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.

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.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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.

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Mark your Calendar for next Saturday the 8^th 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.

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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.

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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 1^st to Midnight on the 7^th. 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.

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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."

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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.

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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