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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
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Packet uploads with thanks to
vk4zz Gavin, vk7ax Tony, zl2bau Peter, zl2tze Phillip
QNEWS 24/7 with the following bulletin in Audio Segment 1
when you visit the QNEWS NEWSROOM on www.wia.org.au/vk4
QNEWS available in Audio after 1400hrs UTC Friday.
NATIONAL NEWS
On 17 June 2004 the WIA Board published a statement in response to the ACA
paper "Outcomes of the Review of Amateur Service Regulation".
In it, the Board decided to advocate the removal of the 14 MHz band
from the proposed standard (novice) licence privileges.
This decision, broadcast here and printed on various web sites caused
considerable comment, both in favour of and against the proposal. The
comments are appreciated, and helpful.
The Board has accordingly reviewed that decision, having regard to the
various comments it has received.
Accordingly, the Board has decided to accept the ACA position which provides
14 MHz band privileges for the standard (novice) licensee.
We suggest you continue to monitor the WIA National website, wia.org.au for
Ongoing news and information and to read in depth further statements by the
WIA in regard the ACA review.
The extent of the differentiation between the standard and advanced
licence still remains a matter of concern to the Board.
But in light of the ACA position, the Board does not consider it either
Useful or appropriate to seek to reopen the basic policy issues, though it is
confident that it will have adequate opportunity to make submissions on the
many very important implementation issues and the issues left open in the
Outcomes paper.
At the same time the Board will lodge a further and expanded application for
spot frequencies around 5 MHz, building on the application initially lodged
last February by the Council of the Victorian Division. The Board believes
that given a strong proposal from the WIA this suggestion will be seriously
considered by the ACA.
In addition, the allocation of a LF band, as in New Zealand, is also being
pursued, and other privileges may from time to time be identified for the
advanced licensee, furthering the differentiation.
As it said previously, the Board is confident that it will have the
opportunity to address these issues in an ongoing process of consultation
with the ACA as part of the process of preparing a new LCD and generally
addressing the detail of the implementation of the restructure.
ACT DIVISION SIGNS IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT
On 28 June, just 3 days after Queensland, the VK1 Division signed the
Implementation Agreement.
The ACT Division will continue as a radio club, under a different name,
and so the Division has decided to change its name to the "Canberra
Region Amateur Radio Club" and is now working on putting in place the
formalities for that to happen.
CRARC has set a $20 fee for membership, and is encouraging its members
to be both members of the WIA and the new club.
Also great news in from the West, Michael Owen President has told us
the council of the WA Division have resolved to sign the
Implementation Agreement, the next step in the restructure of the WIA.
July 6 meeting in VK6 saw WIA Director Ewan McLeod VK4ERM in attendance.
"audio grab"
Hello Everyone,
On the evening of Tuesday the 6th of July I
attended the Council Meeting of the VK6
Division in Perth at the invitation of Neil
Penfold VK6NE.
It was an interesting and informative meeting
with many parallels between VK6 and VK4 in
their progress toward the National WIA. I was
grateful for the opportunity to describe the
processes the VK4 council have been going
through and how in most cases those
processes are the same or similar, to those
being conducted in VK6.
The meeting decided to hold their Special
Meeting on Saturday the 21st of August, the
day before the VK4 meeting.
Part way through the meeting it was
adjourned for a tea and coffee break when I
enjoyed pleasant discussions with individual
council members. My thanks to all present at
the meeting for making me welcome".
GENERAL INTEREST NEWS FROM 'DOWNUNDER'.
Last week we made mention of the Amateur V Local Council and how he was
Going to erect 17 legal towers instead of one illegal tower so said council
Appear to have told him they will turn a blind eye.
Well in Westlakes area of VK2 seems in the Wyong Shire local bureaucracy
Allow one tower/aerial, end of story!
A Satellite dish is not affected by this rule but if this approach spreads
it will affect you!
Westlakes ARC no doubt will be seeking the WIA and possibly your support
to resolve this issue.
We thank EDINA OLIVES for bringing this story to our attention.
DIGGING HOLES A THING OF THE PAST.
Radar waves move slower in wetter soil and faster in drier soils,
giving an estimate of soil water content and hence soil texture.
A receiver detects these signals after ground-penetrating radar beams
return through the soil layers.
These radio waves are also reflected by the boundary between topsoil
and subsoil, allowing surveyors to map soil depth without digging holes.
Agricultural engineers are turning more and more to GPR, Ground Penetrating
Radar to map the depth of say clay pans under former land where yield was
correlated to soil depth. Instead of digging for "the right spot" GPR
now leads the way.
Amateur Radio "Home Of The Good Guys".
The following was heard on the Kestrel Net on 3.6 at 08:00
It seems VK4EW Lance, fast approaching an age of 3 figures, needed
Help with antenna 'farming', a Newbridge Amateur Radio Group
member Tom VK4HTM has come to Lances rescue proving again that
the good spirit of Amateur Radio is alive and well!
(vk2uw)
BPL - AT THE WAR FRONT
UTILITY CUTS SHORT BPL TRIAL THAT WAS TARGET OF AMATEUR COMPLAINTS
Alliant Energy has called an early end to its broadband over power line
(BPL) pilot project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The "evaluation system" went
live March 30, and plans called for keeping it active until August or
September. Alliant shut it down June 25. Ongoing, unresolved HF
interference from the system to retired engineer Jim Spencer, W0SR, and
other amateurs prompted the ARRL to file a complaint to the FCC on
Spencer's behalf demanding it be shut down and the utility fined.
Unfortunately here in VK we learn this week that large In-building BPL
networks have been given ACA Approval
Phil Wait one of our WIA Directors says it's been reported in
`Communications Day' that SkyNetGlobal claim to have gained approval from
the ACA for their in-building powerline communications networks.
The company currently has exclusive powerline access agreements
with 51 buildings covering more than 10,000 residences. With the ACA
permission, their plan is to achieve national coverage of 500 buildings over
the next 24 months covering approximately 100,000 apartments.
AMSAT notes that BPL is almost certain to have impact beyond the frequencies
it actually utilises. This is true because of two phenomena implicit
in radio.
One of these is the generation harmonics and another is mixing products.
The full text of all of AMSAT's FCC filings can be found at
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/amsat-na/filings/
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
WIA WICEN CHAIRMAN IS VK3ZRV
Two Australians from the Hay district in south-western New South Wales have
been rescued and are in the care of the French Navy after several
treacherous days on the high seas between Chile and the Marquesis Islands.
The voyage was taking longer than expected and John had run out of critical
medication.
They radioed for help and a Greek container ship rushed to the scene
but collided with the yacht which then saw Johns wife suffer a broken hip!
For three days, the couple was forced to drift at sea, as the French Navy
headed for them. Amateur radio operators in several countries helped liaise
with the couple, their relatives in New South Wales, and the French Navy.
(vk2wi)
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.)
The electronic version of the WICEN autumn newsletter is now available,
and will soon be available on the website. In the meantime, we have
created a new mailing list called WICEN News, specifically for sending out
the newsletter. Posting to this list is restricted to the newsletter editor
and his assistants and it will only be used for sending out newsletters and
similar material.
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
Over the weekend of 13th and 14th June, the annual Mallee Rally was held at
Lake Tyrrell, Sea Lake. 20 WICEN operators made the journey to Sea Lake,
several from Ballarat, Bendigo and regional centres, and Melbourne. The
event is held in quite an inhospitable location, open, dry, wind swept, and
WICEN operators being always fully prepared had no major problems.
Radio operations were conducted mainly on WICEN VHF frequencies as the
terrain was mainly flat. Packet Radio on 70 centimetres was also
successfully utilised and the event co-ordinators were amazed at the speed
and accuracy of the results obtained.
The WICEN Victoria trailer with its heavy duty portable crank up 15 metre
mast was again put in service with excellent results. This meant that the
WICEN operators stationed at approx 7 kilometre intervals around the lake
could be assured their VHF signals reached the main base station at very
good levels.
WICEN VK7
http://wicen.taswireless.net/
WICEN South's contribution to this year's Subaru Tasmanian Safari
brought multiple thanks from the organisers, commenting on WICEN's
reliability and professionalism over many years.
Over 30 radios, excluding backups, were used. 3 VHF repeaters with 2
UHF links were deployed.
Technically, the exercise went without a hitch during the event.
This year, over two thousand messages were passed by WICEN, between
eighteen locations, over the two days. The messages included more
than sixteen thousand numerals, transcribed on receipt onto almost
two thousand slips of paper. ----
A project over the next twelve months is to remove the paper from the
process!!!
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
New York City Amateur Radio Emergency Service members displayed their
Colours and showed the public what a valuable resource they have in
Amateur Radio during a Flag Day celebration held June 12-14 on
Ellis Island--within view of the Statue of Liberty.
An Amateur Radio booth was open daily to inform visitors about the many
services Amateur Radio has to offer.
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
Chris VK2QV President
July 17
Westlakes Mini Field Day the third Saturday in July so start earmarking
those donations towards the Auction.
JULY 17
Frank VK2ZL informs us that the Morscodians will be active July 17 at
Mudgee's Country Festival and also at Gunnedah during that towns
Agricultural weekend August 17/18/19.
Frank will join 4 other Morscodians at Mudgee on the 17th while 6 Morscodians
will be at Gunnedah.
August
8 SARCFEST Richmond Hill.
8 Twin Cities Radio and Electronics Club Riverina Field Day
Murray High School Kaitlers road and Kemp Street Lavington.
Opening time 10 am.
There are a number of reasonable motels located nearby and
In Albury/Wodonga.
On Saturday evening some of the club members will be having an
Informal dinner at the Albury Commercial Club Bistro.
VK3
PRESIDENT JIM LINTON
http://www.wiavic.org.au
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
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.
July 17th Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Clubs Hamfest
at the Cranbourne Public Hall High & Clarendon Streets, Cranbourne.
Accolades the Eastern Zone Club team for putting on yet another excellent
Gippstech program. Goodwords even sent to QNEWS!
Seems by all accounts the overall result was both professional and
informative.
And if your STILL not sure about attending, an unsolicited comment by a
VK2er..
"I want to encourage more operators outside VK3 to get to Gippstech next
year, those of us who make the journey can attest to its quality. It
provides a great reassurance that real ham radio is still alive and kicking."
Mark down the second weekend in July 2005, Sat 9th, Sun 10th for next year.
DO IT NOW.
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
Trevor Quick is still chasing club details for this years call book.
He has received club info from AREG, AHARS and ELiz ARC so if you as
a club wishing to have information in the call book then yell for
Trevor Quick!
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
PRESENTED BY VK4CO RONNEE MEACHEN.
Become a Ham with the course started by VK2DQ Ron Bertrand by browsing to
http://www.radioelectronicschool.com
The president of the WIA, Michael Owen VK3KI has received a letter from
the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
inviting participation by the amateur service in the Electro technology
Secondary Student Awards program.
The WIA board is very keen to involve the amateur service in the ongoing
program to encourage young people towards a career in electronics and
communications.
Information is available at http://www.electrotecfutures.com.au/
Over the coming weeks the WIA board will be announcing several new
initiative connected to this ongoing program.
If you are interested in the Student Award Program please connect
Mr Roger Kettle at rogerk@neca.asn.au
New Zealand:-
ZL1AN Honoured for Educational Work, Dr. Gary Bold, is a physics lecturer
and has been awarded the NZ Prime Ministers Supreme Prize based in part
on his 43 years of dedication to teaching.
He has also devised and revised experiments and designed the curriculum
for many courses. A dedicated C-W enthusiast, in his spare time he writes
the NZART Break-In Magazine column "The Morseman."
(AR NewsLine)
INTERNATIONAL BEAT
SOMALI
Our good friend Sam Voron tells us that 2 Somali ham stations are now on air.
The Radio Daljir amateur radio club station is on 1.8, 3.5, 7, 18 and 50MHz.
The Radio Galkayo amateur radio club station on 14.285, 21.295 and 28.475 MHz.
Sam is more often than not on 14.285MHz.
Listen for SIX OSCAR ZERO ALFA from 0345 to 0400UTC on 14.285MHz.
Both stations are in Galkayo 700km north of Mogadishu.
Actor and radio amateur Marlon Brando is a Silent Key
Known to hams world-wide as KE6PZH and FO5GJ, Brando is listed on
the FCC database as Martin Brandeaux. He was on the air
occasionally through the years with his FO5 callsign from his
private island in French Polynesia.
In an interview with Larry King on CNN recorded in 1994 and shown
again this week, Brando confirmed his continued interest in
amateur radio. In response to a caller's question, he said
amateur radio provided him with the opportunity to "just be himself".
THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD IN SEGMENT TWO (2)
OF OUR AUDIO SERVICES
QNEWS -- ALL OF THE NEWS ALL OF THE TIME at www.wia.org.au/vk4
QNEWS available in Audio after 1400hrs UTC Friday.
WIAQ COUNCIL NEWS:-
The Special General Meeting of members of the WIAQ is to be held in the
Pine Rivers Memorial Bowls Club Bray Park August 22nd.
Members of the WIAQ will be required to identify themselves and register as
current financial members of the Division before proceeding into the
meeting. It is therefore requested that members wishing to participate in
the meeting arrive no later than 10 00am.
When announcing the decision of the WIAQ Council to proceed with motions to
members on 22 August regarding winding up and disbursement of assets,
the Council referred to the decision to sign an Agreement with the national
WIA.
What's in this Agreement?
In brief summary the nature of the Queensland Agreement is as follows.
WIAQ Council will:
Encourage its members to become members of the national WIA.
The Division will use all reasonable endeavours to convene a meeting for the
purposes of a voluntary wind up of the WIAQ Division and effect the orderly
transfer of QNEWS for the benefit of all members of the national WIA.
(?orderly??...ed vk4bb)
The Queensland Technical Advisory Committee will be retained.
WICEN Regional Coordinator arrangements will be maintained with Ewan Mcleod
as Queensland Region Coordinator with future arrangements in consultation
with the Queensland Advisory Committee
The WIA will maintain the QSL Bureaus generally as they are operated now,
future activity is proposed to become free to WIA members.
Maintain the QST Newsletter with Bruce Jones as editor pending consideration
by the Queensland Advisory Committee
Remember before August 22 if there are specific questions on the Agreement,
contact Secretary Ken Fuller VK4KF at 3901 1037 or by email at
patken@powerup.com.au
Members of Committees must be members of the Institute
One of the decisions taken at the last WIAQ Council meeting was that
all members of WIAQ Committees must be members of the Institute.
WIA Council accepts that there are many effective amateurs not members of
the Institute but it's recognised that to work effectively you need to be
in the team, not outside.
Recently the WIAQ Council was approached by a member who been served with a
notice by his Local Government to show cause why he should not be required
to pull down his radio antenna. The antenna is apparently higher than
allowed by the regulations in force at this time.
WIAQ advice to the amateur and to any amateur faced with the need to comply
with Local Government regulations is to:
Become familiar with the regulations for your specific building site, first
look at what the rules are for your site.
Design an antenna system that fits within the regulations, getting
favourable planning approvals for something like a radio mast in a suburban
area can be a very capricious undertaking.
Don't forget to seek help from you fellow amateurs in looking at how best to
keep within the regulations.
If despite the best efforts of yourself and your fellow amateurs you can't
find a suitable antenna system without going outside the regulations,
drop a line to the WIAQ Council setting out your problem THEY'LL see what
helpful advice can be given for your specific problem.
We know of several amateurs who have bought their homes on blocks with
very high trees from which now dangle a complex array of wires.
Be innovative before being litigious!
The Australian Broadcasting Authority has decided to make additional
channel capacity available for three national radio services in Emerald
and one national radio service in Mackay. In addition, the ABA has made
channel capacity available for an existing Emerald commercial service at
Middlemount and Blackwater and for existing Mackay commercial services
at Glenden, Nebo and Clairview/St Lawrence.
(aba)
From VK4KTX Peter for the GCARS mores lessons will be conducted for anyone
wanting to upgrade or just like to brush up on there morse so if your
interested tune into repeater 146.950 on Monday evenings at 8:00PM when
Roy VK4IG will run the lessons and Bob VK4DOG will run the Thursday evenings
lessons. Also Michael Owen the president of the new WIA is planning a visit
to Brisbane for the WIAQ special meeting on August 22 Michael, has asked
that arrangements be made for him to visit as many clubs as possible and
with the widest geographic spread. So on Saturday 21 August an afternoon
meeting in the Gold Coast organized in conjunction with the GCARS so if you
can come along bring a friend or just let someone else know and have your
say or even make some suggestions as to how you think the WIA can benefit
the hobby please come along to the GCARS club rooms at 85 Harper St Nerang
starting time is 1:00Pm.
CLUB ACTIVITY IN DETAIL WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
WHISPERS ON THE ETHER:
Atherton region -
2004 AGM 18th Sept plus Becks Museum visit -
Contact David/VK4ADW NOW with attendance numbers **
Townsville region -
IRLP Node 6444 under on-air test
Ann Renton Memorial Ladies Net - next July 12th at 7pm
At least 5 more operators needed to sign up for Maggie Isl Swim
Next Scramble is July 27th with Scramble leader Lorne / VK4TLB
Book for TARC visit to Theatre Restaurant - 13th November See Wallaby Bob.
2004 AGM AM 21st November - includes outdoor breakfast.
BUNDABERG
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.
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
CITY OF BRISBANE RADIO SOCIETY
PRESIDENT Mick VK4NE
438.275 VK4WIE
Moreton College of TAFE off Cavendish road Mt Gravatt.
on the 4th floor in Block B 7.30pm.
13th July is your date!
DALBY AND DISTRICT
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.
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)
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)
TARC Project Night Tue July 13th start 7-30pm
WICEN NQ Strand Mini Swim No.2 Saturday afternoon 24th July
TARC VHF Scramble 147MHz Tue 27th July start 7-30pm
TARC Management Meeting Tue 3rd Aug start 7-30pm
All TARC Meetings are held at the Club Rooms, SES HQ
Green Street West End - All welcome !
Get your FAB WICEN Long Sleeve Shirts Now!
Do you get about at WICEN exercises and callouts in shabby
non-descript tee-shirts ?
Do you get told to GET OUT! when you should be IN WITH IT! ?
Have we got the shirt for you -
theTARCinc WICEN Shirt
Despite us apparently calling it a t-Shirt - It Isn't! This is a
shirt with collar with a capital K!
Poly/cotton blend long sleeves and is a unisex design for the tropics.
Contact Steve/VK4JUS with shirt size and dress to impress at your next
WICEN callout or exercise !
(Gavin/VK4ZZ)
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV
SEQ-ATV Group hold a weekly net WEDNESDAY 7:30pm on the
SOUTHSIDE Repeater VK4RAX 147.075 mhz on MT.COTTON.
SEQ-ATV group holds monthly meetings the first Friday
of the month at WAVELL HTS STATE SCHOOL Minore St.
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
Members friends and users of the packet systems in SE Qld,
Particularly those coordinated by the QDG group are invited
to attend the General Meetings of the Queensland Digital Group
commencing 7.30 PM on the 3rd Friday of the month at Wavell
Height State Primary School, Minore Street in the STAFF ROOM.
QDG = http://www.qdg.org.au
President: Alan Wills VK4YAR
Repairs have been made at VK4RZA, VK4RZB, VK4RZC and VK4RZD
to both data and voice network equipment.
A QDG/WICEN linked 70CM Voice repeater network is now working
give it a try.
VK4RZA (438.100 MHz) Springbrook
VK4RZB (438.200 MHz) Mt Cooth-tha
VK4RZC (438.125 MHz) Maleny
VK4RZD (438.050 MHz) Mt Perseverance
VK4RZB (1273.40 MHz) Mt Cooth-tha
The repeaters USE 60 second timeout, no tail and require 91.5 Hz CTCSS tone.
(sourced to digipete)
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.
"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.
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- WICEN
(State Co-ordinator, Ewan McLeod VK4ERM)
A regular net exists Sunday mornings 7.075 at 0830k.
Strand Mini-Swim 1 report
Slightly overcast yet comfortable weather and a sea temperature of
21 degrees Celsius greeted competitors, officials and comms support
operators for the first Strand Mini-Swim to be conducted in
Townsville during 2004.
60 competitors took part in the 2.5km event WICEN led ably by Steve/VK4JUS.
The usual credo "all swimmers home and none missing" capped of a great
morning of playing radios beside the sea - very healthy and a heap of fun!
The next communications support event is the Strand Mini Swim Number 2
happening on Saturday July 24th. For more info and to put your name
onto the operator list contact Steve VK4JUS on 4772 3767
(Gavin/VK4ZZ)
CONTESTS AWARDS and SPECIAL EVENTS WITH CHRIS EDMONDSON VK4AA/VK3CE
WIA FEDERAL CONTEST EMAIL= contests@wia.org.au
OFFICIAL VK Contest Site = www.vkham.com/contests/index.html
G'Day to all once again, and this time we're back in the
glorious sunshine. Melbourne to the Gold Coast was via
Canberra and Sydney, and while Canberra was fabulous to
see, I fear its ice is still dripping off the car. What's more,
I've reached the inescapable conclusion that parts of both
the Hume and Pacific Highways are a dangerous national
disgrace. If you're escaping the winter chills of Melbourne
for the sun and fun of Queensland, take my tip: try the
Newell Highway. Its a far safer, shorter and better overall
proposition by far.
Spending 13 days in the car with only the children for
company could have been just a tad challenging, so I was
glad to have an HF radio in the car. And here's today's
second tip: the 30 metre band, at 10 MHz, is truly
remarkable for the mobile operator. It's quiet, free of the
broadcasters which pepper 40 metres, and an ideal mid-
range proposition if you're chatting back home. I used
both bands and had almost continuous comms back home.
So, speaking of comms, where are the contests? Well, this
weekend it's a biggie: the IARU HF Championship contest.
24 frantic hours from 1200 UTC Saturday the 10th of July,
so it should be on right about now depending on your
local on-air Qnews time.
From the USA, both the ARRL's HQ station W1AW and the
IARU International Secretariat club station NU1AW will be
on the air as "headquarters stations." Meanwhile, the
RSGBÕs headquarters station GB5HQ also joins the fray by
mounting another bid to claim the top spot in the results.
Not surprisingly, the British organisers are asking for as
many stations as possible to work GB5HQ during the
contest.
Actually, the RSGB is really going all out to try to win this
one. It will have no fewer than 12 separate stations active
on the six contest bands from 160 to 10 metres, on phone
and CW. All the stations will be linked by the Internet so if
you snare GB5HQ on one band/mode combo the operator
should be able to let you know the operating frequencies
of the other stations operating as GB5HQ. The individual
stations will be located right across the UK, from Guernsey
to Scotland.
Across in Ireland expect no less activity from that
country's HQ as well. EI zero HQ is the IRTS Headquarters
Station. It also plans to have a station on every band on
both CW and SSB.
So it's clear this weekends IARU HF Championship is a
very important contest, and could offer you a great deal of
activity on the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metre bands.
Right, so what are we doing here in VK? Ah well, silence
was the word.
Last week, we looked at depth at next weekends VK/trans-
Tasman Contest for 160 metres and interviewed the
contests manager Bruce Renn, VK3JWZ. Don't forget, next
Saturday evening, July 17, from 0800 to 1400 UTC in six
one-hour stages. Don't miss it! I wonder if you'll get bonus
points for working Bruce?
And could it be just one month until Australia's biggest
annual Contest joust? Don't forget the dates for the RD
Contest. Yes indeed, the Remembrance Day Contest will be
filling the airwaves in this part of the world a month or so
from now on August 14 and 15, and we'll bring you a lot
more information about it in coming weeks.
While the diary's open, you might note in it that the 2004
Oceania DX contest, the 68th in a consecutive record
broken only by a world war, will be held on the first two
weekends of October. The Phone Section's on the 2nd and
3rd of October, while the CW Section follows on the 9th
and 10th of October.
Now, speaking of the Oceania DX, the results are finally to
hand for last year's, 2003, Oceania DX Contest. Rather
than go through them here, suffice to say both the report
and the full results for the entire contest are now available
on-line at the Oceania DX Contest web site, and its address
is so simple weÕll give it here: www.oceaniadxcontest.com
Oh, and full marks for a top web layout job, too.
Check it out yourself, but we will tell you that KH7X hit the
jackpot by winning both the PHONE and CW sections in the
SOAB, or Single Operator All Bands, category. In fact, on
phone his score was almost seven million points, with the
second place-getter languishing well back on less than
three million. Incredible.
There was also a good turn out from Oceania DX stations
outside VK or ZL, including prefixes such as 3D2, 4W, AH2,
KH6, DU, FK, ZK and YB/YC.
While we're looking at results, also up on the web are the
2004 VK/Trans Tasman 80M Results, so a lot of work from
Bruce Renn. Without further ado, here's our guest from
last week with just some of the results. I hear tell QNEWSÕ
VK5 rebroadcaster, Bronte "sorta scoops the pool". Lets
see if we can drag Bruce away from his contest radio.
(audio insert... no script available... apologies ed/vk4bb..check
out bruces webpage for details http://home.iprimus.com.au/vktasman)
Strewth, Bruce, I dunno about that Bucket Mouth Award.
Sounds a bit close to the mark. Wonder what Bronte
thinks of that one? But well done all, and I might add a
well done to Bruce, who put not only a lot of his time but
some of his hard earned folding into making this contest a
lot of fun. Thanks Bruce.
As usual, I'm well over my time, so remember this
weekend, right now in fact, is the IARU HF Championship,
while next Saturday has the VK/Trans Tasman for 160
metres. Also next weekend is the eighth International
Museum Ships Weekend, and if I don't hand the mic back
now they'll cut its cord. All yours Graham!
and the International Museum Ships Weekend.
Please contact regarding participation to:
k1rv@hamtestonline.com
AUGUST 21 - 21
International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend 2004
www.lighthouse.fsnet.co.uk/events/intlighthouseday.html
CONTACT Kevin vk2ce Oceania Co-ordinator and webmaster http://illw.net
(irts)
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
Radio Amateur Invents New Antenna Technology
Rob Vincent, from the University of Rhode Island's Physics Department, (URI)
proves the adage that necessity is the mother of invention.
An amateur radio operator since he was 14, Vincent has always lived in houses
situated on small lots. Because he couldn't erect a large antenna on a
confined property, he has been continually challenged over the years to find
a way to get better reception.
Vincent recalls "The Holy Grail of antenna technology is to create a small
antenna with high efficiency and wide bandwidth."
After decades of experimentation, Vincent has invented a revolutionary
antenna technology. With his technology it will be possible to double at
minimum, the range of walkie-talkies used by police, fire, and other
municipal personnel. "It could even make the Dick Tracy wrist radio with all
the features, such as Internet access, a possibility," Vincent says.
His first attempt at 'new fangled ways' produced a 21 MHz band antenna that
was 18 inches high. Normally, antennas for this band are 12 to 24 feet high.
Vincent installed the antenna in his back yard.
This amateur radio operator experimented with 5 to 10 watts. He reached a
station in Chile and made contacts in various European countries. Meanwhile
he kept adding power until things suddenly went bad.
Walking outside in the backyard, he understood why. The antenna had melted.
Trevor M5AKA who provides this story to QNEWS told us "I like the bit where
he keeps increasing power until the Antenna melts - a typical Radio Amateur".
After examining the molten matter, Vincent wasn't discouraged the part of the
antenna that failed proved to be the key to the design.
Vincent went back to the drawing board and continued to improve the
technology. Vincent overcame a myriad of problems and succeeded.
Test confirm that Vincent has created antennas at one third to one ninth of
their full size counterparts AND achieve 80 to 100 percent efficiency as
compared to the larger antennas.
A patent is pending on Vincent's technology.
And says Vincent who was recently presented the 2004 Outstanding Intellectual
Property Award by URI's Research Office. "I couldn't have done this without
the University's support. It's only fair that it share in the profits."
WIRELESS WEATHER
HF Radio Propagation Course Sydney
scheduled for Sydney Thursday 9 September.
Generally the course is aimed at the HF communicator, but the presentation
may be tailored to suit the audience by emphasising topics of special
interest.
Further details can be obtained from Lianne Grant, IPS Radio and Space
Services, PO Box 1386, Haymarket, NSW, or by Phoning 9213 8034.
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
Region III IARUMS Coordinator B.L.Manohar (Arasu) VU2UR Vu2ur@mailcity.com
Have you heard the " buzzing sound " that runs across the whole 17 meter
band with intensity from S-5 to S-9?
Tom WA8DXD seems first to have heard it and reports from across the US
are starting to filter through.
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
Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) Team USA is now forming for the
ARDF 12th World Championship September 7-12 in the Czech Republic.
Every two years, hams from around the world gather to see who is best at
on-foot hidden transmitter hunting. There are separate events on 80 and 2
meters, each with five transmitters scattered in a forest that can
encompass 1000 acres or more.
Each country may send up to three competitors in each of nine age
categories--five for males and four for females, in accordance with rules
of the International Amateur Radio Union
(IARU via ARRL Letter).
WWW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - HF PACK
CAVE EXPEDITION PERU 2004 - On The Air 2 July - 25 August.
The Primary Calling Frequency 18157.5 USB (18158CW)
is active every day with HF Portable operators.
During QSOs, all operators should listen carefully
between each transmission for portable stations
and weak signals on the frequency. Please say "HFpack"
before or after your callsign when in QSO on the
HFpack frequencies to let other operators know.
The use of CW is encouraged on all HFpack SSB frequencies.
HFpack schedules are open to all types of stations---
portable, base, mobile, pedestrian mobile, bicycle,
marine, air, and human powered mobile.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- INTERNET --- THE HAMS DOMAIN
A New Zealand National VOIP Net is run on the ZL1VK conference server
Sunday 7.30pm. This is open to all Branches, interest groups and amateurs
throughout New Zealand. The aim of the net is to encourage communications
between amateurs throughout New Zealand and assist and promote VOIP
technology to expand the enjoyment of our amateur radio hobby via this mode.
Individual amateurs are invited to participate or just listen-in.
The net agenda includes news about IRLP nodes, news about EchoLink - R
(repeater) and -L (link) nodes, NZ EchoLink Conference Server announcements
and other VOIP nets or items of interest
(NZART info-line)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF AND ABOVE
Saturday, 3rd July saw an opening into ZL2 and ZL3 from VK2 and VK3.
First noted at about 0500 UTC ZL3NW and ZL2TPY were heard working VK2FA,
VK2BPL and VK3DUP.
Signals from both ZL's reached up to 59+10db at VK2BPL at their peak
although a lot of QSB was evident.
ZL stations reported hearing the WIA's Hunter Radio Group Beacon, VK2RHV
which indicated the opening was happening.
The ZL's could be heard for about an hour after the initial loggings at
VK2BPL but their calls were in the main going unanswered.
This is about the 3rd good Six Meter opening noted at VK2BPL this winter,
so guys dust the ice off your Yagi's and get them turning again.
(73 Paul P29PL/VK2BPL)
=========================================================================
Dates
=========================================================================
C O N T E S T S
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)
=========================================================================
SPECIAL EVENTS
* 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.
* denotes new on calender
=========================================================================
D X A C T I V I T Y D A T E S
* 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.
TILL JUNE 2005
Dwayne Barbee KE4RVT is on the air from war-torn Iraq.
Assigned YI9RVT and will be operating SSB and CW on all
bands from the city of Al Kut.
* new on calender
=========================================================================
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
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 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, on Sunshine Coast, Saturday Sept 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.
2005
First event for year will be:-
JUNE - FNNQARG King Reef Resort Kurrimine Beach - June 2005
===========================================================
WIA EXAMINATIONS IN VK4
July 31 SUNSHINE COAST
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
Sept 25 SUNSHINE COAST
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
Nov 27 SUNSHINE COAST
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
ATHERTON TABLELANDS
Tablelands Radio and Electronics Club conducts examinations on
request for the Atherton Tablelands area.
Contact the Secretary, Dave West - VK4ADW at trec@austarnet.com.au
BRISBANE NORTH REGION
Now exams are available ANY TIME on just 2 weeks notice!
Just ring Redcliffe Clubs Laurie VK4BLE on 3284 8859.
Remember exams any time on two week notice.
BRISBANE SOUTH - LOGAN AREA
The Logan West Amateur Radio & Electronics Club.
If you wish to sit for any subject please contact.
Peter Harding 3800 3305
briscal@optusnet.com.au
BRISBANE WEST - LOCKYER REGION
The Lockyer Valley is located between Ipswich and Toowoomba and
examination services are available with 2 weeks notice required.
Arrangements for any examination can be made by contacting
Alan VK4SN alz@austarnet.com.au 04 1137 3679 VK4SN @ VK4WIL
Warren VK4FJ vk4fj@uq.net.au 04 2120 9536 VK4FJ @ VK4WIL
BUNDABERG
Examinations on request.
Contact Rusty VK4JM on 4159 6224.
e-mail rustymcg@dodo.com.au
DARLING DOWNS - TOOWOOMBA - HIGHFIELDS - WARWICK
Only two weeks notice is required for those wishing to sit for any subject.
Contact Matthew Weatherley VK4HWM 4698 7775 or email
matthew@t130.aone.net.au
GOLD COAST
The club holds any exams at anytime for students who wish to do so!
Just contact Kath VK4KU on 5539 3530
SUNSHINE COAST
Saturday 31 January, 27 March, 29 May, 31 July, 25 September and 27
November.
Exams may be conducted at other times by special arrangement.
Intending candidates should contact
Ron VK4GZ telephone 5448 4063, or
Dave VK4KDL telephone 5448 7649.
MACKAY AREA
Examinations conducted on request to the Mackay Club
Also instruction on a 1 to 1 basis contact
Contact George VK4AJL
vk4ajl@wia.org.au
ROCKHAMPTON
For all information exams etc: contact Clive VK4ACC
4928 1173 or e-mail
vk4acc@wia.org.au
TOWNSVILLE
Exam sessions are held several times during the year and
can also be held on demand provided adequate notice is given.
Exams information and application pack in PDF format from
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
theTARCinc Exams Group Leader Wally/VK4DO
PO Box 661 Thuringowa Central.
QLD 4817
SOUTH OF THE BORDER... DOWN SUMMERLAND WAY
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB in VK2
http://www.sarc.org.au/sarc1/sarc.htm
EXAM DETAILS RING Dave VK2CB 6625 1281, Mob 04 2991 0982.
vk2cb@nnsw.quik.com.au
VK4 AMATEURS WHO ARE JP's
GLADSTONE
Rick WRIGHT, VK4HWN Justice of the peace QUALIFIED 4972 7147
HERVEY BAY
Geoff Stephenson, VK4OT 4124 4764
Albert Woodward, VK4IK 4124 4863
SUNSHINE COAST
Amanda Winchester, VK4HIP is registered as a Justice of the Peace
3/148 Maroochydore Rd, Maroochydore 4558
Phone 5443 5708 (Outside school hours please)
Geoff Sanders, VK4KEL is registered as a Justice of the Peace
(Qualified) and is on telephone 5445 0280
=========================================================================
WICEN 'TYPE' EVENT CALENDAR...
Check with YOUR WICEN coordinator to confirm dates etc
Additions to qnews@wia.org.au and/or vk4zz@smartchat.net.au
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
VK2 Aug ..-.8 Yengo Horse Enduro at Colo Heights.
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
2005
Early advice here..
May Long Weekend 2005 be the Quoll Adventure Race.
* new to calender
=========================================================================
QNEWS - we've reported...YOU decide.
QNEWS thanks YOU for entrusting us to bring you VK's authoritative Ham News
QNEWS thanks Amateur Radio Newsline, ARRL, ARRL Letter,
FISTS down under, IARU r3, NERG News,
RAC, and RSGB.
for source material for this weeks edition.
Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to
the actual broadcast date, e-mail qnews@wia.org.au
Callbacks follow the RF editions, but also for text readers you may
lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who knows, you might
even get a "cheerio call".
Compiled by VK4BB /
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