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THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
Oh... and to contact us with your news because
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WIANEWS WEEK COMMENCING OCTOBER 23 2011.
SILENT KEY VK1KM, WIA PRESIDENT MICHAEL OWEN VK3KI PAYS TRIBUTE. - WIA VP
PHIL WAITE VK2ASD IN THIS WEEKS DIRECTORS TALK.
THESE STORIES AND MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE
OF AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING OCTOBER 23 2011.
SILENT KEY - VK1KM
Very many people in many countries were saddened by the sudden passing of
Keith Graham Malcolm VK1KM on Thursday, 13 October 2011.
Keith, was born on the 8th of December 1948.
Professionally he retired as Joint Director of the Communication Laboratory of
the Spectrum Management Agency, then to become a consultant to the Department
of Communications in relation to digital television broadcasting and television
black spots.
He attended many ITU meetings as a member of the Australian delegation, and
became widely known and respected.
Keith's interest in amateur radio started in the 1960's, in the very active
Melbourne VHF Group. He became the Group's President in the latter years of
the 1960's and his interest in VHF continued all his life.
As he wound down his professional life, he contributed a great deal to amateur
radio, participating in the preparatory meetings and study group meetings for
the World Radiocommunication Conferences on behalf of the WIA, and as a member
of the Australian delegation to WRC-03 and WRC-07 representing the amateur
services nominated by the WIA.
He provided valuable advice to IARU Region 3 in relation to its participation
in the APT's APG, and valuable advice to the WIA in the standards area,
particularly in relation to BPL and in relation to radiation exposure.
Keith was known for the ability to express complex concepts simply, and a rare
skill with written language.
Keith was awarded the Ron Wilkinson Award in 2005.
The WIA and amateur radio is much poorer with the passing of Keith, an
unassuming man of great knowledge and experience, who gave much through his
representation and participation at the highest levels.
The funeral service for Keith was held in the Chapel of the Norwood Park
Crematorium, Mitchell Friday.
(wia president michael owen vk3ki)
Starting next Friday, the Scout Members Amateur Radio Team will be
working the special callsign VI6CHOGM for 72 hours straight from our
club shack in Perth, Western Australia.
"To celebrate the occasion, 52 of the world's leaders, as well as her
majesty the Queen are descending on Perth as well, under the guise of
a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
VI6CHOGM will be operating on all bands, using digital modes, SSTV and
voice. We'll even be doing our best to make contacts via satellite in
the afternoon passes.
If you are in VK6, we'd love your help in manning the microphone or
attending as an onlooker, and if you are in any other state, we'd
appreciate the contact - keep an ear out for us next weekend from
Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October,.
For more information, including our real time logbook, visit www.vi6chogm.com
I'm Miles, VK6MAB for VK1WIA National News."
Each day in November is a VK 100 ARV day
The roster for the special callsign VK100ARV to be part of the Amateur
Radio Victoria Centenary has been made public.
Scout Radio & Electronics Unit will kick it off on Melbourne Cup Day.
Fitting around the DATV and Digital SSTV slots is Keith Proctor VK3FT
chasing DX.
The Western and Northern Amateur Radio Club is on for five days and the
Sunraysia Radio Group for three.
Individuals include Joe Walsh VK3XH, Luke Steele VK3HJ, Peter Freeman
VK3PF, Terry Murphy VK3UP and Tony Hambling VK3VTH.
Although each day is allocated some limited flexibility remains. To enjoy
this once in a life opportunity contact the Award Manager Tony Hambling
VK3VTH vk3vth@amateurradio.com.au
And the roster for November can be seen at www.amateurradio.com.au
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
WIA
President Michael Owen VK3KI president@wia.org.au
Vice President Phil Wait VK2ASD vk2asd@wia.org.au
Secretary Sarah Thompson VK3AUD secretary@wia.org.au
Treasurer John Longayroux VK3PZ vk3pz@wia.org.au
WIA DIRECTORS SPOT THIS WEEK PHIL WAITE VK2DKN,
Hello Graham, hello listeners I'm Phil VK2ASD
I thought I'd say something this week about two of the initiatives that I'm
involved in right now with the WIA and how they are progressing
The first one is the NSW Governments Planning Policy Review and in particular
how it affects radio antennas in relation to antenna heights.
The WIA will be lodging its own submission to this review but it's very
important that as many NSW amateurs as possible lodge their own independent
submissions. Power is in numbers, and the greater number of people who lodge
submissions the greater influence we are likely to have.
Details of how to lodge your submission can be found on the WIA website at
www.wia.org.au
The second issue I want to talk about is how we are going in relation to
emergency communications.
We now have a considerable number of radio amateurs who have been accredited
as WIA Emergency Communications Operators. Those people who have been
accredited will soon be receiving an identity card from the WIA office.
We are also establishing regional areas so the Emergency Communications
Operators can be contacted if the need arises in their area. Each region will
have a Regional Coordinator who will get to know the operators in their area,
and who will also act as the first point of contact should we be requested to
provide assistance.
The first task of the Regional Coordinators will be simply be to get to know
the operators in their region and to give us feedback about the needs of
local emergency and non-government organizations. I hope to be able to give
you more information about this initiative shortly.
This is Phil Wait VK2ASD for the WIA.
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK2
DAWN PATROL NET - 30 YEARS OF OPERATING BY LEITH MARTIN VK2EA
14 stalwarts logged into Leith's 30th anniversary Dawn Patrol net on Wednesday.
Thanks to those who did and thanks to Leith from us all for his stirling service.
We all look forward to having you around for some time to come.
(Summerland Amateur Radio Club)
Over next weekend October 29-30, the Port Stephens ARC will be hosting a
Foundation Examination and Assessment weekend.
If anyone wishes to do an upgrade, they will also be happy to help you next
weekend.
For more information or bookings, contact Leigh VK2KAL
vk2kal@wia.org.au.
Northern NSW and want to become a licensed Ham Operator?
The next Foundation weekend course in the area is planned for 29 & 30 October
so contact Duncan VK2DLR to book a place on the course.
draymont@bigpond.com
Phone 6628 1337
VK4 - QNEWS
Send your stories for news. SCRIPT to qnews@wia.org.au
send audio to http://www.wia.org.au/members/broadcast/upload/
get local audio news www.wiaq.com/ftp/vk4_qnews_64.mp3
get local news emailed qnews-vk-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Welcome to QNews from VK4WIA.
I'm Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I've been thinking.
Since the 100th anniversary of organised amateur radio, we have been making
positive efforts to show our hobby to the public. Part of this campaign is to
show the flag and, of course, give an opportunity to introduce new people to
the hobby.
Around a large part of the world, we have just joined with the Scouting movement
in Jamboree of the Air. Generally discussions are aimed at recruiting the scouts
and guides. This usually doesn't include the leaders, many of whom are interested
in the hobby as an adjunct to their scouting activities.
Remember that many scouts and guides enjoy gaining proficiency badges. Apart
from the amateur radio operator's badge, there are also the communicator,
technology, science and IT badges which can all have a direct relationship to
amateur radio.
http://www.scouts.com.au/main.asp?iStoryID=15733697
Radio amateurs can offer assistance in attaining these badges and who knows
maybe we will gain new fellow amateurs also.
I'm Geoff Emery and that is what I think....how about you?
CLUBBING - TO SUPPLY NEWS ITEMS:-
email qnews@wia.org.au
VK4 AREA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF
As this broadcast goes to air, today is the day of the Brisbane VHF Group's
Microwave Activity Day.
The aim of the activity day is to foster and promote use of the many bands we
have available above 1GHz, as well as demonstrating the special fun and
experiences there are in getting gear going for these bands, and operating on
these frequencies.
Things will get going at 10:00 am with a roll call on 144.150 MHz SSB.
An eye will also be kept on the Group's 2 metre repeater on 147 MHz for any
potential operators who may only have that talk back medium available.
In order to accommodate the wide variety of apabilities and gear that is
around, different bands will will be focused on in different time slots:
10:00 to 10:30 for 1296 MHz
10:30 to 11:00 for 1296 and 2403 MHz
11:00 onwards for the higher bands, 3.4, 5.7, and 10.3 GHz.
Liason will always be on 144.150 MHz SSB or 147 MHz FM. The idea of using a
VHF talk back channel or frequency is well established in microwave operating
practice around the world.
Locations will be several in greater Brisbane as well as spread around
South-East Queensland from Toowoomba to Stradbroke Island and from the
Gold Coast Hinterland to the Sunshine Coast and possibly Hervey Bay.
A list of presently known operators and bands available will be accessible on
the VK-Logger Forum under 'Brisbane Microwave Activity Day' in the 'Events,
Field Days and Portable Operation' section.
So, if the idea of amateur radio on the microwave bands interests you, check
out what's happening at a location near you by visiting, or just listening on
air.
Get involved in this opportunity for microwave amateur radio activity in
South East Queensland.
TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB
vk4wat@wia.org.au
www.treclub.org.au
G'day again from the Atherton Tablelands this is Dale VK4DMC for the
Tablelands Radio and Electronics Club, TREC, in a wet Far North Queensland.
TREC members met yesterday for a social get-together and show and tell, this
was followed by a management committee meeting of the club. The meeting was
well attended and planning has started for the 2012 club year.
TREC is also planning for the CQ World Wide DX contest that will held next
weekend. This contest is one of the premier ham contests. We will be entering
as a club and hope that the current solar conditions remain good. Members are
looking forward to working some rare DX as this contest brings many ham
stations out of the woodwork and onto the bands.
Planning is under way for the Spring VHF/UHF field day contest to be held on
26/27 November. TREC will be operating again from Hallorans Hill in Atherton
QH22rr.
Well that's your lot for this week.
Once again don't forget to visit the TREC website at www.treclub.org.au
for club information and you can also download the latest monthly club news
in TREC-NEWS. Past issues are also available on the site.
This has been Dale VK4DMC and you are listening to QNEWS. Travel Well!
DISCUSSION POINT
What use is an f-call?
So, you've got your shiny new f-call license. Now what? Where do you go to get
your kit, what do you buy, how much should you spend?
Let me start with the amount of money you should spend. It's your hobby, your
wallet and your budget. You can get a radio for $20, or $2000, it all depends
on how much you can afford. What I can tell you about money is that the radio
is only one part of the purchase. If I look at my own set-up, less than 30% of
what I spent went to the radio. My antenna represents nearly 40%, Power Supply
comes in at 20%, the balance was spent on tools like a crimper and accessories
like a remote microphone.
I must point out that this is for a set-up that can
work all bands.
The antenna part of the budget consists of two antennas, a ready-made one and
an antenna tuner, squid-pole, mount and a home-made ground-plane and antenna
wire.
I thought that it would be interesting to gather some statistics from other
amateurs and I've put up a survey on the HARG site (under the F-troop section)
at harg.org.au to gather some data on this to see if what I spent was as
representative as I think it is.
Based on the results so-far, I spent less than the average on my radio and more
on my antenna and as I suspected, I spent too much money on my power supply -
the one I don't use very often, but I have two; batteries and 240V regulated,
so we'll see how that turns out for me.
Feel free to fill in the survey and see how your spend compares to that of the
average.
The purpose of me telling you all of this is to give you a sense of how
much of your budget might be allocated to different parts. As one respondent
to the survey said: "What budget?" Again, this is your hobby, your wallet and
your decision. You can spend as much or as little as you want.
For me, I spent lots on my antenna because I figured I'd be broadcasting with
10 Watts, I'd better make sure it actually gets out. I already spend much time
experimenting with other amateurs, their radios and antennas. I expect to do
more of it.
Back to the topic at hand - what do you buy and where? The two are related.
I could spend the next hour telling you about all the places you should look,
but that list is ever changing. A better way to do this is to talk to other
amateurs and discuss this with them. There are many web-sites that have amateur
radio reviews and opinions which will give you a guide as to where to look and
where to avoid.
Personally, I purchased from several suppliers and used the eHam web-site as a
guide to getting a range of views on a particular piece of kit. I'm not going
to highlight any particular supplier, other than to say that I purchased all my
kit, except for my crimping-tool, locally here in Australia. I chose my
suppliers based on discussions I had with each of them, discussions I had with
some of the amateurs I had met and I took my time.
I received my license in December, I started spending money in March - the time
in between I spent doing research.
Finally, something that took me by surprise, when I bought my radio and
antenna, I wasn't done spending money. I had to organise a power supply,
wiring, fuses, connectors, coax cable, crimping tools, mounts,
antenna hardware, multi-meter and things like a clipboard, a log-book and other
paraphernalia.
What I'm saying is, 40% of my spend was on things other than the radio and the
antenna. So leave some money in the kitty!
I'm Onno, vk6flab
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to RSGB, Southgate AR Club, the ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
World's youngest nation joins ITU
The International Telecommunication Union has announced that the world's
newest country, South Sudan, has joined the ITU to become the Union's
193rd Member State, effective from 3 October 2011.
AMATEUR RADIO FEATURED WELL AT THE IAC2011
Amateur Radio featured in several papers presented at the 62nd International
Astronautical Congress held in Cape Town.
Several papers highlighted Amateur Radio involvement in satellites and SETI.
One paper, covered a global geographical survey of received signal's strength
in the VHF band, data collected by SumbandilaSat, S067, provides useful
information for selecting future ground station locations for minimum
interference.
The study further gives an indication of frequencies to use for command and
telemetry communication at existing ground stations.
SARL RESPONDS TO CAPE TOWN CITY RE ANTENNAS
Still in South Africa and the SARL has responded to a draft
Telecommunications Infrastructure Policy for the City of Cape Town.
During discussions the City's Environmental Agency confirmed that
amateur radio antenna masts and structures are excluded from the
Telecommunications Infrastructure Policy.
The SARL has requested that the amateur radio exclusion statement be
incorporated in the policy.
However Amateur radio towers under 15 metres are exempt from environmental
scoping as laid down in the environmental protection act.
German debut for follow-my-leader radio system
Fairfax news are reporting on a technology that permits follow-my-leader
operation of a pair of tractors, one of which would be unmanned.
Poised to debut at an upcoming show in Germany, European tractor giant Fendt
says it allows two tractors connected by satellite navigation and radio
communication to operate as one unit with the second, driverless machine
replicating the tasks being performed by the leading tractor driver.
With the radios turned OFF both tractors work independently.
Bletchley Park wins lottery funds
Bletchley Park Trust has been granted 4.6 million pounds from the
Heritage Lottery Fund towards the regeneration of Bletchley Park.
The investment will enable the restoration of iconic Codebreaking
Huts 1, 3 and 6, and create a world-class visitor centre and
exhibition in the currently derelict Block C as soon as 1.7 million
in match funding has been raised.
Not only will this development allow the conservation of buildings of
highly significant heritage value, it will considerably improve the
educational offering and visitor experience at Bletchley Park, the home of
World War 2 code breaking in the UK.
Careful of those spuds, they may explode!
A total of 144 phosphorate grenades ex world war 2 vintage were found in the
garden of James Duncan MM0HDW who came across them while digging in
preparation for a new radio transmitter.
The Caithness Courier said that the Second World War munitions were destroyed
in a controlled "burn-off" by Northern Constabulary and the Highlands and
Islands Fire and Rescue Service.
Grand-daughter of designer G4ZU gets amateur radio licence
Congratulations to newly-licensed amateur Sarah Sipple M6PSK, who obtained her
Foundation licence in October 2011.
Sarah is the grand-daughter of renowned amateur radio operator Gordon ("Dick")
Bird G4ZU.
Dick Bird, who sadly passed away in 2005, is best known in the amateur radio
community for his innovative HF antenna designs, and is credited for the design
of the Bow-and-Arrow Yagi, the Birdcage and the Minibeam. The popular
multi-band "Spider beam" Yagi (sometimes referred to as the "Skypper"), is also
based on a design by Dick Bird G4ZU.
Asked if she has any plans to create her own innovative antennas, Sarah said:
"Don't expect to see any novel antenna designs from me just yet. I'm very
pleased to be able to carry on the family tradition, and I still have a lot to
discover about the world of amateur radio".
Sarah obtained her Foundation licence with the Chelmsford Amateur Radio
Society, in Danbury (http://www.g0mwt.org.uk/). As well as being the
granddaughter of G4ZU, Sarah is also married to an amateur, Pete Sipple 2E0PSL.
As well as being active on-air in the Essex area, Sarah will be helping out
with the EssexHam.co.uk website, which aims to encourage others to take part
in the hobby.
More on the story, plus picture, at
http://www.essexham.co.uk/news/sarah-m6psk-carries-on-family-tradition.html
California ham killed in shooting spree
The ARRL report that David Caouette, N6DAC, was killed in a shooting incident
in Seal Beach, California
The ARRL say:
A gunman, apparently enraged over a custody dispute with his ex-wife, walked
into a hair salon in Seal Beach, California on October 12.
Scott Evans Dekraai allegedly opened fire in the salon, killing eight people,
including his ex-wife. David Caouette, N6DAC -- who was waiting outside the
salon in his car -- was killed in the rampage. He was 64.
Read the full ARRL story at
http://www.arrl.org/news/california-ham-killed-in-shooting-spree
========================================================================
WEIRD AND WONDERFUL
Recently our weird and wonderful story of the radio prize in Somalia of
Land Mines, grenades and AK47's as prizes drew some comment including news
of a weird n wonderful radio prize from Canada being offered by Ontario
states Hot 89.9fm
WIN A BABY!
The station is offering $33,000 worth of fertility treatment to the most
deserving listener struggling to conceive.
Their website shows a photo of the prize baby.. with the disclaimer,
"Baby may not be exactly as shown".
SPECIAL EVENTS AND ON AIR CONTEST COLUMN - D A T E L I N E 2011
Oct 22 WIA Jack Files Contest
Nov 26-27 WIA Spring VHF-UHF Field Day
2012
January VK Ross Hull Memorial VHF UHF Contest
March 17-18 VK JOHN MOYLE MEMORIAL FIELD DAY
June Long Weekend (vk4 time) VK Shires Contest.
July First full weekend NZART Memorial Contest
Hello Listeners I'm Peter Harding VK4OD the WIA RD Contest Manager with the
final report for this year's RD Contest,
Well it is no surprise that VK6 took out the winning state,( yet again ).
Statistics wise this I found a drop of 21% in the number of logs right across
the country except for VK5 who increased by 5 logs over last year.
Points wise a total drop of 16% with VK6 actually increased by 21% over 2010
contest.
This year we received a log from P29 and 3 from ZL Land.
This week on the WIA Website I have placed a file in PDF format, showing the
listings of all this year's RD Contest Logs.
The file shows all the available section that are available to enter, and who
and what points were achieved in each area.
If you have any queries please Email me:- vk4od@wia.org.au and I will do my
best to answer your question(s).
73 Peter
Antarctic Activity Week
The first teams and individuals are already lining up to be active
in the 9th Antarctic Activity Week (AAW) which will take place
February 20-26th.
This is an all bands, all modes, world-wide amateur radio event celebrating
the international scientific work in Antarctica.
Certificates may be obtained from the WAP using the QSLs from the WAP Reference
Numbered stations worked.
For more details, see:
http://www.waponline.it/Default.aspx?tabid=113
SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS, DX and BEACON AND NET ADVICE
DXCC NEWS - 2011 yearly deadline rapidly approaching
Bill Moore, NC1L, Awards Branch Manager, reports:
"This is a reminder that the deadline for the DXCC Annual List (for the 2011
DXCC Yearbook) and the Honour Roll listing (scheduled to be published in August
2012 QST) is rapidly approaching.
"In order to appear in these listings, upon qualification, you must have your
2011 submission into DXCC by December 31, 2011. As always, all mail postmarked
by December 31st will be OK for these listings."
To see the qualifications to appear in the listings, see details under (2011
Yearly Deadline Rapidly Approaching) on the ARRL's "Awards Blog" at:
http://www.arrl.org/awards-blog
Ann Renton Memorial Ladies Net this Tuesday
One of the friendliest radio nets in the north of VK4 land happens this Tuesday
evening from 7-30pm on the Townsville UHF Repeater, the Ann Renton Memorial
Ladies Net!
The net is open to young and old, YL or OM and is a golden opportunity for
anyone who needs practice on-air to go onto the net as 2nd operator.
So join in to this Tuesday evenings net and let's see if the YLs can outnumber
the OMs !
INTRUDER WATCH - ENFORCEMENT ZONE
28 MHz - a lost band?
The September edition of the International Amateur Radio Union Monitoring
System (IARUMS) newsletter asks is 28 MHz a lost band ?
The newsletter says:
28 MHz - a lost band?
We found much CB-like traffic (AM, FM, SSB) between 28 and 29.7 MHz in
September 2011. Origins: Europe, Brazil, Far East. Besides that we observed,
that the band is still crowded of numerous CIS taxi-cabs in FM.
The conditions on the upper bands are raising, so we are able to recognize and
realize the "apocalypse" on our exclusive band. Many authorities seem to be
helpless or not interested in this disaster.
The International Amateur Radio Union Monitoring System (IARUMS) Region 1
September 2011 newsletter can be read at
http://www.iarums-r1.org/iarums/news2011/news1109.pdf
MEDIA WATCH
www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WorldRadio.html
VK Club Bulletins http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aarnie/
A look inside Amateur Radio magazine for This November.
A full run down of the IARU Region 3 ARDF Championships by Jack Bramham VK3WWW,
who was the organiser with lots of competitors and helpers.
The amateur radio community has a golden opportunity available with the
New South Wales Department of Planning looking to make radio mast laws more
flexible.
In the column, VHF/UHF an expanding world, we are reminded of the spring field
days on November the 26th and 27th, the first WIA DXCC on 2-metres digital and
lots more.
Remembrance Day Contest Award winners are VK6 as Peter Harding VK4OD revealed
the full results. The 31st ALARA Contest results are there too.
The VK3 Notes has a montage of things past as the Amateur Radio Victoria
centenary rolls on.
We will have more next week. All part of a WIA membership service and Amateur
Radio magazine is also at selected newsagents.
I'm Barry Robinson VK3PV and you're listening to VK1WIA.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
AMSAT-VK UNOFFICIAL HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
CW SRM Nanosat decoding software
The CubeSat Project Team in the University of Khartoum have made available
software to decode the telemetry beacon of the new Amateur Radio satellite
built by the SRM University.
The Telemetry Decoding Software was developed by University students for
studying the University of Khartoum Cube satellite (KN-SAT1) telemetry data.
It has now been modified to handle SRMVU data
Download the software at
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7PWS7GEA
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO SCOUTING
http://www.scouts.com.au
http://www.scout.org/jota
http://www.international.scouts.com.au
JOTA - Melbourne Electronics & Radio Club
A video shows the VK3CRG 'Portable HF' setup used by the Melbourne Electronics
& Radio Club for JOTA 2011.
The club used a Buddipole Deluxe and a Kenwood TS590 to show the JOTA
participants what portable HF Amateur Radio is all about. A great day was had
by all attendees who were also treated to Fox Hunting and Morse Code
Battleships.
Watch JOTA 'Jamboree on the air' 2011 Melbourne Electronics & Radio Club
Melbourne Electronics & Radio Club
http://vk3fsk.org.au/
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
Latest from flood hit Thailand
The death toll from the most devastating flooding to hit Thailand in over
60 years following heavy rains since late July has now risen to almost 300.
Nearly three million people are said to have been affected by the floods
and the disaster has caused serious damage to the country`s agriculture.
Industries are in suspension such as motor vehicle firms Toyota, Sony and
Honda along with Western Digital and many other factories to the north of
Bangkok.
Damage so far has been assessed at more than 20 billion baht and 26 out of
the country's 77 provinces are affected.
Bangkok is bracing for a large amount of run-off water that will coincide
seasonal high tides making it harder for the flood waters to flow out to
sea.
Amateur radio has been assisting with flood relief communications, helping
victims in the affected areas.
In use by hams is the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) club station
callsign HS0AC and a special flood relief centre with the callsign HS0AB
has been established at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport.
Please be advised that Thai radio amateurs are standing by on 144.900 MHz,
145.000 MHz and 144.9375 MHz (VHF) as well as on frequencies of 7.063 and
7.060 MHz in the 40-metre HF band.
RAST is actively assisting in flood relief operations and the society is
accepting donations by bank transfer to its Savings Account at the Krung
Thai Bank (KTB), Pradipat Branch, Account Number 034-1-86101-4.
There is a video showing activities at the special flood relief amateur
radio station at Don Mueang Airport (in Thai):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m84ZW1xH8s
RAST is also posting information about developments to its web site at
www.qsl.net/rast
RAST would like to thank the IARU in advance for notifying member societies
of this disaster and of the emergency frequencies being used to help flood
victims in Thailand at this time.
Owing to the volume of water and continuing rainfall, this emergency is likely
to continue for many more days and we will notify the IARU Region 3 once
things return to normal.
Sincere 73,
Tony Waltham, HS0ZDX
The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) under the Patronage of His Majesty
the King.
(Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman, IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee,
via Ken Yamamoto JA1CJP, Secretary, IARU Region 3.)
SOCIAL SCENE
2011
Oct 23 VK3 Hamvention Ballarat This Sunday.
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
FEB 12 VK3 CentreVictoria Hamfest, Kyneton Racecourse
FEB 26 VK2 CCARC WYONG FIELD DAY
MAY 3-18 VK5 YL International 2012 Australia (vk5tmc@bigpond.com)
JULY 14 VK4 Wide Bay Hamfest. West Maryborough Scout Hall
Nov 12 VK3 SPARC HAMFEST (ROSEBUD BY THE BAY)
Submitting news items
If you would like to submit news items for inclusion in the
VK1WIA broadcasts, please email your item in text to nationalnews@wia.org.au
to submit audio read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on
wia.org.au
Remember the sooner you submit material the more the likelihood of it being
broadcast in the very next edition of WIA National News.
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WIANews - we've reported...YOU decide.
TWITTER http://twitter.com/VK1WIA
Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to
the actual broadcast date, e-mail nationalnews@wia.org.au
Call-backs follow the RF editions, but also for text readers you may
lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who knows, you might
even get a "cheerio call".
Thanks to our dedicated band of broadcast volunteers who utilize
their time and equipment in bringing you this weekly broadcast.
The purpose of "WIANews" is to rapidly provide news of interest to
active amateurs residing in Australia and the globe.
We strongly encourage membership in the Wireless Institute of Australia
and participation in the activities of local clubs.
Opinions expressed in "WIANews" are those of the writers who submit
material and do not necessarily reflect those of the rebroadcasters,
nor the National WIA, but are broadcast in the spirit in which they were
submitted.
Material may be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form, a credit to
WIANews wouldn't go astray...
Compiled by VK4BB on behalf of the National WIA.
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