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.