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ZL2TZE > QNEWS 21.06.03 23:07l 1323 Lines 48132 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
QNEWS 24/7 with the following bulletin in Audio Segment One
when you visit the QNEWS NEWSROOM on www.wia.org.au/vk4
NATIONAL NEWS
WIA FEDERAL PRESIDENT IS ERNEST HOCKING VK1LK
president@wia.org.au
The results of the survey prepared by VK3's Jim Linton and included
in May AR for NSW, Victoria and Tasmania have now been collated.
33.39% of respondents considered a 100 watt power level appropriate,
Numbers favouring 10 watts constituted 33.39 % on a 3 state basis.
65% of respondents on a 3 state basis favoured a limitation on band access.
On this basis entry level licensees will have reasonable access and power,
but still have incentives for upgrading.
However, until results are in from all Divisions and the WIA has
fully developed its proposals and worked through these with ACA it
will not be possible to state how the Entry Level licence will be
constituted with certainty.
Reading this interim report with the CQVK.NET survey, we see both surveys
favouring a limited band allocation. A major difference is the 3 state WIA
survey finding a third each favouring 100w and 10w power limit whereas
CQVK finds a majority favouring 10w.
NATIONAL NEWS - YOU HAVE MAIL
WIA news available by private e-mail.
Receive the latest bulletins and releases of news from the WIA via
Internet e-mail.
Several ways, easiest for you and the Q is to click onto:-
http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/QNEWS-VK
OR simply send an e-mail message to the following
NOTE THEY ARE CASE SENSITIVE :
[1] QNEWS-VK-subscribe@yahoogroups.com vk4
[2] QNEWS-VK-TEXT-subscribe@yahoogroups.com vk4
[3] qnews-vk-reminder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com vk4
[1] weekly HTML copy QNEWS
[2] Text rather than HTML copy of QNEWS
[3] A reminder sent as soon as QNEWS becomes available on the web.
Wireless Institute of Australia - The World's oldest AR Society (est 1910)
is on the web at http://www.wia.org.au
The various divisions (call areas) can be accessed direct from here.
AUDIO NEWS SERVICES:-
NATIONAL QNEWS http://www.wia.org.au/vk4 in Segments 1 and 3 in
streaming audio and downloadable MP3 files from the FTP site.
VK4 QNEWS Divisional News http://www.wia.org.au/vk4 in streaming audio
and QNEWS may be downloaded in MP3 for rebroadcast from the FTP site.
ACA NEWS
www.aca.gov.au
WIA ACA LIAISON OFFICERS are VK1GH, VK1ZKM, VK2BPN, VK4DU
WLAN package hits hotspots
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has released a comprehensive
information pack to target current and potential operators of wireless
local area networks (WLANs).
The information package is designed to educate operators on WLANs issues
including licensing requirements.
The issue of whether an operator is required to hold a carrier licence is
a very important question that must be answered correctly to ensure that
operators comply with the existing licensing rules.
The release of the package follows an upsurge in the use of wireless access
systems by small businesses and hobbyists using spread spectrum
radiocommunications equipment which has generated increasing interest in
this area of communications.
The information pack is available by either telephoning the ACAs Licensing
and National Interests Team or on the ACA website at
www.aca.gov.au
GENERAL INTEREST NEWS FROM 'DOWNUNDER'.
VK4 FIRM IN SMART SECURITY DEAL WITH US GOVT
A Brisbane-based security software specialist is helping pioneer a
futuristic identity system for the United States Department of Defence.
Premier Peter Beattie has congratulated SPYRUS on winning part of the
US$1.2 million contract to build a 'smart card' access system for
US Defence Department employees.
"SPYRUS has developed software that will allow biometric information -
such as fingerprints or facial recognition patterns - to be securely
stored on the smart cards."
The Premier is showcasing the achievements of SPYRUS and at
Bio2003 in Washington DC this week.
(Anne Delaney [Premier's office] 04 0964 0026)
EDUCATION AND YOUTH
THE WIA FEDERAL EDUCATION OFFICER IS RON SMITH VK4AGS.
VK2DQ Ron Bertrands Internet course is on the web at
http://www.radioelectronicschool.com
Morse Training Transmission 3699 kHz on air 24 hours a day.
The Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club broadcast CW every Sunday night
from 7:30pm QLD time on 3.535MHZ.
HAM RADIO STATISTICS: THE HOBBY CONTINUES TO GROW
Some good numbers to report in the area of ham radio growth in the
United States. According to Fred Maia of the W5YI Report a total of 20,247
brand new hams joined the hobby for the first time in the year ending May
1st. Of these, 18,967 were Technician class licensees making this the
fastest growing license class of all.
Fred says that an average of 1,688 new hams passed their exam over the past
12 months versus 1,580 in the preceding year. Statistically, that's a
solid 6.8% overall increase making it some long awaited good news for the
hobby.
(W5YI via arnewsline)
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE - WITH CHRIS WRIGHT VK2UW
Hi Chris VK2UW with this weeks "watch"
REMEMBER OUR VK Federal Coordinator is VK8HA Henry
Some other VK Coordinators for I.A.R.U.M.S. include
VK4ZRT Wayne
VK7RB Rob
We have 3, 40 METER INTRUDERS HEARD DAILY TO LOG AND REPORT...
7052 A7D UI Multi 13kHz wide
7066 CW Sending : MW3D de 2SLC
7083 WBD UI Data
FCC WRITES PART 15 DEVICE USERS ABOUT ALLEGED INTERFERENCE TO AMATEURS
Last week we brought you news how in VK6 noise on the 2.4 GHz band
has forced that states Sat Fans "off air".
Now from the ARRL LETTER in the USA comes word that an Amateurs complaints
about noise on 2.4 GHz to the FCC has resulted from two cases of harmful
interference from telephone devices with the capability to support
multiple cordless remotes. The complaints represented a bit of a turnabout
from the typical interference scenario, where ham operation occasionally
generates complaints of interference to cordless consumer equipment.
The interference, in the form of broadband noise from 2400 to 2450 MHz
impairs ability to hear the AO-40 downlink and beacon on the band.
VK8NT be aware this call exists in the qrz.com data base but NOT on ACA's!
Ted 5Z4NU Nairobi, Kenya says they have a lot of pirates overseas using
false 5Z4 callsigns, and also variations of 5Z1-2-3- etc and even 5Y
which is for Kenya aircraft only.
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
WIA WICEN CHAIRMAN IS VK3ZRV
WICEN 'TYPE' EVENT CALENDAR... Check with YOUR WICEN coordinator to confirm.
VK4 area from club bulletins forwarded to QNEWS.
* new to calender
VK2 21-22 Jun Bonalbo Bash - Horse Enduro. (SARC)
VK4 22 Jun Strand Mini Swim Heat 3 - Townsville region (TARC)
VK1 29 Jun Back in the Black Car Rally - Canberra Region
VK4 6 Jul Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim and
Strand to Magnetic Island Relay Swim - Townsville region (TARC)
VK4 12-13 Jul Mt Pleasant Endurance Ride - Collinsville region (TARC)
VK4 18-20 Jul Eco Adventure Race - Atherton Tablelands region (TREC - CARC)
VK4 26-27 Jul North Queensland Forest Rally - Ingham and Cardwell regions
(TARC)
VK4 26-27 Jul Spring Mountain Horse endurance ride (L-WARC)
VK5 8-10 Aug Coopers Rally of South Australia - Adelaide region
VK4 30-31 Aug Wandoo Station Horse Endurance Ride - Sarina region (MARS)
VK6 31 Aug Channel 9 City to Surf Fun Run - Perth region
VK1 3- 7 Sep Drive Safely East Coast Classic Rally - New South Wales
VK6 4- 9 Sep Telstra Rally Australia - World Rally Championship Round
VK2 3- 5 Oct Eden Creek - Horse Enduro
VK2 18-19 Oct JOTA WICEN VK2 involvement.
VK2 8- 9 Nov Hawkesbury River Canoe Classic (Mark VK2XGK/Neil VK2XNF)
VK6 Nov - OXFAM staging a walking event in the Busselton area
over 2-3 days - about 9 operators required.
VK5 20-23 Nov Classic Adelaide Rally - Adelaide region
VK1 22 Nov National Capital Rally - Canberra region
THE WAR ON TERROR: DHS AND ARRL TO INK STATEMENT OF AFFILIATION
In the United States, the federal government's Department of Homeland
Security has taken a look at ham radio and apparently likes what it
sees.
The agency which is responsible for protecting the nations infrastructure
and its citizens is showing its trust by signing a Statement of Affiliation
with that nations only recognised national ham radio society:
The American Radio Relay League.
The memorandum also calls on both groups to collaborate in several other
areas, including raising public awareness of Amateur Radio as a public
safety resource and providing training and accreditation for Amateur Radio
emergency communications.
(arrl via arnewsline audio)
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK2
WESTLAKES
Club Project Officer VK2YP advises that a batch of Circuit boards and
components have been ordered for Westlakes Tone encoder project.
Listeners may not be aware that sooner rather than later most UHF repeater
sites will require a keyed sub-audible tone entry to access the repeater,
it follows that in the not too distant future VHF repeater sites may also
be fitted with this requirement. While most of the later UHF/VHF radios
have the encoder as standard there a lot of older type sets that do not.
To prevent being caught out place your order for one or more of these kits
with the club.
The Club will in all probability have an assembly and fitting day arranged
for those requiring guidance. It is hoped that the cost per kit will be
less than $20.
There are still a few Audio Indicator kits available cost is $15.
At present there are one or two of the Battery Desulphater kits left,
however at this stage there is no intention of ordering additional kits
unless the demand for 20 or more is there.
VK3
VK3WI HQ Station for IARU HF World Championship
The WIA Victoria callsign VK3WI will have IARU radio society headquarters
station status in the IARU HF World Championship again this year.
The VK3WI operation will be for approximately 20 hours (with 1600-2000UTC
12th July for sleep) single operator Jim Baxter VK3DBQ running 100w to a 4
element tribander.
QSL cards will sent for all QSO's via the bureau and direct cards can be
obtained from VK3WI as per the callbook or qrz.com
VK7
North West Branch News
Next month it's a visit to the 7AD/Sea FM studios to see how the
commercial radio world has, and is presently changing. Get out all
your questions on nationwide networking etc. and get along for an
interesting night. More details later.
Ron VK7RN has but one callbook and one separate CD left unclaimed
if you ordered one let Ron know, otherwise they go to the first amateur
requesting them.
VK8
DARWIN
Ron VK4CRO paid a visit last week to the Darwin Amateur Radio Club Rooms
with Terry vk8ta and Karl vk8caw. A few of the locals gather Sunday mornings
at the vk8da clubrooms to do the weekly broadcast at 0900 local.
A rather professional setup , 4 Codan tx's for HF and a Kenwood 2m rig and
the whole lot operated from a custom console, very impressive.
The club itself is a room in a local sports centre (COST FREE) supporting
the aforesaid txmitters and others a well equipped workshop and a
lecture/meeting area and a good variety of antennae in the large compound.
INTERNATIONAL
ITU
WIA ITU Conference Group CONSISTS OF VK1GH, VK1ZKM, VK3ADW, VK3APM
IARU Report: Week One of WRC-03
The IARU news release distributed on 11 June is a necessary starting point
for understanding this and future reports. It is available on the Web at
www.iaru.org/rel030611.html
Agenda item 1.23 (7 MHz realignment):
This item has yet to be taken up by the "Sub Working Group".
Agenda item 1.7.1 (Article 25):
The USA withdrew its proposals on 1.7.1 in favour of the
Inter-American Proposals, which is favourable for them because the IAPs
include incorporation by reference of Recommendation ITU-R M.1544 whereas
the USA proposals did not.
The other differences between the various proposals under 1.7.1 were
identified, but no effort as yet has been made to resolve them.
Agenda item 1.7.2 (Article 19):
Revisions to provide greater flexibility for administrations
to assign call signs to amateur stations were among the first decisions to
make their way through.
The output has now gone to the Editorial Committee and should be offered
to the next Plenary, for consideration.
Agenda item 1.38 (70 cm SARs):
There seems to be a general preference for a secondary rather than a
primary allocation.
India has proposed the band 435-441 MHz instead of 432-438 MHz.
Discussions are underway to accommodate the concerns of those opposed to an
allocation.
Agenda item 1.1 (footnotes):
Friday afternoon's Plenary became somewhat contentious when the subject
of new "country" footnotes came up. At this point in recent conferences,
a procedure has been agreed whereby countries can add their country names
to existing footnotes or to propose new footnotes for their countries,
by an agreed deadline and subject to there being no objection from
potentially affected countries. The chairman of Committee 4 proposed such
a procedure, but the Plenary would not agree to the introduction of
new footnotes. This was good news for us inasmuch as there were several
such footnotes proposed by Uzbekistan for amateur HF bands.
There are a couple of other proposals from countries to add themselves to
existing footnotes affecting the 40 and 20 meter bands, and we are
requesting friendly administrations to raise objections at the appropriate
time.
IAP for 135 kHz footnote:
Exceptionally, WG 4C was given the task of considering a CITEL IAP proposed
by Canada, for a footnote for an amateur secondary allocation at
135.7-137.8 kHz even though it did not fit under any specific item of the
conference agenda. Several administrations objected on the grounds that
there were no ITU-R studies of the interference potential.
Instead, at Canada's request, Committee 4 is sending a note to Committee 7
offering it as a draft item for possible inclusion in the WRC-07 agenda.
National amateur radio delegates:
Friday evening the IARU hosted a reception for those who are on
their national delegations specifically to represent the amateur and
amateur-satellite services, at the IARU office.
From Australia, Keith Malcolm, VK1ZKM and David Wardlaw, VK3ADW.
This material sourced from a release by David Sumner, K1ZZ the Secretary,
IARU for the IARU WRC-03 Team
H44
Chris Wright VK2UW has been informed Moffet H44MD sat and passed the
Amateur Radio exam along with another amateur in H44, this is confirmed
by Norried H44NC.
(Chris vk2uw)
NZART CONFERENCE
Business Manager Debby ZL2TDM says feedback from Conference once again
good, a great time was had by all 1774 attending... yes you DID hear
correctly, a quorum of 1774 was confirmed.
Points :-
Bruce Douglas ZL2WP was re-elected by Council to the position of
Vice President of NZART
Most Officers have accepted re-appointments of their various positions.
MED Amateur Radio Licensing - a firm decision will come from the MED
by the 1st July in regard to amateur radio licenses in the future.
Council Question 'On Air' night - Council, acting on a suggesting made
by Taupo branch, will be available to answer any questions/concerns
from members. They agreed the best time would be on the 1st Tuesday of
each month after the Council net on 80meters when all Councillors are
present. A net controller will call for anyone present to raise their
question and will answered by one or more Councillors.
A similar topic night is also being considered on the National system for
all licensed amateurs.
(Similar to the long running practice of the VK4 WIA Council who are
present to answer questions on 3.605 after QNEWS each Monday Evening).
(Jim Meachen ZL2BHF)
TANZANIA
You may care to know that a new club of Novices in Tanzania, has recently
started up there with 21 new licensees, at the Institute of Technology
and have got the unique callsign 5I3A - they made as good start but have
not been heard much since. At least they are legal!
(Ted 5Z4NU Nairobi, Kenya)
UNITED KINGDOM
Jeremy Boot G4NJH the RSGB news reader reports in our Audio news
on the return to life of FO29, how the RA in the UK are conducting
an enquiry into AR and how the RSGB news will be heard, at least for
a month on the 5 MHz band.
Callbacks follow the RF editions, but also for Internet readers you may
lodge a quick reply to let us know you receive "the Q"
write a message to qnews@wia.org.au
Packet readers to qnews@vk4wie.#bne.qld.aus.oc and as an SP msg.
Compiled by VK4BB
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
CLUB ACTIVITY
LOGAN WEST AMATEUR RADIO & ELECTRONICS CLUB
IRLP NODE 6402
President VK4JPH Peter 3800 3305
Meeting's the first Monday of every month.
At the Scout Den behind the Community Centre Greenbank.
MACKAY
irlp node 6450
teletext page 900
http://www.mackay.net.au/~ajl
Bruce Lenahan VK4NPF President.
Monday evenings at 7:30 local time the Mackay Amateur Radio Association
runs a club net on 80 mtrs 3.597 MHz. All callers welcomed to the group
on this long established net.
MARYBOROUGH
PRESIDENT : Tweedy VK4TS
COL PATON, VK4BCP Hon Sec. 4122 1090.
Maryborough Amateur Radio Club meet Maryborough State High School,
"E" Block, Kent St 1st Tuesday, (Except January) 7.30pm, (1930)
ROCKHAMPTON
President : Mike VK4LMB
TeleText page 918
IRLP NODE 6973 ;
The Rockhampton (RADAR CLUB Inc) had a working bee last weekend at the
repeater site on Mt Archer (height 600 metres).
The enclosure of the 2m repeater on 146.7Mhz IRLP Node 6973 and the
70 cm repeater on 438.225 MHz has been replaced.
New aerials have been erected and the repeaters performance has
improved significantly.
RADAR CLUB wish to thank Andrew Chapman VK4ZAN and his assistant
Robert (Happy birthday last weekend Robert) for travelling to
Rockhampton from Mackay for the weekend to assist in repeater tuning etc.
Reports are welcome from fringe area operators.
The repeaters have been worked as far away as Calliope and
Gladstone in the South, Clairview in the North and Moura in the west.
23rd June a RADAR DINNER 6:30pm BERSERKER TAVERN Nth Rockhampton
all welcome.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
IRLP NODE 622
QNEWS BROADCAST 146.8 MHz Sundays 0900 hrs NSWT
TeleText page 946
e-mail VK2SRC@sarc.org.au
http://www.sarc.org.au/sarc1/sarc.htm
EXAM DETAILS RING Dave VK2CB 6625 1281, Mob 04 2991 0982.
CLUB NETS - VHF 146.8 MHz Yawn Patrol- Mon-Fri 0600 hrs NSWT
- VHF 146.800 MHz 1st, 3rd, 4th Frid 2000 hrs NSWT
- VHF 146.625 MHz VK2RBB 2nd Frid 2000 hrs NSWT
- VHF 146.775 MHz VK2RBR 5th Frid 2000 hrs NSWT
- HF 3.605 MHz Dawn Patrol - Mon-Fri 0630 hrs NSWT
- HF 3.570 MHz All nights, esp. Sat. 2100 hrs NSWT
- HF 7.115 MHz Prawn Net Every Day 0800 hrs NSWT
WICEN - SES RADIO and COMMS COURSE. 15 June.
15 members of the SARC did the course last weekend.
All successfully obtained their competency certificates.
SARC HAMFEST (SARCFEST) 10 August.
Get along to this gala event, have a great day.
Raffles of, CTV, Microwave, Power tool - will be drawn.
Get your tickets from the Club.
SUNSHINE COAST
President Harvey Wickes VK4AHW
TeleText page 909
Nets
0815 146.850 Every day. Good Morning Net. Operator callsigns.
1930 3.580 Thursday evening. Club 80m Net. Callsign VK4WIS.
0930 146.850 Sunday. QNEWS Callback. Callsign VK4WIS.
2030 146.850 Sunday. Tech' Net. Callsign VK4WIS.
TOWNSVILLE
TeleText page 919
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
Saddle Up for Groper Creek!
theTARCinc Activities Co-ordinator, Wallaby Bob/VK4WJ, has
just brewed up a fantastic trip out of town for a day of
fun and frivolity.
Now, admit it! You've stayed home for the swims, missed out on
Mission Beach, gave the Australia Day weekend a miss but find you now
need to get out of town for a day -
Well this is just up your alley - theTARCinc will be visiting
the Groper Creek Markets on Saturday 5th.
If you want to travel with the group then meet opposite the
Mobil Walkabout at Cluden for a take off time of 8am, otherwise
travel down to Groper Creek, which is about 15 minutes southeast of
Home Hill, under your own steam during the day. The markets go from
9am to 3pm - and it will be worthwhile going just to see how a
"silent auction" operates!
North Queensland Amateur Radio Convention 2003 news
held on 19th, 20th and 21st September 2003.
News just in that theTARCinc have secured a private piece
of viewing area right on The Strand for attendees to view the
Skyshow and Heroes March during the Convention, courtesy of
the QCWA !
Regional Activities
22nd June Strand Mini Swim Series 5km - Sunday
1st July theTARCinc Management Meeting, from 7-30pm, all welcome
2nd July Amateur Radio Hour on 4TTT-FM, hosted by Alan/VK4PS
5th theTARCinc visits Groper Creek Markets
6th Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim
7th theTARCinc Project Night, from 7-30pm, all welcome
12th/13th TERA Mount Pleasant Endurance Ride
15th Backscatter and Social evening, from 7-30pm
18/20 July ECO Adventure Race Atherton Tablelands
26/27 July North Queensland Forest Rally
VK's MOST WANTED
An FM828 Ident board and a diplexer is required for the proposed
Hayman Island 2 meter Repeater.
David VK4DJC is the man in need.
Oh.. frequency?
146.650
That's for the FM828 Ident board and diplexer.
PUBLIC LECTURE JUNE 24
The next lecture in the UQ Physics Museum series "Tools of Science" will
be given by Rex Newsome VK4LR and Peter Hadgraft VK4APD on the subject of
Early Radio Broadcasting Technology and will be in Lecture Room 222
in the Parnell Building St. Lucia campus of The University of Queensland,
6-7.30pm.
For details contact Dr Norman Heckenberg on 3365 3369 or
heckenberg@physics.uq.edu.au or go to
http://www.physics.uq.edu.au/physics_museum/tools_of_science/tools_of_science.hl
t
(Norman Heckenberg Reader in Physics Director, Physics Museum
Deputy Director, Centre for Biophotonics and Laser Science
Physics Department, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072 Australia)
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
The June monthly meeting of the Brisbane VHF Group will be on Wednesday
25th and another interesting meeting is planned. There's the usual
time for chatting, as well as a technical feature related to radio
technology at VHF and above.
They will also be planning the 2 Metre Antenna Day.
The Brisbane VHF Group invites you to meet with other interested
radio amateurs at the home of Rob Bathgate, 53 Arrol Street, Camp
Hill.
That's this on Wednesday the 25th of June starting around 7:30 pm.
Sunday the 27th of July is a day to mark ahead in your diary or on your
wall calendar! That's when the Brisbane VHF Group 2 Metre Antenna Day will
be on.
"What's that?", you may ask. Well, the Brisbane VHF Group has recognised
that there is a continuing need for amateurs helping other amateurs in the
construction and optimising antennas for this most popular of VHF bands.
Help with antennas for the whole of 144 to 148 MHz is going to be
available. Real testing and measurement of 2 metre antenna performance is
planned, so you will be able to bring along your completed antennas, or
bring along part finished antennas, or bring along your ideas for you
intended 2 meter band antenna and get some advice from amateurs who have
'been there before'! We want to make this day a great help to new amateurs
on the band, as well as to amateurs with antenna building experience.
So, please remember Sunday the 27th of July for the Brisbane VHF Group 2
Metre Antenna Day, and stay tuned for more information closer to the time.
(Doug Friend, VK4OE)
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- WICEN
(State Co-ordinator, Ewen McLeod VK4ERM)
A regular net exists Sunday mornings 7.075 at 0830k.
Brisbane Area WICEN Group
CAR RALLY REPORT
Last weekends the Caloundra's Falken Rally Queensland organised by
the Brisbane Sporting Car Club took place.
The Brisbane Area WICEN Group Inc. with assistance of Amateur
Operators from as far North as Rockhampton and as far South as Melbourne,
manned the start and stop points and transmitted the start times and
scored times using packet, to rally headquarters at Caloundra.
In addition an Amateur Radio Operator was positioned at all of the
Safety On Stage points situated every 5kms along the track.
Portable voice repeaters were set up on Mt Borumba and Mt Kandanga,
while packet was relayed from the field to Mt Kandanga, digipeated to
Maleny then on to Rally base at Caloundra.
This year saw a major upgrade of the group's equipment with the voice
repeaters being linked together by UHF, so that most of the operators
were able to sign on to Mt Kandanga when they left home for the exercise.
Also the scoring software had to be rewritten to allow for scoring to
1/10 of a second.
Special thanks must go to Nev VK4TX who took 3 weeks annual leave just
to prepare for the event.
Thanks must also go to the Sunshine Coast Radio Club who organised the
scoring of the "Hella Hill Climb" and to the Queensland Digital Group for
their assistance with organising the equipment upgrade. Also to
Brian VK4XS who had to revise his software.
VK4TX says in the lead up to the official presentations at the ARC dinner
the Clerk of the Course acknowledged each of the major sponsors by name
and made a general thanks to the other sponsors.
Then he made the following statement (words to this effect):
"I acknowledge the assistance provided by many people and by the WICEN
group who have the best meals on Mt Kandanga. WICEN are amateur radio
Operators who provided us with the scores and safety communications
during the event.
Without them we would not be able to have this event."
Again, Neville says congratulations on your professional service provided
to the ARC.
"All I can do is to congratulate each of you on a job well done".
(Nev VK4TX and Ray VK4KV President Brisbane Area WICEN Group Inc)
L-WARC NEEDS YOU
If you can help man radios for a horse Enduro in the Spring Mountain
area contact VK4JPH Peter Harding after this broadcast on 3800 3305
or the clubs 70cm repeater 438.500 in SE VK4.
LISTENING IN TOWNSVILLE?
Steve VK4JUS needs more hands for Swims, Horse Rides and Rallies
He desperately needs operators for the following -
Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim, Sunday July 6th
Mount Pleasant Horse Endurance Ride, Sat 12th and Sun 13th July
North Queensland Forest Rally, Sat 26th and Sun 27th July.
He is short of staff on all three events and needs you to contact him
right NOW ! That's it, pick up the phone and talk to Steve right now
04 1478 5443
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
AUGUST TEN IN LISMORE
SARC HAMFEST (SARCFEST) 10 August.
Get along to this gala event, have a great day.
Raffles of, CTV, Microwave, Power tool - will be drawn.
Get your tickets from the Club.
SEPTEMBER 19-21
16th North Queensland Amateur Radio Convention 2003. (in it's 30th Year!)
The date has been set for one of THE most popular conventions in
the Amateur Radio calendar world wide. In its 30th year,
the 16th North Queensland Amateur Radio Convention will be happening
at James Cook University from PM Friday 19th to PM Sunday 21st
Details vk4zz@wia.org.au
SEPTEMBER 26-28 Central Highlands AGM Weekend from 5-30pm
Attendance/Bunk Bookings - Gordon Loveday VK4KAL 4985 4168
2004
LOGAN WEST AMATEUR RADIO & ELECTRONICS CLUB BOOT SALE
Feb President VK4JPH Peter 3800 3305 is your contact.
Boot sale is in the Car Park behind the Greenbank Community centre
adjacent to the Scout den, exhibitors will need to register at
the gate and setup before 10:00.
Entry free except for exhibitors (small fee)...
WIA EXAMINATIONS IN VK4
July 26 SUNSHINE COAST
Intending candidates should contact Ron VK4GZ on 5448 4063 or
Dave VK4KDL on 5448 7649 by the first Tuesday in the month.
Sept 28 SUNSHINE COAST
Intending candidates should contact Ron VK4GZ on 5448 4063 or
Dave VK4KDL on 5448 7649 by the first Tuesday in the month.
Nov. 29 SUNSHINE COAST
Intending candidates should contact Ron VK4GZ on 5448 4063 or
Dave VK4KDL on 5448 7649 by the first Tuesday in the month.
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
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.
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
theTARCinc web site
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
ATHERTON TABLELANDS
Tablelands Radio and Electronics Club conducts examinations on
request for the Atherton Tablelands area.
Contact the Secretary, Dale McCarthy - VK4DMC at trec@austarnet.com.au
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.
VK4 AMATEURS WHO ARE JP's
BAMAGA
Amanda Winchester, VK4HIP is registered as a Justice of the Peace
(Qualified) and is on mobile: 04 2936 8907
GLADSTONE
Rick WRIGHT, VK4HWN Justice of the peace QUALIFIED 4972 7147
SUNSHINE COAST
Geoff Sanders, VK4KEL is registered as a Justice of the Peace
(Qualified) and is on telephone 5445 0280
*************************************************************************
complied by vk4bb... club news read by vk4dfd
QNEWS - ALL OF THE NEWS ALL OF THE TIME LISTEN TO IT ON SEG 3
on the WIA WEB PAGE on wia.org.au/vk4
WIA FEDERAL CONTEST EMAIL= contests@wia.org.au
Chris VK4AA reads each weeks contest time table for 2003-4
===========================================================
Thanks again Trevor, and G'day all.
First up, let's look as usual at the calendar, and we're slotting in
yet another 80 metre contest in only two weeks, so grab that pen for the
details.
This weekend, June 21 and 22, is the All Asian DX on CW, so it's well under
way by now.
But here's news: you get next weekend off.
Time to grab the mower and tidy up that slow winter growth.
But do wait 'til the sun's high first or you might freeze solid.
A few years ago someone actually conned me into moving up from Melbourne by
saying it never gets cold in Queensland. Don't worry, your secret's safe with
me. Of
course, I was out early this morning cutting the much-needed firewood.
Brrr!
But what better way to get warm than sit down on a brisk Saturday night in
front of a roaring wireless set?
And here's your best chance in ages to do just that. All hell is set to
break loose on an HF box near you the weekend after next, July 5 and 6.
Get set for not one but four contests, all on the air at the same time!
They'll all be ducking for cover at 6pm Saturday - 0800 zulu - as the
Jack Files kicks off in Queensland.
But get this: in ZL, only a very a short hop for 80m in the evening, they
have the NZART Memorial Contest, on the same band, and with exactly, and I
mean exactly the same format.
That's one-hour bites, repeat contacts, a 1400z finish time, 80 metres only,
the lot.
Can contacts in one contest count for the other? I shouldn't think so.
Will people be confused? Yes, I'm quite sure of that!
Heaven alone knows how this one will pan out. By the time the dust finally
settles on it we'll probably have some pretty worn out operators, some of
them probably unsure even of which contest their contacts will count for.
We've already discussed the rules for the Jack Files, so I must apologise
if this sounds a bit like de ja vu, but these are actually the rules for
the ZL Memorial Contest: it's contested on Saturday, July 5th, with six
separate one-hour periods between 0800 and 1400 UTC. It's a single operator
event on 80 metres with phone/mixed and CW sections. This year the scoring
system has changed, and is now one point per phone QSO and two points per
CW QSO. You multiply the total number of QSO points by the total number of
prefixes worked on both modes. The amended rules are on the NZART contest
website. Logs go to Win Gilbert, ZL2GI no later than August 2, and
electronic logs are encouraged, either on disk or by E-mail.
So good luck, whichever contest you think you're in!
http://www.nzart.org.nz/nzart/update/contests
Logs to Win Gilbert ZL2GI 146 Liverton Rd., Lower Hutt
Electronic logs
wgilbert@actrix.gen.nz
(Jim Meachen ZL2BHF)
At the same time, but covering the full weekend, we have the Brass Monkey
Contest in ZL, which is their VHF contest, and the Original QRP Contest
for CW.
Things should be considerably more dignified the next weekend, July 12 and
13, with the IARU HF Contest, and a week later with the Pacific 160 Metre
Contest for both CW/SSB on the 19th. Wish I had a good 160m antenna.
This contest is really good fun and really pulls them out of the woodwork.
Again, that's July 19 for the Pacific 160 Metre Contest.
Okay, we introduced the IARU HF Contest last week, but didn't tell you
anything about it. Really, this is the simplest contest to enter. It runs
for a full 24 hours, from 1200 zulu on July 12 until 24 hours later,
1200 zulu on July 13. And all licensed amateurs worldwide hit the air to
contact as many other amateurs as possible, especially IARU member society
HQ stations. The bands to use are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres.
Now, let's check out an award then look at a special event station.
We cross the Tasman this week to check out the OTC (ZL) Golden Award.
It's an award to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the
Old Timers Club of ZL. The club was founded during the annual conference
of NZART in 1953.
Membership was originally available only for those radio amateurs who had
been licensed for 25 years or more. In later years an associate membership
became available for those who had been licensed for at least 10 years and
were over 60 years of age, and that's the way the club operates today.
You can qualify for this award by attaining just 50 points made by working
a number of ZL Old Timers.
Now here's a real leg up.
The ZL Awards Net goes to air every night of the week on 3677 kHz at
0800 UTC, and they'd be absolutely delighted if you call in when
chasing this award. That's 3677 at 6pm every day in eastern Australia.
Now here's our special event station for this week.
Quite a few weeks ago we mentioned this one, but it's now just around the
corner.
In the fourth annual event that has become known as the "Night of Nights",
historic USA Morse Code radio station KPH will return to the air in
commemoration of the last commercial Morse message sent in the
United States.
There is still talk of station staff possibly operating on the amateur
bands, and we'll bring you that news as soon as we can.
Further information may be found on the Maritime Radio Historical
Society Web site at
http://www.radiomarine.org
(Richard Dillman, W6AWO Member of the Maritime Radio Historical Society)
Okay, once again I've taken far too long, so I'd better vanish until
next time we meet!
73 until then from Chris Edmondson, VK4AA.
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
We've mad mention of this several times over the years, but it is getting
closer!
Peter Ellis VK1KEP reports that the US magazine "Car Audio Electronics"
has a story confirming that the US and European auto industries intend to
switch to 36/42-Volt systems starting in 2004 and being completely
switched by 2020.
No indication is readily available about a flow-on in other national
automobile industries such as Australia, however this change will certainly
lead to change in mobile equipment world-wide.
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
FROM QNEWS LOG JUNE 15 BROADCAST 13 of WIAQ COUNCIL YEAR
Congratulations to Ted VK4EWR, Ron VK4EV and Kerry VK4JJJ Who look
after callbacks on the Brisbane VHF Groups 2 meter repeater VK4RBN.
They have just made the first entry into our "500" club for this
council year, 502 callbacks to date of QNEWS.
City of Brisbane Radio Society Wednesday nights at 8pm AEST are
replaying "Amateur Radio NewsLine" from the U.S.A. on the club's
438.275 MHz repeater.
So please listen in and drop your callsign into the callback afterwards.
Future broadcasts depend on response and demand.
VK1 Broadcast Volunteers
The current team of volunteers have been assisting with the production
and presentation of the broadcast for 18 months or so, some are unable
to continue due to changes in employment and other activities.
For the broadcast to continue with out placing undue pressure on the
presenters, additional volunteers are required, with a greater number of
volunteers the fewer times you would have to present or assist with the
broadcast.
Would new volunteers or those currently on the roster please indicate
their willingness to assist or continue by emailing Alan on
broadcast@vk1.wia.ampr.org
We'd appreciate it if repeater managers would send the call sign, frequency,
location, and sponsoring club/organisation of the repeater as well as the
time and day QNEWS is aired to Graham VK4BB, qnews@wia.org.au each week.
Or by packet to qnews @ VK4WIE.#BNE.QLD.AUS.OC
SHORT WAVE MONITORING AND SCANNER NEWS
DIGITAL SHORT-WAVE BROADCASTING
Peter Ellis VK1KEP reports that, as of Tuesday of this last week, the German
broadcaster Deutsche Welle became the first full-time shortwave broadcaster
of DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale). This coincided with the International
Telecommunications Union's World Radio Congress 2003 in Geneva.
With near-FM quality sound that is said to offer near FM quality, it remains
to be seen if DRM is just this centuries "AM-STEREO!"
DRM may be used in ITU Regions 1 and 3.
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
* new on calender
*ITU HQ, 4UxxITU. ITU headquarter station 4U1ITU may be active during the
2003 World Radiocommunication Conference meetings. Special callsign 4U1WRC
is active from here as well. For either callsign, QSL via operators'
instructions.
*TIMOR-LESTE, 4W. Thor, 4W3DX has been QRV using CW on 20 meters between 1200
and 1230z. QSL via TF3MM.
*CROATIA, 9A. Special event call 9A0PAX is active until June 30 to celebrate
the pastoral visit of Pope John Paul II. QSL via 9A7K.
Iceland
Paddy EI7GK will be QRV from Reykjavik with the call TF3/EI7GK/P
from the 23rd of June to the 8th of July 2003.
Listen out for him on the worked all Ireland frequency 14.268 MHz
and the IOTA frequency 14.260 MHz as well as 21.317 and 7.068 MHz.
(irts)
VP8ROT is active from Rothera base on Adelaide Island, Antarctica.
The island counts as AN-001 for the RSGB Islands on the Air awards
He has been active on 20 metres between 0200 and 0500UTC.
JM6DZB/JD1 Iwo Jima in the Ogasawara Islands until the end of 2003.
80, 40 and 15 metres SSB.
3XY-1L Conakry, Guinea, operating during 2003.
He will be active with a battery-powered rig mostly on 20 and 15 metres,
after 1800 UTC and at weekends.
* new on calender
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FIFTY AND OVER
(the plumbers delight)
WIA (Vic Div) EASTERN ZONE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB (Inc.)
GIPPSLAND 2 METRE BEACON TO GO DIGITAL AND (semi-)INTERACTIVE.
The 2-metre beacon, VK3RGI 144.434 MHz will be changed over to an
experimental JT44 digital beacon for the weekend prior to the GippsTech
conference.
Transmit 1st 30 seconds of each minute,
receive the 2nd 30 seconds
The beacon will be active in JT44 mode from approx.
1800hrs EST 26 June until 1600 hrs 28 June.
The beacon will log all replies to disk and stations wishing to reply
during the listening period are requested to use the following format to
assist in later analysis of results.
Your Callsign, grid locater to 6 digits, your Rx signal level
Example: VK3ZYC QF31NT R10R10
To allow all states to have a fair go, please only transmit your replies
within the following guidelines for even hours:
VK7/ZL 00 to 09 mins
VK5/8 10 to 19
VK6 20 to 29
VK2 30 to 39
VK4 40 to 49
VK3 50 to 59
For odd numbered hours TX at any time. (You take potluck)
(vk1news)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
AMSAT-Italia extends an invitation to radio amateurs to join their
on-going worldwide radio-amateur project on the Ionosphere, and
particularly on its predicability for our radio communications.
The project, called "Ionosfera" is supported by the European Space Agency
(ESA) within its framework on the Space Weather:
AMSAT-Italia recently answered the ESA Call for Proposal to develop a
series of (free-of-charge) internet-based services for the radio amateurs
dealing with the radio propagation via the Ionosphere.
We invite you to access the European Space Agency (ESA) website on
Space Weather at www.estec.esa.nl/wmwww/wma/spweather/ and to
read the one-page synopsis on "Ionosfera" at
www.estec.esa.nl/wmwww/wma/spweather/esa_initiatives/pilotproject/synopses.html
The co-ordinator of the project is Florio IW2NMB, and he can be contacted at
iw2nmb@amsat.org
Three new hams based at NASA's Johnson Space Centre (JSC) have been
spending more than two-thirds of their workdays on the road highlighting
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) and other
NASA-supported educational programs.
Ota Lutz KD5UQZ, Joan Sanders KD5UQW and Angelo Casaburri, KD5UQS
along with Linus Guillory travel to schools and museums.
Sanders says "Without exception, the men and women of the
Astronaut Corps are heroes to school children."
Amateurs may check the NASA AESP Web site
http://aesp.nasa.okstate.edu/jsc/aesp
and the OSU AESP Web site
http://www.okstate.edu/aesp/AESP.html to learn what the specialists have
to offer and where they expect to be during the summer.
(Rosalie White, K1STO via arrl letter)
AMSAT reports apparent troubles with FO-20
Fuji-OSCAR 20 --uplink 145.90 to 146.00 MHz (CW/LSB);
downlink 435.80 to 435.90 MHz (CW/USB);
beacon 435.795 MHz
This bird has been reported silent by numerous operators.
Launched February 7, 1990, FO-20 is in mode JA continuously.
After a hiatus, Fuji-Oscar 29 is back on the air!
The Japan Amateur Radio League's satellite control station
received reports from amateurs in many parts of the world
that they lost signals from amateur satellite Fuji-OSCAR 29 after May 31.
The FO-29 command team staff carefully sent command
signals to turn back on the satellite's transmitter.
Finally, on June 16 they succeeded.
The team is presently analysing data and is seeking reception
reports. Those who are able to hear FO-29, are asked to report
the time (UTC), location and signal strength to:
lab@jarl.or.jp
Use of the analog transponder is not restricted at present.
Analog Transponder (Mode JA)
Uplink: 145.900 - 146.000 MHz
Downlink: 435.800 - 435.900 MHz
CW telemetry - 435.795MHz
(AMSAT News Service via arrl letter PLUS VK2BPN)
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
TeleText page 958
http://jota.scouting.net.au
http://www.scouts.com.au/discover/index.html
http://www.scout.org/jota
JOTA 2003 - October 18 and 19 2003.
JOTA HF Voice Calling Frequencies
3590, 7090, 14190, 21190, 28590 kHz
14290, 18140, 21360, 24960, 28390 kHz (DX)
The 46th Jamboree on the Air will take place on the 18th and 19th of
October 2003. Anyone seeking information regarding JOTA can contact
Steve Watson the VK Cordinator via the jota/scouting/net/au site.
Wings 2003 - Windsor International Guides & Scout Camp
3000 + Scouts and Guides will be at Windsor Great Park, 2nd to 9th August.
Please find details of camp (countries represented etc) on
www.Wings2003.org.uk
and for the radio side
www.Wings2003.org.uk/radio
The RSGB mobile demonstration vehicle, GB4FUN will be operating from the
site.
(John Hughes G4KGT/G4PSG Station Manager 1st Prestwood Scout Group AR Station)
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK:-
NATIONAL NEWS
The results of the survey prepared by VK3's Jim Linton
WIA news available by private e-mail.
AUDIO NEWS SERVICES:-
ACA NEWS
GENERAL INTEREST NEWS FROM 'DOWNUNDER'.
VK4 FIRM IN SMART SECURITY DEAL WITH US GOVT
EDUCATION AND YOUTH
HAM RADIO STATISTICS: THE HOBBY CONTINUES TO GROW
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE - WITH CHRIS WRIGHT VK2UW
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK2
WESTLAKES
VK3
VK3WI HQ Station for IARU HF World Championship
VK7
North West Branch News
VK8
Ron VK4CRO paid a visit last week to the Darwin Amateur Radio Club Rooms
INTERNATIONAL
IARU Report: Week One of WRC-03
H44
NZART CONFERENCE
TANZANIA
UNITED KINGDOM
Jeremy Boot G4NJH the RSGB news reader reports in our Audio news
CLUB ACTIVITY
LOGAN WEST AMATEUR RADIO & ELECTRONICS CLUB
MACKAY
ROCKHAMPTON
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
SUNSHINE COAST
TOWNSVILLE
VK's MOST WANTED
An FM828 Ident board and a diplexer is required for the proposed
PUBLIC LECTURE JUNE 24
The next lecture in the UQ Physics Museum series "Tools of Science"
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
The June monthly meeting of the Brisbane VHF Group will be on Wednesday
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- WICEN
CAR RALLY REPORT
L-WARC NEEDS YOU
LISTENING IN TOWNSVILLE?
Steve VK4JUS needs more hands for Swims, Horse Rides and Rallies
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
WIA EXAMINATIONS IN VK4
VK4 AMATEURS WHO ARE JP's
Chris VK4AA reads each weeks contest time table for 2003-4
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
SHORT WAVE MONITORING AND SCANNER NEWS
DIGITAL SHORT-WAVE BROADCASTING
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FIFTY AND OVER
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
***************************
QNEWS - we've reported...YOU decide.
Compiled by VK4BB /
Special Interest Group news read by VK4FUQ, VK4AA presents Contests
Packet: qnews@vk4wie.#bne.qld.aus.oc
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