Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club,located at Teralba,
Lake Macquarie.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you order a 2011 WIA Callbook through the club? Three are being held and they are for: Mark VK2CMS, Ken VK2UCF,
and Michael VK2FCMD. If you gentlemen could visit Westlakes over one of the next three Saturdays to pick up your book
and deliver to the treasurer $22, it would be appreciated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The last monthly meeting of the year takes place next Saturday, 4th December, in the club library commencing at 1.30pm.
It will be a busy afternoon as The December Magazines are to be stapled and enveloped before the meeting and that work
will commence around 11.30. Included with the December edition will be membership renewal forms for 2011. Fees for the
coming year remain the same, $20. All fees fall due on 1st February. There is no magazine published in January and that's
why renewals are sent with the December edition.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is some good news for those who gather in the common room on a Saturday afternoon - particularly in summer. Next
Tuesday the club's air conditioning installation team will attempt to remove the defunct in-wall unit and replace it
with a brand new one. Particular care will be taken by the team not to fall off ladders.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yesterday's meat tray raffle was drawn by Frank VK2WH. The winning ticket belonged to VK2FRKO who admitted that it was
his second win this year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The WIA reports today that A French company Watteco has developed a new powerline modem based on Watt Pulse Communication
(whatever that is). This device transmits across the 2 - 4 MHz segment of the precious HF spectrum. The small, low cost,
low power consumption modem can be used for any type of data communication applications such as Smart Meters, Home Control
and Street Lighting it transmits a wideband signal across 2-4 MHz completely covering the Amateur Radio 80m band. We can
look forward to hearing more about about Watteco in 2011.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's coming - the turn-off of analogue Television. Households in the Mansfield Shire, South West Victoria, will get digital
only television transmissions at the end of the November. The Bonnie Doon and Howqua analogue transmitters will be switched
off on November 29. It is the second area in the country to go to digital only, after Mildura was switched over on June 30th
this year. The rest of regional Victoria will be switched to digital only on 5th May 2011 and New South Wales will follow
shortly after. Have you noticed the number of analogue TV's sitting of footpaths lately awaiting council pickups?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can tell the year is drawing to a close when advertising starts for the Wyong Field Day. There is only 91 days to go
before the 2011 event. Don't bother trying to work it out on two calendars, the 2011 Wyong Field Day will be held on
Sunday 27th February.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overseas news. A U.K. resident was sentenced at Hull Crown Court on 22 November for causing deliberate interference to amateur
radio users in the Hull region of Humberside between June and November 2009. The man aged 63, rigged his van with radio equipment
and parked outside the homes of other amateurs, jamming their transmissions.The defendant was also convicted of unlawfully
using radio equipment without a licence which was installed in his van and driven around the region to interfere with
legitimate users of the local amateur frequencies. He was sentenced to four months imprisonment suspended for 18 months,
a curfew between 7pm and 7am for 3 months via a means of electronic tagging and forfeiture of his van and radio transmitters.
There are around 900 amateur radio users in and around the Hull area, who have been deliberately disrupted for more than four
years. Ofcom is very pleased with this result, which will hopefully give these users some welcome relief, as well as sending a
strong signal to those that abuse the airwaves. This followed a dedicated investigation by Ofcom involving six enforcement
officers working day and night to bring the culprit to court. "Day and night" for four years? Imagine the overtime bill.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, have you seen Westlakes Christmas hamper? It's in the common room and getting bigger by the day. Donations to
the hamper, such as biscuits, nuts, festive drinks etc. are welcome. Gloria (of canteen fame) is selling tickets at $1 and
the winner of the hamper will be drawn at our Christmas Function on Saturday 11th December.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now at last, a reminder of comming events:
Saturday 4th December - Monthly General Meeting starting at 1.30pm.
Saturday 11th December - Westlakes Christmas Function and Krazy Golf starting around 1pm.
Please note that the club will be open on Saturday 18th December. However, as the following
two Saturdays fall on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, we will have a shut-down over those
two weeks and will re-open for business on Saturday 8th January 2011.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?
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. Although a Radio Club, we are on the telephone.Try dialling (02) 49 581588.
An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are alway welcomeat the club. We have
plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 17 OCTOBER 2010
Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of 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 will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hasn't it been cold lately? A good example of the current cold snap comes from Dennis VK2XDW.
Some of you may know that Dennis is a keen bowler - so keen that he travelled to Lithgow yesterday
for a competition bowls match. Unfortunately, the match had to postponed because the players could
not see the "jack". The reason was that the bowling green was covered in snow. Now that's cold!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamboree On The Air 2010, is "on the air" right now. If you hear a JOTA station calling CQ today, give
it a call. A warm cherio would be welcome. Any scout groups that were camping out last night will need
all the warming-up they can get
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOT THE AIR BAND! From the WIA National News comes the next item.
Following the arrest and comprehensive prosecution of a plane spotter in South Africa,
local aviation enthusiasts have been warned that they will need to write an exam and qualify as a
radio amateur to legally possess popular air band receivers. Until now, nobody has been prosecuted
for this offence. Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society chairman Ashley Goosen has warned local aviation
enthusiasts that they need to be licensed to possess an air band receiver legally.
Plane spotter Julian Swift was arrested earlier this year under the South African Telecommunication Act
for the illegal possession of an air band receiver and for listening in on several radio frequencies.
They are not just determined to throw the book at the spotter, they are still writing a telephone directory
and War and Peace to throw at him, just last week, the Prosecution amended the charge sheet to include every
frequency on his receiver!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's ride-on mower will be back from repairs next Saturday and those who were at the club yesterday
will have noticed the grass "going gangbusters". The mowing team will make an attempt to cut at least some
of the area during the afternoon. Also next Saturday 23 October, a skip will arrive so we can finally get
rid of the accumulated rubbish in the container and library. So it's a working bee. We need mowing men and
skip fillers. When? Next Saturday afternoon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned last week, and will be mentioned for weeks to come is a reminder of this year's Christmas party.
Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing things. A list has gone up in the common room for those to add
their names and number who will attend. The cost is the best part - A Free barbecue with all food and salads
provided. Bring your own drinks. It's shaping up to be a fun afternoon. Geoff VK2GL is organising a game of
"Krazy Golf". Geoff was seen in the club grounds yesterday pacing out the layout for the 9-hole course.
When is the Christmas Party and "Krazy Golf"? On Saturday 11th December.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This item comes from the ARRL. An amateur radio operator from San Jacinto, California, has admitted making a
series of broadcasts threatening the lives of local police officers and fire department personnel.
Irene Levy, 29, pleaded guilty to seven charges. On October 8th, a local judge sentenced her to three years
probation and gave her credit for the time she spent in jail since her arrest. She was also ordered to undergo
psychiatric care. Her radio transmissions, which included bomb threats, were monitored on frequencies used
by police and the County Fire Department. She was arrested at her mobile home where an assortment of radio
equipment and her licence were seized.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's Kenwood TS690S radio is back from repair after it failed at the recent Lighthouse weekend. The fix
was done by RF REPAIRS on the Central Coast. Thanks go to Allan VK2JED for the delivery and the return of
the set.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New blood has surfaced in the meat tray raffle yesterday. It was a first-time win for Allan VK2PNC who had
the winning ticket. There was a second prize too - a bag of oranges donated by Ken VK2KJ. The winner of the
oranges was Col VK2YP and that was a neat trick because he wasn't there. A good Samaritan must have bought
him a ticket.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's getting bigger than Ben Hur! Would you believe some VK radio clubs are advertising the 2011 International
Lighthouse Weekend. WE can do that too. Westlakes have booked Norah Head Lighthouse once again and we are on
Internet site for AU0024 (Norah Head) as VK2ATZ for 2011.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, a reminder of comming events:
Saturday 23 October - a working bee to fill the garbage skip and lawn mowing
Friday 29 October - VK100WIA operation from Paul VK2HV at his QTH at Maitland
Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 October - VK100 operation with overnight sleep over at Westlakes
Saturday 6 November - Monthly Members' Meeting
Sunday 14 November - Westlakes Major Field Day
Saturday 11 December - Westlakes christmas Show plus "Krazy Golf"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the 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.
Thank you for listening. This is Brian closing as VK2ATZ and reverting to VK2FG. Good morning all.
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of 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 will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hasn't it been cold lately? A good example of the current cold snap comes from Dennis VK2XDW.
Some of you may know that Dennis is a keen bowler - so keen that he travelled to Lithgow yesterday
for a competition bowls match. Unfortunately, the match had to postponed because the players could
not see the "jack". The reason was that the bowling green was covered in snow. Now that's cold!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamboree On The Air 2010, is "on the air" right now. If you hear a JOTA station calling CQ today, give
it a call. A warm cherio would be welcome. Any scout groups that were camping out last night will need
all the warming-up they can get
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOT THE AIR BAND! From the WIA National News comes the next item.
Following the arrest and comprehensive prosecution of a plane spotter in South Africa,
local aviation enthusiasts have been warned that they will need to write an exam and qualify as a
radio amateur to legally possess popular air band receivers. Until now, nobody has been prosecuted
for this offence. Port Elizabeth Amateur Radio Society chairman Ashley Goosen has warned local aviation
enthusiasts that they need to be licensed to possess an air band receiver legally.
Plane spotter Julian Swift was arrested earlier this year under the South African Telecommunication Act
for the illegal possession of an air band receiver and for listening in on several radio frequencies.
They are not just determined to throw the book at the spotter, they are still writing a telephone directory
and War and Peace to throw at him, just last week, the Prosecution amended the charge sheet to include every
frequency on his receiver!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's ride-on mower will be back from repairs next Saturday and those who were at the club yesterday
will have noticed the grass "going gangbusters". The mowing team will make an attempt to cut at least some
of the area during the afternoon. Also next Saturday 23 October, a skip will arrive so we can finally get
rid of the accumulated rubbish in the container and library. So it's a working bee. We need mowing men and
skip fillers. When? Next Saturday afternoon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned last week, and will be mentioned for weeks to come is a reminder of this year's Christmas party.
Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing things. A list has gone up in the common room for those to add
their names and number who will attend. The cost is the best part - A Free barbecue with all food and salads
provided. Bring your own drinks. It's shaping up to be a fun afternoon. Geoff VK2GL is organising a game of
"Krazy Golf". Geoff was seen in the club grounds yesterday pacing out the layout for the 9-hole course.
When is the Christmas Party and "Krazy Golf"? On Saturday 11th December.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This item comes from the ARRL. An amateur radio operator from San Jacinto, California, has admitted making a
series of broadcasts threatening the lives of local police officers and fire department personnel.
Irene Levy, 29, pleaded guilty to seven charges. On October 8th, a local judge sentenced her to three years
probation and gave her credit for the time she spent in jail since her arrest. She was also ordered to undergo
psychiatric care. Her radio transmissions, which included bomb threats, were monitored on frequencies used
by police and the County Fire Department. She was arrested at her mobile home where an assortment of radio
equipment and her licence were seized.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's Kenwood TS690S radio is back from repair after it failed at the recent Lighthouse weekend. The fix
was done by RF REPAIRS on the Central Coast. Thanks go to Allan VK2JED for the delivery and the return of
the set.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New blood has surfaced in the meat tray raffle yesterday. It was a first-time win for Allan VK2PNC who had
the winning ticket. There was a second prize too - a bag of oranges donated by Ken VK2KJ. The winner of the
oranges was Col VK2YP and that was a neat trick because he wasn't there. A good Samaritan must have bought
him a ticket.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's getting bigger than Ben Hur! Would you believe some VK radio clubs are advertising the 2011 International
Lighthouse Weekend. WE can do that too. Westlakes have booked Norah Head Lighthouse once again and we are on
Internet site for AU0024 (Norah Head) as VK2ATZ for 2011.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, a reminder of comming events:
Saturday 23 October - a working bee to fill the garbage skip and lawn mowing
Friday 29 October - VK100WIA operation from Paul VK2HV at his QTH at Maitland
Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 October - VK100 operation with overnight sleep over at Westlakes
Saturday 6 November - Monthly Members' Meeting
Sunday 14 November - Westlakes Major Field Day
Saturday 11 December - Westlakes christmas Show plus "Krazy Golf"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the 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.
Thank you for listening. This is Brian closing as VK2ATZ and reverting to VK2FG. Good morning all.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 10 OCTOBER 2010
Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of 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 will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30 am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New equipment arrived at Westlakes yesterday. First for the store, an new aluminium step ladder,
arrived, rated to carry the heaviest of storemen. No longer will there be a need to utilise milk
crates or boxes to reach the high items. The second new arrival were four new probes for the club's
CRO. No more complaints will be heard that the old probes "don't work."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamboree on the air 2010 is on Friday 15th to Sunday 17th October - that's next weekend. Keeping up
with technology, JOTI or Jamboree on the Internet runs parallel to JOTA as a joint activity. Gone are
the days of amateurs just turning up or inviting scouts into their garage to participate in JOTA. Working
with children laws are now in force and such helpers need to obtain the WWC card or equivalent. This is
the law and not something made up by the Scout or Guide Associations. They do ask however, that amateurs
keep clear of busy bands to make room for JOTA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Those who receive Amateur Radio magazine will have noticed two interesting items in this month's edition.
The first is the release by the WIA of the first six years of the magazine starting from edition one of
October 1933 up to December 1939. These have all been scanned in high quality onto a CD. The CD is available
from the WIA National Office at a member's price of $20. It would make a nice Christmas gift. For further
information see the WIA website then select Bookshop then Publications.
The second item of note is an article on a national distance record being set locally on 47 Gigahertz. The team
comprised of three Westlakes members Dan VK2GG, Pete VK2YGM, and Jack VK2TRF, plus Irene VK2FIRH and Les VK2APE.
Using Yaesu FT 817 radios coupled to Kuhne transverters and local oscillators plus a snazzy assortment of dishes,
an SSB contact was made over a distance of 58 kilometres from Mt Sugarloaf to Gan Gan Lookout. That distance sets
a new national record on 47 Gigahertz. congratulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The stranglehold held by those in the club's store on the meat tray was broken broken yesterday. Last week's
winner, Ken VK2KJ, drew the winning ticket and it belonged To our maintenance man, Barry VK2BZ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's ride-on mower was only taken away a week ago by Dennis VK2XDW for repairs to the collapsed cutting
deck. We were told yesterday that the job has been done and the mower is ready-to-roll once again. Well done
Dennis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned last week, and will be mentioned for weeks to come is a reminder of this year's Christmas party.
Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing things. A list has gone up in the common room for those to add
their names and number who will attend. The cost is the best part - A Free barbecue with all food and salads
provided. Bring your own drinks. It's shaping up to be a fun afternoon. Geoff VK2GL is organising a game of
"Krazy Golf"- only the rules and prizes remain to be worked out. When is the Christmas Party? On Saturday 11th
December.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Closer than that is Saturday 23 October. That's only two weeks away.A skip has been ordered to finally get rid
of the accumulated rubbish in the container and library. The skip will arrive before midday and as much help
as possible will be needed to fill it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, a reminder of comming events:
Saturday 23 October - a working bee to fill the garbage skip
Friday 29 October - VK100WIA operation from Paul VK2HV at his QTH at Maitland
Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 October - VK100 operation with overnight sleep over at Westlakes
Saturday 6 November - Monthly Members' Meeting
Sunday 14 November - Westlakes Major Field Day
Saturday 11 December - Westlakes christmas Show plus "Krazy Golf"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the 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.
Thank you for listening. This is Brian closing as VK2ATZ and reverting to VK2FG. Good morning all.
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of 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 will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30 am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New equipment arrived at Westlakes yesterday. First for the store, an new aluminium step ladder,
arrived, rated to carry the heaviest of storemen. No longer will there be a need to utilise milk
crates or boxes to reach the high items. The second new arrival were four new probes for the club's
CRO. No more complaints will be heard that the old probes "don't work."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jamboree on the air 2010 is on Friday 15th to Sunday 17th October - that's next weekend. Keeping up
with technology, JOTI or Jamboree on the Internet runs parallel to JOTA as a joint activity. Gone are
the days of amateurs just turning up or inviting scouts into their garage to participate in JOTA. Working
with children laws are now in force and such helpers need to obtain the WWC card or equivalent. This is
the law and not something made up by the Scout or Guide Associations. They do ask however, that amateurs
keep clear of busy bands to make room for JOTA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Those who receive Amateur Radio magazine will have noticed two interesting items in this month's edition.
The first is the release by the WIA of the first six years of the magazine starting from edition one of
October 1933 up to December 1939. These have all been scanned in high quality onto a CD. The CD is available
from the WIA National Office at a member's price of $20. It would make a nice Christmas gift. For further
information see the WIA website then select Bookshop then Publications.
The second item of note is an article on a national distance record being set locally on 47 Gigahertz. The team
comprised of three Westlakes members Dan VK2GG, Pete VK2YGM, and Jack VK2TRF, plus Irene VK2FIRH and Les VK2APE.
Using Yaesu FT 817 radios coupled to Kuhne transverters and local oscillators plus a snazzy assortment of dishes,
an SSB contact was made over a distance of 58 kilometres from Mt Sugarloaf to Gan Gan Lookout. That distance sets
a new national record on 47 Gigahertz. congratulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The stranglehold held by those in the club's store on the meat tray was broken broken yesterday. Last week's
winner, Ken VK2KJ, drew the winning ticket and it belonged To our maintenance man, Barry VK2BZ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's ride-on mower was only taken away a week ago by Dennis VK2XDW for repairs to the collapsed cutting
deck. We were told yesterday that the job has been done and the mower is ready-to-roll once again. Well done
Dennis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned last week, and will be mentioned for weeks to come is a reminder of this year's Christmas party.
Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing things. A list has gone up in the common room for those to add
their names and number who will attend. The cost is the best part - A Free barbecue with all food and salads
provided. Bring your own drinks. It's shaping up to be a fun afternoon. Geoff VK2GL is organising a game of
"Krazy Golf"- only the rules and prizes remain to be worked out. When is the Christmas Party? On Saturday 11th
December.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Closer than that is Saturday 23 October. That's only two weeks away.A skip has been ordered to finally get rid
of the accumulated rubbish in the container and library. The skip will arrive before midday and as much help
as possible will be needed to fill it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, a reminder of comming events:
Saturday 23 October - a working bee to fill the garbage skip
Friday 29 October - VK100WIA operation from Paul VK2HV at his QTH at Maitland
Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 October - VK100 operation with overnight sleep over at Westlakes
Saturday 6 November - Monthly Members' Meeting
Sunday 14 November - Westlakes Major Field Day
Saturday 11 December - Westlakes christmas Show plus "Krazy Golf"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the 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.
Thank you for listening. This is Brian closing as VK2ATZ and reverting to VK2FG. Good morning all.
Monday, October 4, 2010
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER 2010
Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of this morning's local news is
Barrie VK2BXD. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of
Warren VK2UWP which will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30 am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THe October Magzines were assembled in the club library yesterday and are now in the mail.
A slight problem was discovered with the printing on about half of the copies - the rear of
the pages are upside down. Enquiries were made from the printing firm late yesterday at the
excuse was that a computer glich was responsible for the error. Apololgies are offered to
those who get the "upside down" edition in the mail this week. Those who are on the email list
have no problem and your magazine should have arrived a day or so ago courtesy of Dave VK2RD.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another problem has occurred to the mailing list of those who are on the Westlakes News Group.
Feedback from about 30 members indicate that many have been deleted or "unsubscribed". The cause
at the moment is not known and will be investigated this week.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Australian regulator, ACMA, is seeking public comment on a draft UHF Citizen Band (CB) equipment
performance standard, Radiocommunications Standard 2010. It is intended that the existing standard will
be revoked and replaced with the proposed standard on 1 January 2011.From April 2008 to April 2010,
the ACMA reviewed the arrangements for the radiofrequency spectrum in the 400 MHz band, which incorporates
the UHF CB band. As a result of the review the ACMA decided to restructure the UHF CB band into eighty
12.5 kHz wide channels from the existing forty 25 kHz wide channels.
The proposed standard provides performance limits and test methods for 12.5 kHz channel operation in
the UHF CB band, which will transition to 12.5 kHz channel operation over the period 1 January 2011
to 1 January 2016. To assist with the transition to 12.5 kHz channelling the new standard is proposed
to provide grandfathering arrangements for current 25 kHz channel equipment.
Submissions or comments on this change should be made to the ACMA by close of business on 12 October 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applications for Westlakes membership were received from two amateur yesterday. They are Derek Willard
VK3MLQ who has moved from Victoria to become a local at Quorrobolong and Jim Aitchison K2JIM from Hunter View.
Your membership applications will be presented at the November Monthly Meeting on 6th November.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The meat tray has gone to the store once again and to Ken VK2KJ once again. Ken's ticket was drawn from
the ticket-tumble barrel by last week's winner, Richard VK2CRA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The new stove in the canteen had its first baking work out yesterday and a giant slice prepared by Gloria
Cooked to perfection, on the spot, was the result. It did not last long.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's ride-on mower was carted away yesterday by Dennis VK2XDW who is organising repairs to the
collapsed cutting deck. Take your time Dennis, Return of the mower means work for the mowing crew.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our storeman, Aly VK2BFZ, was front and centre on the local television news last week. He was seen,
"avec" beer stein, toasting the farewell to the local Germania Club at Warners Waners Bay. For the last
day of trading, it was free beer for all members. No wonder he took the day off.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned last week, Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing this years Christmas party set down
for the 11th of December. A list has gone up in the common room for those who can indicate their intention
to attend. The cost is the best part - A Free barbecue with all food and salads provided. Bring your own drinks.
If you would like to see some particular treat, activity or just to help out for the day, please contact
Diane.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A date to remember is Saturday 23 October. A skip has been ordered to finally get rid of the accumulated rubbish
in the container and library. It won't arrive until around midday to prevent the locals having free access to
a free empty skip.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last Christmas, Ms Gloria Brown of canteen fame, came up with the idea of a Christmas Hamper raffle. I was a
great success so its on again this year. Members are invited to bring along items such as tinned fruit, jars of
pickles, cans of cordial, packets of nuts, even bottles of wine. Once the hamper starts to build up, people get
in the festive mood. Let's see if we can build a better one than last year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, a reminder of comming events:
Saturday 23 October - a working bee to fill the garbage skip
Friday 29 October - VK100WIA operation from Paul VK2HV at his QTH at Maitland
Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 October - VK100 operation with overnight sleep over at Westlakes
Sunday 14 November - Westlakes Major Field Day
Saturday 11 December - Westlakes christmas Show
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the 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.
Thank you for listening. This is Barrie closing as VK2ATZ and reverting to VKBXD. Good morning all.
located at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of this morning's local news is
Barrie VK2BXD. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of
Warren VK2UWP which will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read
each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30 am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THe October Magzines were assembled in the club library yesterday and are now in the mail.
A slight problem was discovered with the printing on about half of the copies - the rear of
the pages are upside down. Enquiries were made from the printing firm late yesterday at the
excuse was that a computer glich was responsible for the error. Apololgies are offered to
those who get the "upside down" edition in the mail this week. Those who are on the email list
have no problem and your magazine should have arrived a day or so ago courtesy of Dave VK2RD.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another problem has occurred to the mailing list of those who are on the Westlakes News Group.
Feedback from about 30 members indicate that many have been deleted or "unsubscribed". The cause
at the moment is not known and will be investigated this week.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Australian regulator, ACMA, is seeking public comment on a draft UHF Citizen Band (CB) equipment
performance standard, Radiocommunications Standard 2010. It is intended that the existing standard will
be revoked and replaced with the proposed standard on 1 January 2011.From April 2008 to April 2010,
the ACMA reviewed the arrangements for the radiofrequency spectrum in the 400 MHz band, which incorporates
the UHF CB band. As a result of the review the ACMA decided to restructure the UHF CB band into eighty
12.5 kHz wide channels from the existing forty 25 kHz wide channels.
The proposed standard provides performance limits and test methods for 12.5 kHz channel operation in
the UHF CB band, which will transition to 12.5 kHz channel operation over the period 1 January 2011
to 1 January 2016. To assist with the transition to 12.5 kHz channelling the new standard is proposed
to provide grandfathering arrangements for current 25 kHz channel equipment.
Submissions or comments on this change should be made to the ACMA by close of business on 12 October 2010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applications for Westlakes membership were received from two amateur yesterday. They are Derek Willard
VK3MLQ who has moved from Victoria to become a local at Quorrobolong and Jim Aitchison K2JIM from Hunter View.
Your membership applications will be presented at the November Monthly Meeting on 6th November.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The meat tray has gone to the store once again and to Ken VK2KJ once again. Ken's ticket was drawn from
the ticket-tumble barrel by last week's winner, Richard VK2CRA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The new stove in the canteen had its first baking work out yesterday and a giant slice prepared by Gloria
Cooked to perfection, on the spot, was the result. It did not last long.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club's ride-on mower was carted away yesterday by Dennis VK2XDW who is organising repairs to the
collapsed cutting deck. Take your time Dennis, Return of the mower means work for the mowing crew.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our storeman, Aly VK2BFZ, was front and centre on the local television news last week. He was seen,
"avec" beer stein, toasting the farewell to the local Germania Club at Warners Waners Bay. For the last
day of trading, it was free beer for all members. No wonder he took the day off.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As mentioned last week, Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing this years Christmas party set down
for the 11th of December. A list has gone up in the common room for those who can indicate their intention
to attend. The cost is the best part - A Free barbecue with all food and salads provided. Bring your own drinks.
If you would like to see some particular treat, activity or just to help out for the day, please contact
Diane.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A date to remember is Saturday 23 October. A skip has been ordered to finally get rid of the accumulated rubbish
in the container and library. It won't arrive until around midday to prevent the locals having free access to
a free empty skip.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last Christmas, Ms Gloria Brown of canteen fame, came up with the idea of a Christmas Hamper raffle. I was a
great success so its on again this year. Members are invited to bring along items such as tinned fruit, jars of
pickles, cans of cordial, packets of nuts, even bottles of wine. Once the hamper starts to build up, people get
in the festive mood. Let's see if we can build a better one than last year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, a reminder of comming events:
Saturday 23 October - a working bee to fill the garbage skip
Friday 29 October - VK100WIA operation from Paul VK2HV at his QTH at Maitland
Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 October - VK100 operation with overnight sleep over at Westlakes
Sunday 14 November - Westlakes Major Field Day
Saturday 11 December - Westlakes christmas Show
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the 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.
Thank you for listening. This is Barrie closing as VK2ATZ and reverting to VKBXD. Good morning all.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2010
Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Clublocated at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of Warren VK2UWP which will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30 am is a relay of the Australia-wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
The first item today is information about next Saturday's activities at Westlakes. Although next Saturday will be the first in the month of October, there will be no monthly meeting. The reason being that it is a long weekend and numbers will be down. The next monthly meeting will be on Saturday 6th November. -
However, what will be on next Saturday is the assembly and enveloping of the October edition of Westlakes Magazine in the club library. That gets underway at about 1.30. Anyone who can helpwill be appreciated.
The next item will be heard on the WIA news today. Police from the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group are issuing a warning to the public following a dramatic increase in reports of a fake Microsoft scam currently targeting Queensland victims. The scam involves a victim receiving a phone call from a person purporting to represent well known computer company (most commonly Microsoft or a company contracted by Microsoft) telling the person they have a problem with their computer. The caller outlines the victim's computer is infected with a virus that has been brought to the company's attention - often via the Microsoft fault reporting process. The caller then offers to assist the victim and will "fix the problem" by directing them to a website where the caller remotely takes over the victim's computer. The representative then shows the victim the "issues" with their computer and suggests they pay a fee to have the problem fixed or need to purchase software to prevent this from happening in the future. "This is all just a scam. Microsoft has confirmed they are not cold-calling members of the community regarding viruses, computer problems or any other issue.
Quite simply, these offenders are just looking to trick you into giving them money," Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the Queensland Crime Operations Command's Fraud and Corporate Crime Group said. "Giving someone you don't know remote access to your computer is basically the same as handing your credit card details over to them. With this access, an offender can easily search your computer for banking or personal details or quite easily load Malware or Trojan software onto your computer. You may as well give them the key to your front door while you're there.
Now listen carefully. Last Friday Greg VK2CW received a telephone call from a female with an Asian accent. She said, "this is Microsoft, you have a problem with your computer. Greg told her to go away, and hung up. He can certainly vouch for the accuracy of this Police warning.
Quite a large turnout of members and visitors to the club yesterday. Three new intending members applied for membership and 2 other visitors were made welcome as well. Thank you for becoming part of the Westlakes Family.
The new stove was installed yesterday morning and is working well. Many thanks to Keith VK2BKF and Barry VK2BZ for the installation work. Gloria is more than pleased. Speaking of Gloria, she was kept busy in the Canteen all afternoon with tasty treats being served to all. I think that is what encouraged the new members to join up!
All the carpeted areas of the club received a good vacuum by Dave VK2RD to clean up all the grass carried in over the wet weather of the past few months. Looks good too. This was started by having to clean up the mess in the Canteen left by the tradesman installers. Nudge Nudge!
The mower was temporarily put back into service until the cutting deck finally collapsed. Looks like a trip to the repair centre is coming up. While on the mowing, Ken VK2UCF has joined the team that gets together to keep the grounds tidy. Anyone else wishing to lend a hand are most welcome. See Barry VK2BZ or Barrie VK2BXD to be put on the list.
Col VK2YP was again playing with antennas in the car park area. He has developed some more modifications to the Squid pole system. Keep at it Col and thanks for the effort.
Yesterday's meat tray went to a deserving first time winner. New member Jim, VK2JIM drew the ticket of Richard VK2CRA who was most pleased with the result. He made sure he did not forget to take it home and sat next to the fridge so no one else could grab it.
Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing this years Christmas party set down for the 11th of December. If you would like to see some particular treat, activity or just to help out for the day, please contact Diane.
Last weeks Westlakes Cup attracted at least 17 participants. Many thanks to Paul VK2HV who picked up the running of the event for the night until he was harassed by a Lid making contacts difficult. Dave VK2RD then took over the Club Call to finish the 1 hour contest. The call in afterwards gave some close results. These are only preliminary at this time until all logs are received and scrutinized. Remember that all logs must be in by the 29th of October. Send to contestmanger@westlakesarc.org.au or to Allan vk2oj@exemail.com.au
The Amateur spirit lives on with a team of volunteers arriving yesterday at the QTH of Bill VK2XTBill, who lives at Coal Point, needed some repairs to his 4 element Quad, but at almost 97 years old was beyond him. Enter the makeover team... Allan VK2FLTP, Lloyd VK2FLYD and Richard VK2FRKO who promptly set to work and had the job done in no time. They were then treated to a tour of Bill's shack and other storage areas on the site. Notice they are all F Calls? Many thanks Gentlemen, a big pat on the back to you all.
Well that's all the news we have this week.
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.
Dave VK2RD
The first item today is information about next Saturday's activities at Westlakes. Although next Saturday will be the first in the month of October, there will be no monthly meeting. The reason being that it is a long weekend and numbers will be down. The next monthly meeting will be on Saturday 6th November. -
However, what will be on next Saturday is the assembly and enveloping of the October edition of Westlakes Magazine in the club library. That gets underway at about 1.30. Anyone who can helpwill be appreciated.
The next item will be heard on the WIA news today. Police from the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group are issuing a warning to the public following a dramatic increase in reports of a fake Microsoft scam currently targeting Queensland victims. The scam involves a victim receiving a phone call from a person purporting to represent well known computer company (most commonly Microsoft or a company contracted by Microsoft) telling the person they have a problem with their computer. The caller outlines the victim's computer is infected with a virus that has been brought to the company's attention - often via the Microsoft fault reporting process. The caller then offers to assist the victim and will "fix the problem" by directing them to a website where the caller remotely takes over the victim's computer. The representative then shows the victim the "issues" with their computer and suggests they pay a fee to have the problem fixed or need to purchase software to prevent this from happening in the future. "This is all just a scam. Microsoft has confirmed they are not cold-calling members of the community regarding viruses, computer problems or any other issue.
Quite simply, these offenders are just looking to trick you into giving them money," Detective Superintendent Brian Hay of the Queensland Crime Operations Command's Fraud and Corporate Crime Group said. "Giving someone you don't know remote access to your computer is basically the same as handing your credit card details over to them. With this access, an offender can easily search your computer for banking or personal details or quite easily load Malware or Trojan software onto your computer. You may as well give them the key to your front door while you're there.
Now listen carefully. Last Friday Greg VK2CW received a telephone call from a female with an Asian accent. She said, "this is Microsoft, you have a problem with your computer. Greg told her to go away, and hung up. He can certainly vouch for the accuracy of this Police warning.
Quite a large turnout of members and visitors to the club yesterday. Three new intending members applied for membership and 2 other visitors were made welcome as well. Thank you for becoming part of the Westlakes Family.
The new stove was installed yesterday morning and is working well. Many thanks to Keith VK2BKF and Barry VK2BZ for the installation work. Gloria is more than pleased. Speaking of Gloria, she was kept busy in the Canteen all afternoon with tasty treats being served to all. I think that is what encouraged the new members to join up!
All the carpeted areas of the club received a good vacuum by Dave VK2RD to clean up all the grass carried in over the wet weather of the past few months. Looks good too. This was started by having to clean up the mess in the Canteen left by the tradesman installers. Nudge Nudge!
The mower was temporarily put back into service until the cutting deck finally collapsed. Looks like a trip to the repair centre is coming up. While on the mowing, Ken VK2UCF has joined the team that gets together to keep the grounds tidy. Anyone else wishing to lend a hand are most welcome. See Barry VK2BZ or Barrie VK2BXD to be put on the list.
Col VK2YP was again playing with antennas in the car park area. He has developed some more modifications to the Squid pole system. Keep at it Col and thanks for the effort.
Yesterday's meat tray went to a deserving first time winner. New member Jim, VK2JIM drew the ticket of Richard VK2CRA who was most pleased with the result. He made sure he did not forget to take it home and sat next to the fridge so no one else could grab it.
Diane VK2FDNE has started work on organizing this years Christmas party set down for the 11th of December. If you would like to see some particular treat, activity or just to help out for the day, please contact Diane.
Last weeks Westlakes Cup attracted at least 17 participants. Many thanks to Paul VK2HV who picked up the running of the event for the night until he was harassed by a Lid making contacts difficult. Dave VK2RD then took over the Club Call to finish the 1 hour contest. The call in afterwards gave some close results. These are only preliminary at this time until all logs are received and scrutinized. Remember that all logs must be in by the 29th of October. Send to contestmanger@westlakesarc.org.au or to Allan vk2oj@exemail.com.au
The Amateur spirit lives on with a team of volunteers arriving yesterday at the QTH of Bill VK2XTBill, who lives at Coal Point, needed some repairs to his 4 element Quad, but at almost 97 years old was beyond him. Enter the makeover team... Allan VK2FLTP, Lloyd VK2FLYD and Richard VK2FRKO who promptly set to work and had the job done in no time. They were then treated to a tour of Bill's shack and other storage areas on the site. Notice they are all F Calls? Many thanks Gentlemen, a big pat on the back to you all.
Well that's all the news we have this week.
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.
Dave VK2RD
Monday, September 20, 2010
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2010
Those who attend the WIA Annual General Meeting in 2011 will be going to Darwin. After consulting a number of the State Advisory Committees, the WIA have chosen Darwin as the location for the weekend event event, the dates are 27 to 29 May. The directors were influenced to head north by a submission from the Darwin Amateur Radio Club.
A smaller than usual number of members were at the club yesterday, reduced in size perhaps by the annual airshow at Williamtown. So if you are looking for something to do today, It's day two of The air show at Williamtown which is expected to attract a Sunday crowd of 30,000 people. But it has not been entirely clear skies for the event. The Newcastle Herald reported yesterday that trackwork would disrupt the region's public transport on one of its biggest tourism weekends.All trains on the Hunter and Newcastle and Central Coast lines will be replaced with buses, forcing an influx of commuters onto the region's roads. Parking for the show opened at 7am this morning. And we may hear a couple of "stationary mobile - stuck in a traffic jam" callbacks to this morning's news.
Now some Overseas news about Fish with chips. British scientists will implant fish with sensors similar to those used in computer game consoles to better understand their movements under water. Predictions about future fish stocks.The fish will be equipped with three-axis accelerometer sensors, which can detect movement in any direction. Already trialed is an electronic tag that can log every time a fish opens its mouth, which can use to tell when a fish is breathing, feeding, coughing or yawning. The tags cost $1,300 to produce. A fish that yawns? Now that would be a sight to see!
Still overseas and the RSGB reports that computer experts are warning that the Internet may "collapse" at some point within the next decade. They claim that the Internet routing method that connects any two computers in the world is severely stressed and cannot sustain another 10 years as millions more users pile onto it. Well, there's something to think about before you rush out and buy a new computer.
Closer to home....yesterday's meat tray. It was drawn by Ken VK2KJ in front of six observers in the Westlakes library. The winner was Ted VK2UI who did not leave it behind when he left the club. Well done Ted.
Who's got the engraver? Two new tables purchased by the club were set to be engraved yesterday but the engraver could not be located in the store. The Storeman was missing too! But we know where he was. Aly VK2AFZ was at the last day of trading of the Germania Club at Warners Bay. Yes, the Germania Club is no more and we understand that it was free beer on tap yesterday - for members only of course.
The club's new oven has not arrived. So in the absence of the canteen manageress, Ms Brown, Barry VK2BZ had to do battle with the old oven. It was pies and mushy peas or, pies and mushy peas on offer.
Last night the 2010 Westlakes Cup Contest was held. As the contest manager, Allan VK2JED, was unable to be on air, Dave VK2RD volunteered to run the event. No results are known at this stage. We hope to have a report in next Sunday's News and in the October Westlakes magazine. Speaking of the magazine, the next edition will be assembled and enveloped in the club library on Saturday week - that is 2nd of October. And remember, there is no Monthly meeting in October.
Computer news. During the week Microsoft released its new Internet Explorer 9 claimed to be better, faster, slicker, and more secure, than Firefox or Google web browsers. Time will tell.
And finally, you would think when a well-known member walks around the club all Saturday afternoon with a new call sign on a brand new club badge, someone would notice. No one did. However, those with keen ears may tumble to who it is after this morning's news reading.
Well that's all the news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?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 dialing (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.
Thank you for listening.
A smaller than usual number of members were at the club yesterday, reduced in size perhaps by the annual airshow at Williamtown. So if you are looking for something to do today, It's day two of The air show at Williamtown which is expected to attract a Sunday crowd of 30,000 people. But it has not been entirely clear skies for the event. The Newcastle Herald reported yesterday that trackwork would disrupt the region's public transport on one of its biggest tourism weekends.All trains on the Hunter and Newcastle and Central Coast lines will be replaced with buses, forcing an influx of commuters onto the region's roads. Parking for the show opened at 7am this morning. And we may hear a couple of "stationary mobile - stuck in a traffic jam" callbacks to this morning's news.
Now some Overseas news about Fish with chips. British scientists will implant fish with sensors similar to those used in computer game consoles to better understand their movements under water. Predictions about future fish stocks.The fish will be equipped with three-axis accelerometer sensors, which can detect movement in any direction. Already trialed is an electronic tag that can log every time a fish opens its mouth, which can use to tell when a fish is breathing, feeding, coughing or yawning. The tags cost $1,300 to produce. A fish that yawns? Now that would be a sight to see!
Still overseas and the RSGB reports that computer experts are warning that the Internet may "collapse" at some point within the next decade. They claim that the Internet routing method that connects any two computers in the world is severely stressed and cannot sustain another 10 years as millions more users pile onto it. Well, there's something to think about before you rush out and buy a new computer.
Closer to home....yesterday's meat tray. It was drawn by Ken VK2KJ in front of six observers in the Westlakes library. The winner was Ted VK2UI who did not leave it behind when he left the club. Well done Ted.
Who's got the engraver? Two new tables purchased by the club were set to be engraved yesterday but the engraver could not be located in the store. The Storeman was missing too! But we know where he was. Aly VK2AFZ was at the last day of trading of the Germania Club at Warners Bay. Yes, the Germania Club is no more and we understand that it was free beer on tap yesterday - for members only of course.
The club's new oven has not arrived. So in the absence of the canteen manageress, Ms Brown, Barry VK2BZ had to do battle with the old oven. It was pies and mushy peas or, pies and mushy peas on offer.
Last night the 2010 Westlakes Cup Contest was held. As the contest manager, Allan VK2JED, was unable to be on air, Dave VK2RD volunteered to run the event. No results are known at this stage. We hope to have a report in next Sunday's News and in the October Westlakes magazine. Speaking of the magazine, the next edition will be assembled and enveloped in the club library on Saturday week - that is 2nd of October. And remember, there is no Monthly meeting in October.
Computer news. During the week Microsoft released its new Internet Explorer 9 claimed to be better, faster, slicker, and more secure, than Firefox or Google web browsers. Time will tell.
And finally, you would think when a well-known member walks around the club all Saturday afternoon with a new call sign on a brand new club badge, someone would notice. No one did. However, those with keen ears may tumble to who it is after this morning's news reading.
Well that's all the news we have this week. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?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 dialing (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.
Thank you for listening.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2010
Good Morning this is VK2ATZ, the official station of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralaba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader of this morning's local news is Greg VK2CW. There should be a HF simulcast on 3.565 MHz this morning courtesy of Warren VK2UWP which will be repeated at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news is read each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9:30am is a relay of the Australia wide amateur radio news from the WIA.
VK100WIA news. Richard VK2FRKO advised yesterday that the 3-day operation with the special call sign by Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club last weekend resulted in 686 contacts. Also the Port Stephens operators notched up the 15,000th contact with the special call. It was well-known amateur, Martin Luther VK7GN. PSARC had an excellent result, made all the better because "day one" was a rotter - wind, rain, storms and lightning. 686 contacts will take some beating by Westlakes on its 3-day turn at the end of October.
The storeman, Aly VK2AFZ continued to flog solar panels yesterday. So much so, that all eighteen of the 20 watt panels are gone - there are no more available. But hope springs eternal - perhaps another batch could be ordered? That question has been asked but the answer at this stage is,
"We don't know".
Yesterday morning, the 1109th edition of the "Stone the Crows" went to air at 6am. There were 13 starters. A quick calculation reveals that this net has been running every Saturday for over 21 years with Edward VK2UI at the helm. That must be some sort of record. Another quick calculation
Reveals that episode 1111 (remember that silly poem about racehorses) will go to air on Saturday week.
Coming up next Saturday night, the 18th September, is the 2010 Westlakes Cup. This contest has as a prize, two engraved cups that are awarded and retained by the winning Standard/Advanced and Foundation licence holders the contest only runs for one hour and the rules appeared in the August Amateur Radio Magazine and in the September Westlakes Magazine. So don't forget this year's Westlakes Cup - Saturday 18th September, from 10.30 UTC to 11.30 UTC, only on one band and then only between the frequencies of 3.535 to 3.620 MHz.
Now some overseas news that sounds like a breakfast cereal. Google has announced an improvement to its Internet search engine called "Google Instant". The search results change what you are shown as you type. The technology giant claims the new feature will reduce the time spent on search by two to five seconds per request, saving its more than 1 billion weekly users about 350 million hours a year. ‘Google Instant,' is available to all users on google.com in English in the US, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia and the UK. It will be available here in six weeks. The only visual change to the familiar multi-colour Google screen and logo will be the additional word, "Instant." 66 per cent of computer owners world-wide currently use Google.
Still overseas and the RSGB reports that computer experts are warning that the Internet may "collapse" At some point within the next decade. They claim that the Internet routing method that connects any two computers in the world is severely stressed and cannot sustain another 10 years as millions more users pile onto it. Well, there's something to think about before you rush out and buy a new computer.
Next time you visit the club, take a peek in the canteen. Arriving next Thursday will be the club's brand new oven. It's a sort of silvery /stainless steel thing with a fan blower and goodness knows what else. Handpicked by the canteen manageress, Gloria, it is certain to please.
A squid pole antenna was raised in the club grounds yesterday. The main purpose was to check the veracity of a report by vk2CW of a near 1:1 SWR on 40 metres all the way from 7 to 7.3 MHz.Barry VK2BZ attacked the coiless, trapless antenna with his deluxe antenna analyser which measures
Everything from Ohms to phases of the moon. Sure enough, Barry's device agreed with the SWR meter in the attached QRP FT817 radio - around 1:1.3 right across the 40 metre band. I told you so!
Yesterday's meat tray raffle result. In an effort to break the hold on the meat tray by the troglodyte inhabitants in the Westlakes store, a vegetarian, John VK2EV, was asked to draw the winning ticket. You guessed it - it belonged to the store troglodyte number four, Ken VK2KJ,
And finally, the club's deluxe wooden sign, carved, painted, varnished, and erected by Mal VK2VON, is still affixed to the building and remains unharmed after a week despite predictions that, "it won't last 5 minutes." Any bets on another week?
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 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 (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.
VK100WIA news. Richard VK2FRKO advised yesterday that the 3-day operation with the special call sign by Port Stephens Amateur Radio Club last weekend resulted in 686 contacts. Also the Port Stephens operators notched up the 15,000th contact with the special call. It was well-known amateur, Martin Luther VK7GN. PSARC had an excellent result, made all the better because "day one" was a rotter - wind, rain, storms and lightning. 686 contacts will take some beating by Westlakes on its 3-day turn at the end of October.
The storeman, Aly VK2AFZ continued to flog solar panels yesterday. So much so, that all eighteen of the 20 watt panels are gone - there are no more available. But hope springs eternal - perhaps another batch could be ordered? That question has been asked but the answer at this stage is,
"We don't know".
Yesterday morning, the 1109th edition of the "Stone the Crows" went to air at 6am. There were 13 starters. A quick calculation reveals that this net has been running every Saturday for over 21 years with Edward VK2UI at the helm. That must be some sort of record. Another quick calculation
Reveals that episode 1111 (remember that silly poem about racehorses) will go to air on Saturday week.
Coming up next Saturday night, the 18th September, is the 2010 Westlakes Cup. This contest has as a prize, two engraved cups that are awarded and retained by the winning Standard/Advanced and Foundation licence holders the contest only runs for one hour and the rules appeared in the August Amateur Radio Magazine and in the September Westlakes Magazine. So don't forget this year's Westlakes Cup - Saturday 18th September, from 10.30 UTC to 11.30 UTC, only on one band and then only between the frequencies of 3.535 to 3.620 MHz.
Now some overseas news that sounds like a breakfast cereal. Google has announced an improvement to its Internet search engine called "Google Instant". The search results change what you are shown as you type. The technology giant claims the new feature will reduce the time spent on search by two to five seconds per request, saving its more than 1 billion weekly users about 350 million hours a year. ‘Google Instant,' is available to all users on google.com in English in the US, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia and the UK. It will be available here in six weeks. The only visual change to the familiar multi-colour Google screen and logo will be the additional word, "Instant." 66 per cent of computer owners world-wide currently use Google.
Still overseas and the RSGB reports that computer experts are warning that the Internet may "collapse" At some point within the next decade. They claim that the Internet routing method that connects any two computers in the world is severely stressed and cannot sustain another 10 years as millions more users pile onto it. Well, there's something to think about before you rush out and buy a new computer.
Next time you visit the club, take a peek in the canteen. Arriving next Thursday will be the club's brand new oven. It's a sort of silvery /stainless steel thing with a fan blower and goodness knows what else. Handpicked by the canteen manageress, Gloria, it is certain to please.
A squid pole antenna was raised in the club grounds yesterday. The main purpose was to check the veracity of a report by vk2CW of a near 1:1 SWR on 40 metres all the way from 7 to 7.3 MHz.Barry VK2BZ attacked the coiless, trapless antenna with his deluxe antenna analyser which measures
Everything from Ohms to phases of the moon. Sure enough, Barry's device agreed with the SWR meter in the attached QRP FT817 radio - around 1:1.3 right across the 40 metre band. I told you so!
Yesterday's meat tray raffle result. In an effort to break the hold on the meat tray by the troglodyte inhabitants in the Westlakes store, a vegetarian, John VK2EV, was asked to draw the winning ticket. You guessed it - it belonged to the store troglodyte number four, Ken VK2KJ,
And finally, the club's deluxe wooden sign, carved, painted, varnished, and erected by Mal VK2VON, is still affixed to the building and remains unharmed after a week despite predictions that, "it won't last 5 minutes." Any bets on another week?
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 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 (02) 49 581588. An answering service operates after hours. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, and long-life milk. Plus, there are biscuits too.
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