| |
VK7AX > QNEWS 03.01.04 12:58l 1142 Lines 39899 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : QNEWS0104D
Read: DB0FHN GUEST DK3EL
Subj: QNEWS - JAN 04 - COMPLETE
Path: DB0FHN<DB0RGB<DB0MRW<OK0PPL<DB0RES<ON0AR<VK6HGR<VK7HDM<VK7AX<VK7AX
Sent: 040103/1132z @:VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC [NWTNOS-NWTas] #:7265 $:QNEWS0104D
---------------------------------
THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
IF RE-POSTING ALWAYS ENSURE ORIGINAL BID # AND TITLE ARE USED.
QNEWS can be accessed on the www in both text and MP3 audio.
http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
Packet uploads, vk4zz Gavin, vk7ax Tony,
zl2bau Peter, zl2tze Phillip
THE FOLLOWING BULLETIN CAN BE HEARD IN THIS PREAMBLE
When communication counts, count on QNEWS..
PREAMBLE -
Time to turn... from 2003 to 2004... and do we have a year in store
Ham Radio wise, and again bringinging all the news that counts...
QNEWS..... 04 THE NEW Q!
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
FEDERAL WIA PRESIDENT IS ERNEST HOCKING VK1LK
Short-wave fireworks lit 1st January.
When 1 January 2004 arrived, so to did a new era for Amateur Radio operators
around Australia.
At one minute past midnight, amidst the fireworks across Australia, Amateur
Radio short wave frequencies lit up, too, as they celebrated the removal of
a requirement for Morse Code qualification by getting on air in
unprecedented numbers.
A quick scan through the 80metre band during the first hour
of the QSO party showed that there was standing room only
with stations of all license levels participating eagerly in the party
with some limited and novice limited stations handling high amounts
of static and nearby station noise with considerable skill .
All states and territories activated special radio stations for the event.
There were plenty of WIA stations on the air to help with the bonus
contacts with VK5WI, VK6WIA, VK2WI, VK4WIG, VK4WIA and VK4WIT
heard during the quick scan around 80metres.
In the ACT, the Wireless Institute of Australia's club station VK1WI
was activated from the home of their President, Alan Hawes.
Way up north long time WIA supporter John Stevens took to the airwaves
from the Townsville region.
As the mornining wore on the stations operating were fewer but still at a
level that veteran operators say rival the heydays of HF operating when
Novice licensees were first able to access the HF bands.
Many Amateur Radio operators had been preparing their home stations for
1 January since the surprise early announcement about removing the
Morse Code requirement by the Australian Communications Authority on
November 17.
It wasn't just the Amateur Radio people who heard about the first of
January. Our reporter, Peter Ellis VK1KEP, is also the Publicity Officer for
the WIA's ACT Division and he put out a media release. He was interviewed
both on ABC radio for 9 minutes and a commercial AM station for 4 minutes
during the afternoon drive programs. Here is Peter on both 2CC and 2CN in
Canberra with presenters Mike Welsh and Chris Uhlmann.
Long considered a `geek hobby', we Amateur Radio operators have quietly gone
about their pastime and made advances in radio and other technologies and
provided service to our communities, since Gugielmo Marconi (1874-1937)
first transmitted radio waves across the Atlantic Ocean only 102 years ago.
Early radio experiments were made by "radio amateurs".
Previously, several grades of Amateur Radio license were restricted to the
frequency bands above short wave. However, after consultation began in
August, the ACA accepted strongly felt advice to align Australia with many
other nations by dropping the Morse Code requirement.
The Morse Code decision was greeted with praise from the Canberra-based
President of the Wireless Institute of Australia, Ernie Hocking.
"The ACA has accepted the overwhelming response from the Amateur Radio
community across Australia to its recent discussion paper, in public
meetings and submissions, and has acted quickly to remove the requirement
of Amateur Radio operators to have a Morse code qualification in order
to operate on the air. This aligns Australia with many other countries
that have already chosen to adopt the option, following on from decisions
taken at the World Radio Conference in July."
(taken from base story written by QNEWS Canberra correspondant Peter Ellis)
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
The office will re-open 27/1.
The 11th National Children Science Congress organised by the NC-STC
at Lucknow ran 27th Dec. to 31st Dec. with more than 2000 students,
teachers and science promoters from various parts of India participating.
Lucknow Hams were also called by programme organisers to give the
demonstration on HAM Radio for the benefit of participants.
Most of participants were astonished to listen the QSO between VU2WAP and
a ham from Columbia South America. It was not easily digestible for them
that one can talk with a person at great distance.
The Lucknow Hams emphasised their lecture/ demo on the Role of
Amateur Radio in disaster.
(PANDIT, VU2DCT FOR QNEWS)
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE - PRESENTED BY VK2UW CHRIS WRIGHT
Listening on 20mts recently I heard a VK commenting on the WIA and the
ACA not doing anything about intruders etc.
He also commented about the Introductory Licence structure not knowing the
full details on different grades, he is misinformed or has not taken the
time to listen to the plethera of WIA news broadcasts or even looked on the
ACA site for updated information.
OK... first point, the WIA has a VERY efficiently organised Intruder
Watch scheme under the direction of long time IARU chief Harry VK8HA.
An IARUMS net has been set up Friday's 0730 UTC 7.065.5 a place to
coordinate your activity.
On the subject of introductory licences, knowledge of new rules and
regulations, maybe a regular 5 minute spot at every club meeting
would go a long way towards education of we Hams.
But whatever, unfortunatley that old addage comes into play.....
"You can lead a horse to water...but you can't make him drink!"
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
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
VK6
From the VK6 Divisions web site we learn that their meetings are held on the
2nd Monday of every month, at Scout Head-Quarters, West Perth.
As with most divisions the Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network
is included in the West Australian State Emergency Management Support Plan.
Metropolitan coverage is by the 2 Metre band using either a local repeater
and / or WICEN's own portable repeater VK6RIC operates on 146.875 MHz.
WICEN VK6 conducts weekly nets on both 146.875 and3.600 MHz,
each Wednesday night at 20.00 hours local time
Anyone may join in on either net so if your interested in helping out this
group the net controller will welcome any enquiries.
Training activities currently are confined to the support of
community based sports activities such as the City to Surf Fun Run,
Sports Medicine Association triathalon/marathon events,
and the W.A. canoe white-water event and car rallies including Rally
Australia.
Volunteers for these activities are always welcome, again check in to find
out more on 146.875 8pm Wednesdays.
(sourced to vk6 wicen webpage)
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA QUAKE
An earthquake measuring 6 point 5 on the Richter scale struck at 11:15 a.m.
on Monday December 22nd not far from the famed Hearst Castle tourist
attraction at San Simmeon. Ham radio was quick to respond!
Rob Griffin K6YR speaking on ARNewsline said "By noon the local emergency
operations center had called out the ARES and RACES ham operators, primarily
supporting the Red Cross in opening shelters because their cell phones
just weren't functioning for the first 12 hours after the earthquake".
The city of Paso Robles was hardest hit. Part of the historic
downtown area was destroyed and two people were killed. Griffin
says that hams were on scene providing communications for about 24
hours.
It took the cellular providers about 12 hours to get service back to most
of the stricken area..but ham radio operators were there, doing what we do
best.
(ARNewsline(tm))
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK1
http://www.wia.org.au/vk1
President is Alan Hawes alan@wic.net.au
JAN 2004
8th Applications for Amateur Radio Examinations Close !
12th Committee Meeting at Farrer
13th Canberra Old Timers at Farrer - Tony VK1TB
18th WICEN - AROCSPORT Adventure Sprint
<http://www.arocsport.com.au> No. 3
24/25th WICEN - ACT Horse Endurance Ride
25th Amateur Radio Examinations - Farrer
27th Canberra Old Timers at Farrer - Tony VK1TB
Farrer Open Night - Kerry VK1KRF
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
President Brian Kelly VK2WBK
2004 is the 40th Anniversary of Westlakes ARC and it is proposed to
promote a "member of the year trophy" this year.
A Function committee consisting of Dave VK2RD, Keith VK2PKT and Ted VK2UI
has been formed to seek additional suggestions for the anniversary year.
(Frank VK2FJL.)
The next Westlakes meeting is set down for the Saturday 14th February 2004.
VK3
PRESIDENT JIM LINTON
http://www.wiavic.org.au
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
NERG - NORTH-EAST RADIO GROUP - January - No Meeting
NERG - NORTH-EAST RADIO GROUP - January 27 - Tuesday Morning Tea Group.
NERG - NORTH-EAST RADIO GROUP - January 27 - Tuesday Morning Tea Group.
NERG - NORTH-EAST RADIO GROUP - February 12 - Meeting
HEALESVILLE AMATEUR RADIO GROUP - February 29 - Hamfest and "White Elephants."
EASTERN MOUNTAIN DISTRICT EMDRC - March 21 - White Elephant Sale
Bert Fairchild, Secretary EMDRC inc. says that this year it will be
twice the fun, Elephants AND John Moyle activity.
Robert VK3KRB has generously offered to organise a VHF/UHF station outside
the hall to allow people visiting at the WES to participate in the last
hour and half of the JMFD!
INTERNATIONAL
Rick P29KFS reports the principal legal officer for PANGTEL has given an
opinion confirming P29 Z calls - those holding a Limited Amateur Operator's
Certificate of Proficiency, have access to all HF bands granted by PANGTEL.
Board meeting minutes are currently unavailable, but to allow P29 amateurs
to jointly celebrate the change with VK amateurs, permission was urgently
sought over the last week or so.
Absences due to annual leave has made personal contact difficult, but it is
considered that this "go ahead" is official.
From 0000 PNG time (UT+1400 hours on 31st December 2003) licensees with
callsigns Zxx have full HF access including bands from 165KHz thru 28MHz,
430MHz to multi Ghz allocation.
New Years greetings to all, see you on the air.
Rick Warnett - P29KFS
Port Moresby, PNG
Canadian Amateurs may lose part of the 220 MHz band
After studying the spectrum needs of various services over the past 18
months, the Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC) has decided to recommend
to Industry Canada that the 220-222 MHz band be transferred from the amateur
to the mobile service. The RABC also recommends that:
Amateur repeaters in this portion of the band be grandfathered to continue
operation for a number of years, with the number to be decided by Industry
Canada.
A 150 kHz sliver of spectrum in the 220-222 MHz band be designated as
public service spectrum to be shared by amateur and mobile services for
special public safety and disaster communications applications.
Following consultation with Canadian amateurs in a survey conducted in July
2002 RAC, as a member of the RABC, has vigorously opposed these proposed
changes without success.
Industry Canada must now take this advice, together with input from RAC,
decide on a course of action, and in all likelihood conduct a public
consultation before issuing a decision. The prospects do not look good.
For the full story, visit the RAC web site at
http://www.rac.ca/news/canada.htm
UNITED STATES - TALK SHOW HOST W6OBB TAKES ON BPL
Those opposed to the FCC permitting the rollout of Broadband over
Powerline Internet access got some unexpected help on Sunday night
December 14. This, when famed talk show host Art Bell, W6OBB,
brought up the topic on his Coast to Coast AM radio program.
ARNewsLine producer Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, just happened to tune in
at the right time and tells us what he heard:
Bell started the discussion by explaining in easy laymen's language
that the bottom line to B-P-L was that the power companies and the
Internet provides could rake in a lot more money. He also explained
the way this would happen would be to send Internet data over the
unshielded power system that were, in effect, giant antennas capable
of causing massive interference to existing radio services. How
bad? To quote Bell: "It would wipe out the short-wave bands. It
would wipe out ham radio. It would wipe out C-B. It would wipe out
international broadcasters. It would wipe out FEMA -- The Federal
Emergency Management Agency."
Still in the USA, still with BPL noise the City of Lompoc, California,
has said NO to Broadband over Powerlineso. Amateur Radio Newsline's
Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, has been monitoring the situation.
Paul Andreasen, K1JAN, said it this way -- quote: "Well, we won ONE
at least!"
Andreasen is the ARRL Technical Coordinator for the Santa Barbara
Section and a ARRL Technical Advisor for the League's Southwestern
Division. And he was one of the organizers of the movement to stop
the deployment of B-P-L in the Lompoc area.
Andreasen: "I know the mayor so I stopped in one day and asked him.
He said yes they were and I introduced him to some of the
facts!"
Another Ham making officialdom aware of the facts is one Eric Lemmon, WB6FLY
who made the California Highway Patrol aware. The statewide C-H-P radio
system operates on low-band F-M which falls right smack in the middle of
the spectrum used by B-P-L.
Oh and that Californian town? Their City Council approved a rival,
non radiating system that uses fiber optic technology.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARRL.
This year the USA Ham Society celebrates their 90th anniversary of the
founding of the ARRL. Few other membership associations have survived for
so long with their founders' vision still intact. That the ARRL has done so
is testimony to the quality of that original vision as well as to the
dedication of subsequent generations of members.
(v7news)
Still on the US Mainland, the CGC COMMUNICATOR #608 is reporting on an
interesting article from the "TV Technology" web site suggests that a new,
higher speed transmission system using the microwave spectrum rather than HF,
could indeed be an appropriate response to worries about anticipated
interference to HF from Broadband over Power Line operations.
And, if you think that microwaves cannot be transmitted over power lines,
you might be surprised.
Check out the story at:
http://www.tvtechnology.com/dlrf/one.php?id=259
(John Webber at KTVQ via CGC Communicator)
ARGENTINA: ANDES MOUNTAIN LAND CROSSING
From the international page, Carlos Beviglia, LU1BCE, says that
between January 4 and 15th, the Radio Club Argentino will participate
in the 6th Andes Mountains Land Crossing. LU1BCE is the Secretary of
the Radio Club Argentino. He tells the Ohio Penn D-X newsletter that
this trek is made every year to honor General San Martin and his
army's crossing to Chile. This, during the American Independence
War in 1817.
The Radio Club Argentino will provide the communication for the
event. The club will set up two High Frequency stations at every
camp point throughout the journey. Operation will be mainly on SSB
and C-W using the special event call LS4M. QSL via LU4AA, either
direct or via the bureau.
(OPDX via arnewsline)
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
JENNICAM GOING QRT
And, by the time you read this, Jennifer Ringley will have taken her
famed jennicam.org webcam off the Internet and Q-R-T. This, after 7
years of her permitting the world to watch her life through a
cyberspace eye.
Ringley was 20 and a student at a Pennsylvania college when she
installed a web camera in her room and launched jennicam.org. That
was in April of 1996 and over the years the cameras have followed her
every movement 24 hours a day.
A self-described former computer geek who now lives in Northern
California, Ringley has posted that her web cam was intended to be a
fun way for her mom or friends to keep tabs on her. Also, that it
was an interesting use for the digital camera that she bought on a
whim in the bookstore.
Now, the site has a notice saying it closed December 31st.
No reason is given and Ringley has not respond to e-mail
query's from the press.
(Published news reports via ARNewsLine)
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.
----------------------------------------------------------
WIA Queensland Tel : 3221 9377
PO Box 199 Wavell Heights, Qld 4012
Contact WIAQ by HF Radio 3.605 Mondays 7:30pm after QNEWS
Web Page http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
E-mail: president@wiaq.powerup.com.au WIAQ President
fedcounc@wiaq.powerup.com.au Federal Councillor
secretary@wiaq.powerup.com.au Secretary
e-mail: QSL Bureau = wiaqqsl@powerup.com.au
QNEWS newsroom = qnews@wia.org.au
QTC Magazine = qtc@wiaq.powerup.com.au
QTAC = qtac@yahoogroups.com
VK4 SILENT KEYS @ 2003 - 2004 WIAQ COUNCIL YEAR
VK4BS Jim Cunningham around the 19th or 20th of March 03 (advised by vk4sj)
VK4BMA Denis Brice March 29th 2003 (advised by vk4brg)
VK4NYY Ralph Curry a former vk4nyy April 2003 (advised by vk4kel)
VK4HW Dave Hutchins April 21st 2003.
VK4COK Reg Carmody May? advised by Ron vk4fc
VK4BP Doug Sim May 24th 2003
Bob Beetson May 2003 original holder of vk4bb circa 1929
VK4FB Ian Fisher silent key in June 2003.(advised vk4ble)
VK4VI Harry Bird July 2003 (advised by Westlakes AR Club)
VK4AQA Bob Collins July 13 2003 (advised by vk4afs)
VK4ANL Albert Lanham July 2003 (advised SCARC)
VK4TS Tweedy Svenson, Maryborough AR Club President Monday 4th Aug.(vk4bcp)
VK4NL Noel Lawton (advised by VK4NPF)
NOW HERES BRIAN....VK4LH:-
And thank you, with news on VK4 Club Activity it's a Happy "oh four"
from MACKAY
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
146.950 - Each Wednesday evening 2000 EST is the Education Hour, presented
by Ron VK2DQ, Raff VK4XRF, Roddie VK4LED and other club members.
Approximately three-quarters of an hour of entertaining treatment of
subjects of scientific and general interest much in the manner of the
Sunshine Coasts long established Sunday night Technical Net.
Also tune for local news each Tuesday and Thursday, 1945 hours on 146.950.
A rundown of upcoming events conducted by Kristine VK4XTC and Roddie VK4LED.
As with all Australian News Broadcasts Callbacks are both welcomed and
required.
MACKAY
Club nets on 80mtrs and 2 mtrs Monday and Wednesday evenings 7:30 PM local.
Due to a News broadcast from VK5 changed is the 80 mtr frequency to 3.593
for duration of daylight saving in VK5 land.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
Summerland ARC received a Card from Alf VK2UC wishing all SARC members
the best for Christmas. Alf is 98YO and is Australia's oldest amateur.
Memberships fall due on 1 January, please renew ASAP.
TOWNSVILLE
The Townsville Amateur Radio Club Inc
wish everyone in AmateurRadioLand
a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
TARC Activities planned for 2004 include:-
5th Jan TARC move the SES CH01 Repeater to theTARCinc Mt Stuart Site
Next Amateur Radio Hour Show:
Live on 4TTT-FM 103.9FM Wednesday 7pm 7th Jan.
Australia Day Weekend Family Radio Camp at Girl Guides Association of
Queensland Campsite and Training Centre Bluewater
Next Management Meeting 3rd February, Project Night 10th February
and next Social and Backscatter meeting 17th February all at 7-30pm
all at Club Rooms, SES HQ Green Street West End
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV
SEQ-ATV net WEDNESDAY NIGHTS at 7:30 on 145.7 MHz.
AMATEUR TELEVISION.. and the South East Queensland ATV Group holds its
monthly meeting FIRST Friday night of each month.
7:30 at the Wavell Hts State School in Minore St.
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
Members friends and users of the packet systems in SE Qld , particularly
those coordinated by the QDG group are invited to attend the
General Meetings of the Queensland Digital Group commencing 7.30 PM on
the 3rd Fridays of the month at Wavell Height State Primary School, Minore
Street in the STAFF ROOM.
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
Rob Bathgate's place (VK4ZDX) at 53 Arrol Street, Camp Hill
starting around 7:30 pm. Contact Rob on the groups Brisbane 147 MHz
repeater for date of next meeting.
MAJOR HAMFESTS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT FOR "OH FOUR" INCLUDE
LOGAN WEST AMATEUR RADIO & ELECTRONICS CLUB BOOT SALE
in February, Car Park behind the Greenbank Community centre
adjacent to the Scout den.
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
And no doubt the Gold Coast will run theirs again, most years in November.
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.
Jan. 31 Sunshine Coast
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
March 27 Sunshine Coast
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
May 29 SUNSHINE COAST
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
July 31 SUNSHINE COAST
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
Sept 25 SUNSHINE COAST
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
Nov 27 SUNSHINE COAST
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
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
SUNSHINE COAST
Saturday 31 January, 27 March, 29 May, 31 July, 25 September and 27
November.
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
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 4863
SUNSHINE COAST
GeEWS ALL OF THE TIME LISTEN TO IT ON SEG 3
on the WIA WEB PAGE on wia.org.au/vk4
QNEWS available in Audio after 1400hrs utc Friday.
WIA FEDERAL CONTEST EMAIL= contests@wia.org.au
CONTESTS AWARDS and SPECIAL EVENTS WITH CHRIS EDMONDSON 4K4AA/VK3CE
===========================================================
* denotes new addition to calendar
Date Contest
---- -------
Jan
3 - 4 ARRL RTTY ROUNDUP
4 KIDS DAY USA
10 - 11 HUNTING LIONS ON THE AIR
10 - 11 PA-YL CW CONTEST
17 - 18 VHF + SUMMER FIELD DAY
18 END OF ROSS HULL CONTEST
24 - 25 CQ 160 METER CONTEST (CW)
Feb
14 SARL Kids Day 2004.
28 - 29 NZART's Jock White Memorial Field Day Contest
Mar 19 - 21 John Moyle Field Day
Apr 25 Harry Angel Memorial Sprint.
(Honours WWI Veteran VK4HA who until becoming SK
WAS WORLD OLDEST AMATEUR AT AGE 106!)
*May 22 VK-TRANS TASMAN 80m Phone
*Jun 5 VK-TRANS TASMAN 80m CW
19 KIDS DAY 2004
Jul 17 160M VK/ trans-Tasman Contest
Aug e following weekend, January 17 and 18 sees the VHF + Summer Field Day,
which is one heck of a fun way to see out the Ross Hull Contest, which also
ends on the 18th.
Then, on January 24 and 25, and followed by a national public holiday, is
the CQ 160 Metre Contest for CW.
Last week we made a brief reference to the VK Trans Tasman contest for 80
metres. We can now announce the final 2004 dates for this wholly revised
and renamed contest. The two dates you need are May 22 for 80 metres Phone,
and June 5 for 80 metres CW. Of course, we'll have a rules overview and
words of explanation closer to the event.
Now, here's a special announcement for those of you with internet access.
An all new WIA Federal Awards website is open, and you get to it right off
the front page of the WIA Federal site by clicking on the AWARDS link at
the top of the page.
A great deal of design and development work went into the total rewrite.
Federal Awards Manager Mal Johnson, VK6LC press ganged long-time VK6
Division councillor Christine Bastin, VK6ZLZ, then the pair spent countless
hours putting the all-new site together, then Colin Thompson, VK2TRC our new
Federal Web Coordinator, linked the new pages into the wia.org.au site.
The new pages are sponsored by the VK6 Division and will continue to be
maintained by Christine.
There is just about everything you could possibly need to know to apply
for a WIA-sponsored award. Just go to www.wia.org.au and click on the
AWARDS link at the top of the page, and you'll see what I mean.
There's detailed images of the certificates, rules of play, backup documents,
the lot.
And if, after reading all that lot, you still have questions, Mal welcomes
your approach via E-mail to awards@wia.org.au
On the VK4 front, the Ipswich & District Radio Club, just west of Brisbane,
has its own award. The "Ipswich & District Radio Club Award", better known
as the IDRC AWARD, can be claimed by sending proof of contacting at least
six IDRC members, as well as contacting the club call, which is VK4WIP.
When claiming please add $5 Australian for postage and handling.
We have a few new SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS for you, too.
Here's a new one which has just hit the air. Ending on December 31, 2004,
is special event station ZS-100-FLY, this one to celebrate 100 years of
powered flight.
In an unusual wrinkle, ZS-100-FLY is a portable operation, to be on the air
from various South African airports, historic monuments, air shows and
aviation sites throughout 2004. A special collector's item QSL card will be
issued. The station will operate on all HF Bands and 2 metres.
Ending on June 30, 2004, is the operation of EI-zero-EU. This one's from
the Mayo Radio Experimenters Network in Ireland, which has activated its
special event station to commemorate Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the
European Union. Now that should be an exciting time!
Anyway, station EI0EU is set to run for six months. Seeing it's just hit
the air you should be able to nab this one until the end of June.
And ending on January 29, 2004, is GB4BLC, on the air for the 'Bedworth
Lions Club' in the UK to raise awareness of the work of Lions International.
Well that's my first lot for 2004. Have fun on HF, everybody, and we'll
catch you again soon.
Cheers from Chris VK4AA.
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
REPAIRCLINIC.COM
ARNewsLine are reporting on a new Web site, created to usher folks away
from their throwaway habits and into the world of yesteryear 'when we
just kept it working'.
Called RepairClinic.com, the cyberspac port provides aids for those
looking to repair anything from a refrigerator or air conditioner to
more complex devices such as microwave ovens. The site appears to
derive most of its income by selling spare parts and factory manuals.
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
WIA's Amateur Radio Magazine Editor VK5UE
AR's Publishing Committee VK3's ABP, ANI, AUI, AZL, BR, DBB, OM.
QNEWS EDITOR VK4BB
Maryboroughs QNEWS rebroadcaster Gary VK4TGB has told us on 11 meters
SATURDAY they heard NEWS on Channel 25 (27.250 Mhz) LSB. This with their
antennas beaming south from Maryborough and at around 9 / 10 AM EST.
They were not sure if it was this or last weeks QNEWS, they did appear
to have a call back and a round robin after the news!
So if your listening in the area, maybe Gympie Sunshine Coast, or was it
"Skip"? you might let Garry or QNEWS know.
As an aside no QNEWS transmissions should be taking place anywhere on
Thursday Fridays or Saturdays. The first broadcast each week is 9am
Sunday Morning Queensland time ie DATELINE Saturday 2300 UTC.
73 MAGAZINE ARCHIVES ON-LINE AT HAMCALL
73 Magazine will soon be available to view online at the hamcall.net
website as a fee based subscription service. According to the HamCall
folks, more issues are being added daily and they will eventually have
the entire 73 library from 1960 to 2003 available!
Want to try the free on-line demo? You can. Simply take your
browser over to www.hamcall.net and click on the words 73 Magazine
Archives.
(HamCall via ARNewsLine)
We'd appreciate it if repeater managers would send the call sign, frequency,
location, and sponsoring club/organisation of the repeater as well as the
time and day QNEWS is aired to Graham VK4BB, qnews@wia.org.au each week.
Or by packet to qnews @ VK4WIE.#BNE.QLD.AUS.OC
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
* new on calender
*MARCH 3, 2004.
In DX, the FMRE Sunday bulletin has announced that the X-F4
DXpedition to Socorro Island will begin March 3rd, and run for two
weeks. The call sign to be used is X-F-4-I-H. 8 operators from
Mexico will be active all bands and modes including VHF, UHF and
satellite.
No QSL information is available at this time.
(XE1KK, N4GN via ARNewsLine)
MARCH 15
Fraser Island.
Call sign VK4FRI operated by Lockyer Valley Radio & Electronic Club
website www.lvrclub.org
Further information from President John VK4MJC.
MARCH - APRIL 2004 DXpedition
The Five Star DXers Association, or FSDXA, has announced plans for a very
large-scale DXpedition to Rodrigues Island in March and April next year.
The callsign will be 3B9C.
An international team of nearly 30 will operate no fewer than 15 separate
stations on virtually every band and mode possible.
FSDXA is the group which organised the very successful 9M0C DXpedition to
the Spratly Islands in 1998 and the subsequent record breaking D68C
DXpedition to the Comoros in February 2001.
(IRTS)
JW5RIA Bear Island until June
JW5RIA will operate on 160 to 6 metres CW, SSB and digital modes.
Q-S-L as directed on the air.
(RSGB via ARNewsLine)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- 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/
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FIFTY AND OVER
Brian VK5UBC (ex VK5ZMB) at Gawler north of Adelaide and Leigh VK2KRR
near Wagga NSW, have both been able to work the VK6RMS repeater near Perth
on 147.250 FM.
Distance for Brian to the repeater is around 2062 km
Distance for Leigh around 2817 km
VK2KRR's distance to the repeater is technically the longest tropo distance
worked on 2m from VK2 and the closest any station has ever got to Perth on
2m from VK2 - ever. Considering this was on FM and to a vertical
omni directional antenna at the repeater with 20 watts ERP, it was quite an
achievement indeed and a very rare occurance.
The opening was first noted from around 2030 UTC Saturday, and it lasted for
around 3 hours.
Maximum signal noted was S9. Around 40% of the time it was around S5 to S7.
Some of the stations who eventually came on the repeater at the VK6 end
were -
VK6ZGU - Frank at Wagin
VK6IQ - Glen at Wandina
VK6TDC - Doug near Perth
Both Brian and Leigh checked these stations on the input freq for a
direct signal, but nothing was heard.
Nothing at all was heard from repeaters or beacons at Albany, Mt Barker or
Esperance. No beacons were heard at all in VK6 during the time Leigh tried
the Horizontal. Leigh also gave a few CQ calls on 144.100 USB but could
only raise Bill VK5ACY on Kangaroo Island, who had a monster signal
5/9+20dB at one stage over the 900 km path.
Brian and Leigh would like to extend their appreciation to the stations in
Melbourne near the VK3RMM, Mt Macedon repeater, for their patience and
understanding of the situation. With such a long distance involved
and with the Melbourne and the Boddington repeater both being on the same
frequency, it was critical that the Mt Macedon repeater was not used
locally. Stations listening to Mt Macedon would have heard an interesting
one sided QSO. They thoughtfully ceased all transmissions into the repeater
so that the eastern stations could copy the distant Boddington repeater.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLDTIMERS
http://www.raotc.org.au
OLD TIMERS
First Monday of the Month.
Listen for VK3-O-T-N at 10am Melbourne time on 7.060 Megz and 3.650 Megz.
Times and frequencies are as follows: -
10AM - Melbourne time all year ie. both E.A.S.T. and D.S.T.
145.700 MHz FM. 7.060 MHz SSB 3.650 MHz SSB
0100 hours UTC all year 14.150 MHz SSB beaming North.
0200 hours UTC all year 14.150 MHz SSB beaming West.
8:30PM - Melbourne time all year 3.650 MHz SSB
Call backs follow each transmission.
News for inclusion in the club broadcasts will be welcomed by club secretary
Arthur Evans VK3VQ abde17@ozemail.com.au
or Allan Doble VK3AMD amdo@iprimus.com.au
http://www.raotc.org.au
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ROAR
ROTARIANS OF AMATEUR RADIO
bill.learmonth@lineone.net
rotmem@yahoogroups.com
Guglielmo Marconi inventor of the wireless, it is said, was an
active member of the Rotary Club of Bologna, Italy.
Special Radio Station application:
License Period: 1st March till 31st May '04
(1 Mar. - 21 May will be mobile station and moving all JA zone to announce
about the special station. 22-26 May will be operated in Friendship House.
27-31 May for closing the station).
Call sign: 8J3RI or 8N3RI, but can't know until we get the license.
Mode and Power: All mode and frequency of Amateur Radio station but not
decided yet. Power: Max. 1kW PEP for fixed station and 50W for Mobile
station.
Chief of the ROAR station: Chairman of ROAR-J JA3LHL Ken Noguchi
Schedule of Osaka Convention:
22 May (Sat) Pre-Convention (Kyoto Day) and Welcome event
23 May (Sun) Opening ceremony of the Convention
24 May (Mon) 2nd Main convention, Discussion & workshop (ROAR dinner
party?)
25 May (Tue) 3rd Main Convention, Discussion & workshop
26 May (Wed) 4th Main Convention, Discussion & workshop, Closing ceremony,
Closing Radio Station
Regards, Tim Masuda JH1NVZ Vice-Chairman of ROAR Asia District
***************************
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.
Compiled by VK4BB /
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
