KNL-12: A Challenging DXpedition in Adverse Conditions (17-21 November 2023)

The KNL-12 edition proved to be a test of resilience and adaptability for the participants. Originally scheduled to take place from November 16 to 20, unforeseen circumstances forced a last-minute change. Just like last year, hunters would make the fields unsafe on the first days. So everything was moved one day. But there was more to worry about. In the preceding days, the local media were filled with reports of floods in the neighbouring municipalities. 

We were overwhelmed with pictures like these the days before.

The last-minute change resulted in a reduced participant list, with Leen van Oeveren, Jan Feenstra, Han Hardonk, Frank Huyghe, Frank Thijs, Aart Rouw, and Guido Schotmans being able to rearrange their commitments.

While the first day we had to take in account that hunters would be still present on the fields, we started to unroll coaxes and putting up a LIRA-antenna but sometimes we were startled by fleeing frightened hares. That LIRA experiment was unfortunately a disappointment.  Suppressing backward stations was good but forward sensitivity was absolutely not on par with the beverages.  

After the hunters were out of sight the team started setting up a few beverage antennas just before sunset. However, the wet and muddy conditions of the clay soil made the process arduous. Despite the adversity, the North American and Argentina, beverage antennas were successfully erected. 

Next day the team worked tirelessly further, facing the sticky soil to complete the setup. The shortwave and utility-oriented team members focused on installing the LZ1AQ antenna, a Sony AN1, a T2FD, a ALA100-loop and a vertical. The team continued work on the beverage antenna farm, completing the 400m reversible Far East/Colombia beverage and a BOG to Africa. The latter one was shortened because the last part of the field was way too muddy to go any further. The Japan Beverage antenna was also not set up because we feared that we would not be able to rewind the 2 x 200m coaxial cable (which just fits on the reels). 

As the first night descended, it became apparent that DX conditions were not favourable.  Reception of North American signals was already notably noisy throughout the week at home, with constant very low signal levels. Here at Knollehof, the signals were better but still not like we were used to see a few years ago.  That is acknowledging the impact of the solar cycle on propagation and the recent bursts. Stations from Japan, the Philippines (PHL), Thailand, and Korea were almost absent. Minimal reception was achieved from these regions. 

But time for food ! Regular Chinese takeout and Hugo Matten's provision of delicious Belgian waffles kept spirits high.

While the team was savoring the delicious Belgian waffles generously provided by Hugo Matten, someone couldn't resist teasing, "These waffles are so good that they should actually come with a warning label: 'May cause uncontrollable happiness and a strong urge for a second serving!'".

The laughter that ensued was almost as sweet as the waffles themselves, proving that even amid technical challenges, a good joke and a plate of tasty waffles could elevate spirits higher than the tallest antenna (1).

The performance of the Argentina antenna during KNL-12 did not match the success of the previous year. Significant noise interference plagued its operation throughout the DXpedition, creating challenges for the team. The usual clarity experienced in previous editions was notably absent, impacting the antenna's ability to capture signals effectively. Despite the adverse conditions, the team persisted in their efforts to overcome obstacles and extract valuable logs from the challenging environment. Interestingly enough, there were still a few First catches on this antenna like Caribbean R Lighthouse, Jolly Harbour (Antigua) 1160 kHz,, R Perfil, Llavallol (ARG) 1190 kHz, R Nacional Buenos Aires 870 kHz. And maybe there are waiting many others hidden in the recordings. 

Frank Thijs his new Antigua QSL

What was also remarkable is that we encountered prolonged and pronounced long fading, further complicating signal reception. This phenomenon posed a challenge in maintaining consistent and clear reception throughout the DXpedition. Throughout the DXpedition, participants grappled with unfavourable propagation conditions. The anticipated radio wave propagation was hampered, leading to decreased signal strength and increased difficulty in capturing distant stations. 

Signals on the North American beverage were better but also there long steady signals were absent. Also on this antenna a few stations were audible that were never heard before like WWJ on 950 KHz, and a CBC station on 1230 kHz that could be the one from Iqaluit, NU, but no definite ID was heard.  

The guys active on the shortwave bands gained high scores in DSC-mode. Leen got a seldom Fax catch from Chile and Frank Huyghe got Bahrain in Navtex. 

The final day saw the daunting task of dismantling antennas amid persistent rain, transforming the fields into muddy pools. Nevertheless, the team successfully concluded the DXpedition, returning home with tired bodies and computer disks full of files for analysis. The resilient team that faced these challenges contributing to the success and unique experiences of the KNL-12 DXpedition. 

Special thanks were extended to the owners of Vakantiewoning Knollehof for accommodating the abrupt changes and ensuring a comfortable stay. 

In the face of unexpected challenges, KNL-12 stands as a testament to the dedication and adaptability of the DXpedition team, highlighting the unpredictable nature of radio exploration. Conditions might be down but it is still nice to be together with like-minded hobby friend.  

Frank H, Hugo, Frank T, Guido, Leen, Aart, Jan and Han.

Tuning the terminator	The LIRA parts
Frank T. and Aart on their way to Colombia	Han struggling to reach the top of the list.

Leen his Fax picture from Chile received on 17 MHz. 

Frank Hughe's set-up	Sony AN1, two LZ1AQ and a vertical reaching out for the airwaves.
The T2FD antenna that caught the Chile Fax.	A new popular DX mode is Earth-bounce reception 😀

1. This joke was generated by ChatGPT.

Edit:

No matter how bad the propagation conditions are, It's always interesting to dig into the files.. There is always something new to pick up.

Here is a list what was found by Frank T. and me so far. And the Argentine El Destape Mundo looks like a very nice one.

760	MEX	XEABC R Canon La 760, San Sebastian Chim
870	ARG	R Nacional Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires-Ge
940	B	Super Radio Brasil / Boa Vontade
940	MEX	XEQ La Q 9-40, Mexico D.F-Col. El Vergel
950	USA	WWJ, Detroit
980	CLM	RCN R Cali
1070	ARG	El Destape Mundo, Wilde
1160	ATG	Caribbean R Lighthouse, Jolly Harbour
1190	ARG	R Perfil, Llavallol
1220	USA	WHKW Cleveland OH
1230	PTR	WNIK, Arecibo
1360	USA	WSAI Cincinnati OH
1440	USA	WMAX Bay City MI
1476	BEN	TWR Africa, Parakou-Serarou