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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 MEMBERS AREA on www.wia.org.au
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This is WIANEWS for week commencing May 4 2008
NATIONAL NEWS
WIA DIRECTOR ROBERT BROOMHEAD REPORTS
As we kick of the news this week we have some very good news.
The WIA's Second Edition Foundation Licence Manual has arrived!!!
The new manual has been expanded to 108 pages of valuable information, many
improvements have been made and we would like thank all those who have provided
their feedback on the first edition. Place your order today, you can purchase
the new foundation manual through the WIA online bookshop at www.wia.org.au the
price per copy is $24.50 and the members discount price is $19.50
And if you are a club, it's time to stock up on the manual for your upcoming
courses Clubs can place their orders with the WIA office today.
As a special offer to all WIA affiliated clubs the WIA is pleased to offer free
delivery for bulk quantities of the manuals delivered direct to your club
anywhere within Australia. We have had many clubs contact us wishing to place
an advance order for a box of manuals. However until they had been printed and
boxed up we didn't know how many would be in each box, we now have the manuals
and the answer is 30. So to receive free delivery of manuals for your club all
you need to do is fill out the order form from the WIA website and mail or fax
the form with payment to the WIA office.
Now with me in the Melbourne Studio this morning is Michael Owen VK3KI with an
important statement on behalf of the board.
While it is not our intention to comment on the submissions received on the
proposed 2-letter callsign ballot process that the WIA and ACMA have jointly
published before the closing date for submissions, there is one matter that has
concerned a number of people that I would like to clear up.
In the paper that has been published setting out the proposed process, under the
heading "persons eligible to apply" it is said, in effect and leaving out a
number of words, that a person who is a director, officer or employee of the
WIA will not be eligible to participate in the ballot.
The important phrase is to exclude any person who is a "director, officer or
employee" of the WIA.
It was intended to exclude people who are in, or could be perceived to be, in a
position to influence the outcome by reason of their position in the WIA. The
term "officer" is a term used in the Corporations Act, where it is defined to
include a person "who makes, or participates in making, decisions that affect
the whole, or a substantial part, of the business of the corporation; or who
has the capacity to affect significantly the corporation's financial standing".
We intended to exclude people such as our Secretary, but certainly not every
volunteer doing some task for the WIA. It would make no sense to exclude
Assessors, people involved in the QSL bureaux, awards, contests, NTAC or the
many other tasks that are undertaken for the benefit of the WIA and its
members."
Michael went on to say "Yes, we have already heard complaints that WIA members
would get a preference. That is just not true. That is what the whole process
is about, being open and transparent. That is why we have published it in
advance. That is why we have invited comment. But we also decided to exclude
those who hold particular positions, where the position itself would lead some
to suspect improper conduct if that person was successful in the ballot, such
as a director or secretary.
But certainly not the many other people who contribute in so many ways to the
WIA.
So, in clarifying our intention in this matter, I must apologise for not making
our intent clearer in the first place.
Michael also over the past couple of weeks has reminded us that ACMA has
issued a number of papers concerning the Principles of Spectrum Management in
Australia and a discussion paper in respect of various proposals to re-plan
spectrum in the region of 420 to 512 MHz, with proposals affecting the 70 cm
amateur band.
ACMA has also published details of their 5 year work plan that includes
references to the 6 meter and 70cm amateur bands. These papers can all be found
on the ACMA website.
These papers have been published in time for the ACMA's radiocommunications
conference, RadComms08, which will be held from 30 April to 2 May 2008.
WIA Director Peter Young VK3MV will be attending Radcomms 2008 on behalf of
the WIA representing the amateur services.
The WIA will be making submissions on any proposals that affect the amateur
services and will continue to actively follow these developments
AMATEUR RADIO - HOME OF THE GOOD GUYS
On air for half a century
As 77-year-old Anadi Ganguly lies in his dimly lit Indian room, an odd
bedfellow keeps him company - a transceiver. But the ether waves have been
part of his life for 50 years now.
Ganguly is the owner of the oldest amateur radio licence in Calcutta. And the
set seated next to him is a gift from the National Institute of Amateur Radio,
Hyderabad, as a mark of respect to one of the oldest ham radio operators in
India.
"I have just renewed my licence," he says smiling. His son, an engineer, has
learnt the operations. "But if I find there will be no one to run my radio,
I can always return it," he reasons.
As of now, he is on air. And health permitting, so will he be till his last day.
Nice one NIAR.
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
(rotate vk1 wx, 2sky, 3dms, 4vks, 5nz, 6?, 7tw, 8zwm)
VK1
vk1 local news email broadcast@vk1.wia.ampr.org and ask for subscription.
WICEN ACTIVITIES
Rally of Canberra 10th 11th May weekend after next
Phil VK1ZPL is looking for more volunteers.
They are short four positions on the Saturday and three positions on the Sunday.
If you can help on either day please contact Phil Longworth at
wicen@vk1.wia.ampr.org
(Alan Hawes VK1WX President Canberra Region Amateur Radio Club)
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
VKC Roundup http://www.police
May 10th Moorabbin & District Radio Club's annual HamFest will be held at the
usual location in Glen Waverley - the Brentwood Secondary College, Corner of
Watsons Road and Heath Street.
Doors open at 10am - free tea & coffee, pre entry ticket sales and a brekky
bbq.
GO and hear about the latest developments in digital radio, D-Star seminars
will be held during the day.
Commercial traders with the usual HamFest specials, second hand gear, major
door prizes, a raffle on the day and lots lots more.
Only a few tables left - enquiries, to Graeme Lewis VK3GL on 0418 171601 or
email vk3gl@aanet.com.au
Don't miss this years event - Melbourne's biggest annual event.
I'm Marilyn VK3DMS with news from Mildura
Are you going to the WIA AGM at Broken Hill?
If you are travelling south on the way home, you must stop at Mildura for the
Sunraysia Radio Group Mini Hamfest. An evening bistro meal, top guest speakers,
sales of pre-loved radio equipment - and much, much more will be included.
All of this will be on Monday the 26th of May.
Mildura has lots to see and do - award winning restaurants, top motels, hotels
and caravan parks - so why not stop over for a few days.
There will also be a self-drive district tour available on the Monday.
Program and updates are available on the Sunraysia Radio Group web site -
simply Google 'Sunraysia Radio Group'
That's Monday the 26th of May - at Mildura - following the WIA AGM in
Broken Hill.
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/
Brisbane's D Star club situated on the gold coast are hosting on May 5 a
D-Star seminar, at the Gold Coast ARS Clubrooms Nerang, no contact address was
given for this item, suggest you contact the gold coast on 146.700
VK7
local area news :- http://reast.asn.au/news.php
your copy of vk7 local news, email vk7regionalnews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
STOLEN EQUIPMENT NOTICE
Paul VK7NCW had an Icom IC228A stolen from his car which was in his
driveway last Sunday night. Paul comments that it was neatly removed
from the car which the police say indicates that it was probably
stolen for an order. The power cable was unclipped and the PL259 unscrewed.
So if you hear of a ICOM IC-228A being offered around the place then
please let Paul and/or the Police know.
VK8
Monday is the DARC general meeting for May
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
The latest NTARC exam session has seen Don Prewer from Perth pass his
Foundation Licence requirements, and Don is itching to get on the
air - he's applied for callsign VK7FLIN, so if you hear him on the
air, please make him feel welcome to the amateur radio ranks.
VK6 Ham College
The 22nd of July sees the commencement of the Advanced Licence course.
Yes for a couple of hours sacrifice on a Tuesday for a few months you can study
everything you ever wanted to know in order to prepare for your advanced
licence exam. If you are currently preparing to sit your standard exam or have
technical experience that will lead to your advanced amateur licence why not
give me a call today - to enrol for the Advanced course.
My number is 0412 704 226.
If you are interested in alternate courses and or exam dates why not go to
www.hamcollege.com.au
EAST TIMOR: BRINGING HAM RADIO TO THE NATION
Spain's national society, the Union de Radioaficionados Espanoles or U-R-E has
announced a new educational project in East Timor to take place in June.
The U-R-E's Radiosolidarity Department will organize a DXpedition combined with
activities to promote Amateur Radio in East Timor. This will include the
donation of a complete Amateur Radio station at the University of Dili.
The Spanish national society hopes that operating alongside students and
teachers of the Electrical Engineering and other departments will help make
amateur radio a permanent way of life in East Timor.
SARL - AMSAT NA
The SARL Radio Technology in Action symposium to be held in Durban on 10 May
features an impressive array of presentations. The event will be held on the
Howard College campus and is hosted by the School of Electrical, Electronic
and Computer Engineering,
A new feature in the programme is an international presentation via
teleconference where AMSAT North America President Rick Hambly will deliver a
presentation on the future of amateur satellites on a geostationary platform.
BPL - THE BATTLE CONTINUES
VK7 Electricity Regulator Rules BPL Breach
Tasmania's electricity provider, Aurora Energy, has been found to
have breached the state's Electricity Code.
The breach relates to high levels of electromagnetic interference
(EMI) from powerlines being used for a broadband trial in the Hobart
suburb of Mount Nelson.
The electricity regulator, Andrew Reeves, has upheld a resident's
complaint relating to the EMI levels recorded by the ACMA in January 2007.
However, Mr Reeves will not take any action against Aurora because
the broadband trial ended five months ago.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/21/2222408.htm
(Ben, VK7BEN)
SILENT KEYS
Antenna Expert L. B. Cebik, W4RNL (SK)
L. B. Cebik, W4RNL, ARRL Technical Adviser and antenna authority,
passed away last week. He was 68. An ARRL Life Member, Cebik was known
to many hams for the numerous articles he wrote on antennas and
antenna modelling. He had articles published in most of the US ham
journals, including QST, QEX, NCJ, CQ, Communications Quarterly, Ham
Radio, 73, QRP Quarterly, Radio-Electronics and QRPp. Larry Wolfgang,
WR1B, QEX Editor, called Cebik "probably the most widely published and
often read author of Amateur Radio antenna articles ever to write on
the subject."
Advising us of his passing, WIA supporter Frank vk2akg said " It is to be
hoped that Cebik's website, of assistance to amateurs and professionals
alike, remains on line for years to come.
www.cebik.com/
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to RSGB, Southgate AR Club, the ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
A sailor aboard a damaged sailboat is nursing concussion after being rolled
over in the turbulent South Atlantic Ocean but says he has no intention of
giving up an unusual solo voyage around the world.
Glenn Wakefield reported from his 12-metre sailboat off the Falkland Islands
in a ham radio transmission layered with static.
"This storm is expected to last another three days, so I'll just have to tough
it out, that's all I can do here and then once it's over I'll make my way to
Stanley, capital of the Falklands." He said.
A carpenter with two grown daughters, he sailed away from Victoria in
mid-September intending to become the first North American to
circumnavigate west-about, or into the prevailing winds that whirl around the
bottom of the planet, rather than with the wind as is conventionally done.
His wife, Mary-Lou, is keeping a stiff upper lip and updating the official
website at home in Victoria
www.kimchowaroundtheworld.com
=======================================================================
NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE
India sets a world record after launching 10 satellites in one go using
its workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). All the satellites
were put into their respective orbits successfully. It was the core-alone
version of the launch vehicle weighing 230 tonnes with a payload of 824 kg
in total. Two of the satellites were Indian satellites while the rest
were from different countries. By this launch, the ISRO has proven its
credibility and it is going to boost India's image in the attractive
multi-billion commercial market of satellite launches. This was the
12th successful launch of the PSLV.
FROM THE SOUTHGATE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB,
I'M Richard Brunton - g4tut - You're tuned to VK1WIA
=======================================================================
NEWS FROM ARNEWSLINE
NEW VERSION OF FDMDV RELEASED
A new version of the Digital Voice software FDMDV is now available for download.
FDMDV allows you to transmit and receive Digital Voice simply by hooking up your
PC to a standard High Frequency S-S-B transceiver.
As reported in past newscasts, the key advantage of mode is that it's
transmitted bandwidth is less than half that of S-S-B, just 1 point 1 kHz.
The new version FDMDV 1 point 2 along with updated documentation can be
downloaded from n1su.com/fdmdv
RADIO IN SPACE: RADIO BELOW MARS SURFACE
A radar device co-sponsored by NASA on the European Space Agency's Mars Express
orbiter has looked beneath the surface of Mars.
The radar sounder on Mars Express is the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and
Ionospheric Imaging was built to map the distribution of liquid and frozen water
in upper portions of the planet's crust. A complementary radar sounder, the
Shallow Subsurface Radar on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter uses a different
frequency to see greater detail but to a lesser depth. The two signals are then
radioed back to Earth for scientific analysis.
As these two instruments continue to provide data, the understanding that they
provide about how planetary radar sounders work is prompting ideas for using
the technology to explore beneath the surfaces of bodies. These include
Jupiter's moon Europa, Saturn's moons Titan and Enceladus, as well as asteroids
and comets.
THE NETHERLANDS: DUTCH VERON ELECTS NEW LEADERS
From the Netherlands comes word that Remy Denker, PA3AGF, is the new president
to the Dutch national Amateur Radio society the VERON. Denker replaces outgoing
president Dick Harms, PA2DW, who did not seek re-election.
Elected to serve as 1st Vice President is Guido van den Berg, PA0GMM. Jan
Janssen, PA0JMG, has taken the 2nd Vice Presidents slot with Peter de , PA3CWS,
elected as the VERON's new Treasurer.
The elections took place at the society's Annual General Meeting on Saturday
April 19th.
=======================================================================
OPERATIONAL NEWS -
ON AIR CONTEST AND EVENT COLUMN - D A T E L I N E
2008
May 17-18 ZL SANGSTER SHIELD QRP CW CONTESTS
June 7- 8 WW SEANET CONTEST
July 5- 6 ZL NZART MEMORIAL CONTEST
12 VK JACK FILES CONTEST.
August 16-17 VK Remembrance Day Contest
16-17 WW International Lighthouse Weekend
November 15-16 (Weekend) Spring VHF/UHF Field Day
DX ACTIVITY AND DATES
Chatham Islands DXpedition next weekend
David Burger VK2CZ will activate the aptly-named Chatham Islands next weekend,
operating as ZL7M.
Listen out for David from late on the 10th of May through to the 11th of May
(Australian Eastern Standard Time). He will be on the air for a total of about
40 hours, including the six hours of the 80m SSB Trans-Tasman Contest.
This will be the first time the Chatham Islands have been activated during
this contest.
David will be active on 80 metres sideband, including the 80m DX window
after dark, and 20m SSB, though he will favour 80 metres where possible.
QSL direct to VK2CZ as per the callbook or QRZ.COM
I'm Richard VK2SKY and you're listening to WIA National News
MEDIA WATCH
Amateur Radio Previews
May 2008
Now, a reminder about Amateur Radio magazine. The May issue will be at your
newsagents in a few days. Don't forget to drop in and collect your copy.
Turn first to the feature article. Here is Dale Hughes VK1DSH, in his usual
sparkling and technically thorough style, with a mighty useful piece of test
equipment to check out the RF performance of your station. It is called the
RFmate, and you can build it from scratch yourself - that might be half the fun.
Detailed information is given on which measurements the RFmate can make,
exactly what procedures to follow and the precautions you should observe.
You don't often get in-depth and practical guidance like this, from someone
who has been there and done that. Even if you do not build one of your own,
this advice will always be a useful reference for your future measurement
projects.
For those who plan to construct the RFmate, the circuit diagrams are provided
and commented software is available. Also available is the circuit-board
artwork. Advice is given on sourcing the few special components. The circuit
operation is explained, as well as the procedures for calibration.
This is a processor-controlled multi-test unit with most of its functions
automated. It can be linked to a host computer to display, store and analyse
measurement data. It would be a powerful and versatile addition to any radio
shack.
Now, from test equipment to systems - microwave and television systems.
Consider what it would take to link up eight operators, all remotely located,
for a round-table video conference? And full duplex, at that! Look on page 13
for this fascinating article by Barry Cleworth VK5BQ.
This article is as much about microwave propagation and repeater exploitation,
as it is about TV. Five, repeat five, different amateur microwave bands were in
constant use, plus two other bands for intercom and system management. And all
the stations were at least 60 km apart, some by as much as 87 km.
Read about how this complex network took advantage of a period of excellent
propagation conditions, and how the potential problems, like audio feedback,
were anticipated and controlled. Barry says it was a most gratifying
achievement, and after reading what it took to make it happen, we can well
understand how he feels.
An antenna is something that any amateur could construct at home. For the FL
people, and for anyone else interested, a training session was held recently
for antenna builders, and follow-up sessions are scheduled. The Eastern &
Mountain District Radio Club (EMDRC) laid on this well-attended instruction
day. Three antennas were built and tested by members, and that included the
related baluns. The photos are there to prove it. The session included testing
methods, test equipment and some general antenna theory.
Of course, all the regular columns are there. Read Phil Smeaton VK4BAA with the
latest on the contests scene. And a round-up of news from Amateur Radio Clubs
around Australia.
If you are a WIA member, Amateur Radio magazine will be arriving in your
letter-box in the first days of May. If not, nip down to the newsagent and
get your copy - so that you will not miss out on all the good stuff inside.
(compiled by: Tom Potter VK3UBS)
Allocation of new ZL FM licences
The government is releasing more than seventy new FM radio licences for
commercial and non-commercial use. The allocation is part of the governments
commitment to strengthening local and community broadcasting in New Zealand.
Commercial licences will be allocated as part of the Ministry of Economic
Developments Radio Spectrum Auction 10, which will be held in May 2008.
Non-commercial licences will be allocated by the Ministry of Culture and
Heritage.
In the week commencing 19 May 2008, the Ministry of Economic Development will
offer in an open outcry auction, new local commercial FM licences, under terms
and conditions recently agreed by government, full commercial FM licences,
a full commercial AM licence and full commercial UHF-TV licences
Sixteen local non-commercial FM licences will be assigned by the Ministry for
Culture and Heritage.
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
SOCIAL SCENE
MAY 10
BARCFEST 2008 Saturday At Mt.Gravatt Showground 1600 Logan Rd Upper Mt.Gravatt.
JUNE 6-9
The 25th Anniversary Far North and North Queensland Amateur Radio Get-together
(FNNQARG!) takes place from Friday 6th to Monday 9th June at
Cardwell Village Beachcomber Motel and Van Resort.
June 7 - 8
South East Radio Group Convention Australian Fox Hunting Championship
in Mount Gambier.
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
February 22 2009
WYONG FIELD DAY
2009
International Telecommunication Union's Telecom World 2009.
OCT 12 - 16 2009
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/
=========================================================================
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@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.
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