Category: News

The Telegraph Track is an iconic off-road adventure route located in the captivating wilderness of North Queensland's Cape York Peninsula, Australia. This legendary track stretches approximately 350-400 kilometers from Bramwell Junction to the Jardine River, offering intrepid travelers a challenging and exhilarating journey. Rich in historical significance, the track once served as a vital lifeline, connecting remote regions through the Overland Telegraph Line. Today, it entices 4x4 enthusiasts and adventurers with its rugged charm, presenting steep ascents, daring river crossings, and renowned obstacles like Gunshot Creek, Palm Creek, and Logans Creek. Amidst the untamed beauty, those venturing on this path find themselves embracing self-sufficiency and preparation, fully immersing in the thrill of exploration and forging unforgettable memories in one of Australia's most sought-after tracks. Not only does it present unspoiled…

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 Tex 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…

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.

Here is VK2GJS Gary's NEW LOGO. If you would like a similar logo please drop me an email at contact@vk2fr.com

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

VK2FR and family want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Prosperous 2023.

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.