<![CDATA[ARCHIVE: Australian Ham Radio Discussion Forum ( AHRDF ) - *** READ-ONLY *** - Contests, Field Days, Portable Operation, JOTA, SOTA]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/ Sat, 09 May 2026 21:18:35 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[2min tour of the VK3BA/P station for the Easter Sunday MAD session]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1401 Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:34:44 +0000 VK3BA]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1401
Here's a quick 2min tour of the VK3BA/P station at the Barrabool Hills, about 15km west of Geelong at QF21CU41 near the VK3UHF site. Thanks to Chas VK3PY for allowing me to work near their location once again today... VK3BA/P Easter Sunday MAD session

Cheers,]]>
Here's a quick 2min tour of the VK3BA/P station at the Barrabool Hills, about 15km west of Geelong at QF21CU41 near the VK3UHF site. Thanks to Chas VK3PY for allowing me to work near their location once again today... VK3BA/P Easter Sunday MAD session

Cheers,]]> <![CDATA[Harry Angel May 4th 2024]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1400 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 20:56:51 +0000 VK4UH]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1400
Full contest details are to be found on the WIA Contest page on the WIA website]]>
Full contest details are to be found on the WIA Contest page on the WIA website]]> <![CDATA[MAD calendar and John Moyle FD weekend coming up]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1393 Wed, 06 Mar 2024 10:07:32 +0000 VK3BA]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1393  
The next opportunity might be the John Moyle Field Day weekend on the 16th/17th March which is the same weekend of the Train & Hobby show at Sandown that a few stations will be operating/displaying at. Whilst I’ve got a family function that weekend, I should be able to sneak out for a few hours on the Saturday arvo. I’ll hopefully have my shit together on the 439 liaison radio front and some slightly better feedlines for my 2.4 & 5.7 have arrived today from VK5 which should improve things slightly by a poofteenth.
 
To give everyone, including the Gippslanders, a better chance to get amongst it, what time would most people be likely to head out to start? Say 1pm or 2pm until early evening, in case the DX conditions improve in the early evening? Keeping in mind that it’s a bit of a drive for some people to get to their favourite hilltop location.  I’ve had a quick look at the 14 day WX forecast and that weekend looks fine, thus far. I’m not sure where I’ll go yet, but likely to be Mt Buninyong, especially if the predicted rayline plots to Mt Tassie look good. I’m guessing, for at least us Westies, we’ll have a few out and about, including west of Bacchus Marsh, west of Geelong, south of Ballarat and possibly the Bellarine Peninsula. I’m guessing that a Horsham station might again be operating from One Tree Hill Ararat. Early evening often seems to be the go looking towards VK5.

Don't forget to post your location on the Contest Radar Contest Radar

Cheers,

.pdf   2024-MAD-Calendar.pdf (Size: 118.62 KB / Downloads: 340) ]]>  
The next opportunity might be the John Moyle Field Day weekend on the 16th/17th March which is the same weekend of the Train & Hobby show at Sandown that a few stations will be operating/displaying at. Whilst I’ve got a family function that weekend, I should be able to sneak out for a few hours on the Saturday arvo. I’ll hopefully have my shit together on the 439 liaison radio front and some slightly better feedlines for my 2.4 & 5.7 have arrived today from VK5 which should improve things slightly by a poofteenth.
 
To give everyone, including the Gippslanders, a better chance to get amongst it, what time would most people be likely to head out to start? Say 1pm or 2pm until early evening, in case the DX conditions improve in the early evening? Keeping in mind that it’s a bit of a drive for some people to get to their favourite hilltop location.  I’ve had a quick look at the 14 day WX forecast and that weekend looks fine, thus far. I’m not sure where I’ll go yet, but likely to be Mt Buninyong, especially if the predicted rayline plots to Mt Tassie look good. I’m guessing, for at least us Westies, we’ll have a few out and about, including west of Bacchus Marsh, west of Geelong, south of Ballarat and possibly the Bellarine Peninsula. I’m guessing that a Horsham station might again be operating from One Tree Hill Ararat. Early evening often seems to be the go looking towards VK5.

Don't forget to post your location on the Contest Radar Contest Radar

Cheers,

.pdf   2024-MAD-Calendar.pdf (Size: 118.62 KB / Downloads: 340) ]]> <![CDATA[Microwave road trip to Adelaide late October around the AREG hamvention weekend]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1392 Wed, 06 Mar 2024 10:03:26 +0000 VK3BA]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1392
According to recent reports, the AREG or Adelaide Radio Experimenters Group and having a radio & electronics sale on Sat 26th October.
 
I’m quite sure I’ll be going, hopefully for at least a few days, possibly making a week of it. Maybe a few nights in Hahndorf and maybe a few around Glenelg down by the beach. I was going to take along my uWave gear, etc and maybe rattle the cage of a few VK5’s who might be interested in some microwave activity sessions. Is anyone else interested in doing similar??
 
If anyone is interested in such a road trip with some MAD sessions with the VK5’s, email me direct nikp007@bigpond.com and I’ll get the ball rolling, sort out some accommodation, set up some contacts and a rough programme. My vehicle will be chockas and no spare seats. I was thinking Hahndorf for the first few days as it’s up in the hills and Paul VK5PAS lives in the area I think – it’d be great to have him out for dinner one night. Then maybe a couple of nights around Adelaide somewhere to maybe arrange a dinner with a few local VK5 microwavers one night as well. Plus there’s a few traps around VK5 such as the many wineries… 

Cheers,]]>
According to recent reports, the AREG or Adelaide Radio Experimenters Group and having a radio & electronics sale on Sat 26th October.
 
I’m quite sure I’ll be going, hopefully for at least a few days, possibly making a week of it. Maybe a few nights in Hahndorf and maybe a few around Glenelg down by the beach. I was going to take along my uWave gear, etc and maybe rattle the cage of a few VK5’s who might be interested in some microwave activity sessions. Is anyone else interested in doing similar??
 
If anyone is interested in such a road trip with some MAD sessions with the VK5’s, email me direct nikp007@bigpond.com and I’ll get the ball rolling, sort out some accommodation, set up some contacts and a rough programme. My vehicle will be chockas and no spare seats. I was thinking Hahndorf for the first few days as it’s up in the hills and Paul VK5PAS lives in the area I think – it’d be great to have him out for dinner one night. Then maybe a couple of nights around Adelaide somewhere to maybe arrange a dinner with a few local VK5 microwavers one night as well. Plus there’s a few traps around VK5 such as the many wineries… 

Cheers,]]> <![CDATA[Flying the flag for the Gippsland uWave stations]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1385 Mon, 12 Feb 2024 09:27:19 +0000 VK3BA]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1385
I had a chat today with one of the local Gippsland microwave operators whilst I was driving to East Gippsland. It was noted that whilst during many of the MAD arvo sessions lately, that there are a few portable & home stations in Gippsland that are capable up to 10Gigs and are keen for some of us central Vic stations to work. Hopefully they’ll post their location on the Contest Radar… https://contestradar.com/ particularly for those of us operating up on a hill east of the Port Philip Bay. Some of them have a bit of horsepower on most of the uWave bands. I guess some of us, particularly a few of the newer players, that aren’t aware that there’s some good stations in Gippsland to work.
 
So to share the wealth, point your antennas towards the Traralgon / MtTassie / Orbost / Bairnsdale direction. And with a little bit of lift in conditions, you may be able to stretch the legs of your gear, work some distant uWave stations and put a smile on your dial. Plus don’t forget to take a few pics and/or some video. 

Cheers,]]>
I had a chat today with one of the local Gippsland microwave operators whilst I was driving to East Gippsland. It was noted that whilst during many of the MAD arvo sessions lately, that there are a few portable & home stations in Gippsland that are capable up to 10Gigs and are keen for some of us central Vic stations to work. Hopefully they’ll post their location on the Contest Radar… https://contestradar.com/ particularly for those of us operating up on a hill east of the Port Philip Bay. Some of them have a bit of horsepower on most of the uWave bands. I guess some of us, particularly a few of the newer players, that aren’t aware that there’s some good stations in Gippsland to work.
 
So to share the wealth, point your antennas towards the Traralgon / MtTassie / Orbost / Bairnsdale direction. And with a little bit of lift in conditions, you may be able to stretch the legs of your gear, work some distant uWave stations and put a smile on your dial. Plus don’t forget to take a few pics and/or some video. 

Cheers,]]> <![CDATA[2023 Spring VHF/UHF Field Day November 25th & 26th]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1343 Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:17:01 +0000 VK3BA]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1343
You'd be aware that the Spring VHF/UHF Field Day Weekend is coming up over the weekend of the 25th & 26th of November.

Given the elevated activity over the past six months, particularly in the eastern states, as well as the proliferation of new gear as well as newcomers and returnees, I suspect the Spring FD will be a belter, particularly in VK2, VK3, VK4, VK7 plus I'm sure the Microwave Mafia in VK5 will be keen to get amongst it as well as the other states.

I've heard that quite a number of uWave retirees in VK3 are going to make a comeback.

If the string of Microwave Activity Days over the past six months in various states are anything to go by, I'm tipping it's going to be a target rich environment compared to recent years.

So blow the dust of that gear, give it a quick tweak, shoehorn everything into your vehicle, head for your favorite brokeback mountain and work as many stations that you can from 6m and upwards.

Post here what your plans are.

Keep an eye on the VK-Spotter... Vk Spotter

Post your location on the Contest Radar... Contest Radar

Finally, don't forget to have plenty of fun and laughs with your mates along the way and remember what happens on the FD weekend, stays on the FD weekend... unless it's a really good yarn!

Cheers,]]>
You'd be aware that the Spring VHF/UHF Field Day Weekend is coming up over the weekend of the 25th & 26th of November.

Given the elevated activity over the past six months, particularly in the eastern states, as well as the proliferation of new gear as well as newcomers and returnees, I suspect the Spring FD will be a belter, particularly in VK2, VK3, VK4, VK7 plus I'm sure the Microwave Mafia in VK5 will be keen to get amongst it as well as the other states.

I've heard that quite a number of uWave retirees in VK3 are going to make a comeback.

If the string of Microwave Activity Days over the past six months in various states are anything to go by, I'm tipping it's going to be a target rich environment compared to recent years.

So blow the dust of that gear, give it a quick tweak, shoehorn everything into your vehicle, head for your favorite brokeback mountain and work as many stations that you can from 6m and upwards.

Post here what your plans are.

Keep an eye on the VK-Spotter... Vk Spotter

Post your location on the Contest Radar... Contest Radar

Finally, don't forget to have plenty of fun and laughs with your mates along the way and remember what happens on the FD weekend, stays on the FD weekend... unless it's a really good yarn!

Cheers,]]> <![CDATA[2023 Remembrance Day Contest]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1325 Sat, 05 Aug 2023 01:28:42 +0000 VK4ADC]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1325 AUGUST 12 - 13  2023 Remembrance Day Contest

This contest commemorates the Amateurs who died during World War II and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve the operating skills of participants. It is held on the weekend closest to the 15th August, the date on which hostilities ceased  with Japan in the southwest Pacific area.

A perpetual trophy is awarded annually to the Australian state or territory with the best performance.

The name of the winning State or Territory is inscribed on the trophy, and that State or Territory then holds the trophy for 12 months. The winning State or Territory is also given a certificate, as are leading entrants.

Details : https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/rdcontest/
Rules : https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/...tRules.pdf

12th & 13th August 2023, 0300-0300 UTC
As a mark of respect, stations are asked to observe 15 minutes silence prior to the start of the contest, during which the opening ceremony will be broadcast.


This will be the first real opportunity for Standard licensees to get stuck into voice comms on 50.150(+) USB so be on the lookout for new callsigns !!]]> AUGUST 12 - 13  2023 Remembrance Day Contest

This contest commemorates the Amateurs who died during World War II and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve the operating skills of participants. It is held on the weekend closest to the 15th August, the date on which hostilities ceased  with Japan in the southwest Pacific area.

A perpetual trophy is awarded annually to the Australian state or territory with the best performance.

The name of the winning State or Territory is inscribed on the trophy, and that State or Territory then holds the trophy for 12 months. The winning State or Territory is also given a certificate, as are leading entrants.

Details : https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/rdcontest/
Rules : https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/...tRules.pdf

12th & 13th August 2023, 0300-0300 UTC
As a mark of respect, stations are asked to observe 15 minutes silence prior to the start of the contest, during which the opening ceremony will be broadcast.


This will be the first real opportunity for Standard licensees to get stuck into voice comms on 50.150(+) USB so be on the lookout for new callsigns !!]]> <![CDATA[Informal Microwave Activity Day before 2023 Spring VHF/UHF FD]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1313 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:43:22 +0000 VK3BA]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1313
Is anyone interested in an informal Microwave Activity Day or two between August and November, prior to the Spring VHF/UHF FD to test out your gear or fire up that contact via appointment gear??

I was thinking after lunch, on a Saturday or Sunday. Whatever suits the majority. Grab a coffee and fire up your gear on a nice sunny day (we haven't many of those in VK3 this year).

Thoughts??

Cheers,]]>
Is anyone interested in an informal Microwave Activity Day or two between August and November, prior to the Spring VHF/UHF FD to test out your gear or fire up that contact via appointment gear??

I was thinking after lunch, on a Saturday or Sunday. Whatever suits the majority. Grab a coffee and fire up your gear on a nice sunny day (we haven't many of those in VK3 this year).

Thoughts??

Cheers,]]> <![CDATA[6m - 2m WSPR Winter Leaderboard Challenge 2023]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1305 Sun, 04 Jun 2023 04:04:40 +0000 VK2KRR]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1305
Just a note to advise that we are running the 6m & 2m WSPR Winter Leaderboard Challenge again this winter 2023.
The event runs across all June and July.
Again, John VK2IJM is gathering all the data recorded and will be presenting updated Leaderboard tables for each band as they come to hand.
So far fairly quiet, but that could easily change.

John usually posts updated tables once a week or so to the VHF/UHF WSPR group on facebook.
Also I will try and post updates and unusual events noted to AHRDF.]]>
Just a note to advise that we are running the 6m & 2m WSPR Winter Leaderboard Challenge again this winter 2023.
The event runs across all June and July.
Again, John VK2IJM is gathering all the data recorded and will be presenting updated Leaderboard tables for each band as they come to hand.
So far fairly quiet, but that could easily change.

John usually posts updated tables once a week or so to the VHF/UHF WSPR group on facebook.
Also I will try and post updates and unusual events noted to AHRDF.]]> <![CDATA[2023 Winter VHF/UHF Field Day weekend June 24th & 25th]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1302 Thu, 18 May 2023 08:39:42 +0000 VK3BA]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1302
Winter 2023 - 0100 UTC Saturday 24 June through 0059 UTC Sunday 25 June (0300 / 0259 in VK6).

I'm guilty of a multi-year hiatus from the VHF/UHF FD's but over the last couple of years, I've been sucked into the vortex of the VK3KQ/P clan... or is that clandestine...!

If I can get my backside into action and the last lot of parts arrive in time, I'll hopefully be running a portable/roving 2m - 10Gig station on at least 3 locations during the daylight hours in various locations in Western & Northern VK3 to give anyone some contacts and then back with the VK3KQ/P crew at night.

Who's going out for a few hours or days over the weekend?

Don't forget to post your location here... Contest Radar

And for pre & post and overnight carry-on (not for co-ordinating contacts of course), log into the VK Spotter... VK Spotter

Cheers,]]>
Winter 2023 - 0100 UTC Saturday 24 June through 0059 UTC Sunday 25 June (0300 / 0259 in VK6).

I'm guilty of a multi-year hiatus from the VHF/UHF FD's but over the last couple of years, I've been sucked into the vortex of the VK3KQ/P clan... or is that clandestine...!

If I can get my backside into action and the last lot of parts arrive in time, I'll hopefully be running a portable/roving 2m - 10Gig station on at least 3 locations during the daylight hours in various locations in Western & Northern VK3 to give anyone some contacts and then back with the VK3KQ/P crew at night.

Who's going out for a few hours or days over the weekend?

Don't forget to post your location here... Contest Radar

And for pre & post and overnight carry-on (not for co-ordinating contacts of course), log into the VK Spotter... VK Spotter

Cheers,]]> <![CDATA[2023 JMMFD]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1284 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:58:18 +0000 VK2YW]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1284
Just getting ready for this contest next weekend. I will be managing 2m 70cm and 23cm for VK2WG/p. I note that Mike 3AVV (SK)'s website no longer exists. I went looking to see whether I had the absolute latest VKCL and I don't think I do. Does anyone know where an archive could be found?

And for future logging I saw reference to YACL but not sure now where development of that is up to - anyone know or are people gravitating to N1MM for our VK contest logging?

I have been going back through the various threads regarding the use of digi modes (ie WSJT) - given the later versions have the ability to swap  6 letter grids I wonder whether anyone has any further thoughts on how we can move it forward such that this and some of the other VK contests could include the mode.

John VK2YW]]>
Just getting ready for this contest next weekend. I will be managing 2m 70cm and 23cm for VK2WG/p. I note that Mike 3AVV (SK)'s website no longer exists. I went looking to see whether I had the absolute latest VKCL and I don't think I do. Does anyone know where an archive could be found?

And for future logging I saw reference to YACL but not sure now where development of that is up to - anyone know or are people gravitating to N1MM for our VK contest logging?

I have been going back through the various threads regarding the use of digi modes (ie WSJT) - given the later versions have the ability to swap  6 letter grids I wonder whether anyone has any further thoughts on how we can move it forward such that this and some of the other VK contests could include the mode.

John VK2YW]]> <![CDATA[Australia Day Contest, 26 January 2023]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1266 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:40:46 +0000 VK4ADC]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1266
 26th of January Australia Day Contest

 This contest is to encourage Amateur Radio Activity around the world
 and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve
 the operating skills of participants.

 Amateurs in VK will endeavour to contact other amateurs around the
 world. VK operators can use the AX prefix as they celebrate Australia
 Day.

 Scoring is distance based, calculated using 4-character grid squares.

 Contest is held on the Australia Day Public Holiday, 26 January.

 Contest Manager is Alan Shannon VK4SN

 (wia.org.au)

http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/australiaday]]>
 26th of January Australia Day Contest

 This contest is to encourage Amateur Radio Activity around the world
 and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve
 the operating skills of participants.

 Amateurs in VK will endeavour to contact other amateurs around the
 world. VK operators can use the AX prefix as they celebrate Australia
 Day.

 Scoring is distance based, calculated using 4-character grid squares.

 Contest is held on the Australia Day Public Holiday, 26 January.

 Contest Manager is Alan Shannon VK4SN

 (wia.org.au)

http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/australiaday]]> <![CDATA[2023 Summer VHF UHF Field Day 14/15 January]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1265 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:39:35 +0000 VK4ADC]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1265
 14 - 15 January Summer VHF-UHF Field Day.

         0100 UTC Saturday to 0059 UTC Sunday BUT in VK6 add 3 hours
         onto start and end times.

         (wia.org.au)

http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf]]>
 14 - 15 January Summer VHF-UHF Field Day.

         0100 UTC Saturday to 0059 UTC Sunday BUT in VK6 add 3 hours
         onto start and end times.

         (wia.org.au)

http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf]]> <![CDATA[Ross Hull Contest 2023]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1264 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 08:38:00 +0000 VK4ADC]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1264
 1 - 31 January Ross Hull Memorial VHF/UHF DX Contest ( Marathon )
        
        The contest was established in 1950 to honour the memory of
        the late Ross A. Hull and his pioneering achievements in the
        study of tropospheric propagation and the development of new
        equipment techniques for the higher bands.

        Entrants may operate on every contest day, but the final score
        is based on the best seven days nominated by the entrant.

        For amateurs with limited operating time, there is also a
        "Best 2 Days" section.

        LOGS DUE IN 14th FEBRUARY

http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/rosshull

 
        (wia.org.au)]]>
 1 - 31 January Ross Hull Memorial VHF/UHF DX Contest ( Marathon )
        
        The contest was established in 1950 to honour the memory of
        the late Ross A. Hull and his pioneering achievements in the
        study of tropospheric propagation and the development of new
        equipment techniques for the higher bands.

        Entrants may operate on every contest day, but the final score
        is based on the best seven days nominated by the entrant.

        For amateurs with limited operating time, there is also a
        "Best 2 Days" section.

        LOGS DUE IN 14th FEBRUARY

http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/rosshull

 
        (wia.org.au)]]> <![CDATA[4X0VK - a special activation commemorating the Battle of Zemach]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1232 Sun, 02 Oct 2022 22:11:58 +0000 VK3RX]]> https://www.ahrdf.net/forum/showthread.php?tid=1232

Quote:Dear friends,
I have the honor to invite you to contact Israeli stations during a special activation commemorating the Battle of Zemach in which Australian soldiers participated in 1918.
The Activity will be held from the restored train station in Zemach on October 14-15, 2022.

We will be on the air with the callsign 4X0VK.
More Information is on our QRZ page here:
https://www.qrz.com/db/4X0VK

73,
Gil, 4Z1KD
On behalf of the Israeli Radio Amateur Club (IARC)
]]>

Quote:Dear friends,
I have the honor to invite you to contact Israeli stations during a special activation commemorating the Battle of Zemach in which Australian soldiers participated in 1918.
The Activity will be held from the restored train station in Zemach on October 14-15, 2022.

We will be on the air with the callsign 4X0VK.
More Information is on our QRZ page here:
https://www.qrz.com/db/4X0VK

73,
Gil, 4Z1KD
On behalf of the Israeli Radio Amateur Club (IARC)
]]>