vk5bje-diploma-occff-hunter
I was pleased to be awarded the OCCFF certificate for working seven DXCC entities, in my case all VK call areas. Thanks to all concerned for a most attractive certificate.
OCCFF Certificate, September 2015
Amateur radio
Ramco Point Conservation Park, VKFF-930, 15th September 2015
I have previously activated this Park just over two years ago on the 28th July 2013. I succeeded in making 13 contacts and I thought I did really well. It is a tribute to the chasers that 44 + contacts are now achievable at a single sitting. Here is a link to that activation.
On this occasion I began my activation just after UTC rollover at 00:03 and finished at 04:39 (my last contact was with Rick, VK4RF, and we spent 26 minutes in our qso on 20 metres). Signals were 5 and 9 each way and I was using 10 watts.
Here are my contacts: on 7.095, VK3XCO/P2, Peter at West Wyalong; VK3DQ, John; VK3FPBI, Allan; VK6ADF/P6, Allan on SOTA summit VK6/SG-011; VK3DBP, Paul; VK3PRF/M, Peter at Bairnsdale; VK2IO, Gerard; VK3XCO/M2, Peter informing me of his progress in travelling to Victoria; VK5FAJS/P2, Allan at Bournda National Park; VK3AW, Laurie; VK3PMG, Mick; VK2PDW, Wayne; VK2XXM, Robert; VK5ZGY/M, Greg; VK3PF, Peter; VK3HP, Grant; VK4AAC/P5, Rob; VK5GJ/QRP, Greg in the Adelaide Hills; VK5NFB, Don; VK3YFL, Brian; VK3DPG, Dennis; VK5GI, Norm; VK3RV, Peter; VK3DBP, Paul; VK5KBJ, Barry; VK5IS, Ian; VK5FANA, Adrian; VK2MTC, Greg; VK5YX, Hans; VK3BGE, Ian; VK5KKT, Ian; VK5FAJS, Allan at Bournda National Park; VK5ZRJ, Bob; VK5YX, Hans; VK2XXM, Rob at 02:31; VK2XXM, Rob at 02:42 on 14,305; 7.095 VK5PL, David; VK5WG, Nev; VK3MRO, Tibor at Shepparton; VK5NAQ, Peter; VK2HEW, ‘Hewie’; VK3ZPF, Peter; VK2YW, John; VK5KLV, Les; VK3ALB, Lou; VK3FBNG, Bruce; VK7FMPR, Mark; VK3XCO/M3, Peter now in VK3; VK5NM, Rick; VK3AMX, Alex at 03:46. I then moved again to 20 metres and on 14.300 worked VK4GFS, George at Toowoomba; on 14.310, VK4RF and VK4HA, Rick with sign off at 04:39. I succeeded in making 44+ contacts and as per usual, thank all of the operators who gave me a call. Such calls are always greatly appreciated.
We drove from Renmark to Waikerie on Monday 14th September. On the way we stopped at the Overland Corner Hotel for lunch. This historic hotel is owned by the National Trust and is under lease. I phoned from Renmark and booked and we were given a table outside with some shade. It was a great place for lunch and it was just as well we booked as the place was popular with a tourist coach and other visitors enjoying the beautiful weather.
The Overland Corner Hotel showing the 1956 flood level on the wall.
Another view of the hotel. Live music was provided from the pavilion in the background
Looking across the flood plain to Murray River from the hotel
After lunch we visited Lock 2 near Taylorville. Here are some photos from our visit. The first photo is of the weir. The second photo is a portion of the first showing Darters (also known as snake birds) fishing in the disturbed water just below the weir. The third photo shows a pelican just outside the really disturbed water waiting for his/her turn at fishing for the ones who get through the gauntlet of the Darters!
Lock 2
The fishers at work
Pelican catching the leftovers
We stayed on a private property near Taylorville. Our accommodation was a log cottage built into the side of a hill above the flood plain. It was a great place for bird watching. The Noisy Myna is not our favourite bird. They are bullies and displace less aggressive species. However, we were impressed with these birds as parents: they were diligent and worked with apparently little time off collecting food for their young. Their nest was in a small tree just outside our accommodation. Here is a photo of one of the parents hanging up side down feeding hatchlings.
A noisy myna feeding young: click to expand
Murray River National Park, VKFF-372, 12th & 13 September 2015
Murray River National Park Lyrup Flats section
I made a return visit to the Murray River National Park today. I have previously activated this Park for the South Australian National and Conservation Park Award and VKFF: here is a link to that activation
However, on this occasion I set out to achieve 44 contacts to qualify the Park for the WWFF award. I was not successful but I got very close, not withstanding the poor band conditions! I need another 12 contacts. So poor were the conditions on 40 metres that I only contacted two VK5s: both Riverland stations! Contacts over longer distances were more successful and I enjoyed qsos with VK4, VK3, VK2, VK1 and VK7 stations and Chris, VK4FR/P5 who was activating Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, VKFF-276 . This was a first activation of this park for SANPCPA and for WWFF. Well done Chris.
My wife Jenny is attending a Land Care conference in Waikerie on Tuesday and we decided to come a bit earlier for rest and relaxation. I have been struggling with a head cold and the warm days in the Riverland, 26 degrees today and 31 tomorrow are great for the body and soul!
My gear at MRNP. I used my I-Pad to access the internet & post my intentions etc. I am sure it helped me get 44+!
I commenced operating at 00:18 on 12th September on 7.095 and here are my contacts:
VK2GJC, Greg; VK7WH, Warren; VK2LX, Grant; VK2EJW, Jock; VK3ANL, Nick; VK2BGL, Steve; VK3PF, Peter; VK5AW, Adrian; VK6LCK, Daniel 400 k east of Perth; VK1NAM, Andrew; VK5FLEX, Peter; VK3HRA, Allan; VK2IO, Gerard; VK3RV, Peter; VK3AW, Laurie; VK2PKT, Keith at Parkes; VK3WQ, Jenny; VK3SQ, Geoff; VK3ZPF/SM, Peter helping out the Scouts; VK2JDS/SM, Dave; VK2GKA, Karl; VK3CAT/P3, Tony on 7.090, at VK3/VC-003; VK7CW, Steve on 7.095; VK3JK, Craig; VK3YFC/M5, Brian at Streaky Bay; VK4FFAB/P4, Rob on 7.090 at VKFF-391; VK3KLB, Albert at Bittern; VK3VTH/P3, Tony on 7.090 at VKFF-982; VK3TKK, Peter on 7.095; VK5FLEX, Peter at Renmark and finally VK4FR/P5, Chris at VKFF-276, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park the first activation for WWFF. At this point I invited Chris to take over 7.095 and posted an entry for him on Parksnpeaks. I was delighted to meet Peter, VK5FLEX, who while speaking with me said he would like to visit. I told him that I was in camp-ground 12 and sure enough he soon arrived. I was winding up at this stage and we had a good time together discussing portable operations, radio gear, up-grading his licence level and living in the Riverland.
I totalled 32 contacts with two duplicates. My photo shows my operating set up including phone and Ipad. I was able to check activity on 40 metres (and elsewhere: there wasn’t anything on the higher frequency bands!) and chase three desirable contacts. I decided that I would return in the morning and try and increase my score to 44 plus (if possible). It was great to be in a Park with reasonable internet access! Propagation was generally poor and no VK5s made it into my log. However, signals into VK2 and VK3 were reasonable.
Sunday 13th September 2015
I made my way back to the same location in the Lyrup Flats section of the Murray River National Park and set up and was on the air at 23:13. My first contact was with Rob, on 7.148, VK4FFAB/P4 at VKFF-334. While Rob was in a different park to the earlier contacts it is probably still a duplicate. Rob kindly agreed to a further contact after UTC roll-over.
I checked 7.095 and the frequency appeared clear. I began calling CQ and at 23:16 was answered by Peter, VK3KAI; Mike, VK6MB 52s and 31r (still we made it!); John , VK3FCAN; Rick, VK4RF; VK4HA, Rick; VK3WE, Rhett who kindly postponed his lawn-cutting task to give me a contact; VK5FLEX, Peter; VK3MOD, Jim; and at 00:00 on 7.090, Rob, VK4FFAB/P4 in VKFF-334; Fred on 7.095, VK3DAC; VK7CW, Steve; Marshall, VK3MRG; Phil, VK2PHP/P at Baradine; VK5NM/M Rick at Loxton and finally, VK3YB, Brenton at Upper Beaconsfield. It was hard work. Propagation was the same as it has been for the last few days. The VK5’s in my log were just a few kilometers away and propagation would have been largely by ground-wave. However, I wish to express my thanks to all of the callers, amongst them some new call-signs for me, making it possible to successfully activate this park (adding a few contacts from an earlier activation).
We stayed at the Renmark Caravan Park on the River. It is a great spot.
A passing house boat at the Renmark Caravan Park
A souvenier from Cromer Conservation Park VKFF-779, from VK5PAS
I was pleased to have a contact with Paul, VK5PAS, who was activating Cromer Conservation Park, VKFF-779, on the 31st July 2015. It was a real Winter’s Day activation and only one month of Winter remaining. Roll on Spring! It was also World International Ranger Day. The shooting of Cecil the Lion in Zimbabwe is a reminder that in some countries the work of Rangers has added dangers.
Ten Tec Rebel, Model 506
I thought I would share a few comments about my new radio, a Ten Tec Rebel, Model 506. I have owned this radio for about three weeks, but for two of those weeks I have been out of action (illness). However, I have listened to some CW transmissions on 40 metres and I intend to keep the radio on that band. It is capable of transmitting on both 40 metres and 20 metres, CW only at about five watts at 13.8 volts, a little less using a 12 volt supply. The radio is an open source Arduino based device for tinkerers! But is it ready to transmit on either 40m or 20m depending on the band you select by changing five sets of jumpers. There is no frequency readout but the default 40 metre frequency is 7.030. Changing frequency is achieved by setting the frequency step, turning the dial and counting the led flashes. I listened to some SOTA activations on 7.032. I already own a Ten Tec Argonaut Model 539 and the controls are very similar to the controls on the Rebel. There is a Rebel Group on Yahoo and many US operators have added additional features to their Rebels, for example, frequency readouts, band changing circuitry, additional bands and a morse keyer to name just a few. I have armed myself with the ARRL publication ‘Ham Radio for Arduino and Picaxe’ edited by Leigh L Klotz, WA5ZNU. I would rank a frequency readout as a useful add-on. Anyway it is my intention to use the radio on portable operations and try my hand at some slow morse contacts.
Ten Tec Rebel Model 506
The radio is packed in a cardboard box after being shrink-wrapped to a piece of cardboard which is fitted to the bottom of the box. There is no foam. Indeed no additional packing at all is used. I was impressed. The radio is very small and no accessories are included in the package. You therefore need to add a speaker and make up a power cable, connect to the power source and attach a hand key and it is ready to work. The radio is very small: about the size of two cigarette packs side by side! For anyone seeking more information I thoroughly recommend the You Tube videos from NG9D. I will say more about this radio as I get to use it more.
Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, VKFF-782, 28th June 2015
On Sunday afternoon the sun was shining and I thought I would begin my VKFF activation of Mark Oliphant Conservation Park. While I have activated this Park twice previously that was for the South Australian National and Conservation Parks Award: SANPCPA. Here is a link to those activations.
The Mark Oliphant Conservation Park is the closest protected area nearest to my home. It is about two kilometres away as the Little Raven flies! I can see the Park from our house. It was named after Sir Mark Oliphant, nuclear physicist and Governor of South Australia.
Mark Oliphant Conservation Park on a Winter’s day: from our place
On this occasion I set up off Evans Drive rather than just inside the main entrance. Evans Drive dissects the Park but there was little vehicular traffic and a few people of foot, some of whom showed some interest in what I was doing.
Here is a list of my contacts.
I was on the air at 0411 on 40 metres and worked in order
VK4AAC/P5 Rob at Kelly Hill Conservation Park VKFF-810
VK2GAZ/P2, Garry at Scheyville National Park VKFF-444. I was delighted to get this contact having activated this Park last year. Here is a link to that activation.
See also Garry’s blog at
VK3TKK
VK3PMG
VK5ZRY
VK5HCF
VK3OHM
VK5PL ex VK5NQP Congratulations David on the new call and Advanced Licence
VK2IO/M Gerard
VK5ZAR
VK5ZGY
VK5FTRG
VK5FANA
VK1NAM/P1 Andrew at Oakey Hill Nature Reserve VKFF-858
VK3BNJ
VK5BGN
VK100ANZAC Operator Ken at Mt Evelyn
VK3OF
VK5ZRY/P5 Ramsay Conservation Park VKFF-815
VK5AAC/P5 Rob on 14.247 s 53 r 41 a short haul on 20 metres Kelly Hill CP VKFF-810
ZL3JAS 14.200 Jason at Christchurch s 58 r 44
VK4FTWO 7.090 Littabella National Park VKFF-290
VK5PAS
VK5TR
VK5BB
VK5KLV
and at 05:38
VK5NRG Roy
At this stage the sun moved behind the hill, the temperature dropped suddenly and I decided I would pack up and head home. I was happy to gain 27 contacts and I shall return and work a few others to gain the 44 needed for the VKFF program. Thanks to all who gave me a call.
Lake Torrens National Park, VKFF-278, 21 June 2015
The expedition to Lake Torrens National Park, VKFF-278, was a highlight of the trip for me as I am certain it was for the others. It is remote. A 4×4 track extends to the Lake from Merna Mora station and the round trip is about 90 kilometres and a ‘four to six hour experience’ according to the station brochure. Two of our three vehicles made the trip. The track was a fairly easy drive, although there were some slippery sections as a result of the rain. The owners also checked out the early stages of the track before giving permission for us to leave. It was about 10:15 when we were given a clearance to depart and the usual drive at the beginning of the track though the Moralana Creek was substituted with another drier station track. The station owners briefed us about their expectations as to how we should treat the track, particularly since the owner was suffering a painful shoulder injury as a result of a motor bike accident after crashing on a damaged station track. We were instructed not to drive through muddy ponds but straddle the track by driving down the middle and one side, or travelling on a loop around the damage.
Map of drive to Lake Torrens NP from Merna Mora Station courtesy of Merna Mora
It was my job to drive the lead vehicle. Most of the time the track was easy to follow, but we did obtain advice about one section via CB radio to the station.
It is a stunning landscape.
Sand dune on way to Lake Torrens National Park. JCD photo
Crossing Moralana Inlet on way to Lake Torrens National Park. JCD photo
On the edge of Lake Torrens. JCD photo
And for those of you thinking about going for a swim – don’t even dream of it! Here is a quote from the excellent notes provided by the station owner. ‘Under no circumstances drive onto the lake. It is bottomless. If walking take extreme care particularly if the lake is brown in colour. This lake is tidal and when brown indicates that it is very wet underfoot and extremely boggy….The lake is approximately 10 metres above sea level…’
Here is my log. I worked 22 stations, not enough to qualify the Park for the WWFF award. I appreciated all the callers. Thanks for your efforts.
03:45 10.130 VK3PF, Peter; VK5WG, Nev; VK5KFB, Rod; 10.135 VK7AN, Rob; 14.305 at 04:06 and Rob again at 04:12 VK4AAC/P5, on Kangaroo Island; VK4GSF, George at Toowoomba; 14.310 ZL4KD, Ken; 7.098 VK3PMG, Mick; VK5MBD, Bill; VK5KFB, Rod; VK6BSA/M, Mark; 7.100 VK3YSP/P Joe and VK3FOWL/P Julie at the Melbourne Museum; VK3MCD/P3, Brian on VK3/VG-015; VK2IO/P2, Gerard on VK2/CT-001; 7.105, VK5LY, Larry (I was delighted to work Larry who was the first to activate this Park) VK5ZAR, Arno; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5JK, Jeff; VK1DI/P1, Ian in VKFF-857 and VK3AAR, Andrew.
Mount Brown Conservation Park, 15th June 2015
Mount Brown Conservation Park is a park which qualifies for the South Australian National and Conservation Park Award. I have previously visited this Park. Here is a link to that activation:https://vk5bje.com/2013/09/29/mount-brown-conservation-park-29th-September-2013/
On this occasion Paul chose a different and more open location than the one I used previously. There was even a shelter available but it was not required.
Mount Brown Conservation Park. JCD photo
The afternoon activation was very successful. Here is my log:
10.130, beginning at 04:35, VK5TW, Trevor; VK2IO, Gerard; VK5KGP, Graham; VK3CAT, Tony; VK5ZK, Garry; VK5KLV, Les; VK4FE, Fred; VK5ZAR, Arno; 10.120, VK5AW, Adrian from Renmark; AK4AHL, Ron; VK5FD, Allan; VK5WG, Nev; 14:310, I5FLN, Luciano; VK2NP, Cliff; IK4DDI, Steven; VK5GJ, Greg; KJ6OA, Dave from San Diego; WB4JSB, James from Georgia; I8OCA, Tommy; S58AL, Albert from Slovenia; IZ7MFY, Mike; DL5XU, Matt and S52KM, Hinko, making 23 contacts in all.
Devils Peak, SOTA VK5/NE-080, 15 June 2015
Devil’s Peak start of the walking trail. JCD photo
Devil’s Peak. JCD photo
We climbed the Devil’s Peak in fog and descended in sun-light. It is quite a difficult climb when slippery, especially carrying radio gear, squid pole and other items such as water. A highlight for me was working Ian, VK5CZ, on six metres. I was inspired to make a dipole after my visit to Canberra for the WIA AGM where I saw the local amateurs having contacts on VHF and UHF. I am hoping to do some more work on six metres closer to Adelaide and try and generate some more interest in this band for portable use.
Devils Peak VK5/NE-080 Log
Mount Arden, VK5/NE-034, SOTA summit, 22nd June 2015
We originally planned to activate Mount Arden, VK5/NE-034, on Sunday 14th June. This was not possible because of the rain and the track was closed. The land-owners, who were advised of our radio interests, invited us back to their property, the Argadells, on our return from Farina. They are of course well aware of radio matters. Mount Arden is the site of a number of commercial installations, a CB repeater and VK5RAE, the 2 metre repeater. Thus, 22nd June became Mount Arden day! Our Nissan was the lead vehicle on the trip to the summit. The sun was shining and we were looking forward to the challenge. David and Joy chose to travel with us to the summit. This was a genuine 4×4 track, steep, slippery and with loose rocks. They had previously experienced my driving on the approximately 100k 4×4 trip to Lake Torrens National Park. They survived that experience and were prepared to trust their lives to me again. I think if they had studied the track in advance they might have changed their minds! However, they are still speaking with me! There are a number of You-tube videos of drivers on this track. Mount Arden is a great platform for some excellent views south. The power station at Port Augusta was visible as was the gulf. On the summit it was very windy and cold. However, Paul, David and I all successfully activated Mount Arden. My log is reproduced below. 
After qualifying the summit on 40 metres using Paul’s radio I went back to my radio and had three contacts on 30 metres. I also tried six without success. I could hear the six metre beacon on 50.315 MHz in the Barossa Valley. Then came the drive down led by Paul.
Summit Mt Arden VK5PAS/P & VK5BJE/P
vk5bje 