Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR SUNDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2012

2012-02-04T14:21:00.001-08:00

The canteen was all cooks ahead with Penny and Michael looking after the hungry members. The menu was mince meat patties, salad and your choice of sauce. Well done and I am sure everyone appreciates what you do for the club.

Well yesterday was February's monthly meeting and with some faces that we haven't seen at the club for awhile. In the absence of President Geoff and Vice President Steve, Ted VK2UI was asked to chair the meeting. Welcome back Michael VK2ZEN and Keith VK2BKF. Some of the topics discussed was getting the QSL drawers to the Wyong field day on the 26th of this month,
Australia Day wrap up with a nice letter from Max VK2TTI. At the end of the meeting Penny and Michael put on a feast for the members present.Thanks once again.Would be nice to see more in attendance at our meetings.

The piers of the club have been fixed so hopefully the club won't sink into the Lake any further. The cost of repairing the piers was $1000. Money well spent.

Nomination forms for the club committee are now available, so do you think you might be useful on the Committee? Get someone to nominate you and tick the boxes. The club needs new ideas and you might just be the person. As they say New blood is needed.

This weeks lucky meat tray winner was none other than Herb VK2ZVF. Does this name sound familiar? Herb is a regular winner of the meat tray. Congratulations Herb.

Remember, Wyong Field day is on Sunday 26th of this month. Its where you go to spend all your money and meet up with old friends as well as meeting new friends. The gates open at 0630 am for boot sales and the major retailers will open at 0900. See you there.

The club has a number of low band vhf radios to give away. 78 to 80 MHz. These radios are 25 watts Transwest and these radios require crystals. So be early and don't miss out for this bargain.

The radio room is getting a new second hand radio. This transceiver I believe is capable of up to 800 watts CW so the club will have to get serious and build some more antennas. Barry VK2BZ and John VK2BAR will be doing the installation of this transceiver in the radio room. If you have any questions on this transceiver please direct your questions to the above persons.

Steady growth for the ILLW.

Among the latest to join the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend in August is South Africa, with entries at Great Fish Point and Doring Bays lighthouses.Australia on 31 is in the forefront with Germany having a worthy 20 entries putting it ahead of the USA on 15, followed by England with nine. Among the others are Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, France, Honduras, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Sweden and Wales. With only 22 countries and 115 entries so far, there was a long way to go to last year's record of 55 countries and entries reaching 470. The International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is a 48-hour fun event. For guidelines, an entry form and other information about August the 18th and 19th this year visit the website illw.net

Jim Linton VK3PC

WORLD NEWS.

French Nostradamus HF Radar. A number of countries have installed HF Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR), the French system is called Nostradamus and operates from 6-30 MHz. The Nostradamus radar system is a set of 288 bi-cone antenna elements distributed over the arms of a three-branch star, with a buried infrastructure to shelter the transmission and reception electronics. It is claimed to detect any aircraft flying 700 to 2000 kilometres away.

FISTS marks a milestone.The organisation that supports the use, preservation and education of Morse code is called FISTS and it has been doing its sterling job for 25 years. Available to members are anniversary mugs from England and T-shirts have been produced in the United States of America. Other collectables are likely to be planned. FISTS the CW Club, also known as the International Morse Preservation Society, began in 1987, is organised though area chapters and still going very strong. Its members can he heard particularly on 1.808 MHz, 3.528 MHz, 7.028 MHz, 10.118 MHz, 14.058 MHz, 18.085 MHz, 21.058 MHz, 24.918 MHz and 28.058 MHz.

Jim Linton VK3PC

Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with any late news items?
Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR SUNDAY 29TH JANUARY 2012

2012-01-29T13:35:00.000-08:00

A WORD OF THANKS.

From Geoff Linthorne VK2GL
A few words of thanks to all the loyal members who attended the briefings and assisted with West Lakes displays on Australia Day at Speers Point Park.
They ignored the nay-sayers, braved the weather, dealt with questions from the public ranging in age from 14 to 70 plus, provided excellent tucker, transported and erected gazebos, set up and manned the display tables, erected antennas, provided batteries and 240VAC supplies.
There were displays of antique radios such as AR88 and Collins transceivers, CW demonstrations both live and also on computers, on air demos on HF equipment, home brewed equipment such as cipher wheels circa 1790, WW11 transceiver, morse keys some from German U-Boat service and many other items. We began the day at 0630 and finished at approximately 1600.
The day could be considered a success several members say we should repeat next year. We certainly informed many people who had no idea who West Lakes Radio Club is or what they do. I hope that some of the enquiries turn into new members.
N.B. I have since attended the debrief and conveyed our thoughts on the site situation and transport accommodation. They were noted. I am assured these will be addressed next year.
Thanks Team for your support.
While at the Speers Point Park the club used the special callsign of AX2ATZ. How many contacts were made? No many people were around on the bands so from a rough count about 6. Did anyone else use the special callsign. Richard VK2FRKO using AX2FRKO made 10 contacts and also reported that contacts were few and far between.

You have most probably found out by now that our repeater has been off the air and is still off the air. This repeater is a backup repeater located at Peter's QTH. A telephone call Peter VK2ZTV was made to advise him of the problem. Not to sure what the problem is or was so hopefully the problem will be sorted out soon.

Last weeks raffle winner Leigh VK2KAL was at the club to pick out of the ticket tumbler this weeks winner. This weeks winner was Norm VK2ZG. Congratulations. Enjoy the meat tray.

The sun is currently undergoing its strongest radiation storm since 2005 and charged particles are expected to blast towards Earth The eruption happened at 22:59 EST last Sunday night, that’s 03:59 GMT Monday and the massive solar flare that spewed from sunspot 1402 was caught by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, according to spaceweather.com as reported by Fox News. Space Weather Prediction Center experts reckon that the impact from this latest solar flare will hit Earth at approximately 9:00 am EST last (Tuesday), that’s 14:00 GMT. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has confirmed that this is the most powerful radiation storm since 2005 and because of this it’s likely that some polar flights on Earth tomorrow will be re-routed over the next hours as a precaution. The geomagnetic storms also usually bring more intense northern and southern light displays, or auroras and can also interfere with communications, satellites and other electronic infrastructures. An alert has been issued by spaceweather.com saying, “There is little doubt that the cloud is heading in the general direction of Earth. A preliminary inspection of SOHO/STEREO imagery suggests that the CME (coronal mass ejection) will deliver a strong glancing blow to Earth’s magnetic field on Jan. 24-25 as it sails mostly north of our planet.” The site also tells high-latitude skywatcher to be ready for the increased chance of auroras. This latest solar flare is an M-9 class, which is close to the edge of being an X-flare, the strongest type. Last week’s solar flare was an M-2 class and the increased solar activity is part of an 11-year cycle expected to peak in 2013. If you have any thoughts about the effects of the solar expected to impact Earth tomorrow then do send us your comments.

CCARC Field Day at Wyong.

Who’s 55 years old and showing no sign of retiring?
The CCARC Field Day at Wyong, that’s who! The 26th of February, 2012, marks the 55th year of Australia’s largest gathering of ham radio enthusiasts. And every year just gets better and better! From the flea market, to the major suppliers of Amateur Radio equipment, the various AR clubs and exhibitors, the Field day is packed with plenty to interest the Amateur Radio fraternity And what would the Field day be without our usual lecture program, which promises yet again, to be a highlight of the day’s activities.
This year’s topics span the years, starting with Vintage Radio Repair, Radar before the Magnetron , right up to the new National Broadband Network. For our final lecture, we are very pleased to have a presentation from Hellenic Amateur Radio Assoc. Of Australia on the 2011 DXpedition to Lord Howe Island which included a member of our own CCARC. Please check the fieldday.org.au website for more information regarding the lecture program and times.
So grab your calendar, mark the date and we’ll see you at CCARC Field Day at Wyong – 26th February, 2012

Record set at Winter Hill.
The Port Lincoln Times reports that Rex Moncur VK7MO acheived an Australian amateur radio 10 GHz record last week of 843 kilometres by using aircraft reflections.
The newspaper reports: Amateur radio enthusiast Rex Moncur set an Australian record last week, sending microwaves 843 kilometres from Port Lincoln's Winter Hill lookout to Mount Macedon north of Melbourne [David VK3HZ] with the help of an aircraft. Normally microwaves only travel "line of sight" but the distance can be extended by reflecting them off an aircraft between two points. Using a pay TV dish with a rifle scope attached for accuracy the Hobart-based retiree waited for the perfect moment to be able to make contact. The connection only lasted for about two minutes but it was enough for Mr Moncur to break the previous record, also set by him, of 828 kilometres, between White Cliffs in New South Wales and Mount Macedon.

Well that's all the news I have this week. Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

NEWS BROADCAST FOR SUNDAY 18th DECEMBER 2011

2011-12-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

The last gathering at Westlakes for 2011 was held yesterday with a surprisingly good attendance for this time of the year. It was Gloria Brown’s final day in charge of the canteen and she presented “the last supper” for all who were there. Steve VK2LW made a small presentation to Gloria in appreciation of her six years of work in the canteen which was acknowledged by applause. Gloria has left her apron on the door knob and it seems like a perfect fit for Barry VK2BZ.

The last meat tray raffle of the year was drawn by Bianca, the small daughter of Adam VK2YK. The ticket belonged to “Stella”, the proof-reader of Westlakes Monthly Magazine. Bianca scored a free chocolate-coated ice cream from the canteen for her effort. We are not sure who was the happiest; Stella or Bianca.

If you were thinking of purchasing a 2012 Callbook from the club, please be advised there are none left. The last one was sold yesterday afternoon.

Several members watched a miraculous repair of an old crystal-locked 2 metre radio in the club’s Activity Room yesterday. The radio had “taken-off” making a horrible howling noise that could not be stopped. Everything was tried from removing and replacing all the crystals, poking the components, and the big thump test. Nothing could stop the howl. Time for an expert. Herb VK2ZVF was called and cured the problem in 1 second. “I just turned the volume up – done that many times before”, he said. It’s easy when you know how. Good one Herb.

Do you like to waffle? Why not join the wafller's net every Wednesday night on simplex 2 meter frequency 146.525 MHz commencing at 1900 hrs. Listen out for Robert VK2MF on that frequency. All welcome.

Are you an early riser? Why not join the Stone the Crows net at 6 am on 3.588KHz each Saturday morning. Everyone is most welcome.

Are you a shortwave listener who has always wanted to be a amateur radio operator. The club is once again able to conduct Foundation,Standard and Advanced class examinations so why not send an email to Michael VK2OI at vk2oi@wia.org.au For those people who miss the WIA broadcast, after our broadcast you can look up the news on the WIA webpage. Some articles are a good read. While speaking of broadcasts this is Westlakes last news broadcast for 2011. Our next broadcast will be on Sunday 8th January 2012.

Richard would like to thank everyone who have sent in articles for the weekly broadcasts on Sunday. Richard has also asked that if you would like any other topics covered in our weekly broadcasts please email Richard at vk2frko@tpg.com.au Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our listeners.

Have you one of the latest Android phones? Why not check out the application for receiving Morse Code. Download the application, sit your phone down near you receiver and watch the morse code be decoded in front of your eyes. The application even tells you the speed in which it is being sent. While searching for applications why not check the many others that are available. All I want for Christmas is a new phone.

WORLD NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO:

FCC adopts rules to control loudness of commercials The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today took a major step toward eliminating one of the most persistent problems of the television age – loud commercials. The Commission adopted a Report and Order that implements the 2010 Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (the CALM Act), in which Congress gave the Commission, for the first time, authority to address the problem of excessive commercial loudness.
The rules adopted today require that commercials have the same average volume as the programmes they accompany. The rules also establish simple, practical ways for stations and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to demonstrate their compliance with the rules. They carry out Congress’ mandate to give viewers relief from overloud commercials while avoiding unnecessary burdens on television stations and MVPDs.As the CALM Act requires, the rules will become effective one year after the date of their adoption, or 13 December, 2012. This gives stations and MVPDs until this date to be in full compliance. Equally important, it provides ample time for programmers and networks to provide their distributors with certifications stating the commercials that accompany their programming are fully compliant with these rules. These certifications, though not mandatory, will simplify the safe harbour process for all stations and MVPDs. Maybe someone from the ACMA may take note and follow the same.

Well that's all the news I have this week.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.
Thank you for listening. Good morning all.

Seasons Greetings.

WESTLAKES NEWS BROADCAST FOR DECEMBER 11th 2011

2011-12-10T23:27:00.000-08:00

Well last weeks official meat tray winner, Ted VK2UI was at the club to pick out of the ticket tumbler. This weeks lucky meat tray winner was Diane VK2FDNE. Enjoy Diane and that’s your last for 2011.

Next Saturday the 17th December is Gloria's last day of doing the canteen. She wishes to thank those who have supported the canteen over the last 6 years whilst she has run it. We will need volunteers to run the canteen starting the first Saturday in January. If you are willing please speak to a committee member or catch up with Gloria next Saturday and she will only be too happy to show you the ropes.

It was all HO HO HO at the club yesterday with a number of members enjoying the Xmas party. Around 35 members and there wives/partners attended the club yesterday for the Xmas party. It was a great day with Alex VK2ZM bringing out the second BBQ as he thought it was going to rain. It didn't happen Alex. The sausages and steak were cooked to perfection but some of the onions were crispy. The salad was equally as good. Many thanks to the ladies who looked after the salad dept.

Now for a 1st and you can say it ONLY happens at Westlakes. The Archery contest. Everyone, or I should say most of everyone there had a go at shooting the target. VK2CW made the arrows ( I think they were made to go around corners ) and had an old bow. Now the arrows had sponge on the end with red paint so those who were lucky enough to hit the target had a red mark. Some arrows fell short of the target and some went over the target and ended up almost in the swamp. I am pleased announce the winners of the contest. In the ladies division 1st prize went to Denise ( who won 20 sausages ) and 2nd prize went to Penny. In the mens division 1st prize went to Steve VK2LW and 2nd prize went to Geoff VK2EO. However, there could be a protest going in as VK2LW does archery on some of his weekends off. We will just wait and see what transpires in the next week or two. It was great fun.

Next Sunday I believe will be the last broadcast for 2011 so listen out in January when the broadcasts will commence. There may be a special announcement by Santa. HO HO HO.

Do you like to waffle? Why noy join the wafller's net every Wednesday night on simplex 2 meter frequency 146.525 MHz commencing at 1900 hrs. Listen out for Robert VK2MF on that frequency. All welcome.

Are you a shortwave listener who has always wanted to be a amateur radio operator. The club is once again able to conduct Foundation,Standard and Advanced class examinations so why not send an email to Michael VK2OI at vk2oi@wia.org.au

NEWS FROM THE WIA
Program gives fillip to amateur radio. Tech Talk Radio is a IT and technology show with a listening audience of thousands of technology enthusiasts and professionals, it is aired weekly across a network of over twenty broadcast stations Australia wide. This weeks show featured an interview with Robert Broomhead VK3DN talking about amateur radio. Want to know more ? Go to the WIA website and look for news. Next years 2012 conference -Register today to attend the 2012 WIA Annual Conference and Weekend of Activities Mildura, May 25th, 26th and 27th

NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO
Are you interested in MultiPSK. ALE-400 tutorial video Tony K2MO has made available a tutorial video on the Multipsk digital mode ALE-400-FAE-ARQ. You can obtain a copy of Quick Tutorial on ALE400. The link to watch his video is http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2011/ale400_tutorial_video.htm The software can be obtained from tp://f6cte.free.fr/index_anglais.htm

Rotuma solar-powered operation Antoine, 3D2AG, will be on a Christmas holiday with his family and plans to do small 'green' radio operation as 3D2AG/p from Rotuma (OC-060) between December 9th and January 9th, 2012. It is reported that this will be a "small ecological barefoot activity on all bands (80-6m) except 160m, sponsored by the French company 'TOTAL' within the framework of the sustainable development of the insular communities of the Pacific (supply of the batteries, the 3 solar panels of 50 watts and QSLs)". His station will be 100w, using all modes (SSB/CW) with an ICOM 706, FT-757GX and Kenwood TS-440S, into a Spiderbeam 5 band antenna, a 5 element yagi for the 6m and doublets for the 40/60/80 meters.
This station will be fed only by batteries and solar panels.A special QSL will be printed on recycled paper to confirm the contacts. QSL via his home callsign, direct only (QRZ.com address).

70cm to help paralyzed patients ?

Bloomberg report on the FCC approval for dedical devices designed to help paralyzed patients by using 426-432 MHz and 438-444 MHz for transmitting signals to incapacitated limbs.
Read the Bloomberg article - Medical Devices That Help Paralyzed Move Will Get Radio Spectrum http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-05/medical-devices-
that-help-paralyzed-move-will-get-radio-spectrum.html

ARRL - FCC Grants Secondary Service Allocation to Wireless Broadband Medical Micropower Networks http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-grants-secondary-service-allocation-
to-wireless-broadband-medical-micropower-networks

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR SUNDAY THE 4TH DEC 2011

2011-12-03T11:43:00.001-08:00

It would not be a complete Sunday News without the result of the meat tray raffle. Herb VK2ZVF drew the ticket and it belonged to Ted VK2UI. But the story does not end there. Ted donated it back to either Barrie VK2BXD or Greg VK2CW. A toss of the coin was made to decide the eventual winner. In a “rigged” toss with a two-tailed coin, Barrie took home the bacon. But the story does not end there. A second prize of a bag of buns was drawn from the barrel. The winner was Leonie VK2FHRK. She had left for home so a re-draw was called for. The re-draw was again Leonie VK2FHRK. A third re-draw was held and finally Peter VK2GFE was handed the buns.

The lack of involvement by members in club affairs was raised at yesterday’s monthly meeting. Well, here is your chance to get “involved”. The Westlakes Club grounds are to be mowed next Tuesday morning at 9 am. We have plenty of mowers, trimmers, blowers – all that we lack are workers, so how about it?
Michael VK2CCW was already at it yesterday after having learnt how to operate the ride-on mower. Such was his effort that the mowing job is already half done. Good for you Michael.

At yesterday’s meeting, the club’s Contest Coordinator, Dave VK2RD, presented the winner’s trophy and certificate to Leonie VK2FHRK for first place (Foundation Section) in the 2011 Westlakes Cup Contest. Another cup for Leonie’s sideboard – Congratulations.

Two welcome faces, not seen for some time, visited yesterday. They belonged to Les VK2RJ who has moved from Muswellbrook to Newcastle and Ken VK2IBT who is on an extended holiday from the Philippines and is touring Australia foe a few months. It was good to see you both.

Next Saturday at 12 noon the 2011 Christmas Gathering and Archery Shoot will be held in the club grounds. It’s a free barbecue with the works for all members, their friends and family. Prizes for the winners and some of the losers. The bow and arrows are ready – only the target is in doubt. We will be calling for a volunteer to be target on the day – it will probably be the safest place to stand. All you need to bring is a seat, your drinks. A suit of armour is optional. All food for the barbecue is provided.

A few 2012 Call books are still available. They cost $22 complete with the accompanying CD. See the Treasurer next Saturday before he is struck by an arrow.

Do you like to waffle? Why not join the wafller's net every Wednesday night on simplex 2 meter frequency 146.525 MHz commencing at 1900 hrs. Listen out for Robert VK2MF on that frequency. All welcome.

Are you a shortwave listener who has always wanted to be a amateur radio operator. The club is once again able to conduct Foundation,Standard and Advanced class examinations so why not give email Michael VK2OI at vk2oi@wia.org.au

WORLD NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO

AO-51 End of Mission
AMSAT-NA VP Operations, Drew Glasbrenner KO4MA, reports that the amateur radio satellite AO-51 has ceased transmission and is not responding to commands.It is with a heavy heart I report that AO-51 has ceased transmission and is not responding to commands.
The last telemetry data indicated that the third of six batteries was approaching failure to short, and observations indicate the voltage from three cells is insufficient to power the UHF transmitters. The IHU may continue to be operative. Initial tests with the S band transmitter were also not positive, although more attempts are in order. We have tried leaving the satellite in an expected state where if voltages climb high enough, the 435.150 transmitter may possibly be heard.The command team will regularly attempt communications with the satellite over the coming months (and years). There is always the possibility that a cell will open and we could once again talk to our friends while illuminated.Thanks to all who helped fund, design, build, launch, command, and operate AO-51. It's 7 year mission has been extraordinary.

Radio Afghanistan on 7200 kHz On the IARU-R1 website, Uli Bihlmayer DJ9KR reports that Radio Afghanistan is operating in the Amateur Radio 40m band.On November 28, "National Radio of Afghanistan" is again on 7200 kHz.I have heard it at 1530 UTC. It is still on at 1620 UTC, and certainly as yesterday, will s/off at 1630 UTC. The signal is S9+15dB with my dipole. At 1530 UTC it announces "This is National Radio of Afghanistan" with a frequency of 6100 kHz. However this frequency is NOT active. National Radio of AFG is really transmitting on 7200 kHz (carrier) and covering 7195 - 7205 kHz.

Amateur Radio used in medical evacuation

The United States Coast Guard report that amateur radio was used when a man experienced signs of a heart attack aboard his sailboat 170 miles southwest of Bermuda. Read the report at https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/651/1246651/

Top 10 viruses in November 2011 as reported by Sophos Antivirus. Be very careful when searching on the web.
1 Troj/Invo-Zip
2 W32/Netsky
3 Mal/EncPk-EI
4 Troj/Pushdo-Gen
5 Troj/Agent-HFU
6 Mal/Iframe-E
7 Troj/Mdrop-BTV
8 Troj/Mdrop-BUF
9 Troj/Agent-HFZ
10 Troj/Agent-HGT

Well that's all the news I have this week.

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR 30TH OCTOBER 2011

2011-10-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

The club meat yesterday was carefully choosen from the barrel by Alex VK2ZM. The winner of this weeks meat tray was Diane VK2FDNE. Yes,Diane does smile. Congratulations Diane.
Gloria was busy in the kitchen preparing salads for lunch. Its good to see members eating healthy.
Well the activity room was busy with Norm vk2knc checking over Richards (vk2frko )FT 301. Barrie vk2bxd was also there assisting. From richard - Thanks guys for your help.
This weekend saw a number of members take part in the CQ WORLDWIDE DX CONTEST. On hand was Dave vk2rd,Richard vk2frko, Allan vk2jed and Michael vk2ccw, Steve vk2lw and Leonie vk2fhrk. The weekend was intended to show new commers how contesting is done,show how propagation works on different bands and generally get Westlakes ARC back on the air again. The contest runs for 48 hrs and started 1000 am Saturday morning and to finish at 1000 Monday morning.
Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.
Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their
Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact
Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au Its a great hobby to get involved in. You meet and talk to so many people locally and Worldwide.

News from Southgate Amatuer radio.

Titanic Wireless Operator - Yesterday Channel Oct 27-28
Radio Amateur David Barlow G3PLE may appear briefly with a relative of Titanic wireless operator Harold Bride in the Yesterday Channel show 'Find My Past'.In the show the relatives of wireless operator Harold Bride, a passenger and a steward discover how their lives intertwined in April 1912, when the 'unsinkable' Titanic capsized.David G3PLE says "Part of it is about a relative of Harold Bride. The film crew came to the Lizard Wireless Station and I may appear in the programme talking to her and demonstrating the spark transmitter."
The show will be first broadcast on SKY channel 537; Virgin Media 203, Freeview 12 at 9pm Thursday, October 27 and will be repeated at 12am on Friday, October 28 (or 1pm on yesterday+1 SKY channel 538).Harold Bride http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Sydney_Bride
Lizard Wireless Station http://lizardwireless.org/

K4E - Special Event Station 500 years of Coat of Arms of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico's Coat of Arms was granted by the Spanish Crown in 1511, which makes it the oldest currently used in the Americas.This coat of arms was officially recognized by King Fernando of Spain on November 5th 1511 and was officially granted to the government of Puerto Rico in November 11, 1511.The Puerto Rico Amateur Radio League (PRARL) will be operating a special event station celebrating the 500th aniversary of our Coat of Arms. This special event station will be operated by several stations in Puerto Rico from November 5th to November 19th.The Puerto Rico Amateur Radio League will send a special QSL to those who submit their QSL card in a SASE and appear in our log.
Please QSL via KP4ES to: “PRARL-K4E – PO Box 191917 – San Juan, PR 00919-1917"
More infromation on www.prarl.org

Code-Breakers: Bletchley Park's Lost Heroes The BBC 2 TV documentary about the WW2 codebreaking at Bletchley Park is now available on the web.The BBC description says: Documentary that reveals the secret story behind one of the greatest intellectual feats of World War II, a feat that gave birth to the digital age.In 1943, a 24-year-old maths student and a GPO engineer combined to hack into Hitler's personal super-code machine - not Enigma but an even tougher system, which he called his 'secrets writer'. Their break turned the Battle of Kursk, powered the D-day landings and orchestrated the end of the conflict in Europe. But it was also to be used during the Cold War - which meant both men's achievements were hushed up and never officially recognised. It can be seen on the web by those in the UK or elsewhere if a suitable proxy server is used. Watch BBC 2 TV 'Code-Breakers: Bletchley Park's Lost Heroes' at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b016ltm0
Expat Shield (DM-232.exe) is software that reportedly enables people overseas to watch BBC TV
http://www.ExpatShield.com/

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR OCTOBER 23RD 2011

2011-10-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well yesterdays meat was won by Alec who managed to find his own ticket in the barrel. What can we all say When your hot your hot Congratulations and enjoy the meat tray.
The Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Show. This show will be held at Spears Point Park on the 19th November and will be open for business at 0800 and finish around 3 pm. Write this date on your calender before you forget about it.
Australia Day 2012. Also write this down on your calender for next year. Westlakes A.R.C. plan to have a display at Spears Point park. Australia Day next year will be January 26th. We will be setting up at 0800 for a 1000 am start. Members are required to man the stand until the day is finished. A full program of events or happenings by Westlakes Club will be broadcasted in future broadcasts.
Next weekend volunteers are required to help out with the Oceania Worldwide DX competition. Anyone wishing to learn about contesting is also welcome to come along. Please contact Dave VK2RD if you can assist. All classes of licences can assist.
Yesterday, Dave VK2RD was busy on the ride on mower mowing the grounds of the club and yes the grounds do look very nice. Remember, if you can help in maintaining the grounds to a standard that everyone is accustomed to please contact Dave VK2RD or tell a committee member. Any assistance is better than none at all.
Well did you know our President Geoff VK2EO is now engaged to Denise. Keith Vk2PKT advised that he read it on Facebook. We wish you all the best Geoff.
Do you remember David Sopher VK2CDA when he was a member of Westlakes? Well on Friday nights David has a job as a DJ on local station 89.5 FM at Peakhurst. You can listen to Dave live as he puts it out live via the internet. You also can contact Dave via Facebook and request a song. Keith said he and Gloria had a great time last Friday night. So listen from 7 pm onwards. Any problems in finding David please contact keith VK2PKT.
Yesterday, Gloria on her 1st day back after 5 long weeks of holidays made a delicious mixed salad and ham which was enloyed by a table members. There was silence once more. Someone should of taken a photograph to see all people eating healthy. Job well done Gloria - whats on next weeks menu?
The secretary is once again ordering caps and t shirts. Orders must be placed at the end of the broadcast this morning. Listen for Barrie VK2BXD.
The Port Stephens ARC is once again holding a Foundation licence coarse and examination next weekend at Lemon Tree Passage. Also if you wish to upgrade to either Standard or Advanced please contact the following via email Richard VK2FRKO-vk2frko@tpg.com.au, Leigh VK2KAL vk2kal@gmail.com or Michael vk2oi@wia.org.au before Thursday next week.
While talking about the Port Stephens ARC they are looking for a 9db gain UHF vertical collinear for their 70cm repeater. Have you got one laying in your garage collecting dust. Contact Richard vk2frko.

Centenary VK100ARV goes on air

For the month of November 2011 the special callsign VK100ARV will be well sought after and qualifies toward the Amateur Radio Centenary Award. For images visit QRZ.COM This year is the 100th anniversary of the Amateur Wireless Society of Victoria, formed in 1911, quickly changing its name to the Wireless Institute of Victoria, and today is known as Amateur Radio Victoria. A special QSL card is on offer for contact with VK100ARV. On the front it features defining words capturing the spirit of the founding of the organisation and a gallery of Presidents and the information panel on the back. The Amateur Radio Centenary Award certificate has a montage of the organisation over the decades. Both the QSL card and certificate are worth obtaining for display and will show the Centenary logo. Valid contacts with VK100ARV earn ten bonus points towards the Award. Contact with VK3WI during the Remembrance Day Contest, International Lighthouse and Lightship Week, and the Oceania DX Phone Contest October 1 & 2, and the Oceania DX CW Contest October 8-9 also gained bonus points. For Australian stations a total of 100 points are required and DX stations 25 points. Valid contacts with members during the celebratory period August 1 to November 30, 2011, earns two points towards the award. Also in the celebration are stations set up in Victorian National Parks operating under the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award (KRMNPA) rules, on November Friday 18 through to Sunday 20. The Award Manager Tony Hambling VK3VTH vk3vth@amateurradio.com.au thanks all who have so registered for VK100ARV or the extended weekend focused on the KRMNPA. A roster for VK100ARV will appear on the website www.amateurradio.com.au and a list of National Parks and times also. The Centenary has already featured the successful world’s first DATV QSO Party from the digital amateur television repeater VK3RTV. Peter Cossins VK3BFG gave a presentation of the highlights, which by all accounts went extremely well.

World News from Southgate Amateur Radio.
DX News from the ARRL until the end of the month.

21 October, 2011

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by NC1L, NN1N, UV5EKU, the OPDX Bulletin, 425 DX News, The Daily DX, DXNL, The Weekly DX, Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar and WA7BNM web sites. Thanks to all.

ROTUMA ISLAND, 3D2.
The new Rotuma Island High School Club station 3D2RI has been QRV on 20 meters using SSB between 0400 and 0600z. QSL via KH6CG.
GUINEA, 3X.
A group of operators are QRV as 3XY1D until November 1. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB and various digital modes with several stations active. QSL via DL7DF.
BHUTAN, A5.
Beginning October 25, look for W8AEF, UA3AB, K0IR, W0BM and W0GJ to be QRV as A52PP, A52AB, A52IR, A52PC and A51B, respectively. Activity will be on the HF bands using CW, SSB and RTTY. This includes an entry in the upcoming CQ WW DX Phone contest. QSL to home calls.
CHINA, BY.
David, BA4DW is QRV as BA4DW/7 from Weizhou Island, IOTA AS-139, until October 24. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL direct to home call.
NAURU, C2.
Joe, LA5UF is QRV as C21UF until October 24. Activity is on the HF bands using CW and PSK31. QSL to home call.
ANGOLA, D2.
Valery, UA0QV is QRV as D2QV from Vila Catoca, Province Lunda Sul-Saurimo until July 8, 2012.
Activity is currently on 40 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. He might eventually be active on 80 meters as well. QSL via UT0EA.
SOUTH COOK ISLANDS, E5.
Bill, N7OU is QRV as E51NOU from Rarotonga, IOTA OC-013, until November 7. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters. QSL to home call.
CANARY ISLANDS, EA8.
Members of the Teide DX Group plan to be QRV as EG8FBN from the Buenavista del Norte Lighthouse on Tenerife on October 22 and 23. Activity will be on the HF, and V/UHF bands using CW, SSB and various digital modes. QSL direct via EA8NQ.
ARGENTINA, LU.
Members of the Radio Club Argentino are QRV as L90AA until October 31 in celebration of the club's 90th anniversary. Activity is on all HF bands using CW, SSB and various digital modes. QSL via LU4AA.
SABA, ST. EUSTATIUS, PJ5.
Members of the Prairie DX Group will be QRV as PJ6T from Saba from October 26 to November 1. Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters. This includes an entry in the upcoming CQ WW DX Phone contest. QSL via N9PD.
MEXICO, XE.
A group of operators are QRV using special event call sign 4C1JPG until October 30 in celebration of the 2011 and XVI Pan American Games in Guadalajara. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters, including various satellites, using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK. QSL via bureau.
VIET NAM, XV.
Stations XV2FM, XV2JP and XV2LU are QRV at various times from Vung Tau until October 25. Activity is on 20, 15, 10 and 6 meters. This includes using FM on 10 and 6 meters. QSL via operators' instructions.
ALBANIA, ZA.
To commemorate the 1991 ZA1QA DXpedition, look for special call sign ZA20QA to be QRV from October 25 to November 1. Activity will be on 160 to 2 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via HA0NAR.
NIUE, ZK2.
Chris, GM3WOJ and Keith, GM4YXI will be QRV as ZK2V and possibly ZK2X, respectively, until December 20. Activity will be on all HF bands, including various upcoming contests. They plan to be active on 160 meters the first several weeks of their operation. QSL via N3SL.
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN. Co-leader of the ST0R operation Antonio, EA5RM, reports, "As you may know, the distribution of ST0R QSL cards has begun. The Republic of South Sudan was recently added to the DXCC entities list, so each QSO confirmed by our manager will be the confirmation of a new one. The DXCC Desk has expressed the concern that they may be overwhelmed by thousands of applications to credit the new entity. Consequently, we have decided to make an exception, and upload to the LOTW all the individual donor QSOs and OQRS ones, by November 1st."

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.
Thank you for listening. Good morning all.

WARC NEWS FOR THE 11th SEPTEMBER 2011

2011-09-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

A new load of 12 volt batteries have arrived at the club and are now available from the store. There are about 30 in total. The cost is $15 each.
These are quality batteries ranging up to 55 amp/hour capacity. They will be on sale at the field day next Sunday and will not last long.
Check them out next Saturday and take your pick.
While on batteries, the club still welcomes old car and motorcycle batteries. Last Tuesday, a trailer load was taken to the scrap metal dealers at Teralba.
The sale resulted in $270 for the club. So please keep those old batteries coming.

All the action was outside yesterday including selling of the meat tray tickets. Greg VK2CW left all the tickets and and ticket tumbler in the hands of Mal VK2VON. Mal sold a few extra tickets. The clock went ding and it was time to for last weeks winner Greg to reach in the ticket tumbler and grab a ticket. On the ticket read Sorry Greg,Michael and Steve the winner is DIANE VK2FDNE. Yippee Diane said About time.

Next Sunday will be the our field day, Rain, hail or shine. Should it rain Lee Andrews will be in the Common room inside the club and the auction table will at the bottom end of the awning.
We will need all hands available to assist with the setting up so can you be at the club by 7 am please. We will also need your help at the end of the day to help pack up.

Don't forget about the second offer to Westlakes club members. It is a FT7900 2m/70cm dual band transceiver and comes with full warranty.
When you get your club magazine and some of you will get them separately in the mail. The book of 10 tickets at $2 a ticket.You can buy 10 or one or none - the choice is yours.
The entire proceeds of this raffle help fund the operations of your club. The draw will take place at the Westlakes Field day on Sunday 18th September 2011 at 12 noon.

News from Southgate Amateur Radio.

Special Rugby World Cup ham radio callsigns

Look for some New Zealand amateur radio operators to replace their ZL prefix with a ZM prefix throughout September and October, in celebration of the Rugby World Cup
(September 9th-October 23rd). Additional special event stations will be and are already on air.
Look for ZL4RUGBY (QSL Manager/Operator Paul/ZL4PW) to be on the air through October 31st.
Also, look for ZL6RWC, which is operated by various members and friends of the Papakura Radio Club, to be on the through October 31st.
QSL ZL6RWC via ZL1VK, direct, by the Bureau or LoTW. Check QRZ.com for more details about both stations.

STRONG SOLAR ACTIVITY: On Sept. 6th, active sunspot 1283 produced two major eruptions including an impulsive X2-class solar flare.
The blasts hurled a pair of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) toward Earth, which could spark geomagnetic activity when they arrive on Sept. 8-10. High-latitude
sky watchers should be alert for auroras in the nights ahead. Check http://spaceweather.com/ for images and updates.

ARE YOU CHASING DX
Pacific DXpedition tour.

Bill, VK4FW, co-leader of the upcoming DXpedition to Fiji (3D2) and Nauru (C2), reports that Eric, VK4NEF, has now committed to join the DXpedition.
The operators now are Jay K4ZLE, Art NJ7N, Tim NL8F, Eddie VK4AN, Eric VK4NEF, Bill VK4FW and Julian/W5SL.
Bill states (edited), "All is on track for the operation to begin late on October 25th, from Fiji until November 8th, followed by Nauru from November 10th through to December 6th.
"The 'Online QSL Service' is set up at www.vk4fw.com/oqrs-php. However, it is important that people do not use it before we get back so as not to overload the system causing mailbox failure.
"We would like to thank those who have already supported us and remind all that donations no matter how big or small can be sent via paypal to dxpedition@westnet.com.au"

4W6A Timor-Leste DXpedition

This is the sixth and final press release before the 4W6A DXpedition.
The bulk of the equipment, including the linear amplifiers, the Titanex V160E vertical, Hexbeam and other antennas, left Darwin, Australia, on 6 September.
It has all arrived safely in Dili, Timor-Leste, and is now awaiting the arrival of the team next week.
9M6DXX and 9M6XRO leave Malaysia on 12 September for a transit stop in Bali, from where they plan to be active 'holiday style' as YB9/G4JVG and YB9/GM3OOK respectively.
Unfortunately, due to a late change of airline timetable, they will not now arrive in Dili before the afternoon of Friday 16 September. The chartered boat taking the team and the equipment to Atauro Island has therefore been rescheduled to later that afternoon. It is likely that only one or two stations will be on the air that day as the team will run out of daylight before all the antennas can be erected. The remainder of the antenna work will commence at first light the following morning (approximately 2115UTC on 16 September) and 4W6A should be fully operational by the morning (UTC) of 17 September. 4W6A will be QRV on all bands 10 to 160 metres, using CW, SSB and RTTY with up to four stations simultaneously. It is hoped that log search will be available, thanks to the Clublog facility (go to www.4w6a.com/qsl-information/log-search), but this is dependent on a reliable Internet connection being available on the island.

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO BROADCAST NEXT WEEK DUE TO FIELD DAY ACTIVITIES.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES BROADCAST FOR 21st AUGUST 2011.

2011-08-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Good Morning and welcome to this week's local news broadcast. This is VK2ATZ, The callsign of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader this morning is Greg. There may be a simulcast being transmitted this
morning on 3.565 MHz courtesy of Warren VK2UWP Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news.Then at 9.30am is a relay
of the Australia-wide amateur radio news from VK1WIA.

This week the broadcast comes LIVE from Norah Head Lighthouse. Lighthouse number AUS 0024.

Special Offer to Club Members.
This week some members received mail from the secretary/Treasurer of a special offer to club members only. The offer is a
Yaesu HF station. FT757GX Transceiver, FC757 Auto Tuner, FP700 Power supply and a MD100 Microphone. The equipment comes
with all manuals and in oringinal boxes. All are in perfect working condition except for the dial light on the FT 757GX is
not working. The reserve price for all of the above items is $550.00. Offers in writting at this amount or higher are invited from interested club members. The envelope should be clearly marked "RADIO OFFER" and addressed to The Secretary, WARC.P O BOX 3001, TERALBA,2284. Offers must be received by 2 pm Saturday 27th August 2011. Highest tender wins.
PLEASE NOTE The items are to be sold as one lot and will not be split.

The second offer to all Westlakes members for our Fund raiser is a FT7900 2m/70cm dual band transceiver and comes with full warranty.
When you get your club magazine and some of you will get them separately in the mail. The book of 10 tickets at $2 a ticket.You can buy 10 or one or none - the choice is yours. The entire proceeds of this raffle help fund the operations of your club. The draw will take place at the Westlakes Field day on Sunday 18th September 2011 at 12 noon.

On the Lighthouse and lightships weekend Paul (VK2HV ) will be opeating from Montague Island with Tommy ( VK2IR )and his club members. Listen out for them.

Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.

Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.

Have you forgotten to visit the club store lately? There are always lots of bargains to be purchased. See Aly for the best buys and support your club.

World News From Southgate Amateur Radio.

Amateur radio set to light-up Sandy Cape Lighthouse

Sandy Cape Lighthouse will be home to four amateur radio operators from Queensland's Ipswich and District Radio Club for the International Lighthouse and Lightship weekend, this weekend, August 20 and 21.

The 4WD permit for travel on Fraser Island has now been obtained, and also the special callsign VI4FI.

A TH3 Junior Tribander will be used for 10, 15 and 20 on a 10m Clark Mast and the Butternut HF6V for the lower bands in addition to a Multi-band dipole in an Inverted V configuration.

The main radio will be a Yaesu FTDX-5000 with back up rigs consisting of an Icom IC-7600 and a Kenwood TS-480HX.

Power will be supplied 24 hours a day via a RAPS Solar System so on air time will be around the clock as much as possible.

A special QSL Card to celebrate this activation will be designed by UX5UO QSL Print Services.

The DXpedition to Fraser Island is supported by club sponsors Ipswich City Council and VK4ICE Communications.

All updates via the website at www.sandycape2011.com and LIVE status updates via Twitter @VI4FI which links directly with the VK4WIP Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vk4wip as the Twitter updates are posted

The Ipswich Sandy Cape team of Paul VK4FPDW, Derek VK4MIA, Mike VK4QS and Graham VK4FGCC are looking forward to working you on the bands.

Allan VK4FABR

Punta del Este Lighthouse on the air for ILLW

Ham radio operators from the Radio Club Uruguayo will be active as CW1R, the special event callsign for the Punta del Este Lighthouse (ARLHS URU-008, ILLW UY0005, Grid Loc. GF25ma), during the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (August 19-21st).

Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and the Digital modes with at least two stations on the air.

QSLs for this activity is via Bureau or direct to:
Radio Club Uruguayo, P.O.Box 37, 11000, Montevideo,
URUGUAY, SOUTH AMERICA,
with a SAE and 1 new IRC or 2 green stamps.

ILLW heads in the right direction

So far more than 430 have made online entries and already counted towards this year’s grand tally for the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.

There’s been improvements this year have been in Australia, Chile, Portugal, South Africa and the USA, while generally Europe has been lower than previous.

Notable by their absence so far are those from Alaska, China, Cuba, Hawaii, Japan, Taiwan and Uruguay.

The event came into being from the Scottish Northern Lighthouses Award Weekend first held in 1994 and has grown in statue ever since.

The basic objective of the fun event is to promote awareness of lighthouses and lightships and their need for preservation, and to promote amateur radio and to foster International goodwill.

It’s not too late to enter and activate one this weekend.
Check out the latest on the website illw.net which has access to an online registration form for August the 20th and 21st, and there’s Facebook too.

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

BROADCAST NEWS FOR 7TH AUGUST 2011

2011-08-06T00:12:00.000-07:00

Special Offer to Club Members.
This week some members received mail from the secretary/Treasurer of a special offer to club members only. The offer is a
Yaesu HF station. FT757GX Transceiver, FC757 Auto Tuner, FP700 Power supply and a MD100 Microphone. The equipment comes
with all manuals and in oringinal boxes. All are in perfect working condition except for the dial light on the FT 757GX is
not working. The reserve price for all of the above items is $550.00. Offers in writting at this amount or higher are invited from interested club members. The envelope should be clearly marked "RADIO OFFER" and addressed to The Secretary, WARC.P O BOX 3001, TERALBA,2284. Offers must be received by 2 pm Saturday 27th August 2011. Highest tender wins.
PLEASE NOTE The items are to be sold as one lot and will not be split.

The second offer to all Westlakes members for our Fund raiser is a FT7900 2m/70cm dual band transceiver and comes with full warranty.
When you get your club magazine and some of you will get them separately in the mail. The book of 10 tickets at $2 a ticket.You can buy 10 or one or none - the choice is yours. The entire proceeds of this raffle help fund the operations of your club. The draw will take place at the Westlakes Field day on Sunday 18th September 2011 at 12 noon.

Meat tray winner. Last weeks happy meat tray winner Steve was at the club with a big grin. After the meeting Steve reached into the barrel and picked a winning ticket. The callsign on the ticket read -VK2EO - Mr Casual. How much did you pay Steve Geoff??? Congratulations.

VK2LW Steve was showing Ted VK2UI the merits of his quadbander IC-T81A when Greg VK2CW made a bet of $2.00 ( last of the big betters ) that no one would come back to a call put out on 23cm. Within seconds of calling on the repeater, Peter VK2ZTV answered his call much to Greg's disgust. Peter was running 1 watt on his 23 cm mobile rig and wanted a audio check. All had good signals. Has Greg paid his debt off Ted.

Rickerty Kate Raffle. 1st prize of $50.00 went to VK2XBF. 2nd Prize $20.00 VK2LW and 3rd Prize $10.00 Alex VK2ZM Good on you for supporting your club in this fund raiser.

The Lighthouse and Lightships weekend is 2 weeks away and once again Westlakes ARC will be at Norah Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse weekend officially commences at 1000 Saturday morning and will continue until Sunday arvo. Visitors are most welcome but you will have to bring your tucker. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Next weekend is the RD contest BUT because of the lack of interest Westlakes will not be taking part in it.

Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.

Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.

News from the W I A

Applications for Club Grants for 2011 closed on 25 July. In the WIA’s release of 27 July, we reported that only a disappointing three applications had been received. Since then one club has asked that a late entry be accepted, and offered very legitimate reasons for the lateness of the lodgement of the application. The WIA Board has decided to accept that application. It is also conscious of the fact that other clubs may be in a similar position and so it has decided to also accept any other late application that is lodged at the WIA office by not later than 4 pm Victorian time, next Tuesday, 9th August 2011. Reasons for the lateness of the lodgement are not required.
Clubs are reminded that this year Grants will be given for projects falling in to either of two categories:

1) Projects and activities to be conducted before 1 June 2012 to attract new amateurs, but focussed on people under 25; and

2) Amateur radio projects that are useful and innovative and that utilise both information technologies and radio communications.

Michael Owen
President WIA

News from Southgate Amateur Radio.

Have you ever wanted to be BAD?

Well, a large group of VK and ZL radio amateurs are going to be BAD for thee days, in fact they are going to be VERY BAD, VK3BAD that is.

VK3BAD will we active from Cape Liptrap from Friday 19th August through Monday 22nd August, from Bear Gully cottages just down the road from the Cape Liptrap Lighthouse.

Our team of eighteen amateurs will be active on most HF bands so please listen out for us, when we are not cooking steaks , drinking red wine and generally having a BAD time, we will be on the air and eager to take your call.

This is John VK3DQ

Earth bound solar flare

The Space Weather site reports that an Earth-directed M1 class solar flare occured August 2 at 0619 UT.

They say: Magnetic fields above sunspot 1261 erupted this morning [Tuesday] at 0619 UT, producing a long-duration M1-class solar flare.

At the peak of the action, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded a surge of extreme ultraviolet radiation around the sunspot.

The blast also hurled a coronal mass ejection (CME) almost directly toward Earth. Space-based coronagraph images from SOHO and from STEREO-A show the cloud racing away from the sun at almost 900 km/s.

Minor to moderate geomagnetic storms are possible when the CME arrives on or about August 5.

Space Weather
http://spaceweather.com/

Spy Vs. Spy - 20th century style

How many of you remember the old 'Spy Vs. Spy' comic in Mad Magazine. Well here’s something that reads like its right out of that genre. Its a story about the Internet foreign intrigue that will leave you smiling and maybe wanting something sweet to eat.

Amateur Radio Newsline’s Bruce Tennant, has the story of the spies that got hacked by food:

According to published news reports, British spies successfully hacked into an al-Qaida website to replace instructions on how to build a bomb with – ready for this? Recipes for making cupcakes.

Nope, we are not kidding. The cyber offensive reportedly took place last year when the English language magazine aimed at Muslims in the West called Inspire was launched by supporters of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula.

British intelligence officers based at the Government Communications Headquarters, which is the state eavesdropping service, attacked the 67-page magazine, leaving most of it garbled. Instead of being able to read how to "Make a Bomb in the Kitchen of Your Mom," readers were greeted with computer code which actually contained recipes from The Best Cupcakes in America, published by U.S. talk show hostess Ellen DeGeneres.

The Washington Post reported that the British action followed a dispute between the CIA and the newly formed U.S. Cyber Command. The cyber unit had wanted to block the al Qaeda magazine but the CIA, which had countered such an attack, would expose sources and intelligence methods, won the debate and declined to allow an attack on Inspire.
So the U-K did it for them and reports say that it took almost two weeks for magazine to post a corrected version after it had been sabotaged.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I’m Bruce Tennant, trying not to laugh too hard as I read this from Los Angeles.

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR SUNDAY 24th JULY 2011.

2011-07-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

The grounds at the club are very soggy so take care when driving over the grassy areas. Might be a good idea to park on the road outside until the weather fines up and the grounds dry out.

As reported in an earlier broadcast please welcome Bruce VK2FKNN, Jarrod VK2FZRO, Stuart VK2FOOO and Tony VK2FACK to the ranks of Amateur
Radio. Bruce and Tony were at the club yesterday. Please make these chaps welcome to the wonderful and exciting world of Amateur Radio if you hear them on air. Bruce said that he has already worked a stateside station on 10 meters.

Well the canteen was manned by Barry VK2BZ ( not sure if Freds wife helped) and it was pies and sausage rolls all around.

Proposed Jesmond Electronic Club Inc. This new club will be holding its Foundation meeting at the Jesmond Park Uniting church hall on the 4th August commencing at 2 pm. Cost for the afternoon is $20. Anyone interested - please come along. This message was posted by John Murphy VK2PJM. Thanks Barry VK2FBAZ for sending the item to me.

The meat tray raffle was drawn by Brian VK2FG and after much tumbling of the barrel a ticket was choosen from pile. A voice from the back ground said Did I win. Brian said no but VK2LW did. Well done Steve.

Yes, the roof does leak so we found out. Barry and Fred to the rescue. Not sure what they did but they took down the old vertical antenna and bought it inside.

WORLD NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO.
June 19, 2011 - afternoon chopper lift for Ipswich & District Amateur Radio Club. Mission accomplished with much help and cooperation from friends, supporters and Ipswich City Council. Ipswich & District Radio Club Inc
http://ipswichdistrictradioclub.webnode.com/

VK construction competition

The Illawarra Amateur Radio Society currently has a construction competition running that is open to amateur radio operators within VK.

There are prizes to be allocated in two categories. Entry is easy, just build a crystal set.

Judging will be based on some simple rules:-
The crystal set must work i.e. receive a transmitted signal.
The crystal set can receive either commercial, broadcast or amateur signals.

No external power other than the received signal can be used.
Additional points will be gained by utilizing recycled parts, or home made components.

Additional points will be gained for Innovative design, and unique concepts. The finished article does not need to be aesthetically pleasing.

Testing will be carried out at Industry World Centre, Wollongong 8/11/2011 (Between 19:30 – 22:00 Hrs).
The judge’s decision will be final.

The judging of the contest will be at the IARS November meeting.

The Crystal set will need to be bought to the meeting on this evening, alternatively they can be posted to the Secretary Illawarra amateur radio society, by the meeting date which is 8th November 2011. Correct postage and packaging cost must be included if you require the project to be returned after
the competition. Note that this project is a receive only construction, so it is therefore open to all license classes in VK.

Why not put together a club entry?

Old hands, why not take a newer member of the hobby under your wing and show them how construction was done when you first discovered radio.

Results and awards will be presented at the December 2011 meeting.

The two entry categories are:-

Category 1:- Financial members of the IARS
First Prize :- 2 metre Handheld radio
Second Prize:- Quality Screwdriver Set
Third Prize:- Lightweight Headphone Set
Numerous consolation prizes such as mouse mats, baseball caps

Category 2:- All other VK Hams
First Prize:- 2 metre Handheld Radio
Second Prize:- Quality Screwdriver Set
Third Prize:- Lightweight Headphone Set

IOTA DXpedition

PA6NH, the contest team of North Holland, will be active during the RSGB IOTA contest held on 30/31 JULY 2011.

This will be a DXpedition to Texel Island IOTA ref. EU-038

Station set-up will be simple with antennas consisting of one element (dipole, vertical) and low power (100 W

CLUB REMINDER LIST

Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.

Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES BROADCAST FOR SUNDAY 17th July 2011

2011-07-16T13:32:00.001-07:00

Well, it only happens at Westlakes. Yesterday, a large bag of onions was placed on the table by Gloria for the canteen. Greg (VK2CW ) challenged anyone to eat a whole raw onion for $2. Well, guess who stepped up? Ted (VK2UI ) just out of hospital. Knife in hand and with the large salt shaker from the canteen Ted pealed and ate the whole onion. Well Greg had to pay the $2 to Ted. Well done Ted - what will you do next week for a free ticket in the meat tray raffle.

While on the meat tray raffle, Frank was unavailable to draw this weeks ticket out of the tumbler so the Secretary was called upon to draw a ticket. Barrie (VK2BXD ) then gave the ticket to the Steve VK2LW our Vice President who read read out the name. On the ticket read VK2CW. Is there a conspiricy going on here? Congratulations Greg.

After lunch the members going to the Norah Head Light house met in the libarary to discuss meals and equipment required for the weekend.
They will be eating very well I must say. Roast lamb and vegies and desert on Saturday night. I wonder what the rest of the other lighthouse crews are eating.

Over heard in the Common room was Richard VK2FRKO advising that he had been elected as Deputy Unit Commander for Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage. Good on you Richard - more work for you to do. Richard also advised that no arrests so far for the damage done to the rescue vessel.

Listen for the big signals to come out Glendale. Leonie ( VK2FHRK )advised that she has put up a loop antenna. The loopy idea is catching on.

Australian amateur radio licence renewals

Recently, an amateur forgot to renew his amateur radio licence because he failed to advise the ACMA of his new address, and was upset when his two letter callsign was allocated to someone else.

The "Comment" in the June 2009 issue of Amateur Radio addressed this problem in some detail, and further information can be found on the WIA website www.wia.org.au under the tab "Australian amateur licensing and callsigns" under the button "Get your Amateur Radio Licence".

The Radiocommunications Act does not impose on ACMA an obligation to issue a renewal notice. ACMA does so, but failure to receive a renewal notice is no excuse for not renewing a licence.

Obviously, failing to notify the ACMA of a change of address will mean that even if the ACMA does send a renewal notice, it will go the wrong address.

But the Act does provide that a licence can be renewed from 6 months before and 60 days after its expiry date. It is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure that the licence is renewed in that time.

A callsign is only a condition of a licence, and if the licence is not renewed, after 60 days from the expiry date the callsign will be placed on the Public List, (the list of available callsigns on the WIA website) and after 7 days the WIA will issue a Callsign Recommendation to whoever wants that callsign.

WORLD NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO

Codar radar on 24 MHz

Wolf DK2OM reports on the IARU-R1 site that a Codar ocean wave radar is disturbing 24920 - 24990 kHz daily and all day.

The location is believed to be Venice, Italy.

Medical use of Wireless Power

ScienceDaily reports on the use of Wireless power for heart pumps.

The report says:
Mechanical pumps to give failing hearts a boost were originally developed as temporary measures for patients awaiting a heart transplant. But as the technology has improved, these ventricular assist devices commonly operate in patients for years.

Prolonged use, however, has its own problems. The power cord that protrudes through the patient's belly is cumbersome and prone to infection over time.

Researchers at the University of Washington and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have tested a wireless power system for ventricular assist devices.

Using the wireless system means no power cord poking through the skin, dramatically reducing the risk of infection and improving the patient's quality of life. Researchers envision a vest that could hold an external transmitter coil connected to a power cord or battery. A small receiver coil implanted under the patient's skin would connect to a battery that holds enough power for about two hours, meaning the patient could be completely free for short periods of time to take a bath or go for a swim (current users of heart pumps cannot do either).

Entries arrive for the ILLW

With four weeks to go to the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, a total of 290 entries have been received and many more expected in coming weeks.

This year so far 13 Lightships are entered mainly from Belgium, England, Germany and the USA. There’s one each in the Netherlands, Sweden and Wales.

Lightships are a rarer breed of the long-gone era of magnified flashes a light used by ships as they navigated along the coast and around the world.

With entries rapidly nearing 300, the latest has Australia in the lead on 51, followed by the USA on 48, Germany 39 followed by England on 23.

Since 1998 the 48-hour fun filled third weekend in August attracts more than 440 entrants, from around 50 countries.

Be part of the action, or just check the newly refurbished website at ILLW.NET where you will find more information about the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, on August the 20th and 21st.

CLUB REMINDER LIST

Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.

Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

WESTLAKES BROADCAST FOR SUNDAY 10th july 2011

2011-07-09T15:42:00.003-07:00

Well it was action at the club yesterday with Colin and Brian, Norm and a few others playing again with squid poles. Not sure what they were doing but I guess they had a happy ending.

Well the big blue Falcon drove into the Westlakes ground and guess who got out of the car? It was VK2FDNE ( Diane ) who had just spent 14 days in the Mater Hospital. Diane would like to thank all those Members who wished her a speedy recovery.

Diane was busy again ( blind as bat in 1 eye with patch ) Di was asked to pick this weeks lucky meat tray winner. The hand went into the barrel and came the winners ticket which read VK2FJW Frank. Frank is also on the sick list. Get well Frank.

The Contest Manager was once again at the club. Leonie has advised that she has page with no names on for the up and coming RD contest. Go on ladies and gents lets put Westlakes back on the contesting map again. Please contact Leonie if you can help.

From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.

Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their
Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact
Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au
Its a great hobby to get involved in. You meet and talk to so many people locally and worldwide.

Did anyone manage to see NBN news on Wednesday night? On it was the marine rescue vessel from Lemon Tree Passage of which Richard VK2FRKO is a member. Richard told us that around $25 thousand worth of damage was done. The rescue vessel should be back in action in around 3 weeks.

Did you see the specials in the store yesterday? Ally was busy showing some members the list. Specials are on each Saturday.

Don't the grounds look good. Thanks to the hard workers who did the work. Please see Barry VK2BZ if you can assist in further mowing days.

President Geoff VK2EO did a flying trip to club yesterday. Perhaps Geoff called in to settle his nerves before his big game. ( AFL.)

NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR

Resurgence for amateur radio in Australia

A lengthy well-researched article by Katie Cincotta in The Age newspaper today, distributed mainly in VK3 but also interstate, features many aspects of amateur radio that we all enjoy.

It begins with a picture of Justin Stewart VK3FLIP and Monique Golub VK3FWPZ as the youngsters take to the airwaves at Sherbrooke Community School and is peppered with personal accounts of activity.

Maths teacher Edward Seeto VK3LIP of the Sherbrooke Community School, which has its own radio club VK3KID, demonstrates on a hand-held radio, typing in a code on a keypad and accessing a web-enabled local repeater to connect to a user in Dallas, Texas. His experience at the school includes the use of a gazebo with students learning the ropes from volunteers Randall McDonald VK3RM and Jim McNabb VK3AMN.

The students have learnt to be resourceful through building their own equipment. Amateur radio is encouraging them to pursue maths and sciences, and providing social interaction. Grade 8 student Monique Golub VK3FWPZ achieved her Foundation Licence in grade 6 and now competes in amateur radio challenges such as the 160-metre Trans-Tasman contest.

The 13-year-old was the first female in the club and has since enabled others to join the fun. Another relative newcomer with five years experience is Richard Holmes VK3TXD, keen to dispel the amateur radio stereotype of old blokes tinkering in beeping sheds.

He hopes a new generation will find clever ways to evolve the hobby and embrace its global connections. One of the main things that got him into the hobby was the lure of long-distance or DX contacts.

The article touches on the serious side of things. Amateur radio proved itself to be relevant and invaluable during recent natural disasters in Australia, Japan, China, Pakistan and Haiti. It quotes veteran Doug McArthur VK3UM on his Black Saturday bushfires experiences, and even before that, the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Of course his moon-bounce and beyond exploits from the giant dish on his country property is featured.

Eastern and Mountain District Radio Club president Jack Bramham VK3WWW regards amateur radio as the original social network and likes digital technology. He’s preparing for the IARU Region 3 Championships that are being hosted late this year by the WIA.

Jack VK3WWW can be seen and heard televising broadcasts on Wednesday nights on frequency 446.500 MHz via the Melbourne Amateur Radio Repeater on Mount Dandenong.

Wireless Institute of Australia spokesman Jim Linton VK3PC says one of the biggest things to happen to amateur radio is the removal of Morse code as a minimum requirement for an operator to obtain an HF licence. The Foundation Licence is now simple enough for young children to acquire, although many progress to the higher grades as Standard and Advanced which give them more.

The two-page article featured in the newspaper’s well-read Green Guide and promoted on page 2 in the main editorial section, notes 20,000 Australians have amateur radio licences, with increasing interest being shown by younger people and women.
There was virtually no one interested before the arrival of the newest entry level. Now we have more activity on air, increased numbers being assessed and a higher level of club membership. The article which involves wide research giving a coverage to amateur radio, concludes with some useful links to get more information.

he pioneering electronic social network is experiencing a resurgence.

WHEN you think of the instant communication at our fingertips thanks to web-enabled mobile devices and the social media explosion of Twitter and Facebook, it's easy to dismiss amateur radio as a dusty relic destined for oblivion.

But the bastions of ham radio believe the century-old form of radio communication is as relevant as ever - it proved invaluable during recent natural disasters in Australia, Japan, China, Pakistan and Haiti.

One amateur radio veteran of more than 50 years, Doug McArthur (whose call-sign is VK3UM), lived through the Black Saturday bushfires, relying on his UHF CB radio to warn neighbours of the approaching flames.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/ham-radio-far-from-over-or-out-20110706-1h135.html#ixzz1Rb4bCzXc

CLUB REMINDER LIST

Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.

Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon
Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of
biscuits.

WESTLAKES BROADCAST FOR SUNDAY 3RD JULY 2011

2011-07-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Last weeks winner Michael VK2CCW ( 4 trays in 6 weeks ) reached into the into the barrell and choose a lucky winner. The winner was - wait for it Ted VK2UI. Congratulations Ted.

Yesterday, the July meeting was held in the libary followed by a small feast in the common room put together by Gloria. Thanks Gloria well done. Also put together in the libary was this month edition of the magazine. Look in your mail box in the next couple of days for this edition. Its a good read.

AS reported last week in the news the 4 candidates who were sitting their Foundation Licence up at Lemon Tree Passage all passed with flying colours. Please make them all welcome when you hear them on air and offer them any assistance they want.

From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.
Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au Are you a shortwave listener or scanner hobbyist? Why not do the Foundation Licence and get involved in a great hobby. You meet and talk to so many people locally and world wide.

From Leonie - Contest manager
The next contest that will involve the club will be the RD contest. Leonie is seeking interested personnel to man the club station on the weekend closest to the 15th August 2011. Contact Leonie if you are interested in helping out. This is a 24 hr contest. If you haven't been involved in contesting but would like to, I am sure Leonie will show you how its done or will put you in touch with someone who has done many hours of contesting. Maybe the club can hold an afternoon session for those members or visitors wishing to upgrade their skills.

Product Review. Just released from China is the new dualband handheld TYT TH-F5. This handheld does 144-148 mhz as well as 420 to 450 mhz Amatuer bands. Its a little beauty they say. The cost in the US is $89.95.

NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO

Texas Hams Injured at Field Day Site
On the morning of June 26, two Texas radio amateurs -- Danny Caldwell, AD5IP, of Kamay, and Mike Byrne, AE5CO, of Iowa Park -- received electric shocks as they took down an inverted V antenna. According to Wichita County Emergency Coordinator Larry Ballard, KE5KNV, the two were taking part in Field Day as part of the Wichita Amateur Radio Society (WARS).

"The Wichita Amateur Radio Society decided to terminate the participation in the exercise at 10 AM on Sunday, due to extreme heat and gusty wind conditions," Ballard told the ARRL. "Danny and Mike were injured while lowering the center pole of the inverted V dipole antenna to the ground. They were knocked to the ground when a guy wire, or the antenna lead-in, was hit with very high wind gust that blew it into a high [power] line wire." According to reports from witnesses, winds were gusting up to 40 miles per hour.

Ballard said 911 was called immediately and a rescue van arrived in a matter of minutes. The Fire Rescue Team determined that the two men were stable and they were transported to United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls. Caldwell received CPR at the scene and was air lifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. Byrne was transported to Parkland later by ambulance.

"This was the second year that the Wichita Amateur Radio Society had set up at Oscar Park in the City of Iowa Park for Field Day event," Ballard explained. "The antennas were located in the same location as the prior year, using the same safety practice of locating the antennas a safe distance from power lines and structures. The inverted V dipole antenna had yellow caution tape, marking guy wires and antenna end locations."

Ballard said that Byrne was released from the hospital on Monday, June 27 and was resting at home. Caldwell, who suffered more serious injuries, was released a day later. Becarefull everyone when you go portable or to field days - care must be taken all the time.

Amateur Radio in Space: ISS Survives Near Miss of Space Junk

On Monday, June 27, the ISS narrowly missed getting slammed by space junk.

Just after 8 AM (EDT) on Tuesday, June 29, the six residents of the International Space Station (ISS) climbed into two Soyuz space capsules as an unidentified object hurtled past them at a speed of 29,000 miles per hour, missing the space station by only 1100 feet. This was only the second time in the 10 year history of people living on the space station that the crew needed to take such precautions. If the station had been hit, the crew could have quickly undocked from the ISS and returned to Earth via the space capsules. Currently, there are four hams on board the ISS: Ron Garan, KF5GPO (NASA), Mike Fossum, KF5AQG (NASA), Sergei Volkov, RU3DIS (RKA), and Satoshi Furukawa, KE5DAW (JAXA). The other two cosmonauts -- Andrey Borisenko and Alexander Samokutyaev -- are not licensed.

CLUB REMINDER LIST

Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.

Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.

Grounds of around the club need mowing so contact Barry VK2BZ if you can assist.

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Well that's all the news I have this week.

Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon
Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR SUNDAY 12TH JUNE 2011

2011-06-11T01:17:00.000-07:00

Club News: ARE YOU A WAFFLA? Well the 1st of the Wafflers Net started last WEdnesday evening at 1900 hrs and the wafflers had 5 starters. The wafflers came from far away as Lemon Tree Passage and down as far as Merryland. The frequency again is 146.525 mhz SIMPLEX
the more the merrier.

.......................................................................................................................................
For the new user or Comer.
APRS NEWS.Warren VK2UWP reports. APRS is Automatic Position Reporting System. This system is available in your area. The APRS frequency is 145.175 MHz FM VK2RTZ-1 is the Westlakes rpt. There are repeaters in the following areas - Doo-Ee National Park VK2RGL-1, George West of Tarree VK2UNI-1, Collombatti NW of Kempsey VK2RMC-1, Dorrigo National Park - SW of Coffs Harbour , Pinnacles North of Grafton, Night Cap
National Park- North of Lismore, Aberdeen, Wallabadah, Tamworth, Armidale, Tenterfield and Coltonvale. There are still black holes on both these highways. In Newcastle area there are two fill in Digis and a new I-Gate on the Central Coast. The two fill in digi-repeaters
in Newcastle are owned by VK2UWP and VK2MMM. VK2RTZ-1 is owned and maintained by VK2ZTV.
Check out http://www.aprs.net.au/ for further information.
.........................................................................................................................................

>From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.

Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their
Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact
Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au
Its a great hobby to get involved in. You meet and talk to so many people world wide and locally.
......................................................................................................................................

>From Leonie - Contest manager
The next contest that will involve the club will be the RD contest. Leonie is seeking interested personnel to man the club station
Held the weekend closest to the 15th August 2011. Contact Leonie if you are interested in helping out. This is a 24 hr contest.
.....................................................................................................................................
Reminder Westlakes club field day will be held on the 18 of Sept 2011. The club is looking for suitable items that can be donated and then auctioned off so please have a look in your cupboards and garages. Boot sales are most welcome so please contact the Secretary if you are interested. The usual attractions will be there - famous BBQ, jellybean guessing competition, raffle and the clubs smiling autioneer. Lee Andrews will be in attendance.
.......................................................................................................................................

MEAT TRAY NEWS: Barrie VK2BXD was at the club to pick out of the barrell another winner. The barrell was spun many turns and who should
be picked out of the barrell? Well how much luck can one person have? Everyone was smiling but one person had the biggest smile. Michael VK2CCW Thats 3 trays in 5 weeks. Congratulations Michael.

..........................................................................................................................................

FROM THE STORE
Available from the store is a large number of Soanar transformers. 0-15 volts 1 AMP MULTI TAP and the other is 0-30 VA 1 AMP MULTI TAP
So there are no excusers for not building that power supply now. See Ali in the store next time you are at the club.
.......................................................................................................................................

WAVERLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB. Waverley ARC are holding a auction /sale on the 9th July 2011. Check out their website for further details
www.vk2bv.org

.........................................................................................................................

WORLD NEWS: NZART Amateur of the Year

New Zealand’s very worthy recipient of the Amateur of the Year Award, was David Searle ZL3DWS for the tremendous results he achieved in his Buildathon projects.

David has recently moved from Christchurch for obvious reasons to Bondi VK2 in Australia.
Speaking from Australia's 2nd favourite beach, David said "I was greatly surprised, yet proud, to learn that I had become NZART Amateur of the Year.

"Proud, because it acknowledges the success achieved by so many Canterbury radio amateurs and beyond, with the ZL3 Radio Buildathon project.

"Hundreds of Canterbury kids now know what amateur radio is, and which end of a hot soldering iron to grab to build a simple radio!

"So does mum and dad, school friends and all the others who would listen to a kid so proud that his or her first radio really works!

"If we each share our enthusiasm for a great hobby with just one young person, their interest in radio, communicating and electronics could last a life time."

David ZL3DWS / VK2DWS

......................................................................................................................................

DXpedition to Rotuma as 3D2R

After many months of careful planning, we are pleased to announce our DXpedition to Rotuma-3D2R with a large multi-national DXpedition Team.

Rotuma is located in the South Pacific Ocean and is #32 on Club Log's most wanted DXCC list.

Hrane Milosevic-YT1AD has recently visited Fiji and has obtained the license of 3D2R and a landing permit. We have received the Rotuma Island Council's official approval as well as from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The team of 19 operators will meet in Fiji on September 24th and sail to Rotuma with an arrival slated for September 27th. We will be active on all bands and modes from September 27th to October 7th, 2011.

We will focus on the low bands at this time of the year and will make every effort to satisfy the needs of EU operators.

At this time, we are seeking Foundation, Club and Individual Sponsors to help us defray the costs of carrying out this DXpedition.

Our official website: www.yt1ad.info/3d2r

.....................................................................................
Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

...................................................................................................................................

Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon
Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE SUNDAY 5TH JUNE 2011

2011-06-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday saw Junes monthly meeting take place. A number of topics were discussed and some of them were Jumpers/or jackets
with the Westlakes logo on. Diane will be seeking prices for the next meeting. Those wishing to order see Greg. Also the 80
meter broadcast on Sunday mornings, do we continue with it or is there someone out there willing to assist Warren relay the broadcast weekly. Warren has been doing the relay now for a number of years Warren cannot be there all the time.
...........................................................................................................................

All beds have been taken for the Lighthouse and Lightships weekend in August.
...........................................................................................................................

This weeks meat tray winner is Barrie VK2BXD. The ticket was carefully choosen out of the barrel by last weeks meat tray Alley.
Congratulations
...........................................................................................................................

ARE YOU A WAFFLA?

Well the wafflas net is about to re commence once again on the 2 meter band. Robert - VK2MF will be commencing as the Head Waffla this
Wednesday night at 1900 hrs 146.525 SIMPLEX. Everyone welcome and lets have a good waffle. This will be a weekly event.
...................................................................................................................................

>From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.

Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their
Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact
Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au
Its a great hobby to get involved in. You meet and talk to so many people world wide and locally.
.................................................................................................................................
>From Leonie - Contest manager
The next contest that will involve the club will be the RD contest. Leonie is seeking interested personnel to man the club station
Held the weekend closest to the 15th August 2011. Contact Leonie if you are interested in helping out. This is a 24 hr contest.
...................................................................................................................................
The club activity room was again in busy with Norm vk2knc and Brian vk2fg. Norm was constructing a UN -UN balun for Brian while
a number of eyes watching what was going on. Richard has a number of T200-2 toroids excess to his needs. Contact Richard vk2frko
if you require one.
..................................................................................................................................

WEstlakes store news:
The store has in stock a number of packets of Nichrome wire that can be used for shunts e.g. Also on hand are a large number IEC leads -
computer power leads which they need to move out the door. Brand new 20 watt resistors 2K are also available. See the storeman on your next visit to the club.
................................................................................................................................
A number of members had birthdays since the last meeting and yesterdays meeting. Happy Birthday to Greg vk2cw,vk2frko and Paul vk2hv for the 14th. Both Greg and Richard blew out the candles and Greg carefully cut the cake.
................................................................................................................................

While you are listening to this broadcast Diane vk2fdne and Richard vk2frko will be on there way to Nelson Bay to receive service medals
from the Marine Rescue Commissioner for their time as volunteers looking after boaties in distress and surrounding areas. Congratluations
......................................................................................................................................

WIA NEWS. -
108 people were registered for the 2011 WIA Annual Conference held in Darwin on 27, 28 and 29 May 2011. After registration at the Travelodge Mirambeena Resort on Friday afternoon participants enjoyed a buffet dinner at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club. Highlights of the evening were the sun setting over Fannie Bay and an address by the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Graeme Sawyer, who spoke of the top end weather and ecology and the depressing damage cause by the cane toad.

The WIA Annual Merit Awards were announced and presented at the Annual Conference in Darwin on the weekend of 28/29 May 2011.

The G A Taylor medal was presented via a voice link to Jim Linton VK3PC, for his contribution to amateur radio over many years and in particular for his contribution as a member of the WIA Centenary Committee in providing professional guidance in respect of the promotion of amateur radio to the media.

Following the Annual Conference the WIA Board met in Darwin on Monday 30 May 2011. The Board reappointed Michael Owen VK3KI as President and Phil Wait VK2ASD as Vice President.

An important task of the Board at its meeting following the Annual General Meeting is to appoint or reappoint the various Contest Managers, Coordinators and other officers. John Spooner VK4AJS wished to retire as Manager of the Jack Files Contest, and Michael Charteris VK4QS was appointed as his successor. The other Coordinators and Managers were all reappointed.

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WORLD NEWS

Listening to HF via on the Web

A WebSDR is a Software-Defined Radio receiver connected to the Internet, allowing many users to listen and tune it simultaneously.

SDR technology makes it possible for all listeners to tune independently, and thus listen to different signals; this is in contrast to the older Internet connected receivers that can only be tuned by one person.

The WebSDR.org site lists Internet SDR receivers all over the world that you can use. If you ever wondered what your 40m signal sounds like in Atlanta then tune in one of the SDR's listed at http://www.websdr.org/

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FCC Issues Citation to Illinois Company for Illegal Marketing of Unauthorized Radio Frequency Devices
TAGS: band frequency, Communications Act, criminal sanctions, equipment, forfeiture actions, lincoln, monetary forfeitures, personal interview, radio frequency, radio frequency devices, sale, single act, United States
06/02/2011

On June 2, the FCC issued a Citation to Gary L. Stanford -- doing business as Spark Gap CB Shop in Lincoln, Illinois -- for “marketing in the United States unauthorized radio frequency devices and external radio frequency power amplifiers.” This is in violation of section 302(b) of the Communications Act, and Sections 2.803(a)(1) (marketing of radio frequency devices prior to equipment authorization) and 2.815(b) (external radio frequency power amplifiers) of the Commission’s rules.

On November 1, 2010, an agent from the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau office in Chicago visited the Spark Gap CB shop in Lincoln. According to the Citation, the agent asked the clerk if the store had any amplifiers for sale. The clerk showed the agent a display case with external radio frequency power amplifiers for sale from several different manufacturers. The clerk also suggested that the agent consider purchasing a 10 meter Amateur Radio that is modified to operate on frequencies in the 11 meter Citizen’s Band. The clerk also showed the agent a 10 meter Amateur Radio that was on display and operating on a Citizen’s Band frequency.

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Reminder Westlakes club field day will be held on the 18 of Sept 2011. The club is looking for suitable items that can be donated and then auctioned off so please have a look in your cupboards and garages. Boot sales are most welcome so please contact the Secretary if you are interested. The usual attractions will be there - famous BBQ, jellybean guessing competition, raffle and the clubs smiling autioneer.

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Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

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Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon
Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE SUNDAY 29th MAY 2011

2011-05-30T00:11:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday it was pies and sausage rolls all around as the clubs trustee canteen lady was away. On hand to look after the kitchen
was our new Committee member Fred VK2FEDC Well done Fred.

In the absence of Gloria ( last weeks meat tray winner ) Ally VK2AFZ was asked to pick this weeks meat tray winner.
The hand went deep into the barrel, a ticket was picked and the winner was wait for it Alley..... VK2AFZ. Congratulations.

Have you noticed something that has not happened at the club for awhile. Yes, its a project for club members to make or construct.
I am sure that if you know of a project that is of interest to others please tell us about and maybe we could
make it a club project or see Col ( VK2YP ) Club projects officer if you need some help.

LOCAL NEWS:
Did you manage to contact Jeff VK4XJJ Jeff is currently walking from Byron Bay to the W.A. Jeff is currently at WOLTARA BORE
and you can communicate with Jeff on 7045 KHz at 5 30 pm daily.

Congratulations to club member, Joe Buddingh of Dora Creek, who used to be VK2FJOE. He has upgraded to an Advanced
call and now answers to VK2JHB - his three initials. Good one Joe. Also Bill VK2FWGJ has moved up a grade. His new callsign is VK2LPU.

Just a reminder for those interested in field days. Oxley region Amateur Radio field day Will be Sat 11th and
Sunday 12th at the Tacking Point Surf lifesaving hall in Matthew Flinders Drive, PORT MACQUARIE.
Special event callsign VI4BOR. ALL WELCOME.

Did you notice all the activity in the radio room. Norm VK2KNC was showing Brian VK2FG some finer points on operating his
FT-817 and auto tuner. Derek VK2MLA was there supervising. The facilities of the radio room are there for use by club members and visitors.
Just remember that all calls must be logged in the log book provided.

Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.

Next Saturday 4th June will be our monthly meeting starting at 1:30 pm in the library. Everyone welcome.

World news.From Southgate Amateur Radio:

On top of the Australian DXCC again - DAVID VK3EW

The DX fraternity worldwide became aware late last year,of the constitutional changes for the now former Netherlands Antilles colonies island group in the
Caribbean Sea. The ARRL DX Desk had decided that from 10 October last, four new DXCC entities would begin and contacts with two former ones be deleted.
Not since World War II, resulting in so many new European entities, and the break-up of the French colonies in Africa in the early 1960s, have so many new
DXCC entities come into existence all at once.In anticipation of the great event, a number of DX-peditions were announced. Like many around the world,
David McAulay VK3EW has gained the necessary QSLs from the new ones at Curaçao PJ2T, Sint Maarten PJ7T, Bonaire PJ4I and Saba PJ6A.

Then he noticed no-one had filed the QSLs with the WIA Awards Manager. The WIA DX program follows the ARRL Rules for DXCC approved & deleted
entities and operations. David VK3EW subscribes to the WIA Australian DXCC.Finally the process was completed and once again he was proud to be at
the top of the Australian DXCC list. His DXCC standing is 348/340, which includes eight deleted DX entities. While all confirmed is on SSB, according to his
QRZ list he has five to go on CW. David VK3EW got into DX as a young ham, gaining the DXCC in late 1981 and in October 2005 received the first WIA 9 Band DXCC,
or 100 countries on all of 9 bands. Well done and the effort you made, which shows you are deserving of being on the top of the WIA Australian DXCC again.

RadioShack & The DIY Community

RadioShack, a retail supplier of parts for home constructors, wants to hear which parts or products the DIY community would like them to stock.

They say: Leave a comment on the site (link below) with the top three DIY-focused parts, pieces, or products that you would like to be able to find in a RadioShack store.
We'll compile the results and get to work bringing in the top products to help make your projects bigger and better. We wouldn't be here without great customers,
so we really appreciate you taking the time to comment.

http://blog.radioshack.com/post/2011/05/19/RadioShack-And-The-DIY-Community-You-Talked-Were-Listening.aspx

Japan scraps Morse test:

The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs has decided to scrap Morse telegraph testing for the Amateur Radio Class 1 and 2 licenses with effect from October 1, 2011.
A public consutation on the Morse test was held earlier in the year to which 39 people responded. Following the consultation the Ministry announced that
Morse telegraphy testing would be discontinued.
Japan pioneered the HF No-Code Amateur Radio license (Class 4) in the 1950's although they still required Morse for the higher license classes.
The written exam for the Class 4 is roughly equivalent to the Foundation exam in the United Kingdom and Australia and the discontinued USA Novice.

Read the Ministry of Internal Affairs announcement in Google English at http://tinyurl.com/3s4bljx

JARL Newsletter in Google English
http://tinyurl.com/43mxycc

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon
Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE SUNDAY 22th MAY 2011

2011-05-22T00:48:00.000-07:00

LOCAL NEWS:

Last Saturdays meat tray Michael ( VK2CCW ) was again on hand to draw ( hopefully a new winner ) out of the barrel. Michael reached in and picked a winning ticket. The name on the ticket this week was Gloria. Congratulations Gloria. Gloria picked Michael out 3 weeks ago.

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Well Gloria has advised the committee that she will not be at the club next Saturday so meat pies and sausage rolls will once again be the main menu.

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Bill Johnson who was VK2FWGJ has sat and passed his Standard Examination. His new callsign is VK2LPU. Well done Bill.

While speaking of the Johnson family has anyone of you managed to speak to Jeff? Jeff is walking from Byron Bay to Steep Point WA. Jeff is into day 8
and is currently at Brewarrina. Jeff can be reached daily on 7045 mhz at 5 30 pm.. Check out Jeff's progress on the web by looking at
www.jeffswalk2.com

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Next Saturday 28th May 2011 the club magazine will be assembled in the club library starting at 1 30 pm. Any help will be much appreciated.

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Oxley region Amateur Radio field day Will be Sat 11 and Sunday 12 at the Tacking Point Surflifesaving hall in Matthew Flinders Drive, PORT MACQUARIE.
Special event callsign VI4BOR. ALL WELCOME.

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WIA National Field Day – Future Directions

Many radio clubs and individuals have now contributed to the success of the WIA National Field Day under the banner of Tune-In To The World - Amateur Radio Gets People Talking.

You should be proud of the publicity generated by your efforts.

The WIA National Field Day has now promoted amateur radio to the general public twice in the last 6 months. Many people are now more aware of our activities and some have even started to study or enrolled in your Amateur Radio courses.

I would firstly like to thank the WIA National Field Day committee consisting of Paul VK5PH, Gerard VK5ZQV and Fred VK3DAC, for the effort in guiding the first two National Field Days.

Regretfully, Paul has tendered his resignation from the committee to further pursue his family, scouting and other ar interests. I wish him good luck for the future. My thanks is also extended to Jim VK3PC, Graham VK4BB and Robert
VK3DN for their work in publicising the event.

Some people have asked about the participation certificates and I am pleased to report that both the inaugural 2010 and certificates for the 2011 events are now being prepared.
I apologise for the delay in the production of these certificates.

The date for submitting the Logs, Reports and Photos of the 2011 event was last Friday the 13th of May and the work of reviewing your recent efforts has already commenced.

The results and some of the photos will be published in both AR and via wia.org.au

Looking forward, I invite clubs and individuals to consider the ongoing development of the WIA National Field Day including the event name and catch phrase or slogan. Some comments have been received with the reports submitted.

I now invite interested individuals and clubs to submit your ideas that may assist to determine the future direction of this important amateur radio publicity event. Your input is requested by the 30th of June. I would also be pleased to hear your ideas in Darwin at the WIA Annual Conference.

Thank you

Philip Adams - VK3JNI

WIA

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The Future of RES.

Some of you may not be aware that the Radio and Electronics School could of closed. Someone had hacked or reworded a email that Ron Bertram had written.
This is a copy of an email from Ron which was passed onto me.

Greetings All

I have spoken with Ron and he tells me that although some smart alec has modified the wording of his original eamail ( you can see where the email diverges from classic spelling in this corrupted version sent out by Peter which is not Ron's style since he is skilled in the use of language and its spelling))

However Ron has told me that the email, despite the clumsy attempts to rewrite it, does still validly present the core arguments of his concerns.

Ron and his team are an important asset for amateur radio in Queensland as well as nationally and he has asked for the support of the amateur community

Ken Fuller VK4KF

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What the WIA had to say.

Date : 18 / 05 / 2011
Author : Michael Owen - VK3KI

The WIA makes the following statement for itself and for Ron Bertrand on behalf of the Radio and Electronics School.

The WIA continues to highly value the Radio and Electronics School as an extremely valuable contributor to the future of amateur radio in Australia. It is pleased to say that as a result of recent discussions the School is assured of the WIA’s continuing recognition of its role, and Ron assures everyone that the he has every intention that the school will continue to operate.

The WIA’s position is quite clear and is irrespective of any maliciously doctored version of an email from Ron that may have been circulated.

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Milestone for International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend

The 200th entry has been received from Jason Schlencker VK4FJGS, who will be at the Sea Hill Point Lighthouse on the tip of Curtis Island in Central Queenland.

Also adding excitement are some new countries. The latest being Absheron Lighthouse in Azerbaijan under the callsign 4J0LH.

Usually there are about 50 countries and last year we had a record 447 entries. The basic objective is to promote awareness of lighthouses and lightships, their need for preservation, promotion of amateur radio and International goodwill.

Germany has 34 registrations so far this year, just ahead of the USA and Australia on 28 each, followed by England, Netherlands and Sweden.

There are many more accessible and yet to be activated lighthouses around the world.

The 48-hour fun event is always held on the 3rd full weekend in August, which this year means August the 20th and 21st. Check out the details on the website ILLW.NET

Jim Linton VK3PC

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New radio listening guides for Asia-Pacific available

Latest versions of the PAL Radio Guides covering all AM [mediumwave] and SW [shortwave] radio stations across the Asia and Pacific region are now available from www.radioheritage.com. These include updates for 2011 with lots of new information in the mediumwave [AM] version.

These radio listener guides list all known AM and SW radio stations operating in the region - with detailed station data such as operating times, languages, location, and much more - across many thousands of individual stations.

Information in the new Pacific Asian Log Radio Guides is great for travellers, travel agents, corporates and others who need to keep clients and staff informed. Radio saves lives in emergencies [think earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand, floods in Australia] and these guides list the stations you need to know about across the region.

The PAL Radio Guides are compiled in Seattle [USA] by editor-in-chief Bruce Portzer from monitoring reports, official sources and feedback from listeners across the region.

Search the two guides online now by options such as location and frequency or download copies for your own personal use from www.radioheritage.net. Access is free for non-commercial use.

You can also search the other frequently updated online guides to Australian narrowcast AM radio [Australia 1611-1701 AM] and the New Zealand Low Power FM Radio Dial [NZLPFM Radio].
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WORLD NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB:

The Dreaded Broadband over Powerlines debate from the UK.

Text of Parliament PLT debate released

The official record of Wednesday's debate in the UK Parliament on the polluting Powerline Technology (PLT) has been released.

In the debate Mark Prisk MP, Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) demonstrated a lack of understanding about the serious radio interference problems caused by PLT. His response was riddled with errors and parts of it could have been scripted by Ofcom.Read the Hansard record of the PLT debate http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110518/debtext/110518-0004.htm#11051896000002

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Have you wondered what our fellows Amateur radio operators are doing in INDIA?
Well check this out.
AMSAT INDIA May 2011 Newsletter available

The May 2011 issue of the AMSAT-INDIA newsletter is now available for free download.

Topics in this month's edition include:

- HAMSAT (VO-52) Completes Six years in orbit.

- Update- Meeting with distinguished guests from ISRO at AMSAT INDIA ground station.

- Update on the CubeSat Communication system project by AMSAT INDIA.

- High Intercept Low Noise Amplifier with GaAs pHEMT MMIC By: Goran Popovic AD6IW

- News from AMSAT organizations around the world

Download the newsletter from
http://amsatindia.org/Newsletter/AMSATINDIA-News-May_2011.pdf

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Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

...................................................................................................................................

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon
Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of biscuits.

Presidents report 2010/2011

2011-05-08T19:10:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the AGM for 2011. Thank you for taking the time to attend this most important meeting of the year.
We are here to on one hand elect your committee and executive for the coming 12 month and on the other to receive reports on the financial viability of your club going forward.
I feel it is incumbent on ALL members to make themselves aware of what is going on around and within this great club.
Westlakes remains one of the largest clubs in the land. Westlakes has had enormous membership numbers for many years now and continues to go from strength to strength.
This is in no small way due to several hard working people within and on the periphery of your current committee.
The first one due a mention is Greg Smith, VK2CW who in the role as Treasurer has shown exemplary dedication to the role. Greg stepped into the breach after long time Treasurer Les Payne stood aside and has performed as I said in an exemplary fashion. The books have never looked better and that in itself is no mean feat.
Thank you Greg.
Jenny, XYL of Dave VK2RD was instrumental in the Club being awarded a grant from the government for some much needed equipment. Westlakes was awarded a sum of $5000 for this equipment. With this money the Club has purchased a projector for presentations, Kitchen whitegoods, Photocopier, concrete for covered area out the back of the clubhouse and several other projects.
Thank you Diane for the work you put in there.
Barry VK2BXD was thrown in the deep end when he took on the role of Secretary and has performed admirably in that endeavour.
Thank you Barry,
As always, Gloria continues to run the canteen in her own way. The meals have never been cheaper and talk about being sumptuous. There is however an ongoing problem with the canteen or more specifically the drinks fridge. Theft seems to be an issue. For those taking drinks and ice creams without paying, STOP IT, you are only robbing your mates. Or maybe they aren’t your mates after all. Gloria has the money down to the cent that goes missing in drinks etc. This has led to a decision by your committee to put padlocks on the fridge so that self service will be a thing of the past. This was a step the committee did not want to take but with up to $15 worth of stuff missing out of the fridge of a weekend, it has gone too far.
There are others with too many attributes to list here. If I did we would still be here in a weeks’ time and I am sure you don’t want that. So I will suffice by saying thank you to all those that have been instrumental in the successful running of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club over the past year.
I wish to apologise for not being in attendance at the club for extended periods of time. As most of you know I have started a business of my own and am still employed full time. As you no doubt understand, time is of an essence for me. I attend when I can. I have faith in the committee to be able to do the job without my full time input and they have proven me correct this year.
There is however a pressing matter. I want you all to have a look around the meeting at your committee members. The majority of them are getting on in age and have been involved with the committee for many years. I myself have had almost 10 years as President over a couple of stints. The point I am trying to make here is that we are desperately in need of new blood on the committee. I don’t mean we need to go out and recruit a heap of young people, although that in itself is not a bad plan, I mean you the member need to stand up and have more of a say in the running of this great club. There are an inordinate number of members who frequent the club who do nothing in return for the benefits this club offers them. It is ok to just want to show up and have a chat over a cuppa and get a cheap feed but you cannot rely on the current committee members being around for ever. So I implore you to have a think about ways you can help out. Get yourself on the committee and have a go at shaping the future of the club because without new committee members surely die this club will (thanks to Yoda).
We have a radio shack comparable to any other in clubs in Australia and it sits idle. Let’s get it up and active. I know the antennae have been out of action due to some tom foolery that went on a while back but we can’t let that stop us altogether. Let’s get involved in some contests; you don’t have to be here all weekend or all night for that matter. A couple of hours each would make any contest a success.
Ok... enough of my whinging, the club has had a fantastic year and I whole heartedly wish that it continues in that fashion.
Thank you to all the members that have given me the opportunity to lead Westlakes Amateur Radio Club.
Geoff Clark VK2EO
President

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE SUNDAY 8TH MAY 2011

2011-05-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the club had its AGM and thanks to those club members that attended.

The following positions were filled as per the club magazine.

President Geoff Clark VK2EO

Vice President Steve Beveridge VK2LW

Secretary Barrie Downward VK2BXD

Treasurer Greg Smith VK2CW

Committee Barry Sullivan VK2BZ

Dave Myers VK2RD

Diane Wilson VK2FDNE

Fred Mirande VK2FEDC

Leonie McGuiness VK2FHRK

Michael Clark VK2OI

Congratulations to everyone elected.

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The meat tray was drawn by VK2PKT and won by VK2CCW. Congratulations.

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For those members who are not already aware Peter ( VK2YPW's ) ex wife passed away. She lost her battle with cancer.

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Lighthousew Weekend. There is 1 double bed left for anyone who requires it. The cost is $50.00 per person.
Contact Diane on 0429845111.

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WORLD NEWS

Time ticking for ILLW

With three months to go 29, including Lebanon for the first ever time, are the countries recorded so far for the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.

Right there at the beginning in 1998 was Germany, growing in the fun event to 60 last year just pipping Australia at the post, followed by the USA and England.

The late Mike Dalrymple GM4SUC supported it until his death in 2005. His ashes have been since spread near the Turnberry Lighthouse. The Ayr Radio Group has continued its ties with the annual event.

More than half of the registrations are to be made. Arch rivals Germany and Australia are on 30 each. Many or rarely activated lighthouses are still available.

Check out the website illw.net for the rules and an on-line facility to register a lighthouse or lightship for the weekend of 20th and 21st of August.

Jim Linton VK3PC.

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Yesterday evening (03/05), Mark (M0MJH) emailed 3 stations in VK7 (Tasmania) that had been worked by GS3PYE/P with a view to setting up a sked on 20m longpath this morning (04/05) somewhere between 0600 and 0730UTC using his QRP HF backpack setup. A few hours later he had received emails back from VK7ZE (Laurie), VK7AC (Norman) and VK7XX (John) who all agreed that they would do their best to be on the air to call Mark. The time and the frequency of 14.342.5 was set.
Mark managed to drag himself out of bed at 0530UTC (0630 local time) this morning, grab his backpack, head out of the house and wander down the driveway away from the house so not to wake those still sleeping. He started calling CQ VK longpath on the agreed frequency for 5-10 minutes with no response and then heard John VK7XX saying that there was a lot of QRM from a station on a nearby frequency and to move up. The frequency was changed to 14.347 and Mark started calling again, this time he was greeted by an S8 signal from John and was informed that he was being received at 5 and 5 in VK7. John asked Mark to stand by for a minute whilst he called Laurie and Norman on 2m. A couple of minutes later Laurie VK7ZE appeared with an even stronger signal (S9) and told Mark that he was S7 at his QTH. Mark chatted with both stations for around 10 minutes with solid copy on all sides of the QSO before Laurie and John had to go QRT. Thanks were passed between all stations and they parted company.
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'CQ EGYPT' Amateur Radio Magazine

The Egyptian Radio Amateurs Society (ERASD). One of the foremost goals is providing educational programs and materials to promote amateur radio and develop the scientific and technical skills of the Egyptian and Arab youth.

In this context, ERASD is currently issued an online magazine focused on simplifying science and technology to youth in general, and more particularly in areas related to amateur radio and satellite.

The Magazine articles will be mix English and Arabic

'CQ EGYPT' Amateur Radio Magazine.
The May issue is NOW on-line at this link
http://erasd.net/CQSUAMATEURRADIOMAGAZIN.aspx

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Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon
Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection of
biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE 3rd MAY 2011.

2011-04-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

LOCAL NEWS:

The club was open for business yesterday after the Easter break and the rain managed to hold off. Gloria was on hand in the canteen to feed the many members that were there.

Now while talking about Gloria, it was time to meat tray to be won and Ted VK2UI was there to pick out of the barrell a winner. After 3 attempts a ticket
was selected. The winning ticket was Gloria. You may be wondering how come there were 3 draws? Ted mananged to pick two tickets out twice instead of one ticket. Congratulations Gloria.

A second prize was then bought forward, freshly cooked buns from the bakery. Two winners were selected from the barrel, 1st packet of buns went to VK2FCWC and the second pack went to Vk2 ZVF. Congratulations.

Foundation Licence Course. A Foundation Licence course will be held at the club on the weekend of the 14 and 15th May commencing at 0845. On Saturday the day will finish about 1600 and on Sunday around 1400 or when examinations are marked. However, this course is full so for any budding amateur operators another course will be organised in due course. Anyone wishing to attend the next course or know of anyone wishing to do there Foundation licence please contact Michael VK2OI or contact the club and will will pass on your details.

The store was open for business with many specials on offer. Listen here next week for up and coming bargains.

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WORLD NEWS

International Marconi Day (IMD) is a 24-hour amateur radio event held annually to celebrate the birth of Guglielmo Marconi on the 25th April 1874.
The IMD event is not a contest: it is an opportunity for amateurs around the world to make point-to-point contact with historic Marconi sites and gain an attractive Award for achieving the requisite number of Marconi stations worked. Did anyone take part in this?

Now for something very interesting.

Fighting fire.. with electricity

Harvard researchers are looking to replace the fireman's hose with a hand-held wand that shoots beams of electricity.

The idea that electricity can control a fire first came about 200 years ago. It was observed that electricity could twist, bend and even kill a flame.

Scientists believe electric currents make particles of soot within a flame move, which produces a flow of gas that weakens the flame and can cause it to die out. But in previous studies, chemists used direct current instead of
alternating current to generate electric fields.

Now Harvard researchers have created an electric wand that puts these ideas to the test, but utilizes AC voltage instead.

The wand was connected to a 600-watt power source, and when shot at flames as high as 18 inches tall, the electric field produced a flow of charged particles that put the fire out completely, and almost instantly.

While the research is still in its early stages, it's noted that this technology has already shown greater benefit over water because it causes less damage to people's property.
In addition, the wand allows fire-fighters to work from safer distances, and can even manipulate the flame to bend so
they can enter burning buildings.

Danny’s Digital Packet

UK Radio Amateur Danny Knaggs, 2E0DPK, has developed a new free, open source protocol called 'DDP' that provides a modern alternative to the existing packet radio protocol.

DDP interfaces with fldigi to provide the backend. Packets are sent and received in plain text so they can be seen by eye (on the waterfall, console, etc) and also for ease of use and implementation.

Article on DDP by Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
http://www.arrl.org/news/surfin-moving-packets-with-ddp

You can download Danny's Digital Packet from
http://code.google.com/p/ddp/

Danny's Digital Voice
http://code.google.com/p/ddv/

......................................................................................................................................

Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 24TH APRIL 2011

2011-04-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Good Morning and wecome to this week's local news broadcast. This is VK2ATZ, The callsign of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Easter break.

There was no meat raffle on Saturday even though there were a couple of people there. The club will be re open for business next Saturday 30th April.

Did anyone manage to make contact with Greg VK2CW in Nundle? Richard Vk2FRKO/Portable managed to on Friday afternoon.

On ANZAC Day afternoon from around 1230 the Port Stephens A.R.C. will be working portable from Fort Scratchley. Bands been used will be 40 and 20 meters, 2 meters and 70 cm. Visitors are welcome.

What activities would you like to see at the club? Is it antenna building or do you need help building baluns. Don't be shy, come forward and I am sure someone will help you.

World News - Amateur Radio suffers setback in surveillance robot battle

A robot used to covertly transmit live video during military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by local and state firefighters and police, ending a legal battle between amateur radio operators and law enforcement over the device. Called the Recon Scout Throwbot, the robot transmits over the 430-448 MHz portion of the 420-450 MHz frequency band, which is primarily used by the federal radiolocation service. The spectrum is also utilized by amateur radio enthusiasts. The latter group, spearheaded by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), opposed a waiver request filed with the FCC by Recon Scout maker ReconRobotics Inc. to use the band.The ARRL argued that ReconRobotics’ claims that the device would be useful in public safety and anti-terrorism operations didn’t prove that a waiver to use the frequency bands was in the public interest. The FCC admitted, in its order approving the waiver, that while some interference in the frequency bands may occur, it isn’t a reason to prohibit the use of the Recon Scout. The FCC approval does come with some limitations, however. The robot can only be used by state and local police and firefighters on the specific band. Operators must also first use the Recon Scout on 436-442 MHz bands. If those frequencies are inaccessible, then the 430-436 MHz and 442-448 MHz bands — where interference is more likely — can be accessed.In a subsequent Order on Reconsideration released April 15, the FCC granted the ARRL’s request for changes in the labeling and instruction manual requirements to ensure that users of the Recon Scout are aware of the interference limitations. Use of the device is also limited to emergencies involving threats to the safety of life and training purposes. In addition, the Recon Scout is restricted from use near various radar installations and Air Force bases, and the amount of units that can be sold is limited to 2,000 the first year and 8,000 the second year. After that period of time, future sales will be re-evaluated, according to the FCC.

LYRID METEOR SHOWER: Earth is entering a stream of debris from Comet Thatcher, source of the annual Lyrid meteor shower. Forecasters expect the shower to peak on Friday morning, April 22nd, with as many as 20 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, bright moonlight will interfere with the display.

Well that's all the news I have this week.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection ofbiscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 10th April 2011

2011-04-11T01:57:00.000-07:00

.

Good Morning and wecome to this week's local news broadcast. This is VK2ATZ, The callsign of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. ..................................................

Now for the result of the meat tray raffle yesterday. A total of 80 something tickets were in the barrel and the winning ticket was drawn
by last week's winner, VK2VON - Mal. And the winner was Steve VK2LW. Thanks everyone for supporting your club.
..........................................................................

Local News-

Nominations closed on yesterday for the club executive and committee positions for the 2011/12 year.
Those who have been nominated and who have agreed to stand are:
President Geoff Clark VK2EO
Vice President Steve Beveridge VK2LW
Secretary Barrie Downward VK2BXD
Treasurer Greg Smith VK2CW
Committee Barry Sullivan VK2BZ
Dave Myers VK2RD
Diane Worley VK2FDNE
Fred Mirande VK2FEDC

Leonie McGuiness VK2FHRK
Michael Clarke VK2OI
These being the required number of nominations, the conducting of a ballot at the Annual General Meeting
on 7 May 2011 will not be necessary.”
......................................
There will be a working B on Monday commencing at 0900. What's happening? The rigger is meeting Barry ( VK2BZ ) to look at replacing the guywires on the 160 mast and to give us a cost for carrying out the work. Also to remove nylon cord that is around the log periodic yagi. But wait theres more: Also mowing of the club grounds will be done. We need volunteers, don't leave it up to the same crew. Bring your aeroguard as the mozzies are very thirsty.
....................................

Have you checked out whats on special at the club store? Are you building or thought about building a power supply? Then you will need meters to see whats going on. We have MU 45 panel meters scaled 0 - 30 Volts and 0 - 20 Amps. Two for the bargain price of $20.00. Thats a saving of $10.00. The normal cost of theses are $29.95 for the pair. Dimensions 45mm X 37.5mm complete with mounting hardware. If you need help with your supply contact Ali in the store and he will build you one.
......................................

Overseas News -

New Costs for Amateur Radio Operators: This correct as of the 3rd April 2011

Foundation (Pack) - Theory/Regulations and Practical $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Foundation - Theory/Regulations only $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Practical Assessment - taken alone $65.00 Under 18 $35.00
Standard and Advanced Regulations $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Standard and Advanced Theory $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Emergency Communications Training – Level 1 and 2 T.B.A.
Level One - Next, any available Callsign. $5.00
Level Two - Selected two, three or four letter Callsign,
except two letter Callsign in Vic, NSW & Qld. $20.00
Level Three - two letter Callsign Vic, NSW & Qld. $48.00
Level Four - Special event callsign $25.00
- Application for Recognition of Prior Learning $100.00
- Replacement certificate of proficiency $10.00
Application for a new apparatus licence(s). $66.00
Application to vary an existing apparatus licence(s). $41.00

Student members were defined as full time students under 25, and they will be charged a special fee of $35 a year. 5 year memberships will not be available to student members. While the other changes come into effect on 1 June 2011, this change comes into effect immediately.

New WIA Membership Fees

Full Membership

1 Year - Current Fee $75.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $80.00

5 Year - Current Fee $356.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $380.00

Overseas Member

1 Year - Current Fee $85.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $90.00

5 Year - Current Fee $403.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $427.00

Concessional Membership

1 Year - Current Fee $70.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $70.00

5 Year - Current Fee $332.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $332.00

Student Membership

1 Year - Current Fee $70.00 - New fee from 9 April 2011 $35.00

Family Membership

1 Year - Current Fee $30.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $30.00

A Family Member is a second or further person living at the same address as a Member or Concession Member receiving AR (the Primary Member). A Family Membership must be linked to a particular Primary Member at the same address. A Family Member does not receive AR. The Board decided that those increases would only apply to subscriptions paid on and after 1 June 2011.

This means that if a member wishes to pay a subscription before it becomes due (even a 5 year subscription) so long as it is paid before 1 June 2011 the WIA will accept the subscription at the lower and now current rate.

..............................
Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ.

...................................

Got something that you want in next weeks broadcast? Email Richard at vk2frko@tpg.com.au
.................................

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 3 April 2011

2011-04-02T14:17:00.001-07:00

Good Morning and wecome to this week's local news broadcast. This is VK2ATZ, The callsign of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader this morning is Greg VK2CW. There may be a simulcast being transmitted this
morning on 3.565 MHz courtesy of Warren VK2UWP Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news.Then at 9.30am is a relay
of the Australia-wide amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
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Whacko, yippee and hooray, the club's books are back from the auditor. I can report that the Treasurer (me) has not been arrested,
and We have a clean bill of health - in fact the auditor said, "I have never seen more accurate or neater set of records." Well he said
somethinglike that. The accounts will be presented to members at the Annual General Meeting which is on 7th MAY.
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Overseas News. The World’s first shower-powered radio has been launched.The team behind the award winning Wind-Up Radio, using new
micro turbine technology, has officially launched the world’s first water-powered radio. The H2O™ brand and its earlier product range
has also previously showcased on the hit BBC TV programme Dragon’s Den.The H2O™ Shower Powered Radio provides users with a convenient,
and energy-efficient, means of listening to their favourite radio stations whilst in the shower. Using a patented micro turbine concept,
the FM radio is powered solely through the motion of water flowing through a small H2O™ micro turbine; driving a generator that creates
energy to power the radio. The radio dispels the need for disposable batteries, as the integral battery recharges as the shower runs.
Turning on automatically when the shower is used, the H2O™ Shower Powered Radio memorises the last chosen radio station and speaker
volume. The radio even allows users to carry on listening after the shower is turned off; using any excess energy stored in an integral
Ni-Mh rechargeable cell.
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Did you see "The pink dot tree" in the club grounds yesterday? It is still there. The pink dot on the tree follows a request to
Lake Macquarie City Council to lop the giant gum because of concerns that a branch may fall and injure someone. After all it's their
tree and their land. At the meeting yesterday, Council's reply was read and I quote," the tree in question has been scheduled for
attention by 11 November 2011." I can't think of anything funny to say.
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Back overseas.City imposes SmartMeter installation moratorium. The City of Clearlake in California has imposed an immediate moratorium
on the installation of SmartMeters. Among the many findings cited in the City Council's statement on the moratorium, is one which will
be of particular interest to the amateur radio community. It reads: "There is now evidence showing that problems with Smart Meters
could adversely impact the amateur radio communication network that operates throughout California and neighboring states, as well as
other radio emergency communication systems that serve first responders, government agencies, and the public."
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A new member - VK2CCW and with a callsign like that, I was tempted to pay his joining fee. Welcome aboard Michael Welsh VK2CCW who hails
from - wait for it - HALEKULANI on the Central Coast. Michael was admitted to membership of Westlakes at yesterday's monthly meeting.
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Back overseas - are you giddy yet? A new 3-D printing method advances electrically small antenna design. Science Daily reported on a new
technique to produce compact antennas that are a twelfth of a wavelength or less. The report says:"Recent attention has been directed
toward producing antennas by screen-printing, inkjet printing, and liquid metal-filled microfluidics in simple motifs, such as dipoles
and loops," explained Jennifer T. Bernhard, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Illinois."However, these fabrication
techniques are limited in both spatial resolution and dimensionality, yielding planar antennas that occupy a large area relative to the
achieved performance.""Omnidirectional printing of metallic nanoparticle inks offers an attractive alternative for meeting the demanding
form factors of 3D electrically small antennas," stated Jennifer A. Lewis, the Hans Thurnauer Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
and director of the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory at Illinois."To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of 3D
printed antennas on curvilinear surfaces," Lewis stated. So there it is - get hold of some metal ink and print your own Yagi.
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It was another unusual result in the meat tray raffle yesterday. A total of 79 tickets were in the barrel and the winning ticket was drawn
by last week's winner, Mal VK2VON. How unusual? Mal drew from the barrel his own ticket. That's two in a row for Mal.
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More of yesterday at Westlakes. Allan VK2JED presented to the meeting the 2010 Remembrance Day Certificate awarding 2nd place in the HF
multi-operator phone section to VK2ATZ. The club scored 391 points and was beaten only by the the Hunter Radio Group station VK2AWX.
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More drama from the drinks fridge in the club's common room. Our canteen "hostess", Gloria, gave her canteen report at yesterday's meeting
at Westlakes. To put it bluntly, the money has been short! Please, please pay for you takings of ice-blocks and cans, they are only $1 -
beat that price anywhere! The meeting canvassed many options - a lock on the fridge, secret keys to the drinks, you name it.
A suggestion from Gloria was that we put a donation box on the table for the free "afternoon tea" after our monthly meetings. It had it's
first trial 10 minutes after the meeting adjourned - guess how much was in there?.............. $38 good Heavens!
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And finally - perhaps finally for a while, many will know that I have been preparing the Westlakes Sunday News for some time and I am taking
a break. I announced at the meeting yesterday, that today's script will be my final effort and asked for a volunteer to take over. It seems
that No one is prepared to step forward and do the job - a sorry situation. So there will be no 7pm re-run tonight and I supect no more
Sunday News from Westlakes. May I thank those who have offered to help read and relay these broadcasts.
Also thanks to the regulars who call back every week, even when they may have not been listening. Perhaps no Sunday news for a few weeks
will attract a volunteer script writer. If someone does step forward, I will give all the help I can. So sadly, it's over and out from me
on the Sunday News from Westlakes.
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Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 27 March 2011

2011-03-27T00:13:00.001-07:00

This is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader this morning is Barrie VK2BXD. There
wil not be a simulcast being transmitted this morning on 3.565 MHz but the HF relay by courtesy of Warren VK2UWP
should go to air this evening. Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm tonight.
Westlakes local news can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
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The first item today is about "Anderrson House".WIA members and friends are invited to attend the formal opening of the WIA
premises at Unit 20, 11-13 Havelock Road, Bayswater, Victoria at 4:00pm Saturday, April 2nd. The premises will be named "Andersson House"
in honour of Henry Andersson VK8HA. Henry was an Honorary Life Member of the WIA, who passed away in October 2004. He left his property
at Humpty Doo, near Darwin, to the WIA. That generous bequest provided much of the funds needed to enable the purchase. Light refreshments
will be served between 4:00pm and 6:00pm, and a memorial plaque will be unveiled at a ceremony commencing at 4:30pm.
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And while on matters about the WIA, Westlakes has ordered a copy of the double-disc Centenary DVD. The boxed set includes footage
from the Centenary Dinner, historic presentations, and the trip to Dick Smith's property. There will be a showing od the DVD's in the
Westlakes Library on a Saturday afternoon to be named. It will give the club's new DVD projector another run. After the viewing the
DVD set will be placed in the library for members to borrow.
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Did you see "The pink dot tree" in the club grounds yesterday? This follows a request to Lake Macquarie City Council to lop
the giant gum because of concerns that a branch may fall and injure someone - or even worse, damage an antenna. Coucil has advised
that the tree has been marked with a pink dot and has been scheduled for for a trim. We must thank Geoff VK2GL for bringing the matter
to the council's attention.
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Was it lights out for Earth Hour at at your place last night? From its debut in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has become a global movement,
embracing 128 countries and territories in 2010. It all happened (or didn't happen) at 8.30 pm last night.
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Several members of the Westlakes theory class tried their arm at amateur examinations at Booral last weekend. Some results are trickling
in. Passing were Joe VK2FJOE, Bill VK2FWGJ, and Shaun who already has a Foundation call but we can't remember it. Perhaps someone can
tell of Shaun's call on callbacks and it will be included in tonight's news.
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The ACMA has announced that an increasing numbers of Australians are choosing to do away with their fixed-line phone altogether,
with an estimated 14 per cent of Australians without a fixed-line phone at home at June 2010, an increase of 40 per cent since June 2009.
Increasing functionality of mobile phones and continued handset innovations, including the emergence of the smartphone, tablets
and internet-enabled mobile devices, is underpinning the importance of mobile technology to the lifestyles of many Australians,’
say the ACMA. Young adults (aged 18–24) are leading the trend away from the fixed-line phone, with one in three now choosing not to
connect a fixed-line phone when they move out of the parental home. This figure has risen by 33 per cent in the past 12 months, with
the highest incidence occurring among young adults living alone or in share households
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And while on phones, Optus will add a new satellite, Optus 10, to it's fleet making it the largest in the company's and Australia's
history. Optus 10 will be delivered in 2013 and built in Palo Alto, California. Optus provides satellite services to Australia and
NZ government departments. It launched the first of Australia's satellite fleet 25 years ago. So now you know why the number of
fixed line phones is diminishing.
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The April edition of Westlakes Monthly Magazine is in the mail following a stapling and enveloping session in the club library
yesterday. The should arrive Monday. The electric version in full colour should be sent to those who choose email on Monday as well.
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And some stunning statistics about the awesome power of this earthquake. According to the BBC, experts they interviewed say that the
massive shaker may have shifted Japan's main coastline by up to 13 feet to the east. This is based on the country's network of 1,200
GPS monitoring stations. Also, the quake may have knocked the planet off its axis by about 6.5 inches. This will cause the Earth to
rotate a tiny bit faster and thereby shortening the day by about 1.8 millionths of a second.
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And finally, the meat tray result for yesterday. A total of 64 tickets were in the barrel and the winning ticket was drawn by Herb VK2ZVF.
When the ticket was unscrunched, it Said VK2VON. Lucky Mal.
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Well that's all the news I have this week. And a word of warning, our repeater is not well, so up the power for callbacks - it is not
the morning for QRP. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 20 March 2011

2011-03-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Good Morning and wecome to this week's local news broadcast . This is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. There
may be a simulcast being transmitted today on 3.565 MHz and if you can hear it, the relay by courtesy of Warren VK2UWP.
Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news
can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the Australia-wide
amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
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A reduced crowd attended WEstlakes yesterday. Numbers were down probably because of the John Moyle Field Day taking place this
this weekend. The meat tray draw was was won by Herb VK2ZVF - a first time time winner. There were second and third prizes, two
bags of buns which were won by Brian VK2FG and Geoff VK2GW.
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Next Tuesday at 9am the club grounds are going to be mowed - weather permitting. All help would be appreciated. So if are looking
for a couple of hours of fun, turn up and lend a hand. Mowers, snippers and petrol are all provided. If the weather is doubtful,
There will be a mower meeting on Westlakes repeater 6775 at 8am. So that's 8am next Tuesday on this repeater for a "go or no go" and a
9am start for the lawn mowing.
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It was announced this week that Microsoft's IE9 browser is now live and ready for use. The release comes as Microsoft's browser
market share is being whittled down by a growing roster of rivals.Competition is also coming from non-browser traffic generated
by mobile phones and tablets. Microsoft said one key feature in IE9 was tools to stop people being tracked as they move from site
to site. Estimates from web analysis firm Net Applications suggest that Internet explorer has about a 56% share of the global market.
The same study suggests Firefox has about 22%, Chrome 11% and Safari 6%. IE9 does not run on Windows XP and can only be used with
Windows 7 and Vista.
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Next Saturday afternoon in the club library, that's 26th March, will be the assembly and enveloping of the April magazine. All help
would be appreciated. It all starts around midday.
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The club shack had a brief activation yesterday in the form of Derek VK2MLA who was heard rattling along in CW to a VK3 station who
was calling CQ in the John Moyle Field Day. Well done Derek. And speaking of the John Moyle, The Hunter Radio Group contest team are
operating VK2AWX portable at Booral for this weekend's Contest. They should be on air this morning. And speaking of Booral, several
members of Westlakes current radio theory class are attending Booral for examinations this weekend. We wish them well.
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Radio Amateurs assist in earthquake relief. The JARL (Japan Amateur Radio League) website reports that the Ministry of Internal Affairs
and Communications Director Infrastructure, Emergency traffic center has asked for assistance from JARL members in the affected area.
It is understood that communications in the disaster area are being hampered by a lack of electricity. Ham radio operator JA1DOT in Japan
was able to make contact with a US operator WB2REM hours after horrible 8.9m quake. HAM radio always works!JARL has requested to keep
clear the frequency 7.030 MHz as it is used for emergency traffic related to the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

ICOM, Kenwood, and Yaesu, have issued statements how the natural disaster has affected their operations. Yaesu had reported that one of
their factories in Fukushima was damaged and will be closed for one to two weeks.No one from ICOM is known to be injured. No damage has
been reported at ICOM’s headquarters in Osaka, or at either of their two main factories in Wakayama.
Most of ICOM’s facilities and systems are ready to get back to normal business.
Kenwood says that Power outages and interruptions to transport have kept most staff at home since the earthquake and operations will
will fully resume in a week. Since Kenwood’s primary manufacturing facilities are in Malaysia, electronics production is unaffected.
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The 14th annual Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will be held as a fun event in the weekend of 20-21 August. Westlakes will once again
activate VK2ATZ at the lighthouse at Norah Head. Already 135 registrations have been received and it is on track to nudge last year's
total of 447. For some obscure reason, Germany and Australia traditionally account for most entries.
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And finally, there are two items for sale. First Up for auction is one space shuttle, designated "Discovery". Shuttle is used, but
only travelled 148 million miles. Fresh paint with minor scuffs and dings. Fully restored interior featuring six 80 watt stereo amplifiers
and more than 61 speakers total.Height 184.2 ft, Diameter 28.5 ft, weight 2,000 tons. Winning Bidder must meet certain requirements including
the ability to pay $40 million in shipping and handling charges. Apply to NASA with your offer.

The second item is more practical. Is there anyone listening who would like a 2-section triangular tower? It extends to 10 metres and
the best thing is the price....free. It is also delivered to your QTH free. There is only one condition, you have to use it - in other words,
no on-selling. Telephone Kingsley on 6558 1979. Again, telephone Kingsley on 6558 1979.
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Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 6 March 2011

2011-03-05T20:39:00.001-08:00

Good Morning and wecome to another local news broadcast for 2011. This is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader this morning is Leonie VK2FHRK. There is a fair chance
that an HF simulcast being transmitted today on 3.565 MHz and if you can hear it,the relay by courtesy of Warren VK2UWP. Callbacks
follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm this evening when the reader will be Brian VK2FG.
Westlakes local news can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
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And speaking of the WIA, it has just been announced that the Secretary, Geoff Atkinson VK3TL, has resigned.Geoff Atkinson has been
WIA secretary since February 2008 and only accepted the position on a temporay basis following the death of the previous incumbent.
The new Secretary is Sarah Thompson VK3AUD, recently retired from Telstra. In 1977 sarah spent a year with the Antarctic Division
as a Radio Officer at Macquarie Island. She is currently Secretary of the Moorabbin and District Radio Club, and among her many
interests she is a certified Marriage Celebrant, a member of the RSL, holds a current St Johns Senior First Aid certificate and,
wait for it, holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo. Obviously Sarah VK3AUD is obviously a person not to argue with.
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Westlakes March Magazines are in the mail after the assembly and post out working bee in the club library yesterday. The electric version
in colour, should also be on its way via the mysteries of the Internet.
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Any member chasing a Westlakes club badge, Please listen carefully. There are now new arrangements - quicker and slicker, staight from
the manufacturer to you. If you want a club badge, write to RT Signs, PO Box 119, Stockton 2295. Ask for a blue and white Westlakes ARC
badge. Give you callsign and your first name that you wish to be on the badge plus your postal address.Include $10.30 and your new badge
will appear in your letter box in a few days. It is that easy. The $10.30 charge covers the badge, GST and postage back to you. A message
detailing this information has been placed on the noticeboard in the club's common room.
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It's getter close - Jeff's Walk Number Two. Jeff Johnson VK4XJJ, with the Gympie Radio Club supporting, is getting set to walk across
Australia from Cape Byron to Steep Point operating his FT817. He steps off 24th April and is expected to last 162 days. The crossing
is approximately 5,000 kms. Geoff will transmit on 7045Khz each evening at 1730 AEST. 20m and 80m will also be used on some sections.
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Every year at the Wyong and at Westlakes Field Days there is a lucky draw for those members who front at the club's desk wearing a
blue and white Westlakes club badge. This bit of fun has been running for over 10 years and there were 24 badges registered last Sunday
at Wyong. The winner was David VK2UDW who will receive his prize when he next attends the club.
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The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) has announced that amateurs assisting in communications in the aftermath
of the 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch are using 2 metres only. No HF frequencies are being used. Amateurs and shortwave listeners
around the world have been contacting the NZART enquiring what HF frequencies are being used.
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>From the ARRL comes the unfortunate news that four Americans including three amateur radio operators who were being held hostage on
their yacht by pirates off the coast of Oman have been killed. Scott Adam, K9ESO and his wife Jean, KF6RVB, along Bob Riggle, KE7IIV
and Phylis Macay were on board the vessel "Quest" when Somali pirates boarded their vessel last week.
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Statistics from Wyong. It eas a busy day the combined VK2QSL/Westlakes stand at the Field Day last Sunday. 147 amateurs picked up
approximately 4,000 QSL cards while 18 Westlakes members paid their 2011/12 fees.

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority has been involved in trials of 3D TV and will continue to authorise further 3D tests
using unassigned digital television channels in a limited number of locations until the end of 2011. ACMA considers it important that
when purchasing 3D TV receivers, consumers understand the current generation of 3D receivers might be not be compatible with future
transmission methods.
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The weekly meat tray raffle. As there was no club broadcast last Sunday, there are two results to announce. A week ago, the winner was
Ted VK2UI and it was Ted who drew yesterday's winner who was Barry VK2BZ.

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Solar panels. There are only four 20 watt solar panels left in the Westlakes store. The cost is $85 each and there will be no more -
these are the last.
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And finally, next Saturday 12th March is the date set aside for the March Monthly meeting. It gets underway in the club library at
1.30 pm. A committee meeting will be held at 11.30 pm. From April, the monthly meetings will return to the usual 1st Saturday of
the month.
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WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2011

2011-02-19T15:35:00.001-08:00

The first item today is news of a most interesting web site. It's The Australian Geographical RadioFrequency Map and is a site that
overlays all registered RF transmitters on top of Google Maps. Generic antenna sites are shown with the red RF icon, all
amateur stations are shown by a yellow icon. A mouse-over will give you the site's description, and a click will tell you who
broadcasts from there, and at what frequencies. People interested in the position of every antenna or interested in checking
how close they are to their nearest amateur station or to see where possible interference is coming from, should have a look.
So here it is, every transmitter site in the ACMA database, which is fully searchable on Google Earth by location, site name, client
details, frequency range, emission designator and callsign. This site is definitely one to include in your favourites.
Type in : australian geographical radiofrequency map
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Westlakes members are reminded that nomination forms for club executive and committee positions for 2011/2012 are now available from
the secretary. Fresh blood, in the form of a new member, nominated for a position yesterday. The deadline for nominations is Saturday
9 April.
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Our maintenance man Barry VK2BZ was literally up a ladder yesterday at the club replacing dud security lights. Seen assisting were
ladder holders, and electical advisors. Well done men. No comments please on callbacks about the number of Irishmen needed to change
a light bulb.
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Now listen carefully. Wyong Field Day is next Sunday. There are no trains running from Newcastle according to information delivered
to Westlakes yesterday. Yes, there will a substitute bus service but that will add some time to the trip. You have been warned.
The gates at Wyong Racecourse will open at 6.30 am to allow entry and setup for Traders / Exhibitors and Flea Marketeers.
The Trader/ Exhibitor areas will open to the public at 9am. Admission is $12 for Adults with free admission for those under 17.
Amateur radio examinations will be conducted on the day by Brian Kelly who can be contacted on 0418659043 for further information.
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What's in sTock in the Westlakes Store. There are No caps, but three Foundation Licence Books, and four Solar panels.
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In a surprise move, Gloria announced that she will attend the club canteen next Saturday (her usual day off). But she will not be there
a week later, that's 4th March. So it's pies and mushey peas only on 4th March! Luckily, the March monthly meeting has been postponed
until the second Saturday of that month which is 12th March so there will be the usual post-meeting afternoon tea, Confusing isn't it.
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Over the past few days, there has been a lot of activity on the Sun. On Sunday, February 13 at 1738 UTC, sunspot 1158 unleashed an
M6-level blast and on Tuesday, February 15, the same sunspot unleashed an X-class flare, the strongest solar flare in more than
four years. The source of this activity -- sunspot 1158 -- is growing rapidly. There have been warnings that Earth's communications
What does this mean to radio amateurs? The absorption rate will be most severe on 160 meters, less on 80 and somewhat better on 40 meters.
The maximum usable frequency (MUF) -- the highest frequency by which a radio wave can propagate between given terminals by ionospheric
propagation alone, independent of power -- will be lower and auroral propagation on the VHF bands is quite possible. The latest news on
this solar radiation is that it will mainly miss the Earth so there will be little effect on communications after all. Business will be
as usual. Much ado about nothing.
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The store strkes back. Yesterday's meat tray raffle was drawn by Bill VK2XT who plucked from the barrel, the ticket belonging to
Ken VK2KJ. Ken wins again.
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In the current edition of Amateur Radio Magazine is a clever article about making a HF antenna from a pair of those "slinky" wire toys.
A slinky is a spring thing that walks down steps by itself. The article was co-written by Westlakes member, Allan VK2VEC. The antenna
is simple to make and apparently works well. It's not often that you come across a radio construction article where the component supplier
is a toy shop. Well done allan.
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And finally, the best news is last. By a stroke of luck, a local prawn fisherman, has promised a delivery of 20 kg of freshly cooked prawns
which may arrive the club at 9 am tomorrow. Yes, free prawns to all members who turn up. By coincidence, the lawns are going to be mown,
clipped, and snipped at a working bee at the same time. We cannot guarantee the arrival of the prawns. But the lawn mowers, trimmers, and
petrol will definitely be there. So how about it? A couple of new faces to help would be nice to see. That's 9 am tomorrow.

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WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2011

2011-02-12T14:13:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately today, the first item is news of a Silent Key. Bob Hockey VK2FI of Gillieston Heights passed away last
October after a short illness. Bob had been a member of Westlakes for many years and regularly attended the club on
Saturdays. Please pause with me in memory of Bob Hockey VK2FI............................................ thank you.
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It's official. Catholics cannot confess via iPhone. The Vatican on said on Friday that the iPhone is no substitute for being
present when admitting sins to a priest as technology is not a substitute for attending in person when admitting sins. This follows
the launch of an iPhone application aimed at helping Catholics through confession and sanctioned by the Catholic Church in the
United States. The Vatican added that confession required the presence of the penitent and the priest. Apple said its application
was not designed to replace going to confession but to help Catholics through the act, which generally involves admitting sins
to a priest in a confessional booth. So it seems that confession by amateur radio operators on a 2 metre net is a long way off.
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Westlakes members are reminded that nomination forms for club executive and committee positions for 2011/2012 are now available from
the secretary. The deadline for nominations is Saturday 9 April. Also, the March monthly meeting will be held on the second Saturday
of that month which will be Saturday 12 March. There is still one club cap left - cost is $20. Contact the secretary.
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Here's one for the SWL's. Medium wave tests from the USA. If you are an SWL or an amateur with a good medium wave receiver, on
Saturday 12 February at 0700 and 0800UTC, radio station KHMO on 1070kHz in Missouri will conduct a DX test for SWLs worldwide.
The test will be with Morse code, sweep tones and voice announcements. Transmissions will be made for five minutes at 0700 at 5kW
into the station's three-tower, day antenna pattern. At 0800 they will transit the same material at 1kW using the six-tower,
night time pattern. Then from 0900 to 1000UTC, WLIQ on 1530kHz in Illinois will conduct a DX test of its own. WLIQ will test for
twenty minutes using Morse code, sweep tones, voice announcement, special music, sound bites and the like at its 1.4kW, non-directional,
day power. Then WLIQ will test for twenty minutes at 290W non-directional, critical hours power. Finally, for the last twenty minutes
of the hour, they will test at 3W, non-directional, night power. If you would like to receive a QSL you can send a written report,
or a cassette or CD to the Chief Engineer of these stations. For more information, type KHMO February DX tests into your search engine.
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Would you like to test your arm? At an amateur exam that is. Exams are available at Wyong HamFest Sunday February 27. Amateur Radio
New South Wales in conjunction with the Central Coast Amateur Radio Club will hold assessments with the first session at 7am,
second session 10.30 am. This is the fourth year that ARNSW has conducted exams at the Field Day. A prior booking is desirable,
but not essential but you should make contact with the co-ordinator Brian Kelly to find out how the find the rooms, the costs
and what is needed with the paperwork. Brian's contact details are by mobile 0418 659 043 or email to 3323wbk@tpg.com.au
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Sixty tickets were sold in Westlakes weekly meat tray raffle yesterday. Richard VK2FRKO drew the winner from the ticket tumble and
the first-time winner was another Richard, VK2CRA.
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A piece of radio history arrived at the club yesterday thanks to a donation by Jim Dangerfield of Boolaroo. It includes audio CDs
spoken by Sir Allen Fairhall VK2KB and Ken Greenhalgh VK2KG (both now Silent Keys). The subject matter is the early days of of radio
in Australia and in particular, commercial radio station, 2KO. The audio on the dics runs for about 117 minutes in MP3 format.
Several copies will be made and placed in the club library for loan to members.
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And finally, a new call sign that slipped through un-noticed. Leigh VK2KAL from Tanilba Bay has picked up a two-letter call (and that's
not easy). He now has VK2KY. Wonder how he bagged that one?
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Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 6 FEBRUARY 2011

2011-02-05T13:33:00.001-08:00

Good Morning and wecome to another local news broadcast for 2011. This is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club founded at Booragul in 1964 and now located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie.
There is a chace that an HF simulcast being transmitted today on 3.565 MHz and if there is, it is by courtesy of Warren VK2UWP.
Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local
news can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the VK1WIA.

The first monthly meeting for 2011 was held in the air conditioned club's library yesterday where the air conditioner
struggled to hold its own. A test thermometer placed under the the rear awning, recorded 43 degrees mid-afternoon.
There were two new membership applications approved being: Edward Herivel VK2ZVF of Edgeworth,and Fred Mirande VK2FEDC
ex Wollongng but now living locally. Welcome to Westlakes.

During the meeting, it was decided to hold a lawn mowing and trimming working bee for the club grounds next Tuesday.
That has been cancelled after an inspection of the browned-off grass and the 43 degree thermometer. Just repeating that,
the lawn mowing planned for next Tuesday has been cancelled.

Two new toys were at the meeting yesterday. Steve displayed his Icom Quad-bander hand-held radio (wonder if was one of
those fake ones?) and Geoff VK2EO demonstrated the latest of iPhones. He caught a fish with the iPhone and never left
chair. It's getting hard to tell what's real or not these days.

Old technology (that's us) has found a role in the current protests in Egypt. On 27 January, Egypt fell off the internet
as virtually all international connections were cut following an order from the government. But Protesters circulated
information about how to avoid communication controls inside Egypt. The suggestions included Dial-up modems,Twitter messages
tagged with hashes related to the protests such as #egypt and #jan25, and good old ham radio by voice or Morse code. Who knows,
a whole new Q-code could develop ........ QMR send more rocks.

A total of 73 tickets were sold in yesterday's meat tray. Last weeks winner, Diane VK2FDNE drew the winner. And selected her
own ticket. That's two in a row.

Last week, amateur radio operators kept in touch via HF radio and keeping a vital link alive during the passage of one of the
more fierce and expansive severe tropical cyclones to hit the North East coast of Australia. Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi,
named by the Regional Specialist Meteorological Centre at Nadi, Fiji, tracked from its breeding ground east of Vanuatu to make
landfall on the Far North Queensland Coast, last Wednesday. The system was so vast that it affected communities along a
900km stretch of coast from Cooktown to Mackay and 500km inland to Croydon, Richmond, Charters Towers and Clermont. Whilst making
sure that their families and houses were safe, radio amateurs within the warning area and across the country kept in touch via
HF Radio with a listening watch on Queensland WICEN frequency 7075kHz and regular contact via the morning Gnarly Net on 3600kHz
and the afternoon Friendly Net on 7115kHz. This regular contact has kept the communication lines open just in case the cyclone
rated commercial telecommunication networks failed. Operators also maintained operations on VHF and UHF during the phenomenal
weather conditions. A number of Radio Amateurs who are members of the Australian Defence Force have been involved with flood relief
operations during the previous weeks and are now assisting with the relief effort following the passage of the cyclone.

Yet another warning from Microsoft has been released. In a security advisory, the company warned of a loophole that could be used
by malicious hackers to steal private information or hijack computers. The bug potentially affects every user of the Internet Explorer
web browser - around 900 million people worldwide. But help is at hand. Microsoft has issued a software patch to defend against attacks,
and said it was working to develop a long-term fix.The security advisory, which was published last Friday, details how the vulnerability
can be used to manipulate users and take over their machines. Although the flaw is actually inside Windows itself, it only appears to
affect the way that Internet Explorer handles some web pages and documents. Microsoft admitted that the problem meant users could easily
be fooled into downloading malicious files by doing something as simple as clicking on a web link. When the user clicked that link,
the malicious script would run on the user's computer for the rest of the current Internet Explorer session. All Windows users -
particularly those who use Internet Explorer - are being urged to download the fix while the company's security team develop a way to
plug the hole permanently.

Westlakes members are reminded that nomination forms for club executive and committee positions for 2011/2012 are now available from
the secretary. The deadline for nominations is Saturday 9 April. Also, the March monthly meeting will be held on the second Saturday
of that month which will be Saturday 12 March. A final also, there is one club cap left - cost is $20. Contact the secretary.

Well that's all the news I have this week And remember, Wyong Field Day is on three weeks today.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 30 January 2011

2011-01-30T00:41:00.001-08:00

Good Morning and wecome to another local news broadcast for 2011. This is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club founded at Booragul in 1964 and now located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie.
There is no HF simulcast being transmitted today because of the absence of Warren VK2UWP.
Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local
news can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the VK1WIA.

The February edition of Westlakes monthly magazine is in the mail after a working bee in the club library yesterday.
The electonic version will appear, as if by magic, in email inboxes tomorrow for those members who choose to receive
the magazine in that format. The front page features a dramatic photo of "Dare-Devil Ted", VK2UI, plummeting to earth
after leaping from a plane at 14,000 feet last Saturday. Ted was at the club yesterday, looking none the worse for wear
and displaying a collection of amazing colour photos of his leap.

Beware of fake Icom IC-V8 hand held radios. Icom is out to stop whoever is supplying counterfeit copies of its popular
IC-V8 2 meter hand-held radios. Amateur Radio Newsline's Norm Seeley, KI7UP, reports that fake transceivers, battery packs
and chargers began being reported in 2010. Icom says that the difference between a real model IC-V8 handheld and the
knock-off phoney radios are so small that a blind user might not know they are using a fake radio. For example, the number
2 key on the real IC-V8 is for the " Beep" function. On the fake radio number 2 is "VOX". Also, on the back of the real Icom
product the serial number tag is black while it is white on the fake radio. Even accessories are being cloned. The F21 Battery
Pack looks like an Icom but there are two differences. The fake does not have the ICOM logo, and carries the Part Number
BP-208 instead of BP209N as found on the real Icom battery. Lastly, the optional factory remote microphone is designated by
Icom as the HM-133 while the counterfeit is HM-133V. Icom says that a real HM-133V is for other radios in their product line.
Icom asks that if you find a product that you may suspect is counterfeit, report it to the company's support centre.
Why would anyone buy a fake Icom .... probably because they are half price.

The first monthly meeting for 2011 will be held in the Westlakes Club Library next Saturday afternoon. Afternoon tea a-la-
Gloria follows. Among the matters to be decided are two applications for membership. As the club's financial year ends
tomorrow, the treasurer will detail the financial results of the years activities. Although the books have yet to be audited,
The annual turnover for the year was approximately $25,000 - another record.

Rember the "woodpecker", that horrible interference from "OVER THE HORIZON RADAR" both ours and theirs that could be heard on
HF 20 years agO? It looks like it's back. The latest issue of the free IARU Monitoring System newsletter reports on Russian
radar noise on 7 MHz. The newsletter says that the Over the Horizon Radar from Russia was active between 7000 and 7200 kHz
with burst transmissions on 5 different frequencies on December 30th of 2010. The pulse rate was, as always 66.66 pulses per
second. Meantime, another Over the Horizon Radar that is based in Cyprus has been destroying communications on the 10 MHz band
every afternoon. It seems like the price of eternal vigilence must be amateur radio interference.

Did you know that one third of "snow spotters" (not snow droppers) in the USA are radio amateurs? There are 6,000 snow spotters
across north America whose job it is to predict approaching snowfalls. Spotters must be at least 16 years old and undergo a free
training course. They then log onto the National Weather Service site and report their observations. Of the 6,000 spotters, 2,000
are ham radio operators. The number of "snow droppers" who are amateurs remains unknown.

A total of 81 tickets were sold in Yesterday's meat tray raffle - a near record. The winner was drawn by Dave VK2RD who plucked
the ticket of Diane VK2FDNE from the ticket tumble barrel. Congratulations Diane.

Nanosail-D is a NASA nanosatellite that ejected unexpectedly on January 17 from a larger NASA satellite. Nasa has asked Amateur
Radio operators world-wide to try to hear the baby signal. The NanoSail-D beacon sends an AX.25 packet every 10 seconds. So far,
NASA received almost 470 reports from amateurs in 11 countries. This tiny satellite is 650km above earth and the beacon should
transmit up to 120 days before the battery dies. The frequency to monitor - if you have nothing better to do is 437.20 MHz.

Well that's all the news I have this week.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 23 January 2011

2011-01-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

Good Morning and wecome to another local news broadcast for 2011. This is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club,located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. .There is also a simulcast being transmitted
on 3.565 MHz courtesy of Warren VK2UWP. Callbacks will be taken on both VHF and HF.
It's all repeated again at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news can be heard each Sunday on this repeater,
VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the Australia-wide amateur radio news from the VK1WIA.

The first item today is about "Dare-Devil Ted." While most of us were sitting down to breakfast yesterday, Ted VK2UI
celebrated his 86th birthday by leaping leaping from an aeroplane at a height of 14,000 feet, somewhere over Rutherford.
It's Ted's second experience at this activity but not from this height. His flight (or is it fall) lasted five seconds longer than his
previous attempt.

Now two items from overseas. D-Star repeaters in Italy have been accused of causing interference to Amateur Radio satellites.
Both FM and D-Star repeaters in Italy are showing up in the Amateur Satellite segment 145.8 from 146.0 MHz. Although the
repeaters are said to be government approved by Italy's Communications Regulatory Authority, they are causing considerable
interference to amateur radio satellites and the International Space Station contacts. Italy's telecommunications regulator
permits repeaters anywhere within the 2 meter band on a provisional basis for 60 days. Authorization may become permanent if
no complaints are received. Amateur satellite users worldwide are asked to make sure that the Italian telecommunications
regulatory body is made aware of any interference problems they experience.
And on the subject of of satellites, Turkey plans to send its first ham radio communications satellite into orbit in September.
It is to be called 3USAT. A flying turkey - whatever next?

The first Westlakes Magazine for 2011 will be assembled and enveloped in the club library next Saturday from around midday.
Helpers would be appreciated. Included with this edition will be receipts for membership renewals for all who have paid by mail.
All memberships fall due on 1st February which is only about a week away. And remember, next saturday it will be pies and mushy
peas for lunch as Gloria takes her one day off a month.

In December 1941, the USS California was sunk after being struck by a torpedo and a 500lb bomb during the Japanese surprise
attack on Pearl Harbour.The man who alerted the world that Pearl Harbour was being bombed by the Japanese, has died at 88.
Former Navy radio man Ed Chlapowski died last Sunday at his home a few weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. In 2009,
Chlapowski recounted the December 7, 1941 attack that propelled the United States into World War II. He said he had worked
an early watch at the submarine base, had breakfast and had just sat down on his bunk when he looked out the window and saw
a hangar roof blown away. Then he saw the Japanese planes. Chlapowski says he ran to the radio room. A supervisor handed him
a message, and in Morse code, tapped out news that Pearl Harbour was under attack - perhaps that was the most significant
Morse message ever sent.

Yesterday's meat tray raffle was drawn by David VK2UDW in his inimitable style. The winner was Greg VK2CW.

It has just been announced that Commercial radio stations in VK2 will be recognised for emergency services information.
The Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, has welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding
with the NSW Government, making commercial radio stations official providers of emergency services information. The industry has
argued for some time for commercial radio to be included and promoted as an official provider of information in emergencies,
along with the ABC. Some of the advantages could be ads for boats in time of floods or extinguishers in the bushfire season - but
that's being cynical.

On 22nd December last year the WIA advised that the ACMA had made amendments to the Amateur Licence Conditions Determination
and the Visiting Overseas Amateur Class Licence. The WIA has now placed the consolidated versions of these amendments, for easier
reading. Follow wia.org.au to Members/Legislation The WIA advises that All amateurs must make themselves aware of their licence
conditions to avoid that "knock" on the door from ACMA Inspectors. Are there any ACMA Inspectors left? There must be.

Here is a special Event Station for collectors of unusal QSL cards - the call sign is N6R and it will be on air from Saturday
5th February to Sunday 7th Febuary. The bizzare reason for activating N6R is to celebrate former President Reagan's 100th
birthday. And just in case anyone is remotely interested, N6R is a multi-club Field Day operation from the grounds of the
Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum which is located in Simi Valley, California.

And finally, another piece of useless information. A Japanese businessman using a home-built computer has taken calculations
of the mathematical concept of pi to the trillions of digits and won a world record for his labours. Shigeru Kondo, a systems
engineer, calculated pi - the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter - to five trillion digits, almost doubling the
accuracy of the previous world record. Last week the calculation was recognised by Guinness World Records. Using 20 external
hard drives and after 90 days of non-stop processing, he obtained a string of five trillion numbers that defined pi. The previous
record, set by a French software consultant only a month ago, was around 2.7 trillion digits. You think that would be enough,
but no - Mr Kondo is now trying to calculate pi to 10 trillion digits.

Well that's all the news I have this week.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 16 January 2011

2011-01-17T14:48:00.001-08:00

There are only five left - those 20 watt Solar Panels. The price is $85 picked up from the club. As well, there is a
small number of charge controllers - 5 amp at $39, 10 amp at $55, and 20 amp at $85.Contact Aly VK2AFZ in the store for
more details.The question has been asked if Westlakes can get larger ones. The answer is, we don't know - it's still a
mystery where this lot came from.

Visitors to the club yesterday were able to inspect the new concrete work. The job was completed last Friday and barrier
erected to prevent vehicle access on the drive. A bit of barrow and spade work was needed to spead fill to smooth the exit
approach and that's the end of a good job. A close inspecion could not detect any "tags" of the locals, or call signs of
members, scratched in the work before it hardened. Wonders never cease.

More strange sounds were heard coming from the radio room at Westlakes yesterday. Morse code again. Derek VK2MLA was on his
own paddle - this time a vibroplex iambic model.He was given a small test by Greg VK2CW and passed easily. At 20 words a minute
Derek even read puntuation, full stops, commas, question marks, dollar signs, pound signs - the lot. You don't come across
pound signs in Morse very often these days.

They just keep getting younger - newcomers to amateur radio, that is. Seven year old Noah Reginald in Arkansas,found a website
with a practice test that contained 396 possible questions and he decided to sit the official exam and obtain an amateur radio
licence.He passed and is beleived to be the world's youngest amateur. When asked what she thought of her son's acheivement,
his mother, Hillary Reginald said, "He has always been advanced for his age." Well he is not that smart. Although he was
seven when he passed the test, Noah has had a birthday so he will be eight when he first comes on air.

Did you know the WIA has a new membership brochure? Produced for the WIA by Roger Harrison VK2ZRH and Robert Broomhead VK3DN
with Illustrations by Ivan Smith, the new DL size brochure carefully sets out the many valuable benefits of WIA membership
in an easy to read, easy to understand format. The brochure is intended for those who are yet to become a WIA member, or members
who are considering renewal. The full colour brochure with it's eye catching cover is ideal for display and distribution at
hamfests, field days etc. Easily obtainable clear plastic DL brochure stands are perfect for displaying the new membership
brochure, whilst it's small size format makes it ideal for keeping a copy in the car glovebox or door pocket along side the
Calling CQ brochure. Copies of the brochure can be easily obtained from the WIA National office, simply send an email to
nationaloffice@wia.org.au

Another meat tray raffle has been and gone and yesterday's winner was Frank VK2FJW. It was a good trick because he was not in
attendance. But he had a nice surprise when the tray was personally delivered to his door. What service! (luckily he lives in Teralba.)

As reported by the WIA, it seems the Australian Naval Amateur Radio Society (A.N.A.R.S.) is no more. John Garvey VK5OJ who was
President of the Society said, " How sad it has been to see the demise of the A.N.A.R.S. Perhaps one day it will rise again in
a better shape with more enthusiasm for the hobby." Westlakes member, and long time enthusiast of the society is Kevin VK2CE who
added, " It is very sad indeed to see the society cross the bar. I always believed it had the potential to become quite a significant
group in the ham radio world but unfortunately this was not to be."

The countdown is on for the 2011 Wyong Field Day. From today it is only five weeks to go. Westakes will be taking the VK2 Bureau
cards and club stand to Wyong which will be located in its usual spot.

Gloria Brown notched up five years-and-a-day as manageress of the canteen yesterday and no one remembered to give her a cake.
Shame on us.

The last item this week is a bad luck story. Barry VK2BZ headed for Gladstone, Queensland a few weeks ago. It was just before the
rain and floods arrived. Bad timing indeed. Barry has sent a photo of his experience and text to go with it which will appear in
a coming Westlakes Magazine article. All we can say at the moment is that he will be returning in a different 4-wheel drive vehicle
to the one he left in.

Well that's all the news I have this week.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 19 December 2010

2010-12-18T21:30:00.001-08:00

They are back again, and going fast - those 20 watt Solar Panels. 20 panels arrived at Westlakes a week ago and as of yesterday
there were 9 left. The price is the same as before, $85 picked up from the club. As well there is a small number of charge
controllers - 5 amp at $39, 10 amp at $55, and 20 amp at $85. Contact Aly VK2AFZ in the store for more details. He will be
back on deck after the Christmas/New Year break on 8th January.

A new member. Visiting the club for the first time yesterday and applying for membership was Fred Mirande VK2FDEC. Fred
who hails from Wollongong will be moving to the local area soon and thought it a good idea to join a local radio club.
His application will go before the next monthly meeting which will be held on Saturday 5th February. There will not be a
meeting in January.

Who said that amateurs don't QSL anymore? It's not the case in the US. The ARRL’s Incoming and Outgoing QSL Bureaus have
gone into high gear. Compared to 2009, 2010 has seen a dramatic increase in the number of cards received from ARRL members
that were sent to foreign QSL bureaus, as well as the number of cards sent out to the local bureaus. In addition, the number
of DXCC applications also increased. To December 14th, 2010, the ARRL Outgoing QSL Bureau received 709,800 cards destined
for foreign QSL bureaus from ARRL members in the US and the year isn't over yet. This represents an increase of 16 percent
over the 2009 number of 612,000 cards

Do you like working satellites? This will interest you. Do you also like Morse? This will definitely interest you. The event
is a straight-key night called, "OSCAR 2011." Just operate CW on any OSCAR satellite, using a straight hand key, from 0000 UTC
to 2400 UTC on 1 January 2011, working as many Straight Key stations as you can. There are no rules, no scoring and no logs
required. A cynic might add, "and no operators."

Who want's a club cap - just the thing to wear to the Wyong Field Day. The secretary has a limited number for sale at $20. Be
quick, they won't last long. As of yesterday, there are four left.

OTTAWA — Canada. This week, a volunteer team inflated a silver weather balloon. Their goal was to fly a radio-tracked balloon
higher than one had ever been flown before. Then laden with a GPS and tracking instruments, the balloon was sent aloft. Four hours
after launch the flight soared into the record books. reaching an altitude of 39,899 metres, more than three times higher than
commercial airplane flights. Unlike rockets, it doesn't take much money to launch a weather balloon. For about $1,000 a flight,
community groups can send these vehicles up in the atmosphere to take scientific measurements, or simply for the thrill of the
height. This global sport began in 1987, when American Bill Brown became the first radio amateur to send a radio-equipped weather
balloon into the stratosphere.. With amateur radio operators sprinkled across the continent, there is a handy communications
network for monitoring the balloons. This record-setting balloon landed some 650 kilometres away, tracked by ham operators through
the Eastern seaboard over the Internet.

And from the US. Republican, Greg Walden, who also happens to be W7EQI, tweeted the news to his "followers" yesterday that he had
been named Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Among other
things, the subcommittee's responsibilities include oversight of the FCC. In a follow-up Twitter message, Walden explained that
"The last tweet was Morse code! Just the ham radio operator in me having fun. It says I‚ll chair the communications and tech
subcommittee." Walden is one of two ham radio operators in Congress. The other is Rep. Mike Ross, WD5DVR. The full text of Walden's
Twitter message was "Will chair comm and tech sub 73s w7eqi." No wonder his original message was not understood.

Westlakes is about to have another Nonagenarian in its ranks. Do you know what a nonagenarian is? (I had to look it up).
Long-time club member Doug VK2YI turns 90 tomorrow. Happy birthday to you Doug.

And the last item of news for 2010 is good news. It has been spoken about for a long time, but at last action is on the way -
the completion of the concrete pad at the rear of Westlakes clubrooms. A contractor has been engaged and the work will be done
on 4th January. But that's not all. Also the same day, the concrete contractor will construct a 5 metre driveway at the entrance
to the club grounds from York street. A specialcontingent of guards will need to be organised to ensure the safety of the work
until the concrete hardens. The driveway cannotbe driven on for at least 4 days. The work (subject to wet-weather delays) will
be done on 4 January and a barrier will stop vehicles entering the grounds until after Saturday 8th. That's the date the club
re-opens after the Christmas break.

A final reminder. Westlakes club will shut down for two weeks. It will re-open for business on Saturday 8th January 2011 and the
local news broadcast will return on Sunday 9th January.

Well that's all the news I have this week, and this year. It only remains for me to thank those who have assisted in presenting the Sunday
broadcasts and to those who take the time to call back. to wish all member and their families a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon
Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, biscuits, and the odd mouse.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 12 December 2010

2010-12-11T14:35:00.001-08:00

A small attendance was present at the club yesterday for the 2010 Christmas function and krazy golf match but despite
the lack of numbers,it turned out to be a good afternoon. Alex VK2ZM donned the apron and cooked all the steaks and sausages
- so many that the attendees had a nice bagfull plus surplus buns to take home. The Christmas Hamper raffle was drawn and
the winner was a most deserving, Greg VK2CW. The golf.....three teams of three took to the 9 hole course. The members of the
winning team each received a hand-painted wooden wall plaque. They were Dave VK2RD, Natalie Efimov, and Keith VK2PKT.
Thanks to those of the fairer sex who seem to contribute so much at these events, namely Diane VK2FDNE, Chris Downward,
Natalie Efimov, and PennY Smith.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Remembrance Day Contest results are out. VK2ATZ scored 2nd place in this year's Contest in our selected category.
The club entered the “Multi Operator Phone” section. We were beaten by our neighbouring club, Hunter Branch, VK2AWX .
The Central Coast Club VK2AFY came in a creditable 7th place. Well done to all who took part. Full results are in the
December Amateur Radio Magazine, which by the way, is a bumper edition running to 64 pages.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They are back again. The Club has received another shipment of those 20 watt Solar Panels. The price is the same as the last
lot, $85, and there are 14 available, as 6 went out-the-door yesterday. We also have a range of Charge Controllers as well.
There are 5 amp, 10 amp and 20 amp models available. Contact Aly VK2AFZ in the store for more details
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now something for skywatchers. The Geminid meteor shower, which peaks this year on December 13th and 14th, is the most
intense meteor shower of the year. It lasts for days, is rich in fireballs, and can be seen from almost any point on Earth.
Most meteor showers come from comets, which spew ample meteoroids for a night of 'shooting stars.' The Geminids are
different. The parent is not a comet but a weird rocky object named "3200 Phaethon" that sheds very small dusty particles.
This month, Earth will pass through the Geminid debris stream, producing as many as 120 meteors per hour over dark-sky sites.
The best time to look is probably between local midnight and sunrise on Tuesday, December 14th, when the Moon is low and the
constellation Gemini is high overhead, spitting bright Geminids across a sparkling starry sky. Bundle up, go outside, and
observe the spectacle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This month sees the 87th anniversary of the establishment of Australia's second radio broadcaster,it was on long-wave,
back in December 1923, that 2FC Sydney went on air. But first ON air was 2SB Sydney which went to air one moth before.
2FC was 5,000 watts transmitted via a squirrel type cage antenna supported from two 60 metre high steel lattice towers,
spaced 180 metres apart. The station operated on the long wave frequency of 1100 metres, 171 kiloHertz.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coming to a supermarket soon near you are radio-controlled shopping trollies. These trollies lock down their wheels to stop
them being taken outside a certain area, or in other words, "pinched". Widely used in New Zealand, the system uses a buried
perimeter antenna and an RF transmitter to generate a low frequency signal to define the limit of trolley travel. When a
trolley rolls past the antenna line, its brakes lock on to the wheels and the trolley is stopped in its tracks. The New zealand
Experience has shown that these radio-controlled trollies have cut the cost of stolen and abandoned trollies by 98 per cent.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who want's a club cap - just the thing to wear to the Wyong Field Day. The secretary has a limited number for sale at $20. Be
quick, they won't last long. As of yesterday, there are four left.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations to the Newcastle Division of Crest NSW which has received The City of Newcastle Service Award for 2010.
Crest received its award from the Lord Mayor, John Tate, in recognition of, "an outstanding contribution to community events
and public safety."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A record has been claimed in the U.K. by FIVE members of the same family having all got amateur radio licences. Eleven-year-old
Ricky Duckhouse made number five by passing his foundation exam and now holds an "M3" call sign. His father, Kevin, mother Alison,
and brother and sister have all got licences. WEstlakes club once had four members of the same family - the Freedman's, where
father, son, and two grandsons all held call signs at the some time, but we can't beat five.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A mystery wreck has been found sitting upright on the seabed in the north arm of the Hunter River. The wreck is approximately 84m long
and 13m wide. The visible sides of the wreck show it to be about 5m high. Research available shows no record of such a large vessel
having been scuttled along the riverbank at Stockton and it is hoped that the Heritage Office may have some more light to shed on the
history of this vessel. Although the area has been surveyed previously, this wreck was not identified. Newcastle Port Corporation is
now using multi-beam echo sounders to probe the harbour to accurately map and define objects and that is how this mystery was discovered.
Photos of this abandoned ship will be in the next Westlakes Magazine.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note that the club will be open next Saturday 18th December. However, as the following two Saturdays fall on Christmas Day
and New Year's Day, we will have a shut-down over those two weeks and will re-open for business on Saturday 8th January 2011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well that's all the news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon
Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service
operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and biscuits too.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 5 December 2010

2010-12-05T22:51:00.001-08:00

The December magazines are in the mail after a working bee in the club library yesterday. Included with this edition are two
inserts - the yellow one is a reminder of Westlakes Christmas Function at Teralba next Saturday afternoon - and the
important blue one is the invitation for membership renewal for 2011. Memberships fall due on 1st February each year.
There is no magazine produced in January. The good news is that membership fees remain the same, $20.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This coming Tuesday - that's 7th December - the club grounds are to mowed. The job starts at 9.30 am and volunteers
are required. It would be good to see a few new faces turn up to assist the regulars - we have pleny of mowers and
snippers, we only need a few more helpers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The new air-conditioner in the common room had its first trial yesterday. Although the day was mild, the Chinese Kelvinator
certainly works. The only adjustment needed was a slight change of angle so that the condensation drips exited via the drip
hole. Perhaps a spirit level shound have been used in the first place?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The long-awaited extension of the concrete pad at the rear of the club is getting closer. A quotation for the work is
expected to be received during the coming week - it won't be cheap.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have news of two deaths that occurred during the week. First is Alan Shawsmith VK4SS author of Halcyon days - a history
of amateur radio in Queensland. Over many years, Alan was a regular contributor of articles to Amateur Radio Magazine.
He reached 93years and One Day. His Funeral service held last Monday was conducted by VK4BSH the Reverend George Roberts.
Halcyon Days is a good read and the book is on the shelf in Westlakes library.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The second passing is of Neutron bomb inventor Sam Cohen, who in 1958 designed the nuclear weapon intended to kill people but do
minimal damage to cities and other infrastrucure, He died in Los Angeles at 89 of stomach cancer. The neutron bomb used tiny
particles that could whiz through objects with little damage but still kill we humans. Cohen also helped build the atomic bomb
that was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan in WW2. There may be some awkward questions to answer by Mr Cohen at the Pearly Gates.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first contest event of December is the ARRL 160m contest, taking place from Friday last, the 3rd to today Sunday 5th.
It is a slightly unusual event in that the duration is 42 hours. There is a category for single-operator QRP. Now there's
a challenge - QRP on 160 metres in daylight to the USA!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last meat tray raffle for 2010 was held yesterday and the winning ticket was belonged to Ted VK2UI. The popular meat
raffles will resume on 8th January 2011 when the club re-opens after the Christmas/New year break.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-DELAY RADIO ECHOES: During the geomagnetic storm of 27th November, a brief but intense G2-class event, amateur radio
operator Peter Brogl of Fürth, Germany, experienced a strange phenomenon. Forty-six seconds after he transmitted his call
sign at 7 MHz, he received an echo of his own transmission. "At first, I thought someone was playing tricks on me," says Brogl,
"but I changed frequency, re-keyed my call sign (DK6NP), and got another echo." This went on for more than an hour, enough
time for Brogl to make several recordings. First reported in 1927 by Norwegian civil engineer Jørgen Hals, long-delay radio
echoes are rare and poorly understood. Unusual propagation conditions linked to solar storms is one of many possible explanations.
Radio operators, if you experienced any similar phenomena on Nov. 27th between 1800 UT and 19:30 UT, please report your observations
to Peter Brogl for correlation. That item was submitted by Dennis VK2XDW. Who by the way, wants to thank all those who have
wished him well after his fall from the scaffolding. And to add to his bruises, we were told yesterday that it now been
discovered that Dennis also incurred multiple cracked ribs. No wonder he's been sore.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Saturday at the club is Westlakes Christmas Function and the Krazy Golf organised by Geoff VK2GL. It's a free barbecue -
You only need to bring drinks and nibblies (and perhaps a chair). Westlakes Christmas hamper, which is getting bigger by the
day, will be drawn and late donations to the hamper, such as biscuits, nuts, festive drinks, and the like are welcome. Tickets
are $1 and will be on sale. Where else can you donate an item, buy a ticket, and win it back again? That's what Christmas is all
about - the silly season.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who want's a club cap - just the thing to wear to the Wyong Field Day. The secretary has a limited number for sale at $20. Be
quick, they won't last long.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now at last, a reminder of coming events:

Saturday 11th December - Westlakes Christmas Function and Krazy Golf starting around 1pm.
Balls and clubs are provided.

Please note that the club will be open on Saturday 18th December. However, as the following
two Saturdays fall on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, we will have a shut-down over those
two weeks and will re-open for business on Saturday 8th January 2011.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2010

2010-11-27T23:11:00.000-08:00

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club,located at Teralba,
Lake Macquarie.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you order a 2011 WIA Callbook through the club? Three are being held and they are for: Mark VK2CMS, Ken VK2UCF,
and Michael VK2FCMD. If you gentlemen could visit Westlakes over one of the next three Saturdays to pick up your book
and deliver to the treasurer $22, it would be appreciated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last monthly meeting of the year takes place next Saturday, 4th December, in the club library commencing at 1.30pm.
It will be a busy afternoon as The December Magazines are to be stapled and enveloped before the meeting and that work
will commence around 11.30. Included with the December edition will be membership renewal forms for 2011. Fees for the
coming year remain the same, $20. All fees fall due on 1st February. There is no magazine published in January and that's
why renewals are sent with the December edition.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is some good news for those who gather in the common room on a Saturday afternoon - particularly in summer. Next
Tuesday the club's air conditioning installation team will attempt to remove the defunct in-wall unit and replace it
with a brand new one. Particular care will be taken by the team not to fall off ladders.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday's meat tray raffle was drawn by Frank VK2WH. The winning ticket belonged to VK2FRKO who admitted that it was
his second win this year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The WIA reports today that A French company Watteco has developed a new powerline modem based on Watt Pulse Communication
(whatever that is). This device transmits across the 2 - 4 MHz segment of the precious HF spectrum. The small, low cost,
low power consumption modem can be used for any type of data communication applications such as Smart Meters, Home Control
and Street Lighting it transmits a wideband signal across 2-4 MHz completely covering the Amateur Radio 80m band. We can
look forward to hearing more about about Watteco in 2011.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's coming - the turn-off of analogue Television. Households in the Mansfield Shire, South West Victoria, will get digital
only television transmissions at the end of the November. The Bonnie Doon and Howqua analogue transmitters will be switched
off on November 29. It is the second area in the country to go to digital only, after Mildura was switched over on June 30th
this year. The rest of regional Victoria will be switched to digital only on 5th May 2011 and New South Wales will follow
shortly after. Have you noticed the number of analogue TV's sitting of footpaths lately awaiting council pickups?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can tell the year is drawing to a close when advertising starts for the Wyong Field Day. There is only 91 days to go
before the 2011 event. Don't bother trying to work it out on two calendars, the 2011 Wyong Field Day will be held on
Sunday 27th February.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overseas news. A U.K. resident was sentenced at Hull Crown Court on 22 November for causing deliberate interference to amateur
radio users in the Hull region of Humberside between June and November 2009. The man aged 63, rigged his van with radio equipment
and parked outside the homes of other amateurs, jamming their transmissions.The defendant was also convicted of unlawfully
using radio equipment without a licence which was installed in his van and driven around the region to interfere with
legitimate users of the local amateur frequencies. He was sentenced to four months imprisonment suspended for 18 months,
a curfew between 7pm and 7am for 3 months via a means of electronic tagging and forfeiture of his van and radio transmitters.
There are around 900 amateur radio users in and around the Hull area, who have been deliberately disrupted for more than four
years. Ofcom is very pleased with this result, which will hopefully give these users some welcome relief, as well as sending a
strong signal to those that abuse the airwaves. This followed a dedicated investigation by Ofcom involving six enforcement
officers working day and night to bring the culprit to court. "Day and night" for four years? Imagine the overtime bill.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, have you seen Westlakes Christmas hamper? It's in the common room and getting bigger by the day. Donations to
the hamper, such as biscuits, nuts, festive drinks etc. are welcome. Gloria (of canteen fame) is selling tickets at $1 and
the winner of the hamper will be drawn at our Christmas Function on Saturday 11th December.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now at last, a reminder of comming events:

Saturday 4th December - Monthly General Meeting starting at 1.30pm.

Saturday 11th December - Westlakes Christmas Function and Krazy Golf starting around 1pm.

Please note that the club will be open on Saturday 18th December. However, as the following
two Saturdays fall on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, we will have a shut-down over those
two weeks and will re-open for business on Saturday 8th January 2011.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well that's all the news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on
Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening
from around 6pm. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone.Try dialling (02) 49 581588.
An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are alway welcomeat the club. We have
plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 17 OCTOBER 2010

2010-10-16T02:21:00.001-07:00

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of this morning's local news is
Brian VK2FG. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of
Warren VK2UWP which will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hasn't it been cold lately? A good example of the current cold snap comes from Dennis VK2XDW.
Some of you may know that Dennis is a keen bowler - so keen that he travelled to Lithgow yesterday
for a competition bowls match. Unfortunately, the match had to postponed because the players could
not see the "jack". The reason was that the bowling green was covered in snow. Now that's cold!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamboree On The Air 2010, is "on the air" right now. If you hear a JOTA station calling CQ today, give
it a call. A warm cherio would be welcome. Any scout groups that were camping out last night will need
all the warming-up they can get
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOT THE AIR BAND! From the WIA National News comes the next item.
Following the arrest and comprehensive prosecution of a plane spotter in South Africa,
local aviation enthusiasts have been warned that they will need to write an exam and qualify as a
radio amateur to legally possess popular air band receivers. Until now, nobody has been prosecuted
for this offence. Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society chairman Ashley Goosen has warned local aviation
enthusiasts that they need to be licensed to possess an air band receiver legally.
Plane spotter Julian Swift was arrested earlier this year under the South African Telecommunication Act
for the illegal possession of an air band receiver and for listening in on several radio frequencies.
They are not just determined to throw the book at the spotter, they are still writing a telephone directory
and War and Peace to throw at him, just last week, the Prosecution amended the charge sheet to include every
frequency on his receiver!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's ride-on mower will be back from repairs next Saturday and those who were at the club yesterday
will have noticed the grass "going gangbusters". The mowing team will make an attempt to cut at least some
of the area during the afternoon. Also next Saturday 23 October, a skip will arrive so we can finally get
rid of the accumulated rubbish in the container and library. So it's a working bee. We need mowing men and
skip fillers. When? Next Saturday afternoon.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned last week, and will be mentioned for weeks to come is a reminder of this year's Christmas party.
Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing things. A list has gone up in the common room for those to add
their names and number who will attend. The cost is the best part - A Free barbecue with all food and salads
provided. Bring your own drinks. It's shaping up to be a fun afternoon. Geoff VK2GL is organising a game of
"Krazy Golf". Geoff was seen in the club grounds yesterday pacing out the layout for the 9-hole course.
When is the Christmas Party and "Krazy Golf"? On Saturday 11th December.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This item comes from the ARRL. An amateur radio operator from San Jacinto, California, has admitted making a
series of broadcasts threatening the lives of local police officers and fire department personnel.
Irene Levy, 29, pleaded guilty to seven charges. On October 8th, a local judge sentenced her to three years
probation and gave her credit for the time she spent in jail since her arrest. She was also ordered to undergo
psychiatric care. Her radio transmissions, which included bomb threats, were monitored on frequencies used
by police and the County Fire Department. She was arrested at her mobile home where an assortment of radio
equipment and her licence were seized.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's Kenwood TS690S radio is back from repair after it failed at the recent Lighthouse weekend. The fix
was done by RF REPAIRS on the Central Coast. Thanks go to Allan VK2JED for the delivery and the return of
the set.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New blood has surfaced in the meat tray raffle yesterday. It was a first-time win for Allan VK2PNC who had
the winning ticket. There was a second prize too - a bag of oranges donated by Ken VK2KJ. The winner of the
oranges was Col VK2YP and that was a neat trick because he wasn't there. A good Samaritan must have bought
him a ticket.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's getting bigger than Ben Hur! Would you believe some VK radio clubs are advertising the 2011 International
Lighthouse Weekend. WE can do that too. Westlakes have booked Norah Head Lighthouse once again and we are on
Internet site for AU0024 (Norah Head) as VK2ATZ for 2011.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally, a reminder of comming events:

Saturday 23 October - a working bee to fill the garbage skip and lawn mowing
Friday 29 October - VK100WIA operation from Paul VK2HV at his QTH at Maitland
Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 October - VK100 operation with overnight sleep over at Westlakes
Saturday 6 November - Monthly Members' Meeting
Sunday 14 November - Westlakes Major Field Day
Saturday 11 December - Westlakes christmas Show plus "Krazy Golf"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well that's all the news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?

OK, now for callbacks. First portable and/or mobiles please

Second any base stations to acknowlege they were listening

Third are there any comments on today's broadcast

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on
Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening
from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone.
Try dialling (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are alway welcome
at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.

Thank you for listening. This is Brian closing as VK2ATZ and reverting to VK2FG. Good morning all.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 10 OCTOBER 2010

2010-10-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of this morning's local news is
Brian VK2FG. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of
Warren VK2UWP which will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30 am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New equipment arrived at Westlakes yesterday. First for the store, an new aluminium step ladder,
arrived, rated to carry the heaviest of storemen. No longer will there be a need to utilise milk
crates or boxes to reach the high items. The second new arrival were four new probes for the club's
CRO. No more complaints will be heard that the old probes "don't work."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamboree on the air 2010 is on Friday 15th to Sunday 17th October - that's next weekend. Keeping up
with technology, JOTI or Jamboree on the Internet runs parallel to JOTA as a joint activity. Gone are
the days of amateurs just turning up or inviting scouts into their garage to participate in JOTA. Working
with children laws are now in force and such helpers need to obtain the WWC card or equivalent. This is
the law and not something made up by the Scout or Guide Associations. They do ask however, that amateurs
keep clear of busy bands to make room for JOTA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Those who receive Amateur Radio magazine will have noticed two interesting items in this month's edition.
The first is the release by the WIA of the first six years of the magazine starting from edition one of
October 1933 up to December 1939. These have all been scanned in high quality onto a CD. The CD is available
from the WIA National Office at a member's price of $20. It would make a nice Christmas gift. For further
information see the WIA website then select Bookshop then Publications.

The second item of note is an article on a national distance record being set locally on 47 Gigahertz. The team
comprised of three Westlakes members Dan VK2GG, Pete VK2YGM, and Jack VK2TRF, plus Irene VK2FIRH and Les VK2APE.
Using Yaesu FT 817 radios coupled to Kuhne transverters and local oscillators plus a snazzy assortment of dishes,
an SSB contact was made over a distance of 58 kilometres from Mt Sugarloaf to Gan Gan Lookout. That distance sets
a new national record on 47 Gigahertz. congratulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The stranglehold held by those in the club's store on the meat tray was broken broken yesterday. Last week's
winner, Ken VK2KJ, drew the winning ticket and it belonged To our maintenance man, Barry VK2BZ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's ride-on mower was only taken away a week ago by Dennis VK2XDW for repairs to the collapsed cutting
deck. We were told yesterday that the job has been done and the mower is ready-to-roll once again. Well done
Dennis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned last week, and will be mentioned for weeks to come is a reminder of this year's Christmas party.
Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing things. A list has gone up in the common room for those to add
their names and number who will attend. The cost is the best part - A Free barbecue with all food and salads
provided. Bring your own drinks. It's shaping up to be a fun afternoon. Geoff VK2GL is organising a game of
"Krazy Golf"- only the rules and prizes remain to be worked out. When is the Christmas Party? On Saturday 11th
December.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Closer than that is Saturday 23 October. That's only two weeks away.A skip has been ordered to finally get rid
of the accumulated rubbish in the container and library. The skip will arrive before midday and as much help
as possible will be needed to fill it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally, a reminder of comming events:

Saturday 23 October - a working bee to fill the garbage skip
Friday 29 October - VK100WIA operation from Paul VK2HV at his QTH at Maitland
Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 October - VK100 operation with overnight sleep over at Westlakes
Saturday 6 November - Monthly Members' Meeting
Sunday 14 November - Westlakes Major Field Day
Saturday 11 December - Westlakes christmas Show plus "Krazy Golf"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well that's all the news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?

OK, now for callbacks. First portable and/or mobiles please

Second any base stations to acknowlege they were listening

Third are there any comments on today's broadcast

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on
Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening
from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone.
Try dialling (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are alway welcome
at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.

Thank you for listening. This is Brian closing as VK2ATZ and reverting to VK2FG. Good morning all.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER 2010

2010-10-04T01:55:00.001-07:00

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of this morning's local news is
Barrie VK2BXD. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of
Warren VK2UWP which will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30 am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
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THe October Magzines were assembled in the club library yesterday and are now in the mail.
A slight problem was discovered with the printing on about half of the copies - the rear of
the pages are upside down. Enquiries were made from the printing firm late yesterday at the
excuse was that a computer glich was responsible for the error. Apololgies are offered to
those who get the "upside down" edition in the mail this week. Those who are on the email list
have no problem and your magazine should have arrived a day or so ago courtesy of Dave VK2RD.
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Another problem has occurred to the mailing list of those who are on the Westlakes News Group.
Feedback from about 30 members indicate that many have been deleted or "unsubscribed". The cause
at the moment is not known and will be investigated this week.
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The Australian regulator, ACMA, is seeking public comment on a draft UHF Citizen Band (CB) equipment
performance standard, Radiocommunications Standard 2010. It is intended that the existing standard will
be revoked and replaced with the proposed standard on 1 January 2011.From April 2008 to April 2010,
the ACMA reviewed the arrangements for the radiofrequency spectrum in the 400 MHz band, which incorporates
the UHF CB band. As a result of the review the ACMA decided to restructure the UHF CB band into eighty
12.5 kHz wide channels from the existing forty 25 kHz wide channels.
The proposed standard provides performance limits and test methods for 12.5 kHz channel operation in
the UHF CB band, which will transition to 12.5 kHz channel operation over the period 1 January 2011
to 1 January 2016. To assist with the transition to 12.5 kHz channelling the new standard is proposed
to provide grandfathering arrangements for current 25 kHz channel equipment.
Submissions or comments on this change should be made to the ACMA by close of business on 12 October 2010.
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Applications for Westlakes membership were received from two amateur yesterday. They are Derek Willard
VK3MLQ who has moved from Victoria to become a local at Quorrobolong and Jim Aitchison K2JIM from Hunter View.
Your membership applications will be presented at the November Monthly Meeting on 6th November.
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The meat tray has gone to the store once again and to Ken VK2KJ once again. Ken's ticket was drawn from
the ticket-tumble barrel by last week's winner, Richard VK2CRA.
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The new stove in the canteen had its first baking work out yesterday and a giant slice prepared by Gloria
Cooked to perfection, on the spot, was the result. It did not last long.
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The club's ride-on mower was carted away yesterday by Dennis VK2XDW who is organising repairs to the
collapsed cutting deck. Take your time Dennis, Return of the mower means work for the mowing crew.

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Our storeman, Aly VK2BFZ, was front and centre on the local television news last week. He was seen,
"avec" beer stein, toasting the farewell to the local Germania Club at Warners Waners Bay. For the last
day of trading, it was free beer for all members. No wonder he took the day off.

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As mentioned last week, Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing this years Christmas party set down
for the 11th of December. A list has gone up in the common room for those who can indicate their intention
to attend. The cost is the best part - A Free barbecue with all food and salads provided. Bring your own drinks.
If you would like to see some particular treat, activity or just to help out for the day, please contact
Diane.
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A date to remember is Saturday 23 October. A skip has been ordered to finally get rid of the accumulated rubbish
in the container and library. It won't arrive until around midday to prevent the locals having free access to
a free empty skip.
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Last Christmas, Ms Gloria Brown of canteen fame, came up with the idea of a Christmas Hamper raffle. I was a
great success so its on again this year. Members are invited to bring along items such as tinned fruit, jars of
pickles, cans of cordial, packets of nuts, even bottles of wine. Once the hamper starts to build up, people get
in the festive mood. Let's see if we can build a better one than last year.
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Finally, a reminder of comming events:

Saturday 23 October - a working bee to fill the garbage skip
Friday 29 October - VK100WIA operation from Paul VK2HV at his QTH at Maitland
Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 October - VK100 operation with overnight sleep over at Westlakes
Sunday 14 November - Westlakes Major Field Day
Saturday 11 December - Westlakes christmas Show
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Well that's all the news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?

OK, now for callbacks. First portable and/or mobiles please

Second any base stations to acknowlege they were listening

Third are there any comments on today's broadcast

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Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on
Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening
from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone.
Try dialling (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are alway welcome
at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.

Thank you for listening. This is Barrie closing as VK2ATZ and reverting to VKBXD. Good morning all.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-09-26T11:18:00.001-07:00

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Clublocated at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of Warren VK2UWP which will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30 am is a relay of the Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.

The first item today is information about next Saturday's activities at Westlakes. Although next Saturday will be the first in the month of October, there will be no monthly meeting. The reason being that it is a long weekend and numbers will be down. The next monthly meeting will be on Saturday 6th November. -

However, what will be on next Saturday is the assembly and enveloping of the October edition of Westlakes Magazine in the club library. That gets underway at about 1.30. Anyone who can helpwill be appreciated.

The next item will be heard on the WIA news today. Police from the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group are issuing a warning to the public following a dramatic increase in reports of a fake Microsoft scam currently targeting Queensland victims. The scam involves a victim receiving a phone call from a person purporting to represent well known computer company (most commonly Microsoft or a company contracted by Microsoft) telling the person they have a problem with their computer. The caller outlines the victim's computer is infected with a virus that has been brought to the company's attention - often via the Microsoft fault reporting process. The caller then offers to assist the victim and will "fix the problem" by directing them to a website where the caller remotely takes over the victim's computer. The representative then shows the victim the "issues" with their computer and suggests they pay a fee to have the problem fixed or need to purchase software to prevent this from happening in the future. "This is all just a scam. Microsoft has confirmed they are not cold-calling members of the community regarding viruses, computer problems or any other issue.

Quite simply, these offenders are just looking to trick you into giving them money," Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the Queensland Crime Operations Command's Fraud and Corporate Crime Group said. "Giving someone you don't know remote access to your computer is basically the same as handing your credit card details over to them. With this access, an offender can easily search your computer for banking or personal details or quite easily load Malware or Trojan software onto your computer. You may as well give them the key to your front door while you're there.

Now listen carefully. Last Friday Greg VK2CW received a telephone call from a female with an Asian accent. She said, "this is Microsoft, you have a problem with your computer. Greg told her to go away, and hung up. He can certainly vouch for the accuracy of this Police warning.

Quite a large turnout of members and visitors to the club yesterday. Three new intending members applied for membership and 2 other visitors were made welcome as well. Thank you for becoming part of the Westlakes Family.

The new stove was installed yesterday morning and is working well. Many thanks to Keith VK2BKF and Barry VK2BZ for the installation work. Gloria is more than pleased. Speaking of Gloria, she was kept busy in the Canteen all afternoon with tasty treats being served to all. I think that is what encouraged the new members to join up!

All the carpeted areas of the club received a good vacuum by Dave VK2RD to clean up all the grass carried in over the wet weather of the past few months. Looks good too. This was started by having to clean up the mess in the Canteen left by the tradesman installers. Nudge Nudge!

The mower was temporarily put back into service until the cutting deck finally collapsed. Looks like a trip to the repair centre is coming up. While on the mowing, Ken VK2UCF has joined the team that gets together to keep the grounds tidy. Anyone else wishing to lend a hand are most welcome. See Barry VK2BZ or Barrie VK2BXD to be put on the list.

Col VK2YP was again playing with antennas in the car park area. He has developed some more modifications to the Squid pole system. Keep at it Col and thanks for the effort.

Yesterday's meat tray went to a deserving first time winner. New member Jim, VK2JIM drew the ticket of Richard VK2CRA who was most pleased with the result. He made sure he did not forget to take it home and sat next to the fridge so no one else could grab it.

Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing this years Christmas party set down for the 11th of December. If you would like to see some particular treat, activity or just to help out for the day, please contact Diane.

Last weeks Westlakes Cup attracted at least 17 participants. Many thanks to Paul VK2HV who picked up the running of the event for the night until he was harassed by a Lid making contacts difficult. Dave VK2RD then took over the Club Call to finish the 1 hour contest. The call in afterwards gave some close results. These are only preliminary at this time until all logs are received and scrutinized. Remember that all logs must be in by the 29th of October. Send to contestmanger@westlakesarc.org.au or to Allan vk2oj@exemail.com.au

The Amateur spirit lives on with a team of volunteers arriving yesterday at the QTH of Bill VK2XTBill, who lives at Coal Point, needed some repairs to his 4 element Quad, but at almost 97 years old was beyond him. Enter the makeover team... Allan VK2FLTP, Lloyd VK2FLYD and Richard VK2FRKO who promptly set to work and had the job done in no time. They were then treated to a tour of Bill's shack and other storage areas on the site. Notice they are all F Calls? Many thanks Gentlemen, a big pat on the back to you all.

Well that's all the news we have this week.

Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone. Try dialling (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.

Dave VK2RD

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-09-20T01:14:00.000-07:00

Those who attend the WIA Annual General Meeting in 2011 will be going to Darwin. After consulting a number of the State Advisory Committees, the WIA have chosen Darwin as the location for the weekend event event, the dates are 27 to 29 May. The directors were influenced to head north by a submission from the Darwin Amateur Radio Club.

A smaller than usual number of members were at the club yesterday, reduced in size perhaps by the annual airshow at Williamtown. So if you are looking for something to do today, It's day two of The air show at Williamtown which is expected to attract a Sunday crowd of 30,000 people. But it has not been entirely clear skies for the event. The Newcastle Herald reported yesterday that trackwork would disrupt the region's public transport on one of its biggest tourism weekends.All trains on the Hunter and Newcastle and Central Coast lines will be replaced with buses, forcing an influx of commuters onto the region's roads. Parking for the show opened at 7am this morning. And we may hear a couple of "stationary mobile - stuck in a traffic jam" callbacks to this morning's news.

Now some Overseas news about Fish with chips. British scientists will implant fish with sensors similar to those used in computer game consoles to better understand their movements under water. Predictions about future fish stocks.The fish will be equipped with three-axis accelerometer sensors, which can detect movement in any direction. Already trialed is an electronic tag that can log every time a fish opens its mouth, which can use to tell when a fish is breathing, feeding, coughing or yawning. The tags cost $1,300 to produce. A fish that yawns? Now that would be a sight to see!

Still overseas and the RSGB reports that computer experts are warning that the Internet may "collapse" at some point within the next decade. They claim that the Internet routing method that connects any two computers in the world is severely stressed and cannot sustain another 10 years as millions more users pile onto it. Well, there's something to think about before you rush out and buy a new computer.

Closer to home....yesterday's meat tray. It was drawn by Ken VK2KJ in front of six observers in the Westlakes library. The winner was Ted VK2UI who did not leave it behind when he left the club. Well done Ted.

Who's got the engraver? Two new tables purchased by the club were set to be engraved yesterday but the engraver could not be located in the store. The Storeman was missing too! But we know where he was. Aly VK2AFZ was at the last day of trading of the Germania Club at Warners Bay. Yes, the Germania Club is no more and we understand that it was free beer on tap yesterday - for members only of course.

The club's new oven has not arrived. So in the absence of the canteen manageress, Ms Brown, Barry VK2BZ had to do battle with the old oven. It was pies and mushy peas or, pies and mushy peas on offer.

Last night the 2010 Westlakes Cup Contest was held. As the contest manager, Allan VK2JED, was unable to be on air, Dave VK2RD volunteered to run the event. No results are known at this stage. We hope to have a report in next Sunday's News and in the October Westlakes magazine. Speaking of the magazine, the next edition will be assembled and enveloped in the club library on Saturday week - that is 2nd of October. And remember, there is no Monthly meeting in October.

Computer news. During the week Microsoft released its new Internet Explorer 9 claimed to be better, faster, slicker, and more secure, than Firefox or Google web browsers. Time will tell.

And finally, you would think when a well-known member walks around the club all Saturday afternoon with a new call sign on a brand new club badge, someone would notice. No one did. However, those with keen ears may tumble to who it is after this morning's news reading.

Well that's all the news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone.Try dialing (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.

Thank you for listening.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-09-12T00:42:00.001-07:00

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of this morning's local news is Greg VK2CW. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of Warren VK2UWP which will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9:30am is a relay of the Australia wide amateur radio news from the WIA.

VK100WIA news. Richard VK2FRKO advised yesterday that the 3-day operation with the special call sign by Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club last weekend resulted in 686 contacts. Also the Port Stephens operators notched up the 15,000th contact with the special call. It was well-known amateur, Martin Luther VK7GN. PSARC had an excellent result, made all the better because "day one" was a rotter - wind, rain, storms and lightning. 686 contacts will take some beating by Westlakes on its 3-day turn at the end of October.

The storeman, Aly VK2AFZ continued to flog solar panels yesterday. So much so, that all eighteen of the 20 watt panels are gone - there are no more available. But hope springs eternal - perhaps another batch could be ordered? That question has been asked but the answer at this stage is,

"We don't know".

Yesterday morning, the 1109th edition of the "Stone the Crows" went to air at 6am. There were 13 starters. A quick calculation reveals that this net has been running every Saturday for over 21 years with Edward VK2UI at the helm. That must be some sort of record. Another quick calculation

Reveals that episode 1111 (remember that silly poem about racehorses) will go to air on Saturday week.

Coming up next Saturday night, the 18th September, is the 2010 Westlakes Cup. This contest has as a prize, two engraved cups that are awarded and retained by the winning Standard/Advanced and Foundation licence holders the contest only runs for one hour and the rules appeared in the August Amateur Radio Magazine and in the September Westlakes Magazine. So don't forget this year's Westlakes Cup - Saturday 18th September, from 10.30 UTC to 11.30 UTC, only on one band and then only between the frequencies of 3.535 to 3.620 MHz.

Now some overseas news that sounds like a breakfast cereal. Google has announced an improvement to its Internet search engine called "Google Instant". The search results change what you are shown as you type. The technology giant claims the new feature will reduce the time spent on search by two to five seconds per request, saving its more than 1 billion weekly users about 350 million hours a year. ‘Google Instant,' is available to all users on google.com in English in the US, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia and the UK. It will be available here in six weeks. The only visual change to the familiar multi-colour Google screen and logo will be the additional word, "Instant." 66 per cent of computer owners world-wide currently use Google.

Still overseas and the RSGB reports that computer experts are warning that the Internet may "collapse" At some point within the next decade. They claim that the Internet routing method that connects any two computers in the world is severely stressed and cannot sustain another 10 years as millions more users pile onto it. Well, there's something to think about before you rush out and buy a new computer.

Next time you visit the club, take a peek in the canteen. Arriving next Thursday will be the club's brand new oven. It's a sort of silvery /stainless steel thing with a fan blower and goodness knows what else. Handpicked by the canteen manageress, Gloria, it is certain to please.

A squid pole antenna was raised in the club grounds yesterday. The main purpose was to check the veracity of a report by vk2CW of a near 1:1 SWR on 40 metres all the way from 7 to 7.3 MHz.Barry VK2BZ attacked the coiless, trapless antenna with his deluxe antenna analyser which measures

Everything from Ohms to phases of the moon. Sure enough, Barry's device agreed with the SWR meter in the attached QRP FT817 radio - around 1:1.3 right across the 40 metre band. I told you so!

Yesterday's meat tray raffle result. In an effort to break the hold on the meat tray by the troglodyte inhabitants in the Westlakes store, a vegetarian, John VK2EV, was asked to draw the winning ticket. You guessed it - it belonged to the store troglodyte number four, Ken VK2KJ,

And finally, the club's deluxe wooden sign, carved, painted, varnished, and erected by Mal VK2VON, is still affixed to the building and remains unharmed after a week despite predictions that, "it won't last 5 minutes." Any bets on another week?

Well that's all the local news we have this week.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone.

Try dialling (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-09-04T14:19:00.001-07:00

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie.There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of Warren VK2UWP which will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ,at 9am local. Following at 9:30 am is a relay of the Australia-wide news from the WIA.

First this morning is news of three things that are NOT on. Today's scheduled monthly meeting of the Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club has been cancelled - the reason being that the members are exhausted from call "CQ from VK100WIA". The special call has been on air for three days since 10 am last Thursday. The last count seen yesterday afternoon was that over 550 contacts 
had been logged.

The second thing that is not on is the October monthly meeting at Westlakes. The change to future meetings being held on the first Saturday of the month has clashed with the October Day long weekend and a number of the committee and members will be absent.

And the third thing that is not on is Gloria's "jumbo" hamburgers for the next two Saturdays. She will be away, so it looks like BZ's pies and mushy peas will be the go for the next fortnight.

Something that is on (we hope it's still on) is the new wooden sign manufactured by Mal VK2VON that was attached to the rear wall of the club yesterday. It reads, not surpringly, "Westlakes Amateur Radio Club" and looks very smart indeed. There was plenty of advice given to Mal as to the best location and method of affixture of the sign by the "footpath foremen".

The storeman, Aly VK2AFZ was doing a brisk trade in solar panels yesterday. Eighteen panels were available and ten of these have been paid for and collected. Another five have been reserved by members leaving (at last count) three remaining solar panels that are available. The panels are brand new and have a 20 watt capacity. The cost is $85. See the storeman next Saturday afternoon they won't be there much longer than that.

Coming up on Saturday week is the 2010 Westlakes Cup. This contest has as a prize two engraved cups that are awarded and retained by the winning Standard/Advanced and Foundation licence holders. The contest only runs for one hour and the rules appeared in the August Amateur Radio Magazine and in the September Westlakes Magazine.So don't forget this year's Westlakes Cup Saturday 18th
September, from 10.30 UTC to 11.30 UTC, only on one band and then only between the frequencies of 3.535 to 3.620 MHz.

Following the photo that appeared in this month's club magazine of Louie, the Lithgow Yowie, one member, Allan VK2JED  has declared the picture of the beast had been "doctored". The magazine editor denies any complicity in this as the the image was accepted in good faith. And for any who doubt Louie's existence, look no further than next month's magazine when a second photo will appear. And, if further corroboration is needed, purchase a copy of this week's Lithgow Mercury or the Western Advocate (which circulates in the Bathurst region) for news of additional sightings of Louie.

It is just as well that yesterday's monthly meeting was a short one, otherwise the club would have ran out of money. The attendees were in a spending mood - among things approved for purchase were a new oven for the canteen, blinds for the common room, a photo copier, oscilloscope probes, a wall clock, two tables, an air conditioner, a garbage skip, and a load of filling. Narrowly rejected was 
a dish washer.

The earthquake event yesterday in New Zealand is a reminder to us all be aware of the amateur radio emergency frequencies for our region which is called Region 3? The frequencies to listen to or call on on are 3.600, 7.110, 14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHz. Amateur radio can have an important role to play in emergencies when other communications systems go down.

And finally, yesterday's meat tray raffle. Drawn by our man from the store, Geoff VK2GL, with his sleeves rolled up managed to select the ticket that belonged to Ken VK2UCF. Congratulations once again Ken.

Well that's all the local news we have this week.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone.Try dialling (02) 49581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.

Thank you for listening.

WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 29 AUGUST 2010

2010-08-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader for this morning's local news is
Brian VK2FG. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of Warren VK2UWP which is repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 10am is a relay of the
Australia-wide news from the WIA.
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This year's International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend was from all accounts, a fantastic
two days. There was a world record 447 registrations, four more than last year. On the country
tally, Germany came out on top with 60 registrations, five up on 2009. Australia was the big
improver with 57, eight more than its record set last year. Often heard during QSOs with
lighthouse stations were comments from others seriously thinking about being involved in
the future. Such is the enthusiasm demonstrated for the fun event that 30 registrations have
been received for next year. They will soon run out of lighthouses.
Westlakes has already booked the accommodation and the Norah Head site for 2011.
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Decorating the library since yesterday are framed photographs of members operating VK2ATZ in the
Lighthouse event last weekend. They look very smart indeed. The photos were taken (on his new
camera) and erected by Barrie VK2CXA.
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Please note from now on, the club's meetings will be held on the first Saturday of each month
meaning that the the next meeting will be held next Saturday 4th September. The starting time
remains the same - 1.30 pm.
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Also on next weekend, Port Stephens Radio Club will be operating with the WIA Special Event
callsign VK1000WIA on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th September. Diane VK2FDNE advises that in conjunction,
a 3-day barbecue will be held to promote the occasion. The barbecue is not all day of course but
at lunch time each day (around 1 pm).The location is the Coast Guard Base, Whitbread Drive Lemon
Tree Passage. Visitors are welcome. There is a small charge of $2 a head fot the barbecue - that's
cheaper than Maccas!
It's Westlakes' turn with VK100WIA for the last three days that the special call will be used and
those days are 29,30, and 31 October.
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Overseas news. Sony is working on 3D televisions that don't need special glasses, joining a race
with rival Toshiba, but sees cost and technological hurdles to overcome before they can go on sale.
Toshiba said earlier this week it is working on glasses-free 3D TVs, although no decision had been
made on when they will be released. Mainstream 3D TVs now on sale, such as those from Panasonic and
Sony, require glasses. But there are already screens that don't require glasses, mainly intended for
store displays. They require the viewer to stand in specific spots for the 3D effect to emerge, and
the image quality is much lower than that of screens using glasses."Seeing 3D without glasses is
more convenient," Sony Senior Vice President Yoshihisa Ishida said at Tokyo headquarters. "We must
take account of pricing before we can think about when to start offering them."
Sony showed its latest 3D products for the Japanese market, including flat-panel TVs and Blu-ray
recorders. Sony said it plans to be number 1 in market share in Japan in 3D TVs and 3D players and
recorders, taking advantage of its position as an electronics maker with a movie studio. Sony said
it will start selling in Japan next month two films and two music videos in 3D, and planned home
software of 3D theatre releases, including a 3D "Spider-Man" opening in 2012.
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Now,closer to home, but still on 3D TV, CHANNEL Nine still hopes to screen this year's National Rugby
League grand final in 3D despite failing to fulfil necessary legal requirements.The network on Friday
announced its plans to screen the October 3 match in 3D, following its broadcast of state-of-origin
rugby league games in 3D this year. But less than two hours later the Australian Communications and
Media Authority (ACMA) issued a statement saying that Nine had failed to report on consumer, reception,
interference and technical issues after its trial and no such licence had been issued.
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Anyone who is chasing one of those elusive 2-letter callsigns is reminded to keep an eye on the
WIA website. As of this morning, the are three available for VK2. They are: GN, UL, and YZ. The
first approach is, of course, to the WIA providing you already hold an advanced class amateur
licence.
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The September magazine was assembled and dispatched in the club library yesterday. For the hard-
copy version, check your letter box tomorrow, for the all electric recipients, the magazine should
have arrived via your email in-box.
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A visitor arrived at the club yesterday, it wasthat man of long distance walking fame, Jeff VK4XJJ.
He received plenty of advice on how to get around a flooded Lake Eyre in central Australia on his
east-to-west walk across the country planned to start next April. But that's not all. Jeff delivered
the promised solar panels. Yes, they are in the hands of our storeman, Aly VK2AFZ. Twelve panels
have been pre-ordered leaving eight still available. They have a capacity of 20 watts, are brand
new, and guaranteed. The cost is $85 picked up from the club. If you want one or two, don't delay.
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And finally, the meat tray raffle. Once again the winner came from inner sanctum of the club store.
In fact it was an all-store event. The ticket was drawn by Aly VK2AFL and belonged to his assistant,
Geoff VK2GL.
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Well that's all the local news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?

OK, now for callbacks. First portable and/or mobiles please

Second any base stations to acknowlege they were listening

Third are there any comments on today's broadcast

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on
Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening
from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone.
Try dialling (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are alway welcome
at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.

Warc Sunday News 11 July 2010

2010-07-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. Westlakes local news is read each Sunday on repeater VK2RTZ at 9am local. Following at 9:30 am is a relay of the Australia-wide news from the WIA .This will be repeated on the 80 metre frequency at 7 pm this evening by Warren VK2UWP

The first item today is something for the eyes. No, not another "page 3" girl - but "QRZ.COM" Paul VK2HV has taken over control of Westlakes callsign, VK2ATZ, and how it is presented on the popular "QRZ" site. Have a look - it's pretty good. Well done Paul VK2HV.

Here are three a messages to members who are interested in contests and associated radio events presented in date order. First is the 2010 RD Contest which will be held over the 14th and 15th August. Hopefully, there will be enough interest to operate the club station VK2ATZ from Teralba. Contact Allan VK2JED or Dave VK2RD if you would like to participate. Next, a week later is the Lighthouse Weekend where the club will again be attending Norah Head Lighthouse. over Friday 20th and Saturday 21st August. Accomodation varies from a bed, to sleeping in your car, or just come as a day-tripper and enjoy the sights. Food for the overnighters and a free barbecue on the Sunday morning will be provided. Approximate numbers are needed to arrange catering. Contact the secretary Barrie VK2CXA or Diane VK2FDNE if you would like to come. And the final event approaching is Westlakes use of the special callsign VK100WIA. We have the call for three days - the last three days - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 29, 30, and 31st October. Dave VK2RD is preparing a roster of members who will attempt to keep the call on-air for the entire period from the club radio room at Teralba. Contact VK2RD to be in it.

The results of the Club's CQ Repeater Contest for 2010 have been tabulated by Allan VK2JED. They will be presented at the July monthly meeting which will be held next Saturday 17th July in the club library at 1.30pm.

Those visiting the club yesterday would have noticed yet another escalation of the current spate of vandalism. At first, two holes were kicked in the sidewall of our buiding. It became three holes last weekend and that increased to eight holes Yesterday. The wall is looking very sorry at present and what was a relatively simple restoration, has now become a major one at a considerable cost to members. Any suggestions to prevent this stuff happening?

Richard VK2FRKO (OAM) grabbed the reins on Saturday morning taking over the "Ezybee" group on this repeater at 8am while earlier, Fred VK2YF handled the 6am "Stone the Crows" net on 80 metres. The Ezybee group has needed a leader for some some time but the Stone the Crows has always been conducted by Ted VK2UI. Unfortunately, Ted is not well at present and we wish him a speedy recovery. Well done Richard VK2FRKO and Fred VK2YF.

Remember that bloke who used to write these scripts (and read them)? He did a few other odd jobs too, such as edit Westlakes' magazine, run the Ezybee net,bring the Saturday meat tray, and run the mid-week SSTV and RTTY nets. Yes, it was Frank VK2FJL who moved to Lithgow. Apparently, Frank has been having problemsgetting his old computer gear to fire-up at the new QTH and in a colder climate. But not for much longer. We understand that he has lashed out and secured a brand new top-grade computer with allthe necesary bits and pieces and he should be back emmitting emails (with attached pictures of snow and ice) very soon.

Alex VK2ZM reports the that special event callsign, VK100WIA, is certainly doing business in grand style. Thousands of the Special QSL cards for VK2's have arrived at The Bureau at Westlakes. Anyone who can assist to sort some of these cards should see Alex in the Bureau. The only experince needed is to Know the alphabet.

The "little Westlakes torches". They are all gone. Please don't send any money, cheques etc.The torches seemed much more popular than the pens which had to be discounted to clear them. A Message to Mike VK2OI, you ordered two torches on-air a few weeks ago. they are being held by the treasurer for you. Next Saturday would be a great time to pick them up.

This item is the last - and it's the meat tray raffle result from yesterday afternoon. The winning ticket was drawn by Brian VK2BRI and it had "Gloria" on it! That's three meat trays to Ms Brown in the past five weeks. Included in the tray was a "Lamb Jumbuck" described by our butcher, as "lamb in a pastry wrap" that just "goes in the oven and I think you will like it." We await Gloria's report as to how that tasted. The "hat check girl" has instructed VK2CW to buy a Lamb Jumbuck (cost $9 at Needs Butchers Boolaroo) next Saturday - seeing he can't win one.

Well that's all the local news we have this week.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone. Try dialling 049 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are alway welcome we have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too, lots of them, although the Adora Cream Wafers are in short supply.

Thank you for listening.

Sunday News 4th July 2010

2010-07-04T02:19:00.000-07:00

This is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club This local news appears each Sunday on repeater VK2RTZ at 9am local. Following at 9:30 am is a relay of the Australia-wide news from the WIA.

The first item today is an important announcement. The monthly meeting for July has been put back one week. It was scheduled to be held next Saturday but it will now be held on Saturday 17th July in the club library at 1.30pm.

By now, members will have received their July Magazines in their letter boxes, or those Who get the electronic version, will find it has magically appeared in their inboxes (The correct way up too!) The reason for the early magazine issue is that the "temporary" Editor left for a week's break in Melbourne and got the magazine out before he left.

The meat tray was again well supported by those present yesterday. Last week’s winner Alex VK2ZM drew out the ticket of. Brian VK2BRI, who I might add arrived 10 minutes before the closing time of 2:00pm. Enjoy...

Congratulations to member Col Cuneo who has successfully passed the Foundation exam and is awaiting his chosen call of VK2FCWC. Col already has his radio set up at home and one in the Ute as well. Talk about keen... Well done Col and welcome to the fellowship.

The activity room was busy with Les Smiths class on assembly and use of a Signal Tracer project to be held in 2 parts. The next class is due to be held on Saturday 17^th July and constructing a companion Signal Injector. These are both valuable pieces of test equipment.

The results of the Club's CQ Repeater Contest for 2010 have been tabulated by Allan VK2JED. They will be presented at the next monthly meeting which will now be on July 17th

Members visiting the club in the last fortnight may have noticed the latest incident of Vandalism. Two holes had been senselessly kicked in the sidewall of our building. Well That’s not the latest incident - an inspection of the club during the week reveals that A third hole has been kicked in.

The club's Ezybee Net, named after its founder Eric VK2EZB (now a silent key) has fallen on hard times. It needs a co-ordinator to run the group. It only runs for half an hour at 8am on a Saturday on repeater 146.775 MHz. The purpose of the net is to inform listeners Of happenings at Westlakes that afternoon. Anyone interested in running the net or joining a roster, please advise the secretary. It would be sad to see the Ezybee Net fold.

Now some trivia from overseas. Nicolas Hayek, the founder of the "swatch" plastic watch, passed away last Tuesday. He was 82. In the 1980s, Hayek transformed two Swiss watch firms, Omega and Longines who were struggling to cope with Japanese competition. Sales of Swatch watches soared because they were trendy and affordable. The other Swiss manufacturers rode on the back of Swatch to dominate the quality segment of timepieces today. Nicolas Hayak is credited with saving the Swiss watchmaking industry.

A purchase of 5 desktop computers was delivered to Westlakes during the week. These are to replace the aging models installed around the clubrooms. Our I.T. man, Michael VK2ZEN, is in for a busy time hooking them up and getting everything running.

The Mildura Sunraysia region in Victoria's northwest became the first in the nation to rely on An exclusively digital television signal when the Government switched off the analogue signals there at 9:00am last Wednesday. The Digital Switchover task force says most viewers have already bought a set-top box or a digital television, and it’s not anticipating many complaints when the analogue signal goes. About 24,000 people will be affected by the change.

A number of 55 Amp/hr Gel Cell batteries have been donated to the club. Most are less than 12 months old and would make an ideal backup power system for the shack. See Aly at the store to get hold of 1 or 2.

We have a nice story to finish with. Congratulation to Westlakes President, Geoff VK2EO, who became a proud grandparent last Tuesday. Twin girls no less - Lucy Hannah and Lyla Grace. And what little charmers they look.

Well that' all the local news we have this week.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone. Try dialling 49581588 An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome and we have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, as we were reminded last week, there are biscuits too, Just dont take too many..

WARC News 27 June 2010

2010-06-27T02:30:00.000-07:00

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba in wooded grounds on the shores of Lake Macquarie.

As most listeners would be aware, the Sunday news from Westlakes did not go to air last week. The reason was of course, it was the postponed Mini Field Day and weren't we lucky with the weather. It was perfect. There was a bumper crowd, and plenty of helpers to set up and pull down tables and covers. The general comment around the grounds was that it was one of the best Mini Field Days yet held.
Special thanks must go to Gloria, the Canteen Manageress, who did most of the food stuff organising. Thanks also to Diane VK2FDNE who kept the barbecue rolling, to Penny the "hat check girl" at the welcome table, and to those ladies who prepared salads, cakes, and slices etc. The auctioneer on the day was Col VK2YP who kept the items selling at a cracker pace. The meat tray raffle winner was Gloria Brown and the lucky Westlakes Badge Prize went to Ken VK2KJ who won 2kg of sausages. Ken got confused in the excitement of winning and left with the meat tray by mistake, leaving the sausages for Gloria to take home.
The usual jellybean guessing competition winner was Ken VK2UCF.At the end of the day, an unknown "good Samaritan" with a truck offered to take all the leftover items and rubbish to a tip at Parkes where he was heading - a good 6 hour drive.
The day was a financial success for the club. After deducting all expenses, we made just over $1800 profit. Last seen, the treasurer was smiling.

The sick list. As advised by Richard, Diane VK2FDNE has been admitted to John Hunter for tests. We all wish her well and a speedy return to the club. Richard also advises that he will demonstrate how to construct a dipole antenna at the club on Tuesday evenings. That's just the thing needed for beginners and Foundation Licence holders.

The results of the Club's CQ Repeater Contest for 2010 have been tabulated by Allan VK2JED. They will be presented at the next monthly meeting on July 10th

Members visiting the club in the last fortnight may have noticed the latest incident of
vandalism. Two holes have been senselessly kicked in the sidewall of our building. What can I say, except that repairs are underway.

The club's Ezybee Net, named after it's founder Eric VK2EZB (now a silent key) has fallen on hard times. It needs a co-ordinator to run the group. It only runs for half an hour at 8am on a Saturday on repeater 146.775 MHz. The purpose of the net is to inform listeners of happenings at Westlakes that afternoon. Anyone interested in running the net or joining a roster, please advise the secretary. It would be sad to see the Ezybee Net fold.

A good news story for a change. Frank VK2WH brought his Yaesu radio to the club yesterday seeking advice on programming the CTSS encoding for 91.5 Hz tone access. He could not seem to decode the instructional manual to set it up (me either Frank). Dave VK2RD took over the task and in 10 minutes (give or take half an hour or so) all was sorted and on-air tests were conducted to reveal success.

The long-awaited Signal Tracer/Injector project is ready to start. Les Smith has all of the components ready and the first run of this class will be next Saturday 3rd July at 2:00pm in the Westlakes activity room. The second run will be two weeks later on Saturday 14th. If you want to be part of this project be at the activity room ready to go at 2pm.

The repeater VK2RTZ on 146.775 MHz appears to have a problem with output power. Reports from Central Coast stations and some locals in iffy mobile locations are having difficulty hearing the output. Peter VK2ZTV is aware of the problem and is investigating the likelihood of a faulty PA board. As the Doctor said to the midget, you will have to remain a little patient.

The July edition of Westlakes Magazine is ready to go and should appear in letterboxes by 1st July. The email version for members who receive the publication via the Internet will appear in "inboxes" at the same time.

The meat tray raffle. A new ticket seller appeared on the scene yesterday in the form of Keith VK2PKT - he did well too. After all the confusion of last week's missing tray, the draw yesterday was clear cut the winner being Alex VK2ZM. I am unaware who drew his ticket. Should it have been VK2KJ or Gloria? They wouldn't let VK2KJ near the barrel...surely?

Well that' all the local news I have this week.

Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also, on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone. Try dialling 049 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome we have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk.

Westlakes News Sunday 6th June 2010

2010-06-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

WESTLAKES AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Inc.

Weekly Broadcast 6th June 2010.

Good morning this is VK2ATZ. Here is a summary of news and events for Amateur Radio Operators brought to you by Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc.

Unfortunately we begin today’s broadcast with news of another of our members becoming a Silent Key. Barry Wilson VK2BBA from Croudace Bay was a long time member of Westlakes and over the past few years was a regular at the club of a Saturday. Barry had been dealing with Cancer the last few years. There was a ceremony last Friday morning for Barry's friends and family at Lambton Rd Broadmeadow then a Muslim funeral at the Mosque in Mayfield. Later in the afternoon.

Vale Barry VK2BBA

As most know, the Field day set down for last Sunday was called off owing to the condition of the grounds. Apparently there were a few souls who turned up on the day, only to find the area bare. We tried to contact everyone that we had email and phone contact details for but unfortunately, not all could be reached. Please accept our apologies and note that the date has now been set for Sunday 20^th June (weather permitting).

Thanks to Peter VK2ZTV, the interference to the 146.775 repeater has again been attended to. It appears that the problem stems from Microwave equipment co-sited with the repeater. Peter has fitted a new receiver which has the previously advertised features fitted. That being CTCSS tones for 123 Hz, 91.5Hz and access for untoned signals with a strong carrier. The carrier and 123 Hz features will be withdrawn in the future. If you have an older 2 metre radio without CTCSS ability, then the club can provide a small board at cost to fit your radio and allow you this feature. 91.5 Hz has been chosen as the standard access tone Australia wide.

Last week’s meat tray winner, Greg VK2CW was on hand to draw the winning ticket for this week and the prize went to Les VK2LT. Came to brag about Dayton, Bought a ticket and wins the prize…. The BBQ is on this afternoon BYO drinks.

The club purchased a number of Fred Swainston's popular Radio Theory Handbook. This is the 5th edition which has been completely revised and comes with a CD. The members of our current theory class have received their copies and the other members who ordered one are advised to pick their copy up from the Treasurer.

We still have a room available at Norah Head lighthouse for the weekend of 21^st through 23^rd August for the ILHLS activity. You can book this with Barry VK2CXA or Allan VK2JED. If you like you can come along and operate for the day if you wish. A good weekend is on offer from a very scenic location.

What is the difference between http and https?

Don't know how many of you are aware of this difference, but it is worth alerting any that do not.... The main difference between http:// and https:// is it’s all about keeping you secure. HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure"... If you visit a Website or webpage, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http://. This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecure' language. In other words, it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the Website. If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site. This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in an Http website! But if the web address begins with https:// that basically means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on. You understand why this is so important, right? If a website ever asks you to enter your credit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web address begins with https://. If it doesn't, you should NEVER enter sensitive information ... such as a credit card number. PASS IT ON (You may save someone a lot of grief).

AMATEUR RADIO ASTRONOMERS FIND SUPER SECRET SPACE PLANE

The following from ARNewsline...

A group of amateur radio-astronomers have accomplished what the military was likely hoping would not happen. They have spotted the super-secret U.S. Air Force X-37B mini space plane on-orbit. Amateur Radio Newline’s Frank Haas, KB4T, says the un-piloted X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 1 was lofted on April 22 atop an Atlas launcher. It is being flown under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. From there it entered a proverbial cone of silence regarding its on-orbit duties. But thanks to a worldwide network of amateur sky watchers, the spacecraft is reportedly in a 39.99 degree inclination, circling the Earth in an orbit 401 kilometres by 422 kilometres. The next phase in the amateur astronomers tracking of the X-37B will be an attempt to see if the space plane is emitting any radio signals! The US Air Force has not said what the robotic ship is for, but most analysts guess that it is likely a high altitude spy craft.

BUSTED: Item courtesy Southgate Amateur news...

The Australian Communications and Media Authority have cancelled an Amateur radio station licence following an investigation that uncovered continuing breaches by the licensee. In the case of the recent cancellation, crucial information was provided by other radio amateurs that alerted the ACMA to the ongoing non-compliance and assisted the investigation. The breaches included causing interference to other stations, failing to use a call sign and transmitting an unmodulated carrier. The ACMA made the decision to cancel the amateur licence when other compliance and enforcement measures had failed. The ACMA say in their reporting that every effort had been made to assist, encourage and educate the licensee to understand the importance of compliance with licence conditions. Despite repeated warnings to the licensee, the ACMA found that non-compliance continued over an extended period of time. "While it is extremely unusual for amateurs to ignore their obligation to comply with the law, the fact is that there have been instances of extreme behaviour that requires enforcement action. This action by the ACMA should remind us all that it will act when necessary" It is good to see the Australian regulator acting to enforce Amateur Radio regulations.

While on Enforcement.

The New Zealand regulator has been busy too.

A New Zealand ham is in trouble for running his station at power levels in excess of that nation’s maximum for radio amateurs. Alan Potter, ZL3II, of Christchurch, has been fined $1500 dollars NZ and ordered to pay $100 in court costs and had had his station confiscated by the government. This, after being found guilty of breaching Section 113 of the Radio communications Act 1989 by running power in excess of 3100 watts out of his station in a nation where 500 Watts is the absolute limit. Specifically, Potter was charged in the Christchurch District Court on April 14th after being found in possession of radio transmitting equipment that was capable of operating at a significantly higher power than the Amateur Radio Operators General License allows. He was found guilty of transmitting outside the terms and conditions of the General User Radio License for Amateur Radio Operators. Potter might have gotten away with his illegal high power activities a bit longer if not for one little mistake. Instead of just keeping quiet and operating, news reports say that New Zealand's Radio Spectrum Management agency became aware of Potter after he reportedly posted on YouTube. One video showed his amplifier operating at the 3100 watt level. That video has since been removed.

This month’s Business meeting will take place next Saturday 12^th June at 13:30 hours. Normally, when the meeting falls on a Long Weekend it is transferred to the following week but with the postponed Field day falling on Sunday 20^th June the Saturday will be required to get ready for Sunday. So see you all at the Monthly meeting NEXT week 12^th June.

Don’t forget to join in with the group each Saturday at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz where those participating have a round table discussion of what they have been doing during the past week and what is ahead for the next one. There is no set Net Controller, whoever is there first takes the net for the morning. Please join us. Also early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday morning at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net with Ted VK2UI as Master of Ceremonies.

That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.

Weekly Broadcast 30 May 2010

2010-05-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

Weekly Broadcast 30 May 2010.

Good morning this is VK2ATZ Here is a summary of news and events for Amateur Radio Operators brought to you by Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc.This Broadcast can be heard at 09.00 hrs each Sunday on 146.775 MHz and it is followed by the VK1WIA news.Today's reader is Greg VK2CW. Those with HF facilities will notice there is no simulcast on 80 metres this morning as Warren VK2UWP has been called away to Coffs Harbour on a family matter. Similarly, there will be no re-read by Warren this evening.

Today's news is a shortened edition as it was planned that the club's Mini Field Day
would be in full swing this morning and there would be no club broadcast. But as all
(we hope) are aware, the Field Day has been postponed for three weeks and will now take
place on Sunday 20th June. Emails were sent on Friday to all members for whom we had
addresses advising of the postponement. An inspection of the grounds at Teralba on
Thursday showed the area to be water-logged and the forecast for Saturday and today
indicated more rain was coming. Apologies to anyone who may have turned up this
morning and found the club closed and perhaps floating away.

A smaller than usual number arrived at the club yesterday afternoon which increased the odds of winning the meat tray raffle. But the odds were even better - there were two meat trays - the second was intended for today's Field Day. Last week's winner, Ken VK2KJ, drew the first ticket and the winner was Greg VK2CW who then drew the second winner who was David Lawrence. So much for increasing the odds.


An awaited parcel arrived in the mail during the week - it contained 75 key-ring mini
flash lights. These are a quality product that come complete with batteries and are all metal, blue in colour, with Westlakes Amateur Radio Club and address engraved on the side.These won't long particularly at the amazing price of $3 each. See the Secretary or Treasurer next Saturday to procure yours. Add $1 and one will be posted to you.

Next Saturday, 5th June, will be the assembly and enveloping of the June magazine in the club library. Helpers are always needed. Included with this edition will be a flyer advising of the new date - Sunday 20th June - of our Mini Field Day. It can't be still raining then surely?

You may have noticed that our repeater, VK2RTZ, has been plagued with an interference for the past few days. The only way to stop the noise has been to turn the repeater off which makes it easier on the ears. The problem is under investigation.

The Saturday afternoon theory class is still "bookless". The order for the supply of the latest Fred Swainston's Radio Theory book was placed last Monday. Delivery is expected this week and the books should be issued to the class next Saturday.

This morning's WIA news Broadcast will be a little different. It will come from Canberra where The WIA Centenary Convention is being held. The Centenary Dinner was held last night and today,is the BBQ at the Aviation and Radio Museum as well as a guided tour of the national capitol.The WIA broadcast will be heard on this repeater at 9.30 am subject to that interference problem.

And finally, fresh back from Ohio USA is Les VK2LT who was lucky enough to attend the 2010 Dayton Hamvention. This event has been held annually since 1952 and is by far the biggest gathering of radio amateurs in the world. The exhibits cover 165,00 square feet, an area so large that electric scooters are available for hire just to get around. we hope to coax some some photos from Les and his impressions of the Hamvention for inclusion in the club's magazine.

If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturday at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz
Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.

That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.

To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in
general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please
wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be
addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au

Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au

Westlakes Amateur Radio Club is located in York Street, Teralba and is open for business on Saturday from 12:00 midday and from approximately 6.00pm Tuesdays Call in and say Hello.....
Tea and Coffee with long-life milk are always on!

Field Day 30th May (POSTPONED)

2010-05-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

The Westlakes Mini Field day has been postponed until June 20th.
This decision was brought about by the inclement weather the Newcastle region has been experiencing over the last couple of weeks.
The club grounds are a muddy mess and with more heavy rain and winds likely over the weekend, the committee has decided to postpone the event.

2010-05-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

Weekly Broadcast 23 May 2010.

Good morning this is VK2ATZ Here is a summary of news and events for Amateur Radio Operators brought to you by Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc.This Broadcast can be heard at 09.00 hrs each Sunday on 146.775 MHz and it is followed by the VK1WIA news. Those with HF facilities will notice there is no simulcast on 80 metres this morning as Warren VK2UWP is otherwise engaged, however this evenings re-read by Warren on 3.565 MHz can be heard at 1900 hours.

The first item today is news of VK100WIA. It is officially on the air. This special callsign to commemorate the Centenary of Organised Amateur Radio in Australia and the foundation of the WIA, logged its first 1,000 contacts by last Wednesday. Among them were some 25 DX different countries. Stations have also been worked in all VK states, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island.

The WIA has first dibbs at VK100WIA until the 31st May and then the call gets handed to clubs in 3-day slots. Westlakes club has the last 3-day slot from October 29th to 31st and then the callsign will be put away forever.

And while on matters WIA, it has just been announced that a revised date has been chosen for the forthcoming National Field Day. In the original planning, it was considered that the activity generated in the last 3 hours of the National Field Day would not cause undue traffic or interference with the Oceania DX Phone Contest.
It was even felt that it could be beneficial for the VK6 Stations to provide activity on the Bands. However, following the consideration of a submission including what the WIA calls "various logistical and safety issues", the date of the National Field Day has been moved to the new date of the 23rd of October. I wonder what the "safety issues" could be?

Westlakes week-long CQ Repeater Contest conluded on 7th May and the Contest Manager, Allan VK2JED, reminds us that the deadline for logs is 28th MAY - that's next Friday. All logs please to The Contest Manager, C/- Westlakes ARC, PO Box 3001, Teralba 2284 or email to contestmanager@westlakesarc.org.au

The meat raffle - New blood entered the winner's circle yesterday in the form of Ken VK2KJ after last week's winner, Gary VK2MMM drew ken's winning ticket from the tumble-turn barrel. Congratulations Ken. And I would like those who support the weekly meat tray raffle - it raised $1250 in the last financial year - and that's enough to cover the cost of ourlease, water rates,and phone account.

Just when you thought you had seen it all at Westlakes, something different arrives - second hand clothes were on hand yesterday. The price was right - free. Some items had never been worn. I scored a shirt (and it fits). Thank you EO.

It's on again - Westlakes Mini Field Day in the club grounds York Steet Teralba next Sunday 30th May. Admission is free - all are welcome to attend. The usual attractions will be there boot sales, auction, "make an offer" store sales, barbecue lunch, drinks lollies and chocolates. The gates open at 9am. Remember you never know what you will find or who you will see at a Westlakes Field day.

Overseas news -it was announced yesterday in the UK that Google has launched a TV service that combines live television with the web.This new "smart TV" service allows people to search both live channels as well as content from websites such as YouTube. Special TV sets - or normal TVs connected to a Google box - will also allow people to access the web and download applications.The first TV sets will be produced by Sony and should be available by September. A Google spokesperson said that Video should be watched on the biggest, brightest, and best screen in the house - the television and that's not a PC. Adding there were currently 4 billion TV users worldwide and that around $70 billion was spent annually on adverts in the US alone. so there it is.... the "giggle box" looks like becoming a "Google box."

The club is about to purchase a number of Fred Swainston's popular Radio Theory Handbook. this is the 5th edition which has been completely revised and comes with a CD. The members of our current theory class will want a copy and if any other others are interested please advise me but be quick. Westlakes will obtain the books at a reduced rate. The "reduced" rate is $110 (not cheap, but then try buying one on your own). The order will be placed tomorrow morning and it will be a "one-off" purchase. Contact me today, Greg VK2CW on 49632633 for more information.

And finally a weather bulletin - I am able to report that the current temperature in Lithgow is 3.6 degrees C. They breed 'em tough in Lithgow.

If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturday at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.

That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.

To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in
general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please
wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be
addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au

Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au

Westlakes Amateur Radio Club is located in York Street, Teralba and is open for business on
Saturday from 12:00 midday and from approximately 6.00pm Tuesdays Call in and say Hello.....
Tea and Coffee are always on!
Amateur Radio is a great hobby become active and enjoy it.

Westlakes ARC Sunday News 9th May 2010

2010-05-09T02:06:00.000-07:00

Good morning this is VK2ATZ and a happy Mothers'Day to all the mums who may belistening. Here is a summary of news and events for Amateur Radio Operators brought to you by Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc.
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The first item today is news of two SILENT KEYS - VK2FMT and VK2FPAC.
We regret to announce the passing in February of Tony Skerrett VK2FMT. Tony was a club member for many years and although handicapped from polio, he was a weekly contributor to Westlakes HF nets. He was 63 years old. Also, Paul Caban VK2FPAC passed away in hopital last week. Paul was not a Westlakes member but he regularly joined the club's mid-week SSTV and RTTY nets and he was a well-known amateur in the Newcastle area. The funeral service will be tomorrow, Monday, at Pettigrew Funeral Parlours, 3 Harris Street Wallsend at 2 pm. A moments pause please in memory of Tony Skerret VK2FMT and Paul Caban VK2FPAC. Thank you.
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Yesterday, the 46th Annual General Meeting of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. was held in the club Library, Teralba. It was standing room only for some - the others bagged a seat early.
The election of officers saw a few changes. Retiring were our President and life member, Frank VK2FJL, as he is moving to Lithgow, and Keith VK2PKT whose change in employment prevents his attendance at meetings. Incoming we have a new President in the form of Geoff VK2EO, and a new Secretary, BarrieVK2CXA. Also, joining the committee yesterday was Diane VK2FDNE. All other positions are as before. All reports were accepted and the audited financial statement showed that the club had a record financial year with turnover in excess of $23,000.

Our canteen managress, Gloria, was absent in Orange for Mothers Day, but the task of presenting lunch and the usual post-AGM aternoon tea, was capably filled By Barry VK2BZ, Dianne VK2FDNE, and Penny Smith. Well done the three of you.
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The meat tray. It was a good one too for the AGM - I can attest to that -and 121 tickets went into the barrel and that's a record. Frank VK2FJW, the winner two weeks ago, drew the winning one and it belonged to the ticket seller on the day, Penny Smith. ___________________________________________________
Congratulations to Mal Fletcher who dropped a letter during the week. Last Monday he was VK2FVON, come Friday, he was VK2VON. Well done Mal - we undertand a new club badge has been ordered.
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The club is about to purchase a number of Fred Swainston's popular Radio Theory Handbook. This is the 5th edition which has been completely revised and comes with a CD. The members of our current theory class will want a copy and if any others are interested please advise the Secretary but be quick. Westlakes will obtain the books at a reduced rate and the order will be placed this week.
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The future of 7ocm for Australian amateurs was revealed by the ACMA this week - or was it? The following message comes from Ivy VK3IVY and she says: "The ACMA has now released the document "The way ahead - Decisions and implementation options for the 400 MHz band" It's about how the ACMA wishes to reallocate the 400MHz band. As our 70cm band runs from 420-450MHz (with existing restrictions in Perth and Melbourne in the 420-430MHz section.) VK3IVY goes on to say, "In a nutshell, we will lose 420-430MHz. There will be no changes for 430-440MHz. But for 440-450, from what I can tell from an initial reading of this paper, there will be no changes for us." The document in full is on the ACMA website where it states the following "Arrangements for the radiolocation and amateur services are outside the scope of this plan." It all seems rather vague, So hopefully, there will be no changes for 440-450MHz.
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That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.

If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturdayat 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.

To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au
Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au