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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KP5/NP3VI Log search Contact:
Otis, NP4G
Team Leader, Desecheo DXpedition
Email:
otispr@yahoo.com



Historic Dxpedition to Desecheo Island Announced

KP5/NP3VI — Desecheo DXpedition

Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico — In collaboration with the Vieques Island Amateur Radio Club (NP3VI) and the Manyana DX Foundation, we are proud to announce a landmark Dxpedition to Desecheo Island (KP5), currently ranked as the 14th most wanted DXCC entity worldwide.

Located approximately 13 miles off the west coast of Puerto Rico, Desecheo Island has not been activated since 2009. This operation represents the first Puerto Rican–led Dxpedition to Desecheo in 48 years, following the historic KP4AM/D activation in 1978.

To ensure continuous, global on-air presence, two self-sustained Remote Deployable Units (RDUs) provided by the Manyana DX Foundation will be deployed on the island. These stations will operate 24 hours a day for 30 consecutive days, utilizing state-of-the-art remote operating infrastructure from Remote Ham Radio (RHR).

The primary mission of this Dxpedition is to provide an All-Time New One (ATNO) to as many amateur radio operators worldwide as possible. Operators from Puerto Rico and international locations will participate to maximize coverage, band availability, and global accessibility.

Dxpedition highlights include:
• 30 days of continuous operation
• Livestreaming and real-time activity updates via Club Log

For the latest news, photos, operational updates, and activation schedules, please visit our official website desecheo2026.com
and follow us on Facebook.

73,
Otis, NP4G
Team Leader
KP5/NP3VI
Desecheo DXpedition

More information later.

KP5/NP3VI Desecheo Island

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100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Team
  • Callsign: KP5/NP3VI
  • 2026-02-27 15:04:17
KP5/NP3VI DESECHEO DXPEDITION 2026 UPDATE February 27, 2026 02:10 UTC Operations from Desecheo Island began on January 12, 2026, with a clear objective: To demonstrate that a major DXpedition could be conducted efficiently, responsibly, and sustainably — without amplifiers, without fuel-powered generators, and without environmental impact. Today, after 46 days of uninterrupted operation, we have reached a significant milestone: 100,000 QSOs Logged This achievement represents more than a numerical benchmark. It marks several important firsts in DXpedition history: • The first fully solar-powered major DXpedition to achieve 100,000 QSOs • The first major DXpedition to reach 100,000 QSOs operating exclusively low power • A rare entity activation conducted under strict U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service environmental regulations • Continuous operation of a Remote Deployment Unit powered entirely by solar energy and battery storage • A focused operating strategy emphasizing All-Time New Ones (ATNOs) ⸻ By the Numbers (as of February 27, 2026 UTC) • 100,000 Total QSOs • 19,414 Unique Callsigns Worked • 4,815 ATNOs Granted • 177 DXCC Entities Logged Averaged over the first 46 days, this represents approximately 2,170 QSOs per day using low-power, solar-only operation. ⸻ Global Reach QSOs have been logged across all populated continents, including North America, Europe, Japan and the rest of Asia, South America, Oceania, and Africa. While North America and Europe account for the largest share of contacts, significant effort has been made to ensure access to operators in more distant and challenging regions. From 160 meters through 2 meters, and across CW, SSB, and digital modes, our priority has remained consistent: maximize opportunities for operators who genuinely needed KP5, particularly those seeking an ATNO. ⸻ Environmental Stewardship Desecheo Island is a protected National Wildlife Refuge. Permission to operate required strict adherence to environmental constraints, including: • Limited antenna size and configuration • No permanent installations • No use of fuel-powered generators • No ground disturbance • Full compliance with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service operational guidelines All operations have been conducted within these parameters. This DXpedition demonstrates that high-impact results can be achieved with minimal environmental footprint. ⸻ A Different DXpedition Model Historically, large DXpeditions have relied on high transmitter power and continuous generator operation. Desecheo 2026 has instead operated with: • 100% solar-generated power • Battery energy storage only • Low-power transmission throughout • Remote deployment architecture This approach establishes a new model for sustainable DXpedition design while still delivering world-class results. ⸻ The Desecheo DXpedition 2026 Team sincerely thanks the amateur radio community worldwide for its continued interest and support of this innovative, low-impact activation of a rare DXCC entity. If you are enjoying this operation and would like to support future DXpeditions and the continued development of more effective Remote Deployment Units,
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Al
  • Callsign: 4L5A
  • 2026-02-27 00:15:27
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Team
  • Callsign: KP5/NP3VI
  • 2026-02-18 19:04:58
KP5/NP3VI Desecheo DXpedition 2026 Update Date/Time: February 18, 2026 15:30 UTC -80,000 QSO MILESTONE -ONGOING ATNO FOCUS -OPERATING ADJUSTMENT -COUNTDOWN TO QRT — MARCH 3, 2026 ————— 80,000 QSO MILESTONE: KP5/NP3VI has now exceeded 80,000 QSOs, all generated using our fully solar-powered, unattended Remote Deployment Unit operating from Desecheo Island. Current statistics show 80,450 QSOs and 16,772 unique callsigns in the log, with 147 DXCC entities worked to date. This milestone continues to demonstrate the success of this first-ever approach to activating a rare DXCC entity entirely through renewable energy and remote operation, with no personnel stationed on the island. The operation continues to deliver significant log impact, including thousands of new DXCCs, band slots, and mode slots for operators worldwide. ————— ONGOING ATNO FOCUS: As we enter the final phase of the operation, we remain focused on providing opportunities for stations that still need KP5 for an All Time New One (ATNO). We respectfully encourage those who already have KP5 confirmed to operate in the spirit of sharing this rare entity by allowing room for stations still seeking it. The cooperation of the DX community has been essential in maximizing new contacts. To further support this effort, we have added an extra hour of FT8 operation specifically looking for ATNOs in Europe. This additional window is intended to take advantage of propagation opportunities and give more stations a chance to log KP5 before QRT. ————— OPERATING ADJUSTMENT: Operating schedules continue to be carefully balanced around solar energy availability, battery reserves, and propagation paths to Europe, Asia, and other regions, while maintaining reliable continuous service. All activity remains constrained by the realities of operating a station powered entirely by solar energy, without generators or amplifiers. ————— COUNTDOWN TO QRT: KP5/NP3VI is scheduled to QRT on March 3, 2026. With limited operating days remaining, we encourage stations still needing Desecheo Island to monitor spots and propagation closely for remaining opportunities. ————— Please continue to monitor the Weekly Mode Schedule and Club Log livestream, as adjustments may occur based on real-time propagation and power conditions. The Desecheo DXpedition 2026 Team sincerely thanks the amateur radio community worldwide for its continued interest and support of this innovative, low-impact activation of a rare DXCC entity. If you are enjoying this operation and would like to support future DXpeditions and the continued development of more effective Remote Deployment Units,
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Al
  • Callsign: 4L5A
  • 2026-02-18 16:20:39
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Al
  • Callsign: 4L5A
  • 2026-02-17 16:43:28
20%
Rating: 1 of 5
Runald
  • Callsign: sm5fic
  • 2026-02-16 18:25:30
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Steve
  • Callsign: N2AJ
  • 2026-02-16 09:15:45
Desecheo DXpedition 2026 Update Date/Time: February 15, 2026 21:43 UTC -ATNO DAY -75,000 QSO MILESTONE -WEEKLY MODE SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT ————— ATNO DAY: Today is All Time New One (ATNO) Day. Our goal is to provide operators who still need KP5 Desecheo Island for an ATNO the best possible opportunity to work us. We respectfully ask those who already have KP5 in their logs to kindly stand by and refrain from calling during this period. Your cooperation helps maximize access for stations that still need this rare entity. ————— 75,000 QSO MILESTONE: We have now exceeded 75,000 QSOs using our fully solar-powered, unattended Remote Deployment Unit. This marks 35 days of operation since we began on January 12, 2026, demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of this first-ever approach to activating a rare DXCC entity using renewable energy. Current statistics show 75,285 QSOs and 16,011 unique callsigns in the log. To date, we have recorded 3,935 All Time New Ones (ATNOs), representing 14.8% of all QSOs, a strong indication that the operation is reaching stations that truly need this rare entity. Breakdown by continent: NA 51.5% EU 37.8% AS 6.2% SA 3.0% OC 0.9% AF 0.6% In addition to total QSOs, the expedition has generated significant log impact, including thousands of new DXCCs, band slots, and mode slots for operators worldwide—further reinforcing our ATNO-focused mission. ————— WEEKLY MODE SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT: An updated Weekly Mode Schedule has been implemented as we continue prioritizing new contacts. We have added an additional hour of QRT time during the night to ensure sufficient battery reserves for the sunrise operating window. This allows us to give priority to Japan and Asia during their most favorable propagation, followed by high-band operation with emphasis toward Europe. These adjustments help us balance propagation opportunities with the realities of operating entirely on solar power. ————— Please continue to monitor the Weekly Mode Schedule and livestream, as adjustments may occur based on real-time propagation and power conditions. The Desecheo DXpedition 2026 Team sincerely thanks the amateur radio community worldwide for its continued interest and support of this first-ever, fully solar-powered rare-entity DXpedition. If you are enjoying this operation and would like to support future DXpeditions and the continued development of more effective Remote Deployment Units, donations may be made to the Manyana DX Foundation. 73, Steve N2AJ Media Officer & Pilot Desecheo DXpedition 2026 Photo Credit: WP4TZ QSL Manager: M0OXO
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Steve
  • Callsign: N2AJ
  • 2026-02-11 09:04:53
KP5/NP3VI Desecheo DXpedition 2026 Update Date/Time: February 10, 2026 23:00 UTC -DXPEDITION EXTENDED -ATNO DAY DXPEDITION EXTENDED: We are pleased to announce an extension of the Desecheo DXpedition 2026 until Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The original recovery date was Thursday, February 12, however deteriorating sea conditions have required us to delay equipment recovery until March 3. As a result, the DXpedition will remain on the air longer, providing additional opportunities for operators to work Desecheo Island for an All Time New One (ATNO), which remains our primary focus. During the extension period, we will continue to operate on the bands and modes that have proven most effective and productive. ————— ATNO DAY: We will be conducting an All Time New One Day for twelve hours, beginning Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 12:00 UTC and ending Monday, February 16, 2026 at 00:00 UTC. During this period, we will be focused on FT8 from 12:00–14:00 UTC, after which we will focus on SSB. Operation will be in the U.S. General portion of the bands. We respectfully ask operators who do not need KP5 Desecheo Island for an ATNO to please refrain from calling us during this period. This will help maximize opportunities for those who still need this rare entity in their log. ————— STATISTICS: Current statistics show 66,000+ QSOs, 14,771 unique callsigns, and 3,674 ATNOs. Breakdown by continent: NA 54.4% EU 34.5% AS 6.4% SA 3.2% OC 0.9% AF 0.6% ————— Please continue to monitor the Weekly Mode Schedule and livestream, as updates may occur based on real-time conditions. The Desecheo DXpedition 2026 Team sincerely thanks the amateur radio community worldwide for its continued interest and support of this first-ever, fully solar-powered rare-entity DXpedition. If you are enjoying this operation and would like to support future DXpeditions and the continued development of more effective Remote Deployment Units, donations may be made to the Manyana DX Foundation 73, Steve N2AJ Media Officer & Pilot Desecheo DXpedition 2026
100%
Rating: 5 of 5
Al
  • Callsign: 4L5A
  • 2026-02-11 03:29:32