The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is proud to introduce to you 44DA055 Nick who resides on the southernmost tip of the African continent; a guy who calls the Republic of South Africa (RSA) home.
A knowledgeable and proficient operator who resides in the 24th-largest country in the world, 444DA055 Nick has been involved in the radio communications for almost 20 years, with many, many more amazing hobby experiences on the horizon!
From his location in “the rainbow nation”, a nickname given to South Africa to describe the country’s multicultural diversity, 44DA055 Nick (Pictured below) qualifies for DA-RC Membership via the DX Hunter (as a previously ‘independent station’) and Radio Club administration categories respectively (See: https://www.delta-alfa.com/about/membership/).
He’s determined to add to his DX Hunter credentials during Cycle 25 too which, by all reports, hits its peak in 2025!
South Africa is bordered to the north by Namibia (74 Division), Botswana (105), and Zimbabwe (85); and to the east and northeast by Mozambique (204) and Eswatini.
44DA055 Nick’s country really is many worlds rolled into one…
Stunning coastlines, dramatic mountainscapes, huge areas of untamed bushveld, starkly beautiful semi-deserts, lakes, waterfalls, spectacular canyons, forests and wide plains, provide haven for incredible wildlife.
Rhinos‚ cheetahs‚ giraffes‚ antelope, hippos, leopards, zebras‚ African elephants and springboks (the national animal of South Africa) are all common here, and, one of the country’s biggest attractions for overseas visitors!
Interestingly, South Africa has another country within its borders; one which continues to be one of the most elusive DXCC on any band.
Nestled in the Drakensberg, the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment, which encloses the central Southern African plateau, is the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho (142 Division).
Much of South Africa’s water is said to come from the snow-capped peaks of this tiny, landlocked nation, which represents an exciting dx adventure indeed for Nick if the opportunity presents itself in the future.
Like many DA-RC Members, 44DA055 Nick combines a love of Freeband DXing with persistent efforts on regular ham bands, attaining his Radio Operator’s Certificate way back in 2004.
“My first ham call sign was a ZR6NSP which meant it was restricted, but I upgraded to ZS6NSP (totally unrestricted),” he tells.
“Back in those days I was member of the Magalies Amateur Radio Club in which I progressed to Vice Chairman in 2011…”
History says that Nick’s ham call sign changed to ZS1NS when he moved down from Johannesburg area to the Western Cape where he now lives in a small village.
According to the atlas, Western Cape is a province of South Africa, situated on the south-western coast of the country, with coasts bordering the Indian and Atlantic oceans.
It was created in 1994 from part of the former Cape Province.
44DA055 Nick’s QTH is known for the port city of Cape Town, set beneath Table Mountain, which is part of a national park with the same name.
In Table Bay, at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula and stretching south to the Cape of Good Hope, is Robben Island.
A possible Islands On The Air (IOTA) DXstination for Nick, this island is referenced as AF-064 in accordance with the World IOTA Program and is part of the Western Cape Province South West island group (See https://iota-world.org/islands-on-the-air/iota-groups-islands/group/62.html).
Robben Island takes its name from the Dutch word for seals, hence the Dutch/Afrikaans name Robbeneiland, which translates to Seal Island.
It’s also home to the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela, and is now a living museum.
The Western Cape is also known for its wine production and picturesque vineyards.
These surround historical towns like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.
A wide variety of wines are produced here — Shiraz, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux Blends, Burgundy-style Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc — just to name a few.
As you can see in the photos attached, 44DA055 Nick is well-dressed for DX-success with a competent station at his disposal.
His DX artillery comprises 2 x Yaesu receivers, 1 x 2m/ HF transceiver (an ICOM 706), 1 x Kenwood TRC-70 transceiver and his flagship, the Yaesu FT-990, with a desktop microphone.
44DA055 Nick’s main antenna is an Inverted V dipole with separate wires for 10m, 20m and 40m.
It’s also an exceptional performer on 11m.
Nick also uses a Diamond X50 antenna for work on the 2m band.
Although officially retired, 44DA055 Nick is the caretaker for the complex he and his wife currently live in, which is still being developed.
Other time is spent playing guitar and giving music lessons for an extra income and, as you can see, Nick has a nice collection of acoustic and electric guitars.
These days, 44DA055 Nick is just as active on 27 MHz as he is on other HF bands such as 10m, 20m and 40m.
As well as chasing DX and experimenting lots with antennas, Nick enjoys collecting QSL cards from countries all over the world.
He is QRV most days on 27.555 MHz USB and looks forward to making many eleven meter band contacts in the years to come with his new Delta-Alfa callsign.
Hello Nick, wish you always good DX and a lot of fun on the Air.
73s Frank, 35WR035
Welcome Nick, I wish you the best.
73’s de Stef