Smashing!

This was our best ever DXpedition. We shattered all records, some statistics:

144 MHz: 455 inits, 58 DXCC, world record (was 361)

432 MHz: 25 inits, 13 DXCC

1296 MHz: 27 inits, 15 DXCC

2320 MHz: 7 inits, 6 DXCC

On four bands 514 unique inits EME only, an absolute (world)record, never made a DXpedition more than 372 inits (2011 C56EME) in total on VHF/UHF moonbounce...

Last days we looked each other often in disbelief. What was going on?

Is this real?

And we also had a big thrill with Tropo on both 144 MHz and 432 MHz resulting in a fantastic DX over 2840 km with CU3EQ on both bands (on 432 MHz this DX comes in top five IARU Region 1 DX records). We also tested with FM8DY (4707 km), pings were heard on both sides, we sadly could not complete, but it was a serious attempt.

We look back with satisfaction. And yes we did celebrate.

Eltje celebrates his birthday today! Hooray! Hooray! An extra reason to enjoy our success with a lot of fish, onions and a bottle of Pastis. Cheers. Even the maids surprised him with something delicious.
Yummy!

A warm thank you to all who called us, our sponsors and Atletico supportteam.
Two stations made it on all four bands: OK1KIR and HB9Q. Chapeau!
Several did ask us what kind of equipment we are using.

Success has two sides, good operating practice and well balanced equipment including plenty spare parts (in total 184 kilograms):

TX Yaesu ft-857d with TCXO
RX IQ+ by HB9DRI
Preamps WA2ODO / M2inc
Antenna: 2 x 8 elem. I0JXX
Antenna Control System DRIACS-G3 by HB9DRI Good EME power by ITALAB Excellent cables, couplers, sequenser, ALC control and filters Different custom made software for DXpedition
And yes: Atleticoteam already has concrete plans to surprise you again somewhere from Africa! Any time, any place, anywhere...

Nous reviendrons a l'Afrique !

QSL via PA3CEE

73 Eltje, PA3CEE
Hermann, DL2NUD
Rene, PE1L