Allen, KH7AL, continues his active presence from Wake Island (KH9), sharing both challenges and highlights from his ongoing amateur radio operations.
[FT8: A Learning Curve]
In a candid update, Allen shared his mixed feelings about digital modes, particularly FT8. “Each 15-second volley feels short, but they pile up,” he wrote, reflecting on 38 FT8 QSOs that left him feeling somewhat unsatisfied. While he’s more at home with SSB and CW, Allen is determined to master FT8 and plans to return after further testing—so keep your ears open if you hear KH9 on FT8!
[A New Ham on Wake]
On May 5, Richard (KR4CDI/KH9) made his debut FT8 contact from Wake Island using an Icom IC-7300 and WSJT-X. That may have been the island’s first-ever FT8 QSO. Allen later joined in, logging 9 contacts on FT8 from his MacBook, noting rapid pileups and a need to learn Fox/Hound mode for handling them more effectively.
[Latest Activity]
Allen returned to Wake in mid-April and has been QRV again. Highlights include:
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May 8 (07:00–09:00 UTC): 30m CW or FT8
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May 11 (19:30–23:00 UTC): 12m SSB
[Behind the QSOs]
Allen's updates reflect not just radio but real life on the island—early work webinars, antenna corrosion, beach walks, and friendly encounters on nets like ANZA. Despite a heavy workload and challenging schedule, he’s added over 1,400 QSOs recently, primarily on CW, and has now passed the 5,000 QSO milestone!
He also shared joy over a colleague passing the Technician exam and getting his first callsign. Richard, not fond of pile-ups, will soon say hello to the HF world on 10m.
[QSL and Antennas]
QSL card designs are finalized, with mailing expected by late March. Antenna projects continue with upgrades to his 10m VDA and a new 17m dipole in the works, replacing a worn-out linked dipole.
[Watch and Listen]
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📺 Video tour of Wake Island’s eastern shore: [Link to video]
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🎙️ Recent interview with KH7AL: [Link to podcast]
[Quotes from the Pileup]
“This morning we got to be listening to Allen @KH7AL on CW #24MHz … He had a huge pileup.” – @ea1dr
“We were able to hear Allen again this time on SSB #21MHz. Happy weekend!” – @ea1dr
Stay tuned for more Wake Island DX from KH7AL/KH9—and don’t miss your chance to work this rare and remote DXCC entity!
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