[TVARC] VU4N - Anyone have any Luck?

[w3us at casa-aloha.net]

The difficult path between VU4 and NA east coast was readily acknowledged by Krish at the beginning of his DXpedition.  Conditions to that part of the world were markedly inferior to those experienced when he operated from VU7, where a few TVARCers managed to snag him.  VU4 is really tough.

This is one I REALLY needed from TV, so I stalked VU4N on every spot, every band, morning, afternoon and evening.  It was so frustrating to see dozens working him on 20, 30, and 40 meters with never a single print at my QTH.  This persistend day after day.  Then, a couple of days ago, VU4N appeared on 10,131 for an HOUR, working many east coast.  I copied him between -16 and -11, but alas the DX gods were not in my favor.  I copied VU4N giving Steve, AD4K a report, but unfortunately, no 73.  It is certainly a heartbreaker when that happens.

I am a firm believer is the “magic” of local sunrise/sunset or greyline as some call it.  Thus, Saturday morning I was sitting on 14090 at 1159Z, shortly after VU4 sunrise, when he appeared at -21.  I called and he came back with a -19 AND a 73.  Two cycles later Krish was gone.  We have family visiting for the holidays, so I turned off the rig, and considered myself truly lucky.

If I have any “tips” to pass along, one is to pay attention to, and take advantage of the greyline.  It is truly magical.

Holiday greetings, 73 and good DX,
Rusty - W3US


> On Dec 25, 2023, at 12:42, Ed Deichler <k2te.1nh at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I was finally able to get a decode of VU4N on 30 meters FT8 this morning.  He had a good signal but unfortunately he never answered anyone.  It seemed like he was in auto-call mode without anyone looking at the screen.  I gave up after 15 minutes or so since it was fruitless.
> 
> From his postings, he seems to be more concerned with erecting a 60m vertical than finding an open band.  Why 60 meters? I have no idea; it doesn't count for any DXCC that I'm aware of.
> 
> Back when I had big antennas in HOA-free NH, I was fortunate to work VU4RBI on December 24, 2004 for a nice present.  Scarcely more than 24 hours later the DXpedition immediately terminated because the massive earthquake caused the huge tsunami off the coast of Indonesia that swept up the Bay of Bengal.  The team switched to emergency communications mode for the Indian government.
> 
> Merry Christmas everyone and good luck to those still chasing VU4N
> 
> Ed, K2TE
> 
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