📍 Location: Bijilo, The Gambia (Grid: IK13pk)
📅 Dates: March 16–25, 2025
📡 Operator: Gert, PA2LO
🔚 Status: QRT with over 8,500 QSOs in the log
🗺️ Activity Overview:
Returning vibrancy to the airwaves of "The Smiling Coast of Africa," Gert operated as C5YX, contributing significantly to renewed amateur radio interest in The Gambia. His focus was on SSB and FT8, while CW was used sparingly. Operating conditions included a variety of antennas such as:
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30/40m vertical
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60m inverted V on a 10m Spiderpole
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Hexbeam for higher bands
📸 QSL card preview released, and cards are currently being printed and will be mailed shortly.
📡 QSL & LoTW Info:
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LoTW uploads were delayed due to Club Log sync issues but a full upload via tQSL was scheduled post-trip.
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Logs are available on Club Log.
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Paper QSLs available via PA2LO (bureau/direct).
🌍 Context:
2025 has seen a resurgence of ham activity in The Gambia, with various calls heard:
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C5PL (POTA)
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C5DX (CW)
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C5PWL (CW)
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Upcoming in April: C5LT and C5R (planned full-band, all-mode DXpedition)
📣 Operator's Note:
"C5 is not rare, but activity had been quiet for a while. I focused on SSB this time with some CW, as other teams were covering CW and POTA. Thanks to those who helped with the C5 license and logistics!"
🌐 Feedback from the Community:
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“Thanks for ATNO and 2 bands – 18,500km both ways!” – Phill Hardstaff
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“Please try 6m! 18 UTC TNX” – Manne
📦 QSL via:
Gert, PA2LO
(Direct / Bureau / LoTW / Club Log OQRS)
Thanks for the great effort, Gert—see you on the next one! 73!
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