Volume 18 Issue 5 INDIA’S LEADING JOURNAL ON ... FOR ATTENDING SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF NIAR OCTOBER 18 – 20, 2008 AT HYDERABAD – INDIA&

Mr. S. Sathyapal, VU2FI and Mr. D.S.V Sathyanarayana, VU2DSVmet Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Hon`ble Minister of State forCommunication & IT and submitted a representation on behalfof NIAR, on maters related to issue of Amateur Radio licenses,renewals etc., at his residence in New Delhi on March 13, 2008.Dr. Shakeel Ahmed appreciated the the role of hams in naturalcalamities.

Volume 18 Issue 5 INDIA’S LEADING JOURNAL ON AMATEUR RADIO Feb - Mar 2008

Come ‘n’ Join us for Silver Jubilee Celebrations in 2008-09

Ms. S. Yamini, VU2YAM, made a successful adventurous tripas a part of international HAM expedition TI9KK team touninhabited Islands to Isla Del Coco, Cocos, Costa Rica, CentralAmerica. First Indian HAM operator and only woman of 12member international team from USA, Europe and Asia. Shemade more than three thousand contacts in voice and digitalmodes in ham radio.

(Details inside page 8 to 10)

Swami Jnanadananda, presenting amemento to Ms. Yamini and Shri. K. R. Suresh

Reddy, Hon’ble Speaker, A.P. LegislativeAssembly, Govt. of A.P. gave away

‘Outstanding Achievement Award’

Dr. Prabhakar Rao, IPS (Retd.) formerDGP felicitated for his contribution

to Amateur Radio.

Mr. Ajeer Vidya, IAS (Retd.), Former Jt.Secretary, Govt. of India felicitated for

his support to development ofAmateur Radio.

Swami Jnanadananda, President, Ramakrishna Mutt unveilednew conference facility “Swami Vivekananda Hall” in NIAR campus,Raj Bhavan Road, Hyderabad on 16th March 2008. In his inauguraladdress swami ji blessed the audience with his divine thoughtsof imparting knowledge and information sharing among thepeople with technology coupled with spiritual enlightenmentfor the betterment of society, in line with the discourses of SwamiVivekananda.

Hon’ble Speaker Shri Suresh Reddy was the Chief Guest onthe occasion and stressed that youth may be encouraged to takeup amateur radio as a tool for scientific development and alsoutilizing the communication resources for Disaster Managementfor the benefit of communities.

He also felicitated Ms. S. Yamini, for her OutstandingAchievements.

(contd on page 2)

“Swami Vivekananda Hall” at NIAR campus inaugurated

HAM NEWS FEB - MAR 2008 PAGE 2


Shri K.R. Suresh Reddy, Hon’ble Speaker, A.P. LegistrativeAssembly Govt. of A.P. greeting foreign & Indian Hams on radio

Distinguished guests and NIAR members at theinaugural function

Shri K.R. Suresh Reddy, Hon’ble Speaker,A.P. Legistrative Assembly Govt. of A.P., gave away Outstanding

Service Award and a momento to Mr. S. Ram Mohan,Director NIAR. Swami Jnanadananda, presented a shawl

Continue from page 1 …Felicitations for Outstanding Service were also done

to Mr. S.Ram Mohan, Director, NIAR and Dr. P.G.KrishnaMurthy, Director & General Secretary, Jeevantatva Yoga.Shri Suri Founder & Chairman NIAR speaking on theoccasion explained that innovations in latest technologycan be brought through young minds getting involved inactivities like amateur radio which can work as a catalystfor developing scientific temper among youth as well asmake them useful citizens with social responsibility.

Shri R.Prabhakar Rao IPS (Retd.), former DGP AP gavethe welcome address on this occasion and Shri Ajeer Vidya,IAS (Retd.), Dr. P.G.Krishnamurthy, Director, JeevantatvaYoga, Shri A.R.Raju President Jeevantatva Yoga were thedistinguished speakers at this event.

Mr.S.Ram Mohan, VU2MYH, Director, National Instituteof Amateur Radio presented the vote of thanks

Swami Jnanadananda and Shri K.R. SureshReddy, Hon’ble Speaker, A.P. Legistrative

Assembly Govt. of A.P. felicitatingDr. P. G. Krishnamurthy, Gen. Secy.Jeevanatatva Yoga Samstha with

Outstanding Service Award

Shri K. Aravinda Rao, IPS, Additional DGPChief Guest of Yoga seminar presents a

shawl to felicitate Mr. Suri, Chairman NIAR.Shri A.R. Raju, President Jeevanatatva

Yoga Samstha is also seen.

Shri K. Aravinda Rao, IPS, Additional DGPfelicitating Mr. Ramana Rao, Civil Engineer,

for his contribution to society.Shri L.V. Subramahnyam, IAS., Pr.Secy.Govt. of A.P., Shri A.R. Raju, Shri S. Suri,

and other members are also seen.

Mr. Jignesh Desai, AD6TF/VU3JDI, a famous Ham Dx-erand Life member of NIARvisited NIAR on 7th january 2008and gave a presentation on hisDxpedition to Aves Island (YV0)in Venezuela, Caribbean, one ofthe most wanted DXCC entitiesof the world. Aves Island was arestricted military area and

died of heart attack. after a radiosilence of 12 hours, they wereauthorized to use the callsign YX0LIXin his honour. after some monthsthat Island went down in the sea ina cyclone and there is no islandnow. Mr. Jignesh also interactedwith the NIAR staff and severalother local hams who alsoattended the presentation. He is

wildlife reservation. At first they used the callsign YX0A. on theirfirst day on the island, one of the team member OM Jose, VY5LIX

also an active member of the Brahma Kumaris, currently living inSan Fransisco, USA.

In the second session Jeevanatatva Yoga Samstha conducted a Seminar on Yoga



FIRST INFORMATION CIRCULARINVITATION FOR ATTENDING SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF NIAR

OCTOBER 18 – 20, 2008 AT HYDERABAD – INDIA&

AMATEUR RADIO ACTIVITY FROM VU2 / VU4/VU7 DURING OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 3, 2008TO REGISTER YOUR NAME ONLINE GO http://www.niar.org/sj/form.html

Dear Friends and fellow Hams,

National Institute of Amateur Radio was established with its headquarters in Hyderabad in the year 1983 withthe objective of promoting amateur radio activity in the country. Commemorating 25 glorious years of service tosociety, we would like to celebrate this occasion with fellow hams and our members in India and abroad withactivities on the band as well as at Hyderabad.

Over the last 25 years, NIAR has been successful in conducting several awareness activities at schools andcolleges; organsing Dxpeditions to Andaman and Nicobar Islands & Lakshadweep Islands; training programs forASOC examination; providing Emergency Communications; operating QSL bureau and liaison with the governmentof India for implementing policies and programs for development of amateur radio in the country.

The population of radio amateurs since NIAR existence has risen from over 1800 in the year 1983 to over15000 in this period. Numerous awards and appreciation received by us from several government and non-government agencies in India and abroad speak about our commitment in achieving the objectives of theorganisation.

The success of Hamfest 2007 and Dxpedition VU7RG/VU7MY held during January 2007 in Lakshadweep Islandswas amongst the most challenging events organized ever by NIAR with support of several agencies of Governmentof India, Lakshadweep Islands administration and amateur radio associations worldwide which added a newdimension of HAM TOURISM to India. Over 1,19,000 contacts made during a short period, proves the skills of amateurradio operators in making successful two-way communication from any remote part of the world even underextreme propagation conditions.

We would like to extend an invitation to you to join us with family and friends for Silver Jubilee celebrations atHyderabad during 18-20 October, 2008 and also enjoy amateur radio activity from any of the exotic touristy locationsafter the event until to November 3, 2008. NIAR will also assist its guests in regard of reciprocal licenses or operationpermits for VU4 or VU7 activations. Kindly note VU4/VU7 permissions are subject to Govt. of India clearances.

Kindly register your name at the earliest and sign-in your intent at the website http://www.niar.org/sj/form.htmlwhere you will find more details about license requirements.

As it requires processing the application forms for each of the interested amateur radio operator for a specificlocation, we request the interested Hams to submit all the necessary documentation by POST MAIL to the addressmentioned below:

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF AMATEUR RADIORAJ BHAVAN ROADHYDERABAD – 500 082.INDIA

We would like you to join us for the silver jubilee celebrations and enjoy your stay in India.

Thanking you.With warm regards,

Yours sincerely,

(S. Suri, VU2MY)Chairman & CEO, NIAR



VU2GE, ANADI GANGULY - A TRUE PIONEERBY : Arya Ghosh, VU2 GKB

VU2GE, OM ANADI GANGULY, orAnandi da , as he is fondly knownin the radio amateur circle is ahumble child of only 76 years’ ofage. He had stepped into the worldof amateur radio in the year 1957.At that point in time he hadreceived an Wireless ExperimentalLicense which was converted intoa full fledged Amateur W/T licensein the year 1960.

He has been an excellent home brewer, made AM VALVETRANSMITTER in the year 1957, while he listened into theamateur radio frequencies using the BC 348 receiver., usinga DIPOLE ANTENNA, home brewed. He then went onto buildSSB VALVE 20 METRE TRANSMITTER in the year 1960. Hisinnovative brilliance did not stop there, as he excelled againin making THREE BAND SSB TRANSMITTER in the year 1968,using home brewed INVERTED V and QUAD ANTENNAS for 7AND 14 MHZ.

Anadi da is a mirror of hard-core dedication, sincerity for thehobby of amateur radio and has a strong passion for thehobby. He is like a guiding star to the youngsters and aspiringhams, filling them with effective knowledge at the slightestopportunity where help is required.

At the moment, he can be heard on on KOLKATA VHFFREQUENCIES and on 20/40 metre too, provided a goodpropagation condition exists.

Come, let us all wish this technical genius all the very best fora long life and sound health as we need him for his expertiseand pay tribute to his passion, sincerity and dedication for thehobby.

We are happy that as part of world Amateur Radio daycelebrations, NIAR has considered to lend him an HF AmateurRadio Station with full accessories.

Training classes at Little Flower High School,Hyderabad

Ham Radio Examination conducted at Little Flower HighSchool, VU2LFC, Hyderabad on March 04, 2008.Over the years,the Little Flower High School, Hyderabad has beenencouraging amateur radio activity as part of their schoolcurriculum and has allocated an exclusive room for Ham Clubactivities and one period during the school hours for thebenefit of students interested to attend Ham classes. NIAR isdeputing its members of staff to train and encourage thestudents to appear for ASOC examination, the last batch oftraining was started on 24th July 2007 in which enrolled 28students including 4 girls from classes VII to IX. These studentsappeared for ASOC examination on March 05, 2008. The HamClub VU2LFC was inaugurated by Mr. Denzil B. Atkinson, Ex.MP and was initiated under his MPLAD scheme.

World Amateur Radio DayEach year on 18 April, radio amateurs celebrate World AmateurRadio Day. On that day in 1925 the International AmateurRadio Union (IARU) was founded.

The theme of the celebration this year is: “Amateur Radio: AFoundation for Technical Knowledge”.

It is no secret that many professionals in the field of radio, TV,communications, electronics, etc. have started their technicaleducation as young Radio Amateurs. Although Amateur Radiohas a different face nowadays – Digital Communications,Voice over Internet Protocol, Satellite up- and downlinks, etc.– it is even of greater value as a foundation for technicalknowledge for youngsters. And much more – it is and shouldbe used as a unique attraction for future young RadioAmateurs.

Source : www.iaru.org

Quilon Amateur Radio League announcesHAMFAIR, 2008

In connection with the world amateur radio day celebrations,the Quilon Amateur Radio League is conducting Hamfair, 2008on 20th April, 2008.

Venue will be Jaladarshini Auditorium, Thevally, Kollam.The registration fee will be Rs. 100/- per head. Exhibition andsale of ham radio equipment as well as electronic componentswill be arranged. The programme will be starting at 9:00 AM.

Lake City Phone ContestThe lake city phone contest for HAM rolling shield will beconducted from 5:00 PM on 12/04/08 to 5:00 pm 13/04/08.The contest will be for 7 MHz. only. The contestants will getone point for each conact including DX contacts. Copy of logmay be sent to:The Quilon Amateur Radio, PO Box no. 335,Kollam – 691001. so as to reach it on or before 18/04/08.

XII Kerala VHF Fox HuntThe XII Kerala VHF Fox hunt for CSD rolling shield will beconducted on 6th April, 2008 at Kottayam. In addition to therolling shields, cash awards will also be given to the 1st, 2nd

and 3rd prize winners. The hunt will start at 8:00 AM. Theparticipating teams may register with the secretary before5th April in writing or over telephone (0474-2552749; Mobile– 09446854749). As per information received from Mr. P.Surendran, VU2SYT, Secretary, Quilon Amateur Radio League,Kollam



Amateur Radio takes lead in Orissa

Mr. P. R. Mohapatra, Manager Coordination, OSDMA (3rd from Left)with Mr. Madhu Mohan, VU2UWZ, Mr. Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, & Ms. B.

Lata instructors, NIAR during training at Bhubaneswar.

Mr. Sushil Kumar Dhingra, VU2LFA taking advance AmateurRadio classes at CYSD centre, Bhubaneswar for pre qualified

ASOC students in previous batches and Licensee hams of Orissa

Ms. Binata Pradhan VU3BPH, Ms. Kausalya Jena, VU3KHJ, Ms.Kalpana Sahu VU3SWO YL hams from Orissa on radio during

ASOL training organised by OSDMA, Bhubaneswar.

Amateur Radio service and hams are known to provide theirskill to support administrations during Natural and manmadecalamities. The national policy in Disaster Management alsorecognizes and encourages amateur radio activities as well aspromotes the same through various agencies of the government.Amateur radio is recognized not only as a means of EmergencyCommunication but also as a tool for skill development andsocial empowerment.

The Orissa State Disaster Mitigation Authority (OSDMA),Bhubaneswar has initiated a major program to empower localcommunities in the most vulnerable areas of the coast as wellas other regions to provide alternate means of communicationthrough Amateur Radio. Several training program wereconducted in year 2007-08 at Bhubaneswar in whichparticipants from various parts of the state underwent trainingfor ASOC examinations and qualified in the same. The trainingprogram was attended by representatives of various NGO’s,individuals, students, Advocates, Doctors, Civil Defense officialsas well as from Fire and Police Departments.

The training program was conducted in a phase manner duringthe year for candidates to appear for Grade II and Grade I ASOCexamination. Over 250 candidates were training during the yearout of which 42 qualified in first 2 phases out of five phases. Theresult is also awaited for the examinations held during Januaryand March 2008.

We would like to thank the Managing Director, OSDMA andManager (Coordination) OSDMA for taking the initiative toencourage amateur radio in the state. Several hams in the mostvulnerable areas are likely to be empowered with skill andequipment in the future progress envisaged by OSDMA. Theprogram may be set an example for nationwide network ofamateur radio centres in future.

A look on previous batches

First Amateur Radio training was conducted at RSTI (T), AIR &DD, Bhubaneswar from April 16, 2007 to May 12, 2007 with 53students. Total 22 students passed in this batch. Mr. Sushil KumarDhingra, VU2LFA and Mr. Madhu Mohan, VU2UWZ were theinstructors for this batch. This batch was inaugurated by Mr.Nikunja Kishore Sunderay, Managing Director, OSDMA.

Second Amateur Radio training was conducted at RSTI (T), AIR &DD, Bhubaneswar from with 69 students. Total 19 studentspassed in this batch. Mr. Sushil Kumar Dhingra, VU2LFA, Mr. S.Madhu Mohan, VU2UWZ and Mr. Jose Jacob, VU2JOS weredeputed to conduct the training program which concluded withASOC exam was conducted on 5th October 2007.

Third Amateur Radio training was conducted at Red CrossBhavan, Bhubaneswar from January 03, 2007 to January 21, 2007with 54 students. Mr. Sushil Kumar Dhingra and Ms. B. Lata werethe instructors for this batch. Result not yet declared.

Fourth and Fifth Twin training program was conducted for ASOCGrade I examination at CYSD during the month of February /March 2008 in which the candidates who certain qualified inGrade II and Grade II (Rest.) Examinations study earlier. OSDMAprovided participants of the program with Materials, CodePractice Oscillators including a participation certificate to all thecandidates.



2nd “Ham Meet, Field Camp” by Indian WaveAmateur Radio (IWAR)

S. Sathyapal, VU2FI, Director, IIH, Bangalore

Indian Wave Amateur Radio (IWAR) organized 2nd “HamMeet, Field Camp” on 27th January 2008. This Meet focused onbringing all the Hams of Kolkatta together and created awarenessto many interested aspirants.

Om Tapas Chakraborthy, VU2TKC gave Welcome address.Other prominent guests Dr. Sagar Sanyal, VU3SAQ, OM A.T.BOSE,VU2AMB, Mr. APARBA SINHA ROY, CEO, J RCOMPONENTEXTERPRISES PVT LTD (Dealer in ICOM), OM SATHYAPAL, VU2FI,OM Prasanta Kumar Bhattacharya, VU2PBI.

On behalf of the NIAR, Mr. S. Sathyapal VU2FI congratulatedthe members of IWAR for organising excellent program topromote Amateur Radio in East and North Eastern part of Indiaand presented a cheque of Rs. 5,000/- to the organizers.

He welcomed all the Hams / SWLs for the Silver JubileeCelebrations to be held in the month of October 2008 inHyderabad.

OM Prasanta Kumar Bhattacharya gave a talk on “Ham Radioand its technical involvement”. Many other guests spoke on thesubject.

OM Sathyapal, VU2FI, delivered a talk on “Role of Ham andHam Clubs during Disasters”. He called upon all the Hams to bein touch with local Ham clubs and in turn with National Instituteof Amateur Radio, Hyderabad which is the National Organisationfor Hams in the VU Land having good platform and infrastructurefor providing effective Ham Communication Network duringdisasters”.

He emphasized that unless there is group and team co-ordination it is difficult to reach disaster sites and provide meaningfull Ham network either to NGOs or to concerned authoritiesNIAR is the organization very well recognized in the Countryand specially internationally. He said Ham club should periodicalconduct Field training programme (Fields days) to get self trainedin quick setting up of antennas. Practice of checking into thenets either on VHF and HF should be maintained by Hams sothat they are in touch with other fellow Hams and to keep theirHam Station in order during any crises. Booming of Echolinkactivities was highlighted. VU2FI expressed each State or Districtshould have a dynamic person like OM Suri, VU2MY, then we canmanufacture as many hams as possible and keep the Ham Radio

Flag flying in the greater heights. In Karnataka, specially inBangalore, many Hams call me as “Bangalore Suri”, I am proudBut here in Kolkata I have noticed OM Tanumay (Handle George),VU3SQY harmonic of VU2TKC is very active boy in Kolkata inpromoting Ham Radio, I called him as “Kolkata Suri”.

Bengal Excellent Award 2008 was presented to OM GopalChandra Mandel, VU3GCM who is Technical Ham and discoveredseveral types of VHF / HF Circuit Boards.

Various stalls (like ICOM products) were on demonstrationthere. This “Ham Meet” was attended by more over 130 Hams /SWLs.

Lecture and Demonstration by S. Sathyapal,Director, Indian Institute of Hams, Bangalore.

Indian Institute of Hams conducted 2 days Lecture andlive demonstration for NSS Students at NSS Bhavan, BangaloreUniversity on 16th and 17th February 2008. This programwas attended by more than 100 NSS students.

Mr Sathyapal, VU2FI, delivered a talk on Ham Radio andits importance of becoming a HAM. Prof. Basavaraj Raj,VU3MHT, NSS Co-ordinator, SJR College gave a talk on BasicElectronics. Mr. Sathyapal also lowered the flag around 1800hrs on 16th February 2008.

On 17th February 2008 morning around 6 a.m. NSS Flagwas hoisted by Prof. Basavaraj Raj, VU3MHT. NSS studentserected the HF and VHF antennas and activated Ham Stationwith booming activities.

During the demonstration, many NSS students exchangedthe greetings and clarified doubts through the Ham Radio.This demonstration was supported by OM Soma - VU2RO,OM Varadhan, VU3ITI, OM Subbu, VU2ZUB, OM Pal, VU2PALon Belgaum Net, OM Keethi, VU3KCA, LION Ajoy, VU2JHMand many others.

NSS Co-ordinator Mr. Lakshmipathy showed keen interestin conducting Ham Training programmes periodically for NSSstudents and to setup the Ham Radio Club at NSS Bhavan,Bangalore University.


The members of the Governing council of NIAR met on 24th January 2008 and discussedon various projects and programs conducted by the organization.

The NIAR Governing Council met on 24th January 2008 at Hyderabad.The meeting was chaired by Mr.S.Suri. Members from different partsof the country attended the meeting. The GC discussed variousprojects and programs conducted by the organization. The Councilreviewed the progress made on the administrative activities ofNIAR including the Awareness, Training programs, ASOLExaminations and other activities of the Institution. The future plansand policy matters were discussed elaborately. The GC gave approvalto celebrate NIAR’s Foundation Day on June 21, 2008 and its SilverJubilee celebrations from October 18 to 20, 2008 at NIAR Hyderabadfollowed by Amateur Radio activity from Andaman, Lakshadeepand IOTA Island of India with the support of Government and otherorganizations and individuals. Foreign and local Hams and clubs

are to be invited for the same. It was decided to expand the NIAR conference facilities in view of the Silver Jubilee celebrations. Theorganizational development was reviewed. It was decided to make a road map document with an emphasis to create 1, 00,000 hams and forthe development of Amateur Radio in the country. It was decided to activate stations from Amateur Radio centers in different parts of thecountry on a regular basis for the empowerment of people to Amateur Radio communications. The GC members are of the opinion that NIARis a world class Institution even with its limited resources. More International exposure and participation is needed. The GC Members alsocongratulated Ms.Yamini, VU2YAM on her Dxpedition to Cocos Island and wished her Bon Voyage. The meeting ended withvote of thanks to the chair.


At the Tsunami in 2004 and in many calamities likeearthquakes and Cyclones the years before NIAR is rendered itsvaluable services in India. NIAR organized an InternationalHamfest -2006 in A & N islands and Hamfest -2007 in LaccadiveIslands. These hamfests attracted the world attention towardsIndia and NIAR. And in cooperation of NIAR and AustrianAmateur Radio Club (OEVSV), a training program EmergencyManagement Training Program for 8 Indian hams in Austria in2007 was organized. “We realised the Indian hams areexperienced amateurradio operators, and informed about newcommunication technics. To note is, that Mohan and Yaminiknew to handle Pactor. So the OEVSV offered Mr. Suri to namean Indian ham, to give the chance to participate an internatioalDX-pedition. Yamini VU2YAM took the challange best prepared.She worked like an experienced ham. And without her effort atthe Telecommunication Ministery of Costa Rica TI9KK wouldnot have been on air.” On this basis we brought equipment forPactor III to Cocos Island. With a TRX-PTC build in a YaesuFT897D YL Yamini VU2YAM (Admin. officer from NIAR) could sendemails and on our way to Isla Del Coco in ship in Pacific Ocean. We sent a position report to our friends at home. You can findthe trace on www.winlink.org “maps””user position” at entercallsign write”OE9AMJ”.

When we reached San Jose, we heard that our licencewas cancelled. We explained them starting from NIAR hamfestin India, to your visit in Austria, to the emergency training inAustria we explained the Director of the Telecommunicationministry we do not go only for hamradio to the island. We goto work with new techniques like Pactor III, to build up stationsin stress situation. That opened their mind and Yamini explainedAmateur radio and Mohan‘s letter to the Ministry perfect. Mohan

A report from Arno Metzler, OE9AMJ on TI9KK Dxpeditionwrote in good words. The letter and the article about Yamini inHindu impressed them and helped to get the licence. OnlyYamini‘s dedication made us to go. Every body in the teamappreciated her.

Ms Yamini VU2YAM was very good prepared she actedprofessionally like she already has been at some DX-peditionsbefore. There are not many places the challenge for amateurradio hams is so high as on Cocos Island in the Pacific ocean.Cocos Island is only jungle with no place to erect antennas. Atlow tide, we could build up the antennas. At high tide thebasement was under water.

On Cocos Island isonly jungle and to carry 2Stations up a hill, 250mabove sea level, was hardwork. But there is no otherplace for 40m and 20m4Square antennas. Between4feet high bushes it was noteasy to move, but easyto elevate the radials.With 300m long wires webrought electricity up thehill. No generator nor fuel wehad to carry up to thestations.

Finally, we did our best

Mr. Arno Metzler, OE9AMJ



Beginning of a adventurous Journey

It was a proud and prestigious moment as the members ofGoverning Council of NIAR, members of media, family & friendswish Bonvoyage as I embark on a journey to Isla Del Coco, CostaRica as the first Indian and only women of the 12 memberInternational team of amateur radio operators. Emotions werefloating high in the air and so were the expectations of peoplearound me looking forward to a very successful event.

Unaware of the harsh and unexpected reality, Arno OE9AMJand I, arrived in San Jose only to learn that the ‘TI9K’ wascancelled. The disappointment was not that the license wascancelled but the seriousness of the issue was not knownanytime during our preparations even before our travel. Thelicense was not cancelled once but twice.

We in India are trained to expect the unexpected, I am lucky tobe working as part of the administrative team under theleadership of Mr.S. Suri, VU2MY Founder Chairman, NIAR whoserich experience in dealing with emergency situations help meto gain strength and courage to speak to the concernedauthorities in Costa Rica and restore the permission forDxpedition.

The letter of support from NIAR which explained the objectivesof the expeditions i.e. to create awareness and encourageamateur radio activity in various countries, to Enhance skills ofamateur radio operation under extreme conditions, to BuildInternational relations among the people with two-way radiocontacts and to Promote and Popularize local culture andtourism. The media coverage about TI9K event in India, besidesindividual representations, as well as the explanation of Mr. Arno

Metzler about the Emergency Training Program organized byhim in Austria for 8 Indian hams strengthened our request withauthorities to reconsider their earlier decision and re-issue theDxpedition permission with a new callsign ‘TI9KK’.

I am grateful to officers of Ministry of Communications, ParkAuthorities in Costa Rica to have agreed to support ourdxpedition. I will always remember the words of my mentor Mr.Suri - An Impossible was made Possible. I would humbly acceptthat my inexperience in radio operation may have resulted inreduced contacts but I am happy that my contribution to be partof the team made TI9KK a reality and helped us achieve ourgoal.

Team Members

SSB : S. Yamini VU2YAM, Carlos EA1IR,

SSB/RTTY : Oscar EA1DR, Guenter DL2AWG, Manfred HS0ZEU/DL2EBR, Andy DH8WR/EA2CRX

SSB/CW : Norbert DJ7JC, Arno OE9AMJ, Craig K9CT

SSB/EME : Fred DH5FS,

CW : Joe AA4NN, Charles W4GMY

Many of the members did not know each other until this event.Working together to achieve a common objective,understanding each others strengths and not projecting eachothers weakness made us a team.

Planning and Preparation

Organising a dxpedition to unknown / un-inhabited parts of theworld and challenges of conducting a successful event requireutmost dedication and teamwork among members to achievethe target. The team had maintained continuous dialogue anddiscussions on all issues including Equipment, Antennas,Location, Operation, Propagation, Logistics, Sponsorships andabove all safety. Detailed discussions with regard to equipment,antennas, power source for each station were meticulouslyplanned well in advance. It was decided that all members of theteam meet two days in advance to re-check the equipment thatwas brought for the expedition and operating trails wereconducted in Playa Del Coco.

Waves of TI9KK - An international ham operators expedtionin Isla Del Coco, Costa Rica, Cental America - by Ms. S. Yamini, VU2YAM

Ms. S. Yamini along with TI9KK Team (L-R): Mr. Joe, AA4NN; Mr. CharlesChuck, W4GMY; Mr. Manfred, HS0ZEU; Mr. Guenter, DL2AWG; Mr. Fred,

DH5FS; Ms. Yamini, VU2YAM; Mr. Arno, OE9AMJ; Mr. Andy, DH8WR;Mr. Oscar, EA1DR; Mr. Carlos, EA1IR; Mr. Craig, K9CT; Mr. Nobert, DJ7JC

Mr. S. Suri, VU2MY presenting a bouquet to Ms.S. Yamini, VU2YAMat Hyderabad Airport, as other members wish her Bon Voyage.

Ms. S. Yamini and members of “TI9KK” team with officials ofMinistry of Tele-communications, Govt. of Costa Rica.



The best of Location

Located (5.47N - 5.63N / 86.97W - 87.13W) offshore 330 milesfrom main land, this island paradise of Isla del Coco, also calledCocos Island, and is the most distant and isolated of Costa Rica’sprovinces.

Location: IOTA NA-012 - DXCC TI9 - CQ 7 ITU 12.

Isla del Cocos was first discovered by Juan Cabezas, a Spanishexplorer, in 1526. Soon after, explorers and pirates were usingthe island as a place to rest and restock on food and fresh water.From this site, they would also stage their incursions, plunderingSpanish settlements and vying for control in the area. Today, thepresence of pirates still lingers on the island, part of which ismanifested by the prospect of unearthing caches of buriedtreasure, which allegedly still exist.

Its colorful and mysterious history, natural splendor, and reputedstatus as one of the world’s best diving spots make the journeya truly unforgettable experience. Still, only several hundredvisitors take the relatively costly voyage to Cocos Island annually,either by cruise or chartered yacht, and a significant portion ofthem come to use this natural laboratory for scientific endeavors.

Isla del Coco National Park records the presence of at least 97bird species that includes the cuckoo and the Cocos IslandFlycatcher. About 20% of the diverse insects found here areautochthonous in nature, apart form the two species of reptiles.The scraggy coastline is bordered with cliffs that shoot up to aheight of 183 meters. Underwater caves are common. Thetransparent turquoise waters are rich in marine life. Sharks arealmost omnipresent and the gigantic hammerheads, whitetipped sharks and whale sharks are frequently spotted. The smallerfish species include jacks, tuna, parrot fish and manta.

Operation that we did

To conduct round the clock operation 5 independent amateurradio stations were setup powered with diesel generators. Onestation on the hill and one near the beach were set to be inoperate at all times during the period of operation. CW, SSB andRTTY stations regularly in operation each day.

The excitement and joy of reaching the island made everymember of the team forget the trying journey of 50 long hoursin a yacht across the pacific ocean. The first of stations weresetup within few hours upon arrival on an elevated locationadjacent to the beach. We used a 18m fibre mast to support a

A look on the TI9KK station in the cocos Jungle.

Spiderbeam on the beach and Dipole was the antenna to usefor 40m, 160m and 80m using open wire feeder to an MFJbalanced tuner. The dipole proved to be very effective on 160mCW for the U.S. and Europe with excellent receive capability aswell.

Isla Del Coco is only a jungle. Toughest challenge was to carryloads of equipment, operating gear up the hill, over 250m wereanother location was identified to setup other stations. Nogenerator nor fuel could be carried to the station on the hill, a300m long wires were used to bring electricity. 2 Stations on ahill, 250 m above sea level, worked on 40m and 20m 4Squareantennas installed between 4feet high bushes.

Expect the unexpected, was the statement of the day, and oneach day of our expedition. Heavy rains, submerging of antennasin high tide, frequent damage to antennas due to extremeweather, high radio noise in night hours, technical troubles withthe generators, and woes of propagation, finally resulted inreduced the number of hours of our operation.

Each operator took every opportunity to satisfy the needs ofdxers for a single contact with ‘TI9KK’. Negotiating with crowdson the band, making best use of operating conditions wasefficiently managed by most members of the team. The use ofband pass filters helped us work on different bands within thelimited band openings, however the noise from adjacent stationspeaked S9 causing serious interference.

The pain of insect bites and a swollen cheek did not deter mycommitment to prove as a valuable member of the team. The 4day radio operation from the Isla Del Coco was certainly amemorable experience.

Equipment that worked :

Ms. S. Yamini, VU2YAM operating Ham Station

Installations for TI9KK at full swing at cocos islands.



Radios: Icom IC7000, K2, FT897, IC706 with linear Amplifiers

Antennas: HyGain AV640 Vertical 40m - 6m 2X40m Dipole withsymmetric 450 Ohm feedline 18 m high for 160 - 80 m, TunerAV640, StepIR Vertical, 40m 4 Square, 20m 4 Square, HF6V.

Software: MiXW 2.18

Results- we can say

The challenge operating under extreme weather conditions,heavy rains and frequent damage to antennas had adverseimpact on the operation. Technical problems with generatorsand equipment were tactfully managed by Mr. Manfred duringthe entire period. The team members provided their technicalexpertise in repairing the wireless station and antennas of thelocal authority on the Island.

The success and achievement cannot be judged only fromnumber of contacts made but the spirit of working towards agoal, excellent co-operation and commitment among themembers for a team work has immensely contributed to thesuccess of TI9KK Dxpedition.

Installations for TI9KK at full swing at cocos islands. A look at Amateur Radio Station setup for “TI9KK” operation.

The team had very high expectations about the operations, butbecause of unfavorable natural difficulties and otheradministrative problems, we could make over 18000 contactsall over the world with all bands as per our earlier plan. I couldmake over 3000 contacts during my operations. We againopened the doors to TI9.

The experience of being the only woman and a vegetarianmember of the team, brought out the best of survival skills andgave courage to face extreme challenges in life. My first everdxpedition is the best for a life time.

Your support is our strength

TI9KK was certainly most memorable achievements in my life. Ithank Mr. Arno Metzler, OE9AMJ for bringing me on to the teamand NIAR for their support. I specially thank my family for theirencouragement to make this adventurous trip a success.

I am grateful to NCDXF, GDXF, SDXF, URE, Danish DX Group,INDEXA, Nippon Dx Association, EUDXF, Bittern DX group, SEDCO,TEC, RSGB IOTA and other Dx foundations as well as equipmentsponsors, without their support and contribution to the teamthis event would not be possible.

MAHABHALIPURAM EYE-BALLHAM MEET 2008

Mahabhalipuram eye-ball Ham Meet 2008 was held

on Saturday 9th at Hotel Veras, Mahabhalipuram. Tamil

Nadu.

Programme started with an inaugural song sung

by VU2SIO’s child and welcome address by OM Sunder,

VU2VSD. One minute Silent Prayer was observed for the

Hams who become silent key recently.

Many technical Hams were appreciated by

garlanding / shawl for their contributions in Ham Radio.

More than 120 participants, specially active Hams

from all the corners of South India attended the meet.

Many stalls like Sale of used Equipments, Accessories,

Circuit boards, Frequency Counters, SWR Meters and

many more which attracted the participants.

OM Vittal, VU2VIT, OM Inarappan, VU2INA and few

others who keep this meet going in a befitting way.

REF (SSB) CONTEST

The Reseau Des Emetteurs Francais (REF) organized radio

amateurs world wide contest to establish as many contacts

as possible between radio amateur around the world and

French radio amateurs during 23-24 Feb, 2008.

Ms. S. Yamini, VU2YAM visited the F6REF Contest Station

along with Mr. Florant Moudar, F5CWU. She was active

during this period and witnessed the activities. The contest

station was active during 0600 hrs on 23.2.2008 to 1800

hrs Sunday, 24th Feb 2008 on 80,40,20,15,10 metres.



Date : 26/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/26/stories/2008012657880400.htm

From Hyderabad to Cocos IslandSadineni Yamini (22), the only woman of a 15-member international team of ham operators,

will be on an uninhabited island for two weeks

HYDERABAD: I am looking forward with excitement and trepidation since I will be away on anuninhabited island for almost a fortnight,” remarked 22-year-old Sadineni Yamini, the youngestand sole woman of a 15-member international expedition of ham operators to the picturesqueIsla del Coco (Cocos Island), off Costa Rica from February 6.

Incidentally, she will be the first Indian to participate in a ‘dxpedition’ of radio amateurs outsideIndia.

To live in boat

Talking to The Hindu here before leaving on Friday en route Amsterdam, Miami (USA) and SanJose (Costa Rica), Yamini described the upcoming visit as an ‘adventure and a technicalexperiment’ during which she and the others will live in a boat on the high seas of the Pacificcoast. The Cocos Island is one of the national parks of Costa Rica and was declared a worldheritage site. Its deep waters are home to hammered sharks, rays and dolphins and other

marine fauna. It is also famous for scuba diving.

The young Indian ham enthusiast has been sponsored by the Austrian Amateur Radio Society and the National Institute ofAmateur Radio (NIAR). Yamini, whose call sign is VU2YAM, said the team after sailing for about 40 hours from San Jose andreaching the island would set up five to six amateur radio stations. The main aim of the expedition is to test state-of-the-arttechnologies. She has been assigned a particular mode of voice and digital communication called PACTOR-3.

NIAR founder chairman and director S. Suri, said many new communication technologies would be tested during the expedition.He said PACTOR-3 was a modem for digital communication and would be tried for sending e-mail without internet. Aiming forthe top

Yamini, who is married and has a three-year-old daughter, said her aim was to be numero uno among women ham radiooperators in the world. Besides seeking to achieve the highest number of communication contacts, she would like to serveduring calamities and spread awareness among schoolchildren about the utility of ham radio.

sources : http://www.eenadu.net/archives/archive-13-4-2008/

vasundhara.asp?qry=pratibha&archdsn=1342008

“WAVES OF TI9KK” - MEDIA REPORT

MEDIA COVERAGE

Book-Post PRINTED MATTER

If undelivered please return to :NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF AMATEUR RADIO6-3-1092/93, Raj Bhavan Road, Somajiguda, Hyderabad – 500 082. IndiaEmail : [email protected]: www.niar.org, Telefax: 040-23310287, Tel : 040 - 65167388.Club Station: VU2NRO 14.160 Mhz, Echolink-Node: 133507.

This edition is compiled by S. Ram Mohan, VU2MYH, Sushil Kumar Dhingra, VU2LFA, Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, & Ms. Yamini VU2YAM

Printed and Published by the Editor on behalf of NIAR and Printed at Sri Vani Print & Pack, 7-1-282/C/44 & 55, Balkampet, Hyderabad - 18. Ph. 23815691.



Prominent Visitors to NIAR

Mr. T. Kamalakar Rao, MLC Speaking to foreignHams Via Echolink during his visit to NIAR

on 7th January 2008.

Mrs. Christine Lazzres, MLA visited NIAR Club Stationon 27th January 2008. Mr. S. Suri, VU2MY gave a demo

of Amateur Radio Communication

NIAR organised 4th and 5th batch of Ham Radio training at Red Cross Bhvan & CYSD, Bhubaneswar, OrissaASOL examination was conducted on 29th of February and 01st of March 2008 at Red Cross Bhavan, Bhubaneswar (Report inside)

Mr. V. Srinivasa Rao, JE, WMS Visakhapatnam,conducting Gr. II ASOL Examination at Red Cross centre,

Bhubaneswar.

Mr. T. Srinivasa Rao, Officer Incharge, WMS Visakhapatnam,conducting Gr I, ASOL examination at Red Cross centre

Bhubaneswar.

Documents

Volume 18 Issue 5 INDIA’S LEADING JOURNAL ON ... FOR ATTENDING SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF NIAR OCTOBER 18 – 20, 2008 AT HYDERABAD – INDIA&