NEWS BROADCAST FOR AUGUST 11TH 2013

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE WIA. Phil Waite announced that the ACMA have told the WIA that the High Power Trial will *NOT*_ be extended past the end of August. The reason given, was that the ACMA believe that some of the respondents in the test did not understand EMR and the regulations related thereto. It was added that this lack of knowledge was not just related to Amateur Radio but other areas as well. The WIA will be allowed to re-apply for the KW permit next year - presumably by proving education around EMR has taken place.Naturally this will be a disappointment to many Advanced licensees, not the least for those who participated in the trial over the past year. The WIA is also disappointed. The ACMA revealed that its decision was reached after reviewing data it obtained during an assessment process that began back in March this year. According to the ACMA, the trial demonstrated a lack of awareness by some Advanced Licensees of their licence conditions. Of particular concern to the ACMA were issues related to compliance with electromagnetic energy requirements and that this lack of awareness is not confined to the use of higher power than the 400 watts already permitted. The ACMA said that the results of the trial demonstrate there is a need to raise awareness among licensees of their licence conditions, and that this should not be confined to Advanced Licensees, adding that the ACMA looks forward to working with the WIA to achieve that objective. It is important to realize that radio amateurs are not being singled out here. Compliance with electromagnetic energy requirements applies to all apparatus licensees, including broadcasting, maritime services and others. The ACMA also remarked on the lack of awareness of electromagnetic energy compliance generally among other licensees. To address this issue, and to prepare for another approach to the ACMA next year, the Institute has begun implementing plans to promote widespread awareness of the necessary compliance with electromagnetic energy requirements for amateur stations. Electromagnetic radiation is not just a technical issue, it also a political issue among sectors of the community, as you may be aware, and we as licensed amateurs need to be mindful of that. Maybe a ACMA rep can attend the club to tell and show us exactly what they want. Now back to Club news. Yesterday at your club the lighthouse crew were getting items ready for the track down to Norah Head next weekend. Also the working bee team were discussing cutting of the new doors that will hopefully be done this Tuesday all going well. Lasts weeks meat tray winner Ted VK2UI was at the club to draw a lucky number out of the ticket tumbler. This weeks meat tray winner was Aly VK2AFZ. Enjoy the meat tray Aly and remember who your friends are next week if there is a raffle. From the canteen manageress. Diane has asked that if supplies have run out in the kitchen i.e. ICE CREAMS would you please let her know. If Diane doesn't know what’s needed she cannot get the goods. Diane's email address is worley51@tpg.com.au Geoff VK2EO has got a better deal from our current internet provider Exetel so watch out for the faster speeds when surfing the web. Thanks Geoff job well done. Remembrance Day Contest is on next weekend as is the Lighthouse and Lightships weekend. Westlakes A.R.C. will be taking part in both the RD Contest and Lightships weekend next weekend from Norah Head Lighthouse. A small number of members from the club will be at the Lighthouse from Friday arvo through to mid Sunday morning and working as many lighthouses as they possibly can as well as other stations that may call in. So listen out for VK2ATZ portable from Norah Head Lighthouse. There will be a broadcast from Norah Head next Sunday at 09:00 hrs. RD - Final Reminder from VK4SN. This is the last reminder for the Remembrance Day Contest next weekend, the 17th and 18th of August. Six points to note are. 1. Read the rules and info on the website. 2. Remember the start and finish times are 03:00Z. (1:00 pm local) 3. Please try and use the supplied computer loggers and not Excel spread sheets. 4. Nominate your team members to me prior to the start of the contest. 5. Remember that the exchange is the number of years as a ham - not a serial number. and above all, 6. Please remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Because the ILLW is on the same weekend, May I suggest calling cq Remembrance Day, or CQ lighthouse depending on your choice of activity. I wish you a great time in the RD and PLEASE, send me your log after the contest. 73's and hope to exchange numbers with you soon. This from Alan, VK4SN Remembrance Day Contest Manager. Your Wireless Gear Soon to be Obsolete and AudioTechnology Magazine has a plan! The Governments spectrum selloff will see an estimated 150,000 wireless devices around the country being made obsolete, clearly this isn't just an 'industry' problem. Around 150,000 wireless audio devices currently in use (4 in every 5) will need to be scrapped. Cost to replace? Up to $220m. To continue to use radio mics beyond December 31st 2014 users will need to: Ensure your devices operate between 520 and 694MHz, or Buy new equipment that will operate within the new approved spectrum. If you operate illegally, then under the 1992 Radiocommunications Act it could mean a hefty fine. If you replace your equipment, you'll be doing so without any compensation whatsoever. But how to express your outrage? Google AWAG. AWAG has an online petition which will allow us to collectively get the government's attention. www.wirelessaudioaustralia.org/ New (and fun) Contest Recently, the Manly-Warringah Radio Society made a bulk purchase of portable flagpoles for use as antenna masts. This inspired the club to create a new radio contest, specifically aimed at encouraging fun, portable operations, preferably using a flagpole as part of your antenna system. Full details of the contest are on the club web site at www.mwrs.org.au, but a few key points are: - that this is a FUN contest, and not to be taken too seriously - any mode and frequency is permitted - extra points will be awarded for contacts with flagpole stations - more extra points for contacts with F-calls (Flagpole-calls? HI) - even more extra points will be awarded for submitting (by email, SSTV, or any other means) a photo of your station showing your station's flagpole. There will be calling frequencies on 40 and 80 metres, as well as the club 2m repeater for those of you in Sydney with only VHF access. The first MWRS Flagpole Contest will take place on 21 September. Because this date is close to International Talk-like-a-Pirate Day (on the 19th), extra points may also be awarded if your station photo includes a Jolly Roger or other humorous flag of your choice. Details again are at www.mwrs.org.au. Just enter 'flagpole' in the search box. (Richard Murnane VK2SKY) (Direct link: http://www.mwrs.org.au/2013/08/04/mwrs-flagpole-contest/) REMINDERS: Not forgetting our club Field Day which will be held on the 15th September ( this is a Sunday ) and the club is looking for donations of equipment for the auction table. Remember no TVs, computer monitors, VCRs. Why not come and have your stall. If you are interested please contact Barrie VK2ABD to book your spot and remember to bring your own table for your goods. The famous Westlakes BBQ will be cooking steak and sausages and serving fresh salad for sandwiches. The guessing competition for the number of jelly beans in the jar will once again be there as a fund raising venture. Andrews Communications WILL NOT BE HERE THIS YEAR AND THIS IS DUE TO OTHER COMMITMENTS. Well that's all the news we have this week. Do you have a news items 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 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits. We hope that you can all join us again next Sunday. Remember- Keep your radios signals above the clouds.