CTARC Report-Back on October Meeting - 27 Oct '18

The CTARC October 2018 meeting commenced promptly at the clubhouse on Saturday 27 October 2018. Standing in for our club chairman who couldn't attend that day, the meeting was opened by Noel ZS1FW.

At this meeting members were shown the official VK0EK Heard Island Dx-pedition video, by kind courtesy of Paul ZS1S.

After the meeting, members had the opportunity for eyeball QSO's over a cup of coffee and a biscuit or two.

Thanks to Paul ZS1S for showing the video, and to all who attended.

Our next club meeting of the CTARC, and the final one for 2018 will be the End-of-Year function held at the end of November. More details to follow.

Paul ZS1S introduces the video

Afterwards, chairs are packed away, the coffee urn is switched on...

Dennis ZS1AU, Fred ZS1FZ, Celso ZS1MYG and Deon ZR1DE

CTARC Forthcoming October Meeting - 27 Oct '18

The CTARC will hold it's next monthly meeting on Saturday 27 October 2018 at 14h00 at the usual clubhouse venue in Rondebosch.

At this meeting, the main topic will be presentation of the official video of the VK0EK Heard Island DxPedition put together by Bob Allphin, K4UEE,  Bob Schmieder KK6EK  and hosted by Paul, ZS1S

The VKOEK team assemble on the bridge
just prior to their departure from Cape Town

Members will recall that the DxPedition assembled at Cape Town harbour before setting off on their epic adventure in March of 2016. Many of you met the Heard Island Group when they were here in Cape Town and this is the video of the entire trip.

 It promises to be a good video and, who knows, some of our CTARC members may see themselves immortalised in deathless video! Certainly, the CTARC and a good number of local hams were there to assist, helping to establish Cape Town as a very useful staging post for future DxPeditions.

Do go along early to get your seat.

Don't forget the usual bring-'n-buy Swop Shop of amateur radio gear that takes place after the meeting.
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Note: This event has now taken place.

CTARC Heard Island is QRV - 23 Mar '16

The DXpedition to Heard Island near Antarctica is now on air.

The team on the Braveheart spotted land at around 10h30z on 22 March. That afternoon they set anchor in Atlas Cove and did a recconnaisance of the area for safe access for the ATV that will tow the crates of equipment to the base camp site.

The following day (23 March) the unloading of equipment and antenna erection began. It is going to be a very busy three weeks ahead!

See the VK0EK report here

CTARC Heard Island DXpedition Departs Cape Town - 10 Mar '16

This afternoon, at around 14h30, the m/v Braveheart departed from the Victoria Basin at the Cape Town Docks. Following extensive preparations and final packing, which had already been completed by this morning, the sturdy vessel loaded its crew and passengers for the 10 day journey through the southern Indian Ocean to Heard Island.

A number of South African radio amateurs, as well as harbour officials. were there to wish them well and see them off. Paul / ZS1S, who is on the CTARC committee, has been heavily involved with assisting the team with their preparations. He will now be able to heave a sigh of relief as his duties there (other than working VK0EK, of course) are now complete.

The team have erected a Hustler 4BTV multiband vertical antenna on the vessel, and we expect to hear and hopefully work them as they proceed to Heard Island. The DXpedtition team face a bumpy journey across the ocean, followed by the interesting task of transferring tons of equipment and antennae by inflatable boats from the Braveheart across to the island when they arrive. Followed by the DXpedition itself, removing everything they brought with them back to the Braveheart , and the remainder trip across to Australia thereafter.

Follow the DXpedition's progress and get the latest news from their website: vk0ek.org.

Photos by Nick / ZS1ZD

Bob / KK6EK

Paul /  ZS1S makes his farewells to the team

The m/v Braveheart - loaded, provisioned and ready to go. It was formerly a Japanese research vessel

The team pose for a group photo just before departure

CTARC Heard Island DXpedition in Cape Town - 3 Mar '16

The long awaited VK0EK / Heard Island DXpedition, headed by Bob Schmieder / KK6EK,  has finally arrived in Cape Town!

CTARC committee member Paul / ZS1S is very involved in assisting with the logistics of this significant venture. Dennis / ZS1AU is also involved in the team, as are Tom / ZS1AFS and Sue / ZS1AFR. Barry / ZS1FJ has been most supportive since the start of the DXpedition.

You can follow their progress on their website [here].