Amateur radio activities at VK1DA, Canberra, Australia

12 element yagi for 2m used at home in March 2011

Shack in the shed

The temporary operating location in the shed used in the JMMFD and in the QRP hours contests. Computer came in handy for checking the rules. FT817 next to it was the radio used for the QRP contest, running 5 watts output into the 80m dipole.

The IC910 is used on 144, 432 and 1296 MHz. Above it is an Emtron antenna matchbox and there is a 2 amp 13.8v power supply on top of the Emtron. The antenna rotator control boxes are to the right of the IC910. Beneath the lower bench is the power supply for the IC910H, a memory keyer (Idiom Press, 4 memory type), an MFJ audio filter. The keyer paddle on the right is my old Brown Bros paddle that is still in great working order. Next to it is a kit-built paddle from American Morse that I bought at Dayton Hamvention in 2010. It is very small and quite light.

The antennas at the Yass property, as set up for recent operating events, April 2011.

The mast in the foreground is supporting two wire HF dipoles. This was set up for the QRP Hours contest on 2nd April.

The masts closer to the shed hold VHF and UHF antennas. These were set up for the JMMFD contest in March.

The dish has a future role on a microwave band above 1296 MHz.

VK1DA Amateur Radio

VK9NA VHF/UHF/EME Dxpedition

I joined the VK9NA team for the January 2011 VHF/UHF/EME Dxpedition. All the details of this expedition are on the VK9NA.COM website.

Blog articles

VK1DA/VK2UH

Photo Gallery

My gallery at Flickr.com also has photos of my amateur radio events and activities.

Books about Amateur Radio and Electronics

See a range of books about Amateur Radio, both technical and general, at Andrew's Book Store. You'll also find books about Electronics and other technologies there.

Recordings of VHF/UHF beacons while mobile

On a recent trip to Sydney I checked for the VK2RSY beacons on 28.262, 144.420 and 432.420 to see how far out I could hear them.

Field day log sheets

I have designed some log sheets and summary sheets for use in the Australian VHF field days, in Excel and Open Office format. More details here.

Field Day Techniques and checklist

My field day techniques page provides some ideas and describes my approach to field operation on VHF/UHF bands. Also here is my field day checklist. Some things such as clothing vary depending on the time of year, but basically I aim to be self contained, have backup equipment in case of total failure, be adequately clothed, fed and sheltered during the field day and to enjoy myself. These notes may help you plan your own field day operations.

Radio Links

Links to sites relating to amateur radio, including national organisations, clubs, special interests such as digital modes, moonbounce, HF DX, slow scan TV, VHF/UHF/Microwave communication.

VK-VHF Mailing List

Grid Squares

Maidenhead Grid Square locator codes are now in common usage around the world by most vhf/uhf operators and contest organisers. Make sure you place your Grid Locator on your QSL card and be ready to exchange grid locator codes with stations you contact.

If you don't know what they are or how to figure yours out, this article by Guy VK2KU explains it all really well.