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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
IF RE-POSTING ALWAYS ENSURE ORIGINAL BID # AND TITLE ARE USED.
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
We all know that Limited and Novice Limited Amateur licensees have
access to HF bands from 1 January 2004. But a small question still
remained for some; could these newcomers to HF transmit in the mode
of wireless telegraphy (Morse code) - a mode in which they had NOT
demonstrated proficiency?
The answer may surprise some... stay tuned!
Another question fielded to the Q this week relates to the Australia
Day weekend and use of the AX prefix.
AX as a prefix can be used by ALL VK amateurs for the duration of
Australia Day and Australia Day only. Just the 26th of January
from 00:00 - 23:59 YOUR local time.
5.650 - 5.850 GHz Ham Band under threat?
Operation of Radio LANs in the 5 GHz band may be expanded says the ACA
in a media release last Monday (January 12).
The operation of radio local area networks (RLANs) in the 5 GHz frequency
range in Australia may soon be expanded under proposals being considered
by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA).
The move follows decisions made at last year's World Radiocommunication
Conference (WRC-03).
ACA Acting Chairman, Dr Bob Horton, said WRC-03 had decided to make
allocations in the 5 GHz band including 5470-5725 MHz to support
wireless access systems in the mobile service including RLANs, which are
also known as wireless local area networks or WLANs.
A discussion paper was released Monday setting out the options and issues
that the ACA is considering in deciding how to implement any new regulatory
arrangements.
The ACA is seeking comment on proposals by February 20th.
Depending on the particular band and application, the WRC-03 decisions
support the use of transmitters with maximum radiated power up to 2W EIRP.
5470-5725 MHz RLANs may be able to be supported subject to certain
conditions.
5725-5850 MHz Band was not part of the WRC-03 considerations but has been
included for completeness.
The discussion paper is available on the ACA website.
Last weekends story here re the overseas stations signing their home call
oblique VK4 sure has stirred up a hornets nest... from many a net coordinator
who say on occasions such operation IS deemed legal by the ACA.
One 'sailor' has a letter from ACA Northern Australia Regional Office, on
file here at the Q which states "You are not required to take out the
Australian Amateur Licence if you are in transit on a vessel. You should
use your overseas callsign then "Maritime Mobile in VK4" or where ever.
However the ones we draw your attention to during our intruder watch segment
are 'foreign yachties' operating for EXTENDED periods from anchorages within
Australian waters. All this, long after they have made a 'landing" and
cleared customs. Tied up in a berth somewhere obviously is not "mobile".
In fact reports to QNEWS suggest several stations are now operating on
20M maritime nets at various times of the day as if they are allowed to use
the /VK suffix to make up for their non-registration as an amateur station
in Australia.
The cases in point have been made aware to the ACA, and Gerry Millward,
Manager ACA Northern Australia Region when discussing the problem with
P29KFS immediate past IARU representative for Papua New Guinea said in part.
"Rick, the use of amateur stations by foreign amateurs on
yachts in Australian waters is contained in Section 23
of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
My interpretation is that while a foreign vessel is travelling
from a point outside of Australia to an Australian port then
Radiocommunications Act does not apply and the amateur CAN use
his or her foreign callsign.
Once the foreign amateur reaches an Australian port from a point
outside they then come under the R/C Act and should take out an
Australian reciprocal licence to transmit from the port.
If the vessel then heads off from an Australian port to another
Australian port this is not to a point outside of Australia and
therefore the R/C Act does still apply.
Once a foreign amateur on a foreign vessel reaches an Australian
port they should cease using their amateur radio equipment unless
they take out an Australian reciprocal licence. They can start
using their foreign callsign again ONCE they are travelling on a
voyage from an Australian port to a point outside of Australia".
It is clearly indicated in Australian Communications Authority regulations
that foreign visitors may use their call until they make port and register
as a visitor with Australian Immigration.
From that time, they are required to obtain an Australian callsign and use
it at all times, although they may add their own CALLSIGN as a suffix.
To do otherwise is not acceptable and defies even the general intent of
the ACA regulations, as many have been in Australian territory for months.
All visiting station operators should have registered and obtained an
Australian callsign for long term use.
Action IS being requested through the IARUMS network, state and federal WIA
channels and the ACA to stop this practice.
Amateur operations are a privilege, not a right, and these few stations are
creating a situation where the authorities may step in and apply much more
serious limitations to amateur operation.
(p29kfs/vk2uw/vk4bb)
Whilst dealing with 'pirate' unauthorised activity on our bands a gentle
nudge to our IRLP/EchoLink rebroadcasters of QNEWS.
We still hear regularly of stations transmitting the program without
contacting us first, or without supplying the feedback advice.
Recently we had VK4RAI from Ipswich, this week from a VK2DDD 70 kms North
East of Sydney, however unlike the Ipswich repeater we tracked down on
the ACA database, no record of a VK2DDD exists!!
(vk4bb)
Now thanks to Westlakes VK2CW Christine Allen of ACA's Space and Terrestrial
Systems Team Radiofrequency Planning Group answers the small question re
newcomers to HF transmitting morse if a Z or H call.
Christine writes "Thank you for your facsimile inquiring about the new
Morse code arrangements. Limited and Novice Limited
licensees ARE permitted to transmit Morse code in bands
below 30 MHz.
Morse code is a permitted emission mode for these
licensees, as provided for in Schedules 2 and 3 of
the Radiocommunication Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence)
Determination No. 1 of 1997........"
(vk2ftl westlakes news)
NATIONAL NEWS - YOU HAVE MAIL
WIA news available by private e-mail.
Receive the latest bulletins and releases of news from the WIA via
Internet e-mail.
Several ways, easiest for you and the Q is to click onto:-
http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/QNEWS-VK
OR simply send an e-mail message to the following
NotE THEY ARE CasE sENsItiVE :
[1] QNEWS-VK-subscribe@yahoogroups.com vk4
AUDIO NEWS SERVICES:-
NATIONAL QNEWS http://www.wia.org.au/vk4 in Segments 1 and 3 in
streaming audio and downloadable MP3 files from the FTP site.
VK4 QNEWS Divisional News http://www.wia.org.au/vk4 in streaming audio
and QNEWS may be downloaded in MP3 for rebroadcast from the FTP site.
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
If your involved with an Amateur Radio or CB club it would pay you
to visit the WIAQ web site and check out the promotion of AR site.
From individuals such as VK5MM through to various divisional
publications it sure beats "re-inventing the wheel" each year your
hamfest or the like comes around.
RSGB Sets Up New Radio Communications Foundation Charity
The Radio Communications Foundation, or 'RCF', is a new charity set up
to promote awareness of the importance of radio communications in our
everyday life.
Although set up by the Radio Society of Great Britain, the RCF is
completely independent from the Society. The Radio Communications
Foundation will provide a channel through which funds can be raised
for educational projects such as the RSGB's GB4FUN
mobile amateur radio demonstration vehicle.
Further details can be found on page 15 of the January 2004 RadCom,
and on a new website at http://www.commsfoundation.org
(gb2rs)
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE - PRESENTED BY VK2UW CHRIS WRIGHT
From Arasu, VU2UR, comes news. From the 26th of October 2003, the
Voice of Vietnam started using the Frequency of 7100 kHz for its
International Broadcasting...
You are aware that this is a frequency being misused by the Voice of the
Broad Masses, from Eritrea, Africa, for its domestic Service for along time.
Voice of Turkey was also noted in Europe using this frequency.
The broadcasts on this frequency causes lower sideband splatter to the
higher band edge of our 7 MHz Amateur Radio Band.
The vigorous action taken by D.A.R.C. coordinator , OM Uli DJ9KR, in
alerting all Monitors , for a concerted action , was very timely.
Attempts were made to contact various Officials of the Radio Station ,
Voice of Vietnam, and explain the position.
This concerted effort , paid off.
Both the stations , viz, the Voice of Vietnam and the Voice of Turkey, left
the frequency on the 9th of November, 2003..
Hope 2004 will be a good year with plenty ID's.and removals.
Cheers and all the best from Henry vk8ha@octa4.net.au
RADIO LAW: FCC STILL NOT "NAMING NAMES" IN ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
The FCC's decision to no longer identify those hams allegedly
violating the Part 97 Amateur Rules continues into the new year. The
agency's Daryl Duckworth, N-N-Zero-W, has the latest word:
Duckworth: "The FCC, at least temporarily, has revised the format in
which it is supplying information on Amateur Radio enforcement
actions. The new format provides only the state and city with a
synopsis of the action taken, without naming any individuals.
Pursuant to privacy concerns, the FCC currently is reviewing its
procedures in its radio services regarding the release of
information about individuals. Following this review, the FCC will
determine its privacy policy for the future. "
Its been several months since the ban on releasing names was put in place.
(FCC via arnewsline)
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.
VK2 4 April Northern Rivers AGM
*VK7 27 April - Until May 2nd is TARGA TASMANIA
VK4 1-03 May eco adventure race
* new to calender
WICEN VK7
Southern WICEN Coordinator, Gavin, vk7hgo@wia.org.au
WICEN and Targa Tasmania
Well its getting close to Targa Tasmania time again, where did the
year go to?
VK7HGO is looking for amateurs to be part of the WICEN team for this year,
from any were in VK7, non- amateurs are also welcome.
If you would like more information on having a fun week away, let Gavin
VK7HGO know. Mobile 04 0772 4431
The dates are from 27 April to 2 May 2004.
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
On the technology front, the Los Angeles Fire Department has been
asked to study the possibility of equipping engines with a device to
turn traffic lights green. This, so vehicles responding to
emergencies don't have to stop at intersections. Bill Pasternak,
WA6ITF, is in our Los Angeles studio with more:
Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge has asked the Fire Department
to work with the City's Department of Transportation to start a pilot
program using technology such as SirenSensor. This is an
acoustically activated device that can differentiate emergency sirens
from ambient noise and then warn the civilian driver of the approach
of an emergency vehicle. It does this by shutting of a near-by car's
audio system or radio and activating both audible and visual
signals. The councilman believes that this technology can help
police and firefighters respond to emergencies with greater speed.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, in the City
of Angels.
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
President Brian Kelly VK2WBK
The next Westlakes meeting is set down for the Saturday 14th February 2004.
Wyong Field Day happens February 29th, the Sunday.
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
Sunday the 25th of January Melbournes EMDRC have organised a
brief working bee at their Burwood clubrooms. Kicking off at
10:00am members are encouraged to go to the clubrooms and help
take care of some of the usual housekeeping duties, such as
clearing leaves from the gutters etc.
Following on from this at around 12:30 they will be firing up the BBQ
for their traditional January "sausage sizzle and social get together".
An annual event is for both members and friends, it's a BYO affair,
feel free to bring whatever you want to eat and some meat for
the BBQ. Tea Coffee and Softdrinks will be available, anything
else you desire to drink will be on a BYO basis.
As they did last year, the club is encouraging people to bring projects
or items of interest that they had been working on and to show and
encourage others. Last year people brought a wide range of
projects, from simple antennas to full blown microwave links.
For information and directions on how to get to the EMDRC
clubrooms, visit their website at http://www.emdrc.com.au
Don't forget the EMDRC White Elephant Sale Sunday 21st of March.
Great Ryrie Primary School at Heathmont with doors opening at 10:30.
(Melrose 49 K11)
Robert VK3KRB on 04 030 666 86 for table bookings!
3KRB has also 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
NEW ZEALAND
Tony G3RKL from Sheffield in the UK is all set to take his 8th World Stroll.
Yes he's off to ZL-land again during February, March and April 2004, for a
750 mile walk, end to end of State Highway 6, South Island, Invercargill to
Blenheim, up the West Coast.
Look out for him on the radio while is he on this trip.
He will be operating on HF, VHF and UHF whilst walking, with the
possibility of using EchoLink and IRLP internet linked repeaters and
simplex links where available to keep in touch with hams back in the UK.
For more information and any updates, please view
http://www.qsl.net/g3zhi/g3rkl.htm
(g3zhi ian)
NEPAL - 9N
Some bad news about ham radio in Nepal. Charles Harpole, K4VUD, says
that his efforts, along with those of 9N1AA, to expand ham radio in
that nation and to establish a memorial club station for the late
Father Marshall Moran, 9N1MM, are on an indefinite hold. This, due
to the disturbed social and political conditions there.
(OPDX via ARNewsLine)
CROATIA - 9A
Croatia has become the first country in Region 1 to benefit from the
expansion of the 40 metre band agreed at the World Radio Conference.
9A amateurs have also been given privileges at 70 and 3,400 MHz.
Amateurs may operate between 7,100 and 7,200 kHz on a Secondary basis,
with a maximum power of 1,000 watts PEP, in addition to the normal
Region 1 allocation of 7,000 to 7,100 kHz.
The Morse code requirement for an HF bands licence was also dropped
with the new regulations and there are now only two licence classes
there: the full licence and a beginners' licence.
(Jeremy Boot G4NJH via ARNewsline)
AUSTRIA
Richard VK5ZLR tells us that Austrian Authorities have "Pulled The Plug"
on a BPL Pilot Project.
The Austrian Amateur Transmitter Federation reports that a Broadband over
Power Line (BPL) field test in the city of Linz has been cut short as a
result of excessive radio interference. VSV, Austria's International Amateur
Radio Union (IARU) member-society, said in December that the Government
Ministry for Commerce, Innovation and Technology closed down the
Linz Power Company's BPL pilot project because it was generating
interference on the HF bands. Shortwave broadcaster Radio Austria's
futureZone service says the case that brought the issue to a head was a
Red Cross report that emergency services radio traffic during a disaster
response drill last May was the victim of massive BPL interference.
The utility agreed to look into the possibility of a 100-meter protective
zone around each amateur's location, notch filters for amateur frequencies,
network system filters and the use of 5 GHz wireless local area networks.
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
Last week it was the story of the 'M-Tags' for McDonalds drive through
patrons, sticking with fast food seems Burger King customers in the USA
visiting a drive-through restaurant had to run a gamut of abuse after
pranksters succeeded in hacking into the outlet's wireless intercom system.
One customer was told "You don't need a couple of Whoppers.
You are too fat. Pull ahead."
In other instances customers have been told there is no food at the
restaurant.
Police believe the practical jokers are broadcasting at close range. If
caught the culprits will face misdemeanour charges.
Managers at the fast food outlet are reputedly looking into changing the
frequency of their intercom system.
154.600 MHz in VK is always worth a listen, near to the Fast Food Giants.
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.
2004 WIAQ GRANTS CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The Wireless Institute of Australia , Queensland Division (WIAQ) has
instituted a scheme of grants to promote a number of its objectives in
support of Amateur Radio in Queensland.
2004 WIAQ Grants will be awarded in each of 3 objective areas:
Lifting the profile of Amateur Radio in Queensland.
Community Support by Queensland Amateur Radio Groups and Individuals
Support the growth of the Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network
(WICEN) in Queensland
Applications from Members, Clubs and Groups of the WIAQ are called for to
be received no later than Thursday 25 March 2004.
to 2004 WIAQ Grants Application
PO Box 199
Wavell Heights Qld 4012
Assessment will be by an independent group outside of the WIAQ Council
per se . Applications will be forwarded unopened to the Assessment group
immediately after the closing date with the intention of recommendations
being made to the WIAQ Council at its April 2004.
AGM FAST APPROACHING!
Time to think about what YOU can achieve for your fellow Amateur by serving
'on council'. Contact the Secretary or President ASAP and put your name
forward. If you visit the www.wia.org.au/vk4 site and read this council
years minutes you'll see it is not an onerous task, but definitely a rewarding
one, both to you and the Amateurs of VK4.
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
Club of the month is TREC, a group of people with an interest in general
electronics and radio be it amateur OR CB). They meet monthly for
general chit-chat, lectures on special interest topics, and the odd
'home-brew' electronics competition...
TREC clubrooms are in Mabel St, Atherton - about 50km SW of Cairns,
the club's official callsign is VK4WAT.
President is John Roberts VK4TL
Secretary Dave West VK4ADW
Treasurer Ron Goodhew VK4EMF
Publicity Officer Dale McCarthy VK4DMC
TREC operates and maintains 2 VHF voice repeaters,
VK4RTA 146.675 kHz and VK4RHT 146.850Khz.
The club also maintains a UHF repeater, VK4RBK, on 439.500 MHz located at
Bones Knob.
The club Packet BBS System runs from the clubroom which can be reached by
connecting to VK4WAT-1. This BBS serves the Tableland's amateur radio
operators and is linked to the Townsville BBS, VK4RAT.
A bit of their history...
In the mid-1980s, there was a desire amongst Tableland amateur radio
operators to get together and form a club. Credit must be given to Mick
Lohse VK4JHM for using his dot-matrix printer (quite 'modern' in those
days!) to print out invitations which were posted to various Tableland
amateurs.
The get-together was held at Mick's QTH in Atherton, and the decision made
to form the club, the QNEWS club of the month for January,
Tablelands Radio & Electronics Club.
If your proud of YOUR club, and would like it considered as a "QNEWS CLUB
OF THE MONTH" have a re read of the above from TREC and write up your
"brag sheet" and submit to qnews@wia.org.au
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
http://www.goldcoastamateurradio.com
Meeting at the Club House 85 Harper St., Nerang on Saturday
24th January at 1pm pertaining to direction for 2004.
Darts day 8th February.
Classes?
Education Officer, Kath VK4KU 5535 3930.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
http://www.sarc.org.au/sarc1/sarc.htm
15 Feb - SARC AGM, Clubrooms.
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
Club nights are on the 3rd Wednesday of the Month
so next will be January 21st at 1930 k
February 14th 0900 k will be their Management meeting followed on
February 18th 1930 k the clubs February meet.
TOWNSVILLE
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
Next TARC Meetings -
Management 3rd February,
Project Night 10th February and
Social and Backscatter meeting 17th February
all 7-30pm Club Rooms, SES HQ Green Street West End
also note that Radio Theory classes start again on Thursday January 29th
RAT deprived of electrons
A very active electrical storm associated with monsoonal
activity decided that Mount Stuart near Townsville would
be a great place to perform 600 plus electrical discharges
during the evening of Friday January 9th 2004.
Unfortunately Mount Stuart is the location for theTARCinc
repeater site which amongst other things houses the VK4RAT
repeater systems, TAC08 UHF CB Repeater and the VK4RTL
beacon systems.
An inspection during Saturday January 10th on top of the
mount revealed that ABC Radio National had been taken off
air, there were many throbbing diesel emergency power units
operating and that the entire top of Mount Stuart was without
mains power supply.
The only damage to theTARCinc site appeared to be that a set
of lazy standby batteries had only held up the voice repeaters
for 5 hours instead of the designed 200 hours. Replacing
the dead batteries with a fresh one brought the repeaters
back up on air.
The Sunday January 11th QNEWS transmissions in Townsville
were announced on the VK4RAT VHF repeater and then undertaken
on 146.500MHz simplex so as to preserve the repeater batteries
for other communications.
A visit to VK4RAT on Sunday afternoon revealed that mains power
had been restored to all the Mount Stuart sites and that
theTARCinc site batteries were recharging nicely.
What caused the mains outage ? Lightning strikes ignited two power
poles about two thirds of the way up Mount Stuart and caused the
power lines to go to ground. Near the top of the mount, a branch
was blown across the lines causing further mechanical damage.
Difficult terrain and a soggy mountainside hampered the ERGON crews
as they completed repairs to the vital electron lifeline.
(Gavin/VK4ZZ)
TARC Australia Day Weekend Family Radio Camp
Happening next weekend from
Friday Evening 23rd January 2004 to
Monday Afternoon 26th January 2004
at Girl Guides Association of Queensland
Campsite and Training Centre Toolakea Beach Road, Bluewater
VK4ATV/AX4ATV will be on-air from the camp to provide directions and contact.
More details including the (un)official program will be available at the
campsite
(Gavin/VK4ZZ)
Next Amateur Radio Hour Show:
Live on 4TTT-FM 103.9FM Wednesday Community Access 7pm-8pm 4th Feb
And a note to VK4BGT Paul Keating our QNEWS 40 Meter broadcaster in Brisbane.
7118 transmission interfered with by strong broadcast station on 7115
40m yet again had severe fading on short haul paths but enhanced longer
paths.
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
2004
Feb 8 GOLD COAST ARS OPEN DAY, a BBQ and Darts Contest day.
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.
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
Geoff Sanders, VK4KEL is registered as a Justice of the Peace
(Qualified) and is on telephone 5445 0280
QNEWS - ALL OF THE NEWS 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.
CONTESTS AWARDS and SPECIAL EVENTS WITH CHRIS EDMONDSON VK4AA/VK3CE
===========================================================
* denotes new addition to calendar
Date Contest
---- -------
Jan
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
* 17 AUSTRALIAN POSTCODE CONTEST
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
* 12-13 ANARTS RTTY CONTEST 2004
19 KIDS DAY USA 2004
Jul 17 160M VK/ trans-Tasman Contest
Aug 21-22 Lighthouse Activation Weekend.
Check the OFFICIAL VK Contest Site, www.vkham.com/contests/index.html
G'Day everybody. Time for a quick look at the Contest Calendar.
We're half way through this weekend's VHF + Summer Field Day, on the air
on January 17 and 18. As well, this weekend marks the end of the Ross Hull
Contest.
Next weekend, January 24 and 25, sees the annual CQ 160 Metre Contest for CW,
and we roar into February with the SARL's Kids Day for 2004 on the 14th.
February 28 and 29 see the NZART's Jock White Memorial Field Day Contest.
Meanwhile, the ARRL Contest Branch has announced a new Web-based "applet"
program is now available for use. The new program automatically creates
then E-mails contest logs in the Cabrillo file format. This is the format
which the ARRL needs for electronic entries to its contests.
This allows contest participants who use paper logs or those whose
electronic logging software doesn't generate Cabrillo files to create
electronic logs to submit to the League.
Once received, applet-created logs are processed just as all other log
submissions are. But now there's a safety valve. If the contest robot finds
any problems with your log, it will automatically generate an E-mail message
straight back to you. For the majority of submissions, when it decides the
log's okay, the robot will simply send you a numbered receipt.
Now here's some very early rules for the Postcode Contest, coming up on
April 17, 2004.
The aim of the contest is for stations worldwide to work as many different
Australian Postcodes as possible. And yes, VK-to-VK contacts are permitted.
Contacts made during this contest are eligible for the "Worked all VK
Postcodes" Award. Good grief, is it possible to work them all?
This contest is held on the third Saturday of April each year, so for 2004
it's on April 17. It runs the full 24 hours from one minute past midnight
UTC until 2359 UTC. All HF contest bands are open for contacts on both
SSB and CW.
VK stations should send an RS plus T report, plus their four-digit postcode.
DX stations send RST plus a serial number commencing with 001.
You score two points per contact within Australia and 10 points per contact
between Australia and another country.
The multiplier is the number of different postcodes worked on each band in
the relevant mode, with the band totals added together.
VK stations who go mobile to different postcode areas can be reworked for
each new postcode.
Written logs by mail only, it seems, postmarked no later than one month
after the contest, and here's the address:
MANAGER,
AUSTRALIAN POSTCODE CONTEST,
OCEANIA DX GROUP,
PO BOX 929,
GYMPIE QLD
4570
or email to odxg@keylink.com.au
The overall winner will receive a plaque kindly donated by VK4FW.
Now here's a tale of true dedication in amateur radio! The following is a
short letter recently received by the WIA Federal Contests Coordinator,
Mal Johnston, VK6LC.
The letter came from Ichio Matsuhisu, JG3LGD, and I quote:
Dear OM Malcolm,
I'm very happy to send my Worked All VK Call Areas award application sheet.
I've been a ham since 1979. When I was a beginner, I saw this very beautiful
award in the Japanese CQ ham radio magazine. It's been one of my dreams to
achieve the WAVKCA award. It was very difficult for me to get the 22 QSL
cards I needed. It took me 25 years! Well, congratulations Ichio!
Your award is on the way
Now for news of another award, this one from the Royal Signal Corp Amateur
Radio Society, the RSARS "Down Under" Award.
This one earns you a certificate with progress stickers to recognise the
efforts of Royal Signal Corp Members outside the VK/ZL call areas in
contacting Members within VK/ZL areas, using any licensed mode.
The basic certificate is awarded for ten members contacted, then stickers
are awarded for each additional ten thereafter. A Plaque is awarded to
each member who achieves 50 VK/ZL members contacted.
It's administered by George Down, VK4XY, from whom the full rules are
available.
In special event stations, we have a few on the air for you, including
VI5JAM from the Adelaide foothills, on the air from the site of the
Australian Scouting Jamboree, which is almost over. I've worked this one a
few times via my local repeater and IRLP. The kids have chatted right
around the world in crisp FM.
ENDS JANUARY 29th 2004
GB4BLC, standing for 'Bedworth Lions Club'
will be operated 2nd to the 29th of January to raise awareness of the
work of Lions International.
ENDS JUNE 30th 2004
EI-0-EU
Mayo Radio Experimenters Network in Ireland have activated special event
station from Mayo to commemorate Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the
European Union.
EI0EU runs for 6 months starting January and runs up to the end of June.
(irts news)
ENDS DECEMBER 31 2004.
SPECIAL EVENT STATION ZS-100-FLY
A special event station has started operating from ZS to celebrate
100 years of powered flight.
The call sign of ZS 100 FLY is being used and the station will be
operational from various Airports, Historic monuments, Air shows and
Aviation sites throughout 2004. A special collectors item QSL card will
be issued. The station will operate on all HF Bands and 2 metres.
Okay, that's it for this time. I'm Chris Edmondson, VK3CE and VK4AA,
handing the mic back to Graham. Bye for now.
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
NEW PRODUCTS: NEW QUICK-CHARGE NiMH BATTERIES
Turning to the latest in electronic products of interest to hams, we
have this from battery maker Rayovac. That company has announced a
new charger that it says is capable of fully restoring a specially
designed Nickel Metal Hydride cell in only 15 minutes. Dubbed the I-
C3, the new rechargeable cells and charging system uses Rayovac's In-
Cell Charge Control technology that puts the control of recharging
into the battery instead of the charger. The company says that doing
this offers significant performance and convenience advantages over
existing rechargeable and disposable battery systems. More
information is on-line at www.rayovac.com
(Rayovac via ARNewsLine)
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
Irish Hour
The first gathering of the Irish Hour on the air for 2004 went well. On
Sunday the 4th of January on 21.317 MHz there was a great check-in to the
net. EI stations included EI2JL, EI5FR, EI8HT, EI9HX, EI9V. A good time
was had by all. This gathering has now been going on for many years, it
is a friendly group and has been described as "a pub on the air".
Everyone is welcome to participate, there are no formal rules and no
membership is required. The official start time is 1700 UTC but many
call in an hour or so earlier.
The Irish Hour meets every Sunday except where major DX contests are
scheduled.
(irts)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV (or Every pixel tells a story)
The 3rd of January saw a continuation of the Home Counties ATV Club
experiments with digital television via the GB3HV repeater at High Wycombe.
In addition to being able to transmit digital pictures it is now
capable of receiving digital pictures. The first digital signals were
received from G8GTZ and G8CKN over approximately 50-mile paths. The
received signal level for an analogue, just about viewable, P1 grade
picture, gave a P5 grade with digital, which is a near 'studio-quality
picture'.
Currently the digital standard used is QPSK at 4Msymbols, FEC 1/2. The
digital transmission is significantly reduced in bandwidth from that
used for current analogue ATV and also has the potential to reduce
interference to other band users.
(rsgb audio)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
VK5AGR is the AMSAT National Coordinator, vk5agr@amsat.org
VK5ZAI is the Australian Co-ordinator for ARISS.
AMSAT-VK HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
The Goddard Spaceflight Centre Amateur Radio Club has honoured one of its own.
The "WA3NAN Space Shuttle Retransmission Facility" has been renamed the
"Joe Grzesik KU3Z Memorial Space Shuttle and I-S-S Retransmission Facility."
This, in honour of his outstanding support of relaying of space shuttle and
International Space Station ham radio communications on the
terrestrial Amateur bands for over two decades. Joe Grzesik KU3Z became a
Silent Key in 2003.
(N8PK vis the WA3NAN News Exchange audio transmitted by the ARNewsLine)
NEW USA TRAVELLING SPACE EXHIBIT
The largest travelling space exhibit ever has made its first stop The
12,000 square foot display will allow visitors to touch rocks from
Mars and the moon, take a virtual visit to the red planet and explore
the international space station.
The exhibit employs the most advanced technology available here on
earth to get its message out. The exhibit will be at Seattle's
Pacific Science Centre through May 9th. Then, it begins its own
journey on a 15 city tour over the next five years.
(NASA News via ARNewsLine audio)
Expedition 8 commander Mike Foale, KB5UAC, and flight engineer Alex "Sasha"
Kaleri, U8MIR, continued efforts last week to track down an elusive
air leak onboard the International Space Station.
Flight controllers on Earth are keeping an eye on the air pressure.
In 1997, Foale was aboard the Russian Mir spacecraft when a
collision with a Progress rocket punctured the spacecraft's Spektr
laboratory module. In 2000, Kaleri was sent to Mir to help track down
leaks aboard the then-aged space outpost.
(arrl letter)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- QRP
Over the Christmas period, Richard Newstead, G3CWI, carried out tests
with a transmitter running just under 3 microWatts. This small signal
was positively identified by two stations in Germany, one in Holland
and one in Belgium.
The transmissions were on the 10 MHz band using very slow CW with
30-second dot lengths. This is a technique that has been widely used
for LF communications at 136 kHz but is less common on the HF bands.
Richard was encouraged to try this low power after receiving
'complaints' that earlier test transmissions using 150 milliWatts were
"too strong"!
There is an active group of HF QRSS experimenters in Europe and
details are on the Internet
http://www.cnts.be/knights_qrss/
(gb2rs audio)
***************************
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.
Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to
the actual broadcast date, e-mail qnews@wia.org.au
Callbacks follow the RF editions, but also for text readers you may
lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who knows, you might
even get a "cheerio call".
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