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VK7AX > BCAST 27.05.23 05:35l 578 Lines 24728 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: VK7 Amateur Radio News 28May23
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From: VK7AX@VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC
To : BCAST@WW
VK7 Amateur Radio News 28May23
Text edition:
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VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 28th May 2023
--------------------------------
Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News and this was first broadcast on Sunday the 28th May 2023. At the mike of VK7WI this week is Justin, VK7TW.
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 Graham, VK7GS,
On 3.670 MHz by Garry, VKJGD,
On 7.140 MHz by Justin, VK7TW,
On 14.130 MHz by Peter, VK7TPE and
On 28.525 MHz by Tony, VK7VKT.
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 VK7RHT in Southern VK7.
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VK7 AR News
Annual Callback Numbers
With the WIA AGM a few weeks ago it signals the end of another broadcast year and the following is a summary of the WIA and VK7 AR News callback numbers for the 22/23 broadcast year.
With VK7RAD moving to Mt Wellington and becoming VK7RHT there was a consolidation of the statewide 2m numbers.
The following is a listing from largest to smallest count:
2165 - Statewide Repeater Network - VK7RHT, RAA, RDS, RWC
693 - Statewide Repeater Network - Tuesday Repeat
491 - DMR - Talk Group 5
441 - DSTAR - Channel 91C
277 - 28.525 MHz
257 - 3.670 MHz
181 - VK7RTV 146.775
180 - VK7AX Video Stream
179 - 14.130 MHz
114 - 1.862 MHz
109 - VK7AX Video Stream
103 - VK7RDR 439.775 MHz
51 - VK7AX DATV Ulverstone 445.5 MHz
39 - VK7AX Allstar/Echolink node
For a total callback number of 5984 for the broadcast year.
A huge thank you to all involved in the reading, broadcast and rebroadcasting of the WIA and VK7 Amateur Radio News bulletins.
73, Justin, VK7TW
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WIA VK7 Centenary
Celebrate our Centenary – Use VK7WIA
To celebrate the centenary of organised amateur radio in Tasmania you can apply to use the special callsign VK7WIA during June. A specified 3 day period will be allocated to you.
A VK7 callsign is required and you must be operating from within Tasmania.
You may not participate in any contest or apply for any award or engage in fox hunts or the like under this callsign.
You must update the online logbook with your contacts. UTC times and dates must be used.
To book your timeslot email Reg at vk7kk@wia.org.au
You need to:
Request the 3-day period you are interested in giving a first choice and second choice.
Specify the bands and modes you most probably will use.
Indicate the call sign and address of your station.
Any enquiries please give Reg Emmett a call on phone 0417 391 607.
73, Reg, VK7KK
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Event News
As heard on the WIA National News the centenary of organised amateur radio in VK7 happens in June 2023 and we thank the WIA Board for their support of this event.
The VK7 Centenary committee is planning a host of events that will include:
For the month we will be operating special callsign - VK7WIA.
We are finalising the arrangements for callsign booking and logging system so VK7 amateurs will be able to book, operate and log contacts for their roster period.
AR Magazine for May-June will have a focus on VK7 history with a great article by Richard VK7RO on over a century of VK7 radio history. There will be a number of historical articles over the rest of 2023 AR Magazines.
There will be a special QSL card and award certificate for contacting VK7WIA during June.
There will be a WIA National News Broadcast run by VK7 on 18th June.
There will be Open Days around VK7 during June incorporating media opportunities, historical displays and special operating days;
In the North West there will be an Open Day on Saturday 24th June, in the North their Open Day will be on Saturday the 17th June and in the South their Open Day will be on Saturday 10th June, and,
There will be a focus on 100 years of VK7 Amateur Radio history and the standing up of a VK7 Amateur Radio News history web-based repository.
If you have an idea for the centenary month of June please let your club representative know - In the North - Peter VK7PD, in the North West - Eric VK7EV or in the South - Rod VK7TRF.
73, VK7 Centenary Committee
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QSL NEWS
Report - from Herman VK7HW Manager of the WIA VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
The updated list of QSL Cards held as at 19 May 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 operators of the stations you work.
73, Herman, VK7HW, WIA Manager VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
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The following Cards have been left at REAST Club House in one envelope on Notice Board.
HSD, JB, SD, WN (0), XTC, ZBX
The following cards will be mailed this weekend for NTARC to DW
AT, BO, DW, GC, HBR, ZR
Usual cards will be mailed to AN and KT during next week as will others.
Cards held at 19 May 2023
A, AAA, AAD, AAE, AAH, AAP, AAR, AB, AC, AD, 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, BO, BPV, BT, BYE
CH/T, CJ, CL, CMV, CV, CX
DD, DM, DN, DO, DQ, DX, DW, DZ
EG, ER
FALX (alx), FAZZ, FCIA, FLAR, FLYN, FF, FG, FGGT, FPRN, FRJG(RG), FTAS
GA, GC, GGZ, GM, GR, GZ
HBR, HCH, HOB, HL, HPD, HRS, HSA, HSJ, HVK, HWW, HXT, HZ
IAN, IK, IS
JA, JAZ, JCR, JGD, JJ, JOK, JON, JP, JW
KAC, KBA, KD, KDO, KI, KJ, KKR, KL, KO
LAW, LDH, LJ, LLL, LM, LT, LVH, LW
MAG, MAT, MBD, MBP, MC, MD, MEL, MET, MR, MRS, MS
NA, NC, NET, NFI, NIK, NRF, NRT, NSE, NTE, NVH,NWQ
OB,OR
PAF, PBD, PM, PRN, PSJ, PSZ, PW
QK
ROY
SN, STO, SV
T/ch, TCE, TED, TK, TL, TO, TS, TX
VA, VAC, VAZ, VDC, VEK, VR, VTM, VZ
WA, WC, WIA, WL, WO, WT, WX
XDM, XV, XX
YN, YUM
ZJJ, ZK, ZM, ZR, ZT
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Statewide News
Thursday Night SSTV Nets
Another quiet net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – ZAB, PAK, ZSB and KT all sharing fourteen photos via the North South link.
There were various subjects like:
A series on Launcestons Cataract Gorge
Fungi, Waratah flower and Gum leaves
This weeks transport theme was an EH Holden on exhibition and tour bus in the outback
A series of transceivers and a dish for satellite communications
And a goodnight wave from Shaun the Sheep
A remember to check that your FSK ID in the TX and RX setup is enabled to allow the software to automatically recognise call-signs.
Note, that Ken VK7KRJs and Steve VK7OOs fully automatic 24/7 monitoring sites allow anyone who has sent an SSTV picture the ability to check them on their pages almost immediately, any time, both South and North Tasmania.
Also if you missed the net, there are archives of all SSTV nights. These photos can be seen on Kens 2m SSTV website as an infinitely-scrolling web page or on NTARCs website under blogs and arranged as weekly nets.
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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NEWS FROM THE NORTH WEST
VK7RTV Tone Added
Amateurs using the 2M. Voice Repeater VK7RTV located at Stowport, please note this repeater now employs CTCSS Tone of 91.5Hz for input and output.
Users will now need to switch on a tone of 91.5Hz to access this repeater. This has been implemented to remove interference from the repeater and also to allow more efficient linking to the Allstar Repeater network.
73, Tony VK7AX and Jim VK7JH
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SSTV Net
On Monday night the 22nd May we held our monthly NW Tassie SSTV Net.
We used the VK7RMD Mt Duncan 2m repeater and we had four participants, VK7EV, VK7HSC, VK7PAK and VK7KT sharing 20 pictures.
The night allowed participants to test, learn and adjust settings as well as sending pictures. We finally finished about 9:15pm.
We had a semi-controlled net, round robin style to allow people to take turns transmitting, make comment and adjust settings.
A good night was had by all and it was great to have people on air from Ulverstone through to Launceston.
73, Eric, VK7EV
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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
Back in April 2017 there was a presentation after the NTARC General Meeting, by two of our members Bill VK7MX and Kevin VK7HKN. It was a very interesting introduction to the BITX HF transceiver building block, a phenomenon which was sweeping the homebrew and QRP worlds. Pronounced as “Bye-tex” as this came from the bi-directional amplifier that is the heart of the original modules.
This was designed by Arshar Farhan VU2ESE who was based in far off Hyderabad in India.
After a local TV manufacturing plant folded he was able to take it over and re-employ workers to hand-assemble his BITX boards. This philanthropic move provided the collective of women an alternative livelihood to help support their families.
Kevin demonstrated his new BITX40 HF transceiver with Bill demonstrating the slightly later version that sported an Arduino for better VCO control. As a result of this presentation Bernie VK7BR also built one.
Move forward six years to our latest Club Technical night, show and tell. Bill now has Arshars latest model HF Transceiver, the SBITX, with the S now standing for SDR or Software Defined Radio. Bill brought in his Version 1 and his recently arrived Version 2. The main difference between them is the Version 2 case depth has been halved and the unit now comes in at a slim 250 x 150 x 50mm size and weighs in at less than 2 kg. They both sport a very impressive and large 180mm, capacitive touch colour liquid crystal screen and now use a Raspberry Pi microcomputer in conjunction with the SDR. Power Output is 40 watts on 80 to 20 Metres and 30 watts on higher bands. Both are capable of running a larger external secondary HDMI display.
According to the manufacturer, “The sBitx is an open source, high performance Hybrid SDR for the 21st century radio amateurs. Powered by an internal Raspberry Pi 4, it has CW/RTTY/PSK31/SSB and FT8 with logging software, macros, spotting in-built.” Thats quite a lot for a small self-contained rig especially without the need to connect it to your desk top PC or laptop computer.
The company that Ashhars founded called HF Signals is now based in Illinois America, but they still get parts like toroids hand wound by the women in India.
The concept is great and the implementation looks good, we all will be interested in seeing the finished unit put through its paces at a future Club Technical Night, good luck with the remainder of the build Bill.
The web link to the Transceiver page at HF Signals is in the text version. sBitx v2 – HF SIGNALS
On the same night Ross VK7ALH brought in a WeldSkill 185 Cig welder capable of up to 185 Amps and suitable for domestic power use. Thats a lot of welder from a single phase 10 Amp power point! It is a solid unit at just under 14 kg, but still a huge decrease in weight from a couple of decades ago.
We took a look at the quality of build and yes it was made “you know where”, but in this case well-constructed. All high voltage tracks and parts were coated or covered in a solidified insulating gunk for protection, Ross probably finds it much like working on a valve radio, but safer Hi-Hi. They certainly went to good lengths to stop, well try and minimise the RF rubbish from getting out on the mains lead. Needless to say because Ross was working on it, it had a fault, in this case an intermittent one.
Ross did manage to bring the intermittent fault on a couple of times during the night and even isolated it to a continuous trigger locking wire feed mode that seemed to stop working for some reason.
Its an excellent start for fault location but as soon as it is back on his test bench it will not be playing up again. Have fun Ross….
Stuart VK7FEAT had with him a pocket sized hard cover book, it appeared to have been well used but was still in excellent condition. It first went to press in 1937, Stuart had the fifth edition published in 19441. The title is “Wireless Coils, Chokes and Transformers and is by F.J Camm.” Does this ring any bells?
The preface of the book is interesting and it states in part, “The only information formerly available for constructors who wished to make their own coils existed in the form of articles which have appeared in Practical Wireless. This book presents all of the necessary practical information in a form suitable for easy reference. There is no other book on the market which deals with coil construction with particular reference to the needs of the amateur.” Its sister book in 1955 was titled “A Beginners Guide To Radio”. Does this one ring any bells? Concentrating on the author, Frederick James Camm was born on the 6th of October 1895. He was an English technical author and magazine editor. He founded and edited several radio and electronics periodicals, including Practical Mechanics, Practical Television and the one that should be familiar to all of us, Practical Wireless. The hobby of amateur radio certainly has come a long way since Practical Wireless (PW) was launched in 1932. I wonder if Frederick Camm would have believed his magazine would still be in publication and evolving or even that his books were still being consulted and relevant over ninety years later!
Now a quick stop press, it is nice to see Peter VK7KPC finally receiving his certificate of participation in the Oceania DX Contest from 2022, in the Single Operator QRP All Band – CW category, well done Peter and to the volunteers that process the myriad of log sheets.
Equipment pictures are available on the NTARC website under “Blogs” for this broadcast. Now back to the house keeping.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Club Technical night - The next session will be on Wednesday the 31st of May 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.
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. Why not pop in and join us for a cuppa there is endless tea and coffee along with biscuits available for a donation.
The TestNet and TechNet session - Wednesday the 7th of June. TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7pm till 7.30pm…. and a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30pm till about 8.30pm. Your host for the evening will be Nic VK7WW.
Club General Meeting - Saturday the 10th of June at 2.00pm. Held at the NTARC Club Room, Rocherlea Scout Hall, Archer Street, Rocherlea. If you have items you would like added to the agenda please email the secretary at: secretary(at)ntarc.net no later than Friday the 9th of June.
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/
June Presentation - Weather Satellite Image Reception
We thank Tony VK7XTC who has agreed to give us a presentation and maybe demonstration of his weather satellite receiving station.
Tony has been posting some impressive single and composite pass weather satellite pictures and Tony will be showing the equipment and software he uses to create these fantastic pictures.
This should be a great Centenary Month presentation night from 7:30pm this Wednesday 7th June 2023.
See you there.
https://fb.me/e/4pR7j5yqw
73, REAST Committee
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Southern VK7 Centenary Lunch
Following much discussion and research we have booked the Shoreline Hotel for our Centenary Lunch.
Now waiting on confirmation, but please note in your diaries:
It all happens on Saturday July 22 from Noon.
The menu is A-la Carte and therefore the cost depends on your selection!
The location is the Shoreline Hotel - 10 Shoreline Drive Howrah.
Please RSVP to Mike Jenner VK7FB at email: jenner.michael(at)gmail.com so we can ascertain numbers.
The invitation is open to all VK7 Amateurs and Partners.
We look forward to seeing you there.
73, VK7 Centenary Committee
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Southern VK7 Centenary Open Day
The Southern Centenary Open day happens on June 10th, 2023 from around 10 am up at the Queens Domain clubrooms.
There will be amateur radio displays and demonstrations and we are working on including:
Historical Display
Amateur Radio Training display
ALARA
SOTA/WWFF/POTA
Morse Code
Slow Scan Television
HamRadio DX Channel
Optical Communications
VK7OTC / VK7WIA - Station HF and Digital modes
DMR/DSTAR Demo
DATV Studio
Tas Maritime Radio Museum and Operations Room
5.7GHz ATV Transceivers
WICEN Communications
Internet DMR/Echolink Radio
ADSB - Flight Tracking
Earth / Moon / Earth - Moonbounce
And more.
We are currently working on arrangements for the day and are hoping for good weather. There will of course be a Sausage Sizzle on the day.
If you can help on the day then please contact Rod VK7TRF who is coordinator of the day. Rod can be contacted at email: roja3kel@yahoo.com.au.
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DATV Experimenter's Night
https://fb.me/e/2JoFedbKt
Our DATV Experimenters Night over the month of May are a little different.
We are encouraging members to to bring along and share projects that they are currently designing, building, fixing, upgrading and they do not have to be amateur radio related.
We will not be having a DATV broadcast throughout May as we have been updating our DATV Studio with upgraded equipment and a huge thank you to Damien VK7SD and Sean VK7FAZE who have been helping out. We have been planning and updating the studio to hybrid SDI/Composite technology along with a new video and audio mixer and enhanced usage of Open Broadcaster Studio.
We look forward to seeing you at the clubrooms on a Wednesday night from around 6:30pm.
73, Justin, VK7TW
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July Presentation Night - Dayton Hamvention Experiences
We thank Hayden VK7HH / KD9SSB who will be giving us a presentation on his experiences at the recent Dayton Hamvention in the US.
Hayden was lucky enough to head to the US, tour around and catch-up with many of his YouTuber Ham Radio buddies and attend the Dayton Hamvention.
This should be a fantastic presentation.
It happens on Wednesday 5th July 2023 from 7:30pm in the Queens Domain clubrooms.
73, REAST Committee
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Training and Assessments
The next REAST Foundation Licence training and all licence assessment day is next Saturday July 22nd.
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 AEST.
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 - Fridays - Coffee mornings in the NTARC Club rooms from 10am to noon.
NTARC - Wednesday 31st May - Club Technical night - from 7.30 to 10.30 pm in the club room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
NTARC - Wednesday 7th June - 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
NW SSTV Nights - 26 June 2023 - hosted by Eric VK7EV from 7:30pm using VK7RMD 2m repeater on Mt Duncan on the 4th Monday in the Month.
Events:
VK7 - June 2023 - VK7 Amateur Radio Centenary
REAST - June 7 - Weather Satellite Reception with Tony VK7XTC
REAST - June 10 - Centenary Open Day from 10am at the Queens Domain Clubrooms
NTARC - June 10 - Club General Meeting from 2.00pm at NTARC Club Room, Rocherlea Scout Hall, Archer Street, Rocherlea.
NTARC - June 17 - Centenary Open Day - Scout Hall Archer St Rocherlea
NWTARC - June 24 - Centenary Open Day - Scout Hall Alexandra Rd Ulverstone
REAST - July 5 - Dayton Hamfest Experiences with Hayden VK7HH - from 7:30pm - Queens Domain Clubrooms
REAST - July 22 - Southern VK7 Centenary Lunch - Shoreline Hotel from 12 Noon
ALARA - November 2023 - ALARAMeet 2023 - Hobart Tasmania
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A reminder to those people rostered for next weeks broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7ZIR
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: VK7GS
80m: VK7DG
40m: VK7TPE
20m: VK7ALH
10m: VK7JGD
UHFCB15: VK7FMAC
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star: Reflector 91C VK7ZCR
--------------------------------
You can hear this broadcast again on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT in the South.
A huge thank you to all people and organisations that assisted with this broadcast.
--------------------------------
That concludes our VK7 Amateur Radio News Broadcast for this week.
You have been listening to or have just missed VK7WI. 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.
https://groups.io/g/vk7arnews
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. PLEASE NOTE: given the number of potential statewide callbacks we will be taking and acknowledging callsign only. Once the callbacks are over, there will be plenty of time to chat statewide about other matters.
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, 73, stay safe from Justin, VK7TW.
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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