ONE OF MY MOST VALUED QSL CARDS

Although I don't actively collect SWBC QSL cards these days, I still have fond memories of cards received many years ago. The collection consists of SWBC, MWBC, Utility and Amateur (Ham) QSLs. I have disposed of many of these in recent years (… shock… horror!!), believing that it's best not to hang onto things you can't take with you to the grave!! These cards, however, have gone to good homes with enthusiasts and collectors in other parts of the world. But some QSLs won't be passed along. This is one of them and here's why……

Back in September 1978, I gained my first amateur radio licence with the novice call of VK3NQJ. It was a very exciting time for me. After many years as a DX listener on shortwave and mediumwave, it was a natural extension to move into amateur radio. So I sat for the novice licence (along with hundreds of other CB radio enthusiasts at the time) and was quickly on the air.

The first rig was an 11mb CB transceiver, converted to 28.5 mHz. Through the purchase of some new crystals (by mail order from the U.S.) and a realignment of the transmitter and receiver, I was able to put out a signal on about 18 frequencies (USB, LSB and AM) with some small variation in tuning capability through the "clarifier" control on the rig. Output power peaked at around 9-10 watts USB.

At the time, I was living in a small rental property behind a shopping centre, so large permanent antennas were out of the question. But I did manage to string up a rather low profile 10mb dipole - and I do mean low……about 3 metres above the ground in a long narrow space between my house and the neighbour's home. This was NOT your big antenna farm! But it did allow me to hear what was on the band and to get a signal out…..albeit quite weakly!

The old logbook shows that my first 11 contacts were with 10 VK3 (Victorian) stations and 1 VK6 (Western Australian) station.

But QSO number 12 shows my first international contact - KH6JAO - in Honolulu, Hawaii. BOY! Was I excited??!!

Using just the converted CB radio, very low power, and a very basic, low-hanging antenna on September 7, 1978, at 0630 UTC (4.30pm my local time), I managed a 5x3 signal into Howard's shack in Akilolo Street, Honolulu! His signal into my shack was 5x4, and he used a Yaesu FT-101, a 100W rig, and a three-element tri-band antenna.

I came away buzzing from that contact.

Within a week, the QSL was in my hands. And this is the card below.

The greeting on the back of the card says:

"Thanks Rob for the contact. Glad to be your 1st overseas contact. Hope to see on the air agn. Aloha, Howie"

According to the QST Address Book, Howard is still on the amateur bands. One day, I'd love to have another QSO with him again after all these years.

So, I learned quite early in my radio hobby that you don't need a lot of power or giant antennas to be successful on the shortwave bands!

Have a great weekend, everyone.

73,

Rob Wagner VK3BVW