WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 29 AUGUST 2010

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader for this morning's local news is 
Brian VK2FG. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of Warren VK2UWP which is repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read 
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 10am is a relay of the 
Australia-wide news from the WIA.
------------------------------------------------------
This year's International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend was from all accounts, a fantastic 
two days. There was a world record 447 registrations, four more than last year. On the country 
tally, Germany came out on top with 60 registrations, five up on 2009. Australia was the big 
improver with 57, eight more than its record set last year. Often heard during QSOs with 
lighthouse stations were comments from others seriously thinking about being involved in 
the future. Such is the enthusiasm demonstrated for the fun event that 30 registrations have 
been received for next year. They will soon run out of lighthouses.
Westlakes has already booked the accommodation and the Norah Head site for 2011.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decorating the library since yesterday are framed photographs of members operating VK2ATZ in the
Lighthouse event last weekend. They look very smart indeed. The photos were taken (on his new 
camera) and erected by Barrie VK2CXA.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note from now on, the club's meetings will be held on the first Saturday of each month 
meaning that the the next meeting will be held next Saturday 4th September. The starting time 
remains the same - 1.30 pm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Also on next weekend, Port Stephens Radio Club will be operating with the WIA Special Event 
callsign VK1000WIA on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th September. Diane VK2FDNE advises that in conjunction,
a 3-day barbecue will be held to promote the occasion. The barbecue is not all day of course but 
at lunch time each day (around 1 pm).The location is the Coast Guard Base, Whitbread Drive Lemon 
Tree Passage. Visitors are welcome. There is a small charge of $2 a head fot the barbecue - that's
cheaper than Maccas!
It's Westlakes' turn with VK100WIA for the last three days that the special call will be used and
those days are 29,30, and 31 October.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overseas news. Sony is working on 3D televisions that don't need special glasses, joining a race 
with rival Toshiba, but sees cost and technological hurdles to overcome before they can go on sale.
Toshiba said earlier this week it is working on glasses-free 3D TVs, although no decision had been 
made on when they will be released. Mainstream 3D TVs now on sale, such as those from Panasonic and 
Sony, require glasses. But there are already screens that don't require glasses, mainly intended for 
store displays. They require the viewer to stand in specific spots for the 3D effect to emerge, and 
the image quality is much lower than that of screens using glasses."Seeing 3D without glasses is 
more convenient," Sony Senior Vice President Yoshihisa Ishida said at Tokyo headquarters. "We must 
take account of pricing before we can think about when to start offering them."
Sony showed its latest 3D products for the Japanese market, including flat-panel TVs and Blu-ray 
recorders. Sony said it plans to be number 1 in market share in Japan in 3D TVs and 3D players and 
recorders, taking advantage of its position as an electronics maker with a movie studio. Sony said 
it will start selling in Japan next month two films and two music videos in 3D, and planned home 
software of 3D theatre releases, including a 3D "Spider-Man" opening in 2012.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now,closer to home, but still on 3D TV, CHANNEL Nine still hopes to screen this year's National Rugby 
League grand final in 3D despite failing to fulfil necessary legal requirements.The network on Friday 
announced its plans to screen the October 3 match in 3D, following its broadcast of state-of-origin 
rugby league games in 3D this year. But less than two hours later the Australian Communications and 
Media Authority (ACMA) issued a statement saying that Nine had failed to report on consumer, reception, 
interference and technical issues after its trial and no such licence had been issued.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyone who is chasing one of those elusive 2-letter callsigns is reminded to keep an eye on the 
WIA website. As of this morning, the are three available for VK2. They are: GN, UL, and YZ. The
first approach is, of course, to the WIA providing you already hold an advanced class amateur 
licence.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The September magazine was assembled and dispatched in the club library yesterday. For the hard-
copy version, check your letter box tomorrow, for the all electric recipients, the magazine should 
have arrived via your email in-box.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A visitor arrived at the club yesterday, it wasthat man of long distance walking fame, Jeff VK4XJJ. 
He received plenty of advice on how to get around a flooded Lake Eyre in central Australia on his 
east-to-west walk across the country planned to start next April. But that's not all. Jeff delivered 
the promised solar panels. Yes, they are in the hands of our storeman, Aly VK2AFZ. Twelve panels 
have been pre-ordered leaving eight still available. They have a capacity of 20 watts, are brand 
new, and guaranteed. The cost is $85 picked up from the club. If you want one or two, don't delay.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
And finally, the meat tray raffle. Once again the winner came from inner sanctum of the club store.
In fact it was an all-store event. The ticket was drawn by Aly VK2AFL and belonged to his assistant,
Geoff VK2GL.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Well that's all the local news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?


OK, now for callbacks. First portable and/or mobiles please

                      
Second any base stations to acknowlege they were listening

                       
Third are there any comments on today's broadcast

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on
Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening
from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone.
Try dialling (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are alway welcome
at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.

Warc Sunday News 11 July 2010

This is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. Westlakes local news is read each Sunday on repeater VK2RTZ at 9am local. Following at 9:30 am is a relay of the Australia-wide news from the WIA .This will be repeated on the 80 metre frequency at 7 pm this evening by Warren VK2UWP

The first item today is something for the eyes. No, not another "page 3" girl - but "QRZ.COM" Paul VK2HV has taken over control of Westlakes callsign, VK2ATZ, and how it is presented on the popular "QRZ" site. Have a look - it's pretty good. Well done Paul VK2HV.

Here are three a messages to members who are interested in contests and associated radio events presented in date order. First is the 2010 RD Contest which will be held over the 14th and 15th August. Hopefully, there will be enough interest to operate the club station VK2ATZ from Teralba. Contact Allan VK2JED or Dave VK2RD if you would like to participate. Next, a week later is the Lighthouse Weekend where the club will again be attending Norah Head Lighthouse. over Friday 20th and Saturday 21st August. Accomodation varies from a bed, to sleeping in your car, or just come as a day-tripper and enjoy the sights. Food for the overnighters and a free barbecue on the Sunday morning will be provided. Approximate numbers are needed to arrange catering. Contact the secretary Barrie VK2CXA or Diane VK2FDNE if you would like to come. And the final event approaching is Westlakes use of the special callsign VK100WIA. We have the call for three days - the last three days - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 29, 30, and 31st October. Dave VK2RD is preparing a roster of members who will attempt to keep the call on-air for the entire period from the club radio room at Teralba. Contact VK2RD to be in it.

The results of the Club's CQ Repeater Contest for 2010 have been tabulated by Allan VK2JED. They will be presented at the July monthly meeting which will be held next Saturday 17th July in the club library at 1.30pm.

Those visiting the club yesterday would have noticed yet another escalation of the current spate of vandalism. At first, two holes were kicked in the sidewall of our buiding. It became three holes last weekend and that increased to eight holes Yesterday. The wall is looking very sorry at present and what was a relatively simple restoration, has now become a major one at a considerable cost to members. Any suggestions to prevent this stuff happening?

Richard VK2FRKO (OAM) grabbed the reins on Saturday morning taking over the "Ezybee" group on this repeater at 8am while earlier, Fred VK2YF handled the 6am "Stone the Crows" net on 80 metres. The Ezybee group has needed a leader for some some time but the Stone the Crows has always been conducted by Ted VK2UI. Unfortunately, Ted is not well at present and we wish him a speedy recovery. Well done Richard VK2FRKO and Fred VK2YF.

Remember that bloke who used to write these scripts (and read them)? He did a few other odd jobs too, such as edit Westlakes' magazine, run the Ezybee net,bring the Saturday meat tray, and run the mid-week SSTV and RTTY nets. Yes, it was Frank VK2FJL who moved to Lithgow. Apparently, Frank has been having problemsgetting his old computer gear to fire-up at the new QTH and in a colder climate. But not for much longer. We understand that he has lashed out and secured a brand new top-grade computer with allthe necesary bits and pieces and he should be back emmitting emails (with attached pictures of snow and ice) very soon.

Alex VK2ZM reports the that special event callsign, VK100WIA, is certainly doing business in grand style. Thousands of the Special QSL cards for VK2's have arrived at The Bureau at Westlakes. Anyone who can assist to sort some of these cards should see Alex in the Bureau. The only experince needed is to Know the alphabet.

The "little Westlakes torches". They are all gone. Please don't send any money, cheques etc.The torches seemed much more popular than the pens which had to be discounted to clear them. A Message to Mike VK2OI, you ordered two torches on-air a few weeks ago. they are being held by the treasurer for you. Next Saturday would be a great time to pick them up.

This item is the last - and it's the meat tray raffle result from yesterday afternoon. The winning ticket was drawn by Brian VK2BRI and it had "Gloria" on it! That's three meat trays to Ms Brown in the past five weeks. Included in the tray was a "Lamb Jumbuck" described by our butcher, as "lamb in a pastry wrap" that just "goes in the oven and I think you will like it." We await Gloria's report as to how that tasted. The "hat check girl" has instructed VK2CW to buy a Lamb Jumbuck (cost $9 at Needs Butchers Boolaroo) next Saturday - seeing he can't win one.

Well that's all the local news we have this week. 

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone. Try dialling 049 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are alway welcome we have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too, lots of them, although the Adora Cream Wafers are in short supply.

Thank you for listening.

Sunday News 4th July 2010

This is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club This local news appears each Sunday on repeater VK2RTZ at 9am local. Following at 9:30 am is a relay of the Australia-wide news from the WIA.

The first item today is an important announcement. The monthly meeting for July has been put back one week. It was scheduled to be held next Saturday but it will now be held on Saturday 17th July in the club library at 1.30pm.

By now, members will have received their July Magazines in their letter boxes, or those Who get the electronic version, will find it has magically appeared in their inboxes (The correct way up too!) The reason for the early magazine issue is that the "temporary" Editor left for a week's break in Melbourne and got the magazine out before he left.

The meat tray was again well supported by those present yesterday. Last week’s winner Alex VK2ZM drew out the ticket of. Brian VK2BRI, who I might add arrived 10 minutes before the closing time of 2:00pm. Enjoy...

Congratulations to member Col Cuneo who has successfully passed the Foundation exam and is awaiting his chosen call of VK2FCWC. Col already has his radio set up at home and one in the Ute as well. Talk about keen... Well done Col and welcome to the fellowship.

The activity room was busy with Les Smiths class on assembly and use of a Signal Tracer project to be held in 2 parts. The next class is due to be held on Saturday 17^th July and constructing a companion Signal Injector. These are both valuable pieces of test equipment.

The results of the Club's CQ Repeater Contest for 2010 have been tabulated by Allan VK2JED. They will be presented at the next monthly meeting which will now be on July 17th

Members visiting the club in the last fortnight may have noticed the latest incident of Vandalism. Two holes had been senselessly kicked in the sidewall of our building. Well That’s not the latest incident - an inspection of the club during the week reveals that A third hole has been kicked in.

The club's Ezybee Net, named after its founder Eric VK2EZB (now a silent key) has fallen on hard times. It needs a co-ordinator to run the group. It only runs for half an hour at 8am on a Saturday on repeater 146.775 MHz. The purpose of the net is to inform listeners Of happenings at Westlakes that afternoon. Anyone interested in running the net or joining a roster, please advise the secretary. It would be sad to see the Ezybee Net fold.

Now some trivia from overseas. Nicolas Hayek, the founder of the "swatch" plastic watch, passed away last Tuesday. He was 82. In the 1980s, Hayek transformed two Swiss watch firms, Omega and Longines who were struggling to cope with Japanese competition. Sales of Swatch watches soared because they were trendy and affordable. The other Swiss manufacturers rode on the back of Swatch to dominate the quality segment of timepieces today. Nicolas Hayak is credited with saving the Swiss watchmaking industry.

A purchase of 5 desktop computers was delivered to Westlakes during the week. These are to replace the aging models installed around the clubrooms. Our I.T. man, Michael VK2ZEN, is in for a busy time hooking them up and getting everything running.

The Mildura Sunraysia region in Victoria's northwest became the first in the nation to rely on An exclusively digital television signal when the Government switched off the analogue signals there at 9:00am last Wednesday. The Digital Switchover task force says most viewers have already bought a set-top box or a digital television, and it’s not anticipating many complaints when the analogue signal goes. About 24,000 people will be affected by the change.

A number of 55 Amp/hr Gel Cell batteries have been donated to the club. Most are less than 12 months old and would make an ideal backup power system for the shack. See Aly at the store to get hold of 1 or 2.

We have a nice story to finish with. Congratulation to Westlakes President, Geoff VK2EO, who became a proud grandparent last Tuesday. Twin girls no less - Lucy Hannah and Lyla Grace. And what little charmers they look.

Well that' all the local news we have this week.

Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone. Try dialling 49581588 An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome and we have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, as we were reminded last week, there are biscuits too, Just dont take too many..

WARC News 27 June 2010

Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba in wooded grounds on the shores of Lake Macquarie.

As most listeners would be aware, the Sunday news from Westlakes did not go to air last week. The reason was of course, it was the postponed Mini Field Day and weren't we lucky with the weather. It was perfect. There was a bumper crowd, and plenty of helpers to set up and pull down tables and covers. The general comment around the grounds was that it was one of the best Mini Field Days yet held.
Special thanks must go to Gloria, the Canteen Manageress, who did most of the food stuff organising. Thanks also to Diane VK2FDNE who kept the barbecue rolling, to Penny the "hat check girl" at the welcome table, and to those ladies who prepared salads, cakes, and slices etc. The auctioneer on the day was Col VK2YP who kept the items selling at a cracker pace. The meat tray raffle winner was Gloria Brown and the lucky Westlakes Badge Prize went to Ken VK2KJ who won 2kg of sausages. Ken got confused in the excitement of winning and left with the meat tray by mistake, leaving the sausages for Gloria to take home.
The usual jellybean guessing competition winner was Ken VK2UCF.At the end of the day, an unknown "good Samaritan" with a truck offered to take all the leftover items and rubbish to a tip at Parkes where he was heading - a good 6 hour drive.
The day was a financial success for the club. After deducting all expenses, we made just over $1800 profit. Last seen, the treasurer was smiling.

The sick list. As advised by Richard, Diane VK2FDNE has been admitted to John Hunter for tests. We all wish her well and a speedy return to the club. Richard also advises that he will demonstrate how to construct a dipole antenna at the club on Tuesday evenings. That's just the thing needed for beginners and Foundation Licence holders.

The results of the Club's CQ Repeater Contest for 2010 have been tabulated by Allan VK2JED. They will be presented at the next monthly meeting on July 10th

Members visiting the club in the last fortnight may have noticed the latest incident of
vandalism. Two holes have been senselessly kicked in the sidewall of our building. What can I say, except that repairs are underway.

The club's Ezybee Net, named after it's founder Eric VK2EZB (now a silent key) has fallen on hard times. It needs a co-ordinator to run the group. It only runs for half an hour at 8am on a Saturday on repeater 146.775 MHz. The purpose of the net is to inform listeners of happenings at Westlakes that afternoon. Anyone interested in running the net or joining a roster, please advise the secretary. It would be sad to see the Ezybee Net fold.

A good news story for a change. Frank VK2WH brought his Yaesu radio to the club yesterday seeking advice on programming the CTSS encoding for 91.5 Hz tone access. He could not seem to decode the instructional manual to set it up (me either Frank). Dave VK2RD took over the task and in 10 minutes (give or take half an hour or so) all was sorted and on-air tests were conducted to reveal success.

The long-awaited Signal Tracer/Injector project is ready to start. Les Smith has all of the components ready and the first run of this class will be next Saturday 3rd July at 2:00pm in the Westlakes activity room. The second run will be two weeks later on Saturday 14th. If you want to be part of this project be at the activity room ready to go at 2pm.

The repeater VK2RTZ on 146.775 MHz appears to have a problem with output power. Reports from Central Coast stations and some locals in iffy mobile locations are having difficulty hearing the output. Peter VK2ZTV is aware of the problem and is investigating the likelihood of a faulty PA board. As the Doctor said to the midget, you will have to remain a little patient.

The July edition of Westlakes Magazine is ready to go and should appear in letterboxes by 1st July. The email version for members who receive the publication via the Internet will appear in "inboxes" at the same time.

The meat tray raffle. A new ticket seller appeared on the scene yesterday in the form of Keith VK2PKT - he did well too. After all the confusion of last week's missing tray, the draw yesterday was clear cut the winner being Alex VK2ZM. I am unaware who drew his ticket. Should it have been VK2KJ or Gloria? They wouldn't let VK2KJ near the barrel...surely?

Well that' all the local news I have this week.

Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street and is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon until everyone goes home. Also, on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm again until everyone goes home. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone. Try dialling 049 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome we have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk.

Westlakes News Sunday 6th June 2010

WESTLAKES AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Inc.

Weekly Broadcast 6th June 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.

Unfortunately we begin today’s broadcast with news of another of our members becoming a Silent Key. Barry Wilson VK2BBA from Croudace Bay was a long time member of Westlakes and over the past few years was a regular at the club of a Saturday. Barry had been dealing with Cancer the last few years. There was a ceremony last Friday morning for Barry's friends and family at Lambton Rd Broadmeadow then a Muslim funeral at the Mosque in Mayfield. Later in the afternoon.

Vale Barry VK2BBA

As most know, the Field day set down for last Sunday was called off owing to the condition of the grounds. Apparently there were a few souls who turned up on the day, only to find the area bare. We tried to contact everyone that we had email and phone contact details for but unfortunately, not all could be reached. Please accept our apologies and note that the date has now been set for Sunday 20^th June (weather permitting).

Thanks to Peter VK2ZTV, the interference to the 146.775 repeater has again been attended to. It appears that the problem stems from Microwave equipment co-sited with the repeater. Peter has fitted a new receiver which has the previously advertised features fitted. That being CTCSS tones for 123 Hz, 91.5Hz and access for untoned signals with a strong carrier. The carrier and 123 Hz features will be withdrawn in the future. If you have an older 2 metre radio without CTCSS ability, then the club can provide a small board at cost to fit your radio and allow you this feature. 91.5 Hz has been chosen as the standard access tone Australia wide.

Last week’s meat tray winner, Greg VK2CW was on hand to draw the winning ticket for this week and the prize went to Les VK2LT. Came to brag about Dayton, Bought a ticket and wins the prize…. The BBQ is on this afternoon BYO drinks.

The club purchased 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 have received their copies and the other members who ordered one are advised to pick their copy up from the Treasurer.

We still have a room available at Norah Head lighthouse for the weekend of 21^st through 23^rd August for the ILHLS activity. You can book this with Barry VK2CXA or Allan VK2JED. If you like you can come along and operate for the day if you wish. A good weekend is on offer from a very scenic location.

What is the difference between http and https?

Don't know how many of you are aware of this difference, but it is worth alerting any that do not.... The main difference between http:// and https:// is it’s all about keeping you secure. HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure"... If you visit a Website or webpage, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http://. This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecure' language. In other words, it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the Website. If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site. This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in an Http website! But if the web address begins with https:// that basically means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on. You understand why this is so important, right? If a website ever asks you to enter your credit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web address begins with https://. If it doesn't, you should NEVER enter sensitive information ... such as a credit card number. PASS IT ON (You may save someone a lot of grief).

AMATEUR RADIO ASTRONOMERS FIND SUPER SECRET SPACE PLANE

The following from ARNewsline...

A group of amateur radio-astronomers have accomplished what the military was likely hoping would not happen. They have spotted the super-secret U.S. Air Force X-37B mini space plane on-orbit. Amateur Radio Newline’s Frank Haas, KB4T, says the un-piloted X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle 1 was lofted on April 22 atop an Atlas launcher. It is being flown under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. From there it entered a proverbial cone of silence regarding its on-orbit duties. But thanks to a worldwide network of amateur sky watchers, the spacecraft is reportedly in a 39.99 degree inclination, circling the Earth in an orbit 401 kilometres by 422 kilometres. The next phase in the amateur astronomers tracking of the X-37B will be an attempt to see if the space plane is emitting any radio signals! The US Air Force has not said what the robotic ship is for, but most analysts guess that it is likely a high altitude spy craft.

BUSTED: Item courtesy Southgate Amateur news...

The Australian Communications and Media Authority have cancelled an Amateur radio station licence following an investigation that uncovered continuing breaches by the licensee. In the case of the recent cancellation, crucial information was provided by other radio amateurs that alerted the ACMA to the ongoing non-compliance and assisted the investigation. The breaches included causing interference to other stations, failing to use a call sign and transmitting an unmodulated carrier. The ACMA made the decision to cancel the amateur licence when other compliance and enforcement measures had failed. The ACMA say in their reporting that every effort had been made to assist, encourage and educate the licensee to understand the importance of compliance with licence conditions. Despite repeated warnings to the licensee, the ACMA found that non-compliance continued over an extended period of time. "While it is extremely unusual for amateurs to ignore their obligation to comply with the law, the fact is that there have been instances of extreme behaviour that requires enforcement action. This action by the ACMA should remind us all that it will act when necessary" It is good to see the Australian regulator acting to enforce Amateur Radio regulations.

While on Enforcement.

The New Zealand regulator has been busy too.

A New Zealand ham is in trouble for running his station at power levels in excess of that nation’s maximum for radio amateurs. Alan Potter, ZL3II, of Christchurch, has been fined $1500 dollars NZ and ordered to pay $100 in court costs and had had his station confiscated by the government. This, after being found guilty of breaching Section 113 of the Radio communications Act 1989 by running power in excess of 3100 watts out of his station in a nation where 500 Watts is the absolute limit. Specifically, Potter was charged in the Christchurch District Court on April 14th after being found in possession of radio transmitting equipment that was capable of operating at a significantly higher power than the Amateur Radio Operators General License allows. He was found guilty of transmitting outside the terms and conditions of the General User Radio License for Amateur Radio Operators. Potter might have gotten away with his illegal high power activities a bit longer if not for one little mistake. Instead of just keeping quiet and operating, news reports say that New Zealand's Radio Spectrum Management agency became aware of Potter after he reportedly posted on YouTube. One video showed his amplifier operating at the 3100 watt level. That video has since been removed.

This month’s Business meeting will take place next Saturday 12^th June at 13:30 hours. Normally, when the meeting falls on a Long Weekend it is transferred to the following week but with the postponed Field day falling on Sunday 20^th June the Saturday will be required to get ready for Sunday. So see you all at the Monthly meeting NEXT week 12^th June.

Don’t forget to join in with the group each Saturday at 8am for the EZB net on 146.775 MHz where those participating have a round table discussion of what they have been doing during the past week and what is ahead for the next one. There is no set Net Controller, whoever is there first takes the net for the morning. Please join us. Also early risers are reminded to tune to 3.588MHz each Saturday morning at 6am for the Stone the Crows Net with Ted VK2UI as Master of Ceremonies.

That concludes Westlakes segment of this week news.

Weekly Broadcast 30 May 2010

Weekly Broadcast 30 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.Today's reader is Greg VK2CW. Those with HF facilities will notice there is no simulcast on 80 metres this morning as Warren VK2UWP has been called away to Coffs Harbour on a family matter. Similarly, there will be no re-read by Warren this evening.

Today's news is a shortened edition as it was planned that the club's Mini Field Day
would be in full swing this morning and there would be no club broadcast. But as all
(we hope) are aware, the Field Day has been postponed for three weeks and will now take
place on Sunday 20th June. Emails were sent on Friday to all members for whom we had
addresses advising of the postponement. An inspection of the grounds at Teralba on
Thursday showed the area to be water-logged and the forecast for Saturday and today
indicated more rain was coming. Apologies to anyone who may have turned up this
morning and found the club closed and perhaps floating away.

A smaller than usual number arrived at the club yesterday afternoon which increased the odds of winning the meat tray raffle. But the odds were even better - there were two meat trays - the second was intended for today's Field Day. Last week's winner, Ken VK2KJ, drew the first ticket and the winner was Greg VK2CW who then drew the second winner who was David Lawrence. So much for increasing the odds.

An awaited parcel arrived in the mail during the week - it contained 75 key-ring mini
flash lights. These are a quality product that come complete with batteries and are all metal, blue in colour, with Westlakes Amateur Radio Club and address engraved on the side.These won't long particularly at the amazing price of $3 each. See the Secretary or Treasurer next Saturday to procure yours. Add $1 and one will be posted to you.

Next Saturday, 5th June, will be the assembly and enveloping of the June magazine in the club library. Helpers are always needed. Included with this edition will be a flyer advising of the new date - Sunday 20th June - of our Mini Field Day. It can't be still raining then surely?

You may have noticed that our repeater, VK2RTZ, has been plagued with an interference for the past few days. The only way to stop the noise has been to turn the repeater off which makes it easier on the ears. The problem is under investigation.

The Saturday afternoon theory class is still "bookless". The order for the supply of the latest Fred Swainston's Radio Theory book was placed last Monday. Delivery is expected this week and the books should be issued to the class next Saturday.

This morning's WIA news Broadcast will be a little different. It will come from Canberra where The WIA Centenary Convention is being held. The Centenary Dinner was held last night and today,is the BBQ at the Aviation and Radio Museum as well as a guided tour of the national capitol.The WIA broadcast will be heard on this repeater at 9.30 am subject to that interference problem.

And finally, fresh back from Ohio USA is Les VK2LT who was lucky enough to attend the 2010 Dayton Hamvention. This event has been held annually since 1952 and is by far the biggest gathering of radio amateurs in the world. The exhibits cover 165,00 square feet, an area so large that electric scooters are available for hire just to get around. we hope to coax some some photos from Les and his impressions of the Hamvention for inclusion in the club's magazine.

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 with long-life milk are always on!

Field Day 30th May (POSTPONED)

The Westlakes Mini Field day has been postponed until June 20th.
This decision was brought about by the inclement weather the Newcastle region has been experiencing over the last couple of weeks.
The club grounds are a muddy mess and with more heavy rain and winds likely over the weekend, the committee has decided to postpone the event.