VK Logger Ham Radio Forum Archive

Hi all

As a result of positive feedback received during private discussions on the subject at Gippstech, I would like to try and arrange a VK3/VK5 'Microwave Activity Day'. Specifically, get a group of VK5s to set up at one or more locations on the eastern side of our local range of hills and see what, if any, contacts can be made to VK3 and/or SE VK5 (Mt Gambier) on VHF/UHF/SHF bands (though I'm not expecting much on 24GHz ).

Doing it before the Spring VHF/UHF Field Day contest would also provide an opportunity for testing equipment prior to the contest.

So, the questions are (a) who's interested in coming out to play and (b) when would you like to do it. I'm assuming it would need to be on a Saturday or Sunday to suit those that work 'normal' hours (if there still is such a thing these days).

With regard to 'when', later rather than sooner would be better because (a) there's more time to prepare and (b) the weather is more likely to be nicer (I have an aversion to cold and/or wet days). Speaking personally, I cannot do the weekends of 28/29 September, 19/20 October and 26/27 October due to other commitments. My personal preference would be for either 3rd or 10th of November (assuming the contest is still on 23rd/24th).

Your thoughts, please ...

The first weekend in November sounds good to me.

10th november is the vk3 microwave test and tune day. run by emdrc

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=11626&p=36417&hili ... est#p36323

Iain,
does this mean all of my half finished projects have to be dusted off and me actually do something about finishing them... hmm so can I get 13cm and 3cm working in time, that is the challenge I guess.

regards,
Peter, vk5pj

Hi there all,
me too looks like I have to finish off all my xdk transverters, well they are all mounted, after the control is done its only the higher currents and final switching thats gotta be done. I would like to be one for the hands up, plus some time soon I have to get rid of the standard call and find the advanced jobber.
Just to top it all off it comes down to the root of all evils, money.

cheers All

Paul

HI All

First weekend in November is fine for me as well. Location a few options, a 450 m ASL site in PF94JT is one possibility. Up to 24GHz.

Cheers

David VK5KK

Great initiative, Iain. Count me in, all bands 2.4GHz to 10GHz. I'm pretty flexible about either Saturday or Sunday (the latter is my preference, but hey, this is microwave radio - other stuff can wait!). I don't want to miss the Ballarat hamfest at the end of October, and the EMDRC microwave test day would be nice to attend, but otherwise, let's go for it.

Does it have to be before the FD? Sometime in December would be OK too. Hey, do both, and let's get some value out of all the work we do in the bat cave over winter.

Chas
VK3PY

Do I count as a VK3 ?

Count me in for the first weekend in November, either day suits...
Andy - VK5LA

Hi

Well, 3rd November seems to be the preferred date so we'll go with that.

VK5PJ wrote:Does this mean all of my half finished projects have to be dusted off and me actually do something about finishing them...

Yes

VK3PY wrote:Does it have to be before the FD? Sometime in December would be OK too. Hey, do both, and let's get some value out of all the work we do in the bat cave over winter.

Why not indeed. I'm all for getting more use out of this equipment.

VK2KRR wrote:Do I count as a VK3 ?

Always happy to make an exception. I'm sure we can manage to point an antenna or two in your direction at some point during the day.

Only got 1.2 but I have a good outlook from home to VK5 so im happy to give that a go...

Hi all

I've just discovered that the local AHARS Hamfest (i.e. junk sale) is on the Sunday 3rd so, if it's OK with everyone else, we'll play microwaves on the Saturday.

All ok with me!

Iain, Sunday November 3rd is the AHARS Hamfest. May stop a few from one or the other event.
David VK5KC

Hi

I trust everyone is still OK for Saturday 2nd November (4 weeks from today).
Hopefully those that were going to extract their digits and finish off various projects are doing so.

I'll be there.

Are there any more details, like operating times?

I'm thinking of going portable to Andy VK3ES's QTH on the northern slopes of Mt Macedon with 10 and 24 GHz.
10 should be a possibility into VK5, and I can always remain hopeful of 24, if there'll be anyone at the other end.

Regards,
Dave.

Yep, I'm OK for 2 Nov. All bands from 2.4 to 10GHz. What about a co-ordination frequency between VK5 & VK4? Maybe on 40m? Or "locals" at each end with internet access might be prepared to keep the rest of us informed of proceedings via 2m ssb or a suitable repeater?

Edit 24/2013: I meant between VK5 & VK3. Even I'm not that optimistic about microwaves.........though you never know........

Chas
VK3PY

Hi All

VK5 end three sites proposed at this stage, VK5KK (+helpers!) will be at the southern most location (PF94) at this location http://www.heywhatsthat.com/?view=M7DK7LDN. Other stations will be further north along eastern Mt Lofty range in PF95.

Bands: All three sites are planned to have gear on all bands to 24 GHz (working that out now). Happy to focus on specific bands as needed to match up, viz drag out some bigger antenna and power. Will be able to run WSJT on any of these bands and suggest we factor that into planning

Operating times: TBA .. my 2 cents worth ... Afternoon til after Sunset? Might have to be flexible closer to the date once we know what Condx will be like

Liason: 40 metres a good suggestion ... fingers crossed if we do have lift we might be talking via 2M repeaters! 3G should be accessible at sites proposed so internet is an option

More soon

Cheers

David VK5KK

VK5KK wrote:Liason: 40 metres a good suggestion ...

I've been trying to get the S/E VK4 fellows interested in this idea for activity day liaison.
It seems like a good option when you want to think outside the local 2m FM coverage area, and aim for greater distance acheivements.