• [QSL UPDATE] –

The CY9C QSL cards arrived from Franklin Printing on Wednesday, November 13. K5DHY and WA4DAN immediately began working on the thousands of requests for cards. The first batch of cards will be mailed out to deserving DX’ers on Thursday morning, the 14th. The CY9C QSL is a six panel, double folded card that is packed with information on St Paul Island and with as many photos as we could place on the card. Please be patient with the QSL process. Hundreds of cards will be going into the postal system everyday until the process is complete. Thanks again from the CY9C DXpedition team!

  • [SEPTEMBER 13] –

Bill, K5DHY, reports that OQRS is now open for CY9C. If possible, please be generous with donations. This was the first CY9 DXpedition that cost $100K+. The CY9C team utilized two helicopters as well as a boat to transport gear and team members to the island. Special thanks to Air Dolan and Breton Air Services for the helicopter support as well as Greg Lawrence for the boat transportation. Over four tons of gear, materials and supplies were transported to St Paul Island. As of today, the total Q count stands at 114,842! Thanks to all who were in the pileups. We experienced very interesting propagation during the DXpedition. Disturbed geomagnetic conditions were experienced for 3-4 days during the 10.5 days on the island. This reduced the number of Q’s during those days. The team rotated operating shifts for the duration of the DXpedition. Overall, the weather was reasonably good during the time on the island with strong winds and occasional rain at times. St Paul is very exposed to the wind but the team’s new tents held up very well during the wind events.

Any and all log questions should be emailed directly to: cy9dxpd@gmail.com

Once again, the team plans for a beautiful, double folded, six panel QSL card. Thanks again to all of the foundations, clubs and individuals who supported the CY9C DXpedition. We could not have done it without your help and support!

PS: Check out over 400 pictures on the CY9C website

  • [SEPTEMBER 4] – 

As of 1916Z on September 4, the CY9C DXpedition Team had 108,687 contacts in the log. The team plans to QRT on September 5 at approximately 1000Z. The taking down of the antennas will commence shortly after that. The Breton Air helicopter will be onsite at 1400Z to begin slinging all of the gear to Dingwall, Nova Scotia. 

  • [QRT SOON..] – An update from Lou, N2TU:

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in the distance…a glorious day! Very light wind for a change. Breakdown (camp) tomorrow, Sept 5th …the team is tired, happy but a bit sad to see it all end….now for the long trip..

Credit: N2TU

  • [SEPTEMBER 3 @ 1745Z] – 

As of 1000Z on Tuesday, CY9C has 91,828 contacts in the log. There is a 40-meter log which will be uploaded to Club Log. Those with missing contacts on 40 please be patient as that log will be uploaded soon. The wind on the island is strong today,  but so far, no issues have been encountered. Another load of non-essential gear was sent back to Dingwall, Nova Scotia this morning. The team continues to prepare for a Thursday departure from St Paul. 

  • [SEPTEMBER 2] –

As of 1400Z on Monday, the CY9C team had a total of 81,637.contacts. Band conditions were much improved on Monday and the team took advantage with all six FlexRadio’s in operation. The team will continue to operate non-stop until Wednesday evening local time. If you still need CY9C, please work us in the next two days. The team plans more SSB activity during that time.

Credit: WA4DAN

  • [SEPTEMBER 1] –

Experience the CY9C DXpedition on the rugged and remote St. Paul Island, located off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. In this exclusive on-island interview, team member Craig Thompson, K9CT, provides an in-depth look at St. Paul Island, ranked 50th on the DXCC most-wanted list. He discusses the island’s challenging weather, its historical significance, and the extraordinary efforts required to reach this isolated location, including the rare use of helicopters. Craig introduces the dedicated team of operators and details the radio and antenna capabilities driving the CY9C operation. Gain insights into the leadership and teamwork that keep the mission on track in such a demanding environment. As the DXpedition enters its final days, the team encourages radio operators worldwide to make contact with CY9C before the operation concludes. [tnx – W1DED] 

  • [SEPTEMBER 1 @ 1800Z] –

As of 1100Z, the CY9C DXpedition Team had 74,133 contacts in the log. Because of the condition of the bands, the team had to make some antenna strategy adjustments. The team will also put on the air a sixth FlexRadio to be used for CW/SSB operations. We will also take one of the FT8 stations and have it running RTTY for a somewhat limited time. All three stations currently running regular FT8 are down to 1-2 slots because of the poor band conditions. Please be patient as we work through the challenging band conditions. Our departure from St Paul Island is still scheduled for Thursday, September 5. Some extra gear was taken back to Dingwall (Nova Scotia) on a helicopter flight this morning.

Credit: WA4DAN

  • [SEPTEMBER 1 @ 0730Z] – 

As of 1900Z on Saturday, the CY9C team had 66,400 Q’s in the log. The Leaderboard was opened on Club Log. Band conditions continue to be a challenge, especially on 10 and 12 meters. The team installed a 60 meter antenna on Saturday and is active on that band. There will be a little more SSB activity in the coming days. All FT8 activity continues on the regular Fox/Hound mode. All team members are well and will be working hard to get everyone in the log.

Credit: N2TU

  • [AUGUST 31 @ 1030Z] –

The CY9C DXpedition Team has switched from SuperFox FT8 to the regular Fox Hound on FT8. The team is trying to work the weaker stations, especially JA and VK/ZL. This strategy has worked as many weaker stations are making it into the CY9C log. At this point, we will assess the situation and be flexible and adapt to changing band conditions. On Friday, the team moved the 12 meter monoband Yagi to a much more favorable location 400 feet away from the camp. A fuel supply run was made on Friday and another fuel supply run will be made on Saturday while the weather is favorable.

Credit: WA4DAN

  • [AUGUST 30 @ 2000Z] –

For those who use Facebook, Tim K3LR @ DX-Engineering is holding a live chat with CY9C team members Craig K9CT and Glenn W0GJ.

  • [AUGUST 29 @ 1400Z] –

Here at DX-WORLD, we just received a video of the windy conditions on the island. Let’s hope the tent doesn’t blow away! Footage (and new pictures added at 2200z) by WW2DX. Meanwhile, check latest log upload here. 

  • [AUGUST 29 @ 1315Z] – 

As the team continue to work many stations, here’s a couple of pictures depicting life on the island. One is by Lou N2TU setting the scene while the other is by Scott, NE9U with  broken mast being repaired. Right click to enlarge. 

By N2TU

By NE9U

  • [AUGUST 28 @ 1400Z] – Team leader Dan WA4DAN informs DX-World readers: 

Our number one goal is to work every station that calls CY9C. We are just in day three in the DXpedition so there will be eight more days of our operations. We just completed our antenna system. We have a great take-off angle at 108 feet above the water. We have three antennas on the top of the lighthouse which is 55-feet tall, so effectively over 160 feet above the water. Let me assure everyone that we are working as hard as we can to work as many stations in ALL areas of the world.  Please keep calling and we will get you in the CY9C log! You guys make these DXpeditions possible and we hope it is fun for everyone.

  • [AUGUST 28 @ 1020Z] – Lou N2TU reports:

The seas are angry!…high winds here…antennas are still up but bouncing in the wind…the team is working hard at keeping everything on the air…please be patient !

Credit: N2TU

  • [AUGUST 28 @ 0030Z] – 

Low band operations have started at CY9C.  A new log upload has also taken place – check for your QSOs here

  • [AUGUST 27 @ 1000Z] – 

Lou, N2TU updates via CY9C Facebook page that everything is going ok on the island. He mentions there is a rain and wind event forecast for later. Pictures courtesy N2TU. More audio recordings below:

Nova Scotia in distance (N2TU)

Sunrise @ CY9C (N2TU)

Rugged St Paul Island (N2TU)

  • [AUGUST 27 @ 0320Z] –

Approaching 20K QSO, the first CY9C log upload has been done. Check for QSO here.  Picture of sunset (and one of the 432Mhz EME yagis) by WW2DX.

  • [AUGUST 25 @ 2300Z] – 

CY9C started operations on 15m FT8 (Superfox) at 2300z, August 25th followed by 17m SSB. Recordings by DX-WORLD. Header picture by WW2DX.

The CY9C Dxpedition is on the air a little ahead of schedule. Weather has been very good which allowed us to make excellent progress. Please be patient as our operations will be a little limited for the first day or so as we have more antennas to build. The CY9C DXpedition will be operating the new Super Fox on FT8. Later in the DXpedition, we will be on RTTY as well.

Credit: WW2DX

Credit: WW2DX

  • [AUGUST 25 @ 1630Z] 

“Antennas going up”, says N2TU. Setting up continues. Complete team should be on the island by end of day.  

(Credit: CY9C Facebook page)

  • [AUGUST 25 @ 1400Z] 

Team member, Lee WW2DX loads the helicopter with FlexRadios – next stop St Paul Island. Pictures by Lee. 

Meanwhile, team leader WA4DAN updates:

We encountered a little delay in the helicopter operations, but the problem was successfully resolved. The FlexRadio’s along with K9CT and K9NW took off for St Paul Island at approximately 1435Z. The team members on the island have made good progress with the tents and generators. The weather remains excellent for all operations. All team members and gear should be on the island by the end of the day. More updates to follow, as needed.

  • [AUGUST 25 @ 0915Z] 

First light on St Paul island for the CY9C crew. Lots of work to be done setting up today, says Lou N2TU, who took the photos.

  • [AUGUST 24 @ 2115z]

Helicopter operations concluded at 1930Z with five of the eleven team members on the island. Those on the island have been extremely busy sorting through all the gear and erecting tents. Those on the island are W0GJ, W0PR, NE9U, N2TU and W4DKS. It has been a very long day, and everyone is exhausted. The Air Dolan helicopter should arrive in Dingwall, Nova Scotia by 2100Z. Helicopter operations are scheduled to begin again on Sunday at 1200Z. The first priority on Sunday morning is to transport all of the FlexRadio equipment to the island. All team members except for Adrian KO8SCA should be on the island by 1700Z. Adrian will be arriving at St Paul on Wednesday, August 28 by 2200Z.

  • [AUGUST 24 @ 1425z]

The St Paul CY9C DXpedition helicopter operations have begun. Team members W0GJ, W0PR and NE9U were on the first trip to the Northeast Island around 1245Z. The slinging of gear began at 1345Z with 800 lbs of gear on the first sling. The weather is very favorable today. Matt with Breton Air is an awesome pilot, so we are very fortunate to have his services. We are using both baskets and netting to sling gear. The second helicopter (Air Dolan) will be arriving later this afternoon. Will continue to send updates.

Video from 2019 CY9C DXpedition..(Facebook)

  • [AUGUST 23 @ 1000Z] 
WA4DAN and W4DKS arrived in Dingwall, Nova Scotia on (local) Thursday afternoon. Four more team members will arrive in Dingwall by early evening on Friday. The remaining team members will arrive on Saturday. Breton Air helicopter operations will begin at 1200Z on Saturday, August 24. The first flight to St Paul Island will be with several team members on board. The first priority will be sending the tents and other infrastructure gear to the island. The airlift of gear will take all day on the 24th. Please be patient as there is a lot of work that must be completed to build the camp. There is very little soil (ground) on the Northeast Island as it is essentially a large rock. We may have to drill anchors into the rock to secure our tents and antenna masts. At this point, the weather looks favorable for the airlift of gear and team members. The CY9C team will continue to provide updates on progress on our website (and here on DX-World). 

Example: Breton Air helicopter

  • [AUGUST 20] – Lou, N2TU says:

“Van being loaded with St.Paul island gear…Murray, WA4DAN will be driving the load up to Dingwall, Nova Scotia in the next few days…..CY9C QRV soon…weather permitting !”

  • [AUGUST 15] 

Everything still looks good for the August 26 – September 5, 2024 St Paul Island CY9C DXpedition.

The first load of gear was successfully delivered to Dingwall, Nova Scotia on August 6th. Ironically, the DXpedition gear is safely stored at the St Paul Lighthouse Museum in Dingwall! Museum staff members helped with the unloading of the gear. Since all gear will be transported to the Northeast Island at St Paul by helicopter, all gear must be weighed. This process was completed yesterday and the total weight of the CY9C gear is 7500 lbs.

The Breton Air heavy lift helicopter will be slinging the fuel, water, tents, tables, chairs, coax and all other gear needed to build the camp. Air Dolan will be transporting the team members along with their personal gear. The first team members will arrive in Dingwall on August 22nd.

The estimated cost of this DXpedition has now approached $100,000, by far the most expensive CY9 DXpedition. By contrast, the boat transportation cost for the 1995 CY9 DXpedition with team leader WA4DAN was only $300! Please note that the main island at St Paul is no longer available for DXpeditions. The Northeast Island is almost impossible to land on by boat, especially with tons of gear. As always, the schedule may shift a little depending on weather and flying conditions. Donations are very much welcomed and appreciated. Donations can be made through our website at www.cy9c.net

  • [JULY 31] 

The CY9C DXpedition team confirmed with Breton Air on Tuesday that the airlift of infrastructure gear over to the Northeast Island of St Paul will take place on Saturday, August 24. Six airlifts are currently planned and the airlifts will be taking the tents, tables, chairs, generators, fuel, electrical cables, coaxial cables and all other necessary gear to build the CY9C camp. As with most DXpeditions, weather will play a factor in the schedule. Preparations for the airlift will commence on Monday, August 5, with the arrival of the first load of gear in Dingwall. The estimated cost of just the helicopter airlifts is $48,300 Canadian. Any support to help with this expense will be greatly appreciated. The CY9C team members are excited and have completed packing their personal gear for the trip – website.

  • [JULY 24] – Lou, N2TU reports:

The packing continues! Here is a portion of the gear getting ready for transport to Nova Scotia. Team Co-Leader Murray, WA4DAN is arranging the loads for the helicopter ‘slings’. All equipment and personnel will be transported to St. Paul via helicopter. Personnel will not ride in the slings!….(smile!) Only the equipment, thank goodness! Although riding in a ‘sling’ under an helicopter would be a first! This is a very expensive method of moving equipment and personnel from the mainland, but absolutely necessary as there is no viable water landing area. As mentioned a few weeks ago, get your personal station ready. This will probably be the last St. Paul operation for a very, very long time. 

  • [JULY 21] 

The CY9C St. Paul Team welcomes an additional member…Adrian KO8SCA. Most of you recognize him from the many DXpeditions he has been on. He is joining a Team of outstanding DXpeditioners and his expertise will only add to the fun! He will be joining us on St. Paul following his participation in the upcoming Jarvis Island DXpedition N5J. From one side of the world to another! Thanks Adrian…see you soon!

In other news, Craig, K9CT is busily preparing the Flex Radios, laptops and Flex PGXL amplifiers. He is pre-loading the logging program, digital interfaces and assuring all the PCs are networked together. Craig is an expert and has done this for many DXpeditions. Once Craig finishes the operational part of the set-up, the gear will be packed in Pelican cases…one for each station. This immensely facilitates station set-up. Thank you Craig for your outstanding efforts!…..and another thanks to FlexRadio Systems for the use of the gear!

  • [JULY 19] – Lou, N2TU reports:

CY9C will have an All-Time-New- One day, depending on the weather and propagation conditions. It will probably be in the second week of the operation. Please, please if you hear us asking for ATNO do not try to work us again! We want to get everyone in the log…at least once! 

Meanwhile, the team will be using eight generators:

Our ‘power plant(s) are 8 Honda generators to power the rigs, amps, computers, lights, kitchen (Mess Tent), fans and anything else needing AC. CY9C is serious about getting everyone in the log!

Support the team here

  • [JULY 18] –

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada has executed the license to access the Northeast Island of St Paul.  WA4DAN signed the agreement, paid the $500 fee on behalf of the team and returned it to the DFO. As part of the license, there was a 930 page “Environmental Site Assessment and Human Health Ecological Risk Assessment”. In short, this assessment lists and explains all of the hazards with visiting St Paul Island. The CY9C team was required to obtain a $1 million dollar liability insurance policy. Both the license and the insurance are in force from August 21 – September 7, 2024. The actual dates of the DXpedition are August 26 – September 5. The team wanted a little buffer in the access time to get gear to and back from the island. Donations to help offset the high cost of the two helicopters and the boat are much appreciated and came be made through our website: