[ADXA] VU4 UPDATE # 2

[LennyK5OVC at wmconnect.com]

Subj:   VU4 Update # 2  
Date:   12/26/2004 10:58:28 PM Central Standard Time    
From:    dxadmin at dxpub.com (Carl Smith)
To:  dxadmin at dxpub.com
    
    


Hello DXers:

Following my first VU4 Update, I received additional information from 
James, 9V1YC.
With his permission I am sharing that information with you.
******************************************************************************
**
"Date: Mon, 27 Dec 2004 01:44:

Spoke with Barathi and the group this morning on 40m for quite some time. 
Below is what was reported to us on 7075.

1.      They are running on batteries and small generators using very low 
power and one vertical.  Trying to put up some more antennas today. 
Commercial power is promised by 4pm today, but no guarantees from the 
authorities.

2.      The main building they were using was damaged, and the authorities 
are restricting entry at the moment.  Most of their equipment is still 
inside, but they are confident they will be allowed to retrieve it soon.

3.      There were heavy aftershocks all night long and they were sleeping 
outside in temporary shelters. A temporary station was set up outside on 
the grass and they continue to be on the air to pass traffic to India, and 
hand out the QSO's.

4.      They know there are reports that the DXpedition is over and they 
are leaving, but insist that this is not true, and are staying on air as 
much as they can until the 31st - as scheduled.  Barathi and team depart 
the island on the 1st.

5.    K4VUD has an air ticket home for today, but they have no idea if he 
can leave since emergency passengers will likely take priority.  The 
airport is open, so I am sure he will have much more detailed and accurate 
information for you if and when he gets back tomorrow.

6.      Though they reported yesterday that main power and phones are out, 
they seem to have some telephones working, and Barathi was talking to her 
husband back in Delhi this morning.

7.      They (and the authorities) seem quite hungry for information on 
casualties in the region since they have only a trickle of news from the 
outside.  It seems that amateur radio is showing its value during a severe 
crisis.

8.      The emergency frequencies seem to be 7050 for emergency traffic 
within India, and 7055 for Indonesia (which is their usual net 
frequency).  14190 and 14150 are also being used for traffic to VU2.  The 
usual net of expats on 7075 in Thailand seemed to be a gathering place 
today, with many reporting in from 4S7, VU2 and 9M2.

73,
James 9V1YC"

I will provide further updates as the information becomes available.  I'm 
sure you will all join me in praying for all of those affected by the 
earthquakes/flooding and especially for the safety of the VU4 team.

73,
Carl, N4AA