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VK7AX > BCAST 27.07.25 02:50l 512 Lines 24391 Bytes #296 (0) @ WW
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VK7 Amateur Radio News 27Jul25
Text edition:
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VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 27th July 2025
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Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News coming to you from Santarena Park - Jetsonville just outside Scottdale.
This was first broadcast on Sunday, July 27th, 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 Peter, VK7PD.
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 Garry, VK7JGD
7.140 MHz by Ross, VK7ALH
14.130 MHz by Justin, VK7TW
28.525 MHz by Any Takers 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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WWFF, SOTA, POTA and IOTA
Weekly Wrap-Up
VKFF will be issuing special certificates to operators who activate a VKFF park on National Tree Day (27 July 2025) and World Ranger Day (31 July 2025). These special events are a great way to support awareness around conservation and park protection while also adding some bling to your certificate collection.
VK7MAT took part in the Support Your Parks Weekend by activating three parks over consecutive days. His original plan was to activate up to four parks on the first day, but the weather had other ideas. Upon arriving at his first park, Matt was met with snow and strong winds. His second choice offered no improvement, with similar conditions. Undeterred, he descended the mountain and found a more sheltered spot at Fairly Glade State Reserve, despite heavy rain, Matt managed to activate the reference. From there, Matt moved on to Black Jack Hill Regional Reserve, and on the following day, he activated Fannys Bay Conservation Area. Over the course of the weekend, he logged 81 contacts, including 9 park-to-park, using his Icom IC-705 running 10 watts.
Rodney, VK7HAM, Al, VK7AN, and Peter, VK7ZPE, made their way to the summit of Mount Stronach near Scottsdale. The granite peak stands at 490 metres and provides excellent views across the north-east region. During the activation, they made 24 contacts, including one from France.
So far in 2025, VK7 Activators and Hunters have recorded great results across all programs. Activators have made 4,087 contacts, while Hunters have logged over 2,000 contacts. These figures highlight continued participation and support from the VK7 amateur radio community.
Hope to catch you on the air.
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 11 July 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 11 July 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, TPE, 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, ZTA
Following were seen at WAGS 9 July 25 - AZ, HSD, HVK, ID, MAT, STO
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Statewide SSTV Nights
A “light hearted” net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – EV, ZGK, AX, OO, TW, ZCF and ZAB all sharing over forty photos.
The main theme was:
A car show day with scale vintage roadsters, series 1 Land Rover, tracked tractor and motorbikes
Other highlights were:
Good Evening from a Grand Poobah
The famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore
A Mural in Darwin
Mt Claude Fire Tower and snow on Mt Wellington
A Morse Code workstation with a wooden sounder
A decoded SSTV picture of 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Soyuz mission
An unimpressed cat with your last QSO
A group flatulence sessions
The political race off a cliff
The dangers of an unstable cliff and that you might die!
The binoculars you need some time to see clearly with
A few more years of road works on the Midlands Highway
Traffic lights for push bikes and horse riders
And “do electricians listen to AC/DC or something more current?”
Again Tony VK7AX interconnected VK7RJG to his SSTV International Gateway and VK7s exchanged photos with PA3ADE and PC1K in the Netherlands. Remember to leave a 30 second break between transmissions to allow the European countries a chance to send photos. Tony will connect the gateway again next week at 6:30 pm but will not close it until 11:30 pm, giving the international stations more time.
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 WEST
North West Tasmania Amateur Radio Club Bi Monthly Meeting
The next club meeting will be commencing at 1.30pm on Saturday 2nd August 2025 at our usual venue, the Scout Hall, 73 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone. Afternoon tea will also be held.
Members are encouraged to bring items for show & tell, and club rooms are open till 6pm for members to socialise.
A small plate of afternoon tea would be appreciated, we have Tea, Coffee etc available for members and guests. Visitors are most welcome to attend.
If you have any cold or flu symptoms , or are unwell , or been in contact with a confirmed COVID case, then please do not attend the meeting.
73, Eric, VK7EV,
News Officer, NWTARC
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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
If you are listening to this broadcast on Sunday, then with a bit of luck, NTARC members and volunteers are currently finishing the last of the packing up of check points, repeater and the communications trailer. After what hopefully has been a successful Equine Endurance ride held at Santarena Park Scottsdale this weekend.
All this work will undoubtedly be interspersed with consumption of the renowned “Egg and Bacon Rolls” from the ride base canteen. With a bit of luck the weather will be kind to us as we finish packing and disperse, making our way back home to Hobart and Launceston. Thank you to all who assisted and I am sure there will be a round up to follow in a future broadcast.
Now let us dive into the fascinating world of toroidal components with our hands-on Toroid Test & Measurement Presentation by Trevor VK7TB.
Trevor will demystify the toroid colour code system - from red (T-37-2) to yellow (T-68-6) and beyond - so you can select the right core for your frequency range and power level. Or are the painted on colours just for decoration by some manufacturers?
Whether you're building baluns, filters, or matching networks, understanding toroids is key to cleaner signals and better performance. This session will attempt to cover some of the following:
• Colour Code Identification for Popular Cores
• Ferrite or soft iron core centres
• Frequency Response and Core Saturation
• Inductance and Q Factor or Quality Factor Measurement
• Testing Tools that can be used and maybe even some DIY Winding Techniques!
If all goes well the testing oscilloscope display should be available on the large screen monitor for easier viewing. As there is only a couple of hours available for this presentation we will see what can be covered. I am sure Trevor might be tempted into a follow up session for the remainder and maybe even covering the now ubiquitous NanoVNAs and other tools like LCR meters to evaluate your toroids with accuracy. Presentation to be held at the club rooms on Wednesday the 6th August, about 7.30 pm.
This presentation is perfect for beginners and seasoned operators alike as it will blend theory with practical demonstrations. So bring your questions, your curiosity and your toroids!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Amateur License training - Peter VK7PD, is currently running Saturday upgrade classes, all are welcome, please contact Peter or the secretary if you are interested.
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! Test & Measurement Presentation by Trevor VK7TB. Wednesday the 6th August, doors open at the usual time of 6.30 pm, presentation about 7.30 pm, at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
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/
Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Group (WEGs)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DArjGsZkDag
Last Wednesday night (July 23rd) was a great show with a very special guest in Denis Bowden. Denis donated an historic Telegraphy Line Relay and he came along to tell us all about it. Denis gave us some of his background in the Post Master Generals (PMG) department from 1963 and was involved in many things including the replacement of the telephone system installed in 1929. Denis did National Service in signals where he learned morse code. The relay that Denis gave us was built into a replica of a typical telegraphy setup by Justin VK7TW and this would have been in Post Offices in the days when telegraphy was the main form of communication.
Denis took us through a typical telegraphy setup and talked about the Line Relay that was in the replica and it let us know it was used as the backup telegraphy line between the GPO and the Hobart exchange.
We went through some historic items and information including a wonderful story about the Strowger exchange switches. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strowger_switch
A huge thank you to Denis and Ron for coming in.
Next was a segment on the Trans-Tasman Low Band Contest with a wrap-up from Murray VK7ZMS and VK7TW who talked about the operation with Murrayâ€Ös AM Radio Station challenges, tuning and good results.
There was a short segment on the potential interference on 430-440MHz from US AST Bluebird satellites and some of the action from the WIA and the IARU.
Justin VK7TW then did a short segment on the HamClock Application. HamClock is a kiosk-style application that provides real time space weather, radio propagation models, operating events and other information particularly useful to the radio amateur. HamClock was introduced in my October 2017 QST article and continues to be maintained and expanded.
https://www.clearskyinstitute.com/ham/HamClock/
This Wednesday night is another special DATV next week presentations from Dr Andrew Klekociuk and Rex Moncur along with some other items.
On a Wednesday night people start arriving at the night around 6pm and many bring their dinner to enjoy.
There is always much discussion, experimenting, playing, talking, drinking coffee and tea, serious cunning plan development and general amateur radio shenanigans and world problem solving in the clubrooms as well!!
We stream the nights on the REAST YouTube streaming channel.
See you there or on the stream.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DArjGsZkDag
73, Justin, VK7TW
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August Presentation Night
Antarctic Diary Recollections
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-antarctic-diary-recollections/
August 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 6th, 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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August Forum Night - Favourite Digital Mode
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-favourite-digital-mode/
Join us for an engaging REAST Forum Night on Wednesday, August 13th, 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 13th 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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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.
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.
NTARC Club Room Technical night session Wednesday the 23rd July, from 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
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:
NWTARC - 2nd August - General Meeting and Show and Tell - from 1.30pm at the Scout Hall, 73 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone.
REAST - 6th August - Antarctic Diary Recollections - Andrew VK7AJ from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming.
NTARC - 6th August - Unlocking the Secrets of Toroids! Test & Measurement Presentation with Trevor VK7TB in Club Rooms Archer Street, Rocherlea from 7:30pm.
REAST - 13th August - Favourite Digital Modes Forum Night 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: VK7TW
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to NWTARC, WCRG, NWCRRA, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC
160m: VK7GS
80m: VK7ALH
40m: VK7JGD
20m: Any Takers
10m: VK7VKT
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.
--------------------------------
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 Peter, VK7PD wishing you 73 and good DX.
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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