2K QSOs exceeded

Yesterday, I exceeded 2,000 QSOs in my log. Propagation isn't ideal, especially towards Western Europe. Very few F and G worked. The relatively low local noise level is a consolation, making SSB work quite well. After two days of a completely dead 50 MHz band, the long-awaited opening of the band to Japan arrived. I made over 150 QSOs in one evening. Unfortunately, problems with the software installed on my FT-857 prevented simultaneous use of two transceivers. So, an evening spent on 6m meant I was away from HF. Today is Sunday and the halfway point of my mini-expedition; we'll see what the day brings.

QRV from OC-095

First night on air is over. I managed to setup both antennas (HF and 6m) and make around 800 QSO. Propagation to west EU and NA wasn’t good however I experienced nice SSB pile up on 17m.
The place where we are staying is very comfortable - 2 bedrooms and large living room where I have arranged my shack. People here are very friendly. Our hosts make sure that we don't lack anything. We are supplied with delicious meals. I have a power generator working at night. They also brought a Starlink terminal for my disposal to give me a reliable internet connection. It looks like I found a remote paradise. 
There is a sevusevu ceremony planned for today. So, I dressed in sulu and a local shirt to look at the part 😉.

 On air - 21090 FT8.

After check-in. The last time, I was weighed at check-in, was 11 years ago, before the flight to Coetivy Island.

QRV expected around 0900z (16 April)

Last leg of the journey commences in three hours. I hope to be QRV starting around 09:00 UTC on April 16. 

3D2JK on air from Viti Levu

Last night I was QRV on 6 m FT8 from Viti Levu (OC-016), grid RH81VR. All QSOs uploaded to ClubLog. Operation from OC-095 starts on April 17.

Already in Fiji

The one-and-a-half-day journey was smooth, although it was tiring - 24 hours in planes gives a hard time. An interesting fact about the flight from LA to Nadi is the five-fold crossing of the date change line! 'Today' becomes 'tomorrow', and after a while this 'tomorrow', which is now 'today' turns into 'yesterday'. Very confusing, hihi. 

The cyclone, passing by Fiji recently, has gone further and the weather has improved significantly.
Today I am trying 6m band doing some QSOs with JAs and BAs.

Tomorrow I am going to drive to Suva to have an eye-ball QSO with Antoine 3D2AG.

Journey begins

The OC-095 adventure is beginning 🙂. I am just sitting in the plane to LAX, first leg of the long trip.

Fake spots on the cluster!

Someone using my callsign is posting negative comments about T31TTT on the cluster. Please understand that it wasn't me. I never post any hate on the cluster!

New expedition sponsors

Glad to say that the German DX Foundation, SP DX Club and Swiss DX Foundation have recently joined the ranks of my expedition sponsors with generous grants, as well as the Buddipole company, which provides spare parts for the antennas. I sincerely thank them for their significant support.

Import permits

I have applied for the missing Fijian import permit for the MLA 300 amplifier, and I hope to receive it this week. So, there shouldn't be any problems getting the amplifier. Unfortunately, the amplifier isn't performing as expected. I have run tests with a dummy load and can now report that 300 W is not achievable on frequencies 14-28 MHz.
I've managed to achieve a maximum of 200-220 W on these bands. While the amplifier probably won't help as much on SSB as I'd like, it can also be used on FT8, which will likely improve my signal in that mode.

I would like to thank Antoine 3D2AG for his kind assistance in contacting TAF. Without this assistance, the permit might not have been issued in time.

Grants received

I'm pleased to announce that IOTA Ltd. and CDXC have become sponsors of the 3D2JK operation. Their generous donations helped me purchase an RM MLA300 linear amplifier. I'll be using it primarily for SSB transmissions. Because this amplifier requires a well-matched antenna, I've also decided to bring along an MFJ antenna tuner.

The current situation in the Middle East, with its airspace closures and travel disruptions, has forced me to change my route. Instead of flying via Japan, I'll be flying via the United States. Unfortunately, this incurs additional costs. Therefore, your kind donations are still welcome.

Propagation charts

I am delighted to inform you that Jari OH6BG was kind enough to prepare VOACAP propagation charts for my activity.
The charts are available on https://www.voacap.com/dx/3d2jk/ .