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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
PREAMBLE -
Welcome to QNEWS, bringing you the news of our wonderful world
of amateur radio.... news SO fresh it's still in bubble wrap!
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
AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS - WE'RE A WEIRD MOB!
Less than 6 hours after ACA's Mark Loney gave Australian Amateurs
the good word on CW being dropped as an examinable subject several
were up in arms complaining "A wait until January One isn't good enough!"
Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth!
Surely 45 days or so after 100 years isn't TOO long a wait!
I guess it highlights "NOT" to listen to "the goss" ... but wait until
you hear direct from ACA and your Divisions before we get 'excited'..
so many were SURE the ACA announcement was going to drop CW last week!
Oh... and remember, you DID hear it first here on the Q!
ays to keep a regular check on www.wia.org.au/vk4
ACA's Manager RF Planning Group Mark Loney has told QNEWS "We received
more than 1400 written submissions commenting on the issues set out in
the paper and from public meetings arranged for amateur operators
throughout Australia.
Almost half were detailed comments and observations filled in on the
'flyers' distributed at the ACA discussion groups.
Acting Chair Dr. Bob Horton in his media release said the decision to
remove the Morse code proficiency requirement was made after considering
public comments at the meetings and analysis of submissions.
"This extensive public consultation proved invaluable with more than 700
of Australia's 14,000 licensed amateur operators attending to discuss the
options in the discussion paper and to seek clarification on particular
issues," Dr Horton said.
Limited Licence and Novice-Limited Licence will be permitted to operate
on amateur HF bands. Limited licensees will be able to operate on all
amateur bands, Novice-Limited gain the Novice segments on 80, 15 and 10,
changes will take effect on 1 January next year.
The ACA also recognised that there was considerable concern in the
amateur community about the 'no interference' proposal in the discussion
paper. "The ACA will carefully consider the views of the amateur community
as it examines regulatory arrangements in this area. We remain committed
to balancing the needs of the amateur community with those of the wider
community," he said.
The ACA expects to announce more decisions about new regulatory
arrangements for the amateur service before the end of the year. Mark Loney
again with QNEWS have a tentative recording date set.
The ACA announcement sure brought a few more Hams onto the QNEWS callbacks
last week, record breaking callins in Melbourne, VK2's Far North Coast
and Brisbane.
The One All Mighty WIA - PROJECT X
Last week Ewan McLeod brought us up to speed on developments to amalgamate
all the divisions into one truly national body, that report had one major
item we were asked not to make mention of, that of a motion prepared by
VK2.
Seeing that motion was publicised in their local news service, for the rest
of Australia, here it is.
"At the meeting of the VK2 Council held on Friday Nov. 7, 2003,
the following motion was carried:"
"That the WIA NSW Division approach all other Divisions with a
view to establishing one national body, located in Sydney, to
represent all Australian Amateur Radio Operators".
With major regulatory changes imminent, and with the ACA suggesting that
many of its administrative functions may be devolved to other organisations,
it's time for us to do some hard thinking.
The WIA's own "look at itself" is continuing as per details ironed out
at this years Federal Convention in Adelaide, and it's QNEWS's believe
the VK4 Council has invited Mr Brian Clarke the Chairman of that
Strategic Committee to Brisbane for their next Council Meeting.
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 our brand new callbook!
WIA members get a discount and new members to the WIA get an additional
10% off purchases in the first 3 months of their new membership.
Check out the web site and save!
And speaking of the call book, recently our Federal President took time
out of his busy schedule to publicly thank all the members of the team
that have helped to put the call book together this year -
Brenda Edmonds, John Martin, Ian Godsil, Mal Johnson, Robert Broomhead, and
of course John Nieman and the team at Newsletters Unlimited.
VK1LK said "I am sure that you will all agree that the new innovations
in this year's edition will make it an essential part of every
amateur's shack".
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO PRESENTED BY VK4CO
RONNEE MEACHEN
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
WIA EXAM CLOSURE
WIA Federal Education Officer VK4AGS Ron says he "Contacted Fed Office a
couple of weeks ago and they informed him they were writing to all
examiners etc advising of the closure procedures, dates etc".
Essentially the office will be closed 5 weeks, 22/12 to 27/1.
Exam requests need to be submitted by December 8 so hop to that one!
very short notice!
Examiners may hold a surplus supply to cover contingencies over this
closure period. Unused surplus is returned when the office opens.
Results may be delayed longer than usual.
IARU, ARRL SUPPORT AMATEUR RADIO COURSE AT ALBANIAN UNIVERSITY
Beginning November 9, an International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1
supported course in Albania commenced in cooperation with the
Polytechnic University of Tirana.
Thirty-four third and fourth year students began a five-week course
of study, culminating in a CEPT license examination. A unique part of this
program is that Amateur Radio is being integrated into the regular
university course offerings using an advanced Radio Society of Great
Britain study package as a reference.
Each week of this program in Tirana will benefit from the efforts of
invited professional educators from the Amateur Radio community from
Albania, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Macedonia,
Spain, Sweden and the United States. In total, some 50 Amateur Radio
operators, drawn mainly the DX and contesting communities, will travel to
Albania to teach.
During this five-week period, ZA1A--the station of the Albanian Amateur
Radio Association--will be active on many bands and in a variety of modes
while demonstrating Amateur Radio to local telecommunications and
education administrators, as well as to the students.
All QSL requests should be sent via OH2BH.
(Martti Laine via arrl letter)
"Congratulations on an outstanding piece of promotional material.
We at Radio Amateurs of Canada, Canada's national amateur
radio IARU member society, would like to adapt the pamphlet to
the Canadian context".
Those words conveyed in a letter to VK5MM regards his AR Promotional
Material (arguably the best ever produced here in VK) by Doug Leach
VE3XK Director - Radio Amateurs of Canada.
You'll find the material, if you haven't checked it out already, right
here on the www.wia.org.au/vk4 website.
HOW TO ENGINEER A FUN SUMMER HOLIDAY
Queensland Secondary school students with a penchant for physics or a
mind for maths can put their hands up for a taste of what it's like to be
an engineer this summer.
University of Queensland has a "Young Engineer Summer School" initiative,
which will be held at the St Lucia campus on 12-17 January.
Applications for the program are open until December 12, 2003.
For more information and application details visit www.telg.com.au
(Katie Shih 04 0870 1409)
Ham Demo for International Children's Film Festival, Hyerabad
As part of the proceedings of "13th Golden Elephant International Children's
Film Festival of India" held at Hyderabad from Nov. 14 to 20, a Lecture
come Demonstration on Amateur Radio was organised at the National
Institute of Amateur Radio in India.
Students from various schools throughout the country participated in the
program.
The NIAR stations VU2NRO & VU2RG were on air as main Demo Stations.
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 20-23 Nov Classic Adelaide Rally - Adelaide region
VK3 21-22 Nov Bruthen Scout Challenge at Angus Vale.
VK1 22 National Capital Rally - Canberra region
VK2 23 Nov Bridge to Bridge Ski Run
VK3 29 Nov Alpine Veteran Car Rally Lakes Entrance/Swifts Creek.
VK2 30 Nov RTA Cycle Ride.
VK1 6 Dec Rallye des Femmes
VK3 26-31 The Murray Marathon. Contact Carol on 5962 6098.
*VK2 20-21 Mar Eden Creek Horse Enduro.
VK4 1-03 May eco adventure race
* new to calender
WICEN VK3
http://www.wicen.vic.au
State Coordinator: John Kerr VK3BAF
Secretary VK3XMU secretary@vic.wicen.org.au
Nov. 29. Alpine Veteran Car Rally.
10 stages between Lakes Entrance and Swifts Creek.
Dec. 26-31. The Murray Marathon.
A canoe race over 400km in length running between Yarrawonga
and Swan Hill. Volunteers still required.
Contact Carol on 5962 6098.
WICEN VK4
Past WIAQ President Geoff Sanders VK4KEL has told us that Surf Life Saving
Queensland desperately needs more radio operators for its new
Control Station on the Sunshine Coast.
The Control station "SURFCOM" operates out of the SLSQ Branch building
located alongside the Mooloolaba Coast Guard Station.
SURFCOM provides support to the 15 Surf Clubs in the Sunshine Coast Branch
from Redcliffe to Rainbow Beach using UHF and a series of repeaters to
give it the coverage. It does this by way of tasking 2 Jet Boats,
5 Jet Skis and a helicopter or any lifesaving assets when necessary.
If you have skills in radio operating and computer and you would like to
be part of the Volunteer process, you are the person they need urgently.
Might I suggest you get ahold of VK4KEL for the finer detail.
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
ARRL SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY SET FOR DECEMBER 6
The fifth annual SKYWARN Recognition Day will take place Saturday,
December 6, 2003, 0000 UTC to 2400 UTC. During the special event, US Amateur
Radio operators visit National Weather Service (NWS) offices and contact
other operators around the world.
The purpose of the event is twofold:
To recognise Amateur Radio operators for the vital public service they
perform during times of severe weather and to strengthen the bond between
radio amateurs and their local NWS office.
In 2002, participants logged nearly 23,000 QSO's during the 24 hour event.
(ARRL LETTER)
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK1
http://www.wia.org.au/vk1
President is Alan Hawes alan@wic.net.au
23rd Amateur Radio Examinations - Farrer
24th General Meeting - Social Evening last meeting for the year - Farrer
25th Canberra Old Timers at Farrer - Tony VK1TB
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
President Brian Kelly VK2WBK
November
23 Exams at Amateur Radio House - Last for 2003
28 Wagga Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting
28 WIA NSW Council Meeting - last for 2003
29 Conference of Clubs at AR House Parramatta
December
3 Exams WILL be held at Westlakes Club Rooms at 6pm.
Contact Robert VK2TRA 4968 1712.
VK3
PRESIDENT JIM LINTON
http://www.wiavic.org.au
wiavic@wiavic.org.au
25 November NERG's Morning Tea Group at QTH of Gerhard, VK3EWM
28 November start of 5th IARU Region 3 ARDF championships in Ballarat
until 3rd December.
11 December NERG's Christmas BBQ
VK4
PRESIDENT VK4ERM EWAN McLEOD
2004 WIAQ GRANTS CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
The Wireless Institute of Australia , Queensland Division (WIAQ) has
instituted a scheme of grants to promote a number of its objectives in
support of Amateur Radio in Queensland.
Assessment will be by an independent group outside of the WIAQ Council
per se . Applications will be forwarded unopened to the Assessment group
immediately after the closing date with the intention of recommendations
being made to the WIAQ Council at its April 2004.
VK4 DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS TRIALS 420 TO 430 MHz BAND
This letter to the WIAQ from well known and respected VHF Ham Gary Ryan,
in his capacity Acting Manager Southern Queensland Region
You may be aware that the radiofrequency spectrum between 420 to 430 MHz
is allocated to the Amateur service on a secondary basis. There are
currently a number of amateur services operating within this spectrum in
the south east corner of Queensland.
The ACA has recently authorised a series of trials of non-amateur digital
radiocommunications to commence in November 2003 and continue to May 2004.
The trial area extends from the northern suburbs of Brisbane through
Redcliffe, Caboulture, Sunshine Coast and hinterland and the environs of
Gympie.
The frequencies that are to be avoided are included in the following ranges.
420.00 to 420.725 MHz,
421.25 to 421.425 MHz,
427.025 - 427.75 MHz,
428.250 to 428.45 MHz.
VK4 SILENT KEYS @ 2003 - 2004 WIAQ COUNCIL YEAR
VK4BS Jim Cunningham around the 19th or 20th of March 03 (advised by vk4sj)
VK4BMA Denis Brice March 29th 2003 (advised by vk4brg)
VK4NYY Ralph Curry a former vk4nyy April 2003 (advised by vk4kel)
VK4HW Dave Hutchins April 21st 2003.
VK4COK Reg Carmody May? advised by Ron vk4fc
VK4BP Doug Sim May 24th 2003
Bob Beetson May 2003 original holder of vk4bb circa 1929
VK4FB Ian Fisher silent key in June 2003.(advised vk4ble)
VK4VI Harry Bird July 2003 (advised by Westlakes AR Club)
VK4AQA Bob Collins July 13 2003 (advised by vk4afs)
VK4ANL Albert Lanham July 2003 (advised SCARC)
VK4TS Tweedy Svenson, Maryborough AR Club President Monday 4th Aug.(vk4bcp)
*VK4KH Keith Francis Hoffman Nov 14 (advised vk4bcf)
VK4EHT WIAQ ALTERNATE FEDERAL COUNCILLOR BRUCE JONES
AR magazine arrived last Tuesday at my place.
Advertised is the new 2004 WIA callbook and CD.
This is a reminder that VK2 bookshop offers a service to all WIA
members including those in VK4. Some found with the last callbook
that one off postage was quite expensive. However those who clubbed
together and ordered 10 or more in bulk ended up only paying a dollar
postage per book. The callbook is expected to be available soon so start
getting a list together in your area.
The holiday season is approaching and many clubs make changes to their
regular activities. If you would like your clubs activities over the break
to be publicised in QTC then send the details to the QTC editor.
Email as in the online version of QNEWS or even by packet to vk4eht@vk4zgq
There will be no January edition of QTC so to get any notice in December
issue, send it in by the 22nd of November.
Official Opening of Repeaters at Mount Stuart
Lunchtime Friday 14th November 2003 saw a gathering
occur at the TARC Repeater Site at Mount Stuart to
attend the official opening of some of the club's repeaters,
CB and Amateur.
Officiating at the opening was the Mayor of the City
of Thuringowa, Co-Chairman of the Townsville-Thuringowa
Counter Disaster committee and regional member of
the Queensland Emergency Services advisory committee
Les Tyrell.
Les was introduced to everyone by Ian Sutton/VK4ZT
who had been instrumental in obtaining Les's help
to help further the cause and eventual successful
bid for a grant from the Queensland Government
Gambling Community Benefit Trust to help finance the
upgrade to the VK4RAT VHF Voice Repeater.
Bundaberg advertising scam warning
Here's a warning to businesses in the Bundaberg area to be wary of an
advertising scam by unscrupulous con-merchants, claiming to represent the
emergency services.
Businesses are being rung and harassed by a man who calls himself
'Brendan Walsh', speaks with an American accent, and claims to be selling
advertising space in a bogus publication called 'SES Volunteer Air and Sea
Rescue Magazine'.
The ONLY official publication of the SES is a monthly newsletter for the
State's volunteers which carries no advertising whatsoever.
If your approached, immediately lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair
Trading on 1300 658 030.
(Karla Steen 04 0758 2041)
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
BAYSIDE
teletext page 901
Net 3.567 Wed 1930
President Paddy Dransfield of the Bayside District Amateur Radio Society Inc
would like to bring to your attention, they rebroadcast QNEWS Monday nights
on the 2 metre frequency 146.875 and they would appreciate call backs.
After QNEWS they conduct their regular Monday night 2 metre net where all
members and visitors are welcome.
Wednesday nights at 7.30 pm the Bayside Club conduct their weekly HF Net
on 3.567. Again all are welcome.
The Bayside District Amateur Radio Club Inc will hold their
Christmas Function at the Capalaba Sportsman's Club, the 27th of November.
Be there from 6pm and meet up with old friends.
GLADSTONE AR CLUB "Radio_Active".
TeleText page 917
President Wayne VK4ZRT, vk4zrt@wia.org.au
Wayne has started a rebroadcast of QNEWS Sunday evenings at 7 on 146.500
from his home QTH in Gladstone.
This as the Mt Goonaneman 146.800 to Amy's Peak 146.900 link is down for
repairs, and poor reception of the Mt Archer 146.700 repeater by most locals.
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
TeleText page 911
http://www.goldcoastamateurradio.com
The club House is open every Saturday at 85 Harper Street Nerang at 1pm
and amateurs are welcome to come on in and say Hi.
LOGAN WEST
December meeting is first Monday in December,
No January meeting.
MACKAY
The Mackay Amateur Radio Assocation Christmas bar-b-que will be held
on Sunday the 30th November at Quoto Park near the Ocean International
Hotel. Every one welcome. Bring your own lunch and chair. Bar-b-ques
available in the park to cook on. Starting time 12.00 noon.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
TeleText page 946
http://www.sarc.org.au/sarc1/sarc.htm
SARC CHRISTMAS BBQ DAY. Sun 7 Dec.
At the Clubrooms, Richmond Hill.
Usual arrangements from about 1000L to BBQ Lunch and afternoon.
Committee Meeting also PM this day.
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
TeleText page 922
DATE CLAIMERS
Nov 27 TREC Xtal Set Contest - judged by Felix/VK4FUQ
Nov 29 TREC Christmas party, dinner a sit down meal.
TOWNSVILLE
TeleText page 919
vk4wit@wia.org.au
http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/
Final club meetings for 2003 include:-
2nd December Management Meeting.
The last Project Night for 2003 will be held on 8th December,
with the first one for 2004 will be held 9th February
The last 2003 Backscatter will be the December issue handed out
to everyone at the TARC Xmas Party Sunday December 14th
and posted to those who dont attend. The first 2004 issue of Backscatter
will be published Tuesday 17th February.
The Radio Theory Class will go into recess during the festive
season, with the final Class for 2003 being held Thursday December 11th.
TARC 2003 XMAS Party
with Monster Kilometre of Treasure and XMAS Parcel Auction
Sunday 14th December from 2pm to 7pm at Aitkenvale State School
opposite K-Mart.
Monster Xmas Lights Tour 2003
Happens Friday 19th December -
TARCadians, visitors, friends and family are invited to assemble
their mobile shack chariots from 6pm at the Garbutt Shopping Centre Carpark,
entry via Gorden Street, mobiles will then proceed in tag-a-long fashion
under the guidance of Wallaby Bob and Jeanette, commentary on 146.500.
Tour participants are asked to be self sufficient with seating, tables,
drinks and nibbles and dress up for the occasion!
The next scheduled Exam session will be held on 31st January 2004
at the Club Rooms, SES HQ, Green Street West End.
As the WIA Exams Service will be in recess over the festive season,
applications for this session need to be in with Group Leader
Wally/VK4DO no later than Tuesday 2nd December 2003.
Exams information and application pack in PDF format
at http://www.vk4tub.org/tarc/exam.htm
RECAPPING TARC MEETINGS
Final club meetings for 2003 include:-
2nd December Management Meeting.
The last Project Night for 2003 will be held on 8th December,
with the first one for 2004 will be held 9th February
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
Wednesday evening 26 November sees the last Brisbane VHF Group meeting for
2003. There is important business to discuss about beacons, and there'll
be a technical demonstration as well.
The meeting will be held at the home of Rob Bathgate, VK4ZDX, at 53 Arrol
Street, Camp Hill, starting around 7:30 pm. All are invited!
VK4MR and VK4VKD (and families) will be taking the One Man Tower demo
unit and a 17el 2m/70cm duo-band antenna to Jollies Lookout on Sunday 30th.
Nov. 2003 - the object being to work as many stations as possible on
2m and 70cm - vertical and horizontal FM and USB.
Maybe there are some other hams who would like to pack a picnic
and join them up there. (Kevin would love to be able to take a group
photo up there around the demo trailer)
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
2004
Feb LOGAN WEST AMATEUR RADIO & ELECTRONICS CLUB BOOT SALE
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)...
April 2 - 4
Federal convention for 2004 will be held at the Virginia Palms
Conference Centre Boondall, in Brisbane from Friday 2nd April
to Sunday 4th April.
May 1/2/3
Clairview Get Together (located between Mackay and Rockhampton)
June 11/14
FNNQARG ! South Mission Beach
Sep 11 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.
Dec. 07 Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club Inc are holding examinations
Details, contact Laurie Pritchard VK4BLE on 3284 8859 ah or
via the clubs email address rdrc4@hotmail.com
*Jan. 31 Townsville Exams at the Club Rooms, SES HQ, Green Street
West End. Applications for this session need to be in with
Group Leader Wally/VK4DO no later than 2nd December 2003.
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
*************************************************************************
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
QNEWS available in Audio after 1400hrs utc Friday.
To avoid confusion QNEWS only lists contests from:-
Contest Managers themselves, the WIA and Radio Amateurs of Canada
and does not necessarily endorse, support or vouch for the accuracy
of the information provided.
WIA FEDERAL CONTEST EMAIL= contests@wia.org.au
Chris VK4AA reads each weeks contest time table for 2003-4
===========================================================
* denotes new addition to calendar
Date Contest
---- -------
2003
Nov
15 - 16 ARRL International EME Competition
15 - 17 ARRL November Sweepstakes (Phone)
* 29 - 30 CQ WW DX CONTEST CW
* 29 - 30 CQ WW SWL CHALLENGE
Dec
5 - 7 ARRL 160 Meter Contest
13 - 14 ARRL 10 Meter Contest
26 ROSS HULL VHF CONTEST
* 27 - 28 ORIGINAL QRP CONTEST (CW)
* 27 - 28 STEW PERRY 160 MTR DISTANCE CHALLENGE (CW)
2004
Jan
* 3 - 4 ARRL RTTY ROUNDUP
* 10 - 11 VHF + SUMMER FIELD DAY
* 10 - 11 HUNTING LIONS ON THE AIR
11 END OF ROSS HULL CONTEST
* 24 - 25 CQ 160 METER CONTEST (CW)
Mar * 19 - 21 John Moyle Field Day
Apr 25 Harry Angel Memorial Sprint.
(Honours WW1 Veteran VK4HA who until becoming SK
WAS WORLD OLDEST aMATEUR AT AGE 106!)
Aug 21-22 Lighthouse Activation Weekend.
Check the OFFICIAL VK Contest Site, www.vkham.com/contests/index.html
Thanks Trev and G'Day to all.
Okay, let's check news of the most special of Special Event Stations.
This is a Special Event Station I guarantee you'll want to hear, so
listen up.
The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) team will be
honouring the memory and legacy of the late Roy Neal, K6DUE, who passed away
three months ago during heart surgery. Neal, for those who don't know, was
one of the space pioneers, not by flying in space but through his heavy
involvement on the ground in lobbying to get amateur radio equipment flying
in space with astronauts trained to use it.
Perhaps there has been no better example than that shown to amateurs in
this part of the world when Dr Andy Thomas spent 22 weeks aboard the Russian
Mir Space Station as VK5MIR in early 1998, working literally hundreds of
lucky Australians, myself included, as he soared overhead. He'd knock
off work for the day, wait til he was over VK, and reach for the microphone.
What a buzz!
What a privilege for so many fortunate ham radio operators like me.
Long before the ISS was even dreamed of, and before the Mir Space Station
was assembled in orbit, it was Roy Neal who managed to persuade the powers
that be that amateur radio equipment belonged on the Shuttle. An NBC news
man by profession (he was one of their top science correspondents)
Roy Neal's burning ambition was to make amateur radio a permanent feature
on human spaceflight missions. Way back in November, 1983 - yes, fully
20 years ago this month - amateur radio equipment was taken aloft in the
form of a hand-held amateur station on the STS-9 Space Shuttle mission
aboard the Columbia. And only a few days later, astronaut Owen Garriott,
W5LFL, became the first on-orbit crew member to talk from space
on amateur frequencies.
It's three years this month, as an aside, since the first amateur operations
from the new ISS, whose completion has been delayed by the awful reentry
disaster earlier this year.
And so, to celebrate both Neal's vision, which now sees an amateur payload
on just about everything that's sent aloft, and that incredible 20 years of
operations from space, is an operating event next weekend involving the crew
on the orbiting outpost - and you. Yes, you.
According to a major news release last week from the ARRL, ARISS has
requested that the current I-S-S crew take to the airwaves as much as
possible over the weekend of November 29 and 30 to communicate with as many
ground-based amateur radio operators as they can. We're in a fabulous
position here, with a low density of operators in this country, to work the
ISS almost at will. Even so, ARISS chiefs have specifically requested that
contacts be kept as short as possible, in order that as many people as
possible can have their callsigns acknowledged by the astronauts.
After the initial intense two-day operation, frequent on-air QSOs will
continue through the entire month of December using both voice and packet,
on the usual frequencies. Now wait for this - not only do you have your best
chance ever to snare the ISS, but everyone who does get through right up to
the end of December, is offered a magnificent commemorative certificate.
Keep the details of your contact, and we'll tell you soon how to apply for
yours.
If you don't know the frequencies to tune, grab something to write with,
because they're a bit unusual.
Set your receiver to 145.80 MHz, which is the worldwide voice and packet
radio downlink.
Listen out on 145.8 MHz, but don't transmit there.
We transmit on 145.99 MHz, so we need to use a 190kHz positive offset.
145.8 to receive, 145.99 to transmit.
These frequencies are used for both voice and packet radio in Region 3,
our part of the world.
Listen out for either member of the current crew, Mike Foale, KB5UAC, or
Alexander Kaleri, U8MIR, on the air from the ISS as RS_ISS or RZ3DZR.
They could also hit the air as NA1SS.
I can tell you from personal experience that it really is a huge thrill to
speak to an astronaut or cosmonaut, and you don't need anything fancy or
high powered to do it. A simple 10 watt FM transmitter and a quarter-
wave omnidirectional whip should be more than up to the job. Good luck.
And with that, back to you, Graham
Finaly through till end of the year,
3W-22-S celebrates the 22nd South East Asian Games in Vietnam.
Darwin Amateur Radio Club operating VI8NT
BRAZIL, ZW90S celebrates 90th anniversary of the oldest Scout Group in
Brazil.
ZS-90-S-A-P South-African Police Service 90th anniversary
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
NASA Science News has asked "When it's time to fix things in space, what
tool do astronauts reach for first?"
Often it's a soldering iron--the same tool we use on Earth. The
solder is the same, too, only it behaves differently onboard a spaceship.
A new experiment planned for the International Space Station will explore
the unfamiliar physics of molten solder in low gravity.
(from vk2ce)
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
In the Apple Isle Tony VK7AX says planned changes now implemented are....
Relay of VK7WI ONLY on Sunday Mornings.
Return of Spectrum & the Spectrum format on Monday Night, content will
include 7WI, QNEWS, Nostalgia Segment and brief extracts from audio files
of Amateur Radio Broadcasts World Wide. (permission granted previously
from all news sources to use material).
Reminder... All broadcasts archived for 2 weeks on
www.vk7ax.tassie.net.au/broadcasts/
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
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
OSCAR 14 GOES SILENT
One of ham radios most popular emergency communications Easy Sats has
gone Q-R-T. This with word from the Surrey Space Centre that U-Oh-
Sat Oscar 14 has finally reached the end of its mission after an
amazing 14 years in day to day service.
After about 14 months on-orbit, U-Oh-14 was switched to commercial
frequencies for humanitarian service by an organisation called
Satelife. It was used by them until 1997 when it was returned to
Amateur Radio service and configured as an F-M repeater in space.
A failure of one of the cells of its on-board battery supply is
keeping the entire pack from recharging from the satellites solar
array. This causes the transmitter to shut down shortly after it is
commanded on. This situation lead to the decision by controllers to
terminate the micro satellites mission after more than 72,000 orbits
of the planet.
(RSGB via ARNewsLine)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- Internet Linking of Repeaters
LISTEN ONLY to IRLP reflector 2
http://www.kwarc.org/listen
Coffs Harbour must be the RF capital of Australia! IRLP nodes and now
a further EchoLink node linked to the repeater on 146.850Mhz
The node is open to ALL amateurs and if anybody is visiting the
VK2 North Coast they are more then welcome to use node number 150073.
Node owner Dominic VK2YDD believe's this is to be the second repeater
echolink node in NSW, the first being down the road apiece in Newcastle.
Up the road, Summerland club are investigating a possible linking of their
systems with the Dorrigo Repeater of the CHADARC.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP --- MILITARY
Peter Ellis reports that here in VK the 3GHz Band is Threatened.
On Friday 7th November the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon. Robert Hill
announced major changes to Defence equipment acquisition projects.
Among the announcement was the statement that, "the Government's strong
preference is to build air warfare destroyers in Australia, which will
provide significant work for Australia's shipbuilding industry.
The core of the combat system for the air warfare destroyers will
be United States designed, Aegis, Radar etc.
These new Royal Australian Navy ships and their high-powered radars will
be coming into service in the last few years of the first decade.
The Aegis air weapon system mentioned uses the SPY-1 radar that has
flat-plate, beam-forming antennas in the mid- to low- 3GHz S-band; and,
they transmit around 4MW (yes, 4 mega-watts).
Experience in the USA has shown that SPY-1 radars interfere with S-band
satellite receivers up to 200MHz away from the radar's notional frequency,
out to 160km inland from the US Navy's exercise areas.
The Amateur Radio allocations are between 3.3 and 3.6GHz, and we must accept
interference.
Interestingly, US Navy documents show that the SPY-1 radar has a personnel
hazard range of over 150m. Consequently, the radars are rarely if ever
tested or operated in port.
REWIND
WIA FEDERAL HISTORIAN VK3AFU
"...YES WE KNEW THAT... JUST DIDN'T THINK YOU'D ALSO FIND IT INTERESTING."
You'd be surprised how often in the course of a year we hear that
comment here at the Q.
The mention several weeks ago of the power station museum in north
Queensland the latest..BUT our anonymous ham (call was provided) can
also shed new light on Queensland's Energy Museum in Brisbane.
I'd bet there are some people who wouldn't even know we have an
energy museum, but it's an absolute treasure trove for history buffs
and people interested in Queensland's social and economic growth.
The Queensland Energy Museum at Herston has a fantastic array of
memorabilia and photographs that show how vital electricity was in
nearly every facet of Queensland life. Displays include records of a
1936 Royal Commission into the electricity industry, which revealed a
very complex industry in Queensland, made up 68 electricity authorities
comprising 21 private companies and 47 local authorities operating 138
separate Orders-in Council and 19 other related licences.
The Museum has pictures of a bullock team pulling cable over
Brisbane's Victoria Bridge for use at Bulimba Power Station, and a red
General Electric fridge dated from around 1930.
Now the good news!
The Energy Museum can be visited by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
between 10am - 3pm. For further information, telephone 3854 1266.
(a qnews secret subscriber! hihi)
IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK:-
NATIONAL NEWS
AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS - WE'RE A WEIRD MOB!
The One All Mighty WIA - PROJECT X
Federal Bookshop
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO PRESENTED BY VK4CO
WIA EXAM CLOSURE
IARU, ARRL SUPPORT AMATEUR RADIO COURSE AT ALBANIAN UNIVERSITY
HOW TO ENGINEER A FUN SUMMER HOLIDAY
Ham Demo for International Children's Film Festival, Hyerabad
WICEN/RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL WITH ROBERT VK3KRB
WICEN 'TYPE' EVENT CALENDAR...
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL ARRL SKYWARN RECOGNITION DAY DECEMBER 6
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK1
VK2
VK3
VK4
2004 WIAQ GRANTS CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
VK4 DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS TRIALS 420 TO 430 MHz BAND
VK4 SILENT KEYS @ 2003 - 2004 WIAQ COUNCIL YEAR
*VK4KH Keith Francis Hoffman Nov 14 (advised vk4bcf)
VK4EHT WIAQ ALTERNATE FEDERAL COUNCILLOR BRUCE JONES
Official Opening of Repeaters at Mount Stuart
CLUB ACTIVITY WITH BRIAN COLEMAN VK4LH IN MACKAY
BAYSIDE
GLADSTONE AR CLUB "Radio_Active".
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
LOGAN WEST
MACKAY
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
TOWNSVILLE
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 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
OSCAR 14 GOES SILENT
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- Internet Linking of Repeaters
Coffs Harbour must be the RF capital of Australia! IRLP nodes and now
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP --- MILITARY
Peter Ellis reports that here in VK the 3GHz Band is Threatened.
REWIND
"...YES WE KNEW THAT... JUST DIDN'T THINK YOU'D ALSO FIND IT INTERESTING."
***************************
QNEWS - we've reported...YOU decide.
Enjoy and LONG LIVE AR !!
GOOD ROWING!
Compiled by VK4BB /
Special Interest Group news read by VK4FUQ, VK4AA presents Contests
Packet: qnews@vk4wie.#bne.qld.aus.oc
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