Morse code op and sometimes running QRP with my Elecraft K4D, IC-705 or KH-1
CW Ops Member: 2949
BUG Users Group 368
FISTS Member: 9085
SKCC Member: 22351C
NAQCC Member: 11364
SOC: 1462
I am always working to improve my Morse code. If you observe anything in my sending technique that could do with improvements, please send me an email. Thanks.
March 2024 - I have started learning to use the Bug (Begali Intrepid). Pls be patient. ;-) I cant send slower than about 21WPM with it, so if I'm using it (and you'll know) pls dont ask me to QRS.
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The Radio Amateur Society of Australia Inc.
www.vkradioamateurs.org - effective and progressive representation for VK amateurs.
www.qrm.guru help fight QRM
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I pay my respects to the Indigenous People of Australia; and acknowledge the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation, the land on which I live.
By recognising and respecting the rich tradition of Australia's Indigenous people we can all learn to live together with harmony, compassion, and respect.
About me:
The photo is of me operating YJ0VK in Vanuatu in 2012. I was first licensed in 1984 whilst at high school, and have enjoyed many years working DX, contests, ragchewing and portable operation. With my work I've traveled to many countries and have been able to operate portable with my old FT-817. I returned to VK3 in 2006 after four years living in Sweden.
These days, my station comprises an Elecraft K4D, and antennas are a TE-43 (4 element triband), a rotatable 40m dipole (by VK3TZ), a DX-Commander (40-10) for HF (with 32 radials), 1/4 wave sloper for 160m and a tri-band vertical for 6/2/70. I have IC-705 for portable and QRP work, and I am also a frustrated homebrewer. CW and HF are my passion and where I spend most of my time, but I do enjoy a long ragchew on SSB as well.
I also operate WSPR regularly and learning about and monitoring propagation. My latest radio - the Elecraft KH-1. I'm looking forward to getting out and about with this radio.
And like many others I've rekindled my interest in old Hybrid radios. You'll hear me on this old TS-520S a bit using a Begali Intrepid Bug.
Following our recent 2024 YJ0VK, 2023 VK9NT and 2022 VK9NT and VK9CM trips, I had some fun with FT8, so I'll get that mode going from time to time as well. I'll be using my contest callsign VJ3N and running 10W (IC-705) into a vertical or dipole antenna. FT8 operation is for the RASA Contest.
After many many years I've finally pulled finger and am chasing my DXCC - so if you receive a QSL request, please reply. Especially for any QRP contacts; obtaining DXCC QRP from VK is a challenge.
Please give me a call if you hear me on the bands - I hope we can have a ragchew or a simple 599 QSO.
73. Chris, VK3QB, VK9NT, VJ3N
updated 24th March 2025
Bands:
160 - 10 m mostly CW and chasing DX and ragchewing. Depending on conditions and my mood I operate QRP with 0.1-10W through to 100W. I'm always keen for a ragchew... so feel welcome to start a discussion. :-)
Morse Code:
My favourite mode. I also enjoy encouraging and assisting others to get the most out of this unique mode of communications. I am a member of CW Ops and am the OC Ambassador. https://cwops.org/ I also teach in the CW Academy program. If your club would like a presentation on either of these clubs and what they offer please send me an email.
QSL:
NO BURO - I'm not a member of the WIA, and they dispose of non-member cards received from international buros.
Direct only. I have cards and can post but pls email me first. Pls include US$3. No IRC.
I use LoTW, Club Log, eQSL and QRZ. Email me if you can't find a match.
Logs uploaded to qrz.com, eQSL, LoTW and Clublog to 11 July 2024
Dx-peditions:
2009 - VK9LA Lord Howe Island
2009 - YJ0QB Vanuatu
2010, 2011, 2012- YJ0VK Vanuatu
2012 - 3D2/VK3QB Malolo Lailai Island, Fiji (OC-121)
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 VK9NT Norfolk Island
2018 - VK9LI Lord Howe Island
2019 - VI9NI Norfolk Island
2020 & 2021 trips cancelled due to Covid-19 VK2020STAYATHOME
2022 - VK9NT Norfolk Island (14-26 April)
2022 - VK9CM Cocos-Keeling Islands (25 Oct - 4 Nov 2022)
2023 - VK9NT Norfolk Island Bootcamp (17-31 March 2023)
2024 - YJ0VK Vanuatu (29 March - 11 April 2024)
2024 - YJ0VK Vanuatu (20 -26 August 2024)
Callsigns:
Started with VK3VCC in 1984, upgraded to VK3BMG in 1986 and now hold VK3QB, VK9NT & VJ3N
Operated portable from the following locations:
SM, LA, OH, EA, I, W7, VK1-9, YJ, 3D2 (VK9 Norfolk, Lord Howe, Cocos (Keeling) Isl)
Indonesia
USA
Japan
