Update August 7, 2023: The complete 3YØJ log have been uploaded to LoTW 6 months after DXped end!

- FREE OQRS buro cards will be activated VERY soon!

- Direct OQRS and Direct mailed will still be available

Thanks to everyone for supporting us on this adventure to Bouvetøya! No surprise, confirmed rumours says others are working on a 2nd activation - GL! A lot of us that could not work 3YØJ still need Bouvetøya! 

pdate May 15, 2023: Information from the 3Y0J QSL manager.

Bouvet Qsl Cards have today (15th May) hit the mail.
4438 Qsl Cards have been mailed to 83 Countries and first arrivals should be seen later this week.
You can still request cards using M0OXO Bespoke OQRS or Direct Post Mail.

Additional note:
(i) With 8654 unique callsigns it means that 51% of the unique's either donated upfront or ordered direct QSL card.
(ii) 60% of the log has been uploaded to LoTW.

Everyone who requested a Direct QSL, Mailed a direct card >= $15 should have received the LoTW. If you ordered a buro card you will receive the LoTW later when buro is shipped.

Update May 11, 2023: Information from the 3Y0J QSL manager.
As the Team recently posted, the final Donor Spreadsheet was recieved at the weekend with thanks. Another 500+ Qsl Cards have since been processed. 

All Sponsors, OQRS Direct, Direct (Post Mail) & SWL Cards are now completed and (pending any disasters), they will all be mailed in one batch early next week.

Update April 17, 2023: New long video available

Update April 14, 2023: Final Press Release from 3Y0J team   - 3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet Island 

 With this Final Press Release the team want to express gratitude to all our sponsors that generously supported our Bouvetøya adventure. Without the upfront support this trip would simply not be possible.  

 We announce today that we have decided to refund $50,000 of the donations to the DX community.  

One month before we departed Falkland Island, we informed the DX community we had financed our budget. We have continued to receive a great amount of financial support up until now. This way we can reduce the $25,000 operator fee, and at the same time we are able to refund the DX community. 

 We have decided to refund our Lead Sponsor NCDXF with $40,000. Initially NCDXF supported the team with their largest grant ever $100,000. It is with pleasure we can give back
as much as 40% of the donation to them.  

 We will distribute the rest of the refund among our major club sponsors who all stepped up and donated generously to this DXpedition. We will refund the following clubs and organizations with apprx. 10% of their donation GDXF $3,000, INDEXA $1,000, ARRL Colvin Award $500, NIDXA  $500, FEDXP  $500, TCDXA  $500, SEDXC $500, LADX group $300, Clipperton $300, South Carolina $300, Chiltern DX Club $300, IOTA $300, Delta DXA $300 

 Thank you, Oslo April 13th 2023 

Ken Opskar LA7GIA, Co-Leader   
Rune Oye LA7THA, Co-Leader   
Erwann Merrien LB1QI, Co-Leader   

Update April 4, 2023: Video of the interview with 3 team members of the 3Y0J Bouvet DXpedition

Update March 14, 2023: Adrian Ciuperca, KO8SCA, provided the Northern Illinois DX Association with the first presentation on what life was like for the 3Y0J DXpedition.

Update March 4, 2023: Ken LA7GIA mentions the following QSL info:

There will be a separate QSL card for the /MM operation where we used our individual calls. The GRID will be matched for each QSO. Please QRX, QSL via DL6KVA.
LoTW have been uploaded for $200 and $350 category. Some are missing due to incomplete information. If you have not got yours, send email to board@ardxpeditions.com
LoTW will be uploaded for upfront donors soon. Be patient there is some manual work for us.
QSL cards will be printed by Tony LZ1JZ.  Thanks to Tony for providing cards free of charge!
QSL 3Y7THA via M0OXO
QSL 3Y7GIA via LA7GIA. LoTW been uploaded.

Update February 25, 2023: Video of Otis, NP4G with the 3Y0J team LIVE from the Marama!

Update February 16, 2023: 3Y0J Bouvet Missing Call Enquiries

I have processed over 1000 Missing/Busted Call enquiries. I have another 90 waiting this morning. For those that sent emails when we specifically asked you not to, there will be a delay. I have over 300 emails pending, most have 3Y0J in the Subject Field and they will be answered in the order they were received.

Please be patient.
M0OXO 3Y0J.

Update February 15, 2023: by Ken LA7GIA,

We activated Bouvet Island in extremely difficult conditions! Now that we leave Bouvet with mixed feelings, we also know that we did what we could to get Bouvet on the air.

Four members went ashore at Bouvet on 31 January in good conditions to set up the climbing route and install an unmanned zodiac rope system between a buoy and the beach, so that we could land equipment also in rough surf. During the day the surf increased, and the extraction of the team members was aborted, and we were thus stranded on Bouvet late in the evening. During 3 nights we slept outdoors under the open sky in cold and difficult conditions with little or no supplies. We prepared a simple emergency shelter on the island where we stayed (tarp). During the second day we got some supplies in a risky zodiac operation in high swell. We lost several objects in the surf and punctured the zodiac. The conditions on the beach were terrible. Due to the coming storm, we evacuated back to Marama on day 4.

Despite this, we decided to go ahead and scale down DXped. We could not fight against Bouvet, but had to adjust to the weather and go ashore when Bouvet allowed us. We called it “Picolite DXped” as pictures will show you we operated with 100W from a single tent, no chairs and no table, 60m coax, no amp, simple antennas, small generator etc. Our 2 Elecraft K3 radios were stacked on top of a bucket turned upside down, and we sat on the ground operating. All our wet clothes were dried outdoor on the rocks, and we had very limited heating. We went through a storm of 55 knots, but our tent had no problem with the windforce! The spiderpoles and the DX Engineering antennas also survived the storm w/o any issue.

We only took the equipment we needed, 620 kg in total including supplies. All our supplies to the island were via a rope attached to a buoy 100 meters from shore to beach. All objects were hooked to the line and floated to shore by team members pulling the rope. We named it the gym. The team members also went ashore in survival suits hooked to the line and floating to shore. What an experience!!

Radio Operation: Pileup was difficult as our signals were weak. We had good reception and very often we called 3 to 5 times to log a qso. Many DXers called us but couldn’t hear us, how frustrating! We focused on fewer bands to maximize ATNO and looking at the stats we achieved 19,000 QSOs and 50% unique calls. And many dupes! Many are satisfied, but some are also disappointed by the performance of either the team or the DQRMers. We had issues with the FT8 due to we did not have any device to sync against, and our clock were 14 seconds off – which meant we at some time were TX odd, while we thought it was even.

As for Bouvet, there is no guarantee at all, whether you use two helicopters or zodiac! We could have wanted to make more contacts, but safety was and will always be more important than trying to push our limits in a risky environment. In the coming months, you will be invited to hear more of our stories at conventions and in articles.

Update February 15, 2023: Full logs, including FT8 have been uploaded

Update February 14, 2023: "We will start sailing tomorrow morning. We might take a tour around the island if wx is not too bad. All team is on board and equipment strapped for sailing to Cape Town. There are just some small items to strap inside the cabins. We might operate /MM. Our estimated ETA in Cape Town is 23 Feb. We plan to stay one night there and have a team dinner. ALL log checks should be directed to QSL Manager M0OXO. No team members have access to the log. They will not answer any requests."

Update February 13, 2023: "3Y0J will QRT Tuesday, 14 February 2023 at 03:00 UTC. We will then pull out and transport all equipment to Marama. The final log update will be made once we are on Marama.”
73, Ken LA7GIA 3Y0J. 

Update February 12, 2023 at 18:20 UTC: From 3Y0J Team Co-Leader Ken LA7GIA

“3Y0J will go QRT Monday at 12:00 to 15:00 UTC when we run out of fuel. We will start taking down the camp on Monday and transport the last equipment on Tuesday. There is another 60  knot storm coming this weekend. We have a wx window on Tuesday we will utilize now to return.” 
73, Ken

Additional information:
The 3Y0J log has been uploaded. However, FT8 QSOs did not upload. They will be uploaded when the laptops get back to the boat from the island. QSL manager Charles M0OXO says, “Its already on Clublog and those who donated over $350 will also have recieved their LOTW.”
73, Steve N2AJ - Media Officer & NA East Coast Pilot - 3Y0J Bouvet Island 2023 DXpedition

Update February 12, 2023: Team aiming to come off island at 10am (local time) today and then to try resupply the camp with more essential items such as food, fuel, generator and antennas. This might proof tricky due to 3-4m waves, but there is a weather window opportunity they hope to take advantage of. Team have just one tent on the island, no tables or chairs, no heating; very primitive conditions.
3Y0J.

Update February 11, 2023: Team Co-Leader Ken LA7GIA says,

“The Team is OK and healthy. Conditions here are very difficult. Maintaining safety is a priority. We will continue to operate with the current equipment as long as possible. The weather conditions continue to be difficult. It is expected to improve between Monday and Tuesday. It looks like Sunday’s good weather window has unfortunately disappeared.
The team remains on the air despite these challenges. At this time we are evaluating resupply and a change of operators. Please continue to monitor our 3Y0J Facebook group. You can help by reporting propagation to our pilots. We ask that if you have already worked Bouvet please do not work them on additional modes and bands. This will allow others to get the ATNO they need.”

You can also see our Frequency Announcements on the 3Y0J Bouvet Island Group Facebook page. 

73, Steve N2AJ - Media Officer & NA East Coast Pilot

Update February 11, 2023: DX-World publishes the following:

We got word from Otis, NP4G on the Marama. 3Y0J operations continue. He says whenever they finally decide to go QRT, they will need to wait for a weather window before they can come back to the yacht. Winds are currently gusting 30-35kts, however the swell seems to be getting better, says Otis. They are not QRT at the moment and again active on 30m CW and 20m FT8.

Update February 10, 2023: RADIO OPERATIONS BAND PLAN
​
3Y0J will always listen up (using split) so it will be useless to call us on our transmission frequency. Please be sure to double check your settings to make sure you are not calling us simplex.
​
Always give your full callsign. Listening is the key, so be sure we call you before replying. 
​​
CW MAX 15 kHz split
(operators choose QRG within a certain bandwidth)
​
SSB MAX 30 kHz split 
(operators choose QRG within a certain bandwidth)
​
Lowest 10 kHz spectrum on regular bands
NO TX to allow regular DX traffic
​
Lowest 5 kHz on WARC band 
NO TX to allow regular DX traffic
​
We are aware of US band plans for E/A/G/N/T
​
FT8 40-10m, with focus on 20-10m yagis.
FT8 ALWAYS F/H
​
We will transmit:
100W on FT8
Up to 1500W on CW/SSB  (by special permit)
​Please Follow The DX Code of Conduct
73,
Steve N2AJ
Media Officer & NA East Coast Pilot
3Y0J Bouvet Island 2023 DXpedition

Update February 10, 2023: The 3Y0J Team is approaching the 7,000 QSO mark and continues to operate through the ongoing storm. They had a good night sleep. Last night 30m FT8 received great signals from JA and NA West coast. Unfortunately, some callers were not using Fox/Hound. Their QSOs were not logged. As stated previously, please remember that on FT8 mode 3Y0J will always be Fox/Hound. The weather in Bouvet was sunny skies and winds around 40 knots. We will continue to operate weather permitting. The 3Y0J Team wishes to thank the Amateur Radio community for their support. 
73,  Steve N2AJ - Media Officer & NA East Coast Pilot - 3Y0J Bouvet Island 2023 DXpedition

Update February 10, 2023: 3Y0J is not using MSHV. They are using fox and Hound, as they have said for days. Unfortunately they are transmitting on the wrong sequence (odd). There are two ways you can call them on even.

1 use JTDX software in Hound mode and click on their call. JTDX allows you to be the Hound in either sequence. So you can call them even.

2 you can use WSJT but do not turn on Fox and Hound. You must be calling them above 1000 hz. If they come back to you then you need to quickly change your transmit frequency below 1000 hz but must be above their transmit frequencies. It’s tricky and you have to be quick but it can be done.

Bernie, W3UR.

Update February 9, 2023: Everything is ok after the storm impacted the camp. The storm damaged the tent but they successfully reinforced and repaired it, The antennas were not damaged. One transmitter operated on 30 meters all night. The camp has about four days of food left before the team must be resupplied. 3Y0J.

Update February 8, 2023: The following was posted on the WTDXA Groups.io mail list by N4MJ:
3Y0J Bouvet Island News 8 February 2023 Part 3

If you have made a QSO with 3Y0J, and you are sure of it, the team has requested that you NOT TRY TO FILL OTHER BAND/MODE SLOTS. You are taking an ATNO away from someone else.

Yes, I know that you can’t be totally sure until the log upload (probably this weekend, has to be from the boat), but some of you really know, from the exchange, the timing, etc. that you got through. As the Beatles said, “Let it Be.”

The DXpedition is operating in a truly bare-bones backup mode, with no amplifiers, no big antennas, few stations, and no generator or fuel to power any of that even if they did have it.

The team will be lucky to get 20K QSOs instead of the intended 200K, and no one will be going to Bouvet for a long time after. Please DO spot them, help your friends and clubmates to get in the log, etc., but don’t try to fill slots.

In particular, the team has requested that if you have contacted them on CW or SSB, DO NOT CONTACT THEM ON FT8. FT8 operation began today, and may be the only means for more modest stations to get in the log. Give them a chance.

Also please note: 3Y0J may go QRT (or revert to even more limited operation) as a big storm is passing through between now and Thursday. They plan to take some antennas down to prevent damage. The nine on-island team members will remain on the island and hunker down, as it is too difficult and dangerous to go back to the Marama, which has moved even farther from Bouvet in preparation for the storm.

Rich KE1B - West Coast Pilot, 3Y0J

Update February 8, 2023: 3Y0J Team Co-Leader Rune LA7THA says “Marama has moved back to a position outside of Cap Fie for the incoming storm. 

The team is in good spirits despite difficult conditions. They get two warm meals a day plus snacks. They are working very hard.

Today they started operating FT8 on 21.105 F/H.

The team has made about 5,000 QSO’s in less than 48hours of operation.

Weather forecast says there will be high winds in the next 24 hours. We will need to secure the antennas. This may impact operation. The operation will remain on
the air as long as possible weather permitting. 

Reminder: If you have Bouvet on CW or SSB please do not work us on FT8. It may be the only chance the little pistols have to get their ATNO.”

73, Steve N2AJ - Media Officer & NA East Coast Pilot - 3Y0J Bouvet Island 2023 DXpedition

Update February 8, 2023: “Everything is OK in the camp. The guys are good. We have a few antennas up.
Running some pileups and preparing for the storm which will arrive in a few hours and last until Thursday. The boat will pull away from the island a bit. The antennas and camp are being secured. The winds are expected to be 60 knots. 9 members will stay in the camp during the storm. They will try to run two bands this evening and tomorrow. They will take down one antenna. They will run 30m and 17m using the Spider Pole on 17 and the aluminum DX Engineering antenna on 30m. 

The operation has proved to be extremely difficult. The most extreme expedition I’ve been to. Setting up the camp has been a lot of work. 

We will focus on CW and phone but there will be FT8. We have just discussed this today. We are running low power, only 100w. We have no amplifiers. We have three antennas set up. We are considering setting up 20m as well. So we will have 30, 20, 17, 15. 

The beach landings were accomplished by holding onto a line attached to a buoy and floating 15 meters to the beach in our survival suits. This is quite extreme. We float in all the equipment as well. Then carry the equipment 800 feet up to the camp. We have videos of this. We spent a few days to set up the antennas and tent then prepared for the storm that is coming. 

Everybody is in good shape. It’s quite hard to stay here. A lot of wind, but today was a quiet, nice, and sunny day . This will change, and there will be a lot of rain. The day we arrived was a lot of wind and rain. Activating Bouvet is not like activating an island in the Caribbean. It is really windy, cold, and exhausting to bring equipment up here. It’s a different DXpedition than we thought we should do. It’s a challenge, but we hope we can stay on the island for some more days. 

Regarding dupes, please only call us if you hear us. We have very good receive here on Bouvais Island. We do not have any facility to upload the log on the island. We are saving on fuel and connection for this. When we get back to the vessel, we will likely upload. We don’t know when the first upload will be. Going to Marama is very time consuming project because of the procedure involved. (Ken describes it.) The first upload may be in the weekend. Again, if you don’t hear us, don’t call us.

Nothing more to report. Hopefully people understand the complexity of this operation. Hopefully we will be able to stay another 7 to 10 days. We are working on plans for how to continue the operation despite the difficult weather conditions here at Bouvet.”

73, Steve N2AJ - Media Officer & NA East Coast Pilot - 3Y0J Bouvet Island 2023 DXpedition

Update February 7, 2023: Team Co-Leader Ken LA7GIA has informed me that the 3Y0J Team has secured the campsite. They had a good night there last night. They will be running one station at night and two stations during the day. They will operate bands from 12m to 30m. If you see a spot outside of those bands it’s a pirate. We will be operating CW & SSB at this time. Watch the DX Cluster for QSY information. If you already have Bouvet in your log please standby and let those operators who need Bouvet for an ATNO work us. There is a storm coming on Thursday that may affect operations.

73, Steve N2AJ

Update February 6, 2023: The operation has begun at 1642z, Otis NP4G reports. They are on 15 SSB and 12 CW. Good luck! 

Steve N2AJ, Media Officer also reported:

The 3Y0J Team was able to land yesterday at the island. Eight operators plus Peter are on the island. They managed to secure the tent and camp. Due to the strong and challenging conditions, we are using two K3 radios running 100w, wire antennas, and a Honda generator. Please remember that the 3Y0J team will always be operating split. Never transmit on their frequency. We ask that people who have Bouvet already confirmed on some bands please do not work us again to allow an opportunity to many others to get Bouvet for an All Time New One. The team is thankful for all the support we have received in this adventure. Details to follow once the team finishes antenna and camp installations.

Update February 5, 2023: During the weekend the 3Y0J team has adjusted our plans. We are currently preparing this Sunday morning to land essential supplies to survive on the island, and build the camp to manage the upcoming storm predicted for Thursday. In addition, we will attempt to land radio equipment in a difficult operation during the most favorable time slots. This landing depends on the conditions at Bouvet which have proven to be very difficult. The setup is a small scale setup that, if we succeed, will possibly be extended.
More info later.

73, 3Y0J team

Update February 4, 2023:  4 team members have spent 4 days on the island under difficult conditions. All team members are now back on the vessel and everyone is safe. Bouvet has proved to be a difficult destination to activate, and the team is now adjusting our plans before we return to the island. The wx forecast for the weekend indicates a storm with 60 knot wind Sunday/Monday and depending on this storm we will assess the situation and go onshore when conditions are good. This will not be a fullscale operation as planned but a smaller setup. We have a good overview of the camp and the possibilities, and will attempt to continue building the camp. We have infrastructure on the island including access to the camp.

We will send the next update later. 73, 3Y0J team

pdate February 3, 2023: The 3Y0J Team is very busy working in very extreme and difficult conditions to transfer all the equipment and supplies from Marama to Bouvet Island. The materials must then be carried or hoisted up to their campsite at a higher elevation. The Starlink internet terminal has been disconnected. Internet communications with team members will not be possible again until the camp is established and Starlink set up. Team Co-Leader Ken LA7GIA has asked that we be patient while they work. The satellite radios are being used to coordinate activities between the camp and the boat and must be kept open for that purpose. Thank you for your understanding.

73, Steve N2AJ - Media Officer & NA East Coast Pilot - 3Y0J Bouvet Island 2023 DXpedition

Update February 1, 2023: This morning (local Bouvet time) the Marama was located near Cape Fie. This points to the team unloading the vessel and going ashore.

Update January 31, 2023 1345z: “Scouting trip is back, Marama is now moving into position to unload”

Update January 31, 2023: Ken LA7GIA tells Steve N2AJ, “We are anchored off Cape Fie. We have started the preparations for landing. Conditions are difficult, windy and rain. At early afternoon we hope the sea will be better and the wind will turn to the NW. If possible we will go onshore during the short wx window to start setting up the route to the camp. Climbing. Glacier conditions have changed. We can see the seals up on glacier."

Update January 30, 2023: The Marama has arrived at Bouvet.
LA7GIA, Ken, reports tomorrow they will asses the situation. The weather forecast does not look too good. There might be a 24 hour weather window between Tuesday and Wednesday. If the surf is ok they will attempt a landing tomorrow afternoon.
Ken reports local time is 2150 (local time) and it is past sunset. Their sunrise at Bouvet Island is 0500 local (0400Z) and they will know more by then.

They do have Starlink connection!

Update January 30, 2023: Marama is less than 100 nautical miles from Bouvet. Below you watch an interview to Ken LA7GIA by Falkland islands TV some days before departure.

Update January 29, 2023: Ken estimates Marama should arrive at Bouvet on Monday evening just before sunset. He says he anticipates a good weather window for at least two days then. The team will attempt to move the equipment and supplies onto the island using the zodiac then. They have two zodiacs. They are hoping to accomplish it in those two days.

Update January 27, 2023: The 3Y0J Bouvet Island 2023 Team really appreciates the support of the Amateur Radio community in sending Tweets to @elonmusk asking him to please make sure that the 3Y0J Team on Bouvet Island will be able to receive Starlink internet signal. If you have not retweeted my tweet and sent your own tweet to @elonmusk please do so now. Thank you!

Thanks Ray, W2RE, Lee WW2DX, & RHR for tweeting @elonmusk and sending him photos of your Starlink dish and Tesla cars too.

73, Steve N2AJ - Media Officer & NA East Coast Pilot - 3Y0J Bouvet Island 2023 DXpedition

Update January 26, 2023: Message to Elon Mask:

Dear Sir, After a grueling sailing voyage the 3Y0J Amateur Radio Team will arrive at Bouvet Island in 4 days. We need Starlink coverage! Can you make it happen? 73, Steve N2AJ/3Y0J.

Marama now 780 Nautical miles from Bouvet Island. If they maintain their current speed of 8mph they will arrive at Bouvet in four days time. 3Y0J.