Reactivation Confirmed

AU2M Arnala Island

IOTA AS-169 Activation

1st May 2026 - 3rd May 2026
DX India Foundation Logo Organized by DX India Foundation
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The Reactivation Story

We are happy to inform you that, through local collaboration in Mumbai, we will be reactivating the Arnala IOTA Activation.

The Postponement

As you may recall, our planned activation was postponed last year due to heavy rains and paramount safety concerns. This decision was necessary to ensure the well-being of our team, though it unfortunately resulted in significant financial losses regarding logistics, transportation, and flight tickets.

Moving Forward

Following immense support and many requests from the amateur radio community, we have decided to move forward with the reactivation of Arnala IOTA AS-169.

Schedule of Operation

The team will be active from May 1st, 05:00 UTC to May 3rd, 23:59 UTC.

Community Awareness Camp

For the first time in IOTA, we are creating an awareness camp for the locals in their local language, as well as a scheduled training program to introduce them to amateur radio.

Meet The Team

Sarath

VU2RS
Team Leader

Adersh

VU24DX

Anil

VU3DXA

Pramod

VU3OPD

Suyog

VU2THF

Anand

VU3YAY

Suyog

VU3OHF

Equipment Strategy

The team will setup and operate three stations on 10 to 40 m. Two of these stations will be for CW and SSB, while the third for FT8. We also attempt to have a fourth station dedicated to 6 m. Our intention is to operate, as much as possible, around the clock. The main goal is to be able to contact as many unique stations, from virtually all areas of the world.

We will study the propagation forecast for all regions and will make changes based on daily observations, concentrating on those bands which will offer the best propagation conditions.

Station #1: CW

  • Yaesu FT710 transceiver
  • Fureno PA2500 – 400W amplifier
  • Multiband vertical wire antenna (10m Spider Beam mast)
  • Laptop computer

Station #2: SSB

  • ICOM 7300 Transceiver
  • RM Italy 300 Watt
  • Vertical VDA Mono Bands
  • Laptop computer

Station #3: FT8

  • ICOM IC-7300 transceiver
  • Multiband vertical antennas (10m mast)
  • Laptop computer
  • WSJT-X software (F/H on HF bands outside regular FT8)
  • Frequencies posted on DX Summit prior to operation

Plus additional components, spares, and tools.

Frequencies & Modes

CW Mode
Band Frequency (MHz)
80m 3.520
40m 7.005
30m 10.105
20m 14.030
17m 18.075
15m 21.030
12m 24.895
10m 28.030

Note 1: CW will always be operated in Split mode – listening UP.

Note 2: Operating frequencies may change based on operating conditions and will be announced in the DX Clusters.

FT8 Fox/Hound
Band Fox Freq (MHz)
80m 3.590
40m 7.090
30m 10.136
20m 14.090
17m 18.110
15m 21.090
12m 24.090
10m 28.090

TX: Hounds transmit on listed frequencies.

RX: Fox receives on same frequencies, >1000 Hz.

Sequence: Standard FT8 protocol.

Complete: QSO is complete when receiving "73" from Fox.

SSB Mode
Band Frequency (MHz)
80m 3.690
40m 7.160
20m 14.260
17m 18.130
15m 21.260
12m 24.955
10m 28.485

Split Mode: Always listen UP 5-10 Khz from TX frequency. Spread out calls.

40m USA: Listening specifically on 7.160 Khz. TX standard 40m frequencies.

Regulation: Indian regulations restrict TX to 7.200 Khz and below.

Arnala Island Location Photos

Arnala Island Path
Arnala Island Coastline
Arnala Island Temple View
Arnala Island Buildings
Arnala Island Landscape
Arnala Island Setup Location
Charles M0OXO QSL Manager

QSL Management

Our QSL Manager, Charles M0OXO, will handle all QSL requests.

We will share the list of supporters with him in advance, and those who contributed will not need to send additional QSL requests.

For all Missing/Busted Call enquiries you MUST use the 'NOT IN LOG' facility on M0OXO OQRS. This service is the fastest way to get your enquiry resolved. Email reports are discouraged.

Full QSL Service Options

  • OQRS Direct $8.00
  • Express LOTW $5.00
  • Direct Post Mail $8.00
  • Bureau (sent after 6 months) $0.50
M0OXO OQRS Service

Charles R. Wilmott M0OXO

QSL Manager Services

IOTA Awards Manager

60 Church Hill

Royston, Barnsley

South Yorkshire

ENGLAND S71 4NG

United Kingdom.

(+44) 7900 500775

www.m0oxo.com

Donors and Sponsors

This expedition would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and the DX community. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following early supporters who have stepped up to help offset the significant financial losses from last year's postponement.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the following media partners and organizations, listed alphabetically, for their crucial role in spreading the word and sharing information about our DXpedition.

Dragon

K0AP

Dan

W4DKS

Thanks for his financial and powersupply contribution to the team

Sasi

VU2XZ

Loan of radio and amplifier

Chris Eyles

G3SJH

Steve Emlyn-Jones

GW4BKG

Mike

AB5EB

Trevor Smith

AB5EU

Erkki Heikkinen

OH2BF

Paul

W5PF

Tony

YO3IPR

Michael

OE6IMD

William Morgan

Fabien BERTOLOTTI

F4GYM

Hide Aimono

JO1CRA

Eiichi Shioji

JE3GUG

Support The Expedition

Due to the financial losses incurred from the postponed activation, any support from the DX community is highly appreciated to make this reactivation a huge success.

For urgent inquiries regarding the expedition, contact Team Leader Sarath (VU2RS):

sara@vu2rs.com +91 99499 77388