How to get started in the VK5 Parks program

As an activator

  • Read the VK5 Parks rules and familiarise yourself with the rules.
  • Choose a qualifying park.
  • Post your intended activation date/time/frequency, etc on the VK5 Parks Yahoo group and on parksnpeaks.  This will alert the park hunters of your intentions, and will result in more contacts in your log.
  • Remember that it is NOT recommended to 'self spot' on the DX cluster (see the Code of Conduct for the DX Cluster).
  • Familiarise yourself with propagation conditions.  Know which bands are open and when.  Check the solar figures.  All of this will go a long way towards a successful activation.
  • Try to operate from one of the nominated park frequencies, e.g. 7.095, 14.310 (this may not always be possible).
  • Try to be on air at the time that you have stated you will be (this cannot always be achieved).
  • Call CQ VK5 parks or CQ parks, or similar.
  • Ask the first few park hunters that call you, if they would mind spotting you on the DX cluster and/or parksnpeaks.  Once you have been spotted, you will generally notice a dramatic increase in the number of callers.
  • You need just ONE QSO to qualify a park.
  • There is NO database with the VK5 Parks Award (currently under development).
  • Spreadsheets are used to apply for award certificates.
  • Use the correct spreadsheets (can be downloaded from this site).
  • Do NOT send a few sentences in an email asking for an award, handwritten applications, your own spreadsheet, etc.

As a Hunter

  • Read the VK5 Parks rules and familiaries yourself with the rules.
  • Check out parksnpeaks and the VK5 Parks Yahoo group to find out who is heading out to activate a park.
  • If you work a park activator, consider spotting the activator on the DX Cluster and parksnpeaks.
  • Spreadsheets are used to apply for award certificates.
  • use the correct spreadsheets (can be downloaded from this site).

A great video from Stuart VK5STU