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photo: SQ9UM / SP DX Club – a meeting of radio amateurs during the stay on Rodrigues, with the QSL card on display
Aleksander SQ9UM conducted amateur-radio activity from two Indian Ocean islands in August 2026. From Mauritius, part of the IOTA AF-049 group, he operated as 3B8/ IOTA AF-049, he operated as 3B8/SQ9UM, whereas from Rodrigues, IOTA AF-017, he used the callsign 3B9/SQ9UM. The original plan called for operating from Mauritius on August 14–17 and 21–27, and from Rodrigues from August 18 to 20.

During his stay on Rodrigues, the operator made approximately 2700 QSOs. After returning to Mauritius, the number of contacts in his log quickly grew and, according to information published by SP DX Club on August 24, exceeded 5000 QSOs.

The activity was conducted on bands from 40 to 10 meters, primarily using CW, FT8, and FT4, with the possibility of operating SSB. Information released before the expedition indicated that contacts would be confirmed via Club Log OQRS and the operator’s home callsign.

The trip also had a community aspect. On Rodrigues and Mauritius, Aleksander met with local radio amateurs. Mauritius Amateur Radio Society confirmed a meeting with the Polish operator on August 23 and his operation under the callsign 3B8/SQ9UM during his stay on the island. SP DX Club published an extensive collection of photographs documenting both the stay on the two islands and the amateur-radio aspect of the expedition.

Official source
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