I went back to Mark Oliphant Conservation Park today, 10th March 2014. It was my second activation. My first was on 21 May 2013 (see blog for August 14th 2013). VK5PAS, Paul, encouraged me to become active today, and we did manage a Park to Park contact. Paul was in the Onkaparinga River National Park. I chose a position not far from my first activation spot. I only managed eight contacts. I thought the band was in reasonable condition and I called CQ frequently. My first contact was with VK5PAS/P, Paul at Onkaparinga National Park; VK5EMI, John; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5WG, Nev; VK3BHR, Phil; VK5NWE, Roger; VK5MBD, Bill and VK5EMI, John for a second time.

May be I was a bit tired. Yesterday I attended the first VK5 SOTA & Parks Symposium. This was organised by VK5PAS and the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society Inc. It was a great day. It was my privilege to present two papers: the first was on using Lithium chemistry batteries and the second, on preparing to purchase an ‘Adventure Radio’.  So today I operated using my 8.4 amp hour LIFePO4 battery. I used the battery last night for an hour or so running a five watt FM radio in DStar Hot Spot service and also for today’s activation and the voltage still reads 13.01 volts. I am really happy with this and with a smaller battery, 4.8 amp battery as a back-up and a similar size LiPO and should be able to save my back! I am looking forward to some cooler days and some hiking!