VK3 MAD (Microwave Activity Day) 2nd November, 2024
VK3's having some fun for the MAD, plus some VK4 activity.
as per extract from vkspotter.com
Showing posts with label 9cm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 9cm. Show all posts
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Monday, November 25, 2019
Post mortem of WIA Spring Field Day Contest 2019
Roger VK2ZRH and myself operated an 8hr section of the contest from Gowan QF46pu, which is n.w. of Bathurst in NSW. On a hill at 920m ASL.
We took gear to cover 6m, 2m, 70cm, 23cm, 9cm and 3cm, all yagis for 6,2,70,23 and panel for 3.4GHz and dish for 3cm.
We chose this location on basis of working local microwave stations of VK2CU and VK2DAG who have all bands up to an including 122GHz versus trade off of operating back towards Sydney to pickup on stations on the low bands from Sydney and coast.
We had a few contacts on 6,2,70 with various locals from Central West ARC, but the long distance contacts we hoped to get didn't happen, eventhough we receiving fhe VK4RHT Atherton Tablelands 52.280 beacon coming in solid for hours, plus hearing VK2RWI Dural 2m, 70cm and 23cm beacons, which proved antennas are working, we just didnt hear anything.
What i learnt from this is we just can't try and work everything, its either go to Gowan to work microwave bands, or locate closer to Sydney for the contest, i.e. up in the Blue Mtns, i think it better do special trips to Gowan just to do microwave activity,such as MAD 23 on 23 days and operate from different hills to test our abilities at operating microwave portable. On side note, one of the locals from Central West, Doug VK2XLJ operated portable from Mt Canobolis and worked a ZL on 2m SSB as part of the contest, thats pretty impressive as tropo path from ZL rarely extends inland or over the Great Dividing Range.
We took gear to cover 6m, 2m, 70cm, 23cm, 9cm and 3cm, all yagis for 6,2,70,23 and panel for 3.4GHz and dish for 3cm.
We chose this location on basis of working local microwave stations of VK2CU and VK2DAG who have all bands up to an including 122GHz versus trade off of operating back towards Sydney to pickup on stations on the low bands from Sydney and coast.
We had a few contacts on 6,2,70 with various locals from Central West ARC, but the long distance contacts we hoped to get didn't happen, eventhough we receiving fhe VK4RHT Atherton Tablelands 52.280 beacon coming in solid for hours, plus hearing VK2RWI Dural 2m, 70cm and 23cm beacons, which proved antennas are working, we just didnt hear anything.
What i learnt from this is we just can't try and work everything, its either go to Gowan to work microwave bands, or locate closer to Sydney for the contest, i.e. up in the Blue Mtns, i think it better do special trips to Gowan just to do microwave activity,such as MAD 23 on 23 days and operate from different hills to test our abilities at operating microwave portable. On side note, one of the locals from Central West, Doug VK2XLJ operated portable from Mt Canobolis and worked a ZL on 2m SSB as part of the contest, thats pretty impressive as tropo path from ZL rarely extends inland or over the Great Dividing Range.
Sunday, July 28, 2019
3398.100 MHz contact with VK2KYP
on 25th July 2019, whilst I was portable up the back of Porcupine Hill near Jenolan Caves, in QF46xe, I worked Gary VK2KYP firstly on 1296.100 Mhz USB, who was portable at Somersby, (QF56pp) near the FM broadcast tower, across to me portable at Jenolan Cabins, signals were 57, then we followed that contact with a 9cm contact on 3398.100 MHz USB, both of us using GARC 3.4GHz panels, running 100mW each way, the distance was approx 131km, it was exciting for us as we broken the 100km hurdle, even though VK3's have done much better, we thought it significant since we both running QRP and simple panel antennas. Signals were in the order of 50/51, we also tried FM, we could detect and hear each other, but not strong enough for a successful contact.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
post mortem summary of the WIA Summer VHF/UHF/SHF Field Day Contest 12th/13th January 2019
here is summary of the weekend:
operated from Mt.Lambie (QF46xm) on Saturday afternoon, 2m SSB, 23cm SSB, 9cm SSB, 6m (52.525) FM, 70cm (439.000) FM. At last minute we didnt take 6m yagi or multimode. The 70cm yagi for SSB did not work, later finding a damaged centre pin in connector, and did not take 10 GHz unit as too big to fit it. It was clear skies, so solar panel & battery adequately provided power, so did not need to run generator. Packed up and left Mt.Lambie at 5pm.
Saturday night at QF46pu, we did some portable microwave contacts with Dave VK2JDS (QF46pu) across to Justin VK2CU's location (QF46qu), worked all 11 x bands 50 Mhz to 76 GHz until midnight.
Sunday morning did not go to QF46xe, instead stayed at QF46pu to operate all bands again, then continued on after lunch doing contacts for Ross Hull Contest. Also did some driving around looking for possible portable sites, ie. high spots that can be cleared.
operated from Mt.Lambie (QF46xm) on Saturday afternoon, 2m SSB, 23cm SSB, 9cm SSB, 6m (52.525) FM, 70cm (439.000) FM. At last minute we didnt take 6m yagi or multimode. The 70cm yagi for SSB did not work, later finding a damaged centre pin in connector, and did not take 10 GHz unit as too big to fit it. It was clear skies, so solar panel & battery adequately provided power, so did not need to run generator. Packed up and left Mt.Lambie at 5pm.
Saturday night at QF46pu, we did some portable microwave contacts with Dave VK2JDS (QF46pu) across to Justin VK2CU's location (QF46qu), worked all 11 x bands 50 Mhz to 76 GHz until midnight.
Sunday morning did not go to QF46xe, instead stayed at QF46pu to operate all bands again, then continued on after lunch doing contacts for Ross Hull Contest. Also did some driving around looking for possible portable sites, ie. high spots that can be cleared.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
re-post from the VK-microwave@yahoogroups.com forum VK3 Microwave QSO Party
Hi Folks,
Just a reminder that the VK3 Microwave QSO Party is just a week away!
The event will be held on Easter Monday 2018, April 2, between the
hours 1000 and 1200 E.A.S.T.
Bands: 1296 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 3.398GHz
Liaison Frequencies: 144.180 MHz USB, 146.500MHz FM simplex and
147.000MHz FM (VK3RGL repeater).
Please consider using the "Contest Radar" website to alert others to
your QTH portable or otherwise.
Calling Frequencies: xxxx.150 Mhz USB, xxxx.225 MHz JT4f (or FT8?)
You can use the time to test a new portable location, evaluate a new
rig or antenna, swap a picture on SSTV, try a digital mode or just have
FUN!
I look forward to working you all.
73's Rob VK3MQ
VK-microwave@yahoogroups.com
Just a reminder that the VK3 Microwave QSO Party is just a week away!
The event will be held on Easter Monday 2018, April 2, between the
hours 1000 and 1200 E.A.S.T.
Bands: 1296 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 3.398GHz
Liaison Frequencies: 144.180 MHz USB, 146.500MHz FM simplex and
147.000MHz FM (VK3RGL repeater).
Please consider using the "Contest Radar" website to alert others to
your QTH portable or otherwise.
Calling Frequencies: xxxx.150 Mhz USB, xxxx.225 MHz JT4f (or FT8?)
You can use the time to test a new portable location, evaluate a new
rig or antenna, swap a picture on SSTV, try a digital mode or just have
FUN!
I look forward to working you all.
73's Rob VK3MQ
VK-microwave@yahoogroups.com
microwave activity on vklogger
I keep seeing these guys getting on microwave bands regularly, see them on vklogger every couple weeks at least. Good to see some activity.
VKLOGGER.com
VKLOGGER.com
John Moyle Field Day 2018
I actually went portable for John Moyle Field Day this year, held across Saturday 17th March and Sunday 18th March, I operated just for the 6 hour session on the Saturday.
I had just over half a dozen contacts, not that I was not really trying hard, as I was also testing equipment, checking for beacons and trying a couple sites, helping a few people get some contacts, get some fresh mountain air.
I operated from two spots, QF56cm, near Zig Zag Railway at Clarence, I had a look at a few spots around, before settling on one site at approx 1150m ASL, nice clear mountain top, low level scrub, it was actually discovered by some friends Geoff VK2AVR and Dom VK2JNA, who had stopped by when I was operating at a nearby location for a 23 on 23 Microwave Day last year.
After a couple hours, I was not having much luck with making some contacts to some specific people, so I packed up and moved to Mt Lambie QF46xm, it is about 1350m ASL, from here I could actually make some successful contacts.
I'll get all this documented on my website with more photos and map details soon.
The first pic at QF56cm, the 2nd pic at QF46xm.
I had just over half a dozen contacts, not that I was not really trying hard, as I was also testing equipment, checking for beacons and trying a couple sites, helping a few people get some contacts, get some fresh mountain air.
I operated from two spots, QF56cm, near Zig Zag Railway at Clarence, I had a look at a few spots around, before settling on one site at approx 1150m ASL, nice clear mountain top, low level scrub, it was actually discovered by some friends Geoff VK2AVR and Dom VK2JNA, who had stopped by when I was operating at a nearby location for a 23 on 23 Microwave Day last year.
After a couple hours, I was not having much luck with making some contacts to some specific people, so I packed up and moved to Mt Lambie QF46xm, it is about 1350m ASL, from here I could actually make some successful contacts.
I'll get all this documented on my website with more photos and map details soon.
The first pic at QF56cm, the 2nd pic at QF46xm.
Friday, July 28, 2017
MAD 23 on 23 (Microwave Activity Day) 23rd July 2017
I went portable for this months MAD 23 on 23, since it coincided with 23rd falling on a weekend, this month a Sunday, the VK4's organised to start at 12 noon, I went to the old Army Artillery Base up on North Head, Sydney, QF56pe, I chose this again, as it has some flat, clear area, reasonanly void of trees, and having a clear takeoff up the coast and to the north (direction of brisbane). The aim was to try and hear some of the activity from vk4 on microwave bands via AE. I took 23cm, 9cm and 3cm equipment. Tee'd up some attempts with some of the VK4's and VK2MAX on 1296.150, (via VKlogger.com) we waited for some Brisbane bound jets from Sydney to be in position half way between us, we gave out calls to each other, but unfortunately nothing heard. Found out later there were a handful of 23cm stations setup out Penrith area. Next MAD 23 on 23 that falls on a weekend is 23rd September 2017. Maybe next time to go Blue Mountains again.
the gridpack is for 23cm, the square panel is one of the Geelong ARC 3.4 GHZ converted panels, the 60cm dish is ex-Austar dish and modified feed for 10GHz
the gridpack is for 23cm, the square panel is one of the Geelong ARC 3.4 GHZ converted panels, the 60cm dish is ex-Austar dish and modified feed for 10GHz
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
RF site testing at QF46qu on Easter Sunday, 16th April, 2017
Doing some site testing at a friend's farm at QF46qu at Gowan, north west of Bathurst NSW.
my GPS estimated 950m ASL mostly cleared, with almost 360degress of clear horizon, good for playing radio. As it was Sunday morning I made use of the fact that the WIA morning broadcast was one reason to listen for it on various known frequencies including 2metres, 70cm and 6metres.
I could hear 146.775 Newcastle, 146.725 Somersby, 146.850 Maddens Plains, 146.975 Knights Hill, 53.650 Maddens Plains, 146.950 Mt Ginini. Could not hear anything from Dural. This was using quad band radio (TYT TH-9800) and quad band vertical from the vehicle. Should be much easier with some yagis up a mast.
Looks to be excellent site to run microwave equipment from (23cm and upwards).
a little bit of trees to north east,
looking to north coast & mid north coast NSW, all clear.
looking to Newcastle through Sydney, all clear
Looking back to Bathurst
Looking to south and VK1
Looking to VK3 & VK5 all clear.
Looking west, a couple trees
Facing to north west, highest point where these pine trees are.
Looking north, a few sparse trees, but nothing Roundup or a chainsaw can't fix
Good flat area, for parking, camping, whatever.
my GPS estimated 950m ASL mostly cleared, with almost 360degress of clear horizon, good for playing radio. As it was Sunday morning I made use of the fact that the WIA morning broadcast was one reason to listen for it on various known frequencies including 2metres, 70cm and 6metres.
I could hear 146.775 Newcastle, 146.725 Somersby, 146.850 Maddens Plains, 146.975 Knights Hill, 53.650 Maddens Plains, 146.950 Mt Ginini. Could not hear anything from Dural. This was using quad band radio (TYT TH-9800) and quad band vertical from the vehicle. Should be much easier with some yagis up a mast.
Looks to be excellent site to run microwave equipment from (23cm and upwards).
Friday, February 19, 2016
3.4 Ghz QSO party
this coming Sunday 21st February, (from 10am to 12noon AEDST) is the inaugural 3.4 GHz QSO party, an idea from the Geelong ARC to promote activity on the 3.4 GHz (9cm) band, based on the recent source of ex-commercial surplused panels which have been modified to 3.4 GHz.
There will be a group in Geelong area, some more in VK5 and a group in Sydney basin to try and make as many contacts as possible. In Sydney we have VK2JDS coming down from Bathurst to operate from Kurrajong Heights, matt VK2DAG and Gary VK2KYP up Central Coast, Nick VK2FS, Geoff VK2AVR operating from Terrey Hills and I to operate from North Head.
Not sure if the Brisbane microwave guys have got their panels converted and operational yet.
For those interested in gettng onto 3.4GHz the Geelong ARC now have some more panels for sale, see
Geelong ARC 3.4 GHz Project
There will be a group in Geelong area, some more in VK5 and a group in Sydney basin to try and make as many contacts as possible. In Sydney we have VK2JDS coming down from Bathurst to operate from Kurrajong Heights, matt VK2DAG and Gary VK2KYP up Central Coast, Nick VK2FS, Geoff VK2AVR operating from Terrey Hills and I to operate from North Head.
Not sure if the Brisbane microwave guys have got their panels converted and operational yet.
For those interested in gettng onto 3.4GHz the Geelong ARC now have some more panels for sale, see
Geelong ARC 3.4 GHz Project
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
4th October, 2015 - my first 3.4Ghz contact, 0110 to 0115 UTC, worked VK2JDS and VK2AVR/p , distance 500 metres at QF46, we finished modifications and tested our transverter units that came from Geelong ARC, .75w o/p FM, 60/9 signals at each end, ready to do some serious 3.4 GHz terrestrial activity. Now have 1296Mhz, 3.4GHz and 10Ghz transverters ready to go.
http://vk3atl.org/3400.php
http://vk3atl.org/3400.php
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