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VK7AX > BCAST 19.02.23 09:34l 428 Lines 21133 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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VK7 Amateur Radio News 19Feb23
Text edition:
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VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 19th February 2023
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Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News and this was first broadcast on Sunday the 19th of February 2023. At the mike of VK7WI this week is Idris, VK7ZIR.
On Sunday this broadcast goes out on repeaters all over VK7 and on digital radio - DMR Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C by VK7ZCR
We go out on medium and high frequency courtesy of the following rebroadcast stations:
On 1.862 MHz by Any Takers,
On 3.670 MHz by Dale, VK7DG,
On 7.140 MHz by Peter, VK7TPE,
On 14.130 MHz by Ross, VK7ALH and
On 28.525 MHz by Garry, VK7JGD.
We also go out on UHF CB Channel 15 thanks to Mark VK7FMAC in the Hobart area.
You can hear this broadcast again on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RAD in Southern VK7.
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Technology News
Did the US Airforce shoot down an Amateur Radio Pico balloon over Canada?
Since the famous takedown of a suspected Chinese spy balloon, US jets have shot down a total of three more unidentified balloon objects, now confirmed to have been 'commercial or benign'. There is speculation that at least one these three objects may have been an amateur radio 'pico' balloon.
A 'pico' balloon involves the use of mylar helium party balloons to launch small solar powered payloads that are only a few grams in weight. They typically transmit low power WSPR at HF frequencies and can only transmit whenever there is sufficient solar power available. Well built balloons can totally circumnavigate the globe several times over several months before degrading.
There is speculation that at least one of the objects shot down over Canada, Yukon by a US Air Force jet may have been amateur radio pico balloon K9YO-15 which was launched from Illinois on October 10 2022. It was on it's seventh circumnavigation of the globe after being aloft for 123 days.
The K9YO-15 balloon ceased all WSPR telemetry transmissions while flying just below Alaska since Feb 11 00:18 UTC (just before sunset in Alaska when the solar panels would stop working).
By using NOAA wind models and the last known location by Alaska, K9YO-15 was projected to have been over Yukon when the US Air Force shot down the unknown balloon object at Feb 11 20:41 UTC (3:41 PM EST / 1:41 PM Yukon time according to Canadian Defense Minister Anand).
Reports put the altitude of the shot down object at approximately 40,000ft (~12000 meters), which matches the projected ~11500 meters of K9YO-15.
The search area for the fallen balloon debris is reported to be in difficult to access terrain between Dawson City and Mayo. If we do a rough overlay of the predicted trajectory over a Google map, we can see that the predicted location of KY9O-15 at the reported time of the missile impact matches this description very well.
For an introduction, I'm Ian KO6YQ. I was involved in the first Ham Radio balloons that circumnavigated the globe starting in 2016, launched from San Jose, California. I had roles on them including tracking analyst and social media spokesman. I also organized and led the Ham Radio tracking teams which recovered the Civilian Space eXploration Team (CSXT) first amateur rocket to (suborbital) space in 2004.
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/the-us-airforce-may-have-shot-down-an-amateur-radio-pico-balloon-over-canada/
Written by Ian KO6YQ and sourced to RTL-SDR.com website
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Statewide News
Thursday Night SSTV Nets
Another great net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – PD, ZAB, ZGK, ZBX, ZCF, KT, ZSB and ZIR all sharing nearly thirty photos.
There were various subjects like:
The Parkes Radio Telescope in NSW which was commissioned in 1961. This has a 64 meter diameter dish and was so successful that NASA copied the basic design for their Deep Space Network.
A Dr Who looking Police Box in someones garden
A mural of a portal opening on the side of a multi-storey building plus street art on a Launceston flood levee which includes Pluto and Mickey Mouse
Joan Sanderson as Mrs Richards in the comedy Fawlty Towers
A caricature of the Essendon Bombers mascot
A group of nuns busily playing the pokies
A friendly pet dog missing his master
This weeks transport theme was
Helicopters in Hobart and Launceston
plus a series of vintage and sports cars at a local automobile museum.
Remember Ken VK7KRJs and Steve VK7OOs fully automatic 24/7 monitoring site that allows anyone who has sent an SSTV picture the ability to check them on their pages almost immediately, any time, both South and North Tasmania.
If you missed the net there is a full archive of all SSTV nights on the NTARC website under blogs.
A reminder in Southern Tasmania, VK7RAF (146.650 -600kHz) can be RF linked to VK7RJG by using a CTCSS tone of 141.3Hz. We get underway from around 7:30pm.
https://vk7oo.tasme.com/vhfsstv
https://sstv.vk7krj.com/scrolling%20web%20gallery.html
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
73 from Andre VK7ZAB
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Contest News
Australia Day Contest Results
As reported in the WIA National News congratulations to all who participated in the Australia Day contest and especially VK7IAN who came second in the Single Operator phone and AX7STO who came 10th in the Single Operator Digital section.
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QSL News
Report - from Herman VK7HW Manager of the WIA VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
The current list of QSL Cards held as at 17 February 2023 is in the email version of the broadcast.
If you have any questions re QSL cards, please contact Herman by email vk7bureau(at)wia.org.au
If you do not wish to receive QSL Cards please let me know as well as the stations you work.
73, Herman, VK7HW, WIA Manager VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
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QSL Cards Held as at 17 February 2023-
A, AAA, AAB, AAD, AAE, AAH, AAP, AAR, AB, ACE, ACG, ACN, ADE, AED, AG(2014), AGC, AHT, AIR, AJC, AKK, AL, ALZ, AM, ANC, AO, AP, APZ, AR, AS, AT, ATH, AXZ, AY, AZ
BA, BB, BPV, BT, BYE
CH/T, CJ, CL, CMV, CV, CX
DG, DM, DN, DO, DQ, DX, DZ
EA, EG, ER
FALX (alx), FAZZ, FCIA, FLAR, FLYN, FF, FG, FGGT, FPRN, FRJG(RG), FTAS
GA, GGZ, GM, GR, GS, GZ
HBR, HCH, HDM, HOB, HL, HPD, HRS, HSA, HSD/MRS, HSJ, HVK, HWW, HZ
IAN, IK, IS
JA, JAB, JAZ, JB, JCR, JJ, JOK, JP, JW
KAC, KBA, KD, KDO, KI, KJ, KKR, KL, KO
LDH, LJ, LLL, LM, LT, LVH, LW
MAG, MAT, MBD, MC, MEL, MET, MHZ, MR, MS
NA, NC, NFI, NIK, NRF, NRT, NSE, NTE, NVH,NWQ
OB
PAF, PBD, PM, PRN, PSJ, PSZ, PW
QK
RG(FRJG), ROY
SN, STO, SV
T/ch, TCE, TED, TK, TL, TO, TS, TX
VA, VAC, VAZ, VDC, VEK, VR, VTM
WA, WC, WIA, WO, WT, WX
XDM, XTC
YN
ZJJ, ZK, ZM, ZT
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH
SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP
The Summits On The Air/World Wide Flora and Fauna parks group meets twice weekly – Mondays and Fridays 10.30AM till 12.00 at the Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry Street, Launceston.
For more information contact Al on 0417 354 410.
73, Al, VK7AN
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Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
www.ntarc.net
Not a great deal has happened in the past week so we have just a couple of new items then basically a rehash of coming events. What I can say is that coffee morning last Friday saw an excellent roll up, with some new faces added to the mix as well. Ros, our early morning person, had the urn on, cakes, biscuits and freshly cooked lemon slices on the table, long before anybody else turned up. Thank you to Ros for getting everything set up for all to enjoy and for doing it every Friday.
The serenity of morning tea was broken by the sound of a water bombing helicopter passing over head. This was the first of multiple overhead passes as it completed return trips to recharge its water bucket. It was apparently attempting to douse a fire that had broken out at the Remount Rd tip. Luckily after three quarters of an hour of flyovers all went quiet again, hopefully an indication that the fire was under control. Members had ample time to saunter outside, check out the helicopter and satisfy their curiosity.
As an update Trevor VK7TB, shared with us the next stage of his current “99 year project”. He produced some of his most recently designed and assembled homemade modules. These offerings were so eagerly received that they started to take over the main food table! But dont worry no body starved!
These offerings included:
An Ultra linear class “A” RF Mosfet power amplifier intended as a driver for the final stage in a HF transmitter. This unit is capable of 7 Watt output but is being utilised at a stress free 2.5 Watt for this application.
Another useful item was a transceiver interface module. Firstly it connects into the radios CAT interface and provides an RS232 data split to a computer. Secondly it plugs into the rigs microphone socket giving it the ability to mimic all microphone switch and button functions, while having the ability to take an input itself from the original microphone, or a dual tone oscillator for test and measurement with switchable input pad.
A module containing three individually patchable signal level low pass filters for HF amateur bands.
A high power high pass filter module for the HF band.
For this group of modules Trevor has standardised on an excellent Jaycar thin walled diecast aluminium enclosure, thus making all the modules seem to have a “belonging together” feel.
Needless to say the screw driver soon came out and lids came off, revealing the usual high quality of workmanship. Thanks for keeping us in the development loop Trevor.
Stuart VK7ES, brought along a visitor, Rob who is the proud owner of a brand new electronic battery powered gadget. It was in the form of a Tesla model 3 car. Stuart was lucky enough to ride navigator on the way up from Beauty Point. This vehicle was delivered to Rob a week ago and today soon found itself descended upon by eager club members. Unlike Trevors offerings the appearance of a screw driver may not have been happily received. Hihi However we were treated to an extensive guided tour of the vehicle, including many things that could be opened or closed via his phone app. Rob also informed us of the latest developments in EV vehicles. Concluding with an ultra-silent departure from our car park. A very smooth conclusion to our morning tea, which by this time had extended well past midday.
Once again we would like to thank Phil VK7ZPD for taking over the hosting of the Wednesday night TechNet session, due to Nic having a prior commitment. Not only did he host the night but he was still able to provide an audio feed for those that dont have the equipment or are not physically close enough to receive all sides of the conversations. A job well done Phil.
Mug Order - yes, we are talking about the white mugs for drinking out of, those that have our club logo on one side, personalised with your name and call sign on the other. We are placing another order so if you would like one then please see André at the Friday coffee mornings or at the Wednesday bi-weekly club Technical Nights. Those members who have already requested a mug, please email secretary@ntarc.net to confirm order, and anyone else who wants one please specify what name is to be printed above the call sign. The final price will be about $12 depending on eventual quantity ordered.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Club Technical night - The next session will be on Wednesday 22nd of February and will commence at the usual time of 7.30 pm, running through to about 10.30 pm, at the Club room Archer Street, Rocherlea. Pop in catch up with fellow amateurs, bring along something that you are currently building or just ask questions? You might also be able to answer some from other attendees. That is what the evenings are all about, anything of a technical or near-technical nature, however defined, is fair game. Endless tea and coffee along with biscuits is available for a small gold coin donation.
Coffee Morning - held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10am to noon and we look forward to seeing you all there. We currently have a couple of QSL cards awaiting collection, so why not pop in and check the box and join us for a cuppa and chat.
The TestNet and TechNet session - Wednesday the 1st March. TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7pm till 7.30pm…. and a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30pm till about 8.30pm.
FINALLY - A reminder to all members that if you have any items of news you would like added to our weekly roundup, no matter how trivial, then please email them to the Secretary at the following address news(at)ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
Thats all folks,
73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC.
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NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
https://www.reast.asn.au/
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
https://www.youtube.com/reasthobart/
Annual General Meeting
The REAST AGM will be held on Saturday 18th February 2023 at 13:00 (1pm) in the Queen's Domain Clubrooms.
Before the AGM there will be a free BBQ from 12 Noon.
The ordinary business of the annual general meeting is to be as follows:
to confirm the minutes of the last preceding annual general meeting and of any general meeting held since that meeting;
to receive from the committee, auditor and servants of the Association reports on the transactions of the Association during the last preceding financial year;
to elect the officers of the Association and the ordinary committee members;
to appoint the auditor;
A nomination form for officers of the Association is available from the REAST Website and is to be signed by financial members of the Association and returned to the Secretary by 8 February 2023.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/?event_id1=1928
See you there.
REAST Committee
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Kraken Direction Finding SDR
Ollie VK7NFI will be giving us a presention and demonstration of the crowdfunded Kraken Software Defined Radio that is built specifically for direction finding.
The five antennas are placed into a circle and used to direction- find using a notebook or the smart phone application which integrates nicely with Google Maps to let you know what the closest driven path to the radio source or fox is.
Ollie will be showing us the hardware and demonstrating the software and if we are lucky there may be some Amateur Radio Direction Finding around the QD Clubrooms.
The presentation will be streamed and go out on DVB-T RF.
Thanks Ollie.
https://fb.me/e/3eApmqWDp
See you there from the REAST Committee.
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DATV Experimenter's Night
https://fb.me/e/2JoFedbKt
Last Wednesday night we started with Lance VK7ZA and his tips and tricks with the N1MM logging application.
We then took a look at the CaribouLite the 6GHz SDR transceiver that runs on a RaspberryPi. Ben VK7BEN showed his Cariboulite and Pi Zero in a very nice 3D printed case made by Ken VK7KRJ, thanks Ben.
Justin VK7TW then went through his recent ZL SOTA Activation of Mt Eden in Auckland wit SOTA reference ZL1/AK-023 with pictures.
We then showed the completed - Dave Trewen G7IYK Magnetic Loop Tuner.
We then covered an interesting article by Chinese scientists who have demonstrated a macroscopic tractor beam. To date only microscopic tractor beams have been demonstrated.
We finished with a reminder of future events.
The recording of the stream can be found on the REAST YouTube channel.
https://youtube.com/live/g3MAf0cRmPc
Next week we will take a look at the latest AR, DUBUS and Low-Key Magazines along with much more.
We stream the nights on the REAST YouTube channel.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/live-stream/
https://www.reast.asn.au/special-interest-groups/amateur-tv/
We go out on RF - DVB-T 7MHz Standard Definition on 445.5MHz. So, if you have a TV, Set-top box or USB DTV Dongle that you can tune and scan 445.5MHz and you can see the Queens Domain, then you have a good chance of receiving the DATV Experimenter's Night Signal. Look out for VK7OTC. We also stream the nights on the REAST YouTube channel.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/live-stream/
https://www.reast.asn.au/special-interest-groups/amateur-tv/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ReastHobart/
73, Justin, VK7TW
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Training and Assessments
REASTs 2023 Foundation Licence training and all licence assessment days have been finalised and they occur every two months with the next one being on Saturday March 11th.
If you are thinking of coming along then please let Reg Emmett VK7KK REAST Learning Organiser know ASAP by phoning 0417 391 607 or via the REAST Website Contact Form.
https://www.reast.asn.au/contact/online-contact-form/
Check out the REAST Foundation Licence Training Videos that can be found on the REAST YouTube Training and Assessment playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsnsP_zjw831mdC6sY4XqavRUY-53ZWUn
And checkout the REAST Facebook page events for further details.
https://fb.me/e/2lrgEJgfd
73, Reg, VK7KK
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Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
Regular gatherings:
Sewing Circle Net – Daily on 3.640 MHz commences at 6:00pm AEDST.
Statewide SSTV Net - held every Thursday night via the North/South Link on VK7RAF/VK7RJG from 7:30pm. In the North and North West - VK7RJG on 438.55 -7MHz and in the South - VK7RAF (146.650 -600kHz) CTCSS tone 141.3Hz to link RAF North-South.
State-wide – MICROWAVE QSO Party – following the Sunday broadcast call-back on 1296.15 MHz FM. One group in the greater Hobart area and another in the greater Launceston area.
Then North-south digital contacts on 1296.2MHz using Q65-60B.
Stations in the Launceston area transmitting on the odd minute. Southern stations on the even minute.
SOTA/WWFF Group – Meeting Mondays and Fridays 10.30-12.00 midday at Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry St, Launceston.
NTARC - Friday - Coffee Mornings resume at the NTARC Club rooms.
NTARC - Wednesday 22nd February - Club Technical night - from 7.30 to 10.30 pm in the club room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
NTARC - Wednesday 1st March - TestNet and TechNet - TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7pm till 7.30pm and a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30pm till about 8.30pm.
NW VK7 – Wednesday from 8:00pm local – NW Tassie Amateur Repeater Group Net on VK7RMD
NW VK7 - Thursday commencing at 8:30pm local) - N.W. Tassie 2m DX Net 144.190 USB
REAST – WAGS – Wednesday Afternoon Group meet in the Queens Domain Clubrooms from 12 noon.
REAST – DATV Experimenters Nights from 7:30pm live in the club rooms also on DVBT RF and YouTube Streaming
CCARC - 27 February 2023 - SSTV nights from 7:30pm using VK7RMD 2m repeater on Mt Duncan on the 4th Monday in the Month.
Events:
REAST - 18 February - Annual General Meeting of REAST at Queens Domain Clubrooms from 1pm with Free BBQ before from 12 noon.
REAST - 1 March - Kraken Direction Finding SDR presentation and demo with Ollie VK7NFI from 7:30pm in the Queens Domain clubrooms.
VK7 - June 2023 - VK7 Amateur Radio Centenary
ALARA - November 2023 - ALARAMeet 2023 - Hobart Tasmania
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A reminder to those people rostered for next weeks broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7TW
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to N W T A R C, West Coast Radio Group, Cradle Coast Radio Amateur Radio Club, VK7AX, and VK7DC
160m: Any Takers
80m: VK7TPE
40m: VK7ALH
20m: VK7JGD
10m: VK7DG
UHFCB15: VK7FMAC
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star: Reflector 91C VK7ZCR
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You can hear this broadcast again on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RAD in the South.
A huge thank you to all people and organisations that assisted with this broadcast.
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That concludes our VK7 Amateur Radio News Broadcast for this week.
Next week the National WIA news can be heard at 0900 followed by the VK7 Amateur Radio News around 0930 hours.
Items for the broadcast can be emailed to vk7arnews(at)gmail.com
Further information about the broadcast can be found at the VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.IO Group.
The deadline for items is 21:00 on Friday prior to the Sunday of the broadcast.
VK7WI is now closing but will reopen shortly for callbacks and relay reports. Callbacks will be taken on the frequency to which you are listening. Relay stations will use their own callsigns during the callback.
On behalf of the VK7 Amateur Radio News Team, it is 73, stay safe from Idris, VK7ZIR.
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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