The Dx Adventure Radio Club is excited to welcome back prominent European Hunter 1DA061 Maurizio from the largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily.
A licensed ham radio amateur, as well as a fervent Freeband DX Man, Maurizio (Seen pictured above operating as a portable station) returns to the DA-RC after a few years’ absence from eleven meter band operations, reconnecting with his Delta-Alfa callsign in late April, 2024.
He’s eager to commence where he left off too, as one of his region’s most active and successful DX Hunters!
1DA061 Maurizio lives on Sicily Island, which is one of the very attractive IOTA opportunities available to serious Island Chasers, regardless of the band.
Named after the Sicels, who inhabited the eastern part of the island during the Iron Age, Sicily is found in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of the Italian Peninsula.
It carries the reference EU-025 in accordance with the World IOTA program.
See: https://www.iota-world.org/islands-on-the-air/iota-groups-islands/group/354.html
According to the World Atlas, this tiny DX Hot Spot is separated from Calabria and the rest of the Italian mainland by the Strait of Messina to the north-east.
It’s also roughly 160 km northeast of Tunisia (147 Division) in northern Africa.
1DA061 Maurizio’s island—surrounding its charming villages and towns—offers a dazzling diversity of landscapes.
From mountains to heavenly sandy beaches, and cultural treasures that include an abundance of ancient ruins and archaeological sites—as well as delicious food and wines—it’s regarded as one of the most fascinating places on the planet.
Sicily’s strong cultural traditions can be seen in the development of Italian lyrical poetry as well as in the works of modern writers such as Giovanni Verga, Luigi Pirandello, and Leonardo Sciascia.
The island’s most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, and—at 3357 m—it’s not only the tallest active volcano in Europe, but also one of the most active in the world.
In fact, Sicily and its surrounding small islands have some highly active volcanoes that threaten to spill lava onto nearby villages at any moment!
1DA061 Maurizio resides in the city of Syracuse, on the Ionian coast.
The QTH is notable for its rich Greek and Roman history, culture, amphitheaters, architecture, and as the birthplace and home of the pre-eminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes.
Interestingly, the entire city of Syracuse, along with the Necropolis of Pantalica which falls within the province of Syracuse, was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005.
According to 1DA061 Maurizio, the Greek theatre of Syracuse, Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia in the Piazza Duomo, Basilica of the Virgin of Tears, the Maniace Castle, Palazzo Beneventano Del Bosco, the Fountain of Diana, the Temple of Apollo and the Piazza Duomo are all famous landmarks.
History says that 1DA061 Maurizio has been involved in radio comms for about 40 years and no doubt these experiences have enabled him to craft, not only precious memories, but also a knowledge and practice driven skillset.
“I’ve worked more than 150 countries on 11 meters,” he reveals.”
“I’ve also attained 300 as a radio amateur and won several DX Awards…”
1DA061 Maurizio has constructed a home station with razor sharp claws for DX action.
A self-confessed Yaesu Man, his rigs consist of the Yaesu FT-5000, FT-991A and FT-891, together with an IC-7300 by Icom.
A state-of-the art ACOM 1200S linear power amplifier—which covers all amateur bands from 1.8 through 54 MHz and provides 1000 W output power (PEP or continuous carrier)—ensures his signals always pack a punch.
Judging by his long list of recreational pursuits, 1DA061 Maurizio has an adventurous spirit.
A retired police inspector, these days he loves to escape his island’s Mediterranean climate by taking to the sea where he’s an accredited scuba diving instructor.
He also has a passion for traveling by motorbike.
“My current motorbike is a Triumph Speedmaster 1200 which can hit up to 115 mph,” he explains.
“But I hope to change it soon because it’s not very comfortable for long journeys hihi!!!!!”
Inside the radio comms hobby, though, and 1DA061 Maurizio possesses a zest for dx adventure.
Islands On The Air (IOTA), Lighthouses On The Air (LOTA) and Parks On The Air (POTA) are all concepts in which this guy is experienced.
In fact, you’ll be hearing lots of info around 1DA061 Maurizio’s interesting DX projects as solar cycle 25 unfolds to produce more amazing pockets of propagation.
QSL INFOS
Benvenuto a Delta Alfa Maurizio, un grande abbraccio da José 3DA055! 😃👍🤝