Repost: 5N9DTG – Nigeria DXpedition Update

The Rebel DX Group reports that 5N9DTG is now QRT. The final log update will be posted over the next three days, with pictures and videos to follow once the team returns home. If you’re awaiting LoTW confirmation or a QSL card, please submit your request soon—cards are processed slowly due to ongoing logistics and constant travel.

[CW & SSB Activity]
Recent operations have focused on CW and SSB. Two recordings (one for each mode) by DX-WORLD are available for those interested. Look for a surge in CW and SSB activity starting on Sunday, February 23 (around 0700z local time), as noted on the Rebel DX Group Facebook page.

[Band & Antenna Updates]

• 60m: A permit for 60m was not issued for this activity. However, expect strong signals on 160m starting this evening (local time).
• FT8 QSOs: At 1430z on February 18, the first log upload to Club Log recorded nearly 20,000 FT8 QSOs in just over 24 hours. The team is busy working with local staff in a large yard and garden, testing new antenna placements for 40, 60, 80, and 160m. Full-speed operation is anticipated in about two days.
• Noise Challenges: At 2045z on February 17, the team reported struggling with massive noise levels—likely from power lines and lights—as they operated on 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, and 30 meters, logging around 7,000 FT8 contacts. They are actively relocating antennas to optimize performance.

[Deployment & Band Plan]

• On February 11, the team arrived in Nigeria and planned to begin operations by midday local time. They’re prioritizing FT8 traffic using the latest Super Fox software on 20, 17, 15, 12, and 10 meters, with MSHV also active on the same bands to boost QSOs. For bands 30, 40, 60, 80, and 160, MSHV will be used exclusively, and 6m will be operated solely on MSHV. CW and SSB are secondary priorities for this phase.

[Operational Preparations & History]

• Earlier updates from January 18 indicated that the Rebel DX Group expected to be QRV from Nigeria around January 25 for a two-week period before heading to South Africa to prepare their vessel for a Southern Ocean voyage.
• The current 5N9DTG operation follows previous successful Nigeria DXpeditions (notably the 5N5N operation from 2023), demonstrating the team’s continued commitment to operating across 160–6m with a focus on CW and FT8.

Thank you to everyone who contributed and supported our efforts. Stay tuned for the final log updates and more details from our next activity soon!