Update January 10, 2026:  Press Release #4

The Desecheo DXpedition 2026 team is proud to highlight an important behind-the-scenes partnership that is helping redefine how modern DXpeditions are planned and executed. In collaboration with the Manyana DX Foundation, the team will deploy two advanced Remote Deployment Units (RDUs)—purpose-built, self-contained radio systems designed specifically for challenging and environmentally sensitive locations like Desecheo Island.

The Manyana RDU is best described as a DXpedition-in-a-box. Each unit integrates power management, remote radio control, and environmental monitoring into a rugged, transportable platform that can be deployed quickly and operated continuously. Designed for reliability and resilience, the RDU concept allows stations to remain on the air even when access is limited, weather conditions deteriorate, or personnel must be off-site. For KP5, this approach significantly improves both operational safety and on-air consistency.

A key innovation of the RDU system is its emphasis on real-time station awareness. Telemetry provides continuous insight into battery state-of-charge, solar input and voltage, temperature and humidity inside equipment enclosures, and overall radio status. This level of visibility allows the team to proactively manage power, heat, and moisture—critical factors for long-duration island operations—reducing downtime and max imizing QSO opportunities.

The RDUs will be integrated with remote operating infrastructure provided by Remote Ham Radio, enabling qualified operators around the world to safely operate KP5 stations across multiple time zones. This hybrid model—combining on-island deployment with global remote operation— supports the team’s goal of maintaining near-continuous, 24/7 activity throughout the expedition while preserving the fragile environment of Desecheo.

The Desecheo DXpedition 2026 team extends its sincere thanks to Manyana and the engineers and volunteers who continue to push innovation forward in support of DXing. The RDU program represents not just new equipment, but a new way of thinking about how rare entities can be activated more safely, more efficiently, and more effectively than ever before.

More updates coming soon as we continue to spotlight the people, technology, and planning behind KP5.

Stay tuned for more updates.

73, Steve N2AJ
Media Officer & Pilot
Desecheo DXpedition 2026

Update December 30, 2025:  Press Release #3

The Desecheo 2026 team is happy to report that we are making progress. We should be QRV in two weeks.

Today the KP4ES test station went QRT around mid day local time. The station was removed from the practice site and was taken to KP4AA to begin the cleaning process. This cleaning is required as part of the Bio Security Protocol prior to going to Desecheo.

Operators will still be practicing using the KP4ES callsign but operating through the KP3H Super Station. Your contacts with KP4ES have helped our team to practice and prepare for the upcoming pileups while providing you with an opportunity to practice prior to our main event. We appreciate the help of the Dx Community.

Our website has been uploaded with Propagation forecasts from VOACAP. You can use this information to help you take advantage of propagation opportunities. Thanks to Jari OPH6BG for his contribution.

The deployment team will meet again on January 9th for final preparations prior to our deployment window of January 12-14. Lets pray for some good weather.

Stay tuned to more updates.

Update December 26, 2025:  The Desecheo 2026 DXpedition team is proud to announce the official operational dates for the 2026 expedition.

At this stage, the expedition equipment has been fully deployed and is undergoing extensive testing at the KP4AA Contest Station in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. This QTH is located on a hill overlooking the Caribbean Sea and sits just under 30 miles from Desecheo Island. The purpose of this deployment is to stress-test the complete system under real-world
conditions to ensure maximum reliability and on-air time during the actual DXpedition.

The station is currently operating using the KP4ES callsign. Signal characteristics should closely resemble what the DX community can expect from Desecheo. We encourage DXers worldwide to look for KP4ES on the bands and help our remote operators gain experience managing large pileups and long operating schedules.

The station will remain on the air until Monday, December 29, at which time the team will disassemble the equipment, perform a thorough cleaning, and prepare it to comply with the strict biosecurity protocols required prior to transportation to Desecheo Island. Following this, remote operator training will continue using the KP4ES station from the KP4 Palmas RHR station (KP3H Super Station) in Puerto Rico.

Please work KP4ES and help us prepare for the major pileups expected during the DXpedition.

The team will reconvene on January 9 at the KP4AA Contest Station to finalize preparations for the deployment window of January 12–14, 2026, weather permitting. Once deployed, the DXpedition is expected to remain QRV for approximately 30 days, until the scheduled recovery date.

The Desecheo 2026 team would like to sincerely thank NCDXF and INDEXA for their generous support.

Stay tuned for additional updates on our website www.desecheo2026.com and in our official Facebook group.

73, Steve, N2AJ
Media Officer & Pilot

In collaboration with the Vieques Island Amateur Radio Club (NP3VI) and the Manyana DX Foundation, we are proud to announce a landmark Dxpedition to Desecheo Island (KP5), currently ranked as the 14th most wanted DXCC entity worldwide.

Located approximately 13 miles off the west coast of Puerto Rico, Desecheo Island has not been activated since 2009. This operation represents the first Puerto Rican–led Dxpedition to Desecheo in 48 years, following the historic KP4AM/D activation in 1978.

To ensure continuous, global on-air presence, two self-sustained Remote Deployable Units (RDUs) provided by the Manyana DX Foundation will be deployed on the island. These stations will operate 24 hours a day for 30 consecutive days, utilizing state-of-the-art remote operating infrastructure from Remote Ham Radio (RHR).

The primary mission of this Dxpedition is to provide an All-Time New One (ATNO) to as many amateur radio operators worldwide as possible. Operators from Puerto Rico and international locations will participate to maximize coverage, band availability, and global accessibility.

Dxpedition highlights include:
• 30 days of continuous operation
• Livestreaming and real-time activity updates via ClubLog

For the latest news, photos, operational updates, and activation schedules, please visit our official website and follow us on Facebook.

73, Otis, NP4G
Team Leader