[OKDXA] VU4

[n5ok.ok at att.net]

For those of you that need VU4, I decided to put down some thoughts that might help get them in the log.

First note that props to VU4 are not like props to India.  I've seen a lot of spots for VU2's with questions attached that say where's the VU4.  VU4 is just South of Burma and is in the area of 12 deg North latitude.  So the props are more like those to SE Asia or YB.

Next note the sunrise and sunset times.  Our SR is at 1328Z and their SS is at 11:22Z.  So their sun sets two hours before ours rises.  Our SS is at 23:18Z and their sun rises 40 minutes later.  This means that bands higher than 20 meters are pretty much out for us.  

Also note that at this time of the year the polar region is dark down to about a minimum of 70 degs North.  That is in the middle of our propagation path to the North.  What that means is that even if it is daylight on both ends of the path, it is dark in the middle.  Long path may be a better path for the Central U.S.  At least the Antarctic is in daylight.

It's unfortunate for us they are focusing on the high bands.  I have seen them spotted on 40 m SSB but that was a mess.  I understand they have no linears with them which makes the low bands very difficult without good antennas.  I also understand they are using mostly wire antennas with a beam at one location.  (If anyone knows different from the above statements please clear them up)

They say this is a trial operation for a real DXpedition later on.  That would be nice.  These folks aren't Martti.  They don't have the skills nor the years experience that most folks on DXpeditions have.  What they do have is access to the islands!  I wouldn't bet on the real DXpedition in the future.  That's what they said the last time and that was 17 years ago.  The last time they were there, I worked them twice.  Both contacts were on 20 meters.  The first was very iffy and so I worked them again a week later.  These contacts were in late March of 1987.  The first was at 0155Z and the second at 1430Z.  I list these just for reference but that was March and this is December.

The good news is that they are going to be there through the end of the month if things go as planned.  Find out their common operating times, freqs and techniques. Watch their common frequencies and wait for them to come on the air.  It helps to be among those first on frequency before all the clowns show up.  Of course, you've got to be able to hear them first!  And those days will come so be ready for them.

I wish all of you a contact safely stored in your log.  If nothing else, maybe I've caused some of you to think of something that will help you in getting that accomplished.

73, Coy

--
ARRL West Gulf Division Director 
Coy Day, N5OK 
20685 SW 29th St 
Union City, OK 73090 
n5ok at arrl.org 405-483-5632