Morbihan's Korrigans: A Hub for DXers and Contesters in Quiberon

QUIBERON, Morbihan — On the picturesque peninsula of Quiberon in the Morbihan department (56), the Association des RadioAmateurs du Morbihan, known as Les Korrigans, serves as a vibrant focal point for the region's radio enthusiasts. Located at Bat 3, Numéro 9, 56170 Quiberon, this association is particularly distinguished by the extensive operational history and technical prowess of its QSL Manager.

The association is presided over by M. Christophe Auzzino (F8ACF), who can be contacted via email at f8acf56@yahoo.fr. The group's online presence, http://aram56.free.fr, offers further insights into their activities. The crucial role of QSL Manager is handled by M. Philippe Berger (F5PHW), a highly active operator with a significant global footprint.

F5PHW: A Seasoned DXer and Contester

Philippe Berger, known by his callsign F5PHW, is a veteran radio amateur who has been active since March 1990, starting with the callsigns FB1PHW and FD1PHW before his current F5PHW. He openly declares his passion for HF CW (Morse code) contests, highlighting a dedication to competitive long-distance communication.

F5PHW's QSL policy is clear: no QSLs are accepted via email. Operators can send QSLs direct or via the bureau for contacts with F5PHW, as well as for his past operations under FO8RZ, J28BS, FM/F5PHW, and 6W1F5PHW. Furthermore, all his activities are available on LoTW (Logbook of the World), streamlining the confirmation process for many. It is important to note that F5PHW is not the QSL manager for J28BS's activity specifically for March 8, 2008.

His impressive list of past callsigns and portable operations showcases a rich history of DXpeditions and activations from various parts of the world, including:

• FO8RZ: August 2009 to July 2011, with a portable operation (FO8RZ/P) from Marquesas in March 2011.
• J28BS: Operations in January 1993, October/November 1994, and April 1999.
• 6W1/F5PHW: May 1994 to May 1997.
• FM/F5PHW: January 1994 to May/June 1995.
• F5PHW/P: Portable operations from Réunion Island (EU32) in 1990 (as FB1PHW/P), 1991, 1992 (as FD1PHW/P), 1997, and 1998.

A Robust Station for Global Reach

F5PHW's current station setup reflects his dedication to serious DXing and contesting, boasting a formidable array of equipment:

• Transceiver: Elecraft K3 100W
• Amplifier: SPE Expert 1K-FA (in use since August 2014)
• Antennas:
  • SpiderBeam 5 Bands HD at 11 meters for 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meters.
  • 3 Elements SteppIR at 14.5 meters (since 2020), offering exceptional directional control.
  • Inverted V antennas for 30, 40, and 60 meters.
  • Inverted L antenna for 80 and 160 meters.
  • GP 1/4 Wave with 2 elevated radials for 40 meters.
• Receive Antennas: Rx BOGs system for 80/160 meters, specifically oriented to the south, northeast, and northwest, crucial for optimizing weak signal reception.
• Software: DX-LABS and WinTest, indicating a preference for comprehensive logging and contest software.

The presence of such an advanced station within the Association des RadioAmateurs du Morbihan provides a clear indication of the high level of technical expertise and operational ambition within the club. Les Korrigans offer a compelling example of how local associations contribute to the global fabric of amateur radio.