[DECEMBER 23] – Antoine now confirms the CQWW logs for 3D2AG/P Rotuma have been uploaded to the CQWW server, Club Log and QRZ.com. These could not be sent earlier due to the lack of internet on Rotuma; he hopes that many will enjoy the rare multiplier. Antoine continues to work on uploading the rest of the CW logs to Club Log.
[DECEMBER 22] – Antoine got in touch again with the following info:
I am currently busy catching-up with domestic and work-related matters in Fiji; I unfortunately do not have the time right now to individually respond to the hundreds of emails requesting log checks and LoTW uploads. Once the full logs are uploaded OMs will be able to directly verify contacts and request confirmation online. Very best wishes for the festive season, for peace and health.
[DECEMBER 19] – Big thanks to Antoine, who is now back in Fiji, for sending this update, pictures and a previous message (dated December 1) which did not reach DX-World HQ until now. It explains about the issues encountered so is attached in the picture gallery below. Thanks Antoine !
PS: Antoine 3D2AG/p sincerely thanks the German DX Foundation (GDXF) and the Clipperton DX Club (CDXC) for their generous support to this DXpedition. The FT8 QSOs have already been uploaded online to ClubLog, and over the next two weeks the CW logs as well after transcription from paper logs, so please do not worry yet if you cannot find your CW QSOs online.
[DECEMBER 3] – On the scene with 3D2AG/P (credit Antoine). Also listen to his signals on 20CW.
3D2AG/P set-up
[NOVEMBER 20] Antoine, 3D2AG informs DX-World of his next Rotuma DXpedition:
Getting ready here to travel to Rotuma Island (OC-060) around 0600 UTC Saturday, for a 48-hour boat journey. Hoping to be operational around the 24th of November, and until the 20th or December. This is a one-man operation, combining QRL and DX. I hope to be QRV from 160m to 6m, although focus will be on higher bands (15m, 12m, 10m) on CW, SSB, RTTY and some FT8. It would take some significant time and effort to set up the 160m antenna, so I will first monitor the band to see if there is any activity.
Equipment will be the IC-7300 and IC-706MKIIG, with an ACOM 600S linear (max 650W). Most of my FT8 operation on higher bands will be using 100W and solar power; a 3KVA generator and QRO 600W will be used on lower bands FT8 and CW/SSB/RTTY on all bands including 6m.
Antennas will consist of the following:
160: 18m high inverted-L
80 / 40m: Home-made OCFD inverted-V at 15m height.
30m / 60m: Monoband inverted-Vs
20m-17m-15m-12m-10m: Spiderbeam
6m: 5-el Cushcraft A50-5S yagi (extended boom version).On CW I will usually be on the lower portion of the band, unless when the band is open to the USA I will try to be on the general class portion, unless the QRM is too high.
Tentative CW/SSB QRGs:
160m: 1822.5 KHz
80m: 3502 KHz / 3792 KHz
60m: 5359 KHz
40m: 7002 KHz / 7152 KHz
30m: 10107 KHz
20m: 14002 KHz / 14030 KHz / 14260 KHz
17m: 18072 KHz / 18152 KHz
15m: 21002 KHz / 21030 KHz / 21260 KHz
12m: 24902 KHz / 24952 KHz
10m: 28002 KHz / 28030 KHz / 28352 KHz
6m: 50.102 KHz / 50115 KHzFT8 Operation will be using MSHV 2.68 Multistream; fully compatible with both F/H and normal FT8 mode. If possible, to save time please call with a report and not grid. On 160m I will mostly use JTDX on normal mode as signals are usually very weak.
Usually I will start on a normal FT8 QRG, and once a pileup builds up, will QSY to the nominated out-of-band QRGs:
160m: 1836 KHz
80m: 3576 KHz
60m: 5357 KHz
40m: 7056 KHz
30m: 10131 KHz
20m: 14080 KHz
17m: 18095 KHz
15m: 21080 KHz
12m: 24911 KHz
10m: 28080 KHz
6m: 50.323 KHzPlease note that there will be NO internet in Rotuma and I will not be able to entertain sked requests, read any emails, cluster posts or social media apps and there will be no real-time online log. Logs will be uploaded to ClubLog after my return to Fiji. Pending QSls (there are still lots of them, apologies) will also be dealt with on my return.
During this trip my first task will be to lay some flowers on the grave of my dear son Rehanisi, who left us so unexpectedly and cruelly on the 9th of January 2020. Thank you to all who have sent condolences, messages of support and helping words; each of these is most sincerely appreciated.
This upcoming operation will be partly supported by the German DX Foundation and the Clipperton DX Club, and they are both sincerely thanked for their sponsorship.
Looking forward to work you on the bands and VY 73,
Antoine 3D2AG
Hello, Antone om,
Thank you very much for your wonderful DX-Pedition operation.
I am very happy and grateful that 6m band QSO was established this summer.
You went to the Rotuma Islands this time… Hope to be able to communicate, please refer to the operation of the 160/80 meter band as follows.
In accordance with the Korean Radio Law Act, the 160/80m band is out of the FT8 international public designated frequency, 1840/3573 or 3567KHz. Probably Thailand (HS) and some Asian countries know as well.
Korea can only operate at 160m (1800~1825KHz) and 80m (3500~3550LKHz).
When QSO in FT8 Mode, Korea always does QRV on 160m – 1810KHz and 80m – 3547KHz. Also, 1810 / 3547KHz simplex QSO is possible. Please be sure to remember.
If necessary during operation, split 1840 (T33T -TX ) / 1810KHz (HL -TX – ODD Time) , 3567 or 3573 (T33T – TX) / 3547KHz (HL -TX – ODD Time)
I hope Korean HAMs (HL) will be given the opportunity on 160/80 meter QSO.
For reference, I ask that other DX-Peditions also recognize the situation in Korea’s 160/80 meter band and reflect the frequency operation.
Stay healthy and look forward to seeing you on air often.
Kyu, HL2WA ( http://qrz.com/db/hl2wa )