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Mike Alsop

VK8MA

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About Mike Alsop

I was introduced to radio at the age of 10 in Melbourne and developed the interest then. At the age of 11 in 1961 I joined the VK3 Division as a Junior Associate (SWL). As soon as I could, I sat the exam and obtained a "Z" call (VK3ZYB) in 1966 and operated from Nunawading. I had commenced work at ATV 0 in Melbourne as a junior tech and had the dubious privilege of working there and trying to use 6M at home!! Many years later, same problem when I worked at RTS 5A in Loxton and using 2M. Will never understand why Channel 0 or 5A were allocated in our country!! In all I have over 40 years experience in Television and Radio through engineering, operational and management roles having managed the two primary Community Radio stations in the NT in Alice Springs and Darwin and the commercial station 8DN in Darwin over about 11 years. My XYL and I own and operate an LPON Country Music Station here in Katherine.

Around 1969 I moved to Mildura and continued amateur radio activity. Over all the years since then I have held calls in VK3, VK6, VK5 and of course VK8. In VK8 I experienced Cyclone Tracy in 1974.

Although retired now in the wonderful town of Katherine in the NT, the last 15 years or so were spent doing climate research via the Australian BoM and Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico, USA. This saw me work and live in about 7 countries and hold calls C21MA, 5U7MA, CU4AX & ZD8MA. Some of the other countries we could operate under reciprocal arrangements.

Serving on the WIA Board is both a privilege and an opportunity to serve fellow Amateurs. I own and operate the Katherine 2M Repeater (VK8RKT) and a Wires-X Node on 70cm. I am active on most bands, HF, VHF & UHF. I run a dedicated band hopping WSPR beacon covering 80M thru 70cm.

Mike VK8MA

Page Last Updated: Sunday 19 April 2020 at 15:21 hours