G'day, and welcome to my amateur radio logbook. I'm Benjamin (VK1BEN), based in Canberra. In 2026 I began my journey in amateur radio — this site is where I keep notes on everything I build, learn and work. I hope to become more involved in HF operations over time; for now I'm getting my start on VHF/UHF.

How I got here

Like a lot of people, I came to radio sideways — curious about how a signal gets from a handheld in my hand to someone on the far side of town without any phone network in between. The Foundation licence was the doorway, and it turned out to be far more hands-on and welcoming than I expected.

My station

I'm fortunate to be using a handheld VHF/UHF radio to get started, thanks to the support of CRARC.

• Radio: a Quansheng handheld (HT)
• Bands: 2 m VHF and 70 cm UHF
• On air: mostly through the Canberra repeaters
• Antennas: starting with a home-built half-wave "flower pot" for 2 m

Clubs & community

I'm a member of the Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club (CRARC) and part of the Scouts ACT Radio Team, helping introduce young people to radio through events like Jamboree on the Air (JOTA).

What you'll find here

Build logs, repeater notes, study tips for the next licence up, and the occasional contact story. I write things down partly to remember them, and partly in case they help the next person starting out. If any of it is useful — or if I've got something wrong — I'd love to hear from you.

73 (best wishes), VK1BEN