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VK7AX > NEWS 18.05.08 09:59l 592 Lines 21482 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: VK7 Regional News Broadcast for 18 May 2008
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To : NEWS@WW
VK7 REGIONAL NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 18TH MAY 2008
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VK7JK'S LAST VK7 BROADCAST
Yep, as heard on the WIA National News, this broadcast will be the
last that John Rogers VK7JK reads. John has decided to give it a rest
after 28 years.
I put out a call for information about John's involvement in the
broadcast and received some great history not only about John but
about amateur radio in VK7.
John was one of the many who went off to WWII and flew Mosquito
Photographic Reconnaissance missions in and around Singapore for the
RAF. From 1947-49 John under went teacher training and dedicated his
life to teaching. In 1958 he became head teacher at an ESN school in
Manchester and in 1970 became a school inspector. 1979 John retired
and decided to moved to Tassie and has lived at the same QTH in
Blackmans Bay ever since.
John says he had five reasons for coming to Tassie – 1. The weather's
better, 2. We spoke English, 3. We drive on the correct side of the
road, 4. It was half the pace of life back in the UK and 5. The sun
came out enough to charge his watch battery!
John's involvement in amateur radio started with him becoming a
teacher. His involvement with the VK7 broadcast commenced in 1980 and
Richard VK7RO comments that John was one of the best thing to happen
to amateur radio in Hobart because
"he was really good at getting things going"
He used to stand up in the meeting and raise enthusiasm by saying
things like…
"it's like manure - no good unless it's spread around"
John resurrected the WIA Tasmania Divisional newsletter called QRM in
1984 soon after his arrival in Hobart, becoming the editor and these
are available in the State Reference Library.
In 1985 he helped to start the Activity Group with it's emphasis on
construction and around 1987 QRM reports that John was Broadcast
Coordinator.
John also helped start amateur radio classes following Julia's call
for action. Julia stood up at three consecutive meetings at the
Newtown clubrooms and exhorted us (Richard and John) to start a
class - and we did!
When I start to compile this tribute I was aware of a few names who
are sadly silent keys who used to be involved in the broadcasts in
their various forms. Names like Jack Batchelor, VK7JB and Bob Fulton,
VK7AF in 1950s and Brian VK7RR was able to provide some great
background leading up to John becoming involved in the broadcast.
Bob Fulton, now that goes back to the 50's and for many years, Terry
Connor VK7CT used to do the broadcast. Terry was a pipe smoker and
had the habit of tapping out his pipe as he spoke, so you always
listened, expecting this to occur!
Then Tom Allan VK7AL took over and did it on and off for many years.
The broadcast in those days often consisted of reading the contents
of the Bulletin (not THE Bulleting), but the VK7 monthly news letter,
which Tom used to pronounce as the Bullet INN.
In 1967, Brian was the editor of the this August magazine and with
it, came the responsibility of also collating and reading the news.
As I recall, this was shared, much as it is today, between Tom, Terry
and myself.
In the 1970s the Northern zone became very active and the southern
group started to suffer a decline in interest and activity. The
broadcast was originated in Launceston for a number of years. It was
not until the mid to late 70's that it returned to Hobart, having
been originated by a number of different people in the North.
The 70's also saw the formation of the Southern, Northern and North
West Branches of the WIA Tasmanian Division.
The broadcast on its return from Launceston saw Tom VK7AL who was
president at the time, again shouldered much of the burden of the
broadcast. I was one of a number of people who shared this with him,
as did Mike VK7FB who by then was living at the 7ZL site and had a
fine HF station.
Then two relative newcomers to the amateur ranks, Tom VK7FM and Brian
VK7VK, took over the broadcast for a number of years each. Tom had
worked as a technical trainer with the ABC for years, and Brian was
also technically trained, working with the ABC and later with the
TCAE and various colleges in Hobart. Those broadcasts were very well
prepared and presented.
Brian recalls that Barry VK7FR then became involved around the early
80's. We would go into the ABC studio on Saturday night and pre-
record the broadcast onto reel to reel tape, editing in live crosses
and reports. In those days we would receive a weekly cassette tape of
federal news. The quality of this used to vary from good to ordinary,
but with the ABC equipment we tried to get the best out of it.
On the Sunday the broadcast only required the pre taped reel to reel
to be run and then sit back for the round up of stations.
Over time, Barry took it over more and more on his own and brought
about a continuing improvement in quality and content, until his move
to the North West of Tassie, when, as I recall, John VK7JK offered to
take it over.
The rest is history although I do remember that I had a reprise in
reading the news on one occasion when John took ill and was unable to
do the RD broadcast.
At the last minute a member of his family turned up with the typed
script and it went to air, as if by prior arrangement. Even though he
was ill, John had still prepared the news broadcast in such a
condition that I could read it and make sense to the listeners.
Charles VK7PP remembers that John smoothing the waters at a branch
meeting in New Town in about 1985 when there was some confrontation
about who would be news coordinator and John stepped up to alleviate
the tension and said if he was wanted he would do it.
And he has done it since.!!
John has suffered several family tragedies over the past years, as
well as his poor health, but still comes up bright and shining.
I think Charles say what we all would like to say…
It has been a privilege to know one of "the RAF few", and of course
we all love him.
We will be sad to not to hear his voice on Sundays!
Best wishes and thanks for your years of dedication to great hobby.
(Compiled from many sources – thanks to all contributors)
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John responds – audio only.
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VK7 REGULAR EVENTS AND BROADCASTS
And a quick reminder of the regular events and broadcasts:
NTARC – Wednesday 21st May – Allenvale TAFE Block B - Greg VK7YAD
demonstrating ATV. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE.
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 – Winter Project Saturday Afternoons – 2-4pm at Queen Domain
Clubrooms. Interested in amateur radio and getting your licence then
come along and see what it's all about and you may even be able to do
some of the activities toward getting your licence along with a great
information session presented by a range of REAST members.
http://reast.asn.au/events.php#winterproject
REAST – Every Wednesday evening from 7:30pm is the ATV Experimenter's
Night and is running throughout the holiday period so, why not come
up and see what we get up to. Check the website for details.
http://reast.asn.au/events.php#ATVnights
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NORTH WEST NEWS
Table Cape Repeater Changes – VK7RAC
Dave VK7DC lets us know of recent changes to the linking setup in the
Table Cape VK7RAC 70cm repeater which now allows access to Mt Barrow
VK7RAA.
Currently the linking is default permanently on but switchable by all
users by DTMF code.
The link from Table Cape VK7RAC 70cm to Mt Duncan VK7RMD 70cm has
been switched to default off but can be activated if desired.
The 3 digit codes are for all users to allow temporary control of
linking. For example a group may be having a lengthy talkfest on
Table cape and not need annoy Northern users, so they key in DTMF 231
which unlinks Table Cape VK7RAC 70cm from Mt Barrow VK7RAA until
shortly after they finish talking.
DTMF tones should work through any of the linked repeaters regardless
of whether the linking is currently on or off.
GENERAL ACCESS DTMF codes
230 links Table Cape (VK7RAC 70cm) to Mt. Duncan (VK7RMD 70cm)
231 for local use only on the Table Cape (VK7RAC 70cm) repeater
235 to link Table Cape (VK7RAC 70cm) to Mt Barrow (VK7RAA 2m) and
this is currently the default and how VK7RAC will normally operate.
236 links Table Cape (VK7RAC 70cm) to Mt. Duncan (VK7RMD 70cm) and Mt
Barrow (VK7RAA 2m)
ALL linking returns to the default mode after idle time-out (20
seconds).
http://reast.asn.au/repeaters.php#Repeater
(Dave VK7DC)
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Table Cape Light House
Kevin VK2CE who runs the CHARCT mailing list and the International
Lighthouse Weekend's website has alerted us to the fact that last
week's Federal Budget contained a grant of $185,000 to turn Table
Cape Lighthouse into a tourist attraction.
Like quite a few of you on this list, I have been to that lighthouse
and wonder now what they intend to do as there is absolutely nothing
there except the light itself. I would have thought that other
lighthouses could have done with that sort of funding, such as
Eddystone.
Has anyone got any info on what is intended. Rentable cottages come
to mind.
http://lighthouses.net.au
http://vk2ce.com
http://illw.net
(Kevin, VK2CE)
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NORTHERN NEWS
Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club News
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ntarc/
Important Meeting Update.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the meeting that was to be held last
Wednesday night has been postponed one week and will now be held on
21st May, that is this coming Wednesday at Block B, Alanvale TAFE
college. If you turned up on Wednesday night just gone, I'm sure you
now know this! For whatever reason, the last minute change of plans
didn't get to the right people for last weeks broadcast in time.
The 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 and expertise he has,
and this ATV project will be an example of ham radio at its finest.
Don, VK7FAAM, not content with having just passed his Foundation
License recently, is head down and tail up studying for the Standard
License now. As if this wasn't enough, he's also recently taken
delivery of some HF gear and will be exploring those bands in the
near future too. Best of luck with your studies Don.
It now appears as if we have enough takers to do an order for the
scrolling LED badges, but if you want to make a last minute addition
to the list, please call Jason after the broadcast, or email
vk7zja@wia.org.au. The anticipated price will be $18 if you are
interested. All who placed orders will be kept updated with progress
of their arrival and how you can collect them.
Thanks from
(Jason VK7ZJA, NTARC Secretary)
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SOUTHERN NEWS
To Time Out or Not to Time Out – that is the question…
Last Sunday, the southern 2 metre repeater system, "R2" and "R5", was
inoperable from about 1030 to 2330 due to a signal on the R5 input
frequency.
This locked up both repeaters until they timed out.
The R2-R5 link was disconnected to enable R2 to be back in business,
but R5 remained out of service until well into the evening when the
signal disappeared.
Making an assumption and not wishing to embarrass anybody (we all
stuff up sometimes) it appears that the most likely cause was that
someone left their radio transmitting on the R5 channel, and left it
unattended, with the result that our system was inoperable for most
of the day.
What lessons?
Use the Time Out Timer facility available on most radios; or turn off
your radio if you're not using it.
Use a microphone hanger to prevent the PTT button being inadvertently
left depressed.
Make sure your microphone hanger is in a clear space.
Fix a sticking PTT button or replace the microphone.
If one of these was not the cause, the culprit radio needs a service
or replacing.
(Roger VK7ARN, WICEN Operations Coordinator
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Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
VK7OTC Clubrooms
The Committee wishes to remind all those who make use of the clubroom
facilities to please keep the areas clean and to pick up any rubbish
after you, having recently received some complaints about the overall
tidiness of the clubrooms. It is also requested that the clubroom and
back shed is not treated as a dumping ground for unwanted electronic
equipment, due to the costs of having the rubbish removed. If you are
dropping off items for people, please ensure they are marked
indicating this.
Finally, a general reminder that all soft drinks in the fridge are $1
each, payable to the jar located in the fridge door. If you notice
the fridge is low, please place a few spare cans in so that there is
always a cold one. There has recently been unexplained "Withdrawals"
of money from the soft drink fund, and should this continue, the
service will be removed.
(REAST Committee)
-------------------------------
RD Contest
The RD Contest is not all that far away, and this year it is planned
to activate the VK7OTC Station again, this time from the domain
itself. VK7BEN is keen to hear from anyone who is interested in
assisting with this, even if you can only man the station for a
couple of hours. The Club will run both HF and VHF Sections of the
contest, with BBQs and other Activities during the weekend. If you
are interested, please contact Ben Via R2, or leave your name on the
whiteboard at the club.
Cheers,
(Ben VK7BEN for REAST Committee)
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REAST Education & Training
http://reast.asn.au/events.php#TrainingCourses
We've established an 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.
This would include both the practical and theory aspects.
The traditional Training session would still be available if a
minimum of 5 candidates are available.
And remember, Foundation Licence Manuals and CD's are available for
purchase at McCann's Model World in Elizabeth St. Hobart at $20.
(Only the first edition is available at this stage)
http://reast.asn.au/events.php#FoundationLicenceCourse
(Reg, VK7KK, REAST Education Officer and Assessor)
----------------------------------------------------------
Winter Project
http://reast.asn.au/events.php#winterproject
As heard above our Winter project sessions continue next Saturday
afternoon and over the next few weeks there will be other guests
tutors and a focus on a range of topics required for your amateur
radio licence.
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)
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ATV Experimenters Night
We had a great roll-up on the ATV Experimenter's night last Wednesday
and had about 10 people on the callback report.
We again had the very professional ATV lead-ins and promotions thanks
to Tony, Frank and Sam.
Justin VK7TW then gave an illustrated talk on his recently finished
Geiger Counter and a little theory behind how it works. This device
sparked much discussion and searching for items that emit ionising
radiation. This was followed by a DVD presentation from the UK
Professor Mike Underhill on some of his theories of antenna design
and specifically loop antennas.
This talk was given to the Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society in
February 2008 and I thank the OM Wally VK5TW for sourcing it for
REAST.
We then finished up with a cuppa and chat and yes the smoke detectors
in the clubrooms emit a small amount of ionising radiation…HIHI.
And a reminder that the ATV nights start 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.
http://reast.asn.au/events.php#ATVnights
(Justin, VK7TW)
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WIA NEWS
Australia/CEPT Amateur Arrangements Are Now In Place
Michael Owen VK3KI, President of the WIA lets us know that holders of
Australian Advanced licences are now able to operate in the
participating CEPT countries while visiting those countries on the
basis of their Australia licence.
How it all works is set out in the excellent article by Bob Whelan
G3PJT in the May issue of Amateur Radio.
If you want to operate for a longer period in one of the
participating CEPT countries you will have to take out a local
licence. As previously advised ACMA is now endorsing the Amateur
Operators Certificate of Proficiency (Advanced) with the HAREC
endorsement, so you will be able, on the basis of your Australian
Advanced Certificate of Proficiency, to obtain the equivalent licence.
However, the website of the European Radio Office says that for
Australia that "Grandfathered Australian certificates AOCP and AOCLP
are also recognised as equivalent to HAREC." So while the AOCP and
AOCLP certificates will not have the HAREC endorsement, they will
still be recognised.
"I am delighted that at long last the Australia Advanced licence has
joined the expanding world of the international licence, and that for
longer term local licences, the Australian qualifications have been
recognised" said WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI.
"Our special thanks to Alan Jordan of ACMA who has steered the matter
for the Australian administration, and Bob Whelan G3PJT the IARU
Region 1 Regulatory Group Chairman who has provided so much guidance
and help."
http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2008/20080516-2/index.php
(Michael Owen via the WIA Mailing List)
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WEB & EMAIL EDITION EXTRA BITS!!
One hell of a mast!!
http://www.w5kgt.com/ARES.html
Solid Angles on a sphere/cone
http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/SolidAnglesOnASphere/
Human Jet Plane
http://publish.vx.roo.com/couriermail/cmflashvidplayer/index-
popup.html?vxChannel=frontPagePicks&vxClipId=924096
Great ATV Equipment for Sale
http://www.13cm.co.uk/index.html
FLACCO on PARTHENOGENESIS from ABC Science Show:
http://abcmail.net.au/t/154183/957242/3226/0/
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?
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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
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Finally today, a reminder to those people rostered for next week's
broadcasts:
Newsreader: VK7RS
160m: VK7DM
80m: VK7ZK
40m: VK7RO
20m: VK7PP
10m: VK7ZGK
UHF CB: VK7HGO
HF CB: VK7FTAZ
Thanks to all people and organisations who assisted with this
broadcast.
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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
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