A couple of weeks ago I was able to work VK100ARV along with Greg VK3LLL from the new VK3SCG station at Gilwell Park.
This activation was the first for the VK100ARV call sign and started at 11:00 local time or 0000 UTC. Our first contact was with Alex, VK4TE, a keen award chaser from Queensland.
Before starting the activation some important works needed to be done to improve station performance. I was assisted with these by Peter VK3AJ and ARV Awards manager Tony, VK3VTH. The works included final tuning of the 80 m Inverted Vee and completing the installation of the 160 m Inverted Vee.
We made 186 QSO, mostly on 40 m and 80 m SSB with a couple of STTV and PSK contacts as well.
The 10/15/20 m yagi at the top of the tower showed poor SWR after recent rains and further work is required to isolate and repair this problem.
We packed up around 10 pm as contacts on 40 m and 80 m had dried up and we both had to work the next day.
VK100ARV has now been passed around many clubs and individuals and is well on its way to making over 6000 QSOs for the month. These QSO have included many DXCC entities, SSTV, PSK, ATV, CW and of course SSB.
Activations this coming weekend include two National Parks as part of the National Parks weekend for the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award.
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