Ten Tec Rebel, Model 506

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

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

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

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.

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, 10th March 2014

My National & Conservation Park 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.

Scheyville National Park, 27th December 2014, VKFF-444

Lake Torrens National Park, VKFF-278, 21 June 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

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 Moranana Inlet 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 looking back to the Flinders Ranges. 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

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

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

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

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

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

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

Mount Remarkable National Park, VKFF-360, 12 & 22 June 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

I have activated this park in the past. I managed just one contact. Please read the record of my earlier visit to understand why I only achieved one contact. https://vk5bje.com/2013/10/03/mount-remarkable-national-park-3rd-october-2013/

On both the 12th and 22nd of June 2015 I visited the Park again. My 2013 activation was at Alligator Gorge. This time I chose as my first site, Mambray Creek, as we were travelling from Port Pirie to Port Augusta. And my last activation was from Willowie Forest on the Eastern side of the park just off the highway about six kilometres before Melrose driving south.

Mambray Creek 12th June 2015

Mount Remarkable National Park – Mambray Creek JCD photo

Emu Mambray Creek JCD photo

Contacts on 40 metres, 7.095, were had with, VK5KLV, Les; VK5IS, Ian; VK5PAS; VK2JDL/P2, Phil on SOTA summit, VK2/HU-024; Rob, VK4AAC/P5, Kangaroo Island; David, VK5NQP; Mike, VK6MB/P in VKFF-411, Peak Charles National Park; John, VK5FMJC; Tony, VK5FTVR; Nev, VK5WG; Roy, VK5NRG and Bill, VK5MBD. All my received reports were Q5 except from VK2JDL/P and VK6MB who both gave me Q4. Twelve contacts was a little disappointing but I was too far into Mambray Creek to access the phone network to post my intentions.

Willowie Forest, 22nd June 2015

Mount Remarkable National Park: Winowie Forest

Mount Remarkable National Park: Willowie Forest JCD photo

Contacts on 7.090 were had with Gerard, VK2IO/P2 on SOTA summit VK2/CT-007; 7.110, Rex, VK3OF; Ron, VK5VH; Eugene, VK2ZA/M; Geoff, VK5HEL; Greg, VK5GJ/QRP; Chris from Cygnet, VK7JU; Adrian, VK5FANA; Rob, VK4AAC/P5, Kangaroo Island; Greg of Ulladulla, VK2GJC; Les, VK5KLV; Peter, VK3PF; Peter, VK3TKK; Phil, VK5RM; Paul, VK5DBP; Roy, VK5NRG; Bill, VK5MBD; Paul, VK5PAS/M; Barry, VK3FBKS; Matt, VK3FORD another chaser from Swan Hill and finally, VK3ZD, Charlie of South Oakleigh. It was beginning to get dark and we had to arrange accommodation. I thought I would return in the morning, but it was not to be as it was raining. Thanks to the 21 operators who successfully gave me a call.

The Pichi Richi Railway, Sunday 14th June 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Argadells was our home from Saturday evening 13th June to Monday evening 15th June. The Argadells, a working pastoral property, is an excellent camping location with tent, caravan and trailer sites, some cabins and other facililties including on-suite bathrooms. We left to travel to Farina Station on Tuesday 16th June. Sunday we were in the midst of a heavy rain event in this part of South Australia and further North. There was no way we could activate Mount Arden.

After a discussion we decided to travel into Quorn and take the only train running on that day. The train was scheduled to depart the historic Quorn station at 10.30. We secured tickets, took photos and were soon on the ‘Barwell Bull’. A ‘Barwell Bull’ (nick-name) is a US made Brill diesel railcar and they were obviously pretty impressive in their day. They travelled over both broad-gauge (Irish gauge 5 feet 3 inches) and narrow gauge (3 feet 6 inches) railway tracks in South Australia. Our Barwell Bull, the class was named after the Premier of the day, Sir Henry Barwell, was based at Quorn and saw most of its life running the route from Terowie to Quorn.

The ‘Barwell Bull’

The Driver’s cabin in the ‘Barwell Bull’

The noise in the cabin appeared to me to be excessive. The Driver did not seem to have any ear-protection. I am sure the Society would have occupational and safety rules about ear protection to avoid being exposed to the risk of a damages claim.

The Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society operates the historic 3 feet 6 inch gauge railway from Quorn to Port Augusta. We did not travel to Port Augusta, but only the first stop at Woolshed Flat, about 16 killometres from Quorn. After a coffee and lamington stop we were soon on our way back to Quorn. I haven’t had a lamington for years and I thought it was just as ordinary as I remember them to be. I don’t know what Barry Humphries sees in them! Here is a link to the excellent web pages of the Pichi Richi Railway Society:

http://www.pichirichirailway.org.au

Here are three additional sources for those who may be interested to learn more about the railway.

Pichi Richi Times, 2015 Edition, Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society

Fischer, Tim, 2004, Transcontinental Train Odyssey: The Ghan, The Kyber, The Globe. Allen & Unwin, Sydney.

Fuller, Basil, 1975, The Ghan: The Story of the Alice Springs Railway. Lansdowne, Sydney.

Paul had arranged for us to have lunch at the Austral Hotel with VK5KLV, Les and VK5KPR, Peter and his wife. This was a splendid social occasion.

After lunch, adding fuel to the vehicles and buying a few more supplies we travelled back to the Argadells. Paul set up a radio in the back-yard of the Cottage he was using, within a shelter called ‘The RSL Club’. It was a mild evening despite the rain and we enjoyed a barbecue in the back-yard. I made the following contacts before dinner as VK5BJE/P5, the Argadells:

13th June 2015

7.100 VK5DI/P2, Ian in VKFF- 835, Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve VKFF-835

7.095 VK5PAS/P5 Paul at Winninowie Conservation Park, VKFF- 820

7.095 VK3ACT, Peter

7.095 VK3BNJ, Stan

and 14th June 2015,

7.095 VK5FO/P5, Bob at Mt Gawler SOTA Peak VK5/SE-013

VK5NRG, Roy

VK5KLV, Les

VK2OW, Chris

VK6DW, Ian

and VK2QM, Gary.

Flinders Ranges National Park, VKFF-176, 20 June 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

After leaving our camp at Merna Mora Station we made our way into the Flinders Ranges National Park, VKFF-176, via the iconic Brachina Gorge. It was a great introduction for those who have not visited this Park before. The sun was shining, the colours were rich and deep, and two rock wallabies were sunning themselves and were apparently happy to have their photos taken many times. We made our way to the Aroona Ruins and set up our stations there.

This was one part of the park I had not activated previously. All was quiet until a vehicle arrived with a particular brand of refrigerator (I will not mention the name here) but luckily he was a fly-in-fly-out type.

Paul, David (VK5KC) and I all set up separate stations. Here is my log:

14.310 VK4FE/P4 at 01:24, s5 & 9, r5 & 7. Fred was in VKFF-367

14.310 VK6MMB/P6 Michael VKFF-209

10.130 VK2YK s5&7 r5&9 Adam

10.130 VK3DBP Paul

10.130 VK3PF Peter

10.130 VK1DI Ian

10.130 VK3PI Mark

10.130 VK3SQ, Jeff at Beechworth

10.130 VK5ZAI Tony at Kingston SE

10.130 VK2GKA, Karl from the Southern Highlands

18.123 called CQ and tried to work a WA6 who was loud

10.130 VK2NP Cliff

21.150 VK2NP Cliff (being frequency and band agile, thanks Cliff)

21.150 VK4FAAP Fred s5&3 r5&3

21.150 VK1DI Ian

7.095 VK4AAC/P5 Rob at Vivonne Bay Conservation Park VKFF-811

7.095 VK5TW Trevor at 03:06

It was time to pack up and look for a lunch stop. We soon found a site near a creek and stopped for lunch and relaxation.

It was time to move on to Wilpena Pound for fuel and a look at the facilities. Paul was happy to set up straight away and work his 44. It was not quite as urgent for me as I had 33 contacts already from this Park.

I set up where I previously activated the Park at Wilpena: just off the overflow car park.

Here is my log:

14.310 05:40 VK2HCT Bruce s5&9 r5&9

7.1oo VK3YSP/P Joe at the Melbourne Museum

7.100 VK3FOWL/P Julie at the same location at Joe

7.105 VK5ZAR Arno

7.105 VK5KC/M David

7.105 VK5IS Ian

7.105 VK3DCU David

7.105 VK3FMRC Tony

7.105 VK5HYZ David

7.105 VK5TR Jim

7.105 VK2LX Grant

7.105 VK5JST Jim

7.105 VK5PAS/P5 Paul at Wilpena Pound and within sight. He was loud!

7.105 VK5NRG Roy

7.105 VK5FANA Adrian

7.105 VK5FTPT John

and at 06:45 on

7.095 VK4FFAB/P4, Rob in VKFF-109.

What a great way to finish the session with a Park to Park contact. Thanks Rob, you made my total 32 contacts from this Park and a grand total of 55 contacts more than qualifying the Park with the required 44. Many thanks to all who gave me a call.

Here is a link to my 2013 activations at Flinders Ranges National Park. If you ever get a chance to visit this great park in the beautiful Flinders Ranges you should jump at the chance!

Flinders Ranges National Park, 24th September 2013, VKFF – 176

Mount Scott, SOTA Summit VK5/NE-111, 19 June 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

Paul and I activated Mount Scott during the afternoon of 19th June 2015. We had packed up at Farina to head south once again. We had to wait for our camper to dry off and got underway mid-morning. After a brief stop at Copley for lunch we were soon on the road again. We had earlier arranged to meet Paul and Marija at Copley. Paul and I had planned to activate Mount Scott, VK5/NE-111. I have examined a number of maps and Mount Scott is not shown. I can assure you, however, it is there! Mount Scott is the home of commercial radio installations and is visible from the Leigh Creek to Hawker Road.

Mount Scott in relation to Aroona Dam which is the water supply for Leigh Creek courtesy Google Maps

You would need to know where to look to spot it! The other members of our party visited Beltana Station while Paul and I were busy. Paul had previously gained permission from the land-owners to activate Mount Scott. He was told where to find the track. However, following the instructions given to Paul we found what appeared to be the track. We were not convinced. We spotted a 4×4 on a side road and we flagged him down. He was a local man who very obligingly showed us the track by taking us to the turn-off. We were not far off the mark! The track to the summit was about ten kilometres of intermediate grade and slippery in places. Paul did a great job in driving the track and avoiding the worst of the wash-outs, jagged rocks and slippery sections. However, I was very critical of the activation spot on top of an ant’s nest! Paul, sitting at his table avoided the worst of these landowners! I was walking around taking photos on Paul’s camera and video on my camera and this made a bad situation worse! Needless to say I picked up dead ants the next day from the floor of our camp and from my clothing! However, it was worth it. Mount Scott proved to be a great activation spot and we made some interesting contacts between us and also engaged in some band-hopping. My SOTA log is reproduced below.

Mount Scott VK5/NE-111 Log

DX stations were worked on 20 metres: I5FLN, Luciano; RW3XZ, Alexei and on 15 metres I worked JA3BOA, Hideo. I was also pleased to work VK8GM on 20m and VK6NU and VK6AG on 15m. Propagation was fascinating. The two VK6 stations were 5 and 9 at the top of the cycle but deep fading made them inaudible at the bottom of the trough. It is only since arriving home that I have become aware of the solar disturbances late last week and early this week. There was no internet coverage away from the major centres.