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ZL2TZE > QNEWS 11.07.03 21:12l 1339 Lines 48416 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
PREAMBLE -
COMMUNICATION EXPLORATION
What a great SIMPLE way to say what we radio amateurs do!
No not a QNEWS positioning statement, the honours for this go to VK5MM.
Rob has dished up some "food for thought", and is sticking to the KISS
principle! Easily understood and digested!
Later in this bulletin we'll look at VK5MM's 'hand out leaflet',
COMMUNICATION EXPLORATION, a great VK initiative as far as producing
a brochure on just "what is amateur radio".
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
NEWS from the Federal President
At World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 held in Geneva, Switzerland,
two principal revisions were made to the ITU Radio Regulations concerning
the formation of call signs in the Amateur Services.
The prohibition against prefixes of amateur station call signs commencing
with a digit when the second character is the letter O or the letter I, has
been removed. This has little direct impact for VK amateurs but will
provide additional prefix options and greater flexibility for
administrations assigned prefixes beginning with a digit followed by a
letter. Thus 7-O-7 is now a legitimate amateur radio prefix.
Of more direct interest to Australian amateurs is the fact that, provided
ACA approves, call signs may now be formed with a group of four characters
(suffix), of which the last must be a letter, following the national
identifier.
Thus call signs such as VK4ROAR, VK3NERG, and VK2002A could
now be permitted.
The Amateur Service made significant gains at WRC-2003 in its quest for
increased global allocations and a shift of the Broadcasting Service out
of our 40 metre band.
The Amateur Service sought to regain the band's 1939 status of an exclusive
allocation of 300 kHz worldwide, free from the present interference of
broadcasters in Europe and Asia. With six options on the table at the onset
of the conference, it was quickly evident that the negotiations would be
very difficult and success could be achieved only through compromise.
Very intense negotiations lasted right until the second last day of the
four-week conference, but when the dust had settled, it had been agreed that
on 29 March, 2009, amateurs in Asia, Europe and Africa will gain access to
7100 to 7200 kHz and the incumbent broadcasters will have moved higher in
frequency and out of that portion of 40 metres.
The Amateur Service was the only Service to gain an HF allocation at
WRC-2003. Gaining spectrum through a move of the powerful, well-entrenched
Broadcast Service was a historic first.
In the face of pressure by some administrations to retain Morse testing,
the conference decided to keep Morse as a recommended amateur qualification,
but that it would be up to individual administrations whether or not they
retain a Morse examination requirement.
The dropping of Morse testing was one of a number of changes to Article 25
of the Radio Regulations that took effect last Saturday, July Five.
This change does not mean that the ACA will automatically or immediately
drop Morse testing, in-fact ACA have notified us that NO changes will take
effect until at least 2005.
For QNEWS, across Australia, I'm Ernie Hocking VK1LK
(wrc03 material sourced to iaru/rac/wia audio vk1lk)
The VK6 Foundation Licence Survey has been completed
utilising the form used by VK2, VK3 and VK7, slightly modified.
On one hand it's great to see yet another survey in, but a real
shame that all divisions did not utilise the one model, so a true
comparison between Amateurs in the various callsign areas could
be ascertained.
However VK6 Amateurs sure are to be commended, almost 25% completing
their questionnaire.
It is also interesting that "Full Calls" submitted the most replies.
This time when we look at this survey against the VK3/2/7 and against
Owen Duffy's really only one differing result, that being the majority
favoured just the two tier licence structure.
(sourced from newswest)
COMMUNICATION EXPLORATION
Rob VK5MM has available his AR Promotional and Information Brochure
for Amateurs and NON Amateurs, and he wants OUR help in 'flooding'
Australia with the Brochures, the Communication Exploration Brochure.
The Brochure has been optimised for Web Viewing, home and professional
printing Australia wide.
If you would like a PDF of VK5MM's "AR Promotional Brochure",
please send an Email to arpromo@mailaustralia.net with
"ARPromoAustralia" in the SUBJECT field for the Aust.
Version, OR "ARPromoSA" for the SA version. (contains
some SA contact details).
(Rob VK5MM mickeymouse@adelaide.on.net)
NATIONAL NEWS - YOU HAVE MAIL
QWIA news available by private e-mail.
Simply send an e-mail message to the following
NOTE CASE SENSITIVE :
QNEWS-VK-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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.
NEW MEMBERS TO OUR INSTITUTE INCLUDE:-
VK6WB Mahendra Gusti Glendalough
VK6YBN Bob Blumfelds Koondoola
VK6HDC Douglas Clarkson Marangaroo
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
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 ISN'T DYING!
JUST THE PEOPLE USING IT ARE!!
That "headline" from a story about the USA Field Day and published in a
Wyoming newspaper doesn't do us much good, but maybe, just maybe, VK3BUF
has hit on a scheme which might take the biggest disincentive for becoming
a ham out of the equasion and encourage a brand new "bunch of hams".
EXAMINING THE EXAMINATIONS
Ian Jackson VK3BUF, Education officer, GGREC presented a paper to a meeting
of WIAVictoria this week, a document which relates to the examination
process for Amateur Radio operators. It also highlights the need for change
in the process in order to improve access and convenience for candidates.
VK3BUF pointed out that notwithstanding the difficulty level of the exam,
the actual exam process is the biggest disincentive we have for people
contemplating the acquisition of an Amateur Radio License.
A major change in the examination process is needed, said Ian and it should
happen in conjunction with the other proposed license changes presently
being considered.
In brief some of the changes are;
To utilise the internet and streaming video to conduct on-line exams,
This "Web-Exam" is then conducted under examiner supervision, similar to
the way it is supervised now and a Pass/Fail result appears on screen.
If they pass, they get to select a callsign from the on-line database
a 14 day license falls out of the adjacent printer, complete with photo.
The successful candidate goes home with a valid callsign.
Even when candidates fail, there will be reduced stress and tension as
they walk away with the result, rather than waiting a month for news of
failure.
If you'd like to hear more of these revolutionary ideas might I direct you
to Ian Jackson VK3BUF, Education Officer, Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics
Club.
ianjackson@netspace.net.au
KICKING GOALS THE VK2DQ WAY
Ron Bertrand with his free internet "radioelectronicschool" has been
kicking goals for a number of years.. but this one surely is "special".
Ron via the internet tutored a 23 year old Kenyan who had worked
for 3 days to earn enough money to use an Internet Cafe
for 1 hour and had to walk 15 kilometres there and back!
His work was extremely good. He could not get an amateur exam ( or licence)
so I sent over an AOCP exam to the local postmaster who supervised the exam
and sent back the answers. I issued him with an ARCS level 3 Certificate
and a reference on School Letter head.
Humphrey sent over photographs of his "graduation" (in a gown)
being presented with the certificate by the postmaster. The whole family
was present (Wife and 3 children) dressed to the hilt.
He now has his own business repairing simple household appliances and TV
antennas. Humphrey's "shop" is just 3 metres x 1.5 metres and he and his
family are thrilled - a dream come true he told me.
He hopes to branch out and manufacture TV antennas.
Congratulations Ron! I can only guess at how you must have felt knowing
the extra yards you go to for your students pays of in the most
tangible ways! Well Done!
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE - WITH CHRIS VK2UW
Region III IARUMS Coordinator
B.L.Manohar (Arasu) VU2UR Vu2ur@mailcity.com
VK Coordinators for I.A.R.U.M.S.
VK Federal Coordinator.
VK8HA Henry Andersson vk8ha@octa4.net.au
P.O. Box 619
HUMPTY DOO N.T. 0836
VK3TZE Jimmy intruders@wiavic.org.au
VK4ZRT Wayne vk4zrt@wia.org.au
Intruder Watch Coordinator,
c/- Gladstone AR Club,
PO Box 1030, Gladstone 4680..
VK5EV John
VK7RB Rob vk7rb@netspace.net.au
VK8HA Henry Andersson vk8ha@octa4.net.au
IARUMS NETS
Friday 0730 UTC 7.065.5 with VK4CEU David.
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
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
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
*VK2 25-29 Aug Shahzada Horse Enduro, in St Albans area. Contact Dave VK2KFU.
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
* new to calender
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK3
PRESIDENT JIM LINTON
http://www.wiavic.org.au
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
18 July EMDRC Coffee Shop - Garry VK3UAC: "Inside the Internet".
18 July Geelong Amateur Radio Club Inc. meet as they do every Friday night,
from 8:00, club room in Storrer Street, near the Elephant and Castle Hotel..
19 July being a Saturday sees Unit 31 at Ballarat Airport come alive as
the members of BARG roll up at 1pm when they have a construction afternoon..
So if you have a problem, are in the area, make arrangements and the
club rooms will be opened for you!
VK4
PRESIDENT VK4ERM EWAN McLEOD
http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
City of Brisbane Radio Society will be continuing their help for
members and friends on compliance with the ACA EMR rules. Mt Gravatt
TAFE 7:30pm Tuesday August 12, or give them a call on 438.275 MHz
North Queensland Amateur Radio Convention on the 19th, 20th and 21st
is the place to be September. If your planing a holiday to Australia's
North, you'll need copies of the convention pamphlet and registration
form so email Gavin/VK4ZZ right now on vk4wit@wia.org.au
VK6
PRESIDENT VK6NE Neil Penfold
http://www.wia.org.au/vk6
VK6council@vk6wia.org
Although Federal office will increase the Federal component of all
subscriptions by $3-00 from January 1st 2004, the VK6 Council have
already agreed that VK6 will absorb this increase.
INTERNATIONAL
NIUE ZK2
The tiny Pacific island country of Niue that Amateurs know as ZK2 or IOTA
OC-040 is the first country to have a country-wide open WiFi or 802.11
radio link to the internet, using the world-wide license-free 2.4GHz band.
This WiFi network is also free and open to anyone on or visiting the island
nation, including yachties and business travellers.
Niue is often cited as the largest upraised coral atoll in the world, that
"should better be called the world's largest electronic component, a virtual
'pie network tank' or 'capacitive resistance tank' " because "Niue has
no natural Earth ground, and therefore actually appears to an energy source
as a giant capacitor-resistor floating on the ocean floor some thousands
of feet down.
Add to that the dielectric constant of ocean water, with a fresh water lens
floating in coral and it makes Niue a very interesting specimen of
electrical properties."
For further information, look up on the internet,
http://www.niue.nu
Reporter Peter Ellis VK1KEP
NEW ZEALAND
70cm Voice-Over-Internet FM Simplex
A co-ordinated frequency for fixed-location FM simplex
Voice-Over-Internet-equipped "node" or "gateway" in the
70 cm band is being pursued by members of the NZART.
Following consultation with various interested parties,
a frequency of 432.700 MHz appears to be the most suitable.
A similar frequency is proposed for each of the higher bands:
621.700 MHz, 925.700 MHz, 1296.700 MHz, 2424.700 MHz, 3399.700 MHz,
5760.700 MHz, 10368.700 MHz, 24192.700 MHz, and so on.
(nzinfoline Jim Meachen ZL2BHF Editor)
SWITZERLAND
The Swiss AR Society, USKA has received from their Federal Office of
Communications (OFCOM) information which in part told them:
Due to the decision WRC03 to drop morse code as part of the licence test,
the OFCOM will release a letter to all CEPT 2 licensees in Switzerland
containing a temporary permission to use the short wave bands.
With this provisional agreement it is possible to save a lot of time until
the ordinance is changed.
Immediately after reception of this letter the CEPT 2 licensees are allowed
to use the short wave bands according to the Swiss prescriptions with
their present call signs.
As the Swiss AR Society points out, "this ultra-fast procedure of our
national Telecommunication Authority in favour of the waiting amateurs
is doubtless a result of the excellent agreement between the committee
of USKA and the responsibilities of OFCOM".
(The committee of USKA)
UNITED STATES
Throw away cellular telephones are set to make their debut on U.S.
convenience store shelves this summer. This as Hop-On, a small
company based in Garden Grove, California, announces that it has
received U.S. regulatory approval to sell its first recyclable phones
for prepaid mobile calling phones.
Hop-On's phones are plastic and about the size of a deck of playing
cards.
Customers buy airtime cards in increments of additional talk time of
60, 90 and 120 minutes. In a recent interview, Peter Michaels who is
Hop-On's Chairman and Chief Executive said approval of the phones
will allow the company to sell its stripped-down mobile phone and 60
minutes of initial service for a $40 flat fee.
(ARNewsLine Audio)
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
VK4 SILENT KEYS @ 2003 - 2004 WIAQ COUNCIL YEAR
VK4BS Jim Cunningham around the 19th or 20th of March 03 (advised by vk4sj)
VK4BMA Denis Brice March 29th 2003 (advised by vk4brg)
*VK4NYY Ralph Curry a former vk4nyy April 2003 (advised by vk4kel)
VK4HW Dave Hutchins April 21st 2003.
VK4COK Reg Carmody May? advised by Ron vk4fc
VK4BP Doug Sim May 24th 2003
Bob Beetson May 2003 original holder of vk4bb circa 1929
*VK4VI Harry Bird July 2003 (advised by Westlakes AR Club)
We regret to advise of the death of Harry Bird VK4VI Ex VK2XI
at the age of 85.
Harry, who had been a member of Westlakes for more than 20 years,
lived in Shortland most of this time.
He had been in poor health during the past year or so and had been
staying with family on the Gold Coast. Interested in Amateur Radio
to his end, Harry had recently taken out a new callsign VK4VI.
Condolences are extended to Harry's family and to his Nephew Alan VK2CZZ.
Vale Harry Bird VK2XI / VK4VI
It is with regret Geoff Sanders passes on news received
that former Sunshine Coast Club member, Ralph Curry and previous
holder of V-K-4-N-Y-Y, has become a silent key.
Ralph was a very active member, net controller and general all round
'good bloke' for the Sunshine Coast ARC during the early to mid 1980's
following his retirement from the then PMG, along with being an outstanding
source for hard-drawn copper wire for antenna construction.
Following the death of his first wife and disappearance of his son in the
Himalayas following a 3000m fall, Ralph subsequently remarried to a
Thai lass and then later moved to Thailand in the late eighties.
Ralph's brother Alfred in the UK confirmed that Ralph had passed away in
Thailand in April of this year, just short of his 80th birthday.
73 and good DX from up there old friend.. vk4nyy.
Geoff Sanders VK4KEL
WIA COUNCILLOR BRUCE JONES VK4EHT REPORTS
Hello listeners and good to be back after a bit of a break,
I must admit I was feeling things were looking a bit slow on progress
regarding the proposed Foundation Licence. However the efforts going on
in the background are now becoming evident. Oh if we all had the patience!
AR magazine arrived last Tuesday in Brisbane and also in Charters Towers
so our country members do just as well as any of us. The presidents report
from Ernie VK1LK brings us up to date on Foundation Licence issues.
Also on the Federal scene, the WIA Federal Council will be meeting today,
Sunday 13th by teleconference. Naturally the main topic discussed will be
the new licence issues now that now that WIA Consultation survey results
are in. Results for some states are published in July's AR magazine.
VK4's results are being processed as I compile this report so they will be
available for the teleconference and we plan to have them for you in QTC
for August.
Now on other matters:
Did you know that membership of the WIA Queensland Division can cost just
$29 a year. That's right just $29! This is for bona fide student membership.
So what are you waiting for? Recruit some students.
73 from Bruce Jones VK4EHT
THE TIME IS NOW!
Quickly, if you hurry you to can obtain a genuine Ham Licence which has
required you to pass CW!
Not sure how?
Well VK4AAT is offering to TEACH CW, but Terry's not sure if he'll be able
to handle what no doubt will be hordes of folk wanting "the Real McCoy".
Should these classes be on air? by EchoLink? at a school hall....
VK4AAT is just the guy to get you up to speed... and then some!
Terry is more than happy to field questions and suggestions re this
proposed quickie morse course..
So drop him an email... look for him on EchoLink... or get his postal
address from a call book or ACA database.
Look this all depends on interest, so get to it now and let Terry VK4AAT
know what you think!
terystew@gil.com.au
North Queensland Amateur Radio Convention
19th, 20th and 21st September 2003.
There has been a change in the venue for the Friday Night
Convention Opening and Saturday Night Convention Banquet !
The Centenary Hotel is out - the Cluden Motor Inn is INN !
A new convention pamphlet has been sent out on email and
the revised pamphlet will be included in the July issue of
Backscatter magazine.
If you need copies of the convention pamphlet and registration
form email Gavin/VK4ZZ right now on vk4wit@wia.org.au
and he will email the thingie right back.
Deadline for convention registrations, which gets you access to
catering, is August 29th.
ps You can see this brochure among the various AR promotional leaflets
give aways etc when you click on P the Promotion of Amateur Radio link
at www.wia.org.au/vk4
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
BARC
Teletext page 902
http://www.qsl.net/vk4ba
PRESIDENT. Col Gladstone VK4ACG
or, by E-mail to vk4ba@qsl.net
The Brisbane Amateur Radio Club, meets twice a month, at St. John's Church
in King Street Annerley. The first meeting is the SECOND Friday of the month,
which is mainly a "social night", but also the club uses this first meeting
as a "show and tell" night where members bring along their home brew
projects, then explain the workings to all the assembled members and guests.
The second meeting, is the FOURTH Friday of the month, which is primary a
business night, starting at 7:30pm sharp, continuing until approximately
8:30pm, then most members have coffee, tea and biscuits and a chat about
all things amateur.
The "Home Brewing" or "Club Brewing" as members call the second Friday night
of the month, is very well attended with all members wanting to build
power supplies, SWR metres and all important other radio related items.
This night has seen the club members all joining in and helping each other
brew these items, this among other activities is the reason the
"Brisbane Amateur Radio Club" is so very successful, says Warren VK4WH.
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ARC
President Eddie Milham VK4-JEM
All contact and correspondence should be directed to the club's
Secretary/Treasurer - Gordon Loveday via 4985 4168
email donvk4kal@bigpond.com
mail c/- Aviemore, Rubyvale QLD 4702
If you want to attend the CHARC AGM at Camp Fairbairn on
the weekend September 27/28 then you should
be contacting Gordon/VK4KAL to find out more.
(Gavin/VK4ZZ)
CITY OF BRISBANE RADIO SOCIETY
PRESIDENT Mick VK4NE
TeleText page 903
438.275 vk4wie
Moreton College of TAFE off Cavendish road Mt Gravatt.
on the 4th floor in Block B 7.30pm.
Just before the COBRS 70cm on air net Wednesday Nights you should tune
in to pick up the "American Point Of View". At 8:00pm Wednesdays
Mike VK4TMT retransmits ARNewsLine THE definitive USA Ham News Service
on 70cms 438.275, worth a listen.
POSTAL ADDRESS CBRS P.O.BOX 1235 Springwood Qld 4127.
DALBY AND DISTRICT
TeleText page 910
President is Reg VK4AQU Phone 4662 2193
Information received on 2 meters and 70 cm on the Buna Mountains,
Mt. Kianagrow.
Although 146.675 is off air the Dalby Districts Amateur Radio club has a
backup repeater on 438.700 presently working.
QNEWS is still heard in the area Sunday mornings at 9.00 but through
70 cm and also repeated on Monday night at 7.30 that frequency again 438.7
Mike vk4xt says he is presently working on the project on 2 metres
(146.675) repeater trying to get it working but still has
"NO circuit Diagram for the Transworld repeater".
(compiled by Dennis vk4oc at Tara for the Dalby Districts Amateur Radio Club.)
ROCKHAMPTON
President : Mike VK4LMB
TeleText page 918
IRLP NODE 6973 ;
RADAR meets the third Wednesday of each month at SES HEADQUARTERS corner
of CHARLES AND RANDWICK STREET NORTH ROCKY. 7:30pm local time. ALL WELCOME..
For all information on RADAR CLUB activities and exams etc: contact Clive
VK4ACC on 4928 1173 or e-mail vk4acc@wia.org.au
SOUTH COAST RADIO AMATEURS GROUP
Club callsign VK4WIF
Repeater VK4RBT 147.800
Ken Ayers VK4KD Nerang on Gold Coast 5578 2293
smokey2@winshop.com.au
Club repeater airs QNEWS at 9:00am Sundays for the Gold Coast Area
from Nerang.
SUNSHINE COAST
President Harvey Wickes VK4AHW
TeleText page 909
Sunfest, the Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club Hamfest, will be held in
the Woombye School of Arts on Saturday 13 September 2003, from 9 to 3.
The hall is located in the centre of Woombye township just 100
metres from the railway station. Ample parking is available in close
proximity. Entry ramps provide easy access to both halls for exhibitors and
the disabled. A talk-in service will be provided on 146.850 MHz FM. Call
VK4WIS for assistance.
Further enquiries to the Coordinator Sunfest, Ron VK4GZ.
phone 5448 4063.
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
TeleText page 922
President:- Allen Perry.
DATE CLAIMERS
Aug 2 TREC Auction.
Sept 6 BBQ and inspection of the station of John VK4TL.
Nov 29 TREC Christmas party, dinner a sit down meal.
TOWNSVILLE
TeleText page 919
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
The Birds were Shining and the Sun was Singing last Saturday July 5th
as members of TARC made their way down to the Groper Creek markets.
The markets were a bewildering array of stalls selling all sorts
of things - from concrete wombats to succulent produce to
hand made arts and crafts.
Wallaby Bob and Jeanette doing it again! yet another
successful TARC social outing !
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
The next general meeting of the QDG will be at the usual venue - Wavell
Heights State School staff room Minore Street Chermside on Friday 18th July.
Commencement time is 7:30 pm. The special guest presenter is Ron Bertrand,
VK2DQ who will speak on Education and Training for Amateur Radio.
As usual, all welcome. Light supper provided. So why not take someone who
wants to know just how to go about preparing for that licence!
Another reason to make it to QDG the 18th, they have a number of
600mm microwave dishes that will be available at the meeting.
These are the same type they had at BARCfest.
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
Sunday the 27th of July is the Brisbane VHF Group 2 Metre Antenna Day.
Take your antenna along to VHF antenna testing field day, Sunday 27th
10.00 AM, at the Mayfield State School Oval, on the corner of Royds &
Rickwood Streets, Carina and have that VHF / UHF type of antenna and
feed lines 'professionally tested'.
Also find out how big of a difference the type of feed line makes!
Want to know more? And for catering numbers, you can contact Rob VK4ZDX on
3395 2232 any reasonable hour or on 147.000 MHz.
Date again July 27 from 10.00 AM, at the Mayfield State School, Carina.
(Jason Morris VK4YOL Hon Secretary of the Brisbane VHF Group)
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- WICEN
(State Co-ordinator, Ewen McLeod VK4ERM)
A regular net exists Sunday mornings 7.075 at 0830k.
Maggie Island Swim Report
The Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim is over for another year
and Townsville WICEN group performed well under adverse sea
conditions. The rough conditions also made a few of the WICEN operators
ill with seasickness, however they soldiered on to provide
communications right through the event.
Operations for the day had started at 7am with the VK4ZZ WICEN
portable mast and 3 element yagi was erected and tested, clear of
spectators for EMR safety.
Next year is the 50th anniversary of the Magnetic Island to Strand Swim
and big plans are afoot! It will also be the last year that swimmers will
be swimming in cages and - hopefully - the weather will behave itself
a bit better than in 2003 !
The next Comms Support event is the TERA Mount Pleasant
Horse Endurance Ride near Collinsville.
Hopefully by then the Swim operators will have recovered and the hills
wont be going up and down all by themselves !!
ECO Adventure Race Friday July 18TH to Sunday July 20TH
Organised by Atherton Tablelands WICEN group
with support from Cairns WICEN group
This is a Logistic communications support for "competitor progress and needs"
on a orienteering type event held in the environs of the Atherton Tablelands
Contact - Dale/VK4DMC 4096 2855.
I am still looking for assistance for more operators to assist with the
SpringMountain Horse Endurance" ride to be held in the Spring Mountain
area, about 20 minutes west of Jimboomba.
If any body can assist their help will be most appreciated, most of the
starting ting times are from 06:30 onwards that I need to cover with
backup operators, they can either Amateur or CB operators.
This message sent by Peter Harding, VK4JPH
Email addressed to:
briscal@optusnet.com.au
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
SEPTEMBER 13
Sunfest, the Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club Hamfest, will be held in
the Woombye School of Arts on Saturday 13 September 2003, from 9 to 3.
The venue will be open to exhibitors from 7.00am with food and
refreshments available from the kitchen.
Entry fees are $5.00 single and $6.00 family.
Table bookings are $15.00 which includes entry for two persons.
The hall is located in the centre of Woombye township just 100
metres from the railway station. Ample parking is available in close
proximity. Entry ramps provide easy access to both halls for exhibitors and
the disabled. A talk-in service will be provided on 146.850 MHz FM. Call
VK4WIS for assistance.
Further enquiries to the Coordinator Sunfest, Ron VK4GZ.
phone 5448 4063.
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
*************************************************************************
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 Trevor and G'Day all! Things are considerably quieter following the
contest frenzy of the last couple of weeks.
But this weekends a biggie, as we're now into the IARU HF CONTEST, running
this weekend, July 12 and 13.
Next Saturday, the 19th, is the Pacific 160 Metre Contest for CW and SSB.
Then take a break, winding the clock forward to August 9 and 10 for the
Worked All Europe DX on CW only.
A little further ahead (but only a month from now!) is the RD CONTEST for
VK, this year on August 16 and 17. I think it would be fair to say the RD
is Australia's premier contest, both on HF and VHF, as it pits state against
state and division against division. It's been hotly contested for many
years and remains a personal favourite of many. As the RD approaches you'll
be hearing plenty more about it, including tips on how to make your time
on air best count for your state.
A fortnight later, August 30 and 31, sees VK's ALARA Contest, which is
another calendar highlight, then on September 6 and 7 the All-Asia DX.
If you don't see the rules published in AR Magazine, check the official
VK Contest website at www.vkham.com, and follow the links.
As I said, the IARU HF Contest is on this weekend, running 1200 UTC on
July 12 to 1200 UTC on July 13. In other words, it started at 2am this
morning in eastern Australia, so given it runs for 24 hours there is still
plenty of time for you to join in the fun. Look on the original HF bands
of 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres, and make sure you catch the official
HQ stations. The official Australian HQ station is VK3WI, operating flat out
on all bands. You'll doubtless also hear other HQ stations from around the
world, including VA3RAC operating from Ottawa, Canada.
For those of you listening on VK3RHF or VK3REC down Melbourne way, a
special G'Day to you, and here's a special invitation to quit chipping the
ice off your windscreen and join in all the fun of the Ballarat Amateur
Radio Group's Scrambles.
Every Sunday, BARG has a scramble on two metres, operating on the narrow
band of frequencies between 146.425 and 146.600 MHz. It runs for a
whirlwind 10 minutes only, starting at 7:50 pm, with a call back on VK3RBA
after ten minutes to compare scores. It's a very simple concept but a
great idea for the many clubs who wish to encourage simple activity!
Scrambles are great fun. Join in and see for yourself!
Now for news on the International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend. Kevin,
VK2CE, says this year the guidelines, entry form and lists of entrants
have moved to a new lighthouse web site
http://lighthouses.net.au/illw
So how are you going? Well, DX-wise, you can find out for yourself, for
the WIA awards roster is in AR magazine next month, August will show the
DXCC Standings.
Ah, but how well did you go? We now have the final top scores available
for the Harry Angel Memorial Sprint, held on Anzac Day.
In the Mixed Modes segment, congratulations go to Ian, VK3JS, with 74 points.
Nipping at his heels was our top-scoring CW operator, John VK5NJ, with 72.
Topping out on SSB was the very talkative club station of VK5SR,
representing S.E.R.G, the South East Radio Group of picturesque
Mount Gambier, with 62 points.
Congratulations to all who took part.
Harry Angel, VK4HA, passed away in 1998 at the extraordinary old age of 106,
and was at the time the world's oldest radio amateur. Harry may no longer
be taking pride of place in the annual Brisbane ANZAC Day Parades, but his
memory lives on... in the Harry Angel Memorial Sprint.
Speaking of old timers, later in this edition of QNEWS, Felix will run
through the current list of VK's oldest active amateurs!
Now lets conclude my little bit for this week by steaming through a
special event station or three.
GB2WSM will be on the air from the Windermere Steamboat Museum today, Sunday
the 13th of July.
But he's not the only one of the hot air crowd. GB2SCL will be operated
from Ribblehead Station on the famous Settle and Carlisle railway line.
The weekends of July 12/13 and 19/20 plus the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd
of August.
So why all the fun with steam? Well, it's the 35th anniversary of the
retirement of regular steam runs by British Railways and steam trains
will be run through Ribblehead Station on each of these weekends.
And finally, GB4BFS is on the air until the 28th of July in support of the
British Festival of Space.
Right! Another week gone. Good DXing to you all until next time, and
73 from Chris Edmondson VK4AA and VK3CE.
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
WIA's Amateur Radio Magazine Editor VK5UE
AR's Publishing Committee VK3's ABP, ANI, AUI, AZL, BR, DBB, OM.
WEBMASTER VK5UJ
QNEWS EDITOR VK4BB
Not quite the J Geils hit of 82, but CENTREFOLD was the word on theTARCinc
lips in Townsville last weekend. Not only the Centrefold but front page
of the Saturday Bulletin featured a photograph of VK4ZM Lyndall, all to do
with the great feature on theTARCinc and Amateur Radio,
Adelaide where test relays of QNEWS on IRLP NODE 6214 (VK5ZSN) have been
taking place for three weeks sees officially
WEDNESDAY 8:00pm CST ADELAIDE
AREG on Summertown repeater 438.125 by VK5ZSN Adrian
"dial on demand" on this IRLP repeater, enter the code 438125.
SHORT WAVE MONITORING AND SCANNER NEWS
More On Super VHF Propagation
Last week, we reported the extraordinary VHF propagation on the
26th of June, when two UK VHF-FM DXers received broadcast stations from
Newfoundland and Bangor, Maine, in North America.
One of them, Paul Logan, from County Fermanagh, has contacted GB2RS the
News Service from the RSGB to say that he also logged radio station W-F-R-Y
in Watertown, New York, on 97.5MHz at 2015UTC on the 26th of June.
The station has since confirmed his reception report. Paul says the
distance is 3049 miles, which breaks the previous Band 2 Sporadic E distance
record, held by Todd Emslie in Australia, who had received a station in
American Samoa at 2739 miles.
(audio thanks to jeremy boot g4njh rsgb reader)
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
* new on calender
*DX ZONE 22 Maldives Islands.
John VK4JWG and WIA Federal Awards Manager Mal VK6LC are on a Dx Vacation
to Kuredu Island in the Maldives Islands from until 25th July.
Mal will sign as 8Q7-LC and John 8Q7-JG, particular attention will be the
World wide IARU HF 24 hour contest (ITU Zone 41) from 12-13th. and looking
for our VK/ZL HQ station friends for multipliers.
Just as a reminder "ITU Zones" for VK4, 8 = 55.
VK6 = 58.
VK1, 2, 3, 5, 7 = 59. and
ZL = 60.
This is a vacation only on the beautiful beaches of the Maldives and not a
Dxpedition.
Kuredu Island is located 80 km north of the capital Male and the Atoll's
position is: 5 deg-33min N. 73deg-28min E. Grid Square MJ65rm.
Just south of India just above the Equator. Time zone same as Bombay,
ie 4 hours after AEST.
Mal and John will support a portable beach station on 75, 40, 20,15 and 10m
using both SSB and CW from only 5 meters of the waters edge .
During the IARU HF Contest 12 and 13 July then from the 14th July
they will monitor 21.185 Mhz at 01.00z each day for one hour.
Day time after the 14th calling 14.195 MHz
Nights: Southern Cross net 14.226.5 MHz 11.00z.
John 8Q7JG /Mal 8Q7LC
Qsling is direct with return postage to home callsigns.
*DXPEDITION TO DESERTAS ISLAND - AF046
CT9D/CT9M 23 to the 27 July 2003.
The main purpose of this trip is to mount a VHF repeater in those island,
which will enlarge the VHF coverage between all the islands in
Madeira Archipelago.
However on HF including RTTY mode look for CT9D and CT9M (RTTY)
on IOTA frequencies.
(via vk2uw)
* new on calender
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- COMPUTER BUFF ZONE
MEGA COMPUTING
Japan's NTT Data Corporation says that it has successfully linked
thousands of computers on the Internet to finish a task in 132 days
that would take a single computer 611 years.
It marked it also marked that nations first test of "grid computing."
This is a system where linked computers share small parts of
giant calculations.
(SpaceDaily via ARNewsLine)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP --- MILITARY
We have received a notification of a 101 Fd Wksp Reunion to be held at
the Auburn RSL, 33 Northumberland St, Auburn, NSW on the 19 July at 1800
hours for 1900 hours.
Please contact Mr Frank Vella, 870 Merrylands Rd, Greystanes, NSW 2145.
Frank's number is 02 9636 3259.
(vk4bb ed and member 101 sth vietnam 66-67)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLDTIMERS
(alterations to qnews@wia.org.au OR PACKET qnews@vk4wie.#bne.qld.aus.oc
VK's earliest licensed active amateur
Reg Bush VK3LS first licensed in 1923 or 24.
Reg still active on air (2001).
VK's oldest active amateur
Alf Webb VK2UC 97 years old as at September 10 2002
(licensed 1947)
VK1's oldest Active Amateur
Col Harvey VK1AU
VK2's oldest active amateur
Alf Webb VK2UC 97 years old as at September 2002
(licensed 1947)
VK3's oldest active Amateur
Reg Bush VK3LS
VK4's oldest active amateur
George Gray VK4JP (89 in 2001)
[Joined WIA 1936 Continuous membership].
VK5's oldest active amateur
Leith Cotton VK5LG (91+ AS OF SEPT 2001)
VK6's oldest Active Amateur
Wal VK6WG born 1911 92 years of age August 11th 2003
VK7's oldest Active Amateur
Ed Burne VK7GB celebrates 90th birthday on July 15th 2003.
VK8's oldest Active Amateur
Jeff Farmer VK8GF
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
JOTA 2003 - October 18 and 19 2003.
ZW7S - II BRAZILIAN NATIONAL SCOUT JAMBOREE will be active from
July 12nd to 19th, 2003, day and nigth operating on
World Scout frequencies plus Echolink as ZW7S e PY2RAR.
JOTA HF Voice Calling Frequencies
3590, 7090, 14190, 21190, 28590 kHz
14290, 18140, 21360, 24960, 28390 kHz (DX)
Band, Frequency and mode will be displayed at
www.radioescotismo.com.br/zw7s
and through DX-Telnet.
Amateur Radio is an attraction to 2.000 participants and there
will be an special QSL Card celebrating the activity.
Radio Scouting Team:
PY2RAR, PT7HI, PS7NF, PY4SLC, PY5ZC, PY5ISA, PU5VIV and PY5EI.
QSLs: vy Bureau or Direct to the manager, together with a SASE,
to receive ZW7S QSL Card.
QSL manager: PY2RAR - Ronan A Reginatto
Avenida 1, 2091
Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
13503-250
e-QSLs to zw7s@radioescotismo.com.br
Calling all Amateur Operators
Australian Scout Jamboree 2004 at Woodhouse, Adelaide.
5th - 15th January 2004.
The Australian Jamboree is on again in Adelaide, January 2004.
Expected are thousands of scouts from Australia and overseas
participating in this Grand 10 day Event.
So if you are interested in being apart of the fun and excitement at the
Australian Jamboree 2004 and help out at the JOTA Station please contact
Lea Adcock, JOTA Manager, Australian Jamboree 2004
Ph: (08) 8381 5909
Lea.Adcock@senet.com.au
REWIND
WIA FEDERAL HISTORIAN VK3AFU
Kurrajong Radio Museum Web Page
70 radio sets listed, with technical descriptions and in most
cases circuit diagrams.
There are also photographs of the sets.
www.froggy.com.au/vk2zio/museum
(Ian O'Toole, VK2ZIO, Curator, Kurrajong Radio Museum (formerly
Castle Hill Military Radio Collection))
HISTORY FROM THE SUMMERLAND ARC ARCHIVES
1819 The bicycle patented by W Clarkson Jr. of New York City.
1885 Bell and Tainter applied for a patent for the gramophone.
1925 Patent for the frosted electric light bulb filed by Marvin Pipkin.
NEWS THIS WEEK INCLUDES
PREAMBLE - THE COMMUNICATION EXPLORATION
NATIONAL NEWS - WIA FEDERAL PRESIDENT ERNEST HOCKING TALKS ON WRC03
VK6 Foundation Licence Survey has been completed
Rob VK5MM AR Promotional and Information Brochure
QWIA news available by private e-mail.
NEW MEMBERS TO OUR INSTITUTE
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
HAM RADIO ISN'T DYING! - JUST THE PEOPLE USING IT ARE!!
EXAMINING THE EXAMINATIONS
KICKING GOALS THE VK2DQ WAY
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE - WITH CHRIS VK2UW
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK3
VK4
VK6
INTERNATIONAL
NIUE ZK2
NEW ZEALAND 70cm Voice-Over-Internet FM Simplex
SWITZERLAND
UNITED STATES
VK4 SILENT KEYS @ 2003 - 2004 WIAQ COUNCIL YEAR
VK4VI AND VK4NYY
WIA COUNCILLOR BRUCE JONES VK4EHT REPORTS
CW THE TIME IS NOW! hurry obtain a genuine Ham Licence
North Queensland Amateur Radio Convention
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
BARC
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ARC
CITY OF BRISBANE RADIO SOCIETY
DALBY AND DISTRICT
ROCKHAMPTON
SOUTH COAST RADIO AMATEURS GROUP
SUNSHINE COAST
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
TOWNSVILLE
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- WICEN
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
WIA EXAMINATIONS IN VK4
VK4 AMATEURS WHO ARE JP's
Chris VK4AA contest time table for 2003-4
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
CENTREFOLD was the word at theTARCinc
QNEWS WEDNESDAY 8:00pm CST ADELAIDE
SHORT WAVE MONITORING AND SCANNER NEWS
More On Super VHF Propagation
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- COMPUTER BUFF ZONE
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP --- MILITARY
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLDTIMERS
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
REWIND
Kurrajong Radio Museum Web Page
HISTORY FROM THE SUMMERLAND ARC ARCHIVES
***************************
QNEWS - we've reported...YOU decide.
Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to
the actual broadcast date, e-mail qnews@wia.org.au
An auto subscription service exists, e-mail QNEWS-VK-subscribe@egroups.com
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".
Send an sp message to QNEWS @ VK4WIE.#BNE.QLD.AUS.OC
OR e-mail qnews@wia.org.au
Enjoy and LONG LIVE AR !!
GOOD ROWING!
Compiled by VK4BB /
Special Interest Group news read by VK4FUQ, VK4AA presents Contests
Packet: qnews@vk4wie.#bne.qld.aus.oc
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