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VK7AX > BCAST 03.08.25 04:00l 599 Lines 34798 Bytes #297 (0) @ WW
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VK7 Amateur Radio News 03Aug25
Text edition:
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VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 3rd August 2025
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Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News.
This was first broadcast on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 and we bring you the latest from the world of amateur radio in VK7.
This week, joining you from the Tasmanian Amateur Radio News desk is Justin, VK7TW.
Tune in as we share updates and insights across VK7, broadcast through an array of platforms and frequencies:
On DMR Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C, managed by the digital group.
On Medium and high frequency rebroadcasts thanks to our dedicated operators:
1.862 MHz by Graham, VK7GS
3.670 MHz by Ross, VK7ALH
7.140 MHz by Garry, VK7JGD
14.130 MHz by Any Takers
28.525 MHz by Tony VK7VKT and
UHF CB Channel 24 hosted by Mark, VK7FMAC and as a trial HF CB Channel 24 (11m) hosted by Stephen, VK7SME both in the Hobart area.
If you missed todayâ€Ös broadcast then you can catch the replay on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT and UHFCB24 and HFCB24 in Southern VK7.
Thank you for tuning in and enjoy the broadcast!
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Silent Key
Anne Landers VK7BYL - 13.7.1943 - 29.7.2025
Anne passed away on the 29th July this year in Hobart.
Anne had gone to Hobart, as she was invited to attend Government House on the Monday night with Mike VK7FB, as 50 years ago, they founded the Epilepsy Association of Tasmania, and were to meet the Governor who is patron of the association.
Anne grew up in Hobart and after leaving school, worked as a control operator at 7HT, prior to her marriage. She later worked at the ABC, in the studios. To perform some of these duties, Anne required a BOCP Broadcast Operators Certificate of Proficiency
In 1969 Anne and her husband Mike VK7FB were lighthouse keepers on Tasman Island, which certainly peaked her interest in radio. She was a member of the Friends of Tasman Island, a group that maintains and care for the infrastructure and grounds on the Island, and when the ILLW, International Lighthouse and Lightship weekend event commenced in 1998, it was something Anne wanted to participate in. In 2012 Anne and Mike VK7FB activated the Tasman Island Lighthouse on the events weekend.
Her next posting was to Eddystone Point lighthouse, before moving to Ralph's Bay, the site of the ABC radio transmitters.
When her daughter Cathy required specialist schooling, Anne relocated to Victoria where she lived on a farm in Warrnambool for a time before gaining employment at Radio Australia in Melbourne. On retirement, she moved to Penguin. She was a real green thumb and was always pottering in her garden attending to her plants or vegies. She loved animals and lived in her little paradise by the sea with her dog Bonnie - who, unfortunately passed away in January 2023.
She obtained her Amateur licence in 1964, initially as VK7ZYL, then VK3BYL and finally VK7BYL, and with the help of her gardener, erected a Nally tower many years ago, and enjoyed HF communications on her cherished Yaesu FT101E.
Anne was heavily involved in Amateur radio; she was one of the founders of the ALARA group and was an active member, attending ALARA coffee catchups when they occurred. She was also a member of the Old Timers network.
In 2009 she was elected President of the North West Tasmania Amateur Radio Interest Group, she joined the NW Tasmania Amateur Radio Club in around 2014, and held the position of Secretary for many years, and, on her passing, was a club committee member.
Anne was a great supporter of JOTA and fronted up to the Paton Park Scout camps most years to help run it, and was one of the regulars on the NW Tassie Mt Duncan Repeater group net, usually giving us a laugh, with some occurrence or wit she came out with, or her laments about dealing with the NDIS, government bureaucrats not to mention a certain phone company!!
In 2019 Anne and Shirley VK7HSC were invited to assist NTARC members, running the Low Head lighthouse for the IILW event, which coincided with the RD contest. In Anne's words a 'heckling of Hams attended'. They had a fantastic time, and a few sherries were consumed over the weekend.
In September 2010, the Cradle Coast Amateur Radio Club Inc, ran a 3-day event at the Devonport Maritime Museum to celebrate the WIA, using the VK100WIA callsign, and Anne turned up every day, ready to get stuck in.
Anne was a very caring soul, proud of her faith and kept busy with helping out at St Marys Catholic Church in Penguin, and would say, I'll light a candle for them, if she became aware of someone who was ill or she felt needed prayer.
Anne took our elderly club member Terry VK7JAI under her wing; because Terry lives on a small remote rural property, Anne would ring him every Wednesday for a chat and to check on him, and was known to order and deliver specialty goods for Terry, as he didnâ€Öt have the internet.
Whenever Terryâ€Ös phone line went down, Anne would be quite firm with Telstra ensuring there was a quick response, or a Satellite phone delivered to Terry until the fault was rectified.
Anne worked tirelessly for her daughter Cathy, an NDIS recipient, making many phone calls and errands to ensure Cathy got the right response and actions.
Anne and Therese Corfiatis, ran a writerâ€Ös group, ‘Sunday Scribblersâ€Ö in the West Ulverstone Community House for 18 years. In 2000, they co-wrote the book Seasons of the Soul, a collection of poetry. The group went on to publish a collection called ‘Journey into Wordsâ€Ö, many of the women went on to see their work published, either in collections, anthologies or radio broadcast – quite an accomplishment. And just in case her days were not busy enough, Anne published a book of poems in January 2020 called 'Luminosity', appropriately with the Tasman Island lighthouse on the cover. It was interlaced with humour and insight, a collection of carefully observed, profoundly moving poems that cast a bright light on a wide range of life experiences.
Anne was a great supporter of our club, always happy to help out, attend events and enjoyed the hobby. Members had visited Anne a few weeks ago, planning a major upgrade to her antenna system, and revamping the HF antennas on the Nally tower. Unfortunately, last week, the Nally tower blew over in the strong winds. Brenton VK7HP went and laid the tower down and stripped it, ready for the upgrade, but that wasnâ€Öt to be, Anne had a severe fall that night, that was probably the precursor to the events that occurred. Anne was very keen to get to Hobart, and meet the Governor and her enthusiasm was evident, when talking to people on that weekâ€Ös net.
Anneâ€Ös wit, humour and friendship will be deeply missed, and our thoughts are with her daughter Cathy and family
Vale Anne VK7BYL.
Eric, VK7EV
News Officer, NWTARC
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RAOTC
Monthly Broadcast
Further to that mentioned on the WIA National News, this is another reminder about the RAOTC broadcast for Monday the 4th of August 2025 at 8 pm local time; thatâ€Ös tomorrow night for those listening on Sunday.
This monthâ€Ös news includes 3 announcements of VK7 origin. Take a listen to find out what they are.
There are 2 technical articles: the first features the recording of a QSO between Bill Roper VK3ABP and VK3MR, both Sks. The QSO took place in May 1975 when Bill was sailing on Lake Eyre. Narration is given by Billâ€Ös son Peter who currently holds Billâ€Ös former call sign, VK3ABP.
The second article was both researched and read by Clive Wallis, VK6CSW, on the development and evolution of electrolytic capacitors. Cliveâ€Ös research traces their development from the 1897 patent by Polish engineer Charles Pollak to the assortment of aluminium oxide and tantalum types available today.
Listen at 8 pm Monday, local time, over the VK7RAA/VK7RHT state-wide network or at about 8:30pm as a telecast on VK7AX ‘Spectrum Tasmaniaâ€Ö via the BATC membersâ€Ö stream or in the Ulverstone area on 445.50MHz DATV. Audio feed is available on VK7RDR, 439.775MHz, Dazzler Range.
The broadcast date again is Monday August 4th. Call backs will follow on both networks. Please call in if you are able; this provides the RAOTC broadcast committee with an idea of how many are listening to these broadcasts.
If you miss the off-air broadcasts you can listen to audio files on the RAOTC website:
https://www.raotc.org.au/
73, Peter VK7PD
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VK Contest News
RD contest 2025.
Well that time of the year has rolled around once again, time for all the operators in VK7 to band together to have a crack at the RD Contest.
The RD or Remembrance Day contest is a unique contest that does many things. It commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by amateurs during WW2. It encourages a friendly competition atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to participate and join together to make a united effort for their state as either individuals or as a team of up to 3 operators for bragging rights and oh, a nice big trophy for the state that wins.
This year the contest runs from 16th August 03:00 UTC till 17th August 03:00 UTC.
There are many sections to enter that should cover everyone's preferences for bands and modes.
Of course a very important part of the contest is logging and there has been some movement in this area of late. The much loved and used VKCL is still OK to use but there have been some reported issues with some of the contest submission conditions. There are various other programs and of course some still use a paper log and then transpose into a log later. The contest manager has recommended that participants use N1MM
In VK7 we have had some very good success with this contest and we are always keen to involve as many operators as we can from newly licenced hams all the way through to seasoned old hands. The RD contest is even a contest that can be done by people that "dont do contesting" so something for everyone, so if you have never contested before this is a great time to start. We also have a large number of operators that are active on so many of the bands, especially the higher frequency bands we are well positioned to do well. 23cm is a great example as here in VK7 we have over 50 people with equipment, now if all those people come on that would make for some great scores especially in the triple points section.. just saying.
Why not form a team with some mates and see how it goes? Don't forget to register your team with the contest manager prior to the contest starting, also grab the rules from the WIA website so you are familiar with them.
A great place to look for activity will be on the usual frequencies such as 52.525, 146.500, 439.000 and 1296.150 on FM, and 50.150, 144.150, 432.150 and 1296.200 USB and as usual most of HF will be a buzz of activity with plenty of opportunities.
Don't forget the triple points can stack up on 160M and 23cm and above so well worth staying up late.
Hope to hear you on the bands, good luck in the contest!
73, Richard VK7ZBX
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WWFF, SOTA, POTA and IOTA
Weekly Wrap-Up
WWFF activators headed out to the parks over the weekend in support of National Tree Day. The bands were busy with activity, with park activations taking place across nearly every state and territory in VK. One VK5 operator reported making an impressive 36 park-to-park contacts in a single day.
Meanwhile, the POTA Support Your Parks Weekend figures are in. VK activators racked up a total of 5,240 QSOs across the weekend. The next Support Your Parks Weekend is set for October 2025, with a few events already in the works for VK7.
Matt, VK7MAT, activated his local, Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area. Matt is working towards his Kilo Award for this park, which recognises 1,000 contacts made from the same reference. Matt logged 31 contacts, including 9 park-to-park QSOs. This marks his 12th activation of Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area.
Al, VK7AN, and Rodney, VK7HAM, set up at Lillydale Falls Reserve just outside the township of Lillydale. They operated an Icom IC-7300 running 100 watts into a dipole setup as a sloper and logged 26 contacts.
With the end of winter in sight, it's a great time to grab your rig, pack an antenna and head out to activate a park or summit!
73, Matt, VK7MAT
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QSL News
Inwards QSL Bureau Information
The current list of QSL Cards held by the VK7 Inwards Bureau as at 1 August is in the email version of the Broadcast. If you have recently moved or if you have recently received or changed your callsign please advise your new details to Herman[at]ozemail.com.au
73 Herman VK7HW
Manager WIA VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
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Sorted Cards held at 1 Aug 2025 ( Any errors in the listing are mine, I sometimes miss culling a call sign)
AAC, AAD, AAE, AAH, AAP, AAR, AB, ACG, ACN, ADE, AED, AG(2014), AGC, AHT, AIR, AJC, AKK, ALZ, AM, ANC, AO, APZ, AS, ATH, AXZ, AY
BA, BB, BD, BPV, BT, BU, BYE
CA, CBK, CBR, CH/T, CJ, CMV, CTV, CV, CWB, CX
DAN, DBX, DHT, DI, DIK, DN, DO, DP, DQ, DR, DT, DV, DX, DY, DZ
EG, EI, ER
FADZ, FALX (alx), FAZZ, FCIA, FG, FGGT, FKLW, FLAR, FMI, FPRN, FTAS, FTR
G, GA, GC, GEL, GGZ, GL, GM, GOP, GR, GU, GZ
HCH, HCK, HDE, HL, HOB, HRS, HSA, HSC, HSD, HSE, HSJ, HSO, HVK, HXT, HZ
IAN, IK, IR, IS
JA, JAB, JAZ, JCR, JOK, JP, JS, JW, JX
KAC, KAM, KBA, KD, KDO, KJ, KKR, KL, KO, KRJ
LA, LDH, LJ, LL, LLL, LM, LT, LVH
M, MA, MAG, MBD, MD, MEL, MET, MHZ, MI, MJ, MOO, MRS, MS, MV
NA, NB, NC, ND, NEC, NET, NFI, NIK, NMH, NRF, NRT, NRX, NSE, NTE, NVH
OB
PAF, PBD, PM, POL, PRN, PSH, PSJ, PSZ, PW
RA, RG, RN, ROY, RW
SG(vi7SG), SIX, SN, STO, SV, SZ
TA, TCE, TED, TK, TL, TM, TO, TR, TS, TUX, TX, TZ
UT
VA, VAC, VAO, VAZ, VDC, VEK, VH, VM, VR, VTM, VZ
WA, WC, WL, WO, WT, WUU, WX
XTC, XV
Y, YN
ZA, ZJJ, ZK, ZM, ZR, ZT
Following were seen at WAGS 30 July 25 - AZ, HSD, HVK, MAT, STO
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Statewide SSTV Nights
A busy net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – EV, ZAB, OO, AX, ZCF, TW, ZBX and KT all sharing fifty photos.
The main themes were:
Thermionic chess where different vacuum tubes represent the different chess pieces. On the chess board by Paul Fryer each board square has an octal base so the pieces can be kept powered up as they move over the board
Renault and Alpine sports and rally cars
SSTV from down under
Whisky bottling in Tasmania and a great retirement plan
Luna Park and the West Coast Wilderness Railway
Other highlights were:
An SDR setup with a single board computer and powered from a DC to DC converter
A decoded SSTV picture of the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Soyuz mission
An HF spiders beam
The Mechanicsâ€Ö Institute Hall in Scottsdale which has been used for “Ten Days on the Island†events
Cartoons on “I am a robot and canâ€Öt pass the test†to “just donâ€Öt mention the warâ€
An example of a typical workload distribution
Extreme password protection
And be careful for what you wish for
Again Tony VK7AX interconnected VK7RJG to his SSTV International Gateway but there were no photos exchanged. Tony will connect the gateway again next week between 6:30 pm and 11:30 pm. Remember to leave a 30 second break between transmissions to allow the European countries a chance to send photos.
Note - Ken VK7KRJâ€Ös and Steve VK7OOâ€Ös fully automatic 24/7 monitoring sites allow anyone who has sent SSTV pictures the ability to check them on their pages almost immediately, any time, both South and North Tasmania.
If you missed the net there are archives of these SSTV nights on Kenâ€Ös and Steveâ€Ös SSTV websites or on NTARCâ€Ös website under blogs.
https://vk7oo.tasme.com/vhfsstv/
https://sstv.vk7krj.com/scrolling%20web%20gallery.html
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
https://www.qsl.net/vk7ax/sstvgate3/index.html
73 from Andreâ€Ö VK7ZAB
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH
SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP
The Summits On The Air/World Wide Flora and Fauna parks group meets twice weekly – Mondays and Fridays 10.30AM till 12.00 at the Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry Street, Launceston.
For more information contact Al on 0417 354 410.
73, Al, VK7AN
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Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
www.ntarc.net
Firstly, as promised, we will start off with a quick update of the Equine Endurance ride held at Santarena Park, Scottsdale last weekend.
The communications trailer was delivered and set up in the main grounds on Friday morning, quickly followed by the portable 2 Metre repeater and antenna located at a nearby farm shed on a section of very well elevated land. The afternoon saw the remainder of the crew arriving and soon departing again to familiarise themselves with the location of their Check Points, followed by testing their voice communications back to Ride Base. No electronic tracking was employed so everything relied on 2 Metre voice communications.
Most of our contingency stayed the night at base camp or checkpoints in campervans and tents with the exception of three who departed for Launceston, returning as four helpers early Saturday morning. Drawn back by the smell of mouth-watering egg and bacon rolls from the cafeteria and of course the call of duty.
Ride Base was manned by VK7s Andreâ€Ö ZAB, Fran FRN and Stuart ES with Idris ZIR, Tony ZTT, Ken KKV, Justin TW, Randall VWK and Stefan ZSB, covering the three ride Check Points.
Itâ€Ös winter, so by 6 am the weather had deteriorated rapidly and we were soon experiencing heavy rain accompanied with ferocious wind gusts. Unfortunately Randall and Justin copped extensive damage to their vehicle awnings, but before you say “They should have guyed them!†…. yes both awnings were fully guyed and double staked to the ground. Stakes were ripped out and one was found nearly twenty meters away from their camp area! Itâ€Ös no wonder the horse riders were complaining about the strong headwind, hihi.
Operationally the day went smoothly without any horse or rider mishaps. By midday the sun was coming out and the clouds had mostly dissipated and thankfully we were back to a gentle breeze. This made for a pleasant return journey for our southern helpers, Justin and Randall, later in the afternoon. Thanks to all for the assistance given.
At the last club room technical night Eric VK7ZPE brought in a kit for upgrading the frequency stability of his Icom IC9700. Hopefully all necessary parts are included as this will help Eric as he works his way through the instructions. The first module is an external reference oscillator. The second module is installed internally within the 9700 and does not require any soldering or modification to internal circuitry. This “T†shaped module sits over the internal main oscillator and disciplines or accurately holds its frequency.
Colin VK7ZCF, is also heading down the same path with his 9700 but he opted for the Leo Bodner low jitter GPS locked Reference Oscillator module with dual output ports, one port for this 9700 project and the second port for any 450 Hz to 800 MHz signal generator that he might need in the future.
Colin also displayed a number of SSTV images that he captured, at short notice, earlier last month. They were part of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station or ARISS Slow Scan TV event that was commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo / Soyuz flights. Colin managed to capture few orbital passes when they were transmitting. Like Richard VK7ZBX, Colinâ€Ös most successful captures were of images one and twelve of the sequence. Like anything you can only decode what is being transmitted.
Please note - The hands-on Toroid Test & Measurement presentation by Trevor VK7TB has been postponed to a date yet to be fixed. We are waiting on the oscilloscope manufacturerâ€Ös proprietary software, to allow for external video output to a large monitor, so all present can easily watch the action. Watch this space.
As always pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs†for this broadcast. NTARC Blogs
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Air Test and Technical Net session - Every Wednesday, Test-Net and CW course on 3.580 MHz from 7 pm, then a Technical Net on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic VK7WW.
Unlocking the Secrets of Toroids! Presentation postponed to a date to be advised.
NTARC General Meeting - Saturday 9th. June at 2:00 pm. Held at Rocherlea Scout Hall, Archer Street, Rocherlea. If you have items you would like added to the agenda please email the secretary at: secretary(at)ntarc.net no later than Friday the 8th June.
Coffee Morning - Held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10 am to noon.
Finally – If you have any items of news please email them to the Secretary at the following address news(at)ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
Thatâ€Ös all folks,
73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC Inc.
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NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
https://www.reast.asn.au/
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
https://www.youtube.com/reasthobart/
27MHz (11m) HF CB Retransmission
Shout out to our new 11m rebroadcasters in Christine VK7CCE and Stephen VK7SME. Stephen has recently been in and out of hospital and Christine has been caring for him. Christine is also currently studying and has recently been fighting off her own sicknesses so, we really appreciate that Stephen and Christine are rebroadcasting on a new frequency on 11m.
So, take a listen on 27.235MHz LSB (HF Channel 24) around the Hobart area and give them a call and let them know a signal report.
73, Justin, VK7TW
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Changes to the August Events Schedule
CQ all members! Just a quick heads-up: weâ€Öve had to retune our Wednesday night schedule to better align with the availability of our fantastic contributorsâ€öeach one a volunteer generously giving their time to keep the signal strong.
What the August Program now looks like:
6 August – Forum Night – Favourite Digital Mode
13 August – Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Group
20 August – Presentation Night – Antarctic Diary Recollections with VK7AJ
27 August - Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Group
As you know, REAST runs on goodwill, and sometimes we need to adjust the dial to avoid QRM from real-life commitments. Thanks for your understanding as we work to keep the program lively and the content resonating.
73, REAST Committee
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Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Group (WEGs)
https://www.youtube.com/live/xQeYn0beowE
Last Wednesday night (July 30th) was a great show with the theme of propagation.
We started with Dr Andrew Klelociuk about the date August 5th (local time), when it will be 40 years since the STS-51F SpaceLab 2 shuttle mission created a man-made hole in the ionosphere over Tasmania using a chemical burn experiment.
Andrew walked through the mission's objectives, Tasmania's involvement from Avoca.
He explained the ionospheric layers and detailed the Tasmanian experiments that supported the mission, including a 1.9 MHz HF beacon and optical observations. The results showed a clear ionospheric density drop and mapped the response at different frequencies. Andrew finished with dramatic images of burn-induced ionospheric clouds rounded out the talk. Thanks Andrew.
We then moved to Rex VK7MO and Lightning Scatter Propagation in VK4 and he presented the findings from the DUBUS 2025 Q2 articles on lightning scatter propagation at 1296 MHz and 144 MHz. He analysed lightning-related audio recordings from VK4, mapping paths with real-time lightning data and the AI tool - CoPilot. The work explored scattering mechanisms, including Mie scattering, and showed forward scatter gain potential.
Rex concluded that 1296 MHz appears optimal for lightning scatter communication, with pulse effects and electron density playing key roles. Thanks Rex.
The next WEGs DATV Night is in two weeks on Wednesday 13th August 2025 from 7:30pm and we stream the nights on the REAST YouTube streaming channel.
https://www.youtube.com/live/xQeYn0beowE
73, Justin, VK7TW
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August Forum Night - Favourite Digital Mode
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-favourite-digital-mode/
Next week Wednesday, August 6th, where we dive into the world of digital modes – the ones you love, and the reasons why! Whether youâ€Öre passionate about CW, FT8, JS8Call, PSK31, RTTY, Olivia, or something more exotic, this is your chance to share your favourite and learn from others.
Weâ€Öll explore what makes these modes tick – efficiency, propagation performance, ragchew potential, contesting edge, or simply good old fun! Bring your experience, your stories, and your curiosity for an evening of spirited discussion, demonstrations, and discovery.
So fire up your radios, cue up your virtual waterfall, and join us on Wednesday 6th August 2025 from 7:30pm at the REAST Queens Domain Clubrooms or tune in via the live stream on the REAST YouTube channel. Letâ€Ös talk digital!
See you there or on the stream.
73, REAST Committee
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-favourite-digital-mode/
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August Presentation Night
Antarctic Diary Recollections
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-antarctic-diary-recollections/
August 20th will see a very special historical presentation from Andrew Johns VK7AJ about his Dadâ€Ös Antarctic Diary from the International Geophysical Year in 1957.
The diary was unearthed in a box at the South Hobart Resource Tip Shop and traced back to Andrew (thatâ€Ös a story in itself!!).
David Johns VK0DJ/VK1DJ/VK7DJ headed south to Macquarie Island in 1954 and then to Mawson in 1957 for the Geophysical Year which started in July 1957 and ended in December 1958. The aim of the International Geophysical Year was for the simultaneous collection of data on a world-wide basis to take place and Davidâ€Ös physics role was to gather data about cosmic rays.
There is some wonderful insight into life in Antarctica in 1957 and many stories will be told.
When: Wednesday August 20th, 2025 from 7:30pm
Where: Queens Domain Clubrooms and streamed on the REAST YouTube stream
See you there or on the stream.
73, REAST Committee
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-antarctic-diary-recollections/
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September Presentation Night
Weather Balloon Chasing
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-weather-balloon-chasing/
September will see a presentation all about the sport of Weather Balloon chasing from Steve VK7OO with support from Anders VK7TCP and Steven VK7SH
There are hundreds of weather balloons with radiosondes launched every day around the world to help Meteorological and Aviation understand what is going on in our atmosphere.
These balloons are one use devices and the balloon eventually bursts and the radiosonde comes back to earth on a parachute. They have a lithium battery and we will have some examples of them at the presentation.
They transmit on the 75cm band and can be picked up using a modest receiver and antenna. Some amateurs have even repurposed the transmitters for amateur beacons on 70cm.
They are tracked through a citizen-science project called SondeHub that Steven VK7SH has been deeply involved with.
https://sondehub.org/
There is also a historical club linkage with radiosondes with Rex Moncur VK7MO developing some early valve based radiosondes back when he started with the Bureau of Meteorology.
When: September 3rd, 2025 from 7:30pm
Where: Queens Domain Clubrooms and Stream on the REAST YouTube Streaming.
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-weather-balloon-chasing/
See you there or on the stream.
73, REAST Committee
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September Forum Night
How to get the most from your NanoVNA
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-how-to-use-your-nanovna/
Everyoneâ€Ös got a NanoVNA in their shack (except Rex…HIHI!)… but are you really getting the most out of it?
Join us for the REAST Forum Night on Wednesday, September 10th, where weâ€Öll demystify the mighty little NanoVNA! This session is all about practical usage, so bring your questions, your NanoVNA, and your curiosity. Whether youâ€Öre tuning antennas, measuring filters, checking feedlines or just trying to figure out what those squiggly lines meanâ€öthis is your chance to get hands-on.
Thereâ€Öll be live demonstrations, open Q&A, and plenty of shared tips and tricks from fellow hams whoâ€Öve gone deep with their NanoVNAs. No PowerPointâ€öjust pure, practical knowledge.
Kicking off at 7:30pm at the REAST Queens Domain Clubrooms and also streamed live on the REAST YouTube channel. Donâ€Öt miss itâ€ötime to unlock the full potential of that pocket-sized powerhouse!
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-how-to-use-your-nanovna/
73, REAST Committee
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REAST Training and Assessment Update
https://www.reast.asn.au/information/amateur-licence-assessments/
Are you looking to join the world of amateur radio or upgrade your license? REAST has you covered with regular Training and Assessment Days for all license levels!
Key Dates:
Foundation Training and Assessment Days: Held every two months with the next one on 30th August 2025.
Standard, Advanced, and Regulations Assessments: Held on alternate months, next is on 20th September 2025.
Stay updated with the full schedule on the REAST Events Page.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/
Do you need to secure your spot or ask a question - email: reast.assessor(at)gmail.com and your inquiry will go directly to the Learning Organiser, who be in contact.
We have learning resources available including our Foundation Licence Training Videos that are a must-watch for beginners. Find them on the REAST YouTube Training and Assessment Playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsnsP_zjw831mdC6sY4XqavRUY-53ZWUn
Practice Makes Perfect so, prepare with the WIA Foundation Trial Exams and the link can be found on the email edition of the broadcast.
https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/onlineexams/foundation.php
Whether you're starting your journey or leveling up, REAST is here to guide you every step of the way.
73, Reg, VK7KK
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Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
VK7 Regular gatherings:
Sewing Circle Net – Daily on 3.640MHz commences at 6:30pm AEST.
Statewide SSTV Net - held every Thursday night via the North/South Link on VK7RAF/VK7RJG from 7:30pm. In the North and North West - VK7RJG on 438.55 -7MHz and in the South - VK7RAF (146.650 -600kHz) CTCSS tone 141.3Hz to link RAF North-South. Plus VK7AX International SSTV Gateway connected to VK7RJG for the duration of the net.
State-wide – MICROWAVE QSO Party – following the Sunday broadcast call-back on 1296.15 MHz FM. One group in the greater Hobart area and another in the greater Launceston area.
Then North-south digital contacts on 1296.2MHz using Q65-60B.
Stations in the Launceston area transmitting on the odd minute. Southern stations on the even minute.
REAST - WAGs - Wednesday Afternoon Group from 12 noon in the REAST Clubrooms Queenâ€Ös Domain.
REAST - WEGs - Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Group on the third, fourth & fifth Wednesday nights of the month from around 6pm in the REAST Clubrooms Queenâ€Ös Domain and streamed.
REAST - 6m AM Net on 53.1MHz Everyday from 4:30pm
SOTA/WWFF Group – Meeting Mondays and Fridays 10.30-12.00 midday at Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry St, Launceston.
NTARC TestNet and TechNet session - Every Wednesday, TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7 pm, then a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic VK7WW.
NTARC Coffee Mornings are held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10am to noon in the Rocherlea Clubrooms.
NW VK7 – Wednesday from 8:00pm local – NW Tassie Amateur Repeater Group Net on 2M VK7RMD and Allstar Node 56780
NW VK7 - Thursday commencing at 8:30pm local - N.W. Tassie 2m DX Net 144.190 USB
VK7 Events:
REAST - 6th August - Favourite Digital Modes Forum Night from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming.
REAST - 20th August - Antarctic Diary Recollections - Andrew VK7AJ from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming.
REAST - 3rd September - Weather Balloon Chasing - from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming.
REAST - 10th September - How to get the most from your NanoVNA Forum Night from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming.
VK7 - 15th November - Miena Hamfest - Community Hall Miena from 10am
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A reminder to those people rostered for next weekâ€Ös broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7FRN
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to NWTARC, WCRG, NWCRRA, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC
160m: VK7GS
80m: Any Takers
40m: VK7ALH
20m: Any Takers
10m: VK7JGD
UHFCB24: VK7FMAC
HFCB24: VK7SME
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C - Digital Group
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A huge thank you to all people and organisations that assisted with this broadcast.
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That wraps up this week's edition of the VK7 Amateur Radio News. We hope you found it informative and enjoyable?
You've been listening to VK7WI, or if youâ€Öve just tuned in, you've just missed our live broadcast. But donâ€Öt worry if itâ€Ös not Tuesday night then you can catch the rebroadcast on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT and UHFCB24 and HFCB24 in the South.
We encourage you to share your news, stories, and updates with us. Email your contributions to vk7arnews(at)gmail.com.
For more information about the broadcast and to join the discussion, visit our VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.IO Group.
groups.io/g/vk7arnews.
Remember, the deadline for submissions is 21:00 on the Friday before the Sunday broadcast.
Stay tuned for callbacks on the frequency youâ€Öre currently listening to. Relay stations will use their own callsigns during this time.
On behalf of the entire VK7 Amateur Radio News Team, this is Justin, VK7TW wishing you 73 and good DX.
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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