Back in the Watagans, this time for the Trans-Tasman Low-Band Contest (pic from JMMFD 2025)

Following the success of the 2025 John Moyle Memorial Field Day operations at the Watagans, the VK2MB/p contest contingent decided to use this site again the for this year’s Trans Tasman Low-Band Contest instead of the usual Berrima site. Some members decided to travel in convoy after meeting on the Telegraph Road Turramurra at 10am. Estimated time of arrival will provide around 4 hours of daylight to set-up the aerials and equipment ready for a 18h00 local start.

Some keen members postponed their birthday celebrations to ensure they could participate … and remain younger for few more days. Others couldn’t unfortunately postpone some critical anniversary celebrations and will be missing out this year!

With an expected overnight temperature near the freezing level, the team has insured appropriate shelter for the evening operations and the overnight stay.

Aerial set-up

First thing first, it’s a low band contest, this means big/long aerials.

Richard VK2ARH shows his archery form (also useful for raising antennas!)
Archer’s view…
“…and that is how you do that…”
Attaching the antenna
Richard VK2ARH and Greg VK2XE, waiting for the contest to start at 0800UTC…
…and rugged up for the evening

Who was there:

  • VK2AHA Tommy
  • VK2ARH Richard
  • VK2FS Nick
  • VK2TGO Geoff
  • VK2XE Greg

(Photos thanks to Nick and Geoff)