VP2V – Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Dates: 21 to 27 November 2018

Callsign: VP2V/WJ2O

VP2V – Tortola, British Virgin Islands 2024-04-17T22:06:56-05:00

The British Virgin Island

Tortola is one of several British Virgin Island although it’s the largest and most populated.

We rented this VBRO Vacation House on the West End of Tortola. It was very high in the air. You needed 4-wheel drive to get here.

My sister and wife joined me on this trip and I think they are having a great time. Does it look that way to you?

The islands in the background are actually part of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

British Virgin Island

The Antenna

Little Tarheel II Screwdriver Antenna

Little Tarheel II Screwdriver Antenna Sure, I take a lot of ribbing for having such a minimal antenna. But, it performs well and is all I need.

Antena

Sometimes for low bands I add a little wire to the end but it’s not real necessary.

The Station

Dave's station in British Virgin Islands

I always assemble the station in my garage before leaving to ensure I have everything.

Operating in station

The jack to my keyer paddles gave out. So, I installed a fancier pink cable which makes my dits and dahs far more attractive.

Dave WJ2O operating

Here’s how the complete station looks unassembled. Small enough to travel anywhere.

Island Life

Virgin Islands

This ferry travels back and forth from Tortola to the U.S. Virgin Islands all day long.

Dave with locals in Virgin Islands

I like to blend with the locals.

Dave WJ2O drinking

Rum punch anybody? I think I’ve had my fill?

Very Important Ham Radio Poses

British Virgin Islands Gentry

British Virgin Islands Gentry

British Virgin Islands Dauer

British Virgin Islands Dauer

VP2V/WJ2O QSL Card

VP2V/WJ2O QSL Card front
VP2V/WJ2O QSL Card back

QSL produced by:Randy, KB3IFH

QSL Via: Ken, N2ZN

CEPT Licensing Agreement

With the understanding of how the CEPT Licensing Agreement works, I assigned myself the callsign VP2V/WJ2O.

Equipment:

Elecraft K3 Transceiver
Dell Inspiron Mini Laptop
Heil Headset
Little Tarheel II Screwdriver Antenna
Ameritron SDC-102 Antenna Controller
MFJ 1979 Telescoping Whip

Equipment in Virgin Islands

Here I am with my little station. Having a great time with 100 watts and hand rail antenna.

Dave WJ2O won a Plaque

Traveling to Tortola

Traveling to Tortola

US Virgin Islands airport

Tortola is actually difficult to get to. We flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico and spent the night.
The next day we used Seabourn Airlines to get to our destination.

Another recommendation is to fly to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and take the ferry to Tortola.