J48K Announcement

 

Join us for an exciting DXpedition to the beautiful Kastos Island, EU-052, Greece, as we participate in the 2023 RSGB IOTA contest. The J48K team is thrilled to bring you this thrilling adventure from a unique location that promises both stunning natural beauty and an unforgettable amateur radio experience.

Kastos Island is a hidden gem nestled in the central Ionian Sea, close to Ithaca. Despite its small size, with only around 15 permanent residents during the winter, the island becomes a vibrant tourist destination during the summer months. Visitors flock to Kastos for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque beaches, creating the perfect backdrop for our DXpedition.

Our team will be based in a traditional off-grid stone house, situated on the southern part of the island. This charming location offers a tranquil and immersive environment for operating our amateur radio stations, allowing us to fully indulge in the contest and provide radio enthusiasts with rare contacts.

Under the callsign J48K, the team consists of skilled operators who are passionate about amateur radio and eager to make memorable contacts. The talented operators joining us on this adventure are SV3ALC, SV3BSF, SV3EXP, SV3FUP, SV2HXV, SV3IAO, SV2JAO, SV3SKM and SV2MIK. Together, we bring a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure an exceptional DXpedition.

Mark your calendars for the 29th and 30th of July 2023, as these are the dates when the J48K DXpedition will take place. Our dedicated team will be operating on multiple bands, including 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters, utilizing both CW and SSB modes to accommodate a wide range of amateur radio enthusiasts.

To achieve reliable communications, we will be using the ICOM IC-7300 and Sunsdr2 DX rigs, providing us with the necessary power output of 100W. Our antenna setup comprises the Cushcraft R5, Cushcraft R8, Hari G5RV, and DIY dipoles, ensuring optimal signal propagation and increased chances of successful contacts.

QSL cards are an essential part of our DXpedition, and we are excited to announce that SV2JAO will be our QSL manager. You can send your QSL requests to SV2JAO, and we will be pleased to exchange confirmation of our QSOs. In addition to the traditional QSL cards, we will also be using Club Log and LoTW for QSL confirmation, making it convenient for all participants to receive verification.

To stay updated with our progress and learn more about the J48K DXpedition, we invite you to visit our website at j48k.blogspot.com. Here, you will find valuable information, photos, and updates from our team as we embark on this thrilling amateur radio journey.

Sustainability is a key focus for our DXpedition, and we are proud to share that our power source will come from a 3kW solar panel installation, supplemented by 9kWh 48V batteries. This eco-friendly approach ensures that our operations are environmentally conscious and aligned with the natural beauty of Kastos Island.

Join us on this exciting adventure as we combine the thrill of the RSGB IOTA contest with the enchanting beauty of Kastos Island. The J48K DXpedition promises exceptional radio contacts, breathtaking scenery, and an unforgettable experience for all amateur radio enthusiasts. We look forward to connecting with you and making this DXpedition a resounding success!