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VK7AX > QNEWS 24.10.03 02:48l 1134 Lines 38843 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
QNEWS can be accessed on the www in both text and MP3 audio.
http://www.wia.org.au/vk4
Packet uploads, vk4zz Gavin, vk7ax Tony,
zl2bau Peter, zl2tze Phillip
NATIONAL NEWS
WIA FEDERAL PRESIDENT IS ERNEST HOCKING VK1LK
president@wia.org.au
CW DROPPED
Westlakes AR Club news is reporting that at the recent Hornsby, (Sydney),
ACA meeting ... and I quote "The ACA also indicated that the elimination
of the at present mandatory Morse Code requirement could be removed from
the syllabus earlier than at first advised. With the legalities being dealt
with at a later date".
As they say in the classics....stay tuned!
ACA DISCUSSION PAPER
On the audio edition of QNEWS you will hear ACA's Mr. Mark Loney reminding
us Oct 31 is last day submissions will be received for this paper.
And on the subject of our submissions, again joining us on QNEWS from
the CQVK Group is Mr. Owen Duffy.
"Thanks Graham, and hello again everyone,
Last week I announced that the CQVK response to the ACA's discussion
paper had been finalised and was sent to the ACA on Friday 17th of
October. I also encouraged you to consider the value of getting behind a
common response that is a complete and a well integrated package,
particularly in presenting a persuasive case to the ACA for a package
rather than an issue by issue comment.
There is still an opportunity to joint the supporters. If you have read
and agree with the CQVK package overall, then be counted.
You can:
- register your support online on the CQVK website; or
- write, fax or email the ACA and tell them that you have read the CQVK
submission and support it overall.
Got your pencil ready? To read the final version of the CQVK submission,
go to www.cqvk.net
You will see prominent links from the home page to the submission, the
online registration facility, and our latest publication, an analysis of
the gap between the novice exams and the CEPT HAREC standard.
Remember that responses to the ACA discussion paper must be submitted by
Friday 31st of October. CQVK online support registration will close on
Wednesday 29th of October. Time is running out. If you want to be
counted, do it now.
This has been Owen Duffy for the CQVK team on QNEWS.
2004 AUSTRALIAN RADIO AMATEUR CALL BOOK
The new edition of the Call Book will be ready for distribution early/mid
November this year. It will contain the listings for 14,000+ amateur radio
stations, plus very useful information such as constantly referred to
reference data, accredited invigilators list, band plans, repeater and
beacon list, and DXCC countries listing.
It will also have an upgraded searchable CD which will have all the data
contained in the book plus a comprehensive amount of printable Great Circle
information.
The recommended prices for sales by Divisions, which will be advertised in
Amateur Radio magazine,
Cover Price $25.00 RRP
Mailed to WIA member $22.00 (plus postage)
Collected from WIA by member $22.00
Mailed to non member $25.00 (plus postage)
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.
Federal Bookshop
The WIA Federal bookshop is run by the VK2 Division.
A listing of books available can be found from the bookshop
link on www.wia.org.au/vk4
A full range of publications including:
ARRL & RSGB publications.
CQ, CQVHF, QST, QEX magazines,
antenna books, CD-ROMs, constructor books, educational texts, and many,
many more.
WIA members get a discount and new members to the WIA get an additional
10% off if purchased in the first 3 months of their new membership.
Check out the web site and save!
(VK2 Division via vk7wi)
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO PRESENTED BY VK4CO
RONNEE MEACHEN
Special congratulations - Go to Eastern Southland, NZART Branch 08,
who had seven candidates pass their limited grade licence. This was
accomplished after a branch initiative to promote amateur radio by
holding classes.
(Debbie - ZL2TDM)
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE - PRESENTED BY VK2UW CHRIS WRIGHT
If any changes this month there seems to be an ever increasing number of
intruders taking over the Amateur Bands.
VK6XW reported over 130 Intruders, majority Indonesians, on the 14MHz band
Rest of them were other Asian Intruders, including fishingboats..
A lot of Indonesian Fishing boats have been escorted into Darwin as they
were caught fishing inside Australian Waters. They use Amateur Radio VHF
frequencies for ship-to ship communication.
VK7GW reported the `Asian CW' at the bottom end of 14 MHz. These Intruders
Have been heard just below 14 MHz and also on 14100..
GOOD LUCK chasing the Intruders...
Cheers de Henry in HUMPTY DOO PH57NK
Vk8ha@octa4.net.au
AMATEUR TO TURN IN TICKET IN POLICE RADIO INTERFERENCE CASE
The FCC says an Indiana amateur has agreed to relinquish his Amateur Radio
operator license for two years as a result of allegations that he
interfered with local police department radio transmissions.
The agreement calls on him to agree not to maintain an amateur station nor
to use anyone else's station.
The agreement would remain in effect until March 28, 2005.
The FCC meanwhile is seeking additional information from three other
licensees who allegedly used ham gear to transmit on police or emergency
frequencies.
(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 8- 9 Nov Hawkesbury River Canoe Classic (Mark VK2XGK/Neil VK2XNF)
VK7 15-16 Nov SUBARU SAFARI organiser Gavin VK7HGO
VK7 ? Nov Classic Car Rally VK7 NW Branch for further details
VK6 ? Nov OXFAM staging a walking event in the Busselton area
VK4 ? Nov Cardwell Forest Rally (TARC)
VK4 ? Nov Eco Adventure 24 Hour Sprint (TREC - CARC)
VK3 ? Nov Blue Light Motorcycle Rally - Noojee.
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
VK4 1-03 May eco adventure race
* new to calender
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
Mark Wall reporting in the Irish ham radio media this week say
their local VHF/UHF net was placed on standby by net control
in the Cork area during September as a result of the activation
of the local councils major emergency plan to deal with the circumstances
surrounding a fire on the north side of the city. Six members stood by
for twenty hours.
A 48-hour standby and call-in exercise using power provided by sources
other than the national grid is planned for the near future. This is
designed to prepare operators for a failure of the national grid, such as
that experienced recently in t
For the first time, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) members in all
three Florida ARRL sections participated in a Simulated Emergency Test
(SET) Octobe
#
outage.
(IRTS/ARRL LETTER)
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK1
http://www.wia.org.au/vk1
President is Alan Hawes alan@wic.net.au
NOVEMBER MEETING
This year marks VK1's thirty first year of existence as a Division,
and President Alan is after ideas for a celebration.
November meeting will see a presentation of Life Membership to
Paul Bell VK1BX for his services to the VK1 Division and fellow amateurs
over the past 30 plus years.
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
President Brian Kelly VK2WBK
Saturday 1st of November is the date for the next quarterly gathering of
the Mid South Coast Amateur Radio Club.
Venue is the Little Forest Resort (formerly known as "The H Ranch"), in
the foothills of the famous Budawang Mountains, West of the historic town of
Milton. Members and visitors are welcomed from 10 am onwards.
The man is Stan VK2EL, Acting Secretary to find out more!
Westlakes trust that you have marked your calendar for the 2nd November.
As this is the date for Westlakes Field Day. A timely reminder that
the club is seeking donations of items for auction on the day.
Support your club.
(Frank VK2FJL.)
VK3
PRESIDENT JIM LINTON
http://www.wiavic.org.au
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
2 November - Ballarat Hamfest and Lake Wendouree Spring Festival.
28 November start of 5th IARU Region 3 ARDF championships in Ballarat
until 3rd December.
VK7
PRESIDENT:- Phil Corby (VK7ZAX)
http://www.wia.org.au/vk7
Southern Branch Meeting for November will consist of an illustrated talk
by Professor Peter Dyson, Head of the Department of Physics at La Trobe
University. He has over thirty years experience in ionospheric
research using HF radar, optical and satellite techniques and has
published over 150 scientific papers. His talk will be about the
Tasman International Geospace Environment Radar (TIGER) based on
Bruny Island. The TIGER concept is a pair of HF ionospheric radar
used to explore the properties of the ionosphere between Tasmania/NZ
and Antarctica.
(Justin, VK7TW, Southern Branch President)
VK8
http://www.wia.org.au/vk5
WANTED - Your Electronics knowledge to assist the guys doing the Novice
Theory Course on Tuesday nights (7-9pm) with Fred, can you spare some of
your time to help out a young and new person who is trying to learn Amateur
radio theory. If your interested in doing the course or helping 1 of the
guys out please email Stuie.
This is not a Tuesday night commitment, they would like to have a helper
who they could call on to talk over the phone, or meet at the club or their
home on another night for 1hr or so.
INTERNATIONAL
SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL AMATEUR RADIO CENTRE - OPEN MORNING
The ZS National Amateur Radio Centre is again going to
open with Displays, QSL bureau all sorts of "good things" in store.
The ZS-6-OF memorial shack will also be open.
The NARC will be open from about 09:00 am and all are
welcome to pay a visit. The display will be open from
10:00 to 12:00 noon Saturday 1 November.
(sarl news)
NEW ZEALAND
The NZART 2004 conference will be in Blenheim.
Partners can experience all that Marlborough has to offer:
vineyards, great cuisine, crafts, olives, wine tasting etc etc.
Keep the ham in your life happy by letting him or her come along
as well and attend the conference with the usual excellent line up
of interesting speakers and forums.
Contact: Helen Harris 03 575 7181
mt.adde@xtra.co.nz
CALIFORNIA FEELS THE HEAT
Citing links between their use and learning disorders, attention deficit
and hyper activity in children, the state of California is reportedly moving
toward a unilateral ban on the use of flame retardant chemicals.
According to a recent report in the New York Times, the chemicals,
commonly known as PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) will be banned
beginning in 2008. The California ban follows that imposed by
the European Union earlier this year.
Scientists are comparing PBDEs to PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), which
were banned in the 1970s for their harm to humans and the environment.
(from Conformity magazine November 2003 via VK4ZZ)
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
QSL/QSP/73/ Our world, our codes, but a brand new "code" has sprung up!
It might pay to be aware of these, particularly if you have youngsters
spending hours SMS'ing or visiting 'Chat Rooms' on the WWW... WWW whoops
there we go again! HiHi...
POP Parent is on prowl and could walk in any moment
SOS Sibling over shoulder who will tell on me
ASL What's your age, sex, and location?
BRB Be right back
HHOK HaHa only kidding
LOL Laughing Out Loud
G2G Gotta go!
CTN Can't talk now
ASL What's your age, sex, and location?
The VK4 QSL bureau has been invited by the Gold Coast club to attend HAMFEST.
The GCARC is supplying tables to them at no charge. All amateurs attending
Hamfest are COMMANDED by Shirley (VK4HSG) to roll up and see them at the
right of the stage.
(David G (VK4DCG))
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
BAYSIDE
teletext page 901
Net 3.567 Wed 1930
The Bayside District Amateur Radio Society Inc had a busy weekend.
VK4WST Victor and VK4TY Tom were the main stay of involvement
with the Manly/ Lota Scouts at Karingal Scouts Centre Mt Cotton.
VK4FG Cathy, VK4XR Eric and VK4TJE Eddie operated from Macleay Island.
Sunday morning President Paddy hosted a breakfast for the
Kilo Romeo CB Radio Club, they have been operating for 27 years!
5 Bayside Amateur Radio members are also members of Kilo Romeo.
CAIRNS AR CLUB
teletext page 920
The AGM for the Cairns Radio and Electronics club was held on 12 October.
The outgoing committee was re-elected for another term. Glenn VK4DU
attended and spoke to the club regarding WIA matters.
The Cairns 70cm. Repeater has been revitalised with a new transmitter and a
change of frequency. The frequency change was necessary to move away
from interference problems. The new frequency is 434.850
The Cairns IRLP node will be changing to a new ISP as the current co-
ordinator, Geoff VK4MTV is moving to Brisbane. It is hoped that the IRLP
service will continue providing the excellent service it has provided over
the past few years thanks to Geoff. Geoff is FNQ's loss but Brisbane's gain.
DARLING DOWNS
teletext page 915
The theme of the next "Social & technical" meeting on Monday 27th. October
at the SES Headquarters, 172 Stephen Street, Toowoomba at 7:30pm, will be
"IRLP - to be or not to be", led by John VK4ZJE.
GLADSTONE AR CLUB "Radio_Active".
TeleText page 917
President Wayne VK4ZRT, vk4zrt@wia.org.au
Gladstone Amateur Radio Club Tannum Sands Get-Together is November Sat
1st & Sun 2nd 2003.
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
TeleText page 911
http://www.goldcoastamateurradio.com
The Gold Coast Club are also making arrangements for the Hamfest on
8th November at the Albert Waterways Hall at Broadbeach.
For further information contact President Roy on 5539 3530
LOGAN WEST
November meeting has been cancelled.
REDCLIFFE
http://www.qsl.net/vk4iz
The Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club Inc clubhouse is open every Monday
night at 7.30pm. The clubhouse is located in Macfarline Park, Klinger
Road, Kippa Ring.
For further information about the club, examinations or how to get an
amateur radio licence you can contact the club via email
rdrc4@hotmail.com
or Laurie Pritchard VK4BLE on 3284 8859.
The Redcliffe and District Radio Club Inc have a night out at
Spinkers Restaurant on Saturday the 1st of November, those members
wishing to come please contact Alison VK4HAD.
ROCKHAMPTON
TeleText page 918
IRLP NODE 6973 ;
The Rockhampton Club Annual Dinner will be held on Tuesday the 2nd December
at the Rockhampton Leagues Club. 6.30pm. A room has been hired with
personal bar attendant. $20 to cover buffet meal and limited drinks.
Attendees are asked to bring along a small Xmas wrapped present to be
auctioned on the night.
Noel VK4ZAR has volunteered to run the dice game again.
Bring your 20 cent pieces please !
All are welcome.
Its the time of year when RADAR CLUB thanks its sponsors and other helpers.
They will receive written invitations to attend o
n a complementary basis.
Great prises have again been donated this year!
We would enjoy the company of any one attending from out of town as well as
the locals.
Please advise Clive or Nev of your intending attendance Ph 4928 1173 for
bookings.
19th November the RADAR Club meets at Charles St SES building Rockhampton
7.30 pm
SUNSHINE COAST
TeleText page 909
23rd November for Redsun Rally.
09:00 start at the Ettamogah pub and 12:00 finish at the clubrooms,
for a sausage sizzle, that's the observation bit out of the way, a fox
hunt will take place during the afternoon.
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
TeleText page 922
Main activity for the month was JOTA/JOTI support. A presentation was
given by members of the club to the local scouts early in the month to
prepare them for the JOTA weekend activities. Topics covered were the
history of JOTA, basic radio theory, and the JOTA protocols to be followed
over the weekend, they also explained the electronics project that would
be run on the same weekend as a separate activity.
TOWNSVILLE
TeleText page 919
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
Its already that time of year again! TheTARCinc AGM 2003 is on
at the Royal Hotel Bistro Garden West End 22nd November.
7pm for a 7-30pm start, sumptuous meal at $$25 per head.
Attendance numbers to MATMAN ASAP for catering purposes
email tarc.secretary@bigpond.com
October Backscatter carries the AGM agenda,
previous AGM minutes and proxy form.
XTRA-TARCadian date claimers...
8th Nov theTARCinc visits the Theatre Restaurant
14th Nov Official opening of theTARCinc repeaters - Mt Stuart 12pm
22nd Nov theTARCinc AGM - Royal Hotel West End
VK's MOST WANTED
We were wondering if there was a person or club perhaps interested in
setting up a HF APRS Gateway preferably on 30m in or north of Rockhampton.
We have one in Brisbane VK4DMI and one in the northern part of the state
which due to skip etc would compliment each other very well.
HF APRS at present is slow but growing and we feel with two HF 30M APRS
gateways within the state we would just about cover, dependant on
conditions, very well.
I recently undertook a trip from Brisbane to south of Nowra across to
Goulburn and back the inland route whilst using the VK3 & VK4 30m gateways
and was tracked at least 95% of the way.
If you are interested you can contact me via packet or email at
bbeamish@bigpond.net.au or Des at vk4dmi@pacific.net.au
Regards Brian VK4BBS
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
Members friends and users of the packet systems in SE Qld , particularly
those coordinated by the QDG group are invited to attend the
General Meetings of the Queensland Digital Group commencing 7.30 PM on
the 3rd Fridays of the month at Wavell Height State Primary School, Minore
Street in the STAFF ROOM.
QDG = http://www.qdg.org.au
President: Alan Wills VK4YAR
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
OCTOBER 25
Sunshine Coast AR Club 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)...
Sep SUNFEST, already the dates set for next year, Saturday September 11
WIA EXAMINATIONS IN VK4
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.
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
BRISBANE NORTH REGION
Now exams are available ANY TIME on just 2 weeks notice!
Just ring Redcliffe Clubs Laurie VK4BLE on 3284 8859.
Remember exams any time on two week notice.
BRISBANE SOUTH - LOGAN AREA
The Logan West Amateur Radio & Electronics Club.
If you wish to sit for any subject please contact.
Peter Harding 3800 3305
briscal@optusnet.com.au
BRISBANE WEST - LOCKYER REGION
The Lockyer Valley is located between Ipswich and Toowoomba and
examination services are available with 2 weeks notice required.
Arrangements for any examination can be made by contacting
Alan VK4SN alz@austarnet.com.au 04 1137 3679 VK4SN @ VK4WIL
Warren VK4FJ vk4fj@uq.net.au 04 2120 9536 VK4FJ @ VK4WIL
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.
vk2cb@nnsw.quik.com.au
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
HERVEY BAY
Geoff Stephenson, VK4OT 4124 4764
Albert Woodward, VK4IK 4124 4863
SUNSHINE COAST
Geoff Sanders, VK4KEL is registered as a Justice of the Peace
(Qualified) and is on telephone 5445 0280
*************************************************************************
Chris VK4AA reads each weeks contest time table for 2003-4
===========================================================
* denotes new addition to calendar
Date Contest
---- -------
2003
Nov 1 -2 SPRING VHF-UHF Field Day
2 NZART STRAIGHT KEY NIGHT
Dec 26 ROSS HULL VHF CONTEST
2004
Aug 21-22 Lighthouse Activation Weekend.
Check the OFFICIAL VK Contest Site, www.vkham.com/contests/index.html
The contesting calendar in our part of the world has almost
completely packed it in. We have the eagerly anticipated
Spring VHF/UHF Field Day next weekend, November 1 and 2, plus the
NZART Straight Key Night next Sunday, and that is all there is of
interest until Ross Hull VHF Contest gets rolling on Boxing Day.
Or at least that's the way we thought it was until Stan White, ZL2ST,
wrote to tell us about a contest that's on right now, and actually runs
right up until next Sunday.
It's the Dan Wilkinson Memorial Contest, which this year runs from
October 25 to November 2 inclusive. It's aimed at amateurs and SWL's alike,
and runs as a part of the annual Rhododendron Festival Award.
In the Dan Wilkinson, contacts may be made on any band, using any mode.
This may not help too many Aussies, but the full details are published in
the Contests and Awards column in the NZART's magazine, Break In, and I
guess any number of ZL's could quickly fill you in on the air for the rest
of the story. We do know that a copy of your log should arrive before
December 9 to Branch 27.
Now, we mentioned the NZART Straight Key Night, and Stan was also kind
enough to pass on some news of this one too. Basically, the Straight Key
Night runs on 80 metres only, next Sunday the 2nd, airing between 0700 and
1000 UTC.
You'll need a straight key, as in not a bug or whatever, but with it you can
enter your choice of sections, among them Vintage QRP, Vintage QRO, Open QRP
or Open QRO sections, and have some friendly fun.
Send your logs to Barry, ZL1DD by November 20, then stand by to receive
some of the many certificates they'll be issuing to recognise your
achievements.
It would be very remiss of us not to tell you that, on October 25 and 26,
from zero hours Saturday to 2400 hours UTC Sunday - which means we're
talking about right about now for most listeners - the premier worldwide
contest, the CQ Worldwide SSB Contest, takes place on the core HF bands,
being the pre-WARC bands, 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres. Take my word
for it, the bands will be chockers, and if you're keen to work a country or
three you're in with a heck of a chance this weekend.
On the local front, next weekend's Spring VHF/UHF Field Day Contest is a
good contest that encourages both home and field stations to participate,
and it's at a time of the year when there can be quite good tropospheric
propagation.
Remember, your scoring is enhanced by the more bands you use and the more
grid squares you work and it really is great fun going out portable to work
even a few contacts!
We'll close this week's report with contest news of a slightly different
kind. An announcement's been made about the venue for the 2006 WRTC Games.
They're to be held for the first time in Brazil.
The WRTC, of course, is World Radiosport Team Championship, and the last
international WRTC event took place in Finland in July last year.
WRTC brings together the top HF contesters from all over the world to
compete on a 'level playing field', as far as possible anyway. So it's not
really a spectator sport, but it is a lot of fun, and you can be a part of
it simply by being on the air at the right time.
As we said, though, it's not until 2006, so don't warm the linear's `toobs'
just yet. WRTC 2006 will take place in Florianopolis, the bustling capital
city of Santa Catarina State in southern Brazil. And the event's open to
everyone, competitors and spectators alike.
Have fun in the CQ Worldwide this weekend, and fire up your VHF and UHF
boxes next weekend for the Field Day. And even if you're not in a contesting
mood and have already sent your letter to the ACA, fire up the radio anyway
and remind them that amateur radio still has a vitality and life force of
its own.
See you next time. 73 to all from Chris, VK4AA/VK3CE
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
WIA's Amateur Radio Magazine Editor VK5UE
AR's Publishing Committee VK3's ABP, ANI, AUI, AZL, BR, DBB, OM.
WEBMASTER VK5UJ
QNEWS EDITOR VK4BB
Hi to Rod James, VK4HRD who has joined the Brisbane 2 meter callback gang.
So if it's a new voice you hear, take the time to say Hi to Rod.
HAM RADIO BUSINESS: 73 MAGAZINE FOLDS
73 Magazine is the latest casualty in the weak world-wide ham radio
business economy. On Monday, October 6th, founder Wayne Green,
W2NSD, e-mail several friends to tell them that 73 Magazine has
ceased publication after completing 43 years.
The reason for 73 going away? Green claims that the hobby is slowly
dying as a result of a lack of new hams. In turn the industry
that supports Amateur Radio is fading away as well. Green says that
without sufficient advertising the magazine couldn't continue.
ARRL Ham Radio News is as close as your cell phone:
Keep up with Amateur Radio news even if you're someplace where you don't
have Internet or e-mail access.
Have a few minutes while you're waiting for the train, bus car
pool or connecting flight?
Just call 860-594-0384 to stay informed.
(ARRL LETTER)
We'd appreciate it if repeater managers would send the call sign, frequency,
location, and sponsoring club/organisation of the repeater as well as the
time and day QNEWS is aired to Graham VK4BB, qnews@wia.org.au each week.
Or by packet to qnews @ VK4WIE.#BNE.QLD.AUS.OC
SHORT WAVE MONITORING AND SCANNER NEWS
INTERNATIONAL - HOLLAND: ARTIFICIAL BROADCAST ISLAND TO DISAPPEAR
A significant piece of Dutch broadcasting history may soon cease to
exist. Media Network reports that the Holland's Department of Public
Works has announced its decision to dismantle the artificial platform
in the North Sea known as R-E-M Island. The island was constructed
in 1964 at a cost of 9 million guilders by a team of entrepreneurs
who used it to broadcast radio and television programs to the
Netherlands under the name Radio Noordzee and TV Noordzee.
The full story is on-line at
http://www.rnw.nl/realradio/features/html/rem031009.html
(via arnewsline)
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
* new on calender
*NEPAL, 9N. Tohru, JA0UMV and Koji, JI1LET will be QRV as 9N7MV and 9N7ET,
respectively to 'rocktober 29. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters,
including the newer bands using mostly CW and RTTY. They will also
participate in the upcoming CQ WW contest. QSL to home calls.
*EASTER ISLAND, CE0. Jacek, SQ9BOP will be QRV as CE0Y/homecall till
October 27. QSL via SP6GVU.
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
*This lil outpost as far as Ham Radio goes is a buzz! VK9CD was QRV
until October 23 on all HF bands, including satellite AO-40.
QSL via DJ5IW.
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS.
D-88-S is QRV until November 30.
QSL via DS4CNB.
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.
March 15 2004
Fraser Island.
Call sign VK4FRI operated by Lockyer Valley Radio & Electronic Club
website www.lvrclub.org
Further information from President John VK4MJC.
* new on calender
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
SUNSHINE COAST BBS
At the Clubs recent general meeting it was passed that their VK4WIS BBS
would be 'disbanded'.
One club INCREASING the packet service is City of Brisbane, have a go at
connecting to VK4PKT-6 on 145.050 in the Great South East. You may need
to digi to VK4PKT-6 v VK4RBR
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- INTERNET --- THE HAMS DOMAIN
Much like how the Queensland (VK4) State Government allows free
WiFi access from key government 'hotspots' around the capital, we
learn the American FCC has made WiFi Services Available To Visitors
According to recent press release issued by the Commission, free public
WiFi access which utilises the 802.11a and b protocols, which are
compatible with most users' wireless communications equipment is used.
(vk4bb/vk4zz)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- Internet Linking of Repeaters
LISTEN ONLY to IRLP reflector 2
http://www.kwarc.org/listen
Wishing to "EchoLink"?
As an alternative to validate your callsign, EchoLink now accepts
digital certificates issued by the ARRL under its Logbook of the World
program. Enrolment is free of charge to licensed amateurs in all
countries. For more information, please see:
http://www.echolink.org/authentication.htm
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
TeleText page 958
http://www.scouts.com.au/discover/index.html
http://www.scout.org/jota
The Coffs Harbour And District Amateur Radio Club Inc. (CHADARC)
had a very successful JOTA at the Coffs Harbour Girl Guides Lodge.
VK2GGC had 2 HF and 2 VHF portable stations active and made good use of
40 & 20 metres as well as IRLP and with local SSTV as far as Grafton.
Some 80 children from Brownies & Cubs up to Scouts and Guides
attended with their leaders and made for a very busy but enjoyable day.
Peter VK2EVB wishes to thank all stations contacted for their efforts and
patience.
JOTA /JOTI 2003 in North Queensland
Another Jamboree On The Air and Jamboree On The Internet over for 2003
and from all reports a very successful one at that.
In the Kennedy Scouts region and Flinders Guides region there were 8 JOTA
and 2 JOTI stations deployed, each station averaged between 30 and 60 bods
with most stations operating over the entire weekend. Some very worthwhile
contacts were made ensuring that all youth attending at each station got
their chance to participate
Who worked the 'scout' station? One of the cleverest callsigns we heard
was from Sweden, SC0UT during the Jamboree On The Air event.
Mark Wall reporting in the Irish ham news media said JOTA in Ireland was
formally opened by the Chief Scouts of Scouting Ireland - CSI, and
Scouting Ireland SAI, Mr. Peter Dixon and Mr. Donald Harvey and the
Chief Commissioner of The Scout Association in Northern Ireland,
Mr. Philip Scott. All made short addresses on 40 meters.
This was followed by a call in giving Scouts the opportunity to talk
with the three Chiefs.
FEEDBACK TO THE Q
Good bit of advice in the weeks Summerland AR Club newsletter entitled,
MEANINGFUL EMAIL SUBJECT LINE
When writing an email, make sure the Subject Line means something to the
receiver. Blank, meaningless or vague Subject Lines are likely to be
rejected by the anti-virus or spam filters.
REWIND
WIA FEDERAL HISTORIAN VK3AFU
First Packet Radio Transmission
(VE2HAR)
At around 9pm on May 31, 1978 the first known transmissions of packet over
Amateur Radio were sent. The place was the upstairs banquet hall of
Bill Wong's Restaurant in Montreal, Canada.
The event was a special meeting of the Mont real Amateur Radio Club (MARC)
In attendance were several DOC officials from Ottawa, including the
Director General - Regulations, Dr. John deMercado.
Dr. deMercado is considered by some to be the "father" of amateur
packet radio due to his persistent pressure to open up an exclusive
portion of amateur bands to experiment with the new mode and due to his
early experience on the Aloha project in Hawaii.
(Others take a less charitable view of his role in the matter).
The first packet message was reported to have been:
"From John deMercado to the Montreal group - Bravo, well done!"
The Montreal Packet Net group included:
Bob Rouleau VE2PY
Norm Pearl, VE2BQS
Fred Basserman, VE2BQF
Bram Frank, VE2BFH
Jacques Orsali, VE2EPH
Ted Baleshta VE3CAF
Ian Hodgson, VE2BEN
HISTORY FROM THE SUMMERLAND ARC ARCHIVES
1864 Radio telegraphy is demonstrated by Dr Mahlon Loomis over 22km at
Bear's Den, Loudoun County, Virginia, USA.
1864 James Clerk Maxwell proves the theoretical possibility of radio
transmission.
1881 Roll film for cameras was patented by D.H. Houston of Cambria,
Wisconsin.
1888 Edison patents an optical phonograph, with images only 1/32 inch wide.
Edison's claim is that it will 'do for the eye what the phonograph
does for the ear.'
1896 Program of English films (probably R W Paul) shown at Auckland Opera
House, New Zealand by Professors Gow and Hausmann.
1897 A.Slaby sends wireless 21 Kms with balloon antennae, Berlin.
1897 Joseph Perry of the Australian Salvation Army's Limelight
Department begins shooting local scenes on film for use in illustrated
lectures. For the next eight or nine years, the Limelight Department is
Australia's leading film producer, distributor and exhibitor.
1899 First US Navy wireless message sent, New Jersey.
1906 SOS adopted as Distress Call at Berlin Radio Conference.
1910 First air-sea rescue using radio saves the crew of the airship America.
1919 Radio station 8XK at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania broadcasts music from
records. Due to widespread interest, Conrad announces that 8XK will
broadcast music for two hours on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
And the beat STILL goes on!
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK:-
NATIONAL NEWS
CW DROPPED SOON?
ACA DISCUSSION PAPER
CQVK PACKAGE
2004 AUSTRALIAN RADIO AMATEUR CALL BOOK
Federal Bookshop
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO PRESENTED BY VK4CO
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK1
VK2
VK3
VK7
VK8
INTERNATIONAL
SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL AMATEUR RADIO CENTRE - OPEN MORNING
NEW ZEALAND
The NZART 2004 conference will be in Blenheim.
CALIFORNIA FEELS THE HEAT
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
QSL/QSP/73/ Our world, our codes, but a brand new "code" has sprung up!
The VK4 QSL bureau has been invited by the Gold Coast club to attend HAMFEST.
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
BAYSIDE
CAIRNS AR CLUB
DARLING DOWNS
GLADSTONE AR CLUB "Radio_Active".
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
LOGAN WEST
REDCLIFFE
ROCKHAMPTON
SUNSHINE COAST
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
TOWNSVILLE
VK's MOST WANTED
VK4 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- "MATTERS DIGITAL"
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
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
Hi to Rod James, VK4HRD who has joined the Brisbane 2 meter callback gang.
HAM RADIO BUSINESS: 73 MAGAZINE FOLDS
ARRL Ham Radio News is as close as your cell phone:
SHORT WAVE MONITORING AND SCANNER NEWS
INTERNATIONAL - HOLLAND: ARTIFICIAL BROADCAST ISLAND TO DISAPPEAR
DX EDGE, with BEACON and NET ADVICE
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- INTERNET --- THE HAMS DOMAIN
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- Internet Linking of Repeaters
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
FEEDBACK TO THE Q
REWIND
First Packet Radio Transmission
HISTORY FROM THE SUMMERLAND ARC ARCHIVES
***************************
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.
Compiled by VK4BB /
Special Interest Group news read by VK4FUQ, VK4AA presents Contests
Packet: qnews@vk4wie.#bne.qld.aus.oc
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