Mount Ainslie, SOTA, VK1/AC-040, VKFF-0850, 24th December 2015

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After discussions with Andrew, VK1AD, I decided to activate Mount Ainslie, VK1/AC-040 (also VKFF-0850), on the 24th December 2015. I had previously activated this summit courtesy of Andrew, then VK1NAM, in May 2015. Here is a link to that activation:

Mt Ainslie, VK1/AC-040, 9th May 2015

Andrew planned to visit Mount Stromlo, VK1/AC-043, hoping to work six and ten metre contacts via sporadic E propagation. Six metre contacts to VK5 have been achieved and early morning 10m contacts into the USA also have also been fairly regular occurrences. I was keeping my fingers crossed in relation to six metres. After my experiences of six metres in Canberra in May 2015 during the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) Annual General Meeting, I decided to make a six metre dipole. It was that antenna I planned to use from Mount Ainslie on this occasion. However, I began my activation on 40 metres and my log is reproduced below. I had an hour and a quarter playing on 40 metres before the six and ten metre activity began. I had a great time.

Mount Ainslie 23122015

Mount Ainslie Log 23/12/2015

Mount Ainslie Log 24/12/2015

Mount Ainslie Log 24/12/2015

As can be seen from the log I had a number of contacts on 6 metres: all were with Canberra stations except one, VK2UH, Andrew at Yass. My radio was set for ten watts and I was using a half wave dipole. I was delighted with all of the six metre contacts, but especially the contacts with VK2UH. I also had a contact with Andrew, VK1AD, on two metres FM on 146.500. This was a first for me in the SOTA program. I used an ICOM 80AD set for 500 milliwatts. Signals were 5 and 9 both ways both before and after UTC roll-over. All contacts with VK1AD were, of course, summit to summit (s2s). I have resolved when I return home to add ten metres to my six metre dipole by turning it into a two band linked dipole. While there was no sporadic E on this occasion I had a great time and wish to thank Andrew, VK1AD, for being on Mount Stromlo and making the VHF s2s contacts possible. I also wish to acknowledge VK2HRX/P, Compton, who called me on 7.090 Mhz from VK2/MN-132 also a s2s contact.

The Park

Mount Ainslie rises 843 metres above sea level (or 2,766 feet). It is a hill in the City of Canberra and is visible behind the Australian War Memorial. The views from the top are great. There is a photo in my account of the previous activation in the archives for May 2015. Mount Ainslie is a summit in the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve which now counts for the World Wide Flora and Fauna Award and has the VKFF-0850 number.

 

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, VKFF-0989, 23rd December 2015

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I planned three radio excursions while we stayed in Canberra. In the end I achieved two.  My attempt to activate Mount Stromlo, VK1/AC-043 was abandoned. While I did read a number of blogs about this SOTA summit which suggested that the second hump, about 500 metres away from the Australian National University’s new building and the telescopes was suitable, on the day I decided it was too warm and too humid for the walk. I tried two locations and the noise level was about S8. I wanted to activate this summit because it was one I was not able to visit during May when I attended the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) Annual General Meeting. So I then decided to travel to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, VKFF-0989, about 37 kilometres from Canberra. This is a gated Park. On arrival I purchased an entry ticket ($7.50). This was a concession for Seniors. I didn’t ask for the concession. My hair colour probably did the trick! I didn’t regard this as ageist or reverse discrimination and I told the Rangers why I was visiting the Park and asked could they suggest any good locations. They were very interested in my radio activities. I took the liberty of giving them Andrew’s (VK1AD) blog URL and also mine. They produced a map, marked two spots, and suggested that I have a look. I checked out both locations and settled on the second away from any visitors. I had the area to myself for the whole time. I was impressed!

My spot at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

My spot at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

I enjoyed 22 contacts beginning at 01:25z on 7.095 Mhz and concluding on 14.310 Mhz.

01:25 VK2HPN 57s 51r, Phil

01:37 VK2FDAV 57s 55r, David Grafton

01:39 VK2IO 59s 46r

01:50 VK4RF 55s 55r

01:53 VK4HA 55s 55r

0152 VK3FQSO 53s 52r

01:54 VK2VW 59s 55r Brett

01:57 VK5FANA 54s 33r Adrian

02:02 VK3PMG 59s 43r

02:09 VK2NNN 59s 55r

02:07 VK1AD 52s 52r Andrew

02:08 VK2IO  59s 56r

02:10 VK2ZPF 59s 54r Peter

02:11 VK2YK/P 59s 55r Adam South West Rocks

02:17 VK3FLCS 52s 55r Brett Macedon Ranges

02:20 VK2EIR 59s 59r Joe Castle Hill

02:24 VK2VKB 57s 57r Kevin

02:26 VK3UH 55s 55r

02:28 VK6HSB/P2 59s 57r Steve at the Mystery Bay Caravan Park

02:32 VK2LKW 59s 59r Wolfgang Blue Mountains

02:47 VK2NBL 59s 58r Ray Melton

02:55 14.310 VK4ABJ 59s 58r  Jeff Rockhampton

Operating conditions at Tinbinbilla Nature Reserve

Operating conditions at Tinbinbilla Nature Reserve

On this activation I used the FT897 set for ten watts and LiFePO4 batteries. The battery just visible under my lunch bag (insulated), which was used to keep the direct sunlight off the battery. This photo was taken in a quiet spot between my contacts with VK2LKW at 02:32 and VK3NBL 02:47. The FT 897 travels in the black plastic case protected by an foam inner lining. The picnic table was about 75 metres from the car park. The drive from Canberra to the Park is well sign-posted and I recommend this Park to any visitors to the ACT.

Again I would like to thank all of the chasers who helped make this activation so enjoyable.

tID 2

The map shows a portion of the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (Map courtesy of the ACT Government). The two areas coloured in red are the suggestions made to me by the staff. I chose Webbs which is near the turning circle in the top shaded area.

 

 

Warby-Ovens National Park, 15th December 2015

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Warby-Ovens National Park, VKFF-0742, was a short detour on our way from Wangaratta (where we stayed on Monday evening, 14th December) to Gundagai.  The weather was great, warm, with a hot day in store and I thought time for a quick activation from Ryans Lookout (where I had previously activated the Park on a trip to Sydney). Here is a link to that activation:

https://vk5bje.com/category/warby-ovens-national-park/

The Park was very dry, but Ryans Lookout is only a short distance into the Park and is accessed from a sealed road. I set up my station, FT897 running ten watts, linked dipole supported by a squid pole attached to a Park bench. Battery power came from my 33 amp hour ‘thumper’. This battery is good when I need slightly higher power and I do have solar panels I can put out when required to keep it charging while it is in use.

This picture shows my set up for this activation including the 33 amp hour 'thumper'/

This picture shows my set up for this activation including the 33 amp hour ‘thumper’.

I was on the air at 23:04 and called CQ on 7.110.

23:04 VK4LS s57 r44, Rob

It was quiet on 40 metres and after looking around the band and calling CQ a few times I decided to migrate to 20 metres. I spent about 25 minutes on 20m calling CQ and looking around the band. I had no contacts.

I then went back to 40m.

7.110 23:31 VK2IO/P s55 r44

23:33 VK5PAS s58 r57. I was glad to get Paul in the log. Jenny sent him a SMS and he kindly gave me a call before heading off to work.

23:42 VK5WG s59 r55, Nev

23:48 VK5FANA s53 r53

23:52 VK5HS, s57 r55, Ivan at Renmark

23:54 VK2PKT, s57 r55, Keith at Parkes

Well seven contacts was all I could manage. I guess many amateurs were at work, preparing for Christmas or not near their radios. Nevertheless , I appreciate those who gave me call. We packed up and began our drive to Gundagai.

A slight pause for a photo

A slight pause for a photo

 

 

 

Grampians National Park, VKFF-0213, 28th December 2015

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While driving from Ballarat to Horsham I decided to go back to the Grampians National Park, VKFF-0213 and try and complete my score to at least 44 stations so as to activate the park successfully for the WWFF award. After studying the maps we had we saw that the Park adjoins the Western Highway at two locations. We decided to take the first turn off, travelling West from Ballarat, following the Roses Gap Road. We did not go as far as Roses Gap. We probably would had stayed at Halls Gap but our favourite location was booked out – no surprises there, but no harm done by checking. We found a quiet spot and while Jenny went bird-watching I played radio!

I have previously activated this Park from Mount William, SOTA summit VK3/VS-001. Here is a link to that activation:

https://vk5bje.com/category/mount-william/

Internet coverage was problematic and I could not spot myself.

I found quite a few frequencies which appeared unoccupied and after checking 7.090 I called CQ at 04:57 and was answered by VK3MCD/P, Brian, 59s 56r. I did not want to occupy the SOTA calling frequency and migrated to 7.105 where I stayed until moving to 20 metres. Signals were really good but some VK5 stations suggested that conditions were not as good there.

At 04:59 VK5ATQ, Trevor 59s 56r

05:02 VK3MRH, 59s 59r Rod at Wodonga

05:05 VK7VKV, 59s 56r Ray in the Central Highlands of Tasmania

05:05 VK3FOWL, 59s 59r Julie

05:06 VK5HAC, 59s 59r Bob Salisbury

05:08 VK3YFC, 59s 59r, Joe

05:09 VK2VW, 59s 56r, Brett

05:10 VK3AWG, 59s 59r, Chris

05:12 VK3AMX, 59s 59r, Alex

15:15 VK3IL/P, 58s 56r, David at Philip Island

05:17 VK5SRP, 59s 58r, Phil

05:18 VK5PL, 59s 59r, David

05:21 VK3DBP/QRP, 57s 58r, Paul

05:22 VK3SIL, 59s 59r, Simon

05:23 VK3PF/P, 57s 58r, Peter on Mount Lawson, VK3/VE-129

05:25 VK5PAS, 59s 59r, Paul

05:26 VK3ZPF/P, 59s 59r, Peter in VKFF-0791 P2P

05:27 VK5HSX/P, 59s 53r, Stef in the Coorong National Park, VKFF-0115 P2P

05:27 VK3DAC, 59s 55r, Fred

05:30 VK2HAA, 59s 59r, Dennis Albury

05:31 VK2QR, 59s 59r, Rob Tumut

05:32 VK3PMG, 59s 56r, Mick was the closest station to me, just down the road at Stawell.

05:34 VK3FIRM, 59s 59r, Mike Eltham

05:35 VK3UH, 59s 59r, Ken Yarram

05:36 VK5FANA, 59s 59r, Adrian

05:83 VK5FDEC, 57s 57r, Damien

05:40 VK3BYD, 59s 59r, Warren

I then moved to 14.310 and heard Adam, VK2YK/P, on 13.310. I tried to work him unsuccessfully. I could hear him and heard him say he was going QRT. I took over the frequency and called CQ.

05:47 VK4RF, 59s 59r, Rick

05:49 VK4HA, 59s 59r, Rick

05:51 VK4MNM, 59s 57r, Mike

05:44 ZL2OPB, 58s 57r, Owen, New Plymouth

I called CQ for a few more time and all was quite. There were no VK6 stations audible. I decided to return to 40 metres and found 7.110 to be unoccupied.

06:01 VK2HAV, 57s 51r, Brad, Batemans Bay

06:06 VK5FRGY/P, 59s 59r, Garry Morialta Conservation Park, VKFF-0783

06:07 VK3FAPH, 59s 57r, Aaron

06:08 VK2IO, 59s 46r, Gerard

06:11 VK3OF, 59s 58r, Rex

06:13 VK3NBL, 59s 58r, Ray, Melton

06:14 VK2UH, 59s 59r, Andrew, Yass

06:16 VK7NWT, 59s 57r, Scott

06:17 VK5ZGY, 58s 58r, Greg

06:19 VK7DIK, 57s 59r, Dick

06:20 VK5AK/QRP, 57s 57r, Bob, home brew transceiver

06:22 VK5FAKV, 59s 59r, Shawn, Renmark

As we were travelling on to Horsham I decided to pack up. I called a few more times after the last contact and all was quiet. Forty five contacts were made, which with my previous activation, will ensure that the Grampians National Park is complete as far as the WWFF award is concerned. Thanks for the spotters and the callers. You are all greatly appreciated. It was a fun activation. I used my FT897 running 10 watts for 40 metres and 40 watts for 20 metres. The radio was powered from my 33 amp hour ‘thumper’.

The Park

The Grampians are a series of abrupt sandstone mountains that rise from the surrounding plains. Sighting the Grampians from the plains, especially from the Western Highway, is always interesting no matter what the weather.

 

 

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, VKFF-0782, 11th December 2015

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Dedication Plaque Mark Oliphant CP 2015Today, 11th December 2015, was set aside for a late afternoon, early evening, activation day for those interested in portable operation from South Australian national and conservation parks. I chose to return to Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, the closest protected area to our home. I set myself a goal of 25 contacts, which, when added to my score from 28th June 2015 would give me at least 44 contacts so as to successfully activate the Park for the WWFF award. It was not to be. The 40 and 20 metre bands were in poor shape! The bands were noisy (QRN or natural noise: today from stormy weather on the east coast of the country). I made just nine contacts. I was using my Ten Tec Argonaut VI, set for ten watts. There was no propagation close in around Adelaide and the only VK5 station I contacted was Neville (Nev) VK5WG at Crystal Brook in the mid-north of the State. I spotted myself on Parks and Peaks and Nev told me he was waiting for me: Mark Oliphant was a new Park for him!

Here is a link to my previous activation of this Park.

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, VKFF-782, 28th June 2015

I commenced calling at 05:03 on 7.105 after checking to see whether the frequency was occupied.

05:03 VK5WG

05:07 VK3PF

05:10 VK3FQSO

05:15 VK3XDM/P Mitch was on SOTA summit VK3/VE-007, Mt McKay (10 points)

05:19 VK2VW

05:21 VK3PMG

05:24 VK3RW

05:28 VK3AV

05:31 VK3DBP

I then moved to 14.310 and once again put up a spot on Parks and Peaks.

05:35 I called CQ and VK2IO, Gerard, was 5 and 7. I called him back but he could not hear me. I called quite a few time and was not successful in gaining a contact.

I then moved back to 40 metres and after listening around the band decided I could not hear any of the VK5 park activators so I dismantled my station and drove home.

After arriving home I checked Parks and Peaks and saw that Paul, VK5PAS, was activating Mount George Conservation Park, VKFF-0784, just a few kilometres from my place and I thought I would have a listen for him. I had a great contact with Paul: he was 5 and 7 and I was 5 and 9.

Mark Oliphant CP Main Gate

Main Gate at Mark Oliphant CP with Park sign in background

Ten Tec Rebel (Model 506) : disassembling the case, 24th October 2015

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There have been a few questions asked about disassembling the case of the Ten Tec Rebel. Here is the essence of my post in the Yahoo Group.
1. with an appropriately sized screw driver (you need some torque to avoid damaging the screw heads and case) remove the four screws in the case. There are two at each end. Jewellers screw drivers are a no no!
2. Remove the nut from the BNC antenna connector. This is a plated nut which holds the antenna connector to the case. The antenna connector is mounted on the board as you will see when you disassemble the case.
When these two steps are completed the case should come apart. It will be easier the second time around.
You must remove the nut from the BNC connector. Some people are missing this and if you apply too much force you will damage the box or board.
You do not have to remove the cover over the usb port.

Ramco Point Conservation Park, VKFF-930, 15th September 2015

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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.

My National & Conservation Park activations

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.

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

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

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

Lock 2

The fishers at work

The fishers at work

Pelican catching the leftovers

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

A noisy myna feeding young: click to expand