Weekly Broadcast 23 May 2010.
Good morning this is VK2ATZ Here is a summary of news and events for Amateur Radio Operators brought to you by Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc.This Broadcast can be heard at 09.00 hrs each Sunday on 146.775 MHz and it is followed by the VK1WIA news. Those with HF facilities will notice there is no simulcast on 80 metres this morning as Warren VK2UWP is otherwise engaged, however this evenings re-read by Warren on 3.565 MHz can be heard at 1900 hours.
The first item today is news of VK100WIA. It is officially on the air. This special callsign to commemorate the Centenary of Organised Amateur Radio in Australia and the foundation of the WIA, logged its first 1,000 contacts by last Wednesday. Among them were some 25 DX different countries. Stations have also been worked in all VK states, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island.
The WIA has first dibbs at VK100WIA until the 31st May and then the call gets handed to clubs in 3-day slots. Westlakes club has the last 3-day slot from October 29th to 31st and then the callsign will be put away forever.
And while on matters WIA, it has just been announced that a revised date has been chosen for the forthcoming National Field Day. In the original planning, it was considered that the activity generated in the last 3 hours of the National Field Day would not cause undue traffic or interference with the Oceania DX Phone Contest.
It was even felt that it could be beneficial for the VK6 Stations to provide activity on the Bands. However, following the consideration of a submission including what the WIA calls "various logistical and safety issues", the date of the National Field Day has been moved to the new date of the 23rd of October. I wonder what the "safety issues" could be?
Westlakes week-long CQ Repeater Contest conluded on 7th May and the Contest Manager, Allan VK2JED, reminds us that the deadline for logs is 28th MAY - that's next Friday. All logs please to The Contest Manager, C/- Westlakes ARC, PO Box 3001, Teralba 2284 or email to contestmanager@westlakesarc.org.au
The meat raffle - New blood entered the winner's circle yesterday in the form of Ken VK2KJ after last week's winner, Gary VK2MMM drew ken's winning ticket from the tumble-turn barrel. Congratulations Ken. And I would like those who support the weekly meat tray raffle - it raised $1250 in the last financial year - and that's enough to cover the cost of ourlease, water rates,and phone account.
Just when you thought you had seen it all at Westlakes, something different arrives - second hand clothes were on hand yesterday. The price was right - free. Some items had never been worn. I scored a shirt (and it fits). Thank you EO.
It's on again - Westlakes Mini Field Day in the club grounds York Steet Teralba next Sunday 30th May. Admission is free - all are welcome to attend. The usual attractions will be there boot sales, auction, "make an offer" store sales, barbecue lunch, drinks lollies and chocolates. The gates open at 9am. Remember you never know what you will find or who you will see at a Westlakes Field day.
Overseas news -it was announced yesterday in the UK that Google has launched a TV service that combines live television with the web.This new "smart TV" service allows people to search both live channels as well as content from websites such as YouTube. Special TV sets - or normal TVs connected to a Google box - will also allow people to access the web and download applications.The first TV sets will be produced by Sony and should be available by September. A Google spokesperson said that Video should be watched on the biggest, brightest, and best screen in the house - the television and that's not a PC. Adding there were currently 4 billion TV users worldwide and that around $70 billion was spent annually on adverts in the US alone. so there it is.... the "giggle box" looks like becoming a "Google box."
The club is about to purchase a number of Fred Swainston's popular Radio Theory Handbook. this is the 5th edition which has been completely revised and comes with a CD. The members of our current theory class will want a copy and if any other others are interested please advise me but be quick. Westlakes will obtain the books at a reduced rate. The "reduced" rate is $110 (not cheap, but then try buying one on your own). The order will be placed tomorrow morning and it will be a "one-off" purchase. Contact me today, Greg VK2CW on 49632633 for more information.
And finally a weather bulletin - I am able to report that the current temperature in Lithgow is 3.6 degrees C. They breed 'em tough in Lithgow.
If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturday at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.
That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.
To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in
general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please
wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be
addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au
Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club is located in York Street, Teralba and is open for business on
Saturday from 12:00 midday and from approximately 6.00pm Tuesdays Call in and say Hello.....
Tea and Coffee are always on!
Amateur Radio is a great hobby become active and enjoy it.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Westlakes ARC Sunday News 9th May 2010
Good morning this is VK2ATZ and a happy Mothers'Day to all the mums who may belistening. Here is a summary of news and events for Amateur Radio Operators brought to you by Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc.
_________________________________________
The first item today is news of two SILENT KEYS - VK2FMT and VK2FPAC.
We regret to announce the passing in February of Tony Skerrett VK2FMT. Tony was a club member for many years and although handicapped from polio, he was a weekly contributor to Westlakes HF nets. He was 63 years old. Also, Paul Caban VK2FPAC passed away in hopital last week. Paul was not a Westlakes member but he regularly joined the club's mid-week SSTV and RTTY nets and he was a well-known amateur in the Newcastle area. The funeral service will be tomorrow, Monday, at Pettigrew Funeral Parlours, 3 Harris Street Wallsend at 2 pm. A moments pause please in memory of Tony Skerret VK2FMT and Paul Caban VK2FPAC. Thank you.
___________________________________________________
Yesterday, the 46th Annual General Meeting of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. was held in the club Library, Teralba. It was standing room only for some - the others bagged a seat early.
The election of officers saw a few changes. Retiring were our President and life member, Frank VK2FJL, as he is moving to Lithgow, and Keith VK2PKT whose change in employment prevents his attendance at meetings. Incoming we have a new President in the form of Geoff VK2EO, and a new Secretary, BarrieVK2CXA. Also, joining the committee yesterday was Diane VK2FDNE. All other positions are as before. All reports were accepted and the audited financial statement showed that the club had a record financial year with turnover in excess of $23,000.
Our canteen managress, Gloria, was absent in Orange for Mothers Day, but the task of presenting lunch and the usual post-AGM aternoon tea, was capably filled By Barry VK2BZ, Dianne VK2FDNE, and Penny Smith. Well done the three of you.
___________________________________________________
The meat tray. It was a good one too for the AGM - I can attest to that -and 121 tickets went into the barrel and that's a record. Frank VK2FJW, the winner two weeks ago, drew the winning one and it belonged to the ticket seller on the day, Penny Smith. ___________________________________________________
Congratulations to Mal Fletcher who dropped a letter during the week. Last Monday he was VK2FVON, come Friday, he was VK2VON. Well done Mal - we undertand a new club badge has been ordered.
_________________________________________________
The club is about to purchase a number of Fred Swainston's popular Radio Theory Handbook. This is the 5th edition which has been completely revised and comes with a CD. The members of our current theory class will want a copy and if any others are interested please advise the Secretary but be quick. Westlakes will obtain the books at a reduced rate and the order will be placed this week.
__________________________________________________
The future of 7ocm for Australian amateurs was revealed by the ACMA this week - or was it? The following message comes from Ivy VK3IVY and she says: "The ACMA has now released the document "The way ahead - Decisions and implementation options for the 400 MHz band" It's about how the ACMA wishes to reallocate the 400MHz band. As our 70cm band runs from 420-450MHz (with existing restrictions in Perth and Melbourne in the 420-430MHz section.) VK3IVY goes on to say, "In a nutshell, we will lose 420-430MHz. There will be no changes for 430-440MHz. But for 440-450, from what I can tell from an initial reading of this paper, there will be no changes for us." The document in full is on the ACMA website where it states the following "Arrangements for the radiolocation and amateur services are outside the scope of this plan." It all seems rather vague, So hopefully, there will be no changes for 440-450MHz.
______________________________________________
That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.
If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturdayat 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.
To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au
Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au
_________________________________________
The first item today is news of two SILENT KEYS - VK2FMT and VK2FPAC.
We regret to announce the passing in February of Tony Skerrett VK2FMT. Tony was a club member for many years and although handicapped from polio, he was a weekly contributor to Westlakes HF nets. He was 63 years old. Also, Paul Caban VK2FPAC passed away in hopital last week. Paul was not a Westlakes member but he regularly joined the club's mid-week SSTV and RTTY nets and he was a well-known amateur in the Newcastle area. The funeral service will be tomorrow, Monday, at Pettigrew Funeral Parlours, 3 Harris Street Wallsend at 2 pm. A moments pause please in memory of Tony Skerret VK2FMT and Paul Caban VK2FPAC. Thank you.
___________________________________________________
Yesterday, the 46th Annual General Meeting of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. was held in the club Library, Teralba. It was standing room only for some - the others bagged a seat early.
The election of officers saw a few changes. Retiring were our President and life member, Frank VK2FJL, as he is moving to Lithgow, and Keith VK2PKT whose change in employment prevents his attendance at meetings. Incoming we have a new President in the form of Geoff VK2EO, and a new Secretary, BarrieVK2CXA. Also, joining the committee yesterday was Diane VK2FDNE. All other positions are as before. All reports were accepted and the audited financial statement showed that the club had a record financial year with turnover in excess of $23,000.
Our canteen managress, Gloria, was absent in Orange for Mothers Day, but the task of presenting lunch and the usual post-AGM aternoon tea, was capably filled By Barry VK2BZ, Dianne VK2FDNE, and Penny Smith. Well done the three of you.
___________________________________________________
The meat tray. It was a good one too for the AGM - I can attest to that -and 121 tickets went into the barrel and that's a record. Frank VK2FJW, the winner two weeks ago, drew the winning one and it belonged to the ticket seller on the day, Penny Smith. ___________________________________________________
Congratulations to Mal Fletcher who dropped a letter during the week. Last Monday he was VK2FVON, come Friday, he was VK2VON. Well done Mal - we undertand a new club badge has been ordered.
_________________________________________________
The club is about to purchase a number of Fred Swainston's popular Radio Theory Handbook. This is the 5th edition which has been completely revised and comes with a CD. The members of our current theory class will want a copy and if any others are interested please advise the Secretary but be quick. Westlakes will obtain the books at a reduced rate and the order will be placed this week.
__________________________________________________
The future of 7ocm for Australian amateurs was revealed by the ACMA this week - or was it? The following message comes from Ivy VK3IVY and she says: "The ACMA has now released the document "The way ahead - Decisions and implementation options for the 400 MHz band" It's about how the ACMA wishes to reallocate the 400MHz band. As our 70cm band runs from 420-450MHz (with existing restrictions in Perth and Melbourne in the 420-430MHz section.) VK3IVY goes on to say, "In a nutshell, we will lose 420-430MHz. There will be no changes for 430-440MHz. But for 440-450, from what I can tell from an initial reading of this paper, there will be no changes for us." The document in full is on the ACMA website where it states the following "Arrangements for the radiolocation and amateur services are outside the scope of this plan." It all seems rather vague, So hopefully, there will be no changes for 440-450MHz.
______________________________________________
That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.
If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturdayat 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.
To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au
Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au
Saturday, May 1, 2010
WESTLAKES AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Inc. Weekly Broadcast 2nd May 2010
A big attendance at the club yesterday, where the May Magazine was assembled in the Library. Check your mail box on Monday. The electronic version will go out attached to this news cast for those who prefer the email method. Problems with the setup in the IRLP unit have meant that the WIA news has not worked correctly. Geoff VK2EO is attending to this matter and hopefully all will be corrected. If you miss the morning one you can generally hear it at 19:30 on here or on 3.565 relayed by Warren VK2UWP.
The meat tray went to a worthy recipient yesterday with Graham VK2FCLR being the lucky winner. The draw was performed by Frank VK2FJL in the absence of Frank VK2FJW.
_______________________________________
Mark your Calendar for next Saturday the 8th May. This being the Clubs AGM starting at 13:30 hours or 1:30pm. Please be there to hear reports from the Executive and to witness the changeover of committee and executive for the next 12 months. There are no items of business to conduct and no election is needed, as all positions as nominated are filled.
_______________________________________
Did you happen to be on 40 and 80 metres last Sunday afternoon/evening? No doubt you could have thought that the Commercial AM Stations were back. No-It was just VK Amateurs taking the opportunity to use the AM and CW Modes in celebration of Anzac Day. Makes you appreciate SSB as there were some VERY WIDE carriers on the band. But in the end it was great to see the participation by VK Amateurs. Well done.
On the subject of Anzac Day, as mentioned in last Sundays News, Port Stephens ARC set up a station at Newcastle’s Fort Scratchley to celebrate the day as well. Things did not go well for the crew, Torrential rain, and then after only 4 contacts on 40 metres, they were hit with a 30 over S9 noise which put paid to any further contacts. After changing Antennas and going to battery power the problem was not resolved so 2 metres became the order of the day. Bad luck guys; let’s hope next year all will be well.
While on Port Stephens club, Today is their AGM, commencing at 10:00am at the Coast Guard Station, Lemon Tree Passage.
A visitor dropped into the club last Tuesday night in the form of Adam VK6GA / VK2YK. He was on leave from work and spending a few weeks back here before heading out to VK3.
From AR News line: Birthday of Samuel Morse.
Samuel Morse, who introduced telegraph communications in the United States, was born 219 years ago on April 27, 1791 in Charlestown, Massachusetts. On 24th of May 1844, he famously sent the message "What hath God wrought" by telegraph from Washington D.C to Baltimore. His full name was Samuel Finley Breese Morse and he lived from April 27, 1791
till April 2, 1872.
_______________________________________
Congratulations to Mal VK2FVON who last weekend sat for and passed the Standard Grade licence exam. Mal is now eagerly awaiting his new call. Well done.
Westlakes Mini field day will be held Sunday May 30. Gates open 9am.We urge all members to sort out their unwanted radio gear to help the auction but please... NO TV’s or VCR’s. Unfortunately we have been advised that Lee Andrews will not be attending owing to other commitments.
Accommodation is still available for the Lighthouse weekend, August 21/22 at Norah Head. Persons wishing to book for the weekend are asked to contact Barrie VK2CXA 0402 332830
Well it started Friday night at midnight. I refer to the Westlakes CQ Repeater Contest which runs from Midnight on the 1st to Midnight on the 7th. The aim is to contact as many stations throughout VK via a repeater. 1 point for each contact on any available repeater. IRLP is not permitted. Logs to the Contest Manager, Allan VK2JED by the end of May.
The days of the 3.5-inch floppy disk are now officially numbered. Sony, which boasts 70 percent of the anemic market, announced Friday that it would end Japanese sales of the ancient storage medium in March 2011, according to a report in the Mainichi Daily newspaper. The 3.5-inch floppy was a ubiquitous and necessary component for storing and transferring files between personal computers for nearly three decades. Sony pioneered the 3.5-inch floppy disk in 1981, eventually replacing the 5.25-inch floppy disk that had previously been the popular storage format. However, as the size of files and programs grew, the floppy disk was pushed aside by inexpensive and larger-format storage medium. Thanks to the creation of storage methods such as CDs, DVDs, Zip, and USB drives, Sony saw its Japanese sales of floppies decline from a record 47 million disks in fiscal 2002 to 12 million in fiscal 2009. Most other floppy disk manufacturers had long since pulled out of the market, and Sony itself has already ceased sales to most of its overseas markets. Certainly the writing had been on the walls for years. With the release of the iMac in 1998, Apple was the first computer maker to take the plunge and eliminate the floppy completely. Dell followed suit in 2003 when it dropped the floppy as standard equipment on one of its Dimension desktops.
_____________________________________
Well it is still on.., the Club's Tuesday RTTY and Easypal Digital pictures is still aired on this repeater on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 pm. Also, the slow scan is still held on this repeater, Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm. Join in and have some fun. Thanks to Robert VK2MF for keeping these groups active.
The next item is from AR News line
THE FUTURE OF AMATEUR RADIO IS WITH THE YOUTH
The future of amateur radio is with the youth and we need to adapt if we want to
attract them. This was the message from IARU Region 1 President Hans Blondeel
Timmerman, PB2T as he d delivered the after-dinner address at the S.A.R.L. Awards
Banquet in Port Elizabeth last week. He said that the expectations of the youth were very different from those that moved the current generation to become radio amateurs. What interested us at that time no longer enthuses the youth of today. He continued to say:
"My advice is let go on much of what we know and love and let them do what they
love. Their focus is more visual. They are keen on new technologies but also want
it to happen fast. "Clubs can do much to promote amateur radio. Start a junior section with a young leader in your club. Focus on visual, virtual and new technologies.
Promote amateur radio as an art and a science, different from the Internet and cell phones. Senior members should provide the resources and support and let youngsters off the leash. We urgently need a new approach."
_____________________________________
Don’t forget the Stone the Crows net every Saturday morning at 06:00, on 3.588 Mhz. Ted VK2UI is the ringmaster with checkins coming from all over VK. A jovial and friendly get together and everyone is most welcome. 2 hours later is the turn of the EZB net at 08:00 on 146.775 Mhz where the main aim is to pass on information as to what’s happening at the club that day. A general chat as to what everyone has been up to ensures, and everything that they have been doing during the week. Join in and have your say.
______________________________________
That concludes the news from Westlakes for this week. We will do it all again next week. If you have any item of news for inclusion in the cast, then please email to vk2rd@exemail.com.au or vk2cw@bigpond.com
Saturday, April 24, 2010
WESTLAKES AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Inc. Weekly Broadcast 25 April 2010.
First item today, being 25th of April is about Anzac amateur radio activities.
In North Queensland, a group are encouraging all amateurs to operate on AM and CW modes this afternoon and evening as a mark of remembrance to the servicemen and women who served during time of conflict. AM and CW were modes used by radio operators during WW2 and in Korea, Malaysian and early in Viet Nam. Hopefully New Zealand amateurs will join in the activity. The North Queensland net on ANZAC Day will be on 7.093MHz at 0600 hours UTC using AM and the Townsville North Queensland net will also be AM on 3605 kHz at 0930 hours UTC. Ex-navy ships Whyalla (in Whyalla), Castlemaine (in Melbourne) and Diamantina (in Brisbane) will be activating their World War 2 radio equipment plus and linking in with local Amateur Radio Clubs. Also, Turkish amateurs are be operating this weekend from a site at Anzac Cove - just so you know the Turkish callsign prefix is TA to TC.
What will be far easier will be to make contact with VK2AOJ, the callsign of Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club, which will be operating portable at Fort Scratchley this Anzac Day afternoon. At least give VK2AOJ a call - even if its only via a 2 metre repeater. An excellent Special Event QSL card will be exchanged for all contacts.
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Ever heard of Manassas? It is a city located in Virginia USA and it's strange claim to fame is that it's the first city to abandon BPL (broadband-overpower lines). The 35,000 residents who have relied on BPL for Internet services will have to find new providers after Manassas City Council has closed the BPL system. It would be nice to think the reason had something to do with ending RF interference to amateur radio, but it wasn't - too many citizens had had changed to Internet by wireless for BPL to remain viable. That must be the ultimate in irony - instead of BPL making wireless unusable, wireless puts BPL out of action!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you know about digital radio in Australia? Probably that it started on 1 July 2009 and that it's only available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Plans are underway to expand digital radio to regional centres but that may take a while. The reason is the slow take-up in Australia of the new-fangled receivers and the reason for that, is that digital radio in this country, does not replace AM and FM broadcasts - its just another way to hear them. Not so in the UK, where that Government intends to switch all AM and FM stations to digital by 2015. It is estimated that 100 million UK analogue radios will be reduced to landfill when the switch is thrown. So much for restoring old valve radios.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The numbers game is always interesting - particularly when it relates to amateur radio. The Foundation Licence was certainly responsible in attracting many newcomers to the hobby but now that the initial surge has died down, how healthy is amateur radio in Australia? Actually quite good. One year ago - April 2009 - there were 15,515 current call signs on the ACMA data base. A check in April 2010 shows 15,675 - that's in increase of 160 or just over 1 percent in 12 months. Not very spectacular, but at least it's up.
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Now you will want a pen and paper ready in a moment so get prepared. Garry VK2YA has forwarded details of an ABC television site that has great video from the Collectors series. It shows ex-telegraphist, Ron McMullen, operating and displaying, what is claimed to be, the best collection of Morse keys and paraphenalia in Austrlia. Ready with your pen?
Here we go - nice and slow: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/collectors/segments/s2881139.htm It is worth a look.
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The Centenary of the WIA is this year - or haven't you heard? The three-day slots for use by clubs of the special call sign, VI100WIA have all been allocated with the WIA itself, taking the opening fortnight commencing 14 May. VI100WIA gets into the hands of clubs on 1 June. This "pass the callsign" continues every 3 days until the end of October. That's where we come in - Westlakes has exclusive use of the call fot the final 3 days - 29, 30, and 31 October. Last is a good slot to have because at midnight on the 31st, VI100WIA can never be used or heard again.
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The meat raffle. The previous week's winner, Bill VK2XT, drew the lucky ticket from the barrel yesterday. The winner was ..... Frank VK2FJW whose XYL, June, shops at Needs Butchery who now provide the meat tray. When she was there during the week, she told Mr Needs to make it a nice tray as FJW may win it in a raffle. Talk about a coincidence!
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Contrary to the understanding of some, the Club's Tuesday RTTY and Easypal slow scan is still on this repeater on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 pm. Also, MMSSTV slow scan is still held on this repeater on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Despite her absence from the club yesterday, Gloria still managed to arrange an afternoon tea For our soon-to-depart President Frank VK2FJL. Frank has sold up at Gorokan and has purchased a rural retreat at Lithgow. He moves in a few weeks and will be missed.
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Now the latest on the project construction series being run by Les Smith in the club's activity room. AS of yesterday, the first of four sessions is planned to commence next Saturday afternoon at 1.30 pm. There are vacancies so if you want to be in it, turn up next Saturday - it is guaranteed you will learn something.
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If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturday at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.
That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.
To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au
Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club is located in York Street, Teralba and is open for business on Saturday from 12:00 midday and from approximately 6.00pm Tuesdays Call in and say Hello.....Tea and Coffee are always on!
Amateur Radio is a great hobby become active and enjoy it.
In North Queensland, a group are encouraging all amateurs to operate on AM and CW modes this afternoon and evening as a mark of remembrance to the servicemen and women who served during time of conflict. AM and CW were modes used by radio operators during WW2 and in Korea, Malaysian and early in Viet Nam. Hopefully New Zealand amateurs will join in the activity. The North Queensland net on ANZAC Day will be on 7.093MHz at 0600 hours UTC using AM and the Townsville North Queensland net will also be AM on 3605 kHz at 0930 hours UTC. Ex-navy ships Whyalla (in Whyalla), Castlemaine (in Melbourne) and Diamantina (in Brisbane) will be activating their World War 2 radio equipment plus and linking in with local Amateur Radio Clubs. Also, Turkish amateurs are be operating this weekend from a site at Anzac Cove - just so you know the Turkish callsign prefix is TA to TC.
What will be far easier will be to make contact with VK2AOJ, the callsign of Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club, which will be operating portable at Fort Scratchley this Anzac Day afternoon. At least give VK2AOJ a call - even if its only via a 2 metre repeater. An excellent Special Event QSL card will be exchanged for all contacts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ever heard of Manassas? It is a city located in Virginia USA and it's strange claim to fame is that it's the first city to abandon BPL (broadband-overpower lines). The 35,000 residents who have relied on BPL for Internet services will have to find new providers after Manassas City Council has closed the BPL system. It would be nice to think the reason had something to do with ending RF interference to amateur radio, but it wasn't - too many citizens had had changed to Internet by wireless for BPL to remain viable. That must be the ultimate in irony - instead of BPL making wireless unusable, wireless puts BPL out of action!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you know about digital radio in Australia? Probably that it started on 1 July 2009 and that it's only available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Plans are underway to expand digital radio to regional centres but that may take a while. The reason is the slow take-up in Australia of the new-fangled receivers and the reason for that, is that digital radio in this country, does not replace AM and FM broadcasts - its just another way to hear them. Not so in the UK, where that Government intends to switch all AM and FM stations to digital by 2015. It is estimated that 100 million UK analogue radios will be reduced to landfill when the switch is thrown. So much for restoring old valve radios.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The numbers game is always interesting - particularly when it relates to amateur radio. The Foundation Licence was certainly responsible in attracting many newcomers to the hobby but now that the initial surge has died down, how healthy is amateur radio in Australia? Actually quite good. One year ago - April 2009 - there were 15,515 current call signs on the ACMA data base. A check in April 2010 shows 15,675 - that's in increase of 160 or just over 1 percent in 12 months. Not very spectacular, but at least it's up.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now you will want a pen and paper ready in a moment so get prepared. Garry VK2YA has forwarded details of an ABC television site that has great video from the Collectors series. It shows ex-telegraphist, Ron McMullen, operating and displaying, what is claimed to be, the best collection of Morse keys and paraphenalia in Austrlia. Ready with your pen?
Here we go - nice and slow: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/collectors/segments/s2881139.htm It is worth a look.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Centenary of the WIA is this year - or haven't you heard? The three-day slots for use by clubs of the special call sign, VI100WIA have all been allocated with the WIA itself, taking the opening fortnight commencing 14 May. VI100WIA gets into the hands of clubs on 1 June. This "pass the callsign" continues every 3 days until the end of October. That's where we come in - Westlakes has exclusive use of the call fot the final 3 days - 29, 30, and 31 October. Last is a good slot to have because at midnight on the 31st, VI100WIA can never be used or heard again.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The meat raffle. The previous week's winner, Bill VK2XT, drew the lucky ticket from the barrel yesterday. The winner was ..... Frank VK2FJW whose XYL, June, shops at Needs Butchery who now provide the meat tray. When she was there during the week, she told Mr Needs to make it a nice tray as FJW may win it in a raffle. Talk about a coincidence!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contrary to the understanding of some, the Club's Tuesday RTTY and Easypal slow scan is still on this repeater on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 pm. Also, MMSSTV slow scan is still held on this repeater on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Despite her absence from the club yesterday, Gloria still managed to arrange an afternoon tea For our soon-to-depart President Frank VK2FJL. Frank has sold up at Gorokan and has purchased a rural retreat at Lithgow. He moves in a few weeks and will be missed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now the latest on the project construction series being run by Les Smith in the club's activity room. AS of yesterday, the first of four sessions is planned to commence next Saturday afternoon at 1.30 pm. There are vacancies so if you want to be in it, turn up next Saturday - it is guaranteed you will learn something.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturday at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.
That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.
To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au
Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club is located in York Street, Teralba and is open for business on Saturday from 12:00 midday and from approximately 6.00pm Tuesdays Call in and say Hello.....Tea and Coffee are always on!
Amateur Radio is a great hobby become active and enjoy it.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Westlakes news 18/4/2010
Unfortunately today the first item is news of a silent Key. Joe Freedman VK2YJ
passed away last week in retirement accommodation at Yamba. He was 89 years of age.
Joe was a man of many talents and one who lived life to the full. He built his own
home at Merewether, he was an accomplished woodturner, a glider pilot, and a photographer
being the founder and owner of Freedman Photographic Studios. Remember those gruelling
Redex around Australia Trials in the 1950's? Joe entered twice and though he didn't
win, he finished both times in his beat-up VW Beatle. Joe was a director at Westlakes for many
years and his son and two grandsons all held amateur licences. His funeral service was
held at Adamstown Uniting Church last Friday. A Brief pause now in memory of
Joe Freedman VK2YJ.
Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of amateur radio has just increased because Your Amateur Licence will now cost more.
As from the 5th of April, The ACMA have increased the price of our annual licence fee to $65.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World Amateur Radio Day is today, Sunday 18 April 2010, and the theme for 2010 is
"Amateur Radio: Combining communication experience with modern digital techniques."
This Sunday can be a great opportunity for radio clubs to demonstrate amateur radio
to the public at a shopping centre or mall. That may be easier said than done but it
should not be too hard to get on air and give the HF bands a work out for World Amateur
Radio Day 2010.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking for something to do today? Look no further than the fair city of Maitland where the
25th annual Hunter Valley Steamfest takes place. Because of heavy demand, it may be difficult
to obtain tickets on one of the steam train rides, but there is still plenty to see. Off the
tracks, this year's Steamfest will feature an enormous display of steam and transport machinery
on the the new Steamfest rally ground adjacent to Maitland Railway Station. And for the first
time at Steamfest - and possibly anywhere - three steam engines will race three historic Tiger
Moth biplanes later this morning. Pack your 2 metre hand held and of course, a camera.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you one of the 20 per cent of club members who normally receive their monthly magazine
via the Internet? If so, you would have been surprised to see the hard copy of the April
edition arrive with the postman. It was not a mistake - but apart from mailing a flyer to
all members advising of the coming AGM in May, we temporarily lost control of the Internet
Magazine and Sunday news facility. Corrections have been made and all should be back to
normal next month.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember the marathon walk last year by Jeff Johnson VK4XYY who walked accross Australia fom
south to North? Well he is at it again - this time from east to west. This time Jeff will be
fund raising on behalf of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. He plans to commence the walk in
April 2011 and as well as raising money for a good cause Jeff will be promoting amateur radio
all the way. Looking at a map of Australia, it's easy to see that to walk across is three
times the distance than up and down.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The meat raffle held at Westlakes yesterday saw a change - the prized tray came from a new
supplier - Need's Butcher Shop at Boolaroo. It certainly looked nice. The winner from the
previous week, Greg VK2CW, drew the ticket and the winner was Bill VK2XT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's new video projector had its second workout in the Westlakes Library yesterday.
It was a showing of the 2006 DXpedition to Peter 1 Island. The DVD was sent to us by Florida
member, Oscar K1IYD. It was watched by a small but appreciative audience glad they were not
in the snow, wind, and ice of Peter 1 Island.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hooray for Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club. Their members will be operating a portable
station VK2AOJ at Fort Scratchley on Anzac Day between 12.30pm and 3.30pm. The Fort was
reopened to the public in 2008 after restoration. Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club will be
taking the opportunity to promote amateur radio and the fort to the visiting public.
Special QSL cards have been prepared for the occasion and these will be exchanged for all
contacts. Well done PSARC.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technology knows no bounds. Have you seen the latest from "tricky Dicky stores?'It is a video
camera with sound, and a digital camera housed in a real, working quality, ballpoint pen. It
can take color videos, still photos, upload to YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, and Photobucket,
with time and date stamping. One hour recording, 2 megapixels, USB upload to computer, a 90
minute lithium-ion battery, and it recharges through your computer USB port. But best of all..
it comes with 3 pen refills in case you want to write a letter. Cost....cheaper than you
would think. Oh yes, it come with a 12 month warranty. Check it out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the constitution of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc., there are only three ways a person
ceases to be a member: 1. Death 2. Expulsion 3. failure to pay membership fees within three months
of the due date. The due date for fees was 31 January meaning that the deadline to maintain
membership is the end of April. There are only a handfull of members who have not renewed this
year and to those, is directed this reminder. We do not want to lose you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, trivia. How many radio stations including the ABC, commercials, narrowcast, religious
etc do you think are on air in New South Wales? At least 50? Well, yes and then some. Check out
www.ausradiostations.com and you will find there are 90 AM and a whopping 483 FM stations - all
transmitting at the moment. And that's only New South Wales. What must it be like in the USA and
Europe?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturday
at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz
Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows
Net.
That concluded Westlakes segment of this week news.
To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in
general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please
wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be
addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au
Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club is located in York Street, Teralba and is open for business on
Saturday from 12:00 midday and from approximately 6.00pm Tuesdays Call in and say Hello.....
Tea and Coffee are always on!
Amateur Radio is a great hobby become active and enjoy it.
passed away last week in retirement accommodation at Yamba. He was 89 years of age.
Joe was a man of many talents and one who lived life to the full. He built his own
home at Merewether, he was an accomplished woodturner, a glider pilot, and a photographer
being the founder and owner of Freedman Photographic Studios. Remember those gruelling
Redex around Australia Trials in the 1950's? Joe entered twice and though he didn't
win, he finished both times in his beat-up VW Beatle. Joe was a director at Westlakes for many
years and his son and two grandsons all held amateur licences. His funeral service was
held at Adamstown Uniting Church last Friday. A Brief pause now in memory of
Joe Freedman VK2YJ.
Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of amateur radio has just increased because Your Amateur Licence will now cost more.
As from the 5th of April, The ACMA have increased the price of our annual licence fee to $65.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World Amateur Radio Day is today, Sunday 18 April 2010, and the theme for 2010 is
"Amateur Radio: Combining communication experience with modern digital techniques."
This Sunday can be a great opportunity for radio clubs to demonstrate amateur radio
to the public at a shopping centre or mall. That may be easier said than done but it
should not be too hard to get on air and give the HF bands a work out for World Amateur
Radio Day 2010.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking for something to do today? Look no further than the fair city of Maitland where the
25th annual Hunter Valley Steamfest takes place. Because of heavy demand, it may be difficult
to obtain tickets on one of the steam train rides, but there is still plenty to see. Off the
tracks, this year's Steamfest will feature an enormous display of steam and transport machinery
on the the new Steamfest rally ground adjacent to Maitland Railway Station. And for the first
time at Steamfest - and possibly anywhere - three steam engines will race three historic Tiger
Moth biplanes later this morning. Pack your 2 metre hand held and of course, a camera.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you one of the 20 per cent of club members who normally receive their monthly magazine
via the Internet? If so, you would have been surprised to see the hard copy of the April
edition arrive with the postman. It was not a mistake - but apart from mailing a flyer to
all members advising of the coming AGM in May, we temporarily lost control of the Internet
Magazine and Sunday news facility. Corrections have been made and all should be back to
normal next month.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember the marathon walk last year by Jeff Johnson VK4XYY who walked accross Australia fom
south to North? Well he is at it again - this time from east to west. This time Jeff will be
fund raising on behalf of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. He plans to commence the walk in
April 2011 and as well as raising money for a good cause Jeff will be promoting amateur radio
all the way. Looking at a map of Australia, it's easy to see that to walk across is three
times the distance than up and down.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The meat raffle held at Westlakes yesterday saw a change - the prized tray came from a new
supplier - Need's Butcher Shop at Boolaroo. It certainly looked nice. The winner from the
previous week, Greg VK2CW, drew the ticket and the winner was Bill VK2XT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's new video projector had its second workout in the Westlakes Library yesterday.
It was a showing of the 2006 DXpedition to Peter 1 Island. The DVD was sent to us by Florida
member, Oscar K1IYD. It was watched by a small but appreciative audience glad they were not
in the snow, wind, and ice of Peter 1 Island.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hooray for Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club. Their members will be operating a portable
station VK2AOJ at Fort Scratchley on Anzac Day between 12.30pm and 3.30pm. The Fort was
reopened to the public in 2008 after restoration. Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club will be
taking the opportunity to promote amateur radio and the fort to the visiting public.
Special QSL cards have been prepared for the occasion and these will be exchanged for all
contacts. Well done PSARC.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technology knows no bounds. Have you seen the latest from "tricky Dicky stores?'It is a video
camera with sound, and a digital camera housed in a real, working quality, ballpoint pen. It
can take color videos, still photos, upload to YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, and Photobucket,
with time and date stamping. One hour recording, 2 megapixels, USB upload to computer, a 90
minute lithium-ion battery, and it recharges through your computer USB port. But best of all..
it comes with 3 pen refills in case you want to write a letter. Cost....cheaper than you
would think. Oh yes, it come with a 12 month warranty. Check it out.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the constitution of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc., there are only three ways a person
ceases to be a member: 1. Death 2. Expulsion 3. failure to pay membership fees within three months
of the due date. The due date for fees was 31 January meaning that the deadline to maintain
membership is the end of April. There are only a handfull of members who have not renewed this
year and to those, is directed this reminder. We do not want to lose you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, trivia. How many radio stations including the ABC, commercials, narrowcast, religious
etc do you think are on air in New South Wales? At least 50? Well, yes and then some. Check out
www.ausradiostations.com and you will find there are 90 AM and a whopping 483 FM stations - all
transmitting at the moment. And that's only New South Wales. What must it be like in the USA and
Europe?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturday
at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz
Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows
Net.
That concluded Westlakes segment of this week news.
To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in
general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please
wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be
addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au
Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club is located in York Street, Teralba and is open for business on
Saturday from 12:00 midday and from approximately 6.00pm Tuesdays Call in and say Hello.....
Tea and Coffee are always on!
Amateur Radio is a great hobby become active and enjoy it.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
CQ REPEATER CONTEST 2010
Westlakes unique FM CQ Repeater Contest where all amateurs
are encouraged to put a little life into the usually quiet repeaters.
The initial CQ Repeater contest was held in 1999 for the first seven days
of the New Year. The 2010 contest will be held over the period from
midnight Friday 30th April 2010 until Midnight Friday 7th May 2010.
The aim of all contests is to promote good will between amateurs and to
encourage on air activity. The big difference with our FM CQ Repeater
contest is that all contacts must be made on repeaters.
The rules are simple.
Open to all VK's, member or not using the following bands
6m, 2m, 70cm, 23cm FM.
IRLP, Echo-link contacts are NOT valid
Station contacted can only be logged once on any one day on any repeater Contest numbers do not have to be exchanged - just keep a record of the
date, station spoken to and on which repeater and at what time the contact
was made.
It doesn't get any simpler than that!
Award certificates for place getters for each frequency
Place getters with the highest overall contacts will also receive a certificate
A participation certificate is also available for any logs received
“Amateur Radio is a great hobby, become active and enjoy it”
Logs to be sent to Contest Manager C/-Westlakes ARC
PO Box 3001 Teralba NSW 2284.
Email: contestmanager@westlakesarc.org.au
to arrive no later than Friday May 28th 2010
are encouraged to put a little life into the usually quiet repeaters.
The initial CQ Repeater contest was held in 1999 for the first seven days
of the New Year. The 2010 contest will be held over the period from
midnight Friday 30th April 2010 until Midnight Friday 7th May 2010.
The aim of all contests is to promote good will between amateurs and to
encourage on air activity. The big difference with our FM CQ Repeater
contest is that all contacts must be made on repeaters.
The rules are simple.
Open to all VK's, member or not using the following bands
6m, 2m, 70cm, 23cm FM.
IRLP, Echo-link contacts are NOT valid
Station contacted can only be logged once on any one day on any repeater Contest numbers do not have to be exchanged - just keep a record of the
date, station spoken to and on which repeater and at what time the contact
was made.
It doesn't get any simpler than that!
Award certificates for place getters for each frequency
Place getters with the highest overall contacts will also receive a certificate
A participation certificate is also available for any logs received
“Amateur Radio is a great hobby, become active and enjoy it”
Logs to be sent to Contest Manager C/-Westlakes ARC
PO Box 3001 Teralba NSW 2284.
Email: contestmanager@westlakesarc.org.au
to arrive no later than Friday May 28th 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
WESTLAKES AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Inc.
Weekly Broadcast 4th April 2010.
This is a summary of news and events for Amateur Radio Operators on behalf of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc.
The Broadcast can be heard at 09.00 hrs Each Sunday on 146.775 MHz and is followed by the VK1WIA news. There is a replay on 80 metres Sunday morning and again at 19.00 hrs courtesy Warren VK2UWP. Tune to 3.565 +-.
No doubt you would have remembered to turn your clocks back one hour as daylight saving ended at 3am this morning.
No doubt you would have remembered to turn your clocks back one hour as daylight saving ended at 3am this morning.
I could not make it to the club yesterday. However I’m informed that….
In the absence of a meat tray a cardboard box of unknown contents was raffled to the multitude who attended. The box was won by VK2MMM who left with a pre-drunken smile of anticipation on his face.
Many important items were discussed including some early results of VK2ZM's new installation of solar electricity.
Les Smith and Tony were working on a kit form antenna analyser and some progress was made. I'm not sure when the project will be completed as it is early days yet.
We had a membership application completed by VK2FGAB 12 year old Gabby who has just received her amateur licence. She is quite a young lady and we hope to hear her on the air soon. I think her young sister Samantha will be following Gaby's footsteps soon, but time will tell.
Those remarks courtesy Barry VK2BZ
Dave VK2RD was another non starter this Saturday as he was and possibly still is busy playing boats at Toronto where the Classic Boat Fest is being held this weekend. Dave managed to find time during the preparation to allow NBN to interview him about the boat fest and the various craft that were on display.
Next Saturday 10th is the monthly club meeting commencing at 13.30 hrs. Committee are asked to be in attendance by 11.30.
Mark your calendar for the following Westlakes events..
April 17. Video presentation of the 1996 Dx-pedition to Peter1 Island
Antartica. Courtesy Oscar K1 IYD
Project days Activity Room:-
I’ve not heard from Les Smith so I can only assume that the postponed introduction to a signal generator will now be held April 24.
A reminder to take part in Westlakes CQ repeater contest 1st to 7th May. Open to all VK’s.
Westlakes Mini field day will be held Sunday May 30. Gates open 9am.
We urge all members to sort out their unwanted radio gear to help the auction.
Accommodation is still available for the Lighthouse weekend August 21/22 persons wishing to book for the weekend are asked to contact Barrie VK2CXA 0402 332830
Classes for the Standard licence will start next Saturday afternoon at Westlakes ARC’s classroom commencing 13.00 hrs. Classes run for approximately 2 hours.
We wish those taking part every success.
Breaking the code,
The Museum of Victoria in Melbourne will be conducting an activity centred on Morse code on Sundays 11am to 3pm April to June.
Children and families will be using a Morse code sheet to work out and write down their names in code on the back of a bookmark made in the shape of the SS Titanic during an exhibition on that famous ship and maritime disaster.
Class 3 licensees in China eager for contacts
A number of Bravo Golf prefixed callsigns are now active, using CW on the 15m band above 21.1 MHz and are eager for DX contacts.
Writing in the FISTS Down Under newsletter is John Kirk VK4TJ has worked a number of BG stations and each have expressed great anxiety about QSLing.
The reason for this is that the amateur licence system in China requires operators to achieve a minimum of 10 DX QSOs to qualify for a licence upgrade.
That concluded Westlakes segment of this week news
If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturday at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz
Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.
To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in
general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please
wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be
addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au
Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club is located in York Street, Teralba and is open for business on Saturday from 12:00 midday and from approximately 6.00pm Tuesdays Call in and say Hello.....Tea and Coffee are always on!
Amateur Radio is a great hobby become active and enjoy it.
De VK2FJL
Weekly Broadcast 4th April 2010.
This is a summary of news and events for Amateur Radio Operators on behalf of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc.
The Broadcast can be heard at 09.00 hrs Each Sunday on 146.775 MHz and is followed by the VK1WIA news. There is a replay on 80 metres Sunday morning and again at 19.00 hrs courtesy Warren VK2UWP. Tune to 3.565 +-.
No doubt you would have remembered to turn your clocks back one hour as daylight saving ended at 3am this morning.
No doubt you would have remembered to turn your clocks back one hour as daylight saving ended at 3am this morning.
I could not make it to the club yesterday. However I’m informed that….
In the absence of a meat tray a cardboard box of unknown contents was raffled to the multitude who attended. The box was won by VK2MMM who left with a pre-drunken smile of anticipation on his face.
Many important items were discussed including some early results of VK2ZM's new installation of solar electricity.
Les Smith and Tony were working on a kit form antenna analyser and some progress was made. I'm not sure when the project will be completed as it is early days yet.
We had a membership application completed by VK2FGAB 12 year old Gabby who has just received her amateur licence. She is quite a young lady and we hope to hear her on the air soon. I think her young sister Samantha will be following Gaby's footsteps soon, but time will tell.
Those remarks courtesy Barry VK2BZ
Dave VK2RD was another non starter this Saturday as he was and possibly still is busy playing boats at Toronto where the Classic Boat Fest is being held this weekend. Dave managed to find time during the preparation to allow NBN to interview him about the boat fest and the various craft that were on display.
Next Saturday 10th is the monthly club meeting commencing at 13.30 hrs. Committee are asked to be in attendance by 11.30.
Mark your calendar for the following Westlakes events..
April 17. Video presentation of the 1996 Dx-pedition to Peter1 Island
Antartica. Courtesy Oscar K1 IYD
Project days Activity Room:-
I’ve not heard from Les Smith so I can only assume that the postponed introduction to a signal generator will now be held April 24.
A reminder to take part in Westlakes CQ repeater contest 1st to 7th May. Open to all VK’s.
Westlakes Mini field day will be held Sunday May 30. Gates open 9am.
We urge all members to sort out their unwanted radio gear to help the auction.
Accommodation is still available for the Lighthouse weekend August 21/22 persons wishing to book for the weekend are asked to contact Barrie VK2CXA 0402 332830
Classes for the Standard licence will start next Saturday afternoon at Westlakes ARC’s classroom commencing 13.00 hrs. Classes run for approximately 2 hours.
We wish those taking part every success.
Breaking the code,
The Museum of Victoria in Melbourne will be conducting an activity centred on Morse code on Sundays 11am to 3pm April to June.
Children and families will be using a Morse code sheet to work out and write down their names in code on the back of a bookmark made in the shape of the SS Titanic during an exhibition on that famous ship and maritime disaster.
Class 3 licensees in China eager for contacts
A number of Bravo Golf prefixed callsigns are now active, using CW on the 15m band above 21.1 MHz and are eager for DX contacts.
Writing in the FISTS Down Under newsletter is John Kirk VK4TJ has worked a number of BG stations and each have expressed great anxiety about QSLing.
The reason for this is that the amateur licence system in China requires operators to achieve a minimum of 10 DX QSOs to qualify for a licence upgrade.
That concluded Westlakes segment of this week news
If you want to learn what is happening at your club in the coming week join the group each Saturday at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz
Early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday mornings at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net.
To find out more about Westlakes Amateur Radio Club, or Amateur Radio in
general, leave a message on our 24 hour voice mail box on 02 49-581588. Please
wait for instructions before leaving your message. All correspondence should be
addressed to The Secretary, Box 3001, Teralba, NSW, 2284 or email: secretary@westlakesarc.org.au
Further information is available on our website at www.westlakesarc.org.au
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club is located in York Street, Teralba and is open for business on Saturday from 12:00 midday and from approximately 6.00pm Tuesdays Call in and say Hello.....Tea and Coffee are always on!
Amateur Radio is a great hobby become active and enjoy it.
De VK2FJL
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