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VK7AX > BCAST 12.07.25 09:16l 510 Lines 24116 Bytes #299 (0) @ WW
BID : 2942_VK7AX
Subj: VK7 Amateur Radio News 13Jul25
Path: IZ3LSV<IK6IHL<IK7NXU<HB9ON<DK0WUE<PD0LPM<VE3CGR<VE6NAS<VE2PKT<PY2BIL<
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Sent: 250712/0707Z 2942@VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.AUNZ LinBPQ6.0.24
VK7 Amateur Radio News 13Jul25
Text edition:
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VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 13th July 2025
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Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News.
This was first broadcast on Sunday, July 13th, 2025 and we bring you the latest from the world of amateur radio in VK7.
This week, joining you from the Tasmanian Amateur Radio News desk is Idris, VK7ZIR.
Tune in as we share updates and insights across VK7, broadcast through an array of platforms and frequencies:
On DMR Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C, managed by the digital group.
On Medium and high frequency rebroadcasts thanks to our dedicated operators:
1.862 MHz by Graham, VK7GS
3.670 MHz by Ross, VK7ALH
7.140 MHz by Garry, VK7JGD
14.130 MHz by Justin, VK7TW
28.525 MHz by Any takers and
UHF CB Channel 24 hosted by Mark, VK7FMAC and as a trial HF CB Channel 24 (11m) hosted by Stephen, VK7SME both in the Hobart area.
If you missed todayâ€Ös broadcast then you can catch the replay on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT and UHFCB24 and HFCB24 in Southern VK7.
Thank you for tuning in and enjoy the broadcast!
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WWFF, SOTA, POTA and IOTA
Weekly Wrap-Up
Itâ€Ös been a busy week for VK7 activators, with plenty of parks and peaks activated across the state, a great effort from all involved!
Angela, VK7AMP, and Tony, VK7LTD, visited the Malwood–Rokeby Hills Conservation Covenant, located in the Rokeby Hills near Hobart. This protected area provides vital habitat for several threatened plant species, including the Risdon peppermint and chocolate lily. Angela and Tony operated on the 40m, 20m, and 15m bands during their activation.
Stuart, VK7FADZ, made the trek to the summit of Mount Field West, the highest peak in Mount Field National Park, situated around 64 km northwest of Hobart. Stuart battled tough conditions to make five contacts and earned 13 SOTA points for the activation.
Praj, VK7MPB, and Kiri, VK7KLB, had a busy week with multiple activations, including the Wellington Park Conservation Area, Mount Wellington Summit, and Fossil Cove Conservation Area. Operating on the 2m and 40m bands, they achieved a combined total of 58 QSOs.
Peter, VK7ZPE, Rodney, VK7HAM, and Al, VK7AN, completed their regular Wednesday activation at Den Ranges Regional Reserve, located near Pipers River in northern VK7, approximately 40 km north of Launceston.
That wraps up another week, great work to the activators and hunters who keep supporting the programs come rain, shine, or hail.
73, Matt, VK7MAT
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QSL News
Inwards QSL Bureau Information
The current list of QSL Cards held by the VK7 Inwards Bureau as at 11 July is in the email version of the Broadcast.
If you have recently moved or if you have recently received or changed your callsign please advise your new details to Herman[at]ozemail.com.au
73 Herman VK7HW
Manager WIA VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
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Sorted Cards held at 11 July 2025 ( Any errors in the listing are mine, I sometimes miss culling a call sign)
AAC, AAD, AAE, AAH, AAP, AAR, AB, ACG, ACN, ADE, AED, AG(2014), AGC, AHT, AIR, AJC, AKK, ALZ, AM, ANC, AO, APZ, AS, ATH, AXZ, AY
BA, BB, BD, BPV, BT, BU, BYE
CA, CBK, CBR, CH/T, CJ, CMV, CTV, CV, CWB, CX
DAN, DBX, DHT, DI, DIK, DN, DO, DP, DQ, DR, DT, DV, DX, DY, DZ
EG, EI, ER
FADZ, FALX (alx), FAZZ, FCIA, FG, FGGT, FKLW, FLAR, FMI, FPRN, FTAS, FTR
G, GA, GC, GEL, GGZ, GL, GM, GOP, GR, GU, GZ
HCH, HCK, HDE, HL, HOB, HRS, HSA, HSC, HSD, HSE, HSJ, HSO, HVK, HXT, HZ
IAN, IK, IR, IS
JA, JAB, JAZ, JCR, JOK, JP, JS, JW, JX
KAC, KAM, KBA, KD, KDO, KJ, KKR, KL, KO, KRJ
LA, LDH, LJ, LL, LLL, LM, LT, LVH
M, MA, MAG, MBD, MD, MEL, MET, MHZ, MI, MJ, MOO, MRS, MS, MV
NA, NB, NC, ND, NEC, NET, NFI, NIK, NMH, NRF, NRT, NRX, NSE, NTE, NVH
OB
PAF, PBD, PM, POL, PRN, PSH, PSJ, PSZ, PW
RA, RG, RN, ROY, RW
SG(vi7SG), SIX, SN, STO, SV, SZ
TA, TCE, TED, TK, TL, TM, TO, TPE, TR, TS, TUX, TX, TZ
UT
VA, VAC, VAO, VAZ, VDC, VEK, VH, VM, VR, VTM, VZ
WA, WC, WL, WO, WT, WUU, WX
XTC, XV
Y, YN
ZA, ZJJ, ZK, ZM, ZR, ZT, ZTA
Following were seen at WAGS 9 July 25 - AZ, HSD, HVK, ID, MAT, STO
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Statewide SSTV Nights
A “light hearted” net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – TW, ZAB, EV, ZGK, ZIR, AX and KT all sharing nearly forty photos.
The main themes were:
Single propeller aircraft from World War 2
Cats relaxing everywhere, even displacing Dracula from his coffin
Famous DX operators from the Addams Family, the TV show from 1964
Clubroom presentations at REAST and NTARC
Other highlights were:
The word of the day is “Hurkle-Durkle”, a 200 year old Scottish term for staying in bed
A Morse code proficient carrier pigeon
The similarities between a Rugby Scrum and a cat walking away from you
Space Xâ€Ös latest unwilling passenger
The latest design for the stadium using alternative structural supports
David Bridie and Monique Brumby at the recent Festival of Voices
Itâ€Ös not a competition from a crazy chicken
Gary the Goose and his loose gas
And 73 from hurkle-durking under the sheets
Again Tony VK7AX interconnected VK7RJG to his SSTV International Gateway and VK7s exchanged photos with PA3EKI and PC1K in the Netherlands. Remember to leave a 30 second break between transmissions to allow the European countries a chance to send photos. Tony will connect the gateway again next week at 6:30 pm.
Note - Ken VK7KRJâ€Ös and Steve VK7OOâ€Ös fully automatic 24/7 monitoring sites allow anyone who has sent SSTV pictures the ability to check them on their pages almost immediately, any time, both South and North Tasmania.
If you missed the net there are archives of these SSTV nights on Kenâ€Ös and Steveâ€Ös SSTV websites or on NTARCâ€Ös website under blogs. Please remember to use your own photos or those that are copyright free.
https://vk7oo.tasme.com/vhfsstv/
https://sstv.vk7krj.com/scrolling%20web%20gallery.html
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
https://www.qsl.net/vk7ax/sstvgate3/index.html
73 from Andreâ€Ö VK7ZAB
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH
SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP
The Summits On The Air/World Wide Flora and Fauna parks group meets twice weekly – Mondays and Fridays 10.30AM till 12.00 at the Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry Street, Launceston.
For more information contact Al on 0417 354 410.
73, Al, VK7AN
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Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
www.ntarc.net
Hopefully no one turned up at the NTARC Club Rooms last Wednesday night, because we had all relocated to the Iron Horse Bistro - for the clubs mid-winter social get together. We all gathered about six pm for what ended up being an evening of excellent food, served in pleasant surroundings, with friends. It may have been a social evening, but as usual, much of the conversation was interspersed with radio and electronics, as always! HiHi. A great time was had by all and we eventually made our way home thoroughly satiated.
Friday morning tea came with an update from Trevor VK7TB, regarding a presentation earlier this month on crystal parameter measurements. Trevor brought in a plug in crystal test jig that he constructed fourteen years ago, consisting of an upturned printed circuit board with all the operational components fully accessible for soldering and tweaking, all mounted on top of a diecast enclosure which houses calibration and measurement switches as well as some external connectors. The test jig is complete with a sacrificial crystal socket and daughter board that can be replaced in case of any contact wear after testing many hundreds of crystals.
The design is based on a paper published by Chris Trask, N7ZWY from Sonoran Radio Research in Tempe, Arizona, USA. Titled “A Practical Test Set for Comprehensive Crystal Testing”, published in 2008. This is considered to be one of the definitive papers on the measurement of series resonant parameters of a crystal. The circuit is based on a differential Butler oscillator which in this case allows for parameter testing and measurement in a linear, non-saturated mode. External measurement ports for his Vector Voltmeter and Oscilloscope are also buffered from the crystal under test. The beauty of this particular design is the very high level of accuracy and repeatability of measurements. This confidence in results is paramount for the selection of crystals, to a very close tolerance, for the implementation of a ten pole ladder filter Trevor is designing.
For interest there is high end commercial test equipment by Hewlett-Packard / Agilent and others that accomplish the same result, however with a test jig like this you can test at a similar level of accuracy. The use of this type of “test jig” certainly is more labour intensive and slower but comes with the added bonus of not having to mortgage your house to afford the piece of Agilent test equipment. No doubt after a couple more hundred crystals are tested for his ten pole ladder filter project, Trevor will update us as to the progress.
As always pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs” for this broadcast. NTARC Blogs
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Air Test and Technical Net session - Every Wednesday, Test-Net and CW course on 3.580 MHz from 7 pm, then a Technical Net on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic VK7WW.
Club Room Technical night session - The next session will be Wednesday the 23rd July, from the usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
Coffee Morning - Held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10 am to noon.
Finally – If you have any items of news please email them to the Secretary at the following address news(at)ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
Thatâ€Ös all folks,
73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC Inc.
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NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
https://www.reast.asn.au/
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
https://www.youtube.com/reasthobart/
July Forum Night
Logging, paper, pen, computer or memory?
https://www.youtube.com/live/crjRJRCbKdo?si=viWetGdf1rfgGKit
The July REAST Forum Night tackled a topic familiar to every amateur radio operator â€ö logging. The session featured a rapid-fire showcase of logging tools and techniques used across the VK7 community and beyond. Participants shared their preferences for everything from modern digital platforms like HamRS, VKPortalog, Log4OM, N1MM, and Ham2K, to the classic pen-and-paper methods. Several operators described hybrid approachesâ€öusing paper logs during activations and later transferring data to digital systems like VKCL, ClubLog, WSJT-X, eQSL, and Excel. There was also discussion of log compatibility, ADIF and Cabrillo formats, lazy logging, and ideas for managing contest data, satellite passes, and phone power consumption during field ops.
The forum also delved into legacy systems (like TRS-80 and DOS-based loggers), the need for a modern, open-source replacement for VKCL, and emerging ideas like using AI in logging and creating a centralised REAST Wavelog database for members to share logs and enable real-time scoreboards. There was enthusiastic talk around log backups, data portability, and interoperability between platforms, along with nostalgia from the days when contest results took a year to arrive. The evening wrapped up with strong support for innovation in logging, combining automation, portability, and modern interfaces with the solid foundations of amateur radio record-keeping.
Thanks to all who contributed to the Forum.
73, Justin, VK7TW
https://www.youtube.com/live/crjRJRCbKdo?si=viWetGdf1rfgGKit
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VK7 Broadcast News
Trial 11m Rebroadcast
Stephen VK7SME has put his hand up to trial an 11m HF CB Channel 24 rebroadcast on a Sunday morning and Tuesday night for the Hobart area.
The frequency of channel 24 is 27.235MHz and the mode is LSB.
Stephen will be taking callbacks.
Thanks to Stephen and help from Mark VK7FMAC for getting the broadcast out on another frequency and demonstrating what amateur radio can do.
We are currently building a patch box for Stephen which will further improve the broadcast quality on this band.
73, Justin, VK7TW
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Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Group (WEGs)
We are back in the studio this Wednesday night (July 16th) with a full show of experimentation and interesting AR related information.
Over the next three DATV nights, in no particular order we have lined up:
Telegraphy - morse comms from a bygone era
Telephone exchange simulation
Trans-Tasman Low Band preparation and experiences
VK7 Preparation for the RD Contest
Kenwood MAT-100 ATU reverse engineering
AR, Low-Key and DUBUS Magazine reviews
Final ADX calibration (out in the clubrooms)
Something non-AR related topics:
All about blood and blood/plasma donation with 7TW and 7BEN
Tour of our new studio, clubrooms and the AV behind it
On a Wednesday night people start arriving at the night around 6pm and many bring their dinner to enjoy.
There is always much discussion, experimenting, playing, talking, drinking coffee and tea, serious cunning plan development and general amateur radio shenanigans and world problem solving in the clubrooms as well!!
We stream the nights on the REAST YouTube streaming channel.
See you there or on the stream.
73, Justin, VK7TW
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August Presentation Night
Antarctic Diary Recollections
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-antarctic-diary-recollections/
August will see a very special historical presentation from Andrew Johns VK7AJ about his Dadâ€Ös Antarctic Diary from the International Geophysical Year in 1957.
The diary was unearthed in a box at the South Hobart Resource Tip Shop and traced back to Andrew (thatâ€Ös a story in itself!!).
David Johns VK0DJ/VK1DJ/VK7DJ headed south to Macquarie Island in 1954 and then to Mawson in 1957 for the Geophysical Year which started in July 1957 and ended in December 1958. The aim of the International Geophysical Year was for the simultaneous collection of data on a world-wide basis to take place and Davidâ€Ös physics role was to gather data about cosmic rays.
There is some wonderful insight into life in Antarctica in 1957 and many stories will be told.
When: Wednesday August 6th, 2025 from 7:30pm
Where: Queens Domain Clubrooms and streamed on the REAST YouTube stream
See you there or on the stream.
73, REAST Committee
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-antarctic-diary-recollections/
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August Forum Night - Favourite Digital Mode
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-favourite-digital-mode/
Join us for an engaging REAST Forum Night on Wednesday, August 6th, where we dive into the world of digital modes – the ones you love, and the reasons why! Whether youâ€Öre passionate about CW, FT8, JS8Call, PSK31, RTTY, Olivia, or something more exotic, this is your chance to share your favourite and learn from others.
Weâ€Öll explore what makes these modes tick – efficiency, propagation performance, ragchew potential, contesting edge, or simply good old fun! Bring your experience, your stories, and your curiosity for an evening of spirited discussion, demonstrations, and discovery.
So fire up your radios, cue up your virtual waterfall, and join us on Wednesday 13th August 2025 from 7:30pm at the REAST Queens Domain Clubrooms or tune in via the live stream on the REAST YouTube channel. Letâ€Ös talk digital!
See you there or on the stream.
73, REAST Committee
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-favourite-digital-mode/
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September Presentation Night
Weather Balloon Chasing
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-weather-balloon-chasing/
September will see a presentation all about the sport of Weather Balloon chasing from Steve VK7OO with support from Anders VK7TCP and Steven VK7SH
There are hundreds of weather balloons with radiosondes launched every day around the world to help Meteorological and Aviation understand what is going on in our atmosphere.
These balloons are one use devices and the balloon eventually bursts and the radiosonde comes back to earth on a parachute. They have a lithium battery and we will have some examples of them at the presentation.
They transmit on the 75cm band and can be picked up using a modest receiver and antenna. Some amateurs have even repurposed the transmitters for amateur beacons on 70cm.
They are tracked through a citizen-science project called SondeHub that Steven VK7SH has been deeply involved with.
https://sondehub.org/
There is also a historical club linkage with radiosondes with Rex Moncur VK7MO developing some early valve based radiosondes back when he started with the Bureau of Meteorology.
When: September 3rd, 2025 from 7:30pm
Where: Queens Domain Clubrooms and Stream on the REAST YouTube Streaming.
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-weather-balloon-chasing/
See you there or on the stream.
73, REAST Committee
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September Forum Night
How to get the most from your NanoVNA
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-how-to-use-your-nanovna/
Everyoneâ€Ös got a NanoVNA in their shack (except Rex…HIHI!)… but are you really getting the most out of it?
Join us for the REAST Forum Night on Wednesday, September 10th, where weâ€Öll demystify the mighty little NanoVNA! This session is all about practical usage, so bring your questions, your NanoVNA, and your curiosity. Whether youâ€Öre tuning antennas, measuring filters, checking feedlines or just trying to figure out what those squiggly lines meanâ€öthis is your chance to get hands-on.
Thereâ€Öll be live demonstrations, open Q&A, and plenty of shared tips and tricks from fellow hams whoâ€Öve gone deep with their NanoVNAs. No PowerPointâ€öjust pure, practical knowledge.
Kicking off at 7:30pm at the REAST Queens Domain Clubrooms and also streamed live on the REAST YouTube channel. Donâ€Öt miss itâ€ötime to unlock the full potential of that pocket-sized powerhouse!
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-how-to-use-your-nanovna/
73, REAST Committee
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REAST Training and Assessment Update
https://www.reast.asn.au/information/amateur-licence-assessments/
Are you looking to join the world of amateur radio or upgrade your license? REAST has you covered with regular Training and Assessment Days for all license levels!
Key Dates:
Standard, Advanced, and Regulations Assessments: Held on alternate months, next is 26th July 2025.
Foundation Training and Assessment Days: Held every two months with the next one on 30th August 2025.
Stay updated with the full schedule on the REAST Events Page.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/
Do you need to secure your spot or ask a question - email: reast.assessor(at)gmail.com and your inquiry will go directly to the Learning Organiser, who be in contact.
We have learning resources available including our Foundation Licence Training Videos that are a must-watch for beginners. Find them on the REAST YouTube Training and Assessment Playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsnsP_zjw831mdC6sY4XqavRUY-53ZWUn
Practice Makes Perfect so, prepare with the WIA Foundation Trial Exams and the link can be found on the email edition of the broadcast.
https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/onlineexams/foundation.php
Whether you're starting your journey or leveling up, REAST is here to guide you every step of the way.
73, Reg, VK7KK
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Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
VK7 Regular gatherings:
Sewing Circle Net – Daily on 3.640MHz commences at 6:30pm AEST.
Statewide SSTV Net - held every Thursday night via the North/South Link on VK7RAF/VK7RJG from 7:30pm. In the North and North West - VK7RJG on 438.55 -7MHz and in the South - VK7RAF (146.650 -600kHz) CTCSS tone 141.3Hz to link RAF North-South.
State-wide – MICROWAVE QSO Party – following the Sunday broadcast call-back on 1296.15 MHz FM. One group in the greater Hobart area and another in the greater Launceston area.
Then North-south digital contacts on 1296.2MHz using Q65-60B.
Stations in the Launceston area transmitting on the odd minute. Southern stations on the even minute.
REAST - WAGs - Wednesday Afternoon Group from 12 noon in the REAST Clubrooms Queenâ€Ös Domain.
REAST - WEGs - Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Group on the third, fourth & fifth Wednesday nights of the month from around 6pm in the REAST Clubrooms Queenâ€Ös Domain and streamed.
REAST - 6m AM Net on 53.1MHz Everyday from 4:30pm
SOTA/WWFF Group – Meeting Mondays and Fridays 10.30-12.00 midday at Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry St, Launceston.
NTARC TestNet and TechNet session - Every Wednesday, TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7 pm, then a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic VK7WW.
NTARC Coffee Mornings are held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10am to noon in the Rocherlea Clubrooms.
NTARC Club Room Technical night session Wednesday the 23rd July, from 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
NW VK7 – Wednesday from 8:00pm local – NW Tassie Amateur Repeater Group Net on 2M VK7RMD and Allstar Node 56780
NW VK7 - Thursday commencing at 8:30pm local - N.W. Tassie 2m DX Net 144.190 USB
VK7 Events:
REAST - 6th August - Antarctic Diary Recollections - Andrew VK7AJ from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming.
REAST - 13th August - Favourite Digital Modes Forum Night from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming.
REAST - 3rd September - Weather Balloon Chasing - from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming.
REAST - 10th September - How to get the most from your NanoVNA Forum Night from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming.
VK7 - 15th November - Miena Hamfest - Community Hall Miena from 10am
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A reminder to those people rostered for next weekâ€Ös broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7WW
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to NWTARC, WCRG, NWCRRA, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC
160m: VK7GS
80m: Any Takers
40m: VK7ALH
20m: VK7JGD
10m: VK7VKT
UHFCB24: VK7FMAC
HFCB24: VK7SME
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C - Digital Group
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A huge thank you to all people and organisations that assisted with this broadcast.
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That wraps up this week's edition of the VK7 Amateur Radio News. We hope you found it informative and enjoyable?
You've been listening to VK7WI, or if youâ€Öve just tuned in, you've just missed our live broadcast. But donâ€Öt worry if itâ€Ös not Tuesday night then you can catch the rebroadcast on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT and UHFCB24 and HFCB24 in the South.
We encourage you to share your news, stories, and updates with us. Email your contributions to vk7arnews(at)gmail.com.
For more information about the broadcast and to join the discussion, visit our VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.IO Group.
groups.io/g/vk7arnews.
Remember, the deadline for submissions is 21:00 on the Friday before the Sunday broadcast.
Stay tuned for callbacks on the frequency youâ€Öre currently listening to. Relay stations will use their own callsigns during this time.
On behalf of the entire VK7 Amateur Radio News Team, this is Idris, VK7ZIR wishing you 73 and good DX.
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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