Committee members Graeme, VK3CDO and Peter, VK3TPM undertook a field trip to evaluate some options for a future field trip and possible camp out.
First we headed to Monument Hill Reserve near Kilmore. There is a nice bluestone tower structure that could be good for VHF activity. Our Meshcore devices were pinging away during our stay as well.
We had a VHF contact with Joe, VK3MAB, from the top of the tower.
Next we hung an end fed wire from a tree branch over to a squid pole attached to the vehicle and had an HF contact again with Joe. We could hear him perfectly but he seemed to be struggling to hear us.
Another station in Shepparton did confirm that we were getting out ok.
The end fed antenna was matched with a home brew 9:1 unun made with a common Jaycar Toroid.
After a very nice lunch of soup and bread we headed over the Mount Disappointment to see if we could see the sea. Perhaps the fog prevented this but the picnic/camp ground area, while a bit damp on the day, looks like a good spot for a field activity complete with a toilet block.
It was an entertaining field trip and a good opportunity to test out the portable gear.