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VK7AX  > NEWS     27.04.08 02:20l 629 Lines 21382 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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To  : NEWS@WW



VK7 REGIONAL NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 27TH APRIL 2008
----------------------------------------------------------

ANZAC THOUGHTS

ANZAC day is a day of reflection on the past and present military
conflicts. Starting with Gallipoli and the many other WWI conflicts
that claimed so many lives. Then WWII that again drew Australia into
war. Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, The Gulf Wars and Peacekeeping
missions.

We pause for a moment and remember those people who paid the supreme
sacrifice.

Lest We Forget

----------------------------------------------------------

JOHN GRACE PERPETUAL TROPHY

Following last week's announcement of the Athol Johnson Contest
winners, Ben VK7BEN, the contest manager has sent through pictures of
the newly created and engraved John Grace Perpetual Trophy.

It can be found on the link on the email and web editions of this
broadcast.

http://reast.asn.au/awards.php#johngrace

This trophy was created and carved by Max VK7KY from the North West
and shows an outline of Tasmania an intrepid contester holding a flag
with an "F" embroidered on it.

The winner of the inaugural John Grace Perpetual trophy was Tony
VK7FACC.

Congratulations Tony.

Ben lets us know that plans for a presentation/BBQ are in motion, and
further details of this will be in the coming broadcasts.

http://reast.asn.au/awards.php#ajcontest

(Justin, VK7TW)

----------------------------------------------------------

VK7 REGULAR BROADCASTS AND EVENTS

And a quick reminder of the regular events and broadcasts:

REAST – Wednesday 7th May – 8pm Domain Clubrooms – BS7H Scarborough
Reef DXPedition presentation.

NTARC – Wednesday 14th May – Allenvale TAFE Block B - Greg VK7YAD
demonstrating ATV.

And a quick reminder of the regular events and broadcasts:

Sewing Circle Net – Every day from 5pm on 3.59MHz

http://reast.asn.au/awards.php#sewingnet

CHARCT Quiz Net – Every Thursday night from 8:30pm on 3.585MHz.

http://www.qsl.net/charct/

NWTARIG broadcasts in the NW and Launceston during the week. Check
the website for details.

http://www.vk7ax.ausport.net/

REAST – ATV Experimenter's Night every Wednesday evening from 7:30pm,
apart from the first Wednesday of the month. Again check the website
for details.

http://reast.asn.au/events.php#ATVnights

----------------------------------------------------------

STOLEN EQUIPMENT NOTICE

Icom IC228A

Paul VK7NCW had an Icom IC228A stolen from his car which was in his
driveway last Sunday night. Paul comments that it was neatly removed
from the car which the police say indicates that it was probably
stolen for an order. The power cable was unclipped and the PL259
unscrewed.

So if you hear of a ICOM IC-228A being offered around the place then
please let Paul and/or the Police know.

(Paul, VK7NCW)

----------------------------------------------------------

NORTH WEST TASMANIAN AMATEUR RADIO INTEREST GROUP

Slow Scan Gateway

Repeating a segment from last week's broadcast as part of the Meeting
of NWTARIG on Saturday 12th. April.

The use of the 2 Meter Repeater VK7RMD for Slow Scan was discussed at
length.

A vote was taken by all those present and it was an overwhelming
decision to approve Slow Scan Transmissions on VK7RMD being shared
with voice traffic.

The SlowScanTV.net Gateway of VK7AX has been switched to the Mountain
Duncan Repeater and excellent SSTV pictures have been exchanged.

Work is in progress to install a watch dog timer, similar to IRLP, to
prevent SSTV transmissions interfering with voice transmissions
already in progress, when the gateway is waiting to transmit a
picture. Users are asked to be patient, and exercise some
tolerance until this timer is installed.

In the meantime all are welcome to use the SSTV gateway. Any
Questions should be directed to Tony VK7AX.

There are 2 basic modes of operation:

1). To go via the gateway ensure your FSKID button is ON and

2). To use the gateway as a repeater (returns your picture
immediately) ensure FSKID is OFF.

Further to this report, it is pleasing to observe at least 6 Local
Northern & North West amateurs testing on the slow scan gateway
during the past week, with excellent pictures received.

See you on SSTV.

73's until next time...

(Tony, VK7AX, NWTARIG President)

----------------------------------------------------------

NORTHERN NEWS

Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club News

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ntarc/

The next NTARC meeting will be at Alanvale TAFE on Wednesday the 14th
of May, where our special guest presenter will be honorary life
member Greg VK7YAD. Greg will have a demonstration and discussion on
his ATV project. For those of you who remember Greg's last
presentation on his compact HF loop antenna will know the depth of
knowledge, expertise he has, and this ATV project will be an example
of ham radio at its finest.

The latest exam session has seen Don Prewer from Perth pass his
Foundation Licence requirements, and Don is itching to get on the
air – he's applied for callsign VK7FLIN, so if you hear him on the
air, please make him feel welcome to the amateur radio ranks.

As part of a fundraising effort, NTARC would like to hear from anyone
interested in purchasing a little electronic scrolling message
badge. These nifty little devices come in either yellow or red LED
versions, and can be programmed with your own 256 letter scrolling
text message from buttons on the back. They come with a leather
holder, neck halyard and clip so you can wear the badge and make a
bold statement to the world. We need to get an order of at least 10
and anticipated price is $18 each. If you'd like one, let Jason know
after the broadcast, or via email at vk7zja@wia.org.au

We also hope that you're warming up your radios for the Trans-Tasman
80 metre telephony contest which is a six hour event from 6pm Eastern
Standard Time on the 10th of May. This is a fun event with a frantic
pace and if you're new to contesting, or even if you're not into
contesting at all but wondering what the fuss is all about, this
event is a great contest to start out on. Operate as a team or club
station, or operate solo, either way, give it a go, it really is a
lot of fun.

Thanks from

(Jason VK7ZJA, NTARC Secretary)

----------------------------------------------------------

SOUTHERN NEWS

Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania

Education & Training

http://reast.asn.au/events.php#TrainingCourses

The next examination session is on this Monday night 7 pm at the
Clubrooms.

We're looking at alternative methods of training for the Foundation
Amateur Radio Licence. At the moment a single candidate may be forced
to wait some time until sufficient candidates are available for a
training class.

Rather than hold a whole Saturday training exercise we aim to
incorporate it into our existing Saturday afternoon Winter Project
Group programme.

Candidates will be given a check sheet to guide them into completing
experiences that will assist in understanding areas in which they
will be later examined. It may be that other participants are willing
to help them with some of the activities.

In addition they will be encouraged to attend information sessions
held as part of this afternoon programme. While these are pitched at
a higher level than that required for a Foundation candidate it is
felt they would help.

Further the onus will be on the candidate to become familiar with the
Foundation Training Manual.

Candidates will then book an examination session for a convenient
time which would include both the practical and theory aspects.

And remember, Foundation Licence Manuals and CD's are available for
purchase at McCann's Model World in Elizabeth St. Hobart at $20.

2008 callbooks and CDs are also available from McCann's Model World
for $25.

http://reast.asn.au/events.php#FoundationLicenceCourse

(Reg, VK7KK, REAST Education Officer and Assessor)

----------------------------------------------------------

REAST Meetings and Events

May Presentation CHANGE

REAST's May presentation has changed and will be a big screen video
and audio presentation of the BS7H Scarborough Reef DXPedition.

In 2007 an intrepid multi-national group of DXPeditioners finally got
the go ahead to go to Scarborough Reef in the South China sea.

The presentation is professional produced by James Brooks 9V1YC and
is the official DXpedition video.

For those who don't know, Scarborough Reef is a bunch of rocks that
occasionally stick out of the ocean located in the South China sea
just West of the Philippines. It is a sunken volcanic atoll and it is
the rarest and most controversial entity on the DXCC list.

The presentation goes through the diplomatic disputes over this reef
between China and the Philippines and the minefield that the group
navigated through to even get back to reef.

The presentation goes through the four platforms constructed on the
rocks and the 16 person multi-national team that operated the multi-
station for 24 hours a day for a week.

It is a fascinating presentation of an hour in length that we will be
showing on the wide screen (16:9) and stereo sound.

8pm on May 7th in the Domain Clubrooms.

See you there.

http://reast.asn.au/events.php#ScarboroughReef

Please note our presentation by Phil Tompson VK7SS and Malcolm Crosse
from Novaris and Powercom on the installation of TV, Radio and
Networks within Kiribati has been postponed until our July
presentation night.

http://reast.asn.au/events.php#telecominpacific

(REAST Committee)

----------------------------------------------------------

Winter Project

http://reast.asn.au/events.php#winterproject

Yesterday's Winter project session saw Reg VK7KK as our guest tutor.
Reg ran those attending through a range of subjects mainly focusing
on the mathematics regarding the Standard licence upgrade.

Thanks Reg for your efforts.

Over the next few weeks there will be other guests tutors and a focus
on the:

1). Technical Basics including Voltage, Current, Resistance, Ohm's
Law and Power in DC circuits, Capacitance, Inductance, AC circuits,
Impedance and Reactance.

2). Mathematics

3). Transformers and tuned circuits

4). Solid state devices

5). Mains power and Mains power supplies

Just name a few.

So if you would like to come along you will need to be there by 2pm
Saturday in the Domain Clubrooms for the informal information section.

(Regards from Ken VK7XDY - Sat Afternoon Goup)

----------------------------------------------------------

ATV Experimenters Night

http://reast.asn.au/events.php#ATVnights

Well those special ATV presentation from Tony VK7FTCL, Frank VK7FINF
and Sam VK7FSTL just keep coming!

These guys have put together more very professional video with an
alternate introduction to the ATV broadcasts and the first of the
interviews with an amateur. This one is with Ken VK7XDY and these are
available via links to YouTube on the ATV Experimenter's night
webpage:

http://reast.asn.au/events.php#ATVnights

They have made great use of ChromaKey to superimpose familiar
backgrounds and effects. So, watch out for Tony, Frank and Sam our
roving reporters and recorders at the next amateur radio event…HIHI.

Last Wednesday night there was a short presentation on frequency
dividers by Justin VK7TW then into episode 6 of AmateurLogic.TV. We
welcomed Keven VK7KV as a visitor and had a good callback session.

And a reminder that the ATV nights happen on a Wednesday night
starting around 7:30pm and ATV goes out on 444.25MHz – just below SBS
on the UHF TV Band.

If you have an antenna pointed somewhere toward the Domain why not
try tuning down the low end of the UHF TV band on a Wednesday night
and give us a call on what you are seeing and hearing

(Justin, VK7TW)

----------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL NEWS

Copper Thief Jailed in VK7

As heard on the WIA National news earlier – copper theft is on the
rise and Bob VK7KRW sent through an article from the Derwent Valley
Gazzette of 16 April about someone who just did not learn and is
serving jail time for it.

A man who cut over-head power lines at Wayatinah to try to steal
scrap metal was sentenced to 18 months, jail last week.

Graham Hall, 34, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to one charge of
stealing and one charge of unlawfully injuring a public utility.

In early September, Mr Hall drove from New Norfolk to the Liapootah
Power Station to scavenge for scrap metal.

He broke into the compound and removed 100kg of wire which he sold to
a metal recycler. The value of the wire was estimated at $2000.

On September 23, Mr Hall and another man drove to the Wayatinah tip
looking for scrap metal.

Despite a sign saying "Danger Live Wires Overhead - Do Not Climb", Mr
Hall climbed the pole.

He reached for one of the overhead lines with wire cutters and
received an electric shock of 22,000 volts.

He was thrown from the pole, landing some distance away with serious
burns to his legs and arms.

He received a number of skin grafts and was in hospital for three
weeks.

Justice Peter Evans said the day after Mr Hall was released from
hospital, when he was "still swathed in bandages", he travelled to
the Tungatinah Power Station with two others, searching for scrap
metal.

"Not deterred by his former miscalculation, the defendant concluded
that the power lines were no longer live, climbed the pole, and cut
through a large copper cable," Justice Evans said.

Although the cable was live, the defendant did not receive a shock.

But the cutting of the cable resulted in four of the five pipelines
to the power station being shut down and loss of supply to the state
grid.

The power station was taken out of service for 24 hours at a cost to
Hydro Tasmania estimated at $203,385 in lost power generation, plus
repair costs of $5836. As a consequence of this and prior incidents,
Hydro Tasmania has also instigated security patrols at an on-going
cost of $23,000 per month.

Justice Evans considered Mr Hall's prior record for stealing and
burglary in sentencing.

"Whilst I recognise that the, defendant neither intended nor
anticipated the consequences of his actions at the Tungatinah Power
Station, this does not relieve him from responsibility for them. They
flow directly from his irresponsible, criminal action," he said.

Mr Hall was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

http://www.supremecourt.tas.gov.au/cops/hall_g_c

(Derwent Valley Gazzette - 16/04/08 via Bob VK7KRW)

----------------------------------------------------------

BPL NEWS

VK7 Electricity Regulator Rules BPL Breach

Tasmania's electricity provider, Aurora Energy, has been found to
have breached the state's Electricity Code.

The breach relates to high levels of electromagnetic interference
(EMI) from powerlines being used for a broadband trial in the Hobart
suburb of Mount Nelson.

The electricity regulator, Andrew Reeves, has upheld a resident's
complaint relating to the EMI levels recorded by the ACMA in January
2007.

However, Mr Reeves will not take any action against Aurora because
the broadband trial ended five months ago.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/21/2222408.htm

(ABC News website via Ben, VK7BEN)

----------------------------------------------------------

HISTORY NEWS

Do you remember Kilroy? Who the heck was KILROY??

KILROY WAS HERE!

In 1946 the American Transit Association, through its radio
program, "Speak to America," sponsored a nationwide contest to find
the REAL Kilroy, offering a prize of a real trolley car to the person
who could prove himself to be the genuine article.

Almost 40 men stepped forward to make that claim, but only James
Kilroy from Halifax, Massachusetts had evidence of his identity.

Kilroy was a 46-year old shipyard worker during the war. He worked as
a checker at the Four Rivers Shipyard in Quincy. His job was to go
around and check on the number of rivets completed. Riveters were on
piecework and got paid by the rivet.

Kilroy would count a block of rivets and put a check mark in semi-
waxed lumber chalk, so the rivets wouldn't be counted twice. When
Kilroy went off duty, the riveters would erase the mark.

Later on, an off-shift inspector would come through and count the
rivets a second time, resulting in double pay for the riveters.

One day Kilroy's boss called him into his office. The foreman was
upset about all the wages being paid to riveters, and asked him to
investigate. It was then that he realized what had been going on.

The tight spaces he had to crawl in to check the rivets didn't lend
themselves to lugging around a paint can and brush, so Kilroy decided
to stick with the waxy chalk. He continued to put his checkmark on
each job he inspected, but added KILROY WAS HERE in king-sized
letters next to the check, and eventually added the sketch of the
chap with the long nose peering over the fence and that became part
of the Kilroy message. Once he did that, the riveters stopped trying
to wipe away his marks.

Ordinarily the rivets and chalk marks would have been covered up with
paint. With war on, however, ships were leaving the Quincy Yard so
fast that there wasn't time to paint them.

As a result, Kilroy's inspection "trademark" was seen by thousands of
servicemen who boarded the troopships the yard produced. His message
apparently rang a bell with the servicemen, because they picked it up
and spread it all over Europe and the South Pacific. Before the war's
end, "Kilroy" had been here, there, and everywhere on the long haul
to Berlin and Tokyo.

To the unfortunate troops outbound in those ships, however, he was a
complete mystery; all they knew for sure was that some jerk named
Kilroy had "been there first." As a joke, U.S. servicemen began
placing the graffiti wherever they landed, claiming it was already
there when they arrived.

Kilroy became the U.S. super-GI who had always "already been"
wherever GIs went. It became a challenge to place the logo in the
most unlikely places imaginable (it is said to be atop Mt. Everest,
the Statue of Liberty, the underside of the Arch De Triumphe, and
even scrawled in the dust on the moon.)

And as the war went on, the legend grew. Underwater demolition teams
routinely sneaked ashore on Japanese-held islands in the Pacific to
map the terrain for the coming invasions by U.S. troops (and thus,
presumably, were the first GI's there). On one occasion, however,
they reported seeing enemy troops painting over the Kilroy logo! In
1945, an outhouse was built for the exclusive use of Roosevelt,
Stalin, and Churchill at the Potsdam conference.

The first person inside was Stalin, who emerged and asked his aide
(in Russian), "Who is Kilroy"?...

To help prove his authenticity in 1946, James Kilroy brought along
officials from the shipyard and some of the riveters. He won the
trolley car, which he gave it to his nine children as a Christmas
gift and set it up as a playhouse in the Kilroy front yard in
Halifax, Massachusetts.

So now You Know!

(Courtesy of Roger VK7ARN)

----------------------------------------------------------

WEB & EMAIL EDITION EXTRA BITS!!

Virtual Bubble Wrap – Stress Reliever

http://www.therightfoot.net/mystuff/whatever/swf/bubblewrap.swf

ANZAC Site

http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/

The WWI AE2 RAN Submarine

http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/5environment/submarines/ae2.html

The Australian War memorial has released rarely seen film taken at
ANZAC Cove and Suvla Bay in 1915.

http://www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/anzac_film.asp

Swan Lake – Chinese Style

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOqxSaW05p4

Whereis that Street?

http://www.whereis.com/whereis/home.do

Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Ebay

www.ebay.com.au

Do you have some interesting amateur related sites you have some
across in the last week – send them in to justingc@ozemail.com.au

VK7 Virtual BPL Tours Update

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdcY0Eetvsw - Mt Nelson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gsxpya3CnQ - North Hobart

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7DfdxjRkpU - RU ready for BPL?

----------------------------------------------------------

If you are interested in becoming an amateur radio operator or
upgrading your licence then we suggest you contact your local club
for details and/or take a look at what the Radio and Electronics
School has to offer. They have a range of courses that can be
delivered through a variety of methods.

They can be found at: www.radioelectronicschool.com

----------------------------------------------------------

Finally today, a reminder to those people rostered for next week's
broadcasts:

Newsreader: VK7IR

160m: VK7DM
80m: VK7TW
40m: VK7RO
20m: 20M GROUP
10m: VK7ZGK
UHF CB: VK7FTAZ
HF CB: VK7TED

Thanks to all people and organisations who assisted with this
broadcast.

----------------------------------------------------------

THAT CONCLUDES OUR VK7 REGIONAL NEWS BROADCAST FOR THIS WEEK.

YOU HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO OR JUST MISSED VK7WI. NEXT WEEK THE
NATIONAL WIA NEWS CAN BE HEARD AT 0900 FOLLOWED BY THE VK7 REGIONAL
NEWS AT 0930 HOURS.

DETAILS TO SEND NEWS FOR THIS BROADCAST CAN BE FOUND AT REAST.ASN.AU
AND THE DEADLINE FOR ITEMS IS 21:00 ON FRIDAY PRIOR TO THE SUNDAY OF
THE BROADCAST.


VK7 Regional Broadcast & News Coordinator
Justin Giles-Clark, VK7TW

----------------------- END NEWS TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------


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