Sometimes Working DX is Dumb Luck

I was monitoring my 20 Meter FT4 transmissions and my screen popped up FP5KE SAINT-PIERRE AND MIQUELON. I was shocked! These are French overseas territories that are located just on the edge of Nova Scotia Canada. They are leftover territories from the British and French war in the late 18th century and remain the only French territories in North America. The location of Saint Pierre is where Marconi had his transmitting station and sent the first signal between North America and Europe.

A group of French amateurs had recently flown to Saint Pierre as a DXpedition to commemorate Marconi’s original transmission. The population is less than 6000 with no known licensed amateurs. They set up all their equipment in spite of bad weather and soon lost their 160 and 80 meter antennas to winds in excess of 60 miles an hour and constant rain.

I worked this rare DX using FT4 (digital mode) on 20 meters. If I get the contact confirmed it will be my 100^th country. However, truth be known, it was dumb luck. I wasn’t even aware of their activity. Lesson learned, the only way you get dumb luck is to be on the air.

73’s
Rick – N6DT