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.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS BROADCAST FOR DECEMBER 11th 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS FOR SUNDAY THE 4TH DEC 2011
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.
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.
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