ADXA Folks,

A few days ago I advised you the board had approved a $450 donation to the upcoming VU7 DXpedition. $300 of this would be from ADXA funds and another $150 to be added by an ADXA member. This donation is currently ON HOLD and has not been sent.

Early yesterday morning the DXpedition leader Sarath, VU2RS, issued a press release (that all of you most likely saw) stating that all of the international non-VU teams members have had to cancel. This included Nodir EY8MM, Hrane YT1AD, and several German’s. The reason was due to a delay in their ability to obtain an amateur radio license for VU7. Without the license they would not be permitted to enter VU7. Since the trip is just less than two weeks away there was no choice but for them to cancel. I checked with a few of my internation sources and there is no riff or internal dispute with the team, just an unfortunate licensing delay. The VU team members vowed to carry on since this did not impact them.

The ADXA board had a considerable discussion about this yesterday and decided we would postpone our donation until we could determine the status of this DXpedition. We contacted VU2RS yesterday morning with three direct questions to which he replied in general terms and did NOT answer the specific questions. In the press release the statement “The Indian team has applied for the Agatti permit and is moving forward with the DXpedition” also concerned the board as this suggests final approval for VU7 has not been granted.

This morning I again contacted Sarath, via email, with two very specific questions regarding the above statement in the press release to determine what happens if their Agatti permit is not approved, or issued in time for the VU folks to travel. I am awaiting his response.

The ADXA board is still considering some level of support however that level has not been determine and will be based on Sarath’s response. Regardless, it will not be the $450 amount previously approved as the ADXA member that was providing the additional $150 has withdrawn support as the loss of the international team members will significantly impact the planned low band operation effort.

We will keep you posted.

73 Joel W5ZN / ZF2ZN