• [NEW UPDATE] – Erwann LB1QI provides the latest news:

The team is well and delivers on all possible band available combinations. The conditions vary a lot, with 80m and 160m remaining a challenge with a somehow one direction propagation. On the RX side we have 3 beverage antennas with parts provided by Hamparts (one north, and two broadside to Asia and USA). They are very efficient but we have a lot of static crashes.

Higher bands are generally very good. Considering the DXCC most wanted ranking of V5 you give us quite nice runs, thank you! We will be once again focused on 160m today hoping for better opening from V5.

The team is happy with the full SunSDR2Dx setup by Expert Electronics. This is a very versatile little piece of equipment.

The weather forecast shows rain and thunder coming over us again, we will adapt. So far the power supply has be stable over the camp.

We have received some reports that documented QSOs are missing (like 12m SSB QSO on Nov 3rd). We are aware and for those we have seen they are on the PC but for some reason not on Club Log. Don’t worry we will consolidate at the end. If you are stressed try to work us again.

  • [QRV @ 2110Z] – 

After an exhausting day in high temperatures assembling antennas, just after 2100z, V55LA hit the airwaves, firstly on 17m FT8 with 20CW not long after.  Check the livestream here. Recording by DX-WORLD.

  • [NOVEMBER 1 @ 1000Z] – 

The V55LA team started building antennas at 5am local to enjoy the fresh morning temperatures. They are at full speed but it’s now starting to get very hot! Erwann, LB1QI who took the latest pictures mentions the 160m vertical antenna, Hexbeam, Spiderbeam and a DX Commander are nearly there.

We finally arrived at the camp, what a journey! We had a bit of an issue with the trailer on the way but team is safe and tomorrow we will start assembling. Fitting the equipment in the van was a tetris like experience! Hopefully soon on the air!

[OCTOBER 30 @ 1400Z] – Erwann, LB1QI says:

V55LA team is currently at Oslo Airport on the way to checking in. First step of an exciting adventure together in Namibia. 

Credit: Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD)

Credit: Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD)

Credit: Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD)

– DXpedition Dates

Departure: 30th October 2024
Return: 11th November 2024

During this period, the V55LA team will be active on all HF bands (CW, SSB, Digi), with a particular focus on the low bands. Our team consists of experienced operators skilled in "human modes”, so you can expect to hear plenty of activity on both CW and SSB throughout the expedition where it is needed for most of you.

Our goal is to make contact with as many operators as possible so Digi will be run too of course, and we’ll be doing our utmost to make this a memorable and enjoyable DXpedition for everyone.

– Meet the Team

Rune – LA7THA (Leader)
Gjermund – LB5GI
Erwann – LB1QI
Svein – LA3BO
Morten – LB8DC
Chris – LA8OM
Philipp – OE7PGI
Svein Jarle – LA9KKA
Torvald – LB1FI
(Additional operators to be confirmed soon!)

– Stay Connected

Our dedicated V55LA webpage is live! We’ll be regularly updating it with new information as the DXpedition date approaches. Visit us here:

https://www.ardxpeditions.com/dxpeditions/v55la

Warm Regards,

The V55LA Team (2024)