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Jonboy [Jonathan] Walton - VK4CY
Home Page - This page & data are updated daily.
Greetings from 'down-under'.
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HF PROPOGATION FIGURES
[Info. WWV & G4ILO's Shack websites]
SOLAR ACTIVITY for SOLARCYCLE # 24 by SolarHam [VE3EN]
Solar Update:
Solar activity remains at very low levels. Sunspots 1410 and 1413 remain stable and are both showing signs of decay. A small new sunspot formed at mid latitude. Expect our side of the Sun to remain quiet this weekend.
A faint CME is seen in the latest Lasco and STEREO images. It appears to be Earth facing, but directed to the north.
Solar Activity Forecast:
Solar activity is expected to be very low with a chance for C-class activity for the next three days (05 - 07 February).
Geophysical Activity Summary 03/2100Z to 04/2100Z:
The geomagnetic field was at mostly quiet levels at middle latitudes while active to minor storm periods were observed at high latitudes. ACE satellite observations indicated a steady increase in wind velocities through the period from about 400 km/s to near 460 km/s. The Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field did not vary much beyond +/- 5 nT for the period.
Geophysical Activity Forecast:
The geomagnetic field is expected to be at mostly quiet levels for the next three days (05 - 07 February).
For the latest data including the above stories; N0NBH figures; SDO; Lasco of the CMEs and Stereo pictures, PLUS the Global D-Region Absorption Indicator - click on the site in 'green' - SolarHam,
[Info. SOLARHAM website - 05FEBRUARY.2012]
LAURA DEKKER onboard her yacht "GUPPY"
Laura & "Guppy" departed Sint Maarten on 20th January 2011 on her 'round-the-world' quest.
Laura and "Guppy" at approx. 3:00PM local time - 21st January 2012 [Sint Maarten time] - entered port to become the 'youngest' solo "round-the-world" sailor.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S L A U R A
[a] being nominated for the 'Conny Van Rietschoten' Award.
[b] being the 'youngest' person to circumnavigate the globe.
For a comprehensive overview of Laura, her boat, current position, news item updates etc. click onto her official webpage, [appreciate the 'translater section' into English too!] - in green Laura Dekker and "Guppy" .
[Updated 25JANUARY.2012] - thanks for the Atlantic photos. In the meantime, enjoy the moment young lady & HAPPYDAZE.
[Info. Laura Dekker; comments by VK4CY - 05FEBRUARY.2012]
DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE [81E]
In its 50th anniversary year the Great Western Society signed the most important lease in its history when, on the 6th of October 2011, a new longterm lease with Network Rail which will see Didcot Railway Centre site secured for generations to come.
Congratulations to all concerned with the Didcot Railway Centre in securing the site; plans which had been temporarily shelved awaiting this outcome can now be realised. The site includes a broad gauge running line, signalling, locomotive(s) etc., all beautifully restored, plus operational mainline steam plus coaches/wagons from the GWR past - last time I visited [1991] stayed in the area for 72 hours.
One major item of interest found in 2012 is a NEW website for the 2999 "Lady of Legend" - the Saint re-build - 2999 "Lady of Legend" ; enjoy the experience.
To see these and other features visit their website on a regular basis - click on the Green section - Didcot Railway Centre ; Even better, if you are in the UK especially if you are visiting for the Olympics from overseas - visit the Centre.
[Info. Didcot Railway Centre; comments by VK4CY - 05FEBRUARY.2012]
BLUEBELL RAILWAY [75H]
2012 - the year the Bluebell Railway will run from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead . By 31DECEMBER.2012 there should be a ribbon of steel in place, even better trains running in time for the London Olympics. There are oodles of jobs, projects, signalling, PW features, drains, culvets, passing loops etc. but there will be an extension into East Grinstead.
New trackwork adjustments at Sheffield Park, Heathcote signal box operations to be fully operational, New washout facilities at SP, Horstead Keynes projected link to Ardley with loads of PW trains from the Imberthorne clearings with clay; additional carriage/wagon restorations and additions; locomotive works/rebuilds - 84030's frames are now joined; [latest data on the new signalling at Sheffield Park] etc. will make for an interesting experience especially for those who have not revisited the Bluebell in recent years. Congratulations all!
Follow the current upgrades via the link(s) provided - [updated 02FEBRUARY.2012] - Bluebell Railway - whats new blog ; Please, if/when time permits view the updated and final embedded YouTube clip on the waste removal/East Grinstead final push [LHS November 2011]. With your help in this regard alone, there will be trackwork laid into East Grinstead by this years end [2012] as mentioned above so, if you can assist via the myriad of ways: Gift-Aid, Volunteer, Become a Member; even better, if you get the opportunity to visit especially in this Olympic year a wonderfully preserved railway, enjoy the experience and have a pint for me at the "Bessemer Arms" Hotel at Sheffield Park; you will not be disappointed.
[Info. Bluebell Railway; comments by VK4CY - 05FEBRUARY.2012]
GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE RAILWAY [85E] - GWr
The Gloucestershire, Warwickshire Railway [GWr] are looking forward to a complete line during 2012 with trains from Cheltenham to Laverton with the Broadway extension work continuing which is of great interest to both locals and visitors. The trials of 2010/2011 tended to focus on the slippages but to the nameless folk in the background who had seen the situation and who stepped up to the plate as it were. Take a look at what you have accomplished and the answer lies is what the GWr Teams have accomplished because they have been making history by rolling up their sleeves and having a go. Thanks to all of you the "Ian Allan Publishing Heritage Railway of the Year Award, 2011." is in the trophy cabinet.
Their website - [updated 30JANUARY.2012] - announces the latest on the Chicken Curve issues and remedies, costings and, the work will resume in early February 2012 with completion by early Autumn 2012 - click on the Green section - GWr Latest news. ; what a great way to start a new year with a visit and view the exciting new projects for 2012 and check their website for up-to-date information in this Olympic year. Of course, if you can assist especially by donations, however small it should mean that the GWr should be a COMPLETE RAILWAY again. Can you help please??
Enjoy the experience PLUS say hello to fellow enthusiast, GWr President Pete Waterman of "Top of the Pops" fame at Toddington.
[Info. GWr Railway; comments by VK4CY - 05FEBRUARY.2012]
GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY [15D] - GCR
This is the ONLY preserved main line railway in the UK where steam and diesel heritage traction can pass at realistic speeds. All run by volunteers yet again, plus they are hoping to link up with their Northern neighbours so that an inter-City link can be forged again utilising heritage traction.
They are currently attempting to 'bridge the gap' BUT if/when it occurs several huge factors will come into play. Take a look at the following YouTube video clip which explains it fully [in GREEN] GCR Promotional video. ; Heritage traction will be able to provide inter city travel between Nottingham and Leicester. There is a link from the Northern section to Network Rail [ex. British Rail] which will allow access to both lines if/when the 'gap' is completed.
During 2011, the GCR teams cleared, restored and installed a 'new turntable' at Quorn and Woodhouse station. "Hanglands" via YouTube compiled a montage of this feature which can be accessed via the LHS [Left Hand Side] which shows the normal UK weather [liquid sunshine] attempting to dampen the teams efforts.
It will also assist the local economies is providing income from a link to a mineral site Mountsorrel Extension - Mountsorrel Extension 21DECEMBER.2011 [update]. - latest details with pictures - that would remove trucks/heavy lorries from the local road network to transport to anywhere in either UK and/or Continent.
Ironically one of the features which the original planner of the Great Central Railway had envisaged in the the late 1890's - UK to Continent via a tunnel. Mr Watkins was like Brunel, someone who thought outside the square.
Further, if you would like more information - check their link - in green - GCR Home Page. - Better still visit them - especially in this Olympic year and when their Galas are occuring. They are huge events with great appeal.
[Info. Great Central Railway; comments by VK4CY - 05FEBRUARY.2012]
RHEILFFORDD LLANGOLLEN [LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY] - LR
Another great Welsh Railway - standard gauge this time is making moves with its extension from Carrog to Corwen. This railway owes its existance to its 'big four' regional founder the "Great Western Railway" on its route toward Barmouth from Raubon.
Again like the majority of preserved Railways in the British Isles, it is run by volunteers, and recently they commenced their extension from Carrog to Corwen having obtained permission to run into a 'temporary' station near the old site but on the old line formation, with trains running by late 2012/early 2013.
Visit their web site via the link provided [updated 26JANUARY.2012] - Llangollen Railway - even better if you can visit them it will be worthwhile enjoying the beautiful Dee Valley area of North Western Wales. Yet again you will NOT be disappointed.
[Info. Llangollen Railway; comments by VK4CY - 05FEBRUARY.2012]
PEAK RAIL - PR
One of the many minor preserved railways in the UK which were part of one of the major 'big four' regional groups in the UK - Peak Rail having been on the route on Midland later the LMS [London, Midland and Scottish] Railways Midland [Manchester] to London [St. Pancres] route via the Derbyshire Dales.
All run by volunteers yet again, and recently [02JULY.2011] they obtained permission to run into Matlock Main Station at Platform # 2.
It has ben a period of struggle and strife but, all very much worth it. Remember the area well as a young lad visiting relatives at Bakewell, Matlock, Matlock Baths and of course Sheffield/Rotherham - as always, we travelled by train.
Visit their web site via the link provided which has a sub-link for their 2012 Brochure - Peak Rail - even better if you can visit them it will be worthwhile enjoying the West Riding of Yorkshire/Northern Derbyshire hospitality plus the amazing Dales area. You will NOT be disappointed either.
[Info. Peak Rail; comments by VK4CY - 05FEBRUARY.2012]
"PLANES TV"
Aircraft are another of my hobbies and pursuits. Personally I enjoy UK stuff BUT, check out the attached link to Planes TV founded by Iain Campbell 22 years ago. This embraces all aspects of aviation - world wide.
If YOU would like to receive the Planes TV video clips regularly, click on the link in 'green' - and tell Iain that Jonboyradio sent you and/or where you found the link - it's FREE - latest DVD(s) are all about the Aviation Review 1993 - with some interesting combinations - Planes TV.
[Info. Planes TV; comments by VK4CY - 05FEBRUARY.2012]
"RAILWAY WORLD TV"
Along with Amateur Radio another of my hobbies and pursuits are steam railways. Personally I enjoy UK stuff BUT, check out the attached link to Railway World founded by Mark Found. This embraces all aspects of railways - world wide [Argentina, Australia, Austria, China, Cuba, Germany, Indonesia, NZ, Poland, South Africa, UK, USA, etc.,] including model and minature plus live steam on 5", 7-1/4" gauge stuff - again world wide coverage.
If YOU would like to receive the Railway World TV [RWTV] Bulletins regularly, click on the link in 'green' and tell Mark that Jonboyradio sent you and/or where you found the link - it's FREE too. Railway World TV. and enjoy the trip.
[Info. Railway World TV; comments by VK4CY - 05FEBRUARY.2012]
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VK4CY WEBSITE STATS.
Current data & new hosting are now being processed through Singapore.
Number of hits - [01January.2010 to 31December.2010]
where 208,470
Number of hits - [01January.2011 to 31December.2011]
where 148,070
Total # of hits for period - [01January.2012 to present date]
data 21,406
Daily # of hits - [04FEBRUARY.2012]: 285
[Data supplied by HELM Singapore; 05FEBRUARY.2012]
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The Flag Counter , as suggested by VK4FJAR, has produced some interesting results.
The 'flag register' reset itself following the upgrade hence the lack of a 'several flags' - [those not highlighted] ; nice to have all on board - thanks for visiting.
Latest flag [#67] was COLUMBIA on 03FEBRUARY.2012
Since 04FEB.2010 plus an 'upgrade' on 26FEB.2010, have had people from:
Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Columbia, Cook Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, HongKong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isreal, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lithuania,
Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldava, New Zealand, Netherlands Antilles, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of South Africa, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, Ukraine, USA, Venezuela. have had a look/see.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A big thank you to the following for additional data and encouragement plus always good to hear from old friends:
2HS1884 [TNX E-QSL], 2HS3433 [TNX E-QSL], 13HS575 [TNX info.], 19HS907 [TNX E-QSL], 26HS120 [TNX QSL], 26HS2375 [TNX E-QSL], 26HS3759 [TNX E-QSL], 26HS3899 [TNX E-QSL], 29HS191 [TNX E-QSL], 43HS530 [TNX E-QSL], 68HS339 [TNX E-QSL], 79HS235 [TNX E-QSL].
AA2DB [TNX E-QSL], G0JKH, G1HAH [TNX E-QSL], G1JWL, KH2VM, KM6DU [TNX E-QSL], M0BHA [TNX E-QSL], M3ZCV [TNX E-QSL], Ex.MW3JQK, OZ1HLT, VK2TVW, VK3FTAB [TNX E-QSL direct], W7EXY [Scott & Katie], WD4JEP [TNX E-QSL], ZL1KJ [TNX E-QSL], ZL1RSC.
"92Squadron" Team [Duncan, Ian, John W, Kevin, Kingsley, Roger, Tony], Aaron, Adele & Teresa, Angela, Ashley, Craig & Karon, Deborah, Emma, Google, Irene, Jack [John] Byrnes RIP, Jan & Jennifer, Kayala, Keith & Sylvia, Laura, Lyle Stacpoole,
Maurice, Mick, Mike [In-Store-Radio USA], Paul [T], Paul & Patrice, Planes TV, 'Rails of Sheffield' Team [Lisa, Tracy, Vicki], Rani, Renata, Rikki, Rodney, Roger, Sakura, Sandra F, Scott, Shona, Stan, Sue.
[Info. & comments VK4CY 05FEBRUARY.2012]
SOURCES:
425 DX News, "92 Squadron" Team [UK], AML, ANZA, BBC, Bluebell Railway, Bluebell Railway (NL), DRC, DX Summit, G4ILO's Shack, Genesis, Go-Via, GWr, Hamsphere, Hamsphere E-QSL Service, Heritage Railway Magazine, In-Store-Radio, Kaspersky Team, Kernow Model Rail [UK], Laura Dekker, NCH, ODXG, Planes TV, Practical Wireless [UK], QRZ.com/news, Railway World TV, RAOTC, Reuters, RSGB DX News, Skype, Steam Railway magazine, Home Office [UK], VE3EN's SolarHam.com, W2BN data, WIA news, WIA [VK4 QSL Bx], YouTube, plus YOUR E-mails.
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Resume
"VK4CY"
Jon VK4CY Ex G3PLQ etc. photo. circa 2007 by Brian Alexander
Saluti da Giovanni [Jon] - [Jonathan] Walton VK4CY currently located on Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia, [IOTA OC001] - GL QG62ow.
Ex G3PLQ, VK2AFD, VK2CFD, VK4CFD & associated /MM's. Was /MM Opr from 1955-1991 plus shoreside operator with GKA, GLD, VIB, VIS, VIT. Was AMSA GMDSS Radio Inspector based Brisbane from 1994-2001. Now retired.
Holder of UK PMG 1st Class. Certificate, Australian General Certificate, Australian GMDSS Certificate, UK BOT Radar Maintenance Certificate plus associated STCW Certificates which has been superceded owing to demise
of Radio Officers, Operators with the advent of the GMDSS system. Validation of the UK and Australian General Certificates are valid until further notice - validation received when operating at UK Maritime Coast Station
[Portisheadradio]. Valid and Current Radio Amateur Certificate for operation as VK4CY are also held.
[Updated by VK4CY 05FEBRUARY.2012]
Enjoy this website and please be aware it is constantly being updated.
73s 'n Happydaze de Jon VK4CY - 05th FEBRUARY 2012
QTHR - QSL's via [a] PO Box 508 Bribie Island Qld. 4507 Australia OR
[b] WIA QSL Bureau.
VK4CY's latest QSL card [2012] - printer ODXGs VK4FW
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