1st contact with VK

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It always makes me happy when I am the first VK in the log for a station. It is even more special when that station is portable.

On the 8th January 2023, I spoke with Peter G5AIB/p who was activating SOTA summit Ros Castle G/SB-009), a little east of the Northumbrian town of Wooler, in the North East of England, near the Scottish Border.

Peter sent me an email and said:

“You were my first ever contact outside of Europe, so I was delighted to speak to you”.

Peter was using a Elecraft KX3 on 15 watts, with a SOTA beams Band Springer Midi, end fed antenna-Bandspringer Midi , end fed antenna, 10m-60m – SOTABEAMS

Peter sent me the photo below of his set up at the time.

It was a pleasure to get Peter in the log.

I’m on FT8

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One of the things I had promised myself in 2023 was getting onto the digital mode FT8.

I had previously done digital work using the PSK31 and 63 modes, but that was 7 years ago. Back then I was using my Yaesu FT450 and the SignaLink USB interface device. With FT8 I decided to use the Yaesu FT450 exclusively for the digital modes.

I downloaded WSJTX and JTDX and with both programs I was able to monitor the incoming FT8 signals but I could not get the radio to talk. John VK5BJE kindly came over on Thursday but we still could not get the radio to operate. I then reached out to Peter VK3ZPF who gave me the settings for the FT450, and BANG IT WORKED.

Thanks John and thanks Peter.

FRIDAY 13th JANUARY 2023.

On Friday night (13th January 2023) I worked a total of 27 stations on 20m and 40m FT8.

Countries worked on 40m FT8:

  • Antarctica
  • China
  • European Russia
  • France
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Norway
  • Scotland
  • Sri Lanka
  • Venezuela

My first ever FT8 contact was with Gildas F4HRG.

Above:- screen showing my contact with F4HRG

Above:- Gildas F4HRG

Countries worked on 20m FT8:

  • European Russia
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  • West Malaysia

It was a nice taste of FT8.

SATURDAY 14th JANUARY 2023.

Yesterday (Saturday 14th January 2023) I worked a total of 172 stations on FT8 on 15m, 20m, & 40m.

  • 15m – 98 QSOs

Countries worked on 15m FT8:-

  • Asiatic Russia
  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Fiji
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • 20m- 44 QSOs

Countries worked on 20m FT8.-

  • Argentina
  • Asiatic Russia
  • Austria
  • Australia
  • Belgium
  • Canary Island
  • England
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Israel
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Poland
  • Slovak Republic
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • USA
  • 40m FT8 – 30 QSOs

Countries worked on 40m FT8-

  • Asiatic Russia
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Colombia
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • New Caledonia
  • Panama
  • USA

USA states worked on 40m FT8

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Louisana
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Wisconsin

FT8 has opened up another exciting aspect of amateur radio for me.

WRTC 2023

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Over the past few weeks, I have been having fun chasing the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) stations.

Below is a video of some WRTC stations heard and worked from my QTH.

So far I have worked the following WRTC stations:-

  • 4X22WRTC Israel – 20m, 15m
  • 8B0RARI Indonesia – 20m, 15m
  • 8N1WRTC – 10m
  • 9A22WRTC – 20m
  • DA22WRTC – 20m, 15m
  • E2WRTC -20m
  • EF2WRTC – 15m, 10m
  • EF8WRTC – 20m
  • GB2WC – 20m
  • HZ1WRTC – 20m
  • II0WRTC – 20m
  • II1WRTC – 15m
  • II2WRTC- 20m
  • II3WRTC – 20m, 15m
  • II5WRTC – 15m
  • II8WRTC – 20m
  • II9WRTC -15m
  • IO1WRTC – 20m
  • LZ0WRTC – 20m
  • OM22WRTC – 20m, 15m
  • SP0WRTC – 15m
  • SX0WRTC – 20m, 15m
  • TM2WRTC – 20m
  • UP7WRTC – 15m

KNLS – 6110 kHz

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At about 1419 UTC on 7th January 2023, I tuned in to KNLS Alaska broadcasting on 6110 kHz in the English language.

The broadcast was coming from the Anchor Point 100kW transmitter.

The program consisted of music and religious content.

The overall reception of KNLS was good. The signal strength was good, however, there was some slight interference from PBS Xizing in China broadcasting on the same frequency.

SINPO
44444

Below is a video showing my reception of KNLS.

Cox Scrub Conservation Park VKFF-0824

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Our final park for Sunday 27th November 2022 and the 2022 VKFF Activation Weekend was the Cox Scrub Conservation Park VKFF-0824. The park is located about 70 km south-south-east of the city of Adelaide and about 8 km south of the town of Ashbourne where I live.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Cox Scrub Conservation Park. Map c/o Google maps.

The park is bordered by Bull Creek Road to the east, and Rymill Road to the west. Cleared farming land can be found to the south and north.

Above:- An aerial view of the park showing the boundaries. Image c/o Google Earth.

Cox Scrub Conservation Park is about 563 hectares in size and is one of the largest parks on the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide.

Above:- An aerial view of the Cox Scrub Conservation Park. Image c/o Google maps.

The park was proclaimed on the 5th day of March 1970 as the Cox’s Scrub National Park. Prior to this, the park was owned by Mr V. Cox, an apiarist of Ashbourne> He preserved the park in is natural state for the bees which he bred. On the 27th day of April 1972, it was reconstituted as the Cox Scrub Conservation Park. Additional areas were added to the park in 1977, 1982, 1984, 1986, and 2018.

In 1983 the park was destroyed during the Ash Wednesday Bushfires.

Above:- Article from the Victor Harbour Times, Wed 21 Sep 1983. Image c/o Trove.

The park is well-signposted from Bull Creek Road.

The majority of the park’s vegetation is low stringybark and banksia with a dense understorey

The park is home to numerous birds. Below are some photos I took during our visit.

Birds SA have recorded 152 different bird species in the park including  Superb Fairywren, Red-browed Finch, Galah, New Holland Honeyeater, White-browed Scrubwren, and Red Wattlebird.

Marija and I logged a total of 70 QSOs, including 22 Park to Park contacts.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3ZPF/p (Kurth Kiln Regional Park VKFF-0971)
  2. VK3OAK/p (Baranduda Regional Park  VKFF-0959)
  3. VK2YK/p (Angove Conservation Park VKFF-0867)
  4. VK5BJE
  5. VK5LA
  6. VK5KAW
  7. VK5DW
  8. VK3VIN
  9. VK5HAA
  10. VK5FANA
  11. VK5KLV/p (Whyalla Conservation Park VKFF-0808)
  12. VK3BEZ/p (Kangaroo Swamp Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2121)
  13. VK3MCA/p (Timor Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2211)
  14. VK3TUN/p (Tunstalls Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2217)
  15. VK5DG/p (Tunstalls Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2217)
  16. VK2IO/p (Yellomundee Regional Park VKFF-0558)

Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

  1. VK3BEZ/p (Kangaroo Swamp Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2121)
  2. VK3MCA/p (Timor Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2211)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3ZPF/p (Kurth Kiln Regional Park VKFF-0971)
  2. VK3OAK/p (Baranduda Regional Park  VKFF-0959)
  3. VK2YK/p (Angove Conservation Park VKFF-0867)
  4. VK5BJE
  5. VK5LA
  6. VK5KAW
  7. VK5DW
  8. VK3VIN
  9. VK5HAA
  10. VK5FANA
  11. VK5KLV/p (Whyalla Conservation Park VKFF-0808)
  12. Vk2VH
  13. VK4AAC
  14. VK3AMO
  15. VK3GJG
  16. VK7HAM
  17. VK5CZ
  18. VK3CJN
  19. VK3YAR
  20. VK3BEZ/p (Kangaroo Swamp Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2121)
  21. VK2HMC/p
  22. VK3MCA/p (Timor Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2211)
  23. VK3BBB/5
  24. VK2CCP/5
  25. VK3AHR
  26. VK3TUN/p (Tunstalls Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2217)
  27. VK5DG/p (Tunstalls Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2217)
  28. VK3UAO
  29. VK5PHR
  30. VK3CWF
  31. VK3UH
  32. VK3DNB
  33. VK3SMW
  34. VK3MLT
  35. VK2IO/p (Yellomundee Regional Park VKFF-0558)

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK4FW
  2. VK8MM
  3. V73MS
  4. VK1ZZ/4
  5. VK6NU
  6. VK4JT/p
  7. VK4TJ
  8. VK6LMK
  9. VK4NH
  10. VK4DXA

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

  1. VK3BEZ/p (Kangaroo Swamp Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2121)
  2. VK5DW
  3. VK5HAA
  4. VK3MCA/p (Timor Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2211)
  5. VK5FANA
  6. VK5CZ

I worked the following station on 80m AM:-

  1. VK5FANA

It was the end of an excellent weekend and another successful VKFF Activation Weekend. Marija and I activated eight (8) parks on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

References.

  1. Birds SA, 2023, <https://birdssa.asn.au/location/cox-scrub-conservation-park/>, viewed 10th January 2023.
  2. National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2023, <https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/cox-scrub-conservation-park>, viewed 10th January 2023.
  3. Wikipedia, 2023, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cox_Scrub_Conservation_Park>, viewed 10th January 2023.

Cox Scrub Conservation Reserve VKFF-1701

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Our third park for Sunday 27th November 2022 was the Cox Scrub Conservation Reserve VKFF-1701. The park is located about 65 km south of the city of Adelaide.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Cox Scrub Conservation Reserve. Map c/o Google maps.

The Cox Scrub Conservation Reserve is located on the eastern side of Bull Creek Road (Meadows-to Goolwa Road).  It is not to be confused with the Cox Scrub Conservation Park which is much larger in size.

Above:- An aerial shot of the Cox Scrub Conservation Reserve showing the boundaries. Image c/o Google Earth.

The majority of the adjacent Conservation Park was previously owned by the late Mr. V. COX of Ashbourne, who preserved the area in a natural state for overwintering his honey bees.  In 1969 the land was purchased from Mr. COX on the condition that he was allowed to keep bees in the park.  This agreement was upheld until he passed away.

Above:- Aerial shot showing the Cox Scrub Conservation Reserve with the Conservation Park in the background. Image c/o Google maps.

The park does not have a sign. There is an overgrown track on the eastern side of the road which is suitable for 4WD only.

Marija and I drove along the 4WD track and found a clearing on the eastern side of the park. We ran the Yaesu FT857. 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3MCA/p (Havelock Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2107)
  2. VK3BEZ/p (Mullungdung Flora & Fauna Reserve VKFF-2406)
  3. VK3TUN/p (Dalyenong Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2075)
  4. VK2VH
  5. VK4AAC
  6. VK5BJE
  7. VK3GJG
  8. VK5KLV/p (Whyalla Conservation Park VKFF-0808)
  9. VK3DL/p (Coradjil Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2069)
  10. VK2IO/p (Wollemi National Park VKFF-0544)
  11. VK3BBB/5
  12. VK2CCP/5
  13. VK2OKR/p (Gir-um-bit National Park VKFF-0589)
  14. VK2AUS/p (Gir-um-bit National Park VKFF-0589)
  15. VK7IAN/p (Coningham Nature Recreation Area VKFF-1135)
  16. VK3ZPF/p (Kurth Kiln Regional Park VKFF-0971)
  17. VK2EG/p (Werakata National Park VKFF-0528)
  18. VK3CTM
  19. Vk2DG
  20. VK5HAA
  21. VK5WWW
  22. VK3VIN
  23. VK5FANA
  24. VK3YAR
  25. VK4NH
  26. VK4DXA
  27. VK4FW
  28. VK8MM
  29. VK3SH
  30. VK3UH
  31. VK3CJN

Marija worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK4NH
  2. VK4DXA
  3. VK2IO/p (Wollemi National Park VKFF-0544)
  4. ZL1BQD
  5. VK2MET/p (Tomaree National Park VKFF-0490)
  6. VK1AO/p (Tomaree National Park VKFF-0490)
  7. VK2VW
  8. VK2HFI
  9. ZL1TM
  10. VK4FW
  11. VK8MM
  12. VK7XX
  13. VK7CEJ
  14. VK6JK
  15. VK4UMB
  16. VK7IAN/p (Coningham Nature Recreation Area VKFF-1135)

Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

  1. VK5HAA
  2. VK5FANA
  3. VK5CZ
  4. VK5WWW

Marija worked the following station on 80m AM:-

  1. VK5HAA

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3MCA/p (Havelock Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2107)
  2. VK3BEZ/p (Mullungdung Flora & Fauna Reserve VKFF-2406)
  3. VK3TUN/p (Dalyenong Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2075)
  4. VK2VH
  5. VK4AAC
  6. VK5BJE
  7. VK3GJG
  8. VK5KLV/p (Whyalla Conservation Park VKFF-0808)
  9. VK3DL/p (Coradjil Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2069)
  10. VK2IO/p (Wollemi National Park VKFF-0544)
  11. VK3BBB/5
  12. VK2CCp/5
  13. VK3DJC
  14. VK3SQ
  15. VK2MOP
  16. VK6MRD
  17. VK3ANL
  18. VK5HAA
  19. VK5CZ
  20. VK2OKR/p (Gir-um-bit National Park VKFF-0589)
  21. VK2AUS/p (Gir-um-bit National Park VKFF-0589)
  22. VK7IAN/p (Coningham Nature Recreation Area VKFF-1135)
  23. VK3ZPF/p (Kurth Kiln Regional Park VKFF-0971)
  24. VK2EG/p (Werakata National Park VKFF-0528)

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK4NH
  2. VK4DXA
  3. VK2IO/p (Wollemi National Park VKFF-0544)
  4. ZL1BQD
  5. VK2MET/p (Tomaree National Park VKFF-0490)
  6. VK1AO/p (Tomaree National Park VKFF-0490)
  7. Vk2VW
  8. VK2HFI
  9. ZL1TM
  10. VK4FW
  11. VK8MM
  12. VK7XX
  13. VK7CEJ
  14. VK6JK
  15. VK4UMB
  16. VK7IAN/p (Coningham Nature Recreation Area VKFF-1135)

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

  1. VK5HAA
  2. VK5FANA
  3. VK5CZ
  4. VK5WWW

I worked the following station on 80m AM:-

  1. VK5HAA

With 97 QSOs in the log, and 30 Park to Park contacts, it was time to head across the road to our final park for the day, the Cox Scrub Conservation Park.

References.

  1. Wikipedia, 2023, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cox_Scrub_Conservation_Park>, viewed 10th January 203.

Mount Magnificent Conservation Park VKFF-0916

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Our second park for Sunday 27th November 2022 was the Mount Magnificent Conservation Park VKFF-0916. The park is located about 64 km (by road) south of the city of Adelaide.

I have activated Mount Magnificent a number of times previously.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Mount Magnificent Conservation Park. Map c/o Google maps.

The park is bounded to the west by the Blackfellows Creek Road and to the east by Mount Magnificent Road. The Heysen trail passes through the park.

Above:- An aerial view of the park showing the park boundaries. Image c/o Google Earth.

The park was previously known as the Mount Magnificent National Park when it was gazetted on the 10th day of August 1967. On the 27th day of April 1972, it was reconstituted as the Mount Magnificent Conservation Park.

Mount Magnificent Conservation Park is 90 hectares (220 acres) in size. The summit of Mount Magnificent which rises 380 metres above sea level can be found in the park.

Above:- An aerial view of the Mt Magnificent CP. Image c/o Google maps

Mount Magnificent Conservation Park conserves remnant land which was left virtually untouched by landowners due to the steep terrain and rocky outcrops in the area. The park has Stringybark low open forest various eucalypts, and banksia.

There are some magnificent views to be enjoyed from the park of the southern coast, the Coorong, Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.

Marija and I set up alongside the park sign on Mount Magnificent Road. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.

We made a total of 76 QSOs, including 21 Park to Park contacts.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3BEZ/p (Herb Guyatt Flora Reserve VKFF-2329)
  2. VK5HS
  3. VK5LA
  4. VK3CJN
  5. VK2IO/p (Parr State Conservation Area VKFF-1370)
  6. VK2MET/p (Worimi National Park VKFF-0614)
  7. VK1AO/p (Worimi National Park VKFF-0614)
  8. VK3GJG/p (Bunyip State Park VKFF-0753)
  9. VK3BBB
  10. VK2CCP
  11. VK2VH
  12. VK4AAC
  13. VK3TKK/p (Organ Pipes National Park VKFF-0627)
  14. VK3BEZ/p (Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2431)
  15. VK5DW
  16. VK5KLV/p (Whyalla Conservation Park VKFF-0808)
  17. VK5HAA
  18. VK3SQ
  19. VK3AMO
  20. VK5MRD
  21. VK5AKR/m
  22. VK3OAK/p (Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park VKFF-0620)

Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

  1. VK5HAA
  2. VK5CZ
  3. VK5KLV/p (Whyalla Conservation Park VKFF-0808)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3BEZ/p (Herb Guyatt Flora Reserve VKFF-2329)
  2. VK5HS
  3. VK5LA
  4. VK3CJN
  5. VK2IO/p (Parr State Conservation Area VKFF-1370)
  6. VK2MET/p (Worimi National Park VKFF-0614)
  7. VK1AO/p (Worimi National Park VKFF-0614)
  8. VK3GJG/p (Bunyip State Park VKFF-0753)
  9. VK3BBB
  10. VK2CCP
  11. VK2VH
  12. VK4AAC
  13. VK5FANA
  14. VK3GRX
  15. VK3UH
  16. VK5BJE
  17. VK2EXA
  18. VK5KVA
  19. VK5VST
  20. VK5MRD
  21. VK5HYZ
  22. VK2TRL
  23. VK3TKK/p (Organ Pipes National Park VKFF-0627)
  24. VK5FB
  25. VK5HAA
  26. VK5KLV/p (Whyalla Conservation Park VKFF-0808)
  27. VK2LEE
  28. VK5CZ
  29. VK3NBL
  30. VK5PL
  31. VK3SQ
  32. VK3BEZ/p (Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2431)
  33. VK3CWF
  34. VK5DW
  35. VK3OAK/p (Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park VKFF-0620)

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK4NH
  2. VK4DXA
  3. VK4TJ
  4. VK2LEE
  5. VK4MUD
  6. VK2VW
  7. VK2HFI
  8. VK4HNS
  9. VK6NU
  10. VK5HAA
  11. VK4SMA/p (The Palms National Park VKFF-0485)
  12. VK7XX

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

  1. VK5HAA
  2. VK5CZ
  3. VK5JAK
  4. VK5KLV/p (Whyalla Conservation Park VKFF-0808)

It was off to our third park for the day, the Cox Scrub Conservation Reserve, not far from our home.

References.

  1. National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2023, <https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/mount-magnificent-conservation-park>, viewed 10th January 2023.
  2. Wikipedia, 2023, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Magnificent_Conservation_Park>, viewed 10th January 2023.