There are not many Amateur Radio Stations in our neighbouring countries. Two years or so ago I decided to visit these countries before I get to the "shaky head and small step" age, Hi! The sole purpose is to provide Radio Amateurs around the world an opportunity for a "rare" DX QSO. Fortunately I have the full support of my XYL who also enjoys venturing into the unknown. Thank you for your patience in the pile-ups and better luck next time for those who missed a QSO. The countries visited are shown below.

QSL Info for 3DA0GF, V5/ZS6AYU, A25/ZS6AYU, 7P8GF, Z21GF, 9J2GR, C91GR. I do enjoy my paper QSLs. Much more personal than electronic QSLs, so please paper QSL direct or via SARL Bureau. A QSL card will only be sent on receipt of your QSL card. QSLs received with greenstamps and SEA will be honored via air mail. If you have problems with greenstamps I may be able to send a few via air mail otherwise it will be honored via SARL Bureau.
ZS stations, SASE will suffice.

Gerard Roux, PO Box 34393, Erasmia, 0023, South Africa.

Any problems with QSLs, pse contact me via e-mail. gertroux@vodamail.co.za

QSL info for home station ZS6AYU.. Via SARL Bureau or Direct.

 

Swaziland: November 2010 and October 2011 from nr Mbabane as 3DA0GF

The Shack at Huawane Resort on the left and inside the shack on the right.

The Antennas, Cushcraft A4S, A3WS and 4 Square for 40m by Daniel, ZS6JR. I have also used the 4 Square for 30m operation. If you are interested in a 3DA0 venture, look-up Daniel on QRZ.com.

Namibia: March 2011 from Aus, Sesriem and Okaukuejo. July 2011 from Gobabis as V5/ZS6AYU

The road from Aus to Luderitz on the left. Not walking from Aus to Sesriem! Just inspecting why we had a blow-out!

The Shack at Sesreim on the left . 637k behind. The Shack at Oukaukuejo on the right with the modified Collins 637k in the background.

Operating from the kitchen at Gobabis. 18 MHz whip outside.

Botswana: July 2011 and September 2011 from Jwaneng as A25/ZS6AYU

Fighting the local QRM.

 

 

 

 

The antenna farm! 18 Mhz whip and 637k at the back.

 

 

 

Lesotho: February 2012 from Roma as 7P8GF. March 8 to March 13, 2012 from Katse Lodge, Katze Dam

Left: Katze Dam with Lodge in background. Right: Another view of the Lodge from the only store in the area.

Inside, first time round with the Cushcraft R7000. R7000 on the right.

Zambia: 19 to 22 October 2012 from "Mama Out of Africa", near Livingstone. 40 to 10m CW with R7000 vertical, 100W. Call 9J2GR

The dressing room of "Out of Africa" movie on the banks of the Zambezi river. The shack is located outside, underneath the overhanging roof. Erratic operating during night hours due to attacks by flying insects, mosquitoes, creepy crawlies and hippos snorting a few yards away in the Zambesi.

Zimbabwe: 22 to 25 October 2012 from Victoria Falls as Z21GF. 40 to 10m with Cushcraft R7000 Vertical. FT857D with HL-550 fx linear

A wet Z21GF (ZS6AYU) at the Victoria Falls. On the right,my XYL, Ria with me at the Big Tree. Boabab, 23 metres high. Between 1000 and 1500 years old. (The tree!)

Keeping an eye on the regular visitors at Lokuthula Lodge, Victoria Falls. R7000 on the right. The "visitors" always ready for an eye-ball?

Outside looking in. R7000 in foreground. The operating station. The fan is to cool the operator so as not to loose his nut! The spin-off, mosquitoes do not like high wind conditions!

 

Mozambique: 7 May 2013 to 11 May 2013. Call C91GR. Cushcraft R7000 vertical. 350 to 400W. CW Only. (R7000, most hated antenna on the planet? Fits into my car and quick to assemble. I want to do some mods on the R7000. Need the CT1, CT2 and CT3 traps for that if I mess this one up, Hi!. Anything like that lying around? ). Sorry, I have to postpone the visit due to XYL in hospital in serious condition. Will advise of future dates. 73's Gerard - 30 Apr 13.    ++ XYL RIA passed away 30 Apr 13 at 1115 UTC.

 

I was trained as a Radio Operator (Air) when I joined the South African Air Force in 1954. During 1954, I was fortunate to do some training as Radar Operator on Short Sunderland flying boats. Other types during my career as radio operator was, Douglas DC-3 (C-47), Lockheed Ventura (B-34, PV-1), de Havilland Devon (Dove) and Heron (DH.114) and Vickers Viscount.
When radio air operators were discontinued, I was trained as Air Traffic Controller. I then served for 18 years as Aerodrome Controller, Approach Controller and Ground Control Approach (PPI and Precision). I also qualified as Mission Controller during that time. Eventually I ended up as Staff Officer Air traffic Control at Air Force HQ. Later I was promoted to Senior Staff Officer Telecommunications. Possibly the promotion was due to my previous experience as radio operator and my hobby, Amateur Radio. After serving for 5 years at Defense HQ, I was transferred back to Air Force HQ and retired in 1991 at the aged of 55. I continued to do some training for another 10 years or so before finally retiring.

First licensed October 1959. Other call ZS1NS, 1972 to 1980. Member of SARL since July 1960. After all these years I am still trying to master the morse code! Other hobbies, home video editing.

73’s es looking forward to a QSO with you.

Gerard (Gert) Roux ZS6AYU