MY LIFE IN AMATEUR RADIO.
1980
At age 15, I commenced Short Wave Listening (SWL) as a teenager. I used cheap short wave radios with no SSB capacity. However, I placed two radios back to back to create a BFO and as a result I could decipher the SSB signals.
At age 15, I commenced Short Wave Listening (SWL) as a teenager. I used cheap short wave radios with no SSB capacity. However, I placed two radios back to back to create a BFO and as a result I could decipher the SSB signals.
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1982
I sat for and passed my Morse code exams and the regulations for my Novice amateur licence. I did not get to complete study for the theory as I joined the Police Force and this involved 2 years of full time study for me to graduate from the Police Academy.
I sat for and passed my Morse code exams and the regulations for my Novice amateur licence. I did not get to complete study for the theory as I joined the Police Force and this involved 2 years of full time study for me to graduate from the Police Academy.
1984
I was issued SWL call of L50000 from the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA).
I was issued SWL call of L50000 from the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA).
1984-2000
spasmodic periods of short wave listening during this time.
spasmodic periods of short wave listening during this time.
July 2010
I undertook the Foundation licence course and examination. Passed and obtained the call sign of VK5FPAS.
I undertook the Foundation licence course and examination. Passed and obtained the call sign of VK5FPAS.
6th August 2010
my first ever contact was with VK5BBB
my first ever contact was with VK5BBB
6th August 2010
my first ever DX contact was with Frank N7EKD in the USA
my first ever DX contact was with Frank N7EKD in the USA
10th July 2010
my final QSO with my Foundation call of VK5FPAS was with Steve VK6IR.
my final QSO with my Foundation call of VK5FPAS was with Steve VK6IR.
15th July 2011
my first contact after upgrading to my standard call of VK5PAS was with Dave VK3VCE.
my first contact after upgrading to my standard call of VK5PAS was with Dave VK3VCE.
15th July 2011
my first DX contact under my new call was with Bob KC0ZRX
my first DX contact under my new call was with Bob KC0ZRX
May 2012
I was awarded DXCC Phone
I was awarded DXCC Phone
February 2013
I became a co-opted member of the Committee of the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS).
I became a co-opted member of the Committee of the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS).
February 2013
I delivered a presentation on portable amateur radio equipment to the Kalyra Mens Group, Blackwood, South Australia.
I delivered a presentation on portable amateur radio equipment to the Kalyra Mens Group, Blackwood, South Australia.
March 2013
I commenced the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program in Australia.
I commenced the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program in Australia.
June 2013
I became an official QSL card checker for CQ Awards, e.g. Worked All Continents.
I became an official QSL card checker for CQ Awards, e.g. Worked All Continents.
August 2013
Myself, John VK5BJE, and David VK5KC gave a presentation on amateur radio to the Adelaide Bushwalkers Club.
Myself, John VK5BJE, and David VK5KC gave a presentation on amateur radio to the Adelaide Bushwalkers Club.
September 2013
I delivered a presentation at Berri, South Australia on WWFF, SOTA, KRMNPA, VK5 Parks Award to members of the Riverland Radio Club and the Sunraysia Amateur Radio Club. A BBQ and friendly chat followed.
I delivered a presentation at Berri, South Australia on WWFF, SOTA, KRMNPA, VK5 Parks Award to members of the Riverland Radio Club and the Sunraysia Amateur Radio Club. A BBQ and friendly chat followed.
September 2013
I delivered a presentation to the South Coast Amateur Radio Club on the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program, World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) and the VK5 National & Conservation Parks Award.
I delivered a presentation to the South Coast Amateur Radio Club on the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program, World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) and the VK5 National & Conservation Parks Award.
October 2013
I became an official QSL card checker for ARRL DXCC
I became an official QSL card checker for ARRL DXCC
November 2013
I delivered a presentation on operating portable to the Adelaide Tech Meet meeting at Hackerspace, King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia.
I delivered a presentation on operating portable to the Adelaide Tech Meet meeting at Hackerspace, King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia.
November 2013
I delivered a presentation on amateur radio to the Lions Club Mount Barker, South Australia.
I delivered a presentation on amateur radio to the Lions Club Mount Barker, South Australia.
November 2013
I delivered a presentation to the North East Radio Club on the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program.
I delivered a presentation to the North East Radio Club on the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program.
February 2014
I became a Committee member of the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS).
I became a Committee member of the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS).
February 2014
I attended the Whyalla Amateur Radio Club and g ave a presentation on the VK5 Parks Award and WWFF.
I attended the Whyalla Amateur Radio Club and g ave a presentation on the VK5 Parks Award and WWFF.
March 2014
I organised a SOTA & PARKS symposium which was attended by about 35 amateurs.
I organised a SOTA & PARKS symposium which was attended by about 35 amateurs.
April 2014
I organised a display at the Belair National Park for the PR4 Amateur Radio Day.
I organised a display at the Belair National Park for the PR4 Amateur Radio Day.
June 2014
I organised a SOTA & PARKS practical day
I organised a SOTA & PARKS practical day
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June 2014
I attended the South East Radio Group Annual Convention at Mount Gambier and delivered a presentation on the VK5 Parks Award. About 80 people in attendance.
I attended the South East Radio Group Annual Convention at Mount Gambier and delivered a presentation on the VK5 Parks Award. About 80 people in attendance.
October 2014
I delivered a presentation on portable operation to the South Coast Amateur Radio Club, Adelaide, South Australia.
I delivered a presentation on portable operation to the South Coast Amateur Radio Club, Adelaide, South Australia.
November 2014
I qualified for the Merit Award for the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award. This is issued for having worked all 45 Victorian National Parks.
I qualified for the Merit Award for the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award. This is issued for having worked all 45 Victorian National Parks.
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November 2014
I had a WWWFF & VK5 Parks Award display table at the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS) Buy and Sell.
I had a WWWFF & VK5 Parks Award display table at the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS) Buy and Sell.
November 2014
I organised a 'Welcome to amateur radio' symposium
I organised a 'Welcome to amateur radio' symposium
December 2014
I delivered a presentation on the Summits On The AIr (SOTA) program to the Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club.
I delivered a presentation on the Summits On The AIr (SOTA) program to the Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club.
January 2015
I attended the North East Radio Club and delivered a presentation on WWFF and the VK5 Parks Award.
I attended the North East Radio Club and delivered a presentation on WWFF and the VK5 Parks Award.
February 2015
I became the Vice President of the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS)
I became the Vice President of the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS)
February 2015
I attended the mid north of South Australia and delivered a presentation on WWFF and the VK5 Parks Award.
I attended the mid north of South Australia and delivered a presentation on WWFF and the VK5 Parks Award.
May 2015
I delivered a presentation on WWFF and the VK5 Parks Award at the General Meeting of the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS).
I delivered a presentation on WWFF and the VK5 Parks Award at the General Meeting of the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS).
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May 2015
I delivered a presentation on portable radio equipment to the Tech morning for the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS).
I delivered a presentation on portable radio equipment to the Tech morning for the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS).
May 2015
I attended the AGM & Convention for the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) in Canberra, ACT, and delivered a presentation on the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.
I attended the AGM & Convention for the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) in Canberra, ACT, and delivered a presentation on the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.
May 2015
I was presented with a WIA 'President's Commendation for 'outstanding achievement in the WorldWide Flora & Fauna amateur radio program, nationally and internationally, drawing attention to the importance of protecting nature, flora and fauna."
June 2015
I operated with the special event callsign of VK100ANZAC.
I operated with the special event callsign of VK100ANZAC.
June 2015
I attended Farina in the far north of South Australia and operated portable with the special event call sign of VK100ANZAC.
I attended Farina in the far north of South Australia and operated portable with the special event call sign of VK100ANZAC.
June 2015
I was awarded the inaugural WWFF Certificate of Excellence, which had been forwarded to my local radio club through Pit YO3JW in Romania.
I was awarded the inaugural WWFF Certificate of Excellence, which had been forwarded to my local radio club through Pit YO3JW in Romania.
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October 2015
I attended a SOTA & WWWFF seminar at Wagga Waga, NEW SOUTH WALES, and delivered a presentation on working DX whilst portable.
I attended a SOTA & WWWFF seminar at Wagga Waga, NEW SOUTH WALES, and delivered a presentation on working DX whilst portable.
November 2015
I had a WWFF & VK5 Parks Award display table at the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS) Buy and Sell.
I also delivered a presentation on the WWFF program.
I had a WWFF & VK5 Parks Award display table at the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society (AHARS) Buy and Sell.
I also delivered a presentation on the WWFF program.
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May 2016
I attended the AGM & Convention for the Wireless Institute of Australia on Norfolk Island and delivered a presentation on operating portable.
I attended the AGM & Convention for the Wireless Institute of Australia on Norfolk Island and delivered a presentation on operating portable.
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May 2016
Whilst on Norfolk Island I operated portable for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program and the Islands On The Air (IOTA) program.
Whilst on Norfolk Island I operated portable for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program and the Islands On The Air (IOTA) program.
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June 2016
I delivered a presentation on operating portable at the Amateur Radio Experimenters Group (AREG), South Australia.
I delivered a presentation on operating portable at the Amateur Radio Experimenters Group (AREG), South Australia.
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July 2016
I delivered a presentation on operating portable at the Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club, South Australia.
I delivered a presentation on operating portable at the Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club, South Australia.
September 2016
I was asked to be part of the Open Day at the Belair National Park. Myself, John VK5BJE and Marija VK5MAZ operated portable from the park and spoke with members of the public.
I was asked to be part of the Open Day at the Belair National Park. Myself, John VK5BJE and Marija VK5MAZ operated portable from the park and spoke with members of the public.
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November 2016
I had a WWFF display table at the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society Buy and Sell.
I had a WWFF display table at the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society Buy and Sell.
January 2016
I became a Director on the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) Board of Directors.
I became a Director on the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) Board of Directors.
February 2016
I featured on the Field Radio website.
I featured on the Field Radio website.
May 2016
I operated from Norfolk Island in the Pacific as VK9PAS
I operated from Norfolk Island in the Pacific as VK9PAS
December 2016
I resigned my position as a WIA Director.
I resigned my position as a WIA Director.
April 2017
Attended Antennapalooza in Victoria and delivered a presentation on WWFF and had a WWFF display table.
Attended Antennapalooza in Victoria and delivered a presentation on WWFF and had a WWFF display table.
April - May 2017
I operated with the special event callsigns of VK5WOW and VI5WOW.
I operated with the special event callsigns of VK5WOW and VI5WOW.
May 2017
I delivered a presentation on operating portable at the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) AGM and Convention at Hahndorf, South Australia.
I delivered a presentation on operating portable at the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) AGM and Convention at Hahndorf, South Australia.
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May 2018
I was presented with a WIA 'Presidents Commendation' for my 'work with the VK5 parks award, promoting WWFF and opening up an aspect of the hobby to the wider community'.
I was presented with a WIA 'Presidents Commendation' for my 'work with the VK5 parks award, promoting WWFF and opening up an aspect of the hobby to the wider community'.
June 2018
I used the special event callsign of VK70MI, which was issued to commemorate 70 years of ANARE (Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions) for Macquarie Island.
I used the special event callsign of VK70MI, which was issued to commemorate 70 years of ANARE (Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions) for Macquarie Island.
June 2018
I used the special event call of VI50IARU3.
I used the special event call of VI50IARU3.
September 2018
I used the special callsign of VI5MARCONI.
I used the special callsign of VI5MARCONI.
November 2018
I used the special event callsign of VI5LWF.
I used the special event callsign of VI5LWF.
November 2018
I used the special callsign of VI100PEACE.
I used the special callsign of VI100PEACE.
February 2019
I delivered a presentation on WWFF to the North East Radio Club, Adelaide, South Australia.
I delivered a presentation on WWFF to the North East Radio Club, Adelaide, South Australia.
July 2020
I used the special callsign of VK20HOME.
I used the special callsign of VK20HOME.
October 2020
Via Zoom I delivered a presentation on WWFF to the Melbourne Electronics & Radio Club and the Bendigo Amateur Radio Club.
Via Zoom I delivered a presentation on WWFF to the Melbourne Electronics & Radio Club and the Bendigo Amateur Radio Club.
January 2021
Via Zoom I delivered a presentation on WWFF to the Peel Amateur Radio Group, Western Australia.
Via Zoom I delivered a presentation on WWFF to the Peel Amateur Radio Group, Western Australia.
March - August 2021
I took part in the Centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force, using the special event callsigns of VI100AF and VK100AF.
I took part in the Centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force, using the special event callsigns of VI100AF and VK100AF.
April 2021
I delivered a presentation on WWFF to the Sunraysia Radio Group, Mildura, Victoria.
I delivered a presentation on WWFF to the Sunraysia Radio Group, Mildura, Victoria.
February 2022
I operated using the special event call of VK90ABC to celebrate 90 years of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
I was interviewed on ABC Riverland Radio about amateur radio and this event.
I operated using the special event call of VK90ABC to celebrate 90 years of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
I was interviewed on ABC Riverland Radio about amateur radio and this event.
April 2022
I operated as VK80LAN, celebrating 80 years of the Lancaster aircraft.
I operated as VK80LAN, celebrating 80 years of the Lancaster aircraft.
June 2022
Commenced Net Control duties on the ANZA DX Net.
Commenced Net Control duties on the ANZA DX Net.
August 2022
I was interviewed by Richard Pascoe on commercial radio station 5AA about the hobby of amateur radio.
I was interviewed by Richard Pascoe on commercial radio station 5AA about the hobby of amateur radio.
October 2022
I delivered a presentation on WWFF to the Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club.
I delivered a presentation on WWFF to the Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club.
October 2022
I delivered a presentation on WWFF at Perth Tech in Western Australia.
I delivered a presentation on WWFF at Perth Tech in Western Australia.
November 2022
I delivered a presentation on WWFF at the Tassie Ham Conference and Expo in Hobart, Tasmania.
I delivered a presentation on WWFF at the Tassie Ham Conference and Expo in Hobart, Tasmania.
February 2023
I was part of the VK5TIL team to Troubridge Island OC-139 and VKFF-1108
I was part of the VK5TIL team to Troubridge Island OC-139 and VKFF-1108
April 2024
I was part of the VK5FIL team to Flinders Island OC-261 and VKFF-0175
I was part of the VK5FIL team to Flinders Island OC-261 and VKFF-0175
June-July 2024
I used the special event call of VI60IOTA and made a total of 2,122 QSOs.
I used the special event call of VI60IOTA and made a total of 2,122 QSOs.