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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
When communication counts, count on QNEWS..
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
Watershed Meeting Held In Sydney Saturday 13 December 2003
On Saturday 13 December 2003 a number of amateurs attended a meeting in
Sydney to discuss options for the future of the WIA and specifically to
consider the question of how to make the WIA a true National body rather
than the Federation of States and Territories that it is today.
Joining us today from the National Capital is WIA Federal President
Ernest Hocking VK1LK.
"This meeting was precipitated partly as a result of events
taking place in VK2 and partly as a result of the ongoing
WIA Strategic review. In one of those unusual holiday and work
circumstances all except 2 of the current 7 WIA divisions
(VK3 and VK7) was able to be represented at the meeting. I should
stress that the meeting was not an official WIA meeting but simply
a group of people who all wish to see that ongoing success of WIA
as the peak body representing amateur radio here in Australia
In addition we were incredibly fortunate to have Michael Owen present.
Many of you will know Michael from his work in IARU. Michael's presence
was particularly important to the meeting since he had been involved
in the writing of the current WIA constitution. At the start of the day
Michael outlined the thinking behind the original WIA constitution.
This was something of a revelation since he indicated that even 20
years ago that the intention had been to have a national body but that
practical difficulties at that time did not allow such a single national
body to be created and we therefore ended up with the current federated
arrangement in place today.
A quick straw poll of those present revealed a unanimous view that a
single national WIA as the best outcome for all concerned. The reasoning
behind this position was different for each of those present although
the importance of the consensus view should not be underestimated.
We spent a lot of time during the rest of the day discussing many of the
practicalities involved in changing the current WIA into a national body.
These issues covered items such as number of directors, regional or
direct elections, dealing with current assets, locations of offices
and a whole lot more.
At the end of the discussions everyone was relieved to see that no one
had thrown up any reason not to proceed.
So all in all the day was a great success but we now need to ask the
question "where to from here?" There are number of actions that we all
carried away from the meeting:
1. We would set up working parties to look in detail at issues such as
the administration, finance, business operations and transition
requirements that need to be put into place to undertake the
transformation of the WIA from a federal to a national body.
2. Individuals would return to their divisions to brief them on the
meeting and the consensus position that was arrived at. Each Division
was to be asked to discuss the proposal with their members in order
to achieve an "in principle" agreement that could be taken to the
2004 WIA AGM to be held in Queensland in April 2004 ( I have since
the meeting briefed the divisional councillors or VK3 and VK7 who
were unable to attend the meeting and they are now also addressing
this question).
3. A "draft" of a constitution reflecting a National rather than a
Federal body would be developed that could serve as the basis for
discussion amongst all WIA members.
Some of you may well say "So what - that same debate all over again!"
This time I personally believe that success in this endeavour is highly
likely. This is due to a number of factors including.
1. Moves to establish a foundation licence that will require extensive
work and planning by a national amateur radio body.
2. Continuing increases in the costs of administering separate bodies
and National, State, Region and club levels, and
3. Most importantly the high degree of support for this move being voiced
at this time.
I'll leave you to make up you own minds but whatever you do please, please
make you views known to your local division representatives. As always I
look forward to hearing direct from anyone who wishes to offer their view
on these proposals.
The rest of the year 2004 looks like it will be a very interesting year
for amateur radio and I look forward to being able to report on the
WIA reorganisation, discussions with the ACA on licence reform and a
whole host of other matters.
Yours in Amateur Radio
73s de Ernest Hocking VK1LK
WIA Federal President
PO Box 691
Dickson
ACT 260
president@wia.org.au
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
[2] QNEWS-VK-TEXT-subscribe@yahoogroups.com vk4
[1] weekly HTML copy QNEWS
[2] Text rather than HTML copy of QNEWS
Wireless Institute of Australia - The World's oldest AR Society (est 1910)
is on the web at http://www.wia.org.au
The various divisions (call areas) can be accessed direct from here.
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.
VK2DQ Ron Bertrands Internet course is on the web at
http://www.radioelectronicschool.com
Joining us again this week we'll have the pleasure of catching up
with Adam the Electronics Schools Course Manager VK4KSS.
Now, last week, GraHam VK4BB told us of the new department in the
UK set up to handle Amateur Radio among other forms of transmitting
types.
From the RSGB news that this department, called "Ofcom" has
released their syllabus for the new "Advanced Radio Communications
Examination" which replaces the former "City & Guilds RAE".
Pilot exams based on the new syllabus are scheduled for February,
April and June, after which the examination will be available
monthly.
Southport DARC Spread the Word - and that's a FACT. Withe the FACTS...
RSGB News Anchor G4NJH Jeremy joins us.
"Derek Hughes, G7LFC, the Publicity Manager for the Southport and
District Amateur Radio Club, has let us know about an unusual
opportunity to 'spread the word' about amateur radio that came their
way recently.
The club received an e-mail from the educational charity FACT - the
Foundation for Art and Creative Technology - requesting help. FACT
runs an artist-led Internet radio project for schools, and one of its
artists, Vicki Bennett, will be working with six 12- and 13-year old
pupils from Croxteth High School in Liverpool.
Vicki proposes to create a new audio work - a narrative in sound on
the history of radio - with the pupils.
FACT wants the Southport club to give the pupils an introduction to
radio, what it is and how it works. They will then use minidisc
Walkmans with professional microphones to record an amateur radio
station in action using phone, CW and various data modes. The material
will be used for an eventual sound collage.
The club will run a PowerPoint presentation as the introduction and
will present each pupil with a copy of the Zack and Max amateur radio
comic book".
Scott Avery, WA6LIE, reports hearing Mattie, KD7TYN, via the
International Space Station's packet system.
This contact took place 1 day after Mattie passed her Amateur Extra
exam at the age of 7!
Here is the actual QSO with Mattie/Scott.
"KD7TYN>BEACON,RS0ISS-
3*,SGATE,WIDE,CN83HG,MATTIE,KD7TYN,EXTRA/1,WA6LIE-4,I: :all :Hi
ISS from Mattie, 7 yr old EXTRA CLASS! I PASSED EXAM!"
More information about Mattie can be found in her QRZ entry at
http://www.qrz.com/callsign.html?callsign=KD7TYN&bs=+KD7TYN.
The story of this amazing young lady can be read at
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2003/01/31/4/?nc=1.
(AMSAT News Service/Scott Avery, WA6LIE via vk7wi)
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
PRESENTED BY VK2UW CHRIS WRIGHT
We'll start this item today by selecting 2 or 3 items from the
official Intruderwatch Observer and Coordinator guidelines.
1 You need to have one Beam Antenna, TH6DXX or similar,
with an accurate Control Unit for obtaining accurate Bearings.
2 We need IDENTIFICATION of Intruders so action can be taken to remove
them from OUR Bands. The least is Language-Country-and if possible,
the position of the Transmitter.
3 The 'Pirates' that occur mainly on the Eastcoast of Australia should be
Located and Reported to your Local Radio Inspector who will organise a
'trip' with the Federal Police who will set a stop to the 'Illegal'
Operations..
Following on from our push to rid our bands of non VK licensed hams
from operating in Australia this report from the RSGB... the
Radio Society of Great Britain and Jeremy Boot....
"Australia Requires VK Reciprocal Licence
Now a note if you intend to operate from Australia. It appears that
many amateurs, including those operating maritime mobile from within
Australia's territorial waters, are using their own callsign with the
'stroke VK' suffix. This is not permitted: all radio amateurs
operating from Australia or from Australia's territorial waters must
obtain an Australian licence and individual VK callsign from the
Australian Communications Authority".
BROADBAND OVER POWERLINES - AUSTRALIA SHOULD WAIT AND SEE
The pitfalls of broadband over powerlines technology have been highlighted
by a group calling themselves "The Spectrum Issues Group Australia (SIGA)"
in a letter to the "Next" section featured in the Sydney Morning Herald and
The Age news papers. Graham VK4BB has the details...
"While BPL holds out the promise of always-on internet availability from
every household power point, overseas experience with this new technology
shows Australia should not rush into adopting it.
BPL/PLC systems installed here would cause significant interference to high
frequency communications users across Australia which include emergency
services, aircraft, police, rural and remote services, maritime,
government agencies and private users such as we Radio Amateurs.
Roger Harrison VK2ZRH speaking for the group says they are an informal
alliance of organisations and individuals across Australia with interests
in RF communications and technologies. Alliance members come from
broadcasting, community service bodies, consultancies, emergency services,
equipment manufacturers and suppliers, government, industry bodies, the
radio amateur community and other radiocommunications users."
SIGA's letter can be viewed on the Fairfax f2 website.
http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/19/1074360700131.html
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 7 Feb Mirboo Meander car rally (Chris VK3KME on 5127 5656 (H))
VK3 7- 9 Feb Ski 80 at Eucha.
VK3 29 Feb WICEN Field Day Mt. Disappointment (Chris VK3KME 5127 5656)
*VK3 27 March Blue Rock Classic (Chris VK3KME 5127 5656)
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 Quoll adventure race
* new to calender
WICEN VK1
Phil Longworth VK1ZPL, State Co-ordinator, WICEN ACT
plongw@optusnet.com.au
AROCSPORT Adventure Sprint
The next acrosport adventure sprint is on Sunday 8th of February (a
bit earlier in the month that usual).
Phil VK1ZPL says they need to support 4 checkpoints and 1 HQ.
As they'll will be down a couple of the "Regulars" for this event (Matt
VK4HAM will be Overseas with work, and Derek VK2DRK will be at the Mid
South Coast ARC meeting, they need a couple of more people to step
forward for the day. The field stations need to be manned for an hour
or two, maybe slightly more if they do multiple "transitions".
It is a very easy event, nothing too strenuous, and all done on UHF
438.025 MHz (Black MountainYS
Friday, January 23 Dutt, VU2AJ became a Silent Key in Hyderabad
at around 3.30 pm due to heart attack.
The funeral took place that night around 7.00 pm.
VU2AJ had retired as the Director General of Overseas Communications Service,
now known as VSNL.
He became a ham very long back and his amateur radio licence no. was 45
Dutt was once very active from Mumbai in CW and SSB and had won dozens
of International awards.
May his soul rest in peace.
INTERNATIONAL
IARU CHAIRMAN WELCOMES SARL BACK INTO FOLD
The South African Radio League has rejoined the International Amateur Radio
Union and in a letter to SARL President Graham Hartlett, the Chairman of
IARU Region 1 wrote:
"It gives me great pleasure in welcoming the SARL back into the folds of the
IARU. The SARL was a founder member in 1925 and as the leading National
Amateur Radio Society in Africa our most important link to the African
Continent.
It was of great concern to us when last year the SARL could not continue
its membership. The Executive Committee of IARU Region 1 and I trust
that some of the constraints that caused your membership having to been
put on ice are something of the past and that we look forward to your
support for the important tasks that IARU is carrying out on behalf of the
Amateur Service. Your membership is of great importance to us."
UNITED STATES
FCC Chairman Touches on BPL Interference Issue in Press Club Speech
Michael Powell cited the Commission's promotion of BPL technology as an
example of a government policy that supports expansion of broadband
technology to all Americans.
At the same time, Mr. Powell said the FCC needs to ensure BPL doesn't
interfere with licensed radio services.
In his January 14 speech before the National Press Club, Powell mentioned
BPL among "new emerging platforms" for broadband delivery.
(vk2wi news)
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
FUNNY TO FINISH
We received an email from VK6LC our Awards Manager and in his sign off
sig text very pleasing to note... and I quote...
"Federal Awards Manager and
W.I.A. VK6 Division Vice President
scanned by AntiVirus 2003".
No doubt scan found you in good health Mal!
Callbacks follow the RF editions, but also for Internet readers you may
lodge a quick reply to let us know you receive "the Q"
write a message to qnews@wia.org.au
Contributors VK4CO Education/Youth/AR Growth
VK3KRB WICEN VK4KSS Adam R&E School and Chris VK2UW with IW news
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
Packet sp qnews@vk4wie.#bne.qld.aus.oc
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
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
CAIRNS AR CLUB
Cairns Radio and Electronics Club President John, VK4JKL reports that
the club has been in recess over the Xmas break.
The local IRLP node is still down awaiting access to the net through a
friendly ISP.
Next meeting of the club will be held on 2 February at the home of
Chris, VK4ANI.
(Dale VK4DMC)
CITY OF BRISBANE RADIO SOCIETY
PRESIDENT Mick VK4NE
438.275 VK4WIE
Moreton College of TAFE off Cavendish road Mt Gravatt.
on the 4th floor in Block B 7.30pm.
2nd Tuesday of Feb is next meet.
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
http://www.goldcoastamateurradio.com
Kaye VK4HKA joins us with a look see at this club.
"There was a very well attended meeting with everyone giving out ideas and
discussing what we will be doing for this coming year
The Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society have had 2 very successful workshops
held at the club house for members to make antennas. There was a great roll
up and of course we are considering further workshops in the future.
We have also had a very successful night at the Gold Coast Trots and this
activity has become very popular so listen out for the next one and perhaps
you might like to come along.
We are now conducting evening nets on 146.950mhz on Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday at 8.00pm and we look forward to catching up with
amateurs who are unable to come on our morning nets. As usual there will be
a different operator each evening so we look forward to saying Hi.
On Wednesday evenings we have a broadcast Education Hour and this too has
proved to be very interesting judging by the call backs. This is also held
on 146.950mhz at 8.pm so once again tune in and see what's happening.
The darts day with the Lismore Group is still on the 8th February and we
look forward to a good roll up for that occasion.
On the 21st February at 11.am we will be conducting a fox hunt and everyone
is welcome to attend and more information can be obtained from our Secretary
Susan VK4ST or of course on our Website
Our Education classes for NAOCP and AOCP will commence in April and more
information pertaining to these classes can be obtained from Kath VK4KU our
Education Officer by phoning 5539 3530 or once again on the website.
Remember the club can conduct exams for any class upgrade at any day or time
to suit the candidate and once again you can contact Kath VK4KU."
ROCKHAMPTON
IRLP NODE 6973 ;
e-mail vk4acc@wia.org.au
Secretary Clive 4928 1173
http://www.radarc.cjb.net/
Nick Quigley VK4CNQ has just finished putting the polishing touches
on a great set of pages for the RADAR clubs web site.
Check out www.wia.org.au/vk4 and click CLUBS.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
http://www.sarc.org.au/sarc1/sarc.htm
Summerland are gearing up for the GOLD COAST ARS OPEN DAY Sunday 8th Feb.
About 6 have advised their intention to attend, but room for more.
Please advise VK2JWA if you can attend.
OTHER COMING EVENTS -
11 Feb - Chinese Nosh-up at 1200L.
15 Feb - SARC AGM, Clubrooms.
TOWNSVILLE
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
The TARC Australia Day Weekend Family Radio Camp was a resounding success
with many 'Australian' activities undertaken.
Ian/VK4ZT even helped with the science of boomerang throwing.
Activities with radio things also took place with a HF trap dipole made at
the event making a successful contact on 80metres with P29 during Sunday
evening.
The heat of the weekend was suitably quenched by many cool drinks,
billy teas and lots of swims in nearby Bluewater Creek.
The singalongs Saturday and Sunday nights never seemed to end!
TARCadians are now looking forward to the John Moyle Field Day weekend
at Bivouac Junction
Next TARC Meetings -
Management Meeting 3rd February,
Project Night 10th February and
Social and Backscatter meeting 17th February
all at 7-30pm all at Club Rooms, SES HQ Green Street West End
Radio Theory classes most Thursday evenings from 7pm also at the Club Rooms.
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
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
d it's determined by the division which makes the greatest
improvement over its previous results. And it is state versus state in this
annual joust. Individuals can win certificates for good performances, but
the totals are added on a state-by-state basis.
Under that system, it was VK6 which improved the most over its previous
results and was therefore declared the winner. VK4 also showed manifold
improvements, but was just pipped at the post. It was a very, very close
contest result indeed.
So the big effort by those in the VK6 Division area means that the RD
trophy will remain in the West for at least another year.
You can find the full results of the 2003 RD with all details of who scored
what, right now on the official VK contest site, at www.vkham.com
and follow the CONTEST links to RESULTS.
Dates tabulated show...
Date Event/Contest
---- -------------
Feb
11 WESTLAKES MONTHLY SIMPLEX CONTEST
14 SARL Kids Day 2004.
* 22 - 28 2004 Antarctica Activity Week (A.A.W.)
28 - 29 NZART's Jock White Memorial Field Day Contest
Mar 19 - 21 John Moyle Field Day
Apr
17 AUSTRALIAN POSTCODE CONTEST
* 17 SKIMISH - TARA
25 Harry Angel Memorial Sprint.
(Honours WWI Veteran VK4HA who until becoming SK
WAS WORLD OLDEST AMATEUR AT AGE 106!)
*May 1 - 7 WESTLAKES CQ REPEATER CONTEST (WW)
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.
High time VK4AA signed off, but before we rejoin VK4BB, let's hand the mic
to Bruce Renn, VK3JWZ contest manager of the three Trans-Tasman events.
The "160M Pacific DX Contest", in July, is to get a face lift!
Bruce Renn VK3JWZ tells me the New Contest will be known as the
160M VK/ trans-Tasman Contest and will air SAT 17th JULY using the
same Rules as the 80M VK/ trans-Tasman Contest (held May - June).
A separate trophy and Certificates will be awarded in the 160M Contest,
with Phone and CW Categories on the same night.
Bruce hopes the "Limited Licensees" will be eager to try something totally
new for them, on 80M AND 160M.
All the relevant info is on the Contest URL at:
http://home.iprimus.com.au/vktasman
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
As some of our listeners would know the Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club,
have been re-transmitting QNEWS Sunday evenings at 7.30 pm for the
past 6 months. Previously the news had been transmitted at 9:00 AM Sundays.
Well it has changed and as of today (Feb second) it is back to the
original 9am slot Sunday mornings.
In Perth Rob Seaman says they have had to disable the QNEWS playback
from their VK6RVP repeater for the time being due to the link radio used to
TX to the repeater not being able endure the long duty cycles placed
on it by the news broadcast.
WARG have sourced another link radio, but just need some time to pick it
up, arrange crystals, retuning and modification to plug into the IRLP
node in the shack.
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
Fraser Island bears IOTA codex of OC-142 and is grid square QF61na
DX Pedition from Fraser Island will run from 0001 UTC 15th March until
1400 UTC 19th March, just the 5 days and will be operating on HF bands
using voice, CW, RTTY, PSK31, PSK63 and SSTV.
Again call sign will be VK4FRI.
Fraser Island is World Heritage listed and is the Earth's largest
sand island.
QSL direct
PO Box 101,
Laidley 4341 QLD
Australia
You MUST QSL direct and MUST include SASE + 1 IRC or US $ 2.00
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 WITH VK4FUQ FELIX --- DIGITAL
Samantha VK4TTT says Cairns is now connected by a regional gateway owned
and operated by VK4XGS (Gary from Cairns Net). It is currently operating
on 144.900 Mhz awaiting for a frequency assignment from QTAC.
To connect is "cairns" as the node entry IP 44.136.155.1, location
Cairns CBD.
It is currently linked to vk4ttt and vk4pkt with forwarding partners in
Tasmania, USA and Hungry.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FISTS CLUB DOWN UNDER
http://fistsdownunder.morsekeys.com
Suggested FISTS calling frequencies:-
(160M) 1.808 MHz,
(80M) 3.528 MHz,
(40M) 7.028 MHz,
(30M) 10.118 MHz,
(20M) 14.058 MHz,
(17M) 18.085 MHz,
(15M) 21.058 MHz, 21.158 MHz
(12M) 24.918 MHz,
(10M) 28.058 MHz. 28.158 MHz
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CALL VK2FDU / 3
In VK particularly, Fists Club calls are quite a rarity, apart from ZL6FF.
So it was great to hear David, VK3DBD operating VK2FDU/3 recently.
No matter if your a new comer or an old 'fist' you'll hear and be
catered for at a speed to suit you on the various FISTS nets, as VK3DBD
wrote in the latest FISTS newsletter.
"There are many standards of code heard from Fists members, which is no bad
thing and with the large amount of newcomers to CW (yes, I think there are
many converts in the pipeline) it can be very important to adjust speed to
suit the occasion, either operator or band condx.
Many times I work stations knocking on at 25wpm in difficult condx,
repeating everything two or three times when a simple QRS to say 15 or 18
wpm sending once only, would in fact pass the information quicker!
I have no objection to adjusting to very slow CW stations, who obviously
have to start somewhere and need the confidence and practice of a
solid QSO. I'm sure most Fists members would whole-heartedly agree. But it
does help if those stations make an effort to use the usual abbreviations
and cut out irrelevant words.
It may be prudent to note that regulations require our call every 10 mts,
so a simple BK to change over, is often all that is required, especially
when working familiar stations or in good band conditions. Slick operating
even at moderate speeds can come very close to information exchange at
speeds of normal SSB chat, short overs and BK-in mode as most modern
transceivers have, can almost reproduce a duplex communications link".
David, VK3DBD, Yackandandah.
( Australian members -
if you would like to use VK2FDU, simply get in touch with Chris VK2MQX )
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
NEW QCWA GENERAL MANAGER
Chuck Walbridge, K1IGD is the new General Manager of the Quarter
Century Wireless Association. Walbridge is already at work and has
set up a new postal address. You now write to QCWA at PO Box 3247,
Framingham, Massachusettes, 01705. He can be reached by e-mail to
qcwagm@rcn.com
(arnewsline)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- SOTA
www.sota.org.uk
John Linford g3wgv@aol.com
ZS ACTIVITY http://www.qsl.net/sotasa/
This Weekend listen out on 7.065 MHz for ZS Amateurs reaching new heights.
A few Secunda amateurs intend to activate Mariepskop in a Summits On The Air
event on Saturday 31 January from about 10:00 on 7,065 MHz and 145,500 MHz.
All contacts will be appreciated.
In the SOTA program provision is made for the shack sloths -
see http://www.qsl.net/sotasa/
(SARL)
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK:-
NATIONAL NEWS
FEDERAL WIA PRESIDENT ERNEST HOCKING VK1LK SPEAKS
WIA news available by private e-mail.
AUDIO NEWS SERVICES:-
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL SILENT KEYS
Friday, January 23 Dutt, VU2AJ became a Silent Key in Hyderabad
INTERNATIONAL
IARU CHAIRMAN WELCOMES SARL BACK INTO FOLD
UNITED STATES bpl
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
FUNNY TO FINISH
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
CAIRNS AR CLUB
CITY OF BRISBANE RADIO SOCIETY
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
ROCKHAMPTON
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
TOWNSVILLE
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
WIA EXAMINATIONS IN VK4
VK4 AMATEURS WHO ARE JP's
CONTESTS AWARDS and SPECIAL EVENTS
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS WITH VK4FUQ FELIX
DIGITAL
FISTS CLUB DOWN UNDER
RADIO AMATEUR OLDTIMERS
SOTA
***************************
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
***************************
Compiled by VK4BB /
Special Interest Group news read by VK4FUQ, VK4AA presents Contests
special guest was Bruce Renn chief of our Trans Tasman events.
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