WIANEWS - NOVEMBER 17 - VK NATIONAL NEWS
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WIANEWS WEEK COMMENCING NOV 17 2013.
WIA BOARD TALK
President Phil Wait VK2ASD vk2asd@wia.org.au
Vice President Chris Platt VK5CP vk5cp@wia.org.au
Secretary David Williams VK3RU vk3ru@wia.org.au
Treasurer John Longayroux VK3PZ vk3pz@wia.org.au
In support of the actions of Philippine Amateur Radio Association, the Wireless
Institute of Australia was sent a letter.
It reads (studio or audio from Phil)
The disaster caused by Typhoon Haiyan is something that no-one can start
to imagine.
The vast emergency communications and other tasks provided by the Ham Emergency
Radio Operator (HERO) network through affiliated clubs of the Philippines
Amateur Radio Association (PARA) is commended.
So many individuals devoted to the long hours of what is obviously hard work
for volunteers, deserves the highest of respect and praise, from all.
Closely following events through numerous reports is the Amateur Radio community
around the world, shocked by the typhoon aftermath but having some solace
among the mayhem that Amateur Radio emergency communications is heavily involved.
On behalf of Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) Board of Directors and
members, our heartfelt thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Yours sincerely
Phil Wait
The future of Amateur Radio - a possible way forward
A recent Wireless Institute of Australia email survey of radio clubs on the
promotion of Amateur Radio found it faces some serious barriers, but there
were a few worthwhile responses to consider.
Clubs who did not reply may rely on their existing membership base for activity
and meetings. By their lack of response, it seems external promotion of Amateur
Radio is not a high priority for some of them.
The survey found the activity of promotion can be in the hands of new radio
amateurs and their enthusiasm really shines through.
The themes expressed are that; Amateur Radio is fascinating; should be targeted
for younger people; promoted through schools as part of the existing curriculum;
Scouting and JOTA deserves more emphasis; and that emerging do-it-yourself
opportunities exist.
Other responses suggest the use of notice-boards, speakers, websites and
social media, including a prepared presentation to complement the existing
WIA brochure and poster.
The WIA is thinking about how best it can further promote Amateur Radio within
its resources, by helping the membership and affiliated clubs.
Among the initial thoughts is to have radio amateurs recruit a new person
or re-activate one each year. How to overcome the general community lack
of awareness of Amateur Radio is being considered, along with the need to
have everyone thinking about promotion.
The WIA is steadily working towards the PR4AmateurRadio Expo in April. Details
of this exciting Expo can be seen via the What's On section of the WIA website.
(PR4AmateurRadio)
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK3
Homebrew Construction Group
After one year the popularity of the Homebrew Construction Group continues
to grow. On display at Amateur Radio Victoria were many projects either completed
or
well advanced serving to motivate the newcomer and seasoned member alike.
The final meeting for the year will take place on Saturday, December the
7th at 2pm. The venue is he Amateur Radio Victoria rooms at 40g Victory Boulevard,
Ashburton. All are welcome.
The groups latest e-newsletter will be sent soon. Inquiries and comments
can be sent to homebrew@amateurradio.com.au
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
DISCUSSION POINT
What use is an F-call?
As a direct result of being involved in Amateur Radio, I find myself spending
more time at my workbench figuring out things, repairing equipment and
investigating new solutions. My workbench oscillates between clean enough to
eat from, to a place where a cyclone went through in the past hour and all the
stages in between.
I realised that there are some contributing factors to this. Amateur Radio, a
lot like LEGO, requires lots of little parts, the obligatory bolts and nuts,
washers and the like, connectors and adapters, fuses and wire. Then there are
a growing number of resistors, capacitors and other odds and ends.
The projects waiting to be done and the failed ones.
I started hunting for storage for all these little bits. I investigated little
electronics drawers, but found them prohibitively expensive if you wanted to
obtain enough to make a difference. If they were cheap, they were very thin
and if they were nice and robust, they came in at a couple of bucks per
drawer, which adds up to real money pretty rapidly.
I experimented with toolboxes and all manner of different storage bins and
then came across a fishing tackle box. Not the toolbox type, just a simple
flat semi-transparent box with lots of little compartments. The one I found
has about 24 little sections, and the walls are removable, so you can fit a
large lure, uh, bolt in them.
In my travels through various different clubs and shacks, I've seen a myriad
of other solutions too.
What do you use to store your precious?
I'm Onno VK6FLAB
(ep 20130113.f-call.txt nov 17)
SILENT KEY
It is with great sadness we report the passing of Terry Ryland VK2UX, last Sunday,
10 November 2013.
Terry had been active in Amateur Radio for most of his life. He built his first
crystal radio at the age of 12 then soon progressed to a two-valve shortwave receiver.
He was inspired by his father, who listened to US baseball games on shortwave.
Then in 1954, after listening to a pair chatting on air, he gained the courage to ride
his bicycle to a radio amateur nearby and they formed a long friendship. In 1974,
after joining a class of prospective radio amateurs under Rex Black VK2YA, Terry
gained the callsign of VK2ZMR.
Soon after obtaining his licence, Terry joined the Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club.
He was always very active within the club, and was made a life member in 1992.
Terry also had long involvement with the New South Wales division of the WIA, now
Amateur Radio NSW, where he most recently held the office of President and Education
Officer. At the AGM in April this year, he was made a Life Member, in recognition of
his many years' service to Amateur Radio.
As well as his long interest in building antennas and radio equipment, Terry had a
passion for education and encouraging newcomers to the hobby. Much of his time was
devoted to conducting classes and examinations, as well as mentoring other amateurs.
A service was held on Friday at Leura in the Blue Mountains. Terry will be sorely
missed by clubs and organisations, the many radio amateurs he helped, and all who
knew him.
Vale Terry Ryland, VK2UX.
more on line
http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2013/20131111-1/index.php
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to IARU, RSGB, SARL, Southgate AR Club, ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
FCC EXAMINATIONS HELD IN PRETORIA
The US Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, issues amateur radio
licences to anyone with a US mailing address.
No residence or citizenship is required.
For South Africans, an FCC licence is useful in that it enables you to
operate from countries with which the US has a reciprocal agreement, but
South Africa does not.
Examinations for FCC licences are conducted by Volunteer Examiners.
Three volunteer examiners from the C 82 DX DXpedition recently assisted locals
with a testing session near Pretoria. Six South Africans qualified for
American licences. Once their paperwork is complete, they will also become
examiners, establishing a permanent testing team in Gauteng.
ZS6BK, ZS6FDX and ZS6PJH qualified for General class licences, while ZS6LMG,
ZS6MDH and ZS6SF qualified for Extra class.
More details can be found via a link on ZS6EZ's QRZ.com profile.
Final spectrum plan for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games
Ofcom has published the final update to its plan for managing the airwaves
during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games
The final spectrum plan sets out how Ofcom will make spectrum available for
applications such as wireless microphones and cameras and the wireless
communications equipment used by team members, sports officials, organisers
and support staff.
The plan outlines how Ofcom will license the use of spectrum and minimise
the risk of interference, to meet the UK and Scottish Governments'
guarantees on allocating spectrum for the organisation of the 2014 Games
between 23 July and 3 August 2014.
In cooperation with the UKSSC Ofcom will seek to ensure that no
GPS Jamming Trials are carried out during the period of the Games that
could affect the availability of radionavigation satellite services
(e.g. Global Positioning Service).
NEW TINY PACEMAKER DEVELOPED THAT REQUIRES NO WIRING
A miniaturized wireless pacemaker that can be inserted into the body without
invasive surgery has been given approval for use in the European Union.
Amateur Radio Newsline's Heather Embee, KB3TZD, says it was developed in the
United States by the company Nanostim, and that the tiny device is less than
10% of the size of a conventional pacemaker, uses a built-in battery and is
designed to be implanted intravenously directly in the heart.
Currently more than four million people around the world have some sort of
cardiac rhythm device with an additional 700,000 people getting one each year.
More on this story is on the web at tinyurl.com/wireless-pacemaker.
(BBC via arnewsline)
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Amateur Radio Newsline
INTERFERENCE TO THE AMATEUR-SATELLITE SERVICE IN THAILAND
E22ICQ has posted a video on YouTube that shows
the problem of interference to the Amateur
Satellite Service allocations taking place in
Thailand. Terrestrial users are making signals
from the ham radio satellites into tiny
heterodynes or signals that are totally inaudible. Take a listen:
--
Actual terrestrial signals interfering with weak satellite signals.
--
The video shows that terrestrial usage of
frequencies reserved for the Amateur Satellite
communications such as 145.800 to 146.000 MHz can
result in the satellite transmissions being
totally blocked and rendered useless. You can
see and hear the E-22-I-C-Q recording and
spectrum display photos of the interference at
tinyurl.com/sat-qrm-in-thailand
OPERATIONAL NEWS - DATELINE 2013
WIA Spring VHF-UHF Field Day weekend of November 23/24.
2014
WIA Summer VHF-UHF Field Day 11/12 January
WIA John Moyle Field Day weekend March 15-16
WIA VK Harry Angel Memorial Sprint May 3
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 2 - 3
WIA REMEMBRANCE DAY (THE RD) CONTEST Aug 16 - 17
Manly-Warringah Radio Society's Flagpole contest September.
2015
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 1 - 2
2016
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 6 - 7
2017
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 5 - 6
2018
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 4 - 5
SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS, DX, BEACON REPEATER AND NET ADVICE
IK7JWX has informed the Ohio Penn DX Newsletter that his DXpedition to the
Island of Zanzibar scheduled for April of 2014 is has been cancelled.
The reasons given are technical and logistical constraints.
(arnewsline)
ZS 60 meter beacon
South Africa's Kempton Park Amateur Radio Technical Society (KARTS) currently
has an operational 60 meter Beacon transmitting on 5.250 MHz at 5min
intervals with PSK31 as the preferred mode
Please visit the SARL Forum and the KARTS website at www.zs6kts.co.za for
more detailed information Should you hear this beacon please send a signal
report to beacon@zs6kts.co.za
Your assistance in capturing 5MHz propagation data is much appreciated.
(sourced to southgate)
YEMEN AND AFGHANISTAN OPERATIONS APPROVED FOR DXCC CREDIT
ARRL say that several operations have been approved for DXCC credit.
These are Yemen 2013 using the call 7 OH 2 A and the
2012 and 2013 operations from Afghanistan as T 6 MH.
Also approved has been the current T 6 SM Afghanistan operation that began
August 14, 2012.
Sri Lanka airs special callsign
Members of Radio Society of Sri Lanka are active using the special
callsign 4 S 0 CGM between now and November 30th.
Activity is commemorating the "23rd Commonwealth Heads of Government
Meeting" (CHOGM 2013) in Colombo.
Activity will be on the HF bands.
QSL via Bureau
or direct to: RSSL, P.O. Box 907, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
BROADCAST MONITORING SWL AND SCANNER NEWS
websdr.org
Digital broadcast radio growing
Commercial Radio Australia paints a rosy picture for digital radio or DAB+
in Australia with stations attracting weekly 1.6 million people or 12.7 per
cent of radio listeners in the five state capitals.
The new Nielsen ratings found that since the 2009 digital radio launch more
than 1.4 million units have been sold. There are also low power digital trials
in Canberra and Darwin.
Digital radio provides a high quality sound, new stations, and added features
including some receiver models having text information.
Truck and bus maker Fuso now includes a digital radio, joining Audi, BMW,
Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes, Toyota and trucks by Hino and
Isuzu.
There are no Australian plans to switch off existing AM and FM radio stations.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FEMALES IN RADIO
ALARA - AUSTRALIAN LADIES AR ASSOCIATION
http://alara.org.au
Net is held each Mondays on 3.570 MHz, commencing at 1030 UTC.
(1000utc during daylight saving)
geencee@picknowl.com.au
A few weeks ago that I reported that six ladies had obtained their foundation
calls in an ALARA sponsored course.
Well I am here to tell you that already all of the ladies are active and on
the air.
One in particular I think is worthy of a mention, Donna VK3FRET contacted
T33A on her very first call on HF. Conditions on 15 meters were good and
after a few flutters in the tummy Donna made the call and was rewarded by a
5/9 report which has now been confirmed on the online log of T33A .
So a great start in Amateur Radio for Donna, Listen out for her around the
bands.
(Jean Fisher)
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
Saturday November 23rd 2013
AGM & Coordinators and Commanders Meeting
1st Mont Albert Scout Hall, 34 Alexander St, Box Hill
Contact: Gordon Cornell VK3FGC phone: 03 5339 2427
Email: wcornell@bigpond.net.au
Hams help out after Philippines hit by typhoon
For more than a week the aftermath of monster Typhoon Haiyan, rated at Category
5, has seen many lives lost, people injured, widespread damage, despair and
desperation.
Among the chaos there seems no-one yet who has overall authority. The death
toll has been put at 2,000 or so officially, even though estimates have been
much higher.
Priority is being given to the immediate essentials of power, communications,
shelter and food. Followed by clean water, sanitation and disease control.
Ramon Anquilan DU1UGZ, of the Philippines Amateur Radio Association (PARA),
says in preparation for the disaster its Ham Emergency Radio Operator or
HERO network was activated early.
He reports that HERO stations using HF and VHF have been relaying vital messages
helping rescue and relief authorities, and their communities.
Ramon DU1UGZ said that in every major area hit by the typhoon, and elsewhere
in the archipelago, the HERO network was in action.
Tacloban, Eastern Samar, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental islands, Siquijor,
Palo, Bantayan, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Panay, Roxas, and many more places
- including signals into the capital of Manila.
The International Amateur Radio Union Regional 3 Chairman of the Disaster
Communications Committee, Jim Linton VK3PC said these individuals should
be commended for their efforts.
"They have transceivers that are mostly basic, and as yet don't seem to have
the deserved recognition from the authorities and the non-government aid
organisations who used them," he said
This not the first time HERO stations have been involved. Over the years
there's been many disasters in the Philippines, including earthquakes, floods
and mudslides, but none on the scale of the current Typhoon Haiyan.
The disaster was in fact preceded and followed by earthquakes - adding to
the rescue and recovery.
Jim VK3PC said, "It will take a very long time to recover from this disaster.
We can only hope that authorities and NGOs never forget the Philippines Amateur
Radio Association and the HERO network.
"They need help with equipment, training and other resources so they can
continue to provide an emergency communications resource into the future."
A saving grace in the disaster is that it missed more populated areas like
Manila, was fast-moving and authorities were able to evacuate some low lying areas.
The Philippines President Benigno Aquino inspected Tacloban City where almost
all buildings were destroyed. He was lost for words to adequately describe
the enormity of disaster that affected 36 provinces, millions of people and
declared a State of Calamity.
SOCIAL SCENE
NOV 15-17 VK3 Victorian National Parks Weekend
Nov 24 VK3 Southern Peninsula Amateur Radio Club Rosebud RadioFest
Hello,
This is John VK3BJR President of the Southern Peninsula Amateur Radio Club with a
reminder that the Rosebud RadioFest , will be held next Sunday, 24th November at the
Eastbourne Primary School at Allambi Avenue, Rosebud, on the beautiful Mornington
Peninsula.
Catering for the event is being handled by the school and good food will be available
throughout the day commencing at 7.30 am.
Outdoor activities will be open from 8.30 am and the main hall with new and used sales
will be open to the public at 10.00 am with an entry fee of $6.
In addition to these activities, an interesting range of forums will also be presented.
Topics being covered are "Recent ACMA activities" with Bruce Williams, Understanding
VSWR and calibration of your SWR meter with Peter Cossins VK3BFG. Bring along your
meters for calibration. An explanation and display by ICOM of the IC 7100. Doug
McArthur VK3UM will present on the important topic of EMR, explaining his documentation
for how you can calculate your level of EMR and Michael Coleman VK3KH will present on
"Moonbounce for beginners."
This event next Sunday presents an ideal opportunity to make a family day of it, so
bring your family and enjoy the RadioFest and the beaches, parks, wineries, shops and
restaurants of the Mornington Peninsula.
See you in Rosebud. This is John VK3BJR.
2014
Jan 24-27 VK4 TARC Australia Day Long Weekend Family Radio Camp
at Girl Guides Campsite Bluewater. (vk4zz@wia.org.au)
Feb 23 VK2 Wyong Field Day and it is on come rain hail or shine.
It's still over 3 months to the Wyong Field Day but already preparations are in high
gear!
We want to make sure that we cram in as much as we can into the largest event of it's
kind in Australia.
A week after publishing the seminar program, we have had two other requests that we
couldn't refuse.
The VHF-UHF Weak Signal Group will have their annual meeting at Wyong from 12 noon to
12.45 and we are very lucky to have got the Summits on The Air association manager for
VK2, Andrew VK2UH, to present on what is the most talked about part of our hobby over
the last six months - Summits on the Air or SOTA for short. If you haven't heard about
it or read about it, you must have been out of the country! Here's the chance to ask
those questions about the rules that you are not clear about and to talk with those who
have been "living" SOTA both from mountain tops and from the home shack over many
months. This talk starts at 9:15am.
As well as presentations in the Seminar Room you also have the opportunity to learn
more about different facets of our hobby on a one-to-one basis at the exhibitors stands
around the grounds.
So far we have as confirmed exhibitors;
The Kurrajong Radio Museum,
The Westlakes Amateur Radio Club with the WIA QSL Bureau,
The Historical Radio Society of Australia,
The Australian Radio DX Club Incorporated,
Summits on The Air
and
Tube Radio who will be putting on a special exhibit celebrating 100 years of the AWA.
Whether it's seeking that bargain from the flea market, grabbing that discounted new
equipment from the traders stands, educating yourself at the seminars and exhibitors
stalls or even taking that licence upgrade assessment. The place to be on February
twenty three is undoubtably - The CCARC Field Day at Wyong!
73 'til next week, this is Ed VK2JI, Publicity Officer of the Central Coast Amateur
Radio Club.
Apr 13-15 VK PR4AmateurRadio Expo.
Apr 18 WW Amateur Radio Day: Your Gateway to Wireless Communications.
Apr 25 vk3 ANZAC Day event Ballarat Showgrounds johnkarr@bigpond.net.au
May 2- 4 VK4 Clairview Gathering Clive VK4ACC 0429 632 815
Sunday Nov 2nd 2014 NOV 2 VK5 HamFest Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society
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WIA NEWS BROADCAST FEEDBACK
===============================
The following person has provided feedback for inclusing on next weeks
WIA news broadcast
Name : Andre
Callsign : ZS1F
Email Address : zs1f@outlook.com
Feedback : Good Day from Cape Town South Africa
Just want to inform you that I do a re-broadcast of WIANEWS
every fortnight at 17:30 UTC on our local 145.700 repeater.
Thanks for a very informative news bulletin all of us really
enjoy it.
73 Andre ZS1F
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The purpose of "WIANews" is to rapidly provide news of interest to
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WIANews wouldn't go astray...
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