TF/PD9DX Island

The Island (TF) represents an extremely interesting and specific area in terms of shortwave propagation. This island nation located in the North Atlantic at the crossroads of North America and Europe falls under the IOTA reference EU-021. From a geophysical perspective, it is situated very close to the polar oval, which significantly affects the conditions for the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the HF bands. Auroral oval interference, increased absorption in the D layer, and sudden polar absorptions (PCA) often cause signal losses (fading) or complete disruption of paths towards CentralEurope or North America.

On the other hand, geomagnetic positions combined with the high conductivity of the marine environment around the island provide unique conditions for operation in the lower bands (40m, 80m, and 160m), especially on routes across the pole to North America (KL7, VE, W). For amateur radio operators coming from inland Europe, Iceland is an ideal place to test the behavior of wire and vertical antennas under conditions of extreme wind and high solar indices A and K.

Dutch operator Dervin, PD9DX, has announced his renewed amateur radio activity from Iceland. Operation under the callsign TF/PD9DX will take place from October 7 to October 14, 2026. The main operating location is the area of Borganes (Borgarnes), located on the western coast of the island within IOTA group EU-021.

Prevádzkový plán zahrňuje prácu na krátkovlnných pásmach s využitím fónickej prevádzky (SSB) a populárnych digitálnych módov FT8 a FT4. Z hľadiska stratégie sa Dervin zameriava predovšetkým na spodné pásma, kde sú jesenné podmienky šírenia výhodné pre transatlantické i vnútroeurópske spojenia. Dôležitou súčasťou aktivity je aj plánovaná účasť v prestížnom závode Scandinavian Activity contest (SAC) SSB, ktorý sa koná počas víkendu 10. až 11. októbra 2026. Počas závodného víkendu bude stanica pracovať v kategórii Single Operator na pásmach 10 m až 80 m.

All contacts made with station TF/PD9DX will be processed through the experienced QSL manager Tim Beaumont, M0URX. The primary system for confirming contacts is the OQRS (Online QSL Request System) available at m0urx.com. This way, interested parties can request a paper QSL card to be sent directly or via bureau without needing to send their own cards by mail. After the expedition, the logs will also be uploaded to the logbook of The World (LoTW) database.