I had an interesting eyeball QSO yesterday.
It was interesting not because of the topic, but where I was at the time. I was half way up a tree in a complete strangers front yard while they were out at a Christmas party. The QSO was with their next door neighbour.
No it wasn't anything naughty. As wildlife carers my wife Donna and I had got a call to go and pick up a baby bird. It had fallen out of the nest at the caller's house. They'd made a makeshift nest for it and put it back up in the tree, a big jacaranda, but the parents hadn't come back to feed it so it needed to go into care before it starved.
There were a lot of ants on the tree, so while Donna was getting some gloves for me and I was planning my climb I noticed a wire in the neighbour's yard going from the fence to a mast. On top of the mast was a rotator and a couple of antennas. Hmmm, thought I, the neighbour must be a felow ham. I could see him over the fence on the other side of his yard and I knew that as soon as I went up the tree, he was going to see me.
Sure enough, he wandered over to say hello, I told him what I was up to and to prove it removed the yellow ice-cream container from the other side of the tree where it was obscured from his view. I then asked if thy were Ham radio antennas I could see. From there it was an exchange of callsigns and what equipment we had. He explained that he wasn't very active as his main interest was astronomy, I explained that I wasn't very active as I'm usually too busy with the animals.
I could have sat there, up in the tree, and talked all day except for the ants and the fact we had five more birds of various species in the car and it was about 32 degrees celcius (90F) at the time.
I just wish I'd written down his name and callsign before I forgot it.
73 de VK4VSP
Monday, December 8, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Solar powered operation
I've come to the conclusion that the Icom IC-706 MKIIG isn't a good radio for operation in the field unless you have a decent size solar panel.
I've just spent the last couple of weeks away from home in Armidale, about six hours drive south of here on the New England Tablelands. I was down there for a couple of residential schools at the University of New England where I'm doing a BSc in zoology and had about five days to kill in between chemistry and vertebrate zoology.
My brother Laurie, VK4VCC asked if I wanted to borrow his 706 to use down there. I had been thinking of taking my IC-730 down, but liked the idea of trying out the little 706.
The entire station fitted into a smallish cardboard box. There was the radio, an MP1 antenna, a VSWR meter, coax, an antenna analyser for tuning purposes and a 7.2AH battery.
So on one of my free days I set everything up in the cabin I was staying in and turned the radio on. That's my cabin at the far end.
Now the battery wasn't fully charged, but it hadn't been used much, but within about five minutes of tuning around and just listening the radio started to shut down as the battery voltage was getting too low.
I turned on my laptop and downloaded the manual for the radio and was amazed to find it pulls 1.5A on receive. I'm not sure what current my 730 draws, it doesn't say in the manual, but I'm going to find out.
I might start looking for an FT-817 for when I go away, that or a big solar panel.
I've just spent the last couple of weeks away from home in Armidale, about six hours drive south of here on the New England Tablelands. I was down there for a couple of residential schools at the University of New England where I'm doing a BSc in zoology and had about five days to kill in between chemistry and vertebrate zoology.
My brother Laurie, VK4VCC asked if I wanted to borrow his 706 to use down there. I had been thinking of taking my IC-730 down, but liked the idea of trying out the little 706.
The entire station fitted into a smallish cardboard box. There was the radio, an MP1 antenna, a VSWR meter, coax, an antenna analyser for tuning purposes and a 7.2AH battery.
So on one of my free days I set everything up in the cabin I was staying in and turned the radio on. That's my cabin at the far end.
Now the battery wasn't fully charged, but it hadn't been used much, but within about five minutes of tuning around and just listening the radio started to shut down as the battery voltage was getting too low.
I turned on my laptop and downloaded the manual for the radio and was amazed to find it pulls 1.5A on receive. I'm not sure what current my 730 draws, it doesn't say in the manual, but I'm going to find out.
I might start looking for an FT-817 for when I go away, that or a big solar panel.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
IOTA
Although we had plans for Sunday morning, I was going to put in a bit of time in the afternoon (VK4 local time) on the IOTA contest.
I like the idea of IOTA, it tends toward more unusual activations in remote areas. That's something I believe that keeps amateur radio relevant in this day and age. The IOTA contest is also a good opportunity to pick up a few new ones.
As it turned out I never even got around to turning the radio on.
We had our annual general meeting in the morning for the wildlife rescue organisation my wife, Donna, and I are involved with. During the meeting one of the members who is involved with a pelican and seabird rescue organisation got a call to a sick pelican. Needless to say, when the opportunity came up for Donna and I to assist, they didn't have to ask us twice.
So we spent that afternoon catching and assessing, not one pelican, but three. Two of them were released after being treated and the third was taken to Australia Zoo's wildlife hospital for further treatment.
Well, after that I forgot all about the IOTA contest until just before closing time.
Maybe next year.
73 de VK4VSP
I like the idea of IOTA, it tends toward more unusual activations in remote areas. That's something I believe that keeps amateur radio relevant in this day and age. The IOTA contest is also a good opportunity to pick up a few new ones.
As it turned out I never even got around to turning the radio on.
We had our annual general meeting in the morning for the wildlife rescue organisation my wife, Donna, and I are involved with. During the meeting one of the members who is involved with a pelican and seabird rescue organisation got a call to a sick pelican. Needless to say, when the opportunity came up for Donna and I to assist, they didn't have to ask us twice.
So we spent that afternoon catching and assessing, not one pelican, but three. Two of them were released after being treated and the third was taken to Australia Zoo's wildlife hospital for further treatment.
Well, after that I forgot all about the IOTA contest until just before closing time.
Maybe next year.
73 de VK4VSP
Monday, July 7, 2008
IARU contest
The IARU contest is on this coming weekend.
I was going to compete together with my brother Laurie, VK4VCC, at his new QTH. Unfortunately, his QTH isn't finished yet because the builders can't seem to get their act together.
I do have Laurie's FT-950 here that we used in the CQ WPX SSB contest back in March, but I'm doing a first aid course all weekend. If I do get on, it'll be in the evenings and I certainly won't be competing seriously.
Good luck to those of you that are competing this weekend.
73 de VK4VSP
I was going to compete together with my brother Laurie, VK4VCC, at his new QTH. Unfortunately, his QTH isn't finished yet because the builders can't seem to get their act together.
I do have Laurie's FT-950 here that we used in the CQ WPX SSB contest back in March, but I'm doing a first aid course all weekend. If I do get on, it'll be in the evenings and I certainly won't be competing seriously.
Good luck to those of you that are competing this weekend.
73 de VK4VSP
Friday, June 20, 2008
It's official
Finally, something official from Icom.
The IC-7200 should be released in Japan sometime in early August and the price will be 104790 yen as reported recently by JI1ANI, Yukito. Sorry Yukito, I believe you now.
The Icom Japan article is here, with a translated version here.
The IC-7200 should be released in Japan sometime in early August and the price will be 104790 yen as reported recently by JI1ANI, Yukito. Sorry Yukito, I believe you now.
The Icom Japan article is here, with a translated version here.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
IC-7200 price
According to JI1ANI, Yukito, on the Digital Ham Life blog, the price for the IC-7200 has been released.
It'll be 104790 yen according to Yukito, that's just under $1000 in the US and just over $1000 in Australia. Unfortunately, Yukito doesn't say where or when that price was announced, or who by. Without citing his source it's really a meaningless statement to make. I could just as easily make a similar claim and it would be all over the internet within a day.
I won't believe the price until I see it from Icom and there hasn't been a lot of news from them so far. One website was advertising it for US$9999.99, but I suspect that was just so they could get it on the website. Perhaps their software didn't allow TBA, who knows.
This advertisement from Icom in the UK has got me thinking. They say " The IC-7200 features military styling, which makes its suitable for all round use."
To me, military styling means it looks military, it doesn't necessarily mean it's rugged, just looks like it is. I could be reading too much into that though, as the brochure seems to suggest that it's built to take a few knocks as well as utilising technology used in marine radios. It's not waterproof, but it won't mind getting a bit damp.
I'm still looking forward to hearing more about the IC-7200, but since I'm going to have a lot more time on my hands soon, I'm starting to get tempted by a K2.
It'll be 104790 yen according to Yukito, that's just under $1000 in the US and just over $1000 in Australia. Unfortunately, Yukito doesn't say where or when that price was announced, or who by. Without citing his source it's really a meaningless statement to make. I could just as easily make a similar claim and it would be all over the internet within a day.
I won't believe the price until I see it from Icom and there hasn't been a lot of news from them so far. One website was advertising it for US$9999.99, but I suspect that was just so they could get it on the website. Perhaps their software didn't allow TBA, who knows.
This advertisement from Icom in the UK has got me thinking. They say " The IC-7200 features military styling, which makes its suitable for all round use."
To me, military styling means it looks military, it doesn't necessarily mean it's rugged, just looks like it is. I could be reading too much into that though, as the brochure seems to suggest that it's built to take a few knocks as well as utilising technology used in marine radios. It's not waterproof, but it won't mind getting a bit damp.
I'm still looking forward to hearing more about the IC-7200, but since I'm going to have a lot more time on my hands soon, I'm starting to get tempted by a K2.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Oops
My previous blog entry about DXpeditions was the first since Ben added the Anorak Files to Planet Ham.
Unfortunately, it shows up under IW3SOX, Elio's name. That's not unfortunate for me, because it means there are two links to my blog instead of one, but it's unfortunate for Elio. So until Ben gets a chance to fix up the error, here's a link to Elio's blog that's been translated into English by Google and the original Italian version.
It's well worth a look as it has some great pictures on it. I was in Italy earlier this year and it's nice to see the Italian countryside again.
73 de VK4VSP
Unfortunately, it shows up under IW3SOX, Elio's name. That's not unfortunate for me, because it means there are two links to my blog instead of one, but it's unfortunate for Elio. So until Ben gets a chance to fix up the error, here's a link to Elio's blog that's been translated into English by Google and the original Italian version.
It's well worth a look as it has some great pictures on it. I was in Italy earlier this year and it's nice to see the Italian countryside again.
73 de VK4VSP
DXpeditions
Looking at NG3K's DXpedition website, it appears there are quite a few DXpeditions coming up in my region soon.
A couple of those are ZS8T, Marion Island and VK9X, Christmas Island, both of which I've blogged about previously. They both have start dates listed, but I'm not sure how accurate they are, since there are no start dates on their own websites. Still, I'll be keeping an eye out (or and ear).
There are also a couple coming up in Vietnam, 3W2BMK and Cambodia, XU7BMK. If you think those callsigns look familiar, that's because they're both the same person, JA8BMK, Toshi. Having visited Vietnam last year for a holiday, I'd love to get it in the log.
It looks like I'll have more time to get on the radio soon too. After twenty four years with my present employer, my job has been outsourced and I'm being made redundant. I finish up on the 2nd of July. I'll be looking hard for another job, but until I get one I'll be making the most of my time at home.
My first project will be to make up a battery pack so I can use the IC-730 in the field.
73 de VK4VSP
A couple of those are ZS8T, Marion Island and VK9X, Christmas Island, both of which I've blogged about previously. They both have start dates listed, but I'm not sure how accurate they are, since there are no start dates on their own websites. Still, I'll be keeping an eye out (or and ear).
There are also a couple coming up in Vietnam, 3W2BMK and Cambodia, XU7BMK. If you think those callsigns look familiar, that's because they're both the same person, JA8BMK, Toshi. Having visited Vietnam last year for a holiday, I'd love to get it in the log.
It looks like I'll have more time to get on the radio soon too. After twenty four years with my present employer, my job has been outsourced and I'm being made redundant. I finish up on the 2nd of July. I'll be looking hard for another job, but until I get one I'll be making the most of my time at home.
My first project will be to make up a battery pack so I can use the IC-730 in the field.
73 de VK4VSP
Friday, May 23, 2008
A new ham blog
Marion Island update
Still nothing from Petrus, ZS8T on Marion Island yet.
That's to be expected when you consider he's gone down there to work and amateur radio is his hobby. Add to that the fact that he's only one man, it's not a huge multi-op DXpedition like the recent one to Clipperton Island. In fact, it's not even what I'd call a DXpedition as such. It's a guy working hard in a remote area who, if he manages to get some time to himself and the weather conditions are right, might just be able to get on the radio.
Of course, that doesn't stop people criticising him for not letting us know when he's going QRV. I kid you not, someone moaned on the forum that they were wasting time listening for him on the radio and searching on the internet for news. Like Petrus has an obligation to the world's hams. There's always a chance that the person complaining was joking. If that's the case they didn't do it too well.
Lets not forget, he's down there for a year, there'll be plenty of time for a QSO with him. The only obligations he has are to himself, his team (he's the team leader) and his employer.
My only complaint is, I wish I could get a job like his.
73 de VK4VSP
Sunday, May 18, 2008
IC-7200 at Dayton
If you're reading this because you Googled IC-7200, I'm probably not telling you anything you haven't already learned, but the IC-7200 is on display at the Dayton Hamvention.
No definite details on the price yet, although rumour has it, it'll be a bit more expensive than most of us were expecting, around US$1400. What that will equate to here in VK land is anybody's guess.
They may be going on sale in the US in September. Again, what that means in Australia I don't know. It could be ages before we see them here.
There's more info on Adam AB4OJ's website, including a link to the brochure.
73 de VK4VSP
No definite details on the price yet, although rumour has it, it'll be a bit more expensive than most of us were expecting, around US$1400. What that will equate to here in VK land is anybody's guess.
They may be going on sale in the US in September. Again, what that means in Australia I don't know. It could be ages before we see them here.
There's more info on Adam AB4OJ's website, including a link to the brochure.
73 de VK4VSP
Saturday, May 10, 2008
CQ WPX SSB
Back at the end of March, my brother Laurie VK4VCC and I competed in the CQ WPX SSB contest.
It wasn't a serious attempt by a long shot, we competed as a multi-one and the weekend included some last minute shopping for some bits for the laptop, a barbecue and two wildlife rescues. Not to mention having to feed all the animals on Saturday evening.
Anyway, we put our entry in, even though we only had 92 QSOs, for about 1500 odd points. There don't seem to be many multi-one entries in this contest, so even with our low score we were coming third in Oceania when ever I checked the submitted logs. Two more entries were submitted from New Zealand at the last moment, just before entries closed and they had much higher scores than us, so we missed out in a place.
Never mind, it was a good experience and I got a lot of new countries I hadn't contacted before. It was a good opportunity to check out some new gear as well, Laurie's FT-950 and my Comet H-422 especially.
Our next attempt will be the IARU HF World Championship in July. We'll be going that from Laurie's QTH at Jimboomba and taking it a bit more seriously. You may have noticed the countdown timer in my sidebar at right.
It wasn't a serious attempt by a long shot, we competed as a multi-one and the weekend included some last minute shopping for some bits for the laptop, a barbecue and two wildlife rescues. Not to mention having to feed all the animals on Saturday evening.
Anyway, we put our entry in, even though we only had 92 QSOs, for about 1500 odd points. There don't seem to be many multi-one entries in this contest, so even with our low score we were coming third in Oceania when ever I checked the submitted logs. Two more entries were submitted from New Zealand at the last moment, just before entries closed and they had much higher scores than us, so we missed out in a place.
Never mind, it was a good experience and I got a lot of new countries I hadn't contacted before. It was a good opportunity to check out some new gear as well, Laurie's FT-950 and my Comet H-422 especially.
Our next attempt will be the IARU HF World Championship in July. We'll be going that from Laurie's QTH at Jimboomba and taking it a bit more seriously. You may have noticed the countdown timer in my sidebar at right.
BARCfest
BARCfest was on today. Now, if you're reading this from Boulder, Colorado, you're probably thinking, no it wasn't.
I'm talking about the Brisbane Amateur Radio Club fest, not the Boulder one which is held in September apparently.
Anyway, I got there nice and early and met my brother Laurie VK4VCC. The idea was to snap up a few bargains, then meet up with the boys from the VK contest club (VKCC). We both took our cameras and intended taking a few pics for our blogs.
As you can see, there aren't any pictures. I could have taken some, but it would have just been the backs of people's heads. The place was packed.
The planned VKCC meeting didn't happen, at least not while we were there, but I did get to meet a few of the members anyway, including Eddie VK4AN and his son Raj, VK4FRAJ. Eddie and Raj are off to Fiji on Tuesday to compete in the CQ WPX CW contest and to just generally have a good time and play radios. They'll be operating as 3D2A (Eddie) and 3D2B (Raj).
Did I pick up any bargains? Well let's just say my wife didn't have anything to complain about when I got home, a pile of 12V gel cell batteries and a low pass filter for a grand total of $55. There were lots of things I was tempted to buy, but I managed to resist, this time.
I'm talking about the Brisbane Amateur Radio Club fest, not the Boulder one which is held in September apparently.
Anyway, I got there nice and early and met my brother Laurie VK4VCC. The idea was to snap up a few bargains, then meet up with the boys from the VK contest club (VKCC). We both took our cameras and intended taking a few pics for our blogs.
As you can see, there aren't any pictures. I could have taken some, but it would have just been the backs of people's heads. The place was packed.
The planned VKCC meeting didn't happen, at least not while we were there, but I did get to meet a few of the members anyway, including Eddie VK4AN and his son Raj, VK4FRAJ. Eddie and Raj are off to Fiji on Tuesday to compete in the CQ WPX CW contest and to just generally have a good time and play radios. They'll be operating as 3D2A (Eddie) and 3D2B (Raj).
Did I pick up any bargains? Well let's just say my wife didn't have anything to complain about when I got home, a pile of 12V gel cell batteries and a low pass filter for a grand total of $55. There were lots of things I was tempted to buy, but I managed to resist, this time.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Houston, we have a problem
I've got a couple of HTs at home that don't get used much and I've been thinking of trying them out with satellites. I tried one of them a couple of years ago when SuitSat was launched. Like the thousands of other people that tuned in to SuitSat, all I heard was static.
I thought I'd do a bit of research to find out how to do it (always a good idea) and came across a few videos by Randy K7AGE.
This video just goes to show, it can be just as much fun when it doesn't work.
73 de VK4VSP
I thought I'd do a bit of research to find out how to do it (always a good idea) and came across a few videos by Randy K7AGE.
This video just goes to show, it can be just as much fun when it doesn't work.
73 de VK4VSP
Thursday, May 1, 2008
ZS8T - update 1
Oops!
I'm not sure where I got the 5th May from (a bit of QRN between the eyes and the brain perhaps), but it's actually the 9th that Petrus is hoping to be QRV.
I've loosened the bolts and used the Armstrong method to rotate my antenna slightly. Whether it will make any difference or not remains to be seen.
There's a curious thing I've noticed when there's a DXpedition like this in progress. The DX clusters are supposed to be a way to let other hams know when a particular DX station is on air and where they're readable. So why do so many lids spot the stations with comments like "nothing heard". There's so much rubbish ends up on your screen it's hardly worth reading it.
And don't get me started on the guys that spot their mate down the street with comments like "59+ here", or "loud". Of course it is you idiot. It doesn't mean anyone else can hear him.
73 de VK4VSP
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
ZS8T - Marion Island
Here's one to keep an ear out for. As I've mentioned before, I haven't been very active since getting licenced, so if I can get ZS8T into the log that'll be my first QSO with Antarctica. Then all I'll need is Africa to get worked-all-continents. Okay, that may not be much to some of you more experienced hams, but it's a stepping stone. Actually, come to think of it, my logging software will think it's Africa anyway.
The DXpedition to Marion Island is being done by one man, Petrus ZS6GCM and he should be on air sometime early next week, possibly May 5th. It just happens to be our labour day holiday here in Queensland, what luck.
Although Petrus will be operating alone, he has plenty of support back home and I can't finish this blog without mentioning three of them. Christian DL6KAC, Col MM0NDX and Stan SQ8X have created one of the best looking DXpedition websites I've ever seen.
I might have to turn the Comet H-422 around this weekend. It's facing toward Japan at the moment and I'm yet to put it on a rotator. It does seem to have a bit of directivity on 20m, but I managed to work Calgary, Canada on 40m last week with it facing the way it is. We'll see.
73 de VK4VSP
Edit: I've just looked at the rules for the WAC and Antarctica doesn't count as a continent apparently. That kind of takes some of the challenge out of it.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sacriledge
I've got my brother Laurie's (VK4VCC) FT-920 and FT-950 at the moment while he's in rented accomodation.
I'm off to Armidale tomorrow for a uni residential until Sunday and I needed some shirts ironed. While Donna, the XYL, was upstairs washing the dishes I ironed my shirts. Something I'm not averse to doing, since everyone knows that men make better cooks and ironers.
Anyway, I needed some music to listen to. What better choice than to use a radio that can hear clear around the globe. So I have the radio tuned to one of the local AM broadcast stations 4BH 882, easy listening music. I grew up listening to 4BH, before the FM stations started up. I've got to admit, I was surprised to hear them play David Bowie, they wouldn't have played him 30 years ago. Marcia Hines, then Elvis (the King) Presley brought me back to the 4BH I remember.
I promise I won't waste resources like this too often*.
73 de VK4VSP
*Just when I'm ironing.
I'm off to Armidale tomorrow for a uni residential until Sunday and I needed some shirts ironed. While Donna, the XYL, was upstairs washing the dishes I ironed my shirts. Something I'm not averse to doing, since everyone knows that men make better cooks and ironers.
Anyway, I needed some music to listen to. What better choice than to use a radio that can hear clear around the globe. So I have the radio tuned to one of the local AM broadcast stations 4BH 882, easy listening music. I grew up listening to 4BH, before the FM stations started up. I've got to admit, I was surprised to hear them play David Bowie, they wouldn't have played him 30 years ago. Marcia Hines, then Elvis (the King) Presley brought me back to the 4BH I remember.
I promise I won't waste resources like this too often*.
73 de VK4VSP
*Just when I'm ironing.
IC-7200
Now this is my kind of radio.
Not much news around at the moment, other than it will have 100w out and 80m-6m. It'll also probably cost more than I'm prepared to spend, or more correctly, my XYL will let me spend, especially with my upcoming unemployment.
Some of you will say you don't like the military styling and it won't have enough features. In fact, people are saying just that in the E-Ham forums. I like that rugged look, the fact that I can take it with me when I go away and the fact that it looks about the same size as my old IC-730. I think it would be an ideal replacement for the 730 come to think of it.
Guess I'll have to wait for a lottery win. In the mean time I'll be keeping an eye out for more information and posting here.
More pics are here on Lidio's blog.
Not much news around at the moment, other than it will have 100w out and 80m-6m. It'll also probably cost more than I'm prepared to spend, or more correctly, my XYL will let me spend, especially with my upcoming unemployment.
Some of you will say you don't like the military styling and it won't have enough features. In fact, people are saying just that in the E-Ham forums. I like that rugged look, the fact that I can take it with me when I go away and the fact that it looks about the same size as my old IC-730. I think it would be an ideal replacement for the 730 come to think of it.
Guess I'll have to wait for a lottery win. In the mean time I'll be keeping an eye out for more information and posting here.
More pics are here on Lidio's blog.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
IRCs
After this year's CX WPX SSB contest I was writing out my QSL cards and using QRZ.com to find out where to send the cards, just in case some had QSL managers or wanted direct. A few said they only QSLed direct and request you send 2 IRCs. Some places seem more prone to this than others, Hawaii for one.
Now what's the deal here? An IRC costs $2.70 here in VK land They're even dearer in Canada. The most it costs to send a card anywhere internationally from here is $1.80. Doing a quick Google of post rates to Australia from countries such as the US, Canada, Hong Kong and Indonesia, they're all cheaper than Australia. So what are people doing with the extra coupon if I send two. They can't cash it in, as it can only be redeemed for postage stamps. Or can they, do you get change for the unused portion? I'm sure there are post offices somewhere that don't have a problem handing over cash instead of stamps for IRCs.
Some may be asking for two IRCs because they don't really want more QSL cards, which is understandable. They're kind of pricing themselves out of the market, because they don't want the business so to speak. I know of at least one ham that states in his QRZ listing that he doesn't collect QSL cards anymore, but that if you do and you've had a QSO with him, he's happy to send you one if you ask. No mention of money. That's more in the ham spirit.
I'll continue sending my cards via the buro and waiting for months to get replies the same way. Of course, if someone decides to send me a card directly I'll reply in kind, regardless of whether or not they enclosed postage.
What do other people think?
73 de VK4VSP
Now what's the deal here? An IRC costs $2.70 here in VK land They're even dearer in Canada. The most it costs to send a card anywhere internationally from here is $1.80. Doing a quick Google of post rates to Australia from countries such as the US, Canada, Hong Kong and Indonesia, they're all cheaper than Australia. So what are people doing with the extra coupon if I send two. They can't cash it in, as it can only be redeemed for postage stamps. Or can they, do you get change for the unused portion? I'm sure there are post offices somewhere that don't have a problem handing over cash instead of stamps for IRCs.
Some may be asking for two IRCs because they don't really want more QSL cards, which is understandable. They're kind of pricing themselves out of the market, because they don't want the business so to speak. I know of at least one ham that states in his QRZ listing that he doesn't collect QSL cards anymore, but that if you do and you've had a QSO with him, he's happy to send you one if you ask. No mention of money. That's more in the ham spirit.
I'll continue sending my cards via the buro and waiting for months to get replies the same way. Of course, if someone decides to send me a card directly I'll reply in kind, regardless of whether or not they enclosed postage.
What do other people think?
73 de VK4VSP
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Inverted V
Okay, it's not a radio, it's a hedge grasshopper (Valanga irregularis), but it does have antennae, looks like an inverted V.
This is what I'm supposed to be doing, mounting insects for an entomology assignment that I have due late next week. I have to have twenty-five specimens in the collection, so far I've mounted four (actually the grasshopper isn't finished). I still need to catch most of them.
The Holyland DX contest is on this weekend so I've got the radio on, N1MM software set up ready, and I'm tuning round the bands listening for Israelis. I almost got one earlier, but before I managed a QSO with him he got chased off by the ANZA net which was only 2KHz down from where he was CQing. I didn't hear him after that.
Anyway, I'm running out of pins for the insects and I'm hearing lots of DX out there tonight, so it's time to put the university stuff aside for the night and play radios.
73 de VK4VSP
Edit 20/07/2008: I should mention I'm not having a go at the ANZA net here. I often listen to them and they're a nice bunch of OMs and YLs.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Christmas Island
I haven't been a ham for long, a little over two years, and I haven't been particularly active in that time. All of my operating therefore, has been from home. I like the idea of operating in the field with a portable setup, but I just haven't got around to it yet. Okay, you can by them in the shops these days (a round tuit that is), but procrastination is one of my hobbies. I was going to write a book about procrastination once but... well you get the picture.
Anyway, I've enjoyed watching most of James Brooks' (9V1YC) DXpedition videos recently (and was even lucky enough to contact him in the CQ WPX SSB contest late last month). I love the idea of heading off to some remote island for a week or two and playing radios. Actually, I love the idea of heading off to a remote island somewhere, period. It just seems to encapsulate so many of the things I enjoy, radio, travelling, seeing the native wildlife, problem solving and working as a tight-knit team to get a job done.
There's a couple of DXpeditions coming up in VK land soon, one of those is to Christmas Island (OC-002), sometime in July. Okay, Christmas Island is actually closer to Indonesia than Australia, but it's still ours. It's not a huge DXpedition like the ones 9V1YC films, but it's still one I'll be looking forward too for two reasons. Firstly, since I haven't been all that active so far, there's are heaps of new ones for me still to get and Christmas Island is definitely one of them. Secondly, until I get a rotator for my Comet H-422, that's pretty much the way my antenna is facing, so it shouldn't be too hard to contact them, I hope.
As I mentioned, it's not a big DXpedition, there's only four operators. They are Marq CT1BWW (VK9XWW), John EA3GHZ (VK9XHZ), Henry EA5EOR (VK9XOR) and Claudina EC5BME (VK9XME). Yes, a woman on a DXpedition, should be more of it. The team are also offering an award if you manage to contact all four of the operators.
I'm just glad for their sakes they aren't going later in the year. November, December is when the Christmas Island red crabs migrate.
Anyway, I've enjoyed watching most of James Brooks' (9V1YC) DXpedition videos recently (and was even lucky enough to contact him in the CQ WPX SSB contest late last month). I love the idea of heading off to some remote island for a week or two and playing radios. Actually, I love the idea of heading off to a remote island somewhere, period. It just seems to encapsulate so many of the things I enjoy, radio, travelling, seeing the native wildlife, problem solving and working as a tight-knit team to get a job done.
There's a couple of DXpeditions coming up in VK land soon, one of those is to Christmas Island (OC-002), sometime in July. Okay, Christmas Island is actually closer to Indonesia than Australia, but it's still ours. It's not a huge DXpedition like the ones 9V1YC films, but it's still one I'll be looking forward too for two reasons. Firstly, since I haven't been all that active so far, there's are heaps of new ones for me still to get and Christmas Island is definitely one of them. Secondly, until I get a rotator for my Comet H-422, that's pretty much the way my antenna is facing, so it shouldn't be too hard to contact them, I hope.
As I mentioned, it's not a big DXpedition, there's only four operators. They are Marq CT1BWW (VK9XWW), John EA3GHZ (VK9XHZ), Henry EA5EOR (VK9XOR) and Claudina EC5BME (VK9XME). Yes, a woman on a DXpedition, should be more of it. The team are also offering an award if you manage to contact all four of the operators.
I'm just glad for their sakes they aren't going later in the year. November, December is when the Christmas Island red crabs migrate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
