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ZL2TZE > QNEWS 13.02.04 07:42l 1193 Lines 42629 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
THE FOLLOWING CAN BE HEARD IN THIS PREAMBLE
When communication counts, count on QNEWS..
PREAMBLE -
LOOK AT MOI ! LOOK AT MOI !
Out of the Trailer Auction happening at a hidden location immediately
following QNEWS - Listen right through this newscast to the end
during the Townsville Callbacks to find out where to throng !!
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.
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
The VK1 annual general meeting falls on the 23rd February.
VK2
Nominations are now open for those members who wish to stand for election to
the divisional council.
Meetings of note in our coverage area include...
February
21 Coffs Harbour & District.
24 Hornsby and District
27 Wagga Amateur Radio Club
29 Central Coast Field Day at Wyong New South Wales
Yes Sunday 29 February 2004, at Wyong Racecourse, Howarth St., Wyong,
New South Wales. The Central Coast ARC is host to the largest gathering
of Radio Amateurs, Radio Communications Enthusiasts, Computer and
Electronic Hobbyists in the Southern Hemisphere.
More than 2000 people from 40 clubs and organisation from all over
Australia and the Pacific will converge on Wyong Racecourse, next to the
F3 freeway halfway between Sydney and Newcastle, to display and trade the
latest radio communications equipment. Again this year there is a full
program of lectures including:-
EchoIRLP by Tony VK3JED and Peter VK2YX,
Repairing Unusual Valve Radios by Ray VK2ILV,
Unravel Mysteries of connecting Transmitters to Antennas- VK2GCE Brian,
GPS Tracking - Amateur and Commercial by Darryl VK2TDS,
New MakeNOS & MakeBBS by Rod VK2DOT and
The future of Amateur Radio by Roger VK2ZRH.
For more information contact The Central Coast Amateur Radio Club,
phone 4340 2500 or visit their home page www.ccarc.org.au
Admission is Adults $10, Seniors Card, pensioner concession,
students $5.00 Children Under 12 free.
(Submitted by CCARC Field Day committee)
EASTER = URUNGA RADIO CONVENTION
The committee have been busy breeding some new and smarter foxes
and hope some will take the opportunity to come along and challenge
these foxes. There will be the usual trading tables so if you got
something to buy or sell this is the ideal place.
For more info give Arnold VK2ADA 6654 1274 a ring.
OR just enter Urunga Radio Convention in your search engine.
VK3
Thursdays sees Ballarat AR Group's club net at 8:00 pm
(8:30 pm during daylight savings) on 3.610 MHz +or- QRM.
Friday BARGS General meetings held on the last Friday of each month
8:00pm at the club rooms
Saturday afternoons from 1pm is construction afternoon, so if you have a
problem with a project or need some advice make arrangements and the
The next NERG morning tea will be on Tuesday 24th Feb
at the home of Alan VK3JPK at 10.00am. (Listen out
for Alan or Jim VK3DBQ on the NERG net 146.575 MHz FM
for further details or call Jim on 9467 1253).
What's on at WANSARC!
Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month offering something new
each month and can range from special presentations on a variety of topics
visits to other clubs or just an informal chat.
Next Meeting: Friday 5th March 2004 7.00pm to 9.30pm
Venue: NMIT St Georges Road Preston, Building K, Room 108
VK4
WIAQ AGM is 10AM 18th April at Rockhampton Leagues Club corner
George & Cambridge Sts Rockhampton.
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
Adam VK4KSS from the Radio Electronics School joins us first up
on QNEWS this week...
"Have you ever noticed how when you change something - even
just a little bit. The end result can be beyond you wildest dreams?
Well dropping the Morse requirement on January 1st is one of
those "things".
You would have heard me speak about the substantial upturn in
student enrolments in the Radio and Electronic School recently.
Well its gets better. In the first 31 days of 2004 the school enrolled
just short of 100 students. 90% were for the Novice course. This is
more than double the average for the same period for the past 5
years. This may or may not continue but we expect enrolments to
remain at a higher rate indefinitely.
Wouldn't it be great if we could bolster this by introducing kids to
amateur radio?
Something like the youth radio scheme that was around in the 60's
and 70's. Where you performed simple experiments and built
crystal receivers, the outcome being a really great certificate to be
proud of.
There is such a course available right now.
The Australian Radio Certificate Scheme ( A R C S ) is very similar
to the youth radio program of that era. This course is aimed
squarely at the 10 -12 year old age group and introduces kids to
the wonderful world of electronics and radio.
Designed to be done in schools, the course touches on topics such
as electricity, resistance, sound waves and magnetism even how
to make a battery out of lemons. Hands on fun stuff that the kids
will enjoy.
The outcome of the course is a great full colour certificate, which
can be proudly displayed to all and sundry.
But you don't just get a colourful sheet of paper. Done correctly in
your local area, the kids can also get movie passes, food vouchers
and other great rewards. Just for doing a short course. You would
be surprised how many businesses support this type of program
for kids.
Are you an educator, would you like to do a course such as this in
your school.
Maybe you would like to become a radio amateur, or upgrade your
licence?
Why not contact the Radio and Electronics School at
www.radioelectronicschool.com for more information. We'd love to
hear from you.
This has been Adam, V K 4 K S S for QNEWS, back to you Ronnee"
UNITED KINGDOM
Many would be aware of the RSGB's Promotional Radio Van call GB4FUN
Well using that call students at The Kings School in Canterbury
have spoken to Astronaut Mike Foale aboard the International
Space Station.
-- --
Contact Audio courtesy ARNewsLine - no print transcript available
-- --
Making it more memorable, the contact between Foale on board the I-S-S
and the kids at King's was that it was a school Mike once attended
as a pupil!
Media coverage of this contact was impressive. Meridian TV, BBC TV,
BBC Radio Kent, Invicta Radio and the Kent Gazette interviewed the
students and put reports in the main newscasts. The BBC World
Service and the Press Association asked for information and contact
transcripts.
(ARISS, ON4WF via ARNewsLine)
USA
Maybe just 1 or 2 words a minute CW but they were having a ball.
Many children loved learning to send their names in Morse code...
Where was this?
The New Jersey State Museum's "Super Science Weekend.
It marked the first time ham radio was included in the annual event,
which attracts nearly 10,000 children and parents. Super Science Weekend
this year included a large Amateur Radio display and working HF and VHF
stations.
(arrl letter)
New WIA Members include
Terry Crews VK2TRL of West Pennant Hills
Brian Halpin VK4BVH of Cleveland QLD
Kerry Power VK2TIL of Coffs Harbour
(Submitted by Terry Davies, VK2KDK, Membership Secretary)
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
PRESENTED BY VK2UW CHRIS WRIGHT
Following is from the monthly report of VK8HA Henry.
"The 24MHz CODAR interference in VK has not changed, still very low level
but no real problems with Working DX on the 24MHz Band.
The 7MHz CODAR / OHR has not been heard at Humpty Doo locator PH57NK.
VK6XW, Karl, reports of logging 44 Indonesian SSB Stations on 14 MHz
84 Chinese Stations on 14 MHz SSB
60 Other Asian SSB Stations
14.144 Frequency Has Chinese Language SSB all day.
VK4ZRT, Wayne, reports 10 Unidentified SSB, Digital and Broadcast Stations
on 14MHz.
VK2BHO, John, reports Interference from 'Voice of Korea' on 10124MHz
on the 22nd of January 2004..
Good Luck Hunting Cheers and all the best .. vk8ha@octa4.net.au
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
WIA WICEN CHAIRMAN IS VK3ZRV
WICEN 'TYPE' EVENT CALENDAR...
Check with YOUR WICEN coordinator to confirm dates etc
Additions to qnews@wia.org.au and/or vk4zz@smartchat.net.au
VK5 21 Feb WICEN PLANNING DAY
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
*VK2 24-26 April CANOE PADDLE FOR LIFE - LISMORE TO BALLINA.
VK7 27 April - Until May 2nd is TARGA TASMANIA
VK4 1-03 May Quoll adventure race
VK5 13 May WICEN (SA) AGM
VK5 July 31 - Aug 1 ROSA 2004
VK4 21 Aug TOWNSVILLE TO MAGNETIC ISLAND SWIM.
* new to calender
WICEN VK2
WICEN can be contacted by phone on 04 0839 7217
operations@nsw.wicen.org.au.
(Mark Cheeseman VK2XGK, is President, WICEN (NSW) Inc.)
SES LONG SERVICE MEDAL
Congrats to Peter Mair VK2PF, on 33 years service with the SES.
He has received the SES Long Service Medal for his service.
VK2PF is the Comms Officer for the Richmond-Tweed Division.
CANOE PADDLE FOR LIFE - LISMORE TO BALLINA.
This event will be held again this year on ANZAC weekend, 24-26 April.
Over three days down the Richmond River.
This is a sponsored fundraiser event to assist local charities.
WICEN has been asked to provide radio comms support as last year.
Operators are sought to assist with safety coordination comms.
Some difficulty may occur due to march commitments on ANZAC Day 25 April.
Similar procedures as last year will be followed. Details TBA ASAP.
Please advise RCO John VK2JWA of your possible availability.
WICEN VK3
http://www.wicen.vic.au
State Coordinator: John Kerr VK3BAF
Secretary VK3XMU secretary@vic.wicen.org.au
Feb 29th. WICEN Field Day at Mt Disappointment.
The 2004 WICEN Field Day site will be familiar to many as the
location of the HQ for the Kenda Navigation Rally and has been
selected to try to encourage greater participation from members
north of the Melbourne Metro Area.
MURRAY MARATHON REPORT
NERGs John VK3ZRV, Andrew VK3HFT & Georgia, and Gerhard VK3EWM were
among a team of 30 that helped WICEN provide communications for the
Red Cross Murray Marathon this summer.
Amateur radio is still essential as mobile phones still can't hack the
hard going in this terrain, especially with the huge influx of mobile
users passing through the area at this time.
This year's event was far from uneventful. Eight WICEN members
and their spouses had to admit being defeated by various illnesses,
including one case of Chicken Pox, another hospitalised by dehydration
and an eye injury while putting up an antenna.
Another had car troubles (they aren't made to go along roads on their roof!)
but still battled on.
Fortunately the large WICEN team of about 30 was able to carry on
and reach the New Years eve celebrations at Swan Hill.
This year the second section of the river, between Tocumwal and
Picnic Point was not used due to heavy rain making access extremely
difficult. Instead the paddlers had to repeat the Yarrawonga section
twice!.
The race started off with plenty of fast flowing water, but after a
week of hot weather it slowed towards the end, although this was
still better than recent drought years.
(nerg news)
WICEN VK4
(State Coordinator, Ewen McLeod VK4ERM)
Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim
It's the 50th anniversary of this peak event in marathon swimming
and even though planning is at an early stage the event is
promising to be more monstrous than a TARC monster auction !
So Townsville WICEN will be needing a large number of operators
to go maritime mobile in big and little ships plus operators to
operate shore stations. Its an all day event with a front seat view
of the swim that even paying customers cannot see.
If you are interested in playing portable radios in a healthy
environment, contact Steve/VK4JUS pronto !
(Gavin/VK4ZZ)
WICEN VK5
WICEN state Coordinator Andrew, VK5EX.
ROSA 2004
WICEN SA Inc has been advised that the Coopers Pale Ale Rally of South
Australia will again be held and is scheduled for July 31st and August 1st
and has therefore decided to commit the organisation to providing radio
communications this year.
Think of the challenges:
the cold, the rain and the distance from home but the satisfaction of
knowing you and your mates can operate under fairly adverse conditions!
You are invited to register on line by going to www.coopersrally.com.au
Please remember to have your CAMS licence handy!
(John Dawes Hon Sec and Public Officer WICEN SA Inc)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: ADVANCE NOTICE
The annual general meeting of WICEN SA Inc will be held on the 13th May at
a time and place to be advised.
WICEN needs a number of volunteers to assist with its work:
for example, radio enthusiasts who are interested in learning about
portable networks and facilities and would like to work along side of
an established member in helping to install and maintain the gear; they need
a membership official who can assist in maintaining records. Persons
who are skilled at training and assisting newer members with
questions about their gear, how to establish a portable station, managing
power and computers in the field. These are just a few of the areas in
which WICEN(SA) need your assistance.
(John Dawes Hon Sec and Public Officer WICEN SA Inc)
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL : TEXAS CELLPHONE HERO
A 40-year-old flight attendant in El Paso, Texas is being hailed as a
hero. This, for her fast and efficient handling of 15 to 20 9-1-1
calls which were sent to her home phone due to a routing error at
S-B-C Communications.
News reports including CGC and ARNewsLine say that Maria Chaidez Karam
processed the calls for help - including several emergencies - during the
41-minute glitch.
In fact, she relayed details via her own cellular telephone to the
police dispatch centre's seven-digit non-emergency number.
Complete details about this story are on the web at
http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/borderland/20040119-70359.shtml
This is VK4WIA... give us 40 minutes, we'll give you the world.
INTERNATIONAL
IARU Region 3 Conference will be held from February 16 to 20 in Taiwan.
Your WIA delegation is Neil Penfold VK6NE, Brenda Edmonds VK3KT and
Jim Linton VK3PC.
The WIA will be presenting 6 papers.
including electromagnetic radio regulations, proposed licence
restructure, PLC or BPL, and Local Government approaches to antennas.
SOUTH AFRICA
Proposed radio regulations are on the agenda for the ICASA Council meeting
Feb 17.
If necessary the regulations will be published on the 19th February and
comments from the public invited.
FINLAND
Proving 'Fins aren't what they used to be', Finnish AR Club Stations
have gained access to 5 MHz in 8 channels between 5278 and 5378 kHz
DENMARK
The Danish Information Technology and Telecom Agency has announced new
regulations for the Radio Amateur Service.
Main feature is elimination of the Morse code examination, and gaining
of 70 MHz.
CANADA
Broadband Power Line technology in Canada
The first implementation of Broadband Power Line technology in Canada was
reported in the Toronto Star on Friday last week.
The city is Sault Saint Marie [pronunciation: Soo San Marie], a steel town
of 80,000 people, 400km north-west of Toronto on the waterway between Lake
Superior and Lake Huron, across the water from Michigan.
It will have wireless 802.11b or "Wi-Fi" roaming access points throughout
the city in densely populated residential areas along medium-voltage power
lines provided by the hydro-power utility. Subscribers will be able to roam
and surf the net while they are within 150m of an access point. These
wireless points convert data sent through the grid and on to the utility's
fibre-optic backbone, which connects to the Internet.
Canada has an Amateur Radio participation rate of double that of Australia:
There are about 57,000 Amateurs in Canada which has a population of 31
million. At the time of writing, Radio Amateurs of Canada, the equivalent of
the WIA, had made no comment on the roll-out of Broadband Power Line
technology in Canada.
(Peter Ellis VK1KEP)
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE - MEXICO AND RFID
Shades of George Orwell's novel 1984. According to a story in
the Washington Post, Mexico is considering the radio frequency I-D chip
as an answer to crime and as a tool to help the medical profession
keep track of health histories.
Up to 10,000 radio frequency I-D tags may be implanted in Mexico's citizens
in the coming year. The R-F-I-D "Verichip" can be tracked for a distance of
5 to 8 kilometres, but Mexican officials are looking toward an implant that
can be tracked by satellite, and a Global Positioning System implant that
could aid in locating kidnap victims. The full story is on-line at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6440-2003Jul17.html
(CGC via arnewsline)
COMPLETE NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE ACTIVE RADIO AMATEUR - VK3 IN DETAIL
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL / 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 29 Feb WICEN Field Day Mt. Disappointment (Chris VK3KME 5127 5656)
VK3 27 March Blue Rock Classic (Chris VK3KME 5127 5656)
* new to calender
WICEN VK3
http://www.wicen.vic.au
State Coordinator: John Kerr VK3BAF
Secretary VK3XMU secretary@vic.wicen.org.au
Feb 29th. WICEN Field Day at Mt Disappointment.
The object of the day is to act as a 'Gathering of the Clan' of
WICEN. As at our last field day, those attending are encouraged
to bring and set up their portable/mobile packet/voice stations
so that ideas about equipment and setting up can be exchanged.
Prizes will be awarded in many categories:
Lunch is BYO, but some gas BBQ's will be provided unless the day
is a Total Fire Ban day.
March 27 The Blue Rock Classic event will be held in the Willow Grove area
the event a five discipline marathon involving cycling, running,
equestrian, swimming and paddling.
Wicen provides communication for the various leg directors and
liaises with the SES and St John.
Using 2 metres (voice).
(contact Chris VK3KME on 5127 5656 (H))
VK3
PRESIDENT IS JIM LINTON
http://www.wiavic.org.au
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
WIA Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club Inc. meets the first Tuesday In
every month at 7:30 pm.
The normal venue is the club rooms in Morwell Victoria.
Further Information can be obtained by calling on VK3RLV, 146.800 MHz
or sending an email to vk3bez@qsl.net
Thursdays sees Ballarat AR Group's club net at 8:00 pm
(8:30 pm during daylight savings) on 3.610 MHz +or- QRM.
Friday BARGS General meetings held on the last Friday of each month
8:00pm at the club rooms
Saturday afternoons from 1pm is construction afternoon, so if you have a
problem with a project or need some advice make arrangements and the
club rooms will be opened for you.
Sunday they have a scramble, 146.425 to 146.600 MHz at 7:50 pm,
with a call back on RBA after ten minutes to compare scores.
DATE CLAIMERS IN THE GARDEN STATE
*Feb 22 ARDF in conjunction with bush-O opener, Sunday, Daylesford,
run by Jack Bramham VK3WWW see www.ardf.org.au
*Feb 24 NERG Morning Tea Group at Alan VK3JPK's QTH.
Feb 28 HEALESVILLE AMATEUR RADIO GROUP - Hamfest and "White Elephants."
Healesville Memorial Hall, Maroondah Highway. Contact Gavin
VK3TLN ph 5968-8482.
*Mar 8 ARDF DAREBIN PARK AR Ford Park, Davidson St HEIDELBERG WEST
(run by Tony Langdon)
*Mar 11 NERG Meeting
*Mar 5 WANSARC Meeting at Preston.
Mar 21 EASTERN MOUNTAIN DISTRICT EMDRC - White Elephant Sale
Great Ryrie Primary School at Heathmont 10:30. (Melrose 49 K11)
Robert VK3KRB on 04 030 666 86 for table bookings!
*Apr 8 NERG Meeting
*Apr 11 Fox-Or as part of Easter 4 day Orienteering street/park carnival,
Jells Park. (Ian Stirling)
*Apr 24 ARDF Vic Foxhunt championships.
*May 9 ARDF Combined with MetrO at Christmas Hills (Greg Williams)
*Jun 12 ARDF Mt Gambier ARDF (Training Event).
The next NERG morning tea will be on Tuesday 24th Feb
at the home of Alan VK3JPK at 10.00am. (Listen out
for Alan or Jim VK3DBQ on the NERG net 146.575 MHz FM
for further details or call Jim on 9467 1253).
What's on at WANSARC!
Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month offering something new
each month and can range from special presentations on a variety of topics
visits to other clubs or just an informal chat.
Next Meeting: Friday 5th March 2004 7.00pm to 9.30pm
Venue: NMIT St Georges Road Preston, Building K, Room 108
WANSARC Club Radio Net - VK3AWS
Tuesday Evenings - 7:30pm to 8:30pm EST
VK3AWS club net is an informal meeting place for club and
non-club members to gather and "have a chat" on-the-air.
This weekly radio net spans across the north-west belt of Metropolitan
Melbourne and even as far as Wangaratta in Northern Victoria.
In the past year, the net has expanded from its simple origins on
2 meter amateur band. The net now broadcasts on the 146.450 frequency
and is also relayed through the EchoLink internet linking system to
Wangaratta VK3NE 146.450 MHz
Macleod VK3HFS 146.450 MHz
Niddrie VK3RTL 439.075 MHz
All relay stations are connected to the EchoLink Conference
Server *VK3JED* Node Number #42820.
146.450 MHz in the Metropolitan area is provided by VK3HFS
Control of the net is handled by the operator of the VK3AWS
callsign. This is usually Michael VK3CH or Grant VK3HFS.
Whilst the above frequencies are used for the net, an informal
gathering sometimes also takes place on 28.470 MHz (10 meter amateur
band) during the net. This is not controlled by VK3AWS and is used
for "chit-chat" and comments between overs on the net frequencies.
Denis Johnstone vk3zux reports with Check-ins, Latrobe Valley.
This Wednesday we tried a new arrangement for covering East Gippsland. Bob
VK3ZAN in the absence of Rob VK3EK used a co-channel transfer from VK3RLV
146.800 to VK3REB on 146.900. This signal is also linked to the Mt Cann
repeater on 146.650 at Malacoota.
This takes away the need for the cross band transfer between 70cm to 2M. We
will use this method in future as it requires less equipment tied up to make
the broad cast and then to make the transfer to the East Gippsland system.
In this way the QNEWS coverage now returns to full capability again.
We manage to cover from South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne (we get check-ins
from Cranbourne) right through Western, Central, Southern and Eastern
Gippsland to the Southern Borders of New South Wales, (and beyond as we get
check-ins from Eden and Bega). Though I note now that they are doing their
own broadcast so I guess these check-ins will disappear?
We used to do this by transferring through Vk3RGU 438.375 from Latrobe
Valley to Bairnsdale and then cross band to VK3REB on 146.900. This used to
tie up of a lot of equipment and has now been overcome so we do not have to
use both 70 and 2m repeaters to make it work.
So our rebroadcast of QNEWS is a work in progress and the scheme is
developing as capability and facility increases.
In addition we are including about 5 to 10 minutes of local news items
which we broadcast immediately after QNEWS.
Denis Johnstone (VK3ZUX) (Local QNEWS Coordinator)
SMILE! YOUR ON CAMERA
Mark VK3BYY writing in a recent edition of NERG news reports on th claim this is the first movie camera that will
capture a 3.2 Mega pixel image whilst recording in real time video.
I guess it won't be long before we have a Swiss Army Knife incorporating
mobile phone, FAX, camera, TV, video player Play Station, microwave oven
and coffee warmer!
Field days will never be the same!
COMPLETE NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE ACTIVE RADIO AMATEUR - VK4 IN DETAIL
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 Monday 4th Aug.(vk4bcp)
VK4NL Noel Lawton (advised by VK4NPF)
*VK4FNW Neville G Williams during December 2003.(by vk4zz)
VK4MUM Ann Renton January 8 2004 (advised by vk4zz)
VK4AHF Henry Fulford January 19 2004 (advised by vk4dmc/zz/fuq/znz)
*VK4KQ Vic Parker February 9 2004 (advised by vk4acc)
Neville Williams VK4FNW SK
News into the Q this week that avid CW Contester and DX-er
Neville Williams VK4FNW went SK during December 2003
We pass on condolences to Neville's XYL Estelle.
Vic Parker VK4KQ of Yeppoon via Rockhampton became a Silent Key Monday
9th of February.
Vic was a keen and loyal supporter of AR activities and a welcome voice
on tion
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 intentionubject should contact Laurie Pritchard VK4BLE on
07 3284 8859 (ah) or via email on rdrc4@hotmail.com for further
information.
Also, the REDSUN Rally Fox Hunt with the Sunshine Coast Club is being held
Sunday 29th of February, 11am at the Ewen Maddock Dam for an early Lunch
and then the fox hunt.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
http://www.sarc.org.au/sarc1/sarc.htm
GOLD COAST ARS OPEN DAY
An excellent day was enjoyed with the Gold Coast club last Sunday.
They turned on fine weather and great facilities and BBQ at their clubrooms.
Six from Summerland made the trip and enjoyed their hospitality.
Unfortunately, by some dubious means, Summerland were beaten at darts by
just one point...a swab into the darts to determine if Gold Coast were using
Radio Controlled models has been muted!
TOWNSVILLE
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
29 Feb Ham n Eggs on the Strand - Waterpark end - from 7-30am
3 Mar Live on 4TTT-FM 103.9FM Wednesday 7pm-8pm
The Amateur Radio Hour Equinox Edition.
8 Mar Ann Renton Memorial Ladies Net 7pm.
19-21 Mar TARC John Moyle Field Day.
2 Apr Pot Luck Dinner at QTH of VK4TJS -
from 6-30pm - BYO plenty of everything
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
The next General Meeting of the Queensland Digital Group is on Friday
February 20 in the Staff Room of the WAVELL HEIGHTS STATE SCHOOL in MINORE
STREET, CHERMSIDE commencing at 7.30 pm. All members and friends are
cordially invited. Of course, visitors are always welcome.
The topics for the night be a WinPack demonstration and a talk on WinLink.
The recent electrical storm activity has caused problems for the QDG network
as well as some South East Queensland bbs and individual stations, repairs
are under way.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: ADVANCE NOTICE
The annual general meeting of the QDG Inc will be held on March 19 in the
Staff Room of the WAVELL HEIGHTS STATE SCHOOL in MINORE STREET, CHERMSIDE
commencing at 7.30 pm.
As always, up to date information is available from the groups Web site:
www.qdg.org.au
Alan VK4YAR
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
2004
LOGAN WEST AMATEUR RADIO & ELECTRONICS CLUB BOOT SALE
Feb 22 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.
April 18 WIAQ AGM is 10AM 18th April at Rockhampton Leagues Club corner
George & Cambridge Sts Rockhampton.
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 7 Redcliffe.
Saturday the 7th of March 2004, starting at 9am.
Everyone wishing to sit any examination subject should contact
Laurie Pritchard VK4BLE on 3284 8859 (ah) or via email on
rdrc4@hotmail.com
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
BUNDABERG
Examinations on request.
Contact Rusty VK4JM on 4159 6224.
e-mail rustymcg@dodo.com.au
DARLING DOWNS - TOOWOOMBA - HIGHFIELDS - WARWICK
Only two weeks notice is required for those wishing to sit for any subject.
Contact Matthew Weatherley VK4HWM 4698 7775 or email
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
GLADSTONE
Rick WRIGHT, VK4HWN Justice of the peace QUAL 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.
A very warm G'Day to all listeners, whether you be in VK or further afield.
Keen contesters are probably champing at the bit for some hot contest
action, but it simply hasn't arrived quite yet for 2004. That's the way
it is in this hobby, but plenty of other interest groups are in the same
boat, with Aussie car racing fans not seeing the V8 Supercars out until
next month, or even the world's glamorous F1 racers either for that matter.
But there's still the odd flash of bright light on the calendar. One of
those flashes comes in late February by way of a traditional all-mode
contest. It is, of course, the NZART's Jock White Memorial Field Day
Contest held on February the 28th and the leap year's 29th.
Also on the air February 22 to 28 is the 2004 Antarctica Activity Week,
where anybody with a remotely cold-sounding amateur callsign is evidently
grist to the mill. So a little message for Dave, VK4ICE: batten
down the hatches, boy.
On a more serious note, March 19 to 21 sees one of the year's major efforts
when the John Moyle Field Day hits a radio near you.
The aim is simply to both encourage and provide familiarisation with
portable operation, and to provide training for emergency situations. It's
one of those rare occasions when the hobby can showcase itself to
the world. Thanks to the emergency connotations of the John Moyle, the rules
are designed to encourage portable and field operation, just like the
Jock White operation from ZL in two weeks time.
The John Moyle Field Day takes place on the third full weekend of March
each year, and runs from 0100 UTC Saturday to 0059 UTC Sunday, March 21
and 22, 2004.
The contest is open to all VK, ZL and P2 stations. Other stations are
welcome to participate, of course, but can only claim points for contacts
with VK, ZL and P2 stations.
For more details of this or any story on today's edition of QNEWS, check out
the internet or email editions of this week's broadcast. You'll find this at
www.wia.org/vk4 and just follow the red links.
Moving on now, I have to tell you I've been searching the world for years
for, say, the Worked All McDonaldses Award, or maybe the Banana Plantation
SSB Contest, or whatever - and I reckon we're on a pretty good thing with
this next one. You see, May 8 and 9 see the World-Wide Mills Weekend. Yes
indeed, if there's a windmill or a water mill near your QTH, you can join
in the fun and run a Special Event Station of your very own.
But look, if it's one of those outback Aussie windmills, just don't tie
your wire antennas to the propellory bits, will you?
If you'd like to join in the mills events, please do. The Mills Weekend will
take place over the weekend of May 8 and 9. And get this, there's even an
award for working or hearing 10 mills stations, so if you are unable to put
on a station from your local mill, you can still take part in the event.
There is a neat web site with more information at http://www.qsl.net/g4cdd
Now it's time for some RESULTS.
Recently, QNEWS was taken to task on our report of last year's RD contest.
Well we were able to bring you the winning division, and scores, along with
a brief synopsis of how VK6 were able to hold out all comers again to clinch
last year's event.
BZAI is the Australian Co-ordinator for ARISS.
AMSAT-VK HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
AMSAT-NA reports that its sculpture of AO-40 sold January 31 in an
eBay auction for $1225.
The proceeds, less sales fees, will benefit the AMSAT-OSCAR ECHO satellite
project. AO ECHO is set to launch March 31. T
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FISTS CLUB DOWN UNDER
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CALL VK2FDU
if you would like to use VK2FDU, simply get in touch with Chris VK2MQX )
VK3FGE - David # 9088, has ceased his net to help the "key shy" among us.
The "CW Improvers' Net" ended several weeks ago, owing to a lack of
patronage. VK3FGE is considering private CW tuition I believe that
should attract a few takers as David, by all accounts seems to have the
ability to put the CW on-air beginners at ease and give them a little boost
to their confidence... vital to good code.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLDTIMERS
http://www.raotc.org.au
VK's earliest licensed active amateur
Reg Bush VK3LS first licensed in 1923 or 24.
Reg still active on air to best of our knowledge
VK's oldest active amateur
Alf Webb VK2UC 98 years old as at September 10 2003
(licensed 1947)
VK1
Canberra Old Timers day time meeting is at Farrer
meetings are held at the "Long Gully Scout Hall" .
VK5
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN OLD TIMERS CLUB VK5HT President Jack on 8295 2209
Meet at the Adelaide Airport in the Airport Club.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- SOTA
'SOTA Beams Challenge' Winner Announced
The winner of the first 'SOTA Beams Challenge' is 13-year old Josh, MW3EPA.
The Challenge is open to amateurs under 18 and is awarded to the person who
does the most Summits on the Air, or 'SOTA', activation's in a calendar year.
Josh activated 14 mountains including two over 3000-feet high in 2003,
making him a worthy winner.
The Challenge will be run again this year and details are on the SOTA beams
website.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF AND ABOVE (the plumbers delight)
GIPPSTECH
Denis Johnstone tells QNEWS it is approximately 5 months to go to the
famous 'GippsTech' conference to be held over the first weekend in July 2004
at Monash University in Churchill, Gippsland, Victoria.
The New Caledonia beacon FK8SIX has been noted on various occasions in VK2
during daylight hours indicating that a path to the Pacific does exist.
FK8CA and FK8HA have both been heard and worked in VK2 during the past weeks.
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK:-
PREAMBLE -
Out of the Trailer Auction
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK1
VK2
VK3
VK4
EDUCATION/YOUTH/ADVANCEMENT OF AR
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
WICEN 'TYPE' EVENT CALENDAR...
WICEN VK2
WICEN VK3
WICEN VK4
WICEN VK5
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL : TEXAS CELLPHONE HERO
INTERNATIONAL
IARU Region 3 Conference
SOUTH AFRICA
FINLAND
DENMARK
CANADA
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE - MEXICO AND RFID
COMPLETE NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE ACTIVE RADIO AMATEUR - VK3 IN DETAIL
WICEN VK3
WICEN Field Day at Mt Disappointment.
Blue Rock Classic
VK3 CLUBS
WIA Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club Inc
Ballarat AR Group
NERG
WANSARC
DATE CLAIMERS IN THE GARDEN STATE
Denis Johnstone vk3zux reports from Latrobe Valley.
SMILE! YOUR ON CAMERA - from Mark VK3BYY.
COMPLETE NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE ACTIVE RADIO AMATEUR - VK4 IN DETAIL
VK4 SILENT KEYS @ 2003 - 2004 WIAQ COUNCIL YEAR
WIAQ COUNCIL NEWS
2004 WIAQ GRANTS CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
BUNDABERG
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
LOGAN WEST
MACKAY
REDCLIFFE
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
TOWNSVILLE
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
WIA EXAMINATIONS IN VK4
VK4 AMATEURS WHO ARE JP's
CONTESTS AWARDS and SPECIAL EVENTS WITH CHRIS EDMONDSON VK4AA/VK3CE
SPECIAL EVENTS
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
NEWS OF A GOOD SORT!
WIRELESS WEATHER (the vk 4day 4cast)
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ARDF
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FISTS CLUB DOWN UNDER
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLDTIMERS
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- SOTA
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF AND ABOVE (the plumbers delight)
***************************
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".
Compiled by VK4BB /
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