Update April 20, 2026:  After three and a half days of activity from Lakemba Island, the log contains over 2,600 contacts. Unique calls account for 71% of these QSOs. Contacts with Europe and North America account for 35% and 16%, respectively. QSOs with JA predominate (41%). Propagation conditions have deteriorated significantly since yesterday. SSB contacts with Europe and North America have been a real challenge since then. I hope propagation improves soon. I'm planning QRT for 1:00 pm local time, which is 1:00 UTC (April 22nd). If anyone isn't in the log yet and is having trouble making a QSO, please contact me privately. I'll try to organize a sked.
BTW - the 6m band is dead. It opened widely to JA in the evening of 18 April. It allowed me to log over 150 QSOs.

Best regards from OC-095!
73 de Jacek SP5APW / 3D2JK

Update April 1, 2026:   My activity from OC-095 is approaching soon. I am starting the trip next week. Before the flight to Lakeba I am going to stay a few days on Viti Levu (OC-016). During that time I will work on 6m band, checking the propagation. 

All the equipment is almost packed. I still need to pack spare BuddiHEX spreaders which will come to me today. Sincerely thanks to Chris W6HFP who provided me with those spares.  

The equipment packing wasn't an easy task not only due to the total weight restriction. The luggage must be ready to be easily split from big 30 kg bags into smaller ones weighing 15 kg each. This size of the single luggage is allowed on the last leg of the air journey. 

I want to thank IOTA Ltd., CDXC, The UK DX Foundation, German DX Foundation, Swiss DX Foundation and SP DX Club for their generous grants as well as all individual donors whose donations help me to make this project successful. All donors of more than US$10, who will get into the log, will receive QSL cards directly without additional fees. 

I hope to see all of you on air from this rare IOTA!

73 de Jacek SP5APW / 3D2JK

Update March 9, 2026:  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 automatic 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.

Update February 18, 2026:  Internet available

Good news for me and for you! There is a cellular internet on Lakeba working in the village. I am also invited to use someone's Starlink from time to time. It means that ClubLog uploads will be possible.

I have agreed to rent a power generator too. It should help as standard hours of electricity are from 6am till 10pm with a break between 1pm - 2pm. The local time on Lakeba is GMT+12.

Update February 17, 2026: Website is available.

I am going on a solo expedition to Lakeba Island (IOTA OC-095). The callsign assigned by TAF to the expedition is 3D2JK.

Lakeba Island is the rarest IOTA reference in Fiji and is among the top 10% most searched worldwide. The last activation of OC-095 was over 20 years ago, in 2004, and currently this reference is requested by 87% of IOTA searchers.

This is my first solo expedition to such a rare IOTA. I usually travel to tropical islands with radios for vacations. These islands are relatively easy to access and don't require a large budget. In this case, the budget for the trip is two or three times larger than ever before. Therefore, I will be seeking donations to help cover the extraordinary expenses of the trip.

I will be on the air for six days, from April 17th to 22nd, 2026, on the higher HF bands: 10-20 meters and 6 meters. On HF, I will operate FT8 and SSB, while on 6 meters, I will primarily operate FT8. The goal is to manage at least 2500 QSOs on HF and 200 QSOs on the 6-meter band.

Due to my luggage limit, I'll be using 100W of power. This could change if I find someone who can lend me a very lightweight amplifier.

There's no internet on the island, except for Starlink, which I probably won't be able to use. Therefore, all logs will be uploaded after I leave Lakeba.

The expedition's website is under construction.