Repost: VU4AX – Andaman Islands DXpedition Update

At 11:00z on March 12, 2025, our VU4AX team is celebrating nearly 10,000 QSOs—a testament to the resilience and determination of our operation despite a host of challenges. Here’s a summary of our recent journey and updates:

Operational Highlights:

• QSOs & Mode Mix:
  We’ve been active across the main HF bands with a solid mix of CW, SSB, and FT8. Despite occasional power cuts, our momentum continues as we push toward our QSO targets.

• Antenna Updates & Recordings:
  Team member Franky (ON7RU) shared on-scene images, and recordings from 160m operations are available (thanks to DL8LAS). We’re also experimenting with new antennas and testing low-band RX setups for improved performance.

Recent Journey & Logistical Challenges:

• Visa & Luggage Issues:
  Our journey began in Kortrijk, Belgium, with a smooth departure—until check-in revealed a visa issue with Marc ON4AMX, delaying his flight from Paris. Simultaneously, our meticulously organized luggage process went awry: a system crash and unexpected charges for oversized baggage forced us to rebook flights. Ultimately, after intense negotiations with Air India and last-minute rebooking, we secured all our 47 suitcases and 7 oversize pieces.

• Customs & Flight Rescheduling:
  Upon arriving in New Delhi at 8:15 AM local time, our luggage faced further challenges at customs. With the tireless efforts of Air India staff, we resolved the issues and secured new tickets to fly directly to the Andaman Islands—ensuring our equipment and essential items made it safely to our QTH.

Regulatory & Administrative Updates:

• Calls Sign Change:
  In response to recent legislative changes in India, we had to reapply for our license and received a new callsign—VU4AX instead of the previously planned VU4X. Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t regain the original callsign as key officials were preoccupied with parliamentary elections.

• Preparations & Branding:
  Amidst all the stress, we’ve been busy adapting our website, ordering polo shirts, flags, and banners to reflect our new identity, while also finalizing our operational logistics.

Looking Forward:

• Upcoming Activation:
  Our initial activation from the Andaman Islands as VU4AX is scheduled from March 10–20, 2025, where we’ll continue to operate on HF bands using CW, SSB, and digital modes.
• Ongoing Communication:
  Although our internet access is limited, we’re committed to daily manual log uploads to Club Log and LoTW, and our QSL manager is on hand to process requests.

A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated team and the incredible support from our sponsors, donors, and partners—especially Catherine Bernard, Lenka Farre, and Patricia Thiry of Air India Paris, whose patience and support helped us overcome critical hurdles.

We’re proud to be pushing through these challenges and are excited to complete our mission. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your continued support!

73 and happy DXing!