[QRV] TX5N – Austral Islands

Apr 22, 2022

NEWS UPDATE – For the past 24 hours the island has been buffeted by high winds, constant at about 20 MPH, gusting to about 35 MPH, expected through Saturday.

One Hexbeam guy rope that was secured to a small tree stump pulled the stump out of the ground and down came the antenna; one fiberglass spreader broke. Time to remove and replace the broken spreader with a spare part was about one hour. We had to wait for a break in the wind to restore the antenna to its fully extended height. An interesting experience with the wind still blowing hard.

The worse news is the 160 meter antenna is exhibiting a high SWR, faulting the amplifier at about 300 watts. We’ll inspect that antenna in the daylight.

As a reminder: on FT-8 we are using WSJT-X.

The operators are now on a 6 hour shift rotation. As expected, the pile-ups are energetic.

Our satellite service provider has been unable to resolve the issue so we are using the island’s Internet service for e-mail and log uploads. Internet availability is sporadic with the best access during the time when the locals are sleeping.

Mains power during the strong winds and occasional downpours has been stable.

Some people are sending us e-mails about busted / missing calls: We are not checking for missing or busted calls from the island. Please work us again if you don’t see your contact in the log. After the DXpedition Tim M0URX will research missing / busted Qs.