News

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.