Members of the Perseverance DX Group (PDXG) and the Western Washington DX Club (WWDXC) announced the preparation of a team of experienced operators for the activation of the Tokelau islands. This entity is currently ranked 42nd in the world ranking. Clublog Most Wanted and 24th place for Europe.
The organizers already have written permission to enter the island and are currently working with the government on logistics. Government authorities will coordinate travel to the island, accommodation, meals, and placement of broadcasting stations.
Plan and schedule
The team plans to be QRV on the bands 160 to 6 meters operation SSB, CW and digital modes. Departure is planned from Apia (Samoa) to beginning of November 2026. The ferry trip to Tokelau will take approximately 30 hours. The current plan counts on a stay on the island lasting 14 days. The exact call sign will be announced later.
This will be the first major activation since 2019, when the active expedition ZK3A was.
About Tokelau
Tokelau is a territory of New Zealand consisting of three coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean: Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafu. It is located about 480 km north of Samoa and 3,900 km southwest of Hawaii. Interestingly, Tokelau does not have a central capital; each atoll has its own administrative center. The government does not support tourism, so you will not find commercial hotels or restaurants here.
The islands are low-lying (2.4 to 4.5 meters above sea level) and the soil is coral-sandy. The average temperature is around 28 °C.
Team of operators
The team consists of veterans of many significant DX expeditions (like VP8PJ, VP6D, TX5S, VK9MT, and others). Among the operators is also a representative from Central Europe.
Radio team: Dave K3EL, Steve W1SRD, Gene K5GS, Rob N7QT, Glenn KE4KY, Dave WD5COV, Francesco IK0FVC / HV0A, Jacky F2CW / ZL3CW.
From our region: Laci HA0NAR – an experienced DXman and contestman from Hungary, holder of several world records and participant in expeditions such as VP6D, 3D2, 6W, or FW.
Other members: Violetta KN2P, Robin WA7CPA, Brian N9ADG, Jack N7JP.
Technical equipment
The expedition leaves nothing to chance and plans to use top-notch technology:
Transceivers: Elecraft.
Amplifiers: Elecraft and Flex PGXL.
Antennas: Monoband Vertical Dipole Arrays (VDA), hexbeam antennas (NA4RR), verticals on 30m, 40m, 60m, and 80m. For 160m, the 'Top Band Express' by WD5COV will be used.
Logging: N1MM+ in the network.
Band plan and frequencies
The expedition will use 'Split' operation. For FT8 the Fox/Hound mode will be primarily used (WSJT-X).
| Band | CW | SSB | RTTY | FT8 |
| 160m | 1.826.5 | — | — | 1.836 |
| 80m | 3.523 | 3.790 | — | 3.567 |
| 60m | — | — | — | 5.357 |
| 40m | 7.010 | 7.090 | 7.045 | 7.056 |
| 30m | 10.105 | — | 10.142 | 10.131 |
| 20m | 14.023 | 14.195 | 14.080 | 14.092 |
| 17m | 18.069 | 18.130 | 18.105 | 18.095 |
| 15m | 21.023 | 21.285 | 21.080 | 21.091 |
| 12m | 24.891 | 24.955 | 24.910 | 24.911 |
| 10m | 28.023 | 28.485 | 28.080 | 28.091 |
| 6m | — | — | — | 50.313 |
Note: Occasionally they will listen on frequency 14.280 MHz +/- for US stations with General license, which will be announced by the operator.
QSL information and support
QSL manager is Tim Beaumont, M0URX.
The expedition again utilizes the Early Donor program:
Contribution of $10 USD and more (before the first QSO): Quick confirmation via LoTW already during the stay on the island.
Contribution of $50 USD and more(pred prvým QSO): Quick confirmation via LoTW + automaticky zaslaný QSL lístok zadarmo.
After the expedition ends (OQRS):
Direct QSL (via PayPal $6.00 USD): Zahŕňa LoTW do 48 hodín.
Express LoTW ($6.00 USD): Len LoTW (do 48 hodín) alebo LoTW + QSL cez buro.
Bureau QSL ($4.00 USD): Cards are sent to IARU bureau twice a year.
Request: Do not send your QSL cards via bureau, use OQRS!
For those who prefer traditional mail (Direct), the address for Tim M0URX in the UK is (fee required $6.00 or 5 EUR).
The team expressed gratitude to the government agencies of Tokelau for their cooperation during the permitting process and looks forward to connections in November 2026. More at https://tok-DX.com