Update December 8, 2024: The return to Dhamara was uneventful. It took a little over 3 hours to take down the camp, and move everything to the boat. Packing started the afternoon of the day prior, as everything had to be separated into two transports: one that we'll be shipped to Hyderabad, and the other than we need to along with us to Sagar.

We had been working in the evening a little bit on putting the logs together. We haven't removed yet some dupes in short time span, but even with those removed, the total number of contacts will be over 10,000, with about 5000 unique stations in over 100 DXCCs. This includes over 250 contacts we made on 6 m. The final tally will be announced on the website in due course. Prior to publishing the log, we will have to prepare and submit the necessary documentation to the IOTA management team for the validation of this operation toward IOTA credits. The same will have to happen for the upcoming operation from Sagar island. Please note that the team is currently focused on the activities associated with this island back on the air. In any case, we plan to have both logs uploaded at Club Log after some additional checking right after Cezar's return back home on Dec 16. QSL requests, however, will be accepted only after the IOTA management will have approved these operations.

We understand that many of you are impatient but please wait on sending any requests until Cezar's return back home and the upload of the logs. If the IOTA management approves both of these activities, QSO matching will be open starting Jan 2 for AS-179 and Jan 9 for AS-153, via LoTW, starting with those requesting direct confirmation using Club Log's OQRS. More information on this will be published on the website after the Sagar activity.

Update December 7, 2024: We’ve wrapped up our AU2K DXpedition! Heading back to Damaro tonight (local time), taking a short break & then off to Kolkata & Sagar Island! Excited to share more updates from Sagar..!

Update December 5, 2024: We kept logging contacts today, aiming to increase their number in SSB. Unfortunately, we were defeated by the lack of good high-power BPS filters.
Despite various changes in equipment, the results were such them we regretfully couldn't operate more than one station in SSB at one time. Needless to say, we ended up spending a lot of time on this. In any case, the tests determined without a doubt that the RM Italy amplifier was splattering badly, and so we eliminated it.

At night, the local port, which is located a mere kilometer away or so, is lit up by a myriad of high-power halogen light and put up a significant electrical noise, which makes decoding in CW and SSB very difficult. The saving grace is the FT8, which does not appear to be affected. As such, some of us decided to take some rest for a few hours and check the situation before sunrise, leaving just one station, operating FT8 on 40m. During the day we used 400W on one station and under 300W on the other for CW and SSB, and between 150 and 200W in FT8.  The legal power in VU is 400W.

We hope that all of those who wanted to log us made it at least one contact in either of the modes. However, we will continue to look for those who still need a first contact with us.

Update December 4, 2024: Island arrival met with sandstorm! Initial luck: no noise & pleasant breeze Last 2 days: scorching heat Since yesterday: intense noise on horizontal & vertical antennas Bright spot: strong 20m opening to N/S America (00:00z to 02:30z)

Update December 3, 2024: 3 stations up & running! Almost 24hrs of non-stop action! 6M opening with locally-built Kanika beam was EPIC! Big pileup tamed by our skilled team! Stay tuned for more updates!

Update December 2, 2024:  The AU2K team unloaded the truck full of needed items on to their boat transport for the journey to Kanika Island. Expect activity soon from this new IOTA.

Update December 1, 2024:  Propagation was good this morning (local time) on 6m, and worked lots of stations using a rather simple inverted V and 80w. We obviously have no
idea if the propagation conditions on 6m will hold, but we built a 4-element yagi which will plan to install 8m high.

As indicated in the Equipment section, we will operate one station is CW and one in SSB, with two stations in FT8, one on the HF bands and the other on 6m if the propagation conditions permit. Given the good propagation conditions we experienced today on 6m, we made a change of plans, and decided to use MSHV for FT8 on 6m, because it will allow us
to run more than one stream. We had a good run today on two streams, logging stations from BY, HL, JA, VR2, etc

Update December 1, 2024: Team members arrived in Dhamara yesterday, early afternoon local time. The original plan was to carry out final preparations today, and depart to the island tomorrow, early morning local time, in order to arrive there at high tide. There is no pier on the island, and the only time to land is at high tide, as making our way through the mud at other times would be impossible. We tried to arrange for going to the island one day earlier, but after a lot of discussion, the conclusion was that it won't be possible due to conflicting schedules of those helping us out.

As such, we will build and test a small 6m 3-el yagi antenna today, preparing it for a possible 6m activity. Everything else is ready, and so are we. The team will use WSJT-X and operate FT8 F/H on the HF bands, and FT8 simple on 6m (50.313 MHz). We will not operate on regular HF FT8 frequencies, and will attempt to post the actual FT8 frequency before starting activity on that band. The approximate station locations for each island operation have been posted on QRZ, along with the respective grid square.

Update November 18, 2024: Cezar, VE3LYC will travel to the Toronto Airport by bus, in the afternoon of Nov 24, and overnight at one of the airport hotels. He will fly to India in the morning of Nov 25, first to New Delhi, then to the city of destination, where is scheduled to arrive in the evening of Nov 26 and meet with Sarath. The two will go over the list of components and logistical plans. Adersh and Anil will arrive a couple of days later, and together, the team will check all equipment and camping materials, making final purchases in Bhubaneswar, before heading out to Dhamara. Final logistical preparations will be carried out on Dec 1, and landing on Kanika Island is scheduled for the morning of Dec 2.

The team will operate from Kanika between Dec 2 and 7. After leaving Kanika, the team will pack all components that are not needed for Sagar, ship them to Guntur, and overnight in Dhamara. Next day the operators will travel to Kolkata, and then to Sagar Island AS-153. We decided that we will overnight on Dec 9 at one of the local hotels / guest houses, and depending on the level of electrical noise either continue from there or move to another island location. The operation from Sagar will end on Dec 13.

Update November 8, 2024: Providing that the AU2K operation remains on track and is successful, the team is considering the possibility of operating from Sagar Island, AS-153. This IOTA reference in the rarest among the VU ones, in demand by 83% of the IOTA chasers. We have applied today for a special callsign, which will be announced once issued. The operation will be carried out by the entire team, using the same equipment employed in the AU2K project. Sagar is a densely inhabited island, which can have an adverse effect on the local noise level. Rest assured that we will be looking for a good location. The operation is tentatively scheduled between Dec 10 and 13.

Update November 5, 2024: It took a couple of weeks for Sarath (VU2RS) to finally receive from the bank, due to high bureaucracy, the funds that Cezar wired him lately. While we have all the major radio components, there are various electrical components and accessories that are purchased now, based on an itemized list that has been established. All the heavy components that cannot be taken with us on the plane will be shipped to Bhubaneswar in advance, where they will be stored until our arrival in a secured room that we rented for this purpose. Camping equipment, including furniture and accessories, will be purchased in Bhubaneswar, before heading to Dhamara.

Update October 28, 2024: Cezar (VE3LYC) purchased his return plane ticket, and he will arrive in India on Nov 26. This will allow our team sufficient time to double check that everything needed for this project is tested and functions as intended.

Following Frank's departure, the project is financed by Cezar. Our team worked on adjusting the budget to current conditions, and found ways to reduce some costs, but the overall reduction is relatively small. Apart from Frank's travel, this includes purchasing a less expensive type of new generators, and using tents locally available. Worth noting, we decided to leave in place all the contingencies already incorporated, including emergency evacuation by high speed boat, if needed.

Update October 25, 2024: We are very pleased to report that several organizations have already responded positively to our grant applications by accepting to support this project. We wish to assure them, as well as all individual donors, of our deep gratitude for their generous assistance. We already placed orders for two new 2kW inverter generators, two 40m 12 AWG power cables, as well as coaxial cables, various radio accessories, and camping gear. After the expedition, these components will be donated to the Amateur Radio Association of Guntur, for their future IOTA and other expeditions.

Please note that a team composed of Sarath (VU2RS), Adi (VU3WEW), and Anil (VU3DXA), and I will attempt to operate as AU2K from Kanika Island, AS-179 New, between December 2 and 7, 2024. Regretfully, Frank (DL4KQ), who planned and worked on this project with us, will be unable to join the team due to family and work-related issues. More information can be found on the expedition webite at https://au2k.weebly.com. We seek financial support from those who are able and willing to help us defray some of the large costs required by this project.

73, Cezar, VE3LYC