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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL HEAR ALL WEEK
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Listen to QNEWS WORLDWIDE in MP3 Audio.
http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
NATIONAL NEWS
QUEENSLAND DIVISION SIGNS IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT
Last week we heard from the WIAQ President how the Queensland Council
members on 25 June resolved to sign the Implementation Agreement, the
agreement between the Divisions and the WIA, further giving effect to the
restructure of the WIA to a national organisation.
WIA President, Michael Owen, VK3KI sent the following message to the VK4
Division:
"I would like to congratulate WIAQ on being the first Division to take the
next step down the path of creating a single and truly national WIA, which
it did when its Council signed the Implementation Agreement and decided to
call a Special General Meeting to consider its recommendation as to the
future of the Division".
While a bad structure will seriously encourage failure, ultimately the WIA
will succeed or fail not because of a vastly better structure but because of
people. The dedicated volunteers who have run the Queensland Division will
continue to serve amateur radio in Queensland, but much more directly for
the new WIA.
The Council will still be there, but as the Queensland Advisory Committee,
to advise the Board, and will continue to be elected every three years. The
clubs must continue, and indeed that is my personal challenge, to consult
with and find better ways of working together with the clubs. The brilliant
resource of QNEWS will not disappear; it will become WIANEWS for the whole
of Australia.
I believe that we are all part of an exciting time as we all contribute to a new and
better and single WIA, where every member has the same vote as every other
member.
(Michael Owen VK3KI President The Wireless Institute of Australia 26/6/2004)
ACA NEWS
www.aca.gov.au
Amateur Licence Info Paper Updated.
A good reason why clubs groups etc should NOT download and repost ACA
material but link directly to the ACA site is that right now the
Amateur Licence Information Paper has been updated to include
information about high power transmissions for Amateur applicants
wishing to apply to use a transmitter power higher than that
permitted under the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur
Licence) Determination No. 1 of 1997.
The address of the updated paper can be found on the email and
internet editions of this broadcast.
http://www.aca.gov.au/aca_home/publications/reports/info/amateur.htm
(ACA via vk7wi)
The ACA's Outcomes of the Review of the Amateur Service Regulation
Has seen a 6-page response by WIA Victoria:
In it they say a major disappointment must be the Foundation Licence,
which as currently proposed by the ACA lacks attractiveness to a wide
range of people.
Lifting the restriction on modes, and increasing the power level for the
Foundation Licence as supported by the majority of submissions, will open
new horizons of experimentation for the entry level licence and strengthen
the amateur radio fraternity.
ACA's no interference policy has not been adequately explained.
Australia is to become the first to replace the code tests with a
practical test. WIA Victoria asks for a full explanation from the ACA
as to the relevance of requiring candidates for each grade of licence
to demonstrate a practical skill.
They also say ACA has not adequately explained its decision for a
three-tier licence structure instead of the two-tier - nor answered
other issues raised at its invitation during the inquiry.
(wiavic)
GENERAL INTEREST NEWS FROM 'DOWNUNDER'.
ABC radio last week carried a story about the South Australian / Northern
Territory Morse Codian Fraternity.
"Back to Morse Week - Reliving the Overland Telegraph
The opening of the Overland Telegraph in 1872 was in those days a
breakthrough in communication, much like what we've experienced in recent
years with the internet and electronic mail.
Before the 2,700 km Overland Telegraph was finished between Darwin and Port
Augusta, mail from overseas took 120 days to reach Australia. The use of
Morse Code and the new communication link reduced that time to 48 hours.
Each year members of the SA/NT Morse Codian Fraternity brush up on their
skills and bring out all the old equipment for Back to Morse Week. A
temporary telegraph station was set up at Adelaide's Myer City
Centre and telegrams exchanged between Adelaide, Darwin and the Old
Telegraph Station at Alice Springs.
The week ran Sunday June 20 until Saturday June 27.
(vk1kep)
BPL - AT THE WAR FRONT
On Thursday 24th June US President George W. Bush made a speech
entitled "High Tech Improving Economy, Health Care, Education".
To read the full transcript
(or to hear the audio) go to:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/06/20040624-7.html
An extract from it reads:
"They go everywhere. It seems to make sense, doesn't it, if what you're
looking for is avenues into the home. Well, electricity goes into the home.
And so one great opportunity is to spread broadband throughout America via
our power lines".
The ARRL has joined in the fight on behalf of Iowa amateur and ARRL
member. This, following complaints from Jim Spencer, W0SR, of Cedar
Rapids, that he has suffered severe Broadband Over Powerline
interference for more than two months.
According to the ARRL Letter, a formal complaint to FCC Enforcement
Bureau Chief David H. Solomon calls on the Commission to order
Alliant Energy's B-P-L field trial system to shut down. It also
demands that the agency fine the utility $10,000 for violating the
Communications Act of 1934 and FCC's Part 15 rules.
(VIA ARNewsLine)
FCC TURNING BLIND EYE IN BPL PROCEEDING, ARRL CHARGES
The ARRL says the FCC apparently has already made up its mind about
broadband over power line (BPL) and "wants no bad news" about the
technology.
Again asking the FCC to put the proceeding on hold for a year, the League
recommended that the Commission in the meantime require BPL providers to
conduct FCC-monitored interference testing with all stakeholders.
To date, the ARRL contended, the FCC has seemingly ignored the League's
BPL technical studies as well as the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA) Phase 1 BPL study that clearly
demonstrate BPL's interference potential.
(sourced to arrl letter)
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
This weekend sees the Wilderness Rescue Navigation Shield, being held out
the back of Muswellbrook, in the Goulburn River National Park. In a new
initiative, HF will be used on the usual WICEN frequencies of 3.600MHz
and 7.075MHz with VK2WIT as Net Control, and WICEN members around the state
are encouraged to check in should they hear us. It would be appreciated if
these frequencies could be left clear for WICEN operations.
There is a new event upon the WICEN calendar. WICEN has again been
asked to provide safety communications for the Yengo Horse Enduro, to be
held on Sunday 8th August, at Colo Heights. The event starts at 6am, and
runs till mid afternoon, although many checkpoints operate only in the
morning. If you are available to help with this event, please contact the
WICEN duty operator by email at "operations@nsw.wicen.org.au" or telephone
04 0839 7217.
Note this would seem to be the same date as the VK2 Hawkesbury Bridge to
Bridge event.
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
16th World Balloon Championships
WICEN Victoria in conjunction with the SUNRAYSIA Radio Group has been
Actively in the communications for the 16th World Balloon Championships
At Mildura. Of particular interest is that Portable Packet Radio facilities
for Digi-peating were utilised extensively.
20 WICEN approved operators both permanent and casual assisted with
communications, relaying scores from target measuring teams in the field
to the score team at control.
Over 100 balloons competed from 36 countries, and the facilities of WICEN
Amateur Radio operators were used extensively, under the guidance of
Ron VK3ECV and Marlene VK3JAW, together with daughter Cate who is no
stranger to a microphone. Cate is studying for her Novice Amateur Licence,
and celebrated her 18th birthday during the Championships.
WICEN VK4
A regular net exists Sunday mornings 7.075 at 0830k.
(State Coordinator, Ewan McLeod VK4ERM)
Early advice here.. WICEN's first 205 event in Queensland will be the
Quoll Adventure Race - May Long Weekend 2005. Although nothing else
Is planned from Jan 2005 until May, what with the "curly wind season" in
VK4 usually kicking of the year, don't get complacent!
WICEN VK7
http://wicen.taswireless.net/
Roger Nichols VK7XRN WICEN Co-ordinator South has in early development
a handy way of posting and sourcing current information on the new VK7 site
of http://wicen.taswireless.net/
Additionally it gives WICEN in VK7 a place to post photos of WICEN events
ETC.
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK1
http://www.wia.org.au/vk1
President is Alan Hawes alan@wic.net.au
VK1 DIVISION CHANGES ITS NAME
At last Tuesdays general meeting those in attendance agreed that
Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club would be an appropriate name
for the new club. To comply with legislation they have to apply
to the Registrar Generals Office to change name and amend
constitution to reflect the name change.
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
Chris VK2QV President
The weekly program 'Q5' has hit Sydney.
The Manly-Warringah Radio Society now conducts this weekly Educational
Broadcast on VK2RMB 146.875 Tuesday evenings at 8pm local.
The audio for each broadcast comes from Ron Bertrand VK2DQ, who is well
known for his Radio Electronics School web site, and for his television
lectures transmitted by the Gladesville Amateur Radio Club.
"Q5, the On-Air Source of Educational Material for Radio Amateurs" is
put together in conjunction with the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Club.
So Tuesdays 8pm 146.875 MHz.
(sourced to vk2wi news)
July 17
Westlakes Mini Field Day the third Saturday in July so start earmarking
those donations towards the Auction.
VK3
PRESIDENT JIM LINTON
http://www.wiavic.org.au
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
July 8 NERG Meeting
July 16 EMDRC Coffee Shop
July 17 Gippsland Gate R&E Club Hamfest - Cranbourne Hall
Central Goldfields ARC and Midland ARC will be activating VI3JA from the
08/07/04 to 08/08/04 for the 150 year expo of the naming of the Township of
Maryborough Victoria. The Clubs will operating from the Maryborough Golf and
Bowls Club on 10th 10am to 10pm ast and 11th July 10am to 6pm. At other time
during this time host stations will use VI3JA on 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
(Allan VK3PA www.cgfar.com)
July 17th Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Clubs Hamfest
at the Cranbourne Public Hall High & Clarendon Streets, Cranbourne.
VK4
PRESIDENT VK4ERM EWAN McLEOD
http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
WIA President to visit Townsville for club meeting Tuesday 17th August,
an evening meeting.
Wednesday August 18 again an evening meeting in Rockhampton organized by the
Rockhampton and District Amateur Radio Club.
Friday 20 August a Presidents Lunch to which all Club Presidents are invited
organized by the WIAQ Council. Contact WIAQ Secretary for venue details.
Saturday 21 August an afternoon meeting at the Gold Coast ARS for all local
area clubs and groups
Sunday 22 August a morning meeting called by the WIAQ Council to consider
2 motions about the wind-up of the WIAQ and moving into the national WIA.
VK5
http://www.wia.org.au/vk5
Barossa Amateur Radio Club
Regular club meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Meeting
at the St. Petri Lutheran Church Hall corner of First and Second Streets,
Nuriootpa.
Arrival time from 7:30pm, meetings start at 8:00pm.
On air; Barossa club 146.825 and 438.425 MHz.
VK7
PRESIDENT:- Phil Corby (VK7ZAX)
http://www.wia.org.au/vk7
A new repeater relay system on 146.850 is now fully operational and
working well, using a commercial scanning receiver supplied by Brian,
VK7BW.
It continuously scans the output of three 70cm repeaters, VK7RBH in
Launceston, VK7RIN on Barren Tier and VK7RTC on Mt Nelson (as well as
the 6M repeater when it is operational) and relays their output on
146.850 therefore making it possible to monitor all four repeaters on
a single frequency or to monitor your own input signal to any of
these repeaters.
(vk7wi)
VK8
http://www.wia.org.au/vk5
VK8DA and the Darwin Amateur Radio Club meet on the 1st Monday of every month
at 8pm sharp. Their Club / Visitor Open Nights at 7:30 each Wednesday evening
at the club room in Sports House, Waratah Crescent FANNIE BAY.
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
To our Tassie Devils listening today who feel a lil 'nautical', Barry VK7TBM
advises Coast Radio Hobart is conducting a Marine Radio Operators
Certificate of Proficiency course for those interested in becoming voluntary
base station radio operators.
Upon completing the course participants will be qualified to operate
on-board HF and VHF marine radio equipment.
The course, conducted by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania will be held at
the Wireless Institute of Australia Southern Branch clubrooms at Hobart
Radio's old building on the Domain.
For further particulars call Barry on Mobile 04 1758 1789.
Thursday 1st of July AND Friday 2nd, Harrogate Ladies' College
Amateur Radio Club ran a special 24-hour station using the callsign
GB-100-HLC. This to celebrate 100 years since the foundation of
the school on its present site and also the fact that the 100th
licensed YL amateur trained at the school is a current member of
the amateur radio club.
(gb2rs)
INTERNATIONAL
A New Amateur Satellite is Launched
At 0630UTC on the 28th of June the AMSAT Echo amateur radio satellite was
successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Telemetry
from the satellite can be received on 435.150MHz FM. The 10-inch-square
microsat, equipped with a transmitter capable of up to 7 watts output, will
allow voice communications using handheld FM transceivers. However, AMSAT
requests that amateurs do not transmit to Echo until checkout and commissioning
has been completed and the satellite is made available for general use.
Checkout website http://www.uk.amsat.org/
(Trevor m5aka)
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
Problems with the local authorities in your area re tower heights?
Well one VK'er had such problems recently, the shire "do gooders"
arrived, tape measures and digital photographic gear in abundance.
Our thoughtful ham, after being told to "pull it down", walked the
Authorities over the property and quietly said " well if I am to pull
this one tower down, I will need to erect SEVENTEEN legal 10 metre poles
over the yard to get the same deal...
Council Replied: Oh that would be ugly and we would get complaints....
How about we let sleeping dogs lie..."
Chalk up one for the "good guys".
QNEWS - QUEENSLAND (VK4) AREA NEWS
----------------------------------------------------------------
WIA Queensland Tel:3221 9377
PO Box 199 Wavell Heights, Qld 4012
Contact WIAQ by HF Radio 3.605 Mondays 7:30pm after QNEWS
Web Page http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
WIAQ President president@wiaq.powerup.com.au
Federal Councillor fedcounc@wiaq.powerup.com.au
Secretary secretary@wiaq.powerup.com.au
QSL Bureau wiaqqsl@powerup.com.au
QNEWS newsroom qnews@wia.org.au
QTC Magazine qtc@wiaq.powerup.com.au
QTAC qtac@yahoogroups.com
VK4 SILENT KEYS @ 2004 - 2005 WIAQ COUNCIL YEAR
VK4TVT Vit Tadrowski April (last Council year) advised by vk4vrd
VK4WD Will Dodd June 25th (advised by vk4acw)
-------------------
Will Dodd VK4WD passed away on Friday the 25th of June following
complications after heart surgery.
One of his last comments on the eve of the operation was to apologise for
not being able to rebroadcast QNEWS the following Sunday.
Will was active in Amateur Radio since the 1930's and remained so until a
couple of weeks before his passing.
He served as a lieutenant in the AIF during the war after which he moved to
the technical side of broadcasting and worked for several radio stations
until his retirement.
Will will be sadly missed by his family and friends .
WIAQ COUNCIL NEWS:-
Michael Owen Visit to Queensland Clubs AUGUST 2004
Purpose of visit is threefold.
1/ To speak about the hopes and aspirations of the national WIA and to seek
input into the development of the national WIA from clubs and members.
2/ to participate in a Special Meeting of the WIAQ called for 22 August
at the Pine Rivers Memorial Bowls Club.
3/ to obtain support for the special motions
With regard a note sent by Secretary Ken to some clubs and groups through the
week, He'd like to speak about decisions and answer any questions during
the period leading up to the August 22 Bray Park meeting.
The Question is what to do with the present Division now we have a national
body and Federal ideals no longer apply?
Does the Division stay in existence and become a new state organisation?
Does the Division become something like a big amateur radio club.?
Your Queensland Council of the Wireless Institute has opted for winding up
the Division.
To vote members can either attend the Aug 22 meeting or submit a proxy vote.
So give the Secretary a call if there is an interest in one of the council
attending your meeting with the purpose of explaining answering questions.
At the special general meeting to be held on Sunday the 22nd of August 2004
the following resolutions, read here by Peter Harding are to be presented.
'That the Wireless Institute of Australia Queensland Division be wound up
in accordance with the provisions of part 10 of the Association
Incorporation act 1981 and any other applicable legislation and if
resolution one is duly passed, then that before the winding up of the
Wireless Institute of Australia Queensland Division and after the
satisfaction of all outstanding liabilities of the division, the surplus
assets of the division shall be transferred to the Wireless Institute of
Australia, ACN 004 920 745, a company limited by guarantee and having
objects similar to the objects of the division and having a constitution
that prohibits the distribution of it's income and assets to it's members.'
All members are encouraged to attend
When planning the visit to Brisbane for the WIAQ special meeting August 22
Michael Owen, President of the WIA explained to QNEWS,
"The new structure of the WIA places much more emphasis on communication
directly with members than could be achieved with the now discarded Federal
arrangements, and Clubs form a very important direct link with the body of
Amateur Radio".
"I come to these discussions with an open mind to the new opportunities
before us within the new national WIA organizational arrangements and look
forward to Informative discussions with Queensland Amateurs during my visit".
CLUB ACTIVITY IN DETAIL WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
WHISPERS ON THE ETHER:
Atherton region -
Refurbishment of Club Rooms going well and their 2004 AGM 11 Sept
Will be at Mareeba Military Museum, a BBQ and guided tour included.
Central Highlands region -
AGM Bookings now being taken - contact Gordon VK4KAL now !
Townsville region -
Townsville IRLP Node 6444 under on-air test
WIA President to visit Townsville for club meeting Tuesday 17th August
also visiting Rockhampton 18th August
Ann Renton Memorial Ladies Net - July 12th at 7pm
Next Scramble is July 27th with leader Lorne / VK4TLB
BUNDABERG
The Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club has had a very busy week with a very well
attended Quarterly Meeting held on the 19th with several technical items of
interest in a "show and tell" by club members, and a white elephant sale with
members taking home lots of goodies at fantastic prices. This was followed
with a family night out on the 25th at Sizzlers for about twenty plus of em
at which they met and welcomed several new amateurs to the district.
The Bundaberg and Hervey Bay Clubs are having a strictly social [no working
bee] barbeque at the repeater site on Mount Goonanaman on Sunday 25 th July
and all members from both Clubs are asked to attend---The two Clubs will be
providing all the food with tea and coffee so all you have to bring is a
folding chair or stool. The meeting place will be the gate at the bottom of
the mountain at 10 AM. This is a good opportunity for all those members who
have never been to the site to inspect the gear and marvel at the work done
by those dedicated operators of thirty five years ago who carried the
concrete blocks --bags of cement and gravel---Towers and gear up there as
well as the few operators of today who do the maintenance so you can enjoy
your hobby on VHF.
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
IRLP 6741 VK4RDY
Central Highlands AGM again at the Q'land Education Camp Fairbairn,
on Lake Maraboon, south of Emerald, the w/end of 17th to 19th September.
Contact Gordon VK4KAL on 4985 4168
GLADSTONE AR CLUB "Radio_Active".
President Wayne VK4ZRT, vk4zrt@wia.org.au
Gladstone ARC held it AGM in early June with the same executive
Returned, Wayne ZRT President, Rob TWR Secretary, and Ron AGS
Treasurer.
The work upgrading repeaters utilising the WIA Grant is continuing
with pleasing results so far.
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
http://www.goldcoastamateurradio.com
VK4KTX joins us with some Gold Coast activity.
The statement that "Families who play together stay together " was ably
demonstrated by the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Club, Inc,.,
when members from 16-82 yrs of age aided by several lady members made a
huge success of the clean up day at their clubrooms 85 Harper Street Nerang.
A luncheon B.B.Q was enjoyed midday which aided the willing workers well
into late afternoon .
The Education Department will be commencing C.W update class on 2
metres 146950 as soon as names reach a worthwhile number and AOCP.
classes at the Clubrooms will commence shortly, tutored by our Gold Coast
tutor Ron Bertrand VK2DQ.Please convey your interest to our Education
Officer Kath at 5539 3530 as soon as possible.
The Gold Coast club are moving ahead with plans for the forthcoming
HAMFEST on 13th November at the same venue as previous years and any
expressions of interest will be welcomed by the committee and our
Secretary .The Club rooms are open every Saturday approximately 1PM to
greet members and many visitors who frequent the Gold Coast for
friendly chats ,and to use the well equipped Kitchen , Workshop , Radio room
or just watch the games on our newly installed Television. Call in at the
Gold Coast Club where you will receive a real welcome.
MACKAY
irlp node 6450
The Mackay Amateur Radio Association will be having a monthly meeting and
executive meeting on Wednesday the 14th July at 7.30 PM at the State
Emergency Service building at Cemetery Road, Mackay. Please bring a chair.
Members and visitors are welcome to come.
(Bruce Lenahan)
TOWNSVILLE
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
(QNEWS NQ CORRESPONDANT VK4ZZ GAVIN REPORTS WEEKLY)
All TARC Meetings are held at the Club Rooms, SES HQ
Green Street West End - All welcome !
TARC Management Meeting Tue 6th July start 7-30pm
Amateur Radio Hour 4TTT-FM Wed 7th July 7 to 8pm
TARC WIA Exams Session - Saturday 10th July from 1pm
FNNQARG King Reef Resort Kurrimine Beach - June 2005
An invitation exists for all to tune the North Queensland Net
throughout Queensland and PNG from 7-30pm Sundays on
3605.4 kHz and in Townsville/Thuringowa 8pm Sundays on
146.700 MHz
WIA National President to visit the 17th August.
Michael Owen VK3KI hopes to meet as many people from the region
as possible, from Mackay, through Mt Isa and Cairns and points
in between.
Be there and be informed !
(Gavin/VK4ZZ)
Townsville Scramble June results
Scramble happened again in Townsville on Tuesday evening June 22nd with
lots of fun had by all.
Techniques included sitting on a frequency and calling CQ,
tuning around to make contact and using the buddy system to ensure a
contact.
First time scrambler Lorne/VK4TLB won the June event and will be
the Scramble Leader for the next Townsville VHF Scramble to be held
Tuesday evening July 27th.
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
"There are many reasons that keen experimenters in the world of VHF and UHF
will want to be at the Brisbane VHF Group's 'Antenna Day' on 25 July. The
Group invites you all to this practical testing opportunity where you can
bring along antennas and feedlines for measurement and evaluation.
"Bands for which testing equipment and services will be available are 2
metres, 70 centimetres, 23 centimetres, and 12 centimetres or 2.4
GHz. Providing testing for 2.4 GHz means that people experimenting with
wireless data networks on this frequency can also bring along their antenna
experiments for evaluation.
"It won't matter if what you want to test is home made or commercially
sourced, nor whether it is small or big. The Group is providing the
opportunity for tests of antenna gain as well as VSWR and return
loss. Also, feedlines can be tested for feedline loss at your desired
frequency, and transmitter output power will also be able to be tested.
"The 'Antenna Day' will be on Sunday the 25th of July in the grounds of the
Mayfield State School, off Florence and Corfield Streets in Camp Hill,
Brisbane. Start around 10:00 am. As last year, refreshments will be
available (courtesy of the School's P&C organisation).
"This promises to be a fascinating day, a day for those who love to
experiment with antennas, and a day for those who are prepared to become
inspired about what they would like to do but haven't yet 'taken the plunge'!
"We look forward to you being there!"
Thanks immensely!
Doug Friend, VK4OE,
BVHFG President.
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- WICEN
King and Queen of the River Swim Report
Fantastic winter tropical weather, a bumper field of 38 swimmers
plus a dedicated yet relaxed team of WICEN operators made the
2004 King and Queen of the River Swim not only a success but
also an enjoyable event!
Operators worked under the guidance of Steve VK4JUS.
Lucky Steve got to go maritime mobile and help with competitor spotting.
146.550MHz was used to carry out logistic communications support
which included transport and competitor location, the start of the event,
a running tally of competitors to ensure no one was lost and all were safe
and announcing the successful arrival of each competitor at the finish line.
Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim
Saturday 21st August 2004
It's the 50th anniversary of this peak event in marathon swimming
and even though planning is at an early stage the event is
promising to be more monstrous than a TARC monster auction !
If you are interested in playing portable radios in a healthy
environment, contact Steve/VK4JUS on 4772 3767 today !
If your listening to QNEWS on the VK4RBN 147 repeater we need your help.
Ted as the guru of call-backs runs a team who monthly take the call-backs
then pass them to QNEWS.
BUT Ted is in need of a couple of additional 'helpers'.
Please let Ted know during the callbacks, or email qnews@wia.org.au
If you can help. Also whilst at it, Peter our long time 30 meter operator
Has never had offer of help in actually retransmitting on Ten Megs.
Again if you can help here, email qnews@wia.org.au or let VK4PJ know on the
30 meter checkins.
Listen to OPERATIONAL NEWS on QNEWS in MP3 Audio.
Today's operational segment (Audio segment three) comes to us from Melbourne
with Chris VK3CE, Robert VK3KBR and special guest Bruce VK3JWZ.
The "160M Pacific DX Contest", is to get a face lift!
Bruce Renn VK3JWZ tells me the New Contest will be known as the
160M VK/ trans-Tasman Contest and will air SAT 17th JULY using the
same Rules as the 80M VK/ trans-Tasman Contest (held May - June).
A separate trophy and Certificates will be awarded in the 160M Contest,
with Phone and CW Categories on the same night.
Bruce hopes the "Limited Licensees" will be eager to try something totally
new for them, on 80M AND 160M.
The Contest Rules have been refined each year, primarily in an effort
to include scoring compensators that make it fair to all, regardless
of location or timezone.
The top ten "phone" logs, last year, were about as close as you can
get, - and about half VK/half ZL.
Each year, feedback has shown that it was not only the best Contest
in the Region, but also the most fun.
The Contest relies to an extent, on bonus points earned for
working "groups of Call-areas", in any one hour. For this reason
more participation is needed from these call-areas, in particular:
VK0 through 9 and ZL3, ZL6.
What more can I say ? - The survival of this Contests depends on
the level of your participation. So give it a go, and send your
Logs !
http://home.iprimus.com.au/vktasman
(Bruce Renn, VK3JWZ)
SPECIAL EVENTS
THURSDAY IT STARTS THE VI3 GOLDRUSH!
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
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
A fluid that doesn't make things wet.
Coming soon to fire suppression systems and re extinguishers near you will
be a fluid that doesn't make things wet.
The 3M company has developed "Novec 1230", a uorinated ketone with a chemical
structure of six carbon molecules that looks like water and is said to have
an "ideal balance of performance, toxicological and environmental
properties." Paper is not made wet by it, and "Novec 1230" can be sprayed
over electrical equipment, indeed they can be immersed in it, and remain
running and functional.
Guess what? The computer over-clocking community has already begun thinking
about whether it has good heat absorption qualities, with a view to running
computers immersed in it.
DX EDGE, and NET ADVICE
North Queensland Net throughout VK4 and PNG happens from 7-30 pm Sundays on -
HF: 3605.4kHz
and in Townsville/Thuringowa 8pm Sundays up high on 146.700 MHz / 438.225
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
ENFORCEMENT: RESTAURANT FINED $10,000 FOR USING 2 METERS
Remember the case of Best Wok? The New Jersey restaurant that was warned by
the FCC to stop using an illegal high power 2 meter cordless telephone to
coordinate deliveries but which continued to do so anyhow?
Well, that decision by the store manager is going to cost the company
$10,000. That's the amount of the fine that the FCC has levied against
Best Work for transmitting on 145.8376 MHz without Commission authorization.
The restaurant was given the customary 30 days 'pay up' or to file an appeal.
(FCC via ARNewsLine)
The FCC has issued a $10,000 Notice of Apparent Liability to Monetary
Forfeiture -- that's a fancy way of saying a fine -- to Jack
Gerritsen, the at least temporarily former KG6IRO. This, for
operating a radio station in the Amateur Radio Service without the
authorization from the FCC to do so.
As usual, Gerritsen was given the customary 30 days to pay up or to file an
appeal. Amateur Radio Newslines Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los Angeles says
word is that Gerritsen has responded to the FCC with a demand that
the agency rescind the fine. He reportedly claims that his license
granted on November 14th 2001 has not been terminated, revoked or in
any way modified to prevent him from being on the air.
(FCC via ARNewsLine)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
In VK4 Bundaberg Club members, at their quarterly meeting, voted on the
committee's reluctant proposal to take the Clubs Packet digipeater VK4RBU
144.900 at Mount Goonanaman off line. The repeater has not being used now
for quite a few months and local interest is non existent. This will also
include the Local Area Network System VK4CAB on 147.575.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
ISS Crew Pleases Field Day Crowd with Ham Radio "First"
For the first time, an astronaut and a cosmonaut were on the air
simultaneously from the International Space Station during Field Day
2004 as NA1SS, and RS 0 ISS.
Between them, they racked up more than five dozen QSOs.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- Internet Linking of Repeaters
First IRLP node in EI
IRLP differs from EchoLink in that IRLP doesn't allow users interface
with the system using a computer.
Each node on the IRLP network has a unique four-digit number, which the
user can dial using DTMF tones to connect to another node on the system,
users simply select the frequency of their local node and dial the number
of the node to which they want to connect and the local node transmits a
message stating if the node is connecting or already connected to
another node.
There are 1400 nodes in different parts of the world and a list nodes and
reflectors and any other information regarding IRLP can be obtained from
www.irlp.net
As we said the first IRLP node in EI came on air on Monday the 21st of
June, set up by the South Eastern Amateur Radio Group and operates on
a trial basis from the QTH of John EI8JA in Waterford city.
The node number is 5883.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLDTIMERS
First Monday of the Month.
10AM - Melbourne time all year ie. 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
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- STAMP COLLECTING OPERATORS
AMSAT-UK Announces 'Notable Event' Stamp Competition
Entries are invited for the AMSAT-UK
'Notable Event' Competition, the aim of which is to get ideas
from the international amateur radio satellite community for a
series of special-issue stamps to be released by the Royal Mail.
Entries must include a graphic which should be either an original
design, a picture or a photograph, and should either be in the
public domain, or one that the copyright owner is likely to give
permission for publication. The closing date for entries is
midnight on the 31st of July.
CONTEST DATES
May
.8- Until August 8 Six Meter Marathon WW on the Magic Band **
July
..-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
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.
SEPTEMBER 25 - OCTOBER 16
VK9L, LORD HOWE ISLAND. Bill, VK4FW, announces activity will be on all
HF bands CW/SSB/RTTY and 6 meters. For more details, visit:-
http://www.odxg.org
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
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.
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
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
Aug 17 Michael Owen Visit to Townsville ARC
Aug 18 Michael Owen Visit to Rockhampton ARC
Aug 21 Michael Owen Visit to Gold Coast Radio Club(s) 1300hrs.
Aug 22 WIA Special General Meeting Pine Rivers Memorial Bowls Club
corner of Francis and Sparkes Road Bray Park.
WIAQ Members are requested to arrive at the venue no later than
10am to allow registration and confirmation of membership status
allowing a meeting start promptly at 10.30am. Proxy forms must be
received by the Secretary no later than 30 minutes before the
start of the meeting.
Proxy Forms may be posted to the Secretary WIAQ
Please contact the Secretary for further information
Ken Fuller VK4KF
04 2764 1100
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.
Nov 13 Gold Coast Ham Fest
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 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
--------------------------
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