November - December 2024
November - December 2024
 WIA Member Digital Edition Download
Editorial
The serious tenor of our feature articles covering the 50th anniversary of the Cyclone Tracy disaster was, unfortunately, tinged with sadness. One of our authors, Bruce Bathols VK3UV, became a silent key shortly before we went to press. Bruce, a stalwart of WIA affairs over decades, was a witness to and key participant in the radio amateur community’s role in the recovery from Cyclone Trace. We’ll have a silent key article about Bruce next year.
I must acknowledge Mark Hanrahan VK4DMH, President of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society, for reminding me that Cyclone Tracy’s 50th anniversary was looming, suggesting it might be a good idea for an article. He backed up his suggestion with PDFs of articles about amateur involvement in the aftermath of the cyclone.
When I raised the subject at a meeting of the Publications Committee, PubComm Business Manager, Bruce Kendall VK3WL, took on the role of editorial wrangler in rounding up salient information and tracking down key authors for articles in the mould of “I was there.”
He reached out to WIA Secretary, Peter Clee VK8ZZ, to see if he knew or could find contacts for any local amateurs who had lived in Darwin at the time or were possibly involved. Top marks to Peter for finding Gary Gibson VK8BN (VK2DBN), who subsequently wrote of his experiences in what became a central role.
In addition, I have to say that it is only by sheer coincidence that another Cyclone Tracy article author, Jules Perrin VK3JFP, happens to also be Secretary of the Publications Committee.
Recognition deserved
It’s heartening to learn that the two WIA volunteers who attended the World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) over November-December last year, have been awarded special recognition for the joint success of their efforts by the ARRL.
“Your outstanding contribution and results have benefited the amateur radio services worldwide,” says the conclusion of the citation on each certificate.
Readers may recall that the 1240-1300 MHz band (23cm) was under threat from global satellite interests, but the hard work of the small team of amateurs from member societies around the world saved amateurs our access to 23cm.
Dale Hughes VK1DSH and Peter Pokorny VK2EMR have each received certificates from the ARRL. Dale and Peter wrote a two-part feature on WRC-23m, published in Issues 1 and 2 this year.
Congratulations to you both.
The recognition is well-deserved.
Table Of Contents
General
 Amateur radio plays a part in the Australian Antarctic Festival 2024 - Justin Giles-Clark VK7TW
AO-7 is the oldest man-made space object still working! - Rick Matthews VK5BGN, with Jan King VK4GEY, W3GEY
How amateur radio played a role in the Cyclone Tracy recovery - Bruce R Kendall VK3WL/9V1WL
All hands to the Hallicrafters! - Gary Gibson VK2DBN, VK8BN
A bespoke disaster comms network, with nation-wide amateur radio - Bruce Bathols VK3UV (SK)
A wayward wind, pounding waves, a wounded vessel - Jules Perrin VK3JFP
Reminiscences of the post Tracy recovery, RAAF Base Darwin - FSGT Peter G Hawkins (RAAF Ret.)
Technical
Arduino-controlled signal generator covers 10 kHz to 54 MHz - Lou Destafano VK3AQZ
Update on the track-and-hold external VFO for older rigs - Jim Sosnin VK3JST
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Page Last Updated: Thursday, 19 Dec 2024 at 10:00 hours by Armag
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