Repost: A52CI & A52P – Bhutan DXpedition Wrap-Up

📍 Location: Dochula Eco Retreat, Bhutan (3070m ASL)
📅 Dates Active: April 19 – May 6, 2024
👥 Operators: Leszek SP6CIK (A52CI) & Janusz SP9FIH (A52P)
🔚 Status: QRT as of May 6

📡 DXpedition Overview:

Operating high in the Himalayas, the A52CI & A52P team navigated tough terrain, power issues, and high QRM to bring Bhutan on air across 80–6 meters using FT8, SSB, and CW. Despite being impacted by sightseeing schedules and occasional internet outages, the duo logged thousands of QSOs, including 605 contacts on 6m across 17 DXCCs—a rare feat for the region!

📷 Photo Highlights:

• 6m Yagi setup at 3070m altitude

• Vertical arrays for 10/12/15/17/30m

• Views of the beam takeoff over valleys toward EU, JA, and NA

• Operators on site and mid-installation

📌 Notable Mentions:

• QTH: Challenging mountainous terrain, but ideal for short-path DX to NA, EU, and JA.

• 6m Activity: A success despite difficult propagation.

• CW Issue: Temporary misidentification as "E52CI" due to memory keyer glitch (April 23).

• Operating Styles: Some commentary from DXers requesting split operation to reduce pileup chaos.

• Mode Tips: Operators encouraged to try FT4 or RTTY due to auroral Doppler effects over the pole.

🧭 Wrap-Up Message (May 7):

“Last few days we had no internet so logs were uploaded with delay. On May 9th we hope to be back home in Poland.”

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👏 A heartfelt thanks to SP6CIK and SP9FIH for bringing Bhutan to life on the bands. Looking forward to your next one—73 from the global DX community!