From Nov 19 thru Nov 23 2009

=> Click here to see where the island is

PW2IO (PY2XB) and PW2TA (PY2WAS) calls were used in Cabras Is activation, SA-071. This IOTA spot still in high demand among program members. The island is mainly used by amateur fishermen who camp on the island to fish. Given that Cabras is close to shore, vistors come by driving motor boats or jet skies.

As far as we know, we have carried out the first radio operation on the island. We needed to transport everything to it: power generator, fuel, complete kitchen, tents, watter, suppliers etc

The transportation was done by Benedito Coutinho fishing boat along with a raft that made the back and forth from the ship and land.

We had terrible winds on the island. The worse one was on the first day of operation. Winds of over 100Km/h swept the island for about 3 hours Video 2 (below) shows the last day's winds of about 70km/h.

Both stations made 3,400 qsos. The average operation time was 3 1/2 days. Propagation was very poor with periods of virtual no qsos on any band.

Even though the island was not in a remote area, we had the experience to set a complete camp with all infra-structure required. It is a hell of work!

It was, at the end, a rewarding experience.

QSL info: PW2IO is via PT7WA and PW2TA is via PY2WAS

Logsearch at  http://www.clublog.org/logsearch/PW2IO

More photos here

Videos :  Video 1  Video2  Video3

Alex PW2TA (PY2WAS) in the foreground. Fred PW2TA (PY2XB) behind