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VK7AX > QNEWS 19.12.03 14:47l 1014 Lines 37111 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
PREAMBLE -
A very short week coming up, so if you'd like something included
in next weeks QNEWS get it to us THIS WEEKEND!!!
qnews@wia.org.au
Also our 20 meter, ie 14.341 point 9 cast is being beamed north from
Port Macquarie in VK2 by Chris VK2UW, we'd be VERY interested in
reception reports due to this location.
Just check in after the bulletin with Chris.
QNEWS 24/7 with the following bulletin in Audio Segment One
when you visit the QNEWS NEWSROOM on www.wia.org.au/vk4
QNEWS available in Audio after 1400hrs utc Friday.
NATIONAL NEWS
AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ISSUE THEIR REVIEW OF THE
AMATEUR SERVICE REGULATION
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has decided to discontinue
the Morse code proficiency requirement for the amateur service. The ACA
has also made decisions about several of the other proposals in the
discussion paper.
Third party communications
The ACA will remove the prohibition of third party communications to an
amateur station in another country. If another country seeks a prohibition
on such communications, this will be published and conveyed to the amateurs.
To effect this decision, the ACA will need to amend the Radiocommunications
Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination No. 1 of 1997 (the
Amateur LCD). The ACA will directly inform the amateur community through
established communication channels when the amendment has been made.
The ACA will update the Amateur Internet Linking System (AILS) consumer
fact sheet to incorporate changes to third party communication arrangements.
Operating parameters-purity and stability of emitted frequency, and maximum
power:-
The ACA will continue to impose limits on the purity and stability of
emitted frequencies, and maximum power limits on amateur stations in
accordance with the ITU's requirements for transmitting stations.
The ITU requirements will be incorporated into the ACA's public information
documents in early 2004 to ensure that they are available to amateur
licensees.
Use of callsigns:-
The ACA will maintain current requirements for use of a callsign while
operating an amateur station, as contained in sections 8, 37 and 44 of the
Amateur LCD.
The ACA is still considering whether to permit the abbreviation of callsigns
during emergency services operations and training. A decision will be
announced by mid-2004.
Reciprocal licensing:-
The ACA will proceed with the proposal for Australia to participate in
European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT)
Recommendation T/R 61-01. While liaison with CEPT about T/R 61-01 can
commence immediately, the licensing arrangements necessary to implement
this will not begin until mid-2004.
The ACA is working through submissions about the remaining proposals,
including the licensing structure, and expects to announce decisions by
mid-2004.
Again we at QNEWS urge you to visit the ACA website for a more "indepth"
report.
WELCOME TO HF QSO PARTY
On New Year's Day 2004 Australian radio amateurs will gain access to the
High Frequency (HF) bands using licences that don't require the passing of
Morse code telegraphy tests.
The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) invites the world's amateur radio
fraternity to join an on-air celebration of this special occasion.
Updated gift draw for WIA Welcome to HF QSO Party
The New Year's Day QSO Party to welcome Australian no-code licensees to
the HF bands is shaping up to be an event not to miss.
Genuine first-timers on HF who only hold Limited or Novice-Limited
callsigns, will be able to enter a log extract of ten contacts on HF bands
during the QSO Party to be in the draw for the gifts - one per person.
The gifts available include:
A $1,000 gift voucher provided by ICOM Australia
ARRL Handbook donated by the WIA New South Wales Bookshop
A Yaesu FT-100 HF-plus all mode solid state transceiver supplied by the WIA
Five 2004 Australian Radio Amateur Callbooks and CDs
Yaesu FT817 transceiver provided by Benelec
15 WIA Awards Program CDs from WIA Awards Manager, Malcolm Johnson VK6LC
And an TS-50 from Kenwood Electronics Australia
Genuine first-timers on HF who only hold Limited or Novice-Limited
callsigns, will be able to enter a log extract of ten contacts on HF bands
during the QSO Party to be in the draw for the gifts - one per person.
Joining the party will be all seven WIA Divisions who are putting their
callsigns on air.
For the gift draw for Limited and Novice-Limited - one contact with a WIA
stations is worth three contacts with other stations.
Entries should be mailed to "WIA Welcome to HF QSO Party", PO Box 200,
Forest Hill Victoria 3131, by no later than Wednesday 7 January, 2004.
(Jim Linton VK3PC, WIA Welcome to HF QSO Party Organiser)
RESTRUCTURE OF THE WIA
As you'd been made aware here on QNEWS there had been proposals to change
the WIA. At this stage they are points of discussion and need to be
developed to refine the ideas before any definite proposals are presented.
What you are about to receive is a 'concept' at this time and an example of
the thinking that is taking place.
WIAQ President Ewan McLeod in his report to council last Tuesday said...
"Last weekend a VK Gathering was held at the home of Chris Jones VK2ZDD
to discuss the future of the Federal WIA. Over a dozen people attended
from all over VK and a great deal was discussed and planned.
Ernie VK1LK was the facilitator, Michael Owen VK3KI was present to guide
us through the processes. Michael wrote the current WIA constitution and
articles and has looked forward to this opportunity for many years.
We are extremely fortunate to have Michael doing so much for the future
of the WIA.
Jim VK3PC was unable to attend in his role as VK3 President. However, It's
understood he has been briefed on the meeting and the outcomes and is
reported to be supportive of the activity and proposals.
Other senior and experienced amateurs from VK2 were similarly unable to
attend for various reasons but have expressed their support.
Those present realised the easy work had been done at the meeting.
The hard and detailed work is yet to come and there is not a great deal
of time in which to action the identified tasks.
WIA Future Structure
At the risk of generating more questions than I or anyone else can fully
answer at present, I should address the concept of the restructured
National WIA. 'How will it operate?' That is a very open ended question
covering the detail of office structure, plans, procedures and work
instructions to what does it mean to clubs and amateurs in general.
The concept is regional representation and communication direct to the
National Office, where ere that may be, by-passing the current
Divisional Councils.
In VK4 we break down, for instance, into the Far North and/or Northern
Region (Cairns and/or Townsville), the Central Region, the Southern Region,
and the Tweed/Gold Coast Region. Not to mention the Darling Downs Region
and Mt Isa Regions. It would be based on liaison from a club or clubs in
the region, where they exist to represent regional amateurs, via a club
Publicity Officer or Secretary. Isolated amateurs will not be ignored or
pushed to one side; in fact it is important these individual amateurs be
extended every timely assistance by our National body. Other states
(I don't like the word `Division') have similar natural groupings with
Albury/Wodonga being similar to the Tweed/Gold Coast situation.
Where does this leave the existing Divisional Councils? Following
transfer of Divisional Council assets to the National body the councils
would become a formal liaison group with limited tenure during the
transition phase of the restructure after which the group would quietly
wither and die.
I guess I should touch on the two other common questions.
Divisional assets such as money, property, repeaters etc. and what's in it
for me?
Each current division has a mechanism for disillusion and redistribution
of assets. Repeater licenses and callsigns for the states would be picked
up by the new National body. Clubs would continue with their current
licensing structure and fees arrangements.
What's in it for me?
Better representation and response from a professional full time paid staff;
the demise of an unnecessary layer of administration and a national
identity.
Yes, there are dozens of other issues which I don't have the time to
debate here. Last Saturday week was a full day of discussion and debate
which included identifying as many issues and problems as possible without
trying to solve them on the spot. Needless to say, to every problem there
is a solution and several sub-committees are being established to
investigate these issues.
Anyone who thinks it is a beer and skittles exercise to be involved in
need not volunteer their services to assist the restructure. Those who
do can look forward to the satisfaction of participating in a long overdue
activity being successfully concluded.
Ewan VK4ERM President WIAQ"
Federal Bookshop
The WIA Federal bookshop is run by the VK2 Division.
A listing of books available can be found from the bookshop
link on www.wia.org.au/vk4
BEST NEWS OF ALL!!
The 2004 Callbooks have arrived and are at the Federal Bookshop!!
Cost is :
WIA Members - $25.00 (including postage)
Non members - $28.00 (including postage)
Please Note : the NSW office is closed over the Christmas Break.
Last day of business Friday 19/12/03
Reopening Tuesday 13/1/04
All backorders have been processed.
Orders placed between Dec 20th & Jan 12th will be processed
after Jan 13th.
Payment can by made by the following methods:
Post - Cheque; money order; credit card
Phone or Fax - Credit card
We do not recommend sending your credit card by email!
SOooo Where Do You Get It?
Fax: 9633 1525
post PO Box 9432, Harris Park, New South Wales, Australia 2150.
(Regards Toni Admin Asst)
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO PRESENTED BY VK4CO
RONNEE MEACHEN
THE WIA FEDERAL EDUCATION OFFICER IS RON SMITH VK4AGS.
VK2DQ Ron Bertrands Internet course is on the web at
http://www.radioelectronicschool.com
Morse Training Transmissions:-
3699 kHz DAILY 24/7 Yearly
3555 kHz TUESDAY 0930 UTC VK8CAW
3545 kHz WEDNESDAY 0930 UTC VK3FGE -Dave- FISTS #9088
WIA EXAM CLOSURE
Essentially the office will be closed 5 weeks, 22/12 to 27/1.
Westlakes Club is seeking a Teacher to conduct Radio Classes next year.
If you can assist please contact Terry VK2KTD.
P29 and their "Entry Level License".
The submission has been favourably received, although no official action has
progressed it to a point where it has been approved or submitted to the
board for consideration.
Extremely supportive comments have been made by the administration and
P29 Hams are hopeful of seeing the license proposal proceed to become an
established fact in mid 2004.
Rick P29KFS when filing that story also mentioned a possibility of new
hams to P29 from the nearly 250 Federal Police and another 100 public
service officers recruited for that Country.
PROJECT GOODWILL ALBANIA 2003 - NEWS FROM THE 5th WEEK
Cold winter weather was approaching Albania when this unique program reached
its final day on December 12 amid numerous ceremonies and with warm memories
from the past weeks. The program was unique in many ways - taking amateur
radio to a university setting as another recognised subject, while also
staging an international operating event with thousands of QSO's on a variety
of bands and modes providing university students, those soon-to-be hams of
Albania, with a remarkable experience of seeing amateur radio in action and
getting their "hands on" while studying the subject of amateur radio.
With these extremely capable 4th and 5th year students, the required CEPT
passing grade of 65% was met and well exceeded by 95% of the students
resulting in 39 new licensees in Albania and doubling the amateur radio
population of this what once was a much sought-after country on radio.
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE - PRESENTED BY VK2UW CHRIS WRIGHT
Further from the log of VK4ZRT:-
Wireless Institute Of Australia Intruder Watch
Queensland Division Report November 2003
14.0053 F1A Unidentified RTTY.
14.025 F1A? Some type of FSK, accompanied with a "T7" carrier.
Chinese RTTY?
14.037 F1A? Similar to 4 Ch RTTY.
14.048 F1A RTTY.
Many thanks to Arasu, VU2UR, our Chief at the Region 3 IARU. The Hong Kong
Codar was moved at the end of September, 2003 to the GREAT JOY of the
Local Radio Amateurs in that area..
The Humpty Doo Codar in VK8 seems to be still operating on the same
frequency but with very little interference to VK8HA at the 'rear' of his
antennas. It does not even lift the S-Meter off 0, so no interference
working DX. Antenna used is an 8 Element Log above the Gum Trees !!
(Henry in PH57NK vk8ha@octa4.net.au)
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
WIA WICEN CHAIRMAN IS VK3ZRV
WICEN 'TYPE' EVENT CALENDAR...
Check with YOUR WICEN coordinator to confirm dates etc
Additions to qnews@wia.org.au and/or vk4zz@smartchat.net.au
VK3 26-31 Dec The Murray Marathon. Contact Carol on 5962 6098.
*VK1 18 Jan AROCSPORT Adventure Sprint #3( www.arocsport.com.au )
*VK1 24-25 Jan ACT Horse Endurance Ride
VK3 7- 9 Feb Ski 80 at Eucha.
VK3 29 Feb WICEN Field Day Mt. Disappointment
VK2 20-21 March Eden Creek Horse Enduro.
VK4 1-03 May eco adventure race
* new to calender
OK let's RE-check the next 2 months on the wicen calender
VK3 26-31 Dec The Murray Marathon. Contact Carol on 5962 6098.
Two for January, both new, both from vk1:-
18 Jan AROCSPORT Adventure Sprint #3
24-25 Jan ACT Horse Endurance Ride
RESCUE RADIO AUSTRALIA:-
All operators of marine radios should hold a certificate
Australia's small boat owners have been warned by the Australian
Communications Authority that they must hold a certificate of
proficiency if they are using a VHF marine radio.
While it is not mandatory for (HF) 27 MHz marine radios, the ACA also
called on small boat owners using 27 MHz marine radios to consider
obtaining a certificate of proficiency.
ACA's Dr Horton said the warning came because of persistent reports that:
Recreational boat owners have become careless and do not comply with
responsible radio operating practices, including those that apply to
distress frequencies;
Delinquent radio behaviour on Australian waterways is on the rise;
In addition, penalties for operating a VHF radio without a certificate
included fines of up to $165,000 and even imprisonment.
For more information, contact the AMC on 1300 365 262
INTERNATIONAL
IARU
http://www.jarl.or.jp/iaru-r3/
WIA FEDERAL IARU OFFICER is VK6NE Neil Penfold
IARU Region 3 representation for Papua New Guinea has been passed from
Rick Warnett to Paul Ginis who is acting Director of Operations PANGTEL,
the "ACA/FCC" of P2.
Paul has been involved with international liaison and relations for more
than 25 years and also served a long period within Spectrum Management when
it was managed by Telikom and the older PMG's Department.
Rick, P29KFS said "I feel this is entirely appropriate, considering Paul's
involvement with national and international communications issues and my
own inability to meet qualifications to attend such matters. Paul has been
offered PANGTEL assistance to attend the R3 conference in Taiwan in 2004.
12th Region 3 Triennial Conference has been scheduled for
Monday 16 to Friday 20 February 2004 in Taipei.
ITU
WIA ITU Conference Group CONSISTS OF VK1GH, VK1ZKM, VK3ADW, VK3APM
The 2003 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-03) may have
eliminated the treaty requirement for prospective amateurs to
demonstrate Morse code proficiency to gain HF access, but the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) hasn't forgotten Morse
code altogether.
In Geneva, the ITU Radiocommunication Sector Study Group 8 has
told us of a new Morse code character to cover the "@"; symbol used in
e-mail addresses.
The draft new recommendation proposes using the letters A and C run together
(.--.-.) to represent the @ symbol.
While still a working document, its expected to become a Recommendation
within six months.
(vu2jos/vk4kss/arrl letter)
PAPUA - NEW GUINEA
A possibility of PANGTEL granting access to HF for all Z calls ie
Limited certificate of Proficiency holders coincident with the ACA
grant of 0000 local time January 1st 2004 now exists.
This change was approved by the board of PANGTEL some months ago, but
paperwork has been slow to emerge from the office of the minister.
The PNGARS has been unable to proceed until the documents are sighted by
PANGTEL and the permission is formally transmitted to PNGARS.
With any luck, PNG Amateurs will be able to join Australian amateurs in the
WIA celebration.
SOUTH AFRICA - PUT YOU PHOTO IN THE SARL CALLBOOK
The SARL call book NOW allows you to add a photo to your call book entry
so that people who you've chatted to can see who they've been talking to.
Photos must be in JPG format and no bigger than 40 kb (Byte size).
Photos display best if they are 400x300 pixel's.
BPL/PLC/PLT
A proverbial monkey wrench in the works for BPL? Expressing "grave concerns"
about likely interference from unlicensed Broadband over Power Line systems,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) told the FCC that BPL could
"severely impair FEMA's mission-essential HF radio operations in areas
serviced by BPL technology."
As part of the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA's perspective's on BPL
could carry substantial weight at the FCC.
Additional information about BPL and Amateur Radio is on the ARRL Web
site,
www.arrl.org/tis/info/html/plc/
(ARRL LETTER)
THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD IN SEGMENT TWO (2) OF OUR AUDIO SERVICES
QNEWS -- ALL OF THE NEWS ALL OF THE TIME at www.wia.org.au/vk4
QNEWS available in Audio after 1400hrs utc Friday.
VK4EHT WIAQ ALTERNATE FEDERAL COUNCILLOR BRUCE JONES
WIAQ Council met on Tuesday 16th of December.
Topics covered in were:
The possibility of extending a Freecall phone number to the WIA national
bookshop presently located in Sydney is under investigation.
The 2004 WIA Federal Convention and AGM will be held on 2nd - 4th April in
Brisbane next year. We are looking for a club or group to extend local
hospitality to our interstate visitors. This mainly involves picking up
delegates to the conference from the Brisbane airport and taking them to
the venue at Virginia Palms. A similar thing was done at this years
convention in Adelaide and was appreciated by all.
Contact the WIAQ via any of the Councillors or the secretary if you or your
club would like to serve Amateur Radio in this practical way.
HF QSO party: This may be a good time to get some Amateur Radio PR into the
local media. Radio and TV news is generally light on during
the festive season so would have the best chance.
WIAQ Council has authorised our membership officer Ken VK4KF to seek
sponsors for prizes for recruitment awards. Two things here, prospective
sponsors contact Ken and everybody recruits some members to be in the
running for the prizes.
Early days yet but planning for the WIAQ Annual general meeting has begun.
Prospectively this could be 17th of April.
Tower committee: WIAQ council would like to assemble a committee to assist
amateurs with issues with towers. We would like to hear
from people with skills in building, law and local council
affairs. If you can assist please contact WIAQ President,
Ewan McLeod VK4ERM.
On behalf of the WIAQ Council I would like to wish all a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New year. This is Bruce Jones VK4EHT.
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
Just before club news this week, Brian VK4BCF our 160 meter callback
operator is recuperating after a stay in hospital, all the best Brian!
Also those listening on 20 meters... we thank our standin broadcaster
Chris Wright VK2UW from Port Macquarie as Theo and Bruce usual ops on
14.341 point 9 take a well earn'd break "down south".
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
TeleText page 911
http://www.goldcoastamateurradio.com
After a busy year the GCARS is looking forward to the Christmas Break and is
looking forward to another busy year in 2004.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish all the radio operators a
Happy Christmas and a bright New Year. Our first activity is a Darts Day on
Sunday 8th February 2004 with the Summerland Group and our Education Dept
gets into full swing in the New Year , so remember we can arrange
examinations at any time to suit the candidate so phone Kath VK4KU on
5539 3530 for information and remember our Web Page where all club
information can be located, and we would like to thank our Webmaster Sue
VK4ST for the great job she has done during the year.
Thanks Graham for your help throughout the year getting me organised with
the information. Take care and all the best for the
Festive Season.
Cheers for now Kaye Vice President/Publicity Officer.
LOGAN WEST
IRLP node 6402
No January meeting.
Firstly from the Committee and Members of the
"Logan West Amateur Radio & Elect Club" we extend the Seasons Greetings
and wish you all and safe and prosperous 2004.
The clubs repeater VK4RXG is now up and running, and is getting great
reports as far as accessibility, however due to some interference we have
had to set the repeater with a sub-audible access which is 123 Hz. The
weekly QNEWS is broadcast every Sunday at 09:00 local, callbacks are
taken after the news.
Commencing on the 15th February we will be running the first of our
education courses for the year, we will start with an "ARCS" course,
if you know of anyone that maybe interested in doing the "ARCS", please
contact me, this course will be followed by a compact Novice course,
once again have them contact me by either by email at,
briscal@optusnet.com.au
or by twisted pair, 07 3800 3305.
Cheers until we meet again the first Monday in Feb 2004
from Peter and the gang.
MARYBOROUGH
Maryborough Amateur Radio Club meet Maryborough State High School,
"E" Block, Kent St 1st Tuesday, (Except January) 7.30pm, (1930)
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
TeleText page 946
http://www.sarc.org.au/sarc1/sarc.htm
BACK ISSUES OF MAGS ETC. WANTED.
Seeking back issues of electronic and ham magazines etc for the
completion of their our library and reference info etc. Summerland
asks if you can help contact Lismore TV and Antenna.
That is via Tony Rocco, VK2TVR, 6 Lockett St, Lismore.
TOWNSVILLE
TeleText page 919
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
Sunday December 14th 2003 saw 60 amateur radio operators and support crews
attend the TARC Xmas Party beside the pool at Aitkenvale.
The Monster Auction kicked off at 2pm ably driven by the Auctioneer of renown
Wally VK4DO accompanied by the monstrous barrel girl Gavin VK4ZZ.
Many things found new homes including HF and VHF transceivers, some very
nice receivers, lots of bits and pieces, lasers that Dr Evil would strap
to the top of man eating sharks, a brand new high band VHF 6 element Yagi
beam, a travelling wave broadband dipole antenna just to name some
highlights! Plus the VK4EQ Mangoes were very hotly bid for !
Mention was made last week of a special Welcome to HF H-NET by the RAAF.
Yes a RAAF Welcome net on 3580 kHz will help ensure that new stations to
the HF bands get to find out what it is all about.
Originally proposed by Gary/VK4ABW, the net will commence on 3580 kHz at
1300UTC December 31st and will involve amateur radio operators stationed
with the RAAF at Garbutt and Amberley in VK4, Tindal VK8, Richmond,
Albatross and Williamtown in VK2, Point Cook VK3 and Edinburgh VK5 air bases.
QSO Party operation will not be restricted to just Novice Limited or
Limited licensees, contact is welcome with any Amateur Radio Station that
can drag itself away from the New Year festivities.
(Gavin / VK4ZZ)
Next Amateur Radio Hour Shows :
Live on 4TTT-FM 103.9FM Wednesday Community Access 7pm-8pm
7th Jan The Amateur Radio Hour New Years Special!
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
2004
LOGAN WEST AMATEUR RADIO & ELECTRONICS CLUB BOOT SALE
Feb President VK4JPH Peter 3800 3305 is your contact.
Boot sale is in the Car Park behind the Greenbank Community centre
adjacent to the Scout den, exhibitors will need to register at
the gate and setup before 10:00.
Entry free except for exhibitors (small fee)...
April 2 - 4
Federal convention for 2004 will be held at the Virginia Palms
Conference Centre Boondall, in Brisbane from Friday 2nd April
to Sunday 4th April.
May 1/2/3
Clairview Get Together (located between Mackay and Rockhampton)
May 8 BARCFEST at Holland Park in Brisbane.
June 11/14
FNNQARG ! South Mission Beach
Aug 8 SARCFEST date confirmed as Sunday, 8 August Lismore clubrooms
Sep 11 SUNFEST, already the dates set for next year on Sunshine Coast,
Saturday September 11
WIA EXAMINATIONS IN VK4
Jan. 31 Townsville Exams at the Club Rooms, SES HQ, Green Street
West End. Applications for this session need to be in with
Group Leader Wally/VK4DO no later than 2nd December 2003.
*ATHERTON TABLELANDS
Tablelands Radio and Electronics Club conducts examinations on
request for the Atherton Tablelands area.
Contact the Secretary, Dave West - VK4ADW at trec@austarnet.com.au
BRISBANE NORTH REGION
Now exams are available ANY TIME on just 2 weeks notice!
Just ring Redcliffe Clubs Laurie VK4BLE on 3284 8859.
Remember exams any time on two week notice.
BRISBANE SOUTH - LOGAN AREA
The Logan West Amateur Radio & Electronics Club.
If you wish to sit for any subject please contact.
Peter Harding 3800 3305
briscal@optusnet.com.au
BRISBANE WEST - LOCKYER REGION
The Lockyer Valley is located between Ipswich and Toowoomba and
examination services are available with 2 weeks notice required.
Arrangements for any examination can be made by contacting
Alan VK4SN alz@austarnet.com.au 04 1137 3679 VK4SN @ VK4WIL
Warren VK4FJ vk4fj@uq.net.au 04 2120 9536 VK4FJ @ VK4WIL
DARLING DOWNS
Toowoomba area, contact Mathew VK4HWM on 4698 7775 or email him on
matthew@t130.aone.net.au
GOLD COAST
The club holds any exams at anytime for students who wish to do so!
Just contact Kath VK4KU on 5539 3530
MACKAY AREA
Examinations conducted on request to the Mackay Club
Also instruction on a 1 to 1 basis contact
Contact George VK4AJL
vk4ajl@wia.org.au
ROCKHAMPTON
For all information exams etc: contact Clive VK4ACC
4928 1173 or e-mail
vk4acc@wia.org.au
TOWNSVILLE
Exam sessions are held several times during the year and
can also be held on demand provided adequate notice is given.
Exams information and application pack in PDF format from
theTARCinc web site
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
SOUTH OF THE BORDER... DOWN SUMMERLAND WAY
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB in VK2
http://www.sarc.org.au/sarc1/sarc.htm
EXAM DETAILS RING Dave VK2CB 6625 1281, Mob 04 2991 0982.
vk2cb@nnsw.quik.com.au
VK4 AMATEURS WHO ARE JP's
BAMAGA
Amanda Winchester, VK4HIP is registered as a Justice of the Peace
(Qualified) and is on mobile: 04 2936 8907
GLADSTONE
Rick WRIGHT, VK4HWN Justice of the peace QUALIFIED 4972 7147
HERVEY BAY
Geoff Stephenson, VK4OT 4124 4764
Albert Woodward, VK4IK 4124 486 and the VHF Summer Field Day on
January 17 and 18, nicely timed to dovetail with the end of the Ross Hull
Contest on the 18th.
The final item on the contest calendar for January is the CQ 160 Metre
Contest for CW, which airs on January 24 and 25.
Remember, the official VK Contest Site is hosted at www.vkham.com and
simply follow the contests links.
We mentioned the Hunting Lions on the Air in the contests overview, which
is an annual contest this year to be run over the weekend of January 10 and
11. The rules can be found on the SARL web site at www.sarl.org.za
This is one for the Lions Clubs of the world, hence its name, and there is
still enough time to contact your local Lions Club to make the necessary
arrangements.
While I was nosing around the South African Radio League's web site
(again, it's at www.sarl.org.za) I found an intriguing entry for the
SARL Kids' Day, run twice each year in February and June. It's on the
second Saturday in February, which is the 14th, and most HF activity will
be on 20 and 40 metres. The idea is simply to encourage lots of younger
people to get on the air. You might also hear the contestants operating on
South African two metre repeaters connected via the IRLP system.
Meantime, the ARRL says that its new Logbook of the World secure
contact-verification database continues to grow. ARRL Membership Services
Manager Wayne Mills, N7NG, reports that nearly 5000 users have uploaded logs
containing some 25.4 million Amateur Radio contacts.
This has resulted in more than a million QSL records to date.
Here are four special event stations to look out for. All of them are on
the air for only a few more days, so let's wrap up the year with some
special contacts.
Starting close to home, the Darwin Amateur Radio Club of the Northern
Territory is operating a special event station with the callsign of
V.I.8.N.T. to celebrate 25 years of self government.
The station will close down forever at midnight on the 31st of December.
QSL direct to VK6NE or send via the Bureau. And thanks to you Stuie, VK8NSB,
for organising that one.
From VIETNAM, 3W, Eddy is QRV as 3W-22-S until December 31 to celebrate the
22nd South East Asian Games hosted in Vietnam.
QSL via operator's instructions.
From BRAZIL, PY, club station PY3ARD is QRV as ZW-90-S until the 31st to
celebrate the 90th anniversary of the George Black Scout Group, the oldest
Scout Group in Brazil. QSL via PY3ARD.
From SOUTH AFRICA, ZS, the South African Police Service is celebrating its
90th anniversary with station ZS-90-S-A-P, also to cease operation on
December 31. They're on the air using all bands from 70cm down,
plus packet radio. On HF, listen out on these selected QRGs:
28.4 to 28.5, 14.150 to 14.200 and 7050 to 7095 kHz.
The full packet radio address to send your message is
ZS0SAP @ ZS0VTB.GUA.ZAF.AF.
You QSL via the SARL QSL Bureau, or via the QSL Manager,
ZS6ZYM Jan Swanepoel.
And now, from my station to yours, it's the very warmest of Christmas
greetings, and may Santa bring you all the best of DX.
Cheers from Chris Edmondson, VK3CE / VK4AA.
VK4FUQ PRESENTS:-
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
FIRST UP --- ALARA
ALARA Net is held each Mondays on 3.588 MHz, commencing at 1000 UTC.
geencee@picknowl.com.au
ALARAMEET 2005 to be held in Mildura.
http://homepages.tig.com.au/~bishops/alara/
ALARA was formed in 1975 and has approximately 200 members.
It is affiliated with the federal body of the WIA.
ALARA runs several social activities with lunches in some cities.
The largest, however is the ALARA Meet, held in a different part of
Australia every three years.
For those seeking DX YL contacts, try 14.222 MHz at 0530 UTC Mondays.
There are also YL activity days on the sixth of each month -
call CQ YL on the hour on 14.188, 21.188 or 28.588 MHz.
ALARA maintains a comprehensive website, which includes contact
details and other information.
http://homepages.tig.com.au/~bishops/alara/
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV (or Every pixel tells a story)
JVC TO CLOSE US VHS TAPE PLANT
A not so happy Christmas for some employees of JVC America. This, as
the company announces that it will shut down its VHS tape production
plant in Tuscaloosa Alabama by January 31st.
The reason given for the closure is the loss of the VHS market to
Digital Video Discs.
Now if you ARE out of work and would like to have something to read,
"has Amateur Television Quarterly Magazine got a deal for you".
How about a free one-year subscription to their flagship magazine?
To qualify, you must be normally employed and not retired. Also, the
offer is limited to the first 100 US Citizens to apply.
The address is Holiday Offer - ATVQ, 5931 Alma Dr. Rockford, IL 61108.
Nice one ATVQ!
(KB4KCH/arnewsline)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
Wi-Fi Distance Record (132km on 1.5W)
On Saturday 6th December 2003, students at Weber State University in Utah
set a US and defacto world record 132km two-way terrestrial computer link
using the 2.4GHz 802.11b Wi-Fi wireless standard.
They used laptops with Cisco 350 radio cards that generate 100mW, and then
1.5 Watt bi-directional amplifiers, into digital satellite service dishes
adapted for 2.4GHz use.
The previous terrestrial record was held by a Polish team, at 110km.
An earth-to-near-space record of 310km is held by a Swedish team that
linked to a high-altitude balloon in 2002. It used 6W amplifiers into
high gain dishes.
http://classes.weber.edu/wireless.
(Reporter: Peter Ellis VK1KEP)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
VK5AGR is the AMSAT National Coordinator, vk5agr@amsat.org
VK5ZAI is the AustralianL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
TeleText page 958
http://www.scouts.com.au/discover/index.html
http://www.scout.org/jota
JOTA HF Voice Calling Frequencies
3590, 7090, 14190, 21190, 28590 kHz
14290, 18140, 21360, 24960, 28390 kHz (DX)
Calling all Amateur Operators
Australian Scout Jamboree 2004 at Woodhouse, Adelaide.
5th - 15th January 2004.
The Australian Jamboree is on again in Adelaide, January 2004.
Expected are thousands of scouts from Australia and overseas
participating in this Grand 10 day Event.
So if you are interested in being apart of the fun and excitement at the
Australian Jamboree 2004 and help out at the JOTA Station please contact
Lea Adcock, JOTA Manager, Australian Jamboree 2004
Ph: (08) 8381 5909
Lea.Adcock@senet.com.au
HISTORY FROM THE SUMMERLAND ARC ARCHIVES
1876 The fabulous Stillson wrench was patented by D.C. Stillson of
Somerville, MA., USA.
1896 Preece and Marconi first public demo of radio at Toynbee Hall, London.
1961 The first amateur satellite, OSCAR I was launched.
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK:-
PREAMBLE - get news in this weekend for use over XMAS
- VK2UW broadcasts on 14.341 point 9 2300utc Saturdays
SEGMENT ONE INCLUDES:-
NATIONAL NEWS
AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ISSUE THEIR REVIEW OF THE
AMATEUR SERVICE REGULATION
HF-QSO PARTY UPDATED
RESTRUCTURE OF THE WIA
WIAQ President Ewan McLeod in his report to council last Tuesday said...
Federal Bookshop
The 2004 Callbooks have arrived and are at the Federal Bookshop!!
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO PRESENTED BY VK4CO
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE - PRESENTED BY VK2UW CHRIS WRIGHT
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
INTERNATIONAL
IARU
ITU
PAPUA - NEW GUINEA
SOUTH AFRICA - PUT YOU PHOTO IN THE SARL CALLBOOK
BPL/PLC/PLT
IN SEGMENT TWO:-
VK4EHT WIAQ ALTERNATE FEDERAL COUNCILLOR BRUCE JONES
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
LOGAN WEST
MARYBOROUGH
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
TOWNSVILLE
VK4 EVENTS
VK4 EXAMS
VK4 JP's
IN SEGMENT THREE - OPERATIONAL NEWS:-
Chris VK4AA reads each weeks EVENT time table for 2003-4
Felix VK4FUQ has special news from:-
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- MILITARY
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
REWIND - VK2's Telstra Museum.
***************************
QNEWS - we've reported...YOU decide.
QNEWS thanks YOU for entrusting us to bring you VK's authoritative Ham News
QNEWS thanks Amateur Radio Newsline, ARRL, ARRL Letter,
FISTS down under, IARU r3, NERG News,
RAC, and RSGB.
for source material for this weeks edition.
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