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VK7 Amateur Radio News 22Dec24
Text edition:
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VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 22nd December 2024
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Welcome to the Christmas edition of the VK7 Amateur Radio News.
This was first broadcast on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024 and we bring you the latest from the world of amateur radio in VK7.
This week, joining you from the Tasmanian Amateur Radio News desk is Nic, VK7WW.
Tune in as we share updates and insights across VK7, broadcast through an array of platforms and frequencies:
On DMR Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C, managed by Gavin, VK7HGO.
On Medium and high frequency rebroadcasts thanks to our dedicated operators:
1.862 MHz by Graham, VK7GS
3.670 MHz by Dale, VK7DG
7.140 MHz by Justin, VK7TW
14.130 MHz by Ross, VK7ALH
28.525 MHz by Garry, VK7JGD and
UHF CB Channel 24 in the Hobart area, hosted by Mark, VK7FMAC
If you missed todayâ€Ös broadcast then you can catch the replay on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT and UHFCB24 in Southern VK7.
Thank you for tuning in and enjoy the broadcast!
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The Nativity of Ham-mas: A Politically Correct Tale
In the harmonious and inclusive hamlet of RF Haven, a wondrous event was foretold by the Great Spectrum Coordinator: a Non-Denominational Winter Gift Specialist (formerly Santa Claus, now fully rebranded for cultural sensitivity) would embark on a journey across the ether. His mission? To bring state-of-the-art radios and eco-friendly antennas to amateur radio operators everywhere, in celebration of universal connection and goodwill on Earth (and beyond, for those experimenting with satellite QSOs).
Guided by the celestial glow of a meticulously carbon-neutral LED star, the Gift Specialist arrived in a sustainably powered sleigh pulled by reindeer certified in humane labor practices. His sleigh was equipped with a cutting-edge mobile HF rig, complete with DSP noise reduction to ensure the delivery of gifts was static-free. Across the world, ham radio operators tuned their transceivers to the special "Santa Net," eagerly awaiting their dream rigs and antennas, responsibly crafted from ethically sourced materials.
Upon reaching the humble yet Wi-Fi-enabled workshop of Elves United Local 1225, the Gift Specialist retrieved a carefully curated logbook containing the callsigns of operators from all corners of the globe. Whether they were practitioners of CW, SSB, or digital modes, every operator's wish was accounted for. With joy, he distributed SDR transceivers, Yagi-Uda antennas, and even stealth dipoles for those navigating HOA restrictions, ensuring no one was left out of the inclusive festivities.
And so, the politically correct Ham-mas miracle unfolded, uniting operators across frequencies and cultures. The Non-Denominational Winter Gift Specialist bid farewell with a cheerful "73 to all, and to all a clear signal!" His message of universal harmony resonated through the airwaves, a reminder that amateur radio transcends boundaries, bringing people together under the shared love of communication. And as his sleigh ascended into the starlit sky, every ham knew theyâ€Öd just witnessed the ultimate QSO of the season.
No electrons were harmed in the artificially generated fictional story above!
Seasons Greetings to all from the VK7 Amateur Radio News Team. We hope you have a safe and relaxing Christmas and entry into 2025.
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Statewide News
SSTV Nights
A busy net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – ZGK, ZCF, ZAB, EV, and TW all sharing over thirty photos. The highlights, not surprisingly had a Christmas theme:
With a Santa slay adorned with antennas
A little man in a red suite
Memories of a little house in the Netherlands
A Christmas tree in the corner of a lounge
A radio tower with strings of LEDs to look like a Christmas Tree
AI generated Santa shenanigans
20 years young of NTARC and other clubs, with the move to a National WIA and the closing of divisional braches
The astronomical observatory at Devonport
A 401 MHz QFH antenna with its construction test results displayed on a vector network analyzer, as seen on a recent REAST WEGs broadcast
An interesting structure that is a soldering station accessory
An old tree stump transformed into an amazing carving
And a show of confidence in governments
Note - Ken VK7KRJâ€Ös and Steve VK7OOâ€Ös fully automatic 24/7 monitoring sites allow anyone who has sent an SSTV picture the ability to check them on their pages almost immediately, any time, both South and North Tasmania.
If you missed the net there are archives of these SSTV nights.
These photos can be seen on Kenâ€Ös and Steveâ€Ös SSTV websites or on NTARCâ€Ös website under blogs.
Donâ€Öt forget to use your own photos or those that are copyright free.
SSTV VK7OO Tasmania Australia (tasme.com)
VK7KRJ's 2m SSTV scrolling web gallery
Blog 3 â€ö NTARC Inc.
73 from Andreâ€Ö VK7ZAB
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Broadcast News
Join the VK7 AR News Team in 2025!
Thanks to those that have put their hands up to be involved and there is still time to be involved.
The VK7 Amateur Radio News Team is gearing up for an exciting year ahead, and we need your help to make 2025 a success!
Every week, a dedicated group of over 20 volunteers brings the VK7 AR News to life. From compiling content to reading, broadcasting, rebroadcasting, taking callbacks, and tallying listener numbersâ€öitâ€Ös a true team effort.
As we prepare for the year ahead, weâ€Öll be celebrating some of our long-standing contributors who are retiring. Their incredible contributions have left a lasting legacy, but they also leave behind some big shoes to fill.
This is where you come in! If youâ€Öre a regular listenerâ€öor even if youâ€Öre just discovering our broadcastâ€öwhy not join the team that brings it all to air? There are plenty of roles to suit your skills and interests:
Compilers to gather and organize content
Readers to deliver the news on air
Broadcasters and rebroadcasters to ensure the news reaches our audience far and wide
The more volunteers we have, the lighter the load for everyone, and the greater the reach of our vibrant VK7 amateur radio community.
Interested? Let Justin VK7TW know! You can reach out via email, Discord, or on the repeater. Your enthusiasm and support can make all the difference!
73, Justin, VK7TW
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH WEST
New Six Metre Repeater
The North West Coast Has A New Six Meter Band Repeater
VK7RVP - Saint Valentines Peak, has returned to fully operational status in the six meter band, thanks to the NWCRRA.
The original VHF repeater on the peak, in North West Tasmania, was decommissioned after a violent ice storm partially destroyed the radio shack, exposing the transceivers and other sensitive electronics to the savage winter alpine weather.
Efforts from the North West Coast Radio Repeater Association brought a heartbeat back to VK7RVP and its now transmitting on UHF 438.775 with a negative 7 split, and now, the peak's old VHF frequency, 53.950 with a negative 1 Megahertz duplex.
NWCRRA president, VK7DB Dion Bramich is very pleased with the coverage from the repaired 50 watt VHF repeater and promises that the Peak will again be a keystone for amateur band communications in the North West and West of Tasmania.
Last month's repair trip by the association, installed a 70 megahertz repeater that was used for the recent Australian Rally Championships. The most recent expedition last weekend took this repeater down and concluded the successful collaboration between the NWCRRA and the North West Car Club who hosted the rally event through November.
Conditions on the peak were unusually favorable for last weekend's trip, with hot conditions and tropospheric ducting extending across Bass Strait, allowing traffic from VK3 Victoria to test the new UHF dipole array which the team installed on the day along with work on the tower to remove old antennas. The repeater's microwave data link to the coast was significantly improved and new circuits were installed on the solar battery bank.
The North West Coast Radio Repeater Association took an interest in Saint Valentines Peak and energized the local radio amateur community, already delighted that the NWCRRA is maintaining the legacy repeater, VK7RVP, who was an abandoned orphan after the forestry industry in the area switched over to 4G on a nearby hill.
The Association isn't going to abandon future expeditions, or the three hour climb to the repeater hut on the 1200 meter summit, with Digital and APRS modes already well underway on the test bench. So keep your rig's tuned to 53.950 Megahertz for more news from the NWCRRA, and support your local Radio Repeater Association.
73, John, NWCRRA News Officer
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Mt Duncan repeater group net
The Mt Duncan repeater group net, that normally occurs on Wednesday nights. Will not operate on Wednesday night the 25th December Christmas Day , We hope our regular participants and other amateurs have a great Christmas, and the net will be back on the 1st January 2025.
73, Eric, VK7EV,
Net Controller
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North West Tasmania Amateur Radio Club
Christmas Bar B Que report
The Christmas Barby was held last Saturday at Legion Park West Ulverstone.
The weather was beautiful, although the wind a bit blustery at times. It was great to see a big turnup of Members, unfortunately Shirley was a late withdrawal due to being ill.
Some members bar b qued, others brought along ready to eat meals.
It was great to have Idris VK7ZIR NTARC President, Stefan VK7ZSB NTARC Secretary and Andre VK7ZAB NTARC Treasurer decide to come down to say hello, also Graeme VK7KT and wife Tanya from Burnie, and Mark VK7MARs wife Carina attend.
There was plenty of banter and chatting among members enjoying the day. The Bar B Que had to be cut short, to accommodate the previously postponed meeting.
General Meeting
The Meeting commenced at 1:30pm, with the NTARC members and Graeme, Tanya and Carina attending,
We received a membership application from Rick VK7HBR, Rick a long-term friend of Shirley, Rick was nominated by Shirley, but she couldnâ€Öt be there due to ill health.
Rickâ€Ös membership was accepted.
It was good to see the vigorous debate among members over some of the issues raised, many people joining in on the agenda items.
Members decide not to accept Dion VK7DBs offer of just under $4500 for his 6m repeater currently on Mt Duncan.
The members decided not to raise membership fees, to assist our members.
The Mt Duncan lease proposal has officially been sent to Tasmania Parks & Wildlife.
Unfortunately the Mt Duncan 2m repeater is still out of service
A couple of club members have taken up the offer to arrange to meet Mogens Chief Operating Officer of ADSB Support in Billund, Denmark, Mogens will be in Tassie over Christmas, to have Christmas with his wifeâ€Ös family.
Club members were grateful of Dan VK7DP offer to repair the faulty Paton Park rotator, and Ross VK7WP donating a 70cm Beam for Paton Park
At show and tell, it was great to have Terry VK7JAI bring along two very heavy World War 2, test instruments, and Andrew VK7XR brought along a 2.4Ghz transverter and 2.4 Ghz Grid pack antenna.
Brenton VK7HP brought along the Christmas spirit, advising he had a large amount of microwave gear, free for any members to take home.
Members and visiting NTARC members enjoyed afternoon tea, and much radio discussion, before leaving around 5:30pm
73, Eric, VK7EV
News Officer
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH
SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP
The Summits On The Air/World Wide Flora and Fauna parks group meets twice weekly – Mondays and Fridays 10.30AM till 12.00 at the Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry Street, Launceston.
For more information contact Al on 0417 354 410.
73, Al, VK7AN
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Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
www.ntarc.net
Itâ€Ös always nice to have some good news to report so over to Peter VK7PD
“Last Saturday 2 assessments for the Foundation Licence were held in the NTARC Clubrooms. The first for some time. This was conducted by Andrew, VK7DW. Thanks are extended to Andreâ€Ö VK7ZAB for setting up radios on HF and VHF for the practical component, and likewise to Kerry, VK7PAK, Peter, VK7ZPE and Rick, VK7HBR for providing contacts on the various bands.
Both candidates were pleasantly surprised by communication from the ACMA on Monday afternoon offering immediate licence issue. We now have Adam, VK7AJP and Matt, VK7AAJ on air. Please give them a call if you hear them on local repeaters or 40 metres. Appreciation is also conveyed to Andrew for submitting the results so promptly.
Congratulations Adam and Matt and Season's Greetings.”
For an end of year treat Colin brought us up to date on the coming together of his portable setup.
Colin was the one studiously turning out 3D printed Yagi element mounts, enclosures, co-axial cable spools and anything else he needed. This time it wasnâ€Öt his 3D printing success but his metalwork lathing prowess
Colin found some suitable thickness aluminium strapping in the “scrap box”, cut a square piece off the end, lathed it up into a disk then drilled and tapped some holes on the thin edge perimeter to take radials. The radial arms for the ground plane were old elements that were courtesy of a Fracarro TV antenna, found in the “too good to through-out” scrap heap. A quick tapped thread on one end, cut it to length and screw it into the aluminium disc. The antenna itself was a repurposed commercially available copy of a Diamond mobile antenna that Colin has optimised for 70 cm. The pack-away ground plane and antenna are mounted on a collapsible tripod, all coming together to make a professional looking build.
Colin also found and purchased a fairly sturdy 5.2 m telescopic antenna on the internet. So he lathed up an adaptor to fit it onto his spigot mount heavy duty base. The adaptor replaced the very hefty spring found on top as it was originally meant for mobile use, no spring this time as it is intended for fixed location. This time another lathed aluminium disc was mounted under the base and used as the counterpoise hub for the spreading radial wires. The whole antenna assembly is mounted on another internet find item, a clamp sold as a Truck mirror mount! A very nice clamp in its own right and well worth a look.
There does seem to be a recurring theme here, Internet finds and the excellent use of the so called scrap heap, plus heaps of ingenuity and skills. I love this repurposing and reuse of items and we await next yearâ€Ös field trial results.
Ross VK7ALH finished off the year by bringing in his Heathkit SB-101 HF transceiver, circa late 1960s. A fine example of an amazing kit, but importantly he had worked his magic conversion once again! He had replaced the original rubber band or “O” ring belt that connected the control knob shaft to the ganged tuning capacitors with a full gear and chain combination usually found in a Kenwood. Very elegant Ross.
I will leave the square records that turned up for show and tell for next week. Yes I did say square and record in the same breath and I do mean that they were for those old things called record players. I will leave you with that mental picture!
There was a great turn out for the final Friday morning tea of the year and with much merriment, chatter, coffee and the obligatory food was consumed. A happy ending to the year and the recognition of 20 years since NTARC came into existence back in 2004!
We were also lucky with the timing of our last morning tea as it allowed for a fleeting visit from the Mogens the Chief Operating Officer from ADSB Support in Denmark. He is briefly visiting Tasmania before returning to Denmark next week. What was going to be a fleeting visit stretched somewhat with Mogens giving a not so quick, on the spot, Question and Answer session on Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast or ADS-B for short.
In a nut shell and I quote, “an aircraft determines its position via satellite navigation or other sensors and periodically broadcasts its position and other related data, enabling it to be tracked”, thank you Wiki.
Thank you Mogens for taking time out and visiting for a cuppa and a somewhat longer than anticipated chat.
Note my description doesnâ€Öt do Colinâ€Ös work justice, and as they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so as always, pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs” for this broadcast. NTARC Blogs
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
Finally – As all club events are now in recess but the broadcast soldiers on, a reminder to all members that if you have any items of news you would like added to our weekly roundup then please email them to the Secretary at the following address news(at)ntarc.net .
As this weekly news is the last till that man in red arrives in just three more sleeps, or if itâ€Ös Tuesday night rebroadcast, then it is one more sleep. This is our final opportunity, to wish everyone a Merry and Safe Christmas. For those of us travelling over this period please take it easy. Enjoy your Christmas feast with family and friends, see you all next year.
Thatâ€Ös all folks,
73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC Inc.
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NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
https://www.reast.asn.au/
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
https://www.youtube.com/reasthobart/
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Forum Night - In depth look at N1MM
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/?event_id1=2658
Our first Forum Night for 2025 is all about N1MM.
N1MM is a powerful and flexible logging platform that is used around the world.
This forum night will start with some local experts on N1MM who will take us through some of the feature and explain some of the nuances of the logging platform.
We will then open it up to the floor for experience and questions.
This forum night is hopefully timely as we have the Summer VHF and above Field Day on the next weekend!
Come along with your stories relating to N1MM and logging.
7:30pm, Wednesday 15th January, 2025 in the Queen's Domain Clubrooms and Streamed.
See you there.
73, REAST Committee
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HUMONGOUS Amateur Radio Car Boot Sale
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/?event_id1=2565
REAST will be holding a huge amateur radio carboot sale in the Queens Domain compound from 11am on Sunday 19th January 2025.
Want to sell something - it will cost you $10 to setup your carboot then you can sell as much as you want - all profit goes to you.
There will be a Sausage Sizzle on the day with Snags and Bread at $3 and Burgers and Bread at $5 - Soft drinks available $1 per can.
The REAST club will be selling 5.4m and 8.1m portable Aluminium masts for very reasonable prices!
No need to book - just turn up.
73, REAST Committee
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Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Nights
https://youtube.com/live/8MZcBIl5MF8
Last Wednesday night was a night covering many subjects. Starting with OF9X a Finnish Christmas Station, thanks to VK7XTC.
https://www.dx-world.net/of9x-santa-claus-finland/
We then moved to Ben VK7BENâ€Ös blast from the past with a 130 in 1 Electronics Kits and went through the unit and the manual.
Justin Vk7TW then with Ron VK7WRC went through the 3D printed QFH antenna. Ron VK7WRC printed the components of the Quadra Filiar Helix QFH antenna and we showed how it weas put together and the modifications and improvements.
https://community.libre.space/t/an-easy-3d-printed-quadrifilar-helix-antenna/1487
https://www.jcoppens.com/ant/qfh/calc.en.php
We showed the NanoVNA plot of the SWR
https://github.com/projecthorus/radiosonde_auto_rx
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/receiving-weather-balloon-data-with-rtl-sdr/
https://www.assa.org.au/resources/radio-astronomy/projects/balloon-tracking/
We then showed a 3D printed Morse Key weighing 15grams thanks to Ron.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3167343
And we finished of with some AI Christmas shenanigans with the conclusion AI has a very biased view of Christmas, humanity and amateur radio - in fact everything!
We go into recess for a fortnight with our WEGS Nights.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/live-stream/
https://www.reast.asn.au/special-interest-groups/amateur-tv/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ReastHobart/
73, Justin, VK7TW
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REAST Training and Assessments Update
Foundation Training and Assessment Days are held every two months and start in February each year.
Standard, Advanced, and Regulations licence assessments are held on the alternate months starting in March. Dates can be found on the REAST Events Page.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/
Our 2025 training calendar is available and the Foundation Training and Assessment days will be on:
22/02, 12/04, 28/06, 30/08 and 25/10.
Our Standard, Advanced & Regulations Assessment Days will be on: 29/03, 31/05, 26/07, 20/09 and 29/11.
For Bookings, Queries, and Questions:
Email: reast.assessor(at)gmail.com
This email is forwarded to the Learning Organiser, who will respond to all requests.
Foundation Licence Training Videos:
These have been updated to reflect the new Class Licence arrangements. Available on the REAST YouTube Training and Assessment Playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiSE6GEhcXU&list=PLsnsP_zjw831mdC6sY4XqavRUY-53ZWUn
Additional Resources:
Check out the WIA Foundation Trial Exams.
https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/onlineexams/foundation.php
73, Reg, VK7KK
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Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
Regular gatherings:
Sewing Circle Net – Daily on 3.640MHz commences at 6:30pm AEST.
Statewide SSTV Net - held every Thursday night via the North/South Link on VK7RAF/VK7RJG from 7:30pm. In the North and North West - VK7RJG on 438.55 -7MHz and in the South - VK7RAF (146.650 -600kHz) CTCSS tone 141.3Hz to link RAF North-South.
State-wide – MICROWAVE QSO Party – following the Sunday broadcast call-back on 1296.15 MHz FM. One group in the greater Hobart area and another in the greater Launceston area.
Then North-south digital contacts on 1296.2MHz using Q65-60B.
Stations in the Launceston area transmitting on the odd minute. Southern stations on the even minute.
SOTA/WWFF Group – Meeting Mondays and Fridays 10.30-12.00 midday at Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry St, Launceston.
NW VK7 - Thursday commencing at 8:30pm local - N.W. Tassie 2m DX Net 144.190 USB
Events:
WORLDWIDE - December 25 - the Non-Denominational Winter Gift Specialist delivers the rig of your dreams
REAST - January 15, 2025 - N1MM Forum Night - Queens Domain Clubrooms from 7:30pm and Streamed
REAST - January 19, 2025 - CarBoot Sale of the Century and Sausage Sizzle - Queens Domain Clubrooms from 11am.
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A reminder to those people rostered for next weekâ€Ös broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7TW
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to N W T A R C, West Coast Radio Group, Cradle Coast Radio Amateur Radio Club, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC
160m: VK7GS
80m: VK7ALH
40m: VK7JGD
20m: Any Takers
10m: VK7DG
UHFCB24: VK7FMAC
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star: Reflector 91C VK7HGO
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A huge thank you to all people and organisations that assisted with this broadcast.
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That wraps up this week's edition of the VK7 Amateur Radio News. We hope you found it informative and enjoyable?
You've been listening to VK7WI, or if youâ€Öve just tuned in, you've just missed our live broadcast. But donâ€Öt worry! You can catch the
rebroadcast on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT and UHFCB24 in the South.
We encourage you to share your news, stories, and updates with us. Email your contributions to vk7arnews(at)gmail.com.
For more information about the broadcast and to join the discussion, visit our VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.IO Group.
groups.io/g/vk7arnews.
Remember, the deadline for submissions is 21:00 on the Friday before the Sunday broadcast.
Stay tuned for callbacks on the frequency youâ€Öre currently listening to. Relay stations will use their own callsigns during this time.
On behalf of the entire VK7 Amateur Radio News Team, this is Nic, VK7WW wishing you 73, have a safe and relaxing Christmas and entry into 2025!
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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