Current

Although I haven’t been active since the mid eighties, I have now (Jan 2007) renewed my call (standard licence) and getting active on 2m and HF.

I have purchased a second hand Yaesu FRG-7 receiver, which is now set up using an old vertical antenna I had. The vertical is still not at full extension, so there is still some experimenting to be done. I may put up a long wire at some time.

I also have a Camnis HSC-010 scanner, which I mainly use for VHF listening.

For transmitting, I picked up a second hand Yaesu FT-209RH 2m handheld transceiver. It needed a new set of batteries, but otherwise runs OK. The FT209RH is setup in the car using a 900mm 2m/70cm dual band antenna mounted on the front guard.

The Barrett 950 (which I had in the 4WD for VKS-737 & Radtel) has been reprogrammed to cover the HF amateur bands, in addition to VKS-737 & Radtel.

I have a Yaesu FT-897D for home. It is driving a Bushcomm VA-71 vertical antenna through an LDG Z11 pro antenna tuner and 4:1 balun. I am also trying to drive the Barrett 910 antenna on the car with the FT-897 for portable use.

After my visit to the Wyong field day in 2008 year, I now have an FT-7800 dual band transciver, which will go in the car.

The Mid North Coast Amateur Radio Group have put together a kit for a portable dipole antenna (Ozi-pole) which covers 80m to 6m. I purchased the kit at the field day, and will put it together when a get some time. I intend to take it with me when I go camping, to use with the FT-897.