WESTLAKES NEWS FOR NOVEMBER 9th 2014

Yesterday was the car boot sale at the club grounds.. Did you miss it? Some interesting items were on sale and no doubt some horse trading was taking place. Around 9 sellers turned up with a varying range of goods. Visitors from Sydney and the Central Coast also came along to peruse the goodies on display. The BBQ was in full swing with chef Michael attending to the needs of the hungry hordes, ably assisted by That wonderful lady... Mrs Smith.. Thanks again Penny... Your a Darling. The meat tray... Yes there was one on offer, was won by an out of Towner.. Greg VK2POP took home the bacon so to say, all the way to Muswellbrook. Congrats Greg. Enjoy your winnings. This years Christmas party. Mark this date on your calendar -SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER and the party will start when you get there. Bring your own Alcoholic drinks and a comfortable chair, otherwise all will be supplied on the day. So Saturday 20th December... keep it free for your clubs Chrissy Party. There will be no more Foundation licence courses for this year and the next class will commence early next year. Listen on future broadcasts for the starting date. Just an update from Diane last night is that she is home and being looked after by Richard. Still awaiting results of tests which at this stage are not conclusive. Get well soon Dianne... Also home from hospital is Doug VK2YI and we believe that Doug has to take it easy for a while. The club wishes you both a speedy recovery. No more orders please. You have missed out... The box of 2015 Call books have all been sold. They should be available to be picked up at the club hopefully next weekend. Keep listening. Another date for your calendar is November 15th where Michael VK2OB is having a course for people who want to know the very basics on how to use a computer. There are 4 names already submitted so hurry up and get your name in. No need to bring your computer in as Michael will be using the electronic chalk board. The Westlakes store has now got good quality RG 213 and RG - 58 coaxial cable for sale. This coax cable is selling fast so hurry up and get your antenna back up in the air. See Ally in the store for the best deal in town. Don't forget all of the other special things available in the club store for members to purchase. The club also received an invite to next years WYONG FIELD DAY which will be in February next year on the 22nd. The club agreed to be there again and bring along the QSL bureau, weather permitting. South Australian takes leave from top ARISS job After a long time, Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI, the mainstay of Amateur Radio on the Space Station for the ARISS program, is taking a well-earned break from the daily grind to enjoy spending more time with his family and some travel. His involvement spans 21 years and includes being the ARISS Coordinator for the Asia Pacific Region. 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. Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR NOVEMBER 2ND 2014

Yesterday at the club was the monthly meeting. Did you miss it? Some of the discussion points that were discussed were fixing and updating the clubs webpage and to get rid of information that is not correct. A number of members Luke VK2LGW, Michael VK2OB and Dave will have a look at it over the next few weeks and do the necessary changes. Also on the discussion table was the talk of this years Christmas party. Mark this date on your calendar -SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER and the party will start when you get there. There will be no more Foundation licence courses for this year and the next class will commence early next year. Listen on future broadcasts for the starting date. One outstanding member, Mal Marshall VK2FAYD upgraded from his Foundation licence to his Standard and then to his Advanced and got very high marks. Congratulations Mal well done. Luke VK2FALA has finally received his upgraded standard call sign from his assessment at Westlakes a few weeks ago. He is now VK2LGW. Congratulations Luke. Out of this meeting today we learnt that Diane VK2FDNE had a stroke and is in the Mater Hospital Level 5 Ward 5a bed 6. Just an update from Diane last night is that the tests are not conclusive that it had been a stroke but they are treating it as a stroke. Also on the sick list is Doug VK2YI and we believe that Doug is back home recuperating. The club wishes you both a speedy recovery. It was time for the meat tray raffle and Dave VK2RD ( last weeks winner ) reached into the ticket tumbler and picked none other than Richard VK2FRKO. The look on all the faces told a story but Richard had a big smile. Congratulations Richard enjoy the meat tray. After the meeting Penny had served up a feast. Well done and thank you Penny. Lost and found. After the Monthly Meeting at Westlakes yesterday, a mobile phone in a leather case was found under the front row of seats. The phone is locked with a password so we are unable to work out who it belongs to. It is in the possession of Greg VK2CW who can be contacted on 49 632633 or email vk2cw@bigpond.com Arthur Perry and his XYL called in at Westlakes yesterday with a donation of radio gear and test equipment. Arthur who has been a club member for many years, made the trip from his QTH at Berwick, Victoria and his donation was much appreciated. Another visitor from far away was Rob VK2XXM from Grafton. Rob has been listening to Westlakes 40 metre net and thought he would drop in and see what the club was all about. Also new member, Rob VK2XIC called in to the club and joined in afternoon tea. Rob is President of Illawarra amateur Radio Society and likes how we look after our members. Catch you again Rob when next in town. No more orders please. You have missed out... The box of 2015 Call books have all been sold. They should be available to be picked up at the club within a fortnight. The cost is $22 each. Another date for your calendar is November 15th where Michael VK2OB is having a course for people who want to know the very basics on how to use a computer. There are 4 names already submitted so hurry up and get your name in. No need to bring your computer in as Michael will be using the electronic chalk board. The Westlakes store has now got good quality RG 213 and RG - 58 coaxial cable for sale. This coax cable is selling fast so hurry up and get your antenna back up in the air. See Ally in the store for the best deal in town. Don't forget all of the other special things available in the club store for members to purchase. Jamie VK2YCJ visited the Hornsby and districts club during the week and he spoke to John VK2ZRN who said that he is willing to travel up to Westlakes ARC to give a lecture on making printing circuit boards. Most members agreed and it was noted that this lecture will occur in the new year. Dave VK2RD also pointed out that Col VK2YP ( a serving club member and ex project manager) can also make and draw up good quality circuit boards. Perhaps we could utilise both of them on the lecture day. The club also received an invite to next years WYONG FIELD DAY which will be in February next year on the 22nd. The club agreed to be there again and bring down the QSL bureau, weather permitting. AR NSW 9 NOV 2014 FIELD DAY On Sunday 9 November 2014, AR NSW is having another field day for the benefit of our members at the VK2WI site If you are able to attend we would be very pleased to see you. In the morning, we’ll be having a ‘New Hams’ segment for those new to Amateur Radio or those who might like a refresher. Subjects will include control knob use, voice procedure, programming your radio, repeaters and the care and feeding of a grounded anode and correct threading of ferrite beads. Followed by a sausage sizzle for lunch, ice cream included. After lunch we will also have a segment on contesting from 3 experienced amateurs, each with their own slant on what works for them.We will also encourage input from all inviting their thoughts.Here’s your chance to pass on the benefits of your experience to someone who may have difficulty dissecting an armstrong oscillator or has lost the manual for their megacycle. Attendance is by registration with close off Wednesday 5 November to help with the catering So, indicate your intention by emailing to fieldday@arnsw.org.au Kindly include in your email, your name, callsign, contact number, which sessions you will be attending and the number that will be in your party Those who ordered 1:1 and 4:1 balun kits and kevlar wire may collect on the day If you have yet to order kits, email balun@arnsw.org.au The gates at VK2WI, 63 Quarry Road, Dural open 09300 hrs for the first presentation at 1000 hrs. For further information you can contact Al Hirschel VK2KAM direct on 0415-259 777 VK6 A club shack contents is stolen A burglary has occurred at the club rooms of the Hills Amateur Radio Group VK6AHR on the corner of Brady and Sanderson Roads in Lesmurdie, a suburb of Perth. Past President Martin Stretton VK6ZMS reports that the theft has resulted in the loss of transceivers, a linear, tuner and interface. These are a Yaesu FT1000MP, ICOM IC7400, a Motorola GM338, an AMERITRON AL811 amplifier, a Palstar Tuner and a DIGIMASTER interface. The serial numbers for each are in the WIA News this week. IS YOUR RADIO SHACK SECURE? ALARA 2014: From Richard VK2FRKO. The ALARA meet at Nelson Bay is over and a wonderful time was had by all. There were about 50 in the group including their OMs. Now hot off the press. Next year is ALARA'S 40th anniversary and they will be meeting down in Melbourne around July. So YL s in the Hunter start saving your money and don't miss out on this event. Finally, don't forget our Car Boot sale next weekend on Saturday. Its free once again. Contact Barrie VK2QG for a spot or just turn up on the day and hope for the best. I am sure we can find you a spot. 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR SUNDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2014

AR NSW 9 NOV 2014 FIELD DAY On Sunday 9 November 2014, AR NSW is having another field day for the benefit of our members at the VK2WI site If you are able to attend we would be very pleased to see you In the morning, we’ll be having a ‘New Hams’ segment for those new to Amateur Radio or those who might like a refresher. Subjects will include control knob use, voice procedure, programming your radio, repeaters and the care and feeding of a grounded anode and correct threading of ferrite beads. Followed by a sausage sizzle for lunch, ice cream included After lunch we will also have a segment on contesting from 3 experienced amateurs, each with their own slant on what works for them.We will also encourage input from all inviting their thoughts.Here’s your chance to pass on the benefits of your experience to someone who may have difficulty dissecting an armstrong oscillator or has lost the manual for their megacycle. Attendance is by registration with close off Wednesday 5 November to help with the catering So, indicate your intention by emailing to fieldday@arnsw.org.au Kindly include in your email, your name, callsign, contact number, which sessions you will be attending and the number that will be in your party Those who ordered 1:1 and 4:1 balun kits and kevlar wire may collect on the day If you have yet to order kits, email balun@arnsw.org.au The gates at VK2WI, 63 Quarry Road, Dural open 09300 hrs for the first presentation at 1000 hrs. For further information you can contact Al Hirschel VK2KAM direct on 0415-259 777 Around seven club members helped man the Westlakes Display at the 2014 Catalina Festival at Rathmines yesterday. Despite having three antenna configurations and on different bands, no contacts were made because of background noise both QRN and QRM. Good interest was shown by the public in amateur radio activities and a surprising number with call signs and ex-telegraphists stopped for a chat. We will see in the next week or two how many end up visiting the club. Apart from us, there were an amazing number of vintage and classic cars, jeeps, troop carriers,amphibious planes, snow cones, hot chips, and Pluto Pups. The highlight in the afternoon was, of course, the arrival of the Catalina. The major drawback of the day was the temperature - it was hot - and we had the best seats in the house with a great view of the lake and the performing stunt planes. Plus we were in the shade under the Westlakes gazebo. Others out in the open and without hats will be sore today. Thanks to the club members who helped to set up and pull down Westlakes display. The November Westlakes Magazines are in the mail and should appear in letterboxes tomorrow,as will the email colour version on computers. They are a little early this month as the November Monthly Meeting is next Saturday 1 November. You can't have a monthly meeting earlier that the 1st. 2015 WIA Callbook The 2015 WIA Callbook is now available for purchase. Orders can be placed via the "WIA Publications" category of the online bookshop. WIA affiliated clubs are invited to purchase the Callbook in bulk for sale at Club functions, Hamfests etc. The Club has ordered a full box of call books to save having to go through the WIA.. Give Greg VK2CW your name and he will fix the rest. Special price through the club as well, $22.00. November AR Magazine Now Online For Download. Amateur Radio is the monthly magazine produced by the Wireless Institute of Australia in both print and in an online downloadable format for the benefit of WIA members. The November edition is now online and available for members to download and read. Apologies for the short Newscast but with the busy weekend there was not time to do much reporting 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE 14TH SEPTEMBER 2014

This Morning, our broadcast comes live from the Westlakes Amateur Radio Club grounds located at Teralba. Today is the clubs Major field day and the gates opened at 9:00am. Stall holders got in earlier to setup. Looks like we will have quite an attendance today as there are quite a few early birds already here, waiting to snatch up a bargain. Its FREE ENTRY, BBQ lunch, cold drinks, tea and coffee, ice creams. There may even be some cakes for sale. No Andrews comms this year people, but good bargains at the auction table. Yes a small freebie table will be available. The auction will start about 11:30 am so be here early. The clubs Major raffle will be drawn at 12 midday with the prize being a Yeasu FT817D. A very handy multi band and mode transceiver. Discussion regarding next years special event call of VI*100ANZAC was held and various points were brought up. This could be an opportunity for the club to once again be in the limelight as we did with the VI100WIA call. More on this as the event gets closer. Yesterdays meat tray was won by Barry VK2VBF. Enjoy the meat tray Barry and see you next week. The club is sparkling after a brush down and wash and inside all floors swept and mopped and a final vacuum through out. Grass mowed where we could, dodging between the saturated grounds but all well for today. During the week the new box guttering was delivered to the club. 8 meters in length and to be installed sometime in the near future. Hopefully this will end the water from coming down the walls in the front door entrance. The new exit door in the library was finally good for something. Dave VK2RD decided to open it and carry the new box guttering through the door way and place it in the hallway. This brings us to our next it point. Please if you have to go up to the library take extreme CARE as the box guttering comes down the hallway a fair way up. A barrier has been placed in the hallway to stop traffic up into the library. Interested in upgrading your licence? We are holding an assessment session for those who wish to upgrade their licence on Saturday 4 October, commencing at 12:30 hrs. If you would like more information, please contact Steve VK2LW at VK2LW@wia.org.au If you are interested, please contact Steve as soon as possible so he can make sure the exam papers are available for the day. Many thanks.Steve VK2LW WIA NEWS.- Important Notice - News Broadcasts: The WIA has been contacted by the ACMA in relation to material of an advertising nature being aired on an amateur radio news broadcast. Upon investigation it was found that the offending material was part of a state based broadcast, and not the WIA national broadcast originating from the studio's of Graham VK4BB. The WIA wishes to remind all amateurs involved in preparing broadcasts for their local radio clubs that the Radio communications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination prevents the transmission of material that is, or includes, an advertisement or any form of entertainment. Short music tags introducing the WIA news are not considered entertainment. To avoid any future confusion, all news broadcasts should clearly identify the originating club or group, and a clear distinction should be made between the national WIA segment and any following broadcast segment originating from another group. Regards Phil Wait This is VK2ATZ ARNSW would like to advise listeners that the 3.699 kilohertz morse transmission from VK2WI re commenced a couple of weeks ago. Additional speeds of 20 and 25 words per minute have been added, along with more text. It is a continuous service except at Sunday broadcast periods. Reports are most welcomed - which can be emailed to callbacks@arnsw.org.au Don’t forget the EZYBEE net at 08:00 am every Saturday morning on 146.775 where we discuss what is happening at the club that day. And for the early risers we can’t forget the Stone the Crows net on 80 metres, 3.588 Mhz at 06:00 am Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a future 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR AUGUST 31ST 2014

In the library, a small meeting was held to discuss last weekends Our town Hobby show in which the Westlakes club had a stand. Quite a lot of suggestions were put forward and will be collated and acted on by Barry VK2VBF who will then present a report to the management committee for action. After the meeting the meat tray was drawn by Joanne ( Diane's friend ) and whose ticket did she pull out? Yes, it was Herb VK2ZVF. Congratulations Herb enjoy the meat tray. Seen and heard walking around on the roof was Richard VK2FRKO and John VK2FALE who measuring up a flashing for the roof. 8 meters long in one piece and open at the ends. Hopefully this will stop the leaking roof. Down near the swamp, Richard and Garry were busy sawing some branches of a tree that was annoying the antennas erectors who from time to time repair and maintain the clubs 160 meter and 80 meter dipoles. At the moment we don't have a 160 meter antenna. A working bee will be carried out in the warmer months to make and install a new 160 and 80 meter dipole. Foundation Licence Update: In the classroom Geoff VK2GL was instructing the next group of candidates. Very soon we will hear some new voices on air. However, if you already have a Foundation or Standard Licence why not consider upgrading to either a standard or advanced callsign. Interested? Email vk2lw@wia.org.au The Canteen was in full swing with the return of chef Michael, once again cooking his famous hamburgers. They must have been alright as all seats at the table were occupied. Good to see you again Mike. Do you need more tickets for the raffle of the FT817 to be drawn at the Field Day. If so contact Greg VK2CW who will be happy to oblige. If you own a Baofeng Handheld and are having a problem with the input of frequencies... Stress no more, help is at hand with Nigel VK2FMT or Norm VK2KNC who can do a full download in a few minutes and have the little transceiver talking quite happily. The TS 820 is still proving to be a headache on the repair work bench. Lloyd is the next pair of hands that is applying his skills to try and fix this radio. Richard bought in a Drake SRD 1 - receiver for Norm VK2KNC to look at but without some manuals it was a bit hard to find the problem. More on this later. How many of you worked the ALARA ladies last night. There were quiet a few out there calling CQ. Come on guys and gals give them ago. From the WIA NEWS DESK: Draft WIA Repeater and Beacon Policy Released. After several months of discussion between the WIA and the various stakeholders, the WIA has now released a draft Repeater and Beacon Policy. The draft policy attempts to strike a balance between the principals of good spectrum management, (the minimisation of cross-interference between repeaters), and the experimental nature of the amateur service and its inherent need for flexibility. The WIA encourages all stakeholders to review the draft policy, and forward any comments to the WIA by the 1st November, 2014. Comments should be sent via the following Link The band segments and frequencies assigned to amateur repeaters and beacons are also currently under review by the WIA as part of the bandplan review.You are also encouraged to make a submission to that review.Here is the Link to the band plan review news release. September AR Magazine Now Online For Download. Are you a member of the WIA? Then the latest edition of AR magazine is available for down loading. Finally to finish off. Reminder to ALL MEMBERS: It is 2 weeks today to Westlakes annual field day on the 14th September in the club grounds. Have a look through your equipment and see what you are not using or better still look in you garage and see what is taking up valuable space. Perhaps you would like to donate it to the club. Remember to bring your own tables and a chair to sit on and you must take away ALL your own rubbish. If your are interested in a stall please contact the club secretary for further details. The 40 metre net on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays commencing at 09:30 hrs, on 7.150 MHz. is still a popular activity. Please call in and discuss any topic that you wish to bring up. We have many experts on any discussion. Last Wednesday morning Dave VK2RD was net controller. We don't charge for joining the net - its free and we are all friendly. ALL WELCOME. Also, the EZYBEE net at 08:00 am every Saturday morning on 146.775 where we discuss what is happening at the club that day. And for the early risers we can’t forget the Stone the Crows net on 80 metres, 3.588 Mhz at 06:00 am 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR 3RD AUGUST 2014

At the club yesterday was the clubs monthly meeting and some of the items up for discussion were the up and coming Our town Model Show in 4 weeks time, Herb was thanked for clearing rubbish that someone dumped in the club grounds plus reports from various club committee members. In the absence of Garry VK2PE, President Steve VK2LW reached in and selected a lucky ticket. Lucky for some most people would say. In Steve's hand was the ticket with the callsign VK2AFZ . Yes it was lucky Ally. Enjoy the meat tray. After the meeting, the members were presented with a feast prepared by Penny. From all the members there yesterday - THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Education News: President Steve advised that John Saunders has done his assessment for the Advanced Licence and will do his exam on the 26th of this month. We wish him all the best. The next Foundation assessments will be held on the 30th August commencing at 1300 hrs and there is 1 vacancy left for anyone that is interested. The assessments will be held at the club house at Teralba on the 27th September. In the activity room, Barry VK2BZ was trying to fix his Kenwood TS-820 which had no display. Barry had a bad day as he had left his microphone at home. Another mic was wired up. Barry will have another go next week. Anyone got a TS-820 that has had display problems? Perhaps you could get in contact with Barry and tell him where to start looking. Also in the activity room was Alec VK2ZM who had his MST 800 and MST 400 on display. Marcel was there checking the two sets out and guess who else was in there. Yes, it was Norm VK2KNC giving Alec some advice. Bad luck Alec its back to the drawing board for you. A late comer to the activity room was Max VK2TTI who had some issues with his SDR software on his laptop. Once again it was Norm to the rescue. It has come to notice that a certain member was seen/heard talking about riding a push bike around the Lake Foreshore. Yes, it was Dave VK2RD. I wonder how far Dave rode and how far he walked. Were you calling CQ via your handheld? By the way Dave is taking names so he can start a pushbike club. We need a picture for the club mag Dave. The clubs 160 meter dipole antenna is only operating on one leg. The other leg was found wrapped up on the ground/fence so it looks like we have to have an antenna building day. Did someone mention antenna building day? Well there’s good news in that dept. Leigh VK2KAL/VK2KY advises that After the success of the AR NSW ‘Balun spectacular’ on Sunday 29 June 2014, we have decided to do another order of KevFlex wire. This time we will take orders for NON FIXED LENGTHS. This is very strong wire and yes it can be soldered. The price we think we be $1.00 per meter. The normal price is about $1.50 per meter. So if you are interested please email Barrie VK2QG and tell him how many meters that you require and the club can put in a bulk order to ARNSW. Listen out in future broadcasts for updates to this deal. An Introductory course for computers will start in the next month or so. An indication of numbers is appreciated. Please contact Michael George at the club or email michaelgeorge@beagle.com.au to register your interest. Course is to cover the very basics of computer operations so if your having trouble grasping the very basics, we are here to help. TELSTRA ANNOUNCES PLANS TO SHUTDOWN 2G MOBILE NETWORK In an online post on the 'Telstra Exchange' website, Telstra's Network Group Managing Director, Mike Wright, advised that the 20 year old 2G network would be dismantled over the next two-and-a-half years. Wright cites that the mobile network accounts for less than 1% of total network traffic and that the company has not sold a 2G specific device in over 2 years. Technologies on newer 3G and 4G networks continue to evolve and already offer higher speeds, having attracted a large proportion of the 2G customer base. It is expected that the 2G frequency allocations will be reassigned to expand the remaining networks. This as Vodafone also announces a "refarming" plan to migrate some 3G spectrum to improve their 4G offering. From Lesley, VK5LOL, the Alara Contest manager. Just wanting to let you know that the 34th Alara Contest is coming up in August, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st; the last weekend of August. Details can be found on the Alara website. It would be wonderful if more YLs would participate particularly some of our newer F calls. We are very friendly and don't take contesting too seriously. Paper logs are welcome and there is also an Echolink section. Looking forward to speaking with lots of YLs on the 30th and 31st August. 33, Lesley VK5LOL" 2 weeks to go till the Lighthouse weekend at Norah Head. Those going to the site, get any gear ready that you need so you are ready to role on the Friday. We are getting there about 2:00 pm to set up. If you have any special dietary needs then contact Diane VK2FDNE so she can cater for you. The following weekend, 22nd,23rd and 24th the Club will have a site at the Newcastle “Our Town Hobby & Model Show” at Broadmeadow Race Course. We still need some volunteers to help out on the stand over the weekend. Contact Geoff VK2GL or Barry VK2VBF if you can help. You do not have to be on duty all day. You can have a look around the other displays if you wish. Reminder to ALL MEMBERS: Westlakes annual field day will be held on the 14th September 2014 in the club grounds. Have a look through your equipment and see what you are not using, or better still look in you garage and see what is taking up valuable space. Perhaps you would like to donate it to the club. If your are interested in a stall please contact the club secretary for further details. Don’t forget the club 40 metre nets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays commencing at 0930 hrs, on 7.150 Mhz. Please call in and discuss any topic that you wish to bring up. 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. Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and is open on Saturday from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits. Good morning all.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE 27TH JULY 2014

In the library Les VK2RJ was waiting his turn to pull this weeks lucky meat tray winner from the ticket tumbler The lucky one this week is Gary VK2PE. The monthly Magazine was assembled by a band of helpers and then mailed out to arrive by Australia Post on Monday. Keep an eye on your letter box. The Digital version will go out Monday morning. The Activity room was busy with Dave VK2RD doing repairs to the Shack KW antenna tuner and Norm VK2KNC along with Barrie VK2QG bringing a Realistic DX 302 back to life. Good work gents. Michael, VK2GRM is now VK2OB. The call was held by Mike Keech from Wollongong who was a regular at the club. He wished his call to go to a younger member of Westlakes and Mike G was the one chosen. 3 candidates sat for upgrades to the Regulations section in preparation for the Standard licence. All went well we are informed. As below, please let your members know that Lyle Patison VK6ALU,previously VK2ALU, has passed away. Lyle, always a helpful gentleman, was well known to many for his early work on EME projects during the 1970's, using an ex CSIRO dish in Wollongong. Regards Ted Thrift VK2ARA The 'walkie talkie' dongle that means you’ll never be out of touch with your friends: A new gadget can turn your phone in a 'walkie talkie' - even if you have no phone coverage. The go Tenna uses radio waves to communicate over 50 miles. If both people have a device, they can messages each other and send their location, complete with a map The gadget also creates a 'mesh' network among users, allowing the range to be extended. The firm says the gadget is perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and even for families who travel a lot - who can use it abroad without paying roaming charges Read more: Google Walkie Talkie Dongal Homemade radios in North Korea: Korea NK News report on homemade radios being used in North Korea. They quote Kim Seung-chul as saying “Those who live near China may buy Chinese radio, but those who don’t have to contact the local ‘underground radio-maker’” Read the full story at http://www.nknews.org Reminder to ALL MEMBERS: Westlakes annual field day will be held on the 14th September 2014 in the club grounds. Have a look through your equipment and see what you are not using or better still look in you gargage and see what is taking up valuable space. Perhaps you would like to donate it to the club. Remember to bring your own tables and a chair to sit on and you must take away ALL your own rubbish as the club WILL NOT be getting a skip. If your are interesting in a stall please contact the club secretary for further details. Don’t forget the club 40 metre nets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays commencing at 0930 hrs, on 7.150 Mhz. Please call in and discuss any topic that you wish to bring up. We have many experts on any discussion. Also, the EZBEE net at 0800 am every Saturday morning on 146.775 where we discuss what is happening at the club that day. And for the early risers we can’t forget the Stone the Crows net on 80 metres, 3.588 Mhz at 0600 am 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.