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.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR 13TH JULY 2014

In the library was the drawing of the this weeks meat tray winner. Last weeks winner Norm VK2KNC ( sporting his big smile ) reached in and selected a ticket from the ticket tumbler. In his hand when it finally came out of the barrel.... Greg. Yes Greg Smith Junior ( VK2FGJS ) Congratulations Greg, enjoy the meat tray and don't forget to be here next week. In the activity room, Norm and Michael were working on a new project which will be made available to build in the next few weeks. Listen on further broadcasts for when the this kit ( a noise bridge ) will become available. Also in the activity room was Marcel ( VK2HAQ ) assisting Tony fixing his computers. Not sure of what the problem was. Maybe Marcel can comeback in call backs and let us know. What a great attendance from members at the club yesterday. There were virtually no parking spots left and so many areas of activity inside. Thanks to the helpers in the QSL Buro, assisting Alex to reduce the pile of inwards cards. And a big thank you to Herb, VK2ZVF for getting in and doing what the Council should have done - Clean up the dumped rubbish at the end of the classroom. Great job guys... The Secretary is taking orders for club “T” shirts. If you require a T shirt or you wish to purchase another please contact Barrie VK2QG. Name badges can also be ordered through Barrie and the price of a name badge is about $10. Please include a stamped addressed envelope when ordering. The log periodic beam antenna needs some TLC. We need to get the antenna off the tower and onto the ground when routine maintenance can be done. Anyone listening know someone with a 50 ft cherry picker we can use for the right price? Or does someone have any other ideas on how to lower the antenna to the ground. Welcome to the bands and the hobby of Amateur Radio to Luke, VK2FALA and John VK2FALE. They had their Handhelds at the club yesterday to be programmed, ready for call backs this morning. Congratulations Gents... Enjoy.. At the club yesterday were all these little radios called Baofeng wandering around. They were all programmed to speak English not Engrish/chinese. These are a great little radio. Check them out on the web. SPY V SPY A new ground station will be built at the Australian spy base near Geraldton in Western Australia (VK6) to dramatically upgrade access to next-generation military satellite communications for US and Australian troops across the globe. The move will provide a major boost to the war fighting capabilities of both countries, deepen the ANZUS Alliance and improve the rapid sharing of intelligence. Australians in emergency situations could soon be using Triple Zero in a whole new way, with Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull announcing a review into the system and how it could be better used to take advantage of modern mobile technologies. "Communications technology continues to advance, presenting new and exciting opportunities to improve the existing voice arrangements as well as new ways for telecommunications users to access assistance," Turnbull said. "New services such as the Emergency + Smartphone App, which displays the phone's GPS coordinates for the caller to read out to the emergency operator, is a great example of how modern technology can be used to improve the Triple Zero service." Australia's emergency phone line service can currently only be reached via a voice call. USA extends its ILLW lead The registered marine navigation sites in the United States of America for next month's International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend now stands at 61 - ahead of Australia and Germany both with 56, followed by England on 26. The US tally is buoyed by 14 never-before-activated structures, and Australia has 4 virgin lighthouses this year. Spain and Germany also have first-timers. Lightships to join the fun-event so far are in England, Finland, Germany, Netherlands and the USA. No matter where you are there's plenty to contacts to be made and some issue special QSL cards. In the Americas registrations come from Barbados, Canada, Chile, Curacao, Falkland Islands, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. In greater Europe there's Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Northern Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales. The Asian region so far Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand have registered. Others come from sea-going nations include South Africa and New Zealand. Among the loyal original 1998 entries seen today is Scotland's stone-built Barns Ness Lighthouse that began in 1901. During World War II it was machine-gunned yet sustained no damage. One of many in 39 countries eagerly looking for contacts is Alan Waye VK5PBZ at the Port Germein Lighthouse. He will be active on both days using HF, D-STAR and also expects to be very popular on the IRLP node 6865. Each registration from has a history to tell. Simple guidelines or online registration for the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on August the 16th and 17th are on the website www.illw.net The Westlakes team will once again be at Norah Head Lighthouse getting there on Friday afternoon and leaving around 1100 on Sunday morning. Tea and coffee will be available for anyone wishing to make day visits. Last year Richard setup 2 antennas - an off-centre fed dipole and a Tilted terminated folded dipole. Both antennas worked extremely well. Listen for us on the 15th,16th,and 17 of August. The club will also be doing the Sunday broadcast from the Lighthouse. 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. What the club does NOT EXCEPT - CRT computer monitors, video players, old TVs of the CRT type. 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 interested in a stall please contact the club secretary Barrie VK2QG for further details. So Sunday the 14th September at the club grounds and entry is FREE... Be there... Possible good news: Panasonic announced that they will scrap production of Plasma TVs, now Samsung have made a similar announcement - 'Samsung is to stop producing plasma televisions (PDP TVs) by 30 November'. It said falling demand meant it would instead focus on producing curved and ultra-high-definition (UHD) TVs. "This is very good news for the HF spectrum, but will not reduce efforts to improve emission standards for frequencies below 30MHz. The existing standards are based on conducted emissions at the connection ports of the apparatus - pressure has been building for many years now to have radiated emission test. This will be an important step forward with so many new devices/ apparatus polluting the HF spectrum. 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. 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 THE 29TH JUNE 2014.

In next months magazine will be details of our annual major raffle, to be drawn at the field day in September. All will be revealed and tickets for a grand prize worth winning will go on sale. Stay tuned... In the library, last weeks meat tray winner Ally ( won under Suspicious circumstances - drew his own ticket out ). Lillian ( visitor ) reached into the ticket tumbler and selected the ticket of Ted VK2UI. Enjoy the meat Ted. In the absence of Chef Michael, pies and sausage rolls were once again on the menu. A sorting day will be conducted in the QSL buro on Wednesday 2nd July at 10:00 am after the 0930 net. If anyone is available to assist please we would love to see you. Lunch will be provided. Lighthouse weekend at Norah Head of the weekend of 15th, 16th and 17th August is fast approaching and the menu was drawn up today. For all of those who are attending Diane VK2FDNE will email you the menu. If you have any extra needs or are allergic to any food please let Diane know. New Foundation licence. Firstly, on Saturday Mark Payne was successful in the final component for his Foundation licence. The paperwork is on it's way to the WIA and from all reports, Mark is a happy man That makes 6 new Foundation calls in the past 3 weeks. It's been a busy 3 weeks. Thinking of Upgrading? We will be doing upgrades on Saturday 26 July, with a starting of 1100 hrs. If you are interested, please email Steve at VK2LW@wia.org.au Upgrades can be done in stages. Next Foundation course. We currently have 2 vacancies in the next Foundation course, commencing on Saturday 30 August. The course will be run by Geoff VK2GL over a four week period, with assessment on Saturday 27 September. If you are interested or would like more information, please email Steve at VK2LW@wia.org.au. One of last weeks successful candidates is all ready to go. John Noack arrived at the club with a 40 metre dipole set up off a squid pole and coupled to a brand new FT817. It is tuned spot on and received great reports from VK3 with the 5 watts. Well done John. Richard VK2FRKO would like to advise that picking up a soldering iron by the hot end is not recommended and now has two hot spots on his thumb and fore finger. One day he will learn that when you play with fire you get burnt. WIA NEWS. 1st edition of AR digital has been released. Delivered as promised to ALL MEMBERS of the WIA. NEW AMATEUR RADIO CLUB North East Victoria Amateur Radio Club – NEVARC. A new radio club was formed on 15/06/14. It has been decided that there is the need for a pro-active club in the North East Victoria area. And here it is. the Formation of The North East Victoria Amateur Radio Club. The Club was formed officially on the 15th June, 2014. It was talked about 6 months before that. We Currently have 20 members which is growing all the time. If you like to know more about this club just log onto : www.nevarc.net.au NEVARC 80m Net. NEVARC will begin holding their weekly net on 3.560 from the 2nd July. The net will be hosted by Ron VK3MRH at 8.00pm. Regards Keith VK2PKT The Ionospheric Prediction Service is being reviewed A discussion paper has been released by the Ionospheric Prediction Service as the first step in what could be a wide-ranging review of the service. The Ionospheric Prediction Service - or, I-P-S as it is more commonly referred to - is a division of Australia's Bureau of Meteorology - the weather bureau. Being part of the Bureau makes sense, because much of the work of IPS has to do with "space weather" - the activity of the Sun, the solar wind and its interactions with the Earth's magnetic field and the ionosphere. The Terms of Reference for the review include the following # A review the policy basis for the Bureau's space weather services. # An analysis and international benchmarking comparison of the Bureau's Space Weather services, and use of observations and infrastructure, including: - their current status; - performance and impact; - scope; - manner of delivery; and - adequacy of capabilities and resourcing to deliver the service. Evaluation of the extent to which the Bureau's Space Weather services meet user needs - especially those of significant user groups and high-impact users. # Assessment of the strategic outlook - over 5 to10 years - for space weather services in Australian, regional and global settings - and, in light of the first three items - provide advice on the capabilities required to meet the future challenges; # Comment on the potential for cost-recovery of space weather services; AND Provide recommendations based on the above analyses, assessments and evaluations. The WIA encourages radio amateurs to lodge a submission to the review, especially if you use IPS services, explaining how the free IPS service provided to public radio users aids your communications activities. You can download a copy of the discussion paper from the home page of www.ips.gov.au, or via the news item on http://www.wia.org.au the WIA website home page. Get cracking ! Responses are required by the fourth of July ! Auckland Unitary Plan Submission Auckland Council's 'Plan' basically stipulates all amateur radio aerials would be subjected to a Restricted Discretionary resource consent. This is upwards of $5000 every time an antenna change is contemplated! But check this fact out, For instance, if I am a Kiwi yachty and want to mount a VHF marine whip on the barge board of my house, I can do it as of right, but if as a radio amateur I want to put an almost identical 2m whip on my bargeboard, I have to get a resource consent. NZART has consequently put in a rather comprehensive submission to try to achieve "Permitted Status" for a range of "amateur configurations". Auckland, with nearly a third of all amateurs in NZ, if it wins this case, it is probable that it will become the template for most other districts as they review their district plans in the future. Good luck NZART. DX stations note:- The phrase "Spending a Penny" is not to be used after 31 December 2014. From this date onwards, the correct term will be: "Euronating". 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. What the club does NOT ACCEPT - CRT computer monitors, video players, old TVs of the CRT type. 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 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. 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 Well that's all the news I have this week. Does anyone have any late breaking news? 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 22nd June 2014.

The meat tray raffle. It was another controversial result. In the absence of last week's winner, Barrie VK2QG, Aly VK2AFZ was asked to make the draw. Closely observed by those in the library,he reached into the ticket tumbler and SELECTED.........yes, his own ticket! Enjoy the meat tray Aly. As well, two new members joined the club yesterday. They were John Saunders of Kotara South and Luke Beston of Cameron Park. Welcome to you both. In the absence of Michael VK2CCW the Canteen dispensed Pies And Sausage Rolls. These went down well, judging by the amount of used plates in the sink. They are good tucker from Thompsons Bakery at Gateshead. Five candidates sat for their Foundation Assessments at Westlakes yesterday. It was a busy day day for the assessors, Geoff VK2GL, Steve VK2LW and Dave VK2RD (on the Radio) who were still on the job at 4.00 pm. The good news is that “almost” all candidates were successful. The club lawns had a much needed mowing yesterday. Our junior mowing contractor,Sam, was on the job and has most of the job done. Only a bit more left to mow plus the whipper snipping and it should all be completed today. The July Magazines will be dispatched next weekend. In it is an article on the ZS6BKW antenna which can be supplied by Maple Leaf Communications in Canada. A copy of the magazine was forwarded to the owner of Maple Leaf, Bob VE3WY who was impressed with the content and asked if he could distribute our magazine to other Canadian amateurs. Fame at last! WIA NEWS: Good morning all ACMA have advised that the Amateur Radio Licence fee has been increased to $74.00. Variation to licence fee remains at $49.00. Regards Fred. As foreshadowed a few months ago, AR magazine will be available in digital format from the July issue. From the 26th of June - that's next week - you will be able to view or download the July 2014 edition of AR Magazine in PDF format from the WIA website, http://www.wia.org.au Here's how you collect your digital edition. First, you need to be registered for Memnet. Haven't done that yet? Never mind. It's easy. On the WIA website, under the "For Members" menu, you will see - right at the top - "Log into Memnet". This opens a page where you can register by clicking on the "Register" link. Obvious, isn't it? This will get you a Memnet password once you have entered your WIA Member Number, name and callsign. You will find your member number on the address flysheet that came with your previous print editions of AR magazine. Armed with your Memnet password - on or after the 26th of June, go to the WIA website. Look under the "For Members" menu and select "AR Magazine". Look just below the page headline for "Digital Edition" and click the link there. Once you have downloaded your July AR digital edition, you will see that it has been personalized with your Name, WIA member number and date you downloaded it. That will happen for each digital edition of AR you download in future. The WIA Board decided to synchronise the release date for the digital edition with the expected date that the print edition will be available in member's letterboxes in the eastern states. AR digital edition - another of the many growing benefits of WIA membership. Increased EMR knowledge in our syllabus The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has amended the Amateur Radio regulations syllabus, to expand the demonstrated knowledge of Electromagnetic Radiation or EMR.Safety has been on ACMA's agenda for a considerable time, and it is seeking to minimise risk and promote safety across all its operations, including Amateur Radio. The process to include EMR in the existing Amateur Radio Syllabus at all three licence levels, commenced about 18 months ago. One of the outcomes of the high-power trial for Advance Licence holders, the ACMA in consultation with the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA), found that EMR knowledge could be increased. The teaching of prospective radio amateurs already includes the importance to keep all persons (and animals) a safe distance from antennas, their orientation, the role of Effective Radiated Power, and radio wave danger with higher frequencies and power levels. The ACMA has gone further with its amended syllabus to spell out that knowledge of EMR is a condition for all classes of amateur licence, and recall where to locate the ACMA document titled "EMR Assessment Guide for Amateur Radio". It also wants known that the "Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency" ARPANSA sets the standard for Maximum Exposure Levels, 100 kHz to 300 GHz, its principles and methods of measurement. New licence assessment papers from the WIA Exam Service issued to assessors from June 2014 will reflect the new EMR provisions. The additional teaching time should be minor, but it will reflect knowledge of the licence requirements and community concern about radiation from transmitters. 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. What the club does NOT ACCEPT - CRT computer monitors, video players,old TVs of the CRT type. 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 interested in a stall, please contact the club secretary for further details. ARNSW Balun Construction Day June 29 (Sunday) A technical day provided by ARNSW at the Dural site with lectures on the operation of baluns and practical construction of a balun from a kit. Bookings needed for the course and to reserve a kit. Send email to balun@arnsw.org.au to register. Lunch provided. 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. 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.

WARC NEWS FOR THE 15TH JUNE 2014

At the club yesterday there were quite a number of members. VK2FRKO was there showing his 1st place winning cup which he won at last weekends Oxley Region Field day. The entry was in the homebrew section. Also Richard was showing his latest medal which was presented to him by the Mayor of Port Stephens for his help in last years bush fires around Port Stephens. In the activity room Norm VK2KNC was trying to fix Michaels Ato tuner. Michael decided to modify his tuner so that it would fit nicely into his man pack BUT the drill bit went straight through a diode and the tuner stopped working. Anyway, this time they were unsuccessful in repairing the Auto Tuner. See Michael as he has a cheap auto tuner for sale. Also in the activity Norm again (a busy person) was trying to fix up Max's SDR program that was on his laptop. Not sure if it was sorted out or not - maybe Norm if you are listening today can tell us in the call back section. Chef Michael was cooking in the kitchen again - hamburgers of cause along with pies and sausage rolls. Remember if you would like a hamburger see Michael early as sometimes a small number of patties are made. In the classroom the next group of Foundation licence candidates were put through paces by Steve VK2LW and Geoff VK2GL. Last I heard Steve was looking for a hand held radio for the candidates to practice their calling procedures. Hope everything went well Steve? Remember if you want to upgrade to either a Standard or Advanced licence please see Steve or Geoff so that you can be booked into the next class. In the absence of Greg (VK2CW ) the other Greg Smith VK2FGJS was put in charge of selling tickets for the meat tray. Joanne, Diane's friend was asked to draw a ticket out of the ticket tumbler. This weeks winner was Barrie - VK2QG. Congratulations Barrie enjoy the meat tray. ARNSW Balun Construction Day June 29 (Sunday) A technical day provided by ARNSW at the Dural site with lectures on the operation of baluns and practical construction of a balun from a kit. Bookings needed for the course and to reserve a kit. Send email to balun@arnsw.org.au to register. Lunch provided. 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. What the club does NOT EXCEPT - CRT computer monitors, video players,old TVs of the CRT type. 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 interested in a stall please contact the club secretary for further details. INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to IARU, RSGB, SARL, Southgate AR Club, ARRL, Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA. NASA has successfully beamed a high-definition video 260 miles from the International Space Station to Earth using a new laser communications instrument. Transmission of "Hello, World!" as a video message was the first 175-megabit communication for the Optical Payload for Lasercomm Science (OPALS), a technology demonstration that allows NASA to test methods for communication with future spacecraft using higher bandwidth than radio waves. Optical communication tools like OPALS use focused laser energy to reach data rates between 10 and 1,000 times higher than current space communications which rely on radio portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because the space station orbits Earth at 17,500 mph, transmitting data from the space station to Earth requires extremely precise targeting. The process can be equated to a person aiming a laser pointer at the end of a human hair 30 feet away and keeping it there while walking. CQ Ohm is reporting that production of the popular Yaesu FT-897D/DM/DS transceivers is to cease. They say there no immediate plans for a successor model. QRZ.COM ANNOUNCES RIGHT CLICK CHROME BROWSER EXTENSION If you' are a user of Google's Chrome browser, then QRZ.com publisher. Fred Lloyd, AA7BQ has something that will make using this website a lot more efficient and enjoyable. Lloyd announced that he has published a free browser extension that will let you highlight and right click on any callsign, on any web page from any web site, and instantly perform a QRZ lookup. No copying and pasting or typing in the call on a separate page is required. The new app is now available now in the Chrome Web Store. Showing children our wonderful hobby. The ARRL Kids Day operating event sponsored by the Boring Oregon Amateur Radio Club was yesterday Saturday 21st June. Kids Day is not a contest but rather a twice yearly way for licensed amateurs to share the fun and excitement of our hobby with those who could be the next generation of licensees. What with time zones etc., if you hear "CQ Kids Day", please answer! Up in the Philippine's Amateur Radio Association, PARA, a member of the IARU, holds its 2014 PARA Kids Day in July to expose youngsters to the world of modern Ham Radio. I wonder if the WIA are taking note of whats happening overseas and try this in Australia. The ILLW increases in numbers: With just ten weeks to go, the number of International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend registrations is nearly 280 coming from 36 countries, putting the premier fun-event ahead of this time last year. The first ever registration from Barbados in the Caribbean, is South Point Lighthouse activated by the Amateur Radio Club of Barbados 8P6AW. The country's oldest lighthouse began life at London's Great Exhibition, before being reassembled in 1832. This landmark and tourist attraction features on the Barbados 5-cent coin. Four lighthouses in Barbados are endangered by neglect and in need of restoration. Activating lighthouses during the ILLW event helps raise public awareness of these historic maritime navigation structures and the need for their preservation. Germany remains in the lead with 51 registrations, closely followed by the US 48, Australia 46, England 20, Argentina 15, plus at double figures for Scotland, The Netherlands and Sweden. To learn more about this fun-event that began two decades ago, or to register for the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on August the 16th and 17th, visit the website illw.net That item from Jim Linton VK3PC Australian radio ham's vintage radio collection: Radio Amateur Kevin Dickson has donated his extensive collection of radio equipment to the Tweed Regional Museum Kevin's interest in amateur radio was nurtured at school by his teacher Norm Smith in 1937 and he later went on to get his amateur license. Kevin Dickson's life story can be read at .. http://www.murwillumbahhistoricalsociety.org.au 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 JUNE 1ST 2014

At the club yesterday was almost a record number of members and visitors for a normal Saturday. One would have thought that it was the club general meeting day. Adam (VK2YK) was visiting the club with his son Josh and Adam was showing his version of his man pack but in Adam's case it was a man bag. Also out for display was Adams LINK COUPLED MULTIBAND ANTENNA made out of light weight materials, LIPO batteries and Match Maker manual tuner for his SOTA work. Michael VK2FMRG ( who has advanced forward to the advanced licence) was also talking to Adam about working the birds. For those who don't know what this means - it is working the HAM SATELLITES. Michael (VK2CCW) was in the kitchen cooking his famous hamburgers( which are ONLY available from Westlakes A.R.C. Club) along with Thompsons sausage rolls and pies. All are very delicious. In the activity room Norm (VK2KNC - the clubs PROJECT OFFICER ) was demonstrating a couple of new SDR receiving programmes that run off your PC. In the middle of that Dave (VK2RD) gave Norm a file which Barry ( VK2BZ) did for Baofeng UV-5R hand helds radios. We did try the program on Dave's radio but the programming lead FAILED so it looks like Dave has to buy a new programming lead. Most of you by the time the news has been read should have received your electronic version of the WESTLAKES MAGAZINE. It has some very good reading in it. If you have a good article that you think is worth sharing please send it along to the club mag editor so that it can be included in a future edition. FROM THE WIA NEWS DESK: The countdown is on for users of wireless microphones, with only seven months to go until new arrangements take effect on 1 January 2015. >From this date, it will be illegal to use spectrum in the 694-820 MHz frequency range. ACMA have a handy info graphic which explains what you need to do to get ready and still be heard. So if you or an organisation you belong to use a wireless microphone, be warned. From THE CENTRAL COAST ARC. Central Coast Repeaters to be Switched Off. Starting from Late May the following changes will be made to VK2RAG repeaters. These measures are being introduced to reduce overall power consumption at the installation, whilst minimising inconvenience to users. We are also investigating Solar Power for the site to further improve consumption and costs. Between Midnight and 0600, all the un-used low usage repeaters will be turned off. To be switched off in frequency order will be 53.725 (6M), 145.600 B’Cast RX’s (FM-814 and FM-92), 439.725 (6M link), 439.950 (APCO 25), 441.00 (Rylstone link) and 1273.4 (23 cm.) This will leave on only 146.725, 438.075 repeaters, 145.175 APRS, 439.150 Packet regenerator,146.6375 (D- Star port C), 438.325 (D- Star Port B), D – Star Gateway. REMINDERS: The ORARC 2014 Field Day will be an excellent weekend again this year - 7TH -8TH JUNE. The venue is the same as last year, the Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club hall on Matthew Flinders Drive, Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie. The Field Day dinner will be on Saturday night the 7th of June from 6pm at the Port Macquarie Golf Club with the same arrangements as last year. Sunday is the trading day with both VK4ICE and Radio Supply bringing extra stock this year. There will be all the other usual Field Day attractions with fox hunts both days. We are expecting a good field of Home Brew projects so everyone is encouraged to bring their latest projects along for the display. There will be a sausage sizzle lunch on the Saturday. On Sunday there will be bacon and egg sandwiches for breakfast and sausage and steak sandwiches with fruit salad and ice cream for lunch. There is no charge or commission for disposals. Looking forward to seeing a good contingent from Westlakes at our Field Day again. Everyone is welcome. 73 Henry VK2ZHE ARNSW BALUN DAY. AR NSW is having a ‘Balun spectacular’ on Sunday 29 June at the Dural site, 63 Quarry Road starting at 10 am. Gates open at 0845 hrs for breakfast Yes, bacon and eggrolls are on the breakfast menu with a variety of sauces. Not only will you learn everything you need to know about the care and feeding of a balun, you will also have the opportunity to make your own 1:1 one kilowatt rated balun, at a subsidised price. As usual, AR NSW have sourced the best presenters from around the world. As usual, they are all from Sydney. Bookings are essential. Register by email to balun@arnsw.org.au Please include your callsign and a contact number. Admission free to AR NSW members. In accordance with numerous requests from mbers, we have organised a beautiful pair of Asian strippers to be raffled on the day. And there will be both chocolate and vanilla ice cream, but not for breakfast. Further details in later bulletins. Keep the date, Sunday 29 June for the ‘Balun spectacular’ That’s balun@arnsw.org.au NEW PRODUCT REVIEW. RIG EXPERT WTI-1 wireless transceiver interface. Connect your transceiver to the internet via WI-FI. Use your laptop to operate phone, CW, or digital modes from anywhere in the world. Analog audio interface is a connection to transceiver audio output (external speaker connector or line output) and transceiver audio input ( microphone connector or line input. Audio interface enables operating digital modes, recording and playing voice, as well as other useful functions ( such as measuring levels of a signalfrom the air) by using a computer. You may use a conventional headset on your computer to operate voice modes. A virtual soundcard drives is provided to support operating digital modes.CAT interface for various transceiver models. CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) system provides control of transceiver frequency, operating mode and other functions by computer software. Normally, modern transceivers have serial (with various signal levels) link providing CAT interface. In RigExpert WTI-1, CAT interface port is seen as a COM port by computer software. FSK output FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) is a popular method of transmitting digital messages over radio primarily used in radioteletype (RTTY) mode. Most transceivers provide FSK modulator feature to make the RTTY signal stable and clear. A separate COM port is assigned for the FSK output when using RigExpert WTI-1. PTT and CW output functions. Transceivers provide PTT (Push To Talk) and CW (Continuous Wave) keyer inputs to allow setting the transmitter on or off and operating CW using external device (PTT pedal, CW bug or paddle, terminal node controller, or personal computer). In RigExpert WTI-1, PTT and CW outputs are assigned to the RTS and DTR lines of a separate COM port. In addition, the user may press the PTT button on the screen to activate transmission. WinKey emulation. To operate CW, you may use software which either directly manipulates the DTR line, or uses the WinKey protocol. A separate COM port is created in the system to support the WinKey data exchange. 9A5N Solid state CW paddle is a completely new product in the world of telegraphy keys. Innovative idea of detection finger pressing to paddle lever(s) eliminates moving parts typical for mechanical keys. Solid State CW Paddle advantages: - standstill lever(s) has no travel time and moving inertia - fingers movement is diminished - keying is absolutely silent, without clicking sound produced by moving parts - keying pressure on the lever(s) is adjustable in range from 10 to 50 grams by software algorithm - no maintenance and periodical readjustments typical for mechanical keys Keying technique with Solid State CW Paddle is equivalent to the mechanical paddle technique. User will easily and quickly correct keying style according to the Solid State CW Paddle advantages and increase possible maximum keying speed. Keying with lower finger pressure on lever(s) and diminished fingers movement will make keying less fatigue and more enjoyable. The paddle “brain” based on microcontroller technology is situated in a head made of aluminium to protect sensitive electronic from influence of RF signals. Paddle base is made of stainless steel/coated steel. Total paddle weight of 1.8kg gives outstanding paddle stability on surface during keying. Solid State CW Paddle, available in single and twin lever version, will provide you many hours of CW keying pleasure for years to come. In order to generate CW code with Solid State CW Paddle, external electronic keyer must be in use. Dimensions: 90 x 90 x 60 mm Weight: 1,8 kg Supply: 2 x AAA (LR03) batteries built in paddle base There you are Greg, a new toy to play with. Well that's all the news I have this week. Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au or give the item to Richard at the club.

WESTLAKES BROADCAST NEWS FOR MAY 25TH 2014

Last week's lucky meat tray winner Maurice VK2FTLC was not at the club yesterday to draw this weeks lucky meat tray winner. In his absence Dennis VK2XDW drew out the ticket belonging to non other than his good friend Greg VK2CW. Congratulations Penny and Greg enjoy the meat tray. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Yesterday morning on Stone the Crows net ( 3588KHz ) we had the pleasure of Barry VK2BZ who was portable up in VK4. Enjoy your break Barry and it will be good to see your completed kit row boat when you return. Remember ANYONE CAN JOIN THE NET AND ITS COMMENCES AT 0600 AND RUNS FOR AN HOUR ON SATURDAY MORNINGS. -------------------------------------------------------------------- While talking about nets, our club WESTLAKES A.R.C. also has a net on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on the frequency of 7150KHz commencing at 0930. We don't charge a cent for joining and having a chat. --------------------------------------------------------------------- The Foundation licence class was in full swing in the education room thanks to Steve VK2LW and Geoff VK2GL In fact the number in the group has now risen to six. Don't forget if you have a Foundation or Standard licence have you thought of upgrading? Just see Steve of Geoff at the club on Saturdays or leave a message on the clubs answering machine. Remember, we ONLY check for messages on a SATURDAY morning so if you ring on a Monday please be patient and we will get back to you OR your can snail mail to the club address which is Westlakes Amateur Radio Club P.O. Box 5 BOOLAROO NSW 2284. Yes the secretary does have an email which is secretary@westlakesarc.org.au ---------------------------------------------------------------------- New member. Joining Westlakes yesterday was Gerard Wheeler of Mount Hutton. He already holds a Foundation Licence from the UK but the ACMA requires him to re-sit and be assessed for the VK Foundation test. Strange, but true. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The monthly club magazine for June is completed - that's half the year gone already - and will be dispatched to members in its various forms next weekend. --------------------------------------------------------------------- A meeting of the committee formed to plan Westlakes attendance at the out town model show was held in the library yesterday. The modellers will gather at the Broadmeadow Racecourse over two days on 23rd and 24th August. At least this event is undercover unlike the washout we had at the Newcastle Regional show in February. --------------------------------------------------------------------- FROM THE WIA. Telstra has confirmed its plans to spend $100 million to get a public Wi-Fi network up and running by 2015. The plan will see up to 8000 new wireless installations to connect customers to two million Wi-Fi hot-spots while in the air across Australia.Telstra customers, who choose to join Telstra Wi-Fi, will be provided compatible modems to access their allowance at no extra charge via domestic hotspots and connect to more than 12 million Fon-enabled hotspots globally. Non Telstra customers and Telstra customers who have not joined the Wi-Fi community will be able to connect to Fon-enabled Telstra Wi-Fi hotspots for a small charge using 'day passes.' --------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't forget AR NSW is having a ‘Balun spectacular’ on Sunday 29 June at the Dural site, 63 Quarry Road starting at 10 am. Gates open at 0845 hrs for breakfast Yes, bacon and egg rolls are on the breakfast menu with a variety of sauces. Not only will you learn everything you need to know about the care and feeding of a balun, you will also have the opportunity to make your own 1:1 one kilowatt rated balun, at a subsidised price. Advised by Al HirschelVK2KAM Event commanderAR NSW. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The Oxley Region ARC 2014 Field Day will be an excellent weekend again this year. The venue is the same as last year, the Tacking Point Surf Life Saving Club hall on Matthew Flinders Drive, Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie. The Field Day dinner will be on Saturday night the 7th of June from 6pm at the Port Macquarie Golf Club with the same arrangements as last year. Sunday is the trading day with both VK4ICE and Radio Supply bringing extra stock this year. There will be all the other usual Field Day attractions with fox hunts both days. We are expecting a good field of Home Brew projects so everyone is encouraged to bring their latest projects along for the display. There will be a sausage sizzle lunch on the Saturday. On Sunday there will be bacon and egg sandwiches for breakfast and sausage and steak sandwiches with fruit salad and ice cream for lunch. There is no charge or commission for disposals. That item comes from Henry VK2ZHE --------------------------------------------------------------------- The NSW government announced on Sunday that it will be spending $4 million over two years to roll-out the body worn video (BWV) cameras for frontline police. The cameras will be attached to the vest of the officers. Video captures events that can often defuse potentially violent situations without the need for force to be used. It will also show police dealing with difficult and dangerous situations every day and it will also provide clearer evidence when it's been alleged that police got things wrong. Officers attached to the Public Order and Riot Squad, Police Transport Command and other highly mobile frontline officers will be given priority for the cameras. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Transport for NSW is using the Illawarra to test a high-tech system that will allow truck drivers to "see" up to a kilometre ahead. The initiative uses Co-operative Intelligent Transport Systems (CITS) technology, which will allow trucks to transmit and receive warnings about road hazards and conditions ahead. It aims to increase safety and traffic flow because it will mean drivers can "see" over the crests of hills and around corners. The trial, due to start in the next few months, will involve several trucks fitted with CITS equipment travelling along a 42-kilometre route between Port Kembla and the Picton-Hume Highway interchange. A second phase of the project will include up to 120 heavy vehicles,will see up to three intersections "signalised" which will enable vehicles to be warned when approaching a red light even though the drivers can't see them. Whatever Next? ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 BROADCAST NEWS FOR 18th MAY 2014

In the activity room yesterday Norm VK2KNC was re installing HDSDR on Lloyd's PC after Lloyd VK2XAA had spent days trying to get it to work. After the reinstallation of the program Norm showed Lloyd how it all worked. Now Lloyd will have many hours of listening. Thank you Norm for your assistance. ------------------------------------------------------- Michael VK2CCW was outside with his MAN PACK version 2. Michael was all set and ready to tune his antenna when there was a failure. The failure was in the tuner not powering up. Bad luck Michael, looks like you got to put the tuner out of the rack, open it up and see why it was not working. Oh and yes, a hammer won't fix the problem. ------------------------------------------------------- The draw for this weeks meat tray was made by a substitute in the absence of Richard VK2FRKO (he was there but had to go to a 21st birthday party). Substitute David VK2UDW reached in a grabbed a ticket.The callsign of this weeks ticket was Maurice VK2FTLC. Congratulations Maurice enjoy your meat tray and see you next week for the draw. ------------------------------------------------------- No sooner has the map and compass course concluded, Geoff VK2GL was busy in the class room with a new bunch of prospective Foundation Course candidates. One or two more Saturdays, and the Licence Assessments will be held in June. ------------------------------------------------------- Got something you would like to build as a possible PROJECT? Why not discuss it with the clubs project officer - Norm VK2KNC. -------------------------------------------------------- Lost and found department. Who left a pair of fold-up reading glasses at the club yesterday? They are in the possession of Greg VK2CW who will have them at the club next Saturday. -------------------------------------------------------- A new supply of Foundation Licence Manuals arrived at Westlakes yesterday. They are available from Aly at the club store. They cost $25. ------------------------------------------------------- From the WIA: WI-FLY. Telstra has begun trialling the use of mobiles on planes, including the ability to deliver a broadband signal to aircraft that allows phone users to use 4G to browse the web, send and receive emails, make video calls, watch movies and download music and photos. The testing of the network on mock flights between Melbourne and Sydney has so far delivered fast speeds of up to 15 megabits per second. Special antennas have been erected on four phone towers between the two capitals to deliver broadband signals to passengers en route. Trials were conducted on a twin-propeller aircraft and a Cessna mustang jet that flew at the height of a commercial flight at 30,000 feet. Testing has not yet extended to include sending and receiving text messages and making phone calls. --------------------------------------------------------- CANADIAN HAMS GRANTED ACCESS TO 472 TO 479 KHZ. Hams in Canada will soon have access to the 472 to 479 Kilohertz band. This with the release of the new Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations by telecommunications regulator Industry Canada. Radio Amateurs of Canada says that its Zero to Thirty Megahertz Band Planning Committee will be proposing a suitable band plan to enable best use of this new very narrow band. Canadian hams with comments and suggestions can send them to the committee via e-mail to rachq@rac.ca Canadian amateur operators have recently secured two new segments of spectrum thanks to the hard work of their national society. The 60 meter band channels were made official a few month ago as well. --------------------------------------------------------- The Mt Gambier Convention in South Australia has a special event callsign VI 50 CONV is to be on air throughout the month. The convention is over the Queens Birthday Weekend with Australian Fox Hunting Championships on June the 7 and 8 and Sniffer Hunt at 11am on the Saturday. The Scout Hall in Margaret Street, Mount Gambier is the event venue, with foxhunts, stalls, a homebrew competition and catering. ---------------------------------------------------------- Young hams seem to be missing these days. The latest Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) figures tend to indicate that Amateur Radio is currently not overly attractive to young people, despite the Foundation Licence showing some promise in earlier years. This entry level has been a welcome stepping-stone into the hobby with a healthy upgrading to a higher licence, or for some, having had a taste of the hobby then deciding it's not for them. The WIA annual figures show it has only 27 student members, and those aged 10 to 29 account for 3% of all members. Since 2009, when about 750 Foundation Licences assessment were held, there had been a steady decline with 414 new Foundation Licences issued in 2013. With the passage of 10 years the question is being asked whether the Foundation Licence has the right mix of privileges and its relativity to the Standard and Advanced Licences. The WIA plans to celebrate the first decade of the Foundation Licence in 2015. The Foundation Licence remains popular with 2,300 on issue or slightly more than the Standard or middle-level licence, with nearly 10,000 Advanced Licences. ------------------------------------------------------------- Reminders: A.R. NSW balun day on the 29th June commencing at 1000 hrs. Bookings are required for this day. Please send email to balun@arnsw.org.au and the address is Dural site, 63 Quarry Road. ------------------------------------------------------------- Jun 7- 9 VK2 Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club field day Port Macquarie. Its a great place to go. Diane VK2FDNE and Richard VK2FRKO will be attending. The address is Tacking Point Surf Lifesaving Club Hall, Mathew Flinders Drive, Port Macquarie. Registrations from 1000 Saturday morning - $5.00 this covers tea, coffee and biscuits- unlimited I have been told. --------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

WESTLAKES BROADCAST NEWS FOR 11 MAY 2014

This weeks lucky meat tray was a double draw. The first ticket drawn by Winstone VK2BS belonged to Russell VK2VK but he had already left. A re-draw resulted in the winner finally being Richard VK2FRKO. Enjoy the meat tray Richard. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yesterday the club held its 3rd boot sale day. 6 boot sale operators were there. Around 30 people attended in perfect weather. The BBQ went well and everyone went home happy.Thank you Diane VK2FDNE for stepping up to the hot-plate and proving that women can cook after all. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- While all this was going on, assessments for licence upgrades were being held in the Westlakes classrom under Steve VK2LW and Geoff VK2GL. There were two candidates, Peter VK2FMOO and Michael VK2FMRG. Needless to say the both were successful. Look for two new call signs coming up. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two new members. Applications for club membership were received yesterday from Tim O'Connell of Morisset and Luke Groeneveld of Holmesville. Both are keen to get their Foundation Licence. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And Just to prove yesterday was a busy day, the new Foundation Licence course started in the classroom at 1pm with a room full of prospective amateurs, so many that the store ran out of Foundation Manuals. An urgent order for more will be placed with the WIA tomorrow morning. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last night was the 80 meter Trans Tasman 80 meter phone contest. I wonder how many of you are stayed up til midnight or gave numbers out. Once upon a time Westlakes use to enter all these contests so come on everyone lets get back to doing it again. Do you have an interest in operating in a contest then see a committee member. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From the W.I.A.NEWS DESK. How many of you that are members filled in the survey either online of from AR magazine? Here are some of the results. A total of 834 completing it by the closing date – some 18.4% of the membership, a significant sample. 654 completed it online, while 180 returned the paper-based option published in Amateur Radio magazine. Seven of the most important issues were - 1. Protecting our Spectrum 2. ACMA Liaison / Lobbying3. Publicising the Hobby 4. AR Magazine 5. WIA Website 6. International Representation 7. Promoting the WIA . Full WIA members accounted for 76% of survey respondents, 19.8% were concessional members, with the balance made up of student, family and overseas memberships. Approximately 30% of respondents had been WIA members for less than five years; the next largest group had been members for over 30 years in total. A surprising result was the response to Question 19, about how much money respondents spent in 2013 – on books, magazines, parts, equipment, subscriptions and attending events. More than 30% spent $1000-$4999; the next largest group, 28.9% of respondents, spent $100-$499. While those with a modest spend of $500-$999 amounted to 18.82% of respondents, 12.23% spent less than $100, while 6.35% spent more than $5000. So much for amateurs having deep pockets and short arms! It should be no surprise that, as amateurs, we have embraced the computer world. The bulk of respondents own one or more computers; only 11 respondents – 1.32% – did not own any sort of computing device. Over 80% own a desktop PC and a similar number a laptop/notebook. Ownership of a tablet was just over 30%, an iPad just under 29%. Of operating systems, almost 94% run Windows, followed by Android (38%), IOS (26%), Linux or variant (24%), followed by Apple at 20%. Full WIA members accounted for 76% of survey respondents, 19.8% were concessional members, with the balance made up of student, family and overseas memberships. Approximately 30% of respondents had been WIA members for less than five years; the next largest group had been members for over 30 years in total A surprising result was the response to Question 19, about how much money respondents spent in 2013 – on books, magazines, parts, equipment, subscriptions and attending events. More than 30% spent $1000-$4999; the next largest group, 28.9% of respondents, spent $100-$499. While those with a modest spend of $500-$999 amounted to 18.82% of respondents, 12.23% spent less than $100, while 6.35% spent more than $5000. It should be no surprise that, as amateurs, we have embraced the computer world. The bulk of respondents own one or more computers; only 11 respondents – 1.32% – did not own any sort of computing device. Over 80% own a desktop PC and a similar number a laptop/notebook. Ownership of a tablet was just over 30%, an iPad just under 29%. Of operating systems, almost 94% run Windows, followed by Android (38%), IOS (26%), Linux or variant (24%), followed by Apple at 20%. The Internet is ubiquitous, with 90% of respondents using it every day, the bulk of whom have ADSL speeds or better. Almost all respondents use the Internet at home, with 40-50% also using it at work and on the move. The most commonly-used amateur radio related websites are the WIA Website, with 90% of respondents accessing it regularly over each month, followed by VK Ham (70%), VK Classifieds (69%), VK Logger (42%) and VK Logger Forums (32%). The vast majority of respondents (over 80%) hold Advanced licenses, followed by Standard (12%), and Foundation (6%). The Internet is ubiquitous, with 90% of respondents using it every day, the bulk of whom have ADSL speeds or better. Almost all respondents use the Internet at home. Over 70% of respondents prefer to pay their WIA membership subscription annually, with 24% taking the 5-year option, and 7% using the recently introduced quarterly automatic payment option. Surprisingly, 30% of respondents are not members of a radio club, and 25% who said they were a member of a club were not aware if their club was WIA affiliated. And finally, More than a third of respondents (37%) are aged between 61-70, with the next peak (25%) between 51-60. About 6% are under 40, while 3.5% are over 80. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A R NSW BALUN DAY SUNDAY 29 JUNE 2014 Hi Pentodes. In response to requests from members, AR NSW is having a ‘Balun spectacular’ on Sunday 29 June Held at the Dural site, 63 Quarry Road starting at 10 am. Gates open at 9 am. Not only will you learn everything you need to know about the care and feeding of a balun, you will also have the opportunity to make your own 1:1 one kilowatt rated balun, at a subsidised price. As usual, AR NSW have sourced the best presenters from around the world. As usual, they are all from Sydney. Bookings are essential. You can indicate your interest by email to balun@arnsw.org.au Please include your callsign and a contact number. Keep the date, Sunday 29 June for the ‘Balun and barbeque day’ Admission free to AR NSW members. In accordance with requests from some members, there may be strippers on the day. And there will be ice cream, both chocolate and vanilla. If you have any other choice of ice cream…Keep it to yourself. That item came from by Al Hirschel, Event commander AR NSW --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 THE 4TH MAY 2014

Yesterday at the club was the clubs A.G.M. As there were no extra members being put up for Executive positions and for the Committee, there was no need for a ballot. President - VK2LW - Steve, Vice President- Geoff VK2GL, Treasurer- Greg VK2CW, Secretary - Barrie VK2QG. Committee. Barrie VK2VBF, Diane VK2FDNE, Warren VK2UWP, Allan VK2JED, Herb VK2ZVF, Leonie VK2FHRK, Barry VK2BZ, Michael VK2CCW. Steve VK2LW was renominated as the clubs Public Officer. Congratulations to everyone. The meat tray winner was drawn by Dennis VK2XDW and this weeks winner was Michael VK2CCW. Good on you Michael enjoy the meat tray. After the AGM a great spread was prepared by Penny in the kitchen. Thanks Penny very much from everyone that were there. Well the clubs special event callsign has expired. With some 1400 contacts made it was a grand effort from every member who took part and made advantage of the special event callsign - either from their QTH or from their home QTHs. Now Dave needs all the logs sent to him so that a final tally can be counted and the QSL cards ordered. Thanks very much for a job well done. Speaking of AGM meetings locally - from the Hunter Group- Their President is Len VK2ZFD, Vice President- Maurie- VK2CD, Secretary/Treasurer - Rodney -VK2CN. A number of other members were elected to various positions. In the Port Stephens A.R.C. Elected to the Presidents Position was Richard VK2FRKO, Treasurer- Allan VK2FLTP, Secretary - Leigh VK2KAL/VK2KY. Committee - Garry VK2PE and Diane VK2FDNE. Once again, Congratulations to all of you. Outside in the cold was the man pack shootout. In corner 1 was Max VK2TTI and in corner 2 was Michael with his version 1 and 2 of his man pack. Great work guys and thanks for bringing your packs in to show everybody. Also at the club yesterday was Tony who recently passed his regulations.Tony received his callsign this week - VK2ABM Congratulations Tony and welcome to the ranks of Amateur radio. From the WIA. Its only days away until the 2014 WIA Annual Conference up on the Sunshine coast. Dates-16,17and 18th May. There is still time for you to register your name and go along. Check the link to check accommodation details and register. http://www.wia.org.au/joinwia/wia/2014agm/ The clubs Boot sale will be on next SATURDAY commencing at 10:00 hrs in the club grounds. Got something to sell, well now is your opportunity to sell your unwanted items. It can be anything. Bring your own table and chairs and yes, remember to take away all your rubbish. The famous WESTLAKES BBQ will be in action and tea and coffee will be available. A R NSW BALUN DAY SUNDAY 29 JUNE 2014 In response to requests from members, AR NSW is having a ‘Balun spectacular’ on Sunday 29 June. Not only will you learn everything you need to know about the care and feeding of a balun, you will also have the opportunity to make your own 1:1 one kilowatt balun, at a subsidised price. As usual, AR NSW have sourced the best presenters from around the world. As usual, they are all from Sydney. Bookings are essential. You can indicate your interest by email to secretary@arnsw.org.au Keep the date Sunday 29 June for balun and barbeque day. Admission free to AR NSW members. Further details in later bulletins. Richard VK2FRKO and Leigh VK2KAL both went to the antenna building day at ARNSW and both have said how good that day was. ALARA meet 2014: This year ALARA will be meeting at Nelson Bay for YLs and their OMs.The 4 day meet will include a cruise and dinner on a charter vessel, OMs to go to Fighter world - Williamtown, bus trip around Nelson Bay with local identity John “STINKER” Clarke, trip to Maitland Goal, and a scenic Hunter Valley bus trip. Remember YLs and OMs get your deposits in now and don't miss out on a great 4 days in the HOLIDAY WONDERLAND. The date of this event is 24-27 OCTOBER 2014. Check out details on the ALARA website. ANTENNAS - THE Fan Dipole. The Fan Dipole antenna is basically 3 or more dipoles using 1 feed line. Usually builders of this antenna have the 80 meter at the top, followed by 40 meter and then either 20 meter,15 meter or 10 meter. You can have any configuration that you wish. By using a 1:1 balun or an ugly balun you can generally tune these so that you don't require an ATU. This antenna is very easily built and by using a VSWR meter or antenna analyzer you can tune your antenna down to at least 1:5 to 1. Tune the top wire 1st and then work your way down until they are all tuned. There are some great sites on the web where they give you step by step instructions on making this proven antenna. I wonder how many of you managed to take part in the Harry Angel contest last night. It is 106 minutes of fun on 80 meters. If you missed out you will have to wait until 2015. 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.