|
No matter where you
may be in the world, if you
operate on 20 Mx, there's a good
chance that you have heard VK3MO's signal.
For many years I have heard Ian talking to people in far flung places.
Even as a young Amateur Radio operator I can remember
listening to his over powering signal here
in Adelaide, South Australia
but quite often unable to hear the person on the
other end of the conversation. From memory,
in those days, I was using an FT200,
also known as the 'Tempo One'. The reason for
the signal strength worldwide is because of
his antenna systems. He is currently using a stacked 5 over 5 over
5 over 5 array. ie. 20 monoband elements on 20 Mx. The array is mounted on a 200 Foot rotating tower. Prior to this antenna, Ian was using a 4 over 4 over 4 over
4 Quad array which unfortunately was destroyed in a storm. Ian lives in Kyneton, Victoria. VK3 land.
Very well known around the globe, Ian has gone to
a lot of trouble to build his station.
Since he is an inspiration to other Amateurs, I asked Ian if I could build a
short website page about him and his
Ham Radio efforts. This page is the result and highlights
his passion for our shared hobby of Amateur Radio.
20 Elements, 20 Mx Stacked Array.
|
Ian, VK3MO and his daughter, Rachel.
2006. |
5x5x5x5
- 20 Elements, 20 Mx Array. 200
Feet. |
|
View towards
Europe. |
A not so
good picture of the old Quad Array. |
|
 |
 |
Ian became interested in
Amateur Radio from an early age, obtaining his license at the age of 16.
He has been very active ever since.
Now in his early 70's, Ian is
as always, an enthusiastic radio operator.
He is still working and runs an electronics/software business. Another of his
antennas is
a Rhombic antenna mounted on 4 towers,
each 132 feet high. He is
very keen in investigating the take off angles of the RF
signal. Apparently, the take off angle of
the yagi array is between 3 and 20
degrees. Ian was saying that to get a
very low take off angle and thereby
better signal strength around the world, the antenna
system needs to be situated on the
side of a hill. He was saying that figures of around 2
degrees can be achieved this way. Nowadays,
he is endeavoring to use a remote 2Mx link to his other radio
station where an antenna system is located
on the hill side of his new property.
The remote station is currently being
developed. Ian, VK3MO continues to be a source
of inspiration for all Amateurs. Where
ever you may be located around the
globe, if you hear his signal, don't
hesitate to give him a call.
|
Ian's location
in VK3 |
Worldwide
Radio Communication |
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
