VK Logger Ham Radio Forum Archive

Some of you may already be aware that Bob VK3ZL has been fighting a battle with his health for some time. Sadly, things have progressed to the stage, where he will not be able to return to his antenna farm/shack at Merino. Bob is now gravely ill. I was fortunate to catch up with him last week and am glad that we had the opportunity to reminisce about our mutual interest in radio that was evolving in the early 1960's when we both lived at Warracknabeal in North West Victoria.

Bob has asked me to assist his XYL, Jeannie, to dispose of some of his equipment. Some items include:

Bob's home brew 160 metre GS35-B amplifier and his 40 metre amplifier.
Yaesu FT1000 with SP5 speaker and MD-1 Desk microphone
Emtron EPS20ST Power Supply
Heathkit HM-102 HF SWR/Power meter (2kW)
Icom IC-751A transceiver
Components used in VK3ZL amplifiers including relays, high voltage capacitors and many other items.
Partly completed dual 50MHz & 144MHz 300W & Power supply (80% finished) See previous VK Logger Forum topic about this unfinished project.
Valve VFO controlled 160m transmitter 10W based on RSGB Handbook design (Fourth Edition Ch6 Pge 54 (Early example of Bob's home brewing)

The items listed above are at my QTH(R). There will be more. If you would like more information about any of these items please contact me by email vk3hy@arrl.net or telephone 0427 372 277.


Gavin, VK3HY

Thanks for the update on Bob, Gavin. Very sad. I was in regular email contact with Bob up until he advised me of his situation late last year.
If you do happen to see him again please give him my very best regards...I'm thinking of him in these difficult times.

not good news Gavin. Like many that have had the pleasure to talk to Bob and swap yarns he truelly is one of natures real gentleman.Always happy to give other hams a help with technical problems he is truelly what being a ham is about.Please say hello to him when you see him and we all are thinking of him
regards Wayne VK4WTN

Gavin
Thanks for the updated information I was only thinking about Bob over the weekend.
There are times when life sucks and this is one such occasion. Bob is a true AR legend and he has inspired many fellow radio amateurs worldwide. Many of us will be thinking of him during this very difficult time.

Regards

Shane VK4KHZ

Thank you for the update Gavin, and sharing this.
I was informed of Bob's situation in April just before he went in for surgery.

But this sad news is not the news I was wanting to hear.

I do hope that things can miraculously turn around somehow.
Please pass on my regards when you next see him.



Cheers,
Adam

Sorry to hear the news - a true amateur operator and homebrewer - VK3FI (VK3FGN)

I've just been informed that, sadly, Robert (Bob) VK3ZL passed away peacefully at 8:10pm this evening.

Vale Bob

Gavin, VK3HY

Sad news, indeed. Good to hear that he passed away peacefully.

Loved his work. A great - practical - engineer. Always willing to share his extensive knowledge. An inspirational man.

RIP Bob.

Thanks for the news Gavin, sad as it is.
I am happy that I did make the trip last week to visit him.
Bob inspired me to be a Top Band operator.
I'll stand by for funeral details.
73,
Luke VK3HJ

A cursory glance within the "Specialised Interests" and some may observe that the VK3ZL Amplifiers section is no longer there.
In memory of Bob Briggs VK3ZL (SK), his amplifiers sub forum has been relocated to within the Silent Keys area.

Not gone, and certainly not forgotten.

A sad loss to the amateur community.

My sincere condolences, not what I wanted to hear.
I was in email correspondence with Robert over the last few months with the 144 MHz amp he built for me.
Knew he was not well with his words spoken and in the end was speaking to his wife Jeannie.
With slight mods to the output load tuning by Bob ZL1RS the amp put out 920 Watts with 75 Watts input.
Very sad and will send a condolence card to VK3.
73, Steve – ZL1TPH

Very sad to hear.
RIP to a great old fella.
As with a few others, Bob was my introduction into top band in the 80's and 90's.

RIP bloke...

nothing in local papers
notices
funeral details?

No funeral.
Bob was buried on Thursday at Coleraine, with just his wife Jean, and the funeral director present.
73,
Luke VK3HJ