The grounds at the club are very soggy so take care when driving over the grassy areas. Might be a good idea to park on the road outside until the weather fines up and the grounds dry out.
As reported in an earlier broadcast please welcome Bruce VK2FKNN, Jarrod VK2FZRO, Stuart VK2FOOO and Tony VK2FACK to the ranks of Amateur
Radio. Bruce and Tony were at the club yesterday. Please make these chaps welcome to the wonderful and exciting world of Amateur Radio if you hear them on air. Bruce said that he has already worked a stateside station on 10 meters.
Well the canteen was manned by Barry VK2BZ ( not sure if Freds wife helped) and it was pies and sausage rolls all around.
Proposed Jesmond Electronic Club Inc. This new club will be holding its Foundation meeting at the Jesmond Park Uniting church hall on the 4th August commencing at 2 pm. Cost for the afternoon is $20. Anyone interested - please come along. This message was posted by John Murphy VK2PJM. Thanks Barry VK2FBAZ for sending the item to me.
The meat tray raffle was drawn by Brian VK2FG and after much tumbling of the barrel a ticket was choosen from pile. A voice from the back ground said Did I win. Brian said no but VK2LW did. Well done Steve.
Yes, the roof does leak so we found out. Barry and Fred to the rescue. Not sure what they did but they took down the old vertical antenna and bought it inside.
WORLD NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO.
June 19, 2011 - afternoon chopper lift for Ipswich & District Amateur Radio Club. Mission accomplished with much help and cooperation from friends, supporters and Ipswich City Council. Ipswich & District Radio Club Inc
http://ipswichdistrictradioclub.webnode.com/
VK construction competition
The Illawarra Amateur Radio Society currently has a construction competition running that is open to amateur radio operators within VK.
There are prizes to be allocated in two categories. Entry is easy, just build a crystal set.
Judging will be based on some simple rules:-
The crystal set must work i.e. receive a transmitted signal.
The crystal set can receive either commercial, broadcast or amateur signals.
No external power other than the received signal can be used.
Additional points will be gained by utilizing recycled parts, or home made components.
Additional points will be gained for Innovative design, and unique concepts. The finished article does not need to be aesthetically pleasing.
Testing will be carried out at Industry World Centre, Wollongong 8/11/2011 (Between 19:30 – 22:00 Hrs).
The judge’s decision will be final.
The judging of the contest will be at the IARS November meeting.
The Crystal set will need to be bought to the meeting on this evening, alternatively they can be posted to the Secretary Illawarra amateur radio society, by the meeting date which is 8th November 2011. Correct postage and packaging cost must be included if you require the project to be returned after
the competition. Note that this project is a receive only construction, so it is therefore open to all license classes in VK.
Why not put together a club entry?
Old hands, why not take a newer member of the hobby under your wing and show them how construction was done when you first discovered radio.
Results and awards will be presented at the December 2011 meeting.
The two entry categories are:-
Category 1:- Financial members of the IARS
First Prize :- 2 metre Handheld radio
Second Prize:- Quality Screwdriver Set
Third Prize:- Lightweight Headphone Set
Numerous consolation prizes such as mouse mats, baseball caps
Category 2:- All other VK Hams
First Prize:- 2 metre Handheld Radio
Second Prize:- Quality Screwdriver Set
Third Prize:- Lightweight Headphone Set
IOTA DXpedition
PA6NH, the contest team of North Holland, will be active during the RSGB IOTA contest held on 30/31 JULY 2011.
This will be a DXpedition to Texel Island IOTA ref. EU-038
Station set-up will be simple with antennas consisting of one element (dipole, vertical) and low power (100 W
CLUB REMINDER LIST
Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.
Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.
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.
Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and 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 of biscuits.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
WESTLAKES BROADCAST FOR SUNDAY 17th July 2011
Well, it only happens at Westlakes. Yesterday, a large bag of onions was placed on the table by Gloria for the canteen. Greg (VK2CW ) challenged anyone to eat a whole raw onion for $2. Well, guess who stepped up? Ted (VK2UI ) just out of hospital. Knife in hand and with the large salt shaker from the canteen Ted pealed and ate the whole onion. Well Greg had to pay the $2 to Ted. Well done Ted - what will you do next week for a free ticket in the meat tray raffle.
While on the meat tray raffle, Frank was unavailable to draw this weeks ticket out of the tumbler so the Secretary was called upon to draw a ticket. Barrie (VK2BXD ) then gave the ticket to the Steve VK2LW our Vice President who read read out the name. On the ticket read VK2CW. Is there a conspiricy going on here? Congratulations Greg.
After lunch the members going to the Norah Head Light house met in the libarary to discuss meals and equipment required for the weekend.
They will be eating very well I must say. Roast lamb and vegies and desert on Saturday night. I wonder what the rest of the other lighthouse crews are eating.
Over heard in the Common room was Richard VK2FRKO advising that he had been elected as Deputy Unit Commander for Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage. Good on you Richard - more work for you to do. Richard also advised that no arrests so far for the damage done to the rescue vessel.
Listen for the big signals to come out Glendale. Leonie ( VK2FHRK )advised that she has put up a loop antenna. The loopy idea is catching on.
Australian amateur radio licence renewals
Recently, an amateur forgot to renew his amateur radio licence because he failed to advise the ACMA of his new address, and was upset when his two letter callsign was allocated to someone else.
The "Comment" in the June 2009 issue of Amateur Radio addressed this problem in some detail, and further information can be found on the WIA website www.wia.org.au under the tab "Australian amateur licensing and callsigns" under the button "Get your Amateur Radio Licence".
The Radiocommunications Act does not impose on ACMA an obligation to issue a renewal notice. ACMA does so, but failure to receive a renewal notice is no excuse for not renewing a licence.
Obviously, failing to notify the ACMA of a change of address will mean that even if the ACMA does send a renewal notice, it will go the wrong address.
But the Act does provide that a licence can be renewed from 6 months before and 60 days after its expiry date. It is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure that the licence is renewed in that time.
A callsign is only a condition of a licence, and if the licence is not renewed, after 60 days from the expiry date the callsign will be placed on the Public List, (the list of available callsigns on the WIA website) and after 7 days the WIA will issue a Callsign Recommendation to whoever wants that callsign.
WORLD NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO
Codar radar on 24 MHz
Wolf DK2OM reports on the IARU-R1 site that a Codar ocean wave radar is disturbing 24920 - 24990 kHz daily and all day.
The location is believed to be Venice, Italy.
Medical use of Wireless Power
ScienceDaily reports on the use of Wireless power for heart pumps.
The report says:
Mechanical pumps to give failing hearts a boost were originally developed as temporary measures for patients awaiting a heart transplant. But as the technology has improved, these ventricular assist devices commonly operate in patients for years.
Prolonged use, however, has its own problems. The power cord that protrudes through the patient's belly is cumbersome and prone to infection over time.
Researchers at the University of Washington and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have tested a wireless power system for ventricular assist devices.
Using the wireless system means no power cord poking through the skin, dramatically reducing the risk of infection and improving the patient's quality of life. Researchers envision a vest that could hold an external transmitter coil connected to a power cord or battery. A small receiver coil implanted under the patient's skin would connect to a battery that holds enough power for about two hours, meaning the patient could be completely free for short periods of time to take a bath or go for a swim (current users of heart pumps cannot do either).
Entries arrive for the ILLW
With four weeks to go to the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, a total of 290 entries have been received and many more expected in coming weeks.
This year so far 13 Lightships are entered mainly from Belgium, England, Germany and the USA. There’s one each in the Netherlands, Sweden and Wales.
Lightships are a rarer breed of the long-gone era of magnified flashes a light used by ships as they navigated along the coast and around the world.
With entries rapidly nearing 300, the latest has Australia in the lead on 51, followed by the USA on 48, Germany 39 followed by England on 23.
Since 1998 the 48-hour fun filled third weekend in August attracts more than 440 entrants, from around 50 countries.
Be part of the action, or just check the newly refurbished website at ILLW.NET where you will find more information about the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, on August the 20th and 21st.
CLUB REMINDER LIST
Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.
Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.
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.
While on the meat tray raffle, Frank was unavailable to draw this weeks ticket out of the tumbler so the Secretary was called upon to draw a ticket. Barrie (VK2BXD ) then gave the ticket to the Steve VK2LW our Vice President who read read out the name. On the ticket read VK2CW. Is there a conspiricy going on here? Congratulations Greg.
After lunch the members going to the Norah Head Light house met in the libarary to discuss meals and equipment required for the weekend.
They will be eating very well I must say. Roast lamb and vegies and desert on Saturday night. I wonder what the rest of the other lighthouse crews are eating.
Over heard in the Common room was Richard VK2FRKO advising that he had been elected as Deputy Unit Commander for Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage. Good on you Richard - more work for you to do. Richard also advised that no arrests so far for the damage done to the rescue vessel.
Listen for the big signals to come out Glendale. Leonie ( VK2FHRK )advised that she has put up a loop antenna. The loopy idea is catching on.
Australian amateur radio licence renewals
Recently, an amateur forgot to renew his amateur radio licence because he failed to advise the ACMA of his new address, and was upset when his two letter callsign was allocated to someone else.
The "Comment" in the June 2009 issue of Amateur Radio addressed this problem in some detail, and further information can be found on the WIA website www.wia.org.au under the tab "Australian amateur licensing and callsigns" under the button "Get your Amateur Radio Licence".
The Radiocommunications Act does not impose on ACMA an obligation to issue a renewal notice. ACMA does so, but failure to receive a renewal notice is no excuse for not renewing a licence.
Obviously, failing to notify the ACMA of a change of address will mean that even if the ACMA does send a renewal notice, it will go the wrong address.
But the Act does provide that a licence can be renewed from 6 months before and 60 days after its expiry date. It is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure that the licence is renewed in that time.
A callsign is only a condition of a licence, and if the licence is not renewed, after 60 days from the expiry date the callsign will be placed on the Public List, (the list of available callsigns on the WIA website) and after 7 days the WIA will issue a Callsign Recommendation to whoever wants that callsign.
WORLD NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO
Codar radar on 24 MHz
Wolf DK2OM reports on the IARU-R1 site that a Codar ocean wave radar is disturbing 24920 - 24990 kHz daily and all day.
The location is believed to be Venice, Italy.
Medical use of Wireless Power
ScienceDaily reports on the use of Wireless power for heart pumps.
The report says:
Mechanical pumps to give failing hearts a boost were originally developed as temporary measures for patients awaiting a heart transplant. But as the technology has improved, these ventricular assist devices commonly operate in patients for years.
Prolonged use, however, has its own problems. The power cord that protrudes through the patient's belly is cumbersome and prone to infection over time.
Researchers at the University of Washington and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have tested a wireless power system for ventricular assist devices.
Using the wireless system means no power cord poking through the skin, dramatically reducing the risk of infection and improving the patient's quality of life. Researchers envision a vest that could hold an external transmitter coil connected to a power cord or battery. A small receiver coil implanted under the patient's skin would connect to a battery that holds enough power for about two hours, meaning the patient could be completely free for short periods of time to take a bath or go for a swim (current users of heart pumps cannot do either).
Entries arrive for the ILLW
With four weeks to go to the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, a total of 290 entries have been received and many more expected in coming weeks.
This year so far 13 Lightships are entered mainly from Belgium, England, Germany and the USA. There’s one each in the Netherlands, Sweden and Wales.
Lightships are a rarer breed of the long-gone era of magnified flashes a light used by ships as they navigated along the coast and around the world.
With entries rapidly nearing 300, the latest has Australia in the lead on 51, followed by the USA on 48, Germany 39 followed by England on 23.
Since 1998 the 48-hour fun filled third weekend in August attracts more than 440 entrants, from around 50 countries.
Be part of the action, or just check the newly refurbished website at ILLW.NET where you will find more information about the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, on August the 20th and 21st.
CLUB REMINDER LIST
Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.
Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.
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, July 9, 2011
WESTLAKES BROADCAST FOR SUNDAY 10th july 2011
Well it was action at the club yesterday with Colin and Brian, Norm and a few others playing again with squid poles. Not sure what they were doing but I guess they had a happy ending.
Well the big blue Falcon drove into the Westlakes ground and guess who got out of the car? It was VK2FDNE ( Diane ) who had just spent 14 days in the Mater Hospital. Diane would like to thank all those Members who wished her a speedy recovery.
Diane was busy again ( blind as bat in 1 eye with patch ) Di was asked to pick this weeks lucky meat tray winner. The hand went into the barrel and came the winners ticket which read VK2FJW Frank. Frank is also on the sick list. Get well Frank.
The Contest Manager was once again at the club. Leonie has advised that she has page with no names on for the up and coming RD contest. Go on ladies and gents lets put Westlakes back on the contesting map again. Please contact Leonie if you can help.
From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.
Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their
Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact
Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au
Its a great hobby to get involved in. You meet and talk to so many people locally and worldwide.
Did anyone manage to see NBN news on Wednesday night? On it was the marine rescue vessel from Lemon Tree Passage of which Richard VK2FRKO is a member. Richard told us that around $25 thousand worth of damage was done. The rescue vessel should be back in action in around 3 weeks.
Did you see the specials in the store yesterday? Ally was busy showing some members the list. Specials are on each Saturday.
Don't the grounds look good. Thanks to the hard workers who did the work. Please see Barry VK2BZ if you can assist in further mowing days.
President Geoff VK2EO did a flying trip to club yesterday. Perhaps Geoff called in to settle his nerves before his big game. ( AFL.)
NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR
Resurgence for amateur radio in Australia
A lengthy well-researched article by Katie Cincotta in The Age newspaper today, distributed mainly in VK3 but also interstate, features many aspects of amateur radio that we all enjoy.
It begins with a picture of Justin Stewart VK3FLIP and Monique Golub VK3FWPZ as the youngsters take to the airwaves at Sherbrooke Community School and is peppered with personal accounts of activity.
Maths teacher Edward Seeto VK3LIP of the Sherbrooke Community School, which has its own radio club VK3KID, demonstrates on a hand-held radio, typing in a code on a keypad and accessing a web-enabled local repeater to connect to a user in Dallas, Texas. His experience at the school includes the use of a gazebo with students learning the ropes from volunteers Randall McDonald VK3RM and Jim McNabb VK3AMN.
The students have learnt to be resourceful through building their own equipment. Amateur radio is encouraging them to pursue maths and sciences, and providing social interaction. Grade 8 student Monique Golub VK3FWPZ achieved her Foundation Licence in grade 6 and now competes in amateur radio challenges such as the 160-metre Trans-Tasman contest.
The 13-year-old was the first female in the club and has since enabled others to join the fun. Another relative newcomer with five years experience is Richard Holmes VK3TXD, keen to dispel the amateur radio stereotype of old blokes tinkering in beeping sheds.
He hopes a new generation will find clever ways to evolve the hobby and embrace its global connections. One of the main things that got him into the hobby was the lure of long-distance or DX contacts.
The article touches on the serious side of things. Amateur radio proved itself to be relevant and invaluable during recent natural disasters in Australia, Japan, China, Pakistan and Haiti. It quotes veteran Doug McArthur VK3UM on his Black Saturday bushfires experiences, and even before that, the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Of course his moon-bounce and beyond exploits from the giant dish on his country property is featured.
Eastern and Mountain District Radio Club president Jack Bramham VK3WWW regards amateur radio as the original social network and likes digital technology. He’s preparing for the IARU Region 3 Championships that are being hosted late this year by the WIA.
Jack VK3WWW can be seen and heard televising broadcasts on Wednesday nights on frequency 446.500 MHz via the Melbourne Amateur Radio Repeater on Mount Dandenong.
Wireless Institute of Australia spokesman Jim Linton VK3PC says one of the biggest things to happen to amateur radio is the removal of Morse code as a minimum requirement for an operator to obtain an HF licence. The Foundation Licence is now simple enough for young children to acquire, although many progress to the higher grades as Standard and Advanced which give them more.
The two-page article featured in the newspaper’s well-read Green Guide and promoted on page 2 in the main editorial section, notes 20,000 Australians have amateur radio licences, with increasing interest being shown by younger people and women.
There was virtually no one interested before the arrival of the newest entry level. Now we have more activity on air, increased numbers being assessed and a higher level of club membership. The article which involves wide research giving a coverage to amateur radio, concludes with some useful links to get more information.
he pioneering electronic social network is experiencing a resurgence.
WHEN you think of the instant communication at our fingertips thanks to web-enabled mobile devices and the social media explosion of Twitter and Facebook, it's easy to dismiss amateur radio as a dusty relic destined for oblivion.
But the bastions of ham radio believe the century-old form of radio communication is as relevant as ever - it proved invaluable during recent natural disasters in Australia, Japan, China, Pakistan and Haiti.
One amateur radio veteran of more than 50 years, Doug McArthur (whose call-sign is VK3UM), lived through the Black Saturday bushfires, relying on his UHF CB radio to warn neighbours of the approaching flames.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/ham-radio-far-from-over-or-out-20110706-1h135.html#ixzz1Rb4bCzXc
CLUB REMINDER LIST
Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.
Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.
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.
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 of
biscuits.
Well the big blue Falcon drove into the Westlakes ground and guess who got out of the car? It was VK2FDNE ( Diane ) who had just spent 14 days in the Mater Hospital. Diane would like to thank all those Members who wished her a speedy recovery.
Diane was busy again ( blind as bat in 1 eye with patch ) Di was asked to pick this weeks lucky meat tray winner. The hand went into the barrel and came the winners ticket which read VK2FJW Frank. Frank is also on the sick list. Get well Frank.
The Contest Manager was once again at the club. Leonie has advised that she has page with no names on for the up and coming RD contest. Go on ladies and gents lets put Westlakes back on the contesting map again. Please contact Leonie if you can help.
From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.
Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their
Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact
Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au
Its a great hobby to get involved in. You meet and talk to so many people locally and worldwide.
Did anyone manage to see NBN news on Wednesday night? On it was the marine rescue vessel from Lemon Tree Passage of which Richard VK2FRKO is a member. Richard told us that around $25 thousand worth of damage was done. The rescue vessel should be back in action in around 3 weeks.
Did you see the specials in the store yesterday? Ally was busy showing some members the list. Specials are on each Saturday.
Don't the grounds look good. Thanks to the hard workers who did the work. Please see Barry VK2BZ if you can assist in further mowing days.
President Geoff VK2EO did a flying trip to club yesterday. Perhaps Geoff called in to settle his nerves before his big game. ( AFL.)
NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR
Resurgence for amateur radio in Australia
A lengthy well-researched article by Katie Cincotta in The Age newspaper today, distributed mainly in VK3 but also interstate, features many aspects of amateur radio that we all enjoy.
It begins with a picture of Justin Stewart VK3FLIP and Monique Golub VK3FWPZ as the youngsters take to the airwaves at Sherbrooke Community School and is peppered with personal accounts of activity.
Maths teacher Edward Seeto VK3LIP of the Sherbrooke Community School, which has its own radio club VK3KID, demonstrates on a hand-held radio, typing in a code on a keypad and accessing a web-enabled local repeater to connect to a user in Dallas, Texas. His experience at the school includes the use of a gazebo with students learning the ropes from volunteers Randall McDonald VK3RM and Jim McNabb VK3AMN.
The students have learnt to be resourceful through building their own equipment. Amateur radio is encouraging them to pursue maths and sciences, and providing social interaction. Grade 8 student Monique Golub VK3FWPZ achieved her Foundation Licence in grade 6 and now competes in amateur radio challenges such as the 160-metre Trans-Tasman contest.
The 13-year-old was the first female in the club and has since enabled others to join the fun. Another relative newcomer with five years experience is Richard Holmes VK3TXD, keen to dispel the amateur radio stereotype of old blokes tinkering in beeping sheds.
He hopes a new generation will find clever ways to evolve the hobby and embrace its global connections. One of the main things that got him into the hobby was the lure of long-distance or DX contacts.
The article touches on the serious side of things. Amateur radio proved itself to be relevant and invaluable during recent natural disasters in Australia, Japan, China, Pakistan and Haiti. It quotes veteran Doug McArthur VK3UM on his Black Saturday bushfires experiences, and even before that, the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Of course his moon-bounce and beyond exploits from the giant dish on his country property is featured.
Eastern and Mountain District Radio Club president Jack Bramham VK3WWW regards amateur radio as the original social network and likes digital technology. He’s preparing for the IARU Region 3 Championships that are being hosted late this year by the WIA.
Jack VK3WWW can be seen and heard televising broadcasts on Wednesday nights on frequency 446.500 MHz via the Melbourne Amateur Radio Repeater on Mount Dandenong.
Wireless Institute of Australia spokesman Jim Linton VK3PC says one of the biggest things to happen to amateur radio is the removal of Morse code as a minimum requirement for an operator to obtain an HF licence. The Foundation Licence is now simple enough for young children to acquire, although many progress to the higher grades as Standard and Advanced which give them more.
The two-page article featured in the newspaper’s well-read Green Guide and promoted on page 2 in the main editorial section, notes 20,000 Australians have amateur radio licences, with increasing interest being shown by younger people and women.
There was virtually no one interested before the arrival of the newest entry level. Now we have more activity on air, increased numbers being assessed and a higher level of club membership. The article which involves wide research giving a coverage to amateur radio, concludes with some useful links to get more information.
he pioneering electronic social network is experiencing a resurgence.
WHEN you think of the instant communication at our fingertips thanks to web-enabled mobile devices and the social media explosion of Twitter and Facebook, it's easy to dismiss amateur radio as a dusty relic destined for oblivion.
But the bastions of ham radio believe the century-old form of radio communication is as relevant as ever - it proved invaluable during recent natural disasters in Australia, Japan, China, Pakistan and Haiti.
One amateur radio veteran of more than 50 years, Doug McArthur (whose call-sign is VK3UM), lived through the Black Saturday bushfires, relying on his UHF CB radio to warn neighbours of the approaching flames.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/ham-radio-far-from-over-or-out-20110706-1h135.html#ixzz1Rb4bCzXc
CLUB REMINDER LIST
Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.
Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.
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.
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 of
biscuits.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
WESTLAKES BROADCAST FOR SUNDAY 3RD JULY 2011
Last weeks winner Michael VK2CCW ( 4 trays in 6 weeks ) reached into the into the barrell and choose a lucky winner. The winner was - wait for it Ted VK2UI. Congratulations Ted.
Yesterday, the July meeting was held in the libary followed by a small feast in the common room put together by Gloria. Thanks Gloria well done. Also put together in the libary was this month edition of the magazine. Look in your mail box in the next couple of days for this edition. Its a good read.
AS reported last week in the news the 4 candidates who were sitting their Foundation Licence up at Lemon Tree Passage all passed with flying colours. Please make them all welcome when you hear them on air and offer them any assistance they want.
From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.
Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au Are you a shortwave listener or scanner hobbyist? Why not do the Foundation Licence and get involved in a great hobby. You meet and talk to so many people locally and world wide.
From Leonie - Contest manager
The next contest that will involve the club will be the RD contest. Leonie is seeking interested personnel to man the club station on the weekend closest to the 15th August 2011. Contact Leonie if you are interested in helping out. This is a 24 hr contest. If you haven't been involved in contesting but would like to, I am sure Leonie will show you how its done or will put you in touch with someone who has done many hours of contesting. Maybe the club can hold an afternoon session for those members or visitors wishing to upgrade their skills.
Product Review. Just released from China is the new dualband handheld TYT TH-F5. This handheld does 144-148 mhz as well as 420 to 450 mhz Amatuer bands. Its a little beauty they say. The cost in the US is $89.95.
NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO
Texas Hams Injured at Field Day Site
On the morning of June 26, two Texas radio amateurs -- Danny Caldwell, AD5IP, of Kamay, and Mike Byrne, AE5CO, of Iowa Park -- received electric shocks as they took down an inverted V antenna. According to Wichita County Emergency Coordinator Larry Ballard, KE5KNV, the two were taking part in Field Day as part of the Wichita Amateur Radio Society (WARS).
"The Wichita Amateur Radio Society decided to terminate the participation in the exercise at 10 AM on Sunday, due to extreme heat and gusty wind conditions," Ballard told the ARRL. "Danny and Mike were injured while lowering the center pole of the inverted V dipole antenna to the ground. They were knocked to the ground when a guy wire, or the antenna lead-in, was hit with very high wind gust that blew it into a high [power] line wire." According to reports from witnesses, winds were gusting up to 40 miles per hour.
Ballard said 911 was called immediately and a rescue van arrived in a matter of minutes. The Fire Rescue Team determined that the two men were stable and they were transported to United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls. Caldwell received CPR at the scene and was air lifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. Byrne was transported to Parkland later by ambulance.
"This was the second year that the Wichita Amateur Radio Society had set up at Oscar Park in the City of Iowa Park for Field Day event," Ballard explained. "The antennas were located in the same location as the prior year, using the same safety practice of locating the antennas a safe distance from power lines and structures. The inverted V dipole antenna had yellow caution tape, marking guy wires and antenna end locations."
Ballard said that Byrne was released from the hospital on Monday, June 27 and was resting at home. Caldwell, who suffered more serious injuries, was released a day later. Becarefull everyone when you go portable or to field days - care must be taken all the time.
Amateur Radio in Space: ISS Survives Near Miss of Space Junk
On Monday, June 27, the ISS narrowly missed getting slammed by space junk.
Just after 8 AM (EDT) on Tuesday, June 29, the six residents of the International Space Station (ISS) climbed into two Soyuz space capsules as an unidentified object hurtled past them at a speed of 29,000 miles per hour, missing the space station by only 1100 feet. This was only the second time in the 10 year history of people living on the space station that the crew needed to take such precautions. If the station had been hit, the crew could have quickly undocked from the ISS and returned to Earth via the space capsules. Currently, there are four hams on board the ISS: Ron Garan, KF5GPO (NASA), Mike Fossum, KF5AQG (NASA), Sergei Volkov, RU3DIS (RKA), and Satoshi Furukawa, KE5DAW (JAXA). The other two cosmonauts -- Andrey Borisenko and Alexander Samokutyaev -- are not licensed.
CLUB REMINDER LIST
Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.
Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.
Grounds of around the club need mowing so contact Barry VK2BZ if you can assist.
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.
Well that's all the news I have this week.
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and 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 of biscuits.
Yesterday, the July meeting was held in the libary followed by a small feast in the common room put together by Gloria. Thanks Gloria well done. Also put together in the libary was this month edition of the magazine. Look in your mail box in the next couple of days for this edition. Its a good read.
AS reported last week in the news the 4 candidates who were sitting their Foundation Licence up at Lemon Tree Passage all passed with flying colours. Please make them all welcome when you hear them on air and offer them any assistance they want.
From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.
Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au Are you a shortwave listener or scanner hobbyist? Why not do the Foundation Licence and get involved in a great hobby. You meet and talk to so many people locally and world wide.
From Leonie - Contest manager
The next contest that will involve the club will be the RD contest. Leonie is seeking interested personnel to man the club station on the weekend closest to the 15th August 2011. Contact Leonie if you are interested in helping out. This is a 24 hr contest. If you haven't been involved in contesting but would like to, I am sure Leonie will show you how its done or will put you in touch with someone who has done many hours of contesting. Maybe the club can hold an afternoon session for those members or visitors wishing to upgrade their skills.
Product Review. Just released from China is the new dualband handheld TYT TH-F5. This handheld does 144-148 mhz as well as 420 to 450 mhz Amatuer bands. Its a little beauty they say. The cost in the US is $89.95.
NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO
Texas Hams Injured at Field Day Site
On the morning of June 26, two Texas radio amateurs -- Danny Caldwell, AD5IP, of Kamay, and Mike Byrne, AE5CO, of Iowa Park -- received electric shocks as they took down an inverted V antenna. According to Wichita County Emergency Coordinator Larry Ballard, KE5KNV, the two were taking part in Field Day as part of the Wichita Amateur Radio Society (WARS).
"The Wichita Amateur Radio Society decided to terminate the participation in the exercise at 10 AM on Sunday, due to extreme heat and gusty wind conditions," Ballard told the ARRL. "Danny and Mike were injured while lowering the center pole of the inverted V dipole antenna to the ground. They were knocked to the ground when a guy wire, or the antenna lead-in, was hit with very high wind gust that blew it into a high [power] line wire." According to reports from witnesses, winds were gusting up to 40 miles per hour.
Ballard said 911 was called immediately and a rescue van arrived in a matter of minutes. The Fire Rescue Team determined that the two men were stable and they were transported to United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls. Caldwell received CPR at the scene and was air lifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas. Byrne was transported to Parkland later by ambulance.
"This was the second year that the Wichita Amateur Radio Society had set up at Oscar Park in the City of Iowa Park for Field Day event," Ballard explained. "The antennas were located in the same location as the prior year, using the same safety practice of locating the antennas a safe distance from power lines and structures. The inverted V dipole antenna had yellow caution tape, marking guy wires and antenna end locations."
Ballard said that Byrne was released from the hospital on Monday, June 27 and was resting at home. Caldwell, who suffered more serious injuries, was released a day later. Becarefull everyone when you go portable or to field days - care must be taken all the time.
Amateur Radio in Space: ISS Survives Near Miss of Space Junk
On Monday, June 27, the ISS narrowly missed getting slammed by space junk.
Just after 8 AM (EDT) on Tuesday, June 29, the six residents of the International Space Station (ISS) climbed into two Soyuz space capsules as an unidentified object hurtled past them at a speed of 29,000 miles per hour, missing the space station by only 1100 feet. This was only the second time in the 10 year history of people living on the space station that the crew needed to take such precautions. If the station had been hit, the crew could have quickly undocked from the ISS and returned to Earth via the space capsules. Currently, there are four hams on board the ISS: Ron Garan, KF5GPO (NASA), Mike Fossum, KF5AQG (NASA), Sergei Volkov, RU3DIS (RKA), and Satoshi Furukawa, KE5DAW (JAXA). The other two cosmonauts -- Andrey Borisenko and Alexander Samokutyaev -- are not licensed.
CLUB REMINDER LIST
Wafflers net is progressing well on Wednesday nights. Operating frequency is 146.525 MHz simplex and commences at 1900 hrs. All welcome.
Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.
Grounds of around the club need mowing so contact Barry VK2BZ if you can assist.
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.
Well that's all the news I have this week.
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and 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 of biscuits.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS FOR SUNDAY 12TH JUNE 2011
Club News: ARE YOU A WAFFLA? Well the 1st of the Wafflers Net started last WEdnesday evening at 1900 hrs and the wafflers had 5 starters. The wafflers came from far away as Lemon Tree Passage and down as far as Merryland. The frequency again is 146.525 mhz SIMPLEX
the more the merrier.
.......................................................................................................................................
For the new user or Comer.
APRS NEWS.Warren VK2UWP reports. APRS is Automatic Position Reporting System. This system is available in your area. The APRS frequency is 145.175 MHz FM VK2RTZ-1 is the Westlakes rpt. There are repeaters in the following areas - Doo-Ee National Park VK2RGL-1, George West of Tarree VK2UNI-1, Collombatti NW of Kempsey VK2RMC-1, Dorrigo National Park - SW of Coffs Harbour , Pinnacles North of Grafton, Night Cap
National Park- North of Lismore, Aberdeen, Wallabadah, Tamworth, Armidale, Tenterfield and Coltonvale. There are still black holes on both these highways. In Newcastle area there are two fill in Digis and a new I-Gate on the Central Coast. The two fill in digi-repeaters
in Newcastle are owned by VK2UWP and VK2MMM. VK2RTZ-1 is owned and maintained by VK2ZTV.
Check out http://www.aprs.net.au/ for further information.
.........................................................................................................................................
>From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.
Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their
Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact
Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au
Its a great hobby to get involved in. You meet and talk to so many people world wide and locally.
......................................................................................................................................
>From Leonie - Contest manager
The next contest that will involve the club will be the RD contest. Leonie is seeking interested personnel to man the club station
Held the weekend closest to the 15th August 2011. Contact Leonie if you are interested in helping out. This is a 24 hr contest.
.....................................................................................................................................
Reminder Westlakes club field day will be held on the 18 of Sept 2011. The club is looking for suitable items that can be donated and then auctioned off so please have a look in your cupboards and garages. Boot sales are most welcome so please contact the Secretary if you are interested. The usual attractions will be there - famous BBQ, jellybean guessing competition, raffle and the clubs smiling autioneer. Lee Andrews will be in attendance.
.......................................................................................................................................
MEAT TRAY NEWS: Barrie VK2BXD was at the club to pick out of the barrell another winner. The barrell was spun many turns and who should
be picked out of the barrell? Well how much luck can one person have? Everyone was smiling but one person had the biggest smile. Michael VK2CCW Thats 3 trays in 5 weeks. Congratulations Michael.
..........................................................................................................................................
FROM THE STORE
Available from the store is a large number of Soanar transformers. 0-15 volts 1 AMP MULTI TAP and the other is 0-30 VA 1 AMP MULTI TAP
So there are no excusers for not building that power supply now. See Ali in the store next time you are at the club.
.......................................................................................................................................
WAVERLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB. Waverley ARC are holding a auction /sale on the 9th July 2011. Check out their website for further details
www.vk2bv.org
.........................................................................................................................
WORLD NEWS: NZART Amateur of the Year
New Zealand’s very worthy recipient of the Amateur of the Year Award, was David Searle ZL3DWS for the tremendous results he achieved in his Buildathon projects.
David has recently moved from Christchurch for obvious reasons to Bondi VK2 in Australia.
Speaking from Australia's 2nd favourite beach, David said "I was greatly surprised, yet proud, to learn that I had become NZART Amateur of the Year.
"Proud, because it acknowledges the success achieved by so many Canterbury radio amateurs and beyond, with the ZL3 Radio Buildathon project.
"Hundreds of Canterbury kids now know what amateur radio is, and which end of a hot soldering iron to grab to build a simple radio!
"So does mum and dad, school friends and all the others who would listen to a kid so proud that his or her first radio really works!
"If we each share our enthusiasm for a great hobby with just one young person, their interest in radio, communicating and electronics could last a life time."
David ZL3DWS / VK2DWS
......................................................................................................................................
DXpedition to Rotuma as 3D2R
After many months of careful planning, we are pleased to announce our DXpedition to Rotuma-3D2R with a large multi-national DXpedition Team.
Rotuma is located in the South Pacific Ocean and is #32 on Club Log's most wanted DXCC list.
Hrane Milosevic-YT1AD has recently visited Fiji and has obtained the license of 3D2R and a landing permit. We have received the Rotuma Island Council's official approval as well as from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The team of 19 operators will meet in Fiji on September 24th and sail to Rotuma with an arrival slated for September 27th. We will be active on all bands and modes from September 27th to October 7th, 2011.
We will focus on the low bands at this time of the year and will make every effort to satisfy the needs of EU operators.
At this time, we are seeking Foundation, Club and Individual Sponsors to help us defray the costs of carrying out this DXpedition.
Our official website: www.yt1ad.info/3d2r
.....................................................................................
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.
...................................................................................................................................
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and 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 of biscuits.
the more the merrier.
.......................................................................................................................................
For the new user or Comer.
APRS NEWS.Warren VK2UWP reports. APRS is Automatic Position Reporting System. This system is available in your area. The APRS frequency is 145.175 MHz FM VK2RTZ-1 is the Westlakes rpt. There are repeaters in the following areas - Doo-Ee National Park VK2RGL-1, George West of Tarree VK2UNI-1, Collombatti NW of Kempsey VK2RMC-1, Dorrigo National Park - SW of Coffs Harbour , Pinnacles North of Grafton, Night Cap
National Park- North of Lismore, Aberdeen, Wallabadah, Tamworth, Armidale, Tenterfield and Coltonvale. There are still black holes on both these highways. In Newcastle area there are two fill in Digis and a new I-Gate on the Central Coast. The two fill in digi-repeaters
in Newcastle are owned by VK2UWP and VK2MMM. VK2RTZ-1 is owned and maintained by VK2ZTV.
Check out http://www.aprs.net.au/ for further information.
.........................................................................................................................................
>From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.
Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their
Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact
Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au
Its a great hobby to get involved in. You meet and talk to so many people world wide and locally.
......................................................................................................................................
>From Leonie - Contest manager
The next contest that will involve the club will be the RD contest. Leonie is seeking interested personnel to man the club station
Held the weekend closest to the 15th August 2011. Contact Leonie if you are interested in helping out. This is a 24 hr contest.
.....................................................................................................................................
Reminder Westlakes club field day will be held on the 18 of Sept 2011. The club is looking for suitable items that can be donated and then auctioned off so please have a look in your cupboards and garages. Boot sales are most welcome so please contact the Secretary if you are interested. The usual attractions will be there - famous BBQ, jellybean guessing competition, raffle and the clubs smiling autioneer. Lee Andrews will be in attendance.
.......................................................................................................................................
MEAT TRAY NEWS: Barrie VK2BXD was at the club to pick out of the barrell another winner. The barrell was spun many turns and who should
be picked out of the barrell? Well how much luck can one person have? Everyone was smiling but one person had the biggest smile. Michael VK2CCW Thats 3 trays in 5 weeks. Congratulations Michael.
..........................................................................................................................................
FROM THE STORE
Available from the store is a large number of Soanar transformers. 0-15 volts 1 AMP MULTI TAP and the other is 0-30 VA 1 AMP MULTI TAP
So there are no excusers for not building that power supply now. See Ali in the store next time you are at the club.
.......................................................................................................................................
WAVERLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB. Waverley ARC are holding a auction /sale on the 9th July 2011. Check out their website for further details
www.vk2bv.org
.........................................................................................................................
WORLD NEWS: NZART Amateur of the Year
New Zealand’s very worthy recipient of the Amateur of the Year Award, was David Searle ZL3DWS for the tremendous results he achieved in his Buildathon projects.
David has recently moved from Christchurch for obvious reasons to Bondi VK2 in Australia.
Speaking from Australia's 2nd favourite beach, David said "I was greatly surprised, yet proud, to learn that I had become NZART Amateur of the Year.
"Proud, because it acknowledges the success achieved by so many Canterbury radio amateurs and beyond, with the ZL3 Radio Buildathon project.
"Hundreds of Canterbury kids now know what amateur radio is, and which end of a hot soldering iron to grab to build a simple radio!
"So does mum and dad, school friends and all the others who would listen to a kid so proud that his or her first radio really works!
"If we each share our enthusiasm for a great hobby with just one young person, their interest in radio, communicating and electronics could last a life time."
David ZL3DWS / VK2DWS
......................................................................................................................................
DXpedition to Rotuma as 3D2R
After many months of careful planning, we are pleased to announce our DXpedition to Rotuma-3D2R with a large multi-national DXpedition Team.
Rotuma is located in the South Pacific Ocean and is #32 on Club Log's most wanted DXCC list.
Hrane Milosevic-YT1AD has recently visited Fiji and has obtained the license of 3D2R and a landing permit. We have received the Rotuma Island Council's official approval as well as from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The team of 19 operators will meet in Fiji on September 24th and sail to Rotuma with an arrival slated for September 27th. We will be active on all bands and modes from September 27th to October 7th, 2011.
We will focus on the low bands at this time of the year and will make every effort to satisfy the needs of EU operators.
At this time, we are seeking Foundation, Club and Individual Sponsors to help us defray the costs of carrying out this DXpedition.
Our official website: www.yt1ad.info/3d2r
.....................................................................................
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.
...................................................................................................................................
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and 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 of biscuits.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE SUNDAY 5TH JUNE 2011
Yesterday saw Junes monthly meeting take place. A number of topics were discussed and some of them were Jumpers/or jackets
with the Westlakes logo on. Diane will be seeking prices for the next meeting. Those wishing to order see Greg. Also the 80
meter broadcast on Sunday mornings, do we continue with it or is there someone out there willing to assist Warren relay the broadcast weekly. Warren has been doing the relay now for a number of years Warren cannot be there all the time.
...........................................................................................................................
All beds have been taken for the Lighthouse and Lightships weekend in August.
...........................................................................................................................
This weeks meat tray winner is Barrie VK2BXD. The ticket was carefully choosen out of the barrel by last weeks meat tray Alley.
Congratulations
...........................................................................................................................
ARE YOU A WAFFLA?
Well the wafflas net is about to re commence once again on the 2 meter band. Robert - VK2MF will be commencing as the Head Waffla this
Wednesday night at 1900 hrs 146.525 SIMPLEX. Everyone welcome and lets have a good waffle. This will be a weekly event.
...................................................................................................................................
>From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.
Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their
Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact
Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au
Its a great hobby to get involved in. You meet and talk to so many people world wide and locally.
.................................................................................................................................
>From Leonie - Contest manager
The next contest that will involve the club will be the RD contest. Leonie is seeking interested personnel to man the club station
Held the weekend closest to the 15th August 2011. Contact Leonie if you are interested in helping out. This is a 24 hr contest.
...................................................................................................................................
The club activity room was again in busy with Norm vk2knc and Brian vk2fg. Norm was constructing a UN -UN balun for Brian while
a number of eyes watching what was going on. Richard has a number of T200-2 toroids excess to his needs. Contact Richard vk2frko
if you require one.
..................................................................................................................................
WEstlakes store news:
The store has in stock a number of packets of Nichrome wire that can be used for shunts e.g. Also on hand are a large number IEC leads -
computer power leads which they need to move out the door. Brand new 20 watt resistors 2K are also available. See the storeman on your next visit to the club.
................................................................................................................................
A number of members had birthdays since the last meeting and yesterdays meeting. Happy Birthday to Greg vk2cw,vk2frko and Paul vk2hv for the 14th. Both Greg and Richard blew out the candles and Greg carefully cut the cake.
................................................................................................................................
While you are listening to this broadcast Diane vk2fdne and Richard vk2frko will be on there way to Nelson Bay to receive service medals
from the Marine Rescue Commissioner for their time as volunteers looking after boaties in distress and surrounding areas. Congratluations
......................................................................................................................................
WIA NEWS. -
108 people were registered for the 2011 WIA Annual Conference held in Darwin on 27, 28 and 29 May 2011. After registration at the Travelodge Mirambeena Resort on Friday afternoon participants enjoyed a buffet dinner at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club. Highlights of the evening were the sun setting over Fannie Bay and an address by the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Graeme Sawyer, who spoke of the top end weather and ecology and the depressing damage cause by the cane toad.
The WIA Annual Merit Awards were announced and presented at the Annual Conference in Darwin on the weekend of 28/29 May 2011.
The G A Taylor medal was presented via a voice link to Jim Linton VK3PC, for his contribution to amateur radio over many years and in particular for his contribution as a member of the WIA Centenary Committee in providing professional guidance in respect of the promotion of amateur radio to the media.
Following the Annual Conference the WIA Board met in Darwin on Monday 30 May 2011. The Board reappointed Michael Owen VK3KI as President and Phil Wait VK2ASD as Vice President.
An important task of the Board at its meeting following the Annual General Meeting is to appoint or reappoint the various Contest Managers, Coordinators and other officers. John Spooner VK4AJS wished to retire as Manager of the Jack Files Contest, and Michael Charteris VK4QS was appointed as his successor. The other Coordinators and Managers were all reappointed.
.........................................................................................................................................
WORLD NEWS
Listening to HF via on the Web
A WebSDR is a Software-Defined Radio receiver connected to the Internet, allowing many users to listen and tune it simultaneously.
SDR technology makes it possible for all listeners to tune independently, and thus listen to different signals; this is in contrast to the older Internet connected receivers that can only be tuned by one person.
The WebSDR.org site lists Internet SDR receivers all over the world that you can use. If you ever wondered what your 40m signal sounds like in Atlanta then tune in one of the SDR's listed at http://www.websdr.org/
...........................................................................................................................
FCC Issues Citation to Illinois Company for Illegal Marketing of Unauthorized Radio Frequency Devices
TAGS: band frequency, Communications Act, criminal sanctions, equipment, forfeiture actions, lincoln, monetary forfeitures, personal interview, radio frequency, radio frequency devices, sale, single act, United States
06/02/2011
On June 2, the FCC issued a Citation to Gary L. Stanford -- doing business as Spark Gap CB Shop in Lincoln, Illinois -- for “marketing in the United States unauthorized radio frequency devices and external radio frequency power amplifiers.” This is in violation of section 302(b) of the Communications Act, and Sections 2.803(a)(1) (marketing of radio frequency devices prior to equipment authorization) and 2.815(b) (external radio frequency power amplifiers) of the Commission’s rules.
On November 1, 2010, an agent from the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau office in Chicago visited the Spark Gap CB shop in Lincoln. According to the Citation, the agent asked the clerk if the store had any amplifiers for sale. The clerk showed the agent a display case with external radio frequency power amplifiers for sale from several different manufacturers. The clerk also suggested that the agent consider purchasing a 10 meter Amateur Radio that is modified to operate on frequencies in the 11 meter Citizen’s Band. The clerk also showed the agent a 10 meter Amateur Radio that was on display and operating on a Citizen’s Band frequency.
...............................................................................................................................
Reminder Westlakes club field day will be held on the 18 of Sept 2011. The club is looking for suitable items that can be donated and then auctioned off so please have a look in your cupboards and garages. Boot sales are most welcome so please contact the Secretary if you are interested. The usual attractions will be there - famous BBQ, jellybean guessing competition, raffle and the clubs smiling autioneer.
...................................................................................................................
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.
...................................................................................................................................
Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and 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 of biscuits.
with the Westlakes logo on. Diane will be seeking prices for the next meeting. Those wishing to order see Greg. Also the 80
meter broadcast on Sunday mornings, do we continue with it or is there someone out there willing to assist Warren relay the broadcast weekly. Warren has been doing the relay now for a number of years Warren cannot be there all the time.
...........................................................................................................................
All beds have been taken for the Lighthouse and Lightships weekend in August.
...........................................................................................................................
This weeks meat tray winner is Barrie VK2BXD. The ticket was carefully choosen out of the barrel by last weeks meat tray Alley.
Congratulations
...........................................................................................................................
ARE YOU A WAFFLA?
Well the wafflas net is about to re commence once again on the 2 meter band. Robert - VK2MF will be commencing as the Head Waffla this
Wednesday night at 1900 hrs 146.525 SIMPLEX. Everyone welcome and lets have a good waffle. This will be a weekly event.
...................................................................................................................................
>From the Education Officer - WESTLAKES.
Licence upgrades are now once again available from the Westlakes A.R.C. at Teralba. Those budding amateurs wishing to obtain their
Foundation licence or those current Foundation licence holders wishing to upgrade to Standard or Advanced Licence please contact
Michael via email vk2oi@wia.org.au
Its a great hobby to get involved in. You meet and talk to so many people world wide and locally.
.................................................................................................................................
>From Leonie - Contest manager
The next contest that will involve the club will be the RD contest. Leonie is seeking interested personnel to man the club station
Held the weekend closest to the 15th August 2011. Contact Leonie if you are interested in helping out. This is a 24 hr contest.
...................................................................................................................................
The club activity room was again in busy with Norm vk2knc and Brian vk2fg. Norm was constructing a UN -UN balun for Brian while
a number of eyes watching what was going on. Richard has a number of T200-2 toroids excess to his needs. Contact Richard vk2frko
if you require one.
..................................................................................................................................
WEstlakes store news:
The store has in stock a number of packets of Nichrome wire that can be used for shunts e.g. Also on hand are a large number IEC leads -
computer power leads which they need to move out the door. Brand new 20 watt resistors 2K are also available. See the storeman on your next visit to the club.
................................................................................................................................
A number of members had birthdays since the last meeting and yesterdays meeting. Happy Birthday to Greg vk2cw,vk2frko and Paul vk2hv for the 14th. Both Greg and Richard blew out the candles and Greg carefully cut the cake.
................................................................................................................................
While you are listening to this broadcast Diane vk2fdne and Richard vk2frko will be on there way to Nelson Bay to receive service medals
from the Marine Rescue Commissioner for their time as volunteers looking after boaties in distress and surrounding areas. Congratluations
......................................................................................................................................
WIA NEWS. -
108 people were registered for the 2011 WIA Annual Conference held in Darwin on 27, 28 and 29 May 2011. After registration at the Travelodge Mirambeena Resort on Friday afternoon participants enjoyed a buffet dinner at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club. Highlights of the evening were the sun setting over Fannie Bay and an address by the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Graeme Sawyer, who spoke of the top end weather and ecology and the depressing damage cause by the cane toad.
The WIA Annual Merit Awards were announced and presented at the Annual Conference in Darwin on the weekend of 28/29 May 2011.
The G A Taylor medal was presented via a voice link to Jim Linton VK3PC, for his contribution to amateur radio over many years and in particular for his contribution as a member of the WIA Centenary Committee in providing professional guidance in respect of the promotion of amateur radio to the media.
Following the Annual Conference the WIA Board met in Darwin on Monday 30 May 2011. The Board reappointed Michael Owen VK3KI as President and Phil Wait VK2ASD as Vice President.
An important task of the Board at its meeting following the Annual General Meeting is to appoint or reappoint the various Contest Managers, Coordinators and other officers. John Spooner VK4AJS wished to retire as Manager of the Jack Files Contest, and Michael Charteris VK4QS was appointed as his successor. The other Coordinators and Managers were all reappointed.
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WORLD NEWS
Listening to HF via on the Web
A WebSDR is a Software-Defined Radio receiver connected to the Internet, allowing many users to listen and tune it simultaneously.
SDR technology makes it possible for all listeners to tune independently, and thus listen to different signals; this is in contrast to the older Internet connected receivers that can only be tuned by one person.
The WebSDR.org site lists Internet SDR receivers all over the world that you can use. If you ever wondered what your 40m signal sounds like in Atlanta then tune in one of the SDR's listed at http://www.websdr.org/
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FCC Issues Citation to Illinois Company for Illegal Marketing of Unauthorized Radio Frequency Devices
TAGS: band frequency, Communications Act, criminal sanctions, equipment, forfeiture actions, lincoln, monetary forfeitures, personal interview, radio frequency, radio frequency devices, sale, single act, United States
06/02/2011
On June 2, the FCC issued a Citation to Gary L. Stanford -- doing business as Spark Gap CB Shop in Lincoln, Illinois -- for “marketing in the United States unauthorized radio frequency devices and external radio frequency power amplifiers.” This is in violation of section 302(b) of the Communications Act, and Sections 2.803(a)(1) (marketing of radio frequency devices prior to equipment authorization) and 2.815(b) (external radio frequency power amplifiers) of the Commission’s rules.
On November 1, 2010, an agent from the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau office in Chicago visited the Spark Gap CB shop in Lincoln. According to the Citation, the agent asked the clerk if the store had any amplifiers for sale. The clerk showed the agent a display case with external radio frequency power amplifiers for sale from several different manufacturers. The clerk also suggested that the agent consider purchasing a 10 meter Amateur Radio that is modified to operate on frequencies in the 11 meter Citizen’s Band. The clerk also showed the agent a 10 meter Amateur Radio that was on display and operating on a Citizen’s Band frequency.
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Reminder Westlakes club field day will be held on the 18 of Sept 2011. The club is looking for suitable items that can be donated and then auctioned off so please have a look in your cupboards and garages. Boot sales are most welcome so please contact the Secretary if you are interested. The usual attractions will be there - famous BBQ, jellybean guessing competition, raffle and the clubs smiling autioneer.
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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.
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Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and 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 of biscuits.
Monday, May 30, 2011
WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE SUNDAY 29th MAY 2011
Well yesterday it was pies and sausage rolls all around as the clubs trustee canteen lady was away. On hand to look after the kitchen
was our new Committee member Fred VK2FEDC Well done Fred.
In the absence of Gloria ( last weeks meat tray winner ) Ally VK2AFZ was asked to pick this weeks meat tray winner.
The hand went deep into the barrel, a ticket was picked and the winner was wait for it Alley..... VK2AFZ. Congratulations.
Have you noticed something that has not happened at the club for awhile. Yes, its a project for club members to make or construct.
I am sure that if you know of a project that is of interest to others please tell us about and maybe we could
make it a club project or see Col ( VK2YP ) Club projects officer if you need some help.
LOCAL NEWS:
Did you manage to contact Jeff VK4XJJ Jeff is currently walking from Byron Bay to the W.A. Jeff is currently at WOLTARA BORE
and you can communicate with Jeff on 7045 KHz at 5 30 pm daily.
Congratulations to club member, Joe Buddingh of Dora Creek, who used to be VK2FJOE. He has upgraded to an Advanced
call and now answers to VK2JHB - his three initials. Good one Joe. Also Bill VK2FWGJ has moved up a grade. His new callsign is VK2LPU.
Just a reminder for those interested in field days. Oxley region Amateur Radio field day Will be Sat 11th and
Sunday 12th at the Tacking Point Surf lifesaving hall in Matthew Flinders Drive, PORT MACQUARIE.
Special event callsign VI4BOR. ALL WELCOME.
Did you notice all the activity in the radio room. Norm VK2KNC was showing Brian VK2FG some finer points on operating his
FT-817 and auto tuner. Derek VK2MLA was there supervising. The facilities of the radio room are there for use by club members and visitors.
Just remember that all calls must be logged in the log book provided.
Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.
Next Saturday 4th June will be our monthly meeting starting at 1:30 pm in the library. Everyone welcome.
World news.From Southgate Amateur Radio:
On top of the Australian DXCC again - DAVID VK3EW
The DX fraternity worldwide became aware late last year,of the constitutional changes for the now former Netherlands Antilles colonies island group in the
Caribbean Sea. The ARRL DX Desk had decided that from 10 October last, four new DXCC entities would begin and contacts with two former ones be deleted.
Not since World War II, resulting in so many new European entities, and the break-up of the French colonies in Africa in the early 1960s, have so many new
DXCC entities come into existence all at once.In anticipation of the great event, a number of DX-peditions were announced. Like many around the world,
David McAulay VK3EW has gained the necessary QSLs from the new ones at Curaçao PJ2T, Sint Maarten PJ7T, Bonaire PJ4I and Saba PJ6A.
Then he noticed no-one had filed the QSLs with the WIA Awards Manager. The WIA DX program follows the ARRL Rules for DXCC approved & deleted
entities and operations. David VK3EW subscribes to the WIA Australian DXCC.Finally the process was completed and once again he was proud to be at
the top of the Australian DXCC list. His DXCC standing is 348/340, which includes eight deleted DX entities. While all confirmed is on SSB, according to his
QRZ list he has five to go on CW. David VK3EW got into DX as a young ham, gaining the DXCC in late 1981 and in October 2005 received the first WIA 9 Band DXCC,
or 100 countries on all of 9 bands. Well done and the effort you made, which shows you are deserving of being on the top of the WIA Australian DXCC again.
RadioShack & The DIY Community
RadioShack, a retail supplier of parts for home constructors, wants to hear which parts or products the DIY community would like them to stock.
They say: Leave a comment on the site (link below) with the top three DIY-focused parts, pieces, or products that you would like to be able to find in a RadioShack store.
We'll compile the results and get to work bringing in the top products to help make your projects bigger and better. We wouldn't be here without great customers,
so we really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
http://blog.radioshack.com/post/2011/05/19/RadioShack-And-The-DIY-Community-You-Talked-Were-Listening.aspx
Japan scraps Morse test:
The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs has decided to scrap Morse telegraph testing for the Amateur Radio Class 1 and 2 licenses with effect from October 1, 2011.
A public consutation on the Morse test was held earlier in the year to which 39 people responded. Following the consultation the Ministry announced that
Morse telegraphy testing would be discontinued.
Japan pioneered the HF No-Code Amateur Radio license (Class 4) in the 1950's although they still required Morse for the higher license classes.
The written exam for the Class 4 is roughly equivalent to the Foundation exam in the United Kingdom and Australia and the discontinued USA Novice.
Read the Ministry of Internal Affairs announcement in Google English at http://tinyurl.com/3s4bljx
JARL Newsletter in Google English
http://tinyurl.com/43mxycc
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.
Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and 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 of biscuits.
was our new Committee member Fred VK2FEDC Well done Fred.
In the absence of Gloria ( last weeks meat tray winner ) Ally VK2AFZ was asked to pick this weeks meat tray winner.
The hand went deep into the barrel, a ticket was picked and the winner was wait for it Alley..... VK2AFZ. Congratulations.
Have you noticed something that has not happened at the club for awhile. Yes, its a project for club members to make or construct.
I am sure that if you know of a project that is of interest to others please tell us about and maybe we could
make it a club project or see Col ( VK2YP ) Club projects officer if you need some help.
LOCAL NEWS:
Did you manage to contact Jeff VK4XJJ Jeff is currently walking from Byron Bay to the W.A. Jeff is currently at WOLTARA BORE
and you can communicate with Jeff on 7045 KHz at 5 30 pm daily.
Congratulations to club member, Joe Buddingh of Dora Creek, who used to be VK2FJOE. He has upgraded to an Advanced
call and now answers to VK2JHB - his three initials. Good one Joe. Also Bill VK2FWGJ has moved up a grade. His new callsign is VK2LPU.
Just a reminder for those interested in field days. Oxley region Amateur Radio field day Will be Sat 11th and
Sunday 12th at the Tacking Point Surf lifesaving hall in Matthew Flinders Drive, PORT MACQUARIE.
Special event callsign VI4BOR. ALL WELCOME.
Did you notice all the activity in the radio room. Norm VK2KNC was showing Brian VK2FG some finer points on operating his
FT-817 and auto tuner. Derek VK2MLA was there supervising. The facilities of the radio room are there for use by club members and visitors.
Just remember that all calls must be logged in the log book provided.
Our club Field Day will be held on the 18th September this year so clean out your bedrooms, radio shack and garages for anything that
might be of some value that you might like to donate to the club for it auction table. If you have any items please bring them down and
give them to a Committee member.
Next Saturday 4th June will be our monthly meeting starting at 1:30 pm in the library. Everyone welcome.
World news.From Southgate Amateur Radio:
On top of the Australian DXCC again - DAVID VK3EW
The DX fraternity worldwide became aware late last year,of the constitutional changes for the now former Netherlands Antilles colonies island group in the
Caribbean Sea. The ARRL DX Desk had decided that from 10 October last, four new DXCC entities would begin and contacts with two former ones be deleted.
Not since World War II, resulting in so many new European entities, and the break-up of the French colonies in Africa in the early 1960s, have so many new
DXCC entities come into existence all at once.In anticipation of the great event, a number of DX-peditions were announced. Like many around the world,
David McAulay VK3EW has gained the necessary QSLs from the new ones at Curaçao PJ2T, Sint Maarten PJ7T, Bonaire PJ4I and Saba PJ6A.
Then he noticed no-one had filed the QSLs with the WIA Awards Manager. The WIA DX program follows the ARRL Rules for DXCC approved & deleted
entities and operations. David VK3EW subscribes to the WIA Australian DXCC.Finally the process was completed and once again he was proud to be at
the top of the Australian DXCC list. His DXCC standing is 348/340, which includes eight deleted DX entities. While all confirmed is on SSB, according to his
QRZ list he has five to go on CW. David VK3EW got into DX as a young ham, gaining the DXCC in late 1981 and in October 2005 received the first WIA 9 Band DXCC,
or 100 countries on all of 9 bands. Well done and the effort you made, which shows you are deserving of being on the top of the WIA Australian DXCC again.
RadioShack & The DIY Community
RadioShack, a retail supplier of parts for home constructors, wants to hear which parts or products the DIY community would like them to stock.
They say: Leave a comment on the site (link below) with the top three DIY-focused parts, pieces, or products that you would like to be able to find in a RadioShack store.
We'll compile the results and get to work bringing in the top products to help make your projects bigger and better. We wouldn't be here without great customers,
so we really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
http://blog.radioshack.com/post/2011/05/19/RadioShack-And-The-DIY-Community-You-Talked-Were-Listening.aspx
Japan scraps Morse test:
The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs has decided to scrap Morse telegraph testing for the Amateur Radio Class 1 and 2 licenses with effect from October 1, 2011.
A public consutation on the Morse test was held earlier in the year to which 39 people responded. Following the consultation the Ministry announced that
Morse telegraphy testing would be discontinued.
Japan pioneered the HF No-Code Amateur Radio license (Class 4) in the 1950's although they still required Morse for the higher license classes.
The written exam for the Class 4 is roughly equivalent to the Foundation exam in the United Kingdom and Australia and the discontinued USA Novice.
Read the Ministry of Internal Affairs announcement in Google English at http://tinyurl.com/3s4bljx
JARL Newsletter in Google English
http://tinyurl.com/43mxycc
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.
Now to wind up. Westlakes Amateur Radio Club Inc. is located in York Street, TERALBA - and 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 of biscuits.
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