One of the most far-flung IOTA groups on Earth, the Marquesas is a collection of picture-perfect volcanic isles in French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the South Pacific.

Here you’ll find Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) member 338DA101 Jean Marie (Seen pictured right) — a professional and experienced 11m and licensed ham radio op — who links with our club in mid-June, 2024.

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A previous member of the Alfa Tango (AT) and Echo Echo (EE) clubs respectively, 338DA101 Jean Marie has been enmeshed in radio comms since 1975, blessing with him with almost 50 years’ experience in the hobby.

Evidence from known cluster data bases substantiates that Jean-Marie has worked and confirmed a notable 150 DXCC during this time, satisfying rigorous DA-RC Membership criteria in the DX Hunter category.

(See https://www.delta-alfa.com/about/membership/)

Impressively, 338DA101 Jean Marie also meets criteria in the dxpeditioner category with dx operations carried out in several countries around the world.

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The world atlas has the stunning Marquesas archipelago located 1500 km northeast of Tahiti (OC-046) and spread out over 12 islands and an assemblage of tiny islets.

Only 6 of these islands are said to be inhabited.

Sharing the reference OC-027 in keeping with the World IOTA Program, all potential IOTA dxstinations in the Marquesas are known to be dramatic to the eye, with jagged mountains covered in thick jungle rising from the waters of the Pacific.

(See https://www.iota-world.org/islands-on-the-air/iota-groups-islands/group/787.html)

Interestingly, all islands have unique DIFM reference numbers which are shown on the Islands Base Online database and Des Iles de La France Metropolitaine (D.I.F.M.) website — See https://difm.org/

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Framed by looming cliffs — the perfect yagi take offs for our resident DXer — the coasts of the Marquesas Islands are a mesmerizing mix of black sand beaches and gorgeous bays.

Nature here is raw and its charm even stronger.

In the lush rainforest of its interior — where thousands of pre-European remnants lie — there are purportedly wild horses, goats and bores.

From Taipivai Valley to Hatiheu Bay, from Anaho to Hakaui (Vaipo, the highest waterfall in The Islands of Tahiti), there are many cultural and natural wonders.

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338DA101 Jean Marie resides on beautiful Ua Huka Island which is situated in the northern group of the archipelago, roughly 40 km to the east of Nuku Hiva, at 8°54′S 139°33′W.

According to the Des Iles de La France Metropolitaine (D.I.F.M.) database, its unique DIFM reference is FO-026.

Formed by the northern half of two interlocking volcanoes, Ua Huka Island boasts spectacular lava lakes and sea caves and a ‘Papuakeikaa arboretum’ near Vaipaee.

Meant to serve as a reserve for the reforestation of the island, this unique realization in the Marquesas brings together more than a thousand species of trees from all over the world, including one of the largest collections of citrus trees in the world.

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History reveals that Jean-Marie’s island was given its name to a genus of spiders endemic to the Marquesas, which belongs to the canopy spider family (Linyphiidae) (See right).

Apart from spine-tingling spiders, giant tortoises, reef sharks, dolphins, manta rays and thousands of seabirds live here and on nearby islets.

Appealingly, several rocky islets (motus) off the main island such as Motu Hane represent possible IOTA dxstinations for our resident DX Man.

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Sometimes spelled ‘Roohka’ or ‘Ua Huna’, 338DA101 Jean-Marie’s island has several archaeological sites as well as interesting natural sites

These include the “Invisible Bay” of Vaipaee, the bays of Haavei and Hatuana and the “Cave of Footprints” which contains a beach where footprints reappear after each tide.

The most important archaeological site on the island is thought to be Meiaute and this is located at the foot of Mount Hitikau on the island’s south coast.

Meiaute is an extensive complex of stone platforms, only partially exposed, with paepae (living platforms) and mea’e (ceremonial platforms), as well as three red tufa tiki, up to a metre high.

Interestingly, the Marquesans are thought to be among the finest craftsmen throughout French Polynesia.

They create large and fine carvings, beautiful tattoos, and surprising pieces of jewellery.

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Note the incredibly innovative construction of 338DA101 Jean-Marie’s mast which houses a homemade 4 element quad antenna.

Made from timber, it’s the perfect example of innovation and craftsmanship.

See pictured above and below, 338DA101 Jean-Marie’s antenna too, is a homebrew design — made from sections of bamboo and wire, sourced on the island.

A length of coax runs inside his house to a Ranger Comms RCI-2970 transciever which packs a lethal punch, emitting great TX signals to all parts of the globe with just 150 watts.

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338DA101 Jean-Marie resides in the island’s largest settlement which is known as ‘Hane’.

Also a notable archaeological site, Hane hosts the fascinating Sea Museum which contains exhibits of traditional tools used for fishing, hooks, explanations on old fishing techniques, a collection of canoes, and a crafts.

One of 338DA101 Jean-Marie’s passions is travel and he spends long periods in different countries for work and or recreation.

The Ivory Coast (84) and French Polynesia (201) are just a couple of entities on his list of inspiring dx adventures!

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Freeband Clusters will confirm that 338DA101 Jean-Marie is one of the most active ops in the Pacific region.

Our man in the Marquesas is excited to embrace his new Delta-Alfa callsign on the eleven meter band, as he seeks to satisfy the DX cravings of the world’s populace of IOTA Hunters for an ATNO!

He’s QRV on the International call frequency 27.555 MHz USB and eager to log as many stations as possible during the dawning solar cycle.

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QSL DETAILS

DA-RC HQ EU ● 100 Allée Chante-Cailles 26300 Barbières ● France

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