Ngarkat Conservation Park, VKFF-829, 20th April 2015

The Park

Ngarkat Conservation Park was proclaimed in 1979 and is one of the largest Mallee Parks in South Australia. It is 270,000 hectares of vegetated sand dunes mallee and heath. It was originally a pastoral lease in the 19th century.

Ngarkat Conservation Park JCD Photo

Activation

Today, after some very small amount of persuasion from VK5PAS, Paul, I decided to detour to Ngarkat Conservation Park, VKFF-829, just south on Pinnaroo. After spending the night in Ouyen, Victoria, we made our way to the Victorian/South Australian border and just a few moments later arrived in Pinnaroo. It was a cool morning, but the sun was shining. I thought a coffee was in order. I was sitting in the bakery (no I was not eating cream buns) quietly enjoying my coffee. Suddenly my phone almost jumped off the table! I received a text message from Paul. He was asking whether I was considering a further activation. I wasn’t all that keen. I texted back and said I could be persuaded. That was enough. Paul phoned me back. We were laughing and talking and I thought I might be arrested for disturbing the peace in the bakery. I do, after all, have a substantial voice! However, I survived!

VK5BJE at Ngarkat CP
JCD Photo

After coffee we left Pinnaroo and soon were tracking down Rosy Pine Road towards the Park. We thought we would enter the Park at Pine Hut Soak, where there is a camp ground. The place was deserted. And it was just beautiful: typical Mallee country, sand, little understory but well-developed Mallee scrub. The camp is at the start of the famous Border Track. I had not driven this track, which despite the rain, was open. It would be foolhardy to be tempted with just a single vehicle.

I was on the air on 40 metres at 01:44 and my last contact was at 02:54. In just over an hour I enjoyed 28 contacts. I have sufficient investment in the Park to return to build up my contacts 44.

References

Finally, for those interested in the Mallee Parks of Victoria and South Australia you might find this publication of interest.

Nicholls, G. & Angel, A, n.d. circa post 2002, Mallee Tracks: A Wanderer’s Guide to the South Australian and Victorian Mallee, self-published, Pinnaroo.

My wife purchased her copy a few years ago and she saw an advertisement for the book at Pinnaroo so it is still available. An internet search might turn up some copies.

Another useful publication from our archives is:

Tracks of the Mallee, 2008, Department of Environment and Heritage, Government of South Australia

This publication provides many interesting details of all of the SA Mallee parks, including maps, tracks and historic sites. A more up to date version is available for download from the Department’s website.

Log

Here is my log in Fast Log Entry. This approach saves many, many keystrokes!

Ngarkat log
Fast Log Entry

Click log to expand.

Terrick Terrick National Park, VKFF-630, 19th April 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park

I have been to this Park before on a more appropriate day as far as the weather was concerned. Here is the link to that activation https://vk5bje.com/2013/12/22/terrick-terrick-national-park-victoria-22nd-december-2013/

Contacts

On Sunday morning we left Echuca for Terrick Terrick National Park, VKFF-630, about three-quarters of an hour’s drive. We have been to Terrick Terrick National Park before and I secured 12 contacts. My aim was to complete the activation by gaining a further 32 contacts to make the 44 required for the WWFF award. It was cold. The air-stream moving over South East Australia has given us our first taste of winter. While the sun was shining the wind chill was quite severe. I was able to gain 48 contacts using both 40 and 20 metres. The action began at 00:27 with a contact with VK5PAS/P5, Paul at Maize Island Conservation Park, VKFF-827. Signals were 5 and 9 both ways. The band appeared to be in great shape. I worked VKs1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7. My last contact was with VK7DR, Rob, at 02:22. Rob is located in Oldina, a small town south of Wynyard on the North West coast of Tasmania. My station was a FT897 set for 10 watts, a 40/20 metre linked dipole and a 8.400 amp hour LiFePO4 battery.

Here are my contacts in order beginning at 00:27

VK5PAS/P5, Paul, Maize Island Conservation Park, VKFF-630

VK5FANA, Adrian

VK3PF, Peter

VK5ZAR, Arno

VK5FMID, Brian

VK3TKK/M, Peter

VK3OF, Rex

VK5EE, Tom

VK1MA, Matt

VK3DAC, Fred

VK3VZX, Dale

VK5TN, Robin

VK5ZGY, Greg

VK5NRG, Roy

VK3VTH/M, Tony

VK5AV, Tim

VK3AFW, Ron

VK3MKM, Ken

VK3AV, Bernard

VK5WG, Nev

VK5TRN, Tony

VK5FTRG, Tom

VK3KAI, Peter

VK3KAB, Kevin

VK3BBB, Brian

VK3KKP/P3 Tony

VK3XL, Mike

VK3UP, Terry

VK2HFS, Frank

VK3YDN, John

VK2KYO, Ken

VK5CZ/P3 Ian, Mt Remarkable National Park, VKFF- & SOTA VK5/NE- 055

VK3CAT/P3, Tony, Mt Macedon, VK3/VC-007

14.305, VK2FX, Kees

7.100, VK3VCE, Dave

VK7NWT, Scotty

VK5MJ, Mal

VK5NQP, David

VK7VDL, Ron

7.150, VK7DR. Rob, Oldina South of Wynyard on the North West Coast of Tasmania

Thank you to all of you who helped me get 40 contacts, which with 12 from an earlier activation, more than allows me to qualify the Park.

Barmah National Park, VKFF-739, 18th April 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park

I have activated the Park before. Here is a link to that activation.

Barmah National Park, Victoria, 23rd December 2013

Barmah National Park near my activation spot
JCD photo

Current Activation

We arrived in Echuca at about 3.15pm, secured accommodation and then decided it was too late to drive to Terrick Terrick National Park for a second visit. So we went back to the Barmah National Park and I began to set up just inside the Park boundary not far from where the Kingfisher Cruises leave. I decided to use a picnic table as the point for setting up my station. As I was doing this a 4 x 4 came along on the trip out from the Park. The driver pulled up in a hurry. A tall man with hair the same colour as mine got out. He had a wide grin on his face and came marching over. I soon realised it was Tony, VK3VTH/P3. Tony told me he had been in the Park and successfully activated it with 66 contacts including some DX. What a great experience. We chatted for about 15 minutes before he had to leave for his campsite. Tony and I tried, unsuccessfully to meet in the Brisbane Ranges National Park. I am sure pleased we were more successful this time. I asked him what made him decide to stop. He said he saw my squid-pole.

Tony, VK3VTH & John, VK5BJE/P3 in Barmah National Park JCD photo

I quickly gained 15 contacts, including two on 20 metres one of which was a DX station, YJ8RN, Rob.

Beginning at o6:28 I had contacts with in order on 7.095: VK5ADL, David; VK5FD/M, Allan; VK5KBJ, Barry; VK5KLV, Les; VK3PF/QRP, Peter; VK3ZPF, Peter; VK5PET, Peter; VK2YW, John; VK3DBP, Paul; VK5YX, Hans; VK5ZGY, Greg; VK3HRA, Allen; VK2FBBB, Rob; on 14.300 Mhz, VK3FD/6 QRP and finally at 07:13, on 14.296, YJ8RN/P, Rod, at Loh Island, OC-110 in the Torres Group Vanuatu. While I have activated Barmah National Park before it was not then registered for the WWFF award. I was very pleased to secure 15 contacts for a spur of the moment activation. Thanks to all who gave me a call.

Woomargama National Park, VKFF-547, 15th & 17th April 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park

Woomargama National Park is about 30 kilometres north east of Albury. The Park is the largest protected area west of the Great Dividing Range and is renowned for the largest remnant box woodlands on the South West Slopes. Parts of the reserve are near 1000 metres above sea level and the Norths Lookout, where I operated on the 15th, is one such location.

The views were stunning. The excellent Park brochure indicates that the Park provides well-marked public access trails and opportunities for off-road driving. The 3.8k track from the edge of the private pine forrest to Norths Lookout was of intermediate 4 x 4 standard, probably because of the rocky areas and drop-offs on the track. I bottomed the Patrol at one point. The track can be navigated by ‘capable off-road vehicles’. High clearance is necessary and the tracks would be slippery today (17th April 2015).

Woomargama NP track maker at 3.8k mark

My activation spot and vehicles at Norths Lookout: JCD photo

Norths Lookout

To visit the Park we stayed at the Great Aussie Holiday Park located at 14 Hore Road, Bowna. It is a great spot whether you want an unpowered tent site, a powered site or wish to live in ‘luxury’ in a cabin. There are plenty of activies for small people as well.

Access

The brochure indicates that access to the western side of the Park can be gained via Tunnel Road. That was the approach we took today for our second activation (17th April 2015). But on our first visit we left our camp and took the River Road from Wymah Road, and turned on to Tunnel Road from the Eastern end drove to the Samuel Bollard Camping area. Then we took Tin Mines Trail through the Park, then through the private pine forrest before reaching the Park boundary and taking the 3.8k 4 x 4 track to Norths Lookout. Here is the map of the Park from the Government brochure. The two approaches we took are clearly visible as is Norths Lookout.

Woomargama National Park courtesy Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW

Contacts I was able to secure 22 contacts on the first activation (15th April 2015) and 28 on my second activation (17th April 2015). I am delighted to gain my required 44 contacts for this Park, the first New South Wales Park where I have managed to jump the hurdle. I appreciate the chasers who made the effort to give me a call. I always appreciate the callers. 15/04/2015 7.080 VK5EE/P5, 02:49, s59 r51, Tom; VK2JDL/P2, 02:53, s57 r59, VK2/IL-004, Phil; 7.095 VK3HRA, 03:00, s59 r55, Allan; VK2IO, 03:01, s58 r43, Gerard; VK3OF, 03:03, s59 r58 Rex; VK3FQSO, 03:08, 58 54 Amanda; VK3TKK/M, 03:09, s57 r55, Peter; 7.080 VK3EQ/P3, 03:24, s58 r58, VK3/VE-014, The Horn, Mt Buffalo National Park; 7.090 VK5PXO s58 r53, 03:36, Les at Millicent; VK3NBL, 03:35, s56 r59; VK5NIG/QRP, 03:48, s51 r51, Nigel; VK2FABE, 03:49, s59 r57, Gary; VK5ZLT, 03:56, s59 r57, Allan, Bordertown; VK3DAC, 04:02, s59 r58, Fred; VK3LSD, 04:06, s59 r58, Les; VK3FOWL, 04:09, s53 r57, Julie; VK3NBL, 04:13, s59 r57, Ray at Melton; VK5IS, 04:21, s55 r54, Ian; VK3PF, 04:28, s59 r 58, Peter; VK3OHM, 04:29, s59 r59, Marc; VK2FMIA, 04:31, s52 r22, Doug; 7.090 VK2FADV, 0433, s57 r 58, Jim, Blaxland. This activation resulted in 22 contacts with one duplicate. My operating conditions were an FT897 set at 10 watts, 8.4 MAh LiFePO4 battery and a home brew 20/40m dipole.

17/04/2015

On the 17th April 2015, on a very wet morning, we left our camp and took the roads to the Hume Highway and then travelled north to Woomargama township. There we took a right hand turn to Tunnel Road and we drove until the Park was on both sides of the road, clearly visible on the map, and found a spot to set up my station. It was not a cold day but it was wet. 7.090 VK2UH, 00:16, S59 r59, Andrew; VK2JCC/P2, 00:26, s56 r56, Colin; VK5PAS, 00:38, s58 r55, Paul; VK5HCF, 00:40, s55 r55, Col; VK2FADV, 00:42, s53 r58, Jim, Blaxland; VK2BMU, 04:44, s59 r58, Bob, North Kellyville; VK3ANL, 00:48, s57 r58. Nick; VK2XJS, 00:50, s58 r41, Julian, Oberon; VK2XAM, 00:53, s52 r53, Max QRP; VK3PMG, 01:00, s57 r58, Mick; VK5FAKV, 01:04, s58 r59, Shawn; VK7VDL, 01:07, s55 r51, Ron; VK3PTL, 01:09, s58 r57, Ian; VK3AXH, 01:11, s59 r 57, Ian, Ballarat; VK3ARR, 01:13, s54 r59, Andrew; VK2HPN, 01:18, s55 r57, Phil, Bredbo; VK2FAJF, 01:23, s57 r59, Steve; VK5HS, 01:26, s56 r55, Ivan; VK5FAJS, 01:28, s52 r55, Alan, Mt Gambier; VK5TA, 01:30, s53 r57, Tom; VK3FQSO, 01:31, s53 r56, Amanda; VK2MTC, 01:35, s59 r58, Greg, Cooma; VK5FMID, 01:40, s57 r57, Brian; VK3HRA, 01:42, s59 r56, Allan; VK3KAI/M, 01:44, s52 r45, Peter; VK3FPSR, 01:46, s59 r57, Peter; VK3OHM, 01:47, s59 r59, Marc; VK7VDL, 01:49, s43 r54, Bob. I enjoyed my visit to this spendid park and commend it to you, especially the VK1 and VK2 amateurs who live nearby. I wish to thank all of those amateurs who gave me a call. It is always appreciated.

The Murray River from River Road: JCD photo

SOTA Peak Huon Hill, VK3/VE-237, 14th April 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

On Tuesday 14th April the day started with showers but it was not cold. It was our first full day with our son and his family. They travelled from Sydney to Albury to spend four days with us. The reason for getting together was to celebrate the birthdays of our two Grandchildren. After shopping and finding our way around Wodonga for supplies we decided to visit Huon Hill.

Huon Hill Parklands
JCD photo

This hill is located very close to Wodonga and has been activated frequently. I thought I would activate the location: a spur of the moment decision! If the truth be told I couldn’t help myself! We drove to the parking area and walked the 200 metres (approximately) to the summit. I set up my station on one of the lookout platforms and quickly secured six contacts. I have uploaded my contacts to SOTA. In order, on 7.090, beginning at 04:43 I had contacts with VK3OF, Rex of Swan Hill, VK3EMU, Graham, VK3UH, Kent, VK3NBL, Melton, VK2IO, Gerard and finally, VK2HFS, Frank. I used my FT817, a 4.200 LiFePO4 battery and 40/20 linked dipole. I thought band conditions were good. All signals were received at 5 and 9, except for Gerard at 5 and 6 and my reports ranged from 5 and 9 to 5 and 4. I appreciate those who gave me a call, especially those dedicated chasers who monitor 7.090 Mhz. It is difficult to spend much time on the radio during family time but my grandson was facscinated with what I was doing. I find the Pilates ‘child pose’ works well for SOTA. I can usually sustain such a pose for half an hour or more, but I do practice regularly and am a Pilates devotee!

Scott Creek Conservation Park: follow-up activation 15th March 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

I promised to return to Scott Creek Conservation Park, VKFF-788 this morning but it was raining: the Bureau had predicted a 30% chance of showers. These slowly cleared through the morning and in anticipation I posted an alert on ParksnPeaks indicating that I would visit the park in the afternoon.

I returned to Gate 8 and set up in the usual spot. I was on the air at 04:11 and my first contact on 40 metres on 7.100 was with VK3MTB/P3, Tim who was in Mount Worth State Park, VKFF-771; 7.095, VK3FQSO/P3, Amanda, on VK3/VU-012; VK3FLAK/P3, Bob also on VK3/VU-012; VK5BW, Barry; VK5YX, Hans; VK3HRA, Allan; VK5XR, Allan at Tailem Bend; VK5WG, Nev; VK3PMG, Mick; VK5BW, Barry; VK3CRG, Craig in Brisbane Ranges National Park, VKFF-055; VK5VL, 7.098, Frank; VK3YRA, Ray; VK3NSC, Steve; VK3FSTU, Stewart, VK3OHM, Marc; VK5TN, Robin; VK3EJ, Gordon on 7.135 and VK3MTB/P3, 7.095, Tim at 05:53 in Mount Worth State Park, VKFF-771, making 20 contacts in all. Taking account of duplicates, VK5BW and VK3MTB/P3 the number reduces to 18, which with 30 from the Friday afternoon/evening activation means I have qualified the park for the WWFF award. Thanks to all who gave me a call, and especially those who persevered with the less than ideal conditions during the afternoon.

Scott Creek Conservation Park, VKFF-788, 14th March 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park

This afternoon and early evening was my fifth activation of Scott Creek Conservation Park. You can read about the Park in earlier entries. It is a beautiful public space. I walk in the Park on a regular basis and here are some more pictures I took on my walk on Wednesday 11th March. I cannot explain the signal dropout on my Garmin 62S after I turned the corner and began a steep climb up Currawong Ridge Track. I have walked this track lots of times and all images have been intact. Perhaps as it is steep I held onto the backpack straps near the GPS62s in my left hand breast pocket on my shirt?

Scott Creek Walk 11th March 2015 showing photo locations

Mount Lofty from Scott Creek Conservation Park

Approaching Gate 8 on Cup Gum Track

Closer to Gate 8 on Cup Gum Track

Gate 8 looking into the Park

My operating position at Gate 8

Turn right at Gate 9 onto Stringybark Track

Walking sown Stringybark Track before it gets really steep!

Walking down Stringybark Track before it gets really steep!

Vandals at work: or your taxes being wasted: Almanda Mine Scott Creek CP

New growth following an (un)controlled burn: Currawong Ridge Track

Contacts I thought I should activate Scott Creek Conservation Park to celebrate the adding to the VKFF list of a number of South Australian Conservation Parks. The occasion was the usual Friday evening South Australian Parks activity: so I could call this entry another ‘Twilight Park’ activation. I was aiming for 44 contacts. In the end I achieved 30 contacts. I could have achieved my goal of 44 if I had been able to stay longer but I had to pack up at about 18:45 hours local. At pack up time 20 metres was really firing! I will return to Scott Creek in the future to qualify the park for the WWFF award. I arrived at the Park at about 16:00 local and spent the first 45 minutes doing a final tune on a new three-band linked dipole for 10 metres, 17 and 30 metres. A few more finishing touches will give me a second very rugged antenna for portable use. My first contact, on 7.098 MHz, was at 06:40 with VK3FQSO, Amanda then followed, VK5ZAR/P, Arno in Ferguson Conservation Park VK3PMG, Mick VK5HEL, Geoff at Ettrick Conservation Park VK5GJ, Greg VK3OHM, Marc VK3DAC, Fred VK5FLEX, Pike River Conservation Park VK5ZGY, Greg VK3DBP, Paul VK5FANA, Peter at Bird Island Conservation Park VK3PF, Peter VK5PAS, Paul at Charleston Conservation Park, VKFF-777 VK5KLV, Les at Mount Remarkable National Park (Mambray Creek) VKFF-360 VK5KPR, Peter VK5WG, Nev VK3TKK/M, Peter VK5PEP, Peter at Ferries McDonald Conservation Park VK3AV, Bernard VK5NQP, David at Cromer Conservation Park, VKFF-779 VK3FPSR, Peter VK3ANL, Nick VK2FMIA, Doug at Horton Falls National Park, VKFF-594 VK2KBC/M3, Sheepyard Flat, Mansfield VK5NAQ, Peter VK5GY/P, Gordon at Kenneth Stirling Conservation Park, VKFF-781 I thought 40 metres was getting a bit quiet and after having a look around the band I decided to migrate to 20 metres. However, when I checked the history page on ParksnPeaks I saw there were quite a few other stations active which I missed. My third last contact was on 14.275, 07:49z, VK4KUS, Steve, then VK2GJC. Greg from Ulladullah, whose excellent log-keeping enabled him to tell me we last had a qso on 80 metres in 1992 and finally on 14.205, EA8CCQ, Orlando in the Canary Islands. I gave Orlando 5 & 9 and I was 5 & 5.

VK2FMIA, Doug's splendid QSL card - proof beyond reasonable doubt!

VK2FMIA, Doug’s splendid QSL card – proof of a contact beyond reasonable doubt!

Eurilla Conservation Park, 8th March 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park

Eurilla Conservation Park

Eurilla Conservation Park is a small park which adjoins Cleland Conservation Park, close to Mount Lofty summit, and is part of the Greater Mount Lofty Parklands. Eurilla Conservation Park is roughly triangular in shape and the hypotenuse joins the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, the western side of the park adjoins private property which fronts Summit Road and the northern side joins the Cleland Conservation Park. VK5PAS, Paul, has previously activated the Park and his blog contains a description of how he approached his activation spot. It is not possible to gain access to the park from Summit Road. On Friday 6th February I travelled to the Park for an exploratory survey (see below). I could find little specific information about the Park, other than a fire plan that deals with a number of other Hills Face Zone Parks. I also found material about the flora of Eurilla Conservation Park. However, a letter to the Editor of the South Australian Register provides information on the word ‘Eurilla’.

Access

To access the Park I travelled from Crafers to Piccadilly taking Piccadilly Road, turning left into Lampert Road and then a right hand turn into Sprigg Road. Take Sprigg Road until you pass Ross Road on the right and then as you take a gradual right had sweeping curve in Sprigg Road you will see a sign for Cleland Conservation Park.

Heysen Trail Marker

There is a small parking area for about three or four cars. The track is marked Heysen Trail, and this particular section is called Eurilla Track. But you are not in Eurilla Conservation Park yet! You walk for just over 50 metres along the track and you will spot a Heysen Trail marker on the fence post. At this point turn left and climb a small rise and then you will see a fire trail/vehicle track, pictured below.

You follow this to the two metre high chain fence. This fence forms the boundary with the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. When you reach the fence turn west, that is, turn right and walk to the end of the track. You are in Eurilla Conservation Park soon after making the right hand turn. However, I walked to the end on the track where there is a turning circle and used a small bush to support my seven metre squid pole and then erected my 40/20 metre linked dipole. The walk is not too long. It is 680 metres and a fairly gentle walk back to the car park.

Eurilla access track and operating position

On Friday I walked 1.85 kilometres as I wanted to take some bearings and check out a few other tracks. Today I spoke to a walker as I was getting back to the car park and he said that the walk along Eurilla track to Mount Lofty summit is quite steep. That can wait for another day!

Carminow historic residence near Mt Lofty activation spot

Carminow is one of three historic residences on the Eastern side of Summit Road approaching Mount Lofty summit from the South. It was built in 1885. Those who have activated Mount Lofty Summit, VK5/SE-005, from the Eastern side will know the location. The tower is visible in the picture at the centre on the tree-line. The other two residences are Eurilla, 1884 and Mount Lofty House, 1858. All three houses were badly damaged or destroyed by the 1983 fires and all have been rebuilt.

Contacts

Band conditions were challenging but I was pleased to have contacts with 25 stations in VK2, VK3 and VK5. I tried 20 metres two times but was not successful on that band. The VK2 WIA broadcast signal on 14.160 Mhz was very strong.

My first contact at 22:28 was with Mick, VK3PMG, at Stawell, 59s 44r, then, VK3VTH, Tony; VK3FQSO, Amanda; VK5WG, Nev; VK5EE, Tom; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5FANA, Adrian on 7.100 then 7.095; VK3BHR, Phil; VK3AV/M3, Bernard; VK3TKK, Peter; VK5ATQ, Trevor, 7.135; VK1DI/P2, Ian, 7.095, VK2/SM-007; VK5HS. Ivan; VK3ANL/P3, Nick, Tarra-Bulga National Park, VKFF-480; VK5EMI, John; VK3TKK, Peter with a better signal; VK5NAQ, Peter; VK5NPP, Phil; 00:02, VK5EMI, John; VK3YSP/P3, Joe at Ballarat; VK3PF, Peter; VK5HCF, Col; VK5ZAI, Tony; VK5IS, Ian; VK5KFB, Rod and finally, VK5ZAR, Arno. Although conditions were not perfect, I had a lot of fun and I appreciate the effort made by all the callers to get VK5BJE/P5, Eurilla Conservation Park in their logs. And today is the first day of South Australia’s National Park week, which for me makes the activation quite special.

Another twilight activation at Scott Creek Conservation Park, 27th February 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park

I made my way to Scott Creek Conservation Park to my favourite activation spot at Gate 8. It was a warm afternoon with the peak temperature being 32 degrees but by the time I arrived at the Park, just before 1700 hours local it was in the high twenties, cloudy, humid and threatening to rain. A few spots occurred while I was operating and when packing up. This is my fourth activation at this Park but when the weather cools I will become more adventurous and travel further to some of the many other Parks in the Adelaide Hills. Oh, so many parks and so little time!

Contacts

7.100 ssb

06:30 VK5GJ, Greg, 59s, 59r

06:32 VK5ZAR, Arno, 59, 46

06:34 VK3DAC, Fred, 58, 55

06:35 VK3TKK/M, Peter, 58, 43

06:37 VK3PMG, Mick, 59 59

06:39 VK5KPR, Peter, 58, 57

06:42 VK5HCF/P5, Col, 59, 59, Gower Conservation Park

06:43 VK5EE/P5, Tom, 59, 59, Gower Conservation Park

06:44 VK5FAJS/P5, Alan, 59, 59, Gower Conservation Park

06:45 VK5PAS/P5, Paul, 59, 59, Paul, Onkaparinga National Park

06:48 VK3OHM, Marc, 59, 59, Marc

06:49 VK5TN/M5, Robin, 59, 59

06:51 VK3YDN, John, 58, 58

06:53 VK3BHR, Phil, 59, 59

06:56 VK3PF, Peter, 59, 47

06:57 VK5WG, Nev, 59, 58

06:58 VK5KLV/P5, Les, 59, 58, Les, Winninowie Conservation Park

07:01 VK5ZRY/P5, Richard, 58, 59, Ramsay Gate Conservation Park

07:05 VK4FR/P5, Chris, 59, 59, Morialta Conservation Park

07:07 VK5UV, Rod, 57, 57

07:11 VK5FANA, Adrian, 59, 59, Clinton Conservation Park

07:15 VK5NQP, David, 59, 55

07:17 VK5FMJC, John, 59, 57

07:20 VK3FQSO, Amanda, 59, 57

14.225

07:30 EA6ALW, Javia, 59, 57, Spain

14.215

07:39 EA3AKP, John, Catalonia, Spain

14.209

07:53 GW3UZS, Geoff, Cardiff, Wales, 58, 45

08:02 GW4XSX, Mike, West Coast Wales, 59, 54

14.267

08:09 VK5PAS/P5, Paul, 59, 59, Onkaparinga National Park

I enjoyed a total of 29 contacts. On 7.100 I used the Yaesu 897 set for 10 watts with a linked dipole and my 4800 MAH LiFePO4 battery. On 20 metres I set the power to 20 watts for the contacts to Spain and 40 watts for the contacts to the UK. It was a great time and thanks to all who gave me a call. I always appreciate the chasers. I used my home made linked dipole. It performed well after a recent service. See my blog dated 1st February to read about the antenna failure on the last activation. Soldered joints, even though not load bearing seem to create the weak spots. All the links, made from 30 amp Anderson Power Poles, are crimped. I am unable to avoid soldered joints at the dipole centre. These are well covered by clear silicon which seems to help. Portable antennas get quite a work out and I am surely impressed with the wire I purchased from Mark at Tet-Emtron.

A Twilight Activation at Scott Creek Conservation Park, 30th January 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

On Friday afternoon at about 4.00pm local time I travelled to Scott Creek Conservation Park in the Mount Lofty Ranges to join with other park activators in a late afternoon/early evening activation. Scott Creek Conservation Park is ‘our’ Park. We are members of the Friends Group for this Park. I also do quite a bit of walking in the park to try and enhance my general level of fitness, or more likely keep what I have already! It is about four kilometres from our place to the Park. It is not the closest park to us: that park is Mark Oliphant Conservation Park which I can see from our family room right now. But Scott Creek Conservation Park, is in my opinion, the more interesting location. I set up at my usual operating point near Gate 8. I managed to find a little shade and established my station there. I was pleased with the set up and took the extra precaution of guying my squid pole at 45 degrees to the linked dipole as there were a few gusts on wind, but nothing too severe. I have activated this park two times previously.

I also packed only lithium chemistry batteries. I decided to leave the ‘slabs’ at home. I switched on my radio and tuned across the middle portion of the 40 metre band. On 7.100 I heard VK5ZAR/P5, Arno, at 06:25z, in Black Hill Conservation Park working another station. Arno’s signal was quite strong, 5 and 7, but I did notice that the signal was fading. I called him a few times without success and then wondered about whether everything was working at me end.

My operating position: FT897, LiPo 4000 mah, diode voltage drop in Altoid tin

I noticed the VSWR was reading high on my transceiver. I checked the antenna with my analyser and changed the coaxial feeder. I was still not satisfied with my setup. I persisted with the activation and worked the following stations:

0628 VK5PAS/P5, Paul at Monarto Conservation Park, S5 & 7, R5 & 7

0631 VK5HCF/P5, Col at Naracoorte Caves National Park, 5 & 7, 5 & 8

0634 VK5KLV/P5, Les at Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park, 5 & 8, 5 & 8

0638 VK5ZAR/P5, Arno at Black Hill Conservation Park, 5 & 7, 4 & 3

and

0640 VK5NQP/P5, David at Sandy Creek Conservation Park, 5 & 7, 5 & 5

It was the contact with VK5ZAR/P5, or rather the variation is signal strengths between us, which persuaded me to close down. I decided I would quit the 40 metre band and change antennas and go to 30 metres as VK5LY, Larry had posted that he would try this band. I posted my intention to QSY on ParksnPeaks. I have a home brew half-wave end fed antenna for this band. I had checked it out previously at Spring Gully Conservation Park near Clare and was pleased with its performance. Tuning across the band I noticed a fairly strong CW signal (too fast for me) and a RTTY signal which was very strong. I called on 10.130 MHz a few times without success.

I have subsequently checked my antenna at home for continuity (it is fine although it has been used over 120 times in the field) and when the weather improves will do some careful checks outside to try and establish the reason for the high VSWR.

It was a beautiful afternoon and I enjoyed my time in the park despite the equipment failure.

A view of the Mount Lofty Ranges looking North

This photo shows Mount Lofty in the distance. Expand the photo and two peaks emerge. Mount Lofty is the second and smaller of the two in the centre of the picture.

Mum and teenager

My walking track in Scott Creek CP

Track profile: Scott Creek CP walk

Upgraded fire trail: on my walk

The last image shows the walking track I use. The photo does not do justice to the steepness! The track here is between three and five kilometres from the start: see profile image above! The loop starts at the at the car park at gate three: in the picture just under the name of the park. Take the Bandicoot Track, then Currawong Ridge Track then Cup Gum Track to Gate 8. At this point take the Mount Bold Track (in the Park near the boundary), then Stringbark Track to Neville Road, turn North (right) and take the Currawong Ridge Track to Bandicoot Track and down the hill to the car-park. I take the clockwise walk of just six kilometres and it takes me about one hour 20 minutes to complete the loop. There are some very steep hills! Gate 8, my activation spot is on Mount Bold Road in the right hand corner of the image. I have completed this walk quite a few times now and will provide more information in due course. The track is taken from a Garmin Forerunner 910 XT. This GPS is designed for monitoring fitness programs and is worn on the wrist. Coordinates are only available after the data is transferred from the unit to Garmin Connect. I used the same unit for my walk in Scheyville National Park, VKFF-444, on 21st December 2014 and also at Mt Bryan, VK5/SE-001 on 29th September 2014.

I have also walked the track with my old Kenwood TH-D7 set at five watts with an extended antenna. The highest point on the track is approaching Mount Bold Road, over 400 metres, and my signal was received at the VK5RSC-1, the South Coast Amateur Radio Club’s digipeater on 145.175. I could only access the digipeater at one spot. The upshot of this is that to have a APRS station at Gate 8 is feasible with a more powerful radio and a gain antenna on a mast. Something for the future with a more extended activation!