5R8TT & 5R8XX – Madagascar

[QRT] – With over 56K QSOs, the 5R8TT / 5R8XX DXpedition is now QRT. Team member Franco, I1FQH sends a few pictures of the QTH, now radio-free.

[NOVEMBER 5 / PICS] – The I.D.T provides DX-World readers with an update after a week of activity:

1) Location:

Unfortunately, the space available to install the antennas is limited by vegetation, and we were unable to install them directly on the beach. Consequently, their efficiency is affected. On the other hand, the facility hosting us offers 100% support and is very ham-friendly.

2) Equipment transport:

Upon arrival, we were sad to find that a box (reinforced and watertight) arrived broken (inside a radio and a linear amplifier). We managed to repair the radio but the linear amplifier is unusable due to broken internal circuit boards. So, we are operating with three complete stations, while the fourth station is using the power of the Elecraft K3.

3) Noise:

During the day, it almost feels like the antennas are not attached: total absence of noise! Unfortunately, in the evening, especially the low bands (40 and 80 meters) are practically unusable due to noise at 9+20 caused by the proximity of substandard electrical systems, as well as thousands of LED lamps in resorts near ours. To improve reception, we installed a DHDL antenna, which partially helps and reduces noise at S9. With this situation, we can make QSOs on FT8, but CW is difficult to receive, and SSB is practically impossible. We have therefore decided (unfortunately) NOT to install the 160M antenna as the band is unusable!

4) Propagation:

Despite being surrounded by sea, the conditions at this latitude are completely different than in other African countries. During the day, we can only work on FT8 with signals at the limit of decodability, while from 15 to 21 UTC we can work SSB and CW on 10 to 20 meters.

5) 6 meters:

This band isn’t living up to expectations either; we have a radio listening 24/7 on 50313 FT8, but the QSOs we’ve made so far are very few and hard-fought. All the stations we’ve heard have been worked (including JA and USA), but the openings last only a few minutes (if not seconds).

We have another week ahead of us, and we hope conditions improve.

[OCTOBER 31] – The team are now up and running on a few bands as 5R8XX currently. 5R8TT callsign will be used for CW & SSB. Team member I1FQH sends these exclusive pictures for DX-WORLD readers – thanks!

[QRV] – The 5R8TT & 5R8XX DXpedition band plan and FT8 info is listed below. Remember there are other DXpeditions on at the same time. The team also added a neat Live QSO page to their website which can be found here. 

[INITIAL NEWS] – The Italian DXpedition Team led by Silvano, I2YSB announce a new activity from Madagascar (Nosy Be, IOTA AF-057) during October 29 to November 16, 2025. Team of eight operators covering four stations. QRV as 5R8TT & 5R8XX. QSL via I2YSB. 

NEW – DXPEDITION RANKING AWARDS