🌴 TX5U – Tuamotu Archipelago (Tikehau Atoll) DXpedition

📡 Operator: Didier, F6BCW
📞 Callsign: TX5U
📍 QTH: Tikehau Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia – IOTA OC-066
🗓️ Dates: May 26 – June 8, 2025
🕑 Activity length: 14 days
🌐 Locator: BH54UV (great for SP & LP Europe paths)

🔊 Operating Details

• Bands: 40–6m

• Modes: CW and SSB only (❌ No FT8)

• Objective: ~12,000 QSOs

• Antennas:

  • VDAs for 6, 10–20m

  • Vertical for 30/40m (radials in the lagoon!)

• Rig/PA: Elecraft K3S with HVLA 1.3 amplifier

🗺️ DX Rarity Stats

• IOTA OC-066: Rare – only 29% confirmed

• European DXCC Ranking (GDXF):

  • CW: #50

  • SSB: #55

• Worldwide DXCC Ranking (Club Log):

  • CW: #140

  • SSB: #123

📑 QSL & Logs

• QSL: via Paul, F6EXV

  • Through Club Log OQRS (€4 direct / free bureau)

  • LoTW uploads free after 6 months

• Log Uploads: Twice daily

💰 Costs & Logistics

• Air freight (gear): €500

• Accommodation: €2,110

• Electricity: €70

• Tahiti ↔ Tikehau flight: €270

• Local transfer: €150

• All gear packed in suitcases + a large golf bag

🌊 Bonus Insight

This solo expedition is a test run for a future 8-operator TX5 expedition in 2026 or 2027. A great opportunity for serious DXers and IOTA hunters—especially on CW and SSB.

No local ham activity on the Tuamotus, so this is a rare chance. 🔥 Get ready for pile-ups!