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ZL2BAU > NEWS 15.02.08 13:01l 1026 Lines 34473 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
Oh... and to contact us with your news because
If It Matters To You It Matters To Us!
email nationalnews@wia.org.au
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WIANews 24/7 with the following bulletin in Audio
when you visit the NEWSROOM on www.wia.org.au
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This is WIANEWS for week commencing February 1 2008
This weekend, Sunday, sees Australia's premier HamVention come Field Day,
Wyong.
Last week was Victoria's "biggie" the Centre Victoria RadioFest, how did it go?
VK3FFF Bruce Lees..
"A truly wonderful social occasion is probably the best way to sum up last
Sunday's Centre Victoria RadioFest.
Almost 700 attended RadioFest No. 2 at Kyneton which also this year had more
commercial traders, second-hand sellers, club displays and activities.
The 2m, 70cm and 23cm antenna test range ran for four hours instead of two due
to the strong demand. The results are posted on the website.
The two Icom D-STAR lectures and presentations had 110 people attend who were
keen to learn more about this new technology.
Clearly noticeable were the smiles on everyone's faces both when they first
arrived at the RadioFest and when leaving at the end of the day. Several
interstate visitors told us the trip was well worth it.
Thank you to everyone who participated and particularly the Event Team of
volunteers from Amateur Radio Victoria, Central Goldfields and Midland Amateur
Radio Clubs. A job very well done indeed.
AMATEUR RADIO - HOME OF THE GOOD GUYS
VK7AJ ATHOL JOHNSON - THE MAN
With the re-energised AJ Contest held yesterday it is timely to recall who
Athol Johnson was.
Richard Rogers, VK7RO obtained this from Athol's Obituary that appeared in
AR Magazine November 1959:
Athol was one of Tasmania's most progressive Amateurs, he was first licensed
in '47 and quickly gained recognition by his outstanding skill and technical
knowledge. He was keenly interested in VHF work and was one of the few
Tasmanian Amateurs who worked consistently on 2 and 6 mx.
His car, which was originally equipped to work mobile on 40 mx was refitted
for 2 mx gear complete with a halo antenna and the many contacts he had with
his equipment gave him much satisfaction. His main station had a long wire
antenna which extended some 1,000 ft across the valley close to his home in
Sth Hobart.
He was an exceptionally versatile man with many and varied interests. He was
a highly skilled craftsman and his exceptionally well equipped workshop
contained many machines and test equipment of his own design and construction.
He was an enthusiastic member of the WIA and took an active part in all its
activities. He was a member of the Council for four years and was also
VHF officer and Federal Councillor. He gave many lectures at the Institute's
meetings and all were characterised by a thoroughness of preparation and were
given in a clear and concise manner. The practical tips given as a result of
his own experience were an outstanding feature.
As a man, Athol possessed a most likeable disposition with an infectious
cheery sense of humour. He never failed to help those who turned to him for
assistance with technical problems. One of the most outstanding qualities was
the courageous fight which he put up during his long illness. Athol W Johnson
VK7AJ died on September 8, 1959.
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
We have been informed that no trains will be running between Sydney and
Newcastle on Saturday & Sunday, the 16th.-17th Feb. Those wanting to travel
to the Wyong Field Day will have to catch Railway buses at your local train
station on the northern line.
Last weekends Summerland AGM saw about 39 members attend an excellent meeting
by all accounts.
The new Committee for 2008 includes
President: Ross Dowse VK2FRNV
Secretary: Darren Mitchell VK2AUX
Treasurer: Tracy Battistuzzi VK2FTLB
Publicity Offr: Nathan Lacey VK2FADE
Good to see the number of F Troopers answering the call!
The Waverley Amateur Radio Society has a seminar planned for Saturday morning
23rd February to learn the tricks and tips of the VX7 hand-held radio.
Registration by email to vk2faln @ vk2bv.org
The website is www.vk2bv.org
or
Contact Simon VK2UA on 9328 7141
April 6
A date has been set aside for Westlakes Amateur Radio Club's Mini Field Day
, Sunday 6th of April......So please pencil that date into your diaries.
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
The Moorabbin and District Amateur Radio club will be running Foundation
evening classes during March with assessments at the conclusion of the course.
Upgrade course dates and details will be announced soon for anyone interested
in obtaining a Standard or Advanced licence.
For more information about either the Foundation or upgrade courses, please
contact Club President and WIA Assessor, Graeme Lewis VK3GL 04 18 17 16 01
VK4
web service local news:- www.wiaq.com/qnews/upload/qnewsbcast.htm
local news email qnews-vk-subscribe@yahoogroups.com subscribe in subject field.
VKR Roundup http://www.police.qld.gov.au/News+and+Alerts/Media+Releases/
Approval has been confirmed by A.C.M.A. for operation of an Ipswich / Brisbane
operation on 135.75 KHz under a Scientific Licence, this licence held on
behalf of the Brisbane Amateur Radio Club.
Transmissions and possibly a beacon will be established by Kevin VK4WA using
the callsign AX 2 QJM and will transmit from Redbank Plains.
And yes that IS a figure TWO, AX 2 QJM.
Interestingly Redbank Plains, an Ipswich suburb, is also the site for a
proposed Weather Bureau Radar installation.
(QSP ACMA BOM)
VK5
www.qsl.net/vk5bar/
February 21st at 7pm sees the Adelaide Hills ARS Annual General Meeting being
held in the Belair community centre, cnr Sheoak Rd and Burnell Dr, Belair.
Paul Hoffman will give a talk after the AGM, on his visit to Friedrichshafen
Hamfest in Germany last year.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The CEPT Working Group on Frequency Management is being asked to consider a
secondary allocation to the Amateur service at 70 MHz.
This arose from an initiative by I.R.T.S.
There are allocations at 70 MHz in Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Greece,
Ireland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Slovenia and the UK. Other countries are
reluctant to release the band for experimentation and research until it
is formalised either in Article 5 of the ITU Radio Regulations or in
the European Common Allocations Table.
Hams in Greenland should soon be on 5 MHz. This, following reports that
government regulators in Greenland has approved the use by radio amateurs
of seven spot frequencies in that band.
Peter Thulesen is OX3XR. He reports that the Greenland Telecom Administration
has approved the use by hams of these centre frequencies of 5260, 5280, 5290,
5368, 5373, 5400, 5405 kHz.
No effective date was included in Thulesen's information. More should be
available at www dot tele dot gl/uk/index.htm
(southgate)
CHANGING OF THE GUARD: HIRAM PERCY MAXIM II - SK
The 72 year old grandson of ARRL co-founder Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW,
has died. Hiram Percy Maxim II passed at home in Lyme, Connecticut
January 12 after a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.
According to the ARRL, a memorial service was to be held at the Lyme
Public Hall on Monday, January 21st. Burial was to be private.
=======================================================================
NEWS FROM ARNEWSLINE
WELLINGTON RADIO EXPO 08
In ZL Land the Combined Amateur Radio Clubs of Wellington will be welcoming
a pair of special guests to Wellington Radio EXPO '08.
That event takes place on Saturday March 15th and those guests are none other
than Heil Sound's Chip Margelli K7JA, and his wife Janet KL7MF. Both are well
known to New Zealand amateurs. Chip as the new Vice-President of Heil Sound
Amateur Radio and former head of Amateur Radio for Yaesu. Janet is the
Manager of the Ham Radio Outlet store in Anaheim, California.
Chip will be doing presentations on Heil Sound products, while Janet will be
working at the Andrews Communications booth. Doors open to the public at
10 a.m.. If you are here in Wellington on March 15th, stop by the Knox Church
in Lower Hutt and say hello.
DEDICATED 6 METER CARIBBEAN DXPEDITION.
Dennis Motschenbacher, K7BV.
He is the North America Executive Vice President for the Amateur Radio
Sales Division of Vertex Standard and he will be active this summer
from the Caribbean in a dedicated 6 meter operation.
From June 20th to the 26th Dennis will sign portable V 3 from Caye
Caulker Island, Belize. Then from June 28th and July 6th he will be
portable HK0 from San Andres Island.
Dennis' equipment will be a Yaesu FT-450 with ACOM-1000 amplifier,
running 1KW into a 7 element and 3 element beams. The main frequency
will be 50.106.2 MHz USB with W5OZI acting as his pilot station. QSL
direct only to W1JJ.
(www.qth.com/k7bv/caribe2008)
2008 INTERNATIONAL DX CONVENTION IN VISALIA.
Mark down April 25th, 26th and 27th for the 2008 International DX
Convention. This year the host is the Southern California DX Club but
the venue remains the Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Centre in
Visalia, California.
Those new to ham radio may not be aware that the International DX
Convention is the world's premier gathering of D-X operators that
attracts the top operators from the US, Asia, Europe, Africa and
Oceania and any other spot you can think of. Also on hand are the
worlds top DXpedition operators to share the inside stories on how
they managed to put some rare location on-the-air.
If you have even a passing interest in D-X operation, this is a show
you won't want to miss. Again the dates are April 25th to the 27th at
the Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Centre in Visalia, California for
the 2008 International D-X Convention. More is on-line at
www.dxconvention.org
P3E C-BAND RECEIVER COMPLETED
In ham radio space related news, word that the AMSAT-DL C-Band
receiver for the new Phase 3 E ham radio satellite is completed . Its
performance is now being tested and evaluated.
The 5.6 GHz receiver was developed by DF7IT. It is housed in a small
module which contains a pre-amp, mixer to 10.7 MHz IF, passband
filters, and AGC system.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP DEVELOP EAGLEPEDIA
Meantime, AMSAT is looking for two to three individuals interested in
helping with AMSAT's EaglePedia. EaglePedia is a Wikipedia-like
on-line encyclopaedia that will act as the central repository for all
information on AMSAT's upcoming Eagle spacecraft and possible future missions.
AMSAT engineers and the general public will be accessing EaglePedia. Because
of this the volunteers curators will be responsible for re-organizing the
current layout, adding new content, and supporting AMSAT Engineers as they
design, build and organize the project's documentation.
This is a great opportunity to support one of AMSAT's most ambitious
projects. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Dave
Hartzell, N0TGD, by e-mail to hartzell -at- gmail.com
RADIO RESEARCH: CELLPHONES VS. SLEEP
According to a new scientific study into the impact of mobile phones impact on
human rest, the phones disrupt sleep patterns
The latest research funded by the Mobile Manufacturers Association used 884
MHz GSM phones. It purports to show that participants took longer to reach
stage 3 deep sleep and had shorter stage 4 deep sleep after actual exposure to
mobile signals. This, compared to when they had no exposure.
These stages of sleep are believed to be important for helping to recover from
daily wear and tear on the human body.
The news article is on-line at
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/94715.php
with the scientific abstract at
http://tinyurl.com/2jv2js
(CGC)
MULTIPSK 4.7 RELEASED BY F6CTE
Patrick Lindecker F6CTE has release a new version of the popular MULTIPSK data
modes software. The latest upgrade provides Automatic Repetition Request and
Fast Acknowledged Exchange when operating in A-L-E and A-L-E 400 modes. It
also features an improvement of the Outlook Express or equivalent outgoing
mails handling, and automatic transfer of received ARQ FAE messages to
Internet addresses via Outlook Express e-mail. The new release called
MULTIPSK 4.7 is on line at
f6cte.free.fr
SPY-SAT TO DE-ORBIT IN FREBRUARY
Get ready for another Chicken Little contest. Maybe. Chicken Little as in
the sky is falling. And as usual its another large satellite that is about
to de-orbit. Jeff Clark, K8JAC, reports:
"A dying American spy satellite is likely to plunge to Earth by late
February or early March. Specialists who follow spy satellite
operations suspect it is an experimental imagery satellite built by
Lockheed Martin and launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in
California in December 2006 aboard a Delta II rocket. Shortly after
the satellite reached orbit, ground controllers lost the ability to
control it by radio and were never able to regain communication.
Officials said that they had no control over the non-functioning
satellite and that it was unknown where the debris might land.
It is fairly common for satellites to drop out of orbit and enter
Earth's atmosphere, but most break up before they reach the surface.
These incidents occur every few months, and it is often difficult to
control the satellite's trajectory or its re-entry into the
atmosphere. The debris, if any survives the fiery descent, typically
lands in remote areas and causes little or no harm."
The largest uncontrolled re-entry by a NASA spacecraft was that of Skylab,
the 78-ton abandoned space station that fell from orbit into West Australia in
1979.
=======================================================================
RSGB NEWS G4NJH
Churches and Chapels on the air
You have heard of lighthouses on the air, mills on the air, and
even mines on the air. Well, G3XYF is co-ordinating Churches and
Chapels on the air (CHOTA).
The date this year is Saturday 13th September. Planning is
starting now, so if you are interested in participating please
contact John, G3XYF by email to g3xyf@btconnect.com.
=======================================================================
WEIRD N WONDERFUL
Astronaut to throw boomerang in space
Astronaut Takao Doi a Japanese astronaut plans to throw a boomerang inside a
space station to test how it can fly in zero gravity.
Astronaut Takao Doi, 53, is set to travel on a US shuttle in March to the
International Space Station, where he will be in charge of construction of a
Japanese scientific testing room.
It is believed gravity is needed for a boomerang to fly back to the throwing
spot, but no one has tried in zero gravity.
Doi reportedly decided on boomerang tests after he received a request from
Yasuhiro Togai, a world boomerang champion from the western Japanese
metropolis of Osaka.
Doi later underwent training from the world champion on how to throw it,
media reports said.
OPERATIONAL NEWS -
ON AIR CONTEST AND EVENT COLUMN - D A T E L I N E
2008
THIS WEEKEND ARRL - CW Contest - 0000 UTC 15 til 0000UTC 16.
February 23-24 NZART JOCK WHITE MEMORIAL FIELD DAY
February 23-24 VK7 Athol Johnson VHF Contest
March 1- 2 ARRL SSB Contest - 0000UTC 1 until 0000UTC 2
March 8- 9 RSGB HF COMMONWEALTH CONTEST - ALL BANDS
8 March 1000 UTC til 9 March 1000 UTC
March 15-16 (Weekend) John Moyle Field Day
April 5- 6 ZL WARO Thelma Souper Memorial Contest
0800Z-1000Z Sat/Sun Evenings
August 16-17 Remembrance Day Contest
August 16-17 International Lighthouse Weekend
November 15-16 (Weekend) Spring VHF/UHF Field Day
2008 ARRL INTERNATIONAL SSB CONTEST
When : 1 and 2 March 2008
Times : 0000UTC, Saturday, 1 March to 0000 UTC, 2 March
All Bands
Contest Rules and other operating information refer the ARRL Website;-
www.arrl.org/contests
2008 RSGB COMMONWEALTH CONTEST - CW ONLY
When : 8 and 9 March 2008
Times: 1000 UTC, Saturday, 8 March to 1000 UTC, Sunday, 9 March
All Bands
Contest Rules and other operating information are generally the same from
year to year.
As with the 2007 event a Commonwealth Countries Team section will again be run
- the ZL Team were the winners in last year's event.
Competition will be hot, especially from the Canadians, Australians and the
UK teams.
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report -
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
Now here is a RADIO!
It's the Rohde and Schwarz PR100 which can intercept short-term signals such
as those emitted by short-haul radio modules or military radios using
frequency-hopping techniques, and its coverage?
9 kHz to 7.5GHz !!
Weighing only 3.5kg and boasting an operating time of approximately four
hours, the R and S PR100 is suitable for locations that cannot be accessed
with DF vehicles - in particular, inside buildings.
The receiver can be adapted to handle a variety of radio services such as
air traffic control, short-wave, along with digitally modulated radio
signals like TETRA, packet radio or Pactor III. They all can be demodulated
and stored on an SD card in real-time.
After completing a mission, data stored on the SD card can be transferred
to an external PC via USB or LAN or the SD card itself.
And I guess if you need to know the price? you can't afford it! hihi.
MEDIA WATCH
NEW MARCONI DOCUMENTARY FROM MOONCUSSER FILMS
A new 16 minute movie about the life of famed inventor Guglielmo Marconi has
been released by Mooncusser Films of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Chatham Radio - The Untold Story is narrated by Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD. It
traces Marconi's career from his the first transatlantic transmission from his
wireless station at Chatham on Cape Cod, to its life saving emergence as a
life-saving tool at sea and though his creation of the business of wireless
communication.
The film was produced by Barbara Cotnam, directed and edited by Christopher
Seufert. You can see a sample of it on line at the company website at
www.MooncusserFilms.com
(ARNEWSLINE)
VK1WIA CALLBACKS
On 80 meters to WIA year to date:- 2384
VK2 Westlakes have had 25 Callbacks
VK8 93
VK5 195
VK4 215
VK7 382
VK2WI Network 626
VK6 848
BROADCAST MONITORING SWL AND SCANNER NEWS
aus_scanner@yahoogroups.com
http://www.scanaustralia.bigpondhosting.com
www.scanvictoria.com
HCJB Ecuador has been granted an extension to continue using its short-wave
radio antennas that are scheduled for dismantling and removal from the
Quito site.
Founded in 1931, HCJB is a far-reaching international radio ministry.
It originally began in an effort to design and build specialized,
cost-effective short-wave transmitters - and thus achieved many milestones
in radio and antenna design, including the cubical quad antenna.
The extension postpones, for at least six months, removals that the station
agreed to two years earlier with the Quito Airport Corporation to make way for
a new international airport. Once the new facility is completed, some of the
short-wave station's antenna towers could obstruct the approach of landing
planes.
"Specifically, this means that we can continue broadcasting on two short-wave
frequencies to Brazil," said Doug Weber, radio director for the Latin America
Region.
The mission agreed that 30 towers would be removed by December 2007. The first
phase of dismantling, initiated in early 2006, saw 18 towers lowered. HCJB
Global's engineering staff was poised to remove 12 more towers in the second
phase. But Weber was informed that CORPAQ granted the mission's request for
continued use of those 12 towers, along with 18 others that will not impede
approaching aircraft.
HCJB also conducts German-language digital short-wave broadcasts as a member
of Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), a global consortium of broadcasters,
broadcasting associations, network operators, manufacturers, research
institutions, regulatory bodies and others.
In addition, the pioneer missionary broadcaster has inaugurated a daily,
one-hour DRM program stream in Portuguese created especially for the digital
short-wave format.
(Trans World Radio and vk5mm)
NOW ROBERT BROOMHEAD - VK3KRB.
Matters Digital
D-STAR LAUNCH
The NSW launch of the Icom D-Star 2-way radio system will take place at the
Central Coast Amateur Radio Club's Wyong Field Day Today Sunday, 17th.
Amateur Radio Victoria announces the first phase of its Icom D-STAR
repeater project at Mt Macedon.
Good reports have already been received of VK3RMM D-STAR repeater on
438.050MHz, despite it being under a low power test with a limited coverage
area.
The Icom (Australia) donated repeater was installed by Peter Mill VK3APO
and Ross Pittard VK3FCE.
The VK3RMM D-STAR 2m band repeater is the next to be commissioned followed
by a 23m digital repeater.
Once the repeater system passes its operational tests, the aim is to have
it join the international D-STAR gateway network after internet ADSL
connection issues are resolved.
- Amateur Radio Victoria
www.amateurradio.com.au
D-Star Repeater for Brisbane.
Kevin VK4UH one of the WIA QAC reps, recently gave a report regarding the
proposed establishment of a D-Star repeater for the area following the
donation of a number of these repeaters in a joint initiative by the WIA and
ICOM Australia.
Kevin VK4UH speaking at his Brisbane Amateur Radio Club, BARC, outlined the
capabilities of the new mode for voice and data communications on VHF and UHF
and of the ability to link stations across bands and between repeaters around
the world via internet linking.
A consortium of clubs in the South East Area was being set up by Kevin to make
this possible.
Interest had been apparent from the Queensland Digital Group, WICEN and the
Redcliffe Amateur Radio Club and the support of BARC was sought.
A live demonstration of the new D-Star digital voice mode will be given at
the next BARC meeting.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
VK5ZAI is the Australian Co-ordinator for ARISS.
AMSAT-VK UNOFFICIAL HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
Australian Satellite Enthusiasts Group
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/ozsatgroup/
ARISS observes SuitSat-1 anniversary
In marking the 2nd anniversary of the deployment of SuitSat-1/Radioskaf/AO-54
from the ISS, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, ARISS International Chairman, and AMSAT-NA
V.P. for Human Space-flight Programs said, "I want to take this opportunity to
thank all the volunteers around the world that supported the SuitSat-1
development, deployment, public outreach and ground station reception." Frank
said the SuitSat certificates have been mailed as of this past week.
2008 brings new opportunities to you, the hams interested in ARISS, which
includes:
• Plans to commemorate the 25th anniversary of human spaceflight ham radio
operation - the flight of Owen Garriott, W5LFL on the space shuttle Columbia
STS-9 in 1983.
• A team of dedicated amateur radio operators is working to bring SuitSat-2 to
reality. At this point in time, it is not clear when it will be deployed,
but they are working feverishly to have it ready for deployment before the
end of the year.
• ARISS is expected to have significant crew amateur radio participation
starting in the October 2008 timeframe with the launch of the Expedition
18 crew and Soyuz taxi flight.
Frank wraps up with, "I thank all of you for your interest in ARISS. This
program is truly inspirational for students, the ham radio community, and the
communities surrounding the schools that have been touched by the 334
(to date) school contacts conducted since December 2001."
(southgate)
Irish Radio Experimenter Receives Ande De-orbit Award
Along with many other international participants, John EI7IG recently received
his certificate for gathering telemetry from the ANDE satellite before it
re-entered the atmosphere. Recently Henk PA3GUO and Mike DK3WN sponsored an
ANDE award to encourage reception of telemetry during the last few weeks of
life of the Amateur Radio satellite ANDE.
ANDE was build by students from the US Naval Academy and deployed from Space
Shuttle (STS-116) on a return mission from the International Space Station
on 21 December 2006. Due to it's low orbit it had a short lifetime and
re-entered the earth's atmosphere just over a year later on the 25th of
December 2007
(irts)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP --- MILITARY
Special Anniversary closing ceremonies at the Australian War Memorial Canberra
take place in February.
Sunday, 17 February
41st anniversary of 6 R.A.R's clash with Viet Cong forces on Operation Bribie
Tuesday, 19 February
66th anniversary of first air attack on Darwin by Japanese bombers
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO
EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES REGION ONE
21.360 - 18.160 - 14.300 - 7.060 - 3.760 MHz.
VK2 SUMMERLAND HORSE ENDURO 1-2 March will be held at Eden Creek, these
being both 40 and 80Km rides.
Operators to assist 6 checkpoints are requested.
If you can help on this excellent weekend please contact John Alcorn VK2JWA,
vk2jwa@sarc.org.au
66 215 217
SOCIAL SCENE
FEBRUARY 17
CENTRAL COAST AMATEUR RADIO FIELD DAY
The Club recently celebrated 50 years of history last October and historians
tell this coming Field Day is also 50th., a double celebration.
We have been informed that no trains will be running between Sydney and
Newcastle on Saturday & Sunday, the 16th.-17th Feb. Those wanting to travel
to the Wyong Field Day will have to catch Railway buses at your local train
station on the northern line.
Wyong Scout Group will be helping out at the entrance gate.
Security has been increased by the employment of the NSW police, an ATM is
now installed in the main building, and The St. Johns First Aiders will again
be on-site "just in case"
The ladies of The Embroiderers' Guild NSW, Newcastle Branch will be having a
display of their skills and will sell articles to patrons.
Traders area will be "off limits" until 0930 hours, this will give them plenty
of time to set-up, this also means that the free tea/coffee & biscuits will
not be available until the Traders open for business, however The Bistro will
be open early for people who need some refreshments.
The free tea/coffee will now be located on the top floor of the main building,
Australia's top importers and sellers of radio and electronic gear will be
there as well as a number of good "Flea Market" sellers with a big variety of
preloved gear for sale.
Mobile phone Number 0458 245 576, as well as existing number (02) 4340 2500.
More details on the Central Coast Amateur Radio Club's web
site www.ccarc.org.au
February 24 VK3
Yarra Valley Amateur Radio Group (Formally the Healesville Amateur Radio
Club) White Elephant Sale doors open 10am to 2pm at Healesville Memorial Hall
Maroondah Highway Healsville. Entry Fee $5. Free Tea and Coffee.
For Bookings .. Trestles hire $12 for 6ft $15 for 8ft Contact Gavin VK3TLN
5968 84 82 or Steve VK3TSR 0418 103 487
March 9 VK3
Why drive all over town when the HamFest you want to go to is JUST AROUND THE
CORNER!
The Hillbillies' HamFest in Heathmont this Labour Day Long Weekend.
YES!, The EMDRC White Elephant Sale is on Sunday March 9th.
Doors Open 10.30am, SO BE THERE early and don't miss the prize draw at 1pm!
And because it's the Long Weekend, you can come on Sunday, and
Play alllll dayyyy Mondayyy with the gear you picked up!
The Bargain price for finding Bargains is $6 entry.
Table Bookings wes2008@emdrc.com.au or Colin on the phone 0414 879 682
March 22 23 VK2
Urunga Radio Convention
This is the "60th Urunga Radio Convention" and those dates are the Easter long
weekend the 22nd & 23rd of March.
From its early days where it started at the "DOO MEE" boat shed (where the
Anchors Restaurant is now) by "Peter Alexander" VK2PA, "Crieff Retallick"
VK2XO, and others, the convention is steeped in early history and has been run
continually as a premier "Fox hunting" field day.
Urunga is a beautiful place for that break away, so get along and enjoy the
hospitality and meet your old friends, many still attend.
Check out the web page. http://users.tpg.com.au/goldy2/index.htm
Ken Golden VK2DGT sec. WIA. Urunga Radio Convention. Inc.
APRIL 5 VK4
The Dalby & District and Sunshine Coast Radio Clubs are holding their annual
get together at Kirkleigh Somerset Dam on the weekend of the 5th & 6th of
April this year.
We extend an invitation to your club members and friends to come and join us
as we camp out and have a fun weekend,
We hope to have a car boot sale as well as other radio related activities, and
create some discussion and maybe some ideas relating to your favourite
electronic project.
We are currently negotiating for a deal for the camping fees, so we will need
to know numbers as soon as possible, and we are planning to cater for a BBQ
tea on the Saturday evening for a very reasonable $5 donation. All other
meals will be self catered.
So if you have the weekend free and wish to join in, please let us know, we
would love to see you there
Please contact Neil VK4NF on 4662 4950
Or Email holmzie@bigpond.com
Or Ricky VK4NRL on 4662 0095
Or Email rjlammas@optusnet.com.au
April 6 VK2
Westlakes Amateur Radio Club's Mini Field Day.
APRIL 6 VK7
The Sewing Circle Net will again sponsor a BBQ for ALL amateurs at Ross on
Sunday April 6th, at the Ross Caravan Park on a similar format to that of
last year with Registration from 10am followed by a group discussion from 11
to about 12.30pm followed by a BYO BBQ.
Don, VK7AY, is Sewing Circle Net coordinator if you wish to find out more.
Sept 13
Alarameet 2008 will be held in Ulverstone Tasmania on Saturday
13th and Sunday 14th September. Susan VK7LUV for details.
Nov 9 VK5
Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society will hold their Bigger Better Buy and
sell day Sunday November 9 at Goodwood community centre, Rosa St. right near
the Tram stop.
2009
International Telecommunication Union's Telecom World 2009.
14th IARU R3 Conference Christchurch 12 - 16 October, 2009.
REWIND - A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY
(Will McGhie VK6UU is WIA National Historian)
More than 100 fires started on February the 16th, 1983, on a day known as
Ash Wednesday. We now recall its 25th anniversary.
In Victoria and South Australia 75 people died and there was widespread damage.
The combination of a drought, strong winds and low humidity resulted in ideal
conditions for the rapid spread of fire.
In Victoria multiple fires broke out and firefighting services were quickly
overwhelmed.
A huge dust and fire debris storm that swept across Melbourne turning day into
night.
A cold front only changed the wind direction while it maintained the same
intensity fanning fires in a new direction.
There were several hundred radio amateurs providing emergency communications.
WICEN Victoria had up until then been a relatively small group, providing
mainly support communications for a few community events.
Ash Wednesday changed that. WICEN not only responded to the bushfire disaster
but then actively engaged in the disaster recovery phase by providing vital
inter-agency communications.
WICEN gained respect and renewed recognition. Those radio amateurs who are
Ash Wednesday veterans will be reflecting on what they did a quarter of a
century ago.
They continued a tradition that began with the Black Friday Bushfires in 1939
and include a string of disasters, Darwin's tropical cyclone in 1974, the
Newcastle Earthquake 1989 and many more.
I'm Jim Linton VK3PC and you're listening to VK1WIA.
=========================================================================
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