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This is WIANEWS for week commencing April 12 2009
WIA Welcomes Fibre-to-the-Home Diet - err- Decision
AX XERO BP for ANZAC Day
AUSTRALIAN, BRITISH RTTY CONTESTS TO MERGE
INDIANAPOLIS POLCE "HANDCUFFED" BY FCC RULING.
GERMAN AND MICKEY MOUSE RADIO SNOOPS ON POLICE
HAMS WORLD WIDE ASKED TO KEEP
7045, 3640 AND 3643.5 kHz FREE FOR EARTHQUAKE TRAFFIC
REMEMBRANCE DAY CONTEST IN AUGUST AND AS HOLLY ASKS...
"Does that mean Pa is going to be up all night again on his radio ???"
All up and coming in
WIANEWS for week commencing April 12
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WIA Welcomes Fibre-to-the-Home Decision
The Australian Federal Government has announced its decision on Australias
National Broadband Network. In a surprise move, instead of deploying a
widely expected half-way-house fibre-to-the-node (FttN) solution from a
consortium of companies, the Government is moving ahead with its own
full-blown 100Mb/s fibre to the home rollout, (FttH). The reported
A$43billion project will include a mix of government and private sector
funding which may or may not include telecommunications companies.
Telecommunications analyst Paul Budde states:
"This is the most ambitious infrastructure ever undertaken in Australia
and will be the most ambitious FttH network anywhere undertaken in the
world. The Australian Government is one of the few governments who, in a
holistic way, understand the importance of broadband across the various
sectors. This network is not just for high-speed Internet and
entertainment but, more importantly, for healthcare, education,
smart grids, etc".
This is good news for Australian’s in general, and also for Australian
radio amateurs. Australia’s largest telecommunications carrier, Telstra,
was excluded from the original selection process on the grounds of
submitting a non-compliant bid, however, as Telstra owns most of the
copper cable in the ground, any fibre-to-the-node solution which did not
include Telstra would have resulted in a variety of 'alternative' access
technologies used to connect the ‘node’ to customers premises. Although
there may be many steps along the way, the predominant access technology
in Australian cities will now be fibre, and in less populated areas will
likely be wireless.
This decision would appear to remove the possibility of widespread
interference to radio communications from any network-wide adoption of
BPL technology, but still leaves as a concern the possibility of
interference from in-home use of BPL as an internal distribution
technology.
Phil Wait, VK2DKN
Director, WIA
News from Bob VK0BP at Davis Station in Antarctica
On ANZAC Day 25th April Bob will once again use the AX prefix.
He had a huge amount of fun on Australia Day and is hoping for a similar
result.
Although able to use the AX prefix from midnight till midnight local time
(Davis is UTC +7), Bob will not be operating for the full 24 hours, but
will do his very best to operate as long as possible that day.
As you probably know we can use the AX prefix just 3 times per year,
Australia Day which Bob has already done, ANZAC Day coming up in a couple
of weeks, and then the last opportunity for Bob to use the AX0BP callsign
whilst in Antarctica here will be on World Telecommunications Day 17th May
– at this stage he hopes to use it again then too.
Do keep an ear out for Bob on the air, and an eye on the DX Clusters.
Recently Bob has mostly been active on weekends so it is a perfect time
to nab a VK0 for the logbook.
If you would like any further information do pop Bob an email
vk0bp(AT)vk0bp.org
or check out his website
www.vk0bp.org
Saturday, April 25th marks the 135th anniversary of the birth of Marconi.
HADARC, the Hornsby and Districts Amateur Radio Club will be activating
VK2IMD for International Marconi Day which is the UTC day of Saturday
25th April, which means that will be on air for 24 hours from 10:00 AM
Sydney time on the Saturday. They plan to be on as many HF bands as
possible.
Global IMD page: <http://www.gb4imd.org.uk/>http://www.gb4imd.org.uk/
HADARC page: http://www.hadarc.org.au/
HADARC on Facebook: Seach for "VK2MA"
AUSTRALIAN, BRITISH RTTY CONTESTS TO MERGE
Amazing as it may sound, this story to do with VK and the UK comes
courtesy of the USA and ARRL.
John Barber, GW4SKA, of the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group
HAS announced that 2009 will be the last running of the Australian
National Amateur Radio Teleprinter Society's RTTY Contest.
Pat Leeper, VK2JPA, it seems has made every effort to find someone
else in Australia to take over the contest, but with no success.
BARTG runs two contests each year. The BARTG Sprint Contest is in
January and the BARTG HF Contest is in March.
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.
Yes with less than one month to go, there has been a steady stream of
bookings for Gippstech Special Edition the 2009 WIA AGM weekend of
activities. It takes place over the weekend of the 1st 2nd and 3rd of
May at the Gippsland Campus of Monash University.
The weekend will feature some very interesting topics and speakers
traveling from right around Australia to be at the event An information
brochure and booking form was included in the April edition of Amateur
Radio magazine. The brochure outlines the speakers, topics and events that
are taking place over the weekend. If you have not yet given us your
registration, we would encourage you to do so before all events are fully
booked. You can register via the form included with AR magazine or via
the secure booking form on the WIA website. Looking forward to seeing you
all at Gippstech Special Edition the WIA AGM weekend of activities.
Radio Active Scouting!
From the 14th to the 18th of April 2009, the Scout Radio & Electronics
Service Unit will be running the Scout Associations National Radio Camp
at Gillwell Park in Victoria.
The camp will promote Amateur Radio to Youth Members.
As part of this, camp participants will undertake their Foundation License
Assessment, Build Antennae, Operate in the Radio Shack, Send video on SSTV
and do some Fox Hunting.
On Saturday the 18th of April, the Scouts will take to one of Melbourne's
most famous attractions, Puffing Billy, and operate radio Mobile from
one of the carriages. Departing at 0445HRS UTC until 0645HRS UTC.
you'll find the Radio Active Scouts on the following bands:
On HF - 3.690, 7.090 & 7.190, 14.290, 18.140, 21.360 and 24.960 +/-QRM
On VHF - 144.200USB, 146.500 / 146.525FM
On UHF - 432.200USB, 439.000 / 439.025FM
For further information contact the National Radio Camp Co-Ordinator
radioactive(AT)sresu.asn.au
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK1
vk1 local news email broadcast(AT)vk1.wia.ampr.org and ask for subscription.
Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club April Events include
Sunday 12th WICEN - Carriage Driving Championships out at Witwood.
Monday 13th Committee Meeting
Tuesday 14th Shack Open Night
VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
VKG Roundup http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news
Don't forget the CURRAJONG RADIO MUSEUM in "the Collectors" ON ABC TV
17 APRIL, 8pm.
HARAOA
Hellenic Amateur Radio Association of Australia's NSW Meetings are being
held at the St George Sailing Club, Sans Souci NSW. Last week we mentioned
that their first VK2 meeting would be last Tuesday. For those who may
like to pop along to future meets, might I suggest you contact
president(AT)haraoa.com
2 Riverside Drive
Sans Souci NSW 2219
St George Sailing Club Downstairs Boardroom
Tel: +61 3 9010-5655
Fax: +61 3 9807-1977
(sourced to wia club pages - national)
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
VKC Roundup http://www.police
Shepparton and District and the Midland's Amateur Radio clubs hold their
annual BBQ get together Sunday next, April 19th at 12pm, Goulburn Weir
Picnic Ground.
Locals RSVP TO Club Secretary Les Tatar VK3TEX
email lestatar(AT)bigpond.com
or Phone 0407 829 098
S.A.D.A.R.C. will supply all the meat and MARC will bring along drinks and
salads.
Grey haired nomads look out for the mobile antenna farm! Goulbourn Weir, or
call in on VK3RGV.
VK4
web service local news:- www.wiaq.com/qnews/upload/qnewsbcast.htm
local news email qnews-vk-subscribe(AT)yahoogroups.com
VKR Roundup http://www.police.qld.gov.au/News+and+Alerts/Media+Releases/
The last edition of QSP from the Brisbane Amateur Radio Club has a very well
written history of Radio Broadcasting in Australia.
Interestingly we here in VK had had 5 long wave stations licensed.
The first radio broadcasting station in Australia to operate on the longwave
band was 2FC Sydney, which was initially licensed as 2LO and constructed by
AWA, with transmitter at Willoughby on 273 kHz. The callsign was changed
to 2FC just prior to going on air.
I'm sure if you would like a good read you will find the March QSP on the
Brisbane Amateur Radio Clubs web site, just google BARC
VK5
www.qsl.net/vk5bar/
Adelaide Hills AR Society have some interesting guest speakers and topics
coming up over the next 3 months so as they say in the classics, "Do yourself
a favour and get along to Belair CC."
April will see an Overview of RFID Technology by Leigh Turner VK5KLT
In May, t's Internet Security by Graham Dicker, VK5ZFZ
June, hear Dean Probert VK5LB describe "Wire Antennas That
Work."
(sourced to wia club pages - national)
VK6
web service http://www.vk6.net/newswest-index.html
Last week we heard from Denis VK6KAD looking for info from back east on
what, if any access problems you have in reaching your repeaters.
Again we ask you to email vk6kad(AT)iinet.net.au with any information.
Dennis also made reference to the WARG, well if you are listening in the west,
WARG meetings are held on the first Monday of every month, at 7.30pm at the
Peter Hughes Scout Communications Centre, formally the Hillview Scout Hall
East Cannington and I'm sure Secretary Christine would welcome new members!
VK6 wicen meet on Monday the 13th at 14 Henley Road Adross at 7.30pm
On the 14th at 12nnon at the Baysie the RATOc have their luncheon.
On the 15th, VK6 Wicen have their HF net at 8.00pm, and their VHF net at
8.30pm.
The Southern Electronics Group have their net on 146.725 at 8.30pm whilst
WARG have their technical get to gether at Hillview from 6.30pm.
And the Scouts in VK6 are planning a Foundation licence training course over
the ANZAC Day weekend.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to RSGB, Southgate AR Club, the ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
World Telecom Day celebrated May 17th.
Last week we gave you word that the first Amateur Radio Event to help
celebrate.
From India, and in series with the Celebrations of the Golden Jubilee
Year of the Bangalore Amateur Radio Club - VU2ARC and Hamfest India 2009,
the Organising Committee is pleased to announce the Tenth VHF Fox Hunt in
Bangalore on World Telecom Day.
Not to be confused with World Telecom Day in May is World Amateur Radio Day
on Saturday 18 April.
In ZL Wellington VHF Group has organised a special activity using call
ZL 74 WARD on the National System, between 00:00 and 24:00 NZT on the 18th.
There will be lots of action at the SARL's National Amateur Radio Centre in
Gauteng to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. A demonstration of a tethered
Bacar mission. Bacar will transmit a beacon on HF on 7 022 KHz and an APRS
signal.
you are invited to listen for the beacon signals and enter a competition.
ORARI pleased with proposed new rules
The Indonesian Government is seeking to take a central control of licences
for radio amateurs ending the current practice of permits being issued by
provincial authorities.
Jim Linton tells us the Jakarta Global National reports that the proposed
action is to plug a loop hole in permit issuing that has apparently resulted
in commercial broadcasting.
Communications and Information Technology Ministry spokesman Gatot Dewa
Broto says that new amendments are aimed at strengthening the guidelines
for amateur radio activities.
He says ham radio is vital for establishing contact with areas where there
are no telephone lines or cellphone access, including areas left without
communications after disaster struck.
In particularly the government recognises the very good response by radio
amateurs to the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004 that severely hit
the Indonesian provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra.
The IARU member society ORARI (Organisasi Amatir Radio Indonesia)
Secretary General Suryo Susilo YB0JTR says the new draft rules amend the
permit application and frequency granting procedures.
He said ORARI has been involved in the drawing up of the draft amendments
which will be of benefit to ORARI’s activities and radio amateurs, and
demonstrates government support for them.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
INDIANAPOLIS POLCE UNOFFICIAL RADIO FOLLOW-UP
A follow up to a recent news item on the Indianapolis Indiana police
found by local hams to be operating unlicensed personal radio gear in their
police vehicles. The story is taking an unexpected twist as we hear from
Jack Parker, W8ISH:
More facts are beginning to emerge following a crackdown on Indianapolis
Metro Police officers using ham radios for out of band conversations. Over
a three-day period last month, police cruisers were searched and officers
not holding a valid Amateur Radio license were forced to remove the illegal
radios. This follows a complaint to the FCC that law enforcement officers
were using modified ham radios for a talk-around tactical (Tac) channel.
Some conversations were heard in the VHF police bands, at the bottom of the
2-meter band and on frequencies assigned to the MURS radio service.
Recordings of profanity being used brought action by the FCC.
Inside sources say many of the police officers obtained their 2-meter
radios through Ebay. One of the most popular radios modified is the Yaesu
FT 2800.
Some officers reportedly, paid as much as $350 dollars to a local radio
shop for a used amateur radio that, new, sold for just over a hundred
dollars. That is just one example how desperate some Indianapolis police
officers are for a reliable Tac channel while fighting crime.
Handcuffed by FCC regulations, many officers are now cracking the cover on
Technician Class License study guides to earn their Amateur Radio ticket.
This past weekend three Metro Police officers showed up on the door step of
the VE team in Franklin, Indiana. All three passed their test and are
anxiously awaiting their new call sign.
Further, this same ARRL examination team is working with one of the newly
licensed officers to provide a test session at one of the Indianapolis
Metro Police roll call sites so more officers have the opportunity to test
and join the ranks of licensed Amateur Radio Operators.
Reporting from Indianapolis, this is Jack Parker W8ISH.
It will be interesting to see just how many Indianapolis police officers
earn their ham radio tickets and how involved they become in that city's
ham radio community. More on this story as it becomes
available.
DAYTON HAMVENTION ANNOUNCES 2009 AWARD WINNERS
The Dayton Amateur Radio Association has selected the creator of an
emergency communications network, a space explorer and an inventor to
receive this years coveted Hamvention awards. Amateur Radio Newsline's Don
Wilbanks, AE5DW, has the details:
Named as 2009 Amateur of the Year is Wade D. Hampton Jr., K4ITL, of
Raleigh, North Carolina. Better known as Danny Hampton, K4ITL is the
architect of the famed Piedmont Coastal Repeater Network. This system was
first established in the early 1970's today serves more than 40 machines in
North Carolina and is well known for its heavy use for public service
work. And not all that long ago the North Carolina Office of Emergency
Management and SKYWARN recognized the network's vital role in emergency
communication.
A ham since 1958, Hampton is the Technical Committee chairman for the
multi-state Southeastern Repeater Association as well as ARRL North
Carolina Section Technical Coordinator. He is also credited with helping
to coordinate the development of a local hospital-based amateur radio
emergency repeater system that ties 10 facilities together.
The Hamvention 2009 Special Achievement Award goes to Richard Garriott,
W5KWQ, the son of ham radio space pioneer Owen Garriott, W5LFL, who made
history as the first ham to communicate from Earth orbit ground during the
STS-9 Space Shuttle mission, The younger Garriott is a legend in his own
right as one of the worlds best known and most highly respected video game
programmer and designer. And like his father Richard Garriott has been a
ham radio in space pathfinder in his own right.
W5KWQ was sixth private citizen to fly to the International Space
Station. Through his on-orbit experimentation, his extensive operations
using a number of diverse modes, and phenomenal educational outreach
program he is said to have inspired and transformed the lives of tens of
thousands students worldwide.
Garriott was also the most prolific ham radio operator to fly on a short
duration mission. During his 10 day stay on the I-S-S he held over 500
two-way voice QSOs. Also, while on the I-S-S over a thousand SSTV images
were down linked, and hours of packet operations were performed.
But more important were the one on one chats with classrooms. Using the
ARISS station on board the orbiting outpost, W5KWQ communicated with
students at seven different Challenger Learning Centres in the U.S. plus
numerous other schools around the globe. He also had numerous random chats
with scouts world-wide as part of the scouting's amateur radio Jamboree on
the Air.
Last but by no means least, this years Hamvention award for Technical
Excellence winner Copthorne "Cop" Macdonald, VY2CM. First licensed at age
15, Macdonald is best known as the father of Slow Scan amateur
television. He developed the system in the 1950's while an engineering
student at the University of Kentucky. The paper he wrote describing it
won national acclaim and took first prize in the 1958 A-I-E-E student paper
competition. Later, Macdonald worked with other slow scan pioneers to get
the FCC to authorize operation of the mode in the High Frequency ham
bands. That effort finally succeeded a decade later in 1968.
Macdonald has authored articles on slow scan for QST and CQ magazines. In
1973 he started New Directions Radio. This is a network of hams concerned
with using ham radio and SSTV to help create a more aware, more caring, and
more responsible human society.
With congratulations to all, I’m Don Wilbanks, AE5DW, for the Amateur Radio
Newsline.
Danny Hampton, K4ITL, Richard Garriott W5KWQ and Cop Macdonald, VY2CM, will
receive their awards during Hamvention 2009. That’s slated for May 15th to
the 17th at the Hara Arena in suburban Dayton, Ohio. Amateur Radio
Newsline will again be there, providing comprehensive coverage of this
years event.
THE 45 AT AGE 60
The 45 RPM record -- yes we said record -- is now 60 years old.
While it has faded from the pop music distribution scene it is
still very popular with some music collectors and vinyl record
buffs. Rebecca Bruce has the rest of the story:
For those like this reporter who was born after the introduction of the
digital compact disc and portable music player, the 45 R-P-M record with
its small size and large centre hole was a kind of a trip back in time. We
saw them as kids and we heard our parents playing them on their record
players. But by the time we grew up the only place you could find them was
at the local swap meet or on eBay.
Up until the introduction of the C-D the 45 rpm record was the mainstay of
delivering popular music to an entertainment hungry world. Only 7 inches
in diameter, the disc spun at 45 revolutions per minute and was designed to
hold two songs. One on each side of the disc.
I'm told that the best part of the 45 was its extreme light weight and
durability. Unlike the older 78 R-P-M discs which would shatter if
dropped, a 45 might get a scratch but could continue to be played with the
added annoyance of some clicks and pops from the scratch. This made it an
ideal and inexpensive format of that era for providing recorded music to
teens and pre-teens of the mid to late 20th century. That’s because most
45's sold for less than a dollar.
As a historic note, the first 45 rpm disc was "Texarkana Baby" recorded by
country singer Eddy Arnold. It was released by RCA on March 31, 1949.
But the entertainer who likely benefited most from the 45 was likely the
man they called the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley. He sold
millions of records during his career and made the 45 R-P-M record a
household word among teens.
So a happy birthday 60th to the good old 45. I have the feeling that mom
and dad kind of miss having you around.
Sitting here with my iPod and my three kids who will likely only see a 45
RPM record in a museum, I'm Rebecca Bruce reporting for the Amateur Radio
Newsline.
Now, we are in the 21st century. The 45 had given way first to the C-D and
more recently to direct download to music players like Rebecca's
iPod. None the less, the 45 RPM record holds an important place in
bringing music into the lives of oh so many.
WEIRD N WONDERFUL
Courtesy of The Register...and submitted by Stuart Longland (aka Redhatter,
VK4MSL)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/03/23/mickey_mouse_radio/
German Mickey Mouse radio snoops on cops
Kids tune into Police chatter
By Lester Haines
Posted in Bootnotes, 23rd March 2009 12:29 GMT
The German powers that be are investigating a kids' miniature Mickey
Mouse radio which apparently entertains nippers with police radio traffic.
The Chinese-made novelty came with issue 12 of Micky Maus magazine.
Hamburg police confirmed "We've received reports and detectives are finding
out whether it's in violation of telecommunications law."
A representative of publisher insisted the radio had been "scrupulously
tested at an institute for toy safety" and "should only be able to tune into
normal radio stations".
The statement further offered a typically Teutonic solution to inadvertent
Police snooping, ordering the magazine's readers:
"The radio is exclusively designed for listening to music. Everything else
is not allowed."
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
The Inaugural 2009 Australian Shires Contest
To be Held the weekend prior to the second Monday of June every year.
Starts: 06.00 UTC Saturday, June 6
Ends : 06.00 UTC Sunday, June 7
The objectives of this contest are for amateurs around the world to contact
as many VK shires as possible in the contest period. ie VK amateurs are to
work the world including VK, whilst the rest of the world can only work VK
80 Metres 3.500 - 3.700 MHz, NO 75 M DX WINDOW PERMITTED.
40 Metres 7.000 - 7.250 MHz, 20 Metres 14.000 - 14.300 MHz,
15 Metres 21.000 - 21.350 MHz, 10 Metres 28.000 - 28.600 MHz.
SSB and CW only
CONTEST SOFTWARE THAT HAS ALREADY OFFERED SUPPORT :
VKCL by Mike Subocz VK3AVV http://web.aanet.com.au/mnds/
SD LOGGER by Paul O'Kane EI5DI http://www.ei5di.com/
W3KM Logger by Dave Mascaro http://mysite.verizon.net/dmascaro1/
If you have a favourite logger why not approach them to make available a
module to cover the contest ?
www.vkshires.info
(SOURCED TO FRESH INFO POSTED BY Gopal Madhavan)
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/
The RD Contest is an important event on the Australian amateur calendar with
heavy participation by individual operators and serious competition between
states.
The Remembrance Day Contest for 2009 will be held on August 15th & 16th,
for 24 hours commencing 0800 UTC on the Saturday evening.
News from the JMFD National Contest Manager
Denis Wants Your Logs !
For those who haven't yet sent in their 2009 John Moyle Field Day logs,
it's whip cracking time !
The deadline for log submissions is only 5 days away on 17th April and
those who are tardy are holding up the massive amount of checking
JMFD National Contest Manager Denis VK4AE has to do to verify contest
contacts.
So if you are thinking about getting the log finished and put in,
stop thinking about it and do it!
(SOURCED TO TARC AND VK4ZZ)
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
HG 160 FNY Commemorates 1848 attack on Hungary
that prompted their independence. until July 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
CANADA, VE. In celebration of the 50 years since the opening of the
St. Lawrence Seaway, Canadian amateurs can use special callsign
prefixes XL, XM, XN, and XO until May 31
VP 9 400 /home call 400th Anniversary of Bermuda Till Dec 31
If you missed the C91TX operation you have another chance to work another
team of operators on a DXpeditionto Mozambique, and they will sign C91FC
now until April 13th.
The 'Fox Charlie DXpedition' team's QSL Manager is ON4CJK.
Send QSLs either by the Bureau or direct.
Direct QSL address is: JOSE DUYCK, MOLENAKKER 56, 8740 EGEN, BELGIUM.
More information regarding the DXpedition
www.c91fc.be
WIRELESS WEATHER
SPOTLESS SUNS:
NASA has announced that the sun has plunged into the deepest solar minimum
in nearly a century. Sunspots have all but vanished and consequently the
sun has become very quiet.
In 2008, the sun had no spots 73% of the time, a 95-year low.
In 2009, sunspots are even more scarce, with the "spotless rate" jumping to
87%.
(http://spaceweather.com)
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)
SHORTWAVE BROADCAST LEGEND DICK SPEEKMAN - SK
Amateur Radio NewsLine are sad to report the passing of another radio legend.
This with word that Dick Speekman, a former host of Radio Netherlands DX
Jukebox in the 1970s, and of Radio Australia's program Spectrum in the 1980's,
died peacefully on March 11th at the Hawker Hospital, South Australia.
Radio Australia reaches FM audiences
When you think of Radio Australia thoughts immediately turn to the popular
shortwave broadcaster than began in 1939.
The reliable and even-handed international broadcasting arm of the
publicly owned Australian Broadcasting Corporation has consolidated its
position in the pan-Pacific region.
A survey found that 27% of those in (PNG) Port Moresby and Lae, 23% in
(Fiji) Suva and Nandi, 57% in (Solomon Islands) Honiara and 58% in
(Vanuatu) Port Vila and Santo tune in each week.
Radio Australia’s popularity has been boosted by its 24 hour transmissions
via 11 FM transmitters in major urban areas not only in the Pacific that
includes Kiriabti and Cook Islands, but also Cambodia, East Timor and Laos.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
MEDIA WATCH
http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WorldRadio.html
WIA National News Callbax Milestones
This week marks a few milestones with the National News call-back stats.
Lies, damn lies and statistics I hear you say....HIHI.
Well in VK5, Dave VK5NU finally reached that magic 100, in fact, 102
call-backs for a single broadcast from repeater VK5RAD at Crafers in
the Adelaide Hills. They have got close many times but this time have
cracked it. Congratulations to all involved.
Another milestone was reached last week in VK7.
There is now a second repeater in VK7 to reach over 1000 call backs
on a single repeater over the broadcast year. VK7RAA on Mt Barrow in
Northern Tasmania reached this milestone with 1023 being reported
from Tony VK7YBG's with his call-back stats. Congratulations to Tony
and the crew in Northern VK7.
And in vk4 on the Sunshine Coast, Ron VK4GZ reports their highest
ever.. call-backs with 56.
(maybe with the oily beaches they are indoor these days hihi)
This is Justin VK7TW for VK1WIA.
VK3 snow trip published
The April issue of the ARRL journal QST, features the ‘VK Alpine Winter
Mini-expedition’ a story on portable operation in the snow country.
Two of the skiing radio amateurs Stephen Warrillow VK3SN and Gerard
Warrillow VK3GT give an insight into their winter sojourn to the
wilderness of the Bogong High Plains in north-east Victoria.
Stephen, Gerard and others have visited the area for a number of years and
camp in the snow.
During rest periods they operate QRP stations powered by solar panels and
batteries with simple wire antennas, plus hand-held VHF/UHF transceivers.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FEMALES IN RADIO
ALARA - AUSTRALIAN LADIES AR ASSOCIATION
http://alara.org.au
Net is held each Mondays on 3.580 MHz, commencing at 1030 UTC.
(1000utc during daylight saving)
geencee(AT)picknowl.com.au
May 4 is the ALARA AGM
Yes the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Ladies’ Amateur Radio
Association will be held on Monday 4th May on 3.578 +- QRM at 1030 UTC.
If you are an ALARA member and are unable to get on air but wish to vote
contact Secretary Susan Brain VK7LUV
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO
Emergency Teams operating Ham Radio in support of the rescue and clean up
activities associated with last weeks Italian earthquake have been heard
using 7045 and 3640 kHz.
The earthquake registered between 5.8 and 6.3 magnitude and reports suggest
the quake has killed more than 250 people, with at least 50,000 left homeless.
According to cluster spots, 7045 and 3640 kHz are being used as the specified
emergency frequencies, so please keep these frequencies clear
Time to honour the monarch again with a variety of contraptions running
around a salty lake. It's the Mallee Rally at Sealake on the Queens birthday
weekend June 6th- 7th- 8th.
WICEN is required for Sunday 7th June. Operators normally arrive Saturday
afternoon and return Monday morning.
Both Voice and Packet operators required.
If you would like to join us, please let me know.
For those new to the event, voice is normally run on 2m VHF and UHF CB nets,
with packet on 70cm UHF. A limited number of packet stations can be provided
to those wishing to try this mode but lack the equipment.
Regards,
Paul VK3YYF
SOCIAL SCENE
2009
International Telecommunication Union's Telecom World 2009.
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 )
THE FINAL FINAL
eHam are airing a report which suggests there is conflicting information
about Italian earthquake nets:
Reports on the internet and on the DX Cluster indicate that two to three
emergency nets are operating on HF in response to yesterday's earthquake
in central Italy. However, it appears that they may be ad-hoc and not
connected with the national ham radio organization or relief agencies.
Nonetheless, if a station is declaring an emergency on ANY given frequency,
then that frequency should be kept clear.
Bottom line: listen before transmitting, especially on the frequencies that
have been reported to be in use for emergency nets 3640, 3643.5 and 7045 kHz.
If you are asked to keep a frequency clear for emergency traffic, please
comply and QSY.
HOUSE KEEPING OR 'STANDING ORDERS.'
6 months or so since we ran through our do's n don'ts our housekeeping page
as seen on the contribute to news page on wia.org.au
SOOooo just WHAT material are we after?
What is happening in our "Wonderful Ham World."
Remember if something Ham Radio related interests you, chances are it will
interest others.
We much prefer you to brag about your club, your doings etc rather than just
the same ol same ol "we meet at ubd grid ref etc etc".
Send us News rather than just date claimers.
Tell us about your successes.
Don't send us links or photo's of stories , always write out the story
in a manner in which it can be pasted to our text services.
The earlier you get your story to national news the more probability it will
be used the same week. BUT note the word PROBABILITY!
When supplying script for someone else to read, PLEASE write as you'd
expect to hear it! as an example always write in the 3rd person!!
Remember our readers are not you or your club so don't say things like
"we are having a working bee... say 'club members' are having a working
bee etc etc". don't say "I worked the space shuttle, say VK*** worked the
space shuttle.
If you want an item run several times, write different slants on the
item, running the exact same item over and over would be dull/boring and
lets face it, if you can't think of anything extra to say, that is
probably a good sign that it will end up being a dull event!! We do not
make any promise to run even varied items pertaining to the one event
week in week out until the event is held.
Club social events will always make way for "news". Your local hamfest is
far better run on your own state news service. Exceptions of course prevail,
such as Australia's Main Ham Gathering, Gosford, or if your local group
has something which will be of interest to the far broader Ham Community.
Silent Keys are best sent to AR Magazine and your local state or club news
rather than this WIA National News Service.
And as the news editor, by very nature of the word editor I (GraHam VK4BB)
will edit to highlight the major points, phone numbers and urls etc may not
be read out but will always appear in the text editions.
Make use of your LOCAL news service to highlight phone numbers and more
detailed contact points but always include them for the text editions of
this the WIA National News Broadcast.
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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