From the captivating shores of Nosy Be Island, Madagascar (IOTA AF-057), Janusz, SP9FIH, and Leszek, SP6CIK bring the vibrant sounds of the island to the airwaves. Operating as 5R8CI and 5R8WE, the team combines skill, passion, and advanced equipment to connect with amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide.
A Snapshot of the Activity
The operation, spanning from October 23 to November 6, 2024, has focused on the 40-10m bands, with modes including CW, SSB, and FT8 (Superfox). The duo has deployed an impressive arsenal of antennas and transceivers:
- Verticals for 40, 30, and 20m.
- Quad antennas for 17m.
- A 3-element beam for 10 and 12m.
- Equipment includes IC-7300 and K3 transceivers, powered by 2 PAs.
These setups ensure powerful and consistent signals, making Madagascar more accessible to operators around the world.
Island Life Meets High-Tech Radio
Operating from Andilana, one of Nosy Be's most picturesque areas, comes with its challenges and rewards. Despite occasional technical and propagation issues, the team remains active on the higher bands, drawing in QSOs from across the globe. For DXers, this is an excellent opportunity to log a rare IOTA contact.
QSL and Logs
With QSOs pouring in, both operators have streamlined log management:
Preview the beautiful QSL cards, showcasing Madagascar's unique charm and the spirit of amateur radio.
Looking Ahead
As their successful Madagascar operation wraps up, Janusz and Leszek continue to inspire the DXing community with their dedication and technical prowess. Stay tuned for future expeditions by SP9FIH and explore their impressive DXpedition history here.
Whether you’ve connected with them on 40m CW or snagged a rare FT8 contact on 6m, 5R8CI and 5R8WE are a reminder of how amateur radio brings the world closer, one signal at a time.
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