Hello HAM enthusiasts,
We have an exciting update from the C91BV DXpedition in Mozambique. After facing a series of technical hurdles and setbacks (courtesy of Murphy’s Law), the team reached a day of full, successful radio activity. Here’s a closer look at the journey, challenges, and triumphs they encountered while bringing Mozambique to HAM radios worldwide.
Overcoming Murphy’s Law in the Field
Despite the initial setbacks—like disconnected COM ports, cut coaxial cables, and malfunctioning CAT cables—the C91BV team managed to overcome each hurdle, setting the stage for robust radio activity. With resilience and a fair bit of troubleshooting, they corrected QSO entry times, resolved equipment issues, and got back to the airwaves stronger than ever.
Antenna Solutions and Improvisations
When their vertical antenna failed to perform on 6 meters, the team improvised with a Delta antenna, ingeniously created using just an A4 sheet and the tried-and-true formula of 306/F in MHz. This makeshift triangle setup worked wonders, allowing them to make contacts across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. Their success is a reminder of the adaptability needed in field DXing.
High Bands Action: 10 Meters, CW, and Fone Madness
Activity on the 10-meter band was exceptional, with non-stop pileups across CW and Fone. Even at midnight on 20 meters, the pileups were endless, creating a thrilling experience for both the operators and the stations logging C91BV.
Lessons Learned and Field-Tested Equipment
Years of DXpeditioning have taught the team valuable lessons:
- The FT-891 radio has proven to be exceptionally solid, lightweight, and reliable in field conditions.
- Moxon and End Fed antennas have shown to be ideal for DXpeditions due to their portability, ease of setup, and effectiveness, outperforming more complex and heavier alternatives.
- The team noted that DXing from any location outside Uruguay felt like operating in the best propagation years, proving that location greatly enhances signal reach.
Software Insights for Digital and Logging Modes
For digital modes, MixW, JTDX, and WSJTx performed admirably, while N1MM was a standout for fone and CW, offering great functionality for logging and integrating with digital modes. The Swiss log worked seamlessly for linking digital modes and uploading logs to Clublog. However, despite its reputation, Wintest failed them, frequently shutting down mid-operation. The lack of support from the developers left the team unable to recommend it, especially with so many free, reliable options available.
The Journey Home
The C91BV team plans to conclude their Mozambique activity on October 23 and begin their long journey home, already looking forward to their next DXpedition. They leave Mozambique with new stories, enhanced skills, and a renewed appreciation for the resilience and adaptability required in this incredible hobby.
For more details and to stay updated, check out DX World’s C91BV page.
Thank you for following along, and we hope you enjoy this glimpse into the real-world adventures of DXpeditioning!
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