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ZL2TZE > QNEWS 28.11.03 08:20l 1095 Lines 39727 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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THE BEST QNEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
---------------------------------
PREAMBLE
We start with a reminder from Chris VK4AA/VK3CE.
"Don't forget to listen out for operations from space
on 145.8 MHz this weekend, and if you have a two metre
transceiver, call the ISS on 145.99.
You never know; you may get lucky!"
Hey if you "don't get lucky" all the more time in the world to try for ISS!
More details in Contest Awards and Special event news with QNEWS.
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
Welcome along to QNEWS, I'm Trevor Tage VK4BAT and in this edition,
WIA CW exams to continue, VK4 Limiteds, have an hour less to wait till they
can use the HF bands, those taking the Queensland QNEWS section will hear
of a very NOISY silent Key, and from Melbourne and Canberra we learn of
a celebration January One called... the WIA HF QSO-PARTY.
With more on that Party we're joined on the Q by Victorian President
Jim Linton, and Federal President Ernest Hocking.
"The benefits following years of activity by the Federal WIA have at last
begun to emerge. On 13 November 2003 I received a late afternoon telephone
call from the ACA notifying me that an important announcement would be made
on Monday 17 November 2003. Many of us I suspect correctly guessed the
nature of the announcement if not the exact details.
However the weekend was no doubt an anxious one for many.
The wait was at the end of the day worth while with the announcement
indicating that the ACA would formally remove the Morse code testing
requirement for all grades of licence on 1 January 2004.
Thanks to all the various people who helped to publish the news so quickly
over that weekend, and especially our own Graham Kemp VK4BB who I know
worked long and hard to record extra material from the ACA and WIA to ensure
that as many people could be informed on the WIA broadcasts over the weekend
of 15/16 November 2003.
Although amateur radio operators do not have a formal code of ethics I am
sure that you will all respect the timing of the announcement and resist
the temptation to operate on air a little earlier than the 1st of January.
The WIA has a lot of negotiations to undertake with the ACA in a whole range
of areas and jumping the gun on something as fundamental as this will not
serve the long term interests of revitalising amateur radio here in
Australia.
In order that we can both celebrate this historic occasion and provide some
on air activity I have suggested that 1 January be designated an HF activity
day. Jim Linton VK3PC has kindly offered to assist in setting up some simple
rules to allow us to present a few awards for participation", here's Jim.
"It is going to lasts 35 hours starting with the early arrival of New
Year's Day down-under at 1300 hours UTC on December the 31st, and
concluding at 2400 hours UTC on the 1st of January.
The QSO Party is an all mode activity on all HF bands, with most of the
activity expected on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metres.
The event aims to welcome VK radio amateurs appearing on HF bands for the
first time. These can be identified by three-letter VK callsign suffixes
that begin with the letters H, T, U, X, Y and Z.
WIA amateur stations will be on air to join the HF QSO Party, and these
have two-letter callsign suffixes "WI" or three letter suffixes starting
with "WI".
Listen for the call "CQ WIA Welcome to HF QSO Party".
"The Federal WIA already has a Yaesu FT100 available for a prize and with any
luck some more prizes will be identified so that more categories of winner
can be defined.
The intention is to encourage people who have not previously been able to
operate and as such prizes will only awarded to calls who gain HF privileges
on 1 January 2004. So if you know someone who is able to contribute a prize
then please let me know so that we can organise things.
I look forward to working as many of you as possible on 1 January 2004 on
the activity day. 73s to you all and I look forward to hearing your
comments, either directly or via the divisions."
(Audio by Ernie Hocking VK1LK and Jim Linton VK3PC)
VK4 AN HOUR LESS TILL NO MORE CW
Seems vk4 wont have to wait till 1/1/2004 for the dropping of morse,
Samantha VK4TTT say's it's actually 23.00hrs AEST 31.12.2003,
ie 1300UTC Wednesday December 31
ACA's Chris Ludewig explained it this way,
"Samantha, Midnight can be taken to be the same time as midnight in Canberra
that is E.S.S.T...Regards Chris Ludewig".
WIA Morse Code Testing STILL GOES AHEAD
WIA Director David Jones's understanding is that CW testing will remain
as is ... ie, if you want a certificate which is Amateur Operators ie AOCP,
then the AOCP requires theory at a prescribed level, Regulations and CW send
and receive at 10 wpm, with not more than the prescribed level of errors.
So ... simply, if someone wants a two letter callsign, he'd better do 10
wpm. If he wants any callsign allocated to AOCP, he'd better do 10 wpm.
For this reason, the WIA will continue to conduct CW exams for as long as
they are needed, and quite likely, beyond such regulatory time, as there
are likely to be people who will want a certification for their own
purposes, and we will continue to provide those services to those who need
them. Some countries may still require CW quals for reciprocal licensing,
and we will continue to provide an exam service to facilitate same.
Nothing in the terms of licensing has changed.
It may in future, but not now.
One Happy Chappie these days is VK4HRP Ray who after some 25 years has his
Ham Ticket. Unable to fulfil the morse requirement after many attempts
Ray finally gave it away.
Then just this year he attended BARCFEST in Brisbane, told his story to
WIAQ Past President Col Gladstone and Councillors VK4EHT and KF.
The Councillors took what paperwork Ray still had to Townsville where
at the NQ Convention they explained and passed details to the ACA.
Now... Ray is known as VK4HRP all thanks to ACA, BARC, TARC and the WIAQ.
70 CEMS.. THE TRAGIC BAND
Last week on QNEWS we brought details of an ACA request for Brisbane/Gympie
Amateurs to refrain from using sections of the 70cm band.
In Victoria, due to spectrum being required for the next Commonwealth
Games, relocation of spectrum in the 420-430 MHz portion of the 70cm band
has seen our WIA working with the ACA, the Victorian authorities, and
other users of the spectrum in order to attempt to minimise the
impact of the proposal on the amateur radio community in Victoria.
In terms of timings WIA President Ernest Hocking says "at this stage it is
expected that the new systems will start to be deployed in Victoria
from 1 July 2004".
(vk7wi news)
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
WIA EXAM CLOSURE
Essentially the office will be closed 5 weeks, 22/12 to 27/1.
VK2
A Novice Course of Instruction commenced November 19th at Amateur Radio
House Parramatta, will run every Wednesday night for approximately 6 months.
A break over the Christmas period & recommences on the 21st of January
2004 means it's not too late to join and gain your licence!
(Terry Ryeland, VK2UX, WIA NSW Education Officer VIA VK2WI)
Morse Practice Transmissions VK4WIS
Following the ACA announcement on 17th November that it would discontinue
the requirement for amateur radio operators to be proficient in morse code
from 1st January 2004, the Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club is to cease
its morse practice broadcasts.
The sessions have been broadcast for the past 14 years under the club
callsign VK4WIS at 7.30pm each Sunday evening on 3.535 Megahertz.
The final session will be broadcast on Sunday 14th December with current
operators Ron VK4GZ, Dave VK4KDL, Doug VK4MHE and Gordon VK4VP taking part.
Listeners are invited to call back after the session, as another chapter
closes in the history of the Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club.
SAM VORON VK2BVS HONOURED BY PRIME MINISTER.
Australia's Prime Minister John Howard and Foreign Minister
Alexander Downer expresses gratitude for Australian ham radio
training in developing countries.
A certificate sent on the 26 September 2003 to Sam Voron VK2BVS reads.
"The Australian Government expresses its gratitude to Sam Voron for a
valued contribution towards assisting developing countries to reduce poverty
and achieve sustainable development". Signed by Australia's Prime Minister
John Howard, Australia's Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Member of
Australia's Parliamentary House of Representatives Dr Brendan Nelson MP.
In 2003 Sam spent 6 months overseas in Somalia where he organised an
Amateur Radio Training course.
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE - PRESENTED BY VK2UW CHRIS WRIGHT
IARUMS NETS
Friday 0730 UTC 7.065.5 with VK4CEU David.
Amateur exclusive frequencies where any non-amateur signal is definitely an
intruder, This listing by P29KFS.
Exclusive amateur only spectrum world wide
7.050 to 7.100
14.000 to 14.250
14.250 to 14.350 No broadcasters
21.000 to 21.450
28.000 to 29.700
The Wisconsin State Journal reports that a ham radio operator is
being accused of interfering with emergency radio channels in the
city of Madison over the past nine months.
Authorities charge that Rajib K. Mitra may have broadcast audio
from pornographic movies over the Madison Police Department airwaves.
The news article describes Mitra is a ham radio operator with a
degree in computer science. He was arrested Thursday November 13th
after police showed up at his apartment with a search warrant looking
for radio and computer equipment and pornographic audio.
(Amateur Radio newslines Bruce Tennant, K6PZW).
SAFETYCAST BROADCAST TO YOUR CAR
The CGC Communicator are reporting Police or fire engines may soon be
able to override the radio in your car.
This, as Jacksonville Florida based SafetyCast announces that
it will soon test a new mobile alert system. One that will allow a
police officer or ambulance driver to take over a car radio within a
distance of about 1000 feet and broadcast a brief alert tone and
warning message.
(CGC Communicator via ARNewsLine)
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
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 March Eden Creek Horse Enduro.
VK4 1-03 May eco adventure race
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 VK7
Southern WICEN Coordinator, Gavin, vk7hgo@wia.org.au
Safari Tasmania 2003
The event is now well and truly over till next year but Gavin VK7HGO
would like to thank everyone concerned for another top job.
"When the problems did occur we were able to take over and keep the
show running in the true amateur sprit.
When we had to move people to cover for sickness, etc the moves were
done with out any complaint".
12 amateurs and 12 non-amateurs, for some it was their first event of
this type.
RESCUE RADIO INTERNATIONAL
HAM RADIO AT HOMELAND SECURITY CONFERENCE
ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, this month used the Amateur Radio Today
CD presentation to promote the potential of Amateur Radio as a part of
homeland security at the community level. Haynie served on a panel of
national Citizen Corps affiliates during a Volunteers in Homeland Security
Conference in Texas.
President Haynie said Amateur Radio Today turned out to be the proverbial
picture worth a thousand words for the crowd of some 300.
"When it was finished and they turned the lights back up, everybody
applauded," he said. "I didn't have to say another word."
Those attending the conference primarily represented agencies and
organisations serving Federal Emergency Management Agencies, including
representatives of volunteer organisations as well as FEMA officials and
members of local law enforcement.
(from the arrl letter)
The National Radio Emergency Network will commence operations in the USA
December 1. A cooperative effort of several US CW net managers, NREN hopes
to provide an alternative public service network geared to low-power,
portable and mobile stations. "Because CW provides significantly more
reliability for stations operating at low power levels or compromise
antennas, this will be a CW-based program," said an announcement from
Chuck AA8VS.
NREN will work on the "radio watch" principle, and member stations will
maintain a watch on one or more of three selected frequencies in the
40, 30, and 20-meter bands.
(http://www.aa8vs.org/nren/ VIA ARRL LETTER)
QNEWS "States of our Nation."
VK2
http://www.wiansw.org.au
President Brian Kelly VK2WBK
Westlakes club was broken into last weekend, seems the intruder switch
not 'switched' correctly from the day before meeting.
At that meeting, one wag arrived sporting a black armband, a mark
of respect for the passing of Morse as an examinable subject!
Now, you'd have like a two letter call? Amateurs wishing to avail themselves
are asked to contact Bryson VK2VV who has this call available....well did
so a few days back!
(Almost worth migrating... almost! hihi)
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
5 December EMDRC Christmas Party..
Friday the 5th of December, and to help with catering they are
asking if those who intend coming could give Bert Fairchild club
secretary a quick call on 9850 2094
11 December NERG's Christmas BBQ
INTERNATIONAL SILENT KEYS
It is with deep sorrow that the Norwegian Radio Relay League has
informed us, via SARL news, of the passing of Stein R. Barlaug LA4ND
on 11 November.
Stein served as NRRL president for 4 years and was an honorary member
of the NRRL since 1995.
He took part in a number of IARU Region 1 conferences, represented
amateur radio at WARC-97 and served as IARU Region 1 Treasurer for a
period of 6 years. He was awarded the Region 1 Medal for his devoted
work for international amateur radio.
We extend our condolences to the family and the NRRL.
INTERNATIONAL
SOUTH AFRICA PROPOSED CHANGES TO LICENSE REQUIREMENTS AND PRIVILEGES
It's proposed Morse requirement for the ZS license be dropped 12 to 5 wpm.
That applicants for the ZU license will no longer be tested for proficiency
in Morse code.
A new license class be introduced with the callsign prefix ZT.
This license will not have any Morse code requirement.
The holders of ZT licenses will have full VHF privileges and will be
permitted to transmit with a maximum power output of 100 W on portions of
the 160/80/40 and 15 meter bands.
TIRANA
Further on last couple of weeks reports on the Amateur Courses in TIRANA
The theory exam has been conducted, 33 students getting a pass mark on
the CEPT 1 level.
Now the course will move on to pure amateur radio related subjects under
the leadership of Uli, DJ2YA while John, G3OKA will head back to the UK
after a job well done.
Britain's RSGB deserves credit for their support of the first part of
the program.
The Albanian authorities released the callsign ZA1UT (University of Tirana)
symbolizing this program. Another wave of lecturers have now arrived,
representing Finland and Germany for the following week.
The Albanian Amateur Radio Association (AARA) will launch a multi-multi
effort for CQWW led by their ZA1B, ZA1D, ZA1E, ZA1I, ZA1S, ZA1Z and others
assisted by their foreign guests.
You will hear the ZA1A team appearing during the contest period. A special
event QSL card can be obtained for all callsigns active during this program
from:
Project Goodwill Albania 2003
P.O. Box 73
02380 Espoo, Finland
or, via OH2BH
FCC COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE CLARIFIES HER "BROADBAND NIRVANA" REMARKS
The office of FCC Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy has expressed
regrets that her remarks in a September speech may have failed to
make her concerns about potential interference from Broadband over
Power Line sufficiently clear.
Last September 22nd, in a speech to the United Powerline Council's
annual conference Abernathy expressed personal enthusiasm for B-P-L
calling it a Broadband nirvana. That position was quickly challenged
by the ARRL and others in the ham radio community.
(ARRL VIA ARNEWSlINE)
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 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 announced last week as SK was VERY
pleased to discover He's 'still with us!"
Imagine Keith's surprise to hear his name mentioned, took delight
in being able to advise Daphne on the Gold Coast callbacks he
was still "very much with it!
Despite our source checking with the Funeral Home that Mr Hoffman
did in fact come from Toowoomba seems there are two KF Hoffmans,
and VK4KH is far from silent!
As another of Keiths friends pointed out to us this week...
"what are the odds of 2 from Toowoomba, same name right down to
all initials, must have been almost astronomically unlikely for
a town like Tooowoomba".
At the WIAQ council meeting on 25 November Ken VK4KF was presented with a
certificate of recognition by the Townsville ARC in appreciation of his
visit to the North Queensland Convention.
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
CITY OF BRISBANE RADIO SOCIETY
PRESIDENT Mick VK4NE reminds all members to advise him if they are
are not going to the clubs "breakup" Christmas Party.
GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
Remember the 30th November as this is the day they defend the Kortz Cup
with the Lismore Group and the picnic will take place at 10.30am at
Bicentennial Park, Pottsville.
On the 6th December at 10.00am will be their last General Meeting for the
year and then on the 13th December will be the Club Christmas Party,
everything will be supplied by the club.
LOGAN WEST
IRLP node 6402
December meeting is first Monday in December,
No January meeting.
MACKAY
irlp node 6450
The Mackay Amateur Radio Association Christmas Bar-b-que will be held
on Sunday the 30th November at Quota 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.
(Bruce Lenahan)
ROCKHAMPTON
IRLP NODE 6973 ;
Rockhampton And District Amateur Radio Club wish Mary Adams VK4PZ
a life member of the club a very happy birthday for Friday 28th Nov.
Also if there are any additional people not on the list wishing to
attend the RADAR CLUB Annual dinner next Tuesday evening please contact
Clive on 4928 1173 immediately you read this.
SUMMERLAND AR CLUB (VK2)
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.
TOWNSVILLE
Gavin VK4ZZ in his fourth report as President of the Club told members
"2003 was a good year for the Club, achieved mostly through the active
participation of members and with a little support from the communications
community.
Completed Projects
TAC08 UHF CB Repeater Mk 1
VK4RAT VHF Voice Repeater Mk 4
VK4RTL 23cm Beacon Mk1, 6m Beacon Mk 2, 10m Beacon Mk 2
VK4RAT ATV Repeater Mk 2 Install and Test.
Mount Stuart DC Cabling systems.
The Club held a number of events during the year - all very successful !
Antenna making day at QTH of VK4DO and Dorothy
2002 TARC Xmas Party
2002 MXLT (thats Monster Xmas Lights Tour)
Australia Day Weekend campout at Rollingstone
John Moyle Field Day at Bluewater Scout Camp
Groper Creek Markets visit
FNNQARG at South Mission Beach
Mt Stuart Working Bee
North Queensland Amateur Radio Convention
Jamboree On The Air
Official opening of VK4RAT VHF and TAC08 UHF CB Repeaters
2003 AGM
And we must NOT forget ALL of the WICEN activity
Everyone who participated or supported these projects and events should be
proud to be keeping alive the vitality that is a part of Amateur Radio in
the region.
Finally Gavin said, "The incoming 2004 Committee have a really
hard act to follow, however I hope that they enjoy the level
of support shown in years past and I wish Committee and Members
all success with all the challenges that will arise".
Acknowledgment of Life Membership, with applause, was given for
Evelyn Bahr VK4EQ and Alan Stephenson VK4PS
The last Management Meeting will be held 2nd December,
The last Project Night for 2003 will be held on 8th December
The last TARC theory class for 2003 will be held Thursday December 11th
TARC 2003 XMAS Party
with Monster Kilometre of Treasure and XMAS Parcel Auction, this is
Townsville's Breakup Extravaganza !
Happens Sunday 14th December from 2pm to 7pm at Aitkenvale State School,
make sure to pack the cozzies as the olympic-sized pool with its sun shade
overhead is a delight to swim in during the hot afternoon.
Bring a wrapped mystery present of small value for the traditional
XMAS Parcel Auction which will be held after the BBQ!
Bring any stuff you need to shift from the shack to make room for all
the stuff you will take back home after the Monster Kilometre of
Treasure Auction!
Next Amateur Radio Hour Show Live on 4TTT-FM One Oh Three point Nine (103.9)
Wednesday 7pm 3rd Dec The Amateur Radio Hour Xmas Special!
MAJOR GATHERINGS IN VK4 FOOTPRINT
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)...
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
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
Chris VK4AA reads each weeks time table for 2003-4
===========================================================
* denotes new addition to calendar
Date Contest
---- -------
2003
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)
Feb
* 28 - 29 NZART's Jock White Memorial Field Day Contest
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
Hey G'Day all, and here we go again, this time starting with a Special Event
Station on the air right now for those listening at the end of November. If
that's you, as soon as the broadcast callback's over, grab your two metre
box and turn your receiver to 145.80 MHz. To talk, set up a 190kHz positive
offset so you'll transmit on 145.99 MHz, and listen out for crew members
talking live from the International Space Station, on the air as RS_ISS.
The ISS crew is tasked to talk to as many Earth-based amateurs as possible
this weekend in a special celebration.
Again, you receive on 145.8 MHz and transmit on 145.99. I should also tell
those with scanners and the like that a scanner should easily be able to
receive the signals from the ISS, even with the rubber duck style of antenna.
Dial up 145.8MHz and stand by.
A check of the satellite tracking software at this station predicts a number
of very good passes coming up this weekend for those in the Brisbane region,
with the next one due a few minutes after 10am local today. As the ISS
travels over most of the Earth's surface - almost as much as even our very
widespread audience - we won't even try to tell you about any other passes.
Suffice to say that lots of people have prediction software, and you can
also find internet sites which will tell you when passes are due for your
area.
Okay, so what's the Contests calendar got in store for us?
Well, the contester's month starts on December 5 to 7 with the ARRL 160
Metre Contest, and continues on the 13th and 14th with the ARRL 10 Metre
Contest.
Stations in Australia will be keenly anticipating the 26th of December,
though, for the start of the Ross Hull VHF Contest, starting Boxing Day and
continuing until January 11, 2004.
As well during that last weekend of 2003, December 27 and 28, is the
Original QRP Contest for CW as well as the Stew Perry 160 metre Distance
Challenge, also for CW.
Remember to check the official VK Contest Site, at www.vkham.com, for the
latest updates and, of course, the rules for each contest.
Again, www.vkham.com
You might also like to check this site: www.qsl.net/ei8ic
Why there? Well, it turns out that Tim Makins, EI8IC, is an eager contester,
who has created a substantial website aimed specifically at his hobby of
amateur radio.
There are a number of forums on his website aimed at real world operators -
those without the big towers or the latest rigs. He concentrates on
Contesting - which alone has some 50 web pages of data - but there are also
other sections and other areas of discussion. It's also the best resource
this reporter has seen thus far for Irish Contesting.
In bringing the site to our attention, Tim said the forums are designed
simply to act as a place where you can ask questions and leave tips that
others will browse through.
I've had a good trawl through the site, and it certainly seems to deliver
on the promise.
By the way, the site has no advertising and no annoying pop-ups!
Once more, it's at www.qsl.net/ei8ic
Our award in the spotlight this week is the Southern Cross Award, issued by
Melbourne's Eastern and Mountain District Radio Club.
Amateurs and SWLs who log the required number of EMDRC members may apply
for the award.
VK3 stations must work 15 club members plus at least one of the club
callsigns, which include VK3ER, VK3BNW, VK3COD and occasional special calls
operated by
the club, such as VI3GP.
Those outside VK3 need to work five members plus a club callsign.
You can get applications and further information from EMDRC Inc, PO Box 87,
Mitcham, Victoria 3132
Let's polish off this lot with a quick reminder of some special events on
the air until year's end.
Locally, the Darwin Amateur Radio Club is operating station VI8NT to
celebrate 25 years of Territorian self-government.
QSL directly to VK6NE or via the Bureau.
From VIETNAM, 3W, Eddy is QRV as 3W-22-S until December 31 to celebrate
the 22nd South East Asian Games hosted in Vietnam.
ZW-90-S celebrates the 90th anniversary of the oldest Scout Group in Brazil.
ZS-90-S-A-P is airing to help the South-African Police Service celebrate its
90th anniversary. They're on all bands down from 70cms plus packet.
PARTY TIME!
On January One, 2004 (actually, December 31 in VK4) you get to take part in
the WIA HF QSO PARTY.
It's an all-mode activity on all HF bands to welcome those VK radio amateurs
appearing on the HF bands for the first time.
These stations can be identified by three-letter VK callsign suffixes that
begin with the letters H, T, U, X, Y and Z.
The WIA amateur stations will be on air to join the HF QSO Party, and these
all have two-letter callsign suffixes "WI" or three letter suffixes starting
with "WI".
Listen for the call "CQ WIA Welcome to HF QSO Party".
And, as many of our new chums may not have HF rigs by that date, how about
you, or your club getting together and letting them use your gear for the
night!!
Don't forget to listen out for operations from space on 145.8 MHz this
weekend,
and if you have a two metre transceiver, call the ISS on 145.99.
You never know; you may get lucky!
Until next time, then, cheers all from Chris Edmondson, VK4AA and VK3CE
MEDIA WATCH and PR OPPORTUNITIES
Stephen VK3DT along with Denis VK3ZUX have been broadcasting QNEWS
in the Gippsland and Eastern Zone of Victoria for some time but
Wednesday night the Broadcast was to much for local repeater VK3RLV
(the smoke escaped) and the broadcast was approximately 50% completed.
Good news is the repeater was replaced and back on air the very same
night.
Bronte VK5AY broadcasts QNEWS on 3.597 MHz Sundays 0930 utc, along with a
simulcast on 2 meters, seems the 80 meter one is going very well, callins
from VK2, 3, 4 and 6.
Amateur Radio Magazines Publications Committee asks all contributors of
General and Technical articles to forward submissions direct to them via
the Secretary and NOT the Editor.
Correct email address is shown in the front of AR Mag each issue.
(armag@optusnet.com.au)
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
MONITORING AND SCANNER NEWS
HOLLAND: RADIO NETHERLANDS BROADCAST CHANGE
Radio Netherlands says that its shifting the frequency of its Dutch
language transmission to the Far East, East and Southeast Asia at
1300 U-T-C. This broadcast can now be heard on 7 point 380 MHz. The
reason for the change is to avoid interference to the transmission.
(Media Network via ARNewsLine)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ALARA
ALARA Net is held each Mondays on 3.588 MHz, commencing at 1000 UTC.
geencee@picknowl.com.au
ALARAMEET 2005 to be held in Mildura.
http://homepages.tig.com.au/~bishops/alara/
Any day now we will see another potential ALARA member in the
Northwest of VK7 in the person of Judy Kubank from the Penguin area.
Judy performed well in her novice exams according to NorthWest News and
is now applying for a callsign.
She waits patiently till the time that she can call CQ on
the HF bands after January 1st. next. Congratulations Judy
may you have a wonderful time exploring amateur radio.
ALARA maintains a comprehensive website, which includes contact
details and other information.
http://homepages.tig.com.au/~bishops/alara/
(vk7wi)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FIFTY AND OVER
(the plumbers delight)
Abnormal Propagation on 50MHz.
On the 27th October 2003 Europe was worked in Australia by some northern
VK4's from 0850z for nearly an hour. Heavy fade was evident; the majority
of contacts took place on CW. Europeans heard or worked include G4, EA, IK,
ON, PA and SV. The propagation footprint was restricted to VK4 amateurs
residing north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
(SOURCED TO VK2WI NEWS)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
VK5AGR is the AMSAT National Coordinator, vk5agr@amsat.org
VK5ZAI is the Australian Co-ordinator for ARISS.
AMSAT-VK HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION MARKS FIVE YEARS IN SPACE
As of this month, the International Space Station has been in space five
years and has had Amateur Radio and a permanent crew onboard for three
years. The first component of the unique orbiting laboratory complex--home
to the first permanent Amateur Radio station in space, NA1SS--was launched
November 20, 1998.
Since attaining orbit, the ISS has grown into a continuously staffed,
house-sized research facility.
(from the arrl letter)
VK1KEP says NASA PLANS to microwave outer space!
NASA has recently demonstrated a microwave ion engine that could power
future inter-planetary and inter-stellar spacecraft. In Greek mythology,
Prometheus was the wisest of the Titans, and he gave the gift of fire to
humanity. Project Prometheus tested a new high-velocity and high-thrust High
Power Electric Propulsion (HiPEP) ion engine that would be used with nuclear
electric propulsion (NEP).
Dr. John Foster, the primary investigator of the HiPEP ion engine at NASA's
Glenn Research Center (GRC), Cleveland, said "The test involved the largest
microwave ion thruster ever built. The use of microwaves for ionisation
would enable very long-life thrusters for probing the universe."
The test was conducted in a vacuum chamber at Glenn Research Centre. The
HiPEP ion engine was operated at power levels up to 12 kilowatts and over an
equivalent range of exhaust velocities from 60,000 to 80,000 meters per
second. The HiPEP thruster operates by ionising xenon gas with miclows: -
10AM - Melbourne time all year ie. both E.A.S.T. and D.S.T.
145.700 MHz FM. 7.060 MHz SSB 3.650 MHz SSB
0100 hours UTC all year 14.150 MHz SSB beaming North.
0200 hours UTC all year 14.150 MHz SSB beaming West.
8:30PM - Melbourne time all year 3.650 MHz SSB
Call backs follow each transmission.
News for inclusion in the club broadcasts will be welcomed by club secretary
Arthur Evans VK3VQ or Allan Doble VK3AMD)
(VK3VQ)
***************************
QNEWS - we've reported...YOU decide.
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