ANZA DX Net

ANZA DX NET.

The ANZA - Australia New Zealand Africa DX Net commenced on the 20th day of May 1970 on 21.300 mHz.

It subsequently moved to 21.205 mHz and eventually 14.183 mHz.

The net was the brainchild of Percy Anderson VK3PA.

WEBSITE.

anzadx.net/

VIDEOS.

PERCY JAMES ANDERSON (VK3CA & VK4CPA).

Percy James Anderson was born on the 16th day of October 1908 at Dandenong, Victoria. His father was James Henry Anderson (b. 1883. d. 1951) and Rosa Anderson nee Connell (b. 1888. d. 1973). (ancestry.com.au) (Wikibooks 2024)

Percy attended West Melbourne Technical School and it was here that he first became interested in 'wireless'. Percy constructed his own crystal set and was an avid broadcast listener. He commenced a collection of QSL cards from the broadcast stations. In 1927 he built his first short wave receiver. (AR Jan 1987) (AR Sep 1998) (AR Sep 1990)

Percy was first licenced in August 1928. He initially used a simple CW transmitter and held the callsign of OA3PA. By 1931 he was active on the five metre band. (AR Aug 1977) (EA Sep 1979) (AR Sep 1998) (AR Sep 1990)

Above:- A VK3PA 1929 QSL card. Image c/o ANZA DX Net website.

Above:- A 1929 VK3PA QSL card sent to Miss Marshall. Image c/o WIA.

Percy was the first VK to use a class B modulator on the MF broadcast band. Percy was also active in the broadcast band, playing music when peritted to do so, prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. (AR Aug 1977) (AR Sep 1990)

Above:- Article from The Advertiser, Sat 14 Dec 1929. Image c/o Trove

Above:- Article from The Advertiser, Sat 17 May 1930. Image c/o Trove

In 1931 Percy built a 5m Colpitts transmitter with a half wave dipole as the radiator. The feedline was electric light cord. (AR Jan 1987)

Above:- Article from The Advertiser, Sat 19 Dec 1931. Image c/o Trove.

Above:- Artticle from The Advertiser, Sat 5 Dec 1931. Image c/o Trove.

On the 24th day of February 1934, Percy married Dorothy Linda Elsie Rainbow in Victoria. Dorothy was born in 1913 at Leopold, Victoria. (ancestry.com.au)

For a significant portion of their lives, Percy and Dorothy lived at 5 Collins Street, Preston, Victoria. Preston is a suburb in Melbourne, about 9km northeast of the CBD. (ancestry.com.au) (Wikipedia 2024)

Percy's brother in law, Christopher James Rainbow, held the callsign of 3JR. (Wikibooks 2024)

During the early 1940s, Percy successfully passed a trade test in the transmission and recieiving of Morse Code at no less than 20 words per minutes. He also passed an examination in radio and engineering theory. (AR Jan 1987)

Following this, Percy was placed on the RAAF Reserve list. (AR Jan 1987)

On the 24th day of July 1940, Percy enlisted for service with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at Melbourne, Victoria. He was originally posted to Point Cook Radio School and then to No. 2 Squadron. From there he was posted to the instructional staff at No. 2 WAGs and then No. 3 Instructional Staff. He became in charge of equipment maintenance. (AR Jan 1987) (AR Sep 1998) (AR Sep 1990) (DVA 2024)

Percy was discharged from the RAAF on the 23rd day of October 1945. (DVA 2024)

Following WW2, Percy joined the staff at 3LO and 3AR at Sydenham. He worked with the Australian Broadcasting Commission as a Senior Technical Officer, a role he fulfilled until his retirement. (AR Mar 1978) (AR Sep 1998) (AR Sep 1990)

In June 1968 Percy purchased his first commercially made amateur radio transceiver. Up until that time all of Percy's amateur radio equipment was 'home brew'. (AR Sep 1998) (AR Sep 1990)

In 1970 Percy joined the Pacific DX Net on 14.265 mHz. Percy became the senior controller on the net from c. 1972. (AR Aug 1977) (ARA 1981) (AR Sep 1990) (AR Sep 1998)

It was at this time that Percy came up with the idea for the ANZA Net, the Australia New Zealand and Africa net. The first operational day of the ANZA Net was on the 20th day of May 1970 on 21.300 mHz on the 15 metre band. (AR May 1981) (AR Sep 1990) (AR May 1995) (AR Mar 1996) (AR May 1997) (AR Sep 1998)

The net then moved to 21.205 mHz, especially for Andrew ZS2OM in South Africa, who was a 'white stick' operator. (AR Sep 1990)

By 1977 Percy was living on a 5 acre property at Wallington, near Geelong in Victoria. His shack consisted of a Yaesu FTDX570, FL2100B and a TH6 antenna. (AR Aug 1977) (ARA 1981)

Above:- Percy VK3PA in his shack, 1977. Image c/o AR magazine Aug 1977

In 1981 Percy was interviewed by Amateur Radio Action magazine. When asked why he ran the net Percy stated:

"It gives you personal satsifaction to help others. THere's no gain in it for you - we're not looking for any. This may puzzle you, but I'm not a DX hunter. If you were tao ask me I couldn't tell you exactly how many countries I've worked."

(ARA 1981)

In July 1982 Percy retired as the net control on the Pacific DX Net. This was a role he had filled for 10 years. Percy stated that it was time he donated more effort to his already beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Percy was a keen gardener and won several prizes for his vegetables at the annual Wallington Show. (AR Aug 1977) (ARA 1981) (AR Jul 1982) (AR Jan 1987)

In October 1983 Percy's wife Dorothy died. She was 70 years of age. (ancestry.com.au)

In May 1987, Percy moved from Victoria to southern Queensland near the Gold Coast. He changed his callsign at that time to VK4CPA. (AR Jun 1987) (AR Sep 1990) (AR Sep 1998)

Percy died on the 31st day of July 1998. He was 89 years of age. He is buried at Fawkner Memorial Park, Victoria. His resting place can be found in the Lawn of Tranquility, Row H, Grave 418. (ancestry.com.au) (Find a Grave 2024) (Wikibooks 2024)

With reference to nets, Percy said:

" I know some amateurs object to nets, but one has to remember this: nets do serve a useful purpose. Many stations occupy only one frequency, and the nets allow those using simple or low power equipment and home brew antennas to work the DX stations they might not be able to work otherwise. We welcome those who have some physical handicap and, over the years, I was happy to have them join the net." (AR Sep 1990)

HISTORY OF THE ANZA DX NET.

***Please note I will add more information here regarding the history of the ANZA DX Net when it is forthcoming.

f you have any information on the history of the net, I would love to hear from you. Please send me an email to.....

[email protected]

YEAR	FREQUENCY	NET CONTROL
1970	21.300 mHz	Percy VK3PA
1971	-	-
1972	21.225 mHz	Percy VK3PA Eddie ZL1BKX
1973	-	-
1974	-	-
1975	-	-
1976	-	-
1977	14.138 mHz	Percy VK3PA
1978	-	-
1979	21.202 mHz	Percy Vk3PA
1980	-	-
1981	21.204 mHz	Percy VK3PA Claude VK4DK John VK3JF Len VK3AH Jack VK2CX
1982	21.204 mHz	-
1983	21.204 mHz	-
1984	21.2043 mHz	-
1985	-	-
1986	15m & 20m	-
1987	14.135 mHz	-
1988	-	-
1989	21.205 mHz	Percy VK4CPA
1990	21.205 mHz	-
1991	21.205 mHz	Percy Vk4CPA
1992	-	-
1993	21.205 mHz	-
1994	21.205 mHz 14.164 mHz	-
1995	21.205 mHz 14.164 mHz	Percy VK4CPA Dave ZL1AMN
1996	14.164 mHz	-
1997	14.164 mHz	Percy VK4CPA
1998	14.164 mHz	-
1999	-	-
2000	14.183 mHz	Tex VK1TX
2001	-	-
2002	-	-
2003	14.183 mHz	Bill VK4UA
2004	-	-
2005	-	-
2006	-	John VK4LJ
2007	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	Bill VK4UA John VK4LJ Myrle ZL2MIC Russ K7INA Lindsay VK3WM Morris ZL1ANF
2008	-	-
2009	-	-
2010	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	20m. Morris ZL1ANF (Monday) Col VK4CC (Tuesday) Ray VK4NH (Wednesday) Rob ZL1RD (Thursday) John VK4LJ (Friday) Lindsay VK3WM (Saturday) Jamie KH6KW (Sunday) 15m Alan VK3HGN Dave ZL1AMN
2011	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	Morris ZL1ANF (Monday) Col VK4CC (Tuesday) Ray VK4NH (Wednesday) Rob ZL1RD (Thursday) John VK4LJ (Friday) Lindsay VK3WM (Saturday) Jamie KH6KW (Sunday) Alan VK3HGN (15m)
2012	-	Ray VK4NH
2013	-	Ray VK4NH
2014	-	Ray VK4NH
2015	-	-
2016	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	Lindsay VK3WM Jonn VK4LJ Morris ZL1ANF Lyn VK4SWE Terry VK4HQ Tex VK1TX Tony VK2RI Col VK4CC
2017	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	John Vk4LJ Morris ZL1ANF Lyn VK4SWE Col VK4CC Terry VK4HQ Tex VK1TX Tony VK2RI Ken KI6KFB Mike VK4LMB
2018	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	Col VK4CC Tex VK1TX John VK4LJ Morris ZL1ANF Lyn VK4SWE Terry VK4HQ Mike VK4LMB Tony VK2RI
2019	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	Col VK4CC Tex VK1TX John VK4LJ Morris ZL1ANF Lyn VK4SWE Terry VK4HQ Mike VK4LMB Greg VK8KMD Ken KI6KFB Tony VK2RI
2020	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	Tex VK1TX Mike VK4JT Clem VK4XCS Terry VK4TM Morris ZL1ANF Lyn VK4SWE Rod VK3RH John VK4LJ Owen ZL2GLG Ken KI6KFB
2021	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	Tex VK1TX Mike VK4JT Clem VK4XCS Terry VK4TM Morris ZL1ANF Lyn VK4SWE Rod VK3RH John VK4LJ Owen ZL2GLG Ken KI6KFB
2022	-	-
2023	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	Mike VK4JT Craig KH6KW Shirley VK5YL Paul VK5PAS
2024	14.183 mHz 21.205 mHz	Mike VK4JT Clem VK4XCS Terry VK4TM Craig KH6KW Shirley VK5YL Paul VK5PAS Rod VK3RH Bob VK3SX

1970.

The first operational day of the Australia New Zealand and Africa (ANZA) Net was Wednesday the 20th day of May 1970. The net was conducted on 21.300 mHz on the 15 metre band. (AR Dec 1989) (AR May 1995) (AR Mar 1996) (AR May 1997) (AR Sep 1998)

The net commenced as a regular friendly get together between Percy VK3PA, Bob ZS5FF, Andrew ZS2OM, and Ian ZS2EM. In an interview with Amateur Radio Action magazine in 1981, Percy stated that more Africans, then ZL's and VK's joined them and it gradually became an official net. (ARA 1981)

Above:- The QSL card of ZS5FF, South Africa.

1972.

By 1972 the net had moved frequency to 21.225 mHz. It appears that Percy was also being assisted on the net by Eddie Rodgers ZL1BKX who lived in Auckland, New Zealand. (AR Jul 1972)

In the July 1972 issue of Amateur Radio magazine, the net was referred to as the ZL/VK/African Net. The article stated that the net ran on Saturday and Sunday at 0700 on 21.225 mHz "with ZL1BKX or VK3PA in the chair." The net was described as being one of "the more interesting and productive nets." (AR Jul 1972)

1977.

By 1977 the net was operating on 14.138 mHz on the 20 metre band. (AR Aug 1977)

The net was known as the ANZA Net and was held daily at 3.p.m. EAST on 14.138 mHz. Percy VK3PA was the net control. (AR Aug 1977)

Percy was also net control of the Pacific DX Net which was held at 0600 UTC on 14.265 mHz. (AR Aug 1977)

1979.

By 1979 the net had moved back to the 15m band and was operating on 21.202 mHz. (EA Sep 1979)

The net was referred to as the Australia-New Zealand-Africa (ANZA) Net. The net controller was Percy VK3PA. The net operated on 21.202 mHz daily at 0500 GMT. The object was described as arranging contacts with African stations for Australian, New Zealand, and Pacific Island stations. (EA Sep 1979)

Some of the regular checkins were ZS2EM, 9J2GJ, and ZS2OM wo has been on the net since its inception. (EA Sep 1979)

Percy was also senior net controller on the Pacific DX Net which operated on 14.265 mHz on Tuesday and Friday at 0530 GMT. (EA Sep 1979)

1980.

Percy was still performing net control duties on the Pacific DX Net. (AR Aug 1980)

In 1980 the ANZA Net celebrated its 10th anniversary.

John VK0JM from Davis Base Antarctica was reported to be a checkin to the net. (AR Jan 1980)

Above:- QSL card of VK0JM. Image c/o vk5bje.com

Romesh 8Q7AZ in the Maldives was almost a daily checkin to the net. (Romesh VK2IWU)

1981.

The net was referred to as the ANZA Net. It was held at 0500 Z daily on 21.204 mHz. Percy VK3PA was the "co-ordinator and originator of the net." The purpose of the net was to give participating stations the opportunity to work DX in an orderly and regimented manner. (AR May 1981) (ARA 1981)

It was only in recent years that Percy VK3PA sought help from other amateurs to run the net. Prior to that, Percy ran the net himself, seven days a week. (ARA 1981)

Claude Welsh VK4DK was net control on Mondays. Claude was a retired radio/TV technician and electrician. He was first licenced in 1937. (ARA 1981)

Above:- Claude VK4DK. Image c/o ARA 1981

John Heine VK3JF was the net controller on Tuesdays. John was a former manager with an industrial electronics firm and was first licenced in 1927. (ARA 1981)

Above:- John VK3JF. Image c/o ARA 1981

Ken McLachlan VK3AH was the net control on Wednesdays. Ken was a retired public servant and was first licenced in 1995. (ARA 1981)

Above:- Ken VK3AH. Image c/o his QSL card.

Jack Evans VK2CX was the net controller on Thursdays. Jack was a retired radio and electrical retailer. He was first licenced in 1931. (ARA 1981)

Above:- Jack VK2CX. Image c/o hamgallery.com

Ed 9U5JM in Burundi checked into the net. It was reported that 155 VK and ZL operators were able to work Ed. Ed was a Professor at the Georgia University and this was one of his stops in this whirlwind tour of Africa. (AR Sep 1981)

In late September 1981, Ken VK3AH was net control of the ANZA Net on 21.204 mHz. During the net Frank HT1KD called for assistance with a distress call he had received on 20m regarding a vessell which was on fire in the Pacific. (AR Nov 1981)

The Commonwealth Government Marine Search and Rescue Authority were notified and subsequently the Coast Guard at Honolulu, Hawaii.

A YL operator aboard the vessel stated in a very tense and frightened voice that 75% of the vessel was on fire and they could not get to the lifeboat. She advised they were abandoing ship in a heavy storm with high seas. (AR Nov 1981)

In the November 1981 issue of AR magazine it was reported that Percy VK3PA intimated that he wished to retire from net control duties and he was looking for a net controller. (AR Nov 1981)

In a 1981 interview with Amateur Radio Action magazine, Percy stated that on weekdays, about 60 stations would check in. He stated that on Sundays sometimes up to 90 stations would check in. (ARA 1981)

The following DX entities had checked into the ANZA Net over the past 12 months:-

C6
CE9
CE0 Easter Island
CR9
CX3
D68
HB0
CT3
EA9
FR0/J
FB8
FC,
FR7
HC8
HK0
J3
KH5
PJ2
PZ1
ST0
SV0
S8
T30
TI9
VK9 WIllis Island
VK9 Christmas Island
VK9 - Norfolk Island
VP2
VR6
3X
5X
ZE1
ZS
ZK1
ZL2/C
ZL2/A
ZM7
ZP5
3B6
3C1
3B9
4S7
5H3
5N0
6O0
8P6
8Q7
9H1
T4
7P8
TL8
KG4
YS9

(ARA 1981)

1982.

The net was known as the ANZA Net and was run daily at 0500 UTC on 21.204. (AR Feb 1982)

3Y0A and 3Y0B from Bouvet checked into the ANZA Net. (AR Jan 1982)

Dick 5W1DV (VK3VU) & Ernie 5W1DW (VK3DET) in Western Samoa checked into the net. (AR Feb 1982)

Jocelyn ZL2BAO checked into the net whilst on holidays in Raratonga. (AR Apr 1982)

Above:- Jocelyn ZL2BAO. Image c/o AR magazine April 1982.

John ZS5CS and his wife Diane ZS5DC in South Africa regularly checked into the net. (AR May 1982)

Above:- Diane ZS5DC. Image c/o AR magazine May 1982.

Jim Z21BP in Zimbabwe was a regular checkin to the net. (AR Aug 1982)

In July 1982 Percy retired from his duties as net controller on the Pacific DX Net. He had filled that role for 10 years. (AR Jul 1982)

1983.

The ANZA Net operated on 21.204 daily at 0500 UTC. (AR Feb 1983)

In early 1983, Percy VK3PA put out an appeal for help with the ANZA DX Net. His wife Linda had fallen ill and Percy could not devote as much to act as net control. (AR Feb 1983)

Bob 3D2RR and T2AWN checked into the net. (AR Mar 1983)

Andrew ZS2OM was a regular checkin to the net. (AR Oct 1983)

Bill ZL4AW and Art VK3UX were regular checkins to the net. (AR Aug 1983)

Percy VK3PA, Bill ZL4AW & Art VK3UX. Image c/o AR Aug 1983.

1984.

The ANZA Net was operating on 21.204 mHz at 0500 UTC daily. If conditions were poor they would QSY to 14.135 mHz. (AR Jun 1984)

1985.

Geoff Frew VK3PM who was a regular checkin on the ANZA Net became Silent Key. He was described as 'a gentleman and a brilliant and practical engineer.' (AR Apr 1985)

1986.

Jim VR6JR on Pitcairn Island regularly checked into the Net. (AR May 1986)

Above:- VR6JR QSL card. Image c/o hamgallery.com

The ANZA Net was being run on both the 15m & 20m bands. (AR Dec 1986)

1987.

The ANZA Net was being run at 0500 on 14.135 mHz. (AR Jan 1987) (AR Dec 1987)

In February 1987 it was reported in AR magazine that the 'doyen of Australian DX net controllers' had been stricken by a painful complain of shingles. He was absent as net controller on the ANZA Net for a period of time due to this. (AR Feb 1987)

By 1987 over 300 different countries had been on the net. (AR Feb 1987)

Les 7Q7LW in Malawi was a regular checkin to the ANZA Net. (AR Feb 1987)

Above:- A 7Q7LW QSL card. Image c/o ebay.

Arthur 'Art' Smith VK3UX fell Silent Key. He was described as a stalwart to the ANZA Net. (AR Aug 1983) (AR Nov 1987)

In May 1987 Percy moved from Victoria to Queensland. he changed his callsign from VK3PA to VK4CPA. (AR Sep 1990)

1988.

Former net controller John Frederick 'Jack' Heine VK3JF became a Silent Key.

Former net controller Claude Welsh became a Silent Key. (Wikibooks 2024)

1989.

The ANZA Net was operating every day at 0500 UTC on 21.205 mHz. The net control was Percy VK4CPA. (AR Apr 1989) (AR Oct 1989)

C9MKT in Mozambique was a regular checkin to the net. (AR Feb 1989)

Above:- C9MKT QSL card. Image c/o hamgallery.com

Denniz TZ6MG from Mali regularly checked into the net. (AR Apr 1989)

Above:- TZ6MG QSL card. Image c/o thejumpingfrog.com

Colin 9X5KP in Rwanda checked into the net on several occasions. (AR Jun 1989)

Peter ZS8MI on Marion Island checked into the net. (AR Jul 1989)

Above:- TZS8MI QSL card. Image c/o thejumpingfrog.com

Ian ZS1IS who lived in the small outpost of Walvis Bay in South Africa came onto the net and gave many the opportunity for a new country. (AR Aug 1989)

The following stations were recorded as coming up on the net from time to time:-

FR4FD
ZS6P
ZS5OV
ZS5RW
VK0GC
TL8WD
5Z4BH
FR5ZD
7X4BL
TU2UI
ZS8MI
Z21BP
ZS6LUX
Z21DB
ZS3GB
ZB2AZ
ZS5K
ZS6BNJ
9M2HB
A92BE

(AR Oct 1989)

1990.

The ANZA Net was operating daily at 0500 UTC on 21.205 mHz. (AR Jul 1990) (AR Sep 1990)

In January 1990, Roman 3W3RR in Vietnam, made an appearance on the ANZA Net. (AR Jan 1990)

Above:- 3W3RR QSL card. Image c/o dxnews.com

Due to propagation conditions in the early 1990's a secondary frequency for the net was established on 14.164 mHz. (AR Sep 1990)

In early-mid 1990 a Novice VK Net commenced on 21.192 mHz. It was described as the 'younger brother' of the ANZA DX Net on 21.205 mHz. The Novice Net operated on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday commencing at 0530 UTC. The net was aimed at novice stations in VK & ZL. The net was operated by Rob VK3VOS. (AR May 1990)

In May 1990 the ANZA Net celebrated its 20th anniversary. (AR Jul 1990)

Hartmut 9X5HG from Rwanda was a frequent checkin to the net. (AR Oct 1990)

Above:- 9X5HG QSL card. Image c/o QSL.net

Iris 5H0QL (W6QL) from Tanzania checked into the net. (AR Oct 1990)

1991.

The ANZA Net was operational on 21.205 mHz at 0445 UTC daily. Percy Vk4CPA was the net control. (AR Jul 1991) (AR Oct 1991)

Eric 3D2EA from Fiji was a regular checkin to the net. (AR Feb 1991)

Harold Champion VK4AKU became a Silent Key. he was an active participant in the ANZA Net. (AR May 1991)

In mid 1991 Percy was admitted to hospital to have a pacemaker inserted. (AR Jul 1991)

Hartmut 9X5HG from Rwanda was a regular checkin to the net. (AR Oct 1991)

Jack 3B8CF/3B7 (now a Silent Key) from St Brandon Island checked into the net on several occasions, giving numerus VK & ZL stations the opportunity of working rare DX. (AR Nov 1991)

Above:p- 3B8CF. Image c/o QRZ.com

Antoine 3D2AG from Rotuma was a regular checkin to the net. (AR Dec 1991)

1992.

Percy VK4CPA was the net control of the ANZA Net. (AR Jul 1992)

1993.

The ANZA Net was operational on 21.205 mHz on the 15m band. (AR Jul 1993)

Christy Z28MI on Marion Island was active on the ANZA Net. (AR Jul 1993) (AR Aug 1993)

In late 1993, due to propagation path changes, Percy Vk4CPA commenced taking checkins on 21.205 mHz from 0500 UTC. (AR Dec 1993)

1994.

In early 1994 the ANZA Net commenced operating on a secondary frequency of 14.164 mHz due to deteriorating propagation. If no checkins were not heard on 21.205 mHz by 0515 UTC, the net would move to 14.164 mHz. (AR Feb 1994) (AR Sep 1994) (AR Mar 1996) (AR May 1997)

In July 1994, Jack VK2CX fell Silent Key. He was described as a great supporter of the ANZA Net. (AR Jul 1994)

1995.

This was the 25th anniversary of the ANZA Net. (AR May 1995)

The ANZA Net was operating daily at 0500 UTC on 21.205 mHz on the 15m band and 14.164 mHz on the 20 metre band. (AR May 1995)

Dave Zl1AMN was a Net Controller on the ANZA Net. (AR Dec 1995)

Above:- Dave ZL1AMN. Image c/o AR magazine December 1995

In March 1995 Percy fell seriously ill and was hospitalised in a Gold Coast Hospital. It was feared that blood ciculation and blod clot issues may have resulted in the loss of one of his legs. (AR Mar 1995)

By May 1995 it was reported that Percy was progressing well after spending a number of months in hospital. Sadly Percy lost part of one of his lefs due to an operation. (AR May 1995)

Brian 9J2BO from Zambia was a regular checkin to the ANZA Net. (AR Sep 1995)

Brian 9J2BO. Image c/o AR magazine Sep 1995.

Hazel TN7OT in Congo was often heard on the ANZA Net. (AR Oct 1995)

Above:- TN7OT QSL card. Image c/o DX News

Mac YJ8AM from Vanuatu was often heard on the ANZA Net. (AR Oct 1995)

1996.

The ANZA Net was running daily at 0500 UTC on 14.164 mHz on the 20m band. (AR Mar 1996)

Percy VK3PA in his shack. Image c/o AR magazine March 1996.

In May and June, on almost a daily basis, Dan C91CB in Mozambique checked into the ANZA Net. (AR Dec 1996)

Sam FT5WE from Crozet occasionally checked into the ANZA Net. (AR Jun 1996)

Above:- Ft5WE QSL card. Image c/o http://hamgallery.com/qsl/country/Crozet_Island/ft5we.htm

Warren VK0WH on Macquarie Island checked into the ANZA Net on several occasions, with many VK, ZL & USA stations working their first VK0. (AR Sep 1996)

Above:- Warren VK0WH. Image c/o http://hamgallery.com/qsl/country/MacquarieIsland/vk0wh.htm

In September 1996, Monk Apollo SV2ASP came onto the net, with numerous VK and ZL stations working this very rare DXCC entity. (AR Nov 1996)

Monk Apollo in his shack. Image c/o DX World Facebook page.

1997.

The ANZA Net was operating daily from 0500 UTC on 14.164 kHz on the 20m band. (AR May 1997) (AR Apr 1997)

It was reported that Percy had a few health issues, but that he was getting assistance from other amateurs in Australia and New Zealand to run the net. (AR May 1997)

Ed K8VIR/ZL4 checked into the ANZA Net regularly whilst he was active from Auckland Islands. Ed was part of a scientific expedition and had limited amateur radio time, but still managed to check into the net. (AR May 1997)

In April 1997, Percy was awarded a Certificate of Distinction for services to amateur radio from the VK4 Division of the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA). (AR Jun 1997)

On the 19th day of May 1997, the ANZA Net became involved in a marine emergency. An amateur radio operator on the Russian Antarctic Base Mirny called into the net to advise that a Russian yacht near the Kerguelen Islands had lost its rudder and required assistance. The message was relayed to the appropriate rescue authorities in Canberra. (AR Jul 1997)

Above:- Map showing the location of the Kerguelen Islands. Image c/o Wikipedia.

1998.

The ANZA Net was operating daily on 14.164 kHz on the 20m band. (AR Mar 1998) (AR Jul 1998)

Frank YJ8AA was a regular checkin to the net. (AR Aug 1998)

In January 1998, Ed K8VIR/ZL4 visited the ANZA Net whilst operating from one of the uninhabited counties of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Fjord County. (AR Mar 1998)

In July Sadek 7X2LS checked into the ANZA Net. (AR Aug 1998)

Above:- QSL card of 7X2LS. Image c/o https://web.hamradio.hr/

In July 1998, Percy Anderson VK4CPA (VK3PA) became a Silent Key after a short illness. He was 89 years old. (ancestry.com.au)

In August 1998, Dawn ZL2AGX. who was a regular checkin to the ANZA Net became a Silent Key. (AR Sep 1998)

Above:- Dawn ZL2AGX. Image c/o AR magazine January 1996.

2000.

This was the 30th anniversary of the ANZA DX Net.

The net was still referred to as the ANZA Net. It was operating daily on 14.183 mHz. (AR Jul 2000) (AR Aug 2000)

Tex VK1TX was net control on the ANZA Net. (AR May 2000)

Gerd V51GB (now a silent key) in Namibia checked into the net. (AR Jul 2000) (AR Aug 2000)

Above:- Gerd Vk51GB. Image c/o QRZ.com

Dudley Z22JE in Zimbabwe checked into the net. (AR Jul 2000) (AR Aug 2000)

Chuck 3Y0C (N4BQW) on Bouvet Island checked into the net. (AR Jul 2012)

Above:- 3Y0C QSL card. Image c/o hamgallery.com

2002.

Jim V73KZ (KC7OKZ) and his wife Carol V73SX (KC7TSX) were frequent visitors to the net. (AR Jul 2002).

VK0MQI om Macquarie Island was a regular checkin to the net. (AR Sep 2002)

2003.

The ANZA Net was run on 14.183 mHz on the 20m band at 0530 UTC. There was also an ANZA Net on 21.205 mHz on the 15m band. (AR Sep 2003)

Bill Wallis VK4UA was a net control on the net. (AR May 2003)

Elmer 9L1DX checked into the net. (AR May 2003)

2005.

Jim ZK1JD, Victor ZK1CG, and John ZK1AX were regular checkins to the net. (AR Dec 2005)

2007.

The net was referred to as the Australia New Zealand Africa DX Net (ANZA DX Net). It operated 6 days a week on 14.183 mHz at 0515 UTC. There was a different net controller each day. There was no Tuesday net. There was also a 15m net on Saturday at 0500 UTC. Net controllers were Bill VK4UA, John VK4LJ, Myrle ZL2MIC, Russ K7INA, Lindsay VK3WM, and Morris ZL1ANF. (AR Aug 2007)

2009.

Chris 4W6FR from East Timor was a regular checkin to the net. (AR Oct 2009)

Victor E51CG was a regular checkin to the net. (AR Dec 2009)

2010.

This was the 40 year anniversary of the net. (AR Sep 2010)

Lindsay VK3WM was the ANZA DX Net co-ordinator. The net was running every day at 0515 UTC on 14.183 mHz. On Saturdays at 0445 UTC, a 15m ANZA DX Net was held which was run by Alan VK3HGN. (AR Sep 2010)

Net control stations were as follows:-

20m.
Morris ZL1ANF (Monday)
Col VK4CC (Tuesday)
Ray VK4NH (Wednesday)
Rob ZL1RD (Thursday)
John VK4LJ (Friday)
Lindsay VK3WM (Saturday)
Jamie KH6KW (Sunday)

15m
Alan VK3HGN (Archive.org, 2024)

The ANZA DX Net launched their new website address. (AR Sep 2010)

Dave ZL1AMN was a net controller on the net. (AR Mar 2010)

Dave ZL1AMN and his wife Aola ZL1ALE. Image c/o AR magazine March 2010.

ZS1SR in South Africa checked into the net. (AR Jun 2010)

2011.

The ANZA DX Net co-ordinator was Lindsay VK3WM. (Archive.org, 2024)

Dave VK9WBM on Willis Island checked into the net. (AR Aug 2011)

2012.

Former ANZA DX Net controller, Bill Wells VK4UA became a Silent Key on the 30th day of May 2012. He had just celebrated his 89th birthday. (AR Jul 2012)

2014.

The net co-ordinator was Lindsay VK3WM. (Archive.org, 2024)

Net control stations were as follows:-

20m.
Lindsay VK3WM (Monday)
Terry VK4HQ (Tuesday)
John VK4LJ & Tex VK1TX (Wednesday)
VK4SWE Lyn (Thursday)
John VK4LJ (Friday)
Morris ZL1ANF (Saturday)
Col VK4CC (Sunday)

(Archive.org, 2024)

2015.

2016.

The net was run on 14.183 mHz at 0515 UTC daily.

There was also a 15m net that was run on 21.205 mHz at 0415 UTC on Saturdays.

The co-ordinator was Lindsay VK3WM.

Above:- Lindsay VK3WM. Image c/o QRZ.com

Net controllers on 20m were:

Friday - John VK4LJ
Saturday - Morris ZL1ANF
Sunday - Lindsay VK3WM
Monday - Lyn VK4SWE
Tuesday - Terry VK4HQ
Wednesday - Tex VK1TX
Thursday - Lindsay VK3WM

Net controllers on 15m were:

Tony VK2RI or Col VK4CC

Above:- Lyn VK4SWE. Image c/o ALARA website.

2017.

Net controllers were:

John VK4LJ
Morris ZL1ANF
Lyn VK4SWE
Col VK4CC
Terry VK4HQ
Tex VK1TX
Tony VK2RI
Ken KI6KFB
Mike VK4LMB

2018.

The ANZA DX Net administrator was Col VK4CC.

Above:- Col VK4CC. Image c/o QRZ.com

Net controllers on 20m were:

Tex VK1TX
John VK4LJ
Morris ZL1ANF
Lyn VK4SWE
Terry VK4HQ
Mike VK4LMB

Net controller on 15m was:

Tony VK2RI

2019.

The administrator was Col VK4CC.

Net controllers on 20m were:

Tex VK1TX
John VK4LJ
Morris ZL1ANF
Lyn VK4SWE
Terry VK4HQ
Mike VK4LMB
Greg VK8KMD
Ken KI6KFB

Net controller on 15m was:

Tony VK2RI

2020.

The ANZA DX Net co-ordinator was Tex VK1TX.

Net controllers on 20m were:

Sunday - Mike VK4JT
Monday - Clem VK4XCS
Tuesday - Terry VK4TM
Wednesday - Morris ZL1ANF
Thursday - Lyn VK4SWE
Friday - Rod VK3RH
Saturday - Tex VK1TX and Terry VK4TM
Friday - John VK4LJ
Saturday - Morris ZL1ANF

Alternate net controllers were:

Owen ZL2GLG
Shirley VK5YL
Ken KI6KFB

A special certificate was issued by Tex VK1TX for the 50th anniversary.

John Horrocks VK4LJ fell Silent Key on the 13th day of February 2020, aged 78 years. (QRZ.com)

John was first licenced in 1959 as VK4ZGH. In 1961 he passed the CW exam at 14 words per minute. In 1961 he became VK4LJ. From 1964 he worked with ABC Radio and Television production in Brisbane as a Technical Producer. He worked on many large broadcast programs including the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games. He retired from ABC TV in 1993 and established 101FM Logan City Community FM Radio (4CBL). In 2003 he retired from 101FM. (QRZ.com)

Above:- John VK4LJ. Image c/o QRZ.com

2021.

2023.

Alexander 'Tex' Ihasz VK1TX fell Silent Key on the 25th day of March 2003.

Above:- Tex VK1TX. Image c/o flickr

2024.

The Net co-ordinator is Mike VK4JT.

Net controllers on 20m are:

Monday - Clem VK4XCS
Tuesday - Terry VK4TM
Wednesday - Craig KH6KW
Thursday - Shirley VK5YL and Paul VK5PAS (alternate)
Friday - Rod VK3RH
Saturday - Bob VK3SX
Sunday - Mike VK4JT

Terry VK4TM runs the 15m ANZA DX Net.

John VK7XX, who has been involved with the net for nearly 30 years, continues to do invaluable relay work.

Above:- Paul VK5PAS (L) & John VK7XX (R)

Above:- VK7XX QSL card. Image c/o SM7MME QRZ.com page

In 2024 an ANZA DX Net Facebook page was created.

References.

ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/. viewed 9th December 2024
ANZA DX Net, 2023, <anzadx.net/>, viewed 23rd January 2023.
Archive.org. (2024). ANZA DX Net - Home. [online] Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20101222103457/http://anzadx.net/ [Accessed 23 Dec. 2024].
Archive.org. (2024). ANZA DX NET. [online] Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20141216190210/http://anzadx.net/ [Accessed 23 Dec. 2024].
Archive.org. (2024). ANZA DX Net. [online] Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20150202174847/http://anzadxnet.webs.com/index.htm [Accessed 23 Dec. 2024].
Electronics Australia, 1979, 'ANZA Net', September, p. 123
Find a Grave (2019). Find a Grave. [online] Findagrave.com. Available at: https://www.findagrave.com/, viewed 9th December 2024.
Genge (2014). DVA’s Nominal Rolls. [online] Dva.gov.au. Available at: https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=863010&c=WW2 [Accessed 9 Dec. 2024], viewed 9th December 2024.
QRZ Callsign Database. (2020). VK4LJ Callsign Page. [online] Available at: https://www.qrz.com/db/VK4LJ [Accessed 10 Dec. 2024]
Wikibooks.org. (2022). History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies - Wikibooks, open books for an open world. [online] Available at: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/History_of_wireless_telegraphy_and_broadcasting_in_Australia/Topical/Biographies [Accessed 10 Dec. 2024].
Wikipedia. (2022). Preston. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preston [Accessed 10 Dec 2024].
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