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VK7AX > QNEWS 19.06.04 03:52l 956 Lines 39185 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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WIA QNEWS weekly ham radio news bulletin QNEWS 2004 JUNE 20
Next week, June 27 QNEWS will be presented from Melbourne by
VK3KRB/VK3CE. Special guests will be the new President of 1WIA
Michael Owen VK3KI and Contest Manager Ian Godsill.
NATIONAL NEWS
Those chosen have talents and experience that are needed
to guide the WIA for the next two years. These are:
Michael Owen VK3KI, new WIA President,
Ernie Hocking VK1LK, vice President,
Glenn Dunstan VK4DU
Trevor Quick VK5ATQ
Ewan Mcleod VK4ERM
Ted Thrift VK2ARA, and
Phil Waite VK2DKN.
Over the past weeks here on the Q we have MET WIA DIRECTORS,
Today it's Ewen Mcleod VK4ERM
President Wireless Institute of Australia Queensland
Division and state coordinator and training officer for
the Brisbane area WICEN Group.
He has a keen interest in yachting. Some of his other
activities include being an orchardist specialising in
tropical and rare fruits. His orchard is located in
northern NSW.
He is the Managing Director of Exair Corporation Pty Ltd
an Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) and electronics
design company providing support to industry and Defence.
His qualifications include a Graduate Diploma
Manufacturing Management and a Certificate of Engineering
(Communications) Artificer Radio and Radar.
His previous employment included the Department of Defence (Army).
The WIA board of directors allocated portfolios to date are Public Relations
to Director, Ewan McLeod VK4ERM, and ACA Liaison to Glenn Dunstan VK4DU.
Peter Naish VK2BPN is continuing as Secretary and David Pilley VK2AYD as
Treasurer. The new WIA has also issued invitations to all existing WIA Life
Members to become Honorary Life Members of the new WIA.
Michael Owen, President of the National WIA is anxious to visit clubs and
talk with members whenever he can and he asks clubs to let him know of
events when it might be appropriate for him to meet with a number of the
amateurs in your region to speak about his aspirations for the relationship
between the new WIA and Clubs.
The WIA knows what it wants from clubs and that is support.
But what do clubs want from the new national WIA? That is something he
wants to hear about --- from you.
WIA ADOPTS POSITION IN RESPONSE TO THE ACA "OUTCOMES OF
THE REVIEW OF AMATEUR SERVICE REGULATION"
The WIA Board has formulated it's response to the ACA paper "Outcomes of
the review of Amateur Service Regulation", which was released just in time
for the first board meeting at the end of May.
The Board welcomes the proposed changes and appreciates the extensive
and quite expensive and time consuming consultation process the ACA
undertook in forming it's position. The ACA has achieved a policy position
that is sound and is a reasonable compromise that generally meets the needs
of radio amateurs, the wider community and the ACA in its role as regulator.
However, the ACA paper places the new Board in a very difficult position.
The document was released without any prior review by either the WIA or the
CQVK group, (on who's survey results the document was largely based), and
there are some controversial outcomes.
The Board considers the effect of the ACA recommendations is to erode the
difference in privileges between the new standard level (novice) and the
advanced level licensees. It is difficult see why a standard level licensee
would want to move up to the advanced level other than a feeling of achievement
and a gilt edge certificate. Any real increase in privileges is just not
there and this may eventually make the advanced level irrelevant.
Although it is a desired outcome of the ACA document to make the amateur
Service more accessible, there is still a legitimate place for a full
technical qualification. The WIA Board feels it is important to maintain
the technical competency of the hobby and also help provide technically
qualified
RF technicians for industry. This issue alone is currently a prime concern to
governments and industry groups and is a sound reason for the very existence of
amateur radio.
All this sounds very reasonable but the Board recognises that in expressing
this policy objective it is also identifying the fact that it faces a real
dilemma.
The prime role of the WIA Board is to support and truly represent its members
in dealings with the ACA and the international organisations. If it attempts
to reduce the proposed privileges of the standard level licensee there will
be upset novices who are rightly expecting to enjoy the new privileges.
Novice operators together with foundation licensees are the new life-blood
of amateur radio and the very last thing the Board wishes to do is to
discourage them.
Conversely, if the Board decides to do nothing it will potentially have a
number of upset full license holders who feel they have in some way been
devalued.
And these people make up the majority membership, people who the WIA is
supposed to represent.
The Board has carefully considered these conflicting interests, and has
reached the conclusion that the ultimate educational aspects of the
licensing hierarchy is better served by preserving a meaningful distinction
between the proposed standard and proposed advanced licences, and thus the
incentive to achieve the higher level.
Accordingly the Board will advocate the removal of the 20 band from the
proposed standard (novice) licence privileges. In doing so, the Board
recognises that partitioning of the bands has proven problematic in the past
and is not supported by the ACA.
This is a very difficult decision and one not taken lightly.
The Board recognises that there are those who may feel that after such
extensive public consultation by the WIA, CQVK, and the ACA that the outcome
should be simply accepted by everyone - and this may be the position the ACA
will now take. But the WIA Board believes that this issue is too important
for the future of amateur radio to dismiss lightly, and that it is its
obligation to its members to make the difficult decisions if it believes
them to be right.
In reaching this conclusion the Board has addressed only what it perceives
as the major issue flowing from the outcome. There are very many other
issue of detail that have been drawn to its attention, but are matters to be
addressed in the ongoing process of preparing a new LCD and a class licence
for visiting amateurs and the like.
The Board is confident that it will have the opportunity to address these
issues in an ongoing process of consultation with the ACA.
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
WIA WICEN CHAIRMAN IS VK3ZRV
FULL WICEN DATE CLAIMER IS AT END OF SEG 3 IN PACKET
WICEN VK2
WICEN can be contacted by phone on 04 0839 7217
operations@nsw.wicen.org.au
There is a weekly net each Thursday evening on HF at 9pm, 3.6 MHz, and on
VHF/UHF at 9:30pm on linked repeaters
(Mark Cheeseman VK2XGK, is President, WICEN (NSW) Inc.)
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
WICEN VK5
WICEN state Coordinator Andrew, VK5EX.
2004 Coopers Rally
Don't forget the 2004 Coopers Rally will be held 31st July - 1st Aug. If you
wish to register, please contact
www.coopersrally.com.au
WICEN VK7
The WICEN team's Subaru Safari preparations are well advanced. All that
remains by way of general preparation is to deal with the inevitable changes
that arise as any event comes closer. Individual preparation will surely
include digging out the thermal underwear and gloves. One team will spend
the second day stationed at an altitude of 700 metres.
The WICEN team are going to be busy. This will be the biggest Safari yet
with 63 entries.
Geeveston will be the place to be next weekend on the 26th and 27th June.
The town has never seen anything like the circus that's on its way! Truck
loads of cars and equipment, heading for the Geeveston District High School
the service area for the Safari.
Though all jobs are covered, there's always room for more. If you want to
join the team for a great weekend of radio and fellowship, you'll be very
welcome. Just contact Roger VK7XRN
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
MARITIME MOBILE SERVICE NET HANDLES AT-SEA MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Members of the Maritime Mobile Service Net 14.3000 recently were instrumental
in the successful handling of yet another medical emergency at sea. The
crisis arose when a young hand aboard a commercial fishing vessel in the
Caribbean Sea off the coast of Central America suffered serious knife wounds
in a fight with a crewmate.
Although not an amateur licensee, the captain of the Motor Vessel 'Brandon
Travis' knew he could get prompt assistance on the net's 14.300 MHz
frequency.
"Under normal conditions, transmissions by non-amateur stations on this
frequency are prohibited by international law," said Assistant Net Manager
Tom Job, VE3II, who lives near Toronto and took the initial call for help.
After obtaining critical information, Job contacted the Coast Guard's
District 7 Search and Rescue Center in Miami and relayed the situation
report. The Coast Guard in turn contacted Honduran authorities to arrange
to evacuate the injured man.
The net also was able to get physician Jim Hirschman, K4TCV, a net member
in Miami, on frequency. Hirschman has extensive experience assisting with
injuries and medical emergencies via the radio. He was one of the
principal MMSN members to provide assistance and advice to the parents of
Willem van Tuyl, then 13, after he was shot and seriously injured in a
pirate attack on the family's sailboat in 2000.
The net remained open past its normal closing time to keep an ear on the
situation. Early the next morning, the captain of the Brandon Travis
informed the net that the injured man had been removed to a Honduran naval
vessel and taken to a hospital.
The captain of the Brandon Travis checked into the net two days after the
incident to thank everyone for their help. At the captain's request, the
net supplied him with a copy of ARRL Amateur Radio license study
materials.
(sourced to arrl letter)
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
NEW CALLS in the Summerland region of VK2,
From the recent exams we welcome the following new calls.
VK2HFS Ray Seymour, Caniaba.
VK2WRG Will Goode , Lismore.
VK2HPM Mark Perkins, Teven. Mark, at 16 years of age.
The NZART Conference in Marlborough this month has recognised its Youth:
All Youth Awards be given a higher profile on the NZART web site, so that
branches are encouraged to nominate suitable recipients.
The Youth Achievement award for best examinations result awarded to
Heidi McKenzie ZL4HAM from Eastern Southland Branch.
The Young Amateur of the year award co- sponsored by NZART and Com-Centre
was presented to NZART Business Manager Debbie ZL2TDM for onward
presentation to --- Heidi McKenzie ZL4HAM.
VE-VK CONTACT
Ken, VK7DY and Brian, VE6JBJ, a teacher from Chestermere Lake Middle School
in Calgary, Canada will be made contact using IRLP Friday morning at
7:20 a.m. EST which is 2:20 p.m. Canadian time.
Kids out of bed on a Tassie Winters Morn at that hour? I'd like to have seen
that! The Canadian kids were very interested in Tasmania and asked many
questions for their school project.
(sourced to vk7wi news)
INDIA
NIAR and that Society is going to conduct various programs to promote Amateur
Radio as part of social cause and disaster mitigation at many places in the
country. Lucknow being one area chosen, has seen MANY of the local Amateurs
preparing to back their Society with help.
INTERNATIONAL
NEW ZEALAND
The amateur licence itself may disappear and a GURL ("General User Radio
Licence") introduced for New Zealand amateur radio stations. This is just
one of many possibilities awaiting our service in ZL as they themselves
await the full outcome of their Ministries review of the Amateur Service
in ZL.
New Directions in Amateur Radio Licensing in New Zealand
The changes started on 17 June when a new revised Schedule 3 attached to
the ZL licence comes into effect. Other changes will take effect over the
next 18 months or more. The news is all good. Many long-standing problems
are being eliminated. Some of the changes are believed to be world firsts.
There is only one grade of amateur operator licence in New Zealand, the
General Amateur Licence. The word "General" must continue meantime because
it is hard-entered in the Ministry's existing database.
All existing Limited Amateur licensees automatically became General Amateur
licensees on 17 June 2004 irrespective of what is written on their existing
licences.
A change of callsign can be requested following the existing rules. There
being only one licence grade, licences will no longer indicate a grade.
All amateur bands remain the same but the LF band is being listed for the
first time as an allocated amateur band and is extended from 130 to 190 kHz.
The permitted maximum transmitter power output for an amateur station is
quoted with one figure: 500 watt PEP. This is defined in the ITU RR 1.157
(see Appendix following). With only one figure, it is now mode-independent.
Licensed overseas visitors, i.e. persons holding a current amateur
certificate of competency, authorisation, or licence issued by another
administration, may operate an amateur station in New Zealand under a
General User Radio Licence (GURL) with similar privileges to a ZL resident
station for a period not exceeding 90 days, provided the certificate,
authorisation or licence meets the requirements of Recommendation
ITU-R M.1544, or CEPT T/R 61-01, or CEPT T/R 61-02, and is produced at the
request of the Chief Executive.
The present country-to-country reciprocal licence agreements will disappear
in time as more countries directly recognise the licences issued by other
administrations. Cross-border travel by radio amateurs will become easier.
The callsign to be used by a visitor from overseas will be the home-country
callsign as allocated by the other administration with an added prefix "ZL"
or an added suffix "ZL" which is to be separated from the national callsign
by the character "/" (telegraphy), or the word "stroke" (telephony).
With one examination, with only one licence grade, and with new and
simplified procedures, New Zealand amateur radio is positioned for an
exciting future.
Appendix:
Extract from The ITU International Radio Regulations:
fa.. peak envelope power (of a radio transmitter):
The average power supplied to the antenna transmission line by a
transmitter during one radio frequency cycle at the crest of the
modulation envelope taken under normal operating conditions.
(sourced to Jim Meachen ZL2BHF Editor 'infoline')
CANADA
The Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland's VO1MRC are conducting an experiment
on 60 meters this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20, from 0000 to 2400
UTC. During this period, a CW beacon will be in operation on 5269.5 kHz to
determine the relative performance of high and low radiation angle antennas.
The antenna in use will be identified by a code in each transmission.
Proposed by the Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland, the 5-MHz experiment
has been endorsed by Radio Amateurs of Canada and authorized by Industry
Canada, which approved resumption of the 60-meter experiments in February.
(arrl letter)
Callbacks follow the RF editions, but also for Internet
readers you may lodge a quick reply to let us know you
receive "the Q" write a message to qnews@wia.org.au
Compiled by VK4BB
CLUB ACTIVITY IN DETAIL WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
BUNDABERG
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.
GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society invites you to become a member and
share and contribute to the services it provides.
The club maintains 2 repeaters one of these ofering IRLP these repeaters
cost money particularly the IRLP and the club relies primarily on membership
fees to finance them.
If you would like to become a member and contribute to these activities then
please download a membership application form from the club website
www.goldcoastamateurradio.com
Our membership fees will not break the bank and will help us maintain the
services you use.
There will be a General Meeting on 26th June 2004. A barbeque will commence
at 11am and the meeting will commence at 1pm sharp.
The Society conducts classes at our clubrooms in Nerang. It is hoped to
commence AOCP classes in a few weeks.
These classes will be presented by the club Tutor Ron,
VK2DQ. Classes are open to everybody and you do not have to be a member of
the club to come to the classes. AOCP classes are normally held on a day and
time that suits the group.
If you are ready to upgrade the AOCP or even just want to do a refresher
course then please register you interest with our Education Officer Kath
VK4KU on number 55393530.
Further more now that Morse Code is to be removed ffrom Amateur
qualification requirement it as become apparent that there is renewed
interest in Code.
The club have decided to answer this need by providing CW practice by radio
and this will possibly take the form of evening sessions twice a week. The
finer details are yet to be worked out.
I'm Kaye, on the Gold Coast now across to Logans Peter Harding.
LOGAN
Update from the 4JPH at the Logan West Amateur Radio & Electronics Club.
"Well I am back in town after a short trip to the town of TARC, many thanks
to Gavin and the crew for your warm welcome, sorry I could stay for
FNNQARG.
Over the last couple of weeks I have asked for further assistance in
supplying Communications for the Springfield horse Endurance ride in on the
27th 28th 29th of August. Thankfully several operators have answered the
call, but we still need more if you can assist with either VHF UHF or UHF CB
please contact me, Peter Harding on 3800 3305 or by email at
briscal@optusnet.com.au
See you all at the next club meeting Monday 5th July, when I hope to have
further details about the Endurance ride".
NORTH QUEENSLAND - WHISPERS ON THE ETHER:
(QNEWS NQ CORRESPONDANT VK4ZZ GAVIN REPORTS WEEKLY)
Cairns region -
** Redevelopment of VK4RIK site underway **
Central Highlands region -
** AGM Bookings now being taken - contact
Gordon VK4KAL now ! **
Townsville region -
** FNNQARG ! Raffle - ICOM IC-V8 won by John/VK4DJS **
** FNNQARG ! Cricket Match won by Atherton/Cairns **
** FNNQARG ! Cricket Match Best and Fairest
prize of ICOM IC-4088S won by Rosalind Bloch **
** FNNQARG ! Radio Throwing Contest
Mens Division won by Phil/VK4HSV
Ladies Division won by Teri/VK4HYL
Junior Division won by David Bloch **
** FNNQARG ! Watch Backscatter for 2005 venue announcement **
** Book NOW for the July 10th exam session **
** Ann Renton Memorial Ladies Net - next net July 12th at 7pm **
** Scramble! Next Scramble is June 22nd with
Scramble leader Wally / VK4DO **
** TARC doing Groper Creek Markets July 3rd **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
FNNQARG Report !
Gavin VK4ZZ says the 2004 FNNQARG! was an unqualified success with excellent
weather, only an occasional shower, a radio experiment or two and renewing
acquaintances.
Friday Afternoon
The group already arrived at FNNQARG negotiated with the park management
to raise the TARC tarps despite park management misgivings about expected
damage to the grassed areas (the areas occupied by FNNQARG! participants
were returned in pristine condition on Monday morning with the grass
still growing).
Friday evening was a low key affair with everyone helping with the deployment
of the TARC Van towed up from Townsville by Bob/VK4AAH, the raising of the
VK4ZT Canvas Palace (very sumptuous!), installation of theTARCinc Monster BBQ
and setup of Barry/VK4TBD's Camp-o-Sat TV receiver
Saturday
The proposed activities programme went out the window with everyone on the
spot enjoying some serious loafing, a run to the Tully Markets and some
precision deployment of dipole antennae with a height acquisition device.
The comms centre was completed with 80/40/20/2metre capability.
The Navcom/ICOM equipment display was set up early as many at the site
were eager to obtain the latest and greatest in radio and antenna
equipment. Barry and Yoshi were seen with big smiles on their faces
as stocks of radios and antennae depleted rapidly.
A Radio Experiment was also set up, courtesy of David/VK4KIX, consisting of
a 28metre long wire, a counterpoise, a HF transceiver and a 10AH battery.
A number of contacts ensued on many bands, including a contact with
Alan/VK6WNS/G3WNS and Barbara/G8AKU at Broome. Alan and Barbara had attended
FNNQARG! 2003 and sent best wishes to everyone at the 2004 event.
Time went very quickly and before long it was dinner time followed by
the traditional FNNQARG! singalong featuring the group of renown -
Electrical Caution.
Sunday
A brief overnight shower made things nicely tropical at breakfast time
with the main entertainment being the gingerly ignition of the Monster BBQ
(ask og how many hand hairs he has left!! He will get it right one day!)
then cooking up and consuming of hearty breakfasts whilst listening to QNEWS
from the 14341.9kHz and 7070kHz feeds.
The FNNQARG! group gathered at the beach around 10-30am to participate
in an event revitalised from times of old. Radio throwing - participants
hurled either an ICOM IC713, Willis L5 or AWA Teleradio transceiver
downrange for maximum distance and maximum satisfaction.
With everyone limbered up after the Radio throwing it was time to conduct
the main event of the weekend - that gore-fest which is pg rated -
the FNNQARG! Cricket Match.
With the 2004 nominated umpire John/VK4TL delayed due to a scheduled
broadcast from his COOL-FM radio station and the morning getting away from
everyone it was decided to nominate two umpires for the match, in this case
the nominated Northern Umpire was Nick/VK4YT and the nominated Southern
umpire was Wally/VK4DO.
From the umpires notes -
"It was good to see that this year there were an equal number of members for
each team without any substitutes required. A couple of competitors required
runners, the tide went the right way so the pitch was constantly renewed and
there were no injuries. A ball hit into the water was declared a 3.
Amateur Radio Direction Finding also got underway with foxes hidden (and
all found!) with RadioSport participants including Ulf/VK4HDN, Don/VK4MC,
Ian/VK4ZT, Phil/VK4HSV plus many others.
3-30pm rocked around and it was time for the Out of the back of the Tip-Truck
Auction. The only thing left over at the end of it all was two boxes
containing old Atari gear.
The FNNQARG raffle prize - an ICOM IC-V8 2m transceiver donated by
Navcom Electronics was drawn live on-air during the 3605.4kHz North
Queensland Net, won by John VK4DJS, Presented by Yoshi/VK3BZX, MD of
ICOM Australia.
FNNQARG! 2004 Cricket Umpire Wally Watkins VK4DO announced the cricket match
results - Cairns/Atherton 67 Runs, Townsville 66 Runs.
Monday
After breakfast the antennae were brought to ground, green ants evicted from
the dipole traps, tarps and poles collapsed and stowed, the TARC van hitched
Final farewell was given and all trundled home.
REDCLIFFE
http://www.qsl.net/vk4iz
The Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club Inc are holding their
Annual General Meeting on the 21st of June 2004 at 7.30pm at
their club house, Macfarline park, Klinger Road, Kippa Ring.
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
The next General Meeting of the Queensland Digital Group is on Friday July 2
in the Staff Room of the WAVELL HEIGHTS STATE SCHOOL in MINORE ST, CHERMSIDE
commencing at 7.30 pm. All members and friends are cordially invited.
Of course, visitors are always welcome.
This is a combined meeting with the South East Queensland ATV group.
Same location and time, date Friday July 2 2004.
NOTE: this is the first Friday of the month.
Richard VK4ZA with give a talk on his Sound Card Interface for radio
communications.
As always, up to date information is available from the groups Web site:
www.qdg.org.au
(Alan VK4YAR)
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
The June meeting of the Brisbane VHF Group will be held on Wednesday the
23rd. All amateurs involved in the amazing world of VHF and above are
invited!
This friendly gathering comprises all of socialising time, informal problem
solving, club business and, as always, an interesting technical presentation.
As usual, it will be at the home of Rob Bathgate VK4ZDX at 53 Arrol Street,
Camp Hill. Gather there around 7:30 pm and please feel that you have now
been invited!
That's Wednesday for the Brisbane VHF Group.
The Group's next event following this meeting will be the Antenna Day in
July.
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
Well thanks Trev, and a warm GÕDay to you all.
In news from New Zealand, an item suggested in general
business at the NZARTÕs annual conference, held in early
June, has seen the approval and quick implementation of
an annual ALL KIWI Contest to commemorate the removal
of the CW requirement on ZL calls. Hey, I hope itÕs not a
CW contest!!
Anyway, the NZARTÕs Western Suburbs Branch 03 has
offered to organise the new event each year, and we look
forward to passing on the contest details as they evolve.
On a rather more global scale is the ARRLÕs Field Day,
coming up next weekend. This one aims to improve
portable, ie field day, type operation. You understand the
importance accorded to this annual event by the ARRL
when you visit its web site at www.arrl.org. Right there as
you arrive at the main, home page, up pops a little
window to remind everyone itÕs on, and itÕs big. The Field
Day is AmericaÕs answer to our RD Day Ñ in other words,
itÕs as popular as all get-out.
Anyway, the pop-up window offers site visitors a package
of forms and rules, suggested frequencies, and so on, and
even offers to sell you commemorative T-shirts and pins,
which are shipping right now if you hurry. Look, I just
have to add the little PostScript that all shirt sizes are still
available, save extra extra extra large, which sold out
first.
Well, I downloaded the ARRLÕs impressive 31-page PDF
package, which told me the activity begins at 1800 UTC
Saturday and ends at 2100 UTC Sunday. There are no
rules changes from 2003, but if that means as little to
you as it did to me, just go the ARRLÕs web site and
download that package for all the rules.
We must make it abundantly clear that you need to be
operating within IARU Region 2, the Americas, if youÕre to
submit a log as a contestant. However, what makes this
such fun is that Field Day stations are all operating
portable, are encouraged to contact stations in any part
of the world, and that as people crawl out of every
possible crevasse it's a great opportunity to add to new
countries or states or counties or grid squares to your
totals, and theyÕre all operating portable!
Only a week later, on July 3, is a local Queensland
contest, the Jack Files Contest. Again, itÕs Saturday, July
3, and it takes place between 0800 and 1400 Zulu. This is
the one where you try to work as many shires and towns
within Queensland as you possibly can, and itÕs all up on
80 metres. The rules are the same as those for last year,
and for anyone who needs a bit more information, or
needs a shire and town code list, please call John,
VK4AJS, on 0412 989 530.
Coming up on the 21st and 22nd of August is the
International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend. YouÕll likely
wonder where they found all the lighthouses, when you
learn that last yearÕs contest had some 350 lighthouses
from more than 40 countries simply, ah, blazing away on
the amateur bands. Oh strike, did I write that?
Anyway, the main message is that the lighthouse weekend
has actually attracted quite a following over the last six
years, and as itÕs not too far off once again, now is the
time to get your entry in. Registering a lighthouse station
isnÕt compulsory, but it gets you an entry on the official
web site, which gives other participants an idea of whoÕs
where, QSL routes, E-mail and web details. So head to the
official web site, at illw.net to check out the event
guidelines. Of course, thereÕs also an online entry form
there, a list of entrants for this and past years, and loads
more background info.
Already the entrantÕs list for 2004 includes such exotic
locations as the Falkland Islands, Cuba, and Poland, plus
lovely green King Island in the Bass Strait joining in for
the first time. The Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend isnÕt a
contest per se but it's a lot of fun and you get to meet
some really nice people right around the world Ñ and
surely, isnÕt that an important part of what amateur radio
is about?
And thanks to Kevin, VK2CE, for the timely reminder. And
now for another timely reminder. Are you manager of a
Contest? Got some club special events coming up? DonÕt
forget to tell Qnews all about it. We welcome your input
from around the globe to QNews @ wia.org.au. Write
soon!
In awards news, itÕs high time we reminded you about the
fabulous ALARA Award. This oneÕs issued by the
Australian Ladies Amateur Radio Association, and itÕs
open to the blokes as well. Australian and New Zealand
amateurs need to work ten ALARA members in five VK
call areas to qualify. DX stations need only five contacts
with ALARA members in four different call areas.
Contacts may not be made via repeaters or the ALARA
net.
Then thereÕs the ANARS' Young Endeavour Award. To
qualify for this beauty applicants need to work four of
the Society's seven club callsigns. They are ZL1SEA, plus
VK1, VK2, VK3, VK5, VK6 or VK7SEA, which leaves the
obvious question about ANARS operations in VK4! Oh,
ANARS is the Naval mob, the senior service, and IÕm sure
membership is open to anyone with a connection to the
Senior Service in this country. The ANARS Young
Endeavour Award is also offered to shortwave listeners.
Grab the pencil for the address, and IÕm sure you could
also pop in a membership inquiry if youÕre so inclined.
Write to:
Endeavour Award Manager,
PO Box 300,
Merimbula,
NSW 2548
And now we have some news of an award conferred.
John, VK4TJ, who is FISTS club member number 9080,
has recently been awarded his Century Award, and at the
same time has qualified for the FISTS QRP Award.
Congratulations John.
Now, if IÕm really quick we might be able to sneak in news
of a special event station coming up soonÉ
On the air July the 8th until August the 8th will be V I 3 J
A, on the air as a joint operation by VictoriaÕs Central
Goldfields ARC and the Midland ARC, celebrating the 150-
year expo of the naming of the Town of Maryborough,
Victoria. Listen out on 80, 40 and 20 metres, CW, SSB,
RTTY and PSK modes principally looking for DX, but no
doubt just as pleased to catch the locals. If youÕre a little
closer to them than me, you might also keep a look out
on 144.125 MHz CW and SSB, and QSL via VK3JA
And now the DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
On the air September 25 to October 16 listen for VK9
Lima, from Lord Howe Island. Bill, VK4FW, announces
activity will be on all HF bands and 6 metres using CW,
SSB and RTTY.
And a final heads-up before hand-back. From Western
Sahara, Sierra Oscar, comes news on some DX bulletins of
an activity by Delta Lima 8YHR as Sierra Oscar One Hotel
Alpha. QNEWS understands that this information may not
be entirely correct! Work First Worry Later is generally
the advice, but do be aware of pirates, and donÕt throw
good money around unless youÕre quite sure of a
stationÕs authenticity.
They want the mic back here, so the very best 73 to all
from Chris Edmondson VK4AA/VK4CE
SPECIAL EVENTS
JULY 8 - AUGUST 8
V I 3 J A
Central Goldfields ARC and Midland ARC for the 150 year expo of the naming of
the Town of Maryborough Victoria.
80, 40 and 20m cw ssb rtty and psk modes looking for DX.
Also keep a look out on 144.125 cw/ssb QSL via VK3JA
Details in full www.cgfar.com
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- APRS
On a cold, clear Friday morning, Hobart's first APRS digipeater was
installed on Guy Fawkes Hill in VK7. The digi consists of a Kantronics
9612 TCN and an Icom 2AT handheld running a mighty one and a half watts into
a slim jim on 145.175 which is the national APRS frequency.
Those new to the APRS game, APRS stands for Automatic Position Reporting
Service and is a method of transmitting your GPS position by packet when
mobile, and being able to receive it and display the position on a map on
your computer. Much more information can be found on the internet by
searching for APRS.
The two most used programs are UI-View and AGW-Tracker. Both can use
AGW-Packet Engine as a (freeware) software TNC using audio in via the
soundcard-UI-View can also use a standard TNC.
Danny, VK7HDM is about to install another APRS digi in the vicinity of
Technopark, and Scott, VK7HSE can be heard digipeating occasionally
from Kingston.
Those tuned to the Q in the Apple Isle, for further information on APRS,
contact Ken, VK7KRJ the Southern Branch Assistant Technical Officer.
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
Friendship Games in Russia and ARDF in China
Khabarovsk, in the Russian Far East, will host the 8th
Friendship radio games August 14 to 18.
Suzhou, about an hour by train inland from Shanghai in
eastern China, will host a Chinese national Amateur Radio
Direction Finding (ARDF) contest in October.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
VK5AGR is the AMSAT National Coordinator, vk5agr@amsat.org
VK5ZAI is the Australian Co-ordinator for ARISS.
AMSAT-VK HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
SO-50 satellite now available to all via CTCSS tone:
AMSAT-NA says the the SO-50 satellite also known as SaudiSat-1C now is
available to all, and users can switch on the Mode J transponder via a CTCSS
tone.
Here's the procedure: Transmit on 145.850 MHz (taking Doppler effect into
account) using a CTCSS tone of 74.4 Hz to arm the onboard 10-minute timer.
Then, transmit FM voice on 145.850 MHz using a CTCSS tone of 67.0 Hz to
actuate the repeater within the 10-minute window.
SO-50's downlink frequency is 436.800 MHz. Sending the 74.4 Hz CTCSS tone
again within the 10-minute window resets the timer.
SO-50 sports a quarter-wave vertical receiving antenna mounted at the top
corner of the spacecraft. The transmitter runs 250 mW into a quarter-wave
antenna mounted on the bottom corner of the spacecraft and canted 45
degrees inward.
(sourced to arrl letter)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FISTS CLUB DOWN UNDER
http://fistsdownunder.morsekeys.com
HAVE WE GOT OUR EYE ON YOU!
New FISTS Member VK4JAZ Grant, number 9635 turns out to be writer and author
by profession and has been a journalist, working as an on air newsreader
in Dublin and writing in the PR field for such famous companies as Ford
Mazda and Mitsubishi.
As a FISTS member he uses a 100-year-old GPO straight key that was ex-navy
which his Uncle, a career Naval Telegraphist gave VK4JAZ years ago.
Working mainly CW, Grant is interested in QRP.
Grant as a break from the Key, expect a call from QNEWS shortly! HiHi.
WWW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - HF PACK
CAVE EXPEDITION PERU 2004 - On The Air 2 July - 25 August.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLDTIMERS
http://www.raotc.org.au
SARL News report Paddy Lynn passed away at the age of 101 years!! He died
the 4th of May in Durban. Years ago he virtually ran the Telecoms in the
then Rhodesia and did a very good job. He had been to a number of places
and held the call signs ZD6JC, G3NLA, ZE1AA, Z21A and ZS5JSC during his
lifetime. Our condolences to his relatives and friends.
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
TeleText page 958
http://www.scouts.com.au/discover/index.html
http://www.scout.org/jota
JOTA HF Voice Calling Frequencies
3590, 7090, 14190, 21190, 28590 kHz
14290, 18140, 21360, 24960, 28390 kHz (DX)
7- 8 August 2004 sees the Asia-Pacific Regional Air-Internet Jamboree
Activities are keyboard chatting, web browsing, email, voice, video,
registration, electronic cards, and electronic participation certificates.
An exciting innovation is the Asia-Pacific Internet Jamboree voice chat
server where participants can speak live to a number of other Scouts
using a microphone and the computer's soundcard.
You will find the latest information at
http://api-jam.pramuka.or.id for the Air Jamboree and
http://apa-jam.pramuka.or.id for the Internet Jamboree.
This information will be constantly updated until the
Asia-Pacific Air-Internet Jamboree on the first weekend of August.
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
ENDS
KKK
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