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AU7RS - Lakshadweep Isl.

Updated: 4 days ago


AU7RS Update (Jan 21)


AU7RS DXpedition Update: We're Almost There! 😊


Hey everyone! 🙋 We've got some bittersweet news to share. As you know, we've been gearing up for our Lakshadweep Islands DXpedition, and we're super stoked to finally get going! 🎉 However, due to delays in customs clearance and international shipping, we've had to postpone our trip a bit.


The Wait is (Almost) Over!

Good news is, all our equipment has finally arrived in Cochin! 🎉 Our antennas, generators, and other gear are all accounted for, and we're just waiting for the final checks before we head to Agatti Island.


New Dates:Our revised schedule has us operating from February 8-14, 2026. We'll be live on all bands (160m-6m) with QO-100 activity, focusing on:


  • 40m, 80m, and 160m for North America (fingers crossed for some great propagation! 😊)

  • 10M SSB - we're optimistic about making some SSB magic happen 💪


Meet the Team:

  • Sarath, VU2RS

  • Anil, VU3DXA

  • Adersh, VU24DX

  • Renju, VU29AR

  • Girish, VU3GDS


We're a seasoned team with a passion for amateur radio, and we're excited to share our adventure with you all! 🌟


Support Us:

Your contributions will help us make this DXpedition a huge success! 💖 If you'd like to support us, our PayPal is info@sreetek.com. Every bit counts, and we'll make sure it's put to good use 🙏.



Stay tuned for updates, and let's make this happen! 😊



AU7RS Update (Jan 13)


I am writing to provide an update on our progress and the current status of our equipment shipments.


We are pleased to inform you that the shipment from Germany, including the additional taxes, has finally reached Kochi. However, the Dx Commander shipment is still held by customs. They have requested numerous documents, which we are providing promptly, and we hope to have this cleared within the week.


Due to these delays in receiving materials and the subsequent need to ship everything to Agatti, it is unlikely we will be able to proceed as originally planned this week. Consequently, we have sent an email to the WPC to request an extension of our license until February 13, 2025. This extension will provide us with the necessary time to include foreign reciprocal operators in the team, finalize the island selection, and complete the transfer of all materials. This buffer ensures that, even with further complications, we will have enough time to be on the island for a minimum of 8 to 10 days of operation.


Regarding costs, we are paying approximately 50% in customs duties for these items, in addition to what has already been paid for the antennas we have received. Our setup currently includes two 1 kW amplifiers (VK-Amps) with filters pending, and we anticipate having two ICOM IC-7300 MkII units available for use.


Any support is welcome as we work through these logistics. We hope to announce a definitive schedule soon to clear up any ambiguity regarding our timeline.


our Paypla: info@sreetek.com

Our QSL Manager: Charles, M0OXO

Best regards,

Sarath VU2RS



AU7RS Update (Jan 09)


Hey DX Friends!


Bummer news, but we've got to postpone the Lakshadweep Island DXpedition . Our Spiderbeam and DX Commander antennas, crucial for 160m/80m ops, got stuck due to shipment delays . Material arrived end Dec, but UPS/Fedex put it on hold for holidays + customs issues.


BUT - we've got some good stuff too! Loop antennas are in, and we've added 2 x 1KW Amplifiers & 500Watt Power Amplifier to beef up our power . Customs dept friends are helping us clear the mess, and remaining gear arrived in Kochi Jan 2026.


We're waiting on WPC updates on foreign reciprocal licenses. If needed, we'll explore shifting to another island where foreign nationals are allowed . Police verifications are done, we're ready to roll!


We'll share new dates ASAP once customs clears our gear. Stay tuned, thanks for your patience and support!


Cheers,

Sarath (VU2RS)

Expedition Leader, AU7RS

+919949977388 



AU7RS Update (Dec 29)


The AU7RS team regrets to inform that our international members have withdrawn from the VU7 DXpedition due to Indian license issues and personal health grounds.


Despite submitting applications in October and continuous follow-ups, the department has not issued licenses for VU Calls, making it impossible for international team members to participate. With time running out, they've had to cancel flight tickets, incurring significant losses.


Additionally, our agent's application for Agatti permit for foreign hams was rejected by Lakshadweep authorities, impacting our plans.


The Indian team has applied for the Agatti permit and is moving forward with the DXpedition. We hope Indian licenses for foreign hams will arrive soon, allowing participation in future expeditions.


Cheers,

Sarath (VU2RS)

Expedition Leader, AU7RS



AU7RS Update (Dec 26)


The AU7RS team extends heartfelt thanks to Spiderbeam for their timely support to our upcoming VU7 DXpedition to Lakshadweep Islands, India (10th-22nd January)!


We're grateful for Spiderbeam's trust in our team, evident from their support in our previous IOTA activations in India. Their antennas and equipment have been crucial to our successes.


Spiderbeam's support will help us:

- Deploy efficient antennas in challenging Lakshadweep terrain

- Maximize VU7 contacts on all bands (160-6m)

- Promote amateur radio globally


"We're thrilled to have Spiderbeam on board again!" says Sarath, VU2RS, Expedition Leader. "Their gear's reliability and performance make a huge difference in remote DXpeditions."


About AU7RS - VU7 DXpedition:

- Callsign: AU7RS

- Location: Lakshadweep Islands, India (VU7)

- Dates: 10th-22nd January

- Team: Sarath (VU2RS), Adersh (VU24DX), Renju (VU29AR), Anil (VU3DXA), Girish (VU3GDS), Nodir (EY8MM), Hrane (YT1AD), Serge (R7KW), Keith (VE7KW), Axel (DL6KVA), Gerhard (DJ5IW)



AU7RS Update (Dec 21)


Hey DX Community!


As the VU7 team, we're super excited to share our detailed plan for the upcoming AU7RS - VU7 Lakshadweep Islands Expedition, happening from 10th January to 22nd January. We're committed to making this happen, but we need your support!


Here's the thing: despite our best efforts, the support we've received so far is just not enough. We're talking hotel expenses of minimum $$.


But we're not giving up! We've got a solid plan, and we're moving forward. Highlights:


  • We've sorted the landing permits - they're on their way.

  • We've invested in our own amplifiers (big tick!).

  • Our setup: Icom 7300 with amps, 4square antenna (thanks, DX Commander!), 80-10m vertical, 40-10m vertical, tri-bander yagi, hexbeam, 10m and 6m beams.

  • QO-100 setup's done, receive loops for low bands are on the way.

  • Shipping equipment to Om Subbu (VU2NSL) in Kochi to streamline logistics.


What we need now is YOUR support to cover those crazy logistics and hotel costs. Every $ counts!


You can support us via PayPal: info@sreetek.com


Check (link unavailable) for the latest on our VU7 expedition!


FYI, our QSL manager Charles M0OXO has got the license copy and is getting the LoTW certificate sorted. Logs will be uploaded soon!


Supporters who chipped in $100+ are getting a unique thanks gift, already prepped and on its way!


Want more info? Hit up sara@vu2rs.com or our Expedition Leader, Sarath (VU2RS), at +919949977388


We're doing this, DX community. With your support, we'll make it a blast!


Cheers,

Sarath (VU2RS)

Expedition Leader, AU7RS



AU7RS Update (Dec 17)


URGENT SUPPORT NEEDED FOR AU7RS - AGATTI, LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS DX-PEDITION!


Hey fellow DXers and supporters!


We're just a few days away from our highly anticipated AU7RS - Agatti, Lakshadweep Islands DX-pedition, scheduled to take place from 10th to 22nd January 2026!


We're thrilled to announce that we've received support from the European Dx Foundation, which is a huge boost to our efforts! We would also like to extend our gratitude to Jinofer Kavasji "Jino" Bhujwala, VU2JJJ, for his invaluable support to this expedition. Your contribution has not gone unnoticed, and we're honored to have you on board!


However, we still need your help to make this expedition a success.


The Challenge:


We're facing a significant funding shortfall, and the recent Indigo Flights cancellations have added to our woes. But we're not giving up! We've got a solid backup plan in place to ensure the expedition goes ahead as scheduled.


Your Support Matters:


We're counting on your support to help us cover the costs of hospitality and shipping. Every little bit counts, and we're grateful for any contribution you can make!


How to Support:


You can support us through PayPal by sending your donation to info@sreetek.com. Your generosity will help us make this expedition a reality and bring the magic of amateur radio to the beautiful Lakshadweep Islands!


Follow Our Journey:


Stay tuned for updates, photos, and videos from our expedition by following us on social media using the hashtag #AU7RS. We'll be sharing our experiences and adventures with you every step of the way!


Thank You:


A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, including Jinofer Kavasji "Jino" Bhujwala, VU2JJJ, and the European Dx Foundation! Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us. Let's make this expedition an unforgettable one!



AU7RS


Ops: VU2RS, VU24DX, VU3DXA, VU3GDS, VU29AR, EY8MM, DL6KVA, YT1AD, R7KW & DJ5IW


Bands: 6M - 160M


Modes: SSB, CW, FT8 & QO-100 (Focusing on 6M)


Qsl Info: QSL via M0OXO


Start Date - End Date: Jan. 10 - Jan. 22




 
 
 

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