Logs are uploaded to LOTW, Club Log and eQSL at the end of each month. And you can search my log to confirm a possible QSO at https://secure.clublog.org/logsearch/VK3FM

If you send me your QSL direct I will respond with a QSL card the same way - and no contribution is required. I do not subscribe to any of the growing number of 'quasi' QSO confirmation systems that are spreading through the hobby like a cancer. As a 'real' DXer the only electronic confirmation that means anything to me is LOTW.

Additionally, OQRS requests both direct and via the bureau are available via Club Log. This will certainly speed things up using the bureau method - but please, always remember that I enjoy receiving actual paper QSL cards so if utilising this method shooting your QSL through the bureau in return would be appreciated. 'My' Paypal account actually belongs to my XYL Jan - Jokers@Wallsy.com.au. Thanks.

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 Advanced (=Extra), with the call VK3CEW, which added full amateur priveleges on HF. And 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 and found I loved them, and thus started doing all of the above on digital as well as phone. And finally, gave CW a try in January, 2006, using MixW and MRP40, respectively, to send and decode - and enjoying the experience.

Married to XYL Jan (that's the lovely girl in the photo above); we have four harmonics (one is a SK) and six sub-harmonics. After retirement in December, 2001 I spent much of my time playing radio or golf. Now there is no golf, but radio continues with some enthusiasm, and normal family activities round out a pretty good lifestyle.

I am a proud member of the WIA, ARRL and the RSGB, and also belong to the EPC, #02791 and 1010, #26451.

On 7 December, 2010, after 31 years of hamming, I worked VK4DD for only my second six metre QSO - but may try for a few more QSOs on this, the 'Magic Band'. But, by golly, Magic Band or not - sometimes I think I might die just waiting for the next signal to appear (remember I live in VK3). And in this same month, made my first JT65A QSO on HF - quite a different mode, but interesting! Update: JT65 DXCC obtained and confirmed early 2014. Further, I started using JT9 in January, 2016. Typically I use 70-80 watts on JT65 and 45 watts on JT9 - in both instances simply to improve my chances of actually being heard somewhere! (Remember, VK3 is a long way from everywhere!)

As at November, 2016 current equipment includes IC-746 and TS-480HX transceivers, a Yaesu FC-902 tuner, an Optibeam 11-5 for 10-20 metre HF (well, due on the tower sometime), and a Hustler 6-BTV vertical for the 30, 40 and 80 metre bands. General logging is done by DX4Win, contest logging by N1MM+ and digital operation by MixW, JT65-HF- HB9HQX and WSJT-X. I also have a SPE Expert 1.3 K-FA amplifier still in the box but this will be available when things get desperate, after the Optibeam is in place!

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

PS: FT8 QSOs will NOT be uploaded to LOTW until they recognise the mode. As soon as they do, I will upload ALL such QSOs immediately. QSLs will be sent out normally, and responded to immediately as they are received.