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THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
Oh... and to contact us with your news because
If It Matters To You It Matters To Us!
email nationalnews@wia.org.au
http://www.wia.org.au (click news in member area) Submit your audio news
TWITTER http://twitter.com/VK1WIA
Please.. If you are only submitting text and not audio, write your story as
you would expect to hear it being read back and NEVER send just links & url's.
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WIANEWS FOR WEEK COMMENCING FEB 13 2011.
ALL THESE STORIES UP AND COMING IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS
INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING FEBRUARY 13 2011.
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PERTH IS BURNING
Our 160 meter rebroadcaster in Perth has told us how fires were burning in the
hills North and South of Perth, Rolystone repeater was still working for the
news relay, a fire fighter was injured when hit by a truck near Rolystone and
Tic Hill repeater was still working at this point in time.
CB UHF was change to CH 8 instead of CH 4 that stopped working last Sunday
evening, reports say fires were close to that repeater.
More than 60 homes have been destroyed and a fire-fighter injured in bushfires
burning out of control around Perth.
The bushfires are in the Perth hills to the east of the city, and at the edge
of the Swan Valley to the north
Your WIA news has not to date received any official WICEN news reports on
the recent floods cyclone nor fires but this report from the South African
equivalent of WICEN, HAMNET shows how the catastrophes' in VK is
world wide news.
HAMNET is a voluntary group of South African amateur radio operators who make
their unique communication skills available to assist and help others in
distress during and after disasters.
HAMNET is represented on the sub-committee of the South African Search & Rescue
Organisation so as you see is a MOST respected organisation.
Listen now to this report from Hamnet's National Director, Francois Botha,
ZS6BUU.
"Cyclone 'Yasi' was the reason why many towns on the Australian East Coast had
to be evacuated with Townsville being hard hit.
It was calculated that as many as 30,000 houses could be flooded by the cyclone
and damage could run into billions. Queensland as been the focus of attention
for long time and amateur radio emergency operators were active in the 40M band
monitoring the situation and prepared to pass traffic.
The cyclone has now changed into a 'tropical low' and headed west across
Australia with warnings of flash floods in places like Alice Springs and Barkly
who are normally very dry areas. People have been warned to be on the alert for
at least the next 24 to 48 hours as the storm peters out over the mainland.
Reporting for Hamnet this is Francois Botha - ZS6BUU.
This written report in from VK4ZZ in Townville helps bring us up to date.
"Yasi spares Green Street club rooms but clobbers Mount Stuart.
Severe Tropical Yasi crossed the Queensland Cassowary Coast and tried its best
to blow away the communities directly in line with its path on the coast and a
fair way inland.
It decimated whole areas of electricity supply grids knocking out household and
commercial mains supplies for an extended period.
At the TARC Club Rooms mains supply was cut however the club station was powered
off the Townsville State Emergency Service HQ Emergency Power Supply for the
duration of the outage. Only equipment casualties were the unfastening of one
end of the long wire receiving antenna and the slight skewing of the VHF
Co-Linear.
A different story unfolds however for the TARC Amateur Radio Repeater Site at
Mount Stuart which also houses a commercial co-sitee and the SES CH1 Repeater.
Severe wind gusts took out the high tension mains supply cables for Mount Stuart
in five places, with a forecast that repairs could take months. Those severe
wind gusts also took out the VK4RAT 2metre Repeater Co-Linear antenna, breaking
the antenna at the base and shredding the radome. Despite the damage the antenna
was still serviceable right up until the repeater system reserve batteries going
flat sometime on Monday afternoon February 7th.
With the regional repeater system silenced by lack of electrons, alternative
arrangements have been put into place for local hams in the Townsville area to
maintain contact on 146.5MHz and 439MHz simplex FM and there is also an active
VHF USB net on 144.150MHz from 2130UTC daily.
The TARC WICEN VHF repeater has been brought online, located at the VK4ZZ Borg
Cube with a no break power supply and connection to an antenna well above
the suburban tree line.
The repeater frequency is 147.150MHz with positive 600kHz shift.
The Sunday Night NQ Net Retransmission will utilise this repeater until further
notice".
Now up the road apiece to Dale VK4DMC.
"G'day again, this is Dale VK4DMC for the Tablelands Radio and Electronics Club,
TREC, in Far North Queensland.
Yes we're still here - YASI did her best to blow us away but Far North
Queensland hams are a resilient lot. We survived, albeit some of us suffering
various degrees of damage.
Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasi crossed the coast near Mission Beach south of
Cairns in the early hours of Wednesday morning packing wind speeds of around
295 kph. The cyclone then travelled inland passing over the Atherton Tablelands
and areas to the south including Ingham and Townsville before heading west.
Local amateurs were well prepared for this event, antennas were lowered,
emergency power and transceivers setup and tested as well as ensuring that their
homes were secure, memories of cyclone Larry in 2006 are still fresh in our
minds.
Some local amateurs evacuated to safe centres. JohnVK4JKL, Gary VK4FD, Jeff
VK4BOF, Paul VK4ZJD to name just a few. They were stranded then due to flooded
rivers and blocked roads.
Fortunately reports from FNQ hams have been positive with little or minor damage
being wrought by Yasi. Trees down, gardens wrecked and in a couple of cases
towers and antennas smashed. Wind speeds of 200kph were reported in Atherton.
Paul VK4ZJD who lives at Tully Heads was extremely fortunate with his house
being only one of a few in the area that survived and with relatively minor
damage. A shed was wrecked as well as the garden being totally redesigned into
a twisted mess with mud and sand everywhere. Paul was back on air the next day.
Amateurs living on the coast received the brunt of the cyclone. Areas mainly to
the south of Innisfail including the Tully region, Cardwell and Ingham were
seriously affected. Townsville also experienced cyclonic conditions but with
lesser wind speeds and fortunately with no major damage being reported. Many
areas suffered and are still suffering significant power interruptions and also
loss of other essential services such as water and phone etc.
It was fantastic to see the response from fellow amateurs who set up listening
watches mainly on 40 and 80 metres in particular the guys from Rockhampton who
set up a station at the top of the Mt. Morgan range and were there all night.
Also stations in Atherton, Townsville, Mackay, Toowoomba and Brisbane were there
throughout to lend a hand with emergency traffic if needed. Well done to all and
it was comforting for those of us in the path of Yasi to know that you were
there and chat with you from time to time. Thanks Guys for the sterling effort.
Visit the TREC website at www.treclub.org.au for club information and you can
also download the latest monthly news in TREC-NEWS.
This has been Dale VK4DMC and you are listening to the WIA news.
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
VKG Roundup http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news
Central Coast Amateur Radio Club Field day at Wyong
Hello everyone, and welcome from the members of the Central Coast Amateur Radio
Club, my name is Rod - VK2FVRJ
There only 2 weeks to go until Amateur Radio's Big Day out
The CCARC Field day will be held at Wyong Race course on Sunday 27th February
Admission is Adults $12 with free admission for those under 17.
Special Note To ease your entry to the Race Course could you please have the
correct entry fee ready for the gate keepers.
Gates will open at 6.30 am to allow entry and setup for Traders / Exhibitors
and Flea Marketeers
The Trader / Exhibitor areas will open to the public at 9am.
The Bistro will open at 8am for the early arrivals.
Most major suppliers of amateur radio and electronic equipment will be there as
will representatives of various amateur radio groups, clubs and emergency
organisations.
There will also be displays from WIRES and the Central Coast Pottery Society.
Amateur radio examinations will be conducted on the day by Brian Kelly who can
be contacted on 04 1865 9043 for further information.
All this, plus raffles, seminars, free tea and coffee.
For help on the day, there will directions and information on the local VHF
repeater, 146.725MHz, with a 91.5 sub tone.
For further information and regular updates, please go to the Field Day website,
www.fieldday.org.au or email Central Coast Amateur Radio Club
ccarc@ccarc.org.au
So don't miss out! Come along and grab a bargain!
CCARC Field Day Dinner
To be held at Club Riverside - Wyong Bowling Club in Panonia Rd Wyong, on
Saturday 26th February commencing at 6pm.
Dinner will be a 2 course buffet with drinks at bar prices.
Dinner bookings are essential, please contact the Central Coast Amateur Radio
Club on 02 4340 2500 by Thursday the 17 February at the absolute latest
In the case of insufficient numbers for the buffet dinner we may have to revert
to ordering your own meal from the bistro.
JUST TO REPEAT
Sydney based 2 metre beacon VK2RSY was off line earlier this month following a
failure in the PA stage. It was restored last Monday.
It operates on 144.420 MHz in the CW mode.
Reports on this beacon or any other of the VK2RSY systems from 10 metres through
to 23 centimetres are always welcome and can be sent by email to
callbacks@arnsw.org.au
or by mail to P. O. Box 6044
Dural Delivery Centre
NSW 2158
LOKI - great mischief-maker from Norse mythology.
Loki is the name of the edge of space balloon experiment that Tamworth Radio
Club members & Tamworth Oxley Scout members will be launching in the coming
weeks.
Loki-1 is to be a balloon filled with hydrogen that will carry a 1 kilogram
payload of:
APRS equipment for tracking & flight data,
A camera set to take photo's at 1 minute intervals,
Sensors to record temp & radiation
Paper aircraft that will be dropped from a height of approx. 30 kilometres with information on them from the members of the Tamworth Oxley Scout Group.
OH AND THE PASSENGER.. 1 cockroach has been suggested.
This is the first time the Tamworth Radio Club has taken on a project like this.
The local scout group when asked if they wished to be involved responded with
so much enthusiasm it was hard to keep everyone calm. (the larger adult type
kids seemed to be the most excited). The comment of "can we really do this!!"
was heard more than once.
The Tamworth radio club has installed 7 ground stations around the North West
and New England regions of NSW that will be used to receive APRS data from
LOKI-1 then transferring this to the internet for live tracking via the APRS
network. It is expected that LOKI-1 will reach an altitude of 30 kilometres or
100,000 feet in the old scale giving the craft a radio horizon of 700 kilometres
As airspace is heavily regulated regarding its use negotiations are well in
hand with Australia's airspace regulator the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, or
CASA and air traffic controllers regarding a host of regulations that need to be
complied with regarding the flight of the balloon through controlled airspace.
Non compliance with all the necessary regulations have large and hefty fines
along with a optional holiday in gaol. Controlled airspace starts at various
altitudes above ground depending on where you are, up to 60,000 feet. Most jet
passenger aircraft cruise at an altitude between 25,000 and 40,000 feet. How
would anyone get to see the photos if the little baby craft gets swallowed and
shredded by a big nasty jet engine.
Up to date information can be found on Tamworth Radio Club's web site
www.trci.org.au, then follow the links to projects.
VK2BOZ is publicity officer and VK2YGV project director.
(sourced to vk2sky)
VK4 - QNEWS
web service local audio news:- www.wiaq.com/ftp/vk4_qnews_64.mp3
local news email qnews-vk-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
VKR Roundup http://www.police.qld.gov.au/News+and+Alerts/Media+Releases/
QAC office officers :- ( vk4advisory@wia.org.au )
=====================
Michael Charteris VK4QS, Chairman QAC
empire1915@optusnet.com.au
Don Wilschefski VK4BY
Northern Region QAC
don.vkby@gmail.com
Ken Fuller,VK4KF
QAC Brisbane Area Etc
vk4kf@wia.org.au
Mr. Kevin Johnson VK4UH
QAC Brisbane Area Etc
drkevinjohnston@bigpond.com
AR MAGAZINEVK4 QTC COLUMN
Written by Chris Comollattie VK4VKR
news for ar magazine to qtc@wia.org.au
VK4 SILENT KEYS @ 2010 - 2011 QAC YEAR
VK4MWT Tom Bowden November 14 2010 Advised by Gavin VK4ZZ
VK4SS Alan Shawsmith November 23 2010 Advised by Stephen VK4JSS
VK4CK Colin King December 30 2010 Advised by Gary VK4AR
VK4AMO Mike O'Callaghan January 02 2011 advised by Dale VK4DMC
VK4HER Dawn Sebbens January 09 2011 advised by Margaret VK4AOE
VK4DI Len Effeney February 01 2011 advised by Clive VK4ACC
Tuesday 1st February 2011 Len Effeney VK4DI of Rockhampton became Silent Key.
At the age of 83, Len was one of the "old guard", being licensed for
approximately 65 years, throughout which time he continued his membership
of the Wireless Institute of Australia.
CW on the HF bands remained his passion and forte and a fellow club member
described his transmissions as "music".
He was a family man, married with six sons and one daughter, with at least
three sons obtaining amateur licences.
Len worked in the railway for a number of years with several children completing
university qualifications, quite unusual in those days and an indication of
Len and his wife Pauline's vision.
Although Len's health had failed markedly, he still attended the Queensland
President's Luncheon last November where he was presented with a WIA long
service medal by WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI.
Len's Funeral Service was held on 7th February at St. Peters Catholic Church,
Rockhampton, prior to a private family committal.
Vale Leonard William (Len) Effeney VK4DI, Silent Key.
Welcome to QNews from VK4WIA. I'm Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I've been thinking.
Just after the turn of the century, the insurance industry released the
findings of a study it had commissioned. This told of the expected increase
in severe weather conditions, in the coming years. Almost a decade on we are
grappling with summer fires and the weeping of La Nina. This is all too in
the face.
Until now, it seems this report has gathered dust under the vollies of climate
change debates. Even the position of the amateur radio community in the civil
defence structure seems to have waned and government agencies have been
equipped with their own communications infrastructure.
One thing that remains true of the amateur fraternity is that the hobby
provides a skill base of knowledge on procedures and technology. The new
WIA emcom certificate course is designed to build on that base and allow first
responders to be relieved and deployed outside of the comms centre.
Some of the students in this course have told me of the enthusiasm they are
finding for a new way of aiding their community. If you're old enough, remember
the refrain "times they are changing".
I'm Geoff Emery and that's what I think....how about you?
CLUBBING - TO SUPPLY NEWS ITEMS:-
email qnews@wia.org.au
GYMPIE
www.gceginc.org.au
Trevor Taege, VK4BAT
I'm Trevor Taege, VK4BAT with news from the Gympie Communications & Electronics
Group:
Weather permitting, the Gympie Group will again be at Mt. Wolvi for this year's
John Moyle Memorial Field Day Contest. If the forecast is reasonable, the Club
will go for a 24 hour stint on the Mountain. If the weather is marginal, a
6 hour contest entry will be submitted as was the case last year.
The Gympie 2 metre repeater continues to operate well on Mt. Boulder but with
still just an occasional burst of commercial interference.
The members continue to work to improve the situation whilst trying to avoid
going to CTCSS tone access.
It's been difficult because of two commercial frequencies having a 600
KHz channel spacing. It's been proven that when the right combination of
transmitters are on, the mixing is most likely occurring in the adjacent
commercial site only a few metres away. Work progresses as time and weather
allows but each change needs a few weeks of test running because the problem is
now rarely heard. Thanks goes to the Gladstone Group who have tuned and sent
down a dual port ferrite isolator to help identify and eliminate the problem.
The solar powered repeater was fitted with brand new batteries in December and
they're holding up very well especially during the extremely wet and overcast
weather of late.
Welcome to Isaac, the Club's newest member and congratulations on that
brand new F call - VK4FIBN.
The next meeting of the Gympie Communications and Electronics Group will be on
Thursday 3rd of March but please check our website or with a member as by then
there may be a new location for meetings.
For Gympie Area News, I'm Trevor Taege, VK4BAT.
ROCKHAMPTON
IRLP NODE 6973 ;
e-mail vk4acc@wia.org.au
Secretary Clive 4928 1173
http://www.radarc.cjb.net/
Greetings from the Rockhampton and District Amateur Radio Club, The RADAR Club.
I'm Les VK4VIL.
While Cyclone Yasi ravaged North Queensland recently, RADAR Club members
staged a combined effort to provide radio support if needed.
As the cyclone approached the coast, an HF Listening Post, suitable for
receiving QRP signals was set up on the Mt Morgan Range, west of Rockhampton.
Dave, VK4DJC who regularly frequents the site, coordinated operations and was
assisted by Jason VK4FJGS and Jack VK4JRC in setting up the camp and portable
equipment and ensuing non-stop surveillance overnight and well into the next
morning.
Ray VK4HOT completed a lone overnight vigil at the Club's Heritage Village
station VK4CHV while Mike VK4LMB, Frank VK4FLR, Jeff VK4NJB monitored from
their home QTHs.
The RADAR club effort was co-ordinated with VK4BS Howard at Kuranda and Gavin
VK4ZZ in Townsville. Contacts were made with Dale VK4DMC of Atherton via
their club station site during the cyclone and liaison via Malcolm VK4ZMM
in Brisbane was also carried out.
Sausage Sizzle.
Yesterday, RADAR club members conducted a sausage sizzle at Rockhampton Office
Works.
Adam VK4MTJ and Andrea VK4FROG co-ordinated this event as the clubs initial
fundraiser for 2011. A good number of members attended to assist and no doubt
extend the profits.
On a sad note, the club extends deep sympathy to the family of radio stalwart
Len Effeney, VK4DI who went silent key on 1st February. Len would have no doubt
held an amateur licence for longer than any other operator in the area.
Until next time, this has been Les VK4VIL on behalf of the Rockhampton and
District Amateur Radio Club.
VK8
News from the Darwin amateur radio club.
G'day, this is spud vk8zwm president of the Darwin Amateur Radio club with the
latest club news.
The weekly gatherings for a bickie, piece of granny cake and a cuppa continue on
Thursday mornings around 10 am with good numbers. The club net is on Sunday
evenings on 80 meters 3.555 starting around 5pm.
We have done a lot of work with the scouting movement in recent times resulting
in 19 new licensees. We are working now to encourage them to get active with an
activity evening on the 24th for starters for the Darwin venturers and rovers.
The Humpty Doo venturers and guides will be having an antenna building and
operating weekend not too far away and as well both groups will be operating
stations in the John Moyle Memorial field day with club support.
Gary vk8bn has started an upgrade course at the clubrooms on Tuesday nights at
7pm with a good-sized eager class.
Expect to hear us pop up as vk8da during the national field day in April from
the rapid creek shopping centre.
Stir of the week.
This comes from the massive variations in signal strength we get here from those
south of the border during contests and contacts. There are often more than
10 s points variation in signals from stations no more than a few kilometres
apart.
Spud says to those south of the border, put a pinch or two of salt in the water
in the paint pot at the top of your piece of wet string you use as an antenna so
we can hear you up here. It would be a great help.
Err after that, all I can say is catch ya later
This is spud vk8zwm in Darwin hooroo.
HOME OF THE GOOD GUYS
Last Sunday, Feb 6 a special VK4 flood relief delivery was taking place.
A group of people including members of the Illawarra Amateur Radio Society,
were heading towards Grantham in Queensland. Grantham is the area known as
ground zero for the devastating floods that recently occurred in SE VK4.
Many of the people in this area lost everything during the disaster.
Sarah Hart a local vk2 mum from the Ingleburn area decided to do something to
help the children of the devastated region. Sarah started an appeal for
donations of kids school back packs to give to the families of Grantham.
The appeal raised several hundred back packs chock-a-block full of rulers,
exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers, calculators, drink bottle, lunch boxes
and all sorts of other school requirements.
Sarah lobbied local business houses to provided printed flyers for the appeal,
set up a web and facebook page to raise awareness of the appeal. Sarah contacted
the Illawarra Amateur Radio Society for assistance to deliver the goods and
track the where-a-bouts of the delivery so people that have donated to the
cause, would know their contribution has arrived at the disaster region. The
trek north to Queensland started early Feb 6, tracked by VK2VVV using APRS.
http://aprs.fi/vk2vvv-15
If any amateurs would like to contribute to the appeal they can call Ross,
who is monitoring 145.375Mhz simplex as well as 7.070Mhz
Advised by Ross Vk2VVV via vk2news feb 6
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
www.hamcollege.com.au
Exams available at Wyong HamFest Sunday February 27.
Amateur Radio New South Wales in conjunction with the Central Coast Amateur
Radio Club will hold assessments with the first session at 7am, second session
10.30 am.
This is the fourth year that ARNSW has conducted exams at the Field Day.
A prior booking is desirable but not essential but you should make contact
with the co-ordinator Brian Kelly to find out how the find the rooms, the costs
and what is needed with the paperwork.
Brian's contact details are by mobile 0418 659 043 or
email to 3323wbk@tpg.com.au
There are currently about 20 people that have registered interest in upgrading
to the standard or advanced class of licence and the NERG has decided to conduct
a training course aimed to get everyone to the advanced level. We recommend this
path as going the standard track adds an extra $70 for the exam and $42 for
change of licence.
Looking at the syllabus for the two grades, you can see that there are only a
few extra topics for the advanced. Of course, you can attend the classes and
choose to do the standard exam, if you wish.
The classes will be held on the first, third, fourth and fifth (if one occurs)
Thursday evenings of each month, commencing at 7:30 pm 17 Feb, and they will run
for about 14 weeks. Classes will not be run on the normal NERG meeting nights.
Cost of the course will be $100, for club members. The cost of the exams from
the WIA will be $70 each, one theory and one regulations. If you do not have a
foundation licence then you will need to pass the practical assessment as well,
another $65 to the WIA. Once you have passed these, there will be the licence
fee of $65 or change of licence fee of $42.
Melbourne Upgrade Course
Arks Academy will run a combined Standard / Advanced upgrade course commencing
Sunday 24th April. The course will be held in easy to reach Nunawading and will
run for five Sundays with exams on Sunday 22nd May.
Places are limited and this will be the only course Arks will run this year so
please book early to reserve your place.
As Always the course is free of charge
E-mail VK3DQ@wia.org.au
( John Fisher VK3DQ / VK3ARK )
MARYBOROUGH QUEENSLAND
Among the call-ins last week to Ray VK4TPT were two new Foundation licensees,
VK4FKAS, Kim and VK4FODM, Owen.
Together with Isaac, VK4FIBN, they had passed the exam and assessment back on
30th December but had to wait until their licences came through due to the
Christmas break.
We welcome them all to the airwaves.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to RSGB, Southgate AR Club, the ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
EMC Society withdraws as co-sponsor of IEEE BPL standard
Concerns over technical standards has forced a respected EMC Society to
withdraw from co-sponsorship of an IEEE BPL standard.
BPL provides Internet access using mains electrical wiring and generates
considerable Radio Pollution. This Pollution can not only ruin peoples'
enjoyment of their favourite radio show but also potentially threaten
emergency communications.
An ARRL news report says
Citing concerns about parts of its technical content, the IEEE EMC Society
Standards Development Committee (SDCom) has voted to withdraw as the cosponsor
of IEEE Standard for Power Line Communication Equipment -- Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC) Requirements -- Testing and Measurement Methods (IEEE
Standard 1775-2010).
According to ARRL Laboratory Manager and BPL guru Ed Hare, W1RFI, this decision
came about soon after the IEEE Standards Board approved publication of the
standard over the technical concerns of the SDCom. Hare is an SDCom member and
is a member of the IEEE Working Group that developed the standard.
Read the full ARRL story
http://www.arrl.org/news/ieee-emc-society-standards-development-committee-withdraws-as-cosponsor-of-ieee-bpl-emc-standard
Voice of Russia on 7200 kHz
On the IARU Region 1 website, DJ9KR reports that the Voice of Russia is
transmitting on the exclusive Amateur Radio frequency 7200 kHz.
The report says:
Since February 1st, 2011 the Russian BC Radio Station "Golos Rossiye" (Voice of
Russia) is transmitting programs in Russian language on the exclusive Amateur
Radio frequency 7200 kHz with quite high power.
This is causing very harmful interference to the Amateur Radio Service world
wide, which has an exclusive allocation for the range 7000 - 7200 kHz.
The location of the transmitter is St. Petersburg, RUS.
Please inform your National Intruder watch man, intruders@wia.org.au
Sound file "Voice of Russia" (Golos Rossiye) on 7200 kHz:
www.iarums-r1.org/iarums/sound/vor1.wav
=============================================================================
NEWS FROM ARNEWSLINE USA
VIDEO DNA MAY PUT AN END TO MOVIE PIRACY
Video pirates beware. A new system called Video DNA may land you behind prison
bars. Amateur Radio Newsline's Frank Haas, KB4T, has more:
Three Israeli researchers have come up with what they believe to be a sure fire
way to end video piracy. Dr. Alex Bronstein working with his twin brother
Michael and Israeli researcher Professor Ron Kimmel, has developed a way of
treating video footage like DNA.
Dr. Bronstein who is with of Tel Aviv University's Department of Electrical
Engineering says that it is not only members of the animal and plant kingdom
that can have DNA. He says if a DNA test can identify and catch criminals, his
group believes that a similar code might be applicable to video. Then if the
code were copied and changed, it would be obvious to law enforcement.
As video does not have a real genetic code like members of the animal kingdom,
Dr. Bronstein and his team created a DNA equivalent that can be applied to video
files. The result is a unique DNA fingerprint for each individual movie anywhere
on the planet. When scenes are altered, colours changed, or film is bootlegged
on a camera at the movie theatre, the film can be tracked and traced on the
Internet. And says Dr. Bronstein, like the films, the video thieves themselves
can be tracked and caught.
I'm Frank Haas, KB4T.
If the entertainment industry adopts this new video DNA coding, it could mean
that a lot of video pirate could eventually be looking at the world from the
other side of prison bars.
=============================================================================
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
This year we are experiencing 4 unusual dates.... 1/1/11,
11/1/11,
1/11/11
11/11/11
NOW go figure this out.
Take the last 2 digits of the year you were born
Add the age you will be THIS year and it WILL EQUAL
111
(jamiepye zl2nn NZART)
OPERATIONAL NEWS -
SPECIAL EVENTS AND ON AIR CONTEST COLUMN - D A T E L I N E 2011
Feb 26-27 ZL Jock White Field Day
Mar 19-20 WIA John Moyle Field Day weekend
Apr 30 WW Marconi Day 2011 www.gb4imd.org.uk in due
Ross Hull Contest Logs Due - Feb 14
This reminder from John VK3KM that your logs are due we picked up again from
the vk7 news! thanks Justin! Also field day contacts can be included in your
Ross Hull log (one contact per band per station per UTC day).
More information can be found at the link on the email and internet editions of
this broadcast.
http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/rosshull/
New 2 metre digital modes record
A contact between Jim VK3II and Derek VK6DZ has broken the national 2 metre
Digital Modes record (2495.7 km, 21 January 2012).
An updated copy of the records list, and a list of all Australian records since
1947, are on the WIA web site.
http://www.wia.org.au/members/records/data/index.php
(VK7NEWS)
SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS, REPEATER BEACON DX AND NET ADVICE
Look for amateur radio operators in Kuwait using special prefix 9K50 until
28th February.
Activity is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kuwait's independence. Also,
9K50NLD will be on the air between 24 and 28 February.
Activity will be from the members of the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society.
(rsgb)
Amateur radio operators in the Province of Nova Scotia will be permitted to
use special prefixes CJ1 and CK1 throughout the month of February to celebrate
the 2011 Canada Games to be held in Halifax.
VA1 stations will be allowed to use the special prefix CJ1,
while VE1 stations will use the special prefix CK1.
(rsgb)
YL NETS
OFFICIAL ALARA NET: Mondays 3.570, 1030 UTC (1000UTC during daylight saving)
VK6 ALARA NET: Mondays following the national net 3.585, 1200UTC
YL 222 DX NET: Mondays 14.222 Call in from 0530 UTC
European YL-DX NET: Thursdays 14.243 1700 UTC
VE/VK/ZL NET: Fridays 14.148 0500 UTC
TIMOR-LESTE 2011 DXPEDITION
VK8NSB, VK8FNCY, 9M6DXX, 9M6XRO and MW0JRX will be operating from
Timor-Leste between 16 and 26 September. location, Atauro Island, OC-232,
30km north of the capital Dili.
The group does NOT have a licence as yet but IS working closely with the
Timor-Leste licensing authority and the DXpedition callsign will be announced
soon.
Activity will be on all bands 10 - 160m using CW, SSB and RTTY.
QSL via M0URX, via the bureau, or LoTW.
WIRELESS WEATHER
For a good look at propagation check out this website, an easy one,
solarcycle24.org
Also LOT'S of propagation reports can be found at
SOUTH GATE ARC dot ORG slash PROPAGATION
southgatearc.org/propagation
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV (Every pixel tells a story) - Video
arvideonews.com
hamradiotube.com
youtube.com
qdg.org.au
TAKE A (VIDEO) TOUR OF ARRL'S W1AW
Click here http://www.arrl.org/multimedia to watch a video tour of W1AW,
conducted by Station Manager Joe Carcia, NJ1Q. Scroll down the page until
you come to VIDEO: W1AW.
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
TWEED residents will soon have local radio broadcasts giving detailed warnings
about emergency conditions and road closures during a flood crisis.
Murwillumbah State Emergency Service controller Chris Chrisostomos has revealed
local community station Big Country Radio FM 88 had agreed to set up
broadcasting equipment in the SES Murwillumbah headquarters to give detailed
local information during an emergency.
The "back-to-the-future" move, he said, would mirror a service once provided by
a previous local-based radio service and could complement ABC radio information
which tended to be more regional.
In particular it would allow the SES to broadcast information about
flood heights and the expected impact on various Tweed Valley communities,
providing home owners, farms and business people up-to-date advice on
precautions to take.
"It gives us an extra ability to distribute information," Mr Chrisostomos said.
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - VHF AND ABOVE
The news is that in South-East Queensland, local interest is growing in having
gear available for the microwave amateur radio bands - 1296 MHz and the many
bands above. And this is not just for getting the gear made and going, but also
for getting out and about to use it on air.
The Brisbane VHF Group recognises this and is organising a time when local
microwaving amateurs will be out at public places using their gear, not just for
their own fun, but so that anyone else who may be interested can come and see
what makes this aspect of amateur radio the great fun that it is!
Weather permitting, this will be on Sunday the 6th of March, just three weeks
away. The Brisbane VHF Group is arranging the day to show off the excellent
aspects and fun of amateur radio at microwave frequencies. It's not a contest -
it's just an opportunity to show off this different and exciting aspect of our
great hobby.
To make it possible for as many as possible to participate, different
microwaving amateurs will be active from several different locations.
From these sites, contacts will be demonstrated with other portable and/or
home stations on 1296 MHz, 2403 MHz, and 10.3 GHz. Other gear will be available
for 3.4 GHz, 5.7 GHz, 24 GHz and 47 GHz (but not necessarily at all locations!)
Liaison on the day will be on the Group's Mt Glorious 2 metre repeater 147 MHz.
We've made a date claim of Sunday the 6th of March through a nominal time period
of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., starting just after the morning QNews broadcast.
One central location on the southside is Mount Gravatt. Locations to the North
and West of Brisbane will be used but the exact locations will be decided soon
and publicised.
Contact club president Doug, VK4OE on 3391 5526 or at uwaves@bigpond.com
All amateurs and other interested folk are invited to come along and see
microwave amateur radio in action!
REWIND
Broadcasting on the USA AM Band.
1921 TO 1926 The broadcasting industry in the United States was originally
regulated by the Department of Commerce. Initially all stations
shared a single "entertainment" wavelength of 360 meters, roughly
833 kilohertz.
From December, 1921 to May 15, 1923 many stations were also
authorized use of 485 meters, 619 kHz for broadcasting
Market and Weather reports.
This meant that complicated, and hard fought, timesharing
agreements had to be negotiated. In late September of 1922, a
second entertainment wavelength of 400 meters (750 kHz) was
assigned for better quality, higher powered stations.
Stations on the new wavelength were designated "Class B" outlets,
while those on 360 became known as "Class A" stations.
On May 15, 1923 the broadcasting service was greatly expanded,
with the designation of a band of frequencies, in 10 kilohertz
steps, from 550 to 1350 kilohertz. 550 to 1040 kHz were set
aside for Class B stations.
Class A stations were assigned to frequencies from 1050 to 1350
kHz. Existing stations were permitted to stay at 360 meters, as
"Class C" stations.
One of the world's BEST web sites for "old radio" is just that,
www.oldradio.com
SOCIAL SCENE
2011
Feb 13 VK3 Today is Centre Victoria RadioFest No.4 Kyneton Racecourse
( http://amateurradio.com.au/node/865/ )
Feb 27 vk2 Central Coast Amateur Radio Club Ham Fest at Wyong
Start Time : Gates open 6.30 am
Feb 27 vk3 YARRA VALLEY HAMFEST at Gary Cooper Pavilion 16 Anzac Av
Yarra Glen. Opens 10am-2pm.
( www//yarravalley.ar.org.au)
Mar 13 vk3 EMDRC White Elephant Sale Heathmont.
Mar 20 vk7 MEET THE VOICE BBQ "Ross Caravan Park".
Apr 9 vk6 Hills Amateur Radio Group HARGFEST at club rooms Lesmurdie.
(HARGFEST. ie, hamfest run by HARG)
Apr 18 WW "Amateur Radio: The first technology-based social network"
World Amateur Radio Day, April 18, 2011.
May 27-29 WIA AGM Weekend in Darwin
secretary@wia.org.au
Jun 10-12 VK4 Far North and North Queensland Amateur Radio Gathering at
King Reef Resort Kurrimine Beach.
Jul 31 VK2/3 Riverina Field Day 10am at Lavington Scout Group Hall.
Aug 7 VK2 Lismore region - SARCFEST
Sep 23-28 R3 Region 3 ARDF Championship Bendigo VK3
http://r3.ardf.org.au/
Nov 20 vk5 Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society Hamfest
Goodwood Community Centre, Rosa St Goodwood at 0930.
Visit www.ahars.com.au for contact details
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 3-18 2012 VK5
YL International 2012 Australia (vk5tmc@bigpond.com)
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