Ardross's Ascendant Frequencies: A West Australian Group Masters the Upper Airwaves

ARDROSS, WESTERN AUSTRALIA – At the historic Wireless Hill in Ardross, a site synonymous with Western Australia's telecommunications past, the West Australian VHF Group carries forward a legacy of high-frequency radio experimentation. With its origins stretching back to informal meetings in 1955 and formal incorporation in 1958, this venerable association has long dedicated itself to the nuanced science of weak signal work and the intricate study of radio wave propagation on amateur bands of 50 MHz and significantly higher.

The group's primary intellectual pursuit lies in understanding and exploiting the challenging characteristics of the VHF, UHF, and microwave portions of the radio spectrum. A tangible manifestation of this dedication is its extensive network of beacons. These strategically placed transmitters operate across a wide array of frequencies – predominantly 50, 144, and 432 MHz, but also extending into the microwave bands of 1296, 5760, and even 10368 MHz. Such beacons are invaluable tools for radio amateurs and propagation researchers studying signal paths and atmospheric conditions.

The Group's commitment to advancing the technical art is evident in its long-term development projects. Past strategic plans, such as those outlined from 2015, detailed ambitious undertakings including the development of sophisticated 23cm antenna systems, GPS-locked local oscillators, and converters. These were to be complemented by explorations into digital DX (long-distance) modes and Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication, a particularly demanding facet of amateur radio. A more recent focus, noted around 2019, was the crucial project to develop standardized GPS-locked radio beacons, a necessary upgrade to modernize their existing network. Such multi-year endeavours underscore a deep-seated dedication to technical excellence and infrastructure renewal. The Wireless Hill site itself maintained a direct link to the state's broader radio heritage, having hosted a display on the History of Amateur Radio in WA at the on-site Telecommunications Museum until December 2020.

Members convene regularly at the Wireless Hill operators' cottage for meetings: on the fourth Monday evening of each month (commencing 7:30 PM for an 8:00 PM start) and for midday sessions on the first and third Saturdays. Under the leadership of President Denis Brown (VK6AKR) and with administrative support from Secretary Mark Dixon (VK6EZ), whose contact details are based in Como, the West Australian VHF Group (which utilizes callsigns including VK6VF and VK6WH) remains a bastion of specialized knowledge. Its sustained focus on the upper echelons of the radio spectrum, coupled with its commitment to providing valuable beacon infrastructure and pursuing advanced technical projects, ensures its continued significance in pushing the boundaries of amateur radio science in Western Australia.