Update November 25, 2024:  Gerben, VP8G (PG5M), is now QRT from the Falkland Islands. The final log has been posted on M0OXO's OQRS and ClubLog.

At the time of writing this, all Missing/Busted Call checks have been completed and LoTW for all donors has been sent.

Update November 15, 2024:  The first log update from Gerben, VP8G (PG5M), has now been uploaded to M0OXO's OQRS and ClubLog.

Logsearch are available on both sites but QSL requests, Express LoTW and Donor LoTW will be open sometime in the next 12 hours.

Update November 15, 2024: Band plan:

 Band  CW    FT8
60    5352  5357
40    7010  7061
30    10120 10143
20    14010 14085
17    18070 18090
15    21010 21086
12    24910 24916
10    28010 28086
6           50330

Update November 9, 2024:  Just today in the afternoon I got the confirmation that my two extra luggage was accepted by the airline. That is really last minute. I start traveling on Tuesday morning by car to the UK from where I will fly the next day to the Falklands.

Update October 24, 2024:  Most of the equipment and materials have been packed. Important issue is to stay within the weight limitations of the airline. Still judging what to leave behind without compromizing the setup and operation.

Have also added some wires to create a 60m antenna. It was not possible to add one more fiber pole for a separate vertical, so will use the DX Commander as support for an L-shape 60m antenna.

I have also built a Hexbeam, based on the K4KIO design dimensions. The start was the SP6CYN Hexbeam which is a very nice quality product. However, I wanted to have a version that is less in weight and can be assembled faster. With the support of Ham Radio Land (https://www.hamradioland.nl/) (distributer for SP6CYN in the Netherlands), I started to discuss to create a DXpedition version. More on this later.

Following up from the VP6G Pitcairn DXpedition, I will conduct a similar DXpedition from the Falklands with the call VP8G. VP8 is not ranking high on the Most wanted list for SSB and digital modes, but for CW it ranks #30 globally and #27 for Europe.

Operation will take place from November 15-25 November 2024.

I will use the same setup as for VP6G which will allow me to operate two stations simultaneously.

Active on 40-6 meters and using a Hexbeam (20-6m) and DX Commander (40-10m).

Modes are primarily CW and FT8 (using MSHV).

More information on www.dx.to/vp8g/