Nestled in the crystal-clear waters off Madagascar’s northwest coast, Nosy Be Island (IOTA AF-057) recently came alive with the airwaves buzzing. Janusz (SP9FIH) and Leszek (SP6CIK) brought their passion and expertise to the island, operating as 5R8CI and 5R8WE, connecting amateur radio enthusiasts around the globe.
A Glimpse of the Expedition
From October 23 to November 6, 2024, the dynamic duo operated across 40-10m bands, showcasing the magic of CW, SSB, and FT8 (Superfox) modes. Their robust station setup included:
- Vertical antennas for 40, 30, and 20m.
- A quad antenna for 17m.
- A 3-element beam for 10 and 12m.
- High-performing IC-7300 and K3 transceivers, powered by 2 PAs.
These tools ensured a seamless and powerful operation, capturing signals across continents.
A Vibrant Island Backdrop
Nosy Be, known for its breathtaking beaches and diverse wildlife, offered a stunning yet challenging setting for the operation. Despite the logistical hurdles of remote island life, Janusz and Leszek made the most of their location in Andilana, bringing Madagascar's voice to life through their signals.
Community Engagement
From casual DXers to seasoned operators, the expedition sparked enthusiasm:
- George inquired about last-day activity on 20 meters.
- Arkadiy UN8FR celebrated Leszek's FT8 debut on 6m.
- Virgil Ferguson (K4CUP) logged an early 10m CW contact, representing the passion of the amateur radio community.
QSL Cards and Logs
The beautifully designed QSL cards for 5R8CI & 5R8WE offer a keepsake for those who made contact. Logs for verification are readily available:
Looking Back and Ahead
This Nosy Be adventure adds to Janusz and Leszek's impressive history of expeditions. Their work highlights the power of amateur radio to connect people across distances and cultural divides. For those eager for more, explore SP9FIH’s previous expeditions here.
From Madagascar’s shores to your radios, 5R8CI and 5R8WE remind us of the beauty and camaraderie of amateur radio. Stay tuned for their next venture!
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