VK2FR

Australian Amateur Radio Station
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Silence Between Contests: The Changing Sound of Amateur Radio

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the amateur radio bands only seem to come alive when there’s a contest on. Have our daily lives become so busy that contest weekends are the only time we can squeeze in a quick DX fix? Or are newer hams simply more comfortable giving a 5/9 report than having a
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  • By - VK2FR
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QSL Manager – Dan N4GNR

I’m pleased to announce that I now have a physical paper QSL card available!If you’d like to receive my QSL card, please send your request to my QSL Manager, Dan (N4GNR), along with the appropriate return postage. For USA contacts:Please send a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) to N4GNR. For international contacts:Send 2 USD and a
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Where did 2024 go? Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

It’s hard to believe we’re already into the second week of 2025—2024 flew by so quickly! As we move deeper into this year, we’re approaching Solar Maximum, so make sure you grab your PTT and start calling CQ on the higher bands. The bands are open, but it seems like there’s a lack of activity.
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  • By - VK2FR
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Highest Sunspot Number in 20 years: Monitor the high bands.

The Earthside of the sun just hit its highest sunspot number (299) in more than 20 years. The farside sunspot count might be even higher. Helioseismic maps of the farside of the sun reveal vast areas of potential sunspot activity: The black blobs are sunspots so large they effect the way the whole sun vibrates.
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Antenna Maintenance 2024

After nearly three years in the air, it was time for some maintenance on the powerhouse that defines VK2FR’s station: the 14-element Force 12 XR3NV antenna. This task was no small endeavor. With relentless winds howling at a steady 40kmph in the remote countryside of the Hunter Valley, it felt like hours before we could
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XU7AME Cambodia & CQWW Contest

From DX-World Jaye, VK2SD has been on holiday in Cambodia since October 11 and is now active for the next 6 days as XU7AME mainly on 10m – keep an eye on 28.485Mhz. Jaye says: Most activity will be on 10m band using 2 element delta-loop antenna. Also have an MFJ 2289 BigEar portable antenna 40m through
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Echoes of the Outback: Love’s Resilience – The Telegraph Track’s Ham Radio Miracle in North Queensland, Australia

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,
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What is happening to amateur radio?

I’ve been involved in amateur radio for about 20 years now, having obtained my license over 20 years ago. Prior to that, my interest in radio began with citizen band communication, where I discovered my passion for this hobby. Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed acts of terror, pandemics, corruption, wars, and various forms of utter
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VK1 Tango Xray, Tex: A True Gentleman & Radio Amateur

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
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