|
|
WIANEWS - JAN 11 - VK NATIONAL NEWS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. When you upload audio email us the txt version.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WIANEWS WEEK COMMENCING JANUARY 11 2015.
IN OUR 20TH YEAR OF NON STOP NEWS
Where in the world is VK16? (Think soccer and it may give you a clue)
WIA Director VK2ZRH looks forward into 2015
THESE STORIES AND MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE
OF AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING JANUARY 11 2015.
What use is an F-call?
If you're new to Amateur Radio, you may be surprised to learn that we have
bullies among us, but if you've been around for a while, you'll have heard it,
or perhaps even experienced it firsthand.
Yesterday I received two communications from two separate amateurs on
different sides of the country. Both had been the victim of bullies.
One was from an F-call and the other, an Advanced-call.
Both of them described some of their experiences, how they felt belittled,
hurt, humiliated and abused. One of these people stayed off air for a week,
the other told me that they've left the hobby altogether.
The vast majority of amateurs are wonderful people. They have fun, seek
friendship, enjoy learning new things and meeting new people. Unfortunately
there are those who feel that it's their right, privilege and sometimes even
responsibility to police the airwaves and abuse others along the way.
We have repeater trolls who sit on "their repeater" and tell you off for
using it. We have bullies who troll up and down the bands looking for
infractions. They yell "Pirate" when they perceive that someone is doing
something wrong, without taking the time to actually ask what's going on.
There are those who have the ACMA database on speed dial and check every
callsign they hear, never mind if they mishear, and start abusing people on air.
We have little darlings who think it's OK to abuse foreign accents, or to hit
on women on air. There are "experts" who share their "expertise" by abusing
people making mistakes.
All of these examples are things I've personally heard or have spoken directly
to the person to whom it happened.
Bullying is no laughing matter, it's not funny, it's not cool, it's not smart
and most of all it has to stop.
You may think that this is an isolated case, that it isn't endemic, that
F-calls are inviting this behaviour and really they shouldn't be on-air.
I've got news for you. An F-call is a licensed amateur and should be afforded
the courtesy and privilege that is afforded to all amateurs the world over.
As I said, this has got to stop.
I'm starting a bullying reporting form. It will take your details and the
details of the bully, or if you heard someone else being bullied, it will
take the details you heard and we'll start logging this abuse. Over time
we're likely to find some repeat offenders and we'll start handing their
details over to the ACMA and before long they'll find their licence revoked
and their equipment impounded.
In the meantime, if you are the subject of being bullied, log the details,
as much as you can remember, at the time of the event. If you are able,
record the audio. Don't engage the bully. Find a friend within 24 hours and
talk to them. Pick up the phone, send them an email, get in touch with
someone else. Don't stew on this on your own. You did nothing wrong, it's not
your fault. Don't take matters into your own hands, don't look up their
address and pay them a visit. It's likely to land you into lots of trouble.
Play it cool. Ignore and log it.
Karma is a bitch.
The bullying reporters form is now live on the vk6.net website with some
other resources for you.
If you need to get in touch with me, you can: vk6flab@wia.org.au
No more bullies.
I'm Onno VK6FLAB
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
WIA Office Closed
The WIA office will reopen 10:00am, Monday, 19th January.
During this period any urgent enquiries should be directed to the WIA Manager,
Mal Brooks VK3FDSL, via email address out-of-office@wia.org.au
or, for very urgent matters, via mobile 0413 179 347.
ROGER HARRISON LOOKS AHEAD
This is WIA Director Roger Harrison VK2ZRH
I trust all you listeners got what you wanted for Christmas and had a relaxing
break, whether it was short or is still continuing.
I made just one New Year's resolution - that I remember to always write the
date with 2015 at the end . . . so far, so good.
So, what lies in the months ahead for amateur radio in Australia?
It may prove to be a watershed year in many ways.
The solar pundits are saying that the solar cycle will likely enter the
declining phase of Cycle 24 this year.
Don't despair and advertise your rig in VK Classifieds just yet, however.
This phase of all solar cycles takes rather longer than the run-up to a peak.
It could last five to eight years
I guess the anticipated BIG issues are the remake of the amateur licence
conditions, which will sunset on 1 October, and what might come out of the
government's Spectrum Review.
So, what's happening with the remake of the LCD? Not a lot, yet.
But first, the WIA's Annual Conference and AGM in May is to be held in
Canberra. I'm looking forward to renewing eyeball QSOs with many stalwarts of
these events and making new acquaintances with others.
Back to the licence conditions.
The ACMA has quite a lot on its plate right now, with many other sunsetting
regulatory instruments to be re-made, quite aside from the Spectrum Review
report to be completed in conjunction with the Department of Communications
early this year, and the consequent revision of the Radiocommunications Act.
As you would appreciate, the Amateur LCD is not a high priority for the ACMA
right now.
You will recall that the WIA wrote to the ACMA back last July. Our submission
set out some 24 issues concerning the Amateur LCD.
The ACMA has advised the WIA that it is considering which, if any, issues may
only require minor or procedural amendments that might be incorporated into
the remaking process.
This would enable the ACMA to remake the LCD as a new instrument before
1st October, ensuring continuation of the Amateur Service and early certainty
for all licensees.
The ACMA has advised that those remaining issues raised in the WIA submission
that would mean substantive amendments are likely to necessitate publishing
a Regulatory Impact Statement with a round of formal public consultation to
follow.
This would be time-consuming and unlikely to be completed before the sunset
date.
Not to worry, the opportunity to address outstanding issues remains open and
the ACMA has advised that it will write to the WIA after contemplating policy
and engineering considerations.
That's a polite way of saying 'don't hold your breath'.
Exactly how the re-make of the LCD will proceed is not known at this stage.
Given the limited time available, the WIA anticipates that that the ACMA will
renew the current LCD with minor amendments and no significant change, and
then later have a review and public consultation process to consider the
raft of issues raised in the WIA's and other parties' submissions.
As the ongoing Spectrum Review process may opt do away with apparatus, class
and spectrum licensing to implement parameter-based licensing, Amateur
Service regulation may change considerably, possibly providing an opportunity
to consider a new instrument holistically.
However, considering the time necessary to develop a new Radiocommunications
Act from the ground up, this isn't likely to emerge for a couple of years.
You'll find a link to the whole story on the WIA website home page.
In other News, the Board will consider future development of the
VHF-UHF Field Days following the trial of distance-based scoring
alongside grid-square scoring over the past three Field Days of
Winter and Spring 2014 and the Summer 2015 contest concluding today.
Keen contestants should stand by for some lively public consultation. The
Board would like some cogent, considered feedback.
See you further down the log.
This is WIA Director Roger Harrison VK2ZRH for VK1WIA News.
HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.
Who listens to radio? A weekly 'tally sheet' is sent to all rebroadcasters
and interested listeners, to get your free copy send a blank email to:-
wiabroadcasters-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Put the word subscribe in the title or subject field
THIS HAM GOES ACROSS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND AND ENDS UP IN SOUTH AMERICA!
The small party-type balloon and payload that left Melbournen December 27 has
been tracked during its flight, with Javier Pons Estel LU5FF of Argentina
among those reporting it has reached South America.
Andy Nguyen VK3YT who launched the latest balloon said it was tracked firstly
to New Zealand, then did a few loops in the South Pacific but travelled east
with dozens of reports being received.
"We are in Argentina," said a very elated Andy VK3YT in his latest message.
Further details of the flight and tracking links are at:
https://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/new-vk-pico-balloon-be-launched
(Jim Linton VK3PC VIA SouthGate)
VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
Feb 7 the VK3 Homebrew Construction Group's first meeting of the year!
All welcome to attend 2pm at the Amateur Radio Victoria rooms at 40g Victory
Boulevard, Ashburton.
VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
This weekend, January 10 / 11 the Summerland Amateur Radio Club is at the
Great Eastern Fly-In, on the beautiful north coast of New South Wales.
This annual event is held at the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome and this year
it celebrates the 75th anniversary of the No.1 Bombing and Gunnery School,
set up by the RAAF during World War 2. The school also trained personnel for
roles including Air Observers, Wireless Operators and Navigators. Over
5000 personnel were trained there, including many who were then, or
subsequently became radio amateurs.
SARC has a working display of historic and modern radio equipment,
information on the club and how to get a ham licence, and a monitoring
station for visitors to listen in on the aircraft frequencies.
The local air frequency is 124.2 MHz, AM of course.
They also have a working world war 2 morse practice for those game to test
their skill.
The fly-in programme is jam packed, featuring warbirds, ultralights,
gyrocopters, model aircraft, astounding aerobatics and more. Entry is free
and there will be plenty of parking and food stalls. Joy flights are
available for the more daring visitors.
Look for SARC at their "radio room" in the marquee directly opposite the
main apron.
For more information, see the club website or go to
www.greateasternflyin.com
(Chris VK2ACD - SARC treasurer)
To commemorate ANZAC 100 this week we look at an article by Lloyd Butler
VK5BR who has made a number of contributions to AR Magazine for ANZAC 100.
John Bulling VK5KX spent his early years in Victor Harbour farming with his
father, but was more interested in things electrical.
He took a great interest in visiting the local diesel power station and
experimenting with radio. He had been given a small second hand two-valve
regenerative radio set. To this was added an amplifier and a short wave
adapter, which he built.
In 1930 he entered his receiver in a competition at the Old Exhibition
Building in Adelaide. To his surprise won a prize of ten shillings. With
this receiver he listened to radio amateurs broadcasting on the broadcast
band early on Sunday mornings, and also amateur transmissions on 80 metres.
In 1932 he moved to the Adelaide High School and studied for the Leaving
Honours Certificate, but also received his ham ticket VK5KX in 1935.
He visited broadcaster station 5DN to qualify for the Broadcast Operators
Certificate. Further study saw him he obtain his Engineering Degree in 1939.
As a result John became an electrical engineer with the Adelaide Electric
Supply Company.
At an early stage he saw the introduction of two way radios. With war in
progress there was concern that the power distribution system could be
disrupted.
After his position was freed up, he joined the Army eventually running its
Design Division Workshops in Melbourne. He was in charge of the Army 22 set
project making a transceiver suitable for use in tropical locations.
After the war he returned as a power engineer. John joined the WIA in 1948
and served on the South Australian Divisional Council, the President in
1956-57, and Federal Councillor.
John became assistant director of WICEN, and helped it use the Army Wireless
Set that he helped develop years earlier.
On his retirement from work in 1976 he moved to Nauru where his eldest
daughter worked, and could be heard on air as C21JB from the Pacific island.
In retirement was settled north of Adelaide to operate regularly up until
he became a silent key in 1993. A fine gentleman and a worthy contributor
before, during and after the War.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
Special event station TC100GLB is QRV until April 30 to commemorate the
Battle of Gallipoli 100 years ago. Activity is on the HF bands using SSB,
RTTY and PSK. QSL via TA 1 CM.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to IARU, RSGB, SARL, Southgate AR Club, ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.
Can YOU solve the mystery of UVB-76?
The Daily Mail newspaper asks its readers if they can explain the mysterious
radio signal on 4625 kHz known as the Buzzer
The mysterious transmissions from Russia are thought to have started in 1982
and have continued ever since. Up until September 2010, the station
identified itself as UVB-76 and it is still often referred to by that name.
The station transmits using AM with a suppressed lower sideband (R3E), but it
has also used full double-sideband AM (A3E).
The signal consists of a buzzing sound that lasts 1.2 seconds, pausing for
1-1.3 seconds, and repeating 21-34 times per minute.
Read the Daily Mail story at
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2877988/Can-solve-mystery-UVB-76-Radio-station-buzzed-second-1970s-no-one-knows-why.html
Wiki - UVB-76
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UVB-76
Wind-up radio inventor gets New Year Honour
The BBC report that inventor Trevor Baylis has been made a CBE in the
New Year Honours list for services to intellectual property
Trevor Bayliss is an Honorary member of the RSGB and his wind-up radio made
communications available to people across Africa without access to
electricity.
Read the BBC story at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30634138
PZK and IARU Anniversaries
2015 sees the 85th anniversary of establishment of the Polish Amateur Radio
Union (PZK) and the 90th anniversary of the IARU
24th February 2015 - the 85th anniversary of establishment of the PZK
18th April 2015 - the 90th anniversary of establishment of the IARU.
For more information, please visit the following website:
http://85.pzk.org.pl/
2014 DX Sound Bites!
Tom, K8CX, has done it again. He has provided DXers with 152 memorable rare
DX sound clips in MP3 from 2014.
Visit Tom's famous "HAM GALLERY" Web site:
http://hamgallery.com/dx2014
While there also check out some of the other features on his Web page,
such as: 17 years of "Rare DX Sound Clips" of the past (as well as some
clips from the 1960's and 1970's), QSL Card Museum, Dayton Photo Galleries
and Tribute to Silent Key Ham Operators.
Tom states, "If anyone has any old HF recordings, I would be interested
in hearing from them." (especially sound clips pre-1998 to add to the site)
His E-mail address is: k8cx<at>hamgallery.com
The Essex Chronicle newspaper reports the UK Highways Agency wishes to remove
'Birthplace of Radio' signs from Chelmsford roads
There are ten road signs bearing the words:-
"Welcome to Chelmsford - Birthplace of Radio" on roads leading into the City. They were unveiled by Guglielmo Marconi's daughter Princess Elettra on December 8, 2001. Apparently the Highways Agency says the sentence distracts drivers.
"It's disgraceful because what now remains of our industrial heritage?" said
Marconi Veterans Association chairman Peter Turrall, MBE.
Read the full story at
essexchronicle.co.uk/Uproar-plans-erase-Marconi-legacy-welcome-signs/story-25788407-detail/story.html
=============================================================================
RSGB
Thinking Day on the Air
World Thinking Day on the Air on 21st-22nd February encourages
Guides to make friendships with members of other units, using
amateur radio as the means of communication.
An increasing number of Guides, Guiders and Rangers go on to gain
amateur radio licenses as a result. If you are planning to take
part please let us know. If you'd like to get involved and want to
find out more, visit the RSGB website or www.guides-on-the-air.co.uk
=============================================================================
ARNEWSLINE
CELEBRATING QST CENTENNIAL IN 2015
A happy centennial to the ARRL's official journal QST Magazine.
First published in December 1915, QST is the not
only the official membership periodical of the ARRL, it is
also the most widely read Amateur Radio magazine in the
world with a monthly circulation of more than 165,000.
According to the League, QST kicks off its celebration with
a photo contest announced in the January issue, as well as
online. Winning photos will appear on several QST covers
throughout 2015 and each winning photographer will receive $250.
Also, each 2015 issue of QST will also contain articles and
columns republished from vintage issues. "In the January
issue we'll be reprinting the special declaration from the
January 1942 QST concerning the cessation of amateur
operations at the start of the US entry into World War II.
Each vintage article will be reprinted exactly as it
appeared in its original issue. According to QST Editor in
Chief Steve Ford, WB8IMY, we chose articles based on either
historical relevance or nostalgia value. Ford added that as
space permits, QST will be reprinting some vintage Gil
Gildersleeve cartoons. He also advises readers to also be
on the lookout for occasional appearances of the beloved
`Stray' kitties. Long-time QST readers will know what that means.
REWIND a look back at history
The Australia earthquake anniversary
The Newcastle Earthquake Disaster happened at 10:27 hours on December 28,
1989, that is 25 years ago and a week or so ago - with those involved and
officials holding a memorial ceremony.
Although only at 5.5 on the Richter scale, the earthquake had devastating
effects on the City of Newcastle, the 6th largest in Australia. There were
12 lives lost. The damage bill exceeded $600 million.
Many inner city buildings were historic up to 100 years old, built from single
and double cavity brick.
Much of the area was built on low lying former swamp lands that did not provide
for solid foundations, and no match for the earthquake.
WICEN members played an important part in the recovery efforts. As soon as
volunteers arrived at SES HQ they joined the many rescue crews.
There were no radios in the trucks and WICEN stepped in to help, with effective
use of the local area 2-metre repeater.
The Newcastle Workers Club had collapsed causing 9 deaths. Four hotels, a
school, historical buildings and hundreds of homes were wrecked.
The SES controller needed a buffer between him, the public and news media.
Keith Howard VK2AKX with a little help took over responsibility for public
welfare inquiries and issued all press releases on behalf of the SES Controller.
Soon the whole world wanted to know about the alleged looting ? there was
none. Keith VK2AKX was more than up to the task and in control.
A number of the barricades were manned by radio amateurs providing a radio
link as required. Many police had mobile phones, but the telephone system
was congested meaning that they were basically useless.
As army and police reinforcements arrived, several radio amateurs were taken
off barricades and re-assigned to rescue teams.
The WICEN report on the disaster makes very interesting reading, and showed
once again that the 63 radio amateurs involved did a sterling job.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
Thanks to our dedicated band of broadcast volunteers who utilize their time
and equipment in bringing you this weekly broadcast.
Who and where are they? http://www.wia.org.au/members/broadcast/where/
OPERATIONAL NEWS 2015
The Hunting Lions-in-the-Air event takes place this weekend, closest to
13 January, the birth date of Melvin Jones, the founder of the Lions
organisation.
It will not be a contest but merely a means for Lions to exchange greetings
with other Lions and Lions Clubs.
Radio amateurs and members of the various Lions Clubs get together and the
Lions are allowed to exchange greetings with other Lions under supervision
of the radio amateur. Normally the name and number of the Lions Club is the
exchange.
Jock White Field Day 2015 Saturday February 28th and Sunday March 1st.
Tablelands Radio Group will again hold AM and CW on ANZA Day 25 April
10-10 INTERNATIONAL SUMMER CONTEST Aug 1 - 2
SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS, DX, BEACON REPEATER AND NET ADVICE
The South Pacific Contest Club VK3HF (SPCC spcc.net.au) have been allocated
the special call-sign VK 16 AC to commentate the 16th Asian Cup of Football.
This event is contested by all Asian countries.
VK 16 AC will be active 1st To 31st Jan 2015.
Over the past few years countries vied for the 15 x slots available as
Australia already had qualified as the host to make the up the 16 teams.
This event is held every 4 years and this is the first time that it is being
held in Australia.
VK 16 AC will be active on all HF Bands and also on VHF/UHF.
QSL cards can be requested through the QSL Manager M0 O XO on OQRS this
includes Buro requests.
For all of us here Aussie Aussie Aussie Ooo Ooo Ooo
( Chris de VK3FY )
VERON, will be active with this special event station to commemorate
'Operation Veritable', the successor of Operation Market Garden.
The PA7OV team is busy with the preparations of her activities from
February 6th to February 8th.
Operation Veritable is not known very well to most people. It was the battle
which formed the prelude to the leap across the Rhine after which the
eventual defeat of Germany soon followed.
http://www.pa2p.nl/pa70ov/
Special Event Station, 70 years end of World War II. "Give Peace a Chance!"
PP 70 FEB on air 6 to 31. January (FEB is nothing to do with the month of
February as you will learn in a second..
CW & SSB, QSL via PS 7 AB via Bureau or LOTW.
Each month in 2015 you will hear a different callsign obviously with 12
different QSL cards.
The Special Event Station PP70FEB is to remember the importance of PEACE.
PP70FEB is in honour to all who participated in the war, especially the
Brazilian Expeditionary Force - FEB, on the battlefields in Italy.
AWARDS
Victorian National Parks activity bonanza
The road trip by Julie Gonzales VK3FOWL and husband Joe VK3YSP saw them
recently travel 2500km in seven days and activate 17 National Parks in
Eastern Victoria for the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award.
This trip completes the duo's activation of all 45 National Parks in Victoria
over the past year - the fulfilment of a little dream inspired by a great
man Keith Roget VK3YQ (sk).
Julie and Joe say they couldn't imagine a better reason to visit some of
the prettiest places in Victoria and share the experience of portable Amateur
Radio with so many of friends, including a big thank you to those who followed
progress and called in along the way.
This trip had over 350 contacts each with 150 stations, and qualifying for
the top qualification of the Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award.
When the trip was over, Award Manager Tony Hambling VK3VTH began to receive
new claims.
Congratulations both to Brett McAliece VK3FLCS and Mick Geraghty VK3FAFK
for both achieving 25+ Parks Worked on 40m.
Tony VK3VTH says this is great effort by Brett and Mick, relatively new radio
amateurs who separately achieved 26 National Parks in a mere six weeks.
Congratulations also go to Peter Watkins VK3TKK for getting the KRMNPA Merit
Award having worked 45 Parks on 40m.
Activations can be at any time, but please be mindful of the Parks Victoria
requirements, particularly during the bushfire season.
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER
Tama Art University Ground Station has decided to conclude attempts to
receive the ARTSAT2:DESPATCH spacecraft, amateur radio callsign JQ1ZNN
On December 3, 2014 the Deep Space Sculpture spacecraft (FO-81) was put into
an Earth escape orbit as a piggyback payload on the H-IIA F26 launched from
the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan.
The DESPATCH CW transmitter on 437.325 MHz was powered by batteries which had
an estimated lifetime of 27 days.
Radio amateurs around the world tracked the signal from the spacecraft as it
headed out into deep space. The furthest two reports of reception occurred
when the spacecraft was 4.7 million km from Earth, far beyond what the team
expected and a record communication distance between two amateur radio
stations.
Read more at
http://amsat-uk.org/2015/01/03/despatch-operations-end/
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ILLW
ILLW reaches 100 milestone
A prompt on the social media Facebook on New Year's Eve about the then vacant
100th registration in the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
received an almost instant reply from Germany.
Quick off the mark was Gerhard Impekoven DJ9QE, who will activate the Oland
Light, Germany's smallest lighthouse standing 7.4 metres (24 feet) tall,
built with brick and the country's only one with a thatched roof.
The cross light in the tricky waterways off the small North Frisian island
has continuous white, red and green sectors. Gerhard will be sent a certificate
acknowledging his 100th registration.
So far 17 countries have registered with the leaders being Australia 34,
Germany 22, England 10 and 8 from USA. It's no surprise that the leaders
have 70% of all registrations to date.
Other made come from Argentina, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Malaysia, Northern
Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Sweden and Wales.
The 18th International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is on the 15th and
16th of August. For the easy guidelines and to register please check out
the website illw.net
Also the past couple of years we have seen and heard from the special station
set up at the 'infamous' Alice Springs Todd River Light, deep in the red
centre of VK. Well with the Todd flowing again Thursday for the first time
since April after heavy rains dumped more than 100mm in its catchment area
maybe enough will cause actual water around for this years ILLW.
(The shallow river bed is generally dry for most, if not all, of the year.)
(Jim Linton VK3PC)
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
WICEN during South Australian bushfires
The bushfire that burned uncontrolled for many days since early new year
in the Adelaide hills blackened more than 12,500 hectares of land, destroyed
numerous houses, sheds and at least four business.
The bush and grass fires in temperatures about 40 degrees (Celsius) and winds
over 90km/h, sent 23 people, including firefighters to hospital. One man
remains in a serious condition after being hit by a falling tree.
It is sheep and cattle country with the loss of about 120 animals. Forecast
cooler weather was to dampen the fire threat, but locals know they need to
remain vigilant and prepared for the rest of summer.
WICEN President Nic McLean VK5ZAT reports that he has been at the One Tree
Hill staging area assisting, including the issuing of handheld radios to
SAVEM (SA Veterinary Emergency Management) a Response and Recovery agency
for animals, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
WICEN has commercial UHF handhelds available and also set up an aluminium
mast and antenna at the base station to give a more reliable range.
Nic VK5ZAT says WICEN works very closely with SAVEM, enabling the veterinary
community to effectively respond to any emergency incident involving companion
animals, wildlife and livestock.
While SAVEM can't provide an evacuation service for pets and other animals,
which should be in personal emergency plans, it helps any animals caught
up in an emergency.
An approach to WICEN by SAVEM in late 2013 resulted in an agreement of help
being provided with communications.
Nic VK5ZAT says SAVEM with its veterinarians and nurses has been doing good
work triaging, treating and euthanising animals, and where possible some
emotional support to the farmers and owners of the animals.
Having WICEN South Australia support with communication facilities has made
the vital humanitarian work a lot easier, and given radio amateurs a new
worthy additional customer.
But NOW, Emergency Services in South Australia are preparing to deal with
potential severe flooding, with VK5 facing its heaviest rainfall in 3 decades.
The Bureau of Meteorology said up to 150mm of rain could fall in some parts
over this weekend (9-11 Jan).
The wet weather will bring relief to firefighters who have been battling to
control those bushfires in the Adelaide Hills.
(Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee +
BBC online)
HOMING IN
Much has been made last year of the search for downed aircraft "black" boxes.
From Wikipedia we learn an underwater locator beacon (ULB) or underwater
acoustic beacon, is a device fitted to aviation flight recorders such as
the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR). ULBs are
also sometimes required to be attached directly to an aircraft fuselage.
ULBs are triggered by water immersion; most emit an ultrasonic 10ms pulse
once per second at 37.5 kHz 1kHz.
The device is designed not only to survive accidents, but to function
correctly after impact.
Research by the French Bureau d'Enqutes et d'Analyses pour la Scurit de
l'Aviation Civile has shown that it has had an 90% survival rate spanning
27 air accidents over the sea. The ULBs fitted in Air France Flight 447,
which crashed on 1 June 2009, were certified to transmit on 37.5 kHz for
minimum 30 days at 4C temperature. Investigating the crash, the BEA
recommended that FDR ULBs' transmission period be increased to 90 days and
that "airplanes performing public transport flights over maritime areas to be
equipped with an additional ULB capable of transmitting on a frequency
(for example between 8.5 kHz and 9.5 kHz) and for a duration adapted to the
pre-localisation of wreckage" (i.e. with increased range).
SOCIAL SCENE 2015
Jan 23-26 VK4 TARC Australia Day Long Weekend Family Radio Camp, Bluewater.
Feb 7 VK3 Homebrew Construction Group 2pm ARVic 40g Victory Bld Ashburton.
Feb 22 VK2 Central Coast Amateur Radio Club Wyong Field Day.
March 21 VK3 Dstar Users Group 9am Woodend RSL Anslow St. vk3tq@bigpond.com
March 29 VK3 EMDRC Hamfest
April 18 VK4 REDFest (Redcliffe Radio Club Event)
May 1-3 VK4 Clairview Gathering contact RADAR's VK4ACC 04 2963 2815
May 9 VK4 BARCFEST Brisbane
June 6-7 VK2 Queens Birthday 40th annual Oxley Region Field Day
July 1 VK4 Caboolture Hamfest
July 11-12 VK3 GippsTech 2015
August 9 VK2 SARC-FEST Lismore
Sept 12 VK4 SUNFEST Woombye
Sept 25-27 VK4 CHARC AGM Weekend Camp Fairbairn near Emerald
Oct 2-5 VK4 Cardwell Gathering, Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park
Oct 25 VK4 Gold Coast Hamfest Broadbeach
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
and don't JUST send url's links but take the time to pen YOUR contribution.
To submit audio read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on
http://www.wia.org.au/members/broadcast/contribute/
Remember the sooner you submit material the more the likelihood of it being
broadcast in the very next edition of WIA National News. Each item will only
be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please submit different
slants to keep your event 'fresh 'and always if the news room is to read your
item write in the 3rd person.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================================
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.
Who and where are they? http://www.wia.org.au/members/broadcast/where/
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...
Who listens to radio? A weekly 'tally sheet' is sent to all rebroadcasters
and interested listeners, to get your free copy send a blank email to:-
wiabroadcasters-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.au
Put the word subscribe in the title or subject field
Compiled by VK4BB on behalf of the National WIA.
|
|
