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.