26Mar 2023 by VK2FR No Comments
VK1 Tango Xray, Tex: A True Gentleman & Radio Amateur

VK1 Tango Xray, Tex: A True Gentleman & Radio Amateur

News
It is with great sadness to inform a great man and amateur VK1TX tex has passed away peacefully after a short battle with liver cancer. I've not been licensed half the time Texx had been on air but I remember meeting him at a Wyong dinner some 20 odd years ago alongside many other amateurs including Chris VK2SR and every year after that at the Wyong Amateur Radio Field Day. Tex was a true gentleman. He had the time for everybody. He was a kind man, a great radio amateur and travelled to all corners of the globe meeting many of the hams he spoke to daily. He was also a net controller on the long running Australian, New Zealand and Africa DX Net which is run daily on 20…
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03Mar 2023 by VK2FR No Comments
Solar Cycle Update

Solar Cycle Update

News
February was another strong month for Solar Cycle 25. According to NOAA, the average sunspot number was among the highest of the past 10 years. Originally, forecasters thought Solar Cycle 25 would be about the same as Solar Cycle 24, one of the weakest solar cycles in a century. February's sunspot numbers are the latest sign that Solar Cycle 25 will exceed predictions. In fact, Solar Cycle 25 has outperformed the official forecast for more than 24 months in a row. Solar Maximum is not expected until 2024 or 2025, so the solar cycle has plenty of time to strengthen even more, bringing X-flares, geomagnetic storms and auroras.
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20Feb 2023 by VK2FR No Comments
VK & 10 Metre Calling Frequency Culture The Unwritten Rules of VK & 10 Metre Calling Frequency

VK & 10 Metre Calling Frequency Culture The Unwritten Rules of VK & 10 Metre Calling Frequency

News, Ramblings
In recent years, months and even days a heated debate has been taking place on online forums within the Australian amateur radio community. Many VK operators have been accused of abusive behavior and ridicule, leading to a contentious discussion about the use of 28.490 as a calling frequency. In this blog post, I delve into the issue, exploring its impact on the larger amateur radio culture in Australia and considering potential solutions for fostering a more positive and respectful community worldwide. There has been an ongoing debate among amateur radio operators regarding the use of 28.490 as a calling frequency, with some operators claiming it to be internationally or domestically recognized as such. However, it's important to note that, as amateurs, we use various bands of frequencies, some wider than…
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04Feb 2023 by VK2FR No Comments
Sunspot Counts Hit a 9-Year High

Sunspot Counts Hit a 9-Year High

News
In a continued sign of strength for Solar Cycle 25, sunspot counts just hit a 9-year high. The monthly sunspot number of 144 in January 2023 was only percentage points away from topping the previous solar cycle, Solar Cycle 24, which peaked in Feb. 2014 with a monthly value of 146. Originally, forecasters thought Solar Cycle 25 would be about the same as Solar Cycle 24, one of the weakest solar cycles in a century. Current trends suggest Solar Cycle 25 will surpass that low threshold, at least. Solar Maximum is not expected until 2024 or 2025, so it has plenty of time to strengthen further, perhaps far exceeding Solar Cycle 24. Article from SpaceWeather.com
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13Nov 2022 by VK2FR No Comments
Audio Gallery

Audio Gallery

News
I have recently added an Audio Gallery page to my website which I will showcase some audio files of some interesting DX, DXPeditions etc that are heard at my QTH. If you find a recording of yourself on the page and don't wish for it to be showcased there, please be sure to drop me an email at contact@vk2fr.com and I will happily remove it for you.
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12Aug 2022 by VK2FR
New Site

New Site

News
Your probably visiting this website because we recently had a QSO on air. If so please leave a message in my guestbook using the link in the left hand menu. I look forward to working you further down the log!
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