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WIANEWS FOR WEEK COMMENCING JAN 31 2010.
Is your amateur radio station eme compliant?
SPACE SHUTTLES FOR SALE
100 years of the wia/ham heaven official open day march six
ARRL ELECTS KAY CRAIGIE, N3KN AS ITS NEW PRESIDENT
can you drive and talk on the radio at the same time?
REMEMBERING THE UNIT MEN - HENRRRRY
serialised history by wia centenary committee member peter vk3rv
ALL UP AND COMING IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF
AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING JAN 31 2010
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DO WE HAVE A DEAL FOR YOU!!
OK I fully understand the ACMA frown upon "for sale" items during even local
broadcasts be they ham to ham or factory to ham but what we have today is
just to good to be true, though we cant throw in Tassie or a set of
steak knives
If you are a ham who gets offended with sale items... this is just fair
warning that we WILL be advertising "A DEAL OR NO DEAL" today!
Ging Gang Goolie Goolie Gotcha
Some people never learn. Some people possibly have the idea that being in
VK6 means they can get away with foolery on the air. Not so!
One bloke over here has been convicted of making a false distress call, which
caused the Volunteer sea rescue and others to waste valuable time.
Previously, the same bloke (not a ham) was convicted of interfering with
Airways Frequencies in the Perth area.
He is now spending a few months as a guest of Her Majesty. In addition to
financial penalties..
How does it go again? Oh Yes: Ging Gang Goolie Goolie Gotcha!
WIA
President Michael Owen VK3KI president@wia.org.au
Vice President Ewan McLeod VK4ERM vk4erm@wia.org.au
Secretary Geoff Atkinson VK3AFA secretary@wia.org.au
Treasurer John Longayroux VK3PZ vk3pz@wia.org.au
Is your amateur radio station EME compliant?
The operation of all amateur stations must comply with Electromagnetic
Emission or EME limits.
An important part of this compliance is an annual Australia-wide audit of
amateur licensees.
The ACMA writes to randomly selected amateur stations. The average amateur
station will easily comply and requires only a self-assessment of
compliance.
It becomes more complicated if you use high power and gain antennas on the
VHF/UHF or microwave bands.
All radio amateurs are expected to be aware of these requirements and
apply them as responsible users of the radio spectrum.
OK WE MENTIONED THE DEAL... so gold chain on and white shoes polished here
we go.
Space shuttles for sale
YES SPACE SHUTTLES THE "GENUINE ARTICLE".
Our friends in the... OK so it's the IRISH society, well the IRTS are
reporting that there are only five remaining shuttle missions during
2010 and NASA is looking to dispose of the spacecraft.
BUT WAIT FOR IT..
NASA has slashed the price of its shuttles to just 20.3m Euro.
Discovery is going to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum while
Atlantis and the Endeavour are up for sale.
The delivery date is given as the second half of 2011 and shuttle main
engines are said to be available for the cost of transportation and handling.
NOW WE CAN TRULY SAY "WATCH THIS SPACE".
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
VKG Roundup http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news
February Meets include
Orange & District meeting on the 5th.
NSW WICEN AGM at Dural afternoon of Sunday February 7
Hornsby Mid-Monthly meeting on the 9th.
Hornsby meeting on the 23rd.
Central Coast Centenary dinner at Wyong on Saturday evening 27, a joint
operation between the Central Coast ARC and Amateur Radio NSW.
It will commence at 6 pm.
For registration contact Brian Kelly VK2WBK 0400 445 829
Central Coast Centenary Field Day at Wyong on the 28th.
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
VKC Roundup http://www.police
March 14 is Eastern And Mountain District Radio Club 2010 White Elephant
Sale
Arguably the very best Hamfest is right there in Melbourne.
The Eastern And Mountain District Radio Club 2010 White Elephant Sale.
Melbourne's most popular suburban HamFest for new and second hand Amateur
gear and component sales and their 2010 HamFest will be no exception.
With major commercial vendors, retailers and regular 'hard to get component'
suppliers in attendance. Enjoy food from the club BBQ and of course they
offer free tea and coffee.
For table bookings email Colin Perger wes2010@emdrc.com.au
VK4 - QNEWS
web service local news:- www.wiaq.com/qnews/upload/qnewsbcast.htm
local news email qnews-vk-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
VKR Roundup http://www.police.qld.gov.au/News+and+Alerts/Media+Releases/
Welcome to QNEWS from VK4WIA. I'm Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP with an
explanation.....
It has been asked whether I have the answers to all the questions that I
raise? Simply, no but the purpose of this segment is to try and
stimulate thought about things that can make a difference to our hobby.
One of the fascinations of recreational pursuits is that enthusiasts
like to learn and share their interest. That has been a strong feature
of Amateur Radio for as long as I can remember. I don't know how
something should go together but I bet there is some-one who can explain
it. I don't have a component for a project and how many times does the
part arrive in the letter box or is located from a fellow amateur's junk
box and handed over? This happens more than we ever hear on broadcasts
such as this!
In the same spirit being able to share the experience's gained in other
pursuits on how to grow this hobby is part of the growing process AR
depends on. At times having the memory jogged can draw out solutions for
us and our clubs and the wider hobby.
AR has a reputation for being hands-on in its approach. Sometimes we
have to be able to get past the blasts of hot air that some our self
promoters surround themselves in. At times we have to ask the questions
of the people who know, who are involved rather than the blowhards who
just spread rumours. This is where grounding ourselves in the Amateurs
Code provides the static relief that is sometimes necessary.
This is another reason for getting the news from those who write the
stories you hear on QNEWS. It's your choice as to whether you ask the
organ grinder or his monkey, its your choice whether you get the facts
from the source or are prepared to have it from the rumour mill.
For QNEWS, this is Geoff, VK4ZPP and I know which I prefer!
MARYBOROUGH RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
For more info, call Secretary Kathy Johns 040-939-8853
Email: kathy.johns@bigpond.com
Channel 14 UHF CB call "CQ MERG"
Hi, this is Dawn, VK4FTBA for the Maryborough Electronics and Radio Group.
Last Saturday a dozen club members met with 4 peer learning facilitators
from the Queensland Ambulance Service. The morning's agenda was to bring
people up to date on current CPR practice and this is a program that QAS
has available throughout the community from schools to, even, radio clubs.
This was a relaxed and informal time with the participants proving their
skills on the practice manikins to finish the training.
MERG feels that having members skilled in basic safety and survival
skills complements our radio activities. Can we issue a challenge to the
other VK4 clubs to skill up, too?
From MERG, Inc, I'm Dawn, VK4FTBA reporting for QNEWS
Redcliffe and District Radio Club
www.redclifferadioclub.org.au/
"I'm Ray VK4CF back with news from the Redcliffe AR Club".
Just when you thought it was safe to get back on the airwaves after a
relaxing holiday, the weather man John, VK4WX, is off to New Zealand on
a ship leaving Sydney next week. The boat will be carrying John and XYL,
Beryl to the land of the long white cloud and there is a rumor that John
will operate VHF maritime mobile whilst in New Zealand.
A week later Ken, VK4FKEN, and XYL Wendy, VK4FWEN, will also be off to
New Zealand on another cruise liner and will also be operating VHF maritime
mobile as well. Both John and Ken have the NZ repeaters programmed into
the handhelds and are ready to terrorize the NZ airways. Alas they will
not be able to work each other during the voyage.
Redcliffe conducts a trivia night on the 70 cm band repeater each Wednesday
night and after the Christmas recess its now back. When, WEDNESDAY nights
at 7.30 pm local time. Where, the Redcliffe 70 cm repeater on 438.325 mHz
with a tone of 91.5 hertz needed to access the repeater. How long? about
an hour.
Don't forget if you wish to upgrade your licence or you know someone that
needs to study for a foundation licence, call Alan VK4KZ the Redcliffe's
Education manager.
Please contact alan.jenner@bigpond.com
or by phone contact 5497 4634 and if there is no answer please leave a
message.
Last Monday night the club was the first fox hunt for 2010 with some
5 teams taking part. It was also pleasing to see Shaun, VK4FY his wife
Janette, VK4FWWW, son Nicholas, VK4FNIC and his daughter who is still
studying for her licence joining in and doing well. It just goes to prove
the old saying, "A family that fox hunts together, enjoys the chase", or
something like that.
The xyl of Jeff, VK4FNRS is in hospital with a severe back injury and all
club members wish her a speedy recovery.
There is a last reminder of the first working bee for 2010. This will be
held on Saturday 13 February at the home of Charles, VK4BTC at 7 Kelly
Court, Redcliffe and it is to start about 8.30 am. So come with your power
tools and assist for a few hours to get the caravan ready for the
John Moyle weekend.
So until next week, for Redcliffe club I'm Ray VK4CF and you've been
listening to QNEWS from VK4WIA.
ROCKHAMPTON
IRLP NODE 6973 ;
e-mail vk4acc@wia.org.au
Secretary Clive 4928 1173
http://www.radarc.cjb.net/
This is Doug VK4DUG with news of some happenings in Rockhampton.
Once again, Mike VK4LMB rebroadcast last week's version of the WIA News from
The Heritage Village in Rockhampton.
The Village is, if you like, a second home for the Rockhampton and District
Amateur Radio Club, more generally known as the RADAR Club.
The previous broadcast from the village, was a somewhat historic 'first' for
the club, and the village, in as much that it was the clubs first broadcast
from this location. The RADAR Club has been given the use of a building in the
complex and members are in the process of building a secure operating shack
in a section of this building.
It is expected that a display of past and vintage radio equipment in the
remaining area will revive some of the history of, not only radio in general,
but amateur radio in particular, and generate some interest by the general
public in our favorite pastime.
If you are in Rocky or just passing through, be sure to call in and say G'day
and if you have any radio or associated pre-loved items that you think should
be shown to others, then we would like to display them for you. You will find
the Rockhampton Regional Heritage Village, conveniently, on the main highway,
on the northern outskirts of the city.
73 From Rockhampton
TOWNSVILLE
vk4wit@wia.org.au
4773 1196 or 0408 001142
po box 333 Garbutt East, QLD 4814
www.tarc.org.au
GREETINGS !
THIS IS DON VK4FNQA, WITH NEWS FROM NORTH QUEENSLAND.
THE FEBRUARY TARC PROJECT NIGHT HAS SOMETHING GREAT HAPPENING ON THE NIGHT!
A VISIT TO THE QUEENSLAND AMBULANCE SERVICE TOWNSVILLE COMMUNICATIONS
CENTRE IN HUGH STREET CURRAJONG HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEMBERS BY PAUL
VK4FOTO.
THERE WILL BE A LOT TO SEE AND THANKS TO POPULAR DEMAND ADDITIONAL TOUR
POSITIONS HAVE BEEN ADDED FOR THE VISIT - HOWEVER THESE POSITIONS ARE
GOING FAST!
THOSE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET ON THE TOUR WILL NEED TO BE AT THE HUGH STREET
COMPLEX GATHERED AT THE CONCRETED CAR PARK FROM 1915 HOURS FOR TOUR
COMMENCEMENT WITH PAUL VK4FOTO BY 1930 HOURS TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9TH.
SHOULD YOU FIND THAT ALL THE PARKING SPACES ARE TAKEN THEN STREET PARKING
IS AVAILABLE IN NEARBY MCLACHLAN STREET.
TO MAKE A DEFINITE BOOKING TO BE ON THE TOUR - CONTACT PAUL VK4FOTO USING
ANY OF THE FOLLOWING METHODS -
BY ELECTRONIC MAIL TO VK4FOTO AT WESTNET.COM.AU
PHONE 47731196 LEAVING A MESSAGE ON THE ROBOT IF NECESSARY, OR
RESPOND TO THE TARC FACEBOOK INVITATION TO ATTEND.
PAUL WILL ADVISE YOU IF YOU WERE FAST ENOUGH TO GET ON THE TOUR LIST.
AS I SUGGESTED LAST SUNDAY "DONT DELAY, DO IT TODAY ELSE YOU WILL MISS OUT!"
FOR OUR SECOND ITEM OF THE WEEK, ITS NOW TIME TO TELL YOU THAT THE FIRST
MANAGEMENT MEETING FOR TWO THOUSAND AND TEN OF THE TOWNSVILLE AMATEUR RADIO
CLUB INC HAPPENS THIS TUESDAY, SECOND OF FEBRUARY FROM SEVEN THIRTY PM AT
THE CLUB ROOMS, PERCHED ATOP THE SES HEADQUARTERS IN GREEN STREET WEST END.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING ALONG SOMETHING FOR THE SHOW AND TELL SESSION.
ALL WELCOME !
OUR FINAL ITEM THIS WEEK CONCERNS A NEW HF RADIO NET THAT HAS COMMENCED ON
THE FORTY METRE BAND AND ITS PROVING EXTREMELY POPULAR. THE AFTERNOON NET
HAPPENS EVERY AFTERNOON AT 0600 HOURS UTC OR FOUR PM TOWNSVILLE TIME ON
7093 KILOHERTZ. ANY SUBJECT IS TALKED ABOUT AS LONG AS IT IS DECENT AND NOT
DEPRESSING AND SELFISH CONDUCT ON NET IS NOT TOLERATED, MAKING IT FAIR FOR
ALL PARTICIPANTS.
THE NET IS CURRENTLY ATTRACTING STATIONS FROM FAR NORTH, NORTH AND CENTRAL
QUEENSLAND.
JOIN IN ON THE AFTERNOON NET AND MAKE YOUR RADIO SHACK A HAPPY FACE PLACE.
WELL THATS ALL FOR THIS WEEK FROM TROPICAL PARADISE.
THIS IS DON VK4FNQA FOR THE TOWNSVILLE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB INC.
AND YOU HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO QNEWS FROM VK4WIA.
VK6
100 years of the WIA/ Ham Heaven official Open day MARCH 14
The N.C.R.G. cordially invites all radio amateurs to join in this dual
celebration, 100 years of the WIA and the Official opening of the NCRG club
premises in Whiteman Park affectionately known locally as Ham Heaven.
it will consist of a car boot sale, bbq, guided tours of the premises and if
conditions permit a chance to operate from the clubs excellent contest
stations.
Please contact Keith VK6RK for further details at this stage.
vk6rk@wia.org.au
VK7
local area news :- http://reast.asn.au/news.php
vk7 local news, email vk7regionalnews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Meet the Voice BBQ Sunday March the 21st.
Again at Ross at the same venue, the ROSS CARAVAN PARK, and the members of
the Tasmanian Sewing Circle net will be pleased for your company.
Registration will be from 10AM on the Sunday morning, a BBQ will be provided
for those wishing to Cook their own, but of course Ross is well catered for
with food outlets if you prefer.
Ray VK7VKV has again offered to organise a car boot sale on the day for
those with pre-loved amateur radio bits and pieces to dispose of , please
contact him for further information.
http://reast.asn.au/events.php#MeettheVoice
(Don, VK7AY for the Tasmanian Sewing Circle Net)
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
www.hamcollege.com.au
At the Central Coast Centenary Field Day at Wyong on the 28th of Feb will be
provision to sit for any grade of exams.
For registration for the exams contact Brian Kelly VK2WBK 0400 445 829
Waverley training and exams on the 13th & 14th February
SUMMERLAND
27-28 Feb - Upgrade Standard Theory Course 1.
6- 7 Mar - Upgrade Standard Theory 2 / Exam.
13-14 Mar - Upgrade Regs & Exam.
17-18 Apr - Foundation Course & Exam.
ARISS audio in podcast
On the NASA Do-It-Yourself Podcast Web site is an item about using Amateur
Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contacts to record unique
audio for use in a student built podcast.
The blog provides additional information via links to the Teaching From Space
ARISS Web page as well as the DIY Podcast Homepage.
http://blogs.nasa.gov/cm/blog/diyPodcastBlog
Irish Engineers Week
Last year the Society hosted a presentation entitled "Decoding the Code - from
Samuel Morse to SMS" at seven centres throughout Ireland. The presentation
introduced over four hundred school children to radio and electronics and
allowed them to have hands-on experience of building a simple transistor
circuit.
This year the Society is taking part with an expanded list of venues.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to RSGB, Southgate AR Club, the ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
MP3 pioneers launch 'deluxe' file
MusicDNA will be widely available by Mid Year, creators say.
A new music file format has been unveiled by some of the key figures behind
the development of the MP3.
The new file, MusicDNA, can include things like lyrics, videos, artwork and
blog posts, which will continually be updated, as well as the music.
MusicDNA files are likely to be more expensive than current music downloads.
It will be in competition with Apple's iTunes LP, which gives users added
content including bonus tracks, lyrics and video interviews.
FELIX BAUMGARTNER TO UNVEIL MISSION TO THE EDGE OF SPACE
Aerospace legend Colonel Joseph Kittinger to Introduce Red Bull Stratos
research effort to capture data from Mach 1 freefall
Pilot Felix Baumgartner has announced his intent to expand the boundaries
of aerospace exploration by attempting to become the first person ever to
break the speed of sound with the human body. Baumgartner hopes to ascend
in a capsule lifted by a helium balloon to the upper reaches of the
stratosphere to at least 120,000 feet and, protected by a full-pressure
"space suit," launch a freefall jump that could exceed Mach 1.0 - more than
690 miles per hour - before parachuting to Earth.
If successful, the Red Bull Stratos mission hopes to establish four world
records; the data captured by the mission's world-leading scientists could
promise new standards in aerospace safety and enhanced possibilities for
human flight.
Red Bull Stratos has secured specialized technical communications
that will facilitate the coverage of the mission with a live TV broadcast
and live web cast.
In parallel the mission will also be streamed on mobile platforms through
a mobile application by Nokia.
(RB press statements)
=============================================================================
NEWS FROM ARNEWSLINE
HAM RADIO POLITICS: ARRL ELECTS KAY CRAIGIE, N3KN AS ITS NEW PRESIDENT
A historic day in the history of the American Radio Relay League. This
as the Board of Directors elects First Vice President Kay Craigie, N3KN,
of Blacksburg, Virginia, as the organization's first ever female
president. Amateur Radio Newsline's Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, is at our
East Coast Bureau with the details:
Kay Cragie says she is humbled to have been elevated to such an honour
and is pleased the ARRL board had the confidence to entrust her with
such an awesome responsibility.
Craigie, who began her service to the ARRL and its membership in 1986 as
the Eastern Pennsylvania section manager, says she also recognizes the
legacy of her predecessors.
"If you stand in the lobby at ARRL headquarters, you see photographs of
all the presidents of ARRL going all the way back to Hiram Percy Maxim,
W1AW," Craigie says. "I'm here to tell you when you think about joining
that list of amazing, outstanding radio amateurs, if it doesn't throw
you for just a little bit of a loop there's something wrong with you.
"Because these are people who had a tremendous contribution to amateur
radio and I am just unbelievably honoured to be joining that group."
Craigie moved up the ARRL ladder pretty quickly, becoming the Atlantic
Division vice director in 1990 and then director in 1996.
N3KN was elected a vice president in 2000, and moved up to first vice
president in 2006.
Craigie says during that time, she got the chance to work on many of the
challenges facing the amateur radio service.
"We were believing that Part 15 devices were going to be a challenge for
amateur radio," Craigie recalls. "Boy were we right. The whole issue of
broadband over powerlines - not so much BPL but the interference that
BPL can create - has been a real issue for us over the last several
years. We're still working on that one."
"Another challenge that we're now seeing is the increasing demand for
spectrum for mobile broad-band," she continues. "I have a Smartphone,
lots of radio amateurs have Smartphones. We're using them. They gobble
up a great deal of spectrum to serve us the way we want them to.
"And, the ARRL's job is to make sure that meeting the needs of that
industry doesn't cut into the spectrum that amateur radio operators have
to use and to experiment with."
Craigie says one of the big efforts she is committed to is attracting
more qualified and dedicated people into the amateur radio service.
"We're making good strides on that, thanks to the efforts at the grass
roots by individual instructors and radio clubs and groups who are
getting out the word about amateur radio and helping people become
licensed," Craigie says.
"Of course, we'd like to have more younger people involved in amateur
radio. Amateur radio is a fellowship based on achievement. Everything
else is just a demographic factoid, really.
"Achievement is the key and that's why amateur radio is so good for
young people in that it stimulates them to achievement of a very
positive and constructive kind and the League wants to do what we can do
in cooperation with local hams to promote more young people getting
involved in amateur radio."
Craigie - now a retired educator - was tasked to develop what became the
league's Education and Technology program. She says it continues to
work on a number of levels.
"This project is ongoing, it's successful, it has achieved things beyond
my wildest dreams," Craigie says.
"And the League is very pleased to continue to offer school teachers the
skills and the knowledge that they need to bring amateur radio into the
classroom and help kids get excited about education, excited about
science, about technology about social studies, about languages - all
the different things that you can use amateur radio to support in the
classroom."
Finally, Craigie says, one of her top priorities is to continue to
promote the valuable public service role of amateur radio.
"When you have situations where infrastructure is crippled, overloaded,
amateur radio, as we say, is what works when all else fails," Craigie
says. "And, in the circumstances like what we have in Haiti right now,
of course, it's tremendously dangerous.
"We've seen news stories about amateurs who have attempted to help and
then had to fall back to safer positions. But, amateur radio for the
foreseeable future will be in a position to assist the authorities and
to assist charitable relief agencies to help the public.
"Whether it's helping the public in our own communities, elsewhere in
our country or in some cases, around the world. And we certainly commend
the hams who have the dedication and courage to do that.
"And, of course we also encourage them to take some note for their own
personal safety in those circumstances where that's a real issue."
You can download my entire interview with Kay Craigie from our website
at www.arnewsline.org. Just scroll down to the words "Kay Craigie
interview" and right click on the word "here" to save the file to your
computer."
For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, in
Philadelphia.
Kay Craigie, N3KN, assumed the reins ARRL from outgoing President Joel
Harrison, W5ZN, at the close of the Annual Meeting. In October,
Harrison had advised the Board that he would not seek re-election.
(ARNewsline with biographic information from ARRL)
LORAN-C NAVIGATION SYSYEM GOING QRT
It's time to say goodbye to the old LORAN-C radio navigation system
it is soon going QRT. Frank Haas, KB4T, is here with the story of a
long-time friend to sailors world-wide:
LORAN is an acronym for the words long-range navigation. It's a radio
navigation system that was developed during World War II for military
ships and aircraft. It then was then perfected for civilian use and
entered full time service in 1957.
LORAN-C operates in the low frequency portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum from 90 to 110 kHz.. It has transmitted the past 52 years from
24 stations operated by the Coast Guard to determine positions at sea or
in the air.
For decades, LORAN-C was the standard navigation system for ships,
fishing boats, and other vessels. It also served as a supplemental
navigation aid on many small to medium sized aircraft. And at its peak
popularity, an estimated one and a half million LORAN-C receivers were
in use.
But in the mid-1990's mariners and pilots began turning to global
positioning systems for its almost pinpoint accuracy. Gradually, use of
LORAN-C fell away. Now the Department of Homeland Security says that
LORAN-C has become obsolete and is no longer needed for navigation or
safety.
Most of the nation's LORAN-C transmission stations will be turned
off on February 8th with the remainder being powered down by October
1st. This termination of service does not affect U.S. participation in
the Russian American or Canadian LORAN-C chains. U.S. participation in
these operations will continue at least temporarily in accordance with
international agreements.
From Holly Hill Florida, I'm Frank Haas, KB4T, reporting for the Amateur
Radio Newsline.
Some had thought that the government might keep LORAN-C as a terrestrial
back-up system for the satellite based Global Positioning System but the
Department of Homeland Security seems to believe that doing so is not a
necessity.
=============================================================================
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
Can you drive and talk on the radio at the same time?
Largely, in Australia the law says you can. But, it might be worth checking
and knowing the rule number by heart if stopped by police. "SHOULD you drive
and talk on the radio?" might be a better question.
Last year, a psychology professor at Western Washington University situated
at Bellingham, between Seattle and Vancouver, wanted to test whether talking
on a mobile phone affected situational awareness. Professor Ira Hyman owns
a clown suit. He organised for his researchers to video a square on the
campus for an hour, and to interview people as they came out of the square.
He enlisted the help of a student who can ride a unicycle. You heard right;
a clown on a unicycle.
Asked a plain question, "Did you see anything unusual?", 60% of people
walking with friends remembered the clown, 33% of people plugged into music,
but only 8% of mobile phone users. When prompted with "Did you see the
unicycling clown?" the recall was better: 71 percent of the people walking
with a friend remembered the clown, a more creditable 61% of those listening
to music, 51% of those walking alone, but still a miserable 25% of mobile
phone users.
It turns out that splitting our attention does affect perception.
No wonder using a mobile phone while driving is banned by law.
Peter Ellis VK1PE
References:
http://news.wwu.edu/go/doc/1538/358126/
http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~hyman/
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/what-clown-on-a-unicycle-studying-cell-phone-distraction/
Remembering the unit men - Henry
Hello I'm Jim Linton VK3PC with another in a series of brief looks at
those who made discoveries and have their names as units of measurement.
Joseph Henry born in 1797 made major contributions in the field of
electromagnetism. These include the discovery self-inductance, he was the
first to create powerful electromagnets, the electric motor, and he also
provided help to Samuel Morse in the development of the telegraph.
Henry was of Scottish heritage, became an apprentice watchmaker at the age
of 13, then attended the Albany Academy in New York for more study but was
mostly self-taught.
By chance he read a popular scientific book which greatly aroused a
pre-existing interest in science.
He became a district teacher but ultimately appointed Professor of
Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at the Academy, allowing him to
continue his scientific experiments after teaching hours.
While working at the Princeton College he was given study leave on full
pay enabling him to travel and meet Faraday, Wheatstone, and other British
scientists.
When the Smithsonian Institute began in 1846 he led it with distinction
including the establishment of the first corp of volunteer weather
observers.
Deservedly so, in 1893 the international unit of inductance was named the
Henry.
OPERATIONAL NEWS -
SPECIAL EVENTS AND ON AIR CONTEST COLUMN - D A T E L I N E 2010
Feb 27-28 NZART JOCK WHITE MEMORIAL FIELD DAY CONTEST
details on nzart.org.nz/contests
Mar 13-14 RSBG COMMONWEALTH CONTEST (BERU)
details on hfcc.org/hfcc/rule/2009/beru.shtml
Mar 20-21 WIA John Moyle Field Day
details from vk4ae@hotmail.com
APR 30 - MAY 6 Westlakes CQ Repeater contest
contestmanager@westlakesarc.org.au
May 8 WIA VK Trans Tasman 80m Phone
Bruce Renn vk3jwz@wia.org.au
Jun 12 WIA VK Trans Tasman 160m Phone
Bruce Renn vk3jwz@wia.org.au
Jun 12-13 WIA Worked All VK Shires
contest@vkshires.info
Jun 19-20 WIA WINTER VHF-UHF Field Day
John Martin VK3KM tac@wia.org.au
Jul 10tbc WIA Jack Files Contest
John Spooner vk4ajs@wia.org.au
Aug 14-15 WIA Remembrance Day Contest
Peter Harding vk4od@wia.org.au
Oct 2- 3 WIA Oceania DX Contest Phone
Tony Burt vk3tz@wia.org.au
Oct 9-10 WIA Oceania DX Contest CW
Tony Burt vk3tz@wia.org.au
NOV 20-21 WIA Spring VHF-UHF Field Day
John Martin VK3KM tac@wia.org.au
Apr 30th, 2010 (Fri) -- May 6th, 2010 (Thu)
FM CQ Repeater Contest, Westlakes Amateur Radio Club VK2 - New South Wales
Runs for 7 days MN 30 April to MN 7th May.
All contacts to be via an FM repeater.
Aimed at activating normally quite repeaters.
This is a fun event open to all VK's Full details on Westlakes Home page
www.westlakesarc.org.au under contest link.
contestmanager@westlakesarc.org.au
SPECIAL EVENT CALLS, BEACON DX AND NET ADVICE
hf nets ON the net, www.timroberts-vk4yeh.id.au/
EI2GBW, Ireland to Great Britain Ferry Celebrations ends March 31 2010
GB2EI, Great Britain to Ireland Ferry Celebrations ends March 31 2010
VI3KIAH acknowledging Black Saturday Bush Fires 2pm to 8pm local Feb 7 2010
Where in the world is 4UIWB
ARRL News Editor K1SFA said that most logging programs showed it as mainland
USA.
We all know that AA-AL, K, N and W are all US prefixes.
Then why was 4U1WB showing up as being located in the US, too?
Well 4U1WB is a United Nations call sign assigned to the World Bank Amateur
Radio Club at the World Bank in Washington, DC.
There are four 4U1 call signs around the globe:
4U1UN assigned to the United Nations;
4U1ITU assigned to the International Amateur Radio Club at the International
Telecommunication Union
4U1VIC the Vienna International Radio Club at the Vienna International
Centre.
In the past, the United Nations has issued 4U call signs to various
entities, allowing its use in areas where the UN has had peacekeeping
forces. In 1995, an operation from Western Sahara used 4U/KC0PA, while
Burundi used 4U9U in 1994.
While 4U1UN and 4U1ITU count for credit toward the ARRL's DXCC award,
4U1WB and 4U1VIC do not.
The DXCC rules define 4U1WB and 4U1VIC are considered part of their
"host entity" for DXCC purposes.
This makes 4U1WB part of the US and 4U1VIC part of Austria for DXCC purposes.
Buddies in the Caribbean
Members of the 'Buddies in the Caribbean' DXpedition group which specializes
in 100 watt or less low power radios and the Buddipole portable antenna
system, is off again to a new DXpedition site February 2 - 11.
This is an annual effort to demonstrate 'ultra-lite' DXpeditioning into
magnificent 'vista' locations, operate a field portable battery-only radio
with backpackable, lightweight antennas and most of all 'have fun!'
The team negotiated with the amateur license regulatory process through the
St. Lucia Telecom to receive their J6/homecall licenses in six weeks. In
early February they intend to have 3 villa stations in operation on
160-15 meters and some occasional operations on 10m and 6m, propagation
permitting, using CW, SSB, and the Digital modes. At the same time, several
teams will be battery-only field portable either at St. Lucia beaches or
mountain tops.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or mail to operator's home callsign (SASE required).
For more details, see the following Web pages:
http://sites.google.com/site/caribbeanbuddies/home
or
http://caribbeanbuddies.blogspot.com/
Please note that this Web site has an on-line chat feature for real-time
dialog with the DXpedition team.
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report -
(Measure twice - Cut once!)
NEW PRODUCTS: OH THOSE BUDTRAPS
And here is a neat and cheap product that you can use to keep those very
popular ear-bud type earphones from becoming a tangled mess. BudTrap
International has introduced its new BudTrap new cable management
device engineered to trap ear-buds and avoid headphone tangles in your
Apple iPod, Microsoft Zune or maybe your HT.
BudTrap stays attached to your earphone jack and helps you secure your
ear-buds the way you want quickly. The device works with either straight
or curved device jacks. The small form factor offers portable users the
convenience of headphone cable management, without adding bulk to the
device. This makes BudTraps a natural for hams to experiment with and find
new ways to use that the manufacturer likely never dreamed of.
The new Bud-Traps are available online for less than three dollars. More
information is at www.budtrap.com/
MEDIA WATCH
www.wiaq.com/admin/uploads/weeklytally.rtf
www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WorldRadio.html
Groups presenting this WIA National News Service
JAN 2010 vk4 24 SCARC (Sunny Coast)
FEB VK3 7 ARV (promoting Centre Vic Hamfest)
FEB vk2 21 CCARC (Promoting Wyong Field Day)
MAR VK2 7 ARNSW (Promoting WIA CENTENARY)
MAR VK6 14 NEWSWEST
MAR VK3 28 VK3DN
APR VK3 4 VK3DN
APR VK3 11 VK3DN
APR VK7 25 REAST (ANZAC Weekend)
MAY VK1 9 CRARC (promoting CRARC and WIA AGM) (TBC)
MAY VK100WIA 30 WIA DIRECTORS JOIN A LIVE OB FROM CANBERRA (TBC)
RECOMMENDED READING: "THUNDERSTRUCK BY ERIK LARSON
"Thunderstruck" is a book by Erik Larson that is a true story that
interweaves notable researchers and inventors like Guglielmo Marconi, John
Fleming, Heinrich Hertz, and Nikola Tesla with that of Dr. Hawley Crippen,
a famous murderer.
Crippen, was an American physician hanged in Pentonville Prison, London,
England, on November 23, 1910, for the murder of his wife, Cora Henrietta
Crippen. He holds the unenviable distinction of being the first criminal
ever to be captured with the aid of wireless communication.
As you might surmise, the story takes place between the late 1800's and the
early 1900's and is historically accurate . This is especially true in its
treatment of how Marconi became a major "mover and shaker" of his day
accompanied by the obstacles that go with success.
Any ham that is a reader should enjoy this book. According to the QCWA's
Val Erwin, W5PUT, once he started reading, he could not put it down.
"Thunderstruck" is available either in hardback or paperback at all normal
book outlets and from on-line booksellers like Amazon dot com.
(ARNewsLine)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
AMSAT-VK UNOFFICIAL HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: A SOUNDS OF SPACE WEBSITE
Turning to ham radio space related news, word that DD1US now has an
extensive collection of sounds from manned and unmanned space
exploration including amateur radio operations on his website. This
includes historic recordings like Sputnik 1 and Apollo 11. There is
even a page devoted to clips of Amateur Radio satellites from Oscar 1 to
Oscar 68. Its all on-line at www.dd1us.de
HAM RADIO IN SPACE: FO-29 TO RETURN TO THE AIR
Fuji Oscar 29 ground controllers at the Japan Amateur Radio League plan
to open the satellite for amateur radio use but it may not remain
operational after eclipses due to power limitation issues. Depending on
the power budget the JARL may need to selectively cancel satellite on
time. All hams are reminded to please use as low power as necessary on
the uplink to complete their communications.
WW SIG REPEATERS
EVANS REPEATER VK2REH, ON SITE
The repeater is now on site but not completed yet.
Freqs 147.250 MHz, upshift to 147.850 MHz, no tone.
No tone, stand alone, not linked to the other repeaters
Darren VK2AUX is keen to get signal reports from anyone who can work it.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO
EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES IARU REGION 3
3.600, 7.110, 14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHz
Norah Head Search and Rescue are seeking volunteers radio operators to man
the station on a roster basis, approx 3hrs per fortnight.
Preferably retirees from the Central Coast.
Interested parties require a marine radio operators certificate or be
prepared undertake a training course.
Contact Westlakes John Emanuel VK2EJP 49 725 241
The United States of America's Department of Defence (DoD) issued an
Instruction concerning MARS, effective immediately. This Instruction gives
the three MARS services -- Army, Air Force and Navy/Marine Corps a new focus
on homeland security and a new name:
Military Auxiliary Radio System.
The DoD defines a "military auxiliary" as "an organized body of volunteers
prepared to supplement the uniformed services or any designated civilian
authorities by provision of specialized autonomous services when called
upon or when situations warrant."
(sourced to http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/)
REWIND - A LOOK BACK IN HISTORY
Rewind. a look back at our history through the serialised written history
by WIA Centenary Committee member Peter Wolfenden VK3RV with assistance of
others, that is being published in the WIA journal Amateur Radio magazine.
The Earliest Days. When Marconi demonstrated his wireless system in 1895
he did so at a time that the predominate communication means globally was
the wired telegraph.
Indeed all six British colonies in Australia were cable-linked by 1880.
With Australia becoming a Federation and the Commonwealth of Australia in
1901 the individual colonial telegraph departments united.
Before 1905, the radio spectrum in Australia was effectively under the
control of the British Royal Navy as it was responsible for the defence of
Australia.
A number of "wireless" demonstrations were given to interested parties in
most Australian States during 1897 to 1900.
For example, Professor Threfall at Sydney University, repeated
demonstrations of German physicist Heinrich Hertz early as 1888.
Professor William Bragg gave the first recorded public demonstration of
"Telegraphy" without wires at the University of Adelaide during September
1897. That led to lectures about wireless being held.
In the early 1900s the new Secretary of the Post Office looked with
disfavour on everything that was not producing revenue and for the time
that included wireless.
Contrasting with that approach, was the one taken in 1901 by H.W. Jenvey,
Chief Postal Electrical Engineer for Victoria, who had been experimenting
privately from 1899.
At his own suggestion and with ?governmental blessing?, on 6th of May 1901
his amateur wireless station officially communicated with the escort ship,
HMS St.George which was in Victorian waters accompanying the Duke of York,
the future King.
This was not only the first ship-to-shore wireless communication in
Australia, but used home-made equipment. Other experimenters subsequently
made contact with that ship during its visit.
Arguably the communication acted as a two pronged catalyst for "wireless":
first, it raised interest in the worth of the new communications medium,
and second, it contributed to the debate about establishing a coastal
wireless telegraphy network.
(Extract #1 from the serialised history being published in the WIA journal
Amateur Radio magazine)
SOCIAL SCENE 2010
JAN 30 VK4
Bunya Mts & Dist AmCom host "HAM AND WINE FEST 2010" at Maclagan.
FEBRUARY 14 VK3
WIA 100 Centre Victoria RadioFest No. 3.
FEBRUARY 27 VK6
Hills Amateur Radio Group Swap Meet 2pm Sanderson and Brady Rds Lesmurdie.
FEBRUARY 28 VK2
Wyong Field Day, Wyong Race Course.
FEBRUARY 28 VK3
Yarra Valley Hamfest http://www.yarravalley.ar.org.au/
MARCH 14 VK3
Eastern And Mountain District Radio Club White Elephant Sale
MARCH 14 VK6
100 years of the WIA+Ham Heaven Official opening. (NCRG club premises)
Contact Keith vk6rk@wia.org.au
MARCH 21 VK7
MEET THE VOICE BBQ at Ross in VK7
APRIL 2 VK3
Midland Amateur Radio Club's Radio, Electronic & Astronomy Expo.
Venue to be advised.
JUNE 12 VK2
Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club's 35th Annual Field Day.
JULY 17 VK3
GGREC Hamfest Start Time : 10:00
Oct 29 - 31
VK1OOWIA Westlakes ARC during our WIA centenary celebrations.
NOV 7 VK5
2010 Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society Hamfest Rosa St Goodwood
2012
15TH IARU REGION 3 CONFERENCE hosted by V.A.R.C. in Ho-Chi-Minh City, Vietnam.
JAN 23-FEB 17 YEAR 2012
World Radio Conference WRC-11 Geneva 23rd January TO 17th February 2012
MAY 4-7 2012 VK5
YL International 2012 Australia (vk5tmc@bigpond.com)
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