Some history – a number of Hobart stations had been testing out rigs and antennas on 23cm.  Just under 10 years ago in discussions at a REAST BBQ it was decided we should encourage this activity in some way.  The suggestion was that we run a 23 cm QSO party straight after the Broadcast each Sunday morning to see how that works out and explore how well the various stations can communicate and encourage the improvement of antennas and systems.  

On Sunday 6 December 2015, Murray VK7ZMS, operated from Mt Wellington and was the initial control station for the QSO party.  Operation was on FM on 1294.0 MHz and in general people  operated with horizontal polarization.  There was a wrap up of how this all worked out at the DATV night on 9 December 2015 and more activity was planned on 23 cm.  One option was that we can run a net by all beaming at Mt Wellington and continue each Sunday after the broadcast.  So those with 23 cm gear dusted it off and joined in. 

A report on the inaugural  23 cm QSO party indicated the following stations were involved:

VK7ZMS, VK7MO, VK7BEN, VK7KAJ, VK7ZL,VK7OO and an unexpected visitor from the North VK7JG were operational on both TX and RX.  VK7TW and VK7HRS were RX only at this stage.

The report of activity the next week included:

“Another good role up with 9 stations participating and one new station, Danny, VK7HDM.   Unfortunately our control station Murray VK7ZMS could not make it — he forgot that he had to give priority to his daughter’s birthday.” 

Today we have well over 50 23cm operators in the South of the State and many more in the North and NW. 

So on 6 December 2025 it will be the 10th birthday of the 23 cm QSO party.  To be on a Sunday it will have to be the 7th December 2025. Mark it in your diaries.

73, Rex, VK7MO