| |
VK7AX > QNEWS 07.08.03 16:10l 1587 Lines 62640 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : QNEWS0810D
Read: DB0FHN GUEST DK3EL
Subj: QNEWS - AUG 10 - Complete
Path: DB0FHN<DB0RGB<OK0PPL<DB0RES<ON0BEL<SP7MGD<VK7AX<VK7AX
Sent: 030807/1323z @:VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC [NWTNOS-NWTas] #:6392 $:QNEWS0810D
---------------------------------
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 ERNEST HOCKING VK1LK SPEAKS ON QNEWS
For a hobby that's people keep telling me is dying there appears to an
awful lot of activity at the moment..
WRC 2003 and Morse Testing
On Sunday 13 July the WIA held a teleconference to discuss a number of
matters including the official WIA response to the removal of the Morse
testing requirement after WRC 2003. At this time the ACA has indicated
to the WIA that it intends to use the licence reform process referred to
above as the single reform of the Licence Conditions.
This would have the affect of delaying the adoption of the WRC
recommendations until early 2005.
At the teleconference the WIA council voted unanimously to actively
promote the immediate removal of the current Morse testing requirement.
This has already happened in a number of other countries (such as for
example the UK, and Switzerland) with the administrations in these
countries simply issuing an administrative order recognising that the
Morse Code test is not longer required.
The initial response from the ACA has indicated that it does not expect to
vary its current position but will at least review the situation. Amateur
that have written to the ACA about the matter have been informed:
"The ACA thanks you for your input and/or comments.
The ACA will be publishing a discussion paper on our website
from August to the end of October. All amateur radio operators
will be notified by mail when the document is ready for viewing.
Interested persons will be given three months to make any
comments or suggestions.
At the end of the three month period the ACA will review all
comments and consider appropriate changes to legislation.
Any changes to legislation will occur in early 2005."
I will continue to keep you informed of our progress on this matter as the
situation unfolds.
Anyway I'll say 73s for now and I look forward to hearing your comments,
either directly or via the divisions. All the best in amateur radio
Ernie Hocking VK1LK
president@wia.org.au
Or via
PO Box 691, Dickson, ACT 2602
Owen Duffy's morse survey results are in, and I quote " there is very
strong support (92%) for removal by the ACA of the requirement to prove
proficiency in Morse code telegraphy for all existing grades of amateur
licence, independently of any other licence reform, and without removing
any licensed operator's right to use Morse code. " Thanks to all who
took the time to complete this important survey!
RD CONTEST
Each year as we honour those Radio Amateurs who fell as a result of
World War Two the WIA Nationally broadcasts what is known as the
opening address
This year we have been extremely fortunate to have out address presented
by Col Harvey VK1AU. Col has had a distinguished career with the RAAF
where he served during World War II in bomber command.
Produced and presented by VK1KEP Peter Ellis, Lieutenant Commander, RAN,
the address will air across Australia at 5:45pm August 16.
If you wish to retransmit the program, email qnews@wia.org.au for details
on where to download the 15 minute 6.2 meg MP3 audio file.
TRAVELLER'S NET PRESENTATION
A special presentation on the Traveller's Net by Peter Harrison, VK6HH will
be given at the August 15 meeting of the Moorabbin and District Radio Club.
The presentation will be unique in that Peter will be talking from his home
in Roleystone, Western Australia.
Via WIAvic news online, MDRC president Ken Morgan, VK3CEK explains
"that a combination of IRLP, EchoLink and radio links will be used to relay
the presentation across the amateur network the 15th August at 8.30pm
and the frequencies, the ones previously used by APC news"
(WIA Victoria News Online)
NEW MEMBERS TO OUR INSTITUTE INCLUDE:-
Hein Heinrich L-41075
Burt Ansell Wanniassa
D Aberdeen VK2IXI of Kyogle
ACA NEWS
www.aca.gov.au
WIA ACA LIAISON OFFICERS are VK1GH, VK1ZKM, VK2BPN, VK4DU
FEDERAL PRESIDENT VK1LK ERNEST HOCKING REPORTS ON ACA NEWS:-
As you heard on QNEWS last week I spent Friday at an ACA Seminar
on outcomes of WRC-03.
The Australian Communications Authority Deputy Chairman Dr Bob Horton,
who headed the Australian delegation to the WRC-03, which included
IARU VP VK3ADW David Wardlaw, said
"the conference was a success for the Australian positions promoted in
Geneva".
This was not just about Amateur Radio and 'CW or not CW',
"the Geneva Conference dealt with items such as the development of wireless
local area network hotspots, issues relating to the allocation of
radiofrequency spectrum to radiocommunications services as well as the means
of sharing globally allocated spectrum and other matters aimed at improving
the efficiency and effectiveness of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector",
ACA's Dr Horton said.
Fridays seminar on WRC-03 outcomes was delivered by government and industry
representatives who were members of the Australian delegation to the
conference.
AND the job is still not yet finished! The seminar also discussed the
agenda for the next WRC, WRC-2007.
For QNEWS Australia, I'm Ernest Hocking VK1LK.
(sourced to wia fed pres and aca website)
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 Transmissions:-
3699 kHz DAILY 24/7 Yearly
3555 kHz TUESDAY 0930 UTC VK8CAW
3545 kHz WEDNESDAY 0930 UTC VK3FGE -Dave- FISTS #9088
3535 kHz SUNDAY 0930 UTC Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club VK4
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
Amateur exclusive frequencies where any non-amateur signal is definitely an
intruder, This listing by P29KFS.
Exclusive amateur only spectrum world wide
7.050 to 7.100
14.000 to 14.250
14.250 to 14.350 No broadcasters
21.000 to 21.450
28.000 to 29.700
Wireless Institute Of Australia Intruder Watch
Queensland Division Report July 2003
FREQ DATE UTC MODE DEG RST DETAILS/REMARKS
7.086 12 0119 A2D S 5 UI Data 4 kHz wide.
7.088 08 1900-/+ A2D S 8 UI Data 13 kHz wide.
7.088 12 0115 A2D S 8 UI Data 4 kHz wide.
14.187 07 1126 G2D/M2D S 3 UI Data.
14.240 Daily 24 hrs H2D S 3/20+ UI Data, 13 kHz wide,
continuous "Buzzing"
carrier with intermittent
data pulses of various
types.
21.110 07/Daily 300-/+ J3E LSB comms between ZL & H44
Non-amatuer,
poor operating procedures.
21.240 07 0216 A2D S 5 UI Data.
21.286 07 0219 A2D S 5 UI Data.
21.380 07 0213 A2D S 5 UI Data.
Summary
Logs/Reports received include VK4BTW, P29KFS, VK4LE and VK4ZRT.
Many loggings containing insufficient information, probable amateur activity,
and non-amateur exclusive frequencies have not been included.
Bearing included when provided, location included if bearing provided.
Wayne Featherstone VK4 ZRT
VK4 Intruder Watch Co-ordinator.
WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA INTRUDER WATCH
=================================================
For this July 2003 IW Reports many thanks to:
VK4ZRT,,VK4LE,,VK4BTW,,VK6XW,,VK8HA.
Change in DX Conditions seems to have changed the Intruder Roundup apart
from the `LOCAL' Asians who may BE MOVING DOWN TO 7 MHz .
The Indonesians have a Big Beaut Signal on AM Broadcasting here Humpty Doo.
Cheers and all the best till next month.
Henry vk8ha@octa4.net.au
Freq Date Time Emm Degs RST Times Remarks and Details
03518 3107 1100 AM --- S9+ --- Indon B/cast Station
07000 Dly Evening USB --- S9 mni Indon Intruders
07005 " " " --- S9 mni Indon Intruders
07010 " " " --- S9 mni Indon Intruders
07015 " " " --- S9 mni Indon Intruders
07020 " " " --- S9 mni Indon Intruders
07017 " 2200 " --- S9+ mni Thai/Chin same MOB
who were on 14044
07038 Dly 1200 CW --- S5 --- Beacon `F'
07086 1207 0109 A2D --- S5 --- UI Data 4kHz wide
07088 0807 1900 A2D --- S8 --- UI Data 13kHz wide
07088 1207 0115 A2D --- S8 --- UI Data 4kHz wide
14000 dly 0900 USB --- 59 mni Indon Intruders
14033 dly 1000 USB --- S9 mni Regular Indons/Asians
14036 dly 1000 USB --- S9 mni Regular Asians
14044 1507 0120 USB -- S9 mni Regular Asians
14045 3007 0920 LSB --- S6 mni Female rpt to Boss.
Diff to 14044
14066 1107 0724 WBD --- S7 mni UI continous data
bursts various length
14070 dly 0500 Multi --- S9+ dly Multi. S9+ at VK8CAW
14095 dly 0500 Multi --- S9+ dly -"- -"- PY???
14100 dly eve USB --- S9 mni Masses of Indon
Intruders
14105 dly eve USB --- 56 mni Mouth organ player
(lotsLearn)+Singer
14110 1107 0805 USB --- 59 dly Indon Intruders.
Also 14105-100-95-90-
14116 3006 0105 USB --- 57 dly Indons.Several grps.
QRM Trav.Net.same
14125 dly 1000 USB --- 59 dly Indon Intruders
14135 0807 0733 R7B --- mni dly UI Data `Sawmill'
with timing ticks
14144 dly 0000 USB --- 59 dly Chin.(Boat?,can hear
motor in backgroun
14145 2907 0930 LSB --- 55 ??? Chin.Very short call.
female speaking.
14159 2707 0908 F1B --- S3 ??? UI RTTY 250Hz 50Bd
14185 1607 0615 F1B --- S5 ??? UI RTTY 500Hz 50 Bd
for 1 hr.
14216 1807 0615 WBD --- S3 ??? UI Continous Channel
Data 500Hz
14252 1307 0100 USB --- 59 ??? Chin.One mobile in
car or boat.msg to ot
14333 0907 0926 USB --- 56 ??? Chin.Grp of Males.
14335 3007 0121 USB --- 54 ??? Indon Intruaders.
Singing
21240 0707 0216 A2D --- S5 ??? UI Data
21286 0707 0219 A2D --- S5 ??? UI Data
21380 0707 0213 A2D --- S5 ??? UI Data
ENFORCEMENT OF A DIFFERENT KIND:
AMATEUR RADIO HELPS HUNT HAM WHO ALLEGEDLEY KILLED MICHIGAN COP
Hams in Michigan were called on to help track down a cop killer after
what should have been a routine arrest became a gruesome homicide
scene.
Amateur Radio Newsline's David Black, KB4KCH, is here with the rest
of the story:
Never in Michigan's ham radio history has there been a case like Scott
Woodring's. It began July 6th. That's when Woodring, KC8JNG, a member
of the Christian Identity movement and described as a survivalist,
is said to have shot and killed a Michigan state police officer.
It happened while Woodring was being arrested for solicitation of a minor.
A stand-off ensues and lasts nearly a day. During a law enforcement
shift change, Woodring manages to escape, triggering an extensive
manhunt throughout western lower Michigan. That's when ham radio
operators became involved, since it was suspected that Woodring had
been using amateur radio equipment to communicate with other members
of his group.
That paid off. A ham in Holton, Michigan reported monitoring Woodring
and another operator talking on the air. The intercept was reported to
state police they then asked government agencies including the FCC to
provide direction finding assistance to find Woodring. But it was a
Friday night and police couldn't get any response from the federal
agencies. So Wades says investigators turned to radio amateurs for
help:
Wades: "We deployed amateur radio teams from several counties in the
area, and had pretty much a continuous radio direction finding
occurring throughout the weekend, with teams from Kent, Ottawa
and Musquogen Counties. We also had teams on standby in Kalamazoo
County as well as the Civil Air Patrol team which weren't utilised,
but it was reassuring to know that they were there"
"Mr. Woodring was discovered through a tip from a citizen who
saw him essentially taking shelter in a non working vehicle. When
Michigan state police officers approached, he levelled an assault rifle
at them and he was subsequently shot to death when he refused t comply
with orders or lower the rifle."
Around 40 radio amateurs took part in the effort to help find
Woodring. Wades says the hams involved coordinated their work with
police carefully, even establishing a dress code for hams reporting on
scene with investigators. The professionalism Michigan hams showed has
given law officers a new appreciation for the kind of help radio
amateurs can provide when it's needed.
In all, RACES members provided 494 staff-hours to the man hunt. Most
of this was contributed during the 36-hour period when radio direction
finding activities to locate Woodring were being conducted.
(ARNewsline(tm) from lead provided at www.qrz.com)
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
WIA WICEN CHAIRMAN IS VK3ZRV
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
VK5 8-10 Aug Coopers Rally of South Australia - Adelaide region
VK2 10 Yengo Horse Enduro David VK2UDM coordinating the event.
VK2 25-29 Aug Shahzada Horse Enduro, in St Albans area. Contact Dave VK2KFU.
VK4 30 Aug Hinze Dam Activation exercise (Gold Coast)
VK4 30-31 Wandoo Station Horse Endurance Ride - Sarina region (MARS)
VK6 31 Channel 9 City to Surf Fun Run - Perth region
VK4 August 30 - September 7
Cycle Queensland Brisbane Area WICEN
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 13-14 Sep HORSE ENDURO now at Eden Creek, advise VK2JWA.
*VK1 20 Sep Caltex Airport Starmart Rally
VK2 26-28 Sep HORSE ENDURO Eden Creek 1st event 2400 Frid.
VK2 3- 5 Oct Eden Creek - Horse Enduro
*VK3 4- 5 Rally of Melbourne (to be confirmed as wicen event)
*VK3 11 Oct Mini Marathon Echuca (tbc)
*VK3 18 Oct North East Rally Wangaratta (tbc)
VK2 18-19 JOTA WICEN VK2 involvement.
VK2 8- 9 Nov Hawkesbury River Canoe Classic (Mark VK2XGK/Neil VK2XNF)
VK7 15-16 Nov SUBARU SAFARI organiser Gavin VK7HGO
VK6 ? Nov OXFAM staging a walking event in the Busselton area
*VK4 ? Nov Cardwell Forest Rally (TARC)
*VK4 ? Nov Eco Adventure 24Hour Sprint (TREC - CARC)
VK5 20-23 Nov Classic Adelaide Rally - Adelaide region
VK1 22 National Capital Rally - Canberra region
*VK2 30 Nov RTA Cycle Ride.
*VK1 6 Dec Rallye des Femmes (Lady Drivers)
Again always check with YOUR WICEN coordinator to confirm dates etc
*Additions to the calendar,
from VK1 on Sep 20, Caltex Airport Starmart Rally, and Dec the 6th
the Rallye des Femmes.
VK2 30th November the R-T-A Cycle Ride.
VK3, 3 events slated for October BUT yet to be confirmed as WICEN events are
4 and 5 Rally of Melbourne, on October 11 a Mini Marathon at Echuca
and the 18th Oct North East Rally Wangaratta
Awaiting actual dates, in vk4 during November will be the
Cardwell Forest Rally handled by TARC and also the
Eco Adventure 24 Hour Sprint coordinated by Cairns and Tablelands Clubs.
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
HAMS TO THE RESCUE AS CELL PHONES FAIL
Interlinked emergency repeaters played a key role in providing
communications during the recent Arizona wildfire.
Hams stepped in when the walkie-talkie feature of the cellular
telephones failed to operate as advertised. The reason appears to
have been the small number of relay sites available in the isolated
areas where the fires were burning.
The hastily assembled Amateur Radio relay system along with existing
high level Amateur service repeaters are reported to have performed
flawlessly. This made possible an ongoing exchange of vital
evacuation information.
(ARNewsline (tm) from information gathered at Ft. Tuthill Hamfest)
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
Hi Trevor Tagge VK4BAT with the divisional activity calender this week.
VK1 offers a Family grade membership, $80 which includes the AR
subscription and for each additional family member just $39.85.
VK2 Divisional Office needs the occasional services of a person
competent in MYOB Accounting software.
One four-hour period once a month has been enough for a
competent person to take care of their accounting needs in the past.
VK3 and 14th August is the AGM of "the NERG".
and August 15 at the E.M.D.R.C. Coffee Shop, you can see a video on
Power Line Noise. 5 September EMDRC Monthly Meeting - Bob VK3 UI -
"The Future Vehicle Electronic Systems and 42 Volts."
November 28 start of 5th IARU Region 3 ARDF championships in Ballarat
until 3rd December.
VK4 SCARC host WIAQ General Meeting to set 2004 WIAQ fees.
VK5 Barossa Amateur Radio Club meetings are held on the second Friday of
each month at St. Petri Lutheran Church Hall, Nuri-oot-pa.
Arrival time from 7:30pm, meetings start at 8:00pm.
VK7 Justin, VK7TW, Southern Branch President says their September meeting
will feature a talk by Dr. Raymond Haynes recently retired from CSIRO
as Senior Principal Research Scientist and part of the Senior Management
Team of the Australia Telescope National Facility.
VK8DA and the Darwin Amateur Radio Club feature Club / Visitor Open Nights
7:30 each Wednesday evening at the club room in Sports House,
Waratah Crescent FANNIE BAY.
VK1 http://www.wia.org.au/vk1
VK2 http://www.wiansw.org.au
VK3 http://www.wiavic.org.au
VK4 http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
VK5 http://www.wia.org.au/vk5
VK6 http://www.wia.org.au/vk6
VK7 http://www.wia.org.au/vk7
VK8 http://www.wia.org.au/vk5
INTERNATIONAL
HANS POTGIETER ZS6ALJ RESIGNS FROM SARL COUNCIL
It is with regret that the Council of the SARL announces that
Hans Potgieter ZS-6-A-L-J has tendered his resignation from the
council of the SARL with effect from 31 July 2003 because
personal and business pressures at the moment do not allow him to give
his full attention to the task ahead.
Hans says he will always be a stern supporter of the SARL and will be
available to assist were possible.
Graham ZS-6-G-J-H will act as President until the next council meeting
when an election will take place.
(sarl)
BPL/PLT
Members of the US Amateur Radio community have responded to the potential
threat posed by Broadband over Power Line (BPL) by opening their wallets
in a most generous fashion. ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart,
K1MMH, says BPL has hit a major hot button with amateurs, but more help is
needed.
"We're now up to nearly $193,000 from more than 3690 donors," Hobart said
as July drew to a close!!
For additional information on BPL, visit the ARRL "Power Line
Communications (PLC) and Amateur Radio" page
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/
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
VK4EHT WIAQ ALTERNATE FEDERAL COUNCILLOR BRUCE JONES
Good morning listeners,
I have an advance notice of a General meeting of the Wireless Institute
of Australia, Queensland Division. The main purpose of the meeting will
be to set the fees for the year 2004. This is done at a general meeting
rather than a council meeting in order that the members who are paying
the fees have a say in their determination. It also is an opportunity
for members to officially raise any issues important to them at the
meeting. The meeting will be held on 25th of October and hosted by
the Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club.
Clubs and members of clubs, at your next meeting please consider any
issues you may wish to raise at the WIAQ General meeting. There are a
number of challenges facing amateur radio at present especially raising
the profile of our hobby in the community and licence restructuring.
Don't wait until just before the meeting in October.
Most clubs will have 2 monthly meetings before 25th of October.
It would be great to put the agenda in QTC so all members have advance
notice of any issues to come up. The deadline for QTC is about the 17th
of the month before issue. Early ideas can even be published in QTC for
September giving all a chance to give some serious thought to the issue
or even do some research. If you're in doubt as to what issues to raise
or not sure if something has already been looked at then do contact the
WIAQ via the secretary or any member of council you may know.
Councillors regularly share information via email , increasing the resources
available to you.
Now I will repeat our request for a WIAQ Federal Councillor. The job is
important and will be a challenge. That is why our alternate councillors
who are committed to other jobs cannot take on this role. Could you do this?
Raise this at your club meeting.
73 from Bruce Jones VK4EHT
There will be a callbook issued later this year and QTAC would like the
listing of all Repeaters and Beacons to be as accurate as possible.
Accordingly, QTAC are requesting all Groups and Repeater officers to
have a look at the VK4 listings on
http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~qtac
or you can find it from the link on the WIAQ page.
http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
So if you see any items that have changed, or even blanks in the listings,
then please advise Bill and Len your QTAC men of those changes.
Reply to qtac@yahoogroups.com
or by mail to wiaq
PO Box 199 Wavell Heights, Qld 4012
VK4 EYES ONLY! HiHi
CHRIS EDMONDSON VK4AA ON HOW TO WIN THE RD FOR QUEENSLAND.
Thanks Graham, and G'Day all.
I'm not normally heard at this stage in QNEWS, but we have something special
coming up by way of a hotly fought-over national contest, and it's time
VK4 made a shout loud enough to be heard.
My job is to tell you a little about the famous old RD.
The Remembrance Day Contest is a long-running annual stoush which pits
state against state and division against division, and if we all work
together, VK4 could easily earn the coveted trophy once again.
I've told you a bit about the rules of play in recent contest notes. Rather
than go over that ground again, these few comments are aimed fair and square
at Queensland operators, so if you're outside the Sunshine State kindly go
away for the next two minutes.
Last year VK6 won the RD. In 2001 it was VK7, while year 2000 was the last
time the VK4's took control. Yep, not a VK2 or 3 in sight thanks to the
weighted scoring system. Mind you, VK4 came fifth out of six divisional
entrants the year before that, then won one, but seemed to get complacent
the year following the win with another poor showing. So I reckon it's time
for VK4 to stand up and make its presence felt again!
I used to contest the RD in VK3, a state in which there was a traditionally
high RD showing. The problem was that the Victorians took the thing out year
after year after year. Finally, in an effort to make it at least possibly
attainable for those in other states, the rules were changed so that the
key determinant in the whole thing was the overall improvement of each
division compared to its previous efforts. For last year's winner to win
this year too, then, not only would it have to improve its impressive score
of last year, but it would have to improve more than all the other states.
For VK4 to win in 2003, then, what we need to do is improve upon last years
score, and do so convincingly.
Winning the RD Contest is all about participation. If you are not taking
part, even for only a short time during the 24 hour contest period, then
your state has little chance of taking out the trophy. Look, it's actually
very simple. As you know, each contact is worth a point. On HF you can only
work people in other states, so if some of the people's you've worked on HF
submit their logs and you don't, then you have helped other states, not
yours, by giving them a point. Make sense?
If you only work HF in the RD Contest and would like to see your state win
the trophy back, please submit your log. Please.
On VHF and UHF, on the other hand, thanks to the geographical vastness of
Australia, we are allowed to work other stations in our own state. If both
people involved in a local VHF contact submit a log, your state gets two
points for the one contact. Not only that, but you can work the very same
station again in only two hours. In other words, the best way you can help
your state to win the RD is simply to operate mostly on VHF and above.
Even if you're busy - and let me tell you there are very few people able
to devote a full 24 uninterrupted hours to this or any contest - you can
really boost the state's scores by working a little VHF..
Here's how: let's say you hit the air on Saturday night at half past seven.
Your TV show's finished and you have a half hour spare. Get onto two metres,
on 146.5 megs, the national simplex calling channel, and hand out a few
numbers, all in quick succession because the locals haven't heard you
on the air until now. When it slows, leave the radio. Go watch the next
show, or do the dishes, or play with the kids. A couple of hours later,
when that's done, come back. You've watched The Bill, sent the kids to bed,
and the kitchen's spotless. Get back on the radio and hand out a fresh set
of numbers to the very same people you worked a couple of hours before.
Ditto for just before you go to bed, and as soon as you get up in the
morning. Do the same thing through the whole of Sunday, and you'll suddenly
find that with very little effort you might have worked a handy hundred
stations or even more. All for virtually no effort at all, and certainly
very little valuable time. These days I work the RD just that way. Do it in
little snatches.
I'm a single parent with two autistic kids to look after and I have no
choice but do it in bits. Know what? Three years in a row I have taken out
a certificate for making the most contacts on VHF and UHF in the whole state.
Not only is it simple, but done that way it's a whole lot of fun to boot.
The other really important thing I'd like you to think about is equally
simple. A lot of people don't participate in the RD or other contests
because they feel that they don't want to submit a log for the contest.
Lot of work, eh? Look, sometimes it's these people who really miss out.
The recent VK-Trans Tasman had several operators with scores higher than
the eventual winner simply because they didn't submit their log. Okay, if
you're a VHF operator it really won't matter if some of you don't want
to put a log in. Just by being there and handing out all those numbers you
are helping a lot, because there are lots of people who do submit a log,
and hopefully this year there'll be enough of them for us to win the trophy
back.
Speaking of numbers, a couple of quick pointers. First, if you do plan to
work both HF and VHF and/or UHF, you'll need to run two logs.
HF is separate to VHF.
For voice contacts, the report is five digits, starting with readability
then signal strength, then three digits representing the number of the
contact, and yes, it starts at 001.
So your first exchange will probably be 59001, then 59002, 59003 and so on.
Look, you know what really makes a contest a lot of fun? Simple. Activity.
Lots of it. The more the merrier. The more people there are on the air to
hand out the numbers the more fun all participants will have in it, no doubt
about it.
So in the end does it really matter if you submit a log? Yes, sure it's far
better to submit one if you can, but the most important factor, the key
ingredient, is to be there in the first place. For somebody to earn QSO
points from you, you need to turn the radio on to start with. And who knows?
You may find you really like the fast pace of the RD contest!
So to recap, then, here are my suggestions:
First, if you plan to operate on HF and hand out lots of points to people
in other states, please submit a log. Otherwise, all you are doing is
helping other divisions earn the coveted trophy.
Second, operation on VHF and above is far better for your state's overall
results, as you are not handing points to other divisions. And that applies
whether or not you intend to submit a contest log. What's more, as you can
work stations again after a period of two hours on VHF and above, you get
a lot more fun.
Third, the scoring system of the RD is based on each division's overall
improvement over its previous results. In other words, if all the VK4
participants submit a log this year, we'll be an absolute shoe-in!
So get into Australia's biggest contest by far, the Remembrance Day Contest
next weekend, August 16 and 17, and be sure to have a lot of fun.
Cheers until then from Chris Edmondson, VK4AA, on QNEWS Australia..
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ARC
Hot breaking news from the central highlands arc sees VK4RHR 146.925
re commissioned! RHR is workable from north of Moranbah to S'sure.
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.
More info from the WIA VK4 website look under Clubs / Groups activities
on the welcome screen.
http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
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.
POSTAL ADDRESS CBRS P.O.BOX 1235 Springwood Qld 4127.
Just to let you know that the next Club meeting will be on
Tuesday the 12th of August. Venue is the Moreton Institute of TAFE
Mt Gravatt B block 4th floor. Meeting starting at 7:30 PM
Your attendance would be greatly appreciated, see you there...
signed John VK4AZV
GLADSTONE AR CLUB "Radio_Active".
PO Box 1030, Gladstone Q.L.D. 4680
TeleText page 917
President Wayne VK4ZRT, vk4zrt@wia.org.au
Wayne VK4ZRT ph: 04 1872 9124
Club Net Sundays 8pm 146.625
The Gladstone Amateur Radio Club meet 7:30 pm on the first
Monday of the month at SES Headquarters, Lamington Drive, Gladstone.
Gladstone Repeaters
53.725 146.900 Mt Amy
146.625 438.050 Mt Maurice
147.625 Agnes Waters
Gladstone Amateur Radio Club Tannum Sands Get-Together is November Sat
1st & Sun 2nd 2003.
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
President; Roy Cotterill VK4LPV
TeleText page 911
http://www.goldcoastamateurradio.com
IRLP NODE 6400
NOVEMBER 8 GOLD COAST HAMFEST
"Well everyone you now have plenty of time to organise yourselves for the
picnic on the 29th November when we will try to keep the cup that stands
proudly in the club rooms. The picnic will commence at 10.30am at the
same place as last year details will be given as it get closer.
We are certainly looking forward to the contest with the Lismore Club.
Remember all that is it not all that far away for the Hamfest on the
8th November at the Albert Waterways, so you will have plenty of time
to organise all those bits and pieces you no longer need and take to the
hamfest.
Also we are getting close to JOTA weekend at will of course take place in
October and arrangements will be getting under way in the near future.
The Enthusiastic Wicen Group will be conducting an exercise on
Saturday 30th. August at 7.am and the meeting place will be the kiosk
John vk4ac has organised a trip to the brand new Surfers Paradise Fire
station on August 16th at 10.30 and those interested in going please
contact Susan our Secretary on 07(55450955) as they need to know numbers as
soon as possible.
The Club House is open every Saturday at approximately 1pm for friends to
meet and to use the workshops or any repairs etc that may be needed.
And of course those who are not members and from other clubs you are
welcome to come and meet members of the club in a very friendly atmosphere.
Just a reminder that on Tuesday evening at 7.45pm Christine does an update
of the news and Roddy does the update again on Thursday evening at 7.45pm
and remember all the news is given Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with a
full roundup.
73 VK4HKA"
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.
Mackays Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday the 13th August
at 7.30PM at Swayne Street , North Mackay.
Any visitors, and members welcome, and all financial members must attend.
ROCKHAMPTON
President : Mike VK4LMB
TeleText page 918
IRLP NODE 6973 ;
RADAR CLUB enjoyed a dinner at the Rockhampton Leagues Club last Thursday
evening with 34 attending!
Also in attendance was Ron VK4QO from Yeppoon . He limped in to catch up
with the local club members after being in hospital. Ron fell while erecting
his G5RV aerial and severely fractured his ankle and has been incapacitated
for about 17 weeks.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB
SARC HAMFEST today Sunday 10th.
All are invited to this gala event at the clubrooms area.
Come and see Kev VK4KVD's "One Man Tower".
Visit JAYCAR on site and much much more!
Also IRLP demo, and Telegraph display.
SUNSHINE COAST
Everyone seems to be saying that SCARC's sausage sizzle and auction
last Tuesday was a resounding success. As usual, Wayne, Len and Ron
did stirling service on the BBQ's.
WIAQ Councillor Ken and wife there as well, a chance to talk WIA.
Sunfest, the Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club Hamfest, will be held in
the Woombye School of Arts on Saturday 13 September, from 9.
The hall is located in the centre of Woombye township just 100
metres from the railway station.
TOWNSVILLE
TeleText page 919
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
Wayne/VK4WDM reports that the RAAF Museum station VK4KG will
be operating during the RD contest on Sunday during the museum
opening hours of 0000Z (10am) to 0600Z.
Club station VK4WIT will be operating from the TARC club station
on top of the WW2 Communications Centre (now SES HQ)
during the entire contest.
Listeners to the 4TTT-FM Community Access Program
Amateur Radio Hour were treated to a sneak preview of the
2003 RD Contest opening, produced by the WIA and yet again
proving to be spellbinding in its information and presentation.
The VK3 RD Contest kit, updated for 2003, is available from
theTARCinc website http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
JOTA
Now for the Future !
Scout groups in the Kennedy region and Guide groups in the
Flinders region have started contacting their regular radio operators
for the 46th JOTA, happening 18th and 19th October 2003.
North Queensland Amateur Radio Convention will be held on 19th, 20th and
21st September, convention info pamphlet and registration form is available
on request from vk4wit@wia.org.au or downloadable from www.wia.org.au/vk4
If you are travelling to Townsville for the convention weekend,
consider also taking in the Central Highlands AGM the following
weekend
TARC date claimers...
11th Aug theTARCinc Project Night, from 7-30pm, all welcome
19th Aug theTARCinc Backscatter and Social evening, from 7-30pm
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
The next General Meeting of the Queensland Digital Group will be
Friday August 15 starting at the usual time of 7:30 PM.
The venue is Wavell Heights State School, Minore Street, Chermside,
Brisbane.
Well known Brisbane Amateur Bruce VK4TRS will conduct a live demonstration
of his new gateway. This is connected to the QDG's TCP/IP network through
VK4RZB.
Telnet, DXCluster, Converse Server and more are once again available!
If you are interested in making use of these facilities this is a must
see demonstration.
The QDG trading table will also be available at the meeting.
For those that can not make it to the monthly meetings, information is
available on the group's Web site
www.qdg.org.au
(Alan VK4YAR)
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
Day visitors will need to pay an entry fee of $6.60 (inc GST)
per person (5 years old upwards - under fives are FREE).
For people wanting to stay Friday and Saturday night there is
dormitory accommodation available at $13.20 (inc GST) per person
per night - supply your own sheets, blankets and pillows.
A pay as you eat BBQ will be put on by the Club on Saturday Evening
and a pay as you recover breakfast will be available Sunday Morning.
(costs for this to be advised - however please advise attendance
for catering purposes).
Other meals are the attendees responsibility.
Please do not arrive before 5pm Friday afternoon, as the school
kiddies and teachers will be less than impressed by your arrival !
If you arrive during school hours, you will be sent back to Emerald
to while away the hours window-shopping until 5pm!
Note that those attending in camper vans, mobile homes etc
will need to see the caretaker on site prior to setting up.
Note that Education Queensland, the operators of Camp Fairbairn,
nor the Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club accept any liability
for injuries etc, you attend responsibly and you are responsible
for your own well-being.
Please send cheques or money orders for payment to -
Gordon Loveday/VK4KAL, Hon Secretary/Treasurer
Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club
C/- Aviemore, Rubyvale, QLD, 4702
Credit Cards Not Accepted!
2 WAYS TO GET THERE:
Way 1. From Emerald, take the Road to Springsure, turn off at
about 18km south (the way is well marked), travel a further
6.8km and turn IMMEDIATELY LEFT at the grid and then
follow the bitumen road.
Way 2. Heading west from Emerald, turn left over railway near
Industrial Estate into SELMA road, you might need to call on VK4RSP
146.825MHz (-600kHz split) for final directions.
Keep going beyond the advert for Lake Maraboon Village Resort for
about 3km. The Camp Fairbairn turn is on the right near the cattle grid.
We hope to hold the AGM, followed by the Monster Auction
on Saturday Evening. Treasure Donations gladly accepted!
Need more info - Contact
Gordon Loveday VK4KAL
Hon Secretary/Treasurer
Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club
C/- Aviemore, Rubyvale, QLD, 4702
Phone 07 49854168
email donvk4kal@bigpond.com
OCTOBER 25
Sunshine Coast host WIAQ General Meeting.
NOVEMBER 1- 2
Gladstone Amateur Radio Club Tannum Sands Get-Together is November Sat
1st & Sun 2nd 2003.
Contact the club via E-mail vk4zrt@wia.org.au or
P.O. Box 1030 Gladstone 4680.
NOVEMBER 8
GOLD COAST HAMFEST
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
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.
GOLD COAST
The club holds any exams at anytime for students who wish to do so!
Just contact Kath VK4KU on 5539 3530
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
Chris VK4AA reads each weeks contest time table for 2003-4
===========================================================
* denotes new addition to calendar
Date Contest
---- -------
2003
August
9/10 Worked All Europe DX (CW)
16/17 RD CONTEST VK
* 16/17 SEANET WW DX All Mode Contest
30/31 VK ALARA Contest
Sept
6- 7 All Asia DX
13-14 P29 INDEPENDENCE DAY SCRAMBLE
* 14 FISTS COAST TO COAST CONTEST
Check the OFFICIAL VK Contest Site, www.vkham.com/contests/index.html
*********************************************************************
WESTLAKES in VK2
The Simplex net continues to be a fun night with net controller Terry VK2KTD
mystifying those trying to pin point his location each net.
The nearest guess and winner for the last event was Michael VK2HMH who
along with his family was at the club the following Saturday
to claim his prize.
The next Simplex net is set down for 13th August.
The frequency is 146.425 MHz and Terry VK2KTD has volunteered to be
net controller once again.
VK Remembrance Day
On the 16 & 17 of August from 0800z Saturday to 0759z Sunday,
the Remembrance Day contest is scheduled.
This contest commemorates the amateurs who died during WWII and is
designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve the
operating skills of participants. It is held close to 15 August, the
date when hostilities ceased in the south-west Pacific area.
It is preceded by a short opening address by a notable personality
transmitted on various WIA frequencies during the 15 minutes prior to
the contest. During this ceremony, a roll call of amateurs who paid
the supreme sacrifice is read.
A perpetual trophy is awarded annually to the WIA Division with the
best performance. The name of the winning Division is inscribed on
the trophy, and that Division then holds the trophy for 12 months.
The Division also is given a certificate, as are leading entrants.
Objective:
Amateurs in each VK call area will endeavour to contact
amateurs in other VK call areas, ZL and P2 on Bands: 1.8 - 30 MHz (no WARC).
On 50 MHz and above amateurs may also contact other amateurs
in their own call area.
As a mark of respect, stations are asked to observe 15 minutes'
silence prior to the start of the contest, during which the opening
ceremony will be broadcast.
SEPTEMBER 13/14
3rd FISTS COAST TO COAST CONTEST - 2003 (C2C)
This year it will run 24 hours due to an overwhelming response from
last year's contestants.
The date and time for this year's event is on Sept 14 that is 0000Z-2400Z
September 14. This year the rules are easier to understand and there is
the potential for bigger scores due to the use of multipliers.
Remember, this is not necessarily a "599 TU" bang and go type of contest.
The idea is to get on the air and make as many contacts as you want.
Stop and rag chew for a bit.
Say hi to your regular sked partners.
Slow down for the QRS ops and speed up for the hard-core contesters.
Remember!
You don't have to be a FISTS member to participate!
Non-members can use club points (3 points per club) towards FISTS awards
when they join FISTS later.
All Participants:
The purpose of this event is to contact as many FISTS clubs as possible
using CW only.
Clubs will operate to their own schedules.
They are not required to be on the air the entire 24 hours of the event.
80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters.
Clubs will call near regular FISTS frequencies.
Each first QSO with a different club gives a point multiplier to your
total number of QSO's.
Points for C2C awards are accrued as follows -
1 point for each club worked on each band, once per band
(which means a maximum of 5 points for any club since there are 5 bands
available).
For each individual club worked you accrue one multiplier point.
The maximum number of multiplier points would theoretically equal the
number of clubs participating.
To calculate your final score, multiply the total number of C2C QSO's
times your multiplier points.
Paul Beringer NG7Z fistsc2c@yahoo.com is the C2C Chairman
*BIRD OF PARADISE AWARD
This award is conferred when you are able to provide evidence of
confirmed contacts with 5 P29 operators in 3 separate provinces of PNG.
A certificate acknowledging that the holder has met the requirements
of the Bird of Paradise Award is sent to successful applicants.
Stations meeting the Award requirements can apply for the certificate
with a US$5.00 handling and postage fee. NOTE no IRC's accepted!
P29KPH Peter
PO Box 384 UKARUMPA EHP 444
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
SPECIAL EVENTS
* denotes new on calender
NEW ZEALAND - ZM4A
To celebrate a significant milestone of Amateur Radio in New Zealand,
the Otago Branch of the NZART, is celebrating its 75 years this August
with a special callsign ZM4A that will operate on all bands during August.
QSL via the Bureau or P.O. Box 5485 Dunedin New Zealand
UNTIL SEPTEMBER 11 V-I-4-B-R-C Celebrating Brisbane's hosting of the
Rotary World Conference. That's VI4BRC. 14.293 particularly 0600utc Sundays
VI8NT
The Darwin Amateur Radio Club of the Northern Territory, Australia
will be operating a special event station with the callsign of V.I.8.N.T
to celebrate 25 years of self government. The station will run
until the 31st Dec 2003.
QSL directly to VK6NE or via the Bureau ..
BRAZIL, PY. Club station PY3ARD is QRV as ZW90S during 2003 to celebrate the
90th anniversary of the George Black Scout Group, the oldest Scout Group in
Brazil. This call will be aired for the first time during the CQ WPX
contest. QSL via PY3ARD.
ZS-90-S-A-P
South-African Police Service celebrating their 90th anniversary
All bands down from 70cms plus packet.
try these selected QRG's 10 m - 28.400 to 28.500
20 m - 14.150 to 14.200
40 m - 7.050 to 7.095
PACKET : ZS0SAP @ ZS0VTB.GUA.ZAF.AF
QSL the SARL QSL BUREAU, QSL-MANAGER IS ZS6ZYM JAN SWANEPOEL
* denotes new on calender
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
HAMstrung!
This is a story, a very LARGE story written by Radhika Sachdev and published
in the Hindustan Times newspaper in India, it was sent to us via VU2JOS
Jose Jacob, at0j@yahoo.com
It speaks of the world's most fun loving, scientific club of three
million licensed 'HAM' operators, of our around 40 earth satellites
and of Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) links.
The current boom in digital technologies has only fired their appetite more
says the article. In India, primarily due to the personal initiative of
the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (then an MP and a licensed HAM operator)
he persuaded the government to set aside monies to establish a
National Institute of Amateur Radio (NIAR) in Hyderabad.
Today, although very few are aware of this, MPs get a
special budget to establish HAM clubs in schools as a
portion of their constituency development funds.
For instance, they mention many nets such as a HAM doctor's association
that meets every morning at 7 at 14.150 MHz to swap information on the
latest medical breakthroughs; then there's an NRI Club, the Charminar Net
(for south Indian buddies) all legitimate platforms to exchange greetings
with friends and families.
It is an excellent article, a real insight into AR not only in India but
the world.
SHORT WAVE MONITORING AND SCANNER NEWS
FEBA TO
SOUTH INDIA, MALDIVES, SRI LANKA
1500-1600 Daily ENGLISH 7460 Transmitter in Irkutsk/Russia SAM=Samara/Russia
PAKISTAN, AFGHANISTAN, IRAN
0030-0045 Daily ENGLISH 9465 Transmitting from Moosbrunn/Austria
MIDDLE EAST
1245-1300 Daily ENGLISH 15530 TX site Armavir/Russia
(posted by Richard G3VGW)
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
* new on calender
Rick the QNEWS broadcaster in Port Moresby says they have received
confirmation P29AIF will be the official "special" call for use
in the VK RD contest this year .. Well done Rick!
*CHRISTMAS ISLAND / COCOS KEELING OC-002 and OC-003
Actual dates are: Christmas Island, 13-27 October.
Cocos Keeling, 27 Oct - 10 Nov.
Gwen VK3DYL and the girls are hoping 'National Jet Systems' don't change
their flight schedules around!
Look for AND WORK!
VK9XYL Oct 13-27 with VE7YL VK3DYL and VK4SJ
VK9CYL Oct 27-Nov 10h VE7YL VK3DYL and VK4SJ
IWO JIMA till December 31st.
JM6DZB/JD1 Iwo Jima in the Ogasawara Islands until the end of 2003.
80, 40 and 15 metres SSB.
3XY till December 31st.
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 --- 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
5TH IARU REGION 3 ARDF CHAMPIONSHIPS
Special event callsign VI3ARDF has been issued by the ACA for use during
the IARU Region 3 Amateur Radio Direction Finding Championships at Ballarat,
from Friday 28 November to Wednesday 3 December 2003.
The Victorian ARDF Group, which is organising the event, is expecting up to
100 participants from member societies in IARU Region 3 including Japan,
Korea, China, New Zealand, and Australia.
Guest competitors from other IARU Regions are also invited to attend in the
worldwide Friendship categories.
The championships are hosted by the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA),
with the WIA Victorian Division sponsoring this important event.
(WIA Victoria News Online)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
WI-FI SPEED INCREASED FOUR FOLD
The most widely used wireless local area network protocol, IEEE
Standard 802.11, also known as Wi-Fi, was extended last month to make
it four times faster. The CGC Communicator reports that the new
standard, IEEE 802.11g transmits data at up to 54 Megabits per second.
That's up from 11 megabytes per second as was called for in Wi-Fi
standard 802.11b.
(CGC Communicator via ARNewsLine)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
VK5AGR is the AMSAT National Coordinator, vk5agr@amsat.org
VK5ZAI is the Australian Co-ordinator for ARISS.
AMSAT-VK HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
HAM RADIO BALLOON LAUNCH
Take a listen to this:
"15,790 feet. Course 44 degrees moving at 10 miles an hour."
That's the report of one of the controllers tracking a high altitude
ham radio balloon launch that took place Saturday, July 26th at the
Fort Tuthill Hamfest just outside of Flagstaff Arizona.
The launch was sponsored by hams belonging to Arizona Near Space
Research. Brian Bingham is a Physics teacher from Deer Valley High
School in Glendale, Arizona, who came out to take part in the launch.
He says that many of those assisting are also educators who want to
bring space a bit closer to their classrooms:
Bingham, who was a radio amateur many years ago described the system
being readied to be sent aloft:
Bingham: "You can see a small package down here. It was built by one
of the teams from a workshop and contains temperature sensors,
humidity sensors, a small still camera, solar cells all in something
just a little over a pound in weight. It has telemetry equipment with
GPS position via satellite and transmits it back so that we an track
it on the ground and recover the equipment."
And how high will it all go?
Bingham: The balloon will go up to somewhere in the neighbourhood of
100,000 feet. The balloon will also swell to somewhere about forty
feet in diameter before it finally bursts. And then the parachute
will bring it back down to Earth.
(ARNewsline(tm))
TEEN ASTRONOMERS SPEAK VIA HAM RADIO WITH SPACE STATION
Teenaged members of an amateur astronomers' club enjoyed an opportunity to
speak via ham radio with someone in space July 24. The Amateur Radio on
the International Space Station (ARISS) contact originated at Brussels
Planetarium, an annex of the Royal Observatory of Belgium.
Handling Earth station duties for the contact was Gerald Klatzko, ZS6BTD,
in South Africa. An MCI teleconferencing circuit provided two-way audio
between South Africa and Belgium, where the teens and ARISS Vice Chairman
Gaston Bertels, ON4WF, used a speakerphone. An audience of about 100
people was on hand.
(arrl letter)
DO YOU TAKE THIS WOMAN?
A question mark hovers over wedding in space:
Is the wedding-by-proxy of International Space Station Expedition 7
crew commander Yuri Malenchenko, RK3DUP, and his fiancee Ekaterina Dmitriev
still on?
The answer depends on whether you're listening to the bride
or to Russian space officials, who apparently were caught off guard
when they got wind of the nuptials planned for today August 10.
News reports quoting the Russian space agency say Malenchenko cancelled
his plans after considering potential legal and technical complications.
As a Russian military officer, he must get permission to marry.
But the wedding plans are reported to be continuing apace on Earth.
That side of the ceremony is set to take place in Clear Lake, Texas.
News accounts say Malenchenko popped the question in December before
heading into space and did not want to wait until his return to get married.
(sourced to arrl letter)
WORLD WIDE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- LIGHTHOUSES
CONTACT kevin@vk2ce.com
http://lighthouses.net.au
215 stations at lighthouses in 34 countries on the entrants list at
http://lighthouses.net.au/illw/2003.htm
Australia is well represented with 17 stations from Darwin, Exmouth Gulf,
Byron Bay and Bruny Island Tasmania . That's N.S.E.W. all covered.
Unfortunately the Lighthouse weekend does clash in VK with the
"getting on for 60 year old RD contest"
We ask the RD contesters to use good radio etiquette if attempting contest
contacts with the "Lights".
An 80 meter sked at 1000 UTC just above 3.620 MHz allows the VK lights to
work each other, if you need to contact them for RD just allow the lights
"right of way" before checking in correctly.
Online entry form and guidelines are at:
http://lighthouses.net.au/illw
Sunday 17th August is also International Lighthouse Day where lighthouses
all around the world are open to the public. Last year the press and NPWS
went to Byron Bay and did a news item for television featuring the
Summerland ARC gang.
Fellows at ZS1OAK/ZS1ESC at Oakdale will again fire up the two lighthouses
that they are responsible for. Other clubs in the Cape look after
another five or six lights.
ZS1ESC/L is probably the most interesting and much sought after being from
the light on Robben Island, IOTA - AF64.
HISTORY FROM THE SUMMERLAND ARC ARCHIVES - AUGUST
1831 New York runs its first steam locomotive.
1859 N. Ames of Maryland, USA, patented the escalator.
1869 O.B. Brown of Malden, MA patents the motion-picture projector
1876 A Bell telephones over 8 miles. Later 143 miles.
1903 BERLIN WIRELESS TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE begins.
1910 A. J. Fisher of Chicago patents the Electric Washing Machine.
***************************
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
An auto subscription service exists, e-mail QNEWS-VK-subscribe@egroups.com
Now, we leave you this week, with our usual reminder to walk softly,
AND we pose the question...
" Did you tell anyone about Amateur radio this week? "
"Amateur radio is a contact sport.
Contact someone who doesn't know about it!"
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
Before you criticise someone, walk a mile in his shoes.
That way, If he gets angry, you'll be a mile away - and he'll be barefoot.
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
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
