WIA Callbook Editor - VK3PH Publications

VK3PH publications include the WIA Callbook and several articles in AR Magazine. He was a key member of the publications committee from 2014 to 2019. During this time Peter was one of four (4) proof readers of AR (Amateur Radio) magazine.

2014 Callbook

Portable operation is becoming more popular. Participation in the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend as well as activating Summits On The Air. This year’s cover photo is of Charlie Savage VK3VZZ operating portable during the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (photo taken by Robert Broomhead VK3DN).

2015 Callbook

This year we celebrate 10 years since the introduction of the Foundation license in Australia. As well as being depicted on the front cover, this edition contains a special four page (pages 8 to 11) summary of all Foundation callsigns issued in the last 10 years.

2016 Callbook

CQ Field Day! The sun spectacularly sets behind two of VK3KQ’s microwave dishes, during the Summer WIA VHF/UHF Field Day. Working from a hilltop within the Ross Creek State Forest (around 25km south of Ballarat), VK3KQ/p is a multi-operator portable station which operates all amateur bands between 50MHz and 10GHz. Photo courtesy of Ralph Parkhurst VK3LL.

2017 Callbook

2014 Chris Jones Award winner Marc Hillman VK3OHM in his shack. Since getting on air in 2012 he has managed to put together a small but very functional station. He uses a recently acquired IC-7300 for HF communications, and an IC-9100 for satellite operations. Satellite system uses a KR-5400 Az/El rotator and circularly polarized Yagi's. To help with the DX he has an Expert 1K-FA amplifier. To the right is a 3D printer and small electronics work area. Photo taken by Peter Hartfield VK3PH.

2018 Callbook

Rex VK7MO with his portable dish for 10 GHz. Rex explores the boundaries of performance with particular interest in using the WSJT suite of software. In early September 2017, Rex set a new world distance record for 10 GHz EME whilst portable in VK6, working WA3LBI at a distance of 18949.4 km.

2019 Callbook

Amateur radio is a hobby for all ages, from curious school age experimenters to experienced builders enjoying a weekend away participating in a busy field day. The cover this year features some images from the Come and Try activities at Hahndorf on the Sunday of the WIA AGM weekend. At the top is an image of the VK3KQ VHF/UHF field day station from a distance. The lower images feature some of the local Hahndorf Primary School students eagerly participating in School Amateur Radio Club activities. Photos courtesy Stuart Filmore VK5STU (bottom photos) and Peter Hartfield VK3PH (VK3KQ station).

Product Reviews - VK3PH publications

VK3PH publications shown below. Click on the images below to read the published articles.

INAC AH-1430 Loop Antenna

I would certainly recommend one of these for anyone that has space restrictions or single source noise problems on HF at their location. I found the loop easy to install and operate, although the tuning unit was a little sensitive at times. Portable operation is a breeze as the loop fits neatly into the car boot and will sit on top of a lightweight tripod without too much worry. The AH-1430 performs well on all amateur bands 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 m (14 to 30 MHz).

FT2D 144/430 MHz Dual Band Handheld Transceiver

The FT2D 144/430 MHz dual band handheld transceiver is a compact mobile device that manages to pack a huge amount of functionality into a very flexible package. In addition to the normal functions you would expect from an amateur handheld transceiver of this nature, it supports digital (C4FM) mode, APRS, GM (group monitor), WIRES-X and comes equipped with built in GPS.

FTM-100DR 144/430 MHz Dual Band Transceiver

The FTM-100DR 144/430 MHz dual band transceiver is a compact mobile device that manages to pack a huge amount of functionality into a very flexible package. In addition to the normal functions you would expect from an amateur transceiver of this nature, it supports digital (C4FM) mode, APRS, GM (group monitor), WIRES-X, Bluetooth (option) and comes equipped with built in GPS. In addition, it comes with a
programming cable, remote head separation kit (3 m cable and bracket) and a micro-SD card slot for backup, programming and storage of data.

FTM-400DR 144/430 MHz Dual Band Transceiver

The FTM-400XDR 144/430 MHz dual band transceiver is a compact mobile device that manages to pack a huge amount of functionality into a very flexible package. In addition to the normal functions you would expect from an amateur transceiver of this nature, it supports digital (C4FM) mode, APRS, GM (group monitor), WIRES-X, Bluetooth (option) and comes equipped with built in GPS. In addition, it comes with a programming cable, remote head separation kit (3 m cable and bracket) and a micro-SD card slot for backup, programming and storage of data.

IC-9700 VHF UHF all mode transceiver

The reviewer and several other local amateurs interested in VHF/ UHF weak signal communications have been truly impressed with the performance of the IC-9700. It will be a very useful addition to the radio shack of anyone interested in operating on the bands covered by the transceiver. All other users will find the IC-9700 covers most operational requirements in a visually attractive package with an excellent user interface. As one would expect with a transceiver with the capabilities of the IC-9700, the user will need to commit some time to reading the manuals and exploring the menu system to utilize the radio at its best.

Foundation License Manual - Third Edition

Thanks to the many people who have suggested changes for this edition, or been involved in its review and production. These include photography by Robert Broomhead, editing Jim Linton, pre-production Peter Hartfield, and designer Ivan Smith.