News
Jim VK3ZAT looking west towards Ralph VK3WRE on 24 GHz.
On monday the 21 of July 2025 VK3ZAT and VK3WRE set out to see how good their home built 24 GHz radio systems worked.
The plan was to go to Mt Nowa Nowa and Mt Tassie and shoot a signal across the 155km path.
Previously the distances worked by either station was in the region of 60km so this was going to be a bit of a challenge.
Both stations were set up at 10:30 am local with both 10 GHz and 24 GHz. The idea was to get the correct beam heading with 10 GHz and then transfer over to 24 GHz.
As it turned out the signals on 10 GHz were so strong that it was difficult to determine the exact direction but the general direction was found so it was time to switch over to 24 GHz.
VK3WRE put up a CW keyer signal for VK3ZAT to point up on.
Jim found the signal and adjusted his antenna for maximum signal. Jim then put a keyer signal up for Ralph to point up on.
Adjustments were made and the signals were 60db over 9 at the Mt Tassie end and 15db over 9 at the Mt Nowa Nowa end and a SSB contact was made.
The radio system at the VK3WRE end was a 650mm dish and 15 mW of power at the ZAT end a Pirimidal Horn antenna and 100 mW of power was used.
To see the impressive contact in action check out the YouTube video below.
VK3ZAT’s Pirimidal Horn Antenna used in the 160km contact.
Video footage of 24 GHz contact between Ralph VK3WRE and Jim VK3ZAT.
EZARC members relaxing at camp.
On the 2nd and 3rd of April 2025, members of our club gathered at the scenic Angusvale Camping Area within Mitchell River National Park for the annual VK3DY Memorial Camping Trip — and what a fantastic couple of days it was!
We had seven members attend across the two days, with some camping overnight and others visiting for the day. The weather couldn’t have been better, with blue skies and mild temperatures making it ideal for both radio operations and relaxing by the campfire.
QRP HF station with club members chewing the fat in the background.
One of the local residents trying to figure out Tony’s VK3YV Starlink system.
The campfire and BBQ kept us warm and well-fed, while the radios kept us connected far beyond the bounds of the park. Several members took part in activations for Parks on the Air (POTA), World Wide Flora & Fauna (WWFF), and Summits on the Air (SOTA), working a range of bands from HF through to UHF and VHF.
Tony VK3YV ran a solid 100W HF station using his IC-7300 and a homebrew linked dipole, while Dan VK3GV kept things lightweight with his 10W QRP setup — a LAB599 TX-500 Discovery paired with a SOTABEAMS linked dipole. Both stations made excellent contacts including several local, national and international contacts.
Club members enjoying the great outdoors.
While the airwaves were busy, the campsite itself was blissfully quiet — apart from the curious kangaroos that wandered through camp, keeping us on our toes (and our food well guarded!).
The VK3DY Memorial Trip is always a highlight on our club calendar, and this year’s outing was no exception. Great company, good food, plenty of radio, and the beauty of the Mitchell River made it a memorable event.
Looking forward to an even bigger turnout next year!
Drone footage of Eaglevale beside the Wonnangatta River.
On Thursday 27th February 2025, several adventurous members of the Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club fired up their 4WDs and set out for a day of exploration and radio in Victoria’s stunning High Country.
The convoy of seven vehicles — including Jeeps, Mitsubishis, Toyota, Ford Ranger, and an LDV — departed from Stratford and made their way through the scenic Crooked River area, eventually arriving at Eaglevale on the banks of the beautiful Wonnangatta River.
With perfect weather on our side, we set up for a relaxed BBQ lunch. While some members enjoyed exploring nearby 4WD tracks or simply soaking in the surroundings, Peter VK3PF took the opportunity to activate the park for both WWFF and POTA, setting up a portable station right beside the river.
Drone footage of some of the group at the helipad on Billy Goat Bluff.
From there, some members peeled off toward the Dargo Pub to round out the day with a well-earned meal, while others made their way back home — all with big smiles and a few new stories to tell.
It was a fantastic day out: great weather, great company, a bit of radio, and some real 4WD fun in one of the most beautiful parts of Victoria.
After lunch, it was time to put the vehicles — and drivers — to the test. We tackled part of the legendary Billy Goat Bluff Track, one of the High Country’s most iconic 4WD climbs. Low range was definitely required, and everyone handled the challenge brilliantly. We stopped at the Helipad lookout along the way to take in the spectacular views and snap a few group photos.
BBQ lunch at Eaglevale beside the Wonnangatta River.
Thank you to everyone that came and made it a great day out. We look forward to organising another trip later in the year and into 2026.
To view more footage please see below YouTube video by Chris Morley VK3CJK. The video is best watched in High Definition (HD) and has some fantastic drone footage and ‘action shots’ from the day, including a river crossing.
Video footage of the EZARC 4WD day captured by Chris Morley VK3CJK.
On August 1, 2024, the Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club (EZARC) bestowed life membership status upon Ralph Edgar VK3WRE for his extraordinary contributions to the club and its members. Ralph, a dedicated amateur radio enthusiast, has been a cornerstone of the club and his association with the club spans an impressive 50 years.
First introduced to the club in 1974 through the Youth Radio Scheme, Ralph was one of the many students who benefited from the club’s support in helping young radio enthusiasts earn their Novice Licence. His involvement in amateur radio began in his teenage years, sparking a lifelong passion for both the hobby and the broader field of communications and electronics.
Since officially joining EZARC in 1994, Ralph’s contributions to the club have been nothing short of exceptional. Over the years, he has served in numerous roles, including Technical Officer, Repeater Officer, President, and has been a continuous member of the club’s committee for more than 30 years. His knowledge and expertise in the amateur radio field are vast, with a particular focus on microwave spectrum operations, both constructing microwave equipment and using it for long-distance communication, including moon bounce and mountaintop portable operations.
President Peter Freeman VK3PF congratulating Ralph Edgar VK3WRE on his achievement.
Ralph’s work in the communications and electronics industry has also been wide-ranging. He has had significant roles with major companies such as Telstra and BAE Systems, working on oil rigs, and has also served as an engineer at Ace Radio in Gippsland. His professional experience has complemented his passion for amateur radio, allowing him to bring knowledge and experience to his contributions at EZARC.
However, it is Ralph’s selflessness and generosity that truly sets him apart. Whether it’s fixing equipment, helping with projects, offering training for exams, or assisting with tower installations, Ralph’s willingness to lend a hand is legendary. As club member Ken Brown VK3UH noted, “He’s always been there for members,” and added that Ralph is the type of person who “doesn’t do things by halves.”
When asked about receiving life membership, Ralph expressed his surprise and gratitude, stating he was “shocked,” “humbled,” and that the recognition “hadn’t crossed my mind at all.” Despite the many roles he’s held, Ralph admits that his tenure as President during the COVID-19 pandemic stands out as one of the most challenging. According to Ken Brown, Ralph’s leadership during this period was invaluable as he navigated the complexities of maintaining club operations while adhering to health protocols, including keeping the club connected through Zoom meetings.
One of Ralph’s most significant achievements is assisting in the establishment and success of Gippstech. For 20 years, the Gippstech conference brought together amateur radio enthusiasts from across Australia to Morwell, where a range of presenters shared their knowledge on various topics. The conference was highly regarded within the amateur radio community, and Ralph played an instrumental role in helping to organise and run the event, often delivering his own presentations.
EZARC extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ralph Edgar VK3WRE for his unmatched dedication and service to the club. His contributions have not only shaped the club’s success but have also enriched the amateur radio community at large. The club looks forward to many more years of Ralph’s expertise, leadership, and friendship.
Dan VK3NDG and Tony VK3YV activating Mitchell River National Parks on HF.
There were some happy campers during April when the Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club hosted a club camping trip in the scenic Victorian High Country within the Mitchell River National Park.
Club members were treated to time in nature with beautiful starry nights and a warm campfire surrounded by kangaroos on the Mitchell River. Located approximately 320km east of Melbourne, the Mitchell River National Park provided the perfect spot for an overnight camping trip as well as accommodating those who could only visit for the day.
Group photo under the stars at Mitchell River National Park.
Dan VK3NDG and Tony VK3YV making park contacts using a linked dipole on 40 and 20 metres.
Of course, no club camping trip would be without its fair share of radio activity.
Members erected several antennas including an 80m dipole, End Fed Half Wave, multi band vertical whip and a linked dipole matched with several HF radios.
Members were able to sit around the fire, have a BBQ and socialise while chasing some elusive DX. Voice and digital contacts were made all around the world with as little as 20 watts including contacts from Italy, Finland, New Zealand, Ukraine and the USA.
Fortunately, as we were camped within a National Park, we could also participate in global award schemes that foster and promote radio in the outdoors including the World Wide Flora and Fauna program (WWFF) and Parks on the Air (POTA).
Dan VK3NDG and Tony VK3YV playing portable on HF with the ICOM7300.
Club members enjoying the great outdoors.
As a bonus, campers were treated to a tour of the night sky by Chris Morley VK3CJK.
Chris was extremely knowledgeable and amazed many with his explanation of the wonders of the solar system and deep space.
Overall, the trip was a fantastic success with members coming from all over Gippsland to catch up and relax in the bush and play a bit of radio.
Our lazy neighbours taking in the action.
Ralph giving orders to the troops.
On the weekend of the 16th – 17th March, the Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club participated in the John Moyle Memorial Field Day by operating a field station under the club’s licensed call sign VK3BEZ.
One of the members was kind enough to offer up prime real estate on private property in Gormandale for the event with favourable outlooks in most directions. The annual field day was attended by several club members including Ralph VK3WRE, Dean VK3NFI, George VK3GWK, Tony VK3YV and Dan VK3NDG.
The John Moyle Memorial Field Day is a weekend long contest consisting of portable field operators and home operators or hunters. It encompasses all of VK, ZL and P2 and encourages use of portable operation for training in emergency scenarios. Competitors can enter in a variety of ways, whether it be a 6 hour window or a 24 hour block. It includes both HF and higher frequencies such as VHF and UHF and all modes including CW and digital are accepted.
The club competed in the 6 hour segment using a multi-operator station whereby club members could utilise several bands and modes at once under the VK3BEZ callsign.
Ralph VK3WRE talking to Dean VK3NFI on 1296 MHz.
Multiple radios and antennas were set up ranging from a 80m dipole to directional Yagi’s. Both the weather and the operating conditions were favourable and over the 6 hour window, operators amassed over 100 QSOs or ‘contacts’. Each QSO amounts to a certain amount of points dependant on the band used and distance of the contact, where more points are awarded for greater distances in the higher bands. Although it may be some time before we know the official outcome of the club’s performance, it was a great club exercise in field operations and contesting in a fun and social environment.