http://www.clublog.org/logsearch/VK3FM Logs are uploaded at the end of each month.

I will respond with a QSL card, always,the same way it is received, and NO IRCs or green stamps are necessary for one received direct - for bureau QSLs, I will respond only for those that represent a QSO on a given band/mode for the first time. Requests for a QSL for the second or subsequent QSO on the same band/mode will be ignored. I do hope you understand this rule. eQSLs are uploaded simply as a courtesy to those who require them, as I do not participate in that programme myself.

First licenced as a novice in 1979, with the call VK3NWX, operating SSB only on 10, 15 and 80 metres with a maximum 30 watts.

Upgraded to Intermediate in early 1982, with the call VK3KWX, which added all amateur priveleges above 30 MHz, and allowed 400 watts on those new VHF/UHF bands.

Later in 1982 upgraded to Unrestricted (Extra), with the call VK3CEW, which added full amateur priveleges on HF. (Since the amateur radio restructure of 19 October, 2005, my licence class is now known as Advanced).

Finally, in February, 2005, was granted the (vanity) callsign VK3FM, which became my primary call, although I chose to retain VK3CEW as well. Might give me a 'saver' in the log when trying for those last few countries!

Interests are working DX from a 'small pistol' station, on 10 through 80 metres, as well as Islands, Zones, States, Counties and Prefectures - mostly, just having FUN.

In August, 2004, after 25 years of operating solely on SSB, I ventured onto the digital modes (RTTY and PSK31 initially, now others occasionally) - thanks Jim VK3KE,and found I loved them, so am now doing all of the above on digital as well as phone.

And finally, gave CW a try (again, thanks Jim) in January, 2006, using MixW and MRP40, respectively, to send and decode - and enjoying the experience enough to hang in there a while longer.

Married to XYL Jan (that's the lovely girl on my QSL card), we have four harmonics (one is a SK) and six sub-harmonics.

After retirement in December, 2001 I spent most of my time playing radio or golf. Now there is no golf, but radio continues with increased enthusiasm, and normal family activities round out a pretty good lifestyle.

I am a proud member of the WIA, ARRL, RSGB and NERG. Also the EPC, #2791.

Current equipment includes an Orion II, IC-746 and TS-480HX transceivers, Palstar Auto, MFJ989C and Yaesu FC-902 tuners, Tokyo Hy Power HL-2K, Yaesu FL-2100Z and Ameritron AL-811X amplifiers, and a 9 element log periodic, 2 x Hustler 6-BTV and MFJ 40-80 inverted vee antennas. General logging is done by DX4Win, contest logging by N1MM,digital operation by MixW and JT65A by JT65-HF.

I have operated as VK3FM/2 from the small town of Mulwala, about 260 km north of Melbourne, just over the VK3/VK2 border, using the IC-746 and FL-2100Z, 400 watts into a Hustler 6-BTV on the ground or Inverted Vee dipole at 9 metres, and as VK3FM/6 from Perth, the capital city of Western Australia (VK6), where I used the TS-480HX, 200 watts into theHustler 6-BTV.

On 7 December, 2010, after 31 years of hamming, worked VK4DD for only my second six metre QSO (1st VK4, Hi!) - but may try a few more on this, the 'Magic Band'. But, by golly, magic band or not - sometimes I think I might die just waiting the next signal on that band. And in this same month, made my first JT65A QSO on HF - quite a different mode, but interesting!

I look forward to meeting you somewhere on the band - on SSB, digital or CW - and hope I can QSL with you for my collection.

73