The Dx Adventure Radio Club (DA-RC) is excited to confirm plans for yet another All Time New One (ATNO) in the Islands On The Air (IOTA) program this coming September 2025 — this time from the elusive Sardinia Coastal Islands Group (EU-165).
Island Hunters will be delighted to learn that seasoned DXpeditioner 165DA101 Alex will be QRV from Asinara Island — a remote and uninhabited jewel off the north-west tip of Sardinia, world-famous for its population of albino donkeys.
Known for its rugged mountain terrain, dramatic rocky coastline, and rich biodiversity, Asinara Island is a designated National Park and marine reserve, making it one of the most unique and protected locations in the Mediterranean.
EU-165 is a prized IOTA reference, shared with no fewer than 27 other islands (including Cavoli, La Vacca, and Molara) within the renowned World Islands Program.
The island’s name translates literally from Italian as “donkey-inhabited”.
This 2-day DXpedition promises plenty of adrenaline for IOTA chasers worldwide and also qualifies for the highly sought-after Sardinian Island Beauties Award (SIBA).
To maximise performance and ensure a solid station, Alex will be operating with a Yaesu FT-891 transceiver paired with a Heil Sound Pro-Micro Dual Side HC-6 headset microphone.
Power will be supplied by a 12V 100Ah Lifepo4 Kepworth battery, supported by a Zetagi B505 Plus linear amplifier (300W SSB).
The antenna system comprises a Skypper 3-element mounted on a 10 m heavy-duty DX WIRE telescopic pole, secured with a handcrafted support bracket.
Feedline will be Messi & Paoloni Ultraflex 7 SAHARA (white) coaxial cable, with all equipment neatly organised and transported using a FLYTH PRO professional trolley.
For accommodation, Alex will be based in an apartment on the main island of Sardinia, travelling to Asinara Island by ferry each morning and returning each evening after operations.
This arrangement ensures he can operate effectively while also respecting the environmental protections in place on Asinara.
The special callsign 165DA/X001 has been allocated for this event, with the X001 suffix reflecting the island’s regional status within the DA-RC’s DXpedition framework.
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