📡 VU4AX – Andaman Islands DXpedition (March 10–20, 2025)

Team: ON4AMX, ON4HIL, ON5UR, ON5RA, ON5TN, ON6CC, ON7FT, ON7USB, ON7RU, ON8AZ, PA9M, PA3EWP
Location: Port Blair, Andaman Islands
Callsign: VU4AX (initially VU4X before a regulatory change)

✈️ Pre-Departure Drama

What began as a routine DXpedition turned into a logistical and bureaucratic challenge:

• A callsign change from VU4X to VU4AX was forced due to updated Indian amateur radio regulations. The license had to be re-applied for on short notice.

• Airline challenges erupted when Air India Express initially refused to carry their 47 pieces of luggage. A last-minute route change and €17,000 shipping quote from DHL almost derailed the effort.

• Thanks to heroic efforts from Air India staff in Paris, the team finally received clearance for their luggage and flights just days before departure.

🏝️ On the Island

• The team arrived safely in Port Blair after customs clearance in New Delhi.

• Propagation was not on their side. Despite meticulous planning, band conditions were difficult.

• Limited internet access on the island made log updates and media sharing intermittent.

• Nonetheless, the team persisted with activity across CW, SSB, and FT8/FT4. Even with power cuts, they kept going.

📻 On the Air

• QRV from March 10–20, 2025

• Focused on HF bands, with some Top Band (160m) operations

• Operated in all major modes: CW, SSB, FT8, FT4

• Over 65,000 QSOs logged by QRT on March 20

• Notably prioritized North America when propagation allowed, which was appreciated by many NA operators

📬 QSL Update

• QSL cards are being printed by Max ON5UR and will be distributed via M0URX’s OQRS.

• A DXpedition book is also in the works!

📸 Photos & Highlights

• Antenna installations and shack images courtesy of ON7RU and ON5UR

• Team camaraderie shown in action, with Spiderbeam and low-band setups in high heat

• "Flying the flag" moment shared enthusiastically by DX-World readers

📣 Community Feedback

• Many ops grateful for ATNOs and the team's efforts in tough conditions.

• Some concern was raised over the use of FT4 causing QSO duplication for stronger stations.

• A universal theme: high praise for the perseverance and professionalism shown.

Visit the VU4AX website and DX-World.net for more images, audio recordings, and future QSL updates.

📝 This DXpedition was not only a triumph over propagation but a logistical masterclass. Hats off to VU4AX!