HF Adventure in Scandinavia

This summer, I embarked on a long-anticipated trip through Scandinavia, bringing along my trusted TX-500 HF radio. My goal was to experiment extensively with portable HF setups in the stunning, remote landscapes of the Arctic Circle. However, as I journeyed further north, the beauty and uniqueness of the region captivated me far more than I had imagined.

Setting Up in Kamøyvaer

Today, on July 21st, 2024, I find myself in the picturesque fishing village of Kamøyvaer, nestled on the island of Magerøya, Norway. It’s a quiet, serene place with brightly painted wooden houses scattered around the harbor, which is mostly used by local fishermen. Surrounded by rugged hills and the Arctic Ocean, this remote location offers an ideal environment for radio operations away from the interference of urban areas.

I’ve set up my radio at the edge of the harbor, using the ground stand of an HF-P1 antenna. Rather than the standard telescopic whip, I’m using a longer whip I bought on Amazon, which gives me greater reach. The location, with a grid locator of KQ21wb, has been perfect for experimenting with HF on the 20-meter band.

The Midnight Sun and Antenna Setup

One of the most extraordinary aspects of operating here is the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets, hovering low on the horizon even in the middle of the night. It creates an ethereal glow over the ocean, making it feel like time stands still. With 24-hour daylight, I don’t have to worry about the typical limitations of operating during daylight hours, and the Arctic summer creates excellent opportunities for long operating sessions.

I’ve extended the whip of my antenna to nearly its full length. Given the conditions on the 20-meter band, the loading coil wasn’t necessary, which simplifies the setup. The stable ground and low noise environment make the village of Kamøyvaer a prime location for amateur radio.

Weather Conditions and HF Propagation

On this particular day, the weather is warm, with temperatures hovering around 24°C (75°F) – quite comfortable for the Arctic Circle. There’s a light breeze coming off the ocean, and the sky is mostly clear, with only a few scattered clouds. The relatively stable weather conditions have positively influenced the HF propagation.

The solar conditions today are quite favorable for long-distance communication, particularly on the 20-meter band. The SFI (Solar Flux Index) is moderate, which means good conditions for DX, and I’ve noticed that the low geomagnetic activity is keeping the noise levels down, enhancing my ability to make clear contacts over long distances.

The Midnight Sun, combined with the summer atmospheric conditions, creates a unique propagation environment in the Arctic. The extended daylight hours and stable ionospheric conditions are helping to extend the F-layer support, allowing me to maintain solid communications over longer distances. This has been evident with strong signal reports from far-flung locations.

Working the Bands

Over the course of the evening, as the Midnight Sun continues to illuminate the skies, I’ve been able to log nearly 35 contacts using FT8 and FT4. These digital modes have proven to be ideal in this environment, allowing me to make the most of the available propagation despite any minor fluctuations in band conditions.

The majority of my contacts have been within Europe, but to my excitement, I’ve made 3 contacts with Japan. These long-distance contacts, thanks to favorable propagation, are a real highlight of the evening. The signals coming from Japan are solid, which is not something I encounter every day, especially with the portable setup I’m using.

Reflections on Kamøyvaer and the Arctic

Kamøyvaer has turned out to be the perfect location for this radio adventure. The Arctic landscape is breathtaking, with the cold, clear waters of the harbor reflecting the endless daylight. The peaceful isolation and lack of man-made interference have provided a superb operating environment for my HF rig.

While I originally set out to experiment more with different antennas and bands, the natural beauty and excellent propagation have shifted my focus. I’m thoroughly enjoying the time spent here, making meaningful contacts and experiencing the magic of HF communication under the Arctic sun.

Despite the limited time, I’ve managed to accomplish more than I expected on this trip. The combination of the Midnight Sun, the favorable weather, and the exceptional propagation conditions has created an ideal scenario for working HF. I look forward to continuing my radio experiments as I move further through Scandinavia, but this day in Kamøyvaer will stand out as a memorable highlight of the trip.