Update March 6, 2026: Final Testing Phase Completed

During the past two weekends, the S21WD team carried out our final hardware and systems test at our logistics headquarters hosted by DG8MG. The objective was to assemble the complete station as planned for Bangladesh, operate all components in parallel, and validate stability under realistic multi-operator conditions.

Both Spiderbeam Yagi antennas, covering 12/17/30 meters and 10/12/15/17/20 meters, were fully assembled, mechanically aligned, and tuned. SWR and overall performance were verified across all bands. The antennas performed as expected and confirmed our operational concept.

For the low bands, we installed and verified functionality of our RX loop, BOG (Beverage on Ground), and Beverage antennas. Noise characteristics, directionality, and switching behavior were evaluated in detail to finalize our receive strategy. The internal RX distribution system was assembled and tested to ensure stable multi-receiver operation without interference or noise ingress.

Our QO-100 satellite station, provided by DXPatrol, was fully assembled and commissioned. Uplink and downlink performance, frequency stability, and integration into our logging and network infrastructure were success- fully verified. The satellite system is ready for deployment.

A key milestone was the full high-power “smoke test” of the RF chain. Three stations were operated simultaneously using our sponsored ACOM amplifiers, including two ACOM 1200S and one ACOM 500S. We tested all low-power and high-power bandpass filters as well as our triplexer configurations for 12/17/30 meters and 10/15/20 meters. The three stations were intentionally run in parallel using all triplexer ports at the same time. The system remained fully stable, with no inter-station interference or unexpected behavior. This confirms the robustness of our filtering and isolation design.

On the IT side, six laptops were configured according to our operational requirements. Operating systems were updated, required software installed, and all configurations tested in advance. In addition, we performed a network load test simulating more than 300,000 QSOs through our logging system. The network handled the load without performance degradation, and synchronization between stations remained stable.

Throughout this phase, we are in daily contact with our local team members in Bangladesh to ensure a smooth arrival and coordinated setup on site. Logistical details, infrastructure preparations, and operational planning are closely aligned. We are very pleased to have them on board. Their support and local coordination play a major role in the success of this project and are an essential part of the overall execution strategy. We are very much looking forward to finally meeting them in person very soon.

As part of the integration process, several smaller improvements were identified and implemented, including cabling optimizations, clearer labeling, and refinements to transport preparation. While none of these adjustments were critical, they contribute to higher reliability during field deployment.

Many local helpers supported us during both test weekends, contributing significant time and effort to setup, testing, and dismantling. Over the past months, a substantial number of man-hours have gone into engineering, logistics planning, and preparation. A DXpedition of this scale is only possible through coordinated teamwork behind the scenes.

We are now in the final phase of packing all equipment for transport. Our departure is scheduled for 18 March, now less than three weeks away. With the successful completion of this final integration test, we move into the execution phase with confidence in our technical setup.

The S21WD DXpedition is organized under the umbrella of the Next Generation DX Club e.V., a registered German non-profit association (gemeinnützig). Donations directly support youth engagement in amateur radio and help finance infrastructure, transportation, and operational costs. As stated on our website, we are authorized to issue official donation receipts
(Zuwendungsbestätigungen) in accordance with German non-profit regulations.

If you would like to support our efforts, please visit: https://next-generation-dx.com/donate

We appreciate everyone contributing to this project — whether through technical expertise, hands-on support, sponsorship, or financial backing. We are utmost grateful to all clubs, foundations, associations, commercial sponsors, and individuals for their trust in our project. Thank you for your involvement and continued support. Final preparations are ongoing, and Bangladesh is getting closer every day.

Update February 15, 2026:  The countdown is on for S21WD – Bangladesh 2026.

Our team is scheduled to arrive at our QTH on March 20th, with on-air activity expected to begin shortly after arrival. We plan to remain active through April 1st, giving us a full 12 days of operation from IOTA AS-140.

During the activity period, we also intend to participate in the CQ WPX SSB Contest in a Multi-Operator category, operating as S21WD.

We are now in the final preparation phase. Equipment logistics, licensing, station configuration, and operational planning are essentially completed. The remaining steps focus on final checks, packing, and deployment readiness.

S21WD is a youth-driven initiative under the umbrella of the Next Generation DX Club e.V., combining technical ambition with international cooperation and on-site engagement. If you would like to support our youth team, please consider a contribution via our website:  https://next-generation-dx.com/donate/

Every contribution directly supports transport, infrastructure, and on-site operational capability.

We look forward to working you from Bangladesh!

Update February 2, 2026: Yesterday, a small team of local supporters met at our logistics HQ to build and test the 60 m vertical antenna for our upcoming Bangladesh operation.

The antenna was built from scratch and the results were convincing: during testing it performed exceptionally well, allowing us to work plenty of DX with ease. The smoke test was a clear success.

In parallel, we invested significant time into coax cable verification. Around 600 m of coax in various lengths were measured, checked, and problem spots resolved - because without reliable coax, there are no signals on the air.

Simple as that.

We also upgraded our antenna patch panel, keeping the design simple but improving grounding for better robustness and RF performance.

Preparation is key - and this was another solid step forward for S21WD.

Update January 26, 2026: We have officially received our LoTW certificate recently. Another important building block is now in place, and the project is coming together very nicely.

A big thank you to the ARRL for providing the certificate, which enables us to upload all QSOs daily and free of charge to LoTW for the global amateur radio community.

If you would like to support our project, please consider visiting: next-generation-dx.com/donate

Update January 20, 2026: With around two months remaining before departure to Bangladesh, preparations for the S21WD – Bangladesh 2026 DXpedition are now well advanced.The team plans to operate from IOTA AS-140 (Khulna / Barisal Region group) at the end of March 2026.

During the past months, many evenings and weekends were spent at DG8MG’s QTH, which serves as the main preparation and logistics location. All major antenna systems were assembled and carefully tested there. These tests helped confirm correct assembly procedures, transport concepts, and overall system reliability well before departure.

We would like to thank our local radio friends who supported the team during these preparation sessions once again. They spent many hours assisting with equipment tests and sharing their experience and knowledge. Their contribution was essential and made the current level of readiness possible.

As departure is getting closer, the focus has moved from antennas to station infrastructure. Work is ongoing on power distribution, station layouts, cabling, networking, and backup concepts. Full system tests of the complete stations – including radios, amplifiers, filters, and software – are planned for the coming weeks.

The DXpedition will be active for 12 days and operate on 160 through 10 meters, including 5 MHz (60 m), using CW, SSB, RTTY, and FT8. In addition, activity via the QO-100 satellite is planned using CW, SSB, and FT4.

The Team

The project is organized by the Next Generation DX Club e.V. and carried out by an international team:

Philipp Springer (DK6SP, 28) – Team Lead
Sven Lovrić (DJ4MX, 23) – Co-Lead and QSL Manager
Team Members:

Jamie Williams (M0SDV, 25)
Leon Hellmich (DL3ON, 21)
Rudranil Sarker Apon (S21ABO, 23)
Anup Kumar Bhowmick (S21TV, 46)
The average age of the team is approximately 27 years, combining youth driven DXpeditioning with experienced local participation.

Around 400 kg of equipment are currently being prepared and packed. Most of the equipment will be transported by the team as additional checked luggage on the flights. This requires careful weight planning and standardized packing, while allowing direct control over all critical equipment.

Following the successful DXpeditions 8R7X – Guyana 2024 (more than 73,000 QSOs) and V73WW – Marshall Islands 2025 (more than 103,000 QSOs), the team is highly motivated to continue this success with S21WD – Bangladesh 2026.

QSL, LoTW, and Live Log Information

In line with previous Next Generation DX Club DXpeditions, all QSOs are planned to be uploaded to LoTW daily and free of charge, subject to local internet availability. To provide transparency and reduce duplicate contacts during the operation, a ClubLog Live Stream will be used to display QSOs in near real time, depending on the availability and stability of the on-site internet connection.

Paper QSL cards will be available via ClubLog OQRS and will be handled by Sven Lovrić (DJ4MX) as QSL Manager, supported by his team within the Next Generation DX Club e.V.

Sponsorship and Donations

DXpeditions of this scale require significant financial and logistical effort. The Next Generation DX Club e.V. is a non-profit organization recognized under German law and is authorized to issue official donation receipts (Zuwendungsbestätigungen).

These receipts are tax-deductible in Germany. Recognition in other countries depends on national tax regulations. Donors outside Germany should consult their tax advisor or local tax authority.

Donations and sponsorships support transport costs, equipment operation, permits, and local logistics. Information on how to support the project is available here:

To stay up to date and never miss any announcements, please follow the team on Facebook:

Further information, updates, and background details about the project are available on the official website:

Feel free to check it out and follow our upcoming adventure to Asia.

Let us make this project a great success together – the team is ready.
We look forward to getting you down the log very soon.

73, Team S21WD

We are thrilled to announce the next adventure of the Next Generation DX Club e.V. in February/March 2026! This time, our young and ambitious team will travel to the People's Republic of Bangladesh – better known as S2 to the amateur radio community. Ranked #91 worldwide, #32 for North America, and still highly wanted on CW (#66) and SSB (#75), this DX-pedition is set to light up the bands. After bringing you 8R7X – Guyana 2024 and V73WW – Marshall Islands 2025, we're ready to make waves from one of Asia's most exciting and under-activated locations. More infor-
mation about callsign, dates, and operators will follow shortly. Stay tuned!

Support the mission! Every contribution helps make this DXpedition possible. Thanks in advance for your support!

See you down the bands soon!
--
73! Philipp Springer, DK6SP Team Lead

Sven Lovrić, DJ4MX Co-Lead

Next Generation DX Club e.V.
Web page: https://next-generation-dx.com/
FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/NGDXC/