Now that the team 3YØI in on their way for their true adventure, it is time to look at some of the elements of their upcoming activity, specifically on low-bands. On Monday OH2BH had a detailed discussion with DXpedition leader Dom, 3Z9DX and their low-band specialist Tack, JE1CKA to understand their location and their options to produce an efficient 160/80m signal while considering their challenging environment. Dom has detailed experience on the zodiac landing on Bouvet while Tack, JE1CKA – a WRTC-rated contester and seasoned DXpedition operator – is now in charge of the low-bands. Tack has excellent field knowledge for creating powerful low-band signals.
See JE1CKA at QRZ.com – https://www.qrz.com/db/JE1CKA/
Their camp will be located some on the glacier at 100 ft, next to their landing area in the South-East corner of the Island with open view to EU/JA but mountains to the NW (USA) at a distance of eight (8) kilometers. They will be running 1.3KW with each of four (4) stations, CW, SSB, FT8 plus one for a CW/FT8 combo.
When dealing with several unknown factors including high wind situations, they will have four options for 160/80m:
- Running simple dipoles at the glacier,
- Running slopers from the glacier edge to the landing beach, about 100 ft. lower,
- Running 18m long fiber masts as verticals and Inverted-Ls and,
- Three element wire beams for 160/80M slightly above glacier.
In general, with the current conditions, the high-volume bands are expected to be 20/30/40 meters. It is assumed that 160/80 would bring a long awaited opportunity to catch these much needed band-pointers. On high bands they will have three fixed beams for EU, NA, and Asia along with several multi-band verticals.
JE1CKA himself will focus on 160/80 operations and will do CW exclusively for most of the operation.
3YØI will use specialized observers for the 160/80 operations from three main focus areas. Martti, OH2BH (EU), Wayne, N7NG (NA) and Yasu, JR1AIB (Asia) will carefully follow the proceedings, and Martti will communicate potential adjustments via Satcom to the expedition venue.
This is a historical undertaking, likely under very severe conditions with no DX Foundation support nor involvement.
Dear Fellow DXers: It’s time to include the 3YØI team in your prayers for their safe landing and happy return. They are going late in the season but are professionally prepared. Their success will be exclusively in the hands of Mother Nature as always. We are all wishing the 3YØI team and the M/S Atlantic Tuna a safe journey.
For the 3YØI team:
Martti, OH2BH, Wayne, N7NG, and Yasu, JR1AIB