| 43ax101 |
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| The Central Coast of New South Wales |
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| My interest in radio goes back to an early age, when for a number of years I was a keen short-wave listener. In later years I turned to CB radio, which opened up a new world, and was my first introduction to two-way radio communications. Radio during those early years was fascinating, especially hearing any broadcast from the Pacific! Now, working DX stations in Europe can be just as fascinating!! Originally from Ireland, I came out to Australia in the early 80's and spent time travelling throughout the old gold mining areas of Central New South Wales in search of fortune..... but that's another story! (see "Sofala" link below ) |
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| SOFALA "Australia's oldest surviving gold town" |
| My first QSL card '70 |
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| Central Coast of New South Wales |
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| Surviving five years of strong winds, cockatoos and possums! ( see Antenna page ) |
| RADIO 43AX101- South Pacific Calling! |
| Not exactly the Bushman's radio set up but this is my present operation bench in the radio shack. The TS-50, although a basic portable radio, is more than ample for the job, and the Datong Speech Processor drives the radio very well. Even with the toughest QRM conditions, there is no need to run it at full power. With the 3 element quad and 60 watts p.e.p. is more than enough under the present excellent propagation conditions. Using a good antenna and good operating procedures is much better than investing in a linear amplifier, which might cause more problems than it is worth.... there is a lot more fun and satisfaction in using a few watts to work around the world. No TVI, and you don't cause QRM or splatter to other stations. |
| Picture on right shows my operation desk: The Icom R71a HF receiver is used for monitoring utility and broadcast stations. MFJ 1214 modem for RTTY, CW and Satellite Weather Fax pictures via computer. Universal Antenna Coupler used for H.F. bands. Antenna Rotator control for 11-Meter quad. Uniden Grant 40 Ch. CB Tx. Uniden AX144 40 Ch. CB Tx. Kenwood TS 50s. Datong Speech Processor used with the TS-50 Yaesu YD148 desk microphone. Datong Multi-Mode Filter mainly used for RTTY & Fax. Ameco RF Audio Pre-amp, useful at times. Headphones. |
| CAUTION: NO CALL SIGNS ON ENVELOPES, JUST OPERATORS NAME See page on "The QSL Card" |
| HOME ANTENNAS |
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| The Central Coast of New South Wales, begins about 50 kms or so north of Sydney; - host city to the Olympic Games 2000. This spectacular Pacific coastline is considered one of the most scenic areas along the east coast, with many ocean beaches, bays, headlands, saltwater lagoons, huge National Parks and vast areas of native bushland, and sadly at times.... the land of the bushfire. |
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| Sunrise over the town of Woy Woy on the Central Coast, with smoke haze from Summer bushfires. |
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| Photo: Christian 30DX401 |
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| UPDATE 2004: Now back on air!! |
| New QTH is on Lake Macquarie , about 120 km north of Sydney. |
| The antennas now in use are a 2 Element Delta Loop, 1/2 wave dipoles; both vert and horiz., and a wire ZL Special. |