143 Comments

1. Richard VK5NEC on March 6, 2023 at 1:22 am

   To Dave P: The Wasp sealing ship was reported to have taken 196 seals from Bouvet. It didn’t take 50 men to do that and how do you think they landed 50 men on Bouvet when several of the Expeditions that went there couldn’t make a landing. Several thousand people have not landed on Bouvet since 1739.

   Back my original question; What do all the negative people, who are so critical of the 3Y0J Team and not in the 3Y0J log, think about people who risk their lives climbing My Everest of flying on the Space Shuttle?

2. Alan T on March 6, 2023 at 12:42 am

   Richard VK5NEC: “The 3Y0J Team went on the Adventure of a lifetime and their fatality rate was zero.”.

   Fair enough, but it so very nearly wasn’t zero and Norway would have been obliged to divert an icebreaker to Bouvet at enormous public expense to sort out the whole mess and clean up, which is what, I believe, the VK6CQ/VKØLD open letter to ARRL and DX Community is all about. Go read it nice and slow so that you take in what it says.

   About time middle-aged boy-scout radio hams with more cash than common-sense stopped trying to seek DX fame and glory on frigid uninhabited islands in the Southern Ocean unless they actually know what they’re doing and are at least capable of selecting a suitable vessel.

   Sorry mate, but you asked for it!

3. Dave P on March 5, 2023 at 5:54 pm

   Richard VK5NEC: You need to go read up about whaling and sealing in the 18th & 19th centuries because you clearly don’t know much about the subject. Just because no landings were recorded between 1739 and 1825 does not mean that there weren’t any landings. Quite the contrary; most sealing & whaling vessels working the South Atlantic in those days deliberately did not report when, or more to the point, where they landed as this information was a closely guarded commercial secret and therefore never recorded by the authorities of the day.

   A typical sealing gang comprised 40 to 50 men landing on a sub-Antarctic island beach armed with clubs, spikes and muskets with orders to despatch as many fur seals (for pelts) and elephant seals (for blubber /oil) as possible in as short a time as possible. This was a pre-hydrocarbons age and demand for seal and whale oil was colossal so it is not unreasonable to assume that many thousands of men were involved over seveeral decades in this very bloody chapter of the South Atlantic’s history.

   Regards,
   Dave P (retired academic and expert on this particular subject)

4. Richard VK5NEC on March 5, 2023 at 11:53 am

   Correction:

   The first sighting of Bouvet was 1739, The first claim to have landed on the island was 83 years later in 1822 by Benjamin Morrell, although this claim is disputed. On 10 December 1825, George Norris landed on Bouvet and claimed it for the British Crown. At least three sealing vessels visited the island between 1822–1895. The next recorded exploration was in 1927. A few hundred people at most have landed on Bouvet Island. For thousands of people to have landed Bouvet, at least 20 people would have had to go there every year for the last 100 years and that didn’t happen. Sailing past Bouvet on a ship in not landing on the Island.

5. Richard VK5NEC on March 5, 2023 at 10:52 am

   Alan C: The first sighting of Bouvet was 1739, The first claim to have landed on the island 188 years later was made by Benjamin Morrell, although this claim is disputed. In The first Norwegian expedition landed on the island was 1927, less than 100 years ago, so how do you come up with a figure of thousands of people having landed on Bouvet? Yes maybe a few Sealers, Expeditions, Scientists and other people too went there over the years, but I doubt too many Whaling Ships landed there. Maybe some Military personal and Nuclear Physicists went there too, but that doesn’t account for thousands of people having landed there. Maybe a couple of hundred at the most. 848 flew on the Space Shuttle which is more people than landed on Bouvet since 1739. As of January 2023: 6,338 different people have reached the summit of Mount Everest which is most definitely more people than landed on Bouvet.

6. Alan C on March 5, 2023 at 9:20 am

   Richard VK5NEC:

   Don’t try to make Bouvet Island out be more than it is. You should check your facts before making blithe public pronouncements such as the one below, otherwise ‘fake news’, conspiracy theories and the like have a tendency to spread like wildfire and before you know it, fiction becomes indisputable fact. “It must be true, ‘cos I read about it on the Internet…..blah, blah, blah.”.

   The oft-misused quote “More people have flown in the Space Shuttle and made it to the summit of Mt Everest than people have landed on Bouvet” is nothing but deliberate exaggeration and a complete fabrication. In other words, it is pure BS flavoured PR spin;

   Fact is that several THOUSAND people have been to Bouvet over the years since it was first discovered in 1739, including the many hundreds of sealers & whalers during the 19th century and several hundred scientists and support staff since the Island was annexed by Norway in 1928. It’s just that not many radio hams have been active from there, that’s all.

   So let’s not start making up porkies, OK?

7. Richard VK5NEC on March 4, 2023 at 6:47 pm

   What do all the negative people who are not in the 3Y0J log, think about Astronauts who flew in the Space Shuttle, or people that climbed to the summit of Mt Everest? The percentage of deaths to successful attempts on the summit of Mt Everest is around 4%. The fatality rate from flying in a Space Shuttle is 2.96%. More people have flown in the Space Shuttle and made it to the summit of Mt Everest than people have landed on Bouvet, the most remote place on the Planet! The 3Y0J Team went on the Adventure of a lifetime and their fatality rate was zero.

8. Igor, Hong Kong on March 3, 2023 at 4:54 am

   It is very sad experience. 3Y0J DXpedition of such poor caliber is full of vanity of self-proclaimed imposters who dream
   for DX Glory and crave admiration and adulation of entire DX World with donated funds of others.

   There is nothing new or progressive in such this approach except the callsigns change. Yesterday was big OH egos, today
   is fragile inflated egos of WP4 & YO immigrants, make themselves own contacts with home QTH and most embarrassing
   surely for 3Y0 colleagues and cringeworthy for all to witness.

   Ham radio operators who are lured into collecting log entries and stupid cards to improve their feeling of self-importance
   feed these card-board and hollow imposters who are not a mainstream of our great hobby.

   Such self-aggrandize, posture and pretend DX heroes we all soon will forget like bad smell of colonic wind in the elevator -everybody knows whose it come from, but too polite to say.

9. DL SWL Norbert Maibaum on March 1, 2023 at 8:32 am

   The 3Y0J QSL Policy as described by QSL manager M0OXO:

   (1) OQRS Direct QSL+LoTW: via paypal $15 >> unlimited number of QSOs
   (2) OQRS Bureau QSL: via paypal $3 >> unlimited number of QSOs
   (3) Suggested minimum donation is $5 for direct mail QSLs

   For 200.000 QSOs on all bands and modes probably no more than 30.000 uniques (at best) can be estimated.

   So apart from providing unprecise information about the QSL policy for 3Y0J, “200.000 x $15” is quite an exaggerated fancy calculation.

10. ALAN on February 28, 2023 at 9:22 pm

    According to their website, 3Y0J were originally planning on making 200,000 QSOs. Latest info is that a 3Y0J QSL card is going to cost a minimum of $15. 15 x 200,000 = $3 Million, well over double the estimated capital cost of 3Y0J. Does that still fall within the FCC definition of ‘Amateur Radio Station’ (i.e. no pecuniary gain)? BTW, three 3Y0J Team members are also board members of two major DX foundation donors – are there any conflicts of interests here that the DX Community should be made aware of?

11. Rolf Schick on February 27, 2023 at 1:41 pm

    I got my call in 1949. With my station tinkered together of mainly war-surplus parts it took several years to obtain the longed for DXCC diploma. The serial number on the award showed that I became a member of a worldwide club together with some other one thousand radio amateurs. Needless to say I was full of pride and had the privilege to write DXCC in big letters on my QSL cards.
    Some days ago a guy told me that while he was not at home his FT8 robot easily fulfilled within a few days all requests to apply for DXCC. Bouvet included, I asked. He smiled.
    I hear stations from outside Germany working 3Y0J using German Remote Controlled Stations without adding a DL/ suffix to their call. Favorably located WEB- and Kiwi SDR stations are frequently used for easy reception.
    The immense DQRM associated with 3Y0J was terrible an a shame for members of our community. But psychologists tell that events with a lot of money and material involved, worldwide attention and with the claim to be the best planned and organized DXped of all times such ugly effects as observed are unavoidable. Maybe we should more go back to the roots of DXped. I remember a well known Ham who travelled around the world and operated from many rare “countries”. He refused financial support for his travels and said: I am not the paid employee of the callers. I do it on my own pleasure !
    Is it under all these unfriendly circumstances we nowadays observe still worth to fight for becoming a member of the DXCentury Club ? I personally still think and hope so.
    Nevertheless, following the unforeseen outcome of the 3Y0J expedition a discussion in that direction already started. And we need this discussion. Many of us recognize, something in the “Brave New DXCC World” must change.
    Rolf, DL3AO

12. ALAN on February 26, 2023 at 3:44 am

    As I already said, I’m glad and relieved they’re safely back in civilization and soon able to fly back home to their families, but there’s no denying the fact that 3Y0J was an all round damp squib. Totally unrealistic & unachievable goals, then reality bit them in the you-know-where big time.

    There’s nothing to admire in a bunch of rich-kid wannabe DX Heroes almost getting themselves killed in the Antarctic merely to give out a few ATNOs from a rare DXCC entity and showering them with false praise is just going to stoke egos that are big enough already.

    They were just very lucky to get away with it this time round, that’s all (and if truth be known, I bet they know it as well).

13. Richard VK5NEC on February 25, 2023 at 7:11 pm

    Thousands of HAM’s in the world now have Bouvet Island in their log.
    The 3Y0J Team has my admiration.
    A special thanks to Adrian KO8SCA for answering my call from Bouvet.

14. Dave P on February 25, 2023 at 2:20 pm

    According to Garmin Tracker, looks like Marama has just anchored in Cape Town harbor. Bet that’s one very relieved 3Y0J Team happy to be safely back in civilisation.

    Now what? Dayton, Friedrichshaven and the DX celebrity lecture circuit?

15. ALAN VK6KF on February 24, 2023 at 11:45 am

    Glad they’re almost safely back in civilization, but nothing successful about 3Y0J and they got nothing to brag & boast about except making it back alive.

    Sorry, but 3Y0J was a damp squid all round.

16. Richard VK5NEC on February 24, 2023 at 1:53 am

    Looking at the 3Y0J Tracker, it appears the team will reach Cape Town, South Africa in one more day.
    Congratulations to the 3Y0J Team for a successful activation of Bouvet Island.

17. Jens Jeger-Bøsse OZ2JJB on February 23, 2023 at 1:22 pm

    Why do 3YØJ pay unnecessary expenses to obtain helicopter permit for Bouvetøya if they never plan from beginning for to use a helicopter? Seems a bit unusual and mysterious to me.

18. DAVE P on February 23, 2023 at 11:16 am

    Now we have DXCC encourages yet another crazy DXpedition crazier and more dangerous than 3Y0J even. This time Philippine group DX0NE to territory in South China Sea which is claimed by China. Who will first to have gunshot injury from Chinese Navy? ARRL should put a stop to this kind of risk & danger in name of DX hunting.

19. Richard VK5NEC on February 21, 2023 at 2:08 pm

    Thank you for the ATNO.
    Your efforts are much appreciated.

20. DAVE P on February 18, 2023 at 9:52 am

    I don’t see much evidence of sub-Antarctic DXpedition competency here – in fact quite the opposite. All I see is a group of rich & privileged self-aggrandizing polar novices who have wasted a lot of their own and others’ money in a vain, foolhardy and even reckless attempt at some kinds of ‘DX Glory’ hero status and bragging rights. 3Y0J was naive and over-optimistic from the outset (12 x 1kW stations? 200,000 QSO? C’mon guys, get real!). Unsuitable vessel for efficient cargo handling at anchor, zodiacs etc. not fit for purpose and can’t even configure a basic FT8 F/H station to run properly 24/7 for a few days. Four guys marooned for 3 nights on the Island without food or shelter – ever heard of death by hypothermia? Items lost and Zodiac punctured in the surf? (read: ‘Zodiac flip / capsize in surf). VERY lucky indeed there were no serious injuries or even worse. Ignore basic Polar Safety and pose for selfies beneath dangerous serac & rotting ice-cliff – you guys are nuts, stupid or what? Stop lionizing these guys and treating as if they’re some kinds of celebrity ‘DX Rock Stars’; they’re nothing of the kind. 3Y0J was disaster waiting to happen from very early planning stages – so let’s all give big sigh of relief and thanks that it did not actually turn out that way. Because believe me, from what can ‘read between the lines’ of Facebook page, it so very nearly did. Must be very difficult conditions on board Marama at moment, so let’s all hope and pray 3Y0J Team can all arrive safely in Cape Town soon.

21. Jim W7EED on February 16, 2023 at 2:53 am

    DAVE P. I don’t understand your comment, “However, I don’t have any time for the ideas of ‘Big Gun’ people like Jim W7EED who come here and shoot our wildlife just for fun!” What ideas? I was just asking if you would have been so critical if you had 3YØJ in the log. We can debate hunting until the cows come home but this is not the proper forum. I was man enough to provide my call; I have no idea who you are. What is your call sign? We can discuss this off-line, if you would like.

    I appreciate the efforts of the 3YØJ team. Selfishly, I did get an ATNO. Maybe their goals were set too high but, in the end, they managed almost 20K QSOs under extremely difficult conditions. More power to them …

22. Ron W3RJW on February 15, 2023 at 4:25 pm

    I sent Charles an e-mail. I was concerned if my $150.00 donation would get me a free LOTW upload, or do they expect me to pony up an additional $15.00 ? Here is his answer:

    “I was only tasked to upload to those who had donated above $350.00. The Team Leaders would do the rest
    when they return I believe. Sorry I can’t be any clearer, I simply don’t know.

    73 es thank you,

    with kindest regards,

    Charles R. Wilmott (M0OXO)
    QSL Manager Services
    60 Church Hill
    Royston Barnsley
    South Yorkshire
    ENGLAND S714NG
    United Kingdom

    (+44) 7900 500775”

23. Johann on February 15, 2023 at 1:02 pm

    Anybody knows when the LOTW Upload for OQRS Requests will be done?? On the 3Y0J Website is written:
    “LoTW will be uploaded for those who order OQRS Direct after DXpedition end.” DXpedition is over since
    2 Days, time for Charles (M0OXO) to make the single mouse click and empty the queue.
    //Johann

24. DAVE P on February 15, 2023 at 2:39 am

    TONY SCANDURRA: Thank you for pointing out this obscure loop-hole in DXCC Rules which allows some operators to fool themself they made a contact with a rare DX station even when they ARE that rare DX station; I hereby withdraw my allegation of cheating.

    However, whilst it may be legitimate in North America for someone else to operate your station with your consent when you are not even there, in many other countries it is not, so US & Canadian operators have distinctly unfair advantage in this respect.

    In any case, since there was no Internet at Bouvet Island 3Y0J camp, these ‘invented’ 3Y0J Team QSO’s with their home-calls must have been co-ordinated somehow over Sat-Phone such as Iridium. Again, another very unfair advantage over everyone else calling 3Y0J at those times.

    What does DXCC rule-book have to say about this kind of underhand subterfuge & unethical behaviours?

    I don’t expect the many EU or JA operators who participate in DXCC Programme are any too happy about any of this, especially those operators who were unable to secure an ATNO with Bouvet this time round.

    Similarly, this kind of behaviours by some ‘DX Celebrity’ members of the 3Y0J Team is an affront to the ‘ham spirit’ and morals of other Team members and reflects very badly on 3Y0J reputation as a whole. It is also a gross insult to those Amateurs & DX Clubs who made VERY BIG donations to enable you to go to Bouvet in first place and especially to all those operators who were unable to secure an ATNO with Bouvet this time round.

    KO8SCA, VE3LYC, NP4G & N0FW must hang their heads in shame!

    ARRL Board must delete this loop-hole from DXCC Rules and provide a level playing field for all.

    I think I speak for many of the DX Community and rest my case.

    To the rest of the 3Y0J Team: You never realized these kinds of difficult conditions were normal at Bouvet so didn’t plan for it sufficiently, OK, so you made some mistakes – so look back and learn from them. However, once you arrived at Bouvet and have seen what you are up against, you stayed and gave it your best shot when most amateurs would have just one look then head straight to Cape Town. So a very BIG thank you and much respect to you for persevering in what must have been exhausting physical labour and very demanding psychological conditions indeed.

    Wish you all smooth sailing to Cape Town then safe journey home to all.

25. DAVE P on February 15, 2023 at 12:27 am

    DL SWL Norbert MAIBAUM: Norbert, Thank you for your analysis about remote operation, which is very interesting to read and is ‘food for thought’ for many in the DX Community. However, I don’t have any time for the ideas of ‘Big Gun’ people like Jim W7EED who come here and shoot our wildlife just for fun! Let’s be thankful he was not on 3Y0J Team or there would no longer be any seals or penguins left on the Island.

26. DAVE P on February 14, 2023 at 11:43 pm

    Jim W7EED: If I am in the log or not is no big deal to me as I’m not really interested in what is my DXCC status or collecting of QSL cards, but it’s clear from your QRZ page that you’re a very keen collector of all kind of trophies indeed! :O)

    I did speak with Chuck 3Y0C a few times on 20 & 40m SSB and even managed a 2m FM contact with Petrus 3Y0E once from a passing supply vessel I happen to be onboard at the time. No idea who 3Y0’s D, F, G or H were; maybe some South African or Norwegian members of summer field parties visiting the Island over several years.

27. Tony Scandurra on February 14, 2023 at 7:39 pm

    Vinicio IK0WRB is absolutely right.

    I praise the heroic effort made by the team. Clearly, they made it after two other failed attempts by others. However, the team set our expectations too high saying their goal was 200,000 QSOs. It would have been far better to say “best effort once we evaluate the situation”. It wouldn’t have stopped all the negative comments, but it might have curtailed most of it.

    Also, the communication concerning how FT8 would be done was poorly communicated (F/H vs multi-stream, for instance). Other recent DXpeditions have made such things much clearer. It prevents the confusion which subsequently creates unnecessary QRM. FT8 seems to have been treated like a side show, and the operation suffered because of it. Face the new reality…FT8 is here to stay, and it is far more resilient to DQRM.

    I hope the next team that attempts to put Bouvet on the air learns from these missteps and isn’t discouraged by the DQRMers and the negative comments about this operation.

28. Vinicio IK0WRB on February 14, 2023 at 6:51 pm

    Ok, the expedition is over and I wish a safe return to all team members.
    They acted great and we can only praise their behavior on the island, although I did not get 3Y0J in my log.
    However, we cannot praise the planning: they had thought to build a camp more complex than a nuclear plant, on that frozen island and in just two days, they did not know that it was impossible to reach the beach with the dinghies, they did not carry a small dish for sat operations, they had planned to use just 100 W in FT8 (in fox with many carriers, this is really not so much), they wanted to land several 320 lb generators and carry them up the hill, with no crane on the ship, and so on…
    In a world: an unrealistic plan, worsened by the landing difficulties.
    Facing all this (that was NOT unexpected, simply ignored or badly planned), they nevertheless made perhaps 20,000 QSOs, so they have all my respect and admiration.
    I hope that future dxpeditions to Bouvet will learn from this experience.
    At the same time I think that the whole ham community should discuss about what we are all become. Are we simply point collectors? Is it worthwhile to risk human life for this? Should entities that are too difficult to activate remain in the DXCC list? Are we so childish to disturb the dx frequency is we cannot work it? Do we really know how to use FT8? And many other questions…
    IK0WRB

29. Tony Scandurra on February 14, 2023 at 6:25 pm

    DAVE P,

    Perhaps you should consult the DXCC Rules before you accuse someone of cheating. See the excerpt below:

    “Contacts made by an operator other than the licensee must be made from a station owned and usually operated by the licensee, and must be made in accordance with the regulations governing the license grant.” – from Section 1, subsection 10 of the DXCC Basic Rules located at http://www.arrl.org/dxcc-rules

30. Jacek on February 14, 2023 at 6:07 pm

    I’m tempted to speak up. I have many years of experience as a captain on yachts sailing on the high seas, 50 years in the air (HR #1 on SSB), organizer of many dxpeditions (admittedly to warm regions of the world – LOL). Certainly, the organizers did not expect such difficult conditions, but the choice of means of transport had a big impact in my opinion (11 feet draft, no communication with land by larger boats, limited engine power). Perhaps the solution would be to transport cargo on a raft built on the basis of empty barrels. Who knows? There were no accidents, although it is surprising that several people ended up on the island without a sufficient food supply for several weeks. What if the storm lasted 10 days longer?
    And finally it worked. A lot of QSOs in the log, efficient work for two stations and simple antennas. Thank you for the effort you put into getting the station up and running (the SSB operators were great). It could be worse.

31. Jim W7EED on February 14, 2023 at 5:19 pm

    DAVE P, are you in the log? If not, that could explain your opinion.

32. DL SWL Norbert MAIBAUM on February 14, 2023 at 4:32 pm

    To pick up the thoughts of “no name”, one can run through the following possible scenarios for any remote DX operations:

    (1) Use a remote station via Internet located in your own DXCC entity and make a QSO with a station in a different DXCC entity.

    (2) Use a remote station via Internet located in a different DXCC entity than where you are physically located and make a QSO with a station in a third DXCC entity.

    (3) Use a remote station via Internet located on a rare DXCC entity (island) while staying on a vessel anchored in view of the island to reduce the risk of daily landing operations.

    (4) Use a remote station via Internet located on a rare DXCC entity (island) while staying physically at home in one’s own DXCC entity.

    (5) Use a remote station in one’s own DXCC entity while being physically located in a different DXCC entity and asking your DXpedition buddy sitting physically besides you to make a QSO with you while connected to your remote home station.

    (6) Use a remote station in one’s own DXCC entity while being physically located in a different DXCC entity and make a QSO with yourself from 2 different DXCC entities by using your DXpedition and your home call-sign.

    (7) Establish a robot station on a rare DXCC entity available to everybody by remote access via Internet and allow to run a QSO from everywhere in the world via Internet (self-service solution).

    By going through all these technically possible scenarios step by step, one slides more and more into an absurd situation.

    If the DXCC issuers would allow all these types of contacts, there wouldn’t be any cheating to be blamed.

    Personally, I would prefer a restriction for valid contacts via a remote station to the same DXCC entity where one is physically located at the time of the QSO, like a portable operation, but some people think different. Especially, option (3) will be earnestly considered in the near future as a possibility for valid DXCC contacts. I am sure.

33. DK7RD, Thor on February 14, 2023 at 4:13 pm

    Just a quick Thank You to the entire 3Y0J team for their efforts !!! Much appreciated ! It was very exciting to follow this entire trip to Bouvet and back. Wishing you a safe journey to Cape Town and onwards. Thank you for an ATNO, a memorable QSO for sure!

34. DAVE P on February 14, 2023 at 2:27 pm

    To No Name: This is not a conspiracy theory – go check the on-line 3Y0J log for yourself.

    Most of these guys were at the camp on the Island, where there is no Internet.

    So how can you have a QSO with your own home-callsign when on a DXpedition at a very rare location and end up in the log unless you cheat?

    Team Leader must provide the reason why 3Y0J team think they are entitled to flout the rules like this and award Bouvet Island QSO’s to themself and their friends.

    This kind of behaviour is against ham spirit and is an insult to the millions of amateur station who tried. to contact Bouvet last few days. It mocks the prestige of DXCC program and brings it disrepute and loss of credibility. ARRL managers must investigate and disqualify these cheated QSO’s for DXCC credit or simply disqualify the whole 3Y0J operation for this kind of unacceptable cheating behaviour.

    3Y0J was only made possible by corporate sponsorship and very large financial donations from the DX Community, so we are entitled to an explanation from 3Y0J Leader and expect for ARRL Board to open an investigation to protect the prestige, integrity and credibility of the DXCC Awards programme. If amateur radio ops can ‘invent’ QSO’s for themself like this and be accepted by ARRL for DXCC credit, then chasing DX, ‘Honor Roll’ etc. becomes just a sad joke and DXCC nothing more than a money-making venture for a few ‘DX Celebrities’ to go on more DXpeditions at our expense. ARRL needs to act on this matter, otherwise many will think they are complicit.

35. Victor (WB0TEV) on February 14, 2023 at 1:39 pm

    For those wondering about how it can be legit for the callsigns of the 3Y0J operators to appear in the log and making all sorts of uninformed claims about some sort of conspiracy, I believe there is likely a very simple explanation. Namely, that they had friends go to their home stations in Norway, Canada or where ever and contact 3Y0J that way. Thus it likely was indeed their home station in their home country that made the QSO. No remote ham radio link or anything like that required.

    As anyone who has run a multi-op contest station knows, every single QSO does not have to be made by the station owner to count.

    I recall seeing the same situation years ago with VK0EK. The expedition head was Bob Schmieder KK6EK and KK6EK showed up in the VK0EK logs a couple times. I asked Bob about this, and as I recall his response was that he had a friend (with his permission of course) go to his home and fire up his station and work the DXpedition using Bob’s call. I believe that’s perfectly legit per the FCC rules and ARRL DXCC rules. What would not be legit is if a QSO is made under a callsign that belongs neither to the station being used, nor the operator doing it. (No Mr. “Work Them For you by a friend from the FRIENDS station).

    Now might some of these QSO’s been arranged so that they didn’t have to fight through the pile? Perhpas. I don’t know. I certainly would not begrudge them that after the danger they put themselves in. Its pretty obvious that the 3Y0J/FT8WW CW QSO on 15m was on a sked. (Which I don’t criticize at all). How do I know this? If you look at the video from FT8WW you can see that the frequency display on his TS-590 (I have one too) stays on 21.050 on both TX and RX. Thus it was a simplex QSO conducted away from the pileup.

    Please give the 3Y0J team the benefit of the doubt. Are there instances where they “screwed up”? I can think of perhaps a couple, which they eventually fixed. They are after all, members of the human race, brave and persistent ones at that.

    Victor – WB0TEV

36. No Name on February 14, 2023 at 12:44 pm

    to DAVE P and other conspirologists about being in the log of own DX-pedition log:

    don’t forget that it is possible to operate remote radios (RHR etc) if you have Internet.
    On the ship AFAIK they had Starlink internet. RHR states that all what is needed to use RHR is PC + internet with 1 Mbps download speed. I guess Starlink qualifies for that.

    To the 3Y0J team:
    Thank you for ATNO and your efforts!
    Only those don’t do mistakes, who does nothing

37. i8lwl Leo on February 14, 2023 at 11:57 am

    Su questa spedizione ho avuto perplessità dal momento in cui ho letto che non c’era l’appoggio di un elicottero. Come era possibile allestire un campo con tanto materiale? usando un piccolo gommone per il trasbordo, in un mare come quello di Bouvet. Mi dispiace per il fallimento. Spero che in futuro ci sia un dx pedition con più competenza.

38. DL SWL Norbert MAIBAUM on February 14, 2023 at 11:53 am

    Dieter, great unkown, why aren’t you capable to phrase your rebuke in English. You were a diligent pupil when learning English, weren’t you? To entitle the team as a “gang” (German “Bande”) associating them with dishonourable behaviour or even with a criminal attitude is abusive language. To make the public here aware about what you have written in your bad German. And please tell us, how much money did you personally “invest”and lost in this DXpedition, so that we can feel at least some compassion with you. Apart from this, your statements show that it might be better to choose a different and less complex hobby which might please you a bit more. To charter such a boat in order to activate some super rare grid down in the Furious Fifties, Jesus, what a splendid idea!

39. GEORG DK7LX on February 14, 2023 at 8:40 am

    Thank you for this activation! You are smart enough to conveniently ignore the stupid comments about your fascinating journey. All the guys who don’t have the slightest idea what it means to plan and implement such an undertaking are also the ones you didn’t need in the log. Unfortunately, the disruptive behaviour on your frequency and the unprecedented level of resentment and insolence has once again shown where our society has now arrived.
    Most of the complainers should rather consider the following approaches:
    a) When do I show the world that I can do better?
    b) When do I upgrade my set-up so that I am competitive?
    c) according to the motto “a fool with a tool is a fool”: when do I learn to operate my equipment properly and how do I successfully pursue a pile up? When do I improve my overall skills?

    3Y0J-Team: be safe and have a great journey back home. You guys did very well, taking all the circumstances into account.

    It was a pleasure to follow the whole project. You basically not only put a whole bunch of money on the table, but even risked your lives.

    With all deepest respect and thanks for this DX expedition.

40. Dieter on February 14, 2023 at 8:18 am

    3Y0J
    Was ein riesen reinfall !
    So viel Geld und nichts auf die Kette bekommen. Unfassbar was die sich geleistet haben.

    FT8 ist doch sonst immer nicht gerne gesehen und als Computerfunk abgestempelt, Bei Bouvet ist es dann Okay.
    Warum haben die kein QO-100 Equipment mitgehabt ?
    Warum hat man nicht vom Schiff Btrieb gemacht mit den Ham Calls und hätte dann zumindest einen Grid aktiviert ?

    Dann ist auf DX-World mehr Infos zu bekommen wie auf der eigenen DXpeditions Seite von 3Y0J.

    Ich hoffe es kommt mal ein Statement von der Bande warum das so abgelaufen ist.

    3Y0J
    What a huge letdown!

41. Felice on February 14, 2023 at 8:08 am

    Good morning everyone.
    The 3Y0J dx-expedition has come to an end and my first thought goes to all the team members with the hope that they can return to their families healthy.
    Be that as it may, the entire HAM community must thank them for their sacrifice, for putting their lives at risk.
    The controversies about what has been done and what could have been done are all there and it is right that everyone expresses their point of view. Every experience is useful to grow together in the Amateur Radio community.

    Regarding the QSOs assigned to some of the team members I don’t think they should be penalized as I think that Bouvet was ATNO for them too and having sacrificed their time, this is the minimum due. These members are not logged in on all bands and modes, but have only 1 QSO in the log. And they did it in the light of the sun and they could have done it, however, when they would have returned without anyone being able to notice.

    Instead, I take the opportunity for all the IDIOTS who have only done DQRM and PIRATES who have used the call of 3Y0J and which I am sure they are reading, to be ashamed for what they have done.
    They have been the cause of many duplicates in the log and many QSOs which later turned out to be bogus. Probably because of them, a good 30% of QSOs could be in 3Y0J’s log.
    Best regards

    Felice, IZ8FFA

42. Johan on February 14, 2023 at 7:57 am

    A big thanks to the Team. Thanks for the hard effort and giving it your best.
    Thanks for the brave effort and the hardship you had for us.
    Thanks for ATNO.
    Have a safe journey back and we hope to see you soon in Cape Town.
    ZS1A

43. Cédric F5UKW on February 14, 2023 at 6:56 am

    Thanks to Dx-World team and Media officiel for bringing us super fast update despite hard conditions. Much appreciate. It will be great memories

44. DAVE P on February 14, 2023 at 3:22 am

    Lots of rumours out there about home callsigns of several 3Y0J team members also being in the 3Y0J Log. Sounds like many ops are upset or even outraged by this, which I don’t blame them.

    Should be obvious to even a non-Amateur that working a DXpedition while being a member of that same DXpedition are mutually exclusive events.
    In other words: Can either chase the DX station or be the DX station – can’t do both simultaneously.

    Bouvet is Norwegian territory, so maybe, just maybe, the LA guys can ‘just’ scrape past with it and sign themselves as 3Y(Home# + Suffix) then call 3Y0J on two-metre handheld or something like that.  

    But the other guys? Maybe they can do this too because of reciprocal agreement and sign as 3Y0/Home Call to ‘contact’ 3Y0J on two-metre handheld in same manner.

    But of course, everybody knows that will not count for their home callsign DXCC or Honor Roll score.

    So, use your home callsign from USA, VE or DL on its own from inside a different country?  NO WAY ! ! !

    These guys are very experienced DX operators who know the rules already, so they know this kind of thing is definitely not allowed by ITU, FCC and Norway Telecom regulations, for sure.

    What to do?

    If rumours are FALSE:

    1) 3Y0J Team leadership must dispel these rumours right now and issue public denial.

    2) 3Y0J QSL Manager can open entire log for public inspection to prove rumours are actually false.

    If rumours are TRUE:

    1) These guys are exposed as DX cheats and must be called to account.

    2) All my respect for 3Y0J Team achievements at Bouvet just drifts right out of window and will evaporate in thin air. The individual reputations as serious DX guys and highly respectable international DX celebrities will also burn away in puff of smoke. I guess majority of two million or so other 
    amateurs who called Bouvet over this last few days will feel exactly same way.

    3) Amateur Radio community must immediately lobby ARRL Board to launch an investigation, with a view to revoke 3Y0J DXCC accreditation.

45. Doug on February 14, 2023 at 3:19 am

    I’ll just say, it’s easier for me to work EME than it was to work this crew at Bouvet. Despite many hours and every mode they offered, I got nowhere. It’s the first time in my ham life I wasn’t able to make contact with a DXpedition at least eventually. FT8 should have delivered for me as I did get some -10 decodes on 17, but in the end it was only good for comic relief. It’s just sad that so many don’t invest the time to know how to use it. I also experienced the worst DQRM ever over multiple days on CW, which is traditionally the one mode I can count on for getting in the log. But no, I couldn’t hear with so much noise. So, yeah, i’m disappointed with a lot of things right now that the fat lady has sung. AA1UI

46. W1CVE on February 14, 2023 at 12:52 am

    Congratulations to the team. I felt compelled to comment due to all the negativity I’ve seen on the various websites.
    You guys did an incredible job. With everyone complaining, I would have been out of there in a day – no chairs, tables and heat?
    I was ‘lucky’ enough to be unemployed for 2 months so I could try to fix up my station, 150W and low dipoles. And now its over and I start a new job next Monday :). And yes I’m in the log but if not I would have left the same comments. Hoping y’all have a safe return.

47. Jimbo on February 13, 2023 at 7:47 pm

    I have noticed the feedback ranges from “Great job guys under terrible condx!”, “If you can do better, YOU go!” , made by the guys who are in the log (some multiple times), to “Why no attention to propagation?”, “Why all CW, FT8 only for 30 min?”, “How do I get my $$ back?” made by the poor souls who haven’t made the log. For instance, the lecture below by CT1EGF was easy for him to write. He is in the CW log 3 times, 3 different bands.

48. Vinicio IK0WRB on February 13, 2023 at 7:10 pm

    Great propagation from Bouvet to southern Europe, minutes ago.
    I started listening circa 18107.4 in FT8 and the signal at moments were up to +10 dB ! (with a 200 Hz DSP filter).
    I am using an OCFD at 10m above roof (35 mt from the ground), which is about 5 wavelengths at that frequency.
    I kept calling for about 45 minutes with “I” legal power, with no success. The signal faded progressively, down to -24 dB, then it was lost in the noise.
    Now It looks QRT, but people keep calling, often on their frequency or other oddities. I wonder why people don’t read before how FT8 F/H works.
    I hope they will be on some other frequencies tonight, as a last chance to work this station.
    The announce of frequencies in use on the official Facebook page was very useful. However, for some reasons I am blocked from posting comments on this page. The administrator answered me that this is a Facebook fault. Honestly, I don’t care.
    IK0WRB

49. ART (CT1EGF) on February 13, 2023 at 6:58 pm

    Nobody said it was easy to get an ATNO, nor it was to be taken for granted.
    Also nobody said it was easy to go to Bouvet and try to give an ATNO to the largest number of Hams possible. Of course everything could have been better for the team at Bouvet but also for the hams at their QTHs. We all must be grateful to have the chance to work them despite not everybody achieved that goal. Wish the team at 3Y0J a safe return home to their families. God bless…

50. John Reboint on February 13, 2023 at 9:49 am

    Good morning Dave P.,
    I’m really happy with our exchange of opinions because they are focused on finding the problems that the 3Y0J Team had and from your comments it is very clear that you have a lot of experience and that you could be considered a point of reference for any shipments that could, we hope, be there in the future allowing to add this entity to those who are still missing.
    Thank you for your contribution.

    FOR LEN K1NU

    I’m used to saying and facing everyone without fear and since DX World gives everyone the space to express themselves (TNX for the great support to the HAM world) everyone has their say and, as you can read, often leads to positive comparisons.
    If you don’t like them, you may not read them or retort, but you’re nobody to threaten.
    Have a nice day.

    At this point I believe that each of us hopes that the whole team can return to their families in the best possible conditions.

    Have fun on the radio everyone.
    JB

51. DAVE P on February 13, 2023 at 3:36 am

    Hi John Reboint,
    Thanks for your further comments which I mostly agree with. Plenty people have been to Bouvet, just not plenty Amateur Radio operators have been there is all. I have sailed very close past Bouvet a few times onboard supply vessels and icebreakers travelling to/from Antarctica so I know how windy and rough the seas around the Island can be, but I never landed there because no reason to in my work. However I know several Norwegian & South African guys who have spent many weeks on the Island over the years as part of small scientific or survey parties during the summer months (nobody is crazy enough to stay there in the winter). They always go by helicopter from a large vessel and start at Nyrøysa on NW coast. Here, there is a small field hut of Norwegian Polar Institute, a depot of food and fuel and Norwegian Meteorological Service Automatic Weather Station that connects to Oslo via satellite.

    One of the major problems for a DXpedition to Bouvet is there is hardly any bare rock free of ice on Bouvet and most of the bare rock there is quite steep and not suitable for a campsite. But the main reason for 3Y0J’s recent problems began in their planning, which was far too optimistic and unrealistic in my opinion. They under-estimated the conditions & difficulties and Bouvet Island is no place for innocents or novices, that’s for sure.

    They should have known beforehand what the weather and sea conditions would be like and should have planned accordingly. For example, the choice of Marama was not a good one. OK, it got the 3Y0J team to Bouvet, but it’s really too small for efficient ship/shore operations with only a 3-man crew. Also the Zodiacs are rather small with only tiny outboard motors, so not very fast or manoeuvrable (need 50 or 60 hp outboard in these kind of weather), so takes a very long time to ferry people and several tons of cargo needed to erect a camp big enough for 12 stations with linear amps and rather heavy generators. Marama doesn’t even have a loading crane onboard; they have to load heavy cargo and pull Zodiacs in & out of the water with a rope pully tied to mast – very time consuming and hard work, for sure!

    Don’t get me wrong, this is not any kind of put-down of 3Y0J overall performance. I admire their grit & determination in actually just getting to Bouvet and putting even a small 100W+dipole station on the Island. However, the facts speak for themselves: their plans were far too optimistic, unrealistic and were seriously flawed from the outset. In fact I am very surprised indeed that Norwegian Govt. did not highlight these kind of issues with them when 3Y0J Team Leaders applied for permission to land on Bouvet.

    A larger vessel with a bigger & more experienced crew and larger, more powerful RIBs/Zodiacs was required. MV Braveheart with Cpt. Matt Jolly and his very experienced crew would have been the obvious affordable choice, but alas that was not to be.

52. Roman on February 12, 2023 at 9:30 pm

    Thank you guys for the ATNO!
    Please don’t let all the whiners get you down. You did an unbelievable job down there. Everyone knew it won’t be easy.
    Now take good care and have a safe return home.

    73, Roman – DL3TU

53. John Reboint on February 12, 2023 at 8:08 pm

    Hi Dave P, tnx for replying to my post. certainly I could have been wrong about the reasons for Dom’s experience on Bouvet, which probably would not have been useful, I say they would be, because they were not appreciated. Who knows, maybe they could have been useful, maybe not, but it is certain that their big problem was precisely that of preparing the field …. maybe it would have been different if their presumption and vanity had allowed it! You say Dom, who I don’t like, is not qualified for this experience, based on what?? Who has experience on Bovet?? Bouvet is a land unknown to everyone and at least Dom has seen it up close. Today Team 3Y0J uploaded the logs, just over 11,000 QSOs, and still waiting to have those made in FT8. What can certainly be said is that it is not easy to go to Bouvet and the willpower of all the components must be greatly appreciated, but they also had to take into account that of all of them, only 4 or 5 are in a position to be able to disembark the equipment with so much effort. $800,000 for just under 15,000 QSOs leave a huge and bad memory.

54. DAVE P on February 12, 2023 at 5:52 pm

    John Reboint’s critique below makes several valid points, which are all fully justifiable given that 3Y0J has mostly been funded by other people’s money.

    However, it should be pointed out that Dom 3Z9DX did not go to Bouvet for work. He was a paying passenger on a very expensive Antarctic tourist cruise ship that made a short stopover at the Island several years ago (the Ortelius or Fram, maybe?).

    He may well also have set foot on the Island as part of a tourist group if the weather conditions were calm enough for a Zodiac landing. However, such a tourist landing would only have been for an hour or so and would have been restricted to the immediate vicinity of the landing site.

    No disrespect to Dom, but by no stretch of the imagination does this qualify him as an expert on Bouvet Island who is able to give reliable advice on how to deal with the place. He might well have a lot of opinions about Bouvet, but that’s all they are; opinions and not hard experience earned during an extended stay there as part of a scientific survey party or similar.

55. Edward Sawyer on February 12, 2023 at 5:51 pm

    I worked what I thought was them on 30CW. However with all of the prate activity, it was impossible to know who were working until only 24 hours ago when the pilots started announcing the QRG. So I worked them as well on 15M CW. It turns out both of the Qs were in the log.

    If they had simply posted QRG all along, I would have not had to do that. I don;t think its at all fair, given the craziness and the lack of log uploads until now, to not expect people to have an insurance Q for the #2 most wanted country.

    I bet there are quite a few people who are kicking themselves for not doing so right now.

    I do not regret my decision.

    Ed N1UR

56. Loe DL5IAH on February 12, 2023 at 3:54 pm

    Many have multiple entries in the log. You can see how selfish some people are. you don’t need to tune in via the QRM and call in on the transmission frequency of the DX station.
    Shameful!!!

57. Markku Oksanen on February 12, 2023 at 3:33 pm

    Logs are online. Good. Where are the FT8 QSOs? What am I missing? Thanks!

    Markku OG2A/OH2RA/WW1C

58. Len k1nu on February 12, 2023 at 3:30 pm

    Please take your conspiracies and go somewhere else.

59. John Reboint on February 12, 2023 at 11:28 am

    I confirm what has already been said in another post that this is the worst DX expedition ever given the size and money financed, as well as all the radio equipment made available to them. Many keep asking why the team keeps sending photos and videos from Marama but they manage to update the QSOs. And so the plants grow like mushrooms. And I repeat that it is shameful how they select calls, and it is not about propagation. Leaving aside the many doubts that circulate on many chats if they are broadcasting from the ship, I go back in time and think of Dom 3Z9DX who was pushed aside when he offered to give advice on how to deal with Bouvet, since he had gone there for Work. Dom was not always helped when he tried to activate Bouvet after the memorable failure of the American team and had to pay him at his expense. But let’s remember that the mistreated Dom, without funding, has activated several important activities and many have tried to discredit him when they said that he operated from his boat. And now?? Will he come a photo, a video while the 3Y0J Team works inside the tent without tables and chairs?? We all hope so for them.

60. ivars kc4px on February 11, 2023 at 10:00 pm

    Steve, this morning 2/11///2023 at 9 AM Local (EST) on 18.107 FT8 was the best time Long Path to decode 3Y0J . The team was working all NA and had a great run . At first I was using WSJT-X and only decoded them 70% of the time. Then I switched to JTDX and even at -26 decoded them 100% for 30 minutes. FYI all long path from Florida

61. Vinicio IK0WRB on February 11, 2023 at 7:28 pm

    Let me also point out the importance of spotting the correct frequency of FT8 signals. If you say “18107” you are saying nothing. If you say “18107.3” you are more precise, so people can use their DSP filters (if any) of that frequency and listen to the signal.
    In fact to get 3Y0J at -24 dB, I am using a 200 Hz wide DSP filter. Without, I would have nothing to listen to.
    IK0WRB

62. Vinicio IK0WRB on February 11, 2023 at 7:22 pm

    Tonight first solid copy on 17m FT8. Most of the time I receive a single carrier at -24 dB. I kepy trying for 40 minutes with OCFD and a bit of power, with no success so far.
    I will stop in minutes, to watch the Sanremo festival. Also because everybody else is watching this and I don’t want to possibily interfere…
    I hope it will be better next days. 17m band is OK for Europe just in the early morning and at evening.
    IK0WRB

63. Simone IZ4DYQ on February 11, 2023 at 10:34 am

    To reduce DQRM, upload LOG please. Many station call and call again same frequency same mode.
    Upload log as soon as possible. Take care guys, good luck.

64. Dave P on February 11, 2023 at 10:16 am

    With only 100W + basic wire antennas at their disposal, the 3Y0J team does not have enough punch to handle extensive SSB pile-ups, they’d have a very low QSO rate and soon get swamped. Sensible course of action is to concentrate their available power into narrowband modes such as CW and FT8 which will result in a much higher QSO rate and far more ATNO all round for everyone.

    This is what they are trying to do under very difficult circumstances, so give them a break! :O)

65. Cohoon Kenneth on February 11, 2023 at 9:46 am

    Disappointed that little time devoted to 20m and 15m phone. Not everyone works FT8. Seems like all the activations nowdays are interested in is FT8 do that they can log huge numbers of contacts for $$$$$. What a crock of crap.

66. Steve Caponey on February 10, 2023 at 1:49 pm

    It seems there is no hope for SSB 🙁

67. Vinicio Coletti ik0wrb on February 10, 2023 at 10:24 am

    I got my first single decode in FT8 around 18106.8 at -21 dB. Then again nothing. Using filter now, I hope for the best…
    BUT they are using the wrong F/H timeslot, transmitting ODD instead of EVEN.
    If you use WSJT-X, there is a trick to handle this, follow these steps:
    1) Put WSJT-X in normal mode, not F/H
    2) Uncheck “keep TX freq.” and check “TX even/first”
    3) Choose a suitable frequency and call EVEN
    4) When 3Y0J replies (let’s hope), double click fast on the decoded line, the TX will move on his frequency to give the report
    5) Wait for the RR73
    This is a kind of “manual F/H” and it is proven to work.
    73 de IK0WRB

68. Robertm on February 9, 2023 at 10:15 pm

    I am less concerned about the hams who make a mistake and don’t work split than the jerks who are purposely QRMing the frequencies.

69. Gunter V51WH on February 9, 2023 at 10:04 pm

    These fellows on Bouvet are doing a great job. A big compliment!

70. ivars kc4px on February 9, 2023 at 9:05 pm

    Steve with all the FT8 activity decoded on 18.112 I do not see 3Y0J acknowledging anyone. Are they just logging what they decode??? With hams transmitting on both sequences, can someone show everyoone an actual completed contact with RR73
    Also when will 40 Meters and 20 Meters be activated

71. F4FQH OLIVIER on February 9, 2023 at 7:27 pm

    I read a comment from WB0TEV. Maybe a WIFI link between the boat and the camp with 2 good external WIFI antennas, creating a network connection and logs could be sent easily if the connection is possible. Just an idea…of course this must be thought before the expe…73

72. Rick PY1VOY on February 9, 2023 at 4:39 pm

    These guys are the best. Challenges are faced minute by minute. They left their homes, faced a long journey to the south, sailed in the south of the Atlantic, managed to land on the island and set up their station. Now with their skills and a lot of effort to stay on the island, little by little they will adapt to the difficulties and will certainly achieve better successes. Best of Luck PY1VOY

73. ivars kc4px on February 9, 2023 at 4:10 pm

    Why is it that on FT8 Frequencies operators do not use standard F/H protocols when the hound ALWAYS xmit odd.

74. Bob KB1JZU on February 9, 2023 at 3:29 pm

    I guess we haven’t learned anything from FT8WW, T33T, etc.! If your goal (or need to downscale to it) is maximizing ATNOs (and all you have is LP Radios, wires and verticals) then you can maximize you new ones by keeping a single station on one band running FT8 24/7!
    Everyone knows its real and can just wait for propagation to give you an opening. Other station(s) can run other modes through the QRM…..

75. SM0FKI on February 9, 2023 at 3:24 pm

    When radio silence was ordered in the navy the transmitters where locked and the key was passed to someone higher in command. All to prevent accidental key/tuning.

    I think there is a lesson to be learned here…..

76. Ron Whitsel on February 9, 2023 at 3:14 pm

    FT8 FT8 FT8 FT8 FT8 !!!!!!!!!

77. Steve on February 9, 2023 at 2:14 pm

    Wait, what? The team has four days of food left? Hopefully, that’s just on the island, and more can be ferried from the boat when the weather improves.

78. pd1rk on February 9, 2023 at 8:55 am

    steve can you ask them when 20m antenne goes up fot atno ,tnx

79. rob (M0KPD/M) on February 9, 2023 at 6:52 am

    I wondered why the ship could not have a station running also? At least a 3y/??????/mm would be a good qso from very close to the main event?
    I swear i heard “M0 mobile call again” , but that would be wishfull thinking :o) Still, it has been an amazing opertunity for all involved and it must be an absolute honour to be able to take on this complex/ difficult activation.. If i had the chance, i would have my mobile station airlifted onto the island and afford this great DXCC to you all!
    well, we can all dream and aspire to the bravery of others to give us that rare DXCC that is Bouvet Island……stay safe be well and have no care for the ‘haters’ , i dread to think how it sounds your end hi hi. Good Luck,73
    Rob M0KPD/M

80. Victor (WB0TEV) on February 8, 2023 at 7:52 pm

    For those wondering why there are video uploads from the boat but no log uploads yet, you have to understand that the Starlink satellite terminal is on the ship, not on shore. So yes, they can upload cool videos, pictures etc. FROM THE SHIP. Until a log file from the camp can be sent to the Marama (I’m guessing on a USB stick on a zodiac run over the weekend) there is simply no way to upload logs off the island yet. They do have and ICOM Iridium radio at the camp by which they can do voice comms to the Marama and their pilots, but I doubt if there is a file transfer capability there.

81. Vlad R8WF on February 8, 2023 at 6:23 pm

    On the wave of excitement, those who have never been interested DX
    and therefore do not have the necessary experience are trying to establish a connection.
    Forgive are them. I think in 2-3 days it will settle down for them and it will be easier to work.

82. SM0FKI on February 8, 2023 at 3:58 pm

    The greatest challange the hamradio community faces is to learn how to work split!

83. DX-World on February 8, 2023 at 2:33 pm

    Please understand. This audio file is NOT from the team. It is an audio file recorded for DX-World readers. We have no idea about log uploads or updates.

84. Luk IK2YXI on February 8, 2023 at 2:29 pm

    guys Just i got a doubt, but no way to upload some KBs for the log and free of charge to upload 28 minute of audio file Is okay?what i miss?

85. Stephan on February 8, 2023 at 9:35 am

    Respect for the 3Y0J team. It is a huge task, with high risks and hardships.
    The HAM spirit has been forgotten for some calling Ham’s. They outdo each other in obnoxious remarks. There are many who know everything better, can do better and want to be more perfect. If these idiots are supposed to be portable even on this scale, they don’t have the courage to do so.
    Don’t be discouraged by such ‘HAM’s’.
    Great work from you!!!!
    DL1SVI wishes you all the best and lots of success, Stephan.

86. Vlad R8WF on February 8, 2023 at 4:07 am

    Well done boys! They did not give up when faced with difficulties.
    “We sing glory to the madness of the brave! The madness of the brave is the wisdom of life!”. (C) From a poem.

87. harold jacobson on February 8, 2023 at 1:21 am

    Thank you for your courageous expedition. Safety first! Best wishes for the days ahead.

    73 Hal N8HSD

88. William D Roberson on February 8, 2023 at 1:13 am

    N5AQ/Bill Roberson: I have a great admiration for the people who sacrifice time from their lives and families, ride a small ship in very dangerous waters, donate $25K of their own money, face the life threatening dangers that are inherent in landing and setting up stations in this rugged terrain spend hours operating in cold weather to bring this rare DX entity to ham radio DXers. Then we have DQRMers who would intentionally disrupt the communications. While I know that we should pity these emotionally disturbed people, it is very difficult to do so. I thank you for this once in a lifetime opportunity for me.

89. NE9E/Mac on February 7, 2023 at 10:51 pm

    Re: vile attitudes and remarks
    1) This endeavor to say the least is
    a huge effort. Not for the weak or faint of heart. Few of us can realize all that these men are facing. True they will have their own personal rewards, it should be appreciated all other ops can also benefit from this highest order of dxpedition.
    Thank you
    2) As far as contrbutions are concerned;who made you give up your dough to contribute to such a
    shot in the dark. Even the slightest amount of judgement could have told you that this was risky. Maybe the desire for QSL could be more sure if donation was made.
    3) As far as the grotesque remarks are concerned I rather think this is another example of the “new norm”.
    God help us…
    Hoping all might make 2x with 3Y0J.
    In any case-enjoy the hunt!

90. Bruce Manning on February 7, 2023 at 4:06 pm

    I do hope conditions improve. With the current setup I can not hear them. I live in Pennsylvania and have a Yagi at 42 feet. I know they are there as I can occasionally hear part of 3Y0J and TU. I hope they can get some better antennas set up. BUT their safety has to come first.
    73 & GL
    Bruce NJ3K

91. oy1r on February 7, 2023 at 1:25 am

    Absolutely fantastic new, Bouvet is now on air, alive and kicking. the pileup is HUGE
    I will be fishing for a new dxcc : )

    Huge respect to the team god luck and god speed.

    OY1R

92. DG9BFC_Sigi on February 7, 2023 at 12:43 am

    a 30cm camping dish and a 20w amp and they work half the world on qo100 🙂
    setup in a few minutes (qo100 users know what i mean)
    good luck to the team

93. WA7AA on February 6, 2023 at 4:56 pm

    OK, everyone, now that 3Y0J is QRV, please realign your comments from pointing out how much better and faster job you would do in landing and setting up camp to how much better job you would do in operating and handing out QSOs. Thank you for your contribution and don’t forget to utilize deliberate QRM as required.

94. Chavy on February 6, 2023 at 3:08 pm

    Good luck to the team!
    I have the feeling that eventually they will make it. Maybe in with a reduced setup, but still.

95. Mike langelis on February 6, 2023 at 2:02 pm

    Well, facts are: no news, one week without taking things on the island, good weather, calm sea and the strange request not to use satellite phones.
    Is there something we just don’t know? What if a team member is having problems, so the two doctors are phoning continuously to support teams?
    To avoid any strange deductions like this one, they should tell what is happening.

96. Steve Caponey on February 6, 2023 at 2:01 pm

    Safety is the #1 goal. The MONEY DOESN’T MATTER; yes, I am a financial supporter. To the team: you are cared about and appreciated. May God keep the team safe.

97. bAKKIE on February 6, 2023 at 1:26 pm

    Can the team provides some updateq? Why no radio onboard to provide news to the community? How many Zodiac runs? Just give factual information would help supporter and stop haters. What have you done for almost a week? Taking pictures from Pengouins is great but what does look like the camp/site? Is the yatch team is helping you? Turn on onboard radio is you are stuck on the boat. Pictures sent so far shows really good weather conditions, it’s hard for everyone to understand the situation.

98. Kamil h on February 6, 2023 at 1:12 pm

    no new news…the team is definitely trying to do what they can…that’s why they went there…I wish them all possible success and all the best…

99. Bob Cieszeski on February 6, 2023 at 10:45 am

    So, after reading the above negative comments. I wonder how many of those posting negative comments have been on any kind of DXpedition, let alone Bouvet island. Bouvet is an extreme environment, thus the reason more people have been on the moon then Bouvet Island! Not sure how many of you have been on a sail boat, (or any boat) in the waters this team is currently anchored in, not to mention 13 days at sea. I can tell you I HAVE been on a sail boat for long periods. In the seas of these oceans this is no party. Weather: Has anyone ever been in conditions like this? Sixty knot winds, rain, and large swells on a boat? When anchoring a boat, these conditions do NOT disappear when the anchor has dropped. They are still on the boat in these conditions. I would like to see Michael j. warren get onto a zodiac in 60 knot winds, and large swells, then load equipment. Motor into shore with the same WX conditions, get on shore, transfer equipment, hike with the equipment UP a glacier, and set it up, again all in 60 Knot winds, rain, snow etc. I hold a 100 ton masters captains license with a sail endorsement, and have 40,000 ocean miles under my butt. This would be extremely tough for me, and anyone else with less experience. Give the guys a chance to do what they need to do. None of us are there and have no idea what the conditions truly are. It is not as simple as setting up a folding table, put a radio on it and set up a vertical. They planned on 22 days on the island, still plenty of time to get things set up. Try some patience, and remember the oxygen you breath will not go away if you do not get Bouvet. I to want 3Y0J as an ATNO, BUT I think it would be a horrible contact if we lost even 1 team member. Again it is a hobby. Ron N4XD said it all. When those complaining now, get onto the island let us know ASAP. We will work you!!

100. BRIAN JENSEN on February 6, 2023 at 8:18 am

     Incredible fiasco. Not even a vertical setup. A complete disaster. We are all feeling sorry for the whole team, which is staying lonely on his boat. Did it shock anyone the size of the dinghy and the zodiac in comparison with all the equipment there was on the quays? This much awaited activation should have been a big party for everyone. Now because of decision of few, we will probably never have any new try there. Don’t forget to get back your ladder at least.

101. Michael j. warren on February 6, 2023 at 3:48 am

     7th day.
     Still nothing. It’s absolutely pointless for anyone to claim that WX was so bad that there weren’t even two stations with verticals.
     The original station plan was so exaggerated that it was only a few days ago that they realized that it didn’t work. At the very beginning, for example, two stations with verticals and by now there would already be thousands of QSOs in the log. Excessive ambition has clearly now backfired. Limited time is running out and still nothing is ready. There is a rush because everything has to be unloaded and transported to the boat.
     Never Bouvet again. It should justifiably be removed from the DXCC list.

102. Ron (N4XD) on February 6, 2023 at 12:11 am

     First, Team Bouvet, thank you for your efforts so far. Please do everything necessary to stay safe. This is, after all, a hobby.

     To those commenting here and complaining, I look forward to working you when you go.

103. VE7KDU on February 6, 2023 at 12:01 am

     Just drop off VE3LYC with his tent and vertical antenna. That’s all you need!

104. Bruce A Manning on February 5, 2023 at 7:17 pm

     I will be attending the Hamcation in Florida this week, I will not be home until February 16th. Does anyone know when they will be QRT? I realize this is a very fluid situation but I was hopping they would be QRV for several days after the 16th,
     Please stay safe, that has to be the number one goal. Good luck and thank you very much.
     73
     Bruce NJ3K

105. Bob KB1JZU on February 5, 2023 at 5:22 pm

     Kurt Austin Aah give me a break I was neither critical nor complaining. I just noted that the weather forecast didn’t match what was posted on this site as did Vlad. If you noticed they are no longer saying that and they may try to land today and are worried about Thursday. So the initial posting was either bad information, old data, or a miss interpretation. I know nothing about artic landings and wouldn’t comment on if their plan is good or bad. I assume they know what they are doing given the difficulty of the activation. If I was going to complain about anything it would be your ability to read a post.. LOL

106. Joe DL5IAH on February 5, 2023 at 3:27 pm

     The important thing is that everyone comes home healthy!!
     Please don’t take any risks, it’s not worth it!!!

107. Dave P on February 5, 2023 at 3:19 pm

     Kurt, I am a professional scientist with many years field experience in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, Bouvet Island and the open seas around it are very dangerous places where enthusiasm coupled with inexperience and lax safety margins can very suddenly turn into tragedy.. I am not being disrespectful, I am merely pointing out the facts. I also happen to be a radio amateur and would like to work 3Y0J just as much as anyone else.

     Scott of the Antarctic was also heroic, but he ended up dead due to his own stupidity and an inflated belief in his own (somewhat limited) polar experience.

108. Kurt Austin on February 5, 2023 at 2:12 pm

     To the impatient, doubting and know-it-all smart-ass Matti (OH4SS), EU0DX, Bob (KB1JZU), Mark Rizzi, Dave P. What you post is just disrespectful and does not show intellect. That’s why EU0DX posts with a non-existing fake callsign because he is not manly enough to make such statements with his real callsign. If I was an operator of 3Y0J, I would have blacklisted all these callsigns after thorough research and removed all QSOs after the DXpedition by searching and deleting them. I even appeal downright to the 3Y0J team to do this, because radio amateurs like such do not deserve a QSO with this DXCC under these circumstances. You sit showered in the warm at home and sip your tea and want nothing more than to have the DXCC as a trophy. You even doubt the statements of the 3Y0J team regarding the weather, because the weather report that you get over the Internet says something else and leaves the team as liars because they use excuses according to your statements. Do you seriously believe that the team went for a walk to Bouvetoya to see the penguins and the landscape and to take pictures? Tell me, are you actually insane, mentally ill ?! The people put their lives on the line and had to puke their souls out of their bodies for 2 weeks at sea. Every day is risky and the outcomes uncertain. This is not a trip to Disney Land. Did you sign a contract with them that they absolutely had to do and accomplish this? Funny, I can’t find your call signs on the “Funding / Sponsors” list. What stupid and disrespectful monkeys you are, shame on you. This is the very last thing I have ever seen in my amateur radio era so far. If I could, I would ban you from amateur radio for life, and not only from there.

     And even if they come home without a single QSO, they are still heroes. God bless 3Y0J team

109. Dave P on February 5, 2023 at 11:32 am

     Mark Rizzi’s comments are all valid. Marama has no track record of supporting successful Dxpeditions and the small crew will be too busy just keeping the yacht on-station and away from the variou reefs & submerged rocks in the area to provide any kind of assistance with moving gear & people to shore in two small zodiacs and setting up camp. Enthusiasm, commitment, sufficient sponsorship & funding are all very well, but on their own they are not enough in this type of remote polar environment – you need hands-on experience as well.. The team has already realised the operation will have to be scaled back, so let’s hope no rash decisions are made just to be Radio Heroes keeping the QSL card collectors happy. The British Antarctic explorer Shackleton turned back just 97 miles from the South Pole because he knew if he pressed on, he & his team would never make it back alive. He famously said “I’d rather be remembered as a living donkey than a. dead lion”. Couple of years later, the less experienced Capt. Scott & his team made it to the South Pole then died on the way back. Food for thought, perhaps

110. Joe DL5IAH on February 5, 2023 at 10:00 am

     So don’t want to nag.
     And my respect for the courage and enthusiasm.
     I think the crew knew it was going to be difficult to land, but they didn’t know it was going to be that difficult. You only have a small time window when it’s not windy to bring the setup to the island and that won’t work with a rubber dinghy. A helicopter would be needed here.
     So, everyone please come home safe and sound, even if there won’t be a single QSO!!

111. Stephan DL1SVI on February 4, 2023 at 11:00 pm

     Thank you for your business. All the best, good luck and come back safe and healthy. Stephan DL1SVI.

112. Vinicio Coletti on February 4, 2023 at 10:56 pm

     From the pictures, we see no storms and even a sky that is mostly clear.
     I think that the main problems are probably the wind and the underestimated difficulty to land all that gear using just two Zodiacs.
     Let’s hope they are all safe and succeed in landing at least some of the stations and antennas.

113. Mark Rizzi on February 4, 2023 at 10:25 pm

     I hope to be wrong but I don’t have too much hope they will do it based on facts. As noticed by many, they had a good weather window last week and made no progress. Besides the fact there is no camp at all, not even an attempt or first step, they didn’t even transfer any material (see FB photos). LA7GIA said via radio it is difficult to go on shore and it was a sunny day with no waves and without material. The MV Braveheart experienced/professional crew (6 men) disambarked stuff and operators with dinghy in 2002/2016 (VP8THU/VP8STI) in difficult weather and in 4 hours and there wasn’t even a beach like Bouvet. That means an experienced/professional crew with fit men could have made it last week in Bouvet. The Marama crew is one girl (cook), a former engineer (captain), a former accountant (first mate). They got the non-ham Peter (photgrapher) to join them to handle the dinghy as per dxped website. The rest of the team is the ham operators and the majority of them never went to a Sub-Antarctic or Antarctic dxpedition. So, that means these hams have to actively take part to disembark operations to make it happen. Let alone transferring stuff uphill, mount everything, operate, dismount, repack, retransfer downhill and then back to Marama. Considering the weather forecast for the next week and the fact they have to be in CPT by 28 Feb as per Marama timetable, I doubt there will be any kind of activity, neither with reduced size. It is obvious these guys needed helicopter to make it happen. They haven’t the skills, experience, energy to make it happen with dinghy. These are facts and reality.
     The Cap Fie QTH seems to be all the time out of the clouds, unlike the plateau (3Y0Z choice), so the helicopter would have been perfect for this attempt.
     It should be noted 3Y5X used helicopter and 3Y0Z failed attempt (with same budget as 3Y0J) had two helicopters.
     It is obvious that nowadays dxpeditioners prefer to have the ship available offshore all the time instead of being left alone for 3 weeks on an island to live by own means and picked up later (ie. VK0IR 1997, 3Y0PI 1994, etc).
     The latter solution was common in the 90s to keep costs lower.
     At the price of some possible risks, the good thing it was the means used to get to the island and disembark were first class.
     Having ships SA Agulhas II, RV Polarstern, Marion Dufresne for 3 weeks offshore is simply out of budget for hamradio dxpeditions.
     So, to make it happen we are now seeing people running doubtful attempts without proper means.
     The problem is that even these attempts are a waste of 700K USD each time.

114. Dom Desiderio on February 4, 2023 at 9:41 pm

     Thank you, team, for your heroic efforts. You are all greatly appreciated.
     Stay safe and healthy.
     73
     Dom
     AA5N

115. Bob KB1JZU on February 4, 2023 at 8:28 pm

     Vlad UA4WHX., I agree. checked myself and it doesn’t match the 3Y0J statement. Not sure how accurate web based forecasting is in that part of the world. As for cold , the temperature was -25 F with a wind chill of -60 F at my QTH last night. I was praying that my single doublet would make it through the night..it did. Not looking forward at having to do any antenna repairs this time of the year. Bouvet temps would seem tropical by comparison.
     My Canadian friends are still in the middle of this artic blast. Best of luck to the 3Y0J team and support folks. /bob

116. Chip Lohman - NN4U on February 4, 2023 at 7:00 pm

     For the commentators who are impatient, this is not like field day at the local playground. Just getting ashore can be life-threatening, water temperatures that would cause death by hypothermia in minutes, followed by climbing ice-covered rock. Did we mention the weeks of open ocean travel, possible sea sickness, midnight watches, unexpected weather? Be grateful!

117. CHRIS AJ1G STONINGTON CT on February 4, 2023 at 6:54 pm

     The most recent 3Y0J 80 meter spots at 1304Z 4 Feb with high SNR only at a few East Coast USA skimmers are not credible. Someone is booting their call.

118. Chip, NN4U on February 4, 2023 at 6:32 pm

     Until I saw your shared pictures, I did not comprehend what a tremendous effort you have undertaken. Thanks. Have fun and be safe. See you on the air.

119. VLADIMIR BYKOV, UA4WHX on February 4, 2023 at 1:12 pm

     Checking the https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-3371123/Norway/Bouvet%20Island no storm is predicted. Where does the information come from? The temperature there looks to be at around zero, which is not bad. Almost spring-like. The wind is at 15 meters per second. Perhaps, best if the camp is not exposed to direct wind. Best of luck!

120. EU0DX on February 4, 2023 at 10:01 am

     With all due respect to the whole team, but already 4 days have been lost and not even a hint of camp is visible. It was possible to put at least a vertical and run FT8 and spend thousands of QSO’s in 4 days.

121. Matti, OH4SS on February 4, 2023 at 10:00 am

     I’m not an expert on this, but hurry up with the stations. There is a time limit. The original position plan is too ambitious. Now quickly fire 3-4 stations. You’ve already wasted at least a few days of pointless viewing, and still nothing seems to be coming out. It would be quite reasonable to get two stations up and running right away right now. Others a little later. Presumably 4-5 stations are enough 24/7. At least there is enough equipment.

122. John R. Endres KJ7KSX ND on February 4, 2023 at 3:20 am

     #KJ7KSX Congrats! Safe safe out there first and foremost. Hoping for a QSO when you all are ready. Take your time and be well! Dr. John

123. Mladen on February 3, 2023 at 9:08 pm

     I would like I’m with you guys. Sailing and radio are the best things on the world!

124. G4AIR on February 2, 2023 at 10:43 pm

     God’s speed and thank you for this wonderful endeavor.An example to the world.

125. Pierre on February 2, 2023 at 9:16 pm

     Pierre VE2PID More spots this pm for 3Y0J from RBN CW. 80 meters. A good sign … ?

126. GENE/KA5VMF on February 2, 2023 at 3:34 pm

     3Y0J team. THANK YOU for all you do. GOD speed and be safe. We want you back home.

127. Pierre on February 2, 2023 at 2:19 pm

     Some RBN CW spots this morning from 3y0j/MM and perhaps 3y0j

128. Ed Sawyer on February 2, 2023 at 1:22 pm

     Thank you for the update of no info and the tracker locations.

     The boat seems REALLY close to shore. A lot closer than needed for Zodiac runs. I am wondering if they are rigging up some kind of trolly system as Ken was referring to and using the boat as one end of the trolly.

     Sure hope everyone is okay.

     Ed N1UR

129. Ross GW3NWS on February 2, 2023 at 10:34 am

     I am filled with admiration for your courage and tenacity. stay well and come back well.

130. Puzant, OD5NH on February 2, 2023 at 6:18 am

     I am looking for Bouvet for 20 years and will be my last entity, I am so excited. Good luck and take care,73s
     OD5NH,Puzant

131. Eldon Peterson on February 1, 2023 at 8:50 pm

     Thanks for the transparency of your reports and to those make world- wide distribution of news possible.
     May God Speed and give you patience to tolerate the groves of lids in the pile ups that you must deal with the next couple of weeks.

132. Mark WO7T on February 1, 2023 at 8:33 pm

     Slow, steady, and safe guys. We want you back in perfect condition, so you can begin filling out all those QSL cards hihi. Thanks for your commitment and risk-taking! 73, Mark WO7T

133. Thomas Martin on February 1, 2023 at 6:22 pm

     I’m ready to work you on any band and mode. I need Bouvet for #340!

134. Fred (DF5UL) on February 1, 2023 at 4:45 pm

     “Team members of 3Y0J have landed on Bouvet! AB5EB, LA7GIA, WD5COV and cameraman Peter landed.”

     Was Peter the First who landed on Bouvet? (hidden joke for real Dxers!) gl guys!

135. Stephen ZS6SKY on February 1, 2023 at 3:53 pm

     Congratulations to all onboard, and the team backing you guys, well done to the captain for guiding everyone safely, by God’s grace you have arrived safely.
     Hoping to work you from SA
     73 Stephen ZS6SKY

136. Tor Langvand on February 1, 2023 at 1:59 pm

     Just be safe. I am worried about the safety of you guys with all the gear that has to be brought in on the Zodiacs. 73 de K4TOR.

137. Max Iz0cvf on February 1, 2023 at 1:49 pm

     To the whole team a big thanks for this historical expedition. Never forget, safety first!
     Hope to have a QSO with you.
     De iz0cvf Max

138. Vinicio Coletti on February 1, 2023 at 10:22 am

     My compliments for reaching the island and let’s hope weather to go better, so you can bring everything on the land.
     Looking forward to work you!

139. Ed Durrant on February 1, 2023 at 6:29 am

     I’d like to say thank you to N2AJ and DX-World for keeping the “World of DX-Hunters” right up to date on this most important DXpedition in years. To the team, take care, stay safe. 73 Ed DD5LP

140. Delwyn on February 1, 2023 at 2:10 am

     Be safe my fiends. See you in the pileups.

     73 and Aloha from Hawaii,

     Delwyn, KH6DC

141. Ivars Lauzums on January 31, 2023 at 11:42 pm

     What a fantastic documentation provided to the world with this remarkable dxpedition to the rarest island in the world. Thank you Mr. Musk for moving the satelites to Bouvet. May the weather gods be nice to the entire team. We will see the largest “pile-up” in History in the next few weeks. Please be safe

142. John Wilson on January 31, 2023 at 11:42 pm

     Absolutely, stay safe and return home safely to your families. Godspeed and God Bless for a safe, memorable and productive journey.

     73 John KC4LZN

143. Saki (DD5XX) on January 31, 2023 at 9:34 pm

     Thank you for your tireless work and the risk you take. A BIG THANKS to the whole team. Take care of yourselves, safety first. May the weather gods be with you and that everything will run smoothly. You will continue to do so well and make history with a successful DXpedition. All the best and enjoy the monster pile-up. Have fun! 55 73