A fantastic day with a multitude of different antennas to be put to the test. Peter VK5PRO beguiled us with his homemade vertical and home brew load coil, Peter had only rushed to tune to a couple of bands but proved promising in those bands. Bob VK5AK wanted to see if his Diamond BB7Vvertical antenna performed any better than at home, the end result was really good results on 3.600 mhz but lacking on the others.

Well then Paul VK5 PH brought out his antennas, sling shot and 2 dipoles you could see this man was intending to win…. so congratulations to Paul for taking out the the best average S readings over 160m 40m 20m and 10m.

We had a great time with the ham and egg rolls, coffee and tea.

The best part of the day was the social interaction, the laid back atmosphere.

As advertised this was a commemorative day for Lloyd Butler VK5BR and John Butler VK5NX Who are now Silent Keys, their funerals were both held today. We were unable to make and calls due to lack of contacts and QRM today.

The take away was as a group we got to see Paul using a sling shot to get his antennas up, Ben got help with using a VNA for the first time and we were able to see the different antennas in use and the different application for speed vs camping in a spot for an extended period.

We are planning to have another one next month (TBA) so we hope we can get even more there from the various clubs.

VK5FIL – Flinders Island OC-261 and VKFF-0175 Paul Simmonds has graciously agreed to

visit our club rooms and talk about his adventure to Flinders Island (SA) with a team of six between Sunday 14th April 2024 – Sunday 21st April 2024.

Paul has an interesting story to tell and presents his story extremely. You will not be disappointed. So see you there. The usual 7.15pm start. Help before that is always appreciated.

With deep sorrow I advise the passing of John Butler VK5NX.

John was a foundation member of the North East Radio club, and also with his wife Heather spent many weekends over the years operating with WICEN.

John relayed the WIA Sunday morning broadcast both from the Burley Griffen Building and also from his home.

Other times John was the WIA South Australian division treasurer, the WICEN treasured, and the Treasurer for the North East Radio Club.

John’s funeral will be at the Enfield Cemetery Wattle room on Thursday May 16^th at 11 am.

Trevor Quick VK5ATQ

Vale John VK5NX

A big announcement…. VK5MCH in company are organising an event under VK5.au

We are going to have “PICNIC AT THE PARK”.

The first one is to be held at Thorndon Park Paradise on the 16th May 2024.

We will be doing a Park Activation with a twist. We want you to bring your HF portable antennas and we will put it to the test on performance and design ( Transceiver provided). There will be a small prize for the winning entry… Plus the Glory.

We encourage you to bring your family and make it a great social occasion.

The cost is $6 per person and will cover a bacon and egg roll, with coffee and tea available (we only wish to cover expenses).

Due to catering requirements we need to confirm attendance numbers. So please confirm your intention to attend by Monday the 13th May (including your withdrawal) by emailing Mick vk5mch@vk5.au

We want this to become a regular social event for all amateurs clubs. It is to be a social event with an amateur twist.

So please get on board and join us, Amateurs working together to Make Amateur Great Again….LOL you don’t need to compete just come and socialise

Go to Google maps. Thorndon Park Hamilton Tce Paradise.

We will be set up at BBQ 16/17. Please bring your own seats Commences 9am

Thorndon Park offers walking trails and adventure play ground for the younger generation (lol) and a beautiful outlook.

See you there. 73’s VK5GM