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THE BEST QNEWS WITHOUT THE SPIN!
--------------------------------
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
The WIA Federal AGM was a star studded event, the absolute
creme de la creme of VK's Amateur population.
In attendance we had 5 ex Presidents, IARU Vice President,
a VK4 Life Member and several VK4 Merit badge holders.
All divisions represented, VK3's in force including VK3UV
Bruce Bathols as a visitor.
To see how 3 of those in the room worked to bring harmony and
to steer a steady course, namely Ernie Hocking vk1lk,
Michael Owen vk3ki and David Wardlaw vk3adw one could only
refer to them as "Statesmen".
The WIA Federal board of directors did undergo a slight change,
David Jones VK4OF/6 was not elected for a second year following
a secret vote for all director ships.
VK1LK our Federal President was re-elected, opposed by a VK2 Amateur
who had put his name forward, but was not in attendance.
During the reports by each division VK7 said that by including its Sunday
broadcast on CB Radio it resulted in good feedback. VK4 has had a similar
experience, particularly in the Maryborough area where VK4TGB gets excellent
results. VK4 President Ewan also mentioned Summerland in Northern NSW as a
CB rebroadcaster. The results indicate that CBers as a result of listening
to the broadcasts have not only shown interest in the hobby but have become
Hams!
The new Entry Level Licence sought by the WIA is still being considered by
the ACA and the only indication when it could announce its decision on
it, and other matters arising out of its review of Amateur Service
regulations was "January 2005....maybe".
The WIA is also positioning itself to bid for a likely government tender
of functions that the ACA has indicated it wishes to outsource - such as
amateur examinations, licensing, callsigns and other administrative
functions. The WIA's existing agreement with the ACA to provide amateur
examinations is due to expire at the end of 2004.
The WIA has moved closer to being restructured following a number of
developments that occurred at the WIA Federal Convention in Brisbane
but the new constitution was not adopted.
The WIA Federal Convention was adjourned until Saturday 1 May in Sydney
to again consider the restructure.
It became clear that the special resolution did not have sufficient
support to be put to the vote, to save both the new look agenda being
wiped forever, and the entire WIA as we now know it being irretrievably
damaged, some observers went as far as saying "dissolved", VK4 at the start
of Sunday called for a special resolution deferment due to additional
details coming to light the previous day.
(AUDIO FROM CONVENTION FLOOR)
It also allows divisions to re-consult with their members if
deemed necessary.
David Pilley VK2AYD Director and Federal Treasurer announced his retirement
from the position, in protest at what he called the "shoddy treatment of
David Jones the previous day.
(AUDIO BY DAVID PILLEY)
John Martin VK3KWA our WIA Federal Technical Chief, in recognition of his
contributions over a lengthy period, including chairmanship of the
Federal Technical Advisory Committee for the past ten years was granted
Life Membership.
The WIA Ron Wilkinson Achievement Award was given to Rex Moncur VK7MO in
recognition of his achievements and contributions to the knowledge of
other radio amateurs in relation to weak signal working on VHF/UHF and
microwave bands.
The AMSAT-VK Coordinator Graham Ratcliff VK5AGR in his annual report
recommended the AMSAT-DL Phase 5E project and the AMSAT-NA Echo project
receive $5,000 donations each from the WIA. That has been passed back to
VK5AGR for his preparation of a detailed report.
In policy motions passed, the effectiveness of the WIA liaison with
the ACA is to be reviewed and the activities of the WIA/ACA Liaison group
be better communicated to the WIA membership.
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 IT is CasE sENsItiVE :
QNEWS-VK-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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.
GREAT AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE SHOW.
Seems all that can be invented has been invented! The Great Australian
Science Show held in Melbourne has come to an end! This means the
End of the WIA's stand which for years actively promoted our hobby.
(NERG)
SATELLITE DISHES
The Victorian Planning Scheme has been amended to restrict the
placement of satellite antennas larger than 1.2 meters on or
around residential buildings.
It's been pointed out that the regulations are badly worded and can
lead to miss-interpretation. One wonders if a 5 meter Horn antenna
is allowed for satellite TV...... after all it's not a dish!
(NERG)
ACA NEWS
www.aca.gov.au
WIA ACA LIAISON OFFICERS are VK1GH, VK1ZKM, VK2BPN, VK4DU
An application of ultra wideband (UWB) technology
ground penetrating radar systems has been granted
an interim licence by the ACA, the first time an
application using UWB technology has been licensed
in Australia.
ACA Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the licensing arrangements
were the first step in finding a place for UWB technology in the
management of Australia's radiofrequency spectrum.
"Ultra wideband is a potentially beneficial technology but at this
stage only applications with low potential to cause interference will
be authorised under these interim arrangements," he said.
Dr Horton said that UWB technology, as an emerging communications
technique, had the potential to generate a bewildering variety of
applications capable of benefiting the Australian community.
These applications included the imaging of buried objects, surveying
the structural components of buildings for defects, through-wall
imaging for security or law enforcement, medical imaging, sensing
systems used to avoid motor vehicle collisions, and short- range,
high-speed data transmission which might rival more traditional
broadband cable and copper access techniques.
UWB devices work by transmitting and receiving very short duration
bursts of radiofrequency energy. These pulses result in extremely
wideband transmissions but at minute power levels in any particular
segment of the radiocommunications frequency bands. Because these
devices operate using spectrum occupied by existing radio services,
there is a considerable level of international debate on their
potential to cause interference.
(ACA AND Audio VK4BAT)
In further ACA news, a discussion paper invites industry and interested
parties to have their say on the demand for broadband services.
ACA is considering whether to make more spectrum available.
Dr Horton called on all interested parties to comment on the need for
further spectrum allocations as well as possible licensing arrangements.
The bands identified in the paper as providing possible opportunities
include:
2010-2025 MHz
1900-1920 MHz (in regional areas)
1785-1805 MHz; and
1880-1900 MHz.
The discussion paper is available from the ACA website.
The closing date for comments is Friday 21 May 2004.
(sourced to aca)
CB NEWS
REACT AND THE AMBER ALERT PROGRAM
Ham radio appears to be leaving itself behind in the area of
responding to notices of kidnapped children called Amber Alerts.
Meantime REACT and other citizens radio organisations are taking the
point position in spreading word of these vital searches. Amateur
Radio Newsline's Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, takes a look at how REACT has
gotten involved:
Nobody seems to know why hams appear to have no interest in the Amber
Alert program, but other civic minded radio services are not standing
still. And the April issue of Popular Communications magazine is
ighlighting REACT as being one of those jumping in to providing
communications for these alerts and searches.
The magazines Info Central column highlights the activities of REACT
teams across Ontario Canada and the northern United States. This, as
they responded to an Amber Alert issued by the Ontario police after
Cecelia Zhang was abducted in Toronto.
Ron McCracken who is past President of REACT told Pop Comm that they
were given details of the alert and were asked to broadcast it on C-B
channel 19 to truckers passing along the highways. The alert
included details of the kidnap vehicle and the victim along with the
suspects.
The broadcasts began at about 5:30 in the evening and went on through
midnight. McCracken says that CB radio was combined with computers
and e-mail to spread the word far and wide in a very short time.
This allowed truck drivers all along the border to keep an eye out
for both the little Cecilia and her abductor.
According to McCracken, this was REACT's first response to an Amber
Alert and in his estimation it went very well. You can read the full
story starting on page 5 of the April issue of Popular Communications
magazine.
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, reporting.
The Amber Alert was created in 1997 as a tribute to 9-year-old Amber
Hagerman. She was kidnapped and brutally murdered while riding her
bicycle in her hometown of Arlington, Texas.
If you want to know more about how you can start an Amber Alert Plan
in your area and involve your radio hobby, it can be found by taking
your web browser to www.missingkids.com. Then click on the words
Amber Plan.
(PopComm, ARNewsline(tm) audio VK4CO)
BPL/PLC
BIG NOISE IN MANASSAS
BPL has come to Manassas, Virginia and the hams there say that its
not fun to listen to:
--
BPL audio
---
That's the racket being created by the latest of three Broadband Over
Powerline or BPL installations opened in Manassas. This, as
provided in a sound file on the www.W4OVH.org website, courtesy of
George Tarnovsky, KE2AM. The interference level appears to be such
that it would be all but impossible to hear a radio signal through
it.
The kicker here is that this is reported to be an underground
electrical feed that utilities claim are far less noisy than overhead
wiring. However, having the wires underground does not seem to
reduce the interference. At least not in this case.
And if you want to know more about the BPL hazard to America's
communications, go get a copy of the of CQ. Joe Lynch, N6CL has an
excellent analysis article in his "VHF Plus" column in the just out
April issue of that magazine.
(VHF Reflector, PR Reflector, W2VU 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
VK2 April 24-26 CANOE PADDLE FOR LIFE - LISMORE TO BALLINA.
VK2 April ..-26 Watagan Horse Enduro
VK7 April ...27 - Until May 2nd TARGA TASMANIA
VK4 May 01-03 TABLELANDS AR CLUB / QUOLL ADVENTURE
VK4 May 01-03 TARC Mt Pleasant Horse Endurance Ride - near Collinsville
*VK2 May 08-09 Horse Enduro (date change)
*VK1 May 08-09 Rally Australia in the ACT
VK5 May ...13 WICEN (SA) AGM
*VK2 May 15-16 Eden Creek Horse Enduro (date changed to May 8/9)
VK3 June ...6 KENDA Navigation Rally.
VK2 July .3-.4 Wilderness Rescue Navigation Shield
VK5 July 31 - Aug 1 ROSA 2004
VK2 Aug ..-.8 Hawkesbury Bridge to Bridge
VK4 Aug ...21 TOWNSVILLE TO MAGNETIC ISLAND SWIM.
VK4 Aug ...22 50th Anniversary Maggie Island Swim Brunch
VK2 Aug 23-27 Shahzada Horse Enduro
VK2 Oct 30-31 Hawkesbury Canoe Classic
VK5 Nov 17-21 Classic Adelaide Rally.
* new to calender
WICEN VK3
http://www.wicen.vic.au
State Coordinator: John Kerr VK3BAF
Secretary VK3XMU secretary@vic.wicen.org.au
A reminder that the WICEN HF net will run each TUESDAY evening
beginning at 2130 on 3.6 MHz
Approximately 20 stations are checking in to the net, and at the sched
times, sometimes heavy QRM on the normal frequency of 3.6 so look up
the band 10 to 15 kHz.
This is a quick and efficient way to keep up to date with events and
activities.
The HF net also provides an opportunity for those who only seldom operate
on HF to make sure their equipment is "up to scratch". It is also a good
chance for those just getting into HF such as the Limited licensees, to
test their HF equipment.
ALL amateur radio operators are most welcome to join in.
The details again:
Every Tuesday evening
Time: 2130 Hours
Frequency: 3.6 MHz LSB + QRM
WICEN Victoria is always looking for more Amateur Radio operators to assist
with these public activities, if you can help, please contact Bruce Bathols
VK3UV, QTHR, telephone 9580 6424 or e-mail vk3uv@wia.org.au for WICEN
membership and general enquiries.
WICEN VK4
(State Coordinator, Ewen McLeod VK4ERM)
THE TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB INC. IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
CAIRNS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB INC. ARE AGAIN PROVIDING COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT
FOR THE QUOLL ADVENTURE RACE TO BE CONDUCTED IN THE SOUTHERN TABLELANDS
AREA MAY 1 THRU 3
IF you wish to get along and have an enjoyable weekend contact Chris Parr,
VK4ANI or Dale VK4DMC.
For full run down of what the event is about go to:
http://www.adventureracing.com.au/tar/default.shtml
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
The Picnic Rock Fire got its start March 30 when a residential yard
fire went out of control, and winds gusting to 35 MPH have helped
spread the flames through the timber-pocked brush and grassland area.
More than 200 firefighters, air tankers and helicopters battled the flames.
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) members have been supporting
American Red Cross shelter operations in northern Colorado,
where a wildfire had prompted voluntary evacuations of residents
in a threatened subdivision.
Between six and eight amateurs per shift are supporting the
shelters.
(sourced to arrl letter)
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK1
http://www.wia.org.au/vk1
President is Alan Hawes alan@wic.net.au
QNEWS VK1 NEWS COORDINATOR AND DIVVY NEWS VK1KEP
VK1 is hosting the Rally of Canberra and welcomes any Amateur to come and
assist, from early on Saturday 8th May until mid-afternoon on Sunday 9th
May. We will find you a billet for the Friday and Saturday nights (7/8 May).
Please email vk1zpl@wia.org.au. Phil VK1ZPL is WICEN coordinator.
Peter Ellis VK1KEP
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
President Brian Kelly VK2WBK
QNEWS VK2 DIVVY NEWS AUDIO KAREN VK2HKW
April
EASTER = URUNGA RADIO CONVENTION
13 Nepean Amateur Radio Group Monthly Meeting
14 Westlakes Simplex Net Contest
17 VK2 AGM of WIA
17 Westlakes Andrew VK2UAI presents a demonstration/lecture on APRS 2.00 pm
17 Coffs Harbour & District Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting
18 Summerland ARC Monthly Club Meeting
27 Hornsby and District Amateur Radio Club Inc, Monthly Meeting
30 Wagga Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting
May
8 Westlakes AGM
August
* 8 SARCFEST Richmond Hill.
A reminder that the AGM of the NSW Division will be held at Parramatta on
Saturday the 17th of April. To help with catering they would like members
who will be attending to advise the office ASAP.
vk2wi@wiansw.org.au - or
9689 2417.
(Tim, VK2ZTM via vk2wi)
Oxley region Amateur Radio Club are looking at a rather 'unique' project.
To make use of the considerable amount of brain power within the Club,
the suggestion is that members design and construct a prototype
direct conversion receiver/ transmitter for 80, 40 or 10 Metres which
if SEVERAL identical units were built would then be used to encourage
young people into the ranks of amateur radio.
(sourced to OXTAILS)
(Audio vk2hkw)
VK3
QNEWS VK3 COORDINATOR ROBERT BROOMHEAD VK3KRB
PRESIDENT JIM LINTON
http://www.wiavic.org.au
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
QNEWS VK3 DIVVY NEWS READ BY VK3FFF
Apr 11 Fox-Or as part of Easter 4 day Orienteering street/park carnival,
Jells Park. (Ian Stirling)
Apr 15 NERG Meeting (http://nerg.asn.au)
Apr 16 EMDRC Coffee Shop with
Apr 24 ARDF Vic Foxhunt championships.
May 7 EMDRC General meeting. Roger Christianz "thermal imaging".
May 9 ARDF Combined with Metro at Christmas Hills (Greg Williams VK3VT)
May 13 NERG Meeting (http://nerg.asn.au)
May 21 EMDRC Coffee Shop
Jun 4 EMDRC General Meeting.
Jun 10 NERG Meeting (http://nerg.asn.au)
Jun 12 ARDF Mt Gambier ARDF (Training Event).
Jun 18 EMDRC Coffee Shop
Jul 2 EMDRC General Meeting
Jul 3-4 GippsTech 2004, Churchill.
July 16 EMDRC Coffee Shop
Aug 6 EMDRC General Meeting. Ron Cook VK3AFW 'Meteor Scatter'.
Aug 20 EMDRC Coffee Shop.
Sept 3 EMDRC Doug McArthur VK3UN talks on EME.
Sept 17 EMDRC Coffee Shop.
Oct 1 EMDRC General Meeting.
Oct 15 EMDRC Coffee Shop.
Nov 5 EMDRC General Meeting.
Nov 19 EMDRC TBA
Dec 3 EMDRC Christmas Party at Club Rooms.
NERG
Meet April 15 at a quarter to 8 at Brior Hill Primary and guest
Speaker is Roy Gilmour speaking on metallurgy, ISO accreditation
And other subjects.
NERG are also after the services of a new Secretary as at that meeting
They will be farewelling Mark VK3XXX as he heads of to the
Greener Pastures of the Western District.
EMDRC COFFEE SHOP APRIL 16
Michael Owen VK3KI, a former WIA Federal President and the
primary author of the present WIA federal constitution,
IARU Vice-President from 1989 to 1999 and a member of the
IARU Observer Team at WRC 03, became involved in the
possible restructure of the WIA from federal body to a
single national body last December when he accepted an
invitation to join the informal meeting held in Sydney to
explore that suggestion. As a lawyer, he wrote the draft
constitution that was presented to the Federal Convention
that has just been held in Brisbane and adjourned. Michael
participated in the Convention. Michael has agreed to talk
at the EMDRC April coffee shop meeting, and will explain
the restructure that is being proposed, including a
suggested agreement between the divisions to enable a
smooth transition to a national body.
A warm and open invitation is being extended by the
Eastern and Mountain District Radio Club to ALL VK3
Amateurs and VK3 clubs to join in this meeting,
Friday April the 16th at the EMDRC clubrooms
12A McCubbin Street Burwood, that's Melways 61 E7
Meeting will be kicking off at 8:00pm
Full details can be found at the clubs website
http://www.emdrc.com.au or
contact the club president Rob Broomhead on 0403 066 686
I must say... this is an excellent initiative by the
EMDRC, the club and committee should be congratulated and
is worthy of YOUR support
The Midland Amateur Radio Club will be holding its annual convention on
Sunday April the 18th.
The convention takes the form of a swap meet and will be open to anyone
with an interest in amateur radio and electronics and is held in
St Mary's hall Castlemaine from 10am to 3pm on Sunday the 18th of April
VK4
PRESIDENT VK4ERM EWAN McLEOD
http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
QNEWS DIVISIONAL NEWS READ BY VK4CO
Apr 18 WIAQ AGM Rockhampton Leagues Club, George & Cambridge Sts.
Apr 23 Harry Angel (VK4HA) Memorial Sprint (see contest column)
May 8 Brisbane Amateur Radio Club Hamfest at Holland Park
(audio vk4co)
INTERNATIONAL
IARU
http://www.jarl.or.jp/iaru-r3/
WIA FEDERAL IARU OFFICER is VK6NE Neil Penfold
Radio Amateurs: Pioneers in Bridging Barriers to World Understanding.
That's this years theme for World Amateur Radio Day 2004 April 18.
New Zealand
ZL's "administration", the Ministry of Economic Development,
Radio Spectrum Management, is developing changes to their
licensing regime and the Amateur Operator and the Amateur
Repeater and Beacon licences are in their plans.
It is early days yet but the changes proposed will provide
flexibility and advantages for radio amateurs.
Some details are given in the Ministry's latest quarterly newsletter:
downloaded from:
http://www.med.govt.nz/rsm/publications/newsletters/wavelength/index.html
Pages 2 and 6 are particularly relevant.
The intended amateur radio changes are at the first discussion stage and
appear as a welcome gust of fresh air. The newsletter speaks about EMC,
audit and about compliance with license conditions so every radio amateur
will have an interest. More information will be given as it comes to hand.
(Jim Meachen ZL2BHF ZLInfoLine)
PAPUA NEW GUINEA P29
P29ANZAC has been approved for use during the night before ANZAC day,
Sunday 25th of April and during that day.
This will allow a small group of Port Moresby amateurs to camp at
Bomana War Cemetery and run a HF station overnight.
It is also hoped to link the "Dawn Service" to be held at Bomana via VHF
back to the HF site and re-broadcast this on 40M.
The HF band which will be used to transmit back to Australia and NZ is not
yet confirmed, but it is likely to be either 3569 or 3579KHz LSB or 7079 or
7129KHz LSB.
Clear channels and good propagation will decide on the final frequency to be
used.
P29KFS and the crew are liaising with Aussie Defence based in Port Moresby.
Several officers at the high commission already appear to be interested
in supporting the project.
It's hoped that at least four or five amateurs will be involved and there
should be three radios available to provide more than a few contacts.
(p29kfs)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
BARC
http://www.qsl.net/vk4ba
or, by E-mail to vk4ba@qsl.net
May 8 BARCFEST at Holland Park Bowls Club in Brisbane.
That's 39 Abbotsleigh St and it opens at Nine.
Club Displays, disposals, Commercial Displays and Sales
Computer Gear, Bar and Canteen by Bowls Club but best of all
Entry Fee just $5.
To book a space for BARCFEST please go to
http://www.qsl.net/vk4ba
Once at the website please select the BARCFEST page.
Contact Kev vk4zr 3273 2738
Bryan VK4KWB 3235 2123 (work)
BUNDABERG
Bundaberg Club members and other users of the Bundaberg Repeater who might
like to help, a working bee will be held at the Mount Goonanaman Repeater
on Saturday 17th April.
All interested will meet at the gate at the bottom of the mountain at
0900 hrs sharp.
Work to be carried includes reinstalling the 70 cm repeater.
Painting exterior of the building, resealing the roof, clearing the track
up, clearing up the growth on the site. That's April 17th.
Contact Ross VK4JRO 4155 2665
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.
Everyone,
The AGM of the City of Brisbane Radio Society Inc. will be held on
13th April at the QTH of Eric and Sharon Fittock, 108 Queensport Road,
Murarrie 4172. To start at 7:30 pm sharp.
DARLING DOWNS
April 12 DDRC's Executive Meeting, however if you are 'up on the downs'
visitors are warmly welcomed.
These regular evening meetings of the Darling Downs Radio Club are held
7:30 at SES Headquarters, 172 Stephen Street, Toowoomba.
ROCKHAMPTON
IRLP NODE 6973 ;
e-mail vk4acc@wia.org.au
Secretary Clive 4928 1173
http://www.radarc.cjb.net/
WIAQ AGM ROCKHAMPTON 18TH APRIL 2004
Clive Sait VK4ACC, Central Queensland WIAQ Councillor and RADAR CLUB
Secretary invites us to attend the next WIAQ AGM which will be held
at the Rockhampton Leagues Club corner of George and Cambridge Street
at 10.00 am local time Sunday 18th April 2004
This has been arranged to give locals in the CQ area an opportunity to
meet WIAQ officials.
Lunch is available down stairs after the meeting about 12.30 pm.
Partners who prefer not to attend the meeting are welcome to join later
for lunch. The Rockhampton And District Amateur Radio Club Inc.
has arranged a BBQ on the Saturday evening 17th April to welcome guests
from out of town. This will be at 6.30pm at the SES building corner
of Charles and Randwick Street North Rockhampton.
Please advise Clive by e-mail or on 04 2963 2815.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
http://www.sarc.org.au/sarc1/sarc.htm
HORSE ENDURO - EDEN CREEK
Although short on operators, Summerland WICEN staffed Base and 3 Checkpoints.
This did cover the key points but more ears would have given better cover.
However they did meet the needs of the Endurance Association without mishap.
The NEXT HORSE ENDURO is on 8-9 May. NOTE the changed date.
SARC DINE OUT - PIONEER TAVERN, Saturday, 17 April.
Usual arrangements from 6:30 onwards at the Pioneer Tavern, Wollongbar.
This will be a kids-free evening, so see you there.
Now does this mean kids are free? or no kids invited? MMnnn
Names to Graeme VK2JUB ASAP.
8 Aug - SARCFEST, Richmond Hill.
TOWNSVILLE
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
(QNEWS NQ CHIEF VK4ZZ GAVIN REPORTS WEEKLY)
The Multimeter Night happens in conjunction with theTARCinc
Radio Theory Class on Thursday April 22nd from 7pm at the Club Rooms,
SES HQ Green Street West End
Those who don't have a multimeter will be well catered for,
with spare apparatus available to let you join in the fun.
VHF Scramble! What's a Scramble ?
Well in the Townsville region you are about to find out !
Be on air on 147MHz FM simplex at 7-30pm Tuesday April 27th
and be ready to follow directions. Scramble Leader will be Wally/VK4DO
and the Scramble limits are 147 to 148MHz.
TARC Meetings
Project Nights
13th April 2004 starting 7-30pm,
All Welcome !
Next Social and Backscatter meeting,
20th April 2004 starting 7-30pm
All Welcome !
Next Management Meeting
4th May 2004
All Welcome !
Where?
Club Rooms, SES HQ Green Street West End (via Sidney Street)
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
The next General Meeting of the Queensland Digital Group will be held on
Friday April 16 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.
Plenty of street parking is available and supper is provided.
The topic for the night is high speed networking. QDG will have
representatives from Brismesh to explain wireless LAN and how they and
Brismesh are working together to create a high speed network.
Brismesh is after new members especially Radio Amateurs and WIA members so
please come along and find out more about this group.
Last month saw the QDG's AGM, elected to management were:
President: Alan VK4YAR
Vice President: Bill VK4ZWJ
Secretary: Richard VK4ZA
Treasurer: Gary VK4CUZ
As always please check the QDG web site for up to date information:
www.qdg.org.au
(Alan VK4YAR)
In further digital news comes word Art VK4GO a long time supporter and
Instigator of many of South East VK4's packet and APRS systems is off to
JA land with XYL Tomomi, VK4ZGO.
They will reside some 30 km's from Tokyo Centre.
Tomomi VK4ZGO becomes JA1OIY and Art becomes JA1OGS
No doubt Art will remain very active with APRS... Good luck and thanks Guys!
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
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 Bowls Club in Brisbane.
That's 39 Abbotsleigh St and it opens at Nine.
Club Displays, disposals, Commercial Displays and Sales
Computer Gear, Bar and Canteen by Bowls Club but best of all
Entry Fee just $5.
Contact Kev vk4zr 3273 2738
Bryan VK4KWB 3235 2123 (work)
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
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 QUALIFIED 4972 7147
HERVEY BAY
Geoff Stephenson, VK4OT 4124 4764
Albert Woodward, VK4IK 4124 4863
SUNSHINE COAST
Amanda Winchester, VK4HIP is registered as a Justice of the Peace
3/148 Maroochydore Rd, Maroochydore 4558
Phone 5443 5708 (Outside school hours please)
Geoff Sanders, VK4KEL is registered as a Justice of the Peace
(Qualified) and is on telephone 5445 0280
CONTESTS AWARDS and SPECIAL EVENTS WITH CHRIS EDMONDSON VK4AA/VK3CE
WIA FEDERAL CONTEST EMAIL= contests@wia.org.au
OFFICIAL VK Contest Site = www.vkham.com/contests/index.html
CONTESTS AWARDS and SPECIAL EVENTS WITH CHRIS EDMONDSON VK4AA/VK3CE
Date Event/Contest
---- -------------
April
..-17 AUSTRALIAN POSTCODE CONTEST
..-17 SKIRMISH - TARA
..-17 Holy Land Contest
..-23 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
.8-.8 WW MILLS WEEKEND
.8-August .8 Six Meter Marathon WW on the Magic Band **
..-22 VK-TRANS TASMAN 80m Phone
Jun
..-.5 VK-TRANS TASMAN 80m CW
12-13 ANARTS RTTY CONTEST 2004
12-13 Westlakes Super Contest (all mode all band)
..-19 KIDS DAY USA 2004
26-27 ARRL Field Day (AMERICAS REGION 2)
July
..-.3 Jack Files Contest VK
..-.3 ZL Memorial 80 meter
..-17 160M VK/ trans-Tasman Contest
Aug
..-.6 QRP Day (CW/FM/SSB)
14-15 Remembrance Day Contest
21-22 Lighthouse Activation Weekend.
28-29 ALARA
Oct
..-.2 Oceania DX Contest SSB
..-.9 Oceania DX Contest CW
Nov
13-14 VHF/UHF Spring Field Day
Dec
..-26 Ross Hull Memorial VHF Contest (until Jan 10, '05)
Thanks Trevor, and G'Day once again to all. The Contests arena is really
hopping now, with all manner of activity spread over a lot of bands,
and something happening virtually every weekend.
Next weekend, for instance, sees the Australian Postcode Contest,
the TARA Skirmish and the Holy Land Contest all on April Seventeen!
So there's no time at all to rest on your laurels.
Get into the Contest activity and open the door to another exciting
aspect of your hobby. Just do it. You may be very pleasantly surprised.
Now, for those who took part in it - and don't listen if you didn't -
logs for the John Moyle Field Day need be sent in ASAP.
Grab that pen for the E-mail address to use.
It's jmfd2004@wia.org.au
Even if you lost the pen you can remember this one until you get to the
keyboard. The first four letters are the initials of the contest,
2004 is the year, of course, and it's at the WIA's federal website,
wia.org.au
The logs are being collected by the federal webmaster as they arrive,
but he'll be passing them all on very soon to the contest organiser,
so you really don't have much time left at all. So get those skates on
and send your log for the John Moyle Field Day to jmfd2004@wia.org.au
In a related vein comes news that management of the John Moyle will from
2005 be the responsibility of the WIA's Victorian Eastern Zone Amateur
Radio Club, whose nominee is QNEWS Gippsland coordinator Dennis Johnstone,
VK3ZUX.
Now for some results, and while I've always wanted to be a Shock Jock,
I think this one is more in the realm of Jock Shock. And no, it's nothing
to do with losing your trousers, Malcolm, this time it's the weather.
Yes, I'd better explain. New Zealand recently hosted its annual NZART bash,
the Jock White Memorial Field Day. New Zealand turned on the most
atrocious weather imaginable for the field day, with some 137 mm of
rain on Saturday alone, and antennas somehow withstanding gusts in excess
of 100 km/h. Some of the tents at several portable operations were
ripped, such was the brute force of the gales whipping the area.
However, it's a hearty congratulations to the various winners in this
annual NZART contest, and we especially note that the winner in the
overseas section was VK2 Lima Charlie Delta. Well done!
Even with the ghastly weather, a staggering 203 field operators and
assistants took part, with 10 home station logs submitted.
The K1w1's happy also that many more VKs were worked this year.
Okay, now last week Graham had some details of the Ross Hull results, and
further to that Denis Johnstone, QNEWS Coordinator in Gippsland says that
despite his area absolutely dominating log returns, he'd still like to
ask EVERY ONE next year who gives a number to also give a log!
It's worth noting that many VK4 stations were worked on the magic band,
six metres - but not one of them submitted a log.
Perhaps the current scoring system is actually serving to keep log
submissions away. Under the existing scheme, you see, most contacts get
only a couple of points. Logic would then have it that many operators
could feel that submitting the final log is simply an exercise in
futility, with them believing that their low-scoring log could not
possibly win. Further exacerbating that, too, is the knowledge that a
single contact on a microwave band is worth more than many long distance
contacts on the lower frequency bands.
It looks like that the rules may need to get an update to inspire more
people to actively take part in the contest and to then actually submit
their logs. Was it not in last year's John Moyle that one contestant had
calculated his final score and decided there was no point submitting the
log as the score was so low, only to later realise that his so-called
low score would actually have won the contest!
John Martin is actively soliciting your comments on this topic.
Please write direct to him via E-mail to jmartin@xcel.net.au
Now for some quick special events news before we hand the mic back.
There are reports that the Easter Bunny is currently on the air looking
for more cocoa and milk for his chocolate eggs. Sorry for the poor yolk,
folks.
From a bit further afield, GB2EVR is operating right now from
Warcop railway station on the Eden Valley line, a part of the original
Stockton and Darlington network. It could be something of a challenge to
snare this one out here. You see, although he's on the air for the
full four days of Easter, with activity on all HF bands including some in
AM, he's actually using a World War Two Number 19 set on 3625kHz and an
Ajax A20 trawler set from a Whitby fishing boat. And the very best of
British to you to make the trip.
Speaking of trawlers, station GB5JCT is also on the air for the full
Easter weekend, this one from the fishing trawler Jacinta moored in
Fleetwood Dock for the Easter weekend. Listen out on 40 metres SSB.
The trawler is now a museum dedicated to the fishing fleet that used
to be based at Fleetwood.
Now we'll egg Graham on a bit more by handing the mic back to him.
Whatever you do and wherever you might be, remember that Easter is
the worst time of year to be on the roads.
Be sensible, stay home with the family, and put your statistics
into the radio bands instead of something far less pleasant.
Cheers until next time from Chris Edmondson, VK4AA and VK3CE.
SPECIAL EVENTS
* denotes new on calender
MAY 20 - JUNE 20
Special Event Callsign VC6X to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of
Lieutenant Alexander Roberts Dunn first to receive the Victoria Cross.
ENDS JUNE 30th 2004
EI-0-EU commemorates Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the
European Union.
ENDS DECEMBER 31 2004
W1AW at ARRL Headquarters identifying /90 reflects the 90th anniversary
of the League.
ENDS DECEMBER 31 2004.
SPECIAL EVENT STATION ZS-100-FLY Celebrates 100 years of powered flight.
* denotes new on calender
=======================================================================
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
Peter Ellis VK1KEP has some thoughts on future power sources for portable
radios.
Fuel Cells for Portable Radios
What will power portable radios of the future?
Hitachi Ltd. has announced in recent weeks that it has developed a prototype
personal digital assistant (PDA) powered by a fuel cell that runs about five
hours. Its cell uses metallic nano particles between 1nm and 2nm in diameter
as an electrode catalyst. Hitachi plans to extend the operational life of
the fuel cell and launch it onto the market in 2005. The prototype PDA
weighs about 700 grams, more than twice as heavy as conventional PDAs,
although Hitachi intends to reduce the weight to match conventional PDAs.
Photographs show the cells looking about the size of a cigarette lighter, or
a 9 volt battery.
A fuel cell generates electricity when hydrogen combines with oxygen leaving
pure water as a by-product. The fuel is hydrogen that comes, usually from
methanol (that's "metho"). A fuel cell is a pollution-free and highly
efficient power source and it is expected to be used for automobiles and in
households, although its greater cost than that of traditional power sources
limits its applications at present.
NEC Corp. has a notebook PC powered by a fuel cell that runs for five hours
and plans to extend the operating time to 40 hours in 2005. NEC's PDA system
uses what it calls "carbon nano horns" as an electrode. It is capable of
12W, with plans for 18W. The focus of NEC's development work is equipping
the fuel cell with monitoring and management systems to ensure smooth,
stable power generation.
Toshiba Corp. has developed a fuel cell-based notebook PC that runs for five
hours and a handheld-device fuel cell that weighs 130 grams. That's
comparable to a NiCad battery pack.
It's not clear what fuel the NEC and Hitachi fuel cells 'burn', but cells
that use methanol may present problems for passengers trying to get on
airliners. Consider whether airlines will like passengers bringing liquid
combustible fuels on board aircraft.
Reporter: Peter Ellis VK1KEP
MONITORING SWL AND SCANNER NEWS
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) is to review the use by
Australian licensees of some high frequency (HF) short-wave radio bands.
ACA Acting Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the review followed last year's
World Radiocommunication Conference. The conference called for studies
on whether the spectrum allocated to broadcasters in these bands should
be increased.
"The ACA wants to establish whether the increased availability of satellite
and telecommunications services nowadays has reduced Australian HF radio
usage in these bands," he added.
Dr Horton said findings of the ACA review would ultimately be presented
at the WRC in 2007, and would contribute to shaping future international
agreements.
(SOURCED TO ACA)
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
In D-X, W3EF reports that the 3B9C dxpedition has made over
110,000 contacts and with any luck will be the biggest dxpedition
in history.
He says that besides the sheer volume, this has also been a
carefully planned and executed operation with strict attention
to details such as propagation on all bands to all regions.
W3EF says it has been an absolute blast with a wonderful
team from all over the world.
(W3EF via ARNewsLine)
5V7C Togo DXpedition's QSL Manager is F5TVG
F5NQL, the DX editor for the French magazine Megahertz, has been
receiving many QSL's for the 5V7C Togo DXpedition. He is not the QSL
manager for this operation. The correct QSL manager is Franck
Savoldi, F5TVG, whose address is PO Box 92, 94223 Charenton Cedex,
France.
(rsgb)
UNTIL APRIL 13
3B9C DXpedition to Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean,
through till April 13 will operate no fewer than 15 separate
stations on virtually every band and mode possible.
UNTIL APRIL 18
An international team of 20 operators have activated Banaba
as T33C for two weeks beginning on the 4th of April.
The small, sparsely-populated island in the Pacific is
accessible only by sea.
The expedition will be a major effort, featuring 24-hour a day
operation on CW, SSB, RTTY, PSK, and SSTV 160 to 6 metres.
(rsgb)
UNTIL APRIL 30
MARION ISLAND
Ludwig Combrinck, ZS6WLC, and Pieter Stronkhorst, ZR6PSR, two staff members
of the Hartbeeshoek Radio Astronomy Observatory Space Geodesy Programme,
will conduct a scientific expedition to Marion Island (AF-021)
during April. They will depart on 1 April aboard the SA Agulhas and,
depending on offloading of equipment and other workload, will start
amateur radio operations as ZS8MI on 7 April until around 30 April.
Plans are to operate SSB and 15 wpm CW. They expect to leave the
island on 1 May. On board the SA Agulhas Ludwig ZS6WLC will sign
ZS6WLC/MM. QSL via ZS6M, Bernardus Roode, P.O. Box 158,
Kempton Park 1620. Further information (including on-line logs and
direct QSLing policy) can be found at:
www.hartrao.ac.za/geodesy/marionweb/main.html
(via sarl news)
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.
UNTIL DEC 31
OZ8A is in Greenland and will be active using the special call OX2KAN
to celebrate the 175th anniversary of his town.
He operates mainly on CW on all the HF bands. There are also
plans to operate from the NA-134 IOTA island group.
TILL JUNE 2005
Dwayne Barbee KE4RVT assigned YI9RVT all bands from the city of Al Kut.
* new on calender
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
PRESENTED BY VK2UW CHRIS WRIGHT
VK Coordinators for I.A.R.U.M.S.
VK Federal Coordinator.
VK8HA Henry Andersson vk8ha@octa4.net.au
VK2UW Chris buschka@iprimus.com.au
VK3TZE Jimmy intruders@wiavic.org.au
VK4ZRT Wayne vk4zrt@wia.org.au
VK5EV John
VK7BBW Paul vk7bbw@bigpond.com
VK8HA Henry Andersson vk8ha@octa4.net.au
Reports from the Monitoring System sees the acronym "CODAR" and this
needs clarification. Trevor Taege reports.
"CODAR is derived from the first 2 and last 3 letters of
COastal raDAR which uses electromagnetic waves of about 10m length,
which interact with ocean waves of 5m length.
As one radar can only measure the radial component of the surface current,
a minimum of two HF radars has to be installed.
The systems are set up on the ground close to the sea and have a working
range of up to 50 km depending on the salinity of the water and the
sea state."
The technology has since been expanded and now it is also known as
Coastal Ocean Dynamics Applications Radar.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ARDF
WIA ARDF COORDINATOR VK3WWW Jack vk3www@alphalink.com.au
http://users.mackay.net.au/~ron/
http://www.homingin.com
http://www.ardf.org.au
Jun 12 ARDF/Foxhunt at SERG convention Mt. Gambier
Healesville Sanctuary lost some birds of prey but what with
VK3 these days arguably the home of ARDF hopefully they have been found.
You see these exotic birds where fitted with transmitters, operating
just above 2 meters at 150.862 MHz. NERG Club newsletter believes they
transmit for about 1 or 2 seconds every minute.
VK3GMZ or direct to Healesville if you hear them.
Range is about 6 Kms as "the bird flies" and less than 1 Km when landed.
(Mark VK3JMB via NERG)
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
Meteor shower
The Lyrids, Centred on the constellation Lyra, the Lyre, were the earliest
recorded of the Major Meteor showers. The meteors occur at about twenty per
hour maximum with some very high hourly rate recorded in the past up to more
than two hundred on one rare occasion. The shower is predicted for April 16
to April 25.
Mornings pre - dawn are the best time to observe or try scatter modes.
( from Bill, VK2ZZF via vk2wi )
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FISTS CLUB DOWN UNDER
http://fistsdownunder.morsekeys.com
FISTS EAST ASIA Chapter has now been formed with 20 members.
When working BV and JA stations encourage them to join FISTS East Asia.
On the initiative of JM1JOT/K6KF - # 9117, FISTS East Asia will operate
in a similar manner to FISTS in the Americas and Down Under; part of
worldwide FISTS but administered locally with, hopefully, their own
national language newsletters and national club call.
They have already appointed a new QSL manager JM6FMK - Naka # 5545 for
Japan and Taiwan. Cards from Down Under members will now be sent to the
above, instead of via the U.K.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- IOTA
http://rsgbiota.org
http://www.425dxn.org/iota
http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~iota/
IOTA DXpedition to Baudin Rocks
A team of radio amateurs plan to venture to IOTA OC-228,
South Australia State East group, Baudin Rocks (aka Godfrey Island),
during Easter.
They will use the special event callsign VI5BR to commemorate the 200th
Anniversary of the death of Captain Nicolas Baudin, the French explorer,
who explored the Australian coastline.
Baudin Rocks is 8-kilometres north of the seaport of Robe in south-eastern
South Australia. It was named by Captain Matthew Flinders after his famous
encounter with Baudin in 1802 off the South Australian coast.
Expected operators are Peter Forbes VK3QI, Keith Proctor VK3FT, Jack
Bramham VK3WWW and Tony Burt VK3TZ.
Look for VI5BR on the usual IOTA frequencies both CW and SSB.
Baudin Rocks OC-228 has only been activated once before in April 1999, by
Martin (G3ZAY) as VK4CAY/5 for a limited number of hours, making it a
relatively rare group.
QSL via VK3QI QTHR or via the VK3 Bureau.
(Contributed by Jim Linton, VK3PC via vk2wi and vk7wi)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF AND ABOVE (the plumbers delight)
Glenn VK2ZPI has announced the activation of a new 70cm repeater to
cover the Campbelltown, Macarthur and Districts areas of VK2 on a
frequency of 438.650.
Glenn further advises that a proposed linking of the repeater to the IRLP
system with the help of Ian VK2UTA may soon occur once Glenn obtains a 70cm
link transceiver. If anyone can assist with such a transceiver, please
contact VK2ZPI.
Again, the frequency is 438.650 located in Campbelltown, so please call in.
(Submitted by Mark, VK2ZB via vk2wi)
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
THE URUNGA RADIO CONVENTION
Last week on the Amateur Radio NewsLine a story sourced to QNEWS
was aired, the announcement of this weekends URUNGA RADIO CONVENTION..
Take a listen....
"Speaking about hamfests, heres on that's a bit unusual. Its the
annual Easter Convention scheduled for Saturday the 10th and Easter
Sunday the 11th of April at the Senior Citizen's Hall in the city of
Urunga, Uganda. Events include a 3.5 MHz mobile hunt, pedestrian on
2 meter T-Hunt, a 2 meter mobile multi transmitter hunt and lots
more. Sunday will feature the famous Urunga scramble. A mini
contest to see who can make the most contacts in 30 minutes. Its a
great show, if you happen to be in Uganda an Easter weekend". (Q-News)
MMMnnnnn
I can see I'm going to have to brush up my Aussie accent for our
good friends at ARNewsLine...
Where DID Uganda come from?
A bit like that old WW1 Urban Myth--the play on words--where a message
starts of and becomes scrambled on its way from HQ to the trenches.
Instead of "Standby get ready to advance" the troops heard...
"Get ready we're going to a dance!"
No guys.. Urunga is a very pretty part of VK2...
Not Uganda in Africa!
***************************
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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