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HQ - Contest 202523 September 2025
5 Weeks Before the Contest...
The Fox said to the Quokka: "Are you joining HQ?" This is how our HQ planning began, after Mathias (Matt) Müller - V51F and Michael (Mike) Rudloff - V51Q decided to be active in the HQ contest. Since Mathias' station was still under construction (in a container), we decided to run the HQ contest from Michael's station. With an OB17-4 on a 37m tower, a Yaesu101MP, and a small amplifier, we were ready to face the weekend in wintry Windhoek with pleasant temperatures of 3 to 13 degrees. Since Michael's station had been down for nearly two months, it was time to get things up and running again. The reason for the downtime was a factory defect. There was a cold solder joint in the coax cable, which was supposed to connect the end of one inner conductor to the start of the next. Try finding such a bug in an over 80-meter-long cable! It took us almost three days to identify the problem. But anyway, once we found and fixed the issue, preparations continued. A week before the HQ contest, we went up the mast once again. The antennas, upper bearings, all connections, and the rotor were inspected. And then came Day X. 
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At 4:30 AM, with a “pleasant” temperature of 0°C, I had to force myself out of bed to pick up Mathias, who was briefly visiting DL, at the Namibian little airport. The flight, unlike the trains in Germany, was on time at 07:00, and by 09:00, we quickly stopped by SPAR (Namibian Aldi) for breakfast. At 10:30, we arrived at the V55HQ QTH. Everything was still calm. The kids were sleeping, probably after staying up all night... Mathias' suitcase was placed in the living room, and then we headed straight to the shack.
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Everything was ready. The Yaesu was fully powered, the OM Power was working (literally), the PC and laptop were running smoothly, but the connection between the 101MP and WinTest had issues. Driver issue! WinTest itself was working fine. The heater under the table was switched on (Namibian houses don’t have double-glazed windows), the antenna was pointed north, and then we were off. After 9 hours of flight, Mathias V51F was itching to get on the air; he could hardly wait to announce to the ham world that V55QH was “locked and loaded.”
Whether on 10m, 15m, or 20m, everything was pretty quiet. The conditions were... not great, but whatever. A V5 operator doesn’t complain, he just shoots sparks. And man, we really gave it our all. |
On the 15m and 20m bands, it was quiet, but 10m was somewhat active. Better than nothing. First, we checked in with all the HQ stations: 9A0HQ, GR2HQ, SN0HQ, DA0HQ (the guys were everywhere and loud), OE0HQ, etc.
After about 45 minutes, 10m was closed for us, and the 21m band slowly started to open. Here, like on 10m, we first worked all the HQ stations on the band. Once that was done, we found a steady frequency, called CQ a few times, and waited. Ten minutes later, V51HQ was in the pileup, and it really started to roll!! In between, we also heard DA0HQ with a 10/9 signal. Our 15m pileup lasted nearly 3 hours before the band closed here in Namibia. But in those 3 hours, we worked all of Europe, a bit of Eastern Europe, and a small part of North Africa. Around 17:30, 10m opened up again, and the next pileup came quickly. An hour of 10m with some QSO´s, and then 10m was gone.
After about 45 minutes, 10m was closed for us, and the 21m band slowly started to open. Here, like on 10m, we first worked all the HQ stations on the band. Once that was done, we found a steady frequency, called CQ a few times, and waited. Ten minutes later, V51HQ was in the pileup, and it really started to roll!! In between, we also heard DA0HQ with a 10/9 signal. Our 15m pileup lasted nearly 3 hours before the band closed here in Namibia. But in those 3 hours, we worked all of Europe, a bit of Eastern Europe, and a small part of North Africa. Around 17:30, 10m opened up again, and the next pileup came quickly. An hour of 10m with some QSO´s, and then 10m was gone.
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There was no time for dinner. Even though the sausages were cold, they were quickly reheated above the amplifier. 15m was dead, only DA0HQ was still audible, 20m was very quiet, and then some good signals started coming in on 40m. For about 2 hours, 40m was open to Europe. But that was it. ONLY Europe! No USA, no Canada, no Asia... just Europe. On 20m, we managed to log about 30 QSO´s, and then the day was over for us. Mike (Q) stayed in the shack, while Mathias (F) took a break after the flight and the pileups to recharge. |
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The next morning, at 03:33, we made our first QSO on 40m. NW6P with a 5&7 signal was totally surprised to hear us with a 5&9. Shortly after, we had another pileup. In the next almost 3 hours, we heard pretty much everything: many strong USA stations, two from Hawaii, Canada, Japan, Australia, and so on. Oh, and South Africa sneaked in a few times, not to mention DA0HQ, which was always loud and clear at 5&9+. At 06:30, we switched to 20m for an hour. Here, we heard South America, Australia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Just before 08:00, the 21m band opened up, and shortly after, Mathias was caught in another pileup. Of course! We received signals from all directions. Most from Europe and North America, some from Eastern Europe, and a little from the Middle East. A few stations from Asia and South America also came in.
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The last 40 minutes were spent making some final QSOs on 10m, giving the OM´s some joy. We really went full throttle. Everyone made an effort to make some last-minute points. Ten minutes before the end, I tried again to log HQ stations on the band that we hadn’t worked yet. Our final QSO for the contest was at 11:59 with the Polish HQ station, SN0HQ. And that was it.
At 12:01, it was all over for us. The OM´s F and Q were F-ix and Q-kla in the truest sense of the word. Now, it was time to catch up on yesterday’s dinner and this morning’s breakfast, let it all sink in, and debate how great we were. Even though the propagation wasn’t amazing, it was a lot of fun again. Now, we’ll wait for the results and then move on to the next ham event. 
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Author: Michael Rudlof
V51Q - V55HQ
V51Q - V55HQ
| Etwas_HQ_muß_auch_sein_2025_-_bericht.pdf |
V53SIX 6m Beacon – Rossing Mountain
07 August 2025
The V53SIX beacon operates from Rossing Mountain in Namibia, positioned at grid locator JG77II.
It transmits on 50.495 MHz CW with a power output of 10 watts. The signal alternates between two antennas: a Diamond CP62 vertical and a Diamond A502HB two-element Yagi, switching after each transmission cycle. The Yagi is oriented to beam northward, enhancing directional coverage.
It transmits on 50.495 MHz CW with a power output of 10 watts. The signal alternates between two antennas: a Diamond CP62 vertical and a Diamond A502HB two-element Yagi, switching after each transmission cycle. The Yagi is oriented to beam northward, enhancing directional coverage.
- Vertical Antenna: Diamond CP62, gain of 5.5 dBi
- Yagi Beam: Diamond A502HB, gain of 6.3 dB
Special thanks to Derek (V51DM) for his support and contributions to the beacon setup.
Brandberg Repeater
25 October 2024
A new repeater was installed on the Brandberg on 18 October 2024 thanks to Derek Moore (V51DM).
The Brandberg's peak is the highest in Namibia standing at 2,573 m (8,442 ft) above sea level. The highest point is called Königstein (German for 'King's Stone').
With no direct roads up the massive Brandberg, a helicopter was essential. Derek managed to secure an Airbus H125 (Squirrel) to get the job done, showcasing the awesome effort and creativity of the HAM radio community.
The Brandberg's peak is the highest in Namibia standing at 2,573 m (8,442 ft) above sea level. The highest point is called Königstein (German for 'King's Stone').
With no direct roads up the massive Brandberg, a helicopter was essential. Derek managed to secure an Airbus H125 (Squirrel) to get the job done, showcasing the awesome effort and creativity of the HAM radio community.
It is hard to miss the Brandberg due to its size seen here through the cockpit window.
Derek was assisted by Team Golden.
After safe arrival at the site the team started installing the antennas and radios. Could it be that Golden was the higest human being in Namibia without the use of an aeroplane?
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After a tough day, it was time to test the repeater. This included the traditional "wors-braai" and enjoying the view.
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Then came the time to walk back to the helicopter. The flight back to Uis was fun and the team landed safely in Uis.
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Thank you Derek and team for your effort.
Outjo Repeater
08 April 2024
The year 2024 kicked off with the installation of the Outjo Repeater on January 13th. Outjo is located 60 km from Otjiwarongo and a gateway town to the Etosha National Park. The Anderson gate is ony 99km north of Outjo.
A small team of Namibian and German radio amateurs drove to the site from the designated meeting spot in Otjiwarongo.
A small team of Namibian and German radio amateurs drove to the site from the designated meeting spot in Otjiwarongo.
The team consisted of the following people above:
From the back, left to right: Sigi, Martin (V51ZU), Olaf (V51OB), Robert (V51RS), Karsten (V5\DK1SW), Susanne.
In front is: Silvia (V51YL)
Behind the camera: Claudia
From the back, left to right: Sigi, Martin (V51ZU), Olaf (V51OB), Robert (V51RS), Karsten (V5\DK1SW), Susanne.
In front is: Silvia (V51YL)
Behind the camera: Claudia
The initial preparations was done in the shadows of a tree as the African sun was slowly making its way overhead. Good hydration is essential in these conditions.
Olaf (V51OB) and Robert (V51RS)
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Robert (V51RS), Karsten (V5\DK1SW), Martin (V51ZU), Olaf (V51OB).
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Leaving the shadows behind, it was time to install the repeater system on the mast.
Robert (V51RS), Olaf (V51OB), Karsten (V5\DK1SW) and Martin (V51ZU).
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Olaf (V51OB) and Robert (V51RS)
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How many amateurs does it take to install a repeater?
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Silvia (V51YL)
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Robert (V51RS). Hope there is no Lions or Elephants hiding in the bushes?
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After successful installation it was time to test the repeater. Seen here is Olaf (V51OB) speaking to Angela (V51SA) in Windhoek and Derek (V51DM) via Echolink from Cape Town.
With testing completed, the team departed for Ongava. Ongava is located next to the Anderson Gate, outside of the Etosha National Park.
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The team arrived safely in Ongava after dusk and were greeted by this group of enthusiasts.
2023 NARL AGM
25 September 2023
The annual NARL AGM meeting was held on 23 September 2023.
Thank you very much to Sat-Com for providing the venue and Internet acess. Also thank you to all who helped making the AGM possible.
Thank you very much to Sat-Com for providing the venue and Internet acess. Also thank you to all who helped making the AGM possible.
Walvis Bay RAE Exam Center
09 March 2023
The Radio Amateur's Exam (RAE) can now also be written in Walvis Bay. Please contact Heinrich (V51HZ) or Werner (V51JP) for more details.
Field Day IARU Region 1 - 2022
14 November 2022
The Namibian radio amateurs once again took part in the IARU R1 Field Day (3th & 4th September 2022) in Windhoek.
The venue for the event was on the plot of Robert Schenk (V51RS) where the antennas were set up. Power was supplied by a petrol-powered generator. The radio and the amplifier were made available by the company, Sat-Com. This year the callsign V55V was chosen. Many hams will remember this callsign being used from the farm of Martin (V51W) and was last activated in 2014.
The venue for the event was on the plot of Robert Schenk (V51RS) where the antennas were set up. Power was supplied by a petrol-powered generator. The radio and the amplifier were made available by the company, Sat-Com. This year the callsign V55V was chosen. Many hams will remember this callsign being used from the farm of Martin (V51W) and was last activated in 2014.
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Field Day IARU Region 1 - 2021
20 October 2021
The Namibian radio amateurs took part in the IARU R1 Field Day (4th & 5th September 2021) in Windhoek.
The venue for the event was on the plot of Robert Schenk (V51RS) where the antennas were set up. Power was supplied by a petrol-powered generator. The radio and the amplifier were made available by the company, Sat-Com. Testing of the radios was completed the Friday before Field Day.
The venue for the event was on the plot of Robert Schenk (V51RS) where the antennas were set up. Power was supplied by a petrol-powered generator. The radio and the amplifier were made available by the company, Sat-Com. Testing of the radios was completed the Friday before Field Day.
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With the callsign V51NAM, the club callsign of the NARL, we started punctually on Saturday. Saturday turned out to be extremely difficult, as a strong wind started blowing at the start of radio operations, which only subsided towards the evening. A lot of sand was blown up by the wind, which in turn regularly brought the computer keyboard to a standstill. So the keyboard had to be thoroughly de-sanded from time to time before it could continue to operate.
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When the wind finally subsided, the "braai" (BBQ) could begin. While the friends of the Namibian Amateur Radio League and the radio amateurs devoted themselves to the more relaxed part of the evening, radio operations continued uninterrupted. The young radio operators who enjoyed the contest were also given the opportunity to assert themselves at the station. To some hardcore contesters, this led to a bit of resentment, but it was important to us that everyone who dared got the chance to use the microphone.
After a hearty breakfast on Sunday, the last contacts were logged in. The Field Day ended with 444 contacts all over the world.
V51NAM obtained 10th place in the world for the category and 1st place in Africa.
After a hearty breakfast on Sunday, the last contacts were logged in. The Field Day ended with 444 contacts all over the world.
V51NAM obtained 10th place in the world for the category and 1st place in Africa.
For older news please visit the NEWS page.
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