Amateur Radio June 2009
Delivery expected from June 3
Editorial
AGM weekend of activities
June is almost upon us, which means that another WIA Annual General Meeting has recently occurred. This year saw me deeply involved, as I was heavily involved in the organisation of the weekend. Not the least of this was the organisation of a Special Edition of our Club’s annual GippsTech technical conference as a major part of the supporting activities for the weekend.
The GippsTech – Special Edition talks were part a “best of” and partly a deliberate departure from the usual focus, bringing in several speakers to talk about emerging topics which will certainly impact our hobby.
I thank all who were involved: fellow members involved in organising the weekend, all attendees – an event can only be a success if people attend – and importantly the presenters.
But enough of this – there are reports elsewhere in this issue which give an overview of the weekend, including one penned by myself.
One humble Editor
If you have not already heard, either via the WIA News broadcast or the WIA web site, I was very surprised at the AGM: the Board saw fit to “gong” me with the G.A. Taylor Medal. I was very surprised when Michael announced my name!
I take this opportunity to thank all who make my job as Editor a little easier, especially the members of the Publication Committee. Of course I must also thank all who contribute material to the magazine – without you, my job would be much easier – we would not have a magazine! Of particular note are the regular column contributors. But every article received is important in keeping the magazine going, and having an Australian focus.
And that comment brings me to my next comment:
Articles needed
Our stock of articles is running low. We have some still in review with the technical editors, but only a small number. The number ready for publication is at present very low.
Please seriously consider writing up your recent project or have someone write up your club activity for possible publication. I am aware that many amateurs provide information about their projects via the World Wide Web. But please do remember the printed word – it does provide for a more lasting record of our hobby, which may be of interest to others in the future, at times when web-based materials may have disappeared from even electronic archives.
And of course, the printed word is still a more flexible and medium for reading text based material. Detailed guidelines are available on the AR pages of the WIA web site – simply look for AR magazine under the Members area.
Please send any images as separate image files, NOT embedded within your text file (Word is preferred).
Coming events
The coming Queen’s Birthday weekend will see at least two amateur gatherings occurring, as far as I am aware. This brings up another possibility: if clubs could decide on their event dates earlier, it would allow for better planning for many amateurs, including myself as Editor. Whilst the WIA has an on-line calendar for club events, it appears that some only publish details quite late, if at all. You never know – someone might be planning to visit your area and be willing to modify their tentative plans to fit in your club activity.
Also consider participating in the Winter VHF/UHF Field Day, later in June.
The Queen’s Birthday also marks the official start of the snow season and occurs shortly after the official commencement of winter. In southern regions, many think that VHF conditions will always be flat. However, many are often surprised – one must always be vigilant for enhanced conditions.
For me, work is getting to the busy end of the semester, which means that there will be many examination papers to mark in addition to tasks related to preparation for the second semester. It also means that the annual GippsTech event is coming up soon – on the weekend of 11 and 12 July. It is always a great event, so consider coming along. Everyone always learns something new during the conference, regardless of their existing knowledge. I hope to see many at the event.
Cheers,
Peter VK3KAI
Cover photo
This month’s cover shows Phil Harman VK6APH during his presentation on Software Defined Radio during the GippsTech – Special Edition as part of the AGM weekend of activities. Phil’s presentation caused lots of discussion over the weekend. Photo by Robert Broomhead VK3DN.
Table Of Contents
GENERAL
Flyaway unit on 10 GHz or adventures on mountaintops Jack Swart VK2TRF
Queensland’s youngest Foundation Licensee: Nicholas O’Sullivan VK4FNIC Shaun O’Sullivan VK4FY and the O’Sullivan family2009
WIA AGM and Open Forum Michael Owen VK3KI
WIA announces 2008/2009 Awards Michael Owen VK3KI
“GippsTech – Special Edition” and the WIA AGM activities Peter Freeman VK3KAI
Book Review: Microwave Projects 2 Peter Freeman VK3KAI
TECHNICAL
The Alligator Hat Andrew Davis VK1DA
My high performance multiband Delta Loop Wayne Pickard VK2ACY
A simple sensitive power meter Paul McMahon VK3DIP
A solar powered ham station Rob Norman VK5SW
A VK3ZRX short story: RFI John Morrissey VK3ZRX
WIA AGM weekend of activities and “GippsTech – Special Edition”
Michael Owen VK3KI and Peter Freeman VK3KAI
We have several articles this month reporting on the main outcomes of the WIA AGM weekend of activities, including GippsTech – Special Edition.
Your Editor gives an overview of some of the preparations and of the weekend main activities. WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI tells about several main outcomes related to the Open Forum and the Awards announced.
See also the Inside Front and Inside Back covers for the two main awards presented at the Open Forum.
Photos by Robert Broomhead VK3DN.
Flyaway unit on 10 GHz or adventures on mountaintops
Jack Swart VK2TRF
Jack VK2TRF tells of his adventures with a compact 10 GHz transverter whilst portable in Victoria with a work assignment. Lots of contacts were made and for the first time on 3 cm, Jack needed to QSY, due to the number of stations on-air wanting to work him.
A simple sensitive power meter
Paul McMahonVK3DIP
A power meter that can work at and below the mW range is a very useful tool for the Radio Amateur; this is one of the reasons why so many designs for them have been published. The version presented here has much in common with earlier designs with its main distinction being that it should be relatively easy and quick to build because it utilizes a pre-built module for the main PCB. It also makes the ideal detector for use with a Return Loss Bridge as it already reads directly in dB.
So said the author as he began his journey through this article, which is well documented, with supporting drawings and photos, that will make excellent reading for those so technically inclined.
A solar powered ham station
Rob Norman VK5SW
The author describes in a somewhat cryptic, certainly no-nonsense style, how he set up his solar powered ham radio station at his holiday house.
The article is detailed in its explanation of why certain decisions were taken, and the benefits that have derived to the station as a result.
An interesting article for all who care to read - but particularly for those who may want some first-hand advice on how best to set up a portable station with ‘portable’ power.
Advertisers Index
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55 Hamal Electrical Industries
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OBC Icom
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54 Little Devil Antennas
55 RF Tools
12 TET-Emtron
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40 WIA Bookshop
Page Last Updated: Friday 29 May 2009 at 10:29 hours
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