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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL HEAR ALL WEEK
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vk4zz Gavin, vk7ax Tony, zl2bau Peter, zl2tze Phillip
THE FOLLOWING BULLETIN CAN BE HEARD IN THIS PREAMBLE
When communication counts, count on QNEWS..
PREAMBLE -
We commence this bulletin with news VK4AAT is trial-ing an AM transmission
of this edition of QNEWS, 9am Sunday on 160 Meters from Rochedale.
1836 kHz AM
Terry would appreciate hearing from you, either direct or via our
regular 1825 kHz edition in SSB.
Call-backs will be in SSB on 1836 as well.
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
ONE NATION - ONE WIA - ONE HELLUVA GOOD MOVE!
The draft transition agreement has been circulated to all Divisions,
and after its terms are settled most 'Divisions' as we now know them
will, like VK7's President Phil, will call special general meetings
to ratify it.
This will transfer administrative functions of the Divisions to the
National WIA.
Transfer of membership will commence from 1st July 2004, when all
renewing members will be progressively be asked to sign a consent to
membership of National WIA.
Subscriptions, full membership $75, concession $70 and non AR recipient $50.
Naturally the transition process will take time, and unforeseen
things may arise which will require some patience on your part. So
should there be any concerns at all on your part please bring them to
the attention of your existing Council members.
After last weeks momentous occasion, the announcement of our ONE - WIA
We were again asked just how the 7 Directors were appointed.
At the resumed AGM the Federal Council in adopting the new Constitution
appointed seven directors to serve the WIA through its transition period.
Note TRANSITION period, from then on WE will be appointing, each member
an equal vote, no more the possibility of handshake deals etc etc.
Those chosen have talents and experience that are needed to guide the WIA
for the next two years. These are:
Michael Owen VK3KI, who will also be the new WIA President,
Ernie Hocking VK1LK, vice President,
Glenn Dunstan VK4DU
Trevor Quick VK5ATQ
Ewan McLeod VK4ERM
Ted Thrift VK2ARA, and
Phil Waite VK2DKN.
And a good mix of newbies and old hands, but more importantly ALL Amateurs
dedicated to a single goal, without the "Empire" building which can often
raise it's head in some organisations.
Over the next few weeks here on the Q we will
MEET YOUR DIRECTORS. So first up 2 of New South Wales most respected
"gentlemen" of the airwaves...
Edward Thrift VK2ARA
He has been licensed since 1962. Worked in the technical area of the PMG
and Telstra since 1959. In later years served in many Management areas up
to and including the National Management team for Commercial and Consumer
Division. Key role in C&C was Business Analysis, Business Planning and
Performance Reporting. For three years a Core Team member in the interface
between Telstra and ACA, focused on National Customer Service Guarantee.
Ted holds a Graduate Certificate in Management and has now retired after
41 years on the Job.
Philip Wait VK2DKN
Born in 1951, completed a Traineeship with the Overseas Telecommunications
Commission (OTC) and gained an Electronics and Communications Certificate.
Worked at various OTC facilities including satellite and coastal radio
installations around the country.
Left OTC for a Technical Officer position at Sydney University Medical
and later Electrical Engineering faculties. Started writing articles for
ETI magazine and in 1978 moved over to the magazine full time as
Projects Manager under the editorship of Roger Harrison. Became
VK2DKN. Became involved in a start-up company, VitalCall, and together
with a partner purchased the business in 1983. VitalCall developed into
the major provider of Personal Response Systems (PRS) in Australia with
offices in all Eastern States and exports to the USA and UK. The
Vitalcall business was sold to Chubb Security Australia in 1999, however
all product IP retained and continues to operate an SMD production
facility at Penrith, NSW for the wider PRS market. Chairs several
Standards Australia committees and has chaired the PRS industry
association. Sailing has always been a strong interest, only
occasionally on the air, mainly on 7070 marine or vehicle mobile.
Trevor Taege VK4BAT there with the CV of 2 of our "Directors Elect".
The VK3 AGM was held Wednesday, and although currently VK3
have not "signed up" to the new WIA, President Jim Linton indicated
to all at the meeting that they were working with Michael Owen and the
new WIA and the words he used gave the impression that this was
being done with a spirit of co-operation.
About 60 members attended the WIA Victoria Annual General meeting.
A report and discussion session on the WIA restructure turned out to be
very positive and beneficial to members.
President Jim Linton VK3PC addressed the meeting and put plainly what he
saw as the need for restructure, and how WIA Victoria is in support of a
national membership WIA.
Jim says it's clear that virtually all who attended learnt more about the
WIA restructure than can be understood by reading the Internet, AR magazine
of listening to WIA broadcasts.
The members appreciate that it is a difficult time for the volunteers on
the WIA Victoria Council who are seeking to do the best for the members,
aware that there are corporate and legal responsibilities, while also
wanting to strengthen the Wireless Institute of Australia.
The WIA Victoria Council is working through the necessary legal and
administrative steps to reach a stage in the next few months when a
recommendation will be put to members for a vote.
All along the final decision was going to be made by the members, and not
imposed on them by the WIA Victoria Council.
The members favour a national membership organisation however there are
still some reservations about this enormous change. That is understandable.
Jim VK3PC says members were pleased to hear the views of the VK3
Councillors about WIA restructure, and we can all look forward to further
developments in the time ahead.
A 'visitor' to the Vics AGM was the NSW Co. Secretary and an Alternate
VK2 Federal Councillor Michael Corbin. Those who heard last weekends
VK2 News would have heard him speak against the NSW decision
to join the new look WIA. However Michael did not speak to the debate
or to the VK3 AGM Wednesday.
There were a number of questions from the floor, all of
which appeared to be answered by Jim Linton and Peter Mill
to the satisfaction of the majority of members present who
all appeared to be in favour of the change.
GENERAL INTEREST NEWS FROM 'DOWNUNDER'.
Stephen vk5vka reports that Graham Conolly, died on Thursday 20 May 2004.
Graham, who used to be an ABC radio newsreader, volunteered his services
as VNG's voice from 1988 onwards.
He visited Llandilo on numerous occasions and always took a great interest
in VNG.
Graham's funeral was held in Sydney Tuesday 25th.
E-Health Centre To Find New Ways To Link Patients To Doctors
High-tech HealthCare systems for the 21st Century would be developed in the
E-Health Research Centre just opened in Brisbane.
"The $15 million joint initiative with the CSIRO will bring together
world- class researchers and industry to produce commercial products
and services that will create both social and economic benefits for
Queenslanders," said Mr Beattie.
At the opening, the prototype of a personal monitoring device called
PERSiMON was unveiled.
"PERSiMON is an exciting example of our cutting-edge e-health technology
it gives people a vastly increased level of care while at home it also
wirelessly sends health reports to their doctors."
PLC/BPL Pilot in Hobart, Tasmania
We contacted Justin the News Editor of the 7 news service in Tassie
for details on a letter received from the ACA on the local area BPL trials,
Following the Southern Branch's visit to the Hobart BPL trial
The WIA approached the ACA (Geoff Hartwig) to see if THEY
can be involved in some way when the Mitsubishi engineers return
from Japan
Geoff Hartwig at the ACA in answering said " There is a need for
a BPL studying in the Australian context. In this regard,
the ACA is working towards organising a study.
In line with overseas activities, local power utilities are
investigating the potential of BPL technology. At this stage, there
are no firm plans to commercially deploy BPL technology in
Australia.
In the mean time, the challenge for the ACA is to establish
regulatory arrangements that do not unnecessarily block deployments
but at the same time provide reasonable measures to adequately
protect radiocommunications reception.
The ACA's strategy for managing BPL services is in its formative
stages and will be largely governed by regional and international
developments. I would like to assure you that in the development of
BPL regulatory arrangements, the amateur fraternity and other
stakeholders will be consulted."
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
WIA WICEN CHAIRMAN IS VK3ZRV
LETS LOOK AT WICEN NETS,
WICEN VK2 Thursday evening on HF at 2100 hours
3.6 MHz, and on VHF/UHF at 2130 hours on linked repeaters
WICEN VK3 WICEN HF net TUESDAY evening 2100 on 3.6 MHz
WICEN VK4 A net exists Sunday mornings 7.075 at 0830k. Also
on VK4RBN 147.000 Sunday Nights a small group mainly from Brisbane,
pop up straight after QNEWS rebroadcast
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
Over a hundred US ham radio operators from seven counties in two Eastern
states, provided emergency communications support for the Saturday,
May 8th disaster drill at Dulles International Airport. The exercise
consisted of a simulated plane crash and fire. The aim of the session
was to provide treatment and transport of 200 volunteer "victims" to
area hospitals by helicopter, ambulance and bus. Bill Pasternak,
WA6ITF, picks up the story from here:
Larry Hughs, K3HE, is the Public Information Officer for the
ARRL's Virginia Section. He tells Newsline that the job of
Amateur Radio was to provide communications between agencies at the
simulated crash site, those providing patient transportation, and the
participating hospitals. To accomplish this, hams from a number of
the regions Amateur Radio Emergency Service groups set up several
portable repeaters in and around the airport grounds. They also
provided a live Amateur Television link between the site and the
airport Operations Centre. This allowed airport management to
monitor the progress of the drill.
Hams also accompanied some of the officials at the simulated crash
site to provide instant communications to other temporary operational
areas. Others rode the buses that transported ambulatory victims to
local hospitals. This gave planners voice communications and real-
time position data via Automatic Position Reporting System.
Amateur Radio Newslines Bill Pasternak WA6ITF also said
other radio amateurs were stationed at ten area hospitals.
They helped to coordinate the arrival and departure of those
simulating the victims of the crash.
LAW SUIT BLAMES MANUFACTURER IN 911 DEATHS
The families of twelve fire-fighters killed when the World Trade
Centre in New York City collapsed on 9-11 have sued the manufacturer
of the hand held radios the men were carrying. According to Popular
Communications magazine, the five billion dollar action against
the company and the City of New York claims that They failed to warn
the Fire Department that its hand-helds could not transmit or receive
in a high rise building. Because of this, the plaintiffs contend
that fire-fighters could not hear an order to evacuate.
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
Chris VK2QV President
Graham VK4BB standing in for VK2HKW on QNEWS this week....
New Motherboard required in 'puter Karen?
Radio Homebrew and Experimenter's Workshop Meeting.
Tuesday 1st June will be the next workshop meeting.
An informal get together of amateurs in home brewing or
repair of their own radio equipment or just experimenting.
The meeting starts at 7pm at Amateur Radio House Parramatta.
The Radio Homebrew and Experimenter's workshop meetings are an official
function of the Wireless Institute of Australia and are free to members.
June Clubbing
4 Orange & District Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting
4 Blue Mountains Meet
11 Hunter Radio Group Monthly Meeting
12 Oxley Region annual Port Macquarie Field Day the Queen's Birthday weekend.
VK3
VK3FFF Bruce here for QNEWS Australia...
Jun 4 EMDRC General Meeting.
Jun 10 NERG Meeting the VI5BR DX-pedition talk.
Jun 18 EMDRC Coffee Shop
GippsTech2004 Conference
Only 6 weeks to go to the must-attend meeting for those interested in
VHF, UHF and microwave radio communications, especially weak signal
operations. This year's event is scheduled for July 3 & 4. Venue as
usual is the Gippsland Campus of Monash University, in Churchill,
Victoria. Churchill is less than 170km east of Melbourne and can be
accessed easily on divided highway for most of the route.
There is still scope for further presentations - anyone interested
should contact Peter VK3KAI ASAP.
Again, the event will commence with an informal gathering for dinner
on Friday evening at the Morwell Hotel/Motel
Saturday evening will see the Conference Dinner.
Further details are available on the web address that can be found on
the email and internet editions of this Qcast.
VK4
From the Maroon Kingdom, I'm Kay VK4HKA on QNEWS...
Bundaberg meet 19th of June and also hold their Xmas in June 25th
at 1800 hrs.
Dalby meet 6th June 9:45AM, Burtons Well Camp Site, Bunya Mountains.
Maryborough Amateur Radio Club meet June One at 7:30
SEQ-ATV June 4
QDG 7:30 on June 18.
June 11/14 FNNQARG South Mission Beach
July 25th Brisbane VHF Groups Antenna Day Mayfield State School
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
The next WIA amateur examinations in Sydney will be held at Amateur Radio House
Sunday 20th June, applications must be lodged with the WIA office by Tuesday
8th June and forms can be obtained via the NSW web site at www.wiansw.org.au
(VK2WI)
SUMMERLAND ARC COMMITTEE plan to hold another Novice Crash Course
about September .
Steve VK2UD has at received confirmation of his role as invigilator
over Westlakes way, while Paul their newly appointed Education officer
is pleased to announce the proposed new time and format for future Classes.
As from Saturday the 12th June 2004 radio classes will be conducted in the
Westlakes classroom from 10.30 am until 12 Midday using the acclaimed
Ron Bertrand Cram Course for Radio enthusiasts.
It is proposed to install a series of computers in the class room,
networked together to facilitate the learning process via CD's.
Interested parties can contact Paul on 04 1789 7255.
Alternatively Email:
Hammond@cci.net.au or
steve vk2ud@hotmail.com
Radio Examinations will be held at Westlakes 19th June again
contact Paul on 04 1789 7225.
The Yankee Clipper Contest Club (YCCC) has announced a new DXpedition Award
Program, aimed at encouraging new and younger amateurs to participate in
contesting. The club raised funding for the 2004-2005 contest season with
a raffle. YCCC will award the winning applicant up to $1500 to
accompany--for up to one week--a YCCC-authorized DXpedition or contesting
operation anywhere in the world to compete in one of four major contests:
The ARRL International DX Contest or the CQ World Wide DX Contest--CW or
phone. The award will help defray transportation and lodging costs and
provide a stipend of $150. Applicants must live within a radius of 175
miles of the club's centre--Erving, Massachusetts. Applicants must be
14-21 years of age to qualify in the "youth" category, or licensed for
less than one year (with no prior license) to qualify in the "amateur"
category. Applicants for both categories must hold a General class or
higher license. The application period deadline for this contest season is
July 15, 2004. One winner will be chosen and announced at the New England
Division Convention <http://www.boxboro.org>, August 14-15 in Boxboro,
Massachusetts. The winner must use the award within one year. For further
details and an application, contact YCCC President Jim McCobb, W1LLU
<w1llu@verizon.net>, 978-363-1619; fax 978-363-2430. A contesting club
with more than 400 members that's been in existence for more than 25
years, the YCCC's territory includes most of New England, as well as parts
of New Jersey and New York. To learn more, visit the YCCC Web site
<http://www.yccc.org>.
(SOURCED TO ARRL LETTER)
CLUB ACTIVITY IN DETAIL WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
BUNDABERG
Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club's Quarterly Meeting will be held 19th of June
SES Head Quarters in Kendall's Road 2pm.
Not only members but visitors are invited.
Technical Items, White Elephants and afternoon tea.
Bundaberg Club 's "Xmas Party in June" will be held at Sizzlers in
Bourbong Street Friday 25th June at 1800 hrs. Again all Club members,
families and visiting Hams are invited.
Contact Rusty VK4JM or Ross VK4JRO .. ring 4155 2665.
DALBY AND DISTRICT
General meeting 6th June 9:45AM, Burtons Well Camp Site, Bunya Mountains.
Repairs will be carried out to the vk4ret repeater complex.
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
http://www.goldcoastamateurradio.com
Sorry, but although supplied with audio, we did not receive the written
text in time for your bulletin.
MARYBOROUGH
Maryborough Amateur Radio Club meet Maryborough State High School,
"E" Block, Kent St 1st Tuesday, 7.30pm.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
http://www.sarc.org.au/sarc1/sarc.htm
VK2RSC 70cm Repeater BACK ON AIR.
This is back on with the 123Hz access tone fitted.
Some fine tuning to be done but working fine so far.
6m Repeater off for refurbishing and rebuild.
UHF CB Repeater being repaired, standby working OK.
8 Aug - SARCFEST, Richmond Hill.
SUNSHINE COAST
Gympie's old repeater site VK4RGY at Mt Boulder had been off air and when
the SCARC 'repair team' arrived it was far to obvious what had gone a-wry.
The Solar Panels had been stolen, the chain mesh fence had been cut, then
then somehow the perps shinnied up the mast and slid out well over $1500
worth of solar panels!
Fortunately, there was no damage done to our antennas or cables, and the
shed was not entered. Sunshine installed new batteries and powered up the
2M repeater.
So.. currently the 2M Gympie repeater is working, and the 70 cm one is turned
off, to conserve power.
(Gordon Taylor VK4VP SECRETARY SCARC)
TOWNSVILLE
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
The Tuesday 18th May TARC Backscatter and Social evening turned out
to be more than just a great evening to put the club's Backscatter magazine
together - thanks to ace cook Dorothy Watkins those who attended were
offered the opportunity to partake in the latest batch of yummies from
the home bake oven.
The Townsville VHF Monthly Scramble was held on Tuesday May 25th
with stations VK4TJS VK4HSV VK4JUS VK4DO and VK4ZZ joining in
with the Scramble leader being Wallaby Bob/VK4WJ.
There were 5 scrambles held plus a tie breaker to sort out if Wally/VK4DO
or Steve/VK4JUS would be the winner - eventually Wally came out on top
with 15 contacts.
The scramble started each time on 147MHz and lasted a minute.
An on-air debrief session was held after the scramble with everyone
wondering why Gavin/VK4ZZ came last again
(you should have been in the shack - all thumbs and no panache! )
The next Townsville VHF Scramble will be held on Tuesday evening June 22nd
with scramble leader being Wally/VK4DO
FNNQARG Navcom/Icom specials now online
The PDF version of the 2004 FNNQARG! Navcom/Icom
equipment specials is available online at
the tarc website.
WHISPERS ON THE ETHER:
Atherton region -
TREC trying to find out how to butter up
FNNQARG Cricket Umpire John/VK4TL **
Cairns region -
Cairns president claims there is no shenanigans
involved with the FNNQARG Cricket ! **
See you at the Beach - Mission Beach ! **
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV
SEQ-ATV net WEDNESDAY NIGHTS at 7:30 on 145.7 MHz.
AMATEUR TELEVISION.. and the South East Queensland ATV Group holds its
monthly meeting FIRST Friday night of each month.
7:30 at the Wavell Hts State School in Minore St.
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
Members friends and users of the packet systems in SE Qld , particularly
those coordinated by the QDG group are invited to attend the
General Meetings of the Queensland Digital Group commencing 7.30 PM on
the 3rd Fridays of the month at Wavell Height State Primary School, Minore
Street in the STAFF ROOM.
QDG = http://www.qdg.org.au
President: Alan Wills VK4YAR
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
Thanks Trev, hi Graham and G'Day all.
We usually start with a quick peek at the Contest calendar, but most of
the action is north of the equator at this time of the year. To my way
of thinking, then, it's a no-brainer that we should support what few
contests there are in our part of the world.
Last weekend saw the 80m phone segment of the 2004 VK/trans-Tasman Contest,
and I heard plenty of stations on the air handing out numbers. And now we
have the 80m CW leg coming up next week! That's Saturday the fifth of June
for the 80m CW and, while you're noting things down, the 160M Phone and CW
are both to be held on Saturday, July 17. Times are 0800 to 1400 UTC
in six one-hour stages.
Contest Manager Bruce Renn, VK3JWZ, says the six-hour Contests have been
expanded this year, to include July 17's night on 160M. This one replaces
the old Pacific 160M Contest.
The email? http://home.iprimus.com.au/vktasman
and next time I head home to Melbourne I'll try to get a few words
from Bruce.
Rich Moseson, editor of the US magazine CQ Amateur Radio, announced this
year's inductees into the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame and the CQ Contest
Hall of Fame at the annual Dayton Hamvention on the 14th of May.
Among the 15 inductees into the Amateur Radio Hall of Fame is John Clarricoats
G6CL, Secretary of the UK's RSGB for an astonishing 31 years from
1932 to 1963 and, as if that wasn't enough, editor of both the
T & R Bulletin and the RSGB Bulletin between 1937 and 1963, another 26 years.
The CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame was established in 2001, to recognise
those individuals, whether licensed radio amateurs or not, who significantly
affected the course of amateur radio and radio amateurs who, in the course
of their professional lives, had a significant impact on their professions
or on world affairs.
We don't often report events in Lithuania, so here's a report to pay close
attention to. To mark the integration of Lithuania into the European Union,
the Lithuanian Amateur Radio Society is issuing an award for amateurs who
contact special event stations LY 200 4E, 4U, 4R, 4O, 4P or 4A during the
month of May. It's not clear how many contacts are required to claim the
award, but undoubtedly any of these six stations would be able to provide
further details. However, given that it's now May 30 I suggest you get
your skates on. Get onto 20m and listen carefully.
Coming up on June 12 and 13 is the ANARTS World-Wide RTTY Contest for 2004.
A brief summary of rules sees not more than 30 hours of operating permitted
for Single Operator Stations, but Multi Operator Stations may operate for
the entire contest period.
80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres are used, and despite its name all digital
modes except CW are permitted. MESSAGES should consist of RST, Time in UTC,
and CQ Zone.
A station may only be worked once per band, but may be worked on other
bands for QSO points and multipliers.
Logs should be received by the Contest Manager ANARTS, PO Box 93,
Toongabbie, NSW 2146, by the first of September.
Logs can also be sent via E-mail to ctdavies@bigpond.net.au
Also coming up on June 12 and 13 is the Westlakes Anniversary Year Super
Contest. That's on all bands HF to UHF, all modes. We'll have more
information from the club as the time gets nearer.
On June 19 we have the US-based Kid's Day, which encourages young people,
whether licensed or not, to enjoy Amateur Radio. It can give young people
some hands-on on-the-air experience. Hopefully they might develop enough
interest from Kid's Day to pursue a license in the future. Of course, it's
also intended to give amateurs a chance to share their station with their
kids. All three of my youngsters sometimes talk into the microphone, but
it would be great if they could talk to people their own age. Kid's Day
isn't a Contest, so there's no limit to modes or operating time. Again,
June 19, and they suggest 1800 to 2400 Zulu.
Suggested exchange is name, age, location and favourite colour.
You're encouraged to work the same station again if an operator has changed.
Call "CQ Kid's Day."
Suggested frequencies are 28,350 to 28,400, 21,380 to 21,400, and 14,270
to 14,300 kHz. Observe third party traffic restrictions when making DX QSOs.
On June 19 and 20 we have the International Museums Special Event.
This fourth such special event invites everyone to join in from their
local museum for a very enjoyable and friendly event.
Those intending to take part are requested to register their museum.
Registration is free of cost via the 'International Museums Weekend'
website http://www.ukradioamateur.org/imw
Organiser, Harry, M1BYT, asks that you register so that everyone knows you
are taking part and where you are located. Further details are on the
website.
In other special events news, we have GB 6 DD on air June 1 to 28 for the
60th Anniversary of D-Day. Get more information from G 4 OHX.
Station TM 6 OGM airs June 3 to 7 from the Sarthe area near Le Mans, using
CW and SSB on 80, 40 and 20 metres. QSL via F 5 NLX.
On the air June 6 to 20 is TM 7 OAA, commemorating the 70th anniversary of
the French Air Force. Station F6KAT, the 128th French Airborne ARS, will
be on all bands 160m to 70 cm, all modes. QSL via F6KAT.
Finally, ending on June 30th is special event station EI zero EU, from the
Mayo Radio Experimenters Network in Ireland. This one's been activated to
commemorate Ireland's Presidency of the European Union.
That's my lot once again. Until next time, 73 from Chris Edmondson,
VK3CE, VK4AA.
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
Power Cell Technology - Part II
A few weeks ago we looked at cigarette lighter sized power cells that are
coming to a laptop computer near you. Now I can tell you that...
The US Army is trying to work out what its soldiers will be wearing and
using next. The Future Force Warrior (FFW) program at the Natick labs (
http://www.natick.army.mil/soldier/wsit/ ) intends to look for innovative
technology to get the soldier's personal load down to 20kg, and greatly
increase the mobility. To achieve this, the designers plan to dump a whole
bunch onto a robotic "mule," yet to be designed. The design goal is 72 hours
(3 days) of autonomous operation. We might also see the Mars Rover
technology getting a re-run, along with the soldier wearing a LIPD device to
convince the trolley to follow along behind.
Yet, powering the hardware won't be easy. Including the radio and night
vision goggles, the Army wants to keep the total "power budget" for FFW down
to 15 watts or so -- a quarter of what a typical light bulb takes. "We don't
even know where to begin," admitted their power-management chief.
They have at least one idea, though. A recent memo said, "Avoid the use of
Microsoft Windows operating systems." The Future Force Warrior is going
"open source", presumably because it can use simple processors that need
less energy to run.
For QNEWS, I'm Peter Ellis VK1KEP
So your rigs on the bench and your in dire need of an RF FIX?
Ian g3zhi says why not operate one of the remote base VoIP transceivers.
Any ham can transmit on these remote base transceivers located around
the world using VoIP via the internet THEY CAN ALSO BE USED BY SWL's
for receiving.
http://www.ea8ee.com/
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
Praise on Hams in the Book..
The book "Triumph of Truth - Rajiv Gandhi Assassination - The investigation"
by former SIT head DR Karthikeyan has several references to Ham Radio
and praise for Chennai Hams who helped in Direction finding in helping to
find out the LTTE station operating from Chennai.
MONITORING SWL AND SCANNER NEWS
http://www.scanaustralia.bigpondhosting.com
Ashley writing in Aust Scanning notes Big Brother Frequencies on the
Gold Coast. Big Brother Camera Crews etc 505.7625 MHz
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
The 14 MHz Intruder problem is on the Improve'..
Chinese Packet / OHR' shut down the Transmitters on 14.025 and 14.045 MHz
and were still not heard at the end of April.
There was a 'new type' of Packet heard on 14.025 MHz for a couple of days.
Did sound like Packet with short bursts of traffic every five or ten minutes
or so. No identification heard. After he finished, the frequency was left
in a 'no interference' mode...
The 'Asian CW' is still around and can be heard on 13.999 MHz moving up to
14.004 MHz. Good CW Practice !!..
On 14.084 and 14.098 MHz Multi Channel digitals from PY still very strong
in PH57NK
14.1 and 14.105 MHz Indonesian SSB intruders, but generally the band is
free from Indonesian Intruders, generally the will be found on the 10.1 and
7 MHz bands which is a 'great joy' to Radio Amateurs on 14 MHz Band..
Cheers de Henry vk8ha, box 619, Humpty Doo, N.T. 0836.
UNITED STATES
The number of Amateur Radio enforcement cases has continued to drop since
a five-year peak of 350 in 2001. FCC Special Counsel for Enforcement Riley
Hollingsworth told the Dayton Hamvention 2004 FCC Forum May 15 that 240
ham radio enforcement cases crossed his desk last year. As his tenure in
amateur enforcement enters its sixth year, he's estimating only 175 cases
in 2004.
Here in VK where official figures are NOT released, just by 'tuning the
bands'. The majority of illegal activity seems pinpointed directly at
pseudo "rescue type" groups and gatherings.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
With the demise of Packet Radio in VK, well at least with the perceived
Lack of interest in AX25, unfortunately AAPRA, the Australian Amateur
Packet Radio Association has closed its ports.
Sad to see, but ack of support or demand has caused this.
During their 'winding up' process AAPRA donated $580 to Summerland club
in recognition of their continued interest.
Melbourne Packet Radio Group has held it's final wind-up meeting and the
group no longer exists.
The VK3 web says a list of assets is being drawn up and further advice
will be forwarded to WIA Victoria shortly.
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 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
NASA has dedicate a new supercomputer in memory of Kalpana "KC" Chawla,
KD5ESI. She was one of the seven shuttle Columbia STS-107 mission crew
members lost 2003, as the vehicle was returning to Earth.
The first Indian-born woman to fly in space, 'KC' served as a
flight engineer and mission specialist aboard Columbia.
NASA's naming of the new "Kalpana" supercomputer follows a long tradition
In naming supercomputers after pioneers.
(sourced to arrl letter)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLDTIMERS
http://www.raotc.org.au
OLD TIMERS
First Monday of the Month.
Listen for VK3-O-T-N at 10am Melbourne time on 7.060 Megz and 3.650 Megz.
Times and frequencies are as follows: -
10AM - Melbourne time all year i.e. both E.A.S.T. and D.S.T.
145.700 MHz FM. 7.060 MHz SSB 3.650 MHz SSB
0100 hours UTC all year 14.150 MHz SSB beaming North.
0200 hours UTC all year 14.150 MHz SSB beaming West.
8:30PM - Melbourne time all year 3.650 MHz SSB
Call backs follow each transmission.
News for inclusion in the club broadcasts will be welcomed by club secretary
Arthur Evans VK3VQ abde17@ozemail.com.au
or Allan Doble VK3AMD amdo@iprimus.com.au
http://www.raotc.org.au
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF AND ABOVE (the plumbers delight)
VK7MO's WA DXpedition Wrap-Up
Rex's DXpedition coincided with the Eta Aquarids meteor showers and
Rex reports "It is quite difficult to get a quantitative handle on
the impact or otherwise of the Eta Aquarids. My impression was that
these only had a significant effect on the mornings of 4 and 5 May
UTC when I was receiving up to 3 or 4 pings per 30 second period and
good burns every two or three periods - a few up to 15 seconds long.
It was also my impression that on 4 May there were two peaks one in
the first half hour of the session and second towards the end of the
session. On 5 May there was only a single peak at the start of the
session.
Rex completed contacts from VK6 to Sydney 2096 km and from VK5
South of Adelaide to Perth over 2143 km.
Rex also has called for ZL's to conduct exploration of longer paths
in the range 2000 to 2600 km to give it a try and see if we can relate
longer contacts to refractive index, ducting, high velocity showers, etc.
(Rex, VK7MO via the VK-VHF Mailing List)
FEEDBACK TO THE Q
REWIND
WIA FEDERAL HISTORIAN VK3AFU
=========================================================================
Dates
=========================================================================
C O N T E S T S
May
.8- Until August 8 Six Meter Marathon WW on the Magic Band **
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 calendar
MAY 20 - JUNE 20
Authority has been granted by Industry Canada to Bill Metcalfe
to use the Special Event Call sign 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 calendar
=========================================================================
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 calendar
=========================================================================
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
June 11/14
FNNQARG ! South Mission Beach
July 25th
2004 Brisbane VHF Group Antenna Day.
This year it'll be better with 23 centimetres covered, says Doug Friend,
as well other measurement opportunities for antennas, feedlines and transmitters
that active VHF and UHF amateurs need. You can plan to bring along your
antennas and other equipment for testing.
Like last year it'll again be at the Mayfield State School, off Florence
Street in Camp Hill on the 25th of July, so keep it in mind and plan to be
there!
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
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 calendar
=========================================================================
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
Call-backs 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 /
Special Interest Group news read by VK4FUQ, VK4AA presents Contests
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