[CQ-Contest] 3Y0K Bouvet DXpedition February 2026 Update

[k1zm at aol.com]

3Y0KBouvet February 2026 Status Update & Request for Support

 

Theupcoming 3Y0K DXpedition is now in its final planning stages and additionaldetails are available on their website at https://3y0k.com/

Duringa discussion with KO8SCA today, it was noted that the team has achieved about90% of its planned operating budget and is now within reach of its finalfunding goal.

Aprimary objective of the team is to operate from two locations where mirroringof operations will allow simultaneous operation from both sites on all bands atthe same time.   For example, onelocation might operate on CW or SSB and the other site on FT8 with sufficientphysical and RF separation between the two locations to facilitate the maximumrate possible per hour to be achieved.

Whilethis DXpedition has been meticulously planned by a management team led by KenOpskar, LA7GIA, any operation from Bouvet requires not only operator skill,sound planning, and a prayer for fair weather to land safely on the island – italso requires good luck because man does not make the rules on Bouvet – “MotherNature” will play a major role in this operation’s destiny.  And despite the best of planning, it is justnot possible to predict how they team will fare.  It is possible though to review the planningto date and then make an assessment as to the likelihood of this team’ssuccess.

Atthis juncture, here is a “thumbnail sketch” of some 3Y0K strengths:

a)  This is an excellent,well-balanced team in a strong position to have a positive outcome.

b)  The team will have a helicopter,two pilots a mechanic and a clearly defined ruleset under law governing thedecision to fly to the island when weather permits.

c)  Lowband antennas designed by K1LZhave been ruggedized for the conditions on Bouvet with backup, spare,heavy-duty fiberglass masts available if needed.

d)  Monoband yagis will be used forthe higher HF bands

e)  The DXpedition schedule is very flexiblewith time planned around or on the island of three weeks

f)   A very strong implementation teamof K1LZ, K3JO, LU9ESD and RN5M exists.   The K1LZ team is well-known around the worldfor its primary station operations in Maine, and from its sister stationoperations at LZ5R, ED8X and 6Y1LZ.  

 

 

 So What’s the Bottom Line?

Thisgroup is probably the strongest operator and installation team ever assembledto mount a successful operation on Bouvet. They have developed a logical, well-thought-out plan and have attemptedto manage specifics down to the smallest detail.   They are now asking for additional supportso they execute the operating plan.  Theyespecially aim to have a very strong presence on the lowbands. 

Membersof the team will be attending Visalia and Dayton and will be available toanswer questions from Dxers at the ICOM and DX Engineering booths both of whomare major sponsors of 3Y0K.
Pleaseconsider supporting this operation via the links available on the homepage atthe https://3y0k.com/ website.  Thank youfor your consideration.
73 Jeff K1ZM/VY2ZM