WIANEWS - APRIL 27 - VK NATIONAL NEWS
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THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
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THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE
OF AUSTRALIA IS FOR WEEK COMMENCING APRIL 2t 2014.
YOUR SO 'VEIN'
Scanning veins in the human hand could become the biometric measure of choice
for authentication when we pay for things or want to unlock devices such as
smartphones, an Australian professor says.
Thanks to the iPhone 5s and Galaxy S5 smartphones, fingerprint scanners are
going mainstream quickly. But how will they fare against vein scanning?
According to computer science Professor Willy Susilo of the University of
Wollongong, fingerprint scanners are a "gimmick" and iris and vein scanners
are likely to trump them.
One of the main benefits of vein and iris scanning is that you don't tend to
leave behind iris or vein prints, he said.
As most vein scanner sensors coming out this year require no physical contact,
it means there are no residual biometric patterns that could be copied,
preventing fraudulent use.
www.smh.com.au/digital-life/consumer-security/veinscanning-technology-may-trump-fingerprint-scanning-for-payments-20140416-zqvj7.html#ixzz2z6T2uUt9
Free WiFi for Victorian country trains
Passengers on some trains to Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour and Traralgon
will enjoy free WiFi by late 2015.
WiFi is also planned for the central business districts of Melbourne, Bendigo
and Ballarat - which will dovetail into the country train network.
Many cities, eateries, shop, libraries, other public places and accommodation
around the world are progressively adopting free public access WiFi.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
ABC's Australia Network has struck a deal for what it says will provide
unprecedented opportunities for Australian content in China.
The agreement with the Shanghai Media Group is expected to be signed in
Shanghai on May 4.
Under the deal, ABC International will establish an online portal in China
through which a range of ABC and other Australian media content and services
will be available to partner Chinese media organisations.
The ABC says the deal gives Australia Network the most extensive access to
Chinese audiences by any Western broadcaster.
ABC Managing Director Mark Scott says the agreement opens new opportunities
for media cooperation between the two countries.
(ABC Pressor)
Hard to swallow
40% of 11 to 16 year olds has suffered some kind of back or neck pain,
chiropractors in the UK have found.
The use of laptops and tablets is behind a major rise in neck and back pain
sufferers amongst young people, a new report has said.
Research from the British Chiropractic Association found that being slumped
in front electronic devices could be contributing to a rise in muscle and
joint problems, especially in teenagers.
People working on such devices often sat in a 'hunched' position, leading to
strain being put on their backs, the BCA said.
In order to ameliorate this, the association has released a number of tips
for parents, including encouraging their children to be more active and
only to sit for short periods, and teaching them how to sit properly.
(full story on cbronline.com)
REACH FOR THE SKY.
AUSTRALIAN ASTRONOMERS have a new stargazing gadget they hope will lead to
breakthroughs in their exploration of the Milky Way.
The federal government hopes it will help Australia remain a world leader in
astronomy, Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said as he launched the
$13 million instrument called HERMES at Siding Spring Observatory.
It can capture and analyse light from up to 400 stars at the same time,
helping astronomers map the age and movements of stars and explain the
formation of our local galaxy, the Milky Way.
It is providing information about the motion and chemical composition of the
stars in the Milky Way, through a multinational project involving
17 institutions in eight countries.
It's known as the Galactic Archaeology with HERMES, or GALAH, survey.
Macfarlane says participation in world-class research like this, and the
international collaboration on the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope,
has enormous potential to build skills across many fields of technology.
(THE AUSTRALIAN)
OH OH OH
Telecommunications company TPG has been fined $400,000 for failing to provide
customers with the ability to call triple-zero in an emergency.
The Federal Court found TPG contravened the telecommunication laws by failing
to ensure its controlled network and facilities gave thousands of home
telephone service users access to emergency call services.
The court found on 193 occasions between March 15, 2011 and September 21, 2011,
TPG failed to give end users access to the emergency call services.
It also failed to ensure its networks gave end users 5979 standard telephone
calls to emergency services
This is the first time that the ACMA has instituted proceedings against a
telecommunications provider for contraventions of the Determination. This
decision is a reminder for all providers that the obligation to give Triple
Zero access is of paramount importance,' said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman.
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
Moorabbin & District Radio Club Hamfest 2014
The Moorabbin and District Amateur Radio club are pleased to announce the
2014 Hamfest will be on Saturday 10th May with doors opening at 10am.
This year's event will be at the Southern Community Centre, Rupert Drive,
Mulgrave (Melways map ref 80 F4).
The Moorabbin Radio Club's annual Hamfest is proud to be Victoria's biggest
with displays and sales of new and preloved equipment. A must come must see
event for anyone interested in Radio Communications and Electronics.
Major door prizes, free tea and coffee, light refreshments and a sausage
sizzle will also be on offer.
Trader table bookings and general enquires can be made by emailing
Graeme Lewis VK3GL (vk3gl@bigpond.com) or by phoning mobile 0418 171601.
A Must see, must come event!!
VK6
The HARG swap meet is on again Saturday the 10th of May with doors open to
sellers at 1pm, entry fee is $5 at 5 Sanderson rd Lesmurdie
Email Address : vk6zms@iinet.net.au
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
www.hamcollege.com.au
www.enjoyhamradio.com
HAM RADIO IN INDIA SCHOOL TEXT BOOK
Amateur radio is featured in the 9th grade school book "Our
World Through English" published by the Government of Andhra
Pradesh, India. A four-page section concentrates on the
Disaster and Emergency Communications capabilities of
amateur radio. For those interested the book it is
available via the web at tinyurl.com/india-ham-schoolbook
for 35 Rupees which is about 70 cents in VK 'proper money.'
(Southgate)
DISCUSSION POINT
What use is an F-call?
An F-call is an amateur license that you can obtain over a weekend with a
little study. It's not particularly complicated and it will give you some
knowledge and skills to get started in the hobby of amateur radio.
It's the first of three license types, being foundation, standard and
advanced, each with their own skill-set and requirements. In return, each
license gives you access to more privileges with different requirements,
restrictions and obligations.
This is the way of Amateur Radio licensing in Australia, but it's not the
only way to get on air. You're likely familiar with CB, or Citizens Band,
in the Amateur community it can be referred to as the chicken band.
Epitaphs not withstanding, having exposure to radio is another way to get
into the hobby. Alternatively, you could purchase a commercial radio with
a membership to one or more HF clubs, each with their own frequencies, nets,
customs and communities.
On the face of it, costs differ widely. Getting a little closer, they are
six of one and half-a-dozen of another. You'll have to pay for a radio - new
or second-hand, that or borrow one from a friend. For CB, that's really the
only requirement.
HF Clubs add their own requirements, as they are likely to have paid for
their frequencies and need members to recoup their cost.
Amateur Radio requires that you have an Amateur License, but you can operate
an Amateur Radio legally if you're supervised directly by an appropriately
licensed Amateur.
These three broad groups, CB, HF Clubs and Amateur, all share technologies,
skills and communities, so getting introduced to one community automatically
introduces you to the others in more or lesser degree.
There's no excuse not the get on air.
I'm Onno VK6FLAB
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to IARU, RSGB, SARL, Southgate AR Club, ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
CITATION ISSUED FOR OPERATION ON NON ASSIGNED FREQUENCY
The FCC has issued an official citation to CAM Electronics
Distributing, Inc. for programming into a transmitter
frequencies for which the operator of the device was not
authorized.
Agents from the Enforcement Bureau's New York Office conducted
an investigation and observed Private Land Mobile Station WPZV506
transmitting on 455.500 MHz from the 30th Street Men's Shelter
in Manhattan.
In a subsequent telephone conversation and in an e-mail a CAM
representative is said to have acknowledged that the company had
programmed the radio transmitting equipment that FJC Security Corporation
was using.
The Commission may impose monetary forfeitures, and in addition,
further violations can result in criminal sanctions, including imprisonment.
SANGEAN TURNS 40
And a very Happy Birthday to the Sangean Company which is
marking the company's 40th year of operation. The Los
Angeles based Sangean USA is best known to hams and SWL's
for its shortwave and long-wave receiver designs including
the iconic ATS-803A. A private label version of the ATS-
803A was sold by Radio Shack as the Realistic DX-440 with
both still in demand on the used gear market.
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ARNEWSLINE
CELLPHONE JAMMER BRINGS TEXAS FIRM $29,250 NAL
Houston, Texas-based R&M Manufacturing has been issued a
$29,250 Notice of Apparent Liability for its alleged use of
a cellular telephone phone jamming device. This, to keep
employees at its plant from placing wireless calls at work.
The FCC's Houston office first learned of the interference
in a complaint from AT&T alleging that a signal was interfering
with its licensed cellular communications. Using direction
finding the agents assigned to the case located the source
of the strong wideband signals in the cellular and
P-C-S bands were coming from R&M's manufacturing facility.
In its decision to issue the $29,250 proposed fine the FCC
noted that R&M admitted that it operated a jamming device
for about 10 days, starting on or around March 23, 2013,
with the intended effect of blocking and otherwise
interfering with FCC authorized radio communications. The
FCC says that the operation of the jamming device could have
had disastrous consequences by precluding the use of
cellular phones to reach life saving 9-1-1 services provided
by police, ambulance, and fire departments. It could also
have disrupted critical communications of first responders
who might have visited R&M's facility or nearby locations in
a life and death situation.
As is customary in these cases, R&M was given the customary
30 days to pay the fine or to file an appeal.
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OPERATIONAL NEWS - DATELINE 2014
WIA VK Harry Angel Memorial Sprint May 3
SGARS 80 METRE TROPHY CONTEST July 26
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.
Amateur Radios International Air-ambulance Week, 9 days from Sep 28.
SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS, DX, BEACON REPEATER AND NET ADVICE
And while it did not last as long as its planners had hoped
but the good news is that the recently concluded VK9MT
operation from Mellish Reef has been approved for DXCC
credit. Once the confirmation is in your hands you can
request credit for having made contact with VK9MT.
Heritage Day 2014 - Without any borders
Being one of the most important heritage events in Flanders and Brussels,
the 2014 Heritage Day is being held today, April 27th.
This year's motto is 'without any borders'.
With the slogan 'A World of Dits and Dahs' the Belgian IARU Society UBA
takes part in this event emphasizing Morse code as cultural heritage.
Now until May 14th, ten special event stations are active from various
locations: OS10M, OS11M, OS12M, OS13M, OS14M, OS15M, OS16M, OS17M, OS18M
and OS19M.
QSL cards will automatically be sent out via the QSL Bureau.
An online log is available at http://livelog.on4aol.be
IW 5 ELA will is active stroke TK from Corsica till May 1st.
This operation will be on 40, 20, 15, 12 and possibly 6 meters.
Mode mainly CW.
QSL via IW5ELA
We couldn't tell you about this Special Event Station last week because
"IT WAS A SECRET."
BUT a Secret Nuclear Bunker WAS on the air
The Essex Secret Nuclear Bunker amateur radio station GB 0 SNB was on the air
last weekend located in an RGHQ 5.1 Cold War Nuclear Bunker at Kelvedon Hatch,
SatNav postcode CM15 0LA.
The Bunker is located in the Borough of Brentwood, 32 km north-east of
London and is a large underground bunker operated by the UK government
from 1952 until 1993. It is hidden behind a small bungalow, tucked into some
farm land along a small lane, which houses the main entrance to the bunker.
GB0SNB - Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
http://www.gb0snb.com/
Secret Nuclear Bunker
http://www.secretnuclearbunker.com/
AWARDS
Keith Roget Memorial Award - enhanced
This Award run by Amateur Radio Victoria which began in the early 1970s
encourages portable operation in Victoria's 45 National Parks.
It was renamed in the 1980s after Keith Roget who began the Award and did
so much for the WIA. With smaller transceivers now available and targeted
publicity by an enthusiastic Awards Manager, Tony Hambling VK3VTH, more people
are venturing into the parks.
Considerable thought has been given to enhance the Award to more appropriately
recognise the few higher achievers who do a lot to promote portable operation.
At the same time, take this long-running Award into a new era. The rules
now include Merit Plaques. These recognise those who have 'Activated all
National Parks' or 'Worked all National Parks'.
A 'Grand Slam' plaque is also available for working from, and to, all National
Parks.
To check out the full rules visit the Award section on the Amateur Radio
Victoria website.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
GREECE IS THE WORD
J 43 VHF will be used by the Greek AELOUS balloon flight slated for May 11th.
As of now, the balloon will be carrying a payload of an APRS transmitter
along with QRP gear for 2 and 10 meter CW.
According to M 0 LPT, the high altitude balloon will be released from the
area of Megalopolis. It's primary goal is to reach an altitude over 98 000
feet to gather propagation data from any station being able to copy its
beacons.
The balloon will be trackable on-line at aprs.fi.
Reception reports can be filed on-line at j43vhf.wordpress.com
(J43VHF team)
JUNO SPACECRAFT QSL'S ON THEIR WAY
QSL cards have been sent out to those radio amateurs who
participated in the Juno Earth flyby experiment on October
9th of 2013. During the experiment, hams worldwide were
requested to send the word HI in very slow Morse at about
1/25th of a word per minute toward the Juno Spacecraft
during its Earth flyby. The Juno team confirmed that more
than 1400 radio amateurs participated, representing all
seven continents.
(NASA, Southgate via ARNewsLine)
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
MARYLAND CITY GETS TO RADIO STATIONS FOR SERIOUS SITUATION ALERTS
Ocean City, Maryland officials have announced that the resort town
will be getting into the radio business. This by acquiring two FM stations
through a FEMA sponsored hazard mitigation grant.
The FM stations that Ocean City has just acquired will be primarily used
as a way to get out critical emergency information in the event of
massive storms like Hurricanes Sandy and Irene that rocked the resort in
consecutive years.
REWIND a look back at history
Marconi was a hacker victim
As we mark the birth of an Italian inventor on International Marconi Day,
April the 26th, it's worth while revisiting a story we brought you ;ast year.
It's that story of one of his early exploits being hacked which caused him
much embarrassment.
A new book, Pranksters: Making Mischief in the Modern World, by Kembrew McLeod
published by New York University Press, reminds us of that occasion involving
Guglielmo Marconi.
The book reports that in 1903 a troublemaker took over a demonstration of
wireless telegraphy. Marconi was trying to sell his patented radio system
to send secure and private messages. All were ready for the display in London.
Then just before a device received a demonstration transmission, the wireless
telegraph came alive announcing the words "Rats Rats Rats". Then followed
a few rhymes, making the whole thing a disaster.
Later, a noted magician Nevil Maskelyne, who was also involved in wireless
telegraphy and a public detractor of Marconi, explained to reporters that
he wanted to show that the device had a fatal security flaw, and won the day.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
SOCIAL SCENE 2014
May 2- 4 VK4 Clairview Gathering ( 0429 632 815 )
May 10 VK3 Moorabbin and District Amateur Radio club Hamfest 10am
May 10 VK4 BARCFEST: Salvation Army Hall Calamvale.
May 10 VK6 HARG swap meet open to sellers 1pm. 5 Sanderson rd Lesmurdie
May 16-18 VK4 WIA Conference presented by SCARC ( vk4ts@wia.org.au )
Jun 7- 9 VK2 Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club field day Port Macquarie
Jun 7- 9 VK5 South East Radio Club's (SERG) 50th annual Convention and
Australian Foxhunting Championship.
Nov 2 VK5 HamFest Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society
Nov 15 VK7 Hamfest (Venue to be advised)
Nov 30 VK3 SPARC HamFest at Rosebud ( howardjones155@gmail.com )
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