Author Archives: Paul VK5PAS

Rescue Co-Ordination Centre Australia – 16420 kHz

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At about 0745 UTC on Thursday, 31st July 2025, I tuned in to the Rescue Coordination Centre Australia (RCC), transmitting on 16420 kHz.

The RCC is based in Canberra, ACT and is a 24-hour operation which is responsible for coordinating all maritime and aviation Search and Rescue operations spanning the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans.

Below is a short video of my reception of RCC Australia.

New Zealand VOLMET – 13282 kHz

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At about 0720 UTC on Thursday, 31st July 2025, I tuned in to New Zealand VOLMET, transmitting on 13282 kHz.

VOLMET, derived from the French words vol (flight) and météo (weather), is a worldwide system that broadcasts weather information to aircraft in flight.

Below is a short video of my reception of New Zealand VOLMET.

Hong Kong VOLMET – 13282 kHz

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At about 0716 UTC on Thursday 31st July 2025, I tuned in to Hong Kong VOLMET, transmitting on 13282 kHz.

VOLMET, derived from the French words vol (flight) and météo (weather), is a worldwide system that broadcasts weather information to aircraft in flight.

Below is a short video of my reception of Hong Kong VOLMET.

Shannon Volmet – 13264 kHz

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At about 0711 UTC on Thursday 31st July 2025, I tuned in to Shannon VOLMET, Ireland, transmitting on 13264 kHz.

VOLMET, derived from the French words vol (flight) and météo (weather), is a worldwide system that broadcasts weather information to aircraft in flight.

Below is a short video of my reception of Shannon VOLMET.

Bullock Hill Conservation Park VKFF-0873

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On Thursday, 31st July 2025, Marija VK5MAZ and I headed out to activate the Bullock Hill Conservation Park VKFF-0873 for World Ranger Day.

Above: Map showing the location of the Bullock Hill Conservation Park. Map c/o Google Maps.

The Bullock Hill Conservation Park is only a few km from our home QTH on the Fleurieu Peninsula. We have activated the park several times previously.

We set up in our normal spot, off Wattle Flat Road. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole. Marija stayed with me for about 20 minutes and qualified the park for VKFF before heading back home.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3WSG
  2. VK3ARM/M
  3. VK3VIN
  4. VK3PF/P (VKFF-5790)
  5. VK3KAI/P (VKFF-5790)
  6. VK1AO/P (VKFF-1391)
  7. VK2MET/P (VKFF-1391)
  8. VK3APJ/P (VKFF-4696)
  9. VK2DHN
  10. VK5FANA
  11. VK5LA

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3WSG
  2. VK3ARM/M
  3. VK3VIN
  4. VK3PF/P (VKFF-5790)
  5. VK3KAI/P (VKFF-5790)
  6. VK1AO/P (VKFF-1391)
  7. VK2MET/P (VKFF-1391)
  8. VK3APJ/P (VKFF-4696)
  9. VK2DHN
  10. VK5FANA
  11. VK5LA
  12. VK5KAW
  13. VK2TLQ
  14. VK3DCQ
  15. VK5NM
  16. VK3LK
  17. VK3CEO
  18. VK1AD
  19. VK1NAM
  20. VK5DOC
  21. VK5LRB
  22. VK3MRT
  23. VK2HAK
  24. VK2PKT
  25. VK2KFT
  26. VK3SMW
  27. VK5PE/M
  28. VK2EXA
  29. VK3BEL
  30. VK3BEB
  31. VK5VK
  32. VK5MAZ
  33. VK7ACE
  34. VK2LEE
  35. VK3GCD
  36. VK3SQ
  37. VK3JT
  38. VK2BD
  39. VK5WU
  40. VK3PAH
  41. VK2VW
  42. VK2HFI
  43. VK2AKA
  44. VK2BUG
  45. VK5CZ/P (VKFF-4055)
  46. VK5XE/P (VKFF-4055)
  47. VK3ZSC
  48. VK3CLD
  49. VK2DBF
  50. VK5QA
  51. VK5GY/P (VKFF-3189)
  52. VK3GV
  53. VK3TDK/P (VKFF-2152)
  54. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0444)
  55. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-0444)
  56. VK5WE
  57. VK3CJN
  58. VK3QHU
  59. VK3APJ/P (VKFF-4697)
  60. VK3AOB
  61. VK2TM
  62. VK3ZMD
  63. VK4EW
  64. VK2XGB/P (VKFF-1361)

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK5MAZ
  2. SP8DR
  3. KG5CIK
  4. VK2IO/P (VKFF-0444)
  5. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-0444)
  6. VK7XX
  7. VK7AAE
  8. VK2SOL
  9. VK2VW
  10. VK2HFI
  11. VK2AKA
  12. VK2BUG
  13. VK7HBR
  14. VK4MGL
  15. KB5RZZ
  16. VK5CZ/P (VKFF-4055)
  17. VK5XE/P (VKFF-4055)
  18. VK4NH
  19. VK4DXA
  20. VK2MG
  21. ZL3MR
  22. VK4EW
  23. VK3PF/P (VKFF-5790)
  24. VK3APJ/P (VKFF-1361)
  25. F5PYI
  26. ZL1TM
  27. VK2XGB/P (VKFF-1361)
  28. VK2LEE
  29. VK2ETI
  30. VK2AIT
  31. VK2AIQ
  32. VK2AIX
  33. HB9EFJ
  34. VK2MI
  35. IU5PTB
  36. DL1EJA
  37. ON4ANT
  38. PD3AL
  39. F1EMX
  40. ON9AT
  41. F6HQP
  42. HA5AQ
  43. SQ9CWO
  44. ZL1HIM
  45. SP7MW
  46. SQ2LKY
  47. IZ1GDB
  48. F4GYM
  49. UA1OLM
  50. OM5TX
  51. M7CBI
  52. F5IDJ
  53. 9A2KI
  54. OP7M
  55. F4GYG
  56. HB9WT
  57. IK3HMB
  58. VK4HNS
  59. VK6DU
  60. DL7HU
  61. DK9HN
  62. EA5EBT
  63. DL1YEQ
  64. S58AL
  65. G1KCE
  66. F6KBK
  67. F4IOS

As a result of us activating the park on World Ranger Day, we each received a special certificate.

References.

  1. Wikipedia Contributors (2021). Bullock Hill Conservation Park. Wikipedia.‌

Voice of Korea – 11735 kHz

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At about 1206 UTC on Sunday, 27th day of July 2025, I tuned in to the Voice of Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), broadcasting on 11735 kHz in the Korean language.

The broadcast was coming from the 200 kW transmitter in Kujang, NORTH KOREA. The program consisted of commentary and music.

Above: Map showing the location of Kujang, North Korea. Map c/o Google Maps.

The overall reception of the Voice of Korea was good.

SINPO
44444

My equipment:-

  • Realistic DX-302
  • Alpha Delta DX sloper antenna

Below is a short video showing my reception of the Voice of Korea.

References.

  1. Shortwaveschedule.com. (2024). ShortwaveSchedule.com. [online] Available at: https://shortwaveschedule.com/‌ [Accessed 27 Jul. 2025].‌
  2. Short-wave.info. (2023). Short-Wave Radio Frequency Schedule. [online] Available at: http://www.short-wave.info/index.php [Accessed 27 Jul. 2025].
  3. World Radio TV Handbook 2025

Nurragi Conservation Reserve VKFF-2247

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On Sunday, 27th July 2025, Marija VK5MAZ and I headed out to activate the Nurragi Conservation Reserve VKFF-2247 for National Tree Day.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Nurragi Conservation Reserve. Map c/o Google Maps.

The Nurragi Conservation Reserve is the former Milang railway branch line. It is protected by a native vegetation heritage agreement was was declared in 1991. Nurragi is an Aboriginal word meaning scrub. The reserve preserves a corridor of native scrub in a region where more than 98% of the land has been cleared. (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: The Nurragi Conservation Reserve. Image c.o Wikipedia.

More than 300 native plant species have been recorded in the reserve. A total of 50 of those are of particular conservation significance. The Friends of Nurragi Association and local primary school children have been responsible for significant planting in the reserve of native flora to the Milang Scrub. This includes Aboriginal food plants such as muntries, quandongs and native currants. (Wikipedia 2025)

The Milang railway line was a branch line of the main Victor Habror railway line. The Milang line branched off at Sandergrove, about 9 km south of Strathalbyn. The line proceeded from there in a southeast direction for about 13.1 km to the riverport of Milang, located on Lake Alexandrina. The Milang line was opened on the 17th day of December 1884 and was closed on the 17th day of June 1970. (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Railway lines associated with the Milang line. Image c/o Wikipedia.

By 1880, a Select Committee was appointed by the South Australian parliament to investigate the building of a connecting line from Strathalbyn to the main Adelaide-Melbourne line, which at that time was under construction. One of the committee members was Mr. Albert Henry Landseeer. He was a prominent and highly respected Member of Parliament and had founded Milang in 1856. (Wikipedia 2025)

Landseer had businesses in the Milang area, including flour milling, ownership of river steamers and barges, wool warehousing and a paddle steamer agent. Landseer ensured that the committee heard evidence supporting a branch line to Milang. (Milang 2025) (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Albert Henry Landseer. Image c/o Wikipedia

In November 1881, assent was granted to an Act – short title The Mount Barker and Strathalbyn Railway Act, which authorised a link to Mount Barker and also the branch line from Sandergrove to Milang that Landseer had been seeking. (Milang 2025) Wikipedia 2025)

The Southern Argus newspaper reported:

“The country around Milang-what is known as the Murray scrub-is exceedingly well adapted for the growth of wheat, and it has moreover an advantage which the north has not – a regular rainfall. The branch to Milang will certainly help the development of this valuable country.” (Trove 2025)

Above: Part of an article from the Southern Argus, Thu 10 Nov 1881. Image c/o Trove

In April 1882, tenders were called for the building of the line. Walker and Swann were awarded the contract for both of the lines, and official contract papers were signed in June 1882. The contract price was £143,678 for the main line (20 per cent lower than the survey estimate of £155,000) and £25,600 for the branch line. (Milang 2025) (Wikipedia 2025)

In November 1883, a total of 500 men commenced building the main line from Mount Barker junction via Philcox Hill to Strathalbyn. It was completed in September 1884. The first load of wool was consigned from Mr A. McFarlane’s property at Milang to A.H. Landseer’s store at Port Adelaide. (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Article from the South Australian Register, Tue 16 Sept 1884. Image c/o Trove.

By late August 1884, the railway workforce transferred en masse to the Milang branch, on which earthworks had been completed. All that was required was the laying of the rails and steel sleepers, and the laying of ballast. Three months later, the branch line opened on the 17th day of December 1884. There was no official ceremony; however, the public was given free rides with the permission of the Commissioner of Public Works. A special train was organised by the line’s engineer, Mr. J. Reed, and this brought invited guests from Strathalbyn, stopping almost halfway between Sandergrove and Milang for a picnic in the scrub. This was followed by entertainment at Milang’s Institute Hall. When the line was opened, the Southern Argus newspaper referred to the line as ‘Landseer’s line.’ (Milang 2025) (Wikipedia 2025)

Above:- Article from the Southern Argus, Thu 4 Dec 1884. Image c/o Trove

The facilities on the branch line to Milang were minimal. At Sandergrove junction, there was a platform and a small shed. At the intermediate station Nurragi, there was a very short platform and a passing loop about 70 metres long. At Punkulde, there was a passenger stopping point where the Finniss to Milang road crossed the line. (Milang 2025) (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: The port of Milang, c. 1900. Image c/o Wikipedia.

In the early years of the Milang branch line, there was a steady flow of wool and supplies up and down the Murray River. By 1929, road transportation was deregulated, and traffic along the branch line declined. By 1931, the South Australian Railways was asked by the Transport Control Board to provide a report on the estimated savings to be made by the closure of unprofitable railway lines. This included the Milang line, however, closure was averted. (Wikipedia 2025)

A mixture of steam-hauled freight and passenger trains operated on the line from Strathalbyn until 1925. At that time, a new Brill Model 55 railcar commenced running daily between Adelaide and Milang. A goods train also worked the line several times from Strathalbyn. By the late 1930s, a larger Brill Model 75 railcar worked along the line, along with a weekly locomotive-hauled train. (Milang 2025) (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: A model 75 railcar on the Milang line near Nurragi. Image c/o Phillip G. Curnow, Wikipedia

In May 1968, it was announced that railway passenger services would be cancelled, expected to save the State Government $1,000,000 per year. This included a cancellation of the Adelaide to Victor Harbor line and the Milang line. The Government quoted official figures that both lines carried 23 passengers per train, mainly at weekends. There was a call for protests following this announcement. The last timetabled passenger service was run on the 30th day of November 1968. (Milang 2025) (Trove 2025) (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Article from the Victor Harbour Times, Fri 10 May 1968. Image c/o Trove.

In 1969, an enquiry was conducted by the Transport Control Board, and this recommended the closure of the lines south of Strathalbyn. Public meetings were held to hear evidence from interested persons. This was followed by a recommendation by the Parliamentary Standing Committee that an attempt be made to reinvigorate freight traffic in preference to the closure of the main Victor Harbor railway line. (Trove 2025) (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Article from the Victor Harbour Times, Fri 25 Jul 1969. Image c/o Wikipedia

In June 1970, a special train was chartered to travel on the Sanderston to Milang line. Four coaches travelled from Adelaide to Strathalbyn with 300 passengers, with a further coach added at Strathalbyn to permit 50 more passengers. Over 100 cars were at the Milang railway station to see the train arrive. Mr. J.J. Whicker, the President of the Railway Historical Society, was one of the passengers. (Trove)(Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Article from The Coromandel, Thu 18 Jun 1970. Image c/o Trove

In October 1992, the Port Milang Historic Railway Museum was officially opened by Dame Roma Mitchell, the Governor of South Australia. Marija and I have visited this little museum several times and highly recommend a visit if you are in Milang. (Milang 2025)

Below is an excellent video on the Sandergrove to Milang Railway Line.

All up, Marija and I made a total of 182 QSOs on 40m SSB and 20m SSB.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3BEL
  2. VK3BEB
  3. VK2YK
  4. VK5GA
  5. VK4DNO
  6. VK3DNO
  7. VK3AMO
  8. VK3PF/P (VKFF-0764)
  9. VK3KAI/P (VKFF-0764)
  10. VK2EXA
  11. VK3CLD
  12. VK5QA
  13. VK2DBF
  14. VK5DW
  15. VK5CZ/P (VKFF-0816)
  16. VK1AO/P (VKFF-1994)
  17. VK2MET/P (VKFF-1994)
  18. VK1DI/4 (VKFF-1632)
  19. VK7MAT/P (VKFF-1156)
  20. VK2IO/P (VKFF-2784)
  21. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-2784)
  22. VK5LA/P (VKFF-0372)
  23. VK5KAW/P (VKFF-0372)
  24. VK2HAK
  25. VK4SMA
  26. VK3SQ
  27. VK2BD
  28. VK3JT
  29. VK3ZK
  30. VK5WU
  31. VK5KPR
  32. VK3KRL
  33. VK4HNS
  34. VK3ALF
  35. VK5DOC
  36. VK2YI
  37. VK2LEE
  38. VK3VIN
  39. VK5FANA
  40. VK2TMN
  41. VK3AEI
  42. VK3TDK
  43. VK2LQ
  44. VK3GJG
  45. VK3GCD
  46. VK3ARK
  47. VK7PJM
  48. VK4JST
  49. VK4BWL
  50. VK3ACZ
  51. VK7AAE
  52. VK3EJ

Marija worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK2IO/P (VKFF-2784)
  2. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-2784)
  3. VK1AO/P (VKFF-1994)
  4. VK2MET/P (VKFF-1994)
  5. VK3PF/P (VKFF-0764)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3BEL
  2. VK3BEB
  3. VK2YK
  4. VK5GA
  5. VK4DNO
  6. VK3DNO
  7. VK3AMO
  8. VK3PF/P (VKFF-0764)
  9. VK3KAI/P (VKFF-0764)
  10. VK2EXA
  11. VK3CLD
  12. VK5QA
  13. VK2DBF
  14. VK5DW
  15. VK5MSA
  16. VK2ETI/P (VKFF-3226)
  17. VK2AIT/P (VKFF-3226)
  18. VK2AIQ/P (VKFF-3226)
  19. VK5CZ/P (VKFF-0816)
  20. VK3MGM/M
  21. VK2EIS
  22. VK3OAK/P
  23. VK3APJ
  24. VK5MK
  25. VK3CEO
  26. VK5AYL
  27. VK3TDX
  28. VK3WSG
  29. VK3CJN
  30. VK3QHU
  31. VK2PKT
  32. VK2KFT
  33. VK1AO/P (VKFF-1994)
  34. VK2MET/P (VKFF-1994)
  35. VK1DI/4 (VKFF-1632)
  36. VK3GRK
  37. VK7MAT/P (VKFF-1156)
  38. VK2VW
  39. VK2HFI
  40. VK2AKA
  41. VK2BUG
  42. VK4EW
  43. VK7PJM
  44. VK2IO/P (VKFF-2784)
  45. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-2784)
  46. VK7AN
  47. VK3BBB
  48. VK2CCP
  49. VK3ENI
  50. VK1JIM
  51. VK2TER
  52. VK2BM
  53. VK2QRP
  54. VK2MOP
  55. VK3MCK
  56. VK3MTT
  57. VK5WU
  58. VK3AEI
  59. VK3TDK
  60. VK5FANA
  61. VK5WMT
  62. VK4WTN
  63. VK3KRL
  64. VK3VIN
  65. VK3SQ
  66. VK2BD
  67. VK3JT
  68. VK3BRT
  69. VK4EMP
  70. VK4TI
  71. VK4GKO
  72. VK5DOC
  73. VK7DW
  74. VK5KPR
  75. VK5LA/P (VKFF-0372)
  76. VK5KAW/P (VKFF-0372)
  77. VK5IS
  78. VK3NP
  79. VK2HAK
  80. VK2SGH

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK3CEO
  2. ZL2BB
  3. ZL1POTA
  4. EC4AT/M
  5. VK6JK
  6. VK6LK
  7. VK6FRS
  8. VK6LMK
  9. KG5CIK
  10. EA3MP
  11. VK7AAE
  12. VK4HNS
  13. VK2MG
  14. VK4NH
  15. VK4DXA
  16. OH1MM
  17. EB3AM
  18. W0XXT
  19. VK4CZ
  20. F5PYI
  21. VK4EEW
  22. VK4SMA
  23. VK2IO/P (VKFF-2784)
  24. VK2GEZ/P (VKFF-2784)
  25. VK1AO/P (VKFF-1994)
  26. VK2MET/P (VKFF-1994)
  27. VK6NU
  28. VK4EMP
  29. VK4TI
  30. VK4GKO
  31. VK3RH
  32. KH6KW
  33. VK4JT
  34. F/VK6CB
  35. VK2TM
  36. VK4FOX
  37. DK7LJ
  38. XL3MR
  39. VK3AUX
  40. VK3PF/P (VKFF-0764)
  41. EA5JMN
  42. F4GYG
  43. G3SVD
  44. 2E0YEH
  45. F8ATM

For taking part in National Tree Day, Marija and I each received a special certificate.

References.

  1. CAPAD 2024
  2. Milangrailway.org.au. (2025). Milang’s Railway History. [online] Available at: https://milangrailway.org.au/milangs-railway-history/ [Accessed 2 Aug. 2025].
  3. ‌Trove. (2025). Victor Harbour Times (SA : 1932 – 1986) – 25 Jul 1969 – p1. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/21131449?searchTerm=milang%20rail [Accessed 2 Aug. 2025].
  4. ‌Trove. (2025). Railway Services Must Continue – Victor Harbour Times (SA : 1932 – 1986) – 17 May 1968. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187364366?searchTerm=milang%20rail [Accessed 2 Aug. 2025].
  5. ‌Trove. (2025). ENQUIRY ON CLOSING OF RAIL LINES – Victor Harbour Times (SA : 1932 – 1986) – 25 Jul 1969. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/187368855?searchTerm=milang%20rail [Accessed 2 Aug. 2025].
  6. ‌Trove. (2025). Southern Argus (Port Elliot, SA : 1866 – 1954) – 10 Nov 1881 – p2. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/9483953?searchTerm=railway%20select%20committee%20%2B%20milang [Accessed 2 Aug. 2025].
  7. ‌Trove. (2025). HISTORICAL TRAIN – The Coromandel (Blackwood, SA : 1945 – 1970) – 18 Jun 1970. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/261082651?searchTerm=HISTORICAL%20TRAIN%20%2B%20MILANG [Accessed 2 Aug. 2025].
  8. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2024). Nurragi railway station. Wikipedia.‌
  9. Wikipedia Contributors (2024). Milang railway line. Wikipedia.‌

BBC – 13810 kHz

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At about 0609 UTC on Friday 25th day of July 2025, I tuned in to the BBC, broadcasting on 13810 kHz in the French language.

The broadcast was coming from the 125 kW transmitter in Woofferton, UK.

The overall reception of the BBC was good.

SINPO
45444

My equipment:-

  • Yaesu FRG7
  • Alpha Delta DX sloper antenna

Below is a short video showing my reception of the BBC.

References.

  1. Short-wave.info. (2023). Short-Wave Radio Frequency Schedule. [online] Available at: http://www.short-wave.info/index.php [Accessed 22 Jul. 2025].
  2. World Radio TV Handbook 2025
  3. Shortwaveschedule.com. (2024). ShortwaveSchedule.com. [online] Available at: https://shortwaveschedule.com/‌ [Accessed 22 Jul. 2025].‌