Update May 28, 2026:  With nearly 12k QSOs in the log, the first low band QSO has been logged at 2240 UTC on May 27th 2026 on 80m band (3.573 MHz) with LU7MC, marking the beginning of low band operations from Robinson Crusoe Is.

The extremely low noise level on the island, combined with the excellent receiving performance of this antenna —which covers 60, 80, and 160m —should allow for productive nighttime operations, propagation permitting.

As of 0319 UTC on May 28, 2026, I am still active on 60 meters FT8 with a large pileup (see photo below).

If you have any requests regarding low-band operations, please let me know.

Felipe.

Update May 24, 2026:  With nearly all antennas now installed (only a Yagi antenna for the 6 and 15m bands remains to be installed), the operation continues to progress very well. Weather conditions have been consistently favorable, with pleasant temperatures and a gentle breeze both day and night, except for one storm that forced me to improvise a protective shelter. Fortunately, it worked flawlessly to withstand the wind and rain while keeping both the equipment and station setup safe.

I would like to share the following information, especially for Asia and Pacific stations:
The best option for making contacts is via Long Path. A significant mountain range completely blocks my signal toward Asia/Pacific on short path (see picture below), so I strongly recommend pointing antennas via the long-path route.

I am currently operating normally between 600 and 800w. Reception has been very good across nearly all bands. During nighttime, noise levels increase slightly due to interference generated by the power lines, but nothing significant enough to affect overnight operations.
At this point, I have already surpassed 7,000 QSOs. Logs have been sent to Tim M0URX, my QSL Manager, who has quickly updated and uploaded the LOG online.

From now on, I will focus more effort on CW and SSB operation while always trying to keep one station active on FT8 for those who enjoy digital modes.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all organizations, corporations, and fellow Hams who have generously contributed to making this activity possible. Your support has been essential in bringing this project success.

See you on the Pile Up!
Felipe.

Update May 22, 2026: So far, most of the operation has been focused on FT8 transmissions, which has allowed me to progressively continue with the installation of the different antennas.

Last night, we experienced strong wind gusts on the island, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h. Fortunately, the antennas already installed performed very well and withstood the severe weather conditions without any issues.

There is still work ahead: I still need to install a 2-element Delta Loop antenna for 10m, a 2-element Yagi for 15m, and an antenna covering the 80, 60, and 160m.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone for your emails and messages. I am gradually responding to each one of them.

See you on the bands. Felipe

Update May 19, 2026: Today, the 3G0Z operation began a couple of hours ahead of schedule. At the moment, operations are taking place on the 17m band using SSB and FT8 modes, with a single element Delta Loop antenna.   Over the next few hours, I expect to continue installing the remaining antennas and bring the linear amplifier into service in order to expand the station's operating capabilities.

Weather conditions on the island are somewhat unstable, with cloudy skies and occasional light rain showers; however, the temperature is quite pleasant at around 15°C (59°F). There are also periods of light wind, but nothing to be concerned about.

The location selected for the antenna installation is approximately 40 meters above sea level, with an excellent takeoff toward Europe, Africa, and the central United States, providing good propagation prospects.

The estimated operating period is around 20 days,

Update May 19, 2026:  Felipe, XQ7IR, is now active as 3G0Z from Robinson Crusoe Island for about 3 weeks. Activity started today around 1930z on 18133 kHz SSB, but then moved around 2300z to 18107 kHz FT8.

QSL via M0URX.

Update May 16, 2026: The journey began on the morning of Saturday, May 16th, departing from Puerto Varas bound for Santiago (capital city) Here, I had the  opportunity to enjoy a pleasant dinner and an excellent conversation with two good friends: Manu, CE3YMR, and Moisés, CE3VTZ.

If weather conditions allow, it is possible that I may arrive at Robinson Crusoe Is. earlier than expected. Nevertheless, the first RF transmission remains scheduled for the afternoon/evening of May 19th CE time. This is because I still need to transport all the equipment already on the island to the final location where the antennas will be installed.

There is still a great deal of work ahead, but everything is progressing according to plan.
Stay tuned for further updates, see you in the pile up!

Update May 8, 2026:  With less than one week remaining before the start of my journey to Robinson Crusoe Island, I am pleased to announce that the first RF transmissions from the island are estimated for May 19th at 21:00z.

The operation may last approximately 20 days, which should provide enough time — propagation conditions permitting — to contact many of you across multiple bands and modes.

Initial activity will most likely begin on the 40, 80, and 160 meter bands while I continue progressively installing the rest of the antennas specially prepared for this expedition.

Remote station:
A group of very well-known and experienced operators led by Renner PY7RP will operating the remote station that I will install on the island, actively contributing to the success of this activity.

IOTA SA-101:
The plan to put IOTA SA-101 on the air continues to move forward and take solid shape.

K6VVA Rick and K9AJ Mike have been in contact with me, and shared valuable information regarding the CB0Z activity conducted in 2020. According to their reports, that operation experienced a very high level of QRN, mainly generated by the solar panel systems installed in the village.

Work is currently underway to secure a location far from the populated area and at a very good elevation, which, combined with the support of the locals should provide a much more favorable operating environment than past operation in Selkirk. 

Update April 30, 2026:  Update from Felipe, XQ7IR:

The vessel Antonio, which transports cargo from the port of Valparaíso to Juan Fernández Island, arrived at the island yesterday and is currently unloading all the cargo — including my expedition equipment. My contact on the island has informed me that everything arrived safely and intact which is a very good news, this will allow me travel light.

You can watch a short video of the unloading operation on my YouTube channel, follow me for further videos before during and after the operation on Juan Fernandez Island.
https://youtube.com/shorts/sWOfpLBTvpw?si=rTgY969487RWIIN1

Possible Activation of SA-101 Alejandro Selkirk Island
There is now a very strong possibility of carrying out a short but highly valuable operation from Alejandro Selkirk Island SA-101 (7.4% according IOTA Ltd), with an estimated on-air window of approximately 24 to 36 hours.

This activation will depend entirely on the final logistics costs involved in moving part of my radio equipment to the island, as well as securing enough gasoline to keep the generator running during the operation.

Should this operation take place, will be under the callsign XR0Z, which has already been requested and officially authorized by SUBTEL.

Although this would be a limited-time activity, it represents an excellent and perhaps rare opportunity to put SA-101 on the air again for the benefit of the worldwide IOTA community.

At this moment, everything is under evaluation and the project remains open, but the chances are real and increasing.

More information soon as plans develop.

Update April 15, 2026:  Finally more cargo than expected is ready to be shipped to Robinson Crusoe Is. that´s because I´ve added some mono bands yagi antennas and a dual-band cubical quad antenna for 12 & 17m, along with a long list of radio gear. Everything is prepared to be sent to the city port of Valparaíso where it will be loaded for transport to the island. "It's better to be well prepared and pay extra cargo for overweight" don't you think?

Update March 29, 2026:  A two element triband yagi antenna for 20-15-10m will be shipped to Robinson Crusoe Is. in early April along with other radio stuffs, in total 45kg of additional cargo.

The shipment will be carried aboard the vessel "Antonio" which operates two monthly cargo trips from the port of Valparaiso to Robinson Crusoe Island.

Felipe, XQ7IR, will be QRV as 3G0Z and XR0Z from Robinson Crusoe Island for about three weeks in May 2026.

Activity will be on 160-6m, with a focused on low bands using CW, SSB and FT8. Juan Fernandez Islands are ranked #63 on the "MOST WANTED LIST" by ClubLog. Felipe lists the following  equipment:

TX/RX:                               ANTENNAS:
1x Yaesu FTdx-10            1x 160/80/40m DX Engineering antenna
1x Yaesu FT-710              1x 80-10m Dx Commander antenna
PA: Acom 1010 800w      1x 2 elem. delta loop for 10m operation
                                          1x 17-15-12m Single element Cubical Quad
                                          1x 2 elem. yagi for 15m operation
                                         1x 1/4 Vertical antenna w/radials for 60m operation

GENERATOR: 1x Honda EU22i (Back Up)

QSL Manager is M0URX.