Looks like our “trip of a lifetime” is about to come off. My long suffering wife Sue and I are going to SE Asia, Aus, NZ.
No SOTA in China, Vietnam. or Cambodia.
But I will be in Melbourne and Sydney for a few days, then a fair chunk of time in New Zealand with a hired camper van.
Looks like carrying radio kit will be out, so I am on the scrounge for people who might take pity on a travelling activator and take me up a hill or two in Aus and NZ.
I will have “summer” outdoor gear with me, but not planning to carry Ice Axe etc.
But I won’t have a radio.
No firm plans yet, but expect Aus in October or early November and NZ in November.
You can answer here or PM me if you fancy a day or two out. It could be a virtually drive up summit or a big mountain day, I don’t mind.
If you just fancy a chat and a cuppa that would be great too.
I am sure we can find a summit to get you up when in Sydney. I have a radio somewhere I’m sure.
Let me know a month or so out when you are arriving, staying etc.
Emaill on QRZ is good to use.
Comtpon
I don’t know that but the summits team did look into which countries in the APAC regions allow mobile/portable ops for locals never mind visitors. Quite a lot do not allow it all. Which is a shame but it does help us prioritise areas for analysis.
Rightio. There’s an easy one close by in the Royal National Park and another with a bit of a walk that hasnt been activated yet that I have had my eye on.
Compton
There’s fees to import your radio, fees for a visitors license, and then you can only operate at a fixed station address under supervision of a local licensed amateur. Asia is particularly tough for these sorts of things if you aren’t a native. Indonesia has similar rules.
Gerald,
For VK, have a look at the WIA web site: http://www.wia.org.au/licenses/licensing/visitorlicence/
and read the pdf at the bottom of the page. Gives you all the information that you need as a visiting amateur in VK.
Peter VK3PF
Noted Comptons offer above and I’ve also been in touch with Gerard. So Sydney is covered, but seeing some other folk there would still be good.
If any local Activators (or chasers) fancy a meet up I’d be keen to get at least one activation in each region. Probably need to be moderately short (say under two hours walk each way) and I would need to borrow gear as I won’t have anything with me at all. I’m passing through China earlier in the trip and having amateur gear with me might cause problems
Each of these dates are inclusive and are whole days when I am around, not including flights etc.
Melbourne Wed 25 Oct to Mon 30 Oct.
Sydney Wed 1 Nov to Mon 6 Nov
NZ North Island, starting Auckland and picking up a motorhome and heading south to ferry to South Island. Wed 8 Nov to Thu 16 Nov
NZ South Island Thu 16 Nov to Thu 30th Nov. Travelling over a lot of the island and finishing in Christchurch for a flight out.
Comment below or email me on “my callsign” at gmail.com
We should be able to sort something out.
Suggestions are Mt Kembla VK2/IL-015 and Bulgo Hill VK2/IL-017.
Mt Kembla has the spectacular view being on the edge of the escarpment - and I’ve not yet activated it this year either.
Free around those dates so just have to pick one.
I placed a request on the sota_australia mailing list for you, looks like you have Sydney organised already. Ron VK3AFW said he may be able to help in Melbourne. he has your email address but also may respond here. But not on Facebook.
So I hope that all works out. Those offers are all from experienced and knowledgable activators so you are in good hands.
Been hectic since arriving. I’ve seriously underestimated how much in demand Sue and I are from our large family contingent down here in Sydney. I’m still very keen to see if we can get out though.
I’m stuck with only two time slots now.
Friday morning, ideally to finish up SW of Sydney. Around 15:00 Local time I need to be in Smeaton Grange, Camden to head out for the weekend.
Monday is currently free all day. We head to NZ on Tuesday.
