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3D2JK - Fiji (Lakeba Isl. IOTA OC-095)

  • Mar 24
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 24


3D2JK Update (Apr 24)


OQRS enabled

Club OQRS is enabled. It includes QSOs from Lakeba Island (OC-095, grid: AH01OS) as well as from Viti Levu Island (OC-016, grid: RH81VR)



3D2JK Update (Apr 22)


QRT

The Lakeba adventure is over. During almost six full days of activity I managed to log 3,300 QSOs with 86 DXCC. Bands conditions were challenging. While the number of QSOs increased quite rapidly over the first two days, the last two were a struggle for every new station in the log. Last night, during four hours of SSB "operation" on 20m, I logged only eight callsigns 😞. Well, there's no effective cure for propagation, or rather the lack thereof. Many thanks to everyone who confirmed the validity of this trip with their QSOs.

Most of the equipment, including the BuddiHEX, is already packed and ready for tomorrow's flight. Currently, I'm using the last few hours of my stay on OC-095 by logging JA hams calling me on 50Mhz.



3D2JK Update (Apr 20)


3K QSOs in the log

Last night brought a 20m band opening to the EU. I used it for SSB. This doesn't change the fact that conditions are still challenging, especially for Western Europe.Yesterday, I also observed an opening on the 6m band, although it was unidirectional. My signal was received by many Japanese stations, but I received almost none of them. I only managed to log three callsigns. Unfortunately, simultaneous operation on 6m and HF is not possible. The transceivers interfere with each other, and RFI causes the computers to freeze. However, I don't want to waste time dealing with this problem. I'd rather use the time for more QSOs.



3D2JK Update (Apr 19)


Halfway summary

After three and a half days of activity from Lakeba Island, the log contains over 2,600 contacts. Unique calls account for 71% of these QSOs. Contacts with Europe and North America account for 35% and 16%, respectively. QSOs with JA predominate (41%). Propagation conditions have deteriorated significantly since yesterday. SSB contacts with Europe and North America have been a real challenge since then. I hope propagation improves soon. I'm planning QRT for 1:00 pm local time, which is 1:00 UTC (April 22nd).

BTW - the 6m band is dead. It opened widely to JA in the evening of 18 April. It allowed me to log over 150 QSOs.



3D2JK Update (Apr 18)


2K QSOs exceeded

Yesterday, I exceeded 2,000 QSOs in my log. Propagation isn't ideal, especially towards Western Europe. Very few F and G worked. The relatively low local noise level is a consolation, making SSB work quite well. After two days of a completely dead 50 MHz band, the long-awaited opening of the band to Japan arrived. I made over 150 QSOs in one evening. Unfortunately, problems with the software installed on my FT-857 prevented simultaneous use of two transceivers. So, an evening spent on 6m meant I was away from HF. Today is Sunday and the halfway point of my mini-expedition; we'll see what the day brings.



3D2JK Update (Apr 17)


QRV from OC-095

First night on air is over. I managed to setup both antennas (HF and 6m) and make around 800 QSO. Propagation to west EU and NA wasn’t good however I experienced nice SSB pile up on 17m.


The place where we are staying is very comfortable - 2 bedrooms and large living room where I have arranged my shack. People here are very friendly. Our hosts make sure that we don't lack anything. We are supplied with delicious meals. I have a power generator working at night. They also brought a Starlink terminal for my disposal to give me a reliable internet connection. It looks like I found a remote paradise. 


There is a sevusevu ceremony planned for today. So, I dressed in sulu and a local shirt to look at the part 😉.



3D2JK Update (Apr 10)


Already in Fiji

The one-and-a-half-day journey was smooth, although it was tiring - 24 hours in planes gives a hard time. An interesting fact about the flight from LA to Nadi is the five-fold crossing of the date change line! ‚Today’ becomes ‚tomorrow’, and after a while this ‚tomorrow’, which is now ‚today’ turns into ‚yesterday’. Very confusing, hihi. 


The cyclone, passing by Fiji recently, has gone further and the weather has improved significantly.Today I am trying 6m band doing some QSOs with JAs and BAs.

Tomorrow I am going to drive to Suva to have an eye-ball QSO with Antoine 3D2AG.



3D2JK Update (Apr 08)


The OC-095 adventure is beginning 🙂. I am just sitting in the plane to LAX, first leg of the long trip.



3D2JK


Op: SP5APW


Bands: 6M - 20M


Modes: SSB & FT8


Qsl Info: Qsl via SP5APW


Start Date - End Date: Apr. 17 - Apr. 22



Notes: Lakeba Isl. (IOTA OC-095)



 
 
 

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