REPORT 03 Sept - 06Sept - Swat Program - Radio Communication -

2 meter acivity

We had somewhat success in linking the Swat valley with the rest of the country via 2 meter repeater linked to a cross band repeater. Ap2mks and ap2zz installed the 2 meter repeater before the convoy started its journey from islamabad. However after installing 2 meter repeater at Malakand heights we found out that the power output has somehow dropped to 1 watt. We couldn't locate the fault hence left it running on 1 watt. It was very disappointing but somehow we managed to stay connected from most of the area.

Heli operation to Kalam was cancelled owing to inclement weather hence its been postponed for few days till weather clears in the area.

Releif goods were distributed to 130 families in a very valley know as Tirat, 170 families in Madyan and 180 families whose heads of the family had travelled 50 km on foot from kalam to collect the food items. Handie talkies with 8 hams proved to be very practical and we were able to distribute food to all these people well in discipline.

The journey to Tirat was a tough drive with most of the time driving our 4x4s in low range. 2 meter simplex operation proved to be the saviour of the day. We went beyond where anyone had gone to deliver relief goods or anyone had tried communicating through a radio. The new foot print of both the repeaters is as below.

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