58,000 QSOs Achieved Despite Logistical Challenges
Final Expedition Report
The German-Australian team has concluded their Christmas Island (VK9XU) operation with outstanding results:
✔ 58,000 QSOs (exceeding expectations)
✔ Last contact: March 4 @ 02:57z with VR2CO (FT8)
✔ Now relocating to Cocos (Keeling) Islands for VK9CU activation
Key Challenges Overcome
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Lost antenna masts delayed low-band operations by 4 days
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Amplifier failure forced FT8 station to run barefoot
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Severe weather damaged 12/17m rhombic antenna (repaired)
Operational Highlights
Technical Setup
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Radios: FlexRadio 6600/8600, Yaesu FTDX10, Icom IC7300
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Antennas: Hexbeam (20-6m), DX-Commander (40-10m), Rhombic (17/12m)
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Innovation: Modified FT8 frequencies to avoid interference
Band Performance
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6m Magic: Unexpected FT8 openings
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Low-Band Struggle: High QRN but productive nights on 80m/160m
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Pileup Discipline: Remarkably well-behaved callers
What's Next?
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VK9CU Activation: Begins March 4 with limited night operations
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Full Setup: Antennas to be erected after sunrise March 5
Community Feedback
🔥 DD1HV: "Great signals on 40m! Danke für QSO!"
📡 G0KOM: "ATNO achieved on 10m SSB!" (Watch video)
🌩 Veteran: "SuperFox mode puzzling but effective on 24MHz"
Blog Summary
This hard-fought VK9XU operation overcame airline failures, equipment losses, and tropical storms to log 58,000 contacts. The team now shifts to Cocos (VK9CU)—follow their progress at vk9-2025.topdx.de.
Source: DX-World.net | Follow @dxworldnet
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