Nestled in the remote expanse of the Pacific, Rotuma stands as a beacon for both scientific exploration and the art of amateur radio. Over the past month, Antoine, 3D2AG, embarked on a journey of both professional research and DX operation from this enchanting island. Through trials of weather, health, and logistics, his expedition brought the world closer to this isolated gem.
The Challenge of Isolation
Upon arriving in Rotuma in October 2024, Antoine faced a series of unforeseen obstacles. Delayed by tropical storms, faulty equipment, and logistical hurdles, he labored tirelessly to set up his station. A combination of solar power, diesel generators, and an array of antennas including a Spiderbeam and a 5-element Yagi eventually enabled him to operate across 160m to 6m bands. Despite the challenges, Antoine demonstrated remarkable resilience, focusing on CW, SSB, and digimodes to reach DXers worldwide.
A Brush with Adversity
Towards the end of his stay, Antoine was struck by a viral infection and severe cellulitis in his leg, rendering him bedridden for days. As his departure loomed, the task of dismantling equipment and preparing for the boat back to Fiji seemed daunting. Fortunately, fellow operators Gregg W6IZT and Jamie M0SDV stepped in to assist, ensuring a safe and timely exit.
Antoine’s health ordeal underscores the harsh realities of solo expeditions to remote locations. Thankfully, with aggressive medical treatment, he is now recovering while digitizing logs for the amateur radio community.
Scientific Pursuits on Rotuma
Beyond radio operations, Antoine’s mission included Surface Seawater Temperature (SST) monitoring and SCUBA-based data collection. Rotuma’s unique position in the Pacific makes it a valuable site for environmental research. Balancing scientific objectives with radio operations, Antoine exemplified the multidimensional potential of such expeditions.
On-Air Highlights
Despite the odds, Antoine managed to light up the bands, particularly 20m to 10m, delighting operators across the globe. His focus on CW and SSB ensured quality QSOs, and he expressed gratitude to those who contacted him through his trusty manual paddle key. While 80m and 160m operations were curtailed due to logistical constraints, his commitment to delivering new opportunities for DXers was unwavering.
Looking Ahead
As Antoine recovers and reflects on his time in Rotuma, he signals that this might mark his final expedition to the island for a while. With other significant Rotuma operations taking place, he hopes his efforts have added value to the amateur radio community. Logs will soon be available on Club Log for confirmations.
Antoine’s journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration. Whether battling storms, illness, or technical challenges, his dedication brought Rotuma’s voice to the world, bridging the gap between a secluded island and the global amateur radio network.
Follow Antoine’s future adventures and log updates via his QRZ profile and Club Log.
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