DX expedition FP5KE, organized by the F6KOP team, plans to operate via satellite during its expedition to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon in 2025. Although the main goal of the expedition is to operate via EME (Earth-Moon-Earth), the team will also attempt satellite connections QO-100 and more LEO satellites.
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Why QO-100?
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is located outside the coverage of the QO-100 satellite, which is usually a condition for the possibility of communication. However, an example VO100QO shows that the chance of operation is possible. Vincent F4BKV and Olivier HB9GWJ, operators of FP5KE, are experienced in this kind of operation and decided to accept the challenge and try to reach QO-100.
🛰️ Planned equipment for satellite operation
For satellite operation, a 60 cm offset dish will be used, which will be divided into two parts for easier transportation. There will also be a 2.4GHz grid antenna and a smaller dish. The receiver will be either Pluto SDR, or Hermes Lite 2 with DXPatrol or Kuhne upconverter. Amplifiers SGLab 12 W, DXPatrol 12 W and PE1RKI 100 W will be used to amplify the signal. Reception will be realized via Pluto or RTL SDR dongle using SDR Console or Thetis software.
📡 Challenges and location
The location of the expedition is outside the main coverage of the QO-100 satellite, with an elevation of -3.2°, which means that the chances of a successful operation are low. Nevertheless, the team decides to conduct several trials at different times of the day and night. The exact time of the trials will be announced in advance in the WhatsApp groups for QO-100. The station will likely be located outdoors, and the team has secured two car batteries to move the station around and try alternative locations, such as the coast or a nearby cliff.
🛰️ Other satellite activities
In addition to the QO-100, the team will also be active on LEO satellites, FM and SSB bands, using the IC-9700 transceiver and the Arrow antenna. Connection attempts will be announced in advance on various known channels.
👨💻 Team and support
Satellite operations will be managed by operators Vincent (F4BKV) and Olivier (HB9GWJ). If you want to support the expedition, you can donate via Club Log or PayPal. With a contribution of €7 or more, you get a free direct QSL card through OQRS and your call sign will be published on the donor list. If you don't want a QSL card, you can also donate via PayPal without the QSL requirement.
For more information and updates, follow the expedition's official website: FP5KE.wordpress.com.