Biography

Hello
My name is Paul and I have been a licensed amateur radio operator since 1989. My first callsign was VK3MFB, I obtained the advanced qualification six months later and received the callsign VK3EPD. Managed to get a two letter callsign VK3DA which were my fathers initials.
I have experimented with many aspects of amateur radio ranging from simple HF DXing, Satellite communications with the early RS, MIR, SAREX birds and the International space station.During the 90's like most people enjoyed "Paket Radio" and "TCPIP". I was a serious DXer but disappointed with the poor QSL return rate when sending irq's. I have worked over 200 DXCC countries and over 100 iota's with a simple 20mx resonant dipole.
I've been away from amateur radio for some years but returned with some enthusiasm. Originally installing an Icom IC 7000 into my car and evenualty setting up another home base station with an Icom IC 7300 and an Icom IC 9700. I do like mixing the old with the new so residing under the Icoms is a nice Yaesu FT-1000 with the Yaesu SP-5 extensoin speaker. It's a little retropective but I really enjoy these old radios.I use a home brewed Fan Dipole, resonant on 80mx,40mx,20mx and the 10mx bands. The design is simple with a single feedpoint via a 1:1 Balun. It's in an inverted Vee configuration and seems to be rather efficient. The antenna for VHF/UHF is a simple Diamond X-300. I do have plans to install SSB beams for both frequencies.The new digital modes like FT8 and WSPR have been interesting. But I still have a passion for CW. I can be heard locally on 80mx and trying for Dx on 40mx. Phone is my preference and chasing DX will always win out. I am a member of the Mornington Peninsula amateur radio club "Sparc" and FIST's which is a organisation encouraging CW.
I have many other interests. I'm a published "Astro-photographer" Taking photos of Deep Sky Objects, astronomical events and phenomenon. Surprisingly I'm lucky enough to live in apart of the world where I can witness and image "Aurora Australis". The Southern Lights are more common than you think so being an Aurora Chaser is a real passion.
I also enjoy Fishing with good friends and been surfing the longboards and Shortboards...oh for 35 years or so!Unfortunately the car with the HF radio installed finally died. Presently I'm only using the Icom IC-2820 with the diamond SG7500 for 2m/70cm. Dstar I'm residing on 23C and 30c.

Equipment

ICOM IC7300
ICOM IC9700
YAESU FT1000
YAESU SP5
ICOM IC2820
KENWOOD TS530S
KENWOOD ATU230
KENWOOD SP230

Best 73's

Paul

VK3DA