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New museum shows off amateur radio
Date :
04 /
08 /
2010
Author :
Jim Linton - VK3PC
The very last available three-day rostered slot for WIA affiliated clubs to activate the special callsign VK100WIA was taken up by the Central Goldfields Amateur Radio Club in Maryborough Victoria. That was back in February enabling plenty of time to decide when and how the club would make best use of the opportunity.
Club President Peter Rafferty VK3CC says the Talbot Radio, Arts and Historical Museum was confirmed as the venue with the museum volunteers very keen to lend their support. The cross benefit was that the Centenary of Organised Amateur Radio, and the Museum were both included in promotional material. That resulted in articles in the Maryborough Advertisers and radio stations in Central Victoria. The publicity had an instant result with the club receiving five inquiries about enrolling in the next Foundation Licence class and assessment session.
Special guest last Tuesday the 3rd of August was WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI, who inspected the extensive communications section of the Museum precinct. It includes a 1930s Alf Alf Traeger radio transceiver used by the School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and a recreation of the old studio of broadcast station 3CV. The WIA President then had the honour of making the first VK100WIA contact from Talbot, which was with Wayne Hays VK7FWAY at Miandetta in North West Tasmania. He went on to make more contacts and it was clear that radio amateurs have checked out the VK100WIA roster and we on frequency waiting to make contact.
Peter VK3CC thanked Ron Firman and the other volunteers at the Talbot Museum for their strong support and assistance. He then introduced the WIA President inviting him to make a brief speech. Michael congratulated the Central Goldfields Amateur Radio Club for having chosen a place that is interesting and attractive. Michael VK3KI said this wonderful location not only is fitting to celebrate the centenary, but also to promote amateur radio to the community. He referred to changing technology, reminiscing that when he started out as a radio amateur his first radio was a war surplus VHF set, a far cry from modern amateur radio equipment. The WIA President said while promoting an interest in amateur radio and its changing technology, the very basis of activity has not changed since it was defined by the International Telecommunications Union in 1927, that is: "amateur station" as "A station used by an "amateur", ie., "by a duly authorised person interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest."
The Central Goldfields Amateur Radio Club led by Peter Rafferty VK3CC made plenty of contacts for VK100WIA, and also logged a shortwave listener report. Its members and a few guest operators from the Ballarat Amateur Radio Group had a great time contributing to the centenary celebration.
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