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VK7AX > QNEWS 22.08.03 20:02l 1279 Lines 47615 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
When communication counts, count on QNEWS..
PREAMBLE -
VK4 WIA Council still looking for someone to become the Federal Councillor
however word into the Q on the "QT" is they are looking "off shore"!
QNEWS 24/7 with the following bulletin in Audio Segment One
when you visit the QNEWS NEWSROOM on www.wia.org.au/vk4
QNEWS available in Audio after 1400hrs utc Friday.
NATIONAL NEWS
WIA FEDERAL PRESIDENT IS ERNEST HOCKING VK1LK
president@wia.org.au
NEWS from the Federal President
ACA Licence Review
As I indicated in last months notes the ACA propose to conduct a review
of the whole amateur radio licensing arrangements.
Earlier this month I received the following from the ACA:
"A review of the amateur service regulations in Australia will commence
this month (August) with the release of a discussion paper by the
Australian Communications Authority (ACA). The ACA will write to all
amateur licensees giving details of how to obtain a copy of the discussion
paper and outlining the review program.
As part of the review, the ACA is arranging a series of public meetings
in each sate capital city in early September. The times and locations of
these meetings will be advertised by the ACA closer to the date"
As we hear more from the ACA the WIA will be issuing this information
using all the means at its disposal such as the weekly broadcasts, the
WIA web page and of course QNEWS (and of course a special thank you to
Graham Kemp VK4BB for the sterling service that he continues to perform
for all amateurs in Australia in providing this excellent news broadcast).
This review of the amateur service is of great importance to the future
of amateur radio in Australia. If we get it right then we will be in a
position to actively promote the hobby in years to come based on a
sensible and practical licensing scheme.
If we get it wrong and make entry into the hobby too difficult,
bureaucratic , lengthy or costly then we can be certain that the hobby
will have a difficult time in years to come with the number of amateurs
falling.
Once the details of the ACA discussion paper are known then WIA clubs and
divisions will be the place to discuss the proposals and the nature of
our official reply.
I would encourage you all to participate actively in these discussions.
Where you know of amateurs who are not currently members of the WIA I
would also encourage you to speak to them to seek their views on the
ACA discussion paper. As I indicated above it is important that
Amateur Radio in Australia achieves a good result as part of this
consultation process. We must put aside partisan issues of whether a
given amateur is a member of the WIA and focus on what really matters -
namely the hobby of amateur radio. As always I will be delighted to hear
your views on this important discussion
Anyway I'll say 73 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
CW OR NO CW
Currently Australian Amateurs are awaiting the ACA to carry out what we
believe was the ITU's intent when it said last July, Morse was no longer an
examinable requirement for obtaining an Amateur Licence and left it to
each countries RF administrators to decide what they would do. Yes we
believe the intent was to drop it, as Belgium, Germany, Switzerland
and the United Kingdom have done, and the way the Swiss did it, very easy,
just a letter to all Amateurs giving them a temporary OK until the actual
acts are changed officially.
In ZL, their licensing authority says this ITU decision aligns with
New Zealand's position on the issue. Consequently, the Ministry intends
to remove morse operating competency from the syllabus for the
New Zealand General Amateur Operator's certificate.
The changes will be implemented as part of the next round of updates
to the New Zealand Radiocommunications Regulations 2001, which is expected
to occur within 4 months.
(sourced to qnews and the med www)
EASE FEDERALS WORKLOAD
Good morning listeners, VK4EHT WIAQ Alternate Federal Councillor here.
One of the common complaints laid against the WIA Federal Office is the
lack of time taken to respond to emails.
Several things contribute to this.
Federal office has many duties including processing membership renewals,
sending out exams on time, marking exams. These receive high priority.
In addition there is general office keeping as part of the Company that is
the WIA.
Office hours or staff numbers could be increased if membership fees were
increased above the inflation rate. However there is always a protest when
that happens.
It is now so easy to send off an email request. You don't need a stamp or
an envelope and you don't have to go to the post office. Yet the receiver
still has to read and research your request and it all takes time.
Look at it this way. If Five members from 7 states each sent one request
that took just 10 minutes each to respond, that would take nearly 6 hours
to process ie almost one full day just to clear emails.
So next time you think of whipping off that quick email, think first.
Is that information on the website? Is it in a recent issue of AR, QTC
or QNEWS? Is there someone I know that could tell me? Have I already got
the information?
If you can do this, it will give the office staff more time to attend to
the enquiries and duties that really do require their attention.
Things you can do to help are:
a/ Keep recent issues of AR and QTC in a place where you can refer to them.
b/ Be on the email list for QNEWS.
c/ Appoint someone in your club to be a WIA liaison officer to be a point
of contact.
73 from Bruce Jones VK4EHT
NATIONAL NEWS - YOU HAVE MAIL
WIA news available by private e-mail.
Receive the latest bulletins and releases of news from the WIA via
Internet e-mail.
Several ways, easiest for you and the Q is to click onto:-
http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/QNEWS-VK
OR simply send an e-mail message to the following
NotE THEY ARE CasE sENsItiVE :
[1] QNEWS-VK-subscribe@yahoogroups.com vk4
[2] QNEWS-VK-TEXT-subscribe@yahoogroups.com vk4
[3] qnews-vk-reminder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com vk4
[1] weekly HTML copy QNEWS
[2] Text rather than HTML copy of QNEWS
[3] A reminder sent as soon as QNEWS becomes available on the web.
Wireless Institute of Australia - The World's oldest AR Society (est 1910)
is on the web at http://www.wia.org.au
The various divisions (call areas) can be accessed direct from here.
NEW MEMBERS TO OUR INSTITUTE INCLUDE:-
J Due Fairfield West
Jim Wilson, VK4HJD
Graham Vayro VK4CEG
GJC Smith VK2DJG Armidale
ACA NEWS
www.aca.gov.au
WIA ACA LIAISON OFFICERS are VK1GH, VK1ZKM, VK2BPN, VK4DU
ACA to investigate ban on radionavigation satellite service jammers
The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) is to investigate the
need for a ban on radionavigation satellite service (RNSS) jammers,
including global positioning system (GPS) jammers.
ACA Chairman Tony Shaw has called for comment, closing date for written
public submissions is 17 September 2003.
The investigation is being conducted because of the potential for
these jammers to interfere with a wide range of services including
aviation, transport and communications.
Copies of a consultation package, including the background paper and
draft declaration can be obtained from `What's New' - August Releases
from the ACA website.
GENERAL INTEREST NEWS FROM 'DOWNUNDER'.
For all Toowoomba innovators who've ever tasked themselves, 'How do I
stop my idea from being stolen?' and 'How do I go about getting investors
to look at my product or idea?', the answers to these questions will be
provided at a free State Government run forum which will be held at the
University of Southern Queensland 29th August.
Further information can be obtained from Gregory Lee at the Department of
Innovation and Information Economy on 3225 8871 or by emailing
i2mskills@iie.qld.gov.au
Speaking of Toowoomba, Monday night August 25 sees the Toowoomba based
AR Club, "Darling Downs" holding a "Promotion and Publicity for Amateur
Radio" meeting at their monthly meeting.
Stephen Newlyn vk5vka was kind enough to think of "The Q" and let us know
the old "time signal station", VNG is going to a good home, the
National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
It will be set it up "in storage" in the same configuration as if it were
working, complete with one transmitter.
It will be able to be viewed by pre-arrangement.
(VK5VKA City of Elizabeth, South Australia)
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
Brisbane based group "QDG" had as a guest Ron Bertrand VK2DQ
presenting a most engaging discussion on the education and
training aspects of our hobby. Ron's passion for helping others
to become active radio amateurs is somewhat contagious and the
QDG newsletter Digipete reports attendees have provided Ron with the
required funds to register the Business Name of
ONLINE RADIO & ELECTRONICS SCHOOL.
Good on you, Queensland Digital Group members.
NEW ENTRY-LEVEL LICENSE PROPOSALS USA STYLE
The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) has
formed a committee to develop an FCC rule making proposal for a new
entry-level Amateur Service license in the USA.
The move came during the NCVEC's annual meeting where attendees heard
presentations on the possibilities for such a new ticket.
These from NCVEC Question Pool Committee Chair Scotty Neustadter, W4WW
and Rules Committee Chair Fred Maia, W5YI.
(arrl letter)
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
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 Aug WICEN/SES Callout Exercise (Townsville) (TARC)
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 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)
* new to calender
WICEN VK1
Phil Longworth VK1ZPL, State Co-ordinator, WICEN ACT
plongw@optusnet.com.au
Once again the East Coast Classic Rally people have asked for
assistance with their event. This is the mainlands only
ASPHALT Rally.
The event commences on Thursday September 4th in Sydney and heads west to
spend the next couple of days around Bathurst, then heads back to finish in
Sydney on Sunday the 7th of September.
The organisers have obtained access to the NSW Government Radio Network
(GRN) and will supply the radio equipment for the event, but they lack a
team of experienced radio operators, hence the request to see if there are
any WICEN people willing to help out.
So, If so could contact Paul Tams VK2CJ - paul.tams@getronics.com
HQ for the ECC will be manned by John Woolner VK1ET
(Phil Longworth, VK1ZPL State Co-ordinator, WICEN ACT, VP WIA ACT Division.)
WICEN VK2
WICEN can be contacted by phone on 04 0839 7217
operations@nsw.wicen.org.au.
(Mark Cheeseman VK2XGK, is President, WICEN (NSW) Inc.)
The Annual General Meeting of WICEN (NSW) will be held on Saturday 30th
August at Amateur Radio House 109 Wigram Street Parramatta.
An RCOs meeting at 1000, followed by the AGM at 1100 hrs.
WICEN VK4
(State Coordinator, Ewen McLeod VK4ERM)
WICEN-SES Callout Exercise - expect a call!
With the Townsville coastal region recently experiencing a Richter Scale 4
earth tremor, the Townsville/Thuringowa WICEN-SES Callout Exercise
happening on Saturday August 30th is a very timely thing indeed.
The exercise will be designed to simulate failures in essential service
infrastructure and provide training for point to point communications,
evacuation centre management, co-operation between all aid agencies
and preparation for any large scale emergency.
Amateur Radio features high in the exercise plans, being the only
available resource of widely distributed and independent communications
systems.
To simulate a real callout, Townsville WICEN Co-ordinator Steve White
VK4JUS will be assigning tasks to any and all amateur radio operators
within the Townsville/Thuringowa area on the day, and not just
to the usual WICEN stalwarts.
With this in mind, ALL amateur radio operators in the
Townsville/Thuringowa area, regardless of licence, activity
or age, are pre-warned to be listening to the VK4RAT VHF repeater
from 8-30am on Saturday 30th August and be ready to work their
radios either base, mobile or portable.
If you don't respond to the call via radio, then Steve will assign your
role to you via telephone.
As they say in the Scouts - "Be Prepared".
USA THE NORTHEAST BLACKOUT
Amateur Radio sprang to alert after a wide spread power outage ripped
its way from the North-East Coast westward to Ohio and Michigan on
Thursday August 14th. In just three minutes, some 21 power
plants shut down.
"It was a good drill," said New York City-Long Island Section Emergency
Coordinator Tom Carrubba, KA2D. But, he adds, it was a cautionary tale
too. "The lesson is that everybody gets a little complacent," he said.
"Have emergency power backup and make sure it's working!"
Diane Ortiz, K2DO, the Public Information Coordinator for NYC-Long Island
was one of them. When power went down in her Suffolk County community, she
started up an informal VHF net. Over the next 20 hours or so, it passed
some 500 pieces of what Ortiz described as largely "health-and-welfare
traffic."
(arnewsline/arrl letter)
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
The ARRL has received a certificate of appreciation from the American
Red Cross for the "valuable service" League members provided in support of
Red Cross efforts after a devastating series of tornados struck
Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee and Arkansas on May 4.
(arrl letter)
Ham radio distress call yields help from next state:
When 83-year-old Walter Siebert, K3KBR, of Maryland, started suffering
serious chest pains he called 911. For reasons yet to be determined, no
one answered.
So Siebert turned to ham radio and put out a cry for help on
75 meters.
Larry Wheeler, KG4RGN, heard Siebert's plea in Virginia
Wheeler then got in touch with local 911 dispatcher who
in turn was able to reach the proper authorities in Maryland and get
medical help to Siebert, who was hospitalised.
(arrl letter)
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
President Brian Kelly VK2WBK
August 29 sees Wagga Amateur Radio Club's Monthly Meeting
HF Radio Propagation Course
IPS Radio and Space Services are running a one-day course on HF propagation
in Sydney Thursday September 4.
For more information contact IPS at training@ips.gov.au
or call (02)9213 8034.
WESTLAKES EZBee net is alive and well maybe due to "Tom the Tipster"?
Saturday mornings Tom VK2STD has taken to giving out a few sure things,
To be part of this informative net tune in to VK2RTZ 146.775 MHz
Saturday mornings at 8am.
Current projects, for details on the Bar Graph Audio Level Indicator
and the CTCSS encoder contact Westlakes, and by phone that's 02 4958 1588.
VK3
PRESIDENT JIM LINTON
http://www.wiavic.org.au
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
26 August NERG's Morning Tea Group meets, 10am at the QTH of
VK3's DBQ and VOJ
Established way back in May of 1938, the WIA Eastern Zone Amateur Radio
Club Inc. has provided many years of continuous service to the Amateur
radio community.
WIA Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club Inc. meets the first Tuesday In
every month (except January) at 7:30 pm. The normal venue is the
club rooms in M
will be held at The Ceylon Tourist Board Committee room, 80, Galle
Road, Colpetty at 0530 PM on the last Wednesday of the month..
Please also monitor the RSSL net regularly on 145.625 MHz at 0900
P.M. for RSSL announcements.
If you intend visiting 4S7 land contact Hon. Secretary Kusal Epa 4S7KE
Phone 853 982
SOUTH AFRICA GRAHAM HARTLETT ZS6GJH ELECTED PRESIDENT
At the Council meeting held by teleconference on Tuesday evening
5 August 2003, Graham Hartlett ZS6GJH was unanimously elected
President of the SARL. Graham takes over from Hans Potgieter ZS6ALJ
who resigned at the end of July.
Peter Hers ZS6PHD was elected as the new Vice President of the SARL.
(sarl)
DAVE LONG ZS5FR AWARDED THE SIEMENS RADIO AMATEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 2003.
Promotion of satellite activity, weather satellites as an educational tool
in schools, home construction projects and bringing university students
into Amateur Radio earned Dave Long ZS5FR the Siemens Radio Amateur of the
Year Award for 2003.
Only one nomination was received for the junior award but did not meet the
criteria for the award. The judges decided not to make an award in this
category. They expressed their disappointment at the lack of interest in
nominating young people for the award and expressed the hope that branches
and clubs will give more response next year.
(sarl)
NETHERLANDS
New prefixes are in effect in the Netherlands.
On the HF bands, PA, PB, PC, PF PG and PI callsigns can be heard with
one, two or three letter suffixes, while on VHF and above,
PD, PE and PH are the prefixes, again with one, two or three letter suffixes.
For example, Peter, formerly PB0AIU, who sent the RSGB this news story,
is now PC2A.
THE BPL PROBLEM: BPL - MOVIE
The ARRL has produced a short movie that documents just how bad the
problem of Broadband over Powerlines can be.
Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF from the Amateur Radio Newsline has the rest of
the story.
"BPL is the most crucial issue facing Amateur Radio and the one
that has the most devastating potential." The words of ARRL President Jim
Haynie, W5JBP. And Haynie is not far from wrong.
If you have any doubts that this is one of the biggest challenges yet
to the survival of ham radio, simply take your web browser to the
ARRL website and click on the link to the on-line movie. Then watch
and listen for yourself.
To again quote ARRL President Jim Haynie, in terms of interference
potential on H-F and low-VHF frequencies, nothing is on the same
scale as BPL.
THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD IN SEGMENT TWO (2) OF OUR AUDIO SERVICES
QNEWS -- ALL OF THE NEWS ALL OF THE TIME at www.wia.org.au/vk4
QNEWS available in Audio after 1400hrs utc Friday.
VK4 COUNCIL NEWS
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
Len VK4ALF has a plan to establish a uhf repeater network in qld and
those interested can join up toill be the Kiosk at 8am and not as previously advertised (7am).
The hamfest will be held at the Albert Waterways Hall on the 8th November.
The JOTA weekend will be getting underway in October and we will giving
all the details in the near future.
Exams can be taken at any time to suit the candidate and you can contact
Kath vk4ku our Education Officer on 5539 3530.
The clubhouse opens every Saturday afternoon at approximately 1pm for
amateurs to meet in a social environment.
Cheers Kaye VK4HKA
LOGAN WEST AMATEUR RADIO & ELECTRONICS CLUB
IRLP NODE 6402
President VK4JPH Peter 3800 3305
Meeting's the first Monday of every month.
At the Scout Den behind the Community Centre Greenbank.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
6 Sep CLUB DINE-OUT Sat 6th 1830K
Ballina Bowling Club, excellent venue and menu, $12 per head.
Numbers to Graeme VK2JUB
vk2jub@sarc.org.au
30 Nov - SARC - GCARS Kortz Kup Kontest, Picnic, Murwillumbah
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.
The hall is located in the centre of Woombye township just 100
metres from the railway station. Ample parking is available in close
proximity. A talk-in service will be provided on 146.850 MHz FM. Call
VK4WIS for assistance.
`Ron VK4GZ advises that Sunfest bookings are rolling in. This year both
the main and lower halls of the Woombye School of Arts will be used.
Traders will first be accommodated in the main hall with any overflow
going to the lower hall. Carole's Cafe will be located in the lower hall
offering hot drinks and home made treats to early arrivals from 7.00am.'
Tables are still available.
Kev VK4VKD will attend Sunfest with his mobile tower display.
Kev's display always attracts attention and will be located in the
forecourt of the lower hall at the Woombye School of Arts.
Doug Hunter from Ozhelp Services is also coming to Sunfest with the Icom
product range and other goodies. Rumour has it that some of the gear will
be on special. Make sure you don't miss out.
Further Enquiries to the Coordinator Sunfest, Ron VK4GZ.
phone 5448 4063.
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
President:- Allen Perry.
DATE CLAIMERS
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/
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.
North Queensland Amateur Radio Convention will be held 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 27/8
September.
RD Contest Log hint from Big W
Well, did you have fun on air during the Remembrance Day Contest?
Operators in the Townsville region certainly did, with lots of operations
happening on HF and also simplex VHF and UHF. Some long distance
VHF simplex operations occurred between some Townsville stations to
Felix/VK4FUQ in Ingham and to John/VK4FNQ near Charters Towers.
Big W that's Wally/VK4DO, wants you to get those logs together,
no matter where you are in VK4, POST NOW to the RD Contest Co-ordinator
VK6APK and mark the envelope Remembrance Day Contest on the front.
VK's MOST WANTED
NOEL VK4ADJ needs tuning coil slugs to suite the KENWOOD TS520
NOEL VK4ADJ@optusnet.com.au or phone (07)5448 2879
Gwen VK4CB is after 8pin din sockets, the lock in type suitable
for the FM900 series of transceiver.
Gwen on 3202 7137
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
JOTA 2003 - October 18 and 19 2003.
http://www.scouts.com.au/international/jotafront.html
VK4 Enquiries to:-
Dr Paul Rollason, International Commissioner, QLD
bc.international@qldhq.scouts.com.au
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
The Brisbane VHF Group seeks to support and encourage amateurs interested
in VHF and above frequencies. Within the last month the highly successful
144 and 432 MHz antenna day was held, and the Group is planning other
activities and services for the active VHF amateur.
This coming week's meeting is no exception with the focus on what is now
the perennial issue of EMR or the electromagnetic radiation limits that now
affect us. They'll explore some rather useful software that can assist in
projecting from basic information like antenna type, gain and height, and
the power output of your transmitter, the degree of exposure that people
would receive if they were near you antenna. This is very revealing! And
it's in accordance with the relevant Australian standards as well!
So see you on Wednesday evening at Rob Bathgate's place (VK4ZDX)
53 Arrol Street, Camp Hill, Brisbane, starting around 7:30 pm."
(Doug Friend, VK4OE)
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 recan 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
DARLING DOWNS
Toowoomba area, contact Mathew VK4HWM on 4698 7775 or email him on
matthew@t130.aone.net.au
GOLD COAST
The club holds any exams at anytime for students who wish to do so!
Just contact Kath VK4KU on 5539 3530
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/
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) tely to the south
of VK4, and no, VK3, I'm not talking about you. The state
in question is north of VK3! But the bottom line is that
all that particular mob needs to do to win is to put in a
mere pitiful handful of logs. Now this would be most
inequitable, given all the effort all the rest of us went
to!
Now I reckon it's a fair bet that amateurs in both
Queensland and Victoria have worked the hardest in
raising contact points in the RD just this year. It's
also fair to suggest, then, that as many operators as
possible in those states should submit their logs to find
out which state has really won the thing. Come on now,
you don't want VK2 to knock the thing off, do you?
Look, it really is idiot simple. Grab the log, write a
declaration on it somewhere to say that yes, you really
did do what the log says and send it off. It should say
something along these lines: I, Billy Bunter, hereby
certify that I have operated in accordance with the rules
and spirit of the contest, whack it in an envelope, and
turf it into the postbox. But first, make sure you put an
address on it, and that is: RD Contest Manager, Alek
Petkovic, 26 Freeman Way, Marmion, WA 6020
Please, do it.
And now, a quick peek at the contest time table. On
August 30/31 we have another Aussie classic, the VK ALARA
Contest for 2003. September 6 and 7 host the All Asia DX,
September 13 and 14 the P29 Independence Day Scramble,
while also on the 14th is the third Fists Coast To Coast
Contest.
You can get all the details by logging on to the official
VK Contest web Site, at www.vkham.com and follow the link
to contests.
Now for some news of a great opportunity being made
available for a young radio amateur.
The VP5X Contest Group, which operates from North Caicos
in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is offering the chance
for a radio amateur aged 18 or under to receive an all-
expenses paid trip to operate in the CQ World Wide CW
contest this November.
The winner could be from any country but must hold a
valid amateur radio licence and, since the trip is for a
CW contest, be able to demonstrate a Morse code
proficiency of at least 20 words per minute.
To qualify, entrants should send an E-mail to
david@vp5x.com containing an essay of 500 words or more
describing how they got started in amateur radio,
describing their 'Elmer' - the person helping them get
started in amateur radio - and explain why they should be
selected.
Entrants must have written permission from their parents
to make such a trip on their own, or of course the
parents may go along at their own expense. The deadline
for entries is the 15th of September.
David, KY1V, who is the VP5X licence-holder, says "We are
particularly looking for a young ham who has never been
on any DXpedition and would not otherwise have the
opportunity under any other circumstances".
The PNG Independence Day Scramble is getting closer.
On September 13 and 14 the Amateur Radio Society of PNG
will be running a contest for its members to celebrate
PNG's Independence Day 2003.
Peter Holliday, P29KPH says "Although entry to the
contest is only open to PNG amateurs, it will provide an
opportunity for others across the world to get multiple
contacts on bands with PNG that they may not normally
get."
QSL cards will be specially printed to show the QTHs of
the stations participating.
Now, how well did you go?
There are some reports of excellent scores in the RD
filtering through, like these from the gang in VK5's
Barossa Valley, where Richard VK5USB operating on VHF
scored 396 and QNEWS rebroadcaster Bronte VK5AY for the
HF Section (Phone) scored 420!
Don't forget to send your logs in, be it the 10 from
VK4OD at JimBoomBa, or your club's. They all help us
remember the reason behind the RD.
As we approach the annual ALARA contest, let's close this
time by taking a quick look at the ALARA AWARD.
This one is issued by the Australian Ladies Amateur Radio
Association. Australian and New Zealand amateurs need
work just ten ALARA members in five VK call areas. DX
stations need only five contacts from four call areas.
Contacts may not be made via repeaters or the ALARA net.
The ALARA net contest would be a great start to gain this
award!
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
We've had the QNEWS work bench for some time BUT we've discovered that
the WIA in VK7 back in the 1960's had a most profitable work bench
operating.
It was back then that the Division went into the radio construction
business, building and supplying ambulance and fire brigade radios
and accessories.
I wonder if we have enough members to start on cell phone construction?
have a crack at that NOKIA mob! hihi.
SHORT WAVE MONITORING AND SCANNER NEWS
INTERNATIONAL-KOREA: RKI AT 50
If you are a ham who likes to listen to shortwave broadcasts, listen
up. This one is for you. Word that Radio Korea International is
inaugurating a special web site on August 15th to mark the stations
50th anniversary. The cyberspace home page will feature a look at
the past, present and future of the station. Radio Korea
International first took to the airwaves as the Voice of Free Korea
on August 15, 1953.
(ASWLC via arnewsline)
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
Gordon VK4GBW, net control of the 40m Coral Coast group on 7.060 MHz,
notes their Coral Coast net has been running continuously since
September 1967!
First under the control of Les Bell VK4LZ in Airlie Beach and since Les
becoming a silent key, by Gordon in Emu Park. Gordon would like to know
about other long term regular HF nets in VK.
You can get any net info to VK4GBW via qnews@wia.org.au
(Felix vk4fuq)
SARTS, the IARU Member Society in Singapore, is sponsoring a Field Day event
for its members over the weekend of 5th - 8th September next.
The site will be St. John's Island (GL: OJ11wf) an island just off the coast
of the main Singapore island. The call used by special arrangement with iDA
the Singapore licensing authority will be S61FD.
The prefix "S6" has only been used once before and that was only for a
few months in 1994 on the occasion of an IARU Region 3 Conference hosted
by SARTS.
St. John's is not listed in the latest IOTA Directory but information and
maps have been supplied to G3KMA the IOTA Manager who has agreed to include
the island on the approved list. The IOTA reference will be AS-019 the same
as for the main Singapore island.
CW, SSB & PSK31 activity on all HF bands 40 thru 10 metres is planned
using wire antennas, verticals and a buddipole
In addition S61FD will have experienced 160/80m operators Bob Marshall-Read
G4VGO and Peter 9V1PC operational. This team will focus on low band
operations using an inverted L for transmit and a variety of loops, pennants
and possibly beverages for low noise receive. The plan is to be active at
local sunset (1115z) and later on Friday 5th, Saturday 6th, and Sunday 7th
and at local sunrise (2305z) and before on the 6th, 7th and 8th.
Special QSL cards will be printed and cards may be sent direct or via the
bureau to
SARTS, Robinson Road P.O. Box 2728,
Singapore 904728, REPUBLIC of SINGAPORE.
(with thanks to David H. Rankin, 9V1RH/VK3QV)
NEW Z3 QSL BUREAU ADDRESS
Z3 QSL BUREAU
P.O.BOX 55
1480 GEVGELIJA
REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
http://www.iaru.org/iaruqsl.html
(73' Zlatko Andonov, Z33AA Z3 HF/VHF & QSL Manager)
CHRISTMAS ISLAND / COCOS KEELING OC-002 and OC-003
Actual dates are: Christmas Island, 13-27 October.
Cocos Keeling, 27 Oct - 10 Nov.
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.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV (or Every pixel tells a story)
This will make your mouth water!
In Hobart Commercial Television CH 6 have donated their Mt Wellington
transmission tower... to... WIA VK7 Southern Branch.
Yes the TVT6 tower from Mt Wellington that was donated to the branch has
been erected on one of the original Domain antenna plinths and even
has some antennas on it. Thanks to the Wednesday afternoon group and
especially Dave, VK7DM and Ken, VK7DY.
I can hear phones ringing already to those stations at the Dandenong's
to Mt Lofty and Mt Cootha.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
Australian Amateur Packet Radio Association
After 18 years of successful operation, AAPRA is closing down
The action was prompted by falling membership, fewer requests
for assistance and the inability of many members on the committee
to continue in their roles and this put in doubt the ongoing activities
of the Association.
At its peak, the organisation attracted a membership of over 300 throughout
Australia and overseas and kept everyone in touch with the latest
developments via their quarterly newsletter "Digipeat".
AAPRA may be contacted either via the web site at www.aapra.org.au
by sending a packet radio BBS message to VK2IN at VK2WI, or
via Internet email to aapra@aapra.org.au
(Gerard, VK2IO, A.A.P.R.A. Publicity Officer via vk2wi)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
Happy Birthday AO-40. Beginning September 16th, at 0000 UTC and ending
November 17th at 0000 UTC AMSAT is sponsoring aon-the-air bash to
celebrate A-Oh 40's 3rd Birthday.
More information is in cyberspace. Its at http://www.amsat.org
and click on the words AO-40 Birthday Bash.
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club in VK2 will soon be sporting a
Satellite tracking station thanks to the generosity of
Dennis James VK2DOR who donated a virtually complete system which
will be installed at the club.
In appreciation members voted to award Dennis 10 years free membership
NAMES IN THE NEWS: KA3HDO PROMOTED AT NASA
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station Chairman Frank
Bauer, KA3HDO, has been promoted to the highest technical rank
accorded a NASA scientist or engineer. Bauer, who works at NASA
Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland has been named as a Special
Technical or S-T. This, in recognition of his record of exceptional
technical achievement in the field of guidance, navigation and
control.
(ARNewsline)
THE REDS ARE COMING!
This August, scientists and amateur astronomers will benefit from the
spectacular view of Mars as it appears redder! bigger and brighter, than
ever before, revealing its reflective south polar cap and whirling dust
clouds.
On August 27, the fourth planet from the sun will be less than
55.76 million kilometres (34.65 million miles) away from the Earth.
In comparison to the space between your house and your neighbour's
yard, that may seem like a large distance, but Mars was about five
times that distance from Earth only six months ago.
Although Mars will be closest on August 27, astronomers suggest
viewing the planet earlier, as dust storm season is just beginning on
the red planet and can obstruct a more detailed view.
Mars will not make another neighbourly visit this close until 2287.
http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/planets/article_985_1.asp
(AMSAT News Service courtesy vk7news)
INTERNATIONAL SPACE SCHOOL STUDENTS TALK TO THE "OTHER" ISS
Students at the International Space School spoke early August
via ham radio to NASA ISS Science Officer Ed Lu, KC5WKJ, aboard the
International Space Station and at the controls of onboard ham station
NA1SS.
The students gathered at the University of Houston in Clear Lake, Texas,
for the contact, and Lu answered a dozen questions during the 10-minute
pass.
Since the ISS was passing over the Southern Hemisphere at the time, Tony
Hutchison, VK5ZAI, in Australia--an ARISS veteran--served as Earth station
for the International Space School contact. MCI provided a two-way audio
teleconferencing link between Australia and Houston. ARISS
(sourced to arrl letter)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- Internet Linking of Repeaters
LISTEN ONLY to IRLP reflector 2
http://www.kwarc.org/listen
ECHOLINK ASSISTS DURING HURRICANE CLAUDETTE
Traditional ham radio communications during Hurricane Claudette in
Texas were augmented by an EchoLink connection keeping key
players in constant contact.
According to the ARRL Letter, the Nacogdoches Amateur Radio Club used
EchoLink to tie together coastal repeaters, the National Hurricane Centre,
the National Weather Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety and
most coastal emergency operating centers.
(ARNewsline)
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
TeleText page 958
http://jota.scouting.net.au
http://www.scouts.com.au/discover/index.html
http://www.scout.org/jota
JOTA 2003 - October 18 and 19 2003.
JOTA HF Voice Calling Frequencies
3590, 7090, 14190, 21190, 28590 kHz
14290, 18140, 21360, 24960, 28390 kHz (DX)
To: National JOTA Organisers/National Amateur Radio Organisations
From: World JOTA Organizer
Re: NO change in CW Scout frequency.
This past week you have seen an appeal by Mr Fred Stevens, K2FRD,
of the USA (see attached text below) to change the World Scout CW frequency
in the 20 m band. This is deemed necessary by Mr Stevens, due to alleged
interference to PSK 31 users. It appears that in Region 2 a preferred
frequency for PSK 31 use has been identified in the 20 m band, close to
the already existing Scout CW frequency.
Several months ago, I have been in contact with a number of National JOTA
Organisers, with the US NJO and with the ARRL to look at this potential
problem. Our common conclusion was: there is no problem. The usage of the
CW frequency is very low even during JOTA, the PSK designation is for Region
2 only and was made knowing it was close to the Scout frequency. There are
no reports of any interference. The Scout frequency is a calling frequency
only, intended for stations to find each other easily. No one says you have
to keep transmitting on the calling frequency. Moreover, it has been good
amateur radio practice not to transmit on top of another signal, regardless
of any frequency designation. Scout frequencies have been used in this way
for 44 years now.
To note that any change in publicised Scout frequencies implies a
considerable cost; JOTA printed material has to be altered, reprinted
and distributed and current stocks destroyed. Not only at world level,
but also for your national publications Yes, in good Scout spirit, we will
certainly change things if there is a serious problem somewhere. Obviously,
this is not the case here.
Mr Stevens does not agree with the common official standpoint of his own NJO
and of the American ARRL, because of his personal interest in PSK 31.
He now has contacted amateur radio clubs and NJO's world-wide to urge them
to make a change. This creates confusion and forces me to send this note
to you.
In conclusion:
Potential interference between Scout CW users and PSK 31 users in the 20 m
band has been look at and found not to exist in the operating practice.
There is no need for the Scout CW frequency nor the PSK 31 frequency to
change. To avoid any confusion, I have to ask you NATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
INTERNATIONAL SILENT KEYS
A QNEWS VOICE HAS BECOME SILENT KEY
INTERNATIONAL
SINGAPORE
SRI LANKA
SOUTH AFRICA GRAHAM HARTLETT ZS6GJH ELECTED PRESIDENT
DAVE LONG ZS5FR AWARDED THE SIEMENS RADIO AMATEUR OF THE YEAR.
NETHERLANDS
THE BPL PROBLEM: BPL - MOVIE
VK4 COUNCIL NEWS
QTAC request
Len VK4ALF to establish a uhf repeater network in qld
David Christmas vk4djc repeater in one of our 'tourist gems', Hayman Island!
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS ARC
DALBY AND DISTRICT
GLADSTONE AR CLUB "Radio_Active".
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
LOGAN WEST AMATEUR RADIO & ELECTRONICS CLUB
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
SUNSHINE COAST
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
TOWNSVILLE
VK's MOST WANTED
NOEL VK4ADJ needs tuning coil slugs to suite the KENWOOD TS520
Gwen VK4CB is after 8pin din sockets, the lock in type suitable
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
WIA EXAMINATIONS IN VK4
VK4 AMATEURS WHO ARE JP's
Chris VK4AA reads each weeks contest time table for 2003-4
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
SHORT WAVE MONITORING AND SCANNER NEWS
INTERNATIONAL-KOREA: RKI AT 50
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV (or Every pixel tells a story)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- Internet Linking of Repeaters
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
HISTORY FROM THE SUMMERLAND ARC ARCHIVES - AUGUST
***************************
QNEWS - we've reported...YOU decide.
Compiled by VK4BB /
Special Interest Group news read by VK4FUQ, VK4AA presents Contests
Packet: qnews@vk4wie.#bne.qld.aus.oc
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