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VK7AX > NEWS 30.08.08 01:45l 1034 Lines 35681 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
Oh... and to contact us with your news because
If It Matters To You It Matters To Us!
email nationalnews(AT)wia.org.au
Please.. write your story as you would expect to hear it being read back
do NOT send us links and url's!!
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WIANews 24/7 with the following bulletin in Audio
when you visit the MEMBERS AREA on www.wia.org.au
This weeks WIANews available in Audio after 0100hrs UTC Saturday.
http://www.wiaq.com/ftp/wianews_64.mp3 FM Radio quality
http://www.wiaq.com/ftp/wianews.mp3 AM Radio Quality
http://www.wia.org.au (news in member area) Submit your audio news
http://www.wiaq.com/admin/pandaupload.php Submit your Audio (backup)
http://www.wiaq.com and click the QNEWS link to see weekly news stats
free emailed script http://lists.wia.org.au/mailman/listinfo/vk1wia-news
Now you can dial this WIANews wherever you are on the
"gateway dot net dot au" 1300 phone service.
Dial 1300 558 592 and at the prompt type W.I.A.N. (That's 9426).
"Standard call rate from fixed home phone, higher from mobiles".
This is WIANEWS for week commencing Aug 31 2008
Just in from Peter Harding the RD Contest Manager, he asked that ALL
Electronically sent logs go to rdlogs(AT)wia.org.au and NOT direct as
rdlogs(AT)wia.org.au gets copied across automatically to many helpers
who are downloading and checking for audit purposes.
On 28 July 2008 applications for grants under the WIA's Club Grant
Scheme closed.
This year, the Board increased the total Grants to $6,000 and the
Scheme was broken into two sections, one part providing for up to
three grants of up to a total of $3,000 for useful but not innovative
projects or activities, including projects involving repeaters or
associated links. The other part will be for projects or activities
that are innovative, with provision for up to three grants up to a
total of $3,000.
15 applications for Grants were received from clubs across Australia.
The Grant Committee this year consists of Don Wilschefski VK4BY,
Deane Blackman VK3TX and Bob Fincher VK3BRF
DEANE BLACKMAN PhD, MEngSc, BMechE, has been VK3TX since 1968, and
has previously held a number of WIA offices. He spent most of his
life as an academic at Monash University. He retired as Associate
Professor in 2003.
BOB FINCHER BE (Elec), FIEAust has been VK3BRF since licensed in
1987. He worked with ICI Australia/Orica Engineering for 27 years in
general engineering and project management. He is a Tektronix and HP
Test Equipment "tragic". He retired in 2003.
DON WILSCHEFSKI BE (Elec) VK4BY was first licensed in 1975 and works
as Chief Electrical Engineer in Mining. Don is Chairman of the
Queensland WIA Advisory Committee, a member of Rockhampton & District
ARC and his local Rotary club. His radio interests include satellite
communication.
The Grant Committee will be submitting their recommendations to the
WIA Board by 29 August and results will be announced shortly
afterwards.
Geoff Atkinson VK3AFA
Secretary
http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2008/20080821-1/index.php
ACMA releases draft of new Australian Radiofrequency Plan for comment.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has released a draft of a
new Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan (the Spectrum Plan) for public
comment. When completed, the new Spectrum Plan is intended to replace the
current Spectrum Plan developed in January 2005.
Go to the ACMA web page to "read all about it", but in brief proposed changes
to the plan will provide:
Protection of space research activities while allowing the use of new high
data-rate meteorology satellite services;
Upgrade of the radiolocation service to primary and allocating additional
spectrum to the existing space research activities;
Sharing between the mobile-satellite service and space research services and
between the mobile-satellite service and mobile service;
Improvements to the satellite coordination and notification procedures;
Spectrum harmonisation between space services and future terrestrial services;
Sharing arrangements between the fixed service and satellite systems using
highly inclined orbits; and
Spectrum compatibility between the radio astronomy service and the active
space services.
Comments on the draft plan should be received by ACMA by Friday, 3 October 2008.
The proposed changes are scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2009.
Detailed information about the changes can be found on the ACMA website, and
copies of the draft plan are available from ACMA by contacting Stewart White
at stewart.white(AT)acma.gov.au or via telephone: (02) 6219 5345.
(Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on (02) 9334 7980).
Get Your Club On The Map
Club secretaries, getting your club on the WIA clubs map is easy. Simply follow
the instructions that the WIA mailed to you to include a Google map of your
clubs meeting location on your club page, hit save and the clubs map will be
updated including your club.
Should you experience any problems setting up your Google map url simply send
an email to webmaster(AT)wia.org.au
ALARA NETS
Last week was our special ALARA edition with some of the ALARA, or Australian
Ladies Amateur Radio Association members reading.
This week Christine VK5CTY joins us to tell just where and when ALARA
meet on air!
We do not have the actual list to share with our readers, so best I direct you
to "Google ALARA... AUSTRALIAN LADIES AR ASSOCIATION http://alara.org.au
One Net is held each Mondays on 3.580 MHz, commencing at 1030 UTC.
(1000utc during daylight saving)
geencee(AT)picknowl.com.au
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
VKG Roundup http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news
The next meeting of the Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club will be held
Friday the 5th of September www.bmarc.org
September 20 VK Westlakes Cup. Rules westlakesarc.org.au & link to Contests
Gary Ryan VK2ZKT says Mid North Coast Amateur Radio Group's Radio Expo 2009
will take place just prior to Wyong Field-day, on January 18.
This is reputed to be the largest Ham Radio and Electronics Expo on the
Mid North Coast of NSW.
20 exhibitors, lucky door prizes every hour, technical quiz, trivia quiz,
operational displays, emergency services displays, special radio expo prices
from leading retailers, the WIA bookshop, WICEN, Club displays all at the
St Johns Church Hall, Maclean Street Coffs Harbour Sunday 18th Jan at 8.30am
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
VKC Roundup http://www.police
SADARC HamFest will be held on September 14th at St Augustine hall Orr Street
Shepparton doors open for the traders at 7.30am and visitors at 10am.
The venue is well catered for, entry fee still remains at $5
Tables are $10 and includes entry and snack.
For table bookings contact Daryl vk3kl(AT)netspace.net.au or Phone 03 58711444
VK5
www.qsl.net/vk5bar/
In VK5 the invite stands to visit the Riverland Radio Club which meets on the
2nd Monday of the month, 7:30pm at Berri in the Riverland.
For further details contact the Secretary on 8595 5320.
Web address is www.rrc.org.au
And if Secretary Doug VK5GA can't help you I doubt if anyone could, you see
VK5GAs has been Secretary of the club for 19 years!!
And if you are not in the area for an eye-ball, then call in on there
2 metre repeater 147.925 - 147.325 which is located just south of Kingston
on the Murray.
(from club pages at wia.org.au)
VK8
Hello to the amateur visitors to the top end at the moment. there have been
many come through this dry season. we know you enjoyed yourselves up here.
we are looking for operators from the Darwin area to man the cyclone shelters
as part of our work with the northern territory emergency services contact
peter vk8hpb if you are able to assist.
Darc is currently negotiating an assessors course with the WIA to be run in
early November. we are short of examiners and assessors since Trevor vk8co
departed recently for south and Andrew vk8ah headed for Singapore to work.
several members have raised their hands which is good to see.
VK8DA was an entrant in the RD. A beaut barby was held before it was all hands
on deck for the contest. well done all.
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
VK7 SCHOOL WINS MAJOR AU SCIENCE PRIZE
The Sleek Geeks prize is part of the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes,
the Oscars of Australian science. Coveted among science prizes, the
Australian Museum Eureka Prizes were announced at a glittering event in
Sydney in August attended by a 'who's who' of Australian science,
government, academia and industry
A group of students from Tasmania's Table Cape Primary School won
$500 cash, $500 in book vouchers and $500 for their school in the
primary school category, with a delightful 'clay-mation' video
serendipitously titled Eureka!
Their video follows Archimedes as he hops in and out of his bath,
puzzling over the rise and fall in the water line. Eureka!, inspired by
Pamela Allen's book 'Mr Archimedes' Bath', explains just where all the
water goes.
The University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is awarded
for a short video piece that communicates a scientific concept in an
accessible and entertaining way.
All winning entries can be seen on the ABC Science website and a link is
available on the email and internet editions of this broadcast.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/sleekgeeks/eureka/2008/
http://www.amonline.net.au/eureka/go/eureka-prize/sleek-geeks-scienceprize-
secondary-school
(Sourced to VK7WI News)
A 4 staged upgrade course starts 2 Sep at 7PM in the Lismore area by the
Summerland Amateur Radio Club.
Contact Ian VK2IGS if interested for info, do it NOW.
Manual available from the WIA.
For details - iangray25(AT)bigpond.com Ph. 6629 8583.
India
Thapar University have requested Ham Radio Operators to present some lectures
on "Amateurs and Amateur Satellites" and present a live Ham radio demo during
their National level technical fest.
3 teams of Hams are reported as helping out this University in India's request.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to RSGB, Southgate AR Club, the ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
Hurricane Gustav -
A notice to all amateurs in IARU region 2 has been sent by Vernon, VE2MBS
to say that " It has been requested that IARU R2 member societies remind their
members to be aware of emergency communications that may occur in that region,
and to keep those frequencies clear for emergency traffic.
WX4NHC is THE Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Centre, USA.
Amateur Radio HF Frequencies - (single sideband mode)
20 meters : 14.325 MHz Hurricane Watch Net (Main frequency during Hurricanes)
40 meters : 7.268 MHz Water Way Net (secondary frequency) Maritime Mobiles Net
80 meters : 3.815 MHz Caribbean Net,(Alternate 3.95 North Florida
3.94 South Florida)
Amateur Radio EchoLink / IRLP
EchoLink Conference "WX-TALK" Node 7203
IRLP Node 9219
Amateur Radio VHF/UHF Frequencies
VHF : 147.470 MHz simplex - Coordination frequency for NHC ops.
(official use only, please)
VHF : 147.000/146.400 (146.925 backup repeater PL 94.8 Hz)
UHF : 442.350/447.350 (PL 94.8 Hz)
APRS mode Frequencies
HF : 30 meters : 10.151 MHz LSB
VHF : 2 meters : 144.390 MHz simplex
(sourced to RAC news & web of wx4nhc)
The white-space industry could either become the next WiFi market success or the
next broadband over power line debacle. And how the FCC handles its testing of
white-space devices could make the determination.
September, the FCC is expected to release its findings from field and lab tests
it conducted on white-space devices, and commissioners themselves are expected
to take up any rule making thereafter.
The desire of the FCC and high-tech giants such as Google and Microsoft is to
employ white-space spectrum or those unused TV channels to provide cheap,
high-speed wireless Internet networks and open up the market to more broadband
competition. But to approve the use of white space, the commission will have
to base its decision on mixed testing results as well as determined opposition
from major stakeholders--mainly TV broadcasters that fear interference with
their television signals.
It would seem the FCC once again is faced with a technology that has the
potential to become "the great broadband hope." And if the commission isn't
careful, white space could become another BPL flop if it tries to ram the
technology through without solid testing results.
(fiercebroadbandwireless dot com)
=======================================================================
NEWS FROM SOUTHGATE
Bletchley Park - Save Britain's code of honour
The leading article in a recent edition of the UK Independent newspaper
highlighted the plight of Bletchley Park.
The article said " One of the greatest of all the wartime stories of
dedication and self sacrifice was played out in what are now the neglected,
rotting buildings of Bletchley Park.
In these rundown, weed-infested old huts, teams of code breakers, linguists,
typists and file clerks worked in fantastically difficult and demanding
conditions to decode, record and analyse thousands upon thousands of
radio messages exchanged by enemy personnel.
Their achievements saved countless lives, and may have shortened the war by
two to three years.
Middlesex DX Group on Arran Island
The newly formed Middlesex DX Group will be active October 4-10th on
Arran Island (EU-123, IOSA CL01, SCOTIA CS14, WW Loc. IO75KM).
They will use the call sign MS0MDG/p for SOTA activations and HF portable
operation, while the call sign GB0MFG will be used for base operation.
Activity is planned for 160m down to 23cms.
QSL via 2E0VAG, direct or by the bureau.
=======================================================================
NEWS FROM ARNEWSLINE
TWINS ARRESTED IN CA COPPER THEFT
An update to an ongoing story dealing with the theft of copper wire
world wide. Twin brothers and a juvenile have been arrested in
connection with a series of just such thefts in California.
An under cover investigation Lancaster Sheriff's Station began after a
report was filed by Verizon that $40,000 worth of copper wire had been
stolen. The investigation in a sparsely populated area lasted nearly
50 hours. Three suspects were taken into custody who were linked to four
thefts of copper wire from Verizon over a two week period.
The suspects reportedly climbed utility poles to cut the wire down and
it was taken to recycling facilities where it was sold for between $1.80
and $2.50 a pound. They are also believed to be linked to at least a
dozen similar thefts.
ROUTE 66 ON THE AIR
The Citrus Belt Amateur Radio Club of San Bernardino, California will
host the 9th Annual "Route 66 On The Air" Special Event. The
operation includes 18 stations and two rovers operating in and around
major cities along the old Route 66 from Santa Monica, California to
Chicago, Illinois.
Official station call designations will begin with W6A in Santa Monica
and end with the letter assigned to the final operator taking part. The
rover stations will be on September 13th from 0001 UTC to 2400 UTC on
September 21st. Frequencies will all be on or near those ending in the
number 66 using all available modes.
QSL information is on the web at www dot w6jbt dot org. Just click on
the words "Route 66 Event." All you need to do is to answer
their CQ to get your kicks along Route 66.
OPERATIONAL NEWS -
ON AIR CONTEST AND EVENT COLUMN - D A T E L I N E
2008
August
30-31 VK A.L.A.R.A Contest
September 20 VK Westlakes Cup. Rules westlakesarc.org.au & link to Contests
October 4- 5 OC Oceania Contests - Phone 0800 UTC Sat until 0800 UTC Sun.
11-12 OC Oceania Contests - CW 0800 UTC Sat until 0800 UTC Sun.
November 15-16 (Weekend) Spring VHF/UHF Field Day
THE HOLYLAND IN OCTOBER
Hal Turley, W8HC, and Jerry Fish, K8OQL, have announced plans to return to
Israel in October for another CQ World Wide Phone Contest from the
Holyland. In commemoration of Israel's 60th Anniversary in 2008, the two
have been granted permission to operate as 4XØC as a special event and
contest station from atop Israel's historical Masada National Park.
Additional information can be found at www dot w8hc dot com
SANDTON ARC TO SPONSOR A NEW FUN AWARD - SHIRLEY VK5JSH HAS THE STORY
The award is called ZS WAGS - Worked all South African Grid Squares -
"Chasing Maidens".
Before you get the wrong impression, the "Maidens" referred to are Maidenhead
grid locators!
South Africa is completely contained within 83 "grid squares," although some of
these contain a very small piece of land.
The aim of this award is to make contact with a station located in each of the
83 grid squares.
Two awards are offered, the Hunter's Award and the Activator's Award.
The Hunter's Award may be claimed from 25 grid squares upwards
To encourage zs amateurs to travel to the more remote or inaccessible grids,
the Activator's Award can be claimed by an amateur who makes a minimum of 10
contacts from one of these less-amateur-populated grids.
The system is based on honesty and trust, and proof of contacts is not
required.
In addition, there is no cut-off starting date, so you may go back through your
existing logbook to find all contacts, which qualify.
RD
Peter Harding VK4OD here with the 2nd of the 2008 RD Contest Post Mortems.
Today I have received approximately 130 Electronic Logs, and 40 by Snail Mail.
I would ask those operators that have sent in their log's either by Electronic
or Postal Service, please be patient, as I am sending a Emailed message to
ANYONE that has supplied their Email address, advising them that I Have
received their log's, allocated a receipt serial number, along with it's log
type and if it required any amendments.
To date the Electronic logs have not revealed any errors, HOWEVER IT IS EARLY
DAYS YET, By now many of you will have received an Email acknowledging the
receipt of your logs and what type of log was sent, or in some cases a request
for clarification on some point of the log as sent in.
A reminder though too make sure that I am in receipt of your logs by last mail
Monday the 15th September 2008.
Until next we meet this Peter VK4OD.
SPECIAL EVENTS, BEACON AND NET ADVICE
hf nets ON the net, www.timroberts-vk4yeh.id.au/
9M1CS* 18 Scouting stations (* Apart from 9M1CSS in 9M6 all
others are 9M2 stations.
QSL via 9m2 bureau) Until Dec 31
9 V1 F1 Singapore for F1 car race Sept 26 - 28
BT1OB, BT1OJ, BT1OH, BT1OY and BT1ON. Beijing Olympic Games
The last letter of the callsign corresponds to the Chinese
name for the colour of each of the rings of the Olympic flag Until Sep 17
C 4 EURO E-Day, 1st of January currency changes to Euro. Until Dec 31
GB 1 CODY 100th ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST POWERED FLIGHT IN ENGLAND Oct 13 - 19
PY 100 JA Centenary of first Japanese immigration to Brazil. Until Dec 31
Special Event Callsign 9V1F1
Approval has been given for Singapore Amateur Radio Transmitting Society
members to use the callsign 9V1F1 to commemorate the Formula 1 Races
which will be held in downtown Singapore, at night, from September 26th
to 28th.
SARTS members may use the callsign from Aug 26th until Sep 30th 2008 (UTC).
Outward QSLing will be 100%.
15 - 16 Aug 2009
International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend check out http://illw.net
International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend - 2008 - SHIRLEY VK5JSH AGAIN
Well done to all 50 VK amateurs who entered this year's event.
Australia led the Country count at 50 lighthouses.
Some highlights included:-
The 400 barrier has also been broken this year with the 400th entry
going to the Bundaberg ARC with their entry for Burnett Heads.
WIN television attended Point Perpendicular where the Illawarra club spent
the weekend.
An excellent weekend was had by all at lighthouses manned by Summerland club,
Cape Byron, Ballina, Evans Head and Yamba.
Westlakes Lighthouse event saw Alan VK2JED and Frank VK2FJL spending the later
part of Friday stringing the antenna and setting up the station. But by the
third time climbing to the top of the tower both Allan and Frank needed oxygen!
Thanks go to Lighthouse attendants Ron and Terry who noticed their plight and
revived them with a nice hot cup of coffee.
MEDIA WATCH
Amateur Radio Previews
September 2008
Amateur Radio magazine for September will be at your newsagents in a few days.
They will reserve you a copy every month if you ask, but better you actually
join the WIA and have it arrive in your home letter box!.
Look for the 10GHz microwave dish on the front cover. And the transverter
module mounted right behind it. This is the work of Alan Devlin VK3XPD and
you can see more of it in the colour photos inside the back cover.
Microwave enthusiasts are improving the reliability of their QSOs by locking
their master oscillators to the ultimate accuracy and stability of a GPS
reference.
Read all about the spring VHF-UHF field day and the regular column will keep
you up to date on VHF-UHF news.
The 2-letter callsign ballot is still a hot topic and there is an update
in the WIA News column. The ballot closed August 29 and will be conducted
by 19 September at the latest. A full report on this matter was published in
the August issue of Amateur Radio magazine together with a list of the issues
raised by those who made submissions.
If you are thinking of building your own 5-element Yagi antenna for the 2-metre
or 70 cm band, turn to the very thorough article by Paul McMahon VK3DIP. Paul
takes you through the design, construction and testing stages, based on a
well-proven software package of his own. It is not easy to get a Yagi with
constant gain across the whole amateur band, let alone constant feed-point
impedance. But it can be done with know-how, persistence and a little
compromise just follow the procedures set out here and see the confirmation
plots.
Construction details are also well considered and documented, with plenty of
practical advice from someone who has "been there and done that."
The disastrous earthquake in China, pushed off the front pages by the Olympic
Games, was too monstrous to fully comprehend. As reported in this article by
Jim Linton VK3PC, amateur radio operators in the devastated area were quick to
respond, and were providing emergency communications by the following morning.
Not for the first time, radio amateurs filled that vital time gap between a
disaster, and the establishment of official reporting channels.
And to emphasise that amateur radio is indeed an international movement, audio
and video logs from China were displayed to the Global Amateur Radio Emergency
Communications Conference in late June. This Conference was held at
Friedrichshafen, by Lake Constance in Germany; and the reports from China were
presented by WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI, who is also the Chairman for
Region 3 of the International Amateur Radio Union.
A whirlwind, 4-week tour of the United States is reported by Tony Hutchison
VK5ZAI. And what a tour!! Six Australian amateurs enjoyed VIP treatment as they
visited NASA's Johnson and Goddard Space Centres, the Smithsonian and Dulles
Air & Space Museums, and the legendary Dayton Hamvention. Plus BBQs with
astronauts, plus visits to the Canadian Rockies, Niagara Falls and
Pearl Harbour.
This remarkable trip is described in mouth-watering detail, with photos to
emphasise what an unforgettable and enviable time they all had.
The regular news reports are all there, from Radio Clubs around Australia, plus
AMSAT, DX News & Views, and Spotlight on SWLing.
Another great issue of Amateur Radio with something for everyone - courtesy of
a hard-working little group called the WIA Publications Committee.
(compiled by: Tom Potter VK3UBS)
NOW ROBERT BROOMHEAD - VK3KRB.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
The new Australian Coordinator for TCPIP domains is now VK2XB Indy.
So when you need a number email Indy vk2xb(AT)wia.org.au
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
AMSAT-VK UNOFFICIAL HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
ARISS Team Looking for Ground Stations:
Do you want to be part of the international network of ground stations that
help support Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
operations?
ARISS is still looking to add numerous ground stations capable of relaying ISS
Amateur Radio sessions with schools and also serve as back-up communications
relays should they be needed. Locations all over the world will be considered,
but one of the greatest needs for stations is still in VK6.
If you or your WA club would like to be considered for selection as one of the
new ARISS ground stations, send an e-mail to ARISS with details about your
station
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
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
http://www.scouts.com.au
http://www.scout.org/jota
http://www.wiaq.com/nationalnews/jotahead.htm
SCOUT JOTA HF Voice Calling Frequencies
3590 primary, 3.650 secondary, 7090, 14190, 21190, 28590 kHz
14290, 18140, 21360, 24960, 28390 kHz (DX)
The 51st Jamboree On The Air is on 17-19th October and this report comes
courtesy of VK6KAD and I quote.." May sound a long way off, but as with any
event, there's a bit of organizing to do.
JOTA is an annual event of the World Organization of Scout Movements, commonly
known as WOSM. Along with the Jamboree On The Internet, JOTI, some half a
million young people participate every year. It is by far the largest Scout
event every year.
In most countries, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts also participate in the event.
JOTA is always made possible by Amateur Radio Operators, some of whom are Scout
Leaders, others are recruited or volunteer their support. Without Amateur
Radio operators, JOTA would not be possible.
If you are approached by Scout or Guide people to assist with JOTA, I hope you
are able to give their request favourable consideration.
Here are some things you can do to help promote JOTA
- Do you know anybody who is in Scouts or Guides?
Ask them what they have planned for JOTA-JOTI.
Your asking may prompt them to involve their youth members in the activity.
- If you are asked to help a Scout or Guide unit with JOTA-JOTI, please give it
serious consideration. Ask one or two other hams to assist you.
- Even if you can't put in the weekend for JOTA, maybe you can help out with
equipment or putting up antennas.
I've heard a rumour that in previous years, some amateurs have run a JOTA
station without involving Scouts or Guides. JOTA is a Scout/Guide activity,
and we as Amateur Operators provide our skills and experience to assist them
to conduct a successful activity.
You also need to know that in some states, and under some circumstances, you
may be required to have a "Working With Children card" (or that State's
equivalent). These are required by law, and although the Scout and Guide
Associations have implemented these, please don't blame them if you disagree or
are reluctant to undergo the check.
If you wish to be involved in JOTA but haven't been approached to help, contact
me at VK6POP(AT)wia.org.au telling me your location and I'll try to put you in
touch with local or State coordinators.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO
EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES REGION ONE
21.360 - 18.160 - 14.300 - 7.060 - 3.760 MHz.
Cycle Queensland the 9 day bike ride is on again this year and it commenced
yesterday, Saturday 30th August in Bundaberg . The route takes them from
Bundaberg to Woodgate, Biggenden , Marlborough , Tin Can Bay , Pomona ,
Kenilworth , Beewah with the finish at Sandgate on Sunday 7th September.
1220 riders have registered for the event and a further 180 volunteers will
accompany the riders.
14 Amateur operators have volunteered to accompany the ride and provide a
communications network for the organisers along the route so that the safety of
the participants can be monitored.
Radio traffic will be via portable WICEN repeater set-ups along the way or thru
fixed repeaters especially in the Bundaberg area and possibly on the Sunshine
Coast.
WICEN's appreciation goes to local operators for the use of these repeaters.
(Ed VK4 JEN)
August 19 saw the emergency communication network tested at the Repco Rally
in New Zealand. An integral part of the New Zealand's emergency network,
Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) also will play a pivotal role in
the annual running of Repco Rally New Zealand.
This 39th running of New Zealand's largest annual world title sporting event
will be held in the Waikato, Waitomo and Franklin districts from Friday 29th
August to Sunday 31st August.
Approximately 80 radio operators will be deployed during Repco Rally
New Zealand!!!!
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF AND ABOVE
TROPO DUCTING CONTACT BETWEEN ZS2GK AND FR5DN ON 2 METRES SHOWS THAT
PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF - CHRISTINE VK5CTY HAS THE STORY
Glenn Kraut, ZS2GK, in a village in the Eastern Cape, made an historic
contact with Phil FR5DN on Reunion on 2 metres over a distance of 2 875 km.
Wednesday evening last ZS2GK went to bed at about 22:30 local time leaving the
rig on and antennas pointing towards Reunion. He woke up at 02:15 and heard a
beacon. The signal was very weak and he went back to bed. Scarcely one hour
later he heard a stronger beacon signal. It was perfect copy on the CW reader.
Glenn called Phil on his cell phone, switched the linear and pre-amp on and
logged a SSB QSO and FM QSO on 144,200 and 144,400 at 03:39 CAT with signal
reports of 5/6 both ways. "We spoke for about 20 minutes. I also tried to
access the Reunion repeater without any luck", he told SARL news.
"There was no QSB on the SSB signal but a bit of fade into the noise on FM."
GRAHAM PLAYS A RECORDING OF QSO IN HERE so a 1 second pause please
According to Mike Bosch, ZS2FM, it is difficult to confirm whether it was tropo
ducting or Sporadic E. Whichever the case, it is a great achievement. Well-done
ZS2GK and FR5DN.
Listen to the QSO on www.sarl.org.za or on www.wiaq.com/ftp/wianews_64.mp3
SOCIAL SCENE
Sept 13 VK4
The Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio club Sunfest at Woombye hall .
contact Harry VK4TK at vk4tk(AT)dodo.com.au
or 0 40 94 880 25
Sept 13 -14 VK7
Alarameet 2008 in Ulverstone Tasmania
Susan Brain VK7LUV 0400-173280 or
vk7luv_susan(AT)yahoo.com.au
Sept 14 VK3
SADARC HamFest will be held on September 14th at St Augustine hall Orr Street
Shepparton doors open for the traders at 7.30am and visitors at 10am.
Sept 19-21 VK4
Central Highland Amateur Radio Club AGM, Monster Auction and Gathering at
Camp Fairbairn near Emerald. Gordon VK4KAL telephone 07 4985 4168
Oct 11 & 12 VK4
Dalby and Sunshine coast October Camp, Lake Dyer near Laidley.
Neil VK4NF holmzie(AT)bigpond.com 07 4662 4950
Oct 26 VK3
B.A.R.G. Hamvention Ballarat held at the Great Southern Woolshed approx 3kms
from Ballarat CDB, located on the Melbourne side of Ballarat on the western
highway. General public admitted at 10-00am.
Door prizes, raffles good food and fellowship
dougr(AT)ncable.net.au
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.
Dec 6 VK7
VK7 HAMFEST - Central Highlands of Tasmania at Miena - starts 10am.
http://www.qsl.net/charct/
2009
International Telecommunication Union's Telecom World 2009.
JANUARY 18 2009 VK2
Mid North Coast Amateur Radio Group's Radio Expo St Johns Church Hall,
Maclean Street Coffs Harbour 8.30am
Feb 8 2009 VK2
WYONG FIELD DAY
Feb 15
Centre Victoria RadioFest at the Kyneton Racecourse
http://radiofest.amateurradio.com.au/
June 5 - 8 2009 VK4
FNNQARG at Cardwell Village Beachcomber Resort book on 1800 005633
Contact FNNQARG co-ordinator Gavin VK4ZZ for site booking guidance.
OCT 12 - 16 2009 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/
Please think of the environment before printing this email
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Thanks to to our dedicated band of broadcast volunteers who utilize
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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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- NEWS POSTING TO PACKET -
Courtesy Tony VK7AX VK7AX(AT)VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC
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