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
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!
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.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
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
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.
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. _________________________________________
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. ___________________________________________________
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. ___________________________________________________ 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. _________________________________________________
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. __________________________________________________
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. ______________________________________________
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
A big attendance at the club yesterday, where the May Magazine was assembled in the Library. Check your mail box on Monday. The electronic version will go out attached to this news cast for those who prefer the email method. Problems with the setup in the IRLP unit have meant that the WIA news has not worked correctly. Geoff VK2EO is attending to this matter and hopefully all will be corrected. If you miss the morning one you can generally hear it at 19:30 on here or on 3.565 relayed by Warren VK2UWP.
The meat tray went to a worthy recipient yesterday with Graham VK2FCLR being the lucky winner. The draw was performed by Frank VK2FJL in the absence of Frank VK2FJW.
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Mark your Calendar for next Saturday the 8th May. This being the Clubs AGM starting at 13:30 hours or 1:30pm. Please be there to hear reports from the Executive and to witness the changeover of committee and executive for the next 12 months. There are no items of business to conduct and no election is needed, as all positions as nominated are filled.
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Did you happen to be on 40 and 80 metres last Sunday afternoon/evening? No doubt you could have thought that the Commercial AM Stations were back. No-It was just VK Amateurs taking the opportunity to use the AM and CW Modes in celebration of Anzac Day. Makes you appreciate SSB as there were some VERY WIDE carriers on the band. But in the end it was great to see the participation by VK Amateurs. Well done.
On the subject of Anzac Day, as mentioned in last Sundays News, Port Stephens ARC set up a station at Newcastle’s Fort Scratchley to celebrate the day as well. Things did not go well for the crew, Torrential rain, and then after only 4 contacts on 40 metres, they were hit with a 30 over S9 noise which put paid to any further contacts. After changing Antennas and going to battery power the problem was not resolved so 2 metres became the order of the day. Bad luck guys; let’s hope next year all will be well.
While on Port Stephens club, Today is their AGM, commencing at 10:00am at the Coast Guard Station, Lemon Tree Passage.
A visitor dropped into the club last Tuesday night in the form of Adam VK6GA / VK2YK. He was on leave from work and spending a few weeks back here before heading out to VK3.
From AR News line:Birthday of Samuel Morse.
Samuel Morse, who introduced telegraph communications in the United States, was born 219 years ago on April 27, 1791 in Charlestown, Massachusetts. On 24th of May 1844, he famously sent the message "What hath God wrought" by telegraph from Washington D.C to Baltimore. His full name was Samuel Finley Breese Morse and he lived from April 27, 1791
till April 2, 1872.
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Congratulations to Mal VK2FVON who last weekend sat for and passed the Standard Grade licence exam. Mal is now eagerly awaiting his new call. Well done.
Westlakes Mini field day will be held Sunday May 30. Gates open 9am.We urge all members to sort out their unwanted radio gear to help the auction but please... NO TV’s or VCR’s. Unfortunately we have been advised that Lee Andrews will not be attending owing to other commitments.
Accommodation is still available for the Lighthouse weekend, August 21/22 at Norah Head. Persons wishing to book for the weekend are asked to contact Barrie VK2CXA 0402 332830
Well it started Friday night at midnight. I refer to the Westlakes CQ Repeater Contest which runs from Midnight on the 1st to Midnight on the 7th. The aim is to contact as many stations throughout VK via a repeater. 1 point for each contact on any available repeater. IRLP is not permitted. Logs to the Contest Manager, Allan VK2JED by the end of May.
The days of the 3.5-inch floppy disk are now officially numbered. Sony, which boasts 70 percent of the anemic market, announced Friday that it would end Japanese sales of the ancient storage medium in March 2011, according to a report in the Mainichi Daily newspaper. The 3.5-inch floppy was a ubiquitous and necessary component for storing and transferring files between personal computers for nearly three decades. Sony pioneered the 3.5-inch floppy disk in 1981, eventually replacing the 5.25-inch floppy disk that had previously been the popular storage format. However, as the size of files and programs grew, the floppy disk was pushed aside by inexpensive and larger-format storage medium. Thanks to the creation of storage methods such as CDs, DVDs, Zip, and USB drives, Sony saw its Japanese sales of floppies decline from a record 47 million disks in fiscal 2002 to 12 million in fiscal 2009. Most other floppy disk manufacturers had long since pulled out of the market, and Sony itself has already ceased sales to most of its overseas markets. Certainly the writing had been on the walls for years. With the release of the iMac in 1998, Apple was the first computer maker to take the plunge and eliminate the floppy completely. Dell followed suit in 2003 when it dropped the floppy as standard equipment on one of its Dimension desktops.
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Well it is still on.., the Club's Tuesday RTTY and Easypal Digital pictures is still aired on this repeater on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 pm. Also, the slow scan is still held on this repeater, Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm. Join in and have some fun. Thanks to Robert VK2MF for keeping these groups active.
The next item is from AR News line
THE FUTURE OF AMATEUR RADIO IS WITH THE YOUTH
The future of amateur radio is with the youth and we need to adapt if we want to
attract them. This was the message from IARU Region 1 President Hans Blondeel
Timmerman, PB2T as he d delivered the after-dinner address at the S.A.R.L. Awards
Banquet in Port Elizabeth last week. He said that the expectations of the youth were very different from those that moved the current generation to become radio amateurs. What interested us at that time no longer enthuses the youth of today. He continued to say:
"My advice is let go on much of what we know and love and let them do what they
love. Their focus is more visual. They are keen on new technologies but also want
it to happen fast. "Clubs can do much to promote amateur radio. Start a junior section with a young leader in your club. Focus on visual, virtual and new technologies.
Promote amateur radio as an art and a science, different from the Internet and cell phones. Senior members should provide the resources and support and let youngsters off the leash. We urgently need a new approach."
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Don’t forget the Stone the Crows net every Saturday morning at 06:00, on 3.588 Mhz. Ted VK2UI is the ringmaster with checkins coming from all over VK. A jovial and friendly get together and everyone is most welcome.2 hours later is the turn of the EZB net at 08:00 on 146.775 Mhz where the main aim is to pass on information as to what’s happening at the club that day. A general chat as to what everyone has been up to ensures, and everything that they have been doing during the week. Join in and have your say.
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That concludes the news from Westlakes for this week. We will do it all again next week. If you have any item of news for inclusion in the cast, then please email to vk2rd@exemail.com.au or vk2cw@bigpond.com
