For lovers of DX connections and exotic entities, great news is coming at the beginning of 2026. From February 5 to 20, 2026 there will be an active expedition from the African archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe under the call sign S9BV.
Behind this project is an amateur radio operator who, in collaboration with local supporter Bastien (owner of the resort Delicias das Ilhas) managed to arrange all necessary licensing requirements. The broadcasting location is described as exceptionally quiet, far from industrial interference and with an open horizon in all directions, promising excellent conditions for signal propagation.
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Technical Support and Operation of S9BV
This will be an expedition of type "holiday-style", which means that the operator will divide their time between broadcasting and exploring the beauty of the island. This is reflected in the chosen technical equipment, which is modest but effective:
Transceiver:IcomIC-7000
Antennas: Full-size verticals for 60, 40, and 30 meters and a dipole for 40 and 15 meters.
Bands and Modes: S9BV will focus on bands 60, 40, 30, and 15 meters using modes CW and SSB.
For telegraph enthusiasts, these working frequencies are designated:
30m: 10.110.00 MHz (RX up 1 – 3 kHz)
40m: 7.005.00 MHz (RX up 1 – 3 kHz)
60m: 5.351.50 MHz (simplex)
QSL policy and log
The log will be continuously uploaded to Club LogThe operator warns that due to unstable internet connection, not all connections may be visible in real-time, but manual upload will take place every 2 to 3 days. If you do not find yourself in the log even after this time, you can contact the operator for additional verification.
Important notice: Do not send QSL cards via the amateur radio bureau!Vzhľadom na logistiku nebudú doručené. Papierové QSL lístky budú zasielané priamo po návrate operátora domov. Requesty sú možné výhradne cez systémOQRS.
Sao Tome and Principe: Pearl of the Gulf of Guinea
Sao Tome and Principe, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Central Africa. It consists of two main volcanic islands and several smaller islets.
This tropical paradise, intersected by the equator at the islet of Ilhéu das Rolas, is synonymous with untouched nature and a peaceful pace of life for visitors. The land was uninhabited until its discovery by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century, which laid the foundation for its unique Creole culture and architecture. During the colonial era, the islands became known as the 'chocolate islands' because at one time they were the world's largest producer of cocoa. Cocoa and coffee plantations, known as 'roças', still form an integral part of the landscapescenery and local economy.
The natural wealth of the country is astonishing; the Ôbo National Park covers a large part of the territory and protects dense tropical rainforests, which are home to numerous endemic species of plants and birds that you will not find anywhere else in the world.
The dominant feature of the island of São Tomé is the majestic basaltic peak Pico Cão Grande, which rises high above the rainforest. The locals are known for their hospitality and the motto 'Leve-Leve', which translates to 'lightly' or 'at ease'. This lifestyle perfectly reflects the atmosphere of the archipelago, where time seems to flow more slowly. Despite its beauty, the country remains one of the least visited destinations in Africa, making it an ideal place for those seeking an authentic experience away from mass tourism.
For radio amateurs, S9 represents a coveted entity, whose location on the equator and open horizons towards the ocean provide excellent conditions for signal propagation worldwide.