Recent content by darkfibre

In the log. That was my new homebrew 1/4 wave vertical for 20 meters. Still tuning it. 98 contacts last night in its first test. Good spread of contacts out to Scotland and across Europe.

The only thing the island never seems to run out of is booze and cigarettes - both are very cheap (No Duty). We have been out of Milk for the last 2 weeks (UHT, Powdered everything).

Hi Guys, I am no longer making a list because I have been on air for 5 weeks now, so a thread about what to take to the island in no longer relevant. But an update for so far. Freight has not been nice to me. Things ordered last year are still coming - ship issies, and then broken cranes at...

I am in the process of making a vertical for 20 meters and will be trying to set up mobile for a DX comp for VK operators. Mobile will mean I will be located on a high point of the island. 18th-19th March 2017 and will run from UTC 0100 on the Saturday to 0059 on the Sunday.

Well i'm learning. 100 contacts and 30 something countries. Minimal time is available currently, which is disappointing. Can't wait until I experiment with antennas!

Well I found a few hours to play and learn. I learned that it was fun. Also that it can get VERY busy. I have to pause and ignore the radio and record things well. I need a better antenna than my starting unit. Phonetically my call sign sucks. (didn't remotely foresee that). I need an antenna...

There was plenty of things on 20 meters last night, many from the emerites and a lot of contesters doing a french contact thing. Other bands were DEAD, is this a normal thing? Unfortunately, the main ISP for the island has announced they are shutting down at the end of month. I have a NBN...

First confirmed contact XX9D Macau on 20 meters. Had to learn split very quick to make it... Back later playing....

What a Day, Transceiver arrived from its 6,000klm journey to be thrown in a ute to its resting place. Thanks to Dean Tindall for providing a road case level protection and gifting me the cost of freight from Melbourne to Christmas Island. Thanks to Jim Pizzey for going out of his way to...

Update. 1 week until I am on air (depending on freight) Networking locally has found me some items to build a vertical. 2 X 5meter aluminium poles (3 sections) 1 X 9meter Galvanised pole (3 Sections) The proposed G5RV will now be from high roof peak to high roof peak (fingers crossed) which...

Island is Duty and GST free, its just the freight costs that kills. 1 litre of fresh milk is $12 1 litre of whisky is $20 I have installed the free version of HRD and have set up a SDR unit for to be used as a panadapter. I have made a QRZ page. I have started a LOTW account, and sent via mail...

From a serious DXer perspective, I get where you are coming from. As a brand new operator starting out, I have to be practical. My first goal is to actually get on the air. I believe I can do this with a "compromise" Hence the newbie questions - and i'm certain there may be some people who can...

Progress. Radio freight expected on 24th Feb - 2 weeks and counting down. I have found a 3 piece telescopic aluminium pole that extends to just over 5 meters. The smallest diameter should take another pole (chasing material). What would be the best idea for a first HF vertical given the...

I will talk nicely with my neighbor, but it should be possible.

First antenna will be a G5RV mounted here. Its going to be my get on the air antenna for now. Will be 8 weeks for the next ship for any materials for verticals. I think my Coax missed the ship that will be here in a week.