirmed, the statistics say over 60% still need it. Additionally, this operation will be a new one [ CA-009S ] for the US islands program [ usislands.org ].

I will take a Buddihex for 6-20m. I cannot bring the amplifier, but here in California, I have recently worked stations in Europe and Africa who were transmitting 100 watts. For IOTA chasers in southern California, Arizona and southern Nevada, who may not be able to hear because of skip, I will also take a Buddipole for 40/30m daytime use; this should suffice for our short distance. Primarily SSB, but I can go to CW if condx deteriorate due to solar flares etc. I do NOT operate FT8 nor any digital mode. Call sign will be simply WC6DX, not /p, not /6.

Specific dates/times: I arrive on Nov. 07 but cannot check into the island hotel until 1600 local (2400 UTC on Nov 07). I have to confirm the proposed antenna location and then set up, but sunset will be 1700 local and I may not be able to set up the Buddihex until the next morning (Nov. 08). Due to strong winds, I need to set up multiple guys, so I will need extra time for that, and this is a one-man operation. If I have to wait for daylight, then I will set up the Buddipole and work short skip W6 / W7 stations that evening.  I depart the island on Nov. 12, so after morning breakfast, my final operating hours will be 0700-1000 local (1500-1800 UTC). 

QSL instructions will be on my QRZ.com bio after the operation. Paper QSL cards only; please don’t ask about ClubLog or LoTW matching; an island activated after 50 years deserves a paper card. I will automatically send QSL cards via the bureau to all DX stations who do not request a direct card, so you can keep your money.

Those who attend the IOTA Dinner at the International DX Convention in Visalia, California on Friday, 11 April 2025 will hear the full story and see exclusive photos.

Again, the operation is subject to weather conditions or re-scheduling of military transport flights. I hope to give NA-066 or CA-009S to island chasers who want it, especially for an ATNi (all-time new IOTA).  [Looking for you, VK5MAV !]

For those who might want to see 20-year old video of the island, there was a television show called “California's Gold” where the host and cameraman visited California landmarks such as parks, cities, cultural events, etc. The second half of one episode features San Nicolas Island, at the 13:00 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqCW0vM2Z44

73 de Will WC6DX
IOTA Dinner Coordinator, Visalia International DX Convention