WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE 14TH SEPTEMBER 2014

This Morning, our broadcast comes live from the Westlakes Amateur Radio Club grounds located at Teralba. Today is the clubs Major field day and the gates opened at 9:00am. Stall holders got in earlier to setup. Looks like we will have quite an attendance today as there are quite a few early birds already here, waiting to snatch up a bargain. Its FREE ENTRY, BBQ lunch, cold drinks, tea and coffee, ice creams. There may even be some cakes for sale. No Andrews comms this year people, but good bargains at the auction table. Yes a small freebie table will be available. The auction will start about 11:30 am so be here early. The clubs Major raffle will be drawn at 12 midday with the prize being a Yeasu FT817D. A very handy multi band and mode transceiver. Discussion regarding next years special event call of VI*100ANZAC was held and various points were brought up. This could be an opportunity for the club to once again be in the limelight as we did with the VI100WIA call. More on this as the event gets closer. Yesterdays meat tray was won by Barry VK2VBF. Enjoy the meat tray Barry and see you next week. The club is sparkling after a brush down and wash and inside all floors swept and mopped and a final vacuum through out. Grass mowed where we could, dodging between the saturated grounds but all well for today. During the week the new box guttering was delivered to the club. 8 meters in length and to be installed sometime in the near future. Hopefully this will end the water from coming down the walls in the front door entrance. The new exit door in the library was finally good for something. Dave VK2RD decided to open it and carry the new box guttering through the door way and place it in the hallway. This brings us to our next it point. Please if you have to go up to the library take extreme CARE as the box guttering comes down the hallway a fair way up. A barrier has been placed in the hallway to stop traffic up into the library. Interested in upgrading your licence? We are holding an assessment session for those who wish to upgrade their licence on Saturday 4 October, commencing at 12:30 hrs. If you would like more information, please contact Steve VK2LW at VK2LW@wia.org.au If you are interested, please contact Steve as soon as possible so he can make sure the exam papers are available for the day. Many thanks.Steve VK2LW WIA NEWS.- Important Notice - News Broadcasts: The WIA has been contacted by the ACMA in relation to material of an advertising nature being aired on an amateur radio news broadcast. Upon investigation it was found that the offending material was part of a state based broadcast, and not the WIA national broadcast originating from the studio's of Graham VK4BB. The WIA wishes to remind all amateurs involved in preparing broadcasts for their local radio clubs that the Radio communications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination prevents the transmission of material that is, or includes, an advertisement or any form of entertainment. Short music tags introducing the WIA news are not considered entertainment. To avoid any future confusion, all news broadcasts should clearly identify the originating club or group, and a clear distinction should be made between the national WIA segment and any following broadcast segment originating from another group. Regards Phil Wait This is VK2ATZ ARNSW would like to advise listeners that the 3.699 kilohertz morse transmission from VK2WI re commenced a couple of weeks ago. Additional speeds of 20 and 25 words per minute have been added, along with more text. It is a continuous service except at Sunday broadcast periods. Reports are most welcomed - which can be emailed to callbacks@arnsw.org.au Don’t forget the EZYBEE net at 08:00 am every Saturday morning on 146.775 where we discuss what is happening at the club that day. And for the early risers we can’t forget the Stone the Crows net on 80 metres, 3.588 Mhz at 06:00 am Do you have a news item that you would like read out on a future 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service operates. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR AUGUST 31ST 2014

In the library, a small meeting was held to discuss last weekends Our town Hobby show in which the Westlakes club had a stand. Quite a lot of suggestions were put forward and will be collated and acted on by Barry VK2VBF who will then present a report to the management committee for action. After the meeting the meat tray was drawn by Joanne ( Diane's friend ) and whose ticket did she pull out? Yes, it was Herb VK2ZVF. Congratulations Herb enjoy the meat tray. Seen and heard walking around on the roof was Richard VK2FRKO and John VK2FALE who measuring up a flashing for the roof. 8 meters long in one piece and open at the ends. Hopefully this will stop the leaking roof. Down near the swamp, Richard and Garry were busy sawing some branches of a tree that was annoying the antennas erectors who from time to time repair and maintain the clubs 160 meter and 80 meter dipoles. At the moment we don't have a 160 meter antenna. A working bee will be carried out in the warmer months to make and install a new 160 and 80 meter dipole. Foundation Licence Update: In the classroom Geoff VK2GL was instructing the next group of candidates. Very soon we will hear some new voices on air. However, if you already have a Foundation or Standard Licence why not consider upgrading to either a standard or advanced callsign. Interested? Email vk2lw@wia.org.au The Canteen was in full swing with the return of chef Michael, once again cooking his famous hamburgers. They must have been alright as all seats at the table were occupied. Good to see you again Mike. Do you need more tickets for the raffle of the FT817 to be drawn at the Field Day. If so contact Greg VK2CW who will be happy to oblige. If you own a Baofeng Handheld and are having a problem with the input of frequencies... Stress no more, help is at hand with Nigel VK2FMT or Norm VK2KNC who can do a full download in a few minutes and have the little transceiver talking quite happily. The TS 820 is still proving to be a headache on the repair work bench. Lloyd is the next pair of hands that is applying his skills to try and fix this radio. Richard bought in a Drake SRD 1 - receiver for Norm VK2KNC to look at but without some manuals it was a bit hard to find the problem. More on this later. How many of you worked the ALARA ladies last night. There were quiet a few out there calling CQ. Come on guys and gals give them ago. From the WIA NEWS DESK: Draft WIA Repeater and Beacon Policy Released. After several months of discussion between the WIA and the various stakeholders, the WIA has now released a draft Repeater and Beacon Policy. The draft policy attempts to strike a balance between the principals of good spectrum management, (the minimisation of cross-interference between repeaters), and the experimental nature of the amateur service and its inherent need for flexibility. The WIA encourages all stakeholders to review the draft policy, and forward any comments to the WIA by the 1st November, 2014. Comments should be sent via the following Link The band segments and frequencies assigned to amateur repeaters and beacons are also currently under review by the WIA as part of the bandplan review.You are also encouraged to make a submission to that review.Here is the Link to the band plan review news release. September AR Magazine Now Online For Download. Are you a member of the WIA? Then the latest edition of AR magazine is available for down loading. Finally to finish off. Reminder to ALL MEMBERS: It is 2 weeks today to Westlakes annual field day on the 14th September in the club grounds. Have a look through your equipment and see what you are not using or better still look in you garage and see what is taking up valuable space. Perhaps you would like to donate it to the club. Remember to bring your own tables and a chair to sit on and you must take away ALL your own rubbish. If your are interested in a stall please contact the club secretary for further details. The 40 metre net on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays commencing at 09:30 hrs, on 7.150 MHz. is still a popular activity. Please call in and discuss any topic that you wish to bring up. We have many experts on any discussion. Last Wednesday morning Dave VK2RD was net controller. We don't charge for joining the net - its free and we are all friendly. ALL WELCOME. Also, the EZYBEE net at 08:00 am every Saturday morning on 146.775 where we discuss what is happening at the club that day. And for the early risers we can’t forget the Stone the Crows net on 80 metres, 3.588 Mhz at 06:00 am 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR 3RD AUGUST 2014

At the club yesterday was the clubs monthly meeting and some of the items up for discussion were the up and coming Our town Model Show in 4 weeks time, Herb was thanked for clearing rubbish that someone dumped in the club grounds plus reports from various club committee members. In the absence of Garry VK2PE, President Steve VK2LW reached in and selected a lucky ticket. Lucky for some most people would say. In Steve's hand was the ticket with the callsign VK2AFZ . Yes it was lucky Ally. Enjoy the meat tray. After the meeting, the members were presented with a feast prepared by Penny. From all the members there yesterday - THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Education News: President Steve advised that John Saunders has done his assessment for the Advanced Licence and will do his exam on the 26th of this month. We wish him all the best. The next Foundation assessments will be held on the 30th August commencing at 1300 hrs and there is 1 vacancy left for anyone that is interested. The assessments will be held at the club house at Teralba on the 27th September. In the activity room, Barry VK2BZ was trying to fix his Kenwood TS-820 which had no display. Barry had a bad day as he had left his microphone at home. Another mic was wired up. Barry will have another go next week. Anyone got a TS-820 that has had display problems? Perhaps you could get in contact with Barry and tell him where to start looking. Also in the activity room was Alec VK2ZM who had his MST 800 and MST 400 on display. Marcel was there checking the two sets out and guess who else was in there. Yes, it was Norm VK2KNC giving Alec some advice. Bad luck Alec its back to the drawing board for you. A late comer to the activity room was Max VK2TTI who had some issues with his SDR software on his laptop. Once again it was Norm to the rescue. It has come to notice that a certain member was seen/heard talking about riding a push bike around the Lake Foreshore. Yes, it was Dave VK2RD. I wonder how far Dave rode and how far he walked. Were you calling CQ via your handheld? By the way Dave is taking names so he can start a pushbike club. We need a picture for the club mag Dave. The clubs 160 meter dipole antenna is only operating on one leg. The other leg was found wrapped up on the ground/fence so it looks like we have to have an antenna building day. Did someone mention antenna building day? Well there’s good news in that dept. Leigh VK2KAL/VK2KY advises that After the success of the AR NSW ‘Balun spectacular’ on Sunday 29 June 2014, we have decided to do another order of KevFlex wire. This time we will take orders for NON FIXED LENGTHS. This is very strong wire and yes it can be soldered. The price we think we be $1.00 per meter. The normal price is about $1.50 per meter. So if you are interested please email Barrie VK2QG and tell him how many meters that you require and the club can put in a bulk order to ARNSW. Listen out in future broadcasts for updates to this deal. An Introductory course for computers will start in the next month or so. An indication of numbers is appreciated. Please contact Michael George at the club or email michaelgeorge@beagle.com.au to register your interest. Course is to cover the very basics of computer operations so if your having trouble grasping the very basics, we are here to help. TELSTRA ANNOUNCES PLANS TO SHUTDOWN 2G MOBILE NETWORK In an online post on the 'Telstra Exchange' website, Telstra's Network Group Managing Director, Mike Wright, advised that the 20 year old 2G network would be dismantled over the next two-and-a-half years. Wright cites that the mobile network accounts for less than 1% of total network traffic and that the company has not sold a 2G specific device in over 2 years. Technologies on newer 3G and 4G networks continue to evolve and already offer higher speeds, having attracted a large proportion of the 2G customer base. It is expected that the 2G frequency allocations will be reassigned to expand the remaining networks. This as Vodafone also announces a "refarming" plan to migrate some 3G spectrum to improve their 4G offering. From Lesley, VK5LOL, the Alara Contest manager. Just wanting to let you know that the 34th Alara Contest is coming up in August, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st; the last weekend of August. Details can be found on the Alara website. It would be wonderful if more YLs would participate particularly some of our newer F calls. We are very friendly and don't take contesting too seriously. Paper logs are welcome and there is also an Echolink section. Looking forward to speaking with lots of YLs on the 30th and 31st August. 33, Lesley VK5LOL" 2 weeks to go till the Lighthouse weekend at Norah Head. Those going to the site, get any gear ready that you need so you are ready to role on the Friday. We are getting there about 2:00 pm to set up. If you have any special dietary needs then contact Diane VK2FDNE so she can cater for you. The following weekend, 22nd,23rd and 24th the Club will have a site at the Newcastle “Our Town Hobby & Model Show” at Broadmeadow Race Course. We still need some volunteers to help out on the stand over the weekend. Contact Geoff VK2GL or Barry VK2VBF if you can help. You do not have to be on duty all day. You can have a look around the other displays if you wish. Reminder to ALL MEMBERS: Westlakes annual field day will be held on the 14th September 2014 in the club grounds. Have a look through your equipment and see what you are not using, or better still look in you garage and see what is taking up valuable space. Perhaps you would like to donate it to the club. If your are interested in a stall please contact the club secretary for further details. Don’t forget the club 40 metre nets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays commencing at 0930 hrs, on 7.150 Mhz. Please call in and discuss any topic that you wish to bring up. Well that's all the news I have this week. 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service operates. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits. Good morning all.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE 27TH JULY 2014

In the library Les VK2RJ was waiting his turn to pull this weeks lucky meat tray winner from the ticket tumbler The lucky one this week is Gary VK2PE. The monthly Magazine was assembled by a band of helpers and then mailed out to arrive by Australia Post on Monday. Keep an eye on your letter box. The Digital version will go out Monday morning. The Activity room was busy with Dave VK2RD doing repairs to the Shack KW antenna tuner and Norm VK2KNC along with Barrie VK2QG bringing a Realistic DX 302 back to life. Good work gents. Michael, VK2GRM is now VK2OB. The call was held by Mike Keech from Wollongong who was a regular at the club. He wished his call to go to a younger member of Westlakes and Mike G was the one chosen. 3 candidates sat for upgrades to the Regulations section in preparation for the Standard licence. All went well we are informed. As below, please let your members know that Lyle Patison VK6ALU,previously VK2ALU, has passed away. Lyle, always a helpful gentleman, was well known to many for his early work on EME projects during the 1970's, using an ex CSIRO dish in Wollongong. Regards Ted Thrift VK2ARA The 'walkie talkie' dongle that means you’ll never be out of touch with your friends: A new gadget can turn your phone in a 'walkie talkie' - even if you have no phone coverage. The go Tenna uses radio waves to communicate over 50 miles. If both people have a device, they can messages each other and send their location, complete with a map The gadget also creates a 'mesh' network among users, allowing the range to be extended. The firm says the gadget is perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and even for families who travel a lot - who can use it abroad without paying roaming charges Read more: Google Walkie Talkie Dongal Homemade radios in North Korea: Korea NK News report on homemade radios being used in North Korea. They quote Kim Seung-chul as saying “Those who live near China may buy Chinese radio, but those who don’t have to contact the local ‘underground radio-maker’” Read the full story at http://www.nknews.org Reminder to ALL MEMBERS: Westlakes annual field day will be held on the 14th September 2014 in the club grounds. Have a look through your equipment and see what you are not using or better still look in you gargage and see what is taking up valuable space. Perhaps you would like to donate it to the club. Remember to bring your own tables and a chair to sit on and you must take away ALL your own rubbish as the club WILL NOT be getting a skip. If your are interesting in a stall please contact the club secretary for further details. Don’t forget the club 40 metre nets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays commencing at 0930 hrs, on 7.150 Mhz. Please call in and discuss any topic that you wish to bring up. We have many experts on any discussion. Also, the EZBEE net at 0800 am every Saturday morning on 146.775 where we discuss what is happening at the club that day. And for the early risers we can’t forget the Stone the Crows net on 80 metres, 3.588 Mhz at 0600 am 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR 13TH JULY 2014

In the library was the drawing of the this weeks meat tray winner. Last weeks winner Norm VK2KNC ( sporting his big smile ) reached in and selected a ticket from the ticket tumbler. In his hand when it finally came out of the barrel.... Greg. Yes Greg Smith Junior ( VK2FGJS ) Congratulations Greg, enjoy the meat tray and don't forget to be here next week. In the activity room, Norm and Michael were working on a new project which will be made available to build in the next few weeks. Listen on further broadcasts for when the this kit ( a noise bridge ) will become available. Also in the activity room was Marcel ( VK2HAQ ) assisting Tony fixing his computers. Not sure of what the problem was. Maybe Marcel can comeback in call backs and let us know. What a great attendance from members at the club yesterday. There were virtually no parking spots left and so many areas of activity inside. Thanks to the helpers in the QSL Buro, assisting Alex to reduce the pile of inwards cards. And a big thank you to Herb, VK2ZVF for getting in and doing what the Council should have done - Clean up the dumped rubbish at the end of the classroom. Great job guys... The Secretary is taking orders for club “T” shirts. If you require a T shirt or you wish to purchase another please contact Barrie VK2QG. Name badges can also be ordered through Barrie and the price of a name badge is about $10. Please include a stamped addressed envelope when ordering. The log periodic beam antenna needs some TLC. We need to get the antenna off the tower and onto the ground when routine maintenance can be done. Anyone listening know someone with a 50 ft cherry picker we can use for the right price? Or does someone have any other ideas on how to lower the antenna to the ground. Welcome to the bands and the hobby of Amateur Radio to Luke, VK2FALA and John VK2FALE. They had their Handhelds at the club yesterday to be programmed, ready for call backs this morning. Congratulations Gents... Enjoy.. At the club yesterday were all these little radios called Baofeng wandering around. They were all programmed to speak English not Engrish/chinese. These are a great little radio. Check them out on the web. SPY V SPY A new ground station will be built at the Australian spy base near Geraldton in Western Australia (VK6) to dramatically upgrade access to next-generation military satellite communications for US and Australian troops across the globe. The move will provide a major boost to the war fighting capabilities of both countries, deepen the ANZUS Alliance and improve the rapid sharing of intelligence. Australians in emergency situations could soon be using Triple Zero in a whole new way, with Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull announcing a review into the system and how it could be better used to take advantage of modern mobile technologies. "Communications technology continues to advance, presenting new and exciting opportunities to improve the existing voice arrangements as well as new ways for telecommunications users to access assistance," Turnbull said. "New services such as the Emergency + Smartphone App, which displays the phone's GPS coordinates for the caller to read out to the emergency operator, is a great example of how modern technology can be used to improve the Triple Zero service." Australia's emergency phone line service can currently only be reached via a voice call. USA extends its ILLW lead The registered marine navigation sites in the United States of America for next month's International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend now stands at 61 - ahead of Australia and Germany both with 56, followed by England on 26. The US tally is buoyed by 14 never-before-activated structures, and Australia has 4 virgin lighthouses this year. Spain and Germany also have first-timers. Lightships to join the fun-event so far are in England, Finland, Germany, Netherlands and the USA. No matter where you are there's plenty to contacts to be made and some issue special QSL cards. In the Americas registrations come from Barbados, Canada, Chile, Curacao, Falkland Islands, Honduras, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Uruguay. In greater Europe there's Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Northern Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales. The Asian region so far Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand have registered. Others come from sea-going nations include South Africa and New Zealand. Among the loyal original 1998 entries seen today is Scotland's stone-built Barns Ness Lighthouse that began in 1901. During World War II it was machine-gunned yet sustained no damage. One of many in 39 countries eagerly looking for contacts is Alan Waye VK5PBZ at the Port Germein Lighthouse. He will be active on both days using HF, D-STAR and also expects to be very popular on the IRLP node 6865. Each registration from has a history to tell. Simple guidelines or online registration for the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on August the 16th and 17th are on the website www.illw.net The Westlakes team will once again be at Norah Head Lighthouse getting there on Friday afternoon and leaving around 1100 on Sunday morning. Tea and coffee will be available for anyone wishing to make day visits. Last year Richard setup 2 antennas - an off-centre fed dipole and a Tilted terminated folded dipole. Both antennas worked extremely well. Listen for us on the 15th,16th,and 17 of August. The club will also be doing the Sunday broadcast from the Lighthouse. Reminder to ALL MEMBERS: Westlakes annual field day will be held on the 14th September 2014 in the club grounds. Have a look through your equipment and see what you are not using or better still look in you garage and see what is taking up valuable space. Perhaps you would like to donate it to the club. What the club does NOT EXCEPT - CRT computer monitors, video players, old TVs of the CRT type. Remember to bring your own tables and a chair to sit on and you must take away ALL your own rubbish as the club WILL NOT be getting a skip. If your are interested in a stall please contact the club secretary Barrie VK2QG for further details. So Sunday the 14th September at the club grounds and entry is FREE... Be there... Possible good news: Panasonic announced that they will scrap production of Plasma TVs, now Samsung have made a similar announcement - 'Samsung is to stop producing plasma televisions (PDP TVs) by 30 November'. It said falling demand meant it would instead focus on producing curved and ultra-high-definition (UHD) TVs. "This is very good news for the HF spectrum, but will not reduce efforts to improve emission standards for frequencies below 30MHz. The existing standards are based on conducted emissions at the connection ports of the apparatus - pressure has been building for many years now to have radiated emission test. This will be an important step forward with so many new devices/ apparatus polluting the HF spectrum. Don’t forget the club 40 metre nets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays commencing at 0930 hrs, on 7.150 Mhz. Please call in and discuss any topic that you wish to bring up. We have many experts on any discussion. Also, the EZBEE net at 0800 am every Saturday morning on 146.775 where we discuss what is happening at the club that day. And for the early risers we can’t forget the Stone the Crows net on 80 metres, 3.588 Mhz at 0600 am 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service operates. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.

WESTLAKES NEWS FOR THE 29TH JUNE 2014.

In next months magazine will be details of our annual major raffle, to be drawn at the field day in September. All will be revealed and tickets for a grand prize worth winning will go on sale. Stay tuned... In the library, last weeks meat tray winner Ally ( won under Suspicious circumstances - drew his own ticket out ). Lillian ( visitor ) reached into the ticket tumbler and selected the ticket of Ted VK2UI. Enjoy the meat Ted. In the absence of Chef Michael, pies and sausage rolls were once again on the menu. A sorting day will be conducted in the QSL buro on Wednesday 2nd July at 10:00 am after the 0930 net. If anyone is available to assist please we would love to see you. Lunch will be provided. Lighthouse weekend at Norah Head of the weekend of 15th, 16th and 17th August is fast approaching and the menu was drawn up today. For all of those who are attending Diane VK2FDNE will email you the menu. If you have any extra needs or are allergic to any food please let Diane know. New Foundation licence. Firstly, on Saturday Mark Payne was successful in the final component for his Foundation licence. The paperwork is on it's way to the WIA and from all reports, Mark is a happy man That makes 6 new Foundation calls in the past 3 weeks. It's been a busy 3 weeks. Thinking of Upgrading? We will be doing upgrades on Saturday 26 July, with a starting of 1100 hrs. If you are interested, please email Steve at VK2LW@wia.org.au Upgrades can be done in stages. Next Foundation course. We currently have 2 vacancies in the next Foundation course, commencing on Saturday 30 August. The course will be run by Geoff VK2GL over a four week period, with assessment on Saturday 27 September. If you are interested or would like more information, please email Steve at VK2LW@wia.org.au. One of last weeks successful candidates is all ready to go. John Noack arrived at the club with a 40 metre dipole set up off a squid pole and coupled to a brand new FT817. It is tuned spot on and received great reports from VK3 with the 5 watts. Well done John. Richard VK2FRKO would like to advise that picking up a soldering iron by the hot end is not recommended and now has two hot spots on his thumb and fore finger. One day he will learn that when you play with fire you get burnt. WIA NEWS. 1st edition of AR digital has been released. Delivered as promised to ALL MEMBERS of the WIA. NEW AMATEUR RADIO CLUB North East Victoria Amateur Radio Club – NEVARC. A new radio club was formed on 15/06/14. It has been decided that there is the need for a pro-active club in the North East Victoria area. And here it is. the Formation of The North East Victoria Amateur Radio Club. The Club was formed officially on the 15th June, 2014. It was talked about 6 months before that. We Currently have 20 members which is growing all the time. If you like to know more about this club just log onto : www.nevarc.net.au NEVARC 80m Net. NEVARC will begin holding their weekly net on 3.560 from the 2nd July. The net will be hosted by Ron VK3MRH at 8.00pm. Regards Keith VK2PKT The Ionospheric Prediction Service is being reviewed A discussion paper has been released by the Ionospheric Prediction Service as the first step in what could be a wide-ranging review of the service. The Ionospheric Prediction Service - or, I-P-S as it is more commonly referred to - is a division of Australia's Bureau of Meteorology - the weather bureau. Being part of the Bureau makes sense, because much of the work of IPS has to do with "space weather" - the activity of the Sun, the solar wind and its interactions with the Earth's magnetic field and the ionosphere. The Terms of Reference for the review include the following # A review the policy basis for the Bureau's space weather services. # An analysis and international benchmarking comparison of the Bureau's Space Weather services, and use of observations and infrastructure, including: - their current status; - performance and impact; - scope; - manner of delivery; and - adequacy of capabilities and resourcing to deliver the service. Evaluation of the extent to which the Bureau's Space Weather services meet user needs - especially those of significant user groups and high-impact users. # Assessment of the strategic outlook - over 5 to10 years - for space weather services in Australian, regional and global settings - and, in light of the first three items - provide advice on the capabilities required to meet the future challenges; # Comment on the potential for cost-recovery of space weather services; AND Provide recommendations based on the above analyses, assessments and evaluations. The WIA encourages radio amateurs to lodge a submission to the review, especially if you use IPS services, explaining how the free IPS service provided to public radio users aids your communications activities. You can download a copy of the discussion paper from the home page of www.ips.gov.au, or via the news item on http://www.wia.org.au the WIA website home page. Get cracking ! Responses are required by the fourth of July ! Auckland Unitary Plan Submission Auckland Council's 'Plan' basically stipulates all amateur radio aerials would be subjected to a Restricted Discretionary resource consent. This is upwards of $5000 every time an antenna change is contemplated! But check this fact out, For instance, if I am a Kiwi yachty and want to mount a VHF marine whip on the barge board of my house, I can do it as of right, but if as a radio amateur I want to put an almost identical 2m whip on my bargeboard, I have to get a resource consent. NZART has consequently put in a rather comprehensive submission to try to achieve "Permitted Status" for a range of "amateur configurations". Auckland, with nearly a third of all amateurs in NZ, if it wins this case, it is probable that it will become the template for most other districts as they review their district plans in the future. Good luck NZART. DX stations note:- The phrase "Spending a Penny" is not to be used after 31 December 2014. From this date onwards, the correct term will be: "Euronating". Reminder to ALL MEMBERS: Westlakes annual field day will be held on the 14th September 2014 in the club grounds. Have a look through your equipment and see what you are not using or better still look in you gargage and see what is taking up valuable space. Perhaps you would like to donate it to the club. What the club does NOT ACCEPT - CRT computer monitors, video players, old TVs of the CRT type. Remember to bring your own tables and a chair to sit on and you must take away ALL your own rubbish as the club WILL NOT be getting a skip. If your are interested in a stall please contact the club secretary for further details. Don’t forget the club 40 metre nets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays commencing at 0930 hrs, on 7.150 Mhz. Please call in and discuss any topic that you wish to bring up. We have many experts on any discussion. Also, the EZBEE net at 0800 am every Saturday morning on 146.775 where we discuss what is happening at the club that day. And for the early risers we can’t forget the Stone the Crows net on 80 metres, 3.588 Mhz at 0600 am Well that's all the news I have this week. Does anyone have any late breaking news? 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. To make contact at other times, try dialling (02) 49 581588 where an answering service operates. Visitors are always welcome at the club. We have plenty of tea, coffee, long-life milk, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.

Westlakes News for 22nd June 2014.

The meat tray raffle. It was another controversial result. In the absence of last week's winner, Barrie VK2QG, Aly VK2AFZ was asked to make the draw. Closely observed by those in the library,he reached into the ticket tumbler and SELECTED.........yes, his own ticket! Enjoy the meat tray Aly. As well, two new members joined the club yesterday. They were John Saunders of Kotara South and Luke Beston of Cameron Park. Welcome to you both. In the absence of Michael VK2CCW the Canteen dispensed Pies And Sausage Rolls. These went down well, judging by the amount of used plates in the sink. They are good tucker from Thompsons Bakery at Gateshead. Five candidates sat for their Foundation Assessments at Westlakes yesterday. It was a busy day day for the assessors, Geoff VK2GL, Steve VK2LW and Dave VK2RD (on the Radio) who were still on the job at 4.00 pm. The good news is that “almost” all candidates were successful. The club lawns had a much needed mowing yesterday. Our junior mowing contractor,Sam, was on the job and has most of the job done. Only a bit more left to mow plus the whipper snipping and it should all be completed today. The July Magazines will be dispatched next weekend. In it is an article on the ZS6BKW antenna which can be supplied by Maple Leaf Communications in Canada. A copy of the magazine was forwarded to the owner of Maple Leaf, Bob VE3WY who was impressed with the content and asked if he could distribute our magazine to other Canadian amateurs. Fame at last! WIA NEWS: Good morning all ACMA have advised that the Amateur Radio Licence fee has been increased to $74.00. Variation to licence fee remains at $49.00. Regards Fred. As foreshadowed a few months ago, AR magazine will be available in digital format from the July issue. From the 26th of June - that's next week - you will be able to view or download the July 2014 edition of AR Magazine in PDF format from the WIA website, http://www.wia.org.au Here's how you collect your digital edition. First, you need to be registered for Memnet. Haven't done that yet? Never mind. It's easy. On the WIA website, under the "For Members" menu, you will see - right at the top - "Log into Memnet". This opens a page where you can register by clicking on the "Register" link. Obvious, isn't it? This will get you a Memnet password once you have entered your WIA Member Number, name and callsign. You will find your member number on the address flysheet that came with your previous print editions of AR magazine. Armed with your Memnet password - on or after the 26th of June, go to the WIA website. Look under the "For Members" menu and select "AR Magazine". Look just below the page headline for "Digital Edition" and click the link there. Once you have downloaded your July AR digital edition, you will see that it has been personalized with your Name, WIA member number and date you downloaded it. That will happen for each digital edition of AR you download in future. The WIA Board decided to synchronise the release date for the digital edition with the expected date that the print edition will be available in member's letterboxes in the eastern states. AR digital edition - another of the many growing benefits of WIA membership. Increased EMR knowledge in our syllabus The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has amended the Amateur Radio regulations syllabus, to expand the demonstrated knowledge of Electromagnetic Radiation or EMR.Safety has been on ACMA's agenda for a considerable time, and it is seeking to minimise risk and promote safety across all its operations, including Amateur Radio. The process to include EMR in the existing Amateur Radio Syllabus at all three licence levels, commenced about 18 months ago. One of the outcomes of the high-power trial for Advance Licence holders, the ACMA in consultation with the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA), found that EMR knowledge could be increased. The teaching of prospective radio amateurs already includes the importance to keep all persons (and animals) a safe distance from antennas, their orientation, the role of Effective Radiated Power, and radio wave danger with higher frequencies and power levels. The ACMA has gone further with its amended syllabus to spell out that knowledge of EMR is a condition for all classes of amateur licence, and recall where to locate the ACMA document titled "EMR Assessment Guide for Amateur Radio". It also wants known that the "Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency" ARPANSA sets the standard for Maximum Exposure Levels, 100 kHz to 300 GHz, its principles and methods of measurement. New licence assessment papers from the WIA Exam Service issued to assessors from June 2014 will reflect the new EMR provisions. The additional teaching time should be minor, but it will reflect knowledge of the licence requirements and community concern about radiation from transmitters. Reminder to ALL MEMBERS: Westlakes annual field day will be held on the 14th September 2014 in the club grounds. Have a look through your equipment and see what you are not using or better still look in you garage and see what is taking up valuable space. Perhaps you would like to donate it to the club. What the club does NOT ACCEPT - CRT computer monitors, video players,old TVs of the CRT type. Remember to bring your own tables and a chair to sit on and you must take away ALL your own rubbish as the club WILL NOT be getting a skip. If your are interested in a stall, please contact the club secretary for further details. ARNSW Balun Construction Day June 29 (Sunday) A technical day provided by ARNSW at the Dural site with lectures on the operation of baluns and practical construction of a balun from a kit. Bookings needed for the course and to reserve a kit. Send email to balun@arnsw.org.au to register. Lunch provided. Don’t forget the club 40 metre nets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays commencing at 0930 hrs, on 7.150 Mhz. Please call in and discuss any topic that you wish to bring up. We have many experts on any discussion. Also, the EZBEE net at 0800 am every Saturday morning on 146.775 where we discuss what is happening at the club that day. And for the early risers we can’t forget the Stone the Crows net on 80 metres, 3.588 Mhz at 0600 am 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 from around 11:00 am. Also on a Tuesday evening from around 6:00 pm. 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, a good Canteen and an interesting selection of biscuits.