Expedition 5V7RU, which will take place from 5 to 19 November 2025 in Togo (locator JJ06PD, ITU zone 46, CQ zone 35), is an ambitious project of a pair of radio amateurs who have decided to bring new activity from this African country. The team will consist of two operators and the support of their wives, creating a pleasant family atmosphere within the expedition team.
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Goals and operation
The main goal of the expedition is active operation on all HF bands, with a special emphasis on the 160 m band in CW, SSB modes, and FT8and also on satellite operation via QO-100. The decision to focus on 160 m is interesting - it is a technically more demanding band in terms of antennas and conditions in Africa, which further increases the value of connections.
Technical background
The expedition team has prepared strong equipment and antennas for this project. At the CW/SSB station, stations equipped with, for example, SUN SDR2DX + PA Expert 1.3 K-FA, along with several antennas, will be available: spiderbeam for bands 20-10 m, GP for 30 m, GP for 40 m, dipoles for 80 m and 160 m, and a 250 m long beverage RX antenna pointing towards Europe
Devices such as Elecraft K-3 with 500 W PA, ICOM IC-7300 with 500 W PA, Yaesu 897, again with GP antennas and dipoles covering bands from 10 m to 160 m will be used at the digital station.
The QO-100 satellite station will consist of ICOM IC-705 + SGLABS 2 W and a directional offset antenna 0.8 m.
Team and support
Experienced operators stand behind the expedition project: Vasily RA1ZZ and Vlad R9LR, who ensure the operation and logic of operation. Technical and logistical support is provided, for example, by Serge RW3XA, Andy UA3FQ, and Andy UA9LDD. The project is also supported by sponsors and donors who can gain priority access to the log and QSL in the form of a direct shipment.
Togo, a small West African country with an area of 56,785 km², has a lively amateur radio community despite limited technical resources.
Togo, a small West African country with an area of 56,785 km², has a vibrant radio amateur community despite limited technical resources. Despite its size, Togo offers a remarkable geographical diversity - from the coast of the Gulf of Guinea to the fertile plateaus to the savannah regions in the north. Radio amateurs in Togo use the 5V callsign prefix.
The capital city is Lomé, a bustling port city that serves as the country's economic center. Togo gained independence from France in 1960, and French remains the official language, although the local population speaks around forty different languages.
Togo's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cocoa, coffee, and cotton being the main export commodities. The country is also a significant producer of phosphates. Despite its natural resources, Togo remains one of the poorest countries in the world.
Togo's cultural heritage is rich and diverse, reflecting the country's ethnic diversity. Traditional crafts, musical traditions, and vibrant markets are an integral part of everyday life. Togo attracts visitors with its natural beauty, including national parks and picturesque waterfalls, although the tourism industry remains relatively undeveloped.
Amateur radio in Togo faces challenges typical of developing countries – unstable electrical grids, high equipment costs, and limited access to modern technology. Despite this, local enthusiasts actively communicate on HF bands and participate in international contests.
For foreign radio amateurs, Togo is an attractive destination for DX expeditions. The country is relatively rare on the airwaves, attracting operators seeking contacts with the African continent. Expeditions to Togo contribute to the development of the local community through the exchange of experiences and sometimes the donation of equipment.
Amateur radio operators in Togo also play a crucial role in emergency communication when regular infrastructure fails. Their ability to establish connections independently of commercial networks is invaluable during natural disasters or other crisis situations.
Significance and Challenges
The 5V7RU expedition is significant not only as a radio amateur activity, but also as a challenge - Africa brings specific conditions: antenna construction, logistics, reliable power supply, and often demanding radio conditions.
QSL and publication of the 5V7RU log
The complete log of the expedition will be uploaded to Club Log and the system LoTW. Pre darcov a sponzorov je zabezpečený rýchly upload do LoTW. QSL spravuje Vlad R9LR a je možné ich zasielanie cez buro alebo priamo.
The 5V7RU expedition represents an exciting opportunity for radio amateurs around the world to connect with the call sign from Togo - especially for those collecting activities from Africa or the 160m band. Prepare your antennas, monitor the bands, and definitely get involved - 5V7RU will be QRV soon! Source: https://DXpedition.wixsite.com/5v7ru