QRP-expedition in the Victorian alps

From 30 July to August 4, a group of Victorian radio amateurs will be headed 'back country' on cross country skis.

The party will be spending nearly a week far from civilization, camping in the snow with only amateur radio to keep in touch with the outside world.

Three radio amateurs and a number of friends are making final plans for their annual cross country skiing in the wilderness of the Bogong High Plains in north-east Victoria, Australia.

They are to spend the 30th of July to the 4th of August camping in the snow, and during rest periods play amateur radio.

Matt VK3HFI, Gerard VK3JPA and Stephen VK3SN will use several repeaters in VK1, VK2 and VK3 as well as 160-metres through to 20-metres in the afternoons and evenings.

Their QRP stations, powered by solar panels and batteries will radiate from simple wire antennas, plus hand-held VHF/UHF transceivers. Listen for the trio and give them a call.

While on the subject of portable operation, Amateur Radio Victoria has announced two operating awards to encourage more radio amateurs to go portable.

The first is the Victoria LGA Award that requires contacts with the 79 local government areas in the state.

The other is a revival of the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award that existed up until the mid-1980s. More details on those in coming weeks.

Jim Linton VK3PC

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia