Erding, Germany - September 18, 2024
V7 – Marshall Islands 2025 Project Update
From September 13th to 15th, 2024, parts of the team for the upcoming V7 – Marshall Islands 2025 DXPedition gathered for the first antenna preparation weekend at the location of DG8MG and DJ2UR in the scenic Bavarian countryside. This meeting marked an important milestone in the preparations for the DXPedition, scheduled for February 2025. Despite only a portion of the team being able to attend, significant progress was made, even under challenging conditions.
18m Spiderpole for 160m_80m antenna.
One of the key accomplishments was the successful proof of concept for the 160m/80m antenna, now located on an 18m Spiderpole, thanks to the expertise of DJ5MN and DL5RBW. The team also validated the highband VDAs, with essential contributions from DJ2YA, DL1MGB, and F4BKV, ensuring these antennas will be ready for deployment.
The group worked through tough weather, facing endless rain throughout the weekend. Despite these adverse conditions, the entire team performed outstandingly, completing important tasks such as fabricating Mastrant guy wires and clamping sets for all new Spiderpoles and the feed points for the five planned VDAs. Additionally, they built a multi-band vertical antenna covering 40m through 10m. On the technical side, all laptops were serviced and updated to the latest software, ensuring the equipment is fully ready for the DXPedition.
Final product - the 10m VDA.
A special thank you goes out to the local helpers who braved the weather and worked diligently to ensure the success of the weekend: DB1MUC, DC2CL, DC2PG, DC9PA, DF4MAA, DG8MG, DJ2MX, DJ2UR, DJ5MN, and DL1MAJ. Their hard work and dedication were crucial to achieving the weekend’s goals.
Check out some photos from this antenna preparation weekend in the gallery below. We also invite you to learn more about and support our valued sponsors. If you’d like to support us in this exciting project, feel free to contribute at here.
We are proud of the progress made during this first preparation weekend, despite the challenging weather, and we look forward to moving closer to the V7 – Marshall Islands 2025 DXPedition!
P.S. Don’t forget to check our website and social media accounts at Facebook and X for the latest news, updates, and supporter acknowledgments. Let’s make history together!
