Weekly news from the WIA:
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NATIONAL NEWS FOR WEEK COMMENCING Feb 15 2015.
WIA Director Roger Harrison VK2ZRH news of missing licence renewal notices.
AX for ANZAC DAY WEEKEND
VI8ANZAC as Darwin Amateur Radio Club covers the Albert Chalmers Borella
journey re-enactment.
THESE STORIES AND MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE
OF AUSTRALIA 2015 AND FOR WEEK OF February 15th.
Did you know that there are currently over 180 Australian amateur radio
licences that have not been renewed this year? This includes not only some
club licences but also repeater licences.
In an email sent from WIA Clubs Liaison Officer Ted Thrift VK2ARA it would
seem our Wireless Institute of Australia believes this may be as a result of
ACMA not having renewals available.
Please check to see if you licence is either due or possibly overdue for
renewal and ask your local club secretary to check that licences are current
and paid.
This "public service announcement" has been brought to you by the good people
at The St George Amateur Radio Society Inc., caring for amateur radio operators
in our community.
Oh and their next club meeting is Wednesday 4th March 7.30 PM at club rooms,
Donnelly Park, Kyle Parade, Connells Point (just down the road from South
Hurstville).
For more information go to www.sgars.org for the club, or listen 'hear'
to VK2ZRH Roger Harrison
Temporary hitch with licence renewal notices
This is WIA Director Roger Harrison VK2ZRH with news about licence renewal
notices.
A number of amateurs discovered recently that their licence renewal notice
from the ACMA had not arrived, as it had in previous years. A number of clubs
noticed the same thing with club station and repeater licences.
It seems that licence renewals that fell due in December 2014, and perhaps
early January 2015, may be affected.
The WIA has learned from the ACMA that there was a "hiccup" in their system
for a short period over the end of last year and licence renewals were not
issued, but that the problem has been corrected and it's back to business as
usual, now.
However, if, like many amateurs, you rely on getting your renewal notice in
the mail, and you're concerned you may have missed renewing your licence, take
a look at your licence certificate on the wall of your shack. Or, is it in a
drawer, somewhere?
Towards the top right hand corner you will see the "date of expiry". This
tells you when you need to renew.
If the expiry date has passed, you have 60 calendar days in which to renew,
otherwise your callsign becomes available for re-issue!
If you haven't reached the expiry date, you can renew early - but no more than
three months ahead of time.
Can't find your licence certificate? You can search the Register of
Radiocommunications Licences on the ACMA website. You will find the internet
address on http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/new...12-1/index.php
where we have posted this news item.
You can search for your own callsign on the Register and look up the date of
expiry. While you're there, write down your Client Number. You will need it.
In the absence of a renewal notice, you can pay by calling the ACMA on
1300 850 115. You will be asked for your Client Number, which you wrote down,
didn't you?
While I'm at it, let me lay to rest a myth about renewal notices - the
legislation does not require the ACMA to issue renewal notices; they do so as
a courtesy to clients. Aren't they nice people?
Under the legislation, as a licensee, it is your responsibility to renew your
licence within time.
A bit rough, you think? Take it up with your local federal member of
parliament.
This is WIA Director Roger Harrison VK2ZRH for VK1WIA News.
PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF.. JUST ASK Alex VK4TE and Andy VK4KCS
Another note to clubs by Ted Thrift is an article providing information about
an activity that is planned in VK4 to occur on the actual ANZAC Day Centenary
of the original landing on Gallipoli.
Working on this for over a year and attempting to get WIA backing in the way
of help and guidance, not monetary, has been Alex and Andy, now it just needs
you to come up on air from the local RSL club!
Their proposal suggests that all Amateur Radio Clubs take the opportunity to
establish and operate a portable HF/VHF station, ideally on the premises of
their local RSL branch on the 25th of April 2015.
This is an open invitation to VK and ZL Amateur Radio Clubs interested
in being involved in establishing a portable activity in conjunction
with your local RSL branch to help commemorate the centenary of the
original landing on Gallipoli 100 years ago.
The WIA's 2015 ANZAC Commemorative Plan states "event organisers should
seek to put as many returned services persons on air as possible, and
liaise with local RSLs." Where would you expect to find more returned
services persons than at your local RSL branch on ANZAC Day?
ANZAC Day is one of the three days in the year that ACMA allow the
automatic substitution of AX in place of VK in all Australian amateur
call signs. They have been informed by the WIA, that ACMA, for 2015 only,
has approved the use of AX in place of VK for the full two days of the
ANZAC weekend.
VK4TE and VK4KCS appreciate that this planned activity is now fairly close,
but hopefully your club has an active events committee that would quickly
realize the opportunity of being seen to be actively promoting the ANZAC
Centenary commemorations within your local community, with its
associated chance of ongoing publicity for your club.
Alex VK4TE Andy VK4KCS
The email from Alex and Andy does not show their email address so I'd
suggest you contact thru Ted
Someone who won't be at their local RSL club this ANZAC day is June VK4SJ.
With more here from the Sunshine Coast Amateur Radio Club is Gordon VK4VP
Who is going to the Gallipoli service this year
One of SCARC's club members, June VK4SJ, will be attending the dawn service at
Gallipoli and Lone Pine this year. As the daughter of a First World War
veteran she was able to apply in a ballot for a spot but got automatic
selection being a 1st generation daughter.
June will be accompanied by her son Anthony VK8NCS/2, his wife Bronwyn and
their 2 sons.. They will also do a bit of travelling prior to the service
around the UK and Greece.
June's father, ALFRED MATHIESON, a WW1 veteran who fought at Gallipoli in 1915
and sadly passed away in September 1961 was in 2 different battalions.
The 23rd 1st AIF and the surviving soldiers from various battalions were later
formed into the 60th Battalion 1st AIF.
Alfred tried to enlist at Richmond Victoria but he was only 16 so they turned
him away, he later went to Seymour by train and enlisted there on 23-02-1915
and sailed from Albany not long after on the MV Beltana.
He suffered injuries to his Right Shoulder and Left hip and thigh from
Bayonet and Shrapnel Wounds from a bomb blast that killed several of his
friends. He was also gassed as he lay for several day in No Man's Land
between the 2 opposing forces.
He was in service for 1144 days of which 948 were served overseas and also
spent some time in a Canadian Run Hospital in the UK Possibly in KENT UK
recovering from his injuries .
June would like to know if other Amateurs are going to this service so may be
able to meet up or contact any TA amateurs. Junes contact details are in the
Call Book or you can contact her via VK4 QSL Inwards Manager.
Well until next time, this is Gordon VK4VP.
To commemorate ANZAC 100 a series of articles appear in Amateur Radio
magazine. Lloyd Butler VK5BR writes about a radio pioneer.
Eric Jamieson, OAM, JP, and VK5LP, (Victor Kilo FIVE Lima Poppa) had a
lifetime interest in radio and electronics. He built a crystal set at the age
of 9 and a three-valve short-wave receiver when 12.
An RAAF Radio Technician, he served in Bougainville during WWII, initially
repairing aircraft and ground station radios, radio equipment used in
aircraft and ground stations.
By 1945 he was the Sergeant in charge of a large transmitting station in
the dense jungle. He was also at the RAAF in Gawler aerodrome outside
Adelaide maintaining its transmitter.
After discharge from the RAAF in 1946 his love of radio technology saw him
repair many of the radio receivers. During 1948-49 he became a radio amateur,
and was quite busy making and selling 64 radios.
After marriage to Merna he serviced receivers and in 1959 prepared for
television, to sell and repair TV sets. Initially, for ten years in his
spare time and then 15 years with Radio Rentals.
Eric was a radio amateur from 1960, operating on 50 MHz under VK5ZEJ, and
by 1967-69 was VK5LP.
With the introduction of transistor radios Eric recognised that valve radios
would be phased out so collected every valve radio he could find.
By the early 1960s, he had more than 100 and when he moved to Meningie, South
Australia, he had collected 335.
Eventually he settled on 35 for his own collection which was displayed at
a museum. In 1983, Channel 7 featured his vast collection on the Today
Tonight program.
One rare piece was a 1925 model eight-valve superheterodyne. In 1985 he was
awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the
community.
Eric was well known on the VHF bands. For many years wrote the Amateur Radio
column, "VHF/UHF - An Expanding World", that continues today.
He received a number of awards from the Wireless Institute of Australia.
In May 1995 he was presented the G. A. Taylor Medal the highest honour
for a radio amateur by the WIA.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
Across the 'detch' and Wartime Radar to iPad
Radio amateur Horace Longson ZL3WE is interviewed by the New Zealand Herald
about his lifelong involvement with technology
When war broke out in 1939, the railway clerical cadet volunteered for the
Air Force and became involved in the secret world of radar. After the war he
soon became interested in ham radio and is a life member of the New Zealand
Amateur Radio Transmitters' Association (NZART).
Read the full story at
nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11397374
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK8
web service:- http://vkham.com/~k8da
The Darwin Amateur Radio Club marking the Albert Borella epic journey to
enlist in World War I, will have the WIA commemorative callsign VI8ANZAC
on air until March Third (3).
The commemorative WIA callsign VI8ANZAC is now on air thanks to Darwin Amateur
Radio Club, which is covering the Albert Chalmers Borella journey re-enactment.
The Victorian was in the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade, before the
lure of a new life and grant of government land saw him move to the Northern
Territory.
After a time that proved unsuccessful, leading him to be a chef on a telegraph
maintenance site near Tennant Creek.
He wanted to enlist in World War I. Travelling by foot, horseback and train
the 33 year old left Tennant Creek for Darwin, found it did not have a sign-up
point, so continued to Townsville in Queensland by boat for enlistment.
Albert Borella was posted to the 26th Battalion of the First Australian
Imperial Force.
At Gallipoli he served for two months. Then he was sent to the Western Front
in France and Belgium.
Albert Borella was wounded in battle, decorated with the Military Medal,
mentioned by Winston Churchill in military dispatches, and finally received
for valour in combat - the Victoria Cross. He is the only VC from the Northern
Territory.
During World War II he ran prisoner-of-war camps in Australia. As the nation
re-traces that remarkable journey to enlist, the Darwin Amateur Radio Club
has VI8ANZAC on air from February the 14th until March the 22nd.
For more information, or to activate a commemorative ANZAC 100 callsign at
an appropriate site or event, please see the WIA website www.wia.org.au
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
VK6
Martin VK6ZMS tells us that the annual HARG swap meet is on Sunday April 12,
setup from 9am doors open at 10am. This year there is a new larger venue,
The Lesmurdie Hall at 96 Gladys Road Lesmurdie.
Email to reserve a table.
VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
Urunga Radio Convention this Easter, Sat 4th and Sun the 5th April
"Senior Citizens Hall" Urunga, the longest running Fox Hunt Field day
in Australia.
2 days of "Fox Hunting"
An adjoining lounge for those that want to get away from the activities.
Quizzes, raffles, and pre loved gear, displays, Inquiries welcome. Free tea
and Coffee available for those registering, (Numbers required for optional
meal on Saturday night at Bowling Club, notify Committee)
The old cups from the early days are on display at the convention, and other
times at the "Ocean View Hotel" where some of the early conventions were held.
Urunga is a quiet village ideally suited to "Fox hunting" It's a very
relaxing Environment on the Kalang River, and has old style charm, ideal for
family's. Close by is Coffs Harbour and Bellingen, or perhaps a drive on
"Waterfall Way" to Dorrigo and the National Park Skywalk, picnic areas and
lookouts, Visit the Golf or Bowling clubs, or walk to the Ocean on the
meandering Footbridge for a spot of "surf fishing"
Check "Urunga Radio Convention" web page.
http://users.tpg.com.au/goldy2/
Ken Golden VK2DGT for Urunga Radio Convention
Pn. 0266523177
Email:
(Urunga Info on Web, Links page, "where the rivers meet the sea")
ACMA investigation leads to destruction of radios and fines
A Sydney man has been fined $3,000 and ordered to forfeit valuable radio
equipment that he had been using to make overpowered transmissions.
The defendant pleaded guilty to two charges of unlawful possession of a
radiocommunications device under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.
He appeared at the Downing Centre Local Court, Sydney, on Tuesday, 27 January
2015.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority last year investigated
allegations that the defendant used overpowered equipment to transmit on
the Citizen Band Radio Service in the Sydney area. The ACMA had previously
warned the defendant about using overpowered radiocommunications equipment
to transmit on the Citizen Band Radio Service.
Citizen Band (CB) radios operate under a class licence system in Australia.
The class licence includes the condition that transmissions must not exceed
five watts. Exceeding five watts may interfere with transmissions of other
legitimate users of the service.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions charged the defendant with
two counts of unlawful possession of a radiocommunications device. The ACMA
can sell items that are forfeited under the Act. In this case, as the radios
are nonstandard devices that do not comply with Australian requirements, the
radios will be destroyed.
'This conviction is a logical outcome and reinforces the point that continued
non-compliance will not be tolerated,' said Mark Loney, the ACMA's Executive
Manager for Spectrum Operations and Services.
Citizen Band radios are permitted to be operated by any person in Australia
for recreational or domestic purposes, or in connection with work or business,
provided the person complies with the Radiocommunications (Citizen Band
Radio Stations) Class Licence 2002.
The unlicensed use of a radiocommunications device is an offence under the
Radiocommunications Act 1992.
More news from ACMA in Intruder Watch later in this news.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to IARU, RSGB, SARL, Southgate AR Club, ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
Fajr downlink in 70 cm band
The Iranian satellite Fajr (i.e. 'Dawn') was launched February Two
from the Semnan launch centre aboard a Safir rocket.
No cube sat this, weighing in at 50 kg, the satellite (40387, 2015-006A),
Iran's fourth satellite, has a cold gas thruster, so it can change its orbit.
It carries a camera for earth observations.
It should have a telemetry downlink on 437.538 MHz and a command uplink in
the 2 m band.
Ham radio conference in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Experts and enthusiasts of amateur radio communications from at least five
countries will participate in an international conference beginning March 6
in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
HAMTECH-2015, organised by the National Institute of Amateur Radio Hyderabad,
with support from India's department of electronics and information technology
would be held March 6-7 in Port Blair.
"So far we have received confirmation from experts from Germany, US,
Switzerland, Nepal, and Bangladesh," said a spokesperson of the organisers.
The conference aims to discuss, deliberate and brainstorm on various issues
concerning policy, technology, best practices in emergency communications and
sustainable development models for implementation and their returns in terms
of socio-economic development, said a statement from the West Bengal Radio
Club.
Some of the key areas which would be covered include amateur radio for
education, empowerment and skill development, amateur radio satellites and
disaster management applications of ham radio.
Read the full story at
www.newkerala.com/news/2015/fullnews-15007.html
BBC News reports on the discovery by Essex radio amateur Peter Onion G 0 DZB
that the Raspberry Pi 2 reboots when photographed using a Xenon flash, it
would appear that a SMPS chip on the board is not light resistant.
The Government of Canada will provide over CA$25,000 to the Saint Lucia
Amateur Radio Club to improve amateur radio coverage and communication in
the event of a disaster.
Amateur radio still plays an important role during an emergency. The Repeater
System for the Saint Lucia Amateur Radio Club will provide enhanced two-way
communications during normal and disaster conditions, allowing for amateur
radio coverage in all communities, especially in the known high-risk areas.
Over the next four months, this project will:
install two (2) repeater systems including solar back-up power;
train 90 radio operators and
increase coverage for all 18 districts.
The Saint Lucia Amateur Radio Club secured support for this project through
the Canada / Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Fund, part of Canada's
Caribbean Regional Programme.
76 GHz under threat from car radar
The ARRL reports the Amateur Radio and Amateur Satellite allocations in the
76 GHz band are under threat from vehicular radar systems
The FCC is seeking comment on issues involving expanded use of various radar
applications in the 76-81 GHz band, which Amateur Radio shares with other
services.
Read the full ARRL story at
arrl.org/news/fcc-seeks-comment-on-radar-sharing-schemes-that-could-displace-amateur-radio-at-76-81-ghz
Half of RadioShack's 4,000 stores across the USA will close under a
reorganization plan as the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
RadioShack began in Boston in 1921 as a single store catering to ham radio
operators and ships' radio officers who could visit the store or buy through
mail order. For decades, it profited from the spread of electronic equipment,
introducing one of the first personal computers, the TRS-80, in the 1980s and
then becoming a major retailer of cellular phones.
But the Internet helped bring the company down as its customers started buying
equipment and parts online.
Along with this news of Radio Shack, "Bloomberg" report the last vestige of
the Motorola empire is on the block after struggling with stagnant earnings.
So not all 5 by 9 in the radio business world!
Read their stories at
bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-06/motorola-solutions-said-to-explore-sale-of-87-year-old-company
upi.com/Business_News/2015/02/05/RadioShack-files-for-bankruptcy-half-of-stores-to-close/3251423176091/#ixzz3RIomoSVr
Who and Where are our broadcast stations?
http://www.wia.org.au/members/broadcast/where/
OPERATIONAL NEWS 2015
Jock White Field Day (NZ) Saturday February 28th and Sunday March 1st.
John Moyle Memorial Field Day 21st-22nd March from UTC 0100 Sat to 0059 Sun.
Tablelands Radio Group's AM and CW on ANZAC Day 25 April
Harry Angel sprint 80 metres May 2.
Trans-Tasman contest 18th July from 0800utc
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 1 - 2
Remembrance Day Contest August 15 and 16
Oceania DX contest Voice First full weekend in October
Oceania DX contest Continuous Wave Second full weekend in October.
John Moyle Memorial Field Day.
Good Morning,
This Denis VK4AE, WIA coordinator for the John Moyle Memorial Field Day 2015.
This year as Felix said the contest will occur over the weekend of Saturday
the 21st to Sunday 22nd March, the duration of the contest will be from
UTC 0100 Saturday to 0059 on the Sunday.
There is sufficient time allowed after the contest to actually complete and
submit logs to the WIA, as electronic logs and paper logs will be accepted
right up until midnight 21st April 2015. So there aren't many excuses today
for not sending in your as it can be kept electronically while the contest is
under way using one of the many logging programs such as VK Contest Log by
Mike VK3AVV. Then you simply have to submit the print file from this
program to me via one of the e-mail addresses shown on the contest page on
the WIA website.
Of course by submitting your log you automatically enter the contest and you
never know you might even get a certificate?
Logging Software
Computerised Logging Programs
Please check the website of your favourite logging programme for the most up
to date version, as the programmers will have completed a revision to take
into account recent rule changes.
Do not use older versions of any programme as you may lose many points you
are entitled to score by more recent rule changes if you do not use the
latest version.
VK Contest Log (VKCL) is by Mike Subocz VK3AVV
Now is the time to carry on with your planning for the field day as there are
only a few weeks to go before the event. There is still time to make sure
that everything is in order and operating and all of the little bits and
pieces that are needed to put your station onto the airwaves are all in the
desired place. Nothing worse than to arrive at your chosen spot only to find
you have forgotten to pack the piece of cable that is installed between the
set and some other piece of gear.
Make sure that the location you have chosen is still accessible after the
summer onslaught from flood and bushfire and the roads into the place have not
been closed - in the interests of public safety - and that the trees that
were so useful for string aerials and tent ropes in the past are still in
good condition and safe to be around. So it might be a good idea to make a
short visit to your selected site and ensure the all will be well on the day.
Best of luck to all in the field day and I look forward to working a few of
you on the day and most of all receiving your log entry after the event.
(vk4ae and wia contest site)
The Trans-Tasman contest has undergone a metamorphosis into a faster more
interesting low bands challenge.
With three modes catered for in SSB CW and Digital (RTTY/PSK) the contest is
now divided into three two hour segments for reworking and 160 80 40 is on
the same evening. This is in the prime time for LF the month of July.
VK6 was long felt left out of the action and the inclusion of 40M will help
them be part of the contest as well as a new Open power category means that
those have trouble making the trip over the ditch are now able to do it easier.
QRP Medium and High power categories as well as single op and multi op round
out the offering.
Both VKCL and N1MM are being tested for use in the contest and will be
available well before the July start time.
Complete rules are posted on the WIA and VKCC websites
Date is the 18th of July starting at 08:00 UTC
(Trent Sampsom)
SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS, DX, BEACON REPEATER AND NET ADVICE
Ilha da Paz Lighthouse DXpedition
This for the 7th annual 'SOUTH AMERICAN LIGHTHOUSES WEEKEND'
The lighthouse is located on Paz Island, IOTA SA-027, which belongs to the
municipality of São Francisco do Sul, Santa Catarina state.
Lighthouse coordinates are: 26º11 'lat. S and 048º29' long. W.
Calls to look forward to are phone PR5P.
CW PR5X and digital ZW5WIM.
It is the intention to maintain two stations operating simultaneously in the
bands 80-6 meters.
The expedition will begin on Thursday, the 19th, lasted until Monday, 23rd
February
WIRELESS WEATHER
Thanks to VK2WI news and in particular Noel VK2FUL we have this months
Solar Flux Index figures.
February, minimum 115
average 132
maximum 154 (peaked 1st to 5th.)
Next month,
March, minimum 115
average 123
maximum 130, peaking from the 1st to the 7th.
And for some reference the first month of 2015, January, we saw a minimum
of 120, average 141, maximum 165 where it peaked from the 27th to the 31st.
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
SA Man pleads guilty to harassing and upsetting users of CB radio
A KILBURN man has admitted alarming, affronting and harassing people over CB
radio frequencies in breach of Federal communications law.
He appeared in the District Court Monday last charged with multiple breaches
of the Radiocommunications Act (1992), the charges dating back to 2013.
Commonwealth prosecutors previously alleged he had abused and harassed� CB
radio users by disrupting and disturbing their communications. They alleged
his reckless� conduct resulted in substantial disruption and disturbance of
radiocommunications�.
The court heard he committed his offences between April and June, 2013, with
telecommunications equipment including a TH9000 Transceiver.
He was remanded on continuing bail to face sentencing submissions in
April.
Outside court, it's alleged he filmed members of Adelaide's media with his
camera phone and swore at them, as he walked away.
(sourced to a submission by vk5fpau)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- DIGITAL
New open source data mode FSQ
Con Wassilieff ZL2AFP has developed a new fast simple chat data mode for use
on HF and VHF
FSQ is a Fast Simple QSO mode for MF/HF. It works well under NVIS and
sunrise/sunset conditions on the lower bands, and also works well for
short skip on higher bands. It can also be used on VHF FM, and clearly
has a much wider useful range of operating conditions that other more
conventional digital modes. Sending speed can be varied between
20 and 60 WPM.
FSQ is designed for simple but effective 'Chat' operation, rather like phone
text messaging or Skype(tm) chat; fast and easy to use. You don't use 'overs'
as you would with a conventional digital or voice mode. It is highly suited
to net operation. You just type a sentence and press Enter.
Read more about FSQ at
http://www.qsl.net/zl1bpu/MFSK/FSQweb.htm
(sourced to SouthGate)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
AMSAT-BR Forms in Brazil
A new AMSAT group, AMSAT-BR, has been formed in Brazil in order to better
organize the Brazilian amateur satellite activities, to better represent
the amateur radio community to organizations developing CubeSat projects,
and to attract more amateurs in different regions of the country to join
their cause.
AMSAT-BR has formed as a special interest group under LABRE, the national
organization with the mission to represent the amateur radio community in
Brazil.
LABRE is registered as a member society of the International Amateur Radio
Union
(IARU).
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
WICEN will have a stand at the Central Coast Amateur Radio Club's Wyong
Field Day on the 22nd of February. This is an opportunity to pay your
membership, or to join the organisation. If you are a member who is
attending, and are willing to help out for an hour or so, please let the
nsw committee know.
www.nsw.wicen.org.au
Volcano eruption in Guatemala
Disaster relief services with some radio amateurs providing emergency
communications have responded to the erupting Fuego Volcano in the
Republic of Guatemala in Central America.
The Club of Amateur Radio of Guatemala (CRAG) has TG 0 AA activated on HF and
VHF. CRAG using frequency of 7.118 MHz and has a VHF repeater 147.015 MHz.
According to a report to the Emergency Communications Coordinator
IARU Region 2, Cesar Pio Santos HR 2 P, the TG0AA network has reporting
stations from neighbouring Costa Rica, Mexico, Honduras, Cuba and Venezuela.
The volcano sent a cloud of ash, and forced the closure of the La Aurora
International Airport.
In the largest eruption in three years, tourists who were hiking on it and
those living in nearby villages had to be evacuated.
Local experts expect the emergency to ease to allow a clean-up of the area
to begin.
( Jim Linton VK3PC
Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee )
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ROAR
ROTARIANS OF AMATEUR RADIO
website: www.ifroar.org
email:
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/RotariansROAR/
International President 2012 -2015: Bill Main VK4ZD
secretary: Dr Elwood Anderson, AE5EA
ANZO VP: Phil Byrne VK2MCD
0645z - 0730z Anzo Net 7.118 (varies due to propagation)
0730z - 0830z International net 14.293 (varies due to propagation)
Rotary International uses birthday to highlight its Polio campaign
Rotarians of Amateur Radio or ROAR members will call "CQ Polio", sometimes
with a special event callsign, to promote its signature initiative - the
eradication of the disease Polio.
Rotary celebrates its founding 110 years ago. The first Rotary Club meeting
was in Chicago Illinois in February 1905.
ROAR will be at the Wyong Field Day Sunday next to launch the special event
callsign VI 110 ROTARY - hopefully with a new Software Defined Radio.
Vice President for ANZO (Australia, New Zealand and Oceania,) Phil Byrne
VK2MCB says that VI 110 ROTARY will be on 7118, 14295.2 and 21295 kHz from
various locations around Australia, until the end of May.
" At the Wyong Field Day on 22 February, members of Rotarians of Amateur
Radio, or ROAR, will launch the Special Event Call VI 110 ROTARY in
celebration of the foundation of Rotary International, 110 years ago.
Rotary International is a service organisation of 1.2 million people around
the world.
Rotary's biggest initiative is to eradicate Polio from the world which has
largely been achieved, with the help of Governments, the World Health
Organisation and prominent people such as Bill Gates.
Over four hundred Rotarians are hams and members of ROAR. The local
chapter of ROAR will operate at the Wyong Field Day using the VI110ROTARY
call.
Listen out for VI110ROTARY on 7118, 14295.2 and 21295 KHz from 22 February to
31 May, and visit ROAR at the Wyong Field Day.
73
Phil VK2MCB
(VK3PC and VK2MCB)
SOCIAL SCENE 2015
Feb 14 VK3 Melbourne QRP by the bay Chelsea Beach 3pm.
Feb 22 VK2 Central Coast Amateur Radio Club Wyong Field Day.
And that date means it's only ONE WEEK to go to the Wyong Field Day!
Here's the final lists of traders, exhibitors and seminars, don't forget
the big flea market of course. VK4ICE will be there as usual.
The traders attending with the widest range of gear for you to buy are:
Andrews Communications
Radio Supply Limited
Softmark
RF Solutions
Cro-tek Instruments
NBS Antennas
ICOM Australia.
Bushcomm
TET-Emtron
RODA Antennas
Oatley Electronics
The exhibitors you'll find at Wyong are:
The Summits on the Air association
The historical radio society of Australia
The Australian radio DX Club
Westlake's amateur radio club
The WIA QSL Bureau
Hornsby & District amateur radio club
ALARA
WICEN New South Wales
Norah Head marine rescue
AMSAT VK
ARNSW Homebrew & experimenters group
Kurrajong Radio Museum
Tube Radio Australia
The Wireless Institute of Australia
VKS-737
Amateur television exhibition.
As we heard earlier Rotarians of Amateur Radio or ROAR will launch the special
callsign "VI110 ROTARY" at the Wyong Field Day on the New South Wales Central
Coast on Sunday the 22nd of February, and using hopefully a brand new software
defined radio.
Now on to the seminars:-
The seminars are held on the 1st floor of the main building and start at
0900 with a lecture on Bare Island 2014 & the biggest Dx'pedition ever
by an Australian and Australian club to the sub Antarctic ZL9HR, given
by Tommy Horozakis VK2IR president of HARAOA
At 1000 We have a lecture on SPARK TRANSMITTERS given by Ray Robinson VK2NO
Next at 1100 the Annual Get-Together of the VHF-UHF Weak Signal
Operators group with Roger Harrison VK2ZRH
Then at 1200 all you need to know on Oscillators from Brian Clarke VK2GCE
Also at 1300 Rhod Rowe VK2TTL completes the program with a lecture on
the important subject of EMR Awareness.
As always a little for everyone in the program!
As announced the CCARC will be running a full day foundation class
licence training course on Saturday the 21st of February - the day
before the Field day. Having registered (contact details are on the
field day web site for this) please arrive at the seminar room in the
race club building at the Wyong Race Course for a 0900 start. There will
be a facilities usage fee of $20 which is payable, in cash, on the day.
The assessments will also take place from 1000 on the field day - these
will be performed in the stewards room on the ground floor and again you
need to be there by 0945. As always WIA and ACMA charges apply to the
assessments.
For full details about registering for either the course or an
assessment, or both, as well as all information about the field day,
please go to the field day website at FIELDDAY dot ORG dot AU.
For those of you going to the Wyong Field Day on the train, please note
there will be trackwork this weekend, so coaches will replace trains.
There will however still be a free shuttle bus service from the station
to the event.
Why not get along and join the biggest gathering of radio amateurs in
Australia at the CCARC Field Day at the Wyong racecourse next Sunday?
(Dave VK2DLS, Publicity Officer of the Central Coast Amateur Radio Club.)
SOCIAL SCENE 2015 CONTINUES
March 15 VK7 Meet the Voice barbecue at Ross.( http://meetthevoice.org/ )
March 21 VK3 Dstar User Group 9am Woodend RSL Anslow St
March 29 VK3 EMDRC Hamfest
March 21 VK3 Dstar Users Group 9am Woodend RSL Anslow St.
March 29 VK3 EMDRC Hamfest
April 5 VK2 Urunga Radio Convention ( )
April 12 VK6 HARG swap meet 10am Lesmurdie Hall 96 Gladys Road.
April 18 VK4 REDFest (Redcliffe Radio Club Event)
18 WW World Amateur Radio Day
April 25 VK3 ANZAC Day Radio Afternoon Ballarat Showgrounds ( vk3fmpb )
May 1-3 VK4 Clairview Gathering contact Radar's VK4ACC 04 2963 2815
May 9 VK4 BARCFEST Brisbane
May 9-10 VK WIA AGM Canberra
June 6-7 VK2 Queens Birthday 40th annual Oxley Region Field Day
July 1 VK4 Caboolture Hamfest
July 11-12 VK3 GippsTech 2015
July 18 VK3 Gippsland gate Radio & Electronics Club Hamfest @ Cranbourne
Sept 12 VK4 SUNFEST Woombye
Sept 25-27 VK4 CHARC AGM Weekend Camp Fairbairn near Emerald
Oct 2-5 VK4 Cardwell Gathering, Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park
Oct 25 VK4 Gold Coast Hamfest Broadbeach
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