LOCAL NEWS:
The club was open for business yesterday after the Easter break and the rain managed to hold off. Gloria was on hand in the canteen to feed the many members that were there.
Now while talking about Gloria, it was time to meat tray to be won and Ted VK2UI was there to pick out of the barrell a winner. After 3 attempts a ticket
was selected. The winning ticket was Gloria. You may be wondering how come there were 3 draws? Ted mananged to pick two tickets out twice instead of one ticket. Congratulations Gloria.
A second prize was then bought forward, freshly cooked buns from the bakery. Two winners were selected from the barrel, 1st packet of buns went to VK2FCWC and the second pack went to Vk2 ZVF. Congratulations.
Foundation Licence Course. A Foundation Licence course will be held at the club on the weekend of the 14 and 15th May commencing at 0845. On Saturday the day will finish about 1600 and on Sunday around 1400 or when examinations are marked. However, this course is full so for any budding amateur operators another course will be organised in due course. Anyone wishing to attend the next course or know of anyone wishing to do there Foundation licence please contact Michael VK2OI or contact the club and will will pass on your details.
The store was open for business with many specials on offer. Listen here next week for up and coming bargains.
.................................................................................................................................
WORLD NEWS
International Marconi Day (IMD) is a 24-hour amateur radio event held annually to celebrate the birth of Guglielmo Marconi on the 25th April 1874.
The IMD event is not a contest: it is an opportunity for amateurs around the world to make point-to-point contact with historic Marconi sites and gain an attractive Award for achieving the requisite number of Marconi stations worked. Did anyone take part in this?
Now for something very interesting.
Fighting fire.. with electricity
Harvard researchers are looking to replace the fireman's hose with a hand-held wand that shoots beams of electricity.
The idea that electricity can control a fire first came about 200 years ago. It was observed that electricity could twist, bend and even kill a flame.
Scientists believe electric currents make particles of soot within a flame move, which produces a flow of gas that weakens the flame and can cause it to die out. But in previous studies, chemists used direct current instead of
alternating current to generate electric fields.
Now Harvard researchers have created an electric wand that puts these ideas to the test, but utilizes AC voltage instead.
The wand was connected to a 600-watt power source, and when shot at flames as high as 18 inches tall, the electric field produced a flow of charged particles that put the fire out completely, and almost instantly.
While the research is still in its early stages, it's noted that this technology has already shown greater benefit over water because it causes less damage to people's property.
In addition, the wand allows fire-fighters to work from safer distances, and can even manipulate the flame to bend so
they can enter burning buildings.
Danny’s Digital Packet
UK Radio Amateur Danny Knaggs, 2E0DPK, has developed a new free, open source protocol called 'DDP' that provides a modern alternative to the existing packet radio protocol.
DDP interfaces with fldigi to provide the backend. Packets are sent and received in plain text so they can be seen by eye (on the waterfall, console, etc) and also for ease of use and implementation.
Article on DDP by Stan Horzepa, WA1LOU
http://www.arrl.org/news/surfin-moving-packets-with-ddp
You can download Danny's Digital Packet from
http://code.google.com/p/ddp/
Danny's Digital Voice
http://code.google.com/p/ddv/
......................................................................................................................................
Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a broadcast? Contact Richard VK2FRKO on email address vk2frko@tpg.com.au
or give the item to Richard at the club.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 24TH APRIL 2011
Good Morning and wecome to this week's local news broadcast. This is VK2ATZ, The callsign of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie.
Hope everyone is enjoying their Easter break.
There was no meat raffle on Saturday even though there were a couple of people there. The club will be re open for business next Saturday 30th April.
Did anyone manage to make contact with Greg VK2CW in Nundle? Richard Vk2FRKO/Portable managed to on Friday afternoon.
On ANZAC Day afternoon from around 1230 the Port Stephens A.R.C. will be working portable from Fort Scratchley. Bands been used will be 40 and 20 meters, 2 meters and 70 cm. Visitors are welcome.
What activities would you like to see at the club? Is it antenna building or do you need help building baluns. Don't be shy, come forward and I am sure someone will help you.
World News - Amateur Radio suffers setback in surveillance robot battle
A robot used to covertly transmit live video during military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by local and state firefighters and police, ending a legal battle between amateur radio operators and law enforcement over the device. Called the Recon Scout Throwbot, the robot transmits over the 430-448 MHz portion of the 420-450 MHz frequency band, which is primarily used by the federal radiolocation service. The spectrum is also utilized by amateur radio enthusiasts. The latter group, spearheaded by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), opposed a waiver request filed with the FCC by Recon Scout maker ReconRobotics Inc. to use the band.The ARRL argued that ReconRobotics’ claims that the device would be useful in public safety and anti-terrorism operations didn’t prove that a waiver to use the frequency bands was in the public interest. The FCC admitted, in its order approving the waiver, that while some interference in the frequency bands may occur, it isn’t a reason to prohibit the use of the Recon Scout. The FCC approval does come with some limitations, however. The robot can only be used by state and local police and firefighters on the specific band. Operators must also first use the Recon Scout on 436-442 MHz bands. If those frequencies are inaccessible, then the 430-436 MHz and 442-448 MHz bands — where interference is more likely — can be accessed.In a subsequent Order on Reconsideration released April 15, the FCC granted the ARRL’s request for changes in the labeling and instruction manual requirements to ensure that users of the Recon Scout are aware of the interference limitations. Use of the device is also limited to emergencies involving threats to the safety of life and training purposes. In addition, the Recon Scout is restricted from use near various radar installations and Air Force bases, and the amount of units that can be sold is limited to 2,000 the first year and 8,000 the second year. After that period of time, future sales will be re-evaluated, according to the FCC.
LYRID METEOR SHOWER: Earth is entering a stream of debris from Comet Thatcher, source of the annual Lyrid meteor shower. Forecasters expect the shower to peak on Friday morning, April 22nd, with as many as 20 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, bright moonlight will interfere with the display.
Well that's all the news I have this week.
Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection ofbiscuits.
Hope everyone is enjoying their Easter break.
There was no meat raffle on Saturday even though there were a couple of people there. The club will be re open for business next Saturday 30th April.
Did anyone manage to make contact with Greg VK2CW in Nundle? Richard Vk2FRKO/Portable managed to on Friday afternoon.
On ANZAC Day afternoon from around 1230 the Port Stephens A.R.C. will be working portable from Fort Scratchley. Bands been used will be 40 and 20 meters, 2 meters and 70 cm. Visitors are welcome.
What activities would you like to see at the club? Is it antenna building or do you need help building baluns. Don't be shy, come forward and I am sure someone will help you.
World News - Amateur Radio suffers setback in surveillance robot battle
A robot used to covertly transmit live video during military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan was approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by local and state firefighters and police, ending a legal battle between amateur radio operators and law enforcement over the device. Called the Recon Scout Throwbot, the robot transmits over the 430-448 MHz portion of the 420-450 MHz frequency band, which is primarily used by the federal radiolocation service. The spectrum is also utilized by amateur radio enthusiasts. The latter group, spearheaded by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), opposed a waiver request filed with the FCC by Recon Scout maker ReconRobotics Inc. to use the band.The ARRL argued that ReconRobotics’ claims that the device would be useful in public safety and anti-terrorism operations didn’t prove that a waiver to use the frequency bands was in the public interest. The FCC admitted, in its order approving the waiver, that while some interference in the frequency bands may occur, it isn’t a reason to prohibit the use of the Recon Scout. The FCC approval does come with some limitations, however. The robot can only be used by state and local police and firefighters on the specific band. Operators must also first use the Recon Scout on 436-442 MHz bands. If those frequencies are inaccessible, then the 430-436 MHz and 442-448 MHz bands — where interference is more likely — can be accessed.In a subsequent Order on Reconsideration released April 15, the FCC granted the ARRL’s request for changes in the labeling and instruction manual requirements to ensure that users of the Recon Scout are aware of the interference limitations. Use of the device is also limited to emergencies involving threats to the safety of life and training purposes. In addition, the Recon Scout is restricted from use near various radar installations and Air Force bases, and the amount of units that can be sold is limited to 2,000 the first year and 8,000 the second year. After that period of time, future sales will be re-evaluated, according to the FCC.
LYRID METEOR SHOWER: Earth is entering a stream of debris from Comet Thatcher, source of the annual Lyrid meteor shower. Forecasters expect the shower to peak on Friday morning, April 22nd, with as many as 20 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, bright moonlight will interfere with the display.
Well that's all the news I have this week.
Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street an is open on Saturday Afternoons from around 12 noon. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service operates. Visitors are alway welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, and an interesting selection ofbiscuits.
Monday, April 11, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 10th April 2011
.
Good Morning and wecome to this week's local news broadcast. This is VK2ATZ, The callsign of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. ..................................................
Now for the result of the meat tray raffle yesterday. A total of 80 something tickets were in the barrel and the winning ticket was drawn
by last week's winner, VK2VON - Mal. And the winner was Steve VK2LW. Thanks everyone for supporting your club.
..........................................................................
Local News-
Nominations closed on yesterday for the club executive and committee positions for the 2011/12 year.
Those who have been nominated and who have agreed to stand are:
President Geoff Clark VK2EO
Vice President Steve Beveridge VK2LW
Secretary Barrie Downward VK2BXD
Treasurer Greg Smith VK2CW
Committee Barry Sullivan VK2BZ
Dave Myers VK2RD
Diane Worley VK2FDNE
Fred Mirande VK2FEDC
Leonie McGuiness VK2FHRK
Michael Clarke VK2OI
These being the required number of nominations, the conducting of a ballot at the Annual General Meeting
on 7 May 2011 will not be necessary.”
......................................
There will be a working B on Monday commencing at 0900. What's happening? The rigger is meeting Barry ( VK2BZ ) to look at replacing the guywires on the 160 mast and to give us a cost for carrying out the work. Also to remove nylon cord that is around the log periodic yagi. But wait theres more: Also mowing of the club grounds will be done. We need volunteers, don't leave it up to the same crew. Bring your aeroguard as the mozzies are very thirsty.
....................................
Have you checked out whats on special at the club store? Are you building or thought about building a power supply? Then you will need meters to see whats going on. We have MU 45 panel meters scaled 0 - 30 Volts and 0 - 20 Amps. Two for the bargain price of $20.00. Thats a saving of $10.00. The normal cost of theses are $29.95 for the pair. Dimensions 45mm X 37.5mm complete with mounting hardware. If you need help with your supply contact Ali in the store and he will build you one.
......................................
Overseas News -
New Costs for Amateur Radio Operators: This correct as of the 3rd April 2011
Foundation (Pack) - Theory/Regulations and Practical $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Foundation - Theory/Regulations only $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Practical Assessment - taken alone $65.00 Under 18 $35.00
Standard and Advanced Regulations $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Standard and Advanced Theory $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Emergency Communications Training – Level 1 and 2 T.B.A.
Level One - Next, any available Callsign. $5.00
Level Two - Selected two, three or four letter Callsign,
except two letter Callsign in Vic, NSW & Qld. $20.00
Level Three - two letter Callsign Vic, NSW & Qld. $48.00
Level Four - Special event callsign $25.00
- Application for Recognition of Prior Learning $100.00
- Replacement certificate of proficiency $10.00
Application for a new apparatus licence(s). $66.00
Application to vary an existing apparatus licence(s). $41.00
Student members were defined as full time students under 25, and they will be charged a special fee of $35 a year. 5 year memberships will not be available to student members. While the other changes come into effect on 1 June 2011, this change comes into effect immediately.
New WIA Membership Fees
Full Membership
1 Year - Current Fee $75.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $80.00
5 Year - Current Fee $356.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $380.00
Overseas Member
1 Year - Current Fee $85.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $90.00
5 Year - Current Fee $403.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $427.00
Concessional Membership
1 Year - Current Fee $70.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $70.00
5 Year - Current Fee $332.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $332.00
Student Membership
1 Year - Current Fee $70.00 - New fee from 9 April 2011 $35.00
Family Membership
1 Year - Current Fee $30.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $30.00
A Family Member is a second or further person living at the same address as a Member or Concession Member receiving AR (the Primary Member). A Family Membership must be linked to a particular Primary Member at the same address. A Family Member does not receive AR. The Board decided that those increases would only apply to subscriptions paid on and after 1 June 2011.
This means that if a member wishes to pay a subscription before it becomes due (even a 5 year subscription) so long as it is paid before 1 June 2011 the WIA will accept the subscription at the lower and now current rate.
..............................
Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ.
...................................
Got something that you want in next weeks broadcast? Email Richard at vk2frko@tpg.com.au
.................................
Good Morning and wecome to this week's local news broadcast. This is VK2ATZ, The callsign of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. ..................................................
Now for the result of the meat tray raffle yesterday. A total of 80 something tickets were in the barrel and the winning ticket was drawn
by last week's winner, VK2VON - Mal. And the winner was Steve VK2LW. Thanks everyone for supporting your club.
..........................................................................
Local News-
Nominations closed on yesterday for the club executive and committee positions for the 2011/12 year.
Those who have been nominated and who have agreed to stand are:
President Geoff Clark VK2EO
Vice President Steve Beveridge VK2LW
Secretary Barrie Downward VK2BXD
Treasurer Greg Smith VK2CW
Committee Barry Sullivan VK2BZ
Dave Myers VK2RD
Diane Worley VK2FDNE
Fred Mirande VK2FEDC
Leonie McGuiness VK2FHRK
Michael Clarke VK2OI
These being the required number of nominations, the conducting of a ballot at the Annual General Meeting
on 7 May 2011 will not be necessary.”
......................................
There will be a working B on Monday commencing at 0900. What's happening? The rigger is meeting Barry ( VK2BZ ) to look at replacing the guywires on the 160 mast and to give us a cost for carrying out the work. Also to remove nylon cord that is around the log periodic yagi. But wait theres more: Also mowing of the club grounds will be done. We need volunteers, don't leave it up to the same crew. Bring your aeroguard as the mozzies are very thirsty.
....................................
Have you checked out whats on special at the club store? Are you building or thought about building a power supply? Then you will need meters to see whats going on. We have MU 45 panel meters scaled 0 - 30 Volts and 0 - 20 Amps. Two for the bargain price of $20.00. Thats a saving of $10.00. The normal cost of theses are $29.95 for the pair. Dimensions 45mm X 37.5mm complete with mounting hardware. If you need help with your supply contact Ali in the store and he will build you one.
......................................
Overseas News -
New Costs for Amateur Radio Operators: This correct as of the 3rd April 2011
Foundation (Pack) - Theory/Regulations and Practical $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Foundation - Theory/Regulations only $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Practical Assessment - taken alone $65.00 Under 18 $35.00
Standard and Advanced Regulations $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Standard and Advanced Theory $70.00 Under 18 $35.00
Emergency Communications Training – Level 1 and 2 T.B.A.
Level One - Next, any available Callsign. $5.00
Level Two - Selected two, three or four letter Callsign,
except two letter Callsign in Vic, NSW & Qld. $20.00
Level Three - two letter Callsign Vic, NSW & Qld. $48.00
Level Four - Special event callsign $25.00
- Application for Recognition of Prior Learning $100.00
- Replacement certificate of proficiency $10.00
Application for a new apparatus licence(s). $66.00
Application to vary an existing apparatus licence(s). $41.00
Student members were defined as full time students under 25, and they will be charged a special fee of $35 a year. 5 year memberships will not be available to student members. While the other changes come into effect on 1 June 2011, this change comes into effect immediately.
New WIA Membership Fees
Full Membership
1 Year - Current Fee $75.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $80.00
5 Year - Current Fee $356.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $380.00
Overseas Member
1 Year - Current Fee $85.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $90.00
5 Year - Current Fee $403.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $427.00
Concessional Membership
1 Year - Current Fee $70.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $70.00
5 Year - Current Fee $332.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $332.00
Student Membership
1 Year - Current Fee $70.00 - New fee from 9 April 2011 $35.00
Family Membership
1 Year - Current Fee $30.00 - New fee from 1 June 2011 $30.00
A Family Member is a second or further person living at the same address as a Member or Concession Member receiving AR (the Primary Member). A Family Membership must be linked to a particular Primary Member at the same address. A Family Member does not receive AR. The Board decided that those increases would only apply to subscriptions paid on and after 1 June 2011.
This means that if a member wishes to pay a subscription before it becomes due (even a 5 year subscription) so long as it is paid before 1 June 2011 the WIA will accept the subscription at the lower and now current rate.
..............................
Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ.
...................................
Got something that you want in next weeks broadcast? Email Richard at vk2frko@tpg.com.au
.................................
Saturday, April 2, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 3 April 2011
Good Morning and wecome to this week's local news broadcast. This is VK2ATZ, The callsign of Westlakes Amateur Radio Club
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader this morning is Greg VK2CW. There may be a simulcast being transmitted this
morning on 3.565 MHz courtesy of Warren VK2UWP Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news.Then at 9.30am is a relay
of the Australia-wide amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whacko, yippee and hooray, the club's books are back from the auditor. I can report that the Treasurer (me) has not been arrested,
and We have a clean bill of health - in fact the auditor said, "I have never seen more accurate or neater set of records." Well he said
somethinglike that. The accounts will be presented to members at the Annual General Meeting which is on 7th MAY.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overseas News. The World’s first shower-powered radio has been launched.The team behind the award winning Wind-Up Radio, using new
micro turbine technology, has officially launched the world’s first water-powered radio. The H2O™ brand and its earlier product range
has also previously showcased on the hit BBC TV programme Dragon’s Den.The H2O™ Shower Powered Radio provides users with a convenient,
and energy-efficient, means of listening to their favourite radio stations whilst in the shower. Using a patented micro turbine concept,
the FM radio is powered solely through the motion of water flowing through a small H2O™ micro turbine; driving a generator that creates
energy to power the radio. The radio dispels the need for disposable batteries, as the integral battery recharges as the shower runs.
Turning on automatically when the shower is used, the H2O™ Shower Powered Radio memorises the last chosen radio station and speaker
volume. The radio even allows users to carry on listening after the shower is turned off; using any excess energy stored in an integral
Ni-Mh rechargeable cell.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you see "The pink dot tree" in the club grounds yesterday? It is still there. The pink dot on the tree follows a request to
Lake Macquarie City Council to lop the giant gum because of concerns that a branch may fall and injure someone. After all it's their
tree and their land. At the meeting yesterday, Council's reply was read and I quote," the tree in question has been scheduled for
attention by 11 November 2011." I can't think of anything funny to say.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back overseas.City imposes SmartMeter installation moratorium. The City of Clearlake in California has imposed an immediate moratorium
on the installation of SmartMeters. Among the many findings cited in the City Council's statement on the moratorium, is one which will
be of particular interest to the amateur radio community. It reads: "There is now evidence showing that problems with Smart Meters
could adversely impact the amateur radio communication network that operates throughout California and neighboring states, as well as
other radio emergency communication systems that serve first responders, government agencies, and the public."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A new member - VK2CCW and with a callsign like that, I was tempted to pay his joining fee. Welcome aboard Michael Welsh VK2CCW who hails
from - wait for it - HALEKULANI on the Central Coast. Michael was admitted to membership of Westlakes at yesterday's monthly meeting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back overseas - are you giddy yet? A new 3-D printing method advances electrically small antenna design. Science Daily reported on a new
technique to produce compact antennas that are a twelfth of a wavelength or less. The report says:"Recent attention has been directed
toward producing antennas by screen-printing, inkjet printing, and liquid metal-filled microfluidics in simple motifs, such as dipoles
and loops," explained Jennifer T. Bernhard, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Illinois."However, these fabrication
techniques are limited in both spatial resolution and dimensionality, yielding planar antennas that occupy a large area relative to the
achieved performance.""Omnidirectional printing of metallic nanoparticle inks offers an attractive alternative for meeting the demanding
form factors of 3D electrically small antennas," stated Jennifer A. Lewis, the Hans Thurnauer Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
and director of the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory at Illinois."To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of 3D
printed antennas on curvilinear surfaces," Lewis stated. So there it is - get hold of some metal ink and print your own Yagi.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was another unusual result in the meat tray raffle yesterday. A total of 79 tickets were in the barrel and the winning ticket was drawn
by last week's winner, Mal VK2VON. How unusual? Mal drew from the barrel his own ticket. That's two in a row for Mal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More of yesterday at Westlakes. Allan VK2JED presented to the meeting the 2010 Remembrance Day Certificate awarding 2nd place in the HF
multi-operator phone section to VK2ATZ. The club scored 391 points and was beaten only by the the Hunter Radio Group station VK2AWX.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More drama from the drinks fridge in the club's common room. Our canteen "hostess", Gloria, gave her canteen report at yesterday's meeting
at Westlakes. To put it bluntly, the money has been short! Please, please pay for you takings of ice-blocks and cans, they are only $1 -
beat that price anywhere! The meeting canvassed many options - a lock on the fridge, secret keys to the drinks, you name it.
A suggestion from Gloria was that we put a donation box on the table for the free "afternoon tea" after our monthly meetings. It had it's
first trial 10 minutes after the meeting adjourned - guess how much was in there?.............. $38 good Heavens!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally - perhaps finally for a while, many will know that I have been preparing the Westlakes Sunday News for some time and I am taking
a break. I announced at the meeting yesterday, that today's script will be my final effort and asked for a volunteer to take over. It seems
that No one is prepared to step forward and do the job - a sorry situation. So there will be no 7pm re-run tonight and I supect no more
Sunday News from Westlakes. May I thank those who have offered to help read and relay these broadcasts.
Also thanks to the regulars who call back every week, even when they may have not been listening. Perhaps no Sunday news for a few weeks
will attract a volunteer script writer. If someone does step forward, I will give all the help I can. So sadly, it's over and out from me
on the Sunday News from Westlakes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ.
located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader this morning is Greg VK2CW. There may be a simulcast being transmitted this
morning on 3.565 MHz courtesy of Warren VK2UWP Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news.Then at 9.30am is a relay
of the Australia-wide amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whacko, yippee and hooray, the club's books are back from the auditor. I can report that the Treasurer (me) has not been arrested,
and We have a clean bill of health - in fact the auditor said, "I have never seen more accurate or neater set of records." Well he said
somethinglike that. The accounts will be presented to members at the Annual General Meeting which is on 7th MAY.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overseas News. The World’s first shower-powered radio has been launched.The team behind the award winning Wind-Up Radio, using new
micro turbine technology, has officially launched the world’s first water-powered radio. The H2O™ brand and its earlier product range
has also previously showcased on the hit BBC TV programme Dragon’s Den.The H2O™ Shower Powered Radio provides users with a convenient,
and energy-efficient, means of listening to their favourite radio stations whilst in the shower. Using a patented micro turbine concept,
the FM radio is powered solely through the motion of water flowing through a small H2O™ micro turbine; driving a generator that creates
energy to power the radio. The radio dispels the need for disposable batteries, as the integral battery recharges as the shower runs.
Turning on automatically when the shower is used, the H2O™ Shower Powered Radio memorises the last chosen radio station and speaker
volume. The radio even allows users to carry on listening after the shower is turned off; using any excess energy stored in an integral
Ni-Mh rechargeable cell.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you see "The pink dot tree" in the club grounds yesterday? It is still there. The pink dot on the tree follows a request to
Lake Macquarie City Council to lop the giant gum because of concerns that a branch may fall and injure someone. After all it's their
tree and their land. At the meeting yesterday, Council's reply was read and I quote," the tree in question has been scheduled for
attention by 11 November 2011." I can't think of anything funny to say.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back overseas.City imposes SmartMeter installation moratorium. The City of Clearlake in California has imposed an immediate moratorium
on the installation of SmartMeters. Among the many findings cited in the City Council's statement on the moratorium, is one which will
be of particular interest to the amateur radio community. It reads: "There is now evidence showing that problems with Smart Meters
could adversely impact the amateur radio communication network that operates throughout California and neighboring states, as well as
other radio emergency communication systems that serve first responders, government agencies, and the public."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A new member - VK2CCW and with a callsign like that, I was tempted to pay his joining fee. Welcome aboard Michael Welsh VK2CCW who hails
from - wait for it - HALEKULANI on the Central Coast. Michael was admitted to membership of Westlakes at yesterday's monthly meeting.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back overseas - are you giddy yet? A new 3-D printing method advances electrically small antenna design. Science Daily reported on a new
technique to produce compact antennas that are a twelfth of a wavelength or less. The report says:"Recent attention has been directed
toward producing antennas by screen-printing, inkjet printing, and liquid metal-filled microfluidics in simple motifs, such as dipoles
and loops," explained Jennifer T. Bernhard, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Illinois."However, these fabrication
techniques are limited in both spatial resolution and dimensionality, yielding planar antennas that occupy a large area relative to the
achieved performance.""Omnidirectional printing of metallic nanoparticle inks offers an attractive alternative for meeting the demanding
form factors of 3D electrically small antennas," stated Jennifer A. Lewis, the Hans Thurnauer Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
and director of the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory at Illinois."To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of 3D
printed antennas on curvilinear surfaces," Lewis stated. So there it is - get hold of some metal ink and print your own Yagi.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was another unusual result in the meat tray raffle yesterday. A total of 79 tickets were in the barrel and the winning ticket was drawn
by last week's winner, Mal VK2VON. How unusual? Mal drew from the barrel his own ticket. That's two in a row for Mal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More of yesterday at Westlakes. Allan VK2JED presented to the meeting the 2010 Remembrance Day Certificate awarding 2nd place in the HF
multi-operator phone section to VK2ATZ. The club scored 391 points and was beaten only by the the Hunter Radio Group station VK2AWX.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More drama from the drinks fridge in the club's common room. Our canteen "hostess", Gloria, gave her canteen report at yesterday's meeting
at Westlakes. To put it bluntly, the money has been short! Please, please pay for you takings of ice-blocks and cans, they are only $1 -
beat that price anywhere! The meeting canvassed many options - a lock on the fridge, secret keys to the drinks, you name it.
A suggestion from Gloria was that we put a donation box on the table for the free "afternoon tea" after our monthly meetings. It had it's
first trial 10 minutes after the meeting adjourned - guess how much was in there?.............. $38 good Heavens!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally - perhaps finally for a while, many will know that I have been preparing the Westlakes Sunday News for some time and I am taking
a break. I announced at the meeting yesterday, that today's script will be my final effort and asked for a volunteer to take over. It seems
that No one is prepared to step forward and do the job - a sorry situation. So there will be no 7pm re-run tonight and I supect no more
Sunday News from Westlakes. May I thank those who have offered to help read and relay these broadcasts.
Also thanks to the regulars who call back every week, even when they may have not been listening. Perhaps no Sunday news for a few weeks
will attract a volunteer script writer. If someone does step forward, I will give all the help I can. So sadly, it's over and out from me
on the Sunday News from Westlakes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 27 March 2011
This is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader this morning is Barrie VK2BXD. There
wil not be a simulcast being transmitted this morning on 3.565 MHz but the HF relay by courtesy of Warren VK2UWP
should go to air this evening. Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm tonight.
Westlakes local news can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first item today is about "Anderrson House".WIA members and friends are invited to attend the formal opening of the WIA
premises at Unit 20, 11-13 Havelock Road, Bayswater, Victoria at 4:00pm Saturday, April 2nd. The premises will be named "Andersson House"
in honour of Henry Andersson VK8HA. Henry was an Honorary Life Member of the WIA, who passed away in October 2004. He left his property
at Humpty Doo, near Darwin, to the WIA. That generous bequest provided much of the funds needed to enable the purchase. Light refreshments
will be served between 4:00pm and 6:00pm, and a memorial plaque will be unveiled at a ceremony commencing at 4:30pm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And while on matters about the WIA, Westlakes has ordered a copy of the double-disc Centenary DVD. The boxed set includes footage
from the Centenary Dinner, historic presentations, and the trip to Dick Smith's property. There will be a showing od the DVD's in the
Westlakes Library on a Saturday afternoon to be named. It will give the club's new DVD projector another run. After the viewing the
DVD set will be placed in the library for members to borrow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you see "The pink dot tree" in the club grounds yesterday? This follows a request to Lake Macquarie City Council to lop
the giant gum because of concerns that a branch may fall and injure someone - or even worse, damage an antenna. Coucil has advised
that the tree has been marked with a pink dot and has been scheduled for for a trim. We must thank Geoff VK2GL for bringing the matter
to the council's attention.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Was it lights out for Earth Hour at at your place last night? From its debut in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has become a global movement,
embracing 128 countries and territories in 2010. It all happened (or didn't happen) at 8.30 pm last night.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Several members of the Westlakes theory class tried their arm at amateur examinations at Booral last weekend. Some results are trickling
in. Passing were Joe VK2FJOE, Bill VK2FWGJ, and Shaun who already has a Foundation call but we can't remember it. Perhaps someone can
tell of Shaun's call on callbacks and it will be included in tonight's news.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ACMA has announced that an increasing numbers of Australians are choosing to do away with their fixed-line phone altogether,
with an estimated 14 per cent of Australians without a fixed-line phone at home at June 2010, an increase of 40 per cent since June 2009.
Increasing functionality of mobile phones and continued handset innovations, including the emergence of the smartphone, tablets
and internet-enabled mobile devices, is underpinning the importance of mobile technology to the lifestyles of many Australians,’
say the ACMA. Young adults (aged 18–24) are leading the trend away from the fixed-line phone, with one in three now choosing not to
connect a fixed-line phone when they move out of the parental home. This figure has risen by 33 per cent in the past 12 months, with
the highest incidence occurring among young adults living alone or in share households
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And while on phones, Optus will add a new satellite, Optus 10, to it's fleet making it the largest in the company's and Australia's
history. Optus 10 will be delivered in 2013 and built in Palo Alto, California. Optus provides satellite services to Australia and
NZ government departments. It launched the first of Australia's satellite fleet 25 years ago. So now you know why the number of
fixed line phones is diminishing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The April edition of Westlakes Monthly Magazine is in the mail following a stapling and enveloping session in the club library
yesterday. The should arrive Monday. The electric version in full colour should be sent to those who choose email on Monday as well.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And some stunning statistics about the awesome power of this earthquake. According to the BBC, experts they interviewed say that the
massive shaker may have shifted Japan's main coastline by up to 13 feet to the east. This is based on the country's network of 1,200
GPS monitoring stations. Also, the quake may have knocked the planet off its axis by about 6.5 inches. This will cause the Earth to
rotate a tiny bit faster and thereby shortening the day by about 1.8 millionths of a second.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, the meat tray result for yesterday. A total of 64 tickets were in the barrel and the winning ticket was drawn by Herb VK2ZVF.
When the ticket was unscrunched, it Said VK2VON. Lucky Mal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the news I have this week. And a word of warning, our repeater is not well, so up the power for callbacks - it is not
the morning for QRP. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader this morning is Barrie VK2BXD. There
wil not be a simulcast being transmitted this morning on 3.565 MHz but the HF relay by courtesy of Warren VK2UWP
should go to air this evening. Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm tonight.
Westlakes local news can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first item today is about "Anderrson House".WIA members and friends are invited to attend the formal opening of the WIA
premises at Unit 20, 11-13 Havelock Road, Bayswater, Victoria at 4:00pm Saturday, April 2nd. The premises will be named "Andersson House"
in honour of Henry Andersson VK8HA. Henry was an Honorary Life Member of the WIA, who passed away in October 2004. He left his property
at Humpty Doo, near Darwin, to the WIA. That generous bequest provided much of the funds needed to enable the purchase. Light refreshments
will be served between 4:00pm and 6:00pm, and a memorial plaque will be unveiled at a ceremony commencing at 4:30pm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And while on matters about the WIA, Westlakes has ordered a copy of the double-disc Centenary DVD. The boxed set includes footage
from the Centenary Dinner, historic presentations, and the trip to Dick Smith's property. There will be a showing od the DVD's in the
Westlakes Library on a Saturday afternoon to be named. It will give the club's new DVD projector another run. After the viewing the
DVD set will be placed in the library for members to borrow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you see "The pink dot tree" in the club grounds yesterday? This follows a request to Lake Macquarie City Council to lop
the giant gum because of concerns that a branch may fall and injure someone - or even worse, damage an antenna. Coucil has advised
that the tree has been marked with a pink dot and has been scheduled for for a trim. We must thank Geoff VK2GL for bringing the matter
to the council's attention.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Was it lights out for Earth Hour at at your place last night? From its debut in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has become a global movement,
embracing 128 countries and territories in 2010. It all happened (or didn't happen) at 8.30 pm last night.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Several members of the Westlakes theory class tried their arm at amateur examinations at Booral last weekend. Some results are trickling
in. Passing were Joe VK2FJOE, Bill VK2FWGJ, and Shaun who already has a Foundation call but we can't remember it. Perhaps someone can
tell of Shaun's call on callbacks and it will be included in tonight's news.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ACMA has announced that an increasing numbers of Australians are choosing to do away with their fixed-line phone altogether,
with an estimated 14 per cent of Australians without a fixed-line phone at home at June 2010, an increase of 40 per cent since June 2009.
Increasing functionality of mobile phones and continued handset innovations, including the emergence of the smartphone, tablets
and internet-enabled mobile devices, is underpinning the importance of mobile technology to the lifestyles of many Australians,’
say the ACMA. Young adults (aged 18–24) are leading the trend away from the fixed-line phone, with one in three now choosing not to
connect a fixed-line phone when they move out of the parental home. This figure has risen by 33 per cent in the past 12 months, with
the highest incidence occurring among young adults living alone or in share households
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And while on phones, Optus will add a new satellite, Optus 10, to it's fleet making it the largest in the company's and Australia's
history. Optus 10 will be delivered in 2013 and built in Palo Alto, California. Optus provides satellite services to Australia and
NZ government departments. It launched the first of Australia's satellite fleet 25 years ago. So now you know why the number of
fixed line phones is diminishing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The April edition of Westlakes Monthly Magazine is in the mail following a stapling and enveloping session in the club library
yesterday. The should arrive Monday. The electric version in full colour should be sent to those who choose email on Monday as well.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And some stunning statistics about the awesome power of this earthquake. According to the BBC, experts they interviewed say that the
massive shaker may have shifted Japan's main coastline by up to 13 feet to the east. This is based on the country's network of 1,200
GPS monitoring stations. Also, the quake may have knocked the planet off its axis by about 6.5 inches. This will cause the Earth to
rotate a tiny bit faster and thereby shortening the day by about 1.8 millionths of a second.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, the meat tray result for yesterday. A total of 64 tickets were in the barrel and the winning ticket was drawn by Herb VK2ZVF.
When the ticket was unscrunched, it Said VK2VON. Lucky Mal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the news I have this week. And a word of warning, our repeater is not well, so up the power for callbacks - it is not
the morning for QRP. This is VK2ATZ. Is there anyone with late news items?
Saturday, March 19, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 20 March 2011
Good Morning and wecome to this week's local news broadcast . This is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. There
may be a simulcast being transmitted today on 3.565 MHz and if you can hear it, the relay by courtesy of Warren VK2UWP.
Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news
can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the Australia-wide
amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A reduced crowd attended WEstlakes yesterday. Numbers were down probably because of the John Moyle Field Day taking place this
this weekend. The meat tray draw was was won by Herb VK2ZVF - a first time time winner. There were second and third prizes, two
bags of buns which were won by Brian VK2FG and Geoff VK2GW.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Tuesday at 9am the club grounds are going to be mowed - weather permitting. All help would be appreciated. So if are looking
for a couple of hours of fun, turn up and lend a hand. Mowers, snippers and petrol are all provided. If the weather is doubtful,
There will be a mower meeting on Westlakes repeater 6775 at 8am. So that's 8am next Tuesday on this repeater for a "go or no go" and a
9am start for the lawn mowing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was announced this week that Microsoft's IE9 browser is now live and ready for use. The release comes as Microsoft's browser
market share is being whittled down by a growing roster of rivals.Competition is also coming from non-browser traffic generated
by mobile phones and tablets. Microsoft said one key feature in IE9 was tools to stop people being tracked as they move from site
to site. Estimates from web analysis firm Net Applications suggest that Internet explorer has about a 56% share of the global market.
The same study suggests Firefox has about 22%, Chrome 11% and Safari 6%. IE9 does not run on Windows XP and can only be used with
Windows 7 and Vista.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Saturday afternoon in the club library, that's 26th March, will be the assembly and enveloping of the April magazine. All help
would be appreciated. It all starts around midday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club shack had a brief activation yesterday in the form of Derek VK2MLA who was heard rattling along in CW to a VK3 station who
was calling CQ in the John Moyle Field Day. Well done Derek. And speaking of the John Moyle, The Hunter Radio Group contest team are
operating VK2AWX portable at Booral for this weekend's Contest. They should be on air this morning. And speaking of Booral, several
members of Westlakes current radio theory class are attending Booral for examinations this weekend. We wish them well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio Amateurs assist in earthquake relief. The JARL (Japan Amateur Radio League) website reports that the Ministry of Internal Affairs
and Communications Director Infrastructure, Emergency traffic center has asked for assistance from JARL members in the affected area.
It is understood that communications in the disaster area are being hampered by a lack of electricity. Ham radio operator JA1DOT in Japan
was able to make contact with a US operator WB2REM hours after horrible 8.9m quake. HAM radio always works!JARL has requested to keep
clear the frequency 7.030 MHz as it is used for emergency traffic related to the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
ICOM, Kenwood, and Yaesu, have issued statements how the natural disaster has affected their operations. Yaesu had reported that one of
their factories in Fukushima was damaged and will be closed for one to two weeks.No one from ICOM is known to be injured. No damage has
been reported at ICOM’s headquarters in Osaka, or at either of their two main factories in Wakayama.
Most of ICOM’s facilities and systems are ready to get back to normal business.
Kenwood says that Power outages and interruptions to transport have kept most staff at home since the earthquake and operations will
will fully resume in a week. Since Kenwood’s primary manufacturing facilities are in Malaysia, electronics production is unaffected.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 14th annual Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will be held as a fun event in the weekend of 20-21 August. Westlakes will once again
activate VK2ATZ at the lighthouse at Norah Head. Already 135 registrations have been received and it is on track to nudge last year's
total of 447. For some obscure reason, Germany and Australia traditionally account for most entries.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, there are two items for sale. First Up for auction is one space shuttle, designated "Discovery". Shuttle is used, but
only travelled 148 million miles. Fresh paint with minor scuffs and dings. Fully restored interior featuring six 80 watt stereo amplifiers
and more than 61 speakers total.Height 184.2 ft, Diameter 28.5 ft, weight 2,000 tons. Winning Bidder must meet certain requirements including
the ability to pay $40 million in shipping and handling charges. Apply to NASA with your offer.
The second item is more practical. Is there anyone listening who would like a 2-section triangular tower? It extends to 10 metres and
the best thing is the price....free. It is also delivered to your QTH free. There is only one condition, you have to use it - in other words,
no on-selling. Telephone Kingsley on 6558 1979. Again, telephone Kingsley on 6558 1979.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ.
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. There
may be a simulcast being transmitted today on 3.565 MHz and if you can hear it, the relay by courtesy of Warren VK2UWP.
Callbacks follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm this evening. Westlakes local news
can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the Australia-wide
amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A reduced crowd attended WEstlakes yesterday. Numbers were down probably because of the John Moyle Field Day taking place this
this weekend. The meat tray draw was was won by Herb VK2ZVF - a first time time winner. There were second and third prizes, two
bags of buns which were won by Brian VK2FG and Geoff VK2GW.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Tuesday at 9am the club grounds are going to be mowed - weather permitting. All help would be appreciated. So if are looking
for a couple of hours of fun, turn up and lend a hand. Mowers, snippers and petrol are all provided. If the weather is doubtful,
There will be a mower meeting on Westlakes repeater 6775 at 8am. So that's 8am next Tuesday on this repeater for a "go or no go" and a
9am start for the lawn mowing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was announced this week that Microsoft's IE9 browser is now live and ready for use. The release comes as Microsoft's browser
market share is being whittled down by a growing roster of rivals.Competition is also coming from non-browser traffic generated
by mobile phones and tablets. Microsoft said one key feature in IE9 was tools to stop people being tracked as they move from site
to site. Estimates from web analysis firm Net Applications suggest that Internet explorer has about a 56% share of the global market.
The same study suggests Firefox has about 22%, Chrome 11% and Safari 6%. IE9 does not run on Windows XP and can only be used with
Windows 7 and Vista.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next Saturday afternoon in the club library, that's 26th March, will be the assembly and enveloping of the April magazine. All help
would be appreciated. It all starts around midday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The club shack had a brief activation yesterday in the form of Derek VK2MLA who was heard rattling along in CW to a VK3 station who
was calling CQ in the John Moyle Field Day. Well done Derek. And speaking of the John Moyle, The Hunter Radio Group contest team are
operating VK2AWX portable at Booral for this weekend's Contest. They should be on air this morning. And speaking of Booral, several
members of Westlakes current radio theory class are attending Booral for examinations this weekend. We wish them well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Radio Amateurs assist in earthquake relief. The JARL (Japan Amateur Radio League) website reports that the Ministry of Internal Affairs
and Communications Director Infrastructure, Emergency traffic center has asked for assistance from JARL members in the affected area.
It is understood that communications in the disaster area are being hampered by a lack of electricity. Ham radio operator JA1DOT in Japan
was able to make contact with a US operator WB2REM hours after horrible 8.9m quake. HAM radio always works!JARL has requested to keep
clear the frequency 7.030 MHz as it is used for emergency traffic related to the Japan earthquake and tsunami.
ICOM, Kenwood, and Yaesu, have issued statements how the natural disaster has affected their operations. Yaesu had reported that one of
their factories in Fukushima was damaged and will be closed for one to two weeks.No one from ICOM is known to be injured. No damage has
been reported at ICOM’s headquarters in Osaka, or at either of their two main factories in Wakayama.
Most of ICOM’s facilities and systems are ready to get back to normal business.
Kenwood says that Power outages and interruptions to transport have kept most staff at home since the earthquake and operations will
will fully resume in a week. Since Kenwood’s primary manufacturing facilities are in Malaysia, electronics production is unaffected.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 14th annual Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend will be held as a fun event in the weekend of 20-21 August. Westlakes will once again
activate VK2ATZ at the lighthouse at Norah Head. Already 135 registrations have been received and it is on track to nudge last year's
total of 447. For some obscure reason, Germany and Australia traditionally account for most entries.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, there are two items for sale. First Up for auction is one space shuttle, designated "Discovery". Shuttle is used, but
only travelled 148 million miles. Fresh paint with minor scuffs and dings. Fully restored interior featuring six 80 watt stereo amplifiers
and more than 61 speakers total.Height 184.2 ft, Diameter 28.5 ft, weight 2,000 tons. Winning Bidder must meet certain requirements including
the ability to pay $40 million in shipping and handling charges. Apply to NASA with your offer.
The second item is more practical. Is there anyone listening who would like a 2-section triangular tower? It extends to 10 metres and
the best thing is the price....free. It is also delivered to your QTH free. There is only one condition, you have to use it - in other words,
no on-selling. Telephone Kingsley on 6558 1979. Again, telephone Kingsley on 6558 1979.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well that's all the news I have this week. This is VK2ATZ.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS SUNDAY 6 March 2011
Good Morning and wecome to another local news broadcast for 2011. This is VK2ATZ, The official callsign of
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader this morning is Leonie VK2FHRK. There is a fair chance
that an HF simulcast being transmitted today on 3.565 MHz and if you can hear it,the relay by courtesy of Warren VK2UWP. Callbacks
follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm this evening when the reader will be Brian VK2FG.
Westlakes local news can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And speaking of the WIA, it has just been announced that the Secretary, Geoff Atkinson VK3TL, has resigned.Geoff Atkinson has been
WIA secretary since February 2008 and only accepted the position on a temporay basis following the death of the previous incumbent.
The new Secretary is Sarah Thompson VK3AUD, recently retired from Telstra. In 1977 sarah spent a year with the Antarctic Division
as a Radio Officer at Macquarie Island. She is currently Secretary of the Moorabbin and District Radio Club, and among her many
interests she is a certified Marriage Celebrant, a member of the RSL, holds a current St Johns Senior First Aid certificate and,
wait for it, holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo. Obviously Sarah VK3AUD is obviously a person not to argue with.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Westlakes March Magazines are in the mail after the assembly and post out working bee in the club library yesterday. The electric version
in colour, should also be on its way via the mysteries of the Internet.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any member chasing a Westlakes club badge, Please listen carefully. There are now new arrangements - quicker and slicker, staight from
the manufacturer to you. If you want a club badge, write to RT Signs, PO Box 119, Stockton 2295. Ask for a blue and white Westlakes ARC
badge. Give you callsign and your first name that you wish to be on the badge plus your postal address.Include $10.30 and your new badge
will appear in your letter box in a few days. It is that easy. The $10.30 charge covers the badge, GST and postage back to you. A message
detailing this information has been placed on the noticeboard in the club's common room.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's getter close - Jeff's Walk Number Two. Jeff Johnson VK4XJJ, with the Gympie Radio Club supporting, is getting set to walk across
Australia from Cape Byron to Steep Point operating his FT817. He steps off 24th April and is expected to last 162 days. The crossing
is approximately 5,000 kms. Geoff will transmit on 7045Khz each evening at 1730 AEST. 20m and 80m will also be used on some sections.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every year at the Wyong and at Westlakes Field Days there is a lucky draw for those members who front at the club's desk wearing a
blue and white Westlakes club badge. This bit of fun has been running for over 10 years and there were 24 badges registered last Sunday
at Wyong. The winner was David VK2UDW who will receive his prize when he next attends the club.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) has announced that amateurs assisting in communications in the aftermath
of the 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch are using 2 metres only. No HF frequencies are being used. Amateurs and shortwave listeners
around the world have been contacting the NZART enquiring what HF frequencies are being used.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>From the ARRL comes the unfortunate news that four Americans including three amateur radio operators who were being held hostage on
their yacht by pirates off the coast of Oman have been killed. Scott Adam, K9ESO and his wife Jean, KF6RVB, along Bob Riggle, KE7IIV
and Phylis Macay were on board the vessel "Quest" when Somali pirates boarded their vessel last week.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statistics from Wyong. It eas a busy day the combined VK2QSL/Westlakes stand at the Field Day last Sunday. 147 amateurs picked up
approximately 4,000 QSL cards while 18 Westlakes members paid their 2011/12 fees.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has been involved in trials of 3D TV and will continue to authorise further 3D tests
using unassigned digital television channels in a limited number of locations until the end of 2011. ACMA considers it important that
when purchasing 3D TV receivers, consumers understand the current generation of 3D receivers might be not be compatible with future
transmission methods.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The weekly meat tray raffle. As there was no club broadcast last Sunday, there are two results to announce. A week ago, the winner was
Ted VK2UI and it was Ted who drew yesterday's winner who was Barry VK2BZ.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solar panels. There are only four 20 watt solar panels left in the Westlakes store. The cost is $85 each and there will be no more -
these are the last.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, next Saturday 12th March is the date set aside for the March Monthly meeting. It gets underway in the club library at
1.30 pm. A committee meeting will be held at 11.30 pm. From April, the monthly meetings will return to the usual 1st Saturday of
the month.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club located at Teralba, Lake Macquarie. Your reader this morning is Leonie VK2FHRK. There is a fair chance
that an HF simulcast being transmitted today on 3.565 MHz and if you can hear it,the relay by courtesy of Warren VK2UWP. Callbacks
follow at the conclusion of this news and it's all repeated again at 7 pm this evening when the reader will be Brian VK2FG.
Westlakes local news can be heard each Sunday on this repeater, VK2RTZ, at 9am local. Following at 9.30am is a relay of the
Australia-wide amateur radio news from VK1WIA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And speaking of the WIA, it has just been announced that the Secretary, Geoff Atkinson VK3TL, has resigned.Geoff Atkinson has been
WIA secretary since February 2008 and only accepted the position on a temporay basis following the death of the previous incumbent.
The new Secretary is Sarah Thompson VK3AUD, recently retired from Telstra. In 1977 sarah spent a year with the Antarctic Division
as a Radio Officer at Macquarie Island. She is currently Secretary of the Moorabbin and District Radio Club, and among her many
interests she is a certified Marriage Celebrant, a member of the RSL, holds a current St Johns Senior First Aid certificate and,
wait for it, holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo. Obviously Sarah VK3AUD is obviously a person not to argue with.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Westlakes March Magazines are in the mail after the assembly and post out working bee in the club library yesterday. The electric version
in colour, should also be on its way via the mysteries of the Internet.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any member chasing a Westlakes club badge, Please listen carefully. There are now new arrangements - quicker and slicker, staight from
the manufacturer to you. If you want a club badge, write to RT Signs, PO Box 119, Stockton 2295. Ask for a blue and white Westlakes ARC
badge. Give you callsign and your first name that you wish to be on the badge plus your postal address.Include $10.30 and your new badge
will appear in your letter box in a few days. It is that easy. The $10.30 charge covers the badge, GST and postage back to you. A message
detailing this information has been placed on the noticeboard in the club's common room.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's getter close - Jeff's Walk Number Two. Jeff Johnson VK4XJJ, with the Gympie Radio Club supporting, is getting set to walk across
Australia from Cape Byron to Steep Point operating his FT817. He steps off 24th April and is expected to last 162 days. The crossing
is approximately 5,000 kms. Geoff will transmit on 7045Khz each evening at 1730 AEST. 20m and 80m will also be used on some sections.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every year at the Wyong and at Westlakes Field Days there is a lucky draw for those members who front at the club's desk wearing a
blue and white Westlakes club badge. This bit of fun has been running for over 10 years and there were 24 badges registered last Sunday
at Wyong. The winner was David VK2UDW who will receive his prize when he next attends the club.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) has announced that amateurs assisting in communications in the aftermath
of the 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch are using 2 metres only. No HF frequencies are being used. Amateurs and shortwave listeners
around the world have been contacting the NZART enquiring what HF frequencies are being used.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>From the ARRL comes the unfortunate news that four Americans including three amateur radio operators who were being held hostage on
their yacht by pirates off the coast of Oman have been killed. Scott Adam, K9ESO and his wife Jean, KF6RVB, along Bob Riggle, KE7IIV
and Phylis Macay were on board the vessel "Quest" when Somali pirates boarded their vessel last week.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statistics from Wyong. It eas a busy day the combined VK2QSL/Westlakes stand at the Field Day last Sunday. 147 amateurs picked up
approximately 4,000 QSL cards while 18 Westlakes members paid their 2011/12 fees.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has been involved in trials of 3D TV and will continue to authorise further 3D tests
using unassigned digital television channels in a limited number of locations until the end of 2011. ACMA considers it important that
when purchasing 3D TV receivers, consumers understand the current generation of 3D receivers might be not be compatible with future
transmission methods.
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The weekly meat tray raffle. As there was no club broadcast last Sunday, there are two results to announce. A week ago, the winner was
Ted VK2UI and it was Ted who drew yesterday's winner who was Barry VK2BZ.
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Solar panels. There are only four 20 watt solar panels left in the Westlakes store. The cost is $85 each and there will be no more -
these are the last.
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And finally, next Saturday 12th March is the date set aside for the March Monthly meeting. It gets underway in the club library at
1.30 pm. A committee meeting will be held at 11.30 pm. From April, the monthly meetings will return to the usual 1st Saturday of
the month.
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