VK3PH on a field day
My interest in radio and communications started at an early age, achieving an Amateur Operators Certificate of Proficiency (AOCP) at the age of 16. In the late 70’s early 80’s the HF bands were alive and active. I could be heard chasing DX, on 10 and 15 meters. My first amateur callsign was VK3VAH (Novice) which was upgraded to a Full Call VK3AZH after 18 months of extensive study and two attempts at theory.
In those days we needed to pass CW at 5 WPM for Novice and 10 WPM for full call. I used to practice on 10 m with many contacts in the USA. Morse was never a problem for me with the ability to send and receive up to 20 WPM.
I had an interest in fox hunts that happened on Friday nights and have been an active member of both the WIA and the EMDRC. There was a quiet period of a few years whilst the family grew up. In 2007, I became more active and re-established a passion for radio with a new two letter callsign – VK3PH.
I held committee positions (President & Secretary) of the Eastern and Mountain District Radio Club (EMDRC). I was on the WIA publications committee as the Editor of the Australian Callbook (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2019). I also proofread Amateur Radio magazine before monthly publication.
I won the Jack Gutcher award in 2018 and Charlie White award in 2024 for services to amateur radio. I was awarded life membership of the EMDRC in 2020.
Spring VHF-UHF Field Day Enfield 2018
Fun facts about me during a VHF/UHF field day. It was a cool weekend as always on top of the hill in the Enfield State forest.
My job is to contribute to the team by making contacts all over Australia and New Zealand on the 6 m band (50.150 MHz) during the VHF-UHF field days.
My station consists of an Icom IC-7300, 13.8 v Dick Smith power supply, SPE Expert 1k-FA (half out driven to about 380 W), laptop for logging (using VK-CL4), Raspberry Pi based rotator controller, and a 3 element Yagi antenna.
We operate under the callsign of VK3KQ (Damian is the team manager), with VK3LL (Ralph is the technical genius), VK3MRG (Marshal is the 70 cm operator), and VK3ZH (Steve ensures compliance). Others visit and assist as required (Shaun VK3KK, Jack VK3WWW etc.).
Click on the image to visit Field Day Hill.
• My retro callsign is VK3AZH.
• My car callsign is VK3KIA.
• My Q callsign is VK3QTC.
• My travelling north callsign is VK4FM.
• My travelling west callsign is VK6IP.
Our Bathroom (Ensuite) Renovation
We are so fortunate to have some very good friends in the bathroom renovation and waterproofing business. They have provided us with a new bathroom that not only looks fabulous, it’s very functional and has added significant value to the property.
