From Western Pennsylvania to Vatican City: My Unforgettable Experience Operating HV0A
Article written by Tim, N3DL.
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Every amateur radio operator has a bucket list. Maybe it’s working a rare DX entity, completing DXCC, or finally making that elusive contact after years of trying.
For me, October 15, 2026, became a day I will never forget. During a trip to Italy with my wife, I had the incredible opportunity to do something most amateur radio operators only dream about: operate HV0A from Vatican City.
How It All Began
Before leaving for Italy, I contacted Francesco, IK0FVC, hoping there might be an opportunity to visit the HV0A amateur radio station. After exchanging several emails, Francesco graciously arranged a time for us to meet while we were in Rome. As the date approached, my excitement continued to build. I’ve been involved in amateur radio for many years, but this was going to be something truly special.
Meeting Francesco & Visiting HV0A
On October 15, my wife and I made our way to the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where we had arranged to meet Francesco. From the beginning, Francesco was welcoming and generous with his time. He gave us a tour of the station, providing an opportunity to see the equipment and learn more about the operation.
As someone who enjoys DXing and the technical side of amateur radio, I found the experience fascinating. But the best part was still to come.
From Chasing DX to Being the DX
When Francesco gave me the opportunity to sit down and operate HV0A on single sideband, it was a moment I will always remember. As N3DL, operating from Western Pennsylvania, I know the excitement of hearing a rare DX station come through the speaker. I’ve spent plenty of time on the other end of the microphone, hoping to make that contact. Now, here I was, sitting at the operating position of HV0A, transmitting from one of amateur radio’s most recognizable and sought-after DX entities.
The roles had been reversed. Instead of chasing the DX, I was the DX.
It was an incredible feeling knowing that stations around the world could be putting Vatican City into their logs as a result of my operation.
As memorable as operating HV0A was, the experience reinforced something I’ve believed for a long time: Amateur radio is about much more than radios, antennas, and signal reports.
It’s about the people.
Francesco could not have been more gracious in sharing his time and his station with me. Having my wife there to share the experience made the day even more special. Experiences like this remind me why encouraging participation, building friendships, and supporting the amateur radio community are so important.
Our hobby has a remarkable way of bringing people together across borders and cultures through a shared passion for radio.
A Day I Will Never Forget
I want to sincerely thank Francesco for making this incredible opportunity possible. His hospitality and dedication to amateur radio made an already extraordinary experience even more meaningful.
I traveled to Italy hoping to see some beautiful places, experience the culture, and create lasting memories with my wife. I certainly accomplished those things. But I also came home with something I never imagined would become part of my amateur radio story: the memory of sitting behind the microphone at HV0A.
Some experiences remind us why we first became interested in amateur radio. For me, October 15, 2026, was one of those days.
73 and good DX!
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