VK2BFC History

Early Days

I first had an interest in radio in the 1960's. My father was a ham and i would spent hours in his "shack" listening to all the people he would communicate with around the world. He taught me the morse code, as well as the amateurs code. As time went on i planned to obtain my own amateur radio licence and once i was old enough sat for my "ticket" which i passed the morse code requirement and regulations but alas not the theory.

Military History

In the Mid 1970's not long after my attempt at the amateur licence i was enlisted into the RAN and served for 4 years until i was inter-service transferred to the Australian Army. I served in the Royal Australian corps of Signals until my discharge in 1984.

My first Licence

After a succesful career as a photojournalist i retired in 2006. It was a few years later that i decided to take up amateur radio as a hobby and subsequently sat for my "Foundation" Licence which i passed easily. A month later i upgraded to a "Standard" Licence and was on my way.

The upgrade path

Upgrading to the Standard licence was relatively easy and so after i passed and had some more experience i decided to undertake the upgrade to "Advanced" .
This took about 6 months of study but again i easily passed and now had what is known as my "Full Ticket" and able to work all the amateur bands with full power.

Since then i have built an extensive station capable of HF, VHF and UHF communications on Voice, Morse code and digital modes.

Clubs and Associations

I first was a member of the Summerland amateur radio club in Lismore NSW. Which is where i obtained my first 2 qualifications. I later moved to Albury NSW and joined a club here which i subsequently left and joined the North East Victoria Amateur Radio Club ( NEVARC) which i am currently secretary of. I am also a member of the Wireless Institute of Australia, The ARRL and the RSGB. 
In addition i am an assessor for the AMC and hold regular examinations for amateur radio qualifications at the NEVARC clubrooms.
I run the local 70cm Wires-X repeater for the club and manage our contest events.
It is my belief that only well managed clubs can further the progress of amateur radio and assist in the education of new members of our fraternity.