Weekly news from the WIA:
MP3 edition of news available at: http://www.wia-files.com/podcast/wianews-2014-03-23.mp3 Text edition:
WIANEWS - MARCH 23 - VK NATIONAL NEWS
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WIANEWS WEEK COMMENCING MAR 23 2014.
OUR 19TH YEAR OF NON STOP NEWS
Wireless Institute of Australia Merit Awards 2014
WIA PR4AmateurRadio Expo - April the 11th to the 13th
THESE STORIES AND MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE
OF AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING MARCH 23 2014.
TRENDING ON VK1WIA TWITTER ACCOUNT
http://twitter.com/VK1WIA
#MH370 and Ham Radio
Brisbane Times is reporting on how a radio network has been set up for
security forces and emergency workers for the G20 summit in Brisbane.
Queensland IT Minister Ian Walker says the secure Government Wireless Network
will allow agencies to communicate instantly during the leaders' meeting in
November.
He says it's a private digital network, which isn't connected to public
frequencies.
The Campbell Newman led state government has announced a range of G20 security
measures, including increased police powers, harsher punishments for
protesters and mass criminal background checks on residents within the summit
zone.
The government said the radio network would be introduced across southeast
Queensland by 2016.
Malaysia Airlines flight MH370
We heard last week here on VK1WIA National News how the Malaysian Amateur
Radio Transmitters' Society led by President, Mohd Aris Bernawi 9M2IR, was
providing radio links from KL airport and hotels housing family of the missing
passengers.
Also helping out is MARES the emergency service who called on all
hams particularly in India, Indonesia, Sri Langka, Mauritius, Seychelles,
Thailand to participate in the search and rescue of the missing aircraft.
In light with the multinational effort taken hams were asked to participate
in a d 1300hrs - 1500hrs check in on 14.250 MHz and 21.250 MHz (+- QRM)
Any urgent message beyond the specified DX session time via email to
(sourced to SouthGate)
VK3 medium wave beacon heard in VK4 and 6
The CW beacon on 473 kHz at Mildura in northwest Victoria has had more than
50 reception reports from all over Australia since early this year and will
continue its transmissions.
The most distant reports have been from West Australia. Is it also heard
in New Zealand.
While reports are most welcome, including those who have reception at
different times or days, many more are needed.
The band 472-479 kHz is now a secondary allocation in many countries. The
beacon encourages use of our new band. A couple are now gearing up for
reception of it.
In Queensland, John Goldfinch VK4FNQ east of Charters Towers was the first
from that state to report, followed by Rick Freemantle VK4RF, north of
Brisbane, and Dougal Johnston VK4EKA near Toowoomba who recorded reception
during lightning activity.
Among those in South Australia is Ian Maxted VK5ZIM at Adelaide. In West
Australia Phil Hartwell VK6GX was first to provide a reception report.
He was followed by Peter Zwarecz VK6APZ on a 350 metre long wire at fence
height, and then came Derek Zeck VK6DZ.
Noel VK3FI is amazed that his home-built beacon has been heard from VK6 at
an average distance of 2400 kms.
As we experience the winter season with longer nights and less lightning
activity, reception conditions should improve.
He now has hopes that spurred on by reception reports throughout Australia,
the beacon will be detected across the ditch in New Zealand.
Crossing the Tasman Sea would be quite an achievement and is now an aim.
The CW beacon on 473 kHz is on most nights 1100 to 2200 UTC. Reception
reports please on email to
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
WIA BOARD TALK
President Phil Wait VK2ASD
Vice President Chris Platt VK5CP
Secretary David Williams VK3RU
Treasurer John Longayroux VK3PZ
PR4AmateurRadio Expo - April the 11th to the 13th
Recruitment and the lifting of public awareness of modern Amateur Radio are
on the increase - if the level of 'Calling CQ' brochures and posters issued
by the Wireless Institute of Australia are a guide.
The WIA receives frequent requests from clubs, organisations and assessors
engaged in publicity. The material is available via an online form, under
the "Discover Amateur Radio" tab, on the WIA website.
The WIA has initiated its PR4AmateurRadio Expo, which also celebrates the
International Amateur Radio Union 'World Amateur Radio Day'.
The Expo harnesses the resources of WIA affiliates as they showcase the benefits
of modern Amateur Radio, engage the community, and explain how they too can
join.
The aims, besides recruitment of all genders, ages and abilities; does include
the relevance of Amateur Radio in a technological world, its do-it-yourself
aspects, life-long learning opportunities and the making of new friends.
Each club or organisation registered with a venue has now been sent a media
release template, to help publicise their event.
These Expos are at parks, outside Jaycar stores, a public library, a car-boot
sale and clubhouses.
So far registrations are from VK2, VK3, VK4 and VK5. Many WIA Directors will
be on air looking for demonstration stations calling 'CQ Expo', on either
on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday - April the 11th to the 13th.
As an individual station you too are most welcome to join them on air. The
Expo engages the community - please join and support it - for the full details
check out the WIA website 'What's On' column.
Wireless Institute of Australia Merit Awards 2014
One week to go, and only two nominations received. I refuse to believe that
only two people have made significant contributions to Amateur Radio in
Australia
Rather I choose to believe that you haven't got around to writing out that
nomination yet.
The Board of the WIA at its discretion makes awards to members for their
contribution to Amateur Radio. These awards are usually presented at the
WIA's Annual Conference and AGM.
The Board is now calling for nominations, and these close at the end of
March. The nomination form is available for download on the WIA website.
When completing the survey, you are not required to suggest which award
should be made. The Board will assess each nomination, and decide which
awards, if any, it will make.
Clearly it's best to include as much information as you can so as to inform
the Board, and please do keep it in some sort of chronological order. Also
include information about any other awards they may have received.
It's important to recognise the work done within the hobby, so please give
some thought to nominating someone you know of.
The nomination form is available on the WIA Website, in the news section.
Nominations close on 31st March, which is next week, and awards will be
announced and where possible presented at the WIA's 2014 AGM and Conference
on the Sunshine Coast on May 16-18.
I'm Bob, VK6POP, and you're listening to the WIA National News from VK1WIA
OK here's a deal for all our listeners, how about a blanket "thank you" sent
to Bob for the behind the Editor help I have received for some probably 10
plus years.
Felix VK4FUQ and Jason VK2LAW who have never let me down as readers of
Operational and of International news each week.
Robert and Bryan for not only reading Special Interest group news but always
able to step in and handle news when I am away. (PS guys a heads up for
April 24! HiHi)
And of late Jim VK3PC who each week sends 'read ready' news stories we can
bring you.
On the local VK4 scene we could never forget Geoff VK4ZPP who keeps supplying
his discussion point even whilst undergoing intrusive medical procedures!
And Alan VK4FABR for handing QNEWS when I am absent.
Pen to paper YL's and OM's and get it off to Merit Awards and VK6POP
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
Andrew Scott VK3BQ says the EMDRC HamFest and White Elephant sale is bustling
to the sounds of hams looking over the interesting gear for sale and catching
up with friends this Sunday morning as the event is in full swing.
The BBQ has plenty of snags on the go, the kettle is on for a cuppa and you
still have time to pop in and check out the new and pre loved gear from the
traders, say hello to an old friend, meet a new one, or just find that
special item you have been searching for, maybe even snag a bargain, or just
snag a snag from the BBQ.
Entry is $6, at the Great Ryrie Primary School, Great Ryrie Street Heathmont.
So, come visit and say G'day.
VK3 Homebrewers meeting in April
The next meeting of the VK3 Homebrew Construction Group will be held Saturday,
April the 5th, in the Amateur Radio Victoria rooms, 40g Victory Boulevard,
Ashburton at 2pm. All are very welcome.
At the group's March meeting, Glen Gould VK3GHG gave an informative talk
on third order intercept products in receiving equipment. This can be an
important factor in receiver design.
Following on from that fine effort, at the April meeting Joe Gonzales VK3YSP
will reflect on his experiences as a newcomer to the weak signal digital
mode JT65a.
The low power mode can be found on HF. Joe VK3YSP will illustrate his very
informative the talk with an on-air demonstration using various software
applications.
The group is available on email
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
www.hamcollege.com.au
Foundation Licence now - Standard Bridging Course later
Do you know someone who could become or is already interested in Amateur
Radio?
In Melbourne enrolments are now being taken for the Foundation Licence
weekend on April the 26th and 27th - that's just after Easter.
The course in theory, regulatory and practical knowledge, plus assessments,
are held at the Amateur Radio Victoria office 40G Victory Boulevard,
Ashburton.
In July a Standard Bridging Course will also be held for those with the
Foundation Licence qualification.
To enrol please contact Barry Robinson VK3PV
or 0428 516 001.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
DISCUSSION POINT
What use is an F-call?
In Real Estate, there are three things you need for success.
Location, Location, Location.
In Amateur Radio, you need three things as well, Antenna, Antenna, Antenna.
Many of us live in suburbia where erecting a suitable antenna is fraught with
challenge. There is not enough space, or too much local interference, or
neighbours with a concern, or a council with rules that prevent proper
installation.
During the week I received a call from an amateur in VK5 who shared their
experience. A neighbour had complained about their antenna and the council
had written a letter instructing him to remove the antenna since it did not
have approval.
A little wrinkle was also part of this letter. It went on to say that if you
are an Amateur, you do not need to remove your antenna. So our friend
contacted the local council, furnished them with his callsign and
registration details and all was well in his world.
Another amateur I know recently removed his antenna on instruction from the
council without challenging their instruction. Other amateurs around him
suggested that he re-instate the antenna and go through the process of
discussing the issue with the local council. One wag suggested that he expand
his single vertical to a real tower, add some 20m yagi's and wait for heart
attacks. Far be it for me to suggest that this is the best plan for success.
The point I'd like to make is that an enlightened council can permit your
antenna and an unenlightened one can prohibit your antenna. Your job, should
you wish to accept, is to convert your council to becoming enlightened. You
could do this by staging a sit-in, or you could meet with the Mayor, some
councillors, or invite them to a field day in your area. You could educate
your neighbours, allay their fears and discuss alternative solutions with them.
Many people I've spoken to just do not understand that Amateur Radio exists,
has a place in society and can be called upon to help in case of emergency,
let alone be a social experience or a fantastic hobby.
Who knows, your council might even sponsor the erection of your mast.
I'm Onno VK6FLAB
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to IARU, RSGB, SARL, Southgate AR Club, ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
ARRL'S KX9X RECREATES SOUND OF SPARK FOR NPR
When you need the sound of a working spark gap transmitter,
the best place to turn is the ARRL. So when the daily
National Public Radio series All Things Considered needed
such a sound, that's exactly where it went.
The sound effect was required for an episode titled "What if
World War I Had Never Happened?" In order to provide sound
effect, ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Sean Kutzko,
KX9X, took a short trip over to the ARRL Lab where there
just happens to be a working spark transmitter.
There he took the provided script and sent it by hand as the
sound of the spark transmitter was recorded. You can hear
the results of KX9X effort when the show airs on your local
NPR outlet or soon thereafter on the NPR website at
npr.org/programs/all-things-considered
PITTSBURGH USA CBER ORDERED TO PAY $18000 FINE
The FCC has affirmed an $18,000 Forfeiture Order previously
issued against Nathaniel Johnson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This for his alleged repeated failure to make his CB station available
for inspection by authorized FCC representatives and his failure to
comply with the restricted hours of CB Station operation set forth
in an official FCC notice.
Way back on May 14, 2013, the Enforcement Bureau's Philadelphia Office
issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture in the amount of $18,000
to Mr. Johnson. Although the FCC has evidence that Johnson received a copy
of the notice that was sent by Certified Mail, he has not filed a response.
Based on the information before it the Commission has now affirmed the
forfeiture order.
As is usual in these cases, the FCC has given Johnson the
usual 30 days from the March 12th release of the order to
pay the fine in full, arrange for time payments or file an
appeal. If he fails to do any of these the matter will
likely be turned over to the Department of Justice for further action.
New frequencies for French radio hams
The minutes of the March 7 meeting between the French National Society REF
and the communications regulator ARCEP have been published
French radio amateurs have gained access to 472-479 kHz with 1 watt output in
Region 1 and territories in Region 2.
Discussions also covered the possibility of an amateur allocation across the
whole of 1.8 - 2.0 MHz and possible future allocations at 5.5 MHz and 70 MHz
435-438 MHz is now allocated to the Amateur-satellite service for both
Earth-to-Space and Space-to-Earth in Region 1 & territories in Region 2.
http://tinyurl.com/REF-ARCEP-Minutes-2014-03-07
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ARNEWSLINE
TWO LOS ANGELES TV STATIONS TO TRY CHANNEL SHARING
Two Los Angeles,. California, television stations are going
to explore channel-sharing with the support of the major
wireless lobby. This after The Wireless Association along
with stations KLCS and KJLA announce a channel-sharing pilot
project that responds to the Federal Communications
Commission's request to demonstrate the technical and legal
arrangements necessary to implement a successful channel-
sharing operation.
Once the two broadcast stations receive FCC approval, the
testing will take place throughout the remainder of the
first quarter of 2014. Under the channel-sharing agreement,
KLCS and KJLA will conduct a series of tests that will
culminate in KLCS hosting KJLA's content and transmitting a
shared stream that will combine the two stations' primary
and multicast content. KLCS and KJLA will also attempt a
variety of High Definition as well as Standard Definition
video feeds to confirm the feasibility and technical limits
of channel sharing between two unaffiliated broadcasters.
There will be no impact to KJLA's and KLCS' viewers during
this test. More is at tinyurl.com/channel-sharing-study.
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OPERATIONAL NEWS - DATELINE 2014
WIA VK Harry Angel Memorial Sprint May 3
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 2 - 3
WIA REMEMBRANCE DAY (THE RD) CONTEST Aug 16 - 17
Manly-Warringah Radio Society's Flagpole contest September.
Amateur Radios International Air-ambulance Week, 9 days from Sep 28.
2015
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 1 - 2
2016
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 6 - 7
2017
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 5 - 6
2018
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 4 - 5
In VK3 National Parks during the contest
Portable stations ventured into Victoria's National Parks last weekend to
take advantage of John Moyle Memorial Field Day.
The primary aim was to join the contest six hour section and chase portable
awards.
Nicholas Lock VK3ANL was at Mt Disappointment in the Kinglake National Park
on Sunday.
Despite the weather cutting his operation short, he had 83 contacts that
qualified for either the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award or the
Summits on The Air.
Tony Hambling VK3VTH had set up at the Brisbane Ranges 'Grahams Creek', when
a very pleasant Victoria Parks Ranger arrived to warn of the pending poor
weather.
The sky turned a very nasty 'black' leading to a quick pack-up, but not before
VK3VTH managed a worthy 134 contacts.
Portable from Mount Donna Buang in the Yarra Ranges National Park were husband
and wife team, Joe Gonzales VK3YSP and Julie VK3FOWL.
The SOTA gear including an HF triplexer with three rigs were walked in, antennas
launched and everything was right to operate under an awning.
The contest started and there were to be two consecutive 6 hour individual
challenges.
Half-way though Julie VK3FOWL's turn it went pitch black around 9pm. Then
there was a huge BANG and SPLASH, as an awning pole broke under the weight
of water. She hurriedly went QRX. The station being worked said,
"What's your number again?" Everything went quiet. Oh well, there's always
next year.
A morning survey found there had little damage that could not be easily repaired.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS, DX, BEACON REPEATER AND NET ADVICE
The West African country of Burkina Faso will is on the air until March 26.
Calls to look for are XT 2 AEF, XT 2 IVU and XT 2 VWT and they will be found
on all bands 80 - 10m.
(IRTS)
The rarish DXCC entity of the Andaman Islands will see a one-man expedition
on the air from 23 - 30 March. The operator will be Krishna W 4 VKU who will
sign VU 4 K from Port Blair.
Activity will be on 40 - 10m SSB and RTTY.
QSL to W4VKU
(irts)
7P8Z FROM LESOTHO MARCH 28 AND 29
Also get ready for ZS4TX to be on the air as 7P8Z from
Lesotho on March 28th and the 29th. Although this is
mainly a VHF activation to explore possible F2 and Trans
Equatorial Propagation openings on 6 meters, ZS4TX may also
be active on 10 and 12 meter CW. The actual operating site
is at 10,800 feet situated right next to the Afriski Resort
which also claims to have the highest Restaurant and Pub in
Africa. QSL as directed by the operator
Still in Lesotho, news that EI7CC is on the air as 7P8PB
through April 3rd. Activity will be limited because he will
be on a family holiday and will only operate when
circumstances permit. Logs will be uploaded to Logbook of
the World immediately upon his return to Ireland. QSL via
EI7CC either direct or via the bureau.
(ARNewsLine)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV
arvideonews.com
hamradiotube.com
youtube.com
qdg.org.au
GALILEO GPS CLOSES DOWN 23CM ATV REPEATER DB0QI
A new Global Positioning System headquarted in Germany has
led to the closure of a pair of co-sited Amateur Television
repeaters. On March 4th the owners of the Munich-based
DB0QI repeaters operating analogue on 1276 MHz and digital on
1291 MHz took them out of service after being informed by
the nations Federal Network Agency that they were
interfering with the operation of the Global Positioning
System's Galileo Satnav Control Centre. As elsewhere, the
23 cm band in Germany is allocated to radio amateurs only on
a secondary use basis. So far no other ham radio operations
in Germany have been affected.
(Southgate via ARNewsLine)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
ARISS CONTACTS TO BE DELAYED
Due to the increased work load of Astronaut and ham radio
operator Koichi Wakata, KC5ZTA, ARISS has had to move 3
schools back to its long term waiting list. Planners say
that they hope to get all of them rescheduled and completed by the US fall.
Also, there are also several other schools that are on the
list for possible postponement to the fall season. This is
because for the period from May 12th to June 15th there will
be no licensed radio amateurs on-board the International Space Station.
(ARISS via ARNewsLine)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- IOTA
http://rsgbiota.org
VK6ARI Rottnest Island OC-164
Earlier Dutch explorers spotted this out-crop off Perth in Western Australia,
mistook the quaint wildlife quokka as rodents, and named it Rat-nest or
Rottnest Island.
Now it's a nature reserve protecting its heritage, natural beauty, spectacular
flora, abundant marine life, wildlife including quokka with walking paths
and is home to many unique species.
Taking the ferry again is John Ferrington VK6HZ, who as VK6ARI in holiday
style, will be on the usual IOTA frequencies 10 to 40 metres.
VK6ARI uses SSB, PSK and RTTY, possibly CW, feeding a Buddipole antenna,
and is usually very popular on the bands.
Listen for him from today until Sunday, March the 30th. QSL via his home
call of VK6HZ.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ILLW
Lots of interest in ILLW this year
In the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend held in late each August,
there are already more than 180 registrations from throughout the world.
Germany remains in the lead on 43, ahead of Australia on 34, followed by
the USA 28 and England with 18, out the 26 different countries.
Several have one registration. Freddy Carmona CE3NLU will be at the Rada
Quintay lighthouse, a square pyramidal concrete tower that has provided
navigation on Chile's coast.
He joins ZV3CP Brazil at Cristovao Pereira, PJ2L Curacao from Noordpunt,
TM0LHG France Petit-Fort-Phillipe, and JE9LMZ Japan from Iwasaki No Hana.
Others are 9M2MI Malaysia portable Pulau Undan, SN2NP the Polish Gdansk Nowy
Port, and YO9RIJ Romania the Farul Sulina lighthouse.
If you would like to join this premier fun-event on August the 16th and 17th,
see the guidelines and register on-line by visiting the website www.illw.net
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO
IARU REGION 3
Emergency Centre of Activity (CoA) frequencies
3.600, 7.110, 14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHz
SALVATION ARMY PUTS NEW EDS SATERN STATION 'ON THE AIR'
The FCC has approved a new call sign for a recently created SATERN station
located in the Salvation Army's Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Division's
Emergency Disaster Services centre.
The new call of WB5ALM stands for William Booth 5 Alabama Louisiana
Mississippi and is dedicated to William Booth who was the founder of the
Salvation Army.
The WB5ALM call was activated for the first time during a check-in to the
International SATERN Net on 20 meter phone.
SATERN, which is an acronym for Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network,
is the volunteer amateur radio communications arm of the Salvation Army's
Emergency Disaster Services.
(Nevada Amateur Radio Newswire via ARNewsLine)
SOCIAL SCENE 2014
Mar 23 VK3 EMDRC White Elephant Sale 10am ( 03 9005 9251 )
Mar 28-30 VK4 Bunya Mts&District AmCom camp Somerset dam )
Apr 13-15 VK PR4AmateurRadio Expo.
Apr 18 WW Amateur Radio Day: Your Gateway to Wireless Communications.
Apr 25 vk3 ANZAC Day event Ballarat Showgrounds )
May 2- 4 VK4 Clairview Gathering ( 0429 632 815 )
May 10 VK4 BARCFEST: Salvation Army Hall Calamvale.
May 16-18 VK4 WIA Conference presented by SCARC ( )
Nov 2 VK5 HamFest Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society
Nov 30 VK3 SPARC HamFest at Rosebud ( )
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The purpose of "WIANews" is to rapidly provide news of interest to
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We strongly encourage membership in the Wireless Institute of Australia
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