| |
VK7AX > NEWS 08.02.10 14:02l 1251 Lines 46053 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : VK1WIA100207
Read: GUEST
Subj: WIANEWS - Feb 02 - VK NATIONAL NEWS
Path: IZ3LSV<IK2XDE<DB0RES<ON0AR<F4BWT<ON0BEL<VK7AX
Sent: 100208/1150Z @:VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC #:2646 [Ulverstone] FBB7.00g $:VK1WI
From: VK7AX@VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC
To : NEWS@WW
ALWAYS ENSURE ORIGINAL BID # AND TITLE ARE USED.
Packet uploads with thanks to vk7ax Tony
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WIANEWS FOR WEEK COMMENCING FEB 07 2010.
This weeks episode is presented by Amateur Radio Victoria and it's
ALL UP AND COMING IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF
AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING FEB 7 2010
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for contacting VK1WIA - all of our operators are busy at the
moment.
Want to hear about the Black Saturday bushfire disaster first anniversary,
Press 1
For the latest details on the Centre Victoria RadioFest,
Press 2
Interested in the WIA Centenary celebrations,
Press 3
Concerned about intruders on the amateur bands,
Press 4
Do you have a photo of the Australian who put man on the moon?
Press 5
To hear all of those options again,
Press 9, or just sit back, relax and listen to the entire broadcast.
Hello I'm Jim Linton VK3PC and Barry Robinson VK3PV and we're presenting
the WIA NATIONAL NEWS produced by Amateur Radio Victoria for the week
commencing Sunday the 7th of February 2010.
VI3KIAH special station on air today
First up we welcome Fred Swainston VK3DAC from the Yarra Valley Amateur
Radio Group, with an update on today's special event station VI3KIAH,
good morning Fred.
(Fred) Good morning Jim and thanks for the opportunity talks about the
special station we're operating today at Kinglake. The station
recognises the efforts of radio amateurs and others who during
the February 2009 fires were radio operators for all sorts of
emergency communications on the 7th of February and for a number
of weeks.
(Jim) Where and when can we listen for it?
(Fred) The radio station is operating out of the Frank Thompson Reserve
in Kinglake between 2pm and 8pm, because on the 7th of February
that was when the major damage occurred in Kinglake.
We wish the Yarra Valley Amateur Radio Group all the best for VI3KIAH.
Want know more about VI3KIAH? Then check out the operating schedule,
frequencies and its special QSL card that will be available.
Visit the Yarra Valley Amateur Group's website
www.yarravalley.ar.org.au
Centre Victoria RadioFest
The theme this year is 'Reach for the skies'. Why? Because there will be
aeronautical amateur television - we will hear more about this soon on this
broadcast from Peter Cossins VK3BFG, astronomical telegazing and hunting
scarce sunspots on the photosphere.
And its family friendliness includes a playground, free children's
face-painting, hot and cold food and drinks or bring your own lunch to
enjoy in picnic style. Free tea and coffee all day.
The Mini-lecture program: Topping the bill is the VK9NA DXpedition by the
VK Microwave Group. The other lectures being - Amateur Radio goes to school
presented by the Sherbrooke Radio Club, Peter Wolfenden VK3RV with an
interesting illustrated talk on Victoria's radio heritage, and a
thought-provoking presentation on the end of Amateur Radio.
These are in addition to the Club Corner Precinct displays, F-Troop photo
call and entry ticket draw for door prizes. And oh, don't forget the
bustling Traders Hall and the second-hand tables and car-boot style sales?
See you at the Centre Victoria RadioFest, Kyneton Racecourse Sunday the
14th of February, I'm Bruce Lees VK3FFF.
Home security system QRM
Reports are starting to appear about a security and home control system
that uses the spread spectrum protocol at 100 milliwatt, and at a distance
of 100 metres its emissions make the 40 metre band unusable.
The system has its signal at a two to five second rate, from 7.1 to 8.5 MHz.
Hey, that's not only 40 metres but also the spectrum used by broadcasting,
aeronautical and marine radio.
Be alarmed and alert for this system arriving in your neighbourhood.
(Spectrum Digest)
The IARU Region 3 Operating Award
This is available for contacts made since the 5th of April 1982 with
countries which have IARU member societies in the Asia Pacific region.
The countries are: Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Burma, China, Fiji,
French Polynesia (FO8 only), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea,
Macau, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea,
Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka,
Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam.
One country credit is also permitted with a US Territory of Guam,
Northern Marianas, American Samoa, Wake Island, Baker Howland Group,
or from the Chago Archipelago VQ9.
QSL cards NOT required, but a certified log sheet with country claims list
needs to be supplied.
A basic award requires seven qualifying contacts. Silver endorsement is
15 with gold 20 and awards can be open or for any mode or band.
Applications need to be made to the Award Manager, Alan Chapman ZL3GX - check
your log book to see if you already qualify for the IARU Region 3 Award or
go on line for more details about the rules.
http://www.iaru-r3.org/r3award.htm
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
Changing the light bulb
Unless you have tried to buy an incandescent light bulb recently it's likely
you're unaware that Australia is phasing them out due to their inefficient
use of electricity.
Incandescent light bulbs have been around for 130 years and they took us from
the candle, fuel lamp and gas-light illumination.
The Australian Government, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, placed an
import ban on inefficient incandescent general lighting bulbs 12 months ago.
As a result, compact fluorescent lamps and extra low voltage halogen,
non-reflector Lamps, that don't meet new minimum energy performance standards,
can no longer be imported.
Digital Radio Plus
A Canadian development may be the way of the future where FM broadcast
station signals are used to activate household appliances or even manage
electricity supply. Appliances are now being fitted with microchip receivers
with the aim of consumers being able to activate them via FM broadcast
station signals using the internet or iPhone at energy-savings times of the
day.
Digital Amateur Television - state of play
We now have on the line Peter Cossins VK3BFG, good morning Peter, how is the
digital amateur television scene in Melbourne and Geelong these days?
(BFG) Thanks Barry and good morning to all. A lot has happened since the
launch last June of the digitised VK3RTV television repeater. We have
a DVB-T downlink which is the terrestrial standard and this can be
received on many standard set-top boxes. We have two analogue and two
digital uplinks. These are on 1250, 1255 and 1278 MHz. And also on
10.41GHz. The digital uplinks are DVB-S standard and analogue are FM.
(Barry) Peter, is the project all completed?
(BFG) I think this project has a little way to go yet Barry. VK3RTV has
always continued to evolve from the black and white days through to
the present. Currently antennas are being built to better provide for
the uplinks.
Barry) From all reports it has created a lot of activity and interest in the
Melbourne and Geelong area. Tell us what you have planned by the way
of digital amateur television at the Centre Victoria RadioFest.
(BFG) What those at Kyneton will see is digital television on a large screen
with real-time vision of the RadioFest and surrounding area
transmitted from a light aircraft, in other words aeronautical DATV.
There will also be experienced ATVers on hand to give advice to how to
get involved.
(Barry) Thank you Peter, I'm very much looking forward to seeing and hearing
it all.
The VK3RTV digitisation project was mainly funded by Amateur Radio Victoria,
with support by way of $1,000 from the WIA Club Grants Program.
Now for today's small dose, or should I say 'smidgen' of trivia.
Until recently no one thought a smidgen was an actual unit of measure. But
kitchen supply stores in North America and elsewhere are now selling sets of
"minispoons" in which the smallest spoon is labelled "smidgen".
It is designed to hold exactly 1/2 pinch or 1/32 of a teaspoon, which is
roughly 0.005 of a fluid ounce or 0.15 of a millilitre.
And where did the word 'smidgen' come from? Well apparently it is a diminutive
of "smutch" or "smudge", it originally meant a small spot.
I'm John Williams VK2JJW and you're listening to VK1WIA.
The hidden cost of amateur repeaters
From time to time we hear about the funding difficulties experienced by clubs
who run a repeater, often not for the benefit of their members but for the
wider amateur radio community.
In New South Wales the Lands Department is continuing on its campaign of
introducing high site lease charges all in the name of cost recovery and
getting a commercial return for access to sites.
Similar things are happening in other parts of Australia which are making
repeater operators very anxious.
Amateur Radio Victoria funds and licences most of the repeaters in its state.
The annual ACMA licence fees are nearly $4000.
In addition to this are site fees. Take for instance the Mt William repeater
VK3RWZ in Western Victoria, the site fees for this repeater are around $1,000
a year!
And Recently VK3RWZ was restored to service after a major antenna failure.
Rigging costs alone were in excess of $5,000 for that job.
A considerable number of complaints were received when the repeater was not
on air, most came from non members of Amateur Radio Victoria. Since it has
been returned to service only a couple of loyal and understanding members
have expressed their thanks.
Another major new cost for repeater operators is the D-Star network. Amateur
Radio Victoria has spent more than $10,000 to get VK3RMM D-Star Mt Macedon on
air, we now find it has minimal use by a few operators, of these less than a
quarter are Amateur Radio Victoria members.
And with D-Star comes the monthly expense of internet access for the D-STAR
internet gateway.
Ongoing maintenance, replacements and upgrades to meet commercial site
technical requirements are hidden costs not understood by all radio amateurs.
Do you support the organisation that provides amateur radio repeaters, if not
why not join today, and in VK3 that means Amateur Radio Victoria.
I'm Ross Pittard VK3CE and you're listening to VK1WIA.
Old club callsign being maintained.
The RMIT University School of Electrical and Computer Engineering is again the
custodian of the VK3MT amateur radio callsign.
It was originally issued to the 'Melbourne Technical College - Radio School'
which commenced classes in 1934 and as part of the 120 year evolution of RMIT
University has now been reclaimed.
Hopefully VK3MT will continue the tradition of helping to expose technical
students to amateur radio.
THE SOCIAL SCENE 2010
FEBRUARY 14 - VK3 - the WIA Centenary Supported Activity, Centre Victoria
RadioFest No. 3.
FEBRUARY 27 - VK6 - Hills Amateur Radio Group Swap Meet 2pm Sanderson and
Brady Rds Lesmurdie.
FEBRUARY 28 - VK2 - Wyong Field Day, Wyong Race Course.
FEBRUARY 28 - VK3 - Yarra Valley Amateur Radio Group Hamfest at Healesville,
MARCH 14 - VK3 - Eastern and Mountain District Radio Club White Elephant
Sale at Heathmont.
MARCH 14 - VK6 - 100 years of the WIA+Ham Heaven Official opening of the
Northern Corridor Radio Group club premises, (Contact
Keith vk6rk(AT)wia.org.au)
MARCH 21 - VK7 - Meet the voice BBQ at Ross in Tasmania
APRIL 2, 3, 4 & 5 - VK3 - WIA Centenary Supported Activity, Midland Amateur
Radio Club's Radio, Electronic & Astronomy Expo,
Old Bendigo Fire Station, View Street Bendigo.
JUNE 12 - VK2 - Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club's 35th Annual Field Day.
JULY 17 - VK3 - Gippsland Gate Radio and Electronics Club Hamfest at
Cranbourne.
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 World Radio Conference WRC-11 Geneva
MAY 4-7 VK5 - YL International 2012 Australia (vk5tmc(AT)bigpond.com)
The Centenary of Organised Amateur Radio in Australia
We now welcome to the microphone, David Wardlaw VK3ADW, Chairman of the WIA
Centenary Committee, good morning David, the celebration has already begun!
It actually start on the first of January and runs right through to the end of
December. A year-long celebration with participation throughout the nation.
The very busy WIA Centenary Committee is focusing on the Centenary Convention
to be held in Canberra Friday 29 May through to Sunday 31 May. Initial details
of this program are in Amateur Radio magazine, on the WIA website, and
summarised later in this broadcast.
The Committee met last Wednesday, and news from it was that there is a planned
ARISS contact with the International Space Station, during the Centenary
Dinner, involving a local school.
A lot of detail of the Centenary program will be appearing on this broadcast
in the months ahead.
Mini-solar cells
These are about the size of glitter that can be attached to clothing or tents.
Developed by at Sandia National Laboratories in India, they can recharge
batteries plus have potential satellite or remote sensing applications.
OPERATIONAL NEWS ON VK1WIA THIS WEEK BEING PRESENTED BY AMATEUR RADIO VICTORIA
AND THE CENTRE VICTORIA RADIOFEST. I'M BARRY ROBINSON VK3PV.
ON AIR CONTEST AND EVENT COLUMN - DATELINE
22nd to 28 February - the 7th Antarctic Activity Week. Many more stations have
indicated their intention to participate this year.
Details: http://www.waponline.it/ or list of stations
that will be active
http://www.waponline.it/Default.aspx?tabid=113
27th to 28th February NZART Jock White Memorial Field Day Contest:
Details: nzart.org.nz/contests
13th to 14th March RSGB Commonwealth Contest (BERU). Details:
hfcc.org/hfcc/rule/2009/beru.shtml
20th and 21st March WIA John Moyle Memorial Field Day.
17th of April World Moon Bounce Day - Many of the world's large
parabolic dish antennas along with radio amateurs in
attendance will bounce radio signals of the lunar surface.
30 April to 6 May, Westlakes Amateur Radio Club's 12th annual CQ Repeater
Contest - encouraging all radio amateurs to put a little
life into the usually quiet FM repeaters.
1st of May through to the 31st of December the special callsign VK100WIA and
the WIA Centenary Award.
8th of May, VK Trans Tasman 80 metre phone contest.
8th of June, VK Trans Tasman 160 metre phone contest.
12th and 13th June, Worked All VK Shires Contest.
19th and 20th June, WIA Winter VHF-UHF Field Day contest.
19th & 20th,
and
26th and 27th June International Museums Weekend - The website
ukradioamateur.org/imw has begun accepting registrations
10th of July, Jack Files Contest.
21 and 22nd of Aug International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend - So far
more than 20 Australian lighthouses are registered. Check
out the website illw.net
14 and 15 of August WIA Remembrance Day Contest.
2nd and 3rd October Oceania DX Contest Phone.
9th and 10th October Oceania DX Contest CW.
20 21 November WIA Spring VHF-UHF Field Day.
Rewind - a look back at our history through the serialised written history by
WIA Centenary Committee member Peter Wolfenden VK3RV with assistance
of others, that is being published in the WIA journal Amateur Radio
magazine.
Early regulation of the spectrum: The original Australian Wireless Telegraphy
Act (1905), vested power in the Post Master General, and the Chief Electrical
Engineer for the Post Office was charged with administering it.
The Act also made provision for land based Experimental Stations which enabled
the establishment and authorised private amateur stations.
The Marconi Company was keen to establish itself in Australia and in June 1906
it obtained the first "land station" licence for stations in Devonport
Tasmania and Queenscliff in Victoria. These were used to demonstrate the
Marconi equipment; however the government declined to purchase the stations at
the end of the demonstration trials, perhaps still unsure of the potential of
wireless.
But in October 1909, tenders were called for the construction of coastal radio
stations in Sydney and Perth.
The accepted tender was from the Australasian Wireless Company with Telefunken
German equipment at about a quarter of the price submitted by the Marconi
Company, triggering legal actions and squabbles over patents.
For the next 20 years or so there appears to have been much exploitation of
the Commonwealth by a series of doubtful actions by some wireless companies
during a cut-throat environment which saw them posture as if they were the
owners of the spectrum and technology.
In hindsight, the true amateur experimenter may have been amongst the select
few who, over those years, were not attempting to take advantage of their
knowledge for obtaining ill gotten gains from the public purse.
Further, it could be argued that the altruistic attitude of amateurs has
survived right up to today in the many ways they provide public service
whether it be in education, emergency communications and other activities.
(Extract #2 from the serialised history being published in the WIA journal
Amateur Radio magazine)
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK1
vk1 local news email broadcast(AT)vk1.wia.ampr.org and ask for subscription.
Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club is preparing for an radio amateur population
explosion in the nation's capital in May associated with the WIA annual
general meeting and Centenary celebration activities.
VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
VKG Roundup http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news
Wyong Field Day Dinner. Amateur Radio New South Wales in conjunction with the
Central Coast Amateur Radio Club will hold a dinner to kick off the start of
Amateur Radio New South Wales 100 years celebrations. It will be at the Wyong
Bowling Club on Saturday the 27th of February from 6pm. Bookings are
essential. To book or for more information contact the Secretary of Amateur
Radio New South Wales Brian Kelly VK2WBK on 0400 445 829.
NEW SYDNEY RADIO CLUB
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
A new amateur radio club is being formed at Macquarie University in Sydney.
Students and staff are invited to form the new club, to promote amateur radio
activity at Macquarie University. Enquiries from the local community are also
welcome. Macquarie University is a centre of excellence in electronic,
telecommunications and wireless engineering.
Contact Adam VK2JSI by email. VK2JSI(AT)MUARC.ORG or call 0415371990.
See also the Facebook page of the Macquarie University Amateur Radio Club,
www.muarc.org
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
VKC Roundup http://www.police
Yarra Valley Amateur Radio Group Hamfest at Healesville on February the 28th,
opens at 10am and runs until 2pm. Entry fee is still $5 and the booking fees
are the same as the last 10 years at $15 for an 8 foot table.
Bring the family and you can perhaps visit the Healesville Sanctuary or go to
Marysville for afternoon tea and check out how the regeneration of the town
and bush is proceeding. Full details are on the Yarra Valley Amateur Radio
Group web site http://www.yarravalley.ar.org.au
Simon VK3ZNT...
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Oxfam Trailwalker is on again and I need your help.
The Oxfam Trailwalker Event will be held on April 16-17-18 over the
same course as last year.
As you are aware this event runs continuously over three days and is one
of the most hungry man hour events that WICEN is involved in.
We are once again requesting your help in running the safety and
logistic communications for this event as you have most generously given
of your time and skills in the past.
We are requesting an early indication as to whether you are able to
assist as this event requires a lot of planning.
We would appreciate it if you would reply by email or phone as soon as
you decide one way or the other.
Would you kindly indicate the days and times that you will be available?
Regards,
Simon VK3ZNT".
(0418190637 simon(AT)nga.net.au)
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 wondering are all hams the same.
Saturday morning and the broadcast radio was assisting in lifting the veil
off sleep. The interview was on the growth of software applications for use
with the new generation of mobile phones. To emphasise a point the interviewer
asked, "What type of person writes these apps.... is it like the ham radio
operator in their garage .....?" (Geraldine Doogue, Radio National, 30/1/2010)
This made me wonder what the general perception of our hobby is, in the wider
community. Are amateurs perceived as eccentric and "geekie" or are they
being misrepresented with these stereotypes? With the greater use of
commercial equipment a lot of which is designed for mobile use, the size of
the amateur station has physically decreased. With the use of computers, as
part of the station, it is more likely that the amateur station is integrated
within the family living space. But rather than the geography, it is perhaps
more the reflection on us, the people.
As we spread the word of the Centenary of the WIA, this year, here is a good
opportunity to introduce ourselves AND our hobby. We can show this hobby is
for the kid next door and his grandmother. We can show people amateur radio
is for anyone not just the geeks.
For QNEWS, this is Geoff, VK4ZPP and that is what I think.
GYMPIE
www.gceginc.org.au
Trevor Taege, VK4BAT
I'm Trevor Taege, VK4BAT with news from the Gympie Communications &
Electronics Group:
Over the past few years, the Gympie district has been well served by a
2 metre repeater - VK4RCM. It was generously set up and maintained by
Jason, VK4MIH.
The ownership of the property where the Repeater is sited is changing and
so from February 27, the device will no longer be able to operate from
Mt. Corella.
The Gympie Group will build a new Repeater and it will be moved to a new
location as soon as possible. Inquiries, tests and planning are underway
for this to happen as soon as possible.
There may be a short interruption to service from the end of February but
we will keep you posted on developments.
The Gympie Communications & Electronics group would once again like to thank
Jason for the great service he has provided to the Wide Bay region with the
2m Repeater and IRLP service.
Preparation is continuing for our weekend at Mt. Wolvi for the John Moyle
Field Day Contest. At this stage the Gympie Club is planning to operate on
several HF bands as well as on six metres, two metres, and 70cm.
A couple of members will try their hand at cw on at least one or two bands.
Would any Club members who are planning to operate or assist that did not
attend the last meeting please contact one of the committee members for
further planning.
For Gympie Area News, I'm Trevor Taege, VK4BAT
ROCKHAMPTON
IRLP NODE 6973 ;
e-mail vk4acc(AT)wia.org.au
Secretary Clive 4928 1173
http://www.radarc.cjb.net/
This is Doug VK4DUG from the Rockhampton and District Amateur Radio Club.
Having gathered up the smaller items on a previous occasion, last Saturday
about a dozen of the RADAR Club members involved them selves in a little
muscle building heavy lifting exercise.
The purpose of the latest exercise was to load and transport a rather large,
40 foot self supporting three legged tower (fortunately partly dismantled),
and two 4 section telescopic guyed towers and sundry other bits, to a safe
RADAR sponsored location.
The club is rather fortunate that our president Jack VK4JRC has a suitable
sturdy diesel truck (which I suspect would be the envy of many a would-be
truckie) as well as all the necessary tie down gear. And if that's not
enough, we had another professional truckie Dave VK4FDWN, to lend a hand.
Jack has even provided a temporary storage location.
The equipment has been in the secure care of The Fitzroy River Coast Guard
who decided that they no longer had a need for it and past it on to the
RADAR Club. Many thanks to them.
It was previously installed and operating at the local site of OTC, so you
can get some idea of the quality.
For those of you who no longer recognize the acronym, the Overseas
Telecommunications Commission as it was then in 1946, had radio stations
situated at many sites around the coast. These sites were decommissioned
in 1992, and the equipment sold off, or given to possible worthy users such
as the local coast guard.
As yet, the RADAR Club has not fully decided how it will utilize this
latest acquisition, but several plans are in hand.
73 Doug
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
vk4wat(AT)wia.org.au
www.treclub.org.au
G'day all, this is Dale VK4DMC on behalf of the Tablelands Radio and
Electronics Club.
As we move into a new year of club activities our President John VK4TL has
penned some interesting comments for TREC members. I would like to share with
you John's words.
"FROM THE PRESIDENT.
Hi all readers, having perused our members one by one I see most are active
with something or another. This is highly commendable and to be encouraged.
Building small projects or putting kits together all adds to the enjoyment
of the hobby. Most of us are on the older side and some of us need glasses
to see. Let's face it the gear is getting smaller. The performance is
enhanced these days by the new devices obtainable at small cost.
The trouble is that we often refuse to participate in miniature work because
of this.
Two years ago at age 77 I put together a mini-kits surface mount 1296 MHz
transverter. Sitting with me was Jeff VK4BOF who everyone up here knows has
eyesight problems and he completed one also. Other members of our club are
conversant with surface mount construction. Do this when most alert say in
the morning, use magnifying headset. Get the right tweezers and a sharp
pointy bit for the soldering iron and get building. The particular kit
mentioned has also been built by Ian VK4AFC, Paul VK4APN and Keith VK4BKS.
It does help to do some research into getting a high quality solder about
one mm thick or smaller. So if you are put off by $3000 for off the shelf
1296 then take the plunge. If you have problems there are lots of experienced
builders around to help.
Now for 10 GHz there are the DRO units for US$15 that have taken the place
of Gunn units. More expensive about US$55 are YIG oscillator units from
China and these can be modulated just the same. They tune over a wide range
like 9.6 to 10.7 GHz. These are very stable like the DROs which come down
into the ham band to about 10.4 GHz. With a 70 MHz IF such as a 2 way radio
they should give such sensitivity that Gunn units are completely outclassed.
Want some help to see what direction to take with home brew, then please
feel free to contact me and I will see if I can help. You may ask why I
mention the above, well it's because all else comes easily off the shelf
for a low cost and these things do not.
Good DX de John VK4TL - President TREC".
TOWNSVILLE
vk4wit(AT)wia.org.au
4773 1196 or 0408 001142
po box 333 Garbutt East, QLD 4814
www.tarc.org.au
GIDDAY AND BEST WISHES TO ALL LISTENERS..........
GREETINGS FROM NORTH QUEENSLAND, THIS IS DON VK4FNQA,
WITH ALL OF THE GOOD NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ,
THIS TUESDAY NIGHT IS THE TARC PROJECT NIGHT AND THERE
IS SOMETHING SPECIAL HAPPENING !
A VISIT TO THE QUEENSLAND AMBULANCE SERVICE TOWNSVILLE
COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE IN HUGH STREET CURRAJONG HAS
BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEMBERS BY PAUL VK4FOTO.
THERE WILL BE A LOT TO SEE AND THANKS TO POPULAR DEMAND
ADDITIONAL TOUR POSITIONS HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR THE VISIT -
HOWEVER THESE POSITIONS ARE GOING FAST !
YOU NEED TO GET YOUR TOUR NUMBERS INTO PAUL BY THIS
SUNDAY EVENING !
THOSE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET ON THE TOUR WILL NEED TO BE
AT THE HUGH STREET COMPLEX GATHERED AT THE CONCRETED
CAR PARK FROM 1915 HOURS FOR TOUR COMMENCEMENT
WITH PAUL VK4FOTO BY 1930 HOURS THIS TUESDAY.
TO MAKE A DEFINITE BOOKING TO BE ON THE TOUR CONTACT
PAUL VK4FOTO USING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS -
BY ELECTRONIC MAIL TO VK4FOTO AT WESTNET DOT COM
DOT AU, OR PHONE 47731196 LEAVING A MESSAGE ON THE
ROBOT IF NECESSARY, OR RESPOND TO THE TARC FACEBOOK
INVITATION TO ATTEND.
PAUL WILL ADVISE YOU IF YOU WERE FAST ENOUGH TO GET
ON THE TOUR LIST.
I SAY AGAIN......
DONT DELAY, DO IT TODAY, ELSE YOU WILL MISS OUT !
THE TARC MANAGEMENT MEETING WAS HELD LAST TUESDAY
AND A SNEEK PREVIEW OF HAPPENINGS SHOW THAT -
* A FOXHUNT WILL BE TAKING PLACE ON SATURDAY JUNE
26TH,
* THERE ARE STILL SOME DATE CLASHES IN THE
COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT CALENDAR THAT ARE BEING
IRONED OUT.
* A VENUE FOR THE TARC JOHN MOYLE MEMORIAL DAY
WEEKEND OPERATIONS IN MARCH WILL BE ANNOUNCED
REAL SOON NOW !
* A SPECIAL THING WILL BE HAPPENING AT THE MARCH
PROJECT NIGHT .... KEEP TUNED IN FOR FURTHER DETAILS!
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; AND ENJOYING QNEWS FROM VK4WIA.
VK5
The South East Radio Group Convention will be held at Mt Gambier on the 12th
and 13th of June, the Queen's Birthday Weekend. The club is also rostered at
that time to use the special callsign VK100WIA.
(http://serg.mountgambier.org/)
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
Region III IARU-MS Coordinator Peter Young VK3MV
WIA Intruder Watch Coordinator Karl Hennig VK6XW
VK IARU-MS reflector email to subscribe intruders(AT)wia.org.au
IARUMS NETS
Friday 0730 UTC 7.065.5 with VK4CEU David.
Amateur Service exclusive frequencies where any non-amateur signal is
definitely an intruder.
Amateur HF Spectrum world wide
7.050 to 7.100
14.000 to 14.250
14.250 to 14.350 No broadcasters
21.000 to 21.450
24.890 to 24.990
28.000 to 29.700
Intruder Watch began 50 years ago, and is just as important, if not more so,
as Region 3 IARU Monitoring Service Coordinator Peter Young VK3MV explains.
The WIA is a foundation member of the International Amateur Radio Union known
as the IARU. The IARU consists of member amateur radio societies around the
world with the prime aim of representing and promoting amateur radio and the
allocation and protection of amateur spectrum allocations in various forums.
One of its important roles is to monitor the Amateur Service exclusive HF
spectrum allocations for unwanted intrusions by other radiocommunications
services.
Why a Monitoring System? Well, the amateur service must take action to protect
its bands because an administration permitting a station to operate contrary
to the International Telecommunications Union Radio Regulations may assert
that its operation is not in breach of the Radio Regulations because there
have been no complaints of harmful interference caused by that station.
Harmful interference is defined within the ITU Regulations and is the first
test before the complaint is accepted.
Therefore the objective of the IARU-MS is the removal of Intruders from
exclusive amateur bands.
How do we do this? The success of the IARU-MS depends on Member Societies
acting to influence the licensees of Intruders in their country or the
administrations of their country to remove Intruders from exclusive amateur
bands or, if the Intruder is in another country, to request their
administration to lodge a complaint to the administration of the country in
which the Intruder is located.
Administrations generally will undertake its own measurements before action
is undertaken. Some complaints result in the removal of the intruder
reasonably quickly, but unfortunately, some may take years to resolve,
particularly if it involves an administration in another country.
A recent example, has been the successful removal of a ionospheric over the
horizon radar, located in Australia that was causing interference in the
30 meter amateur band. Although the 30 meter band is a secondary amateur
service allocation, the licence conditions imposed by the ACMA requires that
this radar does not cause interference to other radiocommunications services,
including the amateur service.
This could not have been achieved without interference reports being filed
with our IW coordinator.
In Australia the WIA's intruder watch coordinator is Karl Henning, VK6WX who
with other observers have years of experience in identifying and logging
intruders as well as coordinating all the Australian observations from other
amateurs in Australia.
What is an observation? This involves listening to signals and determining if
they are genuine amateur QSO's. If an intruder is suspected then details are
recorded. That is date, time, emission - for example upper or lower sideband
AM, CW, or digital, the signal bandwidth, the bearing direction, the general
nature of the signal, if some form of identification is used and any other
characteristics that may assist the identification and location of the
intruder.
The WIA needs more IW volunteers!
We always need more amateurs to undertake intruder watch to lighten the load.
If you value your HF spectrum why not become a IW reporter?
Want more information?
The WIA's website under the "members" tab has more information - look for the
intruder watch tab.
(Peter Young, VK3MV Region 3 Monitoring Service Coordinator and WIA Director)
Aviation network upgrade
The government-owned corporation, Airservices Australia in its project to
modernise the VHF radio communication network across Australia has reached a
milestone.
Its technicians have now upgraded air - ground - air voice communication
equipment at 100 of around 150 sites nationally - the latest being on Table
Mountain, Rockhampton.
Airservices is replacing outmoded radios, aerials and network equipment with
state-of-the-art hardware as part of an eight year, $46 million project.
Ultimately, all VHF services will be changed onto digital bearers as part of
a separate multi-million dollar upgrade of Airservices own national
telecommunications infrastructure.
The VHF System Upgrade Project is due to be completed this year.
(Barry Robinson VK3PV)
Very interesting Barry, and also recently announced is that the Rail
Corporation New South Wales has signed a deal to replace its analogue radio
network with a digital radio system from China.
The Australian mains power plug octogenarian
This month the familiar three pin Aussie developed plug that is also used in
some other countries, is celebrating its 80th birthday.
Smaller and smaller radios
Perhaps some old-timers remember when they purchased a truly portable 2 metre
rig, such as the IC215, about the size of two house bricks and weighing
1.9 Kg. A few years later, the smaller FT208R came on the market - this time
about half the size and half the weight. With the arrival of the FT 26
however, hams were relieved that a 'small' handheld had been achieved.
Measuring just 55 mm by 146 mm by 33 mm, and weighing 430 gm, this 2 metre
handheld was able to carried everywhere.
Today, a new generation of small handhelds are available from all the well
known manufacturers - handhelds such as the Icom IC-7A.
Some of these dual-band 2 metre/70 centimetre radios, which include a broad
range of receiver frequencies, are only slightly larger than a credit card
even though capable of nearly 2 watts on transmit.
But just how small will radios become?
Recently physicists at the University of California, America, announced they
had constructed 'a fully functional, fully integrated radio receiver,
orders-of-magnitude smaller than any previous radio'. Constructed from a
single carbon nanotube, the radio is less than a micron long and only
10 nanometers wide, or 10,000 times thinner than a single human hair.
A matching ultra-miniature transmitter is planned to be built soon.
Go to the Nanotube Radio Website to read about the radio, view videos that
were photographed through a high resolution electron microscope, and listen
to the receiver in action as it plays 'Good Vibrations' by the Beach Boys.
Google the website and see for yourself
(www.physics.berkeley.edu/research/zettl/projects/nanoradio/radio.html)
I'm Murray Lewis VK3EZM and you're listening to the Amateur Radio Victoria
produced VK1WIA broadcast.
MEDIA WATCH
www.wiaq.com/admin/uploads/weeklytally.rtf
www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WorldRadio.html
Groups to present this WIA National News Service
February 21 - Central Coast Amateur Radio Club (Promoting Wyong Field Day)
March 7 - Amateur Radio New South Wales (Promoting the WIA Centenary)
March 14 - And it is across to VK6 Denis and NEWSWEST gang
March 28, April 4 and 11 - Robert Broomhead VK3DN.
April 25 - Down to VK7 with the Radio and Electronics Association of
Southern Tasmania (ANZAC Weekend)
MAY 9 - Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club (promoting CRARC / WIA AGM)
MAY 30 - VK100WIA WIA directors join a live outside broadcast from
Canberra
Tracking ships from space
Two new receivers are soon to be tested from the International Space Station
to help keep track of large ships at sea.
VHF radio signals from a ship's transponder regularly transmit the vessel's
identification and location, but this data can only be picked up line-of-sight
by other ships or when near land.
To improve the tracking of ships, these signals will also be received on the
space station to see if it can provide greater real-time tabs on shipping
movements.
The Australian who put man on the moon
An article in the December, 2009 issue of Lo-Key, the journal of the
Australian QRP Club, noted the important work of an Australian radio amateur.
An enthusiastic ham for all of his life, William Ross Adey was born in
Adelaide in 1922 and got his callsign VK5AJ at the aged of 17.
In the next decade he established the trademarks of his career in medical
research and electronics.
At the age of 35 he was appointed Professor of Anatomy and Physiology at the
UCLA Medical School in America.
Within three years, Professor Ross Adey, now K6UI, was appointed as Director
of the new Space Biology Laboratory for human research, established to fulfill
President John Kennedy's commitment to put a man on the moon in the 1960's.
His laboratory developed the technology for biotelemetry from space to monitor
the astronauts' health, including recordings to show the effects of
weightlessness on brain function.
A full story on about this remarkable Australian who helped put man on the
moon, is being written for publication in the WIA journal Amateur Radio
magazine.
Do you remember Ross Adey? He used to visit ham radio friends in Melbourne. A
photograph of him is required to accompany that article. If you can assist
with a photo, please contact either Jim Linton VK3PC vk3pc(AT)wia.org.au or
Murray Lewis VK3EZM lokey.editor(AT)yahoo.com
(Murray Lewis VK3EZM)
Silent Key
Mark Dods VK3ZR had an established a career in the electronics industry
when in the late 1970s became an enthusiastic radio amateur.
After the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires he answered the call for radio
amateurs to provide communications for the clean-up at Mount Macedon, thus
began his involvement in WICEN.
He oversaw its Incorporation in 1989/90, served on the Committee of
Management as President and State Coordinator for three years, and as WIA
Victoria Representative for another six.
The contributions of Mark were recognised in 1994 when he was made an
"Esteemed Member" of WICEN.
His service included the North East Victorian floods of 1993, the Y2K or
Millennium bug WICEN network for the Victoria Police 1999, and bushfires
2003, 2006 and 2009.
Mark was WICEN Victoria's Public Officer from 1997 until his death.
He was also an active member of RECOM, the communications arm of the Red
Cross, and provided help in maintaining radio communications for the
McCrae Yacht Club.
Mark died of cancer on Sunday January 17th at his home in McCrae.
His more than 25 years of volunteer work with WICEN was recognised in this
year's Australia Day's Honours List, with the Emergency Services Medal.
In the true style of this gentleman, the only reason Mark Dods VK3ZR
agreed to be nominated for this high award, was so that it was recognised
that service as a member of WICEN, was as valid a contribution as service
with any other emergency agency.
Now for a quick review of this month's WIA journal Amateur Radio magazine.
The cover story is the trip by members of the Blue Mountains Amateur Radio
Club to Poeppel Corner, in the heart of the Simpson Desert at the borders of
the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia.
More details on the WIA Centenary Celebration can be read, along with the
first in the serialised history of radio.
Centenary activities are to take place in Canberra over the weekend Friday
28th through Sunday 30th of May, in conjunction with the WIA's annual general
meeting and member forum.
Highlights include a series of presentations on the early days of radio, a
Saturday evening Centenary Dinner, the special station VK100WIA in conjunction
with the Centenary Award will run all three days, a BBQ lunch and public
display of amateur radio.
Turning to page 28, the topic in the Foundation Corner column is, refurbishing
aluminium antennas, by Geoff Emery VK4ZPP - the do's and do not's of antenna
restoration.
On page 37, Spotlight on SWLing by Robin Harwood VK7RH notes the Sydney to
Hobart Yacht Race night communications on HF were very difficult due to
interference from the combined effects of a clandestine broadcaster in
South Korea, and an even louder jammer signal.
Also making an interesting read in Amateur Radio magazine, sent to WIA members
and available in many newsagents around Australia, are tales from the
Lord Howe Island VK9LA DXpedition.
Centre Victoria RadioFest - Club Corner Precinct Roll Call
Amateur Radio Victoria
Australian Vintage Radio Society
Bendigo Astronomical Society
CQ Magazine Awards
CW Operators' QRP Club
Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Amateur Radio Club
Historical Radio Society of Australia.
Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club
RECOM the communications arm of the Australian Red Cross
Scout Radio & Electronics Service Unit
The Royal Australian Corp of Signals Museum
and The Wireless institute of Australia
See them at the WIA Supported Centenary Activity -
The Centre Victoria RadioFest No. 3.
Battery power your home
Electronics manufacturer Panasonic will launch next year a massive
lithium-ion storage battery capable of powering an average home for up to a
week
The Final Final
Thank you to Graham Kemp VK4BB for the invitation for Amateur Radio Victoria
to present the VK1WIA broadcast.
Appreciation is extended to those who assisted with today's presentation
including the interviewees - David Wardlaw VK3ADW, Fred Swainston VK3DAC
and Peter Cossins VK3BFG.
To our support announcers Steve Bushell VK3HK, Murray Lewis VK3EZM, Tim Lewis
VK3HAM and the Voice of the Centre Victoria RadioFest Bruce Lees VK3FFF. Thank
you John Williams VK2JJW for reading the trivia item, as only you can.
The Amateur Radio Victoria team has enjoyed bringing you this broadcast and
hopes you liked it too.
Now from Jim Linton VK3PC Barry Robinson VK3PV - GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!
--------------------------------
*************************************************
- NEWS POSTING TO PACKET -
Courtesy Tony VK7AX VK7AX(AT)VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC
*************************************************
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
