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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
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
Phil Corby, VK7ZAX Divisional President of Tassie and Federal Councillor
says minor amendments have been made to the Constitution published in
AR magazine. These can be summarised:
Clause 5.1: the words "on or" have been inserted before the
word "prior"
Clause 7.2: Dollar amounts have been put in as listed above, plus the
$85 for an overseas full member
Clause 12.2: Directors must hold an Australian Amateur Radio Licence
and be a member but not a non-voting member
Advisory Committees: on the third anniversary after the adoption
date of the Constitution the members in the area for which the
committee is responsible shall elect members.
A revised constitutional document plus a summary of the changes
listed above have been sent to your Divisional Councillors or can be
obtained from me by e-mail on request.
I will keep you abreast of developments. The adjourned Annual General
meeting of the Federal WIA looks likely to take place later this
month.
(vk7wi)
ACA NEWS
www.aca.gov.au
WIA ACA LIAISON OFFICERS are VK1GH, VK1ZKM, VK2BPN, VK4DU
THE Australian Communications Authority (ACA) and the Australian
Broadcasting Authority (ABA) are to be merged into a single entity,
Under plans unveiled Tuesday in the federal Budget.
The merger would better reflects the digital convergence of
broadcasting and telecommunications and is due to become fully
operational by July One 2005
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will then be
responsible for regulating telecommunications, broadcasting,
radio communications and online content.
GENERAL INTEREST NEWS FROM 'DOWNUNDER'.
The Australian Broadcasting Authority has released a
discussion paper concerning options for the future use of the
1386 kHz (AM) frequency in the Sydney area. Public comment and
submissions are being sought in regard to the matters raised
in the discussion paper.
The Australian Broadcasting Authority has decided to make additional channel
capacity available for the existing commercial service 2LM Lismore to operate
a translator in Kyogle, NSW.
The translator will operate on 104.3 MHz in the FM band.
A little further afield, the ABA has called for applications for a new
community radio licence for the Cocos Islands, WA.
Australian radio licence area plan in March 2004 sees the commencement of
allocating the community radio licence for the Cocos Islands,' said Professor
David Flint, ABA Chairman.
NEW WIA MEMBERS.
Even after that huge number of new members to the NSW Division announced
Here on the Q last week that groups is not sitting still!
Already in May we welcome even More!
Peter VK2HFN
Domenic VK2YDD
Colin VK2KCM
Trent VK2XIE of Alstonville and
John Fox of Castle Hill
PLC/BPL
PLC/BPL Pilot in Hobart, Tasmania
Last Wednesday week six amateurs were privileged to have attended
the Aurora Energy building in Kirksway place to hear about the small
BPL trial that is currently being undertaken by Aurora Energy.
A presentation was given by Piero Peroni, who is the Business Manager
for the BPL trial within Aurora Energy and Adrian Wild who is the
Corporate Affairs Manager within Aurora Energy.
Martin, VK7GN gave an audible demonstration of the interference on
his portable HF receiver and I think it would be fair to say by
all accounts the Corporate Affairs Manager was quietly horrified
at the noise!
Over in the Land Of The Free, the FCC has issued a ruling denying a
request from the ARRL to extend the Commentary cut off date on the
introduction of B-P-L.
In its release denying the request the FCC gave no overriding reason for
turning it down. Instead it added that those wanting to address the
issues raised in the N-T-I-A report can do so during the Reply Comment
period. That's open now and ends on June 1st.
Phil Wait notes the BPL debate is entering a very interesting phase where
comments to the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Current Carrier
Devices including BPL are now in, and available on the net.
The following link is to a full list of comments received and makes
very interesting reading - especially the comments by Boeing.
http://www.arrl.org/~ehare/bpl/NPRM_hyperlinks.html
The FCC, under the leadership of Michael Powell, is following an ideology
where technical concerns appear to be secondary to market deregulation and
broadband competition.
Although BPL proponents propose to notch out the frequencies of concern
to Amateurs and public safety organisations, by reading these comments
you get the view that there may not be too much space left for BPL!
Many of the comments by the FCC received raise concerns relating to
public safety and Boeing in particular highlights the consequences in
raising the HF noise floor to aviation safety.
It's going to be a very close race.
(sourced to vk7wi/ARNewsLine/Phil Waite)
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
WIA WICEN CHAIRMAN IS VK3ZRV
WICEN 'TYPE' EVENT CALENDAR IN SEGMENT 3 ON PACKET
Check with YOUR WICEN coordinator to confirm dates etc
Additions to qnews@wia.org.au and/or vk4zz@smartchat.net.au
WICEN VK1
Phil Longworth VK1ZPL, State Co-ordinator, WICEN ACT
plongw@optusnet.com.au
Rally of Canberra successful, WICEN ACT have thanked all volunteers who
assisted with the rally, the Wives, Girlfriends, Sons and Daughters who
assisted in the field with communications.
Congratulations to Mike VK1TMT for getting the team award for WICEN, it
would seem that when Mike gets started he has to be reminded its time
to go home and get some sleep !!!
WICEN VK3
http://www.wicen.vic.au
State Coordinator: John Kerr VK3BAF
Secretary VK3XMU secretary@vic.wicen.org.au
WICEN HF net TUESDAY evening 2100 on 3.6 MHz
Red Cross Murray River Canoe Marathon
Although it is still seven months away, the 2004 annual Red Cross Murray
River Canoe Marathon is well into the planning stage.
Each month, the management team meets under the auspices of the Red Cross,
and WICEN (Vic) now has two official representatives on the Canoe Marathon
Board. They are Russell Park the Officer in Charge of Communications, and
Bruce Bathols, VK3UV who is his assistant.
The Marathon is to be held from 27th December to 31st December 2004, and
starts at the Yarrawonga weir, and continues in stages over five days ending
up at Swan Hill on New Year's eve. Each daily stage covers approx 80 river
kilometres, and is quite a gruelling event for not only the actual
canoeists, but the support team as well. This will be the 39th year that
WICEN has played the important part of providing communications for safety
and logistics. Over 3500 support personnel will be on hand to assist with
the expected 300 canoes, and their crews and handlers. The WICEN contingent
is approx 35.
Further details of WICEN activities and membership may be obtained
initially from Bruce Bathols VK3UV, Tel 9580 6424, or email to
vk3uv@wia.org.au
WICEN VK4
A regular net exists Sunday mornings 7.075 at 0830k.
(State Coordinator, Ewen McLeod VK4ERM)
Last week on the Q we mentioned the great WICEN badges and
Paraphernalia designed by VK3. Most divisions have their own
and now the VK2 badges are sweeping WICEN in Queensland.
So if your in VK4 and get about at WICEN exercises and callouts
in shabby non-descript tee-shirts have theTARCinc got a deal for you!
theTARCinc WICEN Shirt is a poly/cotton blend unisex model with the
WICEN VK2 new emblem embroidered along with your name on the left pocket.
Contact Steve VK4JUS now!
WICEN VK7
Gavin, VK7HGO in thanking all the WICEN South team for their support
with Targa Tasmania 2004 said "We do have a very strong team of guys
and young ladies who make up the teams, without your help it would not
happen each year".
Eleven teams made up from over twenty WICEN members and friends
provided communications services at 41 locations around the state for
Targa Tasmania 2004. Jobs covered included mobile equipment
installations, stage repeaters, SOS points and a stage start.
Distances travelled by some teams exceeded 1,600kms, including on
snow covered highland roads on the final day!
There's lots of communications jobs available next year, so if you'd
like a great weekend in the Southern Forests in the balmy (some of
you may know the northern English meaning of this term) June climate,
give Roger XK7XRN a call or email at sarncon@bigpond.com
(vk7wi)
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
A tragic story from Tennessee. That's where a youngster on a
field trip drowned while a classmate with a hand held 2 meter
transceiver tried to get help to save him.
Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, reports:
It started about an hour after the group arrived at the campsite on
Friday, April 30th. According to news reports, a group of people
including the ill fated teen took to the water. In a short time, the
victim, identified only as Chris found himself in trouble. Others
tried to save him while teachers using cell phones tried to call for
help.
When it was found that there was no cell phone coverage, another
student, Jordan Webb, KI4AVG, said he would try ham radio. Jordan
had brought along his two meter hand held radio. He found a near-by
high location and called for help over the Knoxville area WB4GBI
repeater. He was answered by Jim Bond, K6SPY, who notified Park
Rangers. Unfortunately they didn't arrive in time to save the
victim, but because KI4AVG had the foresight to bring along his 2
meter talkie, his classmate's body was recovered within hours,
instead of days.
Jordan Webb, KI4AVG is only thirteen year old and attends the Vine
Middle School in Knoxville. He has been a ham for just about a year
and serves as net control for the weekly Young Amateur Radio Net on
the Radio Amateur Club of Knoxville W4BBB repeater.
(K4PZT, KG4UJC, KG4YTT, WBIR.com via ARNewsLine)
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
Chris VK2QV President
May
16 Summerland ARC Monthly Club Meeting
25 Hornsby and District Amateur Radio Club Inc, Monthly Meeting
28 Wagga Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting
June
Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club is holding its annual Port Macquarie
Field Day the Queen's Birthday weekend of 12th & 13th June at
Sea Scout Hall, Buller Street, Port Macquarie
There will be two practice Fox Hunts in the afternoon and a 2mt talk
on Fox Hunts after the evening snack.
Sunday there will be a display by leading suppliers of Amateur Radio
Equipment and tables of used Amateur Radio Equipment and other items
for sale.
Barbecue Lunch on the Sunday and Free Tea and Coffee with
Fruit Salad and Ice- Cream included in the $10 Registration Fee.
Details can be obtained from Bill Brooke, VK2ZCW via email at
cabrooke@tsn.cc or Phone 6581 0547
July 17
Westlakes Mini Field Day the third Saturday in July so start
earmarking those donations towards the Auction.
August 8
SARCFEST Richmond Hill.
December 4th
Westlakes 40th Anniversary Dinner
VK3
PRESIDENT JIM LINTON
http://www.wiavic.org.au
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
May 21 EMDRC Coffee Shop, Gary VK3ZGC will be giving a talk
on the developments of Broadband internet.
Jun 4 EMDRC General Meeting.
Jun 10 NERG Meeting the VI5BR DX-pedition talk.
Jun 12 ARDF Mt Gambier ARDF.
Jun 18 EMDRC Coffee Shop
Jul 2 EMDRC General Meeting
Jul 3-4 GippsTech 2004, Churchill.
July 8 NERG Meeting
July 16 EMDRC Coffee Shop
July 17 Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club Hamfest - Cranbourne Hall
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.
July 3-4th GippsTech 2004, Churchill. This is the technical conference
of the WIA Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club and holds an informal dinner
Friday evening July 2 with the main conference dinner Saturday July 3.
July 17th Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Clubs Hamfest at the
Cranbourne Public Hall High & Clarendon Streets, Cranbourne.
John Weir VK3ZRV has taken over as NERG Secretary since 3XXX has moved
to Wellington.
Tuned in the Melbourne Metro Area?
It isn't too late if you want to join in the EMDRC's
Amateur Radio courses for 2004, the first three weeks have
covered regulations and theory classes will start Saturday
week. A re-run of the regulations classes is planned for the
end of the course for anyone who missed the first few
weeks. The courses are held at the EMDRC clubrooms Burwood
on Saturday afternoons starting at 1:30 and running through
till 5:00pm. For all bookings and enquiries contact Peter
McDonald on 9720 8874
This month the EMDRC welcomes the following new members to
its club..
Bernard Neumann VK3AXL
Gerrard Bakker SWL
Kath Gluyas VK3 XBA
Mark Alderson SWL
Alastair Grandin SWL
Angelo Spathis SWL
Andrew Sergio SWL
Peter Roberts VK3TPR
The next meeting of the EMDRC will be the coffee shop
meeting on Friday the 21st of May, Gary VK3ZGC will be
giving a talk on the developments of Broadband internet.
VK4
PRESIDENT VK4ERM EWAN McLEOD
http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
City of Brisbane Amateur Radio Society have stepped up to the plate
To help out with the ARISS contact with the Albany Hills School.
After 2 weeks on QNEWS and multiple e-mails to Amateurs in the SE of VK4
Asking for help, until COBRS kind offer it looked like falling to Mark
VK4AW and QNEWS 's VK4BB only.
Sep 17-19 Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club AGM
Camp Fairbairn near Emerald from 5pm Friday afternoon
to 10am Sunday morning.
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
PRESENTED BY VK4CO RONNEE MEACHEN.
Become a Ham with the course started by VK2DQ Ron Bertrand by browsing to
http://www.radioelectronicschool.com
RADIO AND ELECTRONICS SCHOOL REPORT
You would have all heard the term "Grow amateur radio" right?
Well I reckon the WIA and ACA hit the nail on the head when the reforms came
through on January 1st this year. The Radio and Electronics School has seen
a huge growth in enrolments, with many new Novices already on the bands.
As of May 2nd the school had 300 students enrolled in either the Novice
or on- line courses and over 900 students subscribed to the message board.
With this growth there is an increasing need for volunteer facilitators.
Being a facilitator is not a hard job, and only requires an Internet connection
and the "want" to help people get their AOCP theory.
Many students become great friends with their facilitators and others involved
in the school, with some forming regular HF and 2m Nets.
If you would like to become one of our highly acclaimed facilitators or perhaps
sponsor the school, so that we can continue our service, please contact either
myself or Ron via the school web site.
Are you interested in becoming a radio amateur?
Perhaps you are a novice, and want to upgrade?
Why not visit our web site at
http://www.radioelectronicschool.com
and have a look at the courses we have on offer?
You might find they are just the ticket - to get your ticket.
This has been Adam V K 4 K S S, Radio and Electronics School Course Manager,
for QNEWS.
Back to you Ronnee
A a very interesting fact, VU Hams when renewing their Ham Licence
need to be able to show they have indeed worked at least 500 QSO's during their
previous 12 months! A REAL case of "use it or lose it!"
SUMMERLAND CRASH COURSE EXAM RESULTS
Six people sat for exams, five were successful.
They passed both Novice Theory and Regulations.
Congratulations, we look forward to five new calls soon.
Good luck next time for others to have a go.
INDIA - FREE FOR ALL
Free Amateur Radio classes have just started at the
National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad
and their Admin Manager Jose Jacob VU2JOS says ANYONE
above 12 years of age can enrol in this free course.
SOUTH AFRICA 2004 MAY RAE
87 candidates have enrolled for the forthcoming RADIO AMATEURS EXAMINATION
which will be written at 11 centres countrywide.
Candidates who have remembered to hand in a licence application will be
issued with a call sign together with their examination results
straight away.
Global Communications, the ZS Kenwood importers, are giving away
a TH-F7 dual band transceiver for the highest scoring candidate
in the May 2004 RAE.
Also they have lined up for South Africa's second examination service to be
held November.
(sarl)
INTERNATIONAL
EURADIO Special Event Stations
May 1-2 saw ten States being welcomed as new members of an enlarged
European Union. Since Ireland at present holds the Presidency of the Union,
the focus of this welcome was very much on that country. As a contribution
to the welcoming celebrations, stations using the EI25 prefix and located
in Dublin and in the ten towns and cities twinned with the new Member States
operated over the weekend. These stations extended a practical welcome
to the new partners in the EU through the medium of amateur radio.
Dick Roche, the Minister for European Affairs, broadcast a message on the
80 metre band from the Dublin station EI25EU, to the Irish stations at
1145 local on the Saturday to initiate the event. In his message the Minister
emphasised the significance of radio amateurs participating in the welcoming
event since international friendship and co-operation are the very ethos
of our activities. At the conclusion of his message he described the stations
as welcoming ambassadors, extending a hand of friendship, reaching out across
the airwaves in an electromagnetic touch.
The highlight of Sunday afternoon was the visit to the station of the Prime
Minister of Slovenia Mr. Anton Rob and his accompanying party, who were
greeted by members of Limerick Radio Club. The Prime Minister was invited
by Paul EI6FE to take the mike and have a QSO with Ivan S51DI - a Slovenian
station. The Prime Minister had a short QSO in the Slovenian language, as
you can imagine all the cameras were clicking to record this important event.
(Mark Wall EI7IS IRTS)
CLUB ACTIVITY IN DETAIL WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
CHARC have announced their AGM dates as September 17-19.
Central Highlands AGM is held at Camp Fairbairn near Emerald
from 5pm Friday afternoon to 10am Sunday.
Costs for accommodation and the AGM BBQ and Recovery Breakfasts
are yet to be advised
CITY OF BRISBANE RADIO SOCIETY
PRESIDENT Mick VK4NE
Good to see the Society has stepped in to help coordinate the
ARISS contact to be held at Albany Hills within the next few weeks.
DALBY AND DISTRICT
The next general meeting will be held on 6th June 2004 and members are
asked to be assembled at Burtons Well Camp Site in the Bunya Mountains
at 9.45 am, later that day repairs will be carried out to the
vk4ret repeater complex.
So get on up and have a great day out with the family.
Bring your own picnic gear and whatever your BBQ requirements are.
DARLING DOWNS
vk4tj@hotmail.com
May 24 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.
TOWNSVILLE
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
FNNQARG Mission Beach Raffle on sale now !
Barry/VK4TBD and Lucia of Navcom Electronics
have donated the 2004 raffle prize for FNNQARG!
The prize being drawn at South Mission Beach
during the North Queensland Net Sunday Evening June 13th 2004
The prize? the ICOM IC-V8 2 metre hand held transceiver.
FNNQARG happens at the Beachcomber Coconut Village at
South Mission Beach on the Queens Birthday Weekend, the biggest
and happiest Amateur gathering north of Wyong!
More details from the TARC website.
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/fnnqarg.htm
VK's MOST WANTED
Gwen VK4CB is after circuit of a sealed lead acid battery charger, was in 1992
ARRL handbook.. UC3906 IC. Telephone Gwen on 3202 7137
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
QDG = http://www.qdg.org.au
President: Alan Wills VK4YAR
The next General Meeting of the Queensland Digital Group is on Friday
May 21 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 topic for the night be Sound Card Interfaces.
Richard VK4ZA has designed and built a Sound Card Interface for digital modes;
Richard will show us the prototype for the club kitset.
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- WICEN
(State Co-ordinator, Ewen McLeod VK4ERM)
A regular net exists Sunday mornings 7.075 at 0830k.
Details
Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim
Saturday 21st August 2004
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 on 4772 3767 today !
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
G'Day all once again.
The world's only slow-motion contest started last weekend, and stretches
on for another three months yet. Sure enough, running from May 8 to
August 8 is the aptly-named Six Metre WW Marathon on the Magic Band,
designed to give Northern Hemisphere contesters the best chance to grab a
little Summer DX.
Conditions may not favour those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, but
we're by no means ruled out from contacts on this fickle band. Best keep
your six metre box lightly muted on 110, and tune the indicators every
so often for signs of activity.
Also on the calendar for May 15 and 16, this weekend, is the NZART
Sangster Shield, while next weekend, on the 22nd, is the VK-Trans Tasman
phone contest on 80m. (Details in last weeks QNEWS).
Coming up in June we have lots of solid contesting activity. On June 5
is the VK-Trans Tasman 80m CW leg, on the 12th and 13th the ANARTS RTTY
Contest for 2004, and on the same weekend, June 12th and 13th, the
Westlakes Anniversary Year Super Contest, using all modes, on all bands
from HF to UHF.
Now here's an update for the ANARTS WW RTTY Contest. We gave you full
details about this one a couple of weeks ago, and now have the address
for log submissions, which must be received by September 1.
Post your log to Contest Manager, ANARTS, PO Box 93, Toongabbie, NSW, 2146.
Switching to special events, and one week later, June 19 and 20, sees the
fourth 'International Museums Weekend' special event. Everyone is very
welcome to join in from their local museum for this very enjoyable and
friendly event.
Those intending to take part are requested to register their museum. Free
registration is simple via the 'International Museums Weekend' website at
www.ukradioamateur.org/imw/
The organiser, Harry, M1BYT, asks that you register so that everyone knows
you are taking part and where you are located. There's a lot of extra
information and details on that website.
Listen out May 20 to June 20 for VC6X, celebrating the 150th anniversary
of the first awarding of the Victoria Cross.
Be listening June 1 to 7 for GB-60-OL, a rather sober memorial to the 60th
Anniversary of Operation Overlord, on D-Day, the 6th of June 1944. The
station will operate on various bands using SSB and CW at 21 Signal Regiment
Colerne during sociable hours and at the discretion of the O/C Training
Wing and his staff.
All's not lost if you miss GB60OL, because also on the air June 3-7 is
GB4OL, also for the anniversary of D-Day, then starting on June 6 and
remaining on air for the full month to July 3 is GB6OL, also recalling the
time of Operation Overlord, the invasion of Fortress Europe. You can claim
a special QSL for working GB6OL, simply by sending your QSL card to the
RSARS QSL Bureau.
Further information is available from G0SWY.
June 5 to 12 will also have TM7HAM on the air from HAMEURO, an amateur
show on June 13th in Longlaville, France. QSL via the F6KWP ARS. Also
celebrating HAMEURO, and on the air on the same dates, June 5-12, is
ON4HAM.
Finally, I'd rather be elsewhere right now, for this very weekend is the
annual Hamvention in Dayton, Ohio. It's the world's biggest radio show by a
fair margin. Many individual stations go to air from the Hamvention site at
the Hara Arena, so keep listening for the next 24 hours or so and you may
catch some of the action.
That's my lot for you this week, so without further ado it's 73 from Chris,
VK4AA.
The N.Z.A.R.T. Sangster Shield Contest is on May 15th & 16th,
0800-1100 UTC each evening.
Logs must be posted to reach the Contest Manager,
Glenn Kingston ZL2KZ, 53 Tannadyce Street, Wellington 6003, on or
before 12th June, 2004.
JUNE 12 - 13
A.N.A.R.T.S. WW RTTY CONTEST
Logs must be received by the Contest Manager A.N.A.R.T.S., P.O. Box 93,
Toongabbie, NSW, 2146, Australia, by 1st September of the year of the
contest.
Logs can also be sent via E-mail to ctdavies@bigpond.net.au
JUNE 19-20
International Museums Special Event
Museums Weekend' website
http://www.ukradioamateur.org/imw
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
(Measure twice - Cut once!) with VK1KEP
UV-RESISTANT ROPE
John VK3ZRV has came across an interesting tip on plastic ropes,
the kind we use to support wire antennas and temporary masts.
"If you've used poly rope to hold up antennas then you'll most
likely know that they fall down after one or two years. The
plastic goes hard and crumbles to dust due to the effects of
Ultraviolet light from the Sun - especially when the Ozone
hole is overhead.
However there are UV-resistant ropes on the market that
should last a lot longer. Apparently a quick way to tell if poly
rope is UV-resistant or not is to drop a short strand into a
glass of water and see if it sinks.
It's good if it does sink!
If it floats then don't expect it to last too long outdoors!
This is not a hard and fast rule but is a good guide for the
cheap poly ropes sold at local hardware stores. Some of the
more expensive types, such as some yachting ropes, are
designed to float as well as being UV-resistant.
For QNEWS Australia, Peter Ellis VK1KEP
(nerg)
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
THE LONG WAIT
Worked 8J1RL? Well the QSL cards for contacts made with Syowa Station
on East Ongul Island (AN-015) between February 2004 and January 2005
will be forwarded to JARL Bureau in April 2005 after the operators
return to Japan.
Logs can be found at
http://www.jarl.or.jp/English/4_Library/A-4-7_8j1rl/frame.htm
5MHz Beacon GB3RAL is on the Air
The 5MHz beacon, GB3RAL, is now operational using a temporary
aerial, and awaiting a more permanent aerial installation.
The beacon transmits every 15 minutes on channel FC, 5,290 kHz,
based upon the hour as a datum. The sequence is a callsign,
followed by a long tone at full power and then nine power steps,
each -6dB relative to the last. The power steps are repeated
twice, and then there is a 30-second sounder sequence of
half-millisecond pulses at 200Hz repetition rate.
Amateurs, with or without 5 MHz NoVs, are invited to send
reception reports using the station logging form, preferably
electronically rather than handwritten; this is available, along
with guidance on reporting, on the 5 MHz website
http://www.rsgb-hfc.org.uk/5mhz.htm
(rsgb)
Approved for DXCC Credit
IRAQ
YI/AB8DY - 02 JUL 2003 - Current
YI/N3YPI - 22 AUG 2003 - Current
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
9Q0AR and 9Q1KS 01 JAN 2004 - 31 MAR 2004
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
CODAR PROBLEM RESOLVED.
Identification and resolution of 12m band interference from a
CODAR sea-state radar. Problem was solved by John O'Hara, KF6AVB,
of San Diego, whose detective and negotiating skills came to the fore,
radar is actually located on a Mexican island but is operated by the
University of California in San Diego, USA.
The problems with Asian incursion on our bands is continuing
unabated, for us long suffering vk's and zl's says Paul VK7BBW
VK7 IARUMS Co-Ordinator.
As the sunspot cycle continues it's downward trend, it is apparent,
that the interference will follow the same pattern, as occurred in
the last lull, of the cycle around 94
The Indonesian government nets, as well as Japanese and Chinese
commercial fishing fleets continue to land on our bands, passing
traffic. It is important to note, that if you listen to these nets,
and I use that term loosely, they have no discipline in the running
of these nets. Their calling procedure is whistling, laughing,
joking, as well as general insults to each other, with copious
amounts of power, and disrespect. Their disregard to the legal users
of the frequencies, as they transfer their "traffic" on, is obvious.
They use the upper regions of 80 metres, especially the Japanese, and
all efforts to the J.A.R.L., especially by the Americans has so far
failed to curtail this activity. The Indonesians even deliberately
QRM the WWV time signal on 10.000 MHz. After thousands of complaints
over the years, the Indonesian authorities' response to the amateur
fraternity's complaints so far has been that the vast volume of
islands in the archipelago has meant that it would be, has been
impossible, to police the frequencies from their side. This is
difficult to see, as that for a great deal of the time, it is the
Indonesian government departments themselves, that are advancing on
to our bands and causing the interference. Amateur equipment is
cheaper, and a whole lot more versatile than commercial gear for
these intruders. With the advent of amateur radio equipment leaving
Japan these days able to transmit from dc to dark, doesn't assist the
situation. 40 metres is becoming a disaster, and the terrifying
thing, is that as we progress to the lull in the cycle, it is only
going to get ten times worse.
The solution - Get on the frequencies and use them !
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
NERG's April foxhunt run by the VK3VT Team beamed in on Northland
Shopping Centre. A shopper was seen pushing her trolley around, seemingly
having forgotten where her car was parked. Lo and Behold... not a "happy
shopper" but a happy FOX! Under the box of "Wheaties".. the fox was found
transmitting!
May 15 WA FoxHunters are planning for a hunt May 15th 8am Sharp.
The Foxes being VK6XC and VK6YLW.
Sunshine Coast AR Club, immediately after the broadcast, are meeting at
their Club Rooms, Godfrey's road Bli Bli for a social gathering from 10am
onwards, BBQ facilities provided and fox hunts the order of the day -
as long as you bring your old shoes!
VK4KEL Geoff gets to hide the fox, and some people don't like the places
that he hides them!, reckon cause them to wreck their good tennis shoes.
Sunday 16th 10am SCARC rooms.
Jun 12 ARDF/Foxhunt at SERG convention Mt. Gambier
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
VK5ZAI is the Australian Co-ordinator for ARISS.
AMSAT-VK HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS ------ FEMALES IN RADIO
We heard on the grape vine ALARA's VK2DB, Dot and OM John VK2ZOI
paid a visit to the Jimboomba Tea Rooms through the week, but mine
host "The Baker".. no where to be seen? Oh well there's always the
ALARA Net held each Monday on 3.580 MHz at 1030 UTC.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- IOTA
http://rsgbiota.org
http://www.425dxn.org/iota
http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~iota/
June 12
A group of operators from the Bordeaux Dx Group will be QRV from the
Ile de Cordouan (IOTA EU-159, DIFM AT-032) and Cordouan lighthouse
(WLA LH-0271, ARLHS FRA-007). Activity will be on 40 through 10 meter
CW and SSB, between 09:00 and 17:00 UTC.
QSL via F8BBL direct or bureau.
August 28-29
W4CA will activate Christmas Tree Island (USI VA-New), located on
Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.
Look for the Station on or about 14.270, 7.270 and 3.860 MHz.
11:00 UTC 28th and ending 23:00 UTC August 29th.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP --- MILITARY
Ham radio honours those serving in the military.
Jim Meachen, ZL2BHF, is here with the details:
Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day will be held world-wide on
Saturday, May 29th from approximately 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central U-S
time. According to Emery McClendon, KB9IBW, this will be a day-long
operation to talk to troops, and associated groups around the globe
in appreciation of their service and personal sacrifice.
The main operating location will be from Johnny Appleseed Park and
Wizards Memorial Stadium in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, using Emery's KB9IBW
call sign. That station will be on from about 4 p.m. Central
Daylight Time through the end of the Wizards game.
Planners say that they know of at least 25 military bases and club
stations that will be operating the event. This includes stations in
Iraq, Kuwait, and bases around the globe. More information on this
event is in cyberspace at www.fortwaneradioclub.org
Again, the website for more information on Military Appreciation Day
is www.fortwaneradioclub.org.
(KB9IBW via ARNewsLine)
QNEWS - WE'VE REPORTED, YOU DECIDE!
=========================================================================
Dates
C O N T E S T S
May
.8- Until August 8 Six Meter Marathon WW on the Magic Band **
15-16 NZART Sangster Shield
..-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
19-20 International Museums Weekend Event
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)
=========================================================================
SPECIAL EVENTS
* denotes new on calender
*MAY 1-16
HF3UE will be active on 80-2 metres modes to celebrate the accession of
Poland to the European Union.
QSL via SP3RNZ
*MAY 1-16
The Dutch national amateur radio society, VERON, celebrates the 75th
anniversary of headquarters station, PI4AA, with special callsign PI75AA.
We are told all staff and retired and current, of PI4AA will use the
callsign PI75AA during this period.
MAY 16
TM8MAI - For the 59th anniverssary of the end of WWII, the F6KWP ARS
from the Maginot Line and on the 16th from the Mai Lorrain d'Ugny.
QSL via F6KWP ARS.
MAY 20 - JUNE 20
Authority has been granted by Industry Canada to Bill Metcalfe
to use the Special Event Callsign VC6X to celebrate the 150th
Anniversary of Lieutenant Alexander Roberts Dunn (1833-1868) who is
the first to receive the Victoria Cross for his military heroism
during the Crimean War of 1854-1856.
The authority is valid from May 20, 2004 to June 20, 2004
JUNE 1-7
GB-60-OL 60th Anniversary of Operation OVERLORD (D-Day 6th June 1944).
The station will operate on various bands SSB and CW at 21 Signal
Regiment Colerne during sociable hours and at the discretion of the
O/C Training Wing and his staff.
Further information contact GW4XKE - johnny-e@ic24.net
JUNE 1-28
GB6DD - The 60th Anniversary of D-Day.
For further information contact G4OHX ( samg4ohx@btopenworld.com )
JUNE 3-7
TM6OGM - From the Sarthe area near Le Mans, on CW/SSB,
80, 40 and 20 meters.
QSL via F5NLX.
JUNE 3-7
GB4OL - The 60th Anniversary of Operation OVERLORD (D-Day 6th June 1944).
The station will operate on various bands SSB and CW
For further information contact GW4XKE - johnny-e@ic24.net
JUNE 5-12
TM7HAM - From HAMEURO, this Ham show happens on June 13th in Longlaville
France. QSL via F6KWP ARS.
JUNE 5-12
ON4HAM - for HAMEURO QSL via F6KWP ARS.
JUNE 6.
TM60VS - From the Vercors area, will celebrate the 60th anniversary
of Isere liberation by partisans on June 6th.
QSL per operator's instructions.
JUNE 6-20
TM6SME - From the Normandy, Sainte Mere Eglise, "Omaha and Utah
Beach areas".
QSL by request only to F6IPS.
JUNE 6-20
TM7OAA - For the 70th anniversary of the French Air Force,
the 128th French Airborne ARS, F6KAT, will be on all bands
from 160m to 70 cm, all modes.
QSL via F6KAT.
JUNE 6 - JULY 3
GB6OL - The 60th Anniversary of OPERATION OVERLORD the invasion of
Fortress Europe.
The station will operate on all modes, starting June 6th for the 4 weeks.
Your QSL card will be required beforehand in order to receive their
special QSL.
PSE QSL via RSARS QSL BUREAU.
Further information contact G0SWY - G0swy@aol.com
JUNE 19-20 International Museums Weekend
The fourth International Museums Weekend will take place this
year during the weekend of the 19th and 20th of June.
All are welcome to join in broadcasting from their local museums. Those
intending to join should initially register the museums to be
used, so that everyone knows who is taking part and where they
are located.
Registration is free via the website
http://www.ukradioamateur.org/imw
ENDS JUNE 30th 2004
EI-0-EU
Mayo Radio Experimenters Network in Ireland have activated special event
station from Mayo to commemorate Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the
European Union.
EI0EU runs for 6 months starting January and runs up to the end of June.
JULY 1-28
GB4OL - The 60th Anniversary of Operation OVERLORD (D-Day 6th June 1944).
This is the station which was on air back 3rd to 7th June.
Again this month GB4OL will operate on various bands SSB and CW at 21wpm.
For further information contact GW4XKE - johnny-e@ic24.net
JULY 21 - AUGUST 18
GB6LOG - The 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam.
The station will operate on all modes, starting July 21st for 4 weeks.
Your QSL card will be required beforehand in order to receive the
special QSL from this station.
QSL via RSARS QSL BUREAU.
For further information contact G0SWY - G0swy@aol.com
AUGUST 25 - SEPTEMBER 22
GB6LOP - The 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Paris.
The station will operate on all modes, starting August 25th for 4 weeks.
Your QSL card will be required beforehand in order to receive the
special QSL from this station. PSE QSL via RSARS QSL BUREAU.
For further information contact G0SWY - G0swy@aol.com
SEPTEMBER 9
VI 80 VKG Police Radio NSW
This year marks the 80th Birthday of Police Radio in NSW - in fact the 9th
September 1924 marks the first transmissions for VKG NSW Police.
Amateur Radio was largely responsible for Police Radio operations in the
early days so to celebrate both the involvement of Amateur Radio and the 80
years of VKG, it is planned to run a special event station commencing on
this date (9/9/04) and run for 80 hours.
Callsign will hopefully be VI80VKG, organisers are still awaiting for
approval of this callsign.
The operation will be on all modes and operational between times to be
advised. QSL cards will be available.
(Bob VK2JMP VKG Sydney VIA VK2WI)
ENDS DECEMBER 31 2004
HS-72-B FROM THAILAND
This special event call sign has been issued to celebrate
their counties Majesty the Queen's 72nd birthday.
The call sign will be in use during any SEANET activities.
QSL via operators' instructions.
(sarl)
ENDS DECEMBER 31 2004
Hiram Maxim Memorial Station W1AW at ARRL Headquarters will identify
using a "/90" designator through the end of 2004.
The W1AW/90 call sign reflects the 90th anniversary of the League's
founding by Maxim and Clarence Tuska in 1914.
Operation as W1AW/90 began April 3.
W1AW Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, said he'll encourage guest operators
to use as many modes as possible, including RTTY, PSK31, satellite and even
Hellschreiber.
(sourced to ARRL Letter)
ENDS DECEMBER 31 2004.
SPECIAL EVENT STATION ZS-100-FLY
A special event station has started operating from ZS to celebrate
100 years of powered flight.
The call sign of ZS 100 FLY is being used and the station will be
operational from various Airports, Historic monuments, Air shows and
Aviation sites throughout 2004. A special collectors item QSL card will
be issued. The station will operate on all HF Bands and 2 metres.
* denotes new on calender
=========================================================================
D X A C T I V I T Y D A T E S
* MEANS NEW ON CALENDAR
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 is on the air from war-torn Iraq.
Assigned YI9RVT and will be operating SSB and CW on all
bands from the city of Al Kut.
* new on calender
=========================================================================
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
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
Sep 17-19 Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club AGM
Camp Fairbairn near Emerald from 5pm Friday afternoon
to 10am Sunday morning.
=========================================================================
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 10 TOWNSVILLE
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
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
theTARCinc Exams Group Leader Wally/VK4DO
PO Box 661 Thuringowa Central.
QLD 4817
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
=========================================================================
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 June ...6 KENDA Navigation Rally.
*VK4 June ..26 King and Queen of the River Swim (provisional tarc date)
VK2 July .3-.4 Wilderness Rescue Navigation Shield
*VK4 July ..-.4 Strand Mini Swim No.1, Sunday morning
*VK4 July ..-24 Strand Mini Swim No.2, Saturday afternoon
VK5 July 31 - Aug 1 ROSA 2004
*VK4 Aug ..-07 Strand Mini Swim No.3, Saturday afternoon
VK2 Aug ..-.8 Hawkesbury Bridge to Bridge
*VK4 Aug ...21 Magnetic Island to Townsville 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.
VK3 Dec 27-31 Red Cross Murray River Canoe Marathon
* new to calender
=========================================================================
QNEWS - we've reported...YOU decide.
QNEWS thanks YOU for entrusting us to bring you VK's authoritative Ham News
QNEWS thanks Amateur Radio Newsline, ARRL, ARRL Letter,
FISTS down under, IARU r3, NERG News,
RAC, and RSGB.
for source material for this weeks edition.
Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to
the actual broadcast date, e-mail qnews@wia.org.au
Callbacks follow the RF editions, but also for text readers you may
lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who knows, you might
even get a "cheerio call".
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