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Jonboy [Jonathan] Walton
VK4CY station, photos. & general information
Greetings from 'down-under'.
HF PROPOGATION FIGURES
[Info. WWV & G4ILO's Shack websites]
Jon VK4CY
Currently operational on the following UHF/VHF & VoIP systems:-
Echolink; Hamsphere; Skype; WebSDR; Yaesu 2m/70cms 5watt handheld.
Current DXCC STATUS [Confirmed as of today]
BPSK31/22; CW/257; Flags/70 [71]; Hamsphere/23; SSB/309;
Combined CW/SSB Countries/319; R1MV no longer DXCC listed.
@@ CALLSIGNS USED BETWEEN 1961-present date @@
@@@@@@@@@ CURRENT OPERATIONAL STATUS @@@@@@@@@
The entire system is being re-constructed including this website with the emphasis on Fixed/Mobile/Portable QRP [Low Power] activity between 2200m and 70cms (137KHz-438MHz).
Based on recent developments, completion is expected by the end of year[2012].
13.5volt DC 5amp Jaycar PSU Model # MP3096 donated by VK2NTH/VK2FSHY.
Yaesu FT60 2m/70cms hand-held currently operational in mobile configuration with spare battery.
NP7-12 12 volt 7.2Ah sealed rechargable lead acid battery & charger; Palm Paddle & Peg Legs for FT817; Basic tools and cables; 40m lightweight dipole and balun; 10m Squid pole for wire antennae + supports/anchors;
Small dedicated Eee laptop PC & spare battery with HRD operating programmes, Hamlog plus Echolink, Hampshere, Skype & WebSDR [Voip systems].
Saving for the following:
Accessories to include - SignaLink PSK adaptor; LDG Z817 ATU; Heil Headset BM-10-5 for FT817; Also toying with idea of portable [fold up] solar panel and charger/adaptor for long term usage.
Additional antennas - Buddipole systems 40/70cms; Buddipole 6m yagi adaptor; Enough wire for a 137KHz/500KHz antenna. Home made ATUs required for the latter frequencies.
Rig - Yaesu FT817ND 5watt transceiver with additional CW & SSB filters which should be operational by end of year. Various field tests will be conducted in conjunction with VK2NTH and other friends once the FT817ND is on hand.
By the way - "Have you got a FT817, FT817ND??".
If so, check out the FT817 Club site via the link [in green] for further information; - FT817 Club. - Enjoy.
[Info. FT817 Club [TNX M3HBI for feedback]; comments by VK4CY - 18MAY.2012]
@@@@@@@@@ VK4CY OPERATIONAL PICTURES @@@@@@@@@
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"Shack rebuild.10"
VK4RV received VK4CY PSK31 data signal [11JULY.2009] - photo. by VK4FJAR. |
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"Shack rebuild.11"
PSK31 data register showing VK4CY QSO with VR2CB [11JULY.2009] - photo. by VK4FJAR. |
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"Shack rebuild.13"
VK4CY in QSO with Robert VK5SW operating PSK31 via wireless/Internet link.
Photo. by VK4RV 24APRIL.2010 |
@@@@@@@@@ AUSTRALIAN NETS & DATA @@@@@@@@@
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, AFRICA NET [ANZA NET]
HISTORY OF THE ANZA DX NET - compiled by VK4SWE & Ki6KFB
The Australia, New Zealand and Africa Net is one of the world's longest-running DX Nets. It has often been called the 'Friendly Net' and traces its origins back to 1970, when it was established by Percy Anderson, VK3PA. VK4CPA,
Percy had been involved in radio, both amateur and commercial, throughout his life, and in 1970 he joined the Pacific DX Net, becoming a net controller in 1972, a position he held for the next ten years.
Deteriorating propagation conditions and increasingly powerful equipment at some stations, meant that it was becoming more difficult for the simple station without amps or beams, to break through the pileups for that rare DX station. DX 'Nets' are one way of getting around those difficulties.
"I know some amateurs object to nets," said Percy, "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 station they might not be able to work otherwise."
The ANZA Net was Percy's idea, and the first historic broadcast took place on May 20th 1970 on 21.300 MHz (MC). The frequencies used have changed over the years according to propagation conditions. The original 15m Net moved to 21.205 MHz (MC), and a secondary frequency was set up on the 20m band, moving around from 14.135 MHz (MC), to 14.164 MHz (MC), and in 1997, with the decline in sunspot activity, the primary frequency was established on 14.183 MHz (MC). For many years, Percy ran the Net single-handed, later being joined by a long list of assistant net controllers and relay stations throughout the world.
As well as the expected checkins from Australia, New Zealand and Africa, Percy welcomed stations from the USA, South America, Asia, Europe and the Pacific Islands. When conditions were good, checkins came from everywhere including 9J2BO, T30JH, VP8CQJ, XE1CI and OD5MM.
Long-serving net controller Morris ZL1ANF recalls how he managed to accumulate 250 DXCC countries with a dipole and 100 watts with Percy's help. Others recall the variety of accents and callsigns checking into the 'Friendly Net' to exchange signal reports, weather reports, QSL information or a brief chat.
One of the many memorable DX visitors to the ANZA Net was Chuck Brady 3Y0C, who made a solo trip to Bouvet Island in December 2000 and made several thousand QSOs. Chuck checked in to the ANZA Net not just once, but several times where Net Controller Bill VK4UA, with his excellent antenna setup, consistently managed to pull his signal out of the mire and assist many operators in logging this rare DX station. To show their appreciation, the ANZA net and Alan VK2CA presented a plaque to Chuck for his efforts.
The ANZA net also welcomed operators with physical disability, one of whom was a quadriplegic, operating his equipment using a rod that was attached by a suction cup to the top of his head! "It makes one think!" was Percy's comment!
The ANZA Net not only forged friendships between regulars over the airwaves, but some members have visited the DX friends they made through the net.
ANZA Luncheon 1997 [L2R] - VK4UA, VK4BS, unknown, VE7YL, VK4CPA & VK4CY. Percy and Elizabeth had been friends for many years, this I believe was the last time a ANZA Luncheon was held. For example, Tex VK1TX was net controller for 4-5 years, and worked with Percy, making many good contacts and travelling to Moscow to visit Val UA3DEA, who often assisted Net Control.
When Percy passed away after a brief illness on July 31,1998, Morris ZL1ANF, Tex VK1TX and a group of volunteers got together and drew up a roster of net controllers to keep the ANZA Net going. The net now operates as a team of volunteers. Each day there is a different Net Controller, assisted by relay stations as necessitated by conditions on the day. Net Control calls for checkins, and a list is taken. Each station on the list is then given the opportunity to call a DX station. When the list is run, further checkins are called, and stations usually get a second turn to call DX. If a particularly interesting DX station comes on frequency, a dedicated list is taken and run for that station while the propagation is there. The system works well, and teamwork ensures that if one NC has a problem with his station or can not make the net, then someone else will step in to help out. In this way, the ANZA Net has thrived over the years and continues to provide a unique environment for amateurs to meet and share some great DX.
The ANZA DX net is very much a Team Effort, and a very special ' Thanks ' is due to the many Net Control Stations that have helped to keep it going over the years.
These include the following:
VK1MJ Mike
VK1TX Tex
VK2CA Alan
VK3HGN Alan
VK3PA/VK4CPA Percy SK
VK3WM Lindsay
VK4AU John SK
VK4BS Jim SK
VK4CC Col
VK4CY Jon
VK4CPA/VK3PA Percy SK
VK4DBJ John
VK4LJ John
VK4NH Ray
VK4UA Bill
VK5? Laurie SK
VK5FV Brian SK
VK6JJ John
VK6WR Graeme
VK7XX John
ZL1AMN Dave
ZL1ANF Morris
ZL1RD Rob
ZL2KOT Keith
ZL2MIC Myrle
ZL4BO Roy SK
K7INA Russ
KH0AC Len
KH6KW Jamie
Ki6KFB Ken
If you would like more information on the ANZA net - please visit their site via the 'link' in GREEN - ANZA DX Net,
Comments by VK4CY pp ANZA Net.
CARRINGTON FLARE of 1859
Considerable debate is circulating around the current Solar Cycle # 24 and the strong possibility of a 'super flare' within the 2011-2013 period. You may like to check out the attached NASA site relating to an event which was observed in England by Richard Carrington [ A highly regarded British radio astronomer] on September 1st. 1859.
The effects that occured then and strong possibility of re-occuring in our time are of considerable interest. It is this effect that many "Ex Marine Radio Officers/Operators" prior to the introduction of the GMDSS [Global Maritime Distress Safety System], and the demise of specialised shipbourne staff who said the retention of HF radio staff should be maintained - myself included.
Check the NASA site - in green - and then ponder how our current system with all its 'eggs in one basket' is shortly to fail miserably. This is based on FACT - and marvel at the designer of our universe.! - Carrington Flare. If you check the "History" sub-section on this website - note my comments under the heading Portisheadradio GKA.
Out of interest: The attached link featured on the SolarHam site recently which shows the effects of the Geo-Magnetic Storming with Earth's magnetic field - Alberta Aurora - marvellous.
[Info. via NASA plus SolarHam-Vimeo. Comments by VK4CY]
@@@@@@@@@ SYSTEM STATS & DATA @@@@@@@@@
System hits since inception: - 04FEBRUARY.2010 to 31DECEMBER.2011:
was - 375,282 hits
# of Hits: - 01JANUARY.2012 to present date:
was - 76,089 hits
# of Daily Hits for 17MAY.2012 980 hits
@@@@@@@@@ FLAG COUNTER @@@@@@@@@
The Flag Counter , as suggested by VK4FJAR, has produced some interesting results.
The 'flag register' reset itself following the upgrade(s) hence the lack of a 'several flags' - [those not highlighted] ; nice to have all on board - thanks for visiting.
Latest flag [#70] was Trinidad & Tobago on 15APRIL.2012
Since 04FEB.2010 plus an 'upgrade' on 26FEB.2010 and a complete system replacement in late OCTOBER.2011, 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, Latvia, 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, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, UAE, UK, Ukraine, USA, Venezuela. have had a look/see.
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Please note:-
This site is being re-constructed with the emphasis on Portable/Mobile activity. Additional data, photograph(s) etc. will be adjusted as time/finances permit.
@@@@@@@@@ RESUME @@@@@@@@@
"VK4CY"
Jon VK4CY Ex G3PLQ etc. photo. circa 2007 by Brian Alexander
Eurpoadekto ano Yannis - [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 18MAY.2012]
VK4CY's latest QSL card [2012] - printer ODXGs VK4FW
@@@@@@@@@ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS @@@@@@@@@
A big thank you to the following for additional data and encouragement plus always good to hear from old friends:
NP2GL; (#23 DXCC) [TNX E-QSL v "Hamsphere"].
DL9SCO, G0JKH, G1JWL, G3NAI, M3HBI [TNX for data], Ex.MW3JQK, SM4YOE, VK2NTH, VK2FSHY, VK4SID, ZL3WE.
"92 Squadron" Team: [Alan P, Alan W, Ambie B, Barrie C, Ian B, John G, John W, Kevin, Kingsley [TNX for pix. & updates], KW. LM, RE, RW, SL, Steve D.
"Coffee Club Bribie Island" Team: [Aaron, Amy, Angela, Ashley, Da, Kayala, Nick, Rani, Renee, Rodney & Renata, Sarah, Shona, Tommy, Tonia.]
"Hamsphere" Team:
"Kaspersky" Team:
"Rails of Sheffield" Team: [Lisa, Tracy, Vicki]
"WebSDR" Team:
Alan & Anne, Alessandra, Athena, Beryl, Bianca, Bluebell NL, Bob B, Bob [Dublin], Bruno & Maureen, Callum & Sheila, Collete & Justin, Cynthia, Debbie R, Deborah, Desiree, Doug M, Doug R, Francesca, George, Gloria, Gordon & Rhonda, Hannah, Irene, Jackie, Jan & Jennifer, Jenny C, Kaye, Jim & Pam, Julian & Collette, Keith & Sylvia, Kim S, Laura Dekker [TNX photos.], Lily, Linkedin Lyle Stacpoole,
Margaret, Marie-Ann, Marie-Louise [Dublin], Mike, Mike [In-Store-Radio USA], Nathan & Se Hee [TNX Buddipole pix. & data], Oscar, Paul [T], Planes TV, Rick & Debbie, Sakura, Sandra F, Sharon, Stan, Susan & Breanna, Sylvia.
SOURCES:
425 DX News, "92 Squadron" Team [UK], ACMA, Alladale Wilderness, AML, ANZA, BBC, Bluebell Railway, Bluebell Railway (NL), DRC, DX Summit, FIndex (Australia), FT817 Club, G4ILO's Shack, Genesis, Go-Via, GWr, Hamsphere NL, Hamsphere E-QSL Service, Heritage Railway Magazine, In-Store-Radio, iSelect, Kernow Model Rail [UK], Laura Dekker, Linkedin, NCH, ODXG, Palm-Radio, 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, WebSDR, WIA news, WIA [VK4 QSL Bx], YouTube, plus YOUR E-mails.
Enjoy this website and please be aware it is constantly being updated.
73s 'n Happydaze de Jon VK4CY - 18th MAY 2012
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