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This is WIANEWS for week commencing April 05 2009
ACMA 12 months into review of 400mhz band.
The story of EVE
UK STUDENT DEVELOPS PARTICLE DETECTOR
The Hellenic Amateur Radio Association of Australia to hold
its First VK2 Meeting
Ministry of Defence to hold a GPS jamming exercise
Deliberate interference to International Space Station
AND do you want to experience ham radio like never before
AND get your licence?
All this and more up and coming in
WIANEWS for week commencing April 5
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REWIND 52 WEEKS
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is seeking public
comment on proposals for changes to arrangements for the radiofrequency
spectrum in the range 403–520 MHz (the 400 MHz band).
The proposals are outlined in the Spectrum Proposals: 403-520 MHz - Proposals
for future arrangements in the 400 MHz band consultation paper.
ACMA believes that reform of the arrangements for this band is urgently needed
and is important to Australia’s future. In pursuing change, ACMA is committed
to delivering improved efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility and is also
committed to maximising the public benefit arising from the use of this
spectrum.
This new discussion paper represents the second public step in the review of
the 400 MHz band, which began in April 2008
Changes to arrangements in our ham band 430–440 MHz are outside the scope of
the exercise.
A signal bounced off of Venus
Radio Amateurs have achieved the very first reception of amateur signals
bounced off the planet Venus, over 50 million km away.
EVE (Earth-Venus-Earth)
Peter DB2OS, President of AMSAT-DL says on March 25th, 2009 a team from the
German space organisation at the ground station at the Bochum observatory
transmitted radio signals to Venus. After travelling a round trip delay of
about 5 minutes, they were clearly received as echoes from the surface of
Venus.
In addition, this is the farthest distance crossed by radio amateurs, over
100 times further than echoes from the moon (EME reflections).
For receiving the EVE signals, an FFT analysis with an integration time of
5 minutes was used. After integrating for 2 minutes only, the reflected
signals were clearly visible in the display. Despite bad weather, signals
from Venus could be detected until the planet reached the local horizon.
The 2.4 GHz high power amplifier used for this achievement is described in
the current AMSAT-DL journal.
This represented a crucial test for a final key component of the planned
P5-A Mars mission. By receiving echoes from Venus, the ground and command
station for the Mars probe has been cleared for operational use and the
AMSAT team is now gearing up for building the P5-A space probe.
The EVE experiment was repeated on Thursday, March 26th for several hours
with good echoes from Venus. Morse code was used to transmit the well known
“HI“ signature known from the AMSAT OSCAR satellites.
(Joe Rossini)
FROM NIGHT FLIGHT TO VENUS TO MOONGLOW
Last week the WIA agreed to publicise an event which is being put together
by a group of amateurs to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Apollo
moon landing.
The special event, being planned by an international group of amateurs,
includes a mix of HF special event stations and amateur moon bounce activity.
WIA news will bring you more information on this event over the coming weeks.
ACMA
Australian Communications and Media Authority released its revised Principles
for Spectrum Management (the Principles) and the Five-year Spectrum Outlook
2009-2013 (the Spectrum Outlook), both of which will guide ACMA’s planning
and management of radiofrequency spectrum.
Draft versions of the Principles and the Spectrum Outlook were released in
April 2008 for public consultation. They have now been finalised after taking
into account the views expressed by stakeholders during the public
consultation process.
‘The Principles and the Spectrum Outlook will provide greater insight and
transparency to the radiocommunications industry (and the wider Australian
public) on ACMA’s spectrum management activities and the principles that will
guide the resolution of emerging issues,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
ACMA has also released the Response to Submissions on the Draft Spectrum
Management Principles (the Response to Submissions). The Response to
Submissions provides ACMA’s views on substantive issues that were raised by
stakeholders in their submissions to the Consultation on the Draft Spectrum
Management Principles.
ACMA has released these documents ahead of its major spectrum conference
RadComms09, to facilitate informed discussion among stakeholders and ACMA.
RadComms09 will be held in Sydney on 29 and 30 April.
The WIA Annual General Meeting
The WIA will conduct its AGM on Saturday 2nd May at 2.00 pm, Monash
University Gippsland. The AGM will be followed by the Open Forum with
reports presented on all WIA activities over the year and will conclude
at 5.00 pm.
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
(rotate vk1 wx, 2sky, 3dms, 4vks, 5nz, 6?, 7tw, 8zwm)
VK1
vk1 local news email broadcast(AT)vk1.wia.ampr.org and ask for subscription.
TWO events, this weekend is the annual 2 day walk in the inner suburbs of
Canberra so no long distances were required.
Then on Easter Sunday the Australian Carriage Driving championships out at
Doug VK2FDMW's property "Witwood". This event needs around 10 -15 people to
man various obstacles and time trials and report back times. yes it is
Easter and so many people will be away but for those who aren't going away
come out and give a hand.
Great day for the family, especially if you have a horse lover in the family.
If you can assist let Phil VK1PL know.
committee(AT)crarc.ampr.org ASAP.
CRARC has decided to make a common standard for the power connectors on all
CRARC / WICEN ACT equipment and have agreed to adopt the WICEN NSW standard
in using the Anderson Power Pole 30Amp connectors.
Around 200 "sets" (one red connector, one black connector, 2 solder/crimp
contacts & 1 locking pin per set) and these are being made available to
crarc members at $2.00 a set.
Glenn VK1NUT is the man with the 'set'.
committee(AT)crarc.ampr.org
VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
VKG Roundup http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news
The Annual General Meeting of the WIA (NSW Division) is set down for 10am
Saturday 18 of April at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club.
All financial members are welcome to attend/vote in the proceedings.
The Hellenic Amateur Radio Association of Australia will hold its First
VK2 Meeting Tuesday 7th April 7pm at HARAOA’s new club room located at
ST. GEORGE SAILING CLUB, SANS SOUCI.
Hams and prospective new hams are invited to attend, contact Tommy VK2IR.
0413 00 55 11
(www.haraoa.com)
Westlake’s 45th year operating as a club invite you to their very special
"Back to Westlake’s Field Day Sunday April 19th".
Past members can mingle with the present.
No entry fee, the gates open to the public at 9am.
Urunga Radio Convention.
Easter week end, Saturday and Sunday at the Senior Citizens Hall Urunga.
Urunga boasts the longest running fox hunt field day in Australia.
"The “Historical Radio Society of Australiaö will be displaying at the
Convention, Vintage Radios and associated equipment from the 20’s to the 70’s.
Check out the “Urunga Radio Conventionö web page at www4.tpgi.com.au/goldy2
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
VKC Roundup http://www.police
Lets go clubbing around VK3 this week courtesy of the club webpage on
www.wia.org.au we stop of in Frankston.
FAMPARC meets at their clubrooms on the South side on the school grounds of
St. Leonard’s College, Patterson Lakes Campus, Bangholme.
Club Net: Tuesday evening at 8.15pm club members (and friends) meet on
146.425 MHz controlled by Bill VK3MMM. Some members with HF capabilities
move to 3.647 MHz plus or minus QRM around 8.45pm.
Meetings every Wednesday and Saturday 9am at the club rooms.
VK4
web service local news:- www.wiaq.com/qnews/upload/qnewsbcast.htm
local news email qnews-vk-subscribe(AT)yahoogroups.com
VK6
web service http://www.vk6.net/newswest-index.html
Finally, in around vk over here in the West VK6 is asking for help.
Ok all you t'othersiders, pick yourselves up dust yourselves down
and be seated whilst I tell you our tale. The major population in
VK6 as most of you will be aware, is in the South West Corner,
and here is our concentration of Repeaters.
We seem to be faced over here with a rising tide of difficulty of
physical access. Some of our major sites for example, have become
surrounded by Quarries. Which are Mines for the purposes of Occ Health
and Safety. This means difficult access. We can only get there under escort.
Note that they were not necessarily quarries when started, and the Tx site
does not necessarily belong to the Mine or Quarry.
We have been believing that it is difficult to co-access sites that belong
to certain Government Departments, but we notice that this does not seem to
be a problem back east. What the ACMA registry does not tell us is: when
co-sited, how easy is physical access for Maintenance.
Most - but not all - of the repeaters in VK6 are built and maintained by the
West Australian Repeater Group. The situation is different in other states.
I would like to find out what access problems you have. Please email
vk6kad(AT)iinet.net.au with any information.
VK7
local area news :- http://reast.asn.au/news.php
vk7 local news, email vk7regionalnews-subscribe(AT)yahoogroups.com
BPL
Strong doubts expressed about BPL
It’s encouraging to say the least that finally, within the telecomms industry
there is acceptance that Broadband over Powerlines (BPL) has a multiplicity
of issues in deployment.
According to the (13 March 2009 issue) US industry journal Network World, it
is now recognised that BPL doesn't really cut the mustard against alternative
internet delivery technologies in under-served rural areas.
That publication comments that BPL has management, operational, technical and
radio interference difficulties.
It notes that BPL is actually yet to be demonstrated working in a widespread
deployment.
Meantime the American Radio Relay League believes that BPL cannot be
considered for rural and hard-to-serve areas unless its interference issues
are addressed.
The ARRL recognises that while the Federal Communications Commission and
various power utilities have touted BPL as a promising means of providing
rural broadband service, that technology has prohibitive technical barriers.
These include the cost of large numbers of line repeaters and couplers
necessary to service widely spaced subscribers.
Let alone before BPL could ever be considered as a long-term source of
broadband in rural America, the FCC must adopt rules that provide against
interference to the licensed radio services.
Of particular concern in rural areas is that low-band VHF radio systems are
still common among state police, volunteer fire departments and other first
responder public safety agencies.
The ARRL told the FCC in a submission that, "BPL systems using this frequency
range can and would, without additional rules, likely block communications
between dispatch centre and emergency response vehicles."
Network World article:
www.networkworld.com/news/2009/031309-broadband-fiber-wire.html?page=1
ARRL report:
www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/03/28/10731/?nc=1
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
www.hamcollege.com.au
In Victoria and wanting a ham licence?
The South Pacific Contest Club out Hillside way could help you!
Out at Runamuk Farm in Hillside is where the SPCC hold meetings.
Although the SPCC is dedicated to contests and dx'peditions they will run
assesments for Foundation, Standard and Advanced Licence on a need be basis.
Upcoming Courses and Assessments contact Chris VK3FY on telephone
1419 155 139
UK STUDENT DEVELOPS PARTICLE DETECTOR
A 17-year-old student, Peter Hadfield, , has won the first ever United
Kingdom's National Young Scientist of the Year award. This, for developing
a hand-held particle detector called Lucid. Lucid will be sent into space
on a Surrey Satellite Technology SSTL satellite and used for research in
2010.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to RSGB, Southgate AR Club, the ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
Big licence fee hike could hit SA Radio Hams
South African regulator ICASA has published far-reaching proposals to the
structure of licence fees.
The authority proposes that fees for an amateur radio licence be increased
from 27 to 120 Rand per annum.
To reduce the administrative burden, fees from next year will be payable for
a period of 5 or 10 years in advance.
Digital Radio Given Green Light in Germany
The 16 German regional governments have agreed to start the roll out of
nationwide digital radio services, using DAB+, at the beginning of 2010.
This is the new form of DAB which Australian broadcasters had a huge hand
in developing
DAB+ is an updated version of DAB, already used in Switzerland.
New digital radios able to receive DAB+ are in production now and will
become available during 2009, in time for the launch of Germany's new
services.
MoD GPS jamming exercise
The UK Ministry of Defence conduct occasional tests on military systems,
which may result in some loss of service to civilian users of the
Global Positioning System (GPS) including in-car navigation devices
and networks which rely on GPS signals.
Between 6th July and 16th July, at limited periods they will be conducting
a GPS jamming exercise. The location for the exercise is to sea westwards
of Kirkwall.
WEIRD N WONDERFUL
MISSING SUNSPOTS MAY HAVE BEEN EMBEZZELED
Word that the mystery of the missing sunspots and lack of propagation may
have been traced, incredibly, to some of the same roots as the current global
economic crisis.
Amateur Newsline Investigative Reporter Pierre Pullinmyleg has roamed into
his shortwave communications news transmission centre with the details he has
uncovered:
It now appears zat convicted swindler Bernard Madoff not only made off with
zee 65 billion dollars of investors’ money, but with zee cycle 24 sunspots
as well. A little-known corner of zee financial marketplace actually more
of a back alley is zee sunspot futures market, where traders buy and sell
based on predicted sunspot values for a given date.
Our investigation has revealed that when the stock market was trading at
ionospheric levels, Madoff accepted millions of dollars zat he promised to
invest in future sunspots, but instead simply deposited in an offshore
account in zee Serrano Bank on the fabled Ponzi Island IOTA NA-0401 for
those who wonder. When zee time came to actually purchase the sunspots for
cycle 24, the accounts set up for that purpose were empty. As a result, za
sun has declared bankruptcy and zee universe has begun foreclosure
proceedings.
Attorneys for zee sun are trying to negotiate a bailout package but are not
optimistic that they can meet zee April 1st deadline.
From zee somewhat darkened beaches of Ponzi Island, zis is Pierre
Pullinmyleg reporting for Newsline.
Pierre says that he will be back in about 12 months to bring you up to date
on further developments in the solar foreclosure proceedings. And just in
case he did not mention it earlier, Pierre says to have a very happy April 1.
(Roving reporter Pierre Pullinmyleg via shortwave)
OPERATIONAL NEWS -
SPECIAL EVENTS AND ON AIR CONTEST COLUMN - D A T E L I N E 2009
APR 18 ZL/VK RTTY SPRINT (80M)
APR 25 ZL/VK RTTY SPRINT (40M)
MAY 01 - 08 VK CQ REPEATER CONTEST (Westlake’s Club)
MAY 09 - 10 ZL SANGSTER SHIELD 80M CW
JUN 6 - 8 WORKED ALL VK SHIRES LONG WEEKEND CONTEST
JUN 20 - 21 MUSEUMS WEEKEND PART a
JUN 27 - 28 MUSEUMS WEEKEND PART b
JUL 04 NZART MEMORIAL CONTEST 80M
AUG 15 - 16 WIA Remembrance Day Contest
AUG 15 - 16 ILLW
Running till Dec 31 2009 is the 4th CQ DX Marathon
Westlake’s CQ repeater contest starts 1st May and is open to all Amateurs
across Australia.
As the name implies all contacts are to be made via a repeater.
Full details are on the clubs webpage under contests.
2009 NZART MEMORIAL CONTEST
4 July 2009
2000 NZST until 2300 NZST
80m
Phone, and CW
Please refer to the 2007/8 NZART Callbook, Contest Section for full details
of the Contest Rules and other operating Information., or the NZART Website:
www/nzart.org.nz/contests/
Unauthorized use of contest call
Over the last few weeks Charles, M0OXO has been made aware that his
Short Contest Call of M0X has been used several times by an unauthorised
person and possibly during contests too. M0X has been used along with a
regional designator of the Island of Guernsey, MU0X.
Charles has received several requests for QSL cards but has never operated
from Guernsey.
BEACON DX AND NET ADVICE
hf nets ON the net, www.timroberts-vk4yeh.id.au/
GB 40 WAB 40th anniversary of the WAB Till Dec 31
International Museums Weekend(s) 20 and 21 plus 27 and June 28
OZ 1658 ROS 350th anniversary of the Treaty of Roskilde Till Dec 31
VARIOUS SM STATIONS USING 1658 (Treaty of Roskilde) Till Dec 31
VP 9 400 /home call 400th Anniversary of Bermuda Till Dec 31
Good news in from Far North Queensland. After a long wait the TREC 6 metre
beacon frequency has been approved by ACMA.
VK4RHT Frequency 50.281 grid QH23pc.
Hopefully the beacon will be on air some time soon.
BROADCAST MONITORING SWL AND SCANNER NEWS
aus_scanner(AT)yahoogroups.com
http://www.scanaustralia.bigpondhosting.com
www.scanvictoria.com
www.tinyurl.com/BITS-026 (A receiver located in NY USA)
Voice of America this year is broadcasting into North Korea on AM providing
a much clearer than VOA's long-running shortwave broadcasts from the
Philippines.
Since Jan. 1, VOA has been using the antenna facilities of the Far East
Broadcasting Company, a Christian evangelical radio station.
The antenna is only 65 kilometers from the border.
Similar to the old A-B class licenced radios here in Australia ibn the 20's,
North Korea's radios come with prefixed channels that receive only government
signals! But some listen to outside broadcasts using radios smuggled in from
China or by removing the frequency controls on their state-issued radios.
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
Region III IARUMS Coordinator B.L.Manohar (Arasu) VU2UR
r3msc_iaru(AT)rediffmail.com
IARU Monitoring System International Coordinator:-
Robert E. Knowles, ZL1BAD.
Len Martinson, ZL1BYA, is Monitoring Service co-ordinator for the NZART.
Lenmart(AT)clear.net.nz
VK National Coordinator = Karl Hennig VK6XW intruders(AT)wia.org.au
VK IARUMS reflector email to subscribe intruders(AT)wia.org.au
VK Coordinators for I.A.R.U.M.S.
VK3TZE Jimmy intruders(AT)wiavic.org.au
VK5EV John
VK7BBW Paul vk7bbw(AT)bigpond.com
IARUMS NETS
Friday 0730 UTC 7.065.5 with VK4CEU David.
Amateur exclusive frequencies where any non-amateur signal is definitely an
intruder.
Exclusive amateur only spectrum world wide
7.050 to 7.100
14.000 to 14.250
14.250 to 14.350 No broadcasters
21.000 to 21.450
24.890 to 24.990
28.000 to 29.700
Deliberate interference to International Space Station
The RSGB are dismayed to learn that a small group of AM enthusiasts
based in the West Lothian district of Scotland continue to cause what
appears to be deliberate interference to the ISS downlink frequency
of 145.800MHz during ISS passes.
The RSGB is concerned that despite several years of negotiation with
this group and a change of band allocation to move them away from the
internationally agreed ISS frequency, they continue to disrupt ISS
operation by their selfish disregard of their fellow radio amateurs
and the Band Plan. The RSGB intends to bring the matter up formally
with Ofcom at a meeting of the RSGB/Ofcom Forum in early April.
An as yet to be confirmed story from satellites.co.uk suggests that some
39 Brazilian milsat pirates have been arrested, AND, they are/where amateur
radio operators.
For many years pirates have hijacked transponders on the various military UHF
satellites. Hundreds of reports on these illegal operations over the last
couple of decades and now for the first time DoD has struck back to gain
control of their radio assets.
Federal police and Brazil’s communications authority, according to what was
emailed us busted 39 persons, one arrest but large amounts of equipment
seized.
Pirate Radio USA
This is a feature length digital documentary about the underground world of
illegal radio in America, where people play what they want and say what they
want— until the FCC catches them…
DJ’s Him and Her, from their live Pirate Radio USA Studio, take you on a rock
-n-roll journey inside rogue radio stations across the country to see why
Americans defy Federal Law to free the radio airwaves.
Google Pirate Radio USA
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report -
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
A roadblock to electric cars is the battery
Scientists around the world are working hard to achieve a quantum leap in
battery technology that will hopefully enable motorists to recharge battery
powered or hybrid cars as quick as it now takes to re-fill a petrol tank.
At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology they have announced a prototype
battery that can be charged in less than 20 seconds compared with the normal
time for a Lithium-ion battery of six minutes.
The achievement centres on using lithium-ion phosphate and changes to the
anode circuit that enables the electrons to travel faster inside the battery.
It could in a few year’s away but it may also overcome a disadvantage with
the electric car in relation to their slower acceleration rate.
Mobile phones, laptop computers, digital cameras and iPods are all battery
powered too.
Being able to reduce the cost, the time taken in recharging while keeping
these devices safe will be most welcome by consumers.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
MEDIA WATCH
http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WorldRadio.html
CURRAJONG RADIO MUSEUM ON ABC TV 17 APRIL, 8pm, more of this event shortie.
Queensland TV program EXTRA has shown the story of 9 year old, Nicholas
O’Sullivan, who undertook his foundation licence exam at the John Moyle field
day. The program interviewed Nicholas, his Mum, Janette, who also passed her
foundation theory exam in the field, and with Dad Shaun VK4FY.
Recliffe Radio Club secretary, Peter, VK4TAA was also interviewed and
outlined the requirements of the Foundation licence and what Nicholas had
achieved by passing his licence.
For a 2 minute segment, it was good publicity for our hobby and was a fine
inspiration for young people to follow.
Amateur Radio Previews
April 2009
Amateur Radio, your favourite magazine, will hit the newsstands next week.
Don’t leave it too long, or they will be all sold out. And it’s too good
to miss.
We mentioned, in last month’s Editorial, the several emergency communications
services provided by radio amateurs during the recent disastrous bush-fires.
One of those is RECOM, an arm of Red Cross. Now, in a comprehensive article
on page 27 by Jim Linton VK3PC, we explore who and what RECOM really is, and
what it does.
If you plan to be out on the road this Easter, or maybe when summer comes
around again, you will be interested in the mundane but essential lead-acid
battery. They can be a bit tricky at times, especially when you try to
interconnect two battery systems. Read how Richard Cortis VK2XRC deceived his
alternator to overcome his particular problem. That’s on page 15.
Felix Scerri VK4FUQ is a frequent contributor to the pages of Amateur Radio
(as well as this National News Service) and he is usually wrestling with
problems on his antennas and transmission lines. Here, on page 26, Felix
gives us a very first-hand report on the recent floods around Ingham. Of
course he is still talking about his antennas, but he is also talking about
“muddy river floodwaterö. A short but interesting report from the front line.
So, welcome to another absorbing issue of Amateur Radio magazine, as always
with something for everyone. A hard-working little group of volunteers
called the WIA Publications Committee brings the magazine to you every month,
with the essential contribution of articles written by you, our readers.
(compiled by: Tom Potter VK3UBS)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV (Every pixel tells a story)
Some regular activities in Australia include the Gladesville Television
Test Transmissions on 444 MHz, Sunday 7 PM and Wednesday 7.30 PM
ATV Balloon launch this Saturday
Bill, WB8ELK will be launching another two High Altitude Balloons this
Saturday April 4th.
For all those Radio Hams that are new to ATV as well as the old timers, this
is a great opportunity to observe the event live on BATC tv.
Here's Bill's plan:
"We'll probably be flying around 1500 UTC this Saturday.. there will be
two balloons, like we did last weekend. I'll probably start the streaming
video around 1430 UTC.
73s de Bill WB8ELK"
To watch the BATC.TV Web stream go to www.batc.tv and click on "Live Event"
and then watch ( what is it called HiBall ??)
Tell all your friends to tune in and watch something special.
And BATC.TV 's streaming video is superior to all other services seen.
You can view the picture full screen and at last report BATC.TV had more than
400 viewers with no problems. Maybe there is a new bench mark for
'most viewers'.
Bill has done quite a few of these "Balloon Launches". Check out his web page
www.wb8elk.com
You will see the view from the colour camera looking at the earth as the
balloon carrying the ATV transmitter ascends it (30?90? thousand feet??)
Transmitting on (434???MHz)
Expect Fantastic Pictures!
Bill knows what he is doing and I am sure he will give us something
interesting to watch. Be sure to tell all your friends to watch this
Saturday.
73 Ian, G3ZHI
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
AMSAT-VK UNOFFICIAL HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
Watch NASA TV
Internet visitors can now see the Earth as never before - live from the
International Space Station via streaming video, seven days a week.
The streaming video views of Earth and the exterior structure of the station
are from cameras mounted outside the laboratory complex, orbiting Earth at
17,500 miles an hour at an altitude of 220 miles.
The video is transmitted to the ground - and Web viewers - primarily while
the astronauts aboard the complex are asleep. When live video is not
available, a map showing the current location and path of the station will
be streamed from NASA's Mission Control in Houston.
The streaming video will include audio of communications between
Mission Control and the astronauts, when available.
To view the streaming station video and for more information about the
station and its crew, visit:
www.nasa.gov/station
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- Internet Linking of Repeaters
The Geraldton EchoLink node is now permanently up and running and can be
broadcast as such with the following details
Link node ID? ? -? VK6KCI-L
EchoLink Node Number? -? 412591
Location? ? -? ? 28' 42.276'S? 114' 37.733''E? -? Geraldton Western Australia
Frequency? -? 145.350Mhz? (simplex)
TX Power? -? 44dBm? (25W)
Antenna? -? Omni directional? +6dBi? at 16m AMSL
Coverage? -? Mostly reliable throughout Geraldton city and suburbs to a
radius of aprox 15km with 25W TX and RX sensitivity of?
<= 0.2uV at 12dB SINAD.? Coastal coverage is north to Horrocks
Beach and south to Cape Burney.
Notes:
Node control via DTMF? -? connect by dialling node number? -? disconnect by
dialling *9
Please Note:? Node may be connected to a conference server.? If so, please
check to ensure no local stations are using the link before dialling *9 to
disconnect all stations.? Please re-connect any conference servers after use
Regards
Maarten
vk6kci via vk6kad.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLD-TIMERS
http://www.raotc.org.au
OLD TIMERS
Members and friends of the Radio Amateurs Old Timers Club Australia are
reminded that the next news and information broadcast will take place on the
first Monday of the Month.
using the RAOTC callsign of VK3OTN.
10.00 am Victorian time on 7.060 and 3.650 MHz plus 1.843 MHz AM, and
145.700.
On 14.150 MHz at 01.00 UTC beaming north and 02:00 UTC west from Melbourne
For those not yet retired, 8.30 PM Victorian time tune 80 mtrs 3.650 MHz
With the objective to maintain interest and good fellowship among those who
qualify for membership, full membership of the RAOTC is available to any
person who has held, or has been qualified to hold, an Amateur Licence for
a minimum of 25 years.
Associate membership is available to any person who has held, or has been
qualified to hold, an Amateur Licence for a minimum of 10 years.
Associate members are entitled to all the privileges of Full Membership
except the right to vote or to hold office.
Radio Amateurs Old Timers Club
P.O. Box 107
Mentone Vic 3194
www.raotc.org.au
Phone : 03 9579 5600
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
http://www.scouts.com.au
http://www.scout.org/jota
http://www.international.scouts.com.au
CALLING FREQUENCIES
Please QSY off the calling frequency after establishing communication.
Australian voice calling frequencies:
3.650, 7.090, 14.190, 21.190, 28.590, 52.160
World CW calling frequencies:
3.570, 7.030, 14.060, 18.080, 21.140, 24.910, 28.180, 50.160
World voice calling frequencies:
3.690 & 3.940 MHz, 7.090 & 7.190, 14.290, 18.140, 21.360,
24.960, 28.390, 50.160
Calling frequencies for Slow Scan TV (SSTV):
3.630, 7.033, 14.227
Calling Frequencies for PSK31
14.070
Want to experience ham radio like never before and get your licence?
THEN THIS IS THE CAMP FOR YOU!
Get Radio Active and take part in a 4 Day Camp and maybe obtain your
Amateur Radio License in these 4 Days!
You’ll get to take part in amazing radio activities and experience
Amateur Radio like never before with activities including..
Antenna Building and Fox Hunting.
Get along and play in a real radio shack and talk to the world!
When - April 15th - 18th
Where - Gilwell Park, Gembrook - Victoria
Who Can Go - The camp is open to all Scouts, Venturers, Rovers & Leaders!
Google the Scout Radio Electronic Service Unit Website or contact the
Scout Radio and Electronics Service Unit PO Box 269 Box Hill Victoria.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO
EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES ALL REGIONS
21.360 - 18.160 - 14.300 - 7.060 - 3.760 MHz.
REGION 2 TRY ALSO 3.985 - 7.240 - 7.290
The East Gippsland Stages Car Rally will be held on the Saturday of 16th of
May in the area North of Lindenow.
WICEN will once again be providing Safety Communications.
The event will run during the day and evening from about 1300Hrs to 2200Hrs.
Colin Pomroy on mobile telephone 0417 305 702 is after operators!
THE LOWDOWN COLUMN INCLUDING PRECISION BEACON TRANSMISSIONS
Join the DownUnder LF Group's Mailing List:
http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/lofexp/
Subscribe: lofexp-subscribe(AT)yahoogroups.com.au
BEACONS www.qsl.net/zl1bpu/micro/Precision
500 kHz Permissions
Irish regulator ComReg has agreed to allow the Irish Radio Transmitters
Society to seek expressions of interest for a limited number of permissions
to operate in the region of 500 kHz under a licence to be issued to IRTS.
Stations to which permissions are issued will have to send regular reports to
IRTS consisting of their experience of propagation, type of propagation used,
noise experienced and methodology used on this band so that these can be
coordinated and periodic reports submitted to ComReg.
(irts/southgate)
SOCIAL SCENE
2009
International Telecommunication Union's Telecom World 2009.
April 4-5 vk4
Bunya Mts & District Amcom weekend get together at Somerset Dam
Details Contact Neil VK4NF 07 4662 4950 Email holmzie(AT)bigpond.com
April 11-12 vk2
Urunga Radio Convention held at the Senior Citizens hall Bowra street Urunga.
April 11 - 12 vk3
Radio, Electronics & Astronomy Expo, Old Fire Station View St. Bendigo.
April 18 WW
World Amateur Radio Day
April 19 vk2
Westlake clubs Mini Field Day.
May 1-3 vk3
WIA AGM Churchill Victoria
May 9 VK4
BARCFEST (the Brisbane HamFest) 9:30am Mt Gravatt Showground.
May 18 WW
World Telecom Day
June 5 - 8 VK4
FNNQARG at Cardwell Village Beachcomber Resort book on 1800 005633
Contact FNNQARG co-ordinator Gavin VK4ZZ for site booking guidance.
June 6-7
South East Radio Group Convention
Margret Street Scout Hall in Mount Gambier behind the Police Station.
July 11 - 12 VK3
GippsTech 2009, the technical conference with a VHF, UHF & microwave focus.
July 18 VK3
Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club Hamfest 10.00 am
Cranbourne Public Hall
August 2 vk6
Northern Corridor Radio Group's WA Hamfest. Cyril Jackson Rec Centre
Fisher st Ashfield, WA email vk6xh(AT)wia.org.au
SEP 13
Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society Hamfest 9:30am.
Goodwood Community Centre, Rosa St Goodwood.
OCT 12 - 16 ZL
14th IARU R3 Conference Christchurch 12 ? 16 October 2009.
Details at www.christchurch.org.nz/
The Region 3 Web Site: www.jarl.or.jp/iaru-r3/
JAN 24 VK2
Mid North Coast Amateur Radio Group's Radio Expo 2010 8.30am St Johns Church
Hall, Mc Lean Street Coffs Harbour.
(The largest Amateur Radio Event on the Mid North Coast of NSW. 20 plus
exhibitors, Trade tables, Major brands, Home brew, Historic radio display,
ATV display,WIA, ALARA, WICEN, Volunteer Coastal Patrol,Club Displays,
WIA Book Sales,Disposals tables, Lucky door prizes on the hour, Hot and cold
food, Free tea, coffee. Fee Parking, Disable access, Clean amenities,
www.mncarg.org on rain, hail or shine )
REWIND - A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY
(Will McGhie VK6UU is WIA National Historian)
Kurrajong Radio Museum to be shown on TV – 17th of April.
The ABC TV Collectors program will now show the segment on the Kurrajong
Radio Museum.
Ian VK2ZIO says the Museum segment is scheduled to be shown on ABC TV on
Friday the 17th of April at 8 pm.
THE FINAL FINAL
In this text edition of this news, we ask you to let us know you do infact
read them!
Well one in this week says "G'day, as you requested just a short note to
let you know I read the broadcast text as I don't always have time to listen.
I also forward it to the members of the Taree & District Amateur Radio".
That from Terry VK2KDK.
Oh and the Taree and District Amateur Radio Club's next General Meeting
will be the 7th of April in the library rooms, of the Taree TAFE College.
If you are visiting the area on the 7th April and would like to meet those
voices you hear on the repeater, please feel free to go along to the meeting.
Please think of the environment before printing this email
=============================================================================
WIANews - we've reported...YOU decide.
Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to
the actual broadcast date, e-mail nationalnews(AT)wia.org.au
Call-backs follow the RF editions, but also for text readers you may
lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who knows, you might
even get a "cheerio call".
Thanks to to our dedicated band of broadcast volunteers who utilize
their time and equipment in bringing you this weekly broadcast.
The purpose of "WIANews" is to rapidly provide news of interest to
active amateurs residing in Australia and the globe.
We strongly encourage membership in the Wireless Institute of Australia
and participation in the activities of local clubs.
Opinions expressed in "WIANews" are those of the writers who submit
material and do not necessarily reflect those of the rebroadcasters,
nor the National WIA, but are broadcast in the spirit in which they were
submitted.
Material may be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form, a credit to
WIANews wouldn't go astray...
Compiled by VK4BB on behalf of the National WIA.
*****************************************************************************
- NEWS POSTING TO PACKET -
Courtesy Tony VK7AX VK7AX(AT)VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC
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