[KCDXC] VU4 update

[Lee Ward]

This came from The SATERN leader WW9E.....


Dear Major Patrick:


Hi,
I am DL7CM /Hans.
This is last info I got.
Have heard Barathis voice by myself.
73 de Hans / DL7CM

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



-- 

Lee, K0LW
                  mailto:lee at crcltd.com


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