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THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
Oh... and to contact us with your news because
If It Matters To You It Matters To Us!
email nationalnews(AT)wia.org.au
http://www.wia.org.au (click news in member area) Submit your audio news
Please.. If you are only submitting text and not audio, write your story as
you would expect to hear it being read back and NEVER send just links & url's.
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WIANEWS FOR WEEK COMMENCING JAN 17 2010.
ASTRONOMERS SAY 2009 WAS A BETTER YEAR FOR SUNSPOTS THAN 2008
ross hull contest 2010
SPECIAL INCENTIVE FOR 2010 WIA FIELD DAYS
results of spring vhf-uhf field day
STUDS IN SPACE
remembering the unit men - ampere
REWIND, A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY AT HOW RECORDS WERE MADE
ALL UP AND COMING IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF
AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING JAN 17 2010
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE 2010 NAME GAME
Moving into a new year brings up an important proposition. What do we call
the year ahead? Is it ‘two thousand and 10’ or ‘twenty 10’?
Well, this week "Thats Life" magazine solves the terrible dilemma with news
from The National Association of Good Grammar in the US which has officially
declared that ‘twenty 10’ is correct. Phew!
Oh and to read the FULL STORY, check out issue 3 on sale now.
ACMA NEWS
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has released a discussion
paper as part of its review of the pricing, planning and licensing
arrangements for spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band.
The 2.5 GHz band is currently used primarily by free to air TV broadcasters
for electronic news gathering (ENG).
‘This review has two important objectives,’ said Chris Chapman, Chairman
of the ACMA. ‘It is intended to identify how the 2.5 GHz band should be
planned and allocated so that it accords with its highest value use. Also,
we need to identify suitable long-term spectrum arrangements to support the
essential ENG services, especially since there has been uncertainty about
the long-term spectrum arrangements for ENG services in Australia since the
international identification and harmonisation of the 2.5 GHz band for
wireless access services in 2000.
This review is an important step in removing that uncertainty, identifying
appropriate future arrangements for ENG services and moving forward.’
The 2.5 GHz band has also been identified through previous public
consultation as a candidate band to address emerging demand for broadband
wireless access services. Indeed, it is the primary, internationally
harmonised band for these services.
The discussion paper, Review of the 2.5 GHz band and long-term arrangements
for ENG, is available on the ACMA website.
The closing date for comment is Friday 12 March 2010.
Submissions should be sent to 2.5GHzproject(AT)acma.gov.au, which is also the
contact point for further information.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, Media Manager.
HOME OF THE GOOD GUYS
HELPING HAMS: VE3 GROUP BRINGS 102 YEAR OLD OPERATOR BACK ON THE AIR
A 102 year old ham is back on the air after being QRT the past two
decades. This, thanks to the generosity of a Canadian ham radio
association that helps those in need.
Ethel Williamson, VE3DTW, is a former lighthouse keeper who turns 103 in
March. She had been off the air for at least 20 years when the Welland
branch of the Handy Ham Amateur Radio Club of Canada herd about her. The
organization offered to set up a radio for her at Niagara Ina Grafton Gage
Village long-term-care home so she could get back on the air. She accepted
their suggestion and it all came to fruition on Monday, January
4th. That’s when she made her first QSO with a station in Melbourne,
Australia, via a local repeater tied to VK land.
Ethel clapped her hands in delight as the voice of a stranger in Melbourne,
Australia, broke the static on the little ham radio that sits by the
window in her room at a St. Catharines long-term care home.
"Can you imagine" she said Monday afternoon, shortly after chatting to the
man through the radio's hand-held microphone, "To be able to talk to
Australia -- it's a miracle, it really is."
"I can't believe that. It's wonderful, it's just wonderful," she said after
testing it out the first time.
More about this amazing lady can be found at
http://wellandtribune.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2246214
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
VKG Roundup http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news
The first Trash and Treasure event at the VK2WI Dural site will be on
Sunday fortnight January 31.
Mid North Coast Amateur Radio Group invite all amateurs and persons
interested in electronics and communications to Radio Expo 2010
Coffs Harbour Sunday 24 January.
The Radio Expo is said to be the largest radio show between Newcastle and
the Queensland border.
Over 20 Exhibits are on display and the show is not to be missed.
Some of the highlights of the Radio Expo include:-
AmSat Australia
WIA National Display with Centenary Year Merchandise material
DRM Shortwave radios
Historic tube and transistor radios plus trade displays offering special
Expo Only prices on all the major brands.
Also check out Club displays from Summerland, Oxley and The Urunga
Radio Group.
(sourced to vk2winews)
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
VKC Roundup http://www.police
Four weeks to go to the big event in Victoria
All roads lead to the Centre Victoria RadioFest at the Kyneton Racecourse,
an hour from Melbourne, Ballarat and Bendigo on Sunday 14 February.
All the major commercial traders will be there, they would not miss it and
neither should you.
Looking for bargains, components, bits and pieces, connectors, cable,
sealed lead acid batteries or antennas?
Then come and check out the second-hand market or car-boot sales alley.
Want to make a sales table or car-boot space booking? Then be quick and
obtain an application form from the website radiofest.amateurradio.com.au
Other attractions are digital amateur television, emergency
communications, mini-lectures, historical and military radio displays and
lots, lots more.
See you at the WIA Supported Centenary Activity – the Centre Victoria
RadioFest at Kyneton on Sunday the 14th of February.
I’m Bruce Lees VK3FFF and you’re listening to VK1WIA.
VK4 - QNEWS
web service local news:- www.wiaq.com/qnews/upload/qnewsbcast.htm
local news email qnews-vk-subscribe(AT)yahoogroups.com
VKR Roundup http://www.police.qld.gov.au/News+and+Alerts/Media+Releases/
Welcome to QNEWS from VK4WIA. I'm Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP and here are some
questions for you.
What kind of "actor" are you?
When it comes to making decisions and getting things done, it seems
there are 3 kinds of actors.
First, there is the detractor who can never find a positive in any-one
else's ideas. They can be seen whispering behind hands, slipping around
groups and proving that it was tried 20yrs ago and didn't work. They
always vote no.
Secondly, there is the reactor that appears solid, reliable and capable
of continuing forever. However the reactor sports a short fuse and when
put on the spot by having to provide output soon raises a head of
pressure that explosively bursts over every one around. Reactors seldom
vote.
And lastly there is the plain actor who reads the script and is prepared
to play their part in the activities. The actor has the confidence to
question whether things can be better done and is thrilled that some-one
else has found a better way of doing things. Actors always vote.
Before your next club meeting, check out what kind of actor are you.
For QNews, I'm Geoff, VK4ZPP and that's what I think.
GYMPIE
www.gceginc.org.au
I’m Roger Stierli, VK4BNQ filling in for Trevor Taege VK4BAT with the news
from the Gympie Communications & Electronics Group:
I’d like to take this quick opportunity to welcome Trevor to our Club and
thank him for recording the Q-News segments for the Gympie Group – enjoy
your holidays Trev... Another new member has just joined the Club so a
big welcome from all the GCEG members to Graeme Alder. Now with 23 members,
despite the lack of club rooms, we are slowly growing in numbers and reckon
this will be the year for the new “Homeö to happen.
At the last Club meeting we looked back and noted several really good
achievements for the year considering that much time and effort had also
gone into trying to finalise negotiations for our own club rooms. We have
a fine group of members who enjoy the many different aspects of the hobby
and always have a good time when together.
To list just a few achievements:
The 70cm repeater is back up and running, we’ve built a Digital SSTV EasyPal
repeater, an APRS digipeater and have an informative website that continues
to develop - www.gceginc.org.au
Last Sunday the weather was just perfect for the Club’s Christmas New Year
BBQ and we all had a very relaxing fun time at one of our favourite spots
on the north side of town. Thanks to Barry VK4KKN who brought along the big
barby.
Finally, an Icom IC-721 and a Yaesu FT-980 have been generously donated to
the Gympie Group. Many thanks from all of our Club members to Stan Hunter
VK4CSH and John Van den Brenk, the son of silent key Eddy, VK3CUD.
The radios will be put to good use as soon as we set up the Club station and
one of the sets may well help us with the John Moyle Field Day. The Group
will be participating in this year’s contest and with planning underway, we
have once again chosen the location of Mt. Wolvi for this year’s event.
For Gympie Area News, I’m Roger, VK4BNQ.
Redcliffe and District Radio Club
www.redclifferadioclub.org.au/
I'm Ray VK4CF back with news from the Redcliffe AR Club".
It is with some sadness that I have to report the loss of the mother of one
of our club members Mal, VK4UMS. Mal’s mum passed away peacefully aged 91
and her funeral was held last Tuesday at the Albany Creek Crematorium.
Mal as the only child read a very moving his tribute to his mum which
included some of his mum’s favorite sayings, including, “Don’t half do it,
do it once and do it properlyö and one possibly for all amateurs,
“Waste not want not and don’t throw it out it might be useful!ö.
To you Mal and your partner Rosemary the club passes on it deepest sympathy.
There are reports also that the 6 and 2 metre bands have not been to kind
to Queensland amateurs in trying to contact Kev, VK4UH and the team at
Pitcan Island. Despite a brief contact with Kev on 6 metres by Peter VK4EA
from his car in a shopping centre carpark, the signals have been far kinder
to NSW and Victorian stations. It has been very disappointing for all
concerned but it has been a lot of fun and a full report will be provided
in later news segments.
At last Monday’s night meeting which was chaired by a nervous Scott,
VK4FLAE, and here are details of the first working bee for 2010. This will
be held on Saturday 13 February at the home of Charles, VK4BTC at 7 Kelly
Court, Redcliffe and it is to start about 8.30 am. The main tasks are to
strip out and refit new panels in the caravan. So come with your power
tools and with Geoff, VK4FRNS, as the head carpenter and assist for a few
hours to get the van ready for the John Moyle weekend.
A reminder that the third Monday of the month is the every important tech
talks and Doug, VK4KET will be presenting next Monday night on mining and
next month is will be David, VK4DC on a home brew antenna tuner.
So until next week, for Redcliffe club I'm Ray VK4CF.
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
vk4wat(AT)wia.org.au
www.treclub.org.au
Happy New Year from your president. What a busy year it is going to be with
contests, equestrian communications a bit of foxhunting and much rag chewing
on our nets and repeaters.
On the home brew side there is much to be done; our club spider beam has to
be finished in time for the John Moyle. I have to sort out problems with
drift in the 70cm cavity of the GI-46 tube amplifier to get it ready for
next November. With promises of an extra grid from Mario I will have our
200 watts on 23cm going better than ever. More 10 GHz DRO units have been
ordered from USA and a new approach with the antenna and DRO being atop a
20 foot aluminium two section pole is contemplated. This will be developed
during the year and we will phase out the gunn diode units.
I always mention conditions and I could say what conditions. At present
awful, I tuned around looking for activity over Xmas and was amazed by the
lack of any. There was a dog-pile on 18 MHz on CW with some rare DX station
being chased by worldwide but that was all.
I wish all, new happy ham experiences for 2010 and may cycle 24 truly start.
Best DX de John VK4TL — President
TOWNSVILLE
vk4wit(AT)wia.org.au
4773 1196 or 0408 001142
po box 333 Garbutt East, QLD 4814
www.tarc.org.au
GOOD MORNING AND GREETINGS ! THIS IS DON VK4FNQA, WITH NEWS
FROM NORTH QUEENSLAND.
AS THE NEWS GOES TO AIR THIS MORNING SOME HAMS IN THE TOWNSVILLE
REGION ARE COMMUNICATING WITH HORSIES (AND THEIR RIDERS) IN THE
FIELD, AS PART OF THE TOWNSVILLE ENDURANCE RIDERS AND ARABIAN
HORSE ASSOCIATIONS BLUEWATER ENDURANCE RIDE CLINIC, BASED OUT
OF THE NORTH QUEENSLAND EQUESTRIAN CENTRE.
SOME OF THE HAMS WERE ON SITE YESTERDAY CHECKING OUT HOW MANY
TRACKS WERE PASSABLE AFTER THE RAINS THAT HAVE HAPPENED IN THE
AREA AND ALSO CAMPED OUT DURING THE NIGHT DOING SOME VHF AND
UHF DX AS PART OF THE WIA SUMMER VHF UHF FIELD DAY CONTEST.
BUT FOR NOW THE HAMS ARE MAINTAINING A SAFETY NET ACROSS ALL
OF THE RIDE EVENT AND WILL BE ON STATION UNTIL 1PM TODAY.
THE NEXT COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT EVENTS HAPPENING IN THE
NORTH QUEENSLAND REGION WILL BE -
A HORSE ENDURANCE RIDE AT MOSS VALE STATION, BETWEEN BOWEN
AND COLLINSVILLE ON SATURDAY 20TH AND SUNDAY 21ST MARCH AND
A THRILLING AUTOSPORTS HILLCLIMB UTILISING THE MOUNT STUART ROAD
AND HAPPENING ON SUNDAY 29TH MARCH.
IF YOU CAN HELP OUT ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS PLEASE CONTACT
GAVIN VK4ZZ ON MOBILE 0427 182469 OR ON THE LOCAL REPEATERS
AND GET YOUR CALLSIGN ON THE LIST.
WELL, THATS ALL FOR THIS WEEK FROM TROPICAL PARADISE...
THIS HAS BEEN DON VK4FNQA FOR THE TOWNSVILLE AMATEUR RADIO
CLUB INC, AND YOU HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO QNEWS FROM VK4WIA.
THE FINAL FINAL
Struth, dja see there's 30 Qu'nsland radio clubs listed in the callbook?
Blimey and we hardly hear from most of 'em on the news each S'ndee.
Yeah, you mean there's all those amateurs not doin' anything?
Well, must be they're doin' nothin, cos they don't tell the rest of us.
Reach out and share your world of amateur radio via QNEWS. It's so easy
to do!
Type out what you want to say, in the way you would listen to it, record
what you wrote in WAV or MP3 format and upload the audio and email the
script.
Now that wasn't hard, was it?
Let's hear from your club on QNEWS.
qnews(AT)wia.org.au
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
www.hamcollege.com.au
Listening around Townsville and want to join our ham ranks?
Well the WIA Foundation Licence Manuals, 2nd Edition at $20 per copy
is available from Navcom Electronics, South Townsville.
Exam sessions in the North Queensland region are held on demand with
WIA Assessors and assessment packs available for all 3 levels of licensing.
Contact theTARCinc WIA Exams Regional Co-ordinator Roger/VK4CD
on mobile 0417 638366
Further information also available at theTARCinc website ...
tarc.org.au
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL T.R.E.C. PROMOTION.
During December TREC set up another public display promoting Amateur Radio
in Atherton a small Northern Queensland Town.
Much interest was shown by members of the public.
A raffle was also conducted at the same time and the club funds were boosted
by quite a tidy sum.
Chris VK4YCG, John VK4TL, Dave VK4DK and Stu VK4SDD manned the display.
Free IRTS Membership!
IRTS members who pay their annual membership subscription by direct debit
will be entered in a draw at the 2010 Annual General Meeting, with
five prizes of free membership for a year.
A direct debit mandate was included with the latest IRTS magazine.
"Nice Idea" IRTS.
MORE HAMS UP ON AIR IN USA.
This past year was a banner year for new Amateur Radio licensees.
According to the ARRL, the FCC issued more than 30,000 new ham radio
licenses, an increase of almost 7.5 percent from 2008.
Read more here
arrl.org/news/stories/2010/01/06/11278/?nc=1>
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to RSGB, Southgate AR Club, the ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
BACAR LAUNCH IN THE WESTERN CAPE
The first flight of BACAR-2010 is planned for Sunday 24 January.
This Balloon Carrying Amateur Radio (BACAR) payload will be multifunctional
and include a 20 and 40 m SSB transceiver, a 2 m parrot repeater, a 2 metre
Doppler beacon (equipped with GPS) as well as a camera.
SARL News and www.amsatsa.org.za will carry regular updates.
New Amateur Radio DX group to activate Crocker Range Mountains
Members of a newly formed DX group called 'The North Borneo Worldwide DXers'
(NBWDX) with operators from East Malaysia, West Malaysia and Brunei, will
activate Crocker Range Mountains for the first time January 16 and 17.
The altitude of the operation will be near 6000 feet ASL with temperatures
expected to be very cold (almost or close to freezing). Operations will be
situated at a remote interior of Sabah (just a two hour drive about 90km
away from the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu). It is within the National
Park Nature reserves area.
This multi-national team made up of Borneo Amateur Radio Club (BARC),
Sabah Amateur Radio Society (SARS), as well as a number of ham radio
enthusiasts and SWLs, will use the callsign 9M4STA.
Activity is expected to be a multi-band and multi-mode operation.
QSL Manager will be Buzz, NI5DX.
=============================================================================
NEWS FROM ARNEWSLINE
REPEATERS IN THE UK WARNED TO USE IT OR LOOSE IT
The world-wide spectrum crunch is becoming a major concern to hams in the
United Kingdom. That’s where putting up and maintaining a repeater may
soon become more complex as an item posted on the website of the RSGB
Emerging Technology Co-ordination Committee indicates that the criteria for
processing repeater applications will be tightened.
It could also impact negatively on both the owners and users of current
UK systems on 70 centimetres and above.
Frank Haas, KB4T, has the details:
Published on January 3rd, the article titled "Taking Stock" says that it is
likely that strict criteria will be applied in the new year for new
United Kingdom repeater applications. It says that against the backdrop of
low activity levels, and poorly performing repeaters, the need to justify
new applications is likely to be enforced to a far greater extent.
The article also includes a warning to those system operators whose
currently operational repeaters have failed to meet the current criteria.
It says that long-term non-operational repeaters, repeaters licensed but
failing to ever begin service and repeaters nominally operational but
widely reported as being either deaf or inaccessible for other reasons has
become all too prevalent. In simple United States terms, the adage
"use it or loose it" would likely be apropos and be applied.
Along those lines the article post goes on to state that the recent
interest in digital modes has been a welcome boost to the repeater sector
of the hobby. But it notes that challenges to amateur use of bands above
2 Meters is likely to require even greater proof that hams need and value
these bands. This, to support their society in fending off commercial
interest at 70 centimetres and above.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Frank Haas, KB4T, in Holly Hill, Florida.
The article ends by noting that the focus on radio spectrum in the UK is
going to intensify in the coming decade. It says that radio amateurs in
that nation have to be seen as having their house in order and make good
use of the valuable spectrum at their disposal in the so called
"sweet-spot" of the radio bands.
(www.ukrepeater.net/ via Southgate)
ASTRONOMERS SAY 2009 WAS A BETTER YEAR FOR SUNSPOTS THAN 2008
According to several scientific journals, 2009 will fall short of 2008 's
record of days with no sunspots or other solar activity. Astronomers note
that the solar surface continues see occasional sunspots as we conclude a
very active December 2009. This they say insures that 2009 will fall several
days short of the 266 blank days of 2008 which was the year with the greatest
count of sunspot free days since 1913.
The astronomical community says that the overall solar flux continues to
gradually trend upward and there's every reason to believe the year 2010
will not dip below the low sunspot counts of the past three years. This they
say is based on the actual trends since September and not only forecast data.
They say that sunspot groups over the past three months have emitted more
flares of greater intensity than at any other time in solar cycle 24.
They believe that this is further evidence that the solar disc is awakening
from its extended sunspot sleep. What the researchers cannot or won't promise
is better High Frequency DX conditions which usually accompanies increased
solar activity.
WHITE HOUSE NAMES W7HAS AS NEW CYBERSECURITY COORDINATOR
The White House has named Professor Howard A. Schmidt, W7HAS, of Issaquah,
Washington as its new Cyber security Coordinator.
A long time public servant, Schmidt became interested in computer forensics as
a police officer. He started working with the Air Force in the early 1990's
when he was called upon to assist the Office of Special Investigations to
assist in countering hackers trying to penetrate Department of Defence
systems.
In addition to his work with the Air Force, W7HAS served as an information
security advisor to the government for more than 30 years working for the FBI
and the Bush administration after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on
U-S soil. He left the public sector in 2003 to join eBay. Schmidt was also
the first chief security officer at Microsoft and a co-founder of the
company's Trustworthy Computing initiative.
Howard Schmidt holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a
master's degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix.
He also holds an Honorary Doctorate degree in Humane Letters. In addition to
amateur radio, he is an avid Harley Davidson rider, private pilot, fisherman
and outdoorsman.
In his new position he will have regular access to the President and serve as
a key member of his National Security Staff. He will also work closely with
the President's economic team to ensure that cyber security efforts keep the
United States both secure and prosperous.
OPERATIONAL NEWS -
SPECIAL EVENTS AND ON AIR CONTEST COLUMN - D A T E L I N E 2010
Feb 27-28 NZART JOCK WHITE MEMORIAL FIELD DAY CONTEST
details on nzart.org.nz/contests
Mar 13-14 RSBG COMMONWEALTH CONTEST (BERU)
details on hfcc.org/hfcc/rule/2009/beru.shtml
Mar 20-21 WIA John Moyle Field Day
details from vk4ae(AT)hotmail.com
Aug 14-15 WIA Remembrance Day Contest
wia.org.au
Ross Hull Contest 2010
The Ross Hull Contest for 2010 is under way now. Remember too that you can
include Summer Field Day contacts in your Ross Hull log. The rules were
published in December Amateur Radio magazine, and they are also available
on the contest web page.
Please note that if you use VK3A V V's VKCL contest logging program, you
need to download the latest version (2.20), which is now available on the
VKCL web site.
Special incentive for this year's VHF-UHF Field Days
The WIA conducts three Field Day contests each year for the VHF-UHF and
Microwave bands, these are in Summer, Winter and Spring.
Contest Manager John Martin VK3KM has announced that everyone who takes
part in all three Field Days this year will receive a special certificate.
The WIA Centenary 2010 Field Day Cumulative Certificate and will be issued
to those who qualify by submitting a contest entry in each three Field Days.
The Summer VHF-UHF Field Day is coming up soon on the 16th and 17th of
January.
Full details were published in December Amateur Radio magazine, and they
are also available on the WIA contest web page.
One station to keep an ear out for will be that of the TREC who will
operate the Summer VHF/UHF Field Contest at Hallorans Hill in VK4
VK4WAT will be calling on 6m, 2m, 70cm, 23cm and 3cms.
The results for the Spring VHF-UHF Field Day have been finalised.
The first placegetters in each category were:
Section A Single operator, 24 hours - VK5ZT, Tim Dixon.
Section B: Single Operator, 8 hours - VK3HY, Gavin Brain.
Section C: Multi-operator, 24 hours - VK5LZ, the Elizabeth Radio Club
Section D: Multi operator, 8 hours - VK3ALB, the Blasco family station.
Section E: Home station - VK3MY, Ross Keogh.
Congratulations to all.
Full details will be published in the January - February edition of Amateur
Radio magazine, and they are also available on the contest page of the WIA
web site, wia.org.au
(sourced to TREC, the WIA Centenary Committee & John VK3KM Contest manager)
SPECIAL EVENT CALLS, BEACON DX AND NET ADVICE
hf nets ON the net, www.timroberts-vk4yeh.id.au/
EI2GBW, Ireland to Great Britain Ferry Celebrations ends March 31 2010
GB2EI, Great Britain to Ireland Ferry Celebrations ends March 31 2010
VI3KIAH acknowledging Black Saturday Bush Fires 2pm to 8pm local Feb 7 2010
Special Event Goes Maritime Mobile
As part of that special event initiative with Ei2GBW and GB2Ei, maritime
mobile station G2YC/MM will be QRV from cruise ferry MV Julia on the
Irish Sea during January and March.
Dates for activation of G2YC/MM are 25 then 30 and 31 Jan,
1-4 and 20/21 March along with 31 March/1 April.
Ei2GBW and GB2Ei, which are not allowed to operate maritime mobile, will
continue land-based operations through early April 2010.
Stations working the two special event stations and the maritime mobile
station will qualify for the "Spirit of Inisfallen Award."
See the Ei2GBW listing on QRZ.com for further details.
Remembering the unit men - Ampere
Hello I'm Jim Linton VK3PC with another in a series of brief looks at
those who made discoveries and have their names as units of measurement.
Andre-Marie Ampere was born in 1775 in France and showed his aptitude to
mathematics at the age of 12. His academic career involved physics,
chemistry and mathematics.
Ampere learned in 1820 of the discovery that a magnetic needle could be
reflected when placed near a cable carrying current.
Within a week Ampere established the relationship between electricity and
magnetism and prepared a paper on the subject.
He developed Ampere's Law of electromagnetism. However the main reason we
know of him today is his development of an instrument called the
galvanometer to measure the size of current flowing in a conductor.
The unit of current is named in his honour.
MEDIA WATCH
www.wiaq.com/admin/uploads/weeklytally.rtf
www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WorldRadio.html
Groups presenting this WIA National News Service
JAN 2010 vk4 24 SCARC (Sunny Coast)
FEB VK3 7 ARV (promoting Centre Vic Hamfest)
FEB vk2 21 CCARC (Promoting Wyong Field Day)
MAR VK2 7 ARNSW (Promoting WIA CENTENARY)
MAR VK6 14 NEWSWEST
MAR VK3 28 VK3DN
APR VK3 4 VK3DN
APR VK3 11 VK3DN
APR VK7 25 REAST (ANZAC Weekend)
MAY VK1 9 CRARC (promoting CRARC and WIA AGM) (TBC)
MAY VK100WIA 30 WIA DIRECTORS JOIN A LIVE OB FROM CANBERRA (TBC)
VK2WI restores the 40 metre AM service.
After a period where only a SSB transmission was made on 7146 KHz for the
news - a new antenna - recently installed on a remote part of the site has
enabled the AM transmission mode to be reinstated.
The mode will be used for both the morning and evening WIA and VK2 bulletins.
Call backs will be in the SSB mode.
The evening session resumes tonight after 3 weeks of a morning only session.
This note in from Bill VK5WCC of S.E.R.G. Mount Gambier IN vk5.
"Good morning, callbacks this morning equalled 14.
Propagation everywhere this morning; one of the callers, vk3GL called in on
his handheld from his backyard 45Km S/E of Melbourne. Also several other
interstaters".
2009 DX Sound Bites
Tom, K8CX, has done it again.
He has provided DXers with 146 memorable DX sound clips from 2009.
Visit Tom's famous 'Ham Gallery' Web at: http://hamgallery.com/dx2009
While there also check out some of his other features on his Web page,
such as: 12 years of 'Rare DX Sound Clips' of the past, QSL Card Museum,
Dayton Photo Galleries and Tribute to Silent Key Ham Operators.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV (Every pixel tells a story) - Video
arvideonews.com
hamradiotube.com
youtube.com
Home wireless video developments
The use of 60 GHz for home video networking moves a step closer with plans
to incorporate SiBeam chips in an HD TV and Blue-Ray player, while the
WHDI Consortium is moving ahead with plans for 5 GHz.
EE Times reports that at the Consumer Electronics Show, Vizio Inc will
announce plans to use the 60 GHz chips from SiBeam Inc in a high definition
TV and Blu-ray player that will ship in June. The startup claims the
U.S. TV maker's move is a sign its technology is leading a hotly
competitive race to enable wireless video in the home.
Read the full EE Times article 'Vizio puts 60 GHz in HDTV, Blu-ray drive
www.eetimes.eu/semi/222100258
Earlier in December, the WHDI Consortium announced it has completed a spec
for a second generation of the 5 GHz technology from startup Amimon. It
promises to carry high definition video up to 100 feet and through multiple
walls at maximum data rates up to 3 Gbits/second using a 40 MHz channel. The
60 GHz approaches are typically limited to about 10 meters with limited
penetration through walls.
See the EE Times article 'WHDI group announces spec for 5 GHz wireless video
www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml;?articleID=222000941
Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI)
www.whdi.org/
SiBeam - Wireless Beyond Boundaries
www.sibeam.com/
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- CW
FISTS Club - East Asia www.feacw.net
FISTS Club - Australasia www.fistsdownunder.org
FISTS Club - UK & Europe www.fists.co.uk
FISTS Club - Americas www.fists.org
2 new clubs have been formed among Amateur Radio operators who are
Morse Code enthusiasts.
First is called CWOPS (The CW Operators' Club).
CWops encourages the use of CW in Amateur communications, and it promotes
goodwill among Amateurs around the world by planned CW activities.
"CWops is international in scope, membership and management.
Its focus is the use of CW, whether for contesting, DXing or rag chewing.
Moreover, it promotes every form of sending -- if it's CW, CWops supports
it!
"For further information, go to cwops.org
The 2nd club is Essex CW Amateur Radio Club
Although the founders were from Essex, England, they welcome members from
much further a field. In fact they would like to hear from like-minded folk
from anywhere in the UK and beyond.
Essex CW ARC is looking to organise a whole range of CW activities including
contest participation e.g. CW NFD, demonstrations at special events, talks
and promotion of CW at local radio clubs.
One important area for the club is assisting those who wish to learn CW.
essexcw.org.uk
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
AMSAT-VK UNOFFICIAL HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
Amateur radio satellite has 'near miss'
The Japan Amateur Radio League website is reporting a Russian rocket body
came close to the Amateur Radio satellite SEEDS (CO-66).
The near miss occurred on January 7 when the rocket body is said to have
come within 100 metres of SEEDS (CO-66).
SEEDS was launched in April 2008 and transmits SSTV & Digi-Talker messages
and occasional singing! Which gets changed regularly, this satellite has a
big audience as both the SSTV & Digi update regularly.
SEEDS transmits on a frequency of 437.485 MHz using either CW running 110mW
output or FM with 450 mW output.
(irts)
STUDS IN SPACE!
New Indian Amateur Radio Satellite StudSat (STUDent SATellite) is slated for
a March launch and will carry a camera capable of 90 metre resolution.
Work on StudSat started in 2007, it resembles a small cube of
10 cm x 10 cm x 13.5 cm, weighs about 850 gm and has a volume of
1.1 litres.
It is proposed to use a 10mW CW beacon on UHF and also a half duplex 9k6
or 4k8bps FSK TC/TLM link with 1 watt output also on UHF.
Further information on StudSat can be found at
www.teamstudsat.com
STUDSAT - IARU Satellite Frequency coordination page
www.amsat.org.uk/iaru/formal_detail.asp?serial=164
(SouthGate)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO
EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES IARU REGION 3
3.600, 7.110, 14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHz
From the CQ / WorldRadio Online Newsroom via VK4ZPP:
Some ham radio activity from Haiti is beginning to be heard, following
devastating earthquake.
Father John Henault, HH6JH, in Port-au-Prince, made contact late Wednesday
morning with the Intercontinental Assistance and Traffic Net (IATN) on
14.300 MHz, the IARU Global Centre of Activity frequency for emergency
communications.
Based on relays monitored at W2VU, Father John reported that he and those
with him were safe, but had no power and no phone service. He was operating
on battery power and hoping to get a generator running later in the day. He
asked the station copying him, William Sturridge, KI4MMZ, in Flagler Beach,
Florida, to telephone relatives with information that he was OK.
The following frequencies are in use for earthquake-related traffic and
should be kept clear unless you are able to provide requested assistance:
14300 (IATN),
14265 (SATERN);
7045 (IARU Region II)
3720 (IARU Region II)
Additional frequencies may be activated on different bands at different
times of day, so be sure to listen carefully before transmitting to make
sure you are not interfering with emergency traffic.
Further was reported by - IARU R3 Chairman of the Disaster Communications
Committee, Jim Linton VK3PC
"A listening watch is being maintained for two emergency stations in
Port-Au-Prince that have not been activated.
It is also known, that in addition to 14.300, the Salvation Army Team
Emergency Net is 14.265 is in use. An IARU request remains current to keep
7.045 and 3.720 clear.
Authorities predict that the worst earthquake in 200 years to hit Haiti
could result in a death roll of 100,000.
Haiti was only just beginning to show signs of recovery from a series of
hurricanes in 2008 that killed hundreds and left up to a million homeless.
Rev John Henault OMI, is from the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and
works in Haiti helping to provide care for homeless and orphaned children."
REWIND - A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY
HOW RECORDS WERE MADE
And finally this week, have you ever wonder how records were made.
We are talking records as in phonograph not computer files. Amateur Radio
Newsline Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, knows because he has seen the movie:
Running almost 24 minutes, the movie is called "The Sound and the Story."
And it is the story of the record industry as told back in 1956 by RCA
when it was one of the worlds biggest producers of phonograph records,
record players and associated products.
"The Sound and the Story" follows the process of making a 33-1/3 RPM
"Long Play" or "LP" record, from original recording to first its play on a
consumer record player. The movie begins with a lesson in early recording
technology including the mastering on an early Ampex tape machine that's
fed by a crude by today's standards recording console used back then. It
in turn is fed by a number of RCA ribbon microphones of the type we have
all seen at radio museums or for sale on-line on eBay. The show also
touches on practices such as multiple takes and terms such as dynamic range,
though with little explanation of what any of this means.
The exacting and surprisingly complex methods used in crafting the record
"master" and the process of stamping the platters are illustrated in great
detailed. Additionally there is an explanation of the distribution system
that was used at RCA's Indianapolis plant, which also supplied the roots of
the RCA Music Service and other similar operations. These operations -- as
we all know -- are now just memories of an era gone by.
"The Sound and the Story" clearly was aimed at the general audience with
viewers of the film also learning that RCA really took its end to end
record quality control very seriously. However, those with experience in
the record industry or the technically curious will have much to entertain
them for the 20 some odd minutes that this show plays.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF,
in the studio in the City of Angels.
"The Sound and the Story" would make an excellent program for radio club
viewing if a tape, DVD or even a projectable 16 millimetre film print were
to be made available. Meantime you can enjoy this piece of electronic
nostalgia on-line at www.archive.org/details/SoundAndTheS
(Web address DOES work even though it looks a lil strange and truncated)
SOCIAL SCENE
2010
JAN 24 VK2
Mid North Coast Amateur Radio Group's Radio Expo 2010 8.30am St Johns Church
Hall, Mc Lean Street Coffs Harbour.
JAN 30 VK4
Bunya Mts & Dist AmCom host "HAM AND WINE FEST 2010" at Maclagan.
FEBRUARY 14 VK3
WIA 100 Centre Victoria RadioFest No. 3.
FEBRUARY 27 VK6
Hills Amateur Radio Group Swap Meet 2pm Sanderson and Brady Rds Lesmurdie.
FEBRUARY 28
Wyong Field Day, Wyong Race Course.
APRIL 2 VK3
Midland Amateur Radio Club's Radio, Electronic & Astronomy Expo.
Venue to be advised.
JUNE 5 VK2
Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club's 35th Annual Field Day.
JULY 17 VK3
GGREC Hamfest Start Time : 10:00
Oct 29 - 31
VK1OOWIA Westlakes ARC during our WIA centenary celebrations.
NOV 7 VK5
2010 Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society Hamfest Rosa St Goodwood
2012
15TH IARU REGION 3 CONFERENCE hosted by V.A.R.C. in Ho-Chi-Minh City, Vietnam.
JAN 23-FEB 17 YEAR 2012
World Radio Conference WRC-11 Geneva 23rd January TO 17th February 2012
MAY 4-7 2012 VK5
YL International 2012 Australia (vk5tmc(AT)bigpond.com)
THE FINAL FINAL
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The purpose of "WIANews" is to rapidly provide news of interest to
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Opinions expressed in "WIANews" are those of the writers who submit
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