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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
Listen to QNEWS WORLDWIDE in MP3 Audio.
NATIONAL NEWS
Our New Look WIA already hard at work!
This week the WIA issued a statement on their stance to
PLC/BPL IN AUSTRALIA
Proposals for Power Line Communications or Broadband over
Power Lines (BPL) in Australia concern many users of the
radio frequency spectrum, including radio amateurs.
WIA President, Michael Owen, VK3KI has said that the WIA's
position in relation to BPL is that it supports increasing
broadband access and broadband competitiveness in Australia,
but in a way that does not cause interference to legitimate
users of the High Frequency spectrum. The WIA supports the
development by the ACA of policies for BPL that protect
existing users.
The WIA believes that one of the problems associated with BPL
is that trials on a limited basis are not good indicators, and
that the full effects of a problematic technology will not be
seen with such trials. The WIA considers that BPL will not
really serve the community's long run needs because of its
limited bandwidth.
A deep fibre network is to be preferred to using long runs
of power lines.
The WIA has appointed a team to deal with this issue.
WIA President has appointed Phil Wait, VK2DKN the director
responsible for developing and advocating the WIA's position
in relation to BPL.
He has asked Owen Duffy, VK1OD Barry White, VK2AAB and
David Wardlaw, VK3ADW to assist Phil, as the WIA's BPL Team.
A report on a recent small trial in Hobart of BPL to some
4 houses and 2 floors of the Aurora building is on the WIA website.
More on BPL in this edition of QNEWS but first we continue
with our "meet the WIA Directors" series, this week it's
Trevor Quick VK5ATQ.
Licensed since 1962. Worked for Telstra in the technical
areas installing PABX systems and also in the
Engineering/management sectors including investment costs
and returns in the range of network equipment.
He is involved with Amateur Radio at the club scene, an
exam invigilator, and as current President and Treasurer
of the WIA SA & NT Division has a wealth of experience in
the administrative world of Amateur Radio. His enjoyment
with AR is the fun of home brewing, some CW and of course
antenna construction. His greatest thrill is assisting new
amateurs, and ensuring there is a foundation for new
operators, modes and experiments in the field of Amateur
Radio.
The next edition of the WIA National Callbook will include
a selection of Amateur Radio software.
Richard VK2SKY suggested to last year's compiler that this
would make good use of the vast tracts of unused disk space
on the Callbook CD, so yes, you guessed it Richard is putting
together the compilation!
He would greatly appreciate your suggestions (ie web links)
to what you consider the best software available, particularly
VHF. He does have WSJT 4.7, so that's good start!
Please email Richard direct.
rmurnane.1@optusnet.com.au
GENERAL INTEREST NEWS FROM 'DOWNUNDER'.
The Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) has invited
Applications for new community radio licences for Tumut,
and Lithco NSW, Latrobe Valley in VK3 and the Coober Pedy
area of South Australia.
To view the full text of the news release, visit
http://www.aba.gov.au/abanews/news_releases/
BPL
ARRL President meets with Bush Advisers in Washington to
discuss BPL.
Haynie says there are admissions that one major
Interference solution touted by B-P-L proponents,
notching - just doesn't do the job across the board.
"Finally some of the people are admitting, 'OK we don't
have a point-source radiator anymore, we have a
continuous-source radiator such as a power line.'
And they're saying that the notching techniques will
work and we've actually found out that they don't work
that well," Haynie says.
"The notches are not that exact. And, when it says that
they notch something about 3db or 6db, that's still not
enough. It has to be notched by at least 30 in order to
get back down to where we amateurs can function.
And that's going to be a big challenge for the industry."
(arnewsline)
No Shortcuts please..
A disturbing trend can be heard from time to time on
various repeaters.
Stations identifying themselves as 2ABC or 4XYZ etc.
instead of the required VK prefix.
The reason is unclear unless its just plain laziness.
With the advent of IRLP making world wide communications
on VHF and UHF a reality these stations could possibly be
mistaken as emanating from Great Britain or Northern
Ireland where I believe the 2 prefix has been allocated,
even Isralie for the greater majority, obtaining the VK
call was no easy task so use the call in full and with
pride.
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
WIA WICEN CHAIRMAN IS VK3ZRV
FULL WICEN DATE CLAIMER IS AT END OF SEG 3 IN PACKET
NSW WICEN say there have been some interesting changes as
a result of the ACA Amateur Service review, of interest to
WICEN personnel.
Abbreviated callsigns have been officially sanctioned,
although WICEN has used them in the past with prior
notification, and encryption is allowed to protect private
information during exercises and activation's, as well as
command and control purposes as in the past.
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
Saturday May 22 Ramsey County Emergency Services RACES
Volunteers provided Amateur Television support at the
county-wide Terrorism-HazMat north of St Paul, MN.
More than 200 individuals representing over a dozen
agencies and groups participated in the drill.
The scenario was that terrorists had damaged a railroad
Switch causing the derailment of a train with tank cars
Containing hazardous chemicals and shot the first
responders to arrive on scene.
RACES volunteers were tasked to provide a video feed to
the Incident Command van from a vantage point near the
Fire Command area of the scene.
The Hams met all goals and had one video feed to the
IC van within 18 minutes and within 30 minutes two RF
Remote cameras and one hard-wired video camera operating
on-scene, with two video feeds to the IC van and two going
to their radio van.
The Incident Commander was able to ask for video from
specific cameras and to direct the camera crews for
close-up views as needed.
73, Doug Reed, N0NAS.
Ramsey County Emergency Services.
http://www.twinslan.org/~rces/
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK4
PRESIDENT VK4ERM EWAN McLEOD
http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
The next General Meeting of the Queensland Digital Group is
on Friday June 18 in the Staff Room of the WAVELL HEIGHTS
STATE SCHOOL in MINORE STREET, CHERMSIDE 7.30 PM.
All members and friends are cordially invited. Of course,
visitors are always welcome.
The topics for the night be a run down on how the car rally
went, ACA Amateur Radio licence changes and 70 CM band
developments.
As always, up to date information is available from the
groups Web site:
www.qdg.org.au
INTERNATIONAL
IRAN
Earlier issues of QNEWS this year highlighted the Amateur
Radio Administration Course (ARAC) held in Iran during April.
This saw many amateur radio CD's and some sample copies of
amateur radio journals including NZART's "Break-In", an
NZART "CallBook", RAC's "The Canadian Amateur", and a copy
of ZL1BPU's "Digital Modes for All Occasions" book
published by RSGB, circulated for viewing and then donated
to the administration.
It seems that there has never been an IARU member society in Iran.
A search of the web using combinations of the search words
"amateur*radio*Iran*society" can lead to various versions of
earlier histories of amateur radio in Iran.
An unofficial group, an amateur radio "club", has existed
since some time in the 1990s and presently meets in Tehran.
It is a social group and meets regularly in restaurants.
It does not have formal office-bearers or a formal name.
It is not registered as an entity with the Iranian government
and it seems that difficulty has been experienced when trying
to achieve such recognition. It is understood that another
attempt is to be made. This "club" is Tehran-based and it is
thought that no other formal or informal group of amateurs
currently exists in any other city or part of Iran.
(iaru R3 newsletter June)
ALBANIA:
FIRST DX COM JUNE 19-20
That nations hams will hold their first DX convention
Next weekend June 19 and 20 in the city of Tirana.
GREAT BRITAIN
Ofcom's Latest Research Data Published
On the 2nd of June, Ofcom published its latest research data on
the digital television and broadband markets in the UK. Of
particular interest to radio amateurs are the data concerning the
numbers of broadband and narrowband users.
To quote the report: "At the end of April 2004, the UK had
reached almost four million broadband users, with over 40,000 new
connections each week."
The sources of the data are the operators, together with Ofcom's
own estimates. It continues: "Ofcom's market research also shows
that the decline in the use of narrowband services has continued
as consumers upgrade to broadband. Of adults connected to the
Internet at home, 67% are using narrowband, down from 73% in
November 2003. In the UK, 53% of adults now have Internet access
at home, up from 50% in November 2003. A broadband connection is
used by 25% of these adults."
Here in Australia, Telstra's target to connect one million Australians to
broadband will be reached six months sooner than expected, with recent discounts
sparking a dramatic increase in demand.
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
Ever wondered why our call signs start with the letter V?
Of course, radio call signs are allocated on an international
basis - Australia was originally allocated the block of
VHA-VKZ at the London Radio Conference of 1912.
Many of the UK's former colonies (such as Canada, Australia,
South Africa and British India) were allocated callsigns from
the V series at the 1912 conference.
The reason?
Queen Victoria had recently died -
the block was allocated in her memory....
(Glenn VK4DU)
QNEWS - QUEENSLAND (VK4) AREA NEWS
COUNCIL NEWS WHEN PROVIDED, OTHERWISE
PURELY 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 h 4155 2665.
DALBY AND DISTRICT
On Sunday 6th June the Dalby District Amateur Radio Club
had a get together in a family atmosphere assembling at
9.30am to repair the vk4ret repeater. A family get together
was with a BBQ event afterwards in the Bunya Mountains
National Park at Burton Wells to catch up with friends
of other amateur's family's.
At Mt.Kiangrow where the repeater is situated, the
weather conditions where overcast and very cool with light
showers. It shows the enthusiasm of the amateurs in this
little club when they turn out like they did with people
coming from as far afield as Bundaberg and Hervey Bay to
help with repairs. The appreciation of the club and
heartiest thanks are extended to all those who attended.
Visitors on the day included Vk4jro Ross and Carol and 2
Children along with Vk4jm Rusty and his wife vk4jj Jocelyn
New members to Dalby include Vk4hjl Jenny and Vk4hnl Neville
both enticed to join by the Qnews broadcasts.
The next meeting of the DDARC will be on 1st August at
107 Drayton Street Dalby at 2.00 pm AGM.
All members and their families are welcome to attend this
important day for the club.
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
And again this week we are joined by Sue, after Sue Peter
VK4JPH busily sunning himself Mission Beach Style with Fnnarg
joins us again with News from his LOGAN WEST CLUB.
Thanks Peter... now from NORTH QUEENSLAND -
WHISPERS ON THE ETHER
Atherton region -
** Ron Bertrand visiting Tablelands 18th June 12pm at VK4TL
QTH for BBQ**
** Management Meeting 9am 19th June at Club rooms Mable St.
Townsville region -
** Congratulations to Nick, Brendan and Lorne on achieving
passes in recent exams in Townsville - Just have to pick
a callsign now eh guys !! **
** Book NOW for the July 10th exam session **
** Keep the ear to the ground for news about the
Wayne/VK4WDM De-rection Party **
** Keep the ear to the ground for news about the
Gary/VK4ABW De-rection Party **
** Ann Renton Memorial Ladies Net - next net July 12th at 7pm
** Scramble! Next Scramble is June 22nd with
Scramble leader Wally / VK4DO **
** Steve/VK4JUS wants more operators for Maggie Island Swim!
more information on these whispers available on the packet
edition of Nth Qld News 6th June 2004, on the TARC website
and in the TARC monthly magazine Backscatter.
------------------------------------------------------------
TARC Project Night Tuesday June 8th
a good roll up for this one including Lorne Bonnell trying to
pick out his new callsign, distant visitors in the form of
WIAQ Webmaster Peter/VK4JPH and Sir Richard Warren plus the
return of two members - Iain/VK4IGM and Mick/VK4ANZ.
Main technical activities were the road testing of the new
TARC urns sourced by Sheila/VK4PAL and Don/VK4MC helping out
Lorne with a problem with his short-wave radio, Steve/VK4JUS
with faults to a couple of 2m linear amps and Rob/VK4RB
firing up his IC725 transceiver for the first time in eons.
Want to make it along to the next TARC Project Night ?
The next one is on Tuesday July 13th from 7-30pm at
SES HQ Green Street West End
----------------------------------------------------------
REDCLIFFE
Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club Inc are holding their
AGM the 21st of June 7.30pm at
their club house, Macfarline park, Klinger Road, Kippa Ring.
SUMMERLAND
Thanks to NORNET and assistance from David VK2HFK, SARC63.
The preferred URL for the SARC Page now is -
http://www.nor.com.au/community/sarc/sarc.htm
Calls on the other URL will be redirected here.
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
The latest Grid square standings are out.
VK4 standings go to Glenn VK4TZL with 38 on 2 meters
Rod VK4KZR has 14 on 70 cms terrestrial and using EME
Allan with 14 tops Australia using 70 cms
Rod VK4KZR holds 1.2 GHz with 10, 2.4 GHz with 2 and
Up on 10GHz Rod Has 1 grid square confirmed.
Felix VK4FUQ will highlight the top grids quare standings
throughout VK later in this QCAST .. what is the highest
frequency? It's a staggering 474 Terahz
Putting that into SOME form of perspective, the highest
Commercial frequency use in the South East of VK4 is
From VN4QA at Surfers Paradise The point to point
Application of QTQ Channel Nine on 50.94 GHz
And still with the VHF scene.
July 25th is 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, feed lines 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!
The next General Meeting of the Queensland Digital Group is
on Friday June 18 in the Staff Room of the WAVELL HEIGHTS
STATE SCHOOL in MINORE STREET, CHERMSIDE 7.30 PM.
All members and friends are cordially invited. Of course,
visitors are always welcome.
The topics for the night be a run down on how the car rally
went, ACA Amateur Radio licence changes and 70 CM band
developments.
As always, up to date information is available from the
groups Web site:
www.qdg.org.au
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 Trevor, and GÕDay to you all.
Well, itÕs on again. June 19 is Kid's Day, which is intended
to encourage young people, whether licensed or not, to
enjoy Amateur Radio. It can give young people some
hands-on, on-the-air experience, and perhaps they might
develop an interest in pursuing a license in the future.
And with our new Foundation Licence class, surely there
can be no better time to get your kids on the air. So of
course, Kids Day is also intended to give existing amateurs
a chance to share their station with their kids.
So thatÕs next weekend, June 19, 2004. Listen out 1800 to
2400Z. ThereÕs no limit on operating time.
The organisers suggest a suitable exchange might include
name, age, location and favourite colour, although my
kids are more likely to talk about their favourite
electronic games. ItÕs not a contest, so youÕre encouraged
to work the same station again if an operator has
changed.
Simply call "CQ Kid's Day," and tune around these
suggested frequencies: 14,270 to 14,300; 21,380 to
21,400; and 28,350 to 28,400 kHz. We thank the ARRLÕs
news service for this item, and note its suggestion that
you observe third party traffic restrictions when making
DX QSOs.
Also coming up next weekend, June 19 and 20, is the
fourth 'International Museums Weekend'. This special
event operation invites everyone to join in from a local
museum for a very enjoyable and friendly event.
Those intending to take part are requested to register
their museum, and you still have time to complete your
free registration via the 'International Museums Weekend'
website at http://www.ukradioamateur.org/imw
Organiser, Harry, M1BYT, explains that registration simply
lets everyone know that youÕre taking part and where you
are located. All the details are on the website.
The "160M Pacific DX Contest", due on the air next month,
has been given a facelift! According to contest manager
Bruce Renn, VK3JWZ the revised contest will now be
known as the 160M VK/trans-Tasman Contest and will air
on Saturday, the 17th of July, using the same rules as the
80M VK/trans-Tasman Contest held within the last month.
A separate trophy and Certificates will be awarded in the
160M Contest, with Phone and CW Categories conducted
on the same night.
This is a great opportunity for former "Limited Licensees"
to try something totally new, way down on Ōtop bandĶ,
160m.
All the relevant info is on the Contest URL at
http://home.iprimus.com.au/vktasman. I note there are
also pre-formatted log sheets just begging for you to print
them out, as well as a PC program to generate logs and all
manner of things. I guess the only thing Bruce hasnÕt done
for you there is raise an antenna and tune the radio. Next
year maybe. Thanks Bruce. If you missed that or any other
URL youÕll find it in this weekÕs text version of Qnews.
I was checking out the calendar a few moments ago, and
realised that the Remembrance Day Contest for 2004 is
now only eight weeks away, on August 14 and 15. I guess I
donÕt need to tell you that the RD is AustraliaÕs premier
contest, with the most loyal and dedicated following right
around the nation. We can expect extra fireworks this
year with all grades of licence now able to compete on the
HF bands, although I always concentrate on the VHF bands
to bring more points to my home division. Whatever your
choice, the RD endures as just about the most fun you can
have on a radio, and it drags the once-a-year contest
entrants out from far and wide. Make a note of it now.
August 14 and 15. YouÕll be hearing lots more about it in
coming Qnews bulletins.
Now for some Results, and Westlakes Contest Manager
John Papadopoulos advises the winners in this yearÕs VK
Repeater Contest. First past the post on 70 centimetres,
with 82 points, was Steve, VK2UD. Scooping the pool on
two metres, with 366 points, was Frank, VK2FJL, while
coming home first on six metres with a truly creditable 34
points, was Neil, VK2KYG. On behalf of the Westlakes
Amateur Radio Club, John has asked us to pass on his
hearty congratulations to both the winners and all of
those who took part in this yearÕs contest.
WeÕve not had time to check out the Maidenhead Grid
Square standings for quite some time, so here are the
standings as of June 2004: In brief, Mike, VK2FLR has a
whopping 111 squares confirmed on two meters
terrestrial. Amazingly, he has just one less, at 110,
confirmed on EME. Gordon, VK2ZAB, has a remarkable 57
squares confirmed on 70cm terrestrial, while the 70cm
EME gong goes to Allan, VK4KAZ with 14.
All of those figures are remarkable, and show some
amazing determination. But wait Õtil you hear the current
Grid Square standings for higher bands!
On 1.2 GHz David, VK3XLD has 33. On 2.4 GHz our old
mate Chas Gnaccarini, VK3BRZ, boasts 11. When you get
up this high in frequency you really need to plan your
efforts, and they have certainly been rewarded on 3.4
GHz, where Charlie, VK3FMD has worked an amazing eight
grid squares. But get this: wind up to 5.7 GHz and
VK3FMD also holds the record there with a simply
incredible 10 squares. QSY up to 10 GHz and whoÕs got
nine? You've guessed it, Charlie again! ThatÕs a
breathtaking effort, Charlie! ItÕs over to the west for the
24 GHz grid square standing, where Neil, VK6BHT has
three confirmed.
But look, all thatÕs really just about DC, for our highest
frequency grid square record holder is Rex Moncur,
VK7MO, who has found someone to 'wink' with in a
different grid square. Oh yes, with one grid square
confirmed, he holds down the record, presumably in
partnership with another, but IÕve not got the other
partyÕs name. Hey Rex, it wasnÕt a kid with a laser pointer
was it? Pardon? Well yes, this oneÕs on the staggeringly
high frequency of... 474 THz!!! Sure enough, 474 THz is
red laser country, where youÕll be intrigued to learn that
equipment can actually communicate over quite
significant distances Ņ and, yes, laser contacts do count
in contests! The current world record, held in Scandinavia
is some 41.5km. I recall seeing an article in QST a few
years ago about modifying cheap hand-held laser pointers
to modulate them, and sure enough theyÕd managed voice
contacts over more than 20km. Just shows whatÕs
possible, doesnÕt it.
WeÕll have more from the world of contests, awards and
special events next time. Until then, IÕm Chris Edmondson,
VK4AA and VK3CE.
JUNE 19-20
International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend - 21/22 August 2004
http://illw.net
The fourth 'International Museums Weekend' special event will be
taking place this year on the weekend of the 19th and 20th of
June.
http://www.ukradioamateur.org/imw
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
Region III IARUMS Coordinator
B.L.Manohar (Arasu) VU2UR Vu2ur@mailcity.com
IARU Monitoring System International Coordinator:-
Robert E. Knowles, ZL1BAD.
Len Martinson, ZL1BYA, is Monitoring Service co-ordinator
for the NZART. Lenmart@clear.net.nz
VK Coordinators for I.A.R.U.M.S.
VK Federal Coordinator.
VK8HA Henry Andersson vk8ha@octa4.net.au
VK3TZE Jimmy intruders@wiavic.org.au
VK4ZRT Wayne vk4zrt@wia.org.au
VK5EV John
VK7BBW Paul vk7bbw@bigpond.com
VK8HA Henry Andersson vk8ha@octa4.net.au
IARUMS NETS
Friday 0730 UTC 7.065.5 with VK4CEU David.
Amateur exclusive frequencies where any non-amateur signal
is definitely an intruder, This listing by P29KFS.
Exclusive amateur only spectrum world wide
7.050 to 7.100
14.000 to 14.250
14.250 to 14.350 No broadcasters
21.000 to 21.450
28.000 to 29.700
Report by Region 3 Monitoring Systems Coordinator sees all
the Regions of the IARU actively working on Monitoring to
identify, locate, contact and get intruders moved out.
This is a continuous work, but slow and time consuming.
The situation at the moment is as follows:
40 m: Voice of Broad Masses from Eritrea, has domestic service
on 7100 kHz after 1500 UTC, and is heard all over the world.
Many Indonesian non-amateurs (pirates) are in this band, in J3EU.
Several Sri Lankan Fishing Trawlers are using J3EU in this band.
Russian beacons M,F,C,K around 7039 kHz are regular.
L9CC from Russia comes here also, on many frequencies.
20m: Uzbek Radio's 2nd harmonic on 14320 kHz (2x7160),
Radio Liberty's 3rd harmonic on 14280 kHz(3x4760).
Several Sri Lankan Fishing Trawlers are heard, along with some
Sindhi, Kutchi and Arabic traffic from other boats.
Several are unidentified data stations.
Many South East Asian stations with OM-YL nets, telephone
patching also heard. Indonesian pirates have established
themselves with a network on 14100 kHz, the IARU/NCDXF
Beacon frequency, and adjacent channels.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- APRS
Really great to actually see on screen the growing numbers
Of stations starting to operate 30m APRS.
Pleasing to note also the numbers of HF mobiles now starting
to use a SSID of -15, in larger populated areas the use on -15
will assist in finding the HF mobiles much faster.
Mike VK2BMM also points out you will NOT be on the correct RF
frequency if you tune your radio to a specific USB/LSB
frequency e.g. 10147.6 USB (unless you are using exactly
the same TNC tones as the other person).
You (or at least the "Reference" station) MUST know which
audio frequencies the TNC uses before picking the RF
frequency.
(sourced from vk2bmm and vk4bbs)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
VK5AGR is the AMSAT National Coordinator, vk5agr@amsat.org
VK5ZAI is the Australian Co-ordinator for ARISS.
AMSAT-VK HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
November through Marchdocked Progress
supply rocket or the spacecraft's onboard thrusters to correct
the ISS's orbit.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLDTIMERS
http://www.raotc.org.au
OLDEST AMATEUR IN US--BYRL "TEX" BURDICK, W5BQU, SK
The man believed to be the oldest Amateur Radio operator in the US
Byrl "Tex" Burdick, W5BQU, of El Paso, Texas--died May 30.
He was 103.
Admired as much for his courteous and kind personality as for
his longevity and youthful appearance, Burdick was licensed for
nearly three-quarters of a century. During his many years on the air,
he took pleasure in meeting new friends and was a regular QSLer.
When Burdick, an ARRL member, turned 103 last September,
ARRL President and fellow Texan Jim Haynie, W5JBP,
extended congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the League.
"A landmark and an icon to our great hobby" is how
Kenneth Kuhblank Jr, K5KWK (ex-W6KWK), of El Paso described
his friend in the article "A Voice from the Ether--B. H. "Tex"
Burdick, W5BQ," by Steve Barreres, K2CX, in the December 2003
issue of QST. "You will not meet a more courteous operator."
In the QST article, Barreres tells how a passing motorist
talking on his mobile ham radio setup piqued Burdick's initial
interest in ham radio. Soon, he passed the examination and had
a ticket of his own.
Burdick says he started out with a homemade transmitter and
receiver--each one fitted with a single 201A tube.
(arrl lettter)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF AND ABOVE
On-line registration for GippsTech2004 is now available at:
http://www.qsl.net/vk3bez/formVK3BEZ.html
General information is available from the GippsTech2004 link at:
http://www.qsl.net/vk3bez/
If you are going, please register as soon as possible.
No $$ required - just let them know that you intend to be there,
to assist with planning. Planning like the informal dinner on
Friday evening at the Morwell Hotel/Motel.
Conference Dinner will be at the Morwell Club on Saturday night,
Cost $25 per person plus drinks.
Anyone else wishing to contribute a talk, short or long, should
Contact Peter VK3KAI ASAP:
vk3kai@qsl.net
Gippstech will also have an informal VHF/UHF/Microwave "Swap Meet"
Occurring during the coffee & lunch breaks. If you have gear
to sell on a non-commercial basis, take it along.
Also expect Microwave Muscat AND Port to be available, in limited
quantities.
Cheers,
Peter
VK3KAI
Conference Chair
CONTEST DATES
May
.8- Until August 8 Six Meter Marathon WW on the Magic Band **
..-22 VK-TRANS TASMAN 80m Phone
Jun
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)
DX DATES
* 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
SPECIAL EVENT DATES
* denotes new on calender
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 1-28
GB6DD - The 60th Anniversary of D-Day.
For further information contact G4OHX ( samg4ohx@btopenworld.com )
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 6-20
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
QUEENSLAND (VK4) EXAMINATION DATES
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
QUEENSLAND (VK4) JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
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)
QUEENSLAND (VK4) MAJOR GATHERING DATES
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.
WICEN EVENT DATES
Check with YOUR WICEN coordinator to confirm dates etc
Additions to qnews@wia.org.au and/or vk4zz@smartchat.net.au
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
WIAQ WEB ZONE, www.wia.org.au/vk4
QNEWS THANKS OUR REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS , OUR RELAY OPERATORS ACROSS THE
WORLD FOR FORWARDING INFORMATION AND COMMENTS THEIR LISTENERS HAVE PASSED
ON TO MAKE QNEWS VK'S LEADING WEEKLY AMATEUR RADIO PROGRAM.
QNEWS ALSO PUBLISHES PAGES ON THE PACKET RADIO TELETEXT SYSTEM, PAGE 999
ADVISES THE LATEST "POSTINGS".
To contact us,
Mail - PO box 199, Wavell Heights Qld 4012, marking on envelope who
correspondence is for.
radio - Monday 7:30pm aest after qnews broadcast 3.605.4mhz on the Qld
club net.
QNEWS thanks the various contributing States and WW Society's for their
input to the show. In particular regular contributers:-
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE PROGRAM
ARRL also their ARRL Newsletter
Radio Amateurs Canada
RSGB
SARL
Along with the progressive radio clubs of vk & the World.
Our dedicated band of broadcast volunteers who utilize their time and
equipment in bringing you this weekly broadcast.
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