🇵🇫 TX5U – Tuamotu Archipelago (OC-066)

📍 Location: Tikehau, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia
📅 Dates: May 26 – June 8, 2025
📡 Callsign: TX5U
🎙️ Operator: Didier, F6BCW
🎯 Goal: 12,000 QSOs (CW & SSB only)

🌊 DXpedition Highlights

• Solo effort by Didier, F6BCW, with a strong focus on Europe.

• No local ham activity in Tuamotu—this is a rare IOTA opportunity (OC-066, 29% confirmed).

• Location: BH54UV, ideal for SP/LP propagation to Europe.

• Propagation challenge: Torrential rain and strong winds on arrival, but antennas expected to go up with local help.

⚙️ Station Details

• Rig: Elecraft K3S

• Amp: HVLA 1.3

• Antennas:

  • VDAs for 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20m

  • Vertical for 30/40m with lagoon radials

• Logging: Twice daily by F6EXV

❗ Important Notes

• No FT8 operation – strictly CW & SSB

• No microphone = No SSB (unless the headset arrives in time!)

• QSL: via Club Log (direct €4 or free bureau) & LoTW (after 6 months)

🧭 DXCC & IOTA Significance

• Tuamotu Archipelago (OC-066) is among the rarest IOTA activations.

• DXCC rankings:

  • Europe (CW): 50

  • Europe (SSB): 55

  • Global (CW): 140

  • Global (SSB): 123

🔭 Looking Ahead

This solo TX5U operation serves as a test run for a larger, 8-operator DXpedition planned in 2026 or 2027. Didier is paving the way for more significant activity from this remote French Polynesian archipelago.