HI John and ADXA members!

Congrats to Bill K5FUV and others working that expedition!  I’ve been chasing them for years now and this is the first time I have been able to hear the VU4!  Rory K5CKS and Jim K5JUC got them on 15m CW last week and as they say their in the log, hi.  I couldn’t wait for the thunder storms to finally clear out so we could chase them over the weekend.    

Both Kathy and I worked him yesterday on 17m FT8 1300 UTC.  Both in the log today!  He streams were loud near the 0 S/N mark.  I saw Rory in there yesterday, but didn’t tune in today.  Getting ready for a Dr. Appointment so really can’t chase for a few hours.  Plus yesterday’s lawn work messed up the afternoon.  ☹

This expedition has been interesting and I was really looking forward to it since reading about it in the Daily DX about a month ago.  I  have done more prep work for it than any other expedition using tools like VOACAP, etc.  The VOACAP wheel says 17m is usually the best and the times peak here around 1300 UTC with another peak starting at 1800 to 2300 UTC.  This gets updated every day with the current SFI numbers.  So far it has followed these predictions with some exceptions.  Even though I use these tools I still will go after a spot even late at night.  Last night he was on 12m, 15m, and 17.  Even though I saw India on 17m and other countries in the area, never a print from him.  Still I chase, listen both SP and LP, do everything I can think of to get him in the log! 

A few days ago, in the Bernie’s Daily DX, I saw he was going to focus on 80m for NA only, but when I look at the gray line that is going to be hard for NA to work the VU4.  When we are in daylight so is he, maybe just east coast will be able to do this if the grayline exists for them?  Is that possible for you low banders that have those huge antennas to work the VU4 on 80m???

BTW, Speaking of Bernie’s Daily wish I had been using his service right when I started this DXing gig!  Got three ATNO’s since using Bernie’s service.  I am sure would been further up the DXCC ladder if I had used it earlier in my DXing chase!  Always a good read to start the day!  BTW, I had the privilege to meet Bernie at the ARRL Centennial.  Super nice guy!! 

Miss Kathy and I also saw Mr Joel W5ZN at the Centennial, do you remember that Joel?  Those Arkansas Razorback tee shirts stick out like a sore thumb, hi.  Great memories and we had dinner with W5SJ Bill.  He loaned me a tie for the occasion.  It also had a Razorback on it and it was bright red!  😊 Remember K5UR’s speech on DXing against both coasts, that is always fun, hi.  That will always get one fired up to go home and chase!!!   

Sorry for getting off track. 

73 de jay/w5jay..

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of John McKinnie
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2022 10:18 AM
To: ADXA List <[email protected]>
Cc: John McKinnie <[email protected]>
Subject: [ADXA] VU4W

Congrats to Bill K5FUV for getting through on 17M FT8.  Saw Rory, K5CKS in there also.

I got through but didn't get a RR73. 

John

KT4AC