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.