From Northern France (Department 59), one of the Dx Adventure Radio Club’s longest serving members and most outstanding 11m dx adventurists, 14DA028 Philippe has been a mainstay of our club since February 2009.

During this 10 year period he’s established himself as an expert in Inland Water Island (IWI) DX ops.

In fact, 14DA028 Phil has undertaken more IWI adventures than any other person in the hobby’s history, teaming up with other members to achieve IWI access, and assisting others to achieve their own IWI activities through callsign advice and logistical support.

In addition to pioneering exciting IWI Tours and being acknowledged as an authority in the IWI field, 14DA028 Philippe (See below pictured right) has undertaken extensive Islands On The Air (IOTA) DX work during his 30 years in radio comms and decade long involvement with the DA-RC.

14DA028 Phil’s contribution to the orb of DX adventure, however, is not limited to IWI, DIFM and IOTA, as well as the occasional functioning as a Special Event Station (SES) or Field Day (FD) station, across multiple EU DXCC.

DX Archives also confirm that he’s undertaken successful Castles and Fortresses On The Air (COTA) activities in his pre-DA-RC days.

In addition to satisfying DA-RC’s criteria for membership in the DXpeditioner Classification (See https://www.delta-alfa.com/about/membership/), 14DA028 Philippe can lay claim to being a first class DXCC and IOTA Hunter as well.

He has 200+ DXCC and 350+ island contacts to his credit.

These impressive hobby credentials are enriched further by his efforts as an Administrator for the ‘World Islands Contest (WIC)’.

This exciting independent Freeband DX event, now in its 4th year, was created by Phil to promote the field of IOTA and IWI DXpedition work across all clubs, something he has always been passionate about.

As is Phil’s way, the event is professionally managed with its own informative website and, despite existing at a time of low propagation, always attracts plenty of interest from DA-RC and non-DA-RC members around the world.

14DA028 Philippe is also regarded as a talented graphic designer.

He’s created a large number of QSL confirmation cards, logos and banners over the years for our club and members.

These days, behind the mic, all of Phil’s DX work is done as a portable station.

He’s known to use a Yaesu FT-857D transceiver with a RM KL-501 Linear and a homemade Bamby (1 element quad) or 3 element Skypper antenna and is very efficient with his transportation of equipment to and from various field locations.

14DA028 Phil’s home QTH is situated in Bauvin, a commune in the department of Nord of the french region Nord-Pas-de-Calais, 17 km southwest of Lille.

It has a population of just over 5000 people and is famous for WW1 Cemeteries (See pictured above and right), fine arts museums, world heritage listed architecture and more.

Bauvin is also regarded as one of the greenest towns in the northern part of 14 Division; with grassy parks, streams, trees and beautiful scenic garden landscape.

Being a father of two boys, a husband, and also one of the Freeband world’s most complete DX hobbyists, takes up much of his time but another of Phil’s passions is long distance and cross country bike riding.

On this note, he’s out and about in the countryside on most weekends, challenging his riding skills on rugged tracks with friends and fellow competitors.

It’s this same zest for life which has made 14DA028 Philippe one of the most admired hobbyists in the 11m DX Community; and no doubt the source of some wonderful dx opportunities in the years to come!!!

QSL INFOS

• 31 Rés. F- Evrard, 59221, Bauvin, France