I recently took a vacation to the Maldives.(8Q)，I also took a long trip.Just to keep a record.
Cause
Initially, there was nothing specific planned for DX (long-distance communication), but while researching my trip itinerary one day, I happened to open the QRZ homepage and saw a news article about a ham's expedition, with "Maldives" mentioned in the image. I didn't pay much attention at first, but I vaguely remembered something... The destination and the news were both in the same place, and I also had a radio! So, I started searching on Google for "Maldives amateur radio," and after looking at some information, it seemed like it wasn't that difficult. This led to the subsequent events.
Call sign application
The first result from Google was the website of the Maldives Radio Association, which clearly outlined the process for obtaining a license. Importantly, it stated that no exams were required and that there were no other similar requirements like FCC recognition. The application materials only needed to include:
Fill out the application form.
Name, address in your country, call sign, email.
Device model, serial number, transmit frequency, spurious emissions, transmit power.
The date range for operating the radio station, the (proposed) start date of the license, and the local address in Maldives.
The applicant's valid license from their home country. I submitted a photo of my license, including the operating permit, with the device attached. No translation is required.
Passport photo on the first page
Once you have gathered the necessary materials, simply send an email to the Maldives Communications Authority (admin [at] cam.gov.mv) and copy the MARS.8Q7RS [at] gmail.com association. When submitting the documents, clearly indicate the three call signs you prefer on the application form (8Q7**), and I will do my best to assign you a call sign that meets your needs. I have applied for 8Q7WY.
The administration in the Maldives is quite efficient. Even emails sent on Saturdays receive responses, and the association's member, 8Q7PR, was able to deliver the documents to CAM and submit the application five days later, receiving an electronic copy of the license. The official paper license will be handed over to you personally upon your arrival at Velana International Airport in Malé.
Finally, I needed to submit a $50 application fee. The payment options on the MARS website are PayPal or through the hotel's assistance; I was also provided with an online payment address during the email application process, but it was unsuccessful. Ultimately, when I received my paper license at the airport, I paid the fee directly to 8Q7PR and exchanged QSL cards with him.
I obtained a license for the Maldives through MARS, specifically using the handle BG4JMI. I also contacted BG4JMI via email to inquire about some aspects of the application process, and I appreciate their assistance.
Equipment
Because the primary purpose of the vacation is leisure and entertainment, a portable table can only be used as an accessory. Also, considering luggage weight and packing, large machines are not considered. The final equipment applied for is the IC-705, and the preferred antenna is the GP MA-12. After all, without a manual tuning knob, it's still possible to adjust the position using the handle, and the GP also eliminates the need for a support pole or finding branches. End-fed antennas are not considered because they cannot be extended in front of the room, nor can they be pulled into someone else's yard.
I also brought the MA-01, although it's a QRP+ plus tent, but when going on vacation, people usually book two types of accommodation: beach huts and overwater bungalows. Beach huts are houses located right on the beach, where the GP can simply stand on the sand. Overwater bungalows are built directly on the water, and the MA-12 doesn't have a place to plug in; however, the octopus tripod with the camera for the MA-01 can be used to find a place to hang it.
Regarding power, I initially thought of using a portable charger and luring the mosquitoes. The charger itself would be part of my luggage, and having an external power source could provide around 10W, which is enough to attract mosquitoes. However, since I hadn't tried this method before, connecting the lure and the charger didn't work. Finally, seeing the empty space in my suitcase, I decided to bring a portable power bank instead...
Other attachments include a handheld microphone and other small items. The computer is also included, used for backing up the camera's storage, as well as for FT8 operation.
The large suitcase containing the electronics was checked in for the entire journey, so there were no interactions with customs when entering or leaving either country. When transferring from Male to the resort via a small plane, MA-12 forgot to check in the suitcase. During security screening, the metal fasteners triggered an alarm, causing concern for the security personnel. After explaining the situation, they allowed me to proceed and take the suitcase onto the plane.
DX
When choosing a mode, I primarily use FT8 because I'm often out and about, and using it for short, simple contacts is convenient. After reviewing the FT8 logs, the QSO situations are approximately:
20250127 22
20250128 2
20250129 54
20250130 83
20250131 18
The sand house on the 27th, with strong winds and heavy rain, I set up the antenna and connected to the network when it wasn't raining or just drizzling. The repeater could also be adjusted to a position below 1.5. MUF appears to be in
Operating around 28 or 25 MHz, so the primary choice is to work on the 15m band. In terms of power, although it has a power supply, the plug socket that the Shack power supply can reach is a UK standard (yes, online guides say you don't need to bring a converter plug – this is a trick for HAMs), so you can only use the built-in 5W battery for communication.
Sandbag stand:
After switching to the water house, I switched to the MA-01 + Octopus support. I tested it at 20m, 10m, and 15m. At 15m, the FT8 frequency's standing wave could be adjusted to around 1.6. The others were not ideal. In terms of power supply, the feeder cable was long enough to reach indoors, so I didn't need to use an adapter for the indoor plug. Finally, I could use an external power source. In the water house, I basically used 10W with a standing wave of around 1.6, and the signal reports felt better than before. Generally, I could achieve -15 or higher, and sometimes even reach -5 when communicating with domestic stations or JA (Japan).
Installing an antenna on a floating platform
("The "ground wire" is simply a cable that connects to the junction box. I initially thought it would reach the sea, but I later discovered that it's actually suspended in mid-air.")
Around 4:00 PM on the 30th, I decided to try CW on 15 meters. There were still quite a few signals, and the WWA activity was also very active. I wasn't confident in using a handheld keyer and QRP for contact, so I used my N1MM station for straight-through operation. The signal from 8E3R was relatively strong, but it seemed difficult to copy clearly; I could only copy some of the signal, but when I retransmitted it later, I encountered QSB and gave up. BY1RX was also similar; at that time, the local time was around 7 or 8 PM, and I could occasionally copy the signal clearly, but I couldn't make contact, so I gave up. After the WWA activity ended with DA0WWA, I tried calling CQ on a different frequency and waited for someone to respond. I managed to contact several stations in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, England, and Indonesia. As it got dark and the streetlights came on, I started to experience more noise, so I packed up.
Finally
This wasn't a "expedition" with the purpose of long-distance communication; as a ham radio operator, going on vacation and being able to contact more stations provided extra enjoyment compared to others. This is a cherished memory, and I thank all my fellow operators who were able to communicate on the same frequency! Once the QSL card is made, those operators who have communicated can write letters to exchange cards.
After returning, I received several emails from foreign friends.
IU7QBB is a "ham radio operator" based on a remote island. After I completed our QSO, I hoped to learn more about the island, but it seems that the island is likely a private island resort, and therefore unsuitable for applying for certain awards.
W3UR is the editor of Daily DX, and he wanted to learn more about my "expedition" in order to publish it. However, I had already returned to China when he sent me an email. Later, I learned that he saw a post on the QRZ forum mentioning my callsign, which prompted him to contact me. QRZ also regularly publishes DX news.
If there are future events with other stations and expeditions, consider contacting editors like W3UR and DX World. While they may not always be genuine expeditions, they should also be willing to publish information about these "expedition calls." For example, I saw many HAMs who were vacationing in the Maldives posting event information on DX World's Asia section. So... definitely next time!
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