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WIANEWS - Mar 22 - VK NATIONAL NEWS

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This is WIANEWS for week commencing March 22 2009


This week further on the WIA AGM in May.

News from The Isa, Whyalla, Victoria, Port Stephens and more on Harvey's
"Elevation Device!"

We look again at the proposed "Rock Concert" for XTAL locked hams.

News of WRC 11 to be held in Geneva and we go "back country" where US
Hams have helped save the life of an injured woman.


The WIA HD FEATURE CHANNEL this week has a windows media audio file
running some 17 minutes and provided by Tony VK5ZAI. It is the FULL
audio recording of the Padthaway contact with Mike Fincke on Tuesday
the third. ( http://www.wiaq.com/ftp/ariss_march3_2009.wma )

All this plus more up and coming in

WIANEWS for week commencing March 22 2009



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Summer is gone and so have the bushfires

It is six weeks since the Black Saturday disaster that involved a third of
Victoria claiming 210 lives, destroying more than 2000 homes, wiping out
townships and killing farm animals and wildlife in its path.

WICEN Victoria is tallying up its deployment which lasted 28 days and
involved 52 radio amateurs including two each from New South Wales and the
Australian Capital Territory.

WICEN Secretary Mark Dods VK3XMU says the deployment went as well as possibly
could be expected.

One of its designated roles is to provide relief operators for other agency
communications equipment - and that it did in a commendable fashion at a
number of Incident Control Centres and a Municipality Emergency Coordination
Centre.

Just like the debriefing process now underway for all emergency services and
response agencies - WICEN too will be looking at its performance and to
identify room for improvement.

Another aspect of the disaster is how the fire storm affected communications.
The satellite navigation systems which were meant to guide emergency services
failed because the smoke was too thick to get the GPS signals from
satellites.

Some crews had to open up their printed maps and old-fashioned Melway
directories to do the job.

And with power failures the old-fashioned battery-powered radio was the only
way for people in its path, to keep reliably informed of the bushfires.


I'm Jim Linton VK3PC and you're listening to VK1WIA.

Rain Hail or FIRE, we Radio Amateurs are there!

In Canada, Don Gerrard VE4DWG Section Emergency Coordinator for Manitoba
has advised local hams that the potential for Serious Spring Flooding for
various areas of Manitoba is mounting, and based on the "Flood Forecast"
released Mid Week by the Province's Water Stewardship Department it looks
like its going to be "damp".

Don VE4DWG has called a meeting with Manitoba ARES March 26 to begin planning
- continuing on the success experience by ARES in supporting the Province
in severe flooding that occurred in Manitoba in 1997.

It appears right now that Winnipeg its self should not be too seriously
impacted - thanks in part to a massive project to expand the capacity of
the "Floodway" system protecting the region around Winnipeg.



The WIA President VK3PC.

I expect that during next week the April edition of Amateur Radio, the WIA's
magazine will start to be delivered to members.

Because the WIA has taken over the management of callsigns only 4 weeks ago,
we have become aware of some inconsistency in the way that the callsigns for
the Australia External Territories have been managed, and so I have written
the Comment for April AR with a view to seeking opinions on the question of
VK9 callsigns.

Australia's External Territories include some pretty interesting DX and
include Cocos Island, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Mellish Reef and
Willis Island.

May I in this broadcast identify the issues I have raised, and as I do in AR,
invite comment.

Before I address the VK9 callsign, let me remind you that any one holding a
VK call may operate "portable" in VK9 in accordance with the Amateur LCD, and
any amateur from anywhere in the world may operate for up to 90 days in VK9
in accordance with the Class Licence for overseas amateurs visiting
Australia.

There are probably two major ways in which VK9 callsigns are treated
differently than other callsigns by ACMA. These are policies that the WIA is
obliged to follow. However, that doesn't stop us suggesting new policies.

The first issue is whether there should be a geographical indicator
incorporated in the callsign. Currently, ACMA says that "in most cases" the
first or second letter after the VK9 is used to identify the territory or
area, so C indicates Cocas Island and L indicates Lord Howe Island.

The ACMA requirement can be found on the WIA website, in the document
Australian Callsign Structure, part of the Callsigns and Certificates area.

There are three observations that should be made about that. If one looks at
the callsigns that have been allocated in the Call Book, you can rapidly see
that has not been adhered to - there seems to have been little consistency in
adhering to that policy. May be that is why the policy is "in most cases"!

The next observation is that some have argued that the formula is pretty
meaningless, and have struggled to find a better way, with the first letter
after the VK9 becoming the geographic indicator.

So, given history, given the difficulty of finding a formula that works
easily, is there any point in attempting to include a geographic indicator in
the callsign, in all cases or just most cases?

If you answer yes, how would you do it? Do you have only three letter calls?

Why cannot a club or group mounting a DXpedition use a group of letters that
identify it, it they wish and it is available?

The next issue is this.

ACMA says that licences with VK9 callsigns allocated to visiting amateurs
will only be issued for the duration of their visit and will not be renewed.

A quick look at the Call Book seems to indicate that hasn't always been
observed, either.

Is there any point in that restriction?

So, I am seeking feed back in relation to VK9 callsigns. Should they be
treated any differently from any other callsign? If so, in what precise ways?

Please write to the WIA or email us at and let us know
your thoughts.

Thank you



GippsTech - WIA AGM

Special Edition bringing together Australia finest technical speakers to the
2009 WIA AGM weekend of activities.

Yes you can participate in wide range of fascinating and highly informative
technical presentations. The annual GippsTech conference has earned a well
deserved reputation as Australia's Number 1 technical conference attracting
hundreds of VHF, UHF and SHF enthusiasts from right around Australia.

GippsTech - Special Edition extends well beyond the scope of the traditional
conference. Friday 1st till Sunday 3rd of May at the Gippsland Campus of
Monash University. Registrations are filling quickly, reserve you place
today, full details and secure online booking are available via
www.wia.org.au

look under the "About WIA" tab.



HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

VK2
web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm
VKG Roundup http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news

The Port Stephens A.R.C. election of office bearers is coming up in the next
couple of months reminds President Richard VK2FRKO.

Richard dropped us a line to say "Might be of interest to other clubs that
are renewing their club callsigns. PSARC received a letter from ACMA in
December 08 renewal, they paid the following day and received a receipt from
B pay.

Couple of weeks ago from ACMA a cancellation notice in regards to having NOT
paid renewal fee.

Bank was unable to tell the club why the money was not taken out.

A quick call to the ACMA office in Canberra, another payment, this time from
the bank direct and all cleared up now hopefully they retain the club call
of VK2AOJ.

Maybe a good idea to follow on any b-pay payments you make"!

(Richard Osborne. O.A.M. VK2FRKO Club President)



Westlake's AGM is on Saturday May 9.
Nomination forms for Exec and Committee are available from the Secretary as
well as westlakesarc.org.au



VK3
web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/
VKC Roundup http://www.police

The Australian D-STAR network has reported that the installation of the
Amateur Radio Victoria VK3RMM 70cm D-Star repeater has been completed.

The system is now fully operational.

There have been good reports from operators in Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong
who are using this repeater. There is no Gateway connected to this repeater.

Amateur Radio Victoria also advises that a new 2m antenna has been acquired
for the Mt Macedon site to make further progress its ICOM D-STAR project.

(Amateur Radio Victoria www.amateurradio.com.au)



VK4
web service local news:- www.wiaq.com/qnews/upload/qnewsbcast.htm
local news email
VKR Roundup
http://www.police.qld.gov.au/News+an...edia+Releases/

VK4RMI Mount Isa 2m Repeater back on air

Gavin VK4ZZ tells WIA National News that the 2m repeater belonging to the
Mount Isa and District Amateur Radio Group, located at the Amateur Radio Club
Site at Four Mile Hill (east of the Isa out along the highway) is back on
air.

The repeater had been off-air for some time now however thanks to
Joe VK4SWR and Ian VK4SC the have managed to "spring the old girl back into
life again.

The repeater has the same frequency set as Townsville, Rockhampton
and Gold Coast i.e. 146.7 MHz.



VK5
www.qsl.net/vk5bar/
Name : Charles Prime

Now a report from Bob VK5MRW.

"Just letting those who are interested know that I have set up an EchoLink
RF node number 427376 at my QTH in Whyalla. It is DTMF capable.

The frequency is 145.375 simplex in line with WIA recommendations or you can
connect via computer of course. The link rig is FM900. All other FAQ'S and
Node numbers can be found on the EchoLink web site.

Thank you this has been Bob VK5MRW."



DISCUSSION POINT

A few weeks ago on the VKZLQRP yahoo group GerardVK4 put forward an idea with
a very catchy name for the younger ones amongst us "A QRP ROCK CONCERT".


Proposal.
QRP Rock Concert QSO Party
Co-ordinated through VKZLQRP Yahoo group

Aim to maximise contacts/signal reports for rock bound stations by getting as
many such stations on air at the same time as is possible.
A contest or just a co-ordinated effort to get many stations on air?

Run it in the evening when the (now cancelled) 80m CW trans-tasman contest
would have been on. Sat 23/5/09
Duration, one or two hours?
Start time, a set UTC start time, or 8pm local time? (Local time is
convenient for operating + permits targeting of DX zones but decreases number
of stations on simultaneously) Maybe only call during your time zones hour,
but listen at other times?
Frequencies, focus on normal rock bound frequencies e.g. 7.030, 7.040, 3.5??,
14.060, 10.106? need to look up more.
Exchange, real rst + lots of idle chat.
Encourage post events comments to this yahoo group.

Operational ideas.
- Xtal or VCXO stations only to call CQ.
- Suggest VCXO stations tune slightly off the rock bound frequency to leave it
free of those who can't move.
- Do call CQ. Preferably in batches of 5 with short gaps. Then listen for a
while. Leaving a break for others to call.
- No special call. Just in case the DX is in.
- If you have a QSO leave a good break between overs for others for call in.
- If you hear a QSO, feel obliged to call in.
- Leave lots of breaks and listen hard for weak signals
- Leave filters wide if possible so as to hear stations who aren't quite on
frequency.
- Non-rock bound stations, give priority for air time to rock bound stations.
- QRO stations, by all means join in but please make a special effort to avoid
stomping on anyone.
And if this sounds like a recipe for chaos, well that's what I'm aiming for.
If we get the balance right, the rock bound stations will get a few good
contacts each, and no one will get stomped on or discouraged.

Promote it in QRP Club LoKey Mag, WIA news, VKZLQRP yahoo group plus ??



Well we here at WIA news did exactly that, suggesting you contact Gerard
through the VKZLQRP group.

In that group Gerard sought comments on the idea asking for feedback so he
could decide whether this was worth promoting or not and what format and
time would be best, also questioning if to promote it through QRP Club LoKey
Mag, WIA news, VKZLQRP yahoo group plus etc etc.

Now having worked in many Commercial Radio formats over the years, including
Contempory Hit Radio it should have come as no surprise that the Rock Concert
Promoter has seemingly had a change of heart! HiHi.

Yes a later posting from Gerard asks that messages about that idea , the
QRP ROCK CONCERT, not be posted to us at the WIA news room, so with that -
we oblige and the rock concert issue is now dusted off!

Graham VK4BB Editor.



INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to RSGB, Southgate AR Club, the ARRL,
Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA.


SILENT KEY

WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI has told us " It is with great sadness that
I tell you that David Rankin VK3QV/9V1RH passed away in Singapore Thursday
morning."

David was always the enthusiastic amateur, originally involved with Victorian
Division, then the Federal Executive, and was Federal Vice President for a
number of years. For a number of years David worked for Hy Q the crystal
maker, originally in Frankston, Victoria and went to Singapore when Hy Q
established a factory there in 1972, met Adeline, married and lived in
Singapore ever afterwards.

Living in Singapore he developed both a real interest in and understanding of
amateur radio in the developing countries of what had become his part of the
world. He actively participated in what had become his home society,
Singapore Amateur Radio Transmitting Society (SARTS). He was a great
supporter of SEANET. His real interest became IARU Region 3. He was secretary
of IARU Region 3 from 1973 to 1982, Chairman of Region 3 from 1982 t0 1994,
and a Director from 1994 to 1997. He enthusiastically welcomed his many
Australian friends, mainly amateur, visiting Singapore.

He leaves Adeline and his two children, Sheila and Edward.

David enjoyed amateur radio and his many friends through amateur radio, but
gave an enormous amount to amateur radio, most particularly and over very
many years, through IARU Region 3.

We will have more on this next week and on the WIA Home Page News Service.



The next World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-11) is scheduled for 2011.

These periodic conferences of the Member States of the International
Telecommunication Union consider allocations to the various radio services,
including the Amateur Radio Service and evaluate what new technologies and
applications should be addressed by future conferences.

The agenda for WRC-11, developed by the delegates at the last WRC in
Geneva in 2007 has 25 agenda items addressing potential new or revised
spectrum allocations to existing services.

Of most interest to amateurs is agenda item 1.23, "to consider an allocation
of about 15 kHz in parts of the band 415-526.5 kHz to the amateur service on
a secondary basis."

WRC-11 is tentatively scheduled for October 24-November 18, 2011, in Geneva.



Back-country explorers assist in rescue of injured woman

The Desert Valley Times have reported how Hal Whiting and Todd Kluxdal
arranged help via Ham Radio last Saturday for an injured ATV rider when
they were able to radio for help so a helicopter could airlift the woman
out of a remote area north of the Grand Canyon.

They were driving in separate vehicles near Poverty Mountain in the Arizona
Strip south of St. George Saturday when they were flagged down by another
motorist who asked if they had a satellite phone. The man said a woman had
been injured, and cell phones didn't work in that area. Whiting, who is a
ham radio operator, K12U said he could radio for help from his truck.

He was able to contact another ham operator, Ralph Magee N6LRG who lives in
the Cane Breaks area 50 miles from their location. Magee called 911, and a
helicopter from the Arizona Department of Public Safety's Kingman Rangers
was dispatched.



HAM RADIO IN PORTUGAL GETS A SPRING 2009 MAKEOVER

Major changes are coming to amateur radio in Portugal. According to an

e-mail from CT1FBF, that nations new structure includes the introduction of
a three class licensing system that will parallel the existing classes
which have been grandfathered but which will no longer be issued.

In other changes, the minimum age to obtain a Portuguese ham ticket has

been lowered to 12. All applicants regardless of age will be required to
enter the hobby with a third class license and remain there for at least
two years before upgrading. The new 3rd class license will be good for 5
years giving a ham three years in which to upgrade to 2nd class. If a 3rd
class ham fails to upgrade he returns to what amounts to SWL status. That
means he or she can only use their own station as a listening post
and must go to a 2nd grade or higher licensee's station to transmit under
the control of that ham.



OPERATIONAL NEWS -

SPECIAL EVENTS AND ON AIR CONTEST COLUMN - D A T E L I N E 2009

MAR 28 - 29 WPX SSB (Worked All Prefixes)

APR 18 ZL/VK RTTY SPRINT (80M)
APR 25 ZL/VK RTTY SPRINT (40M)

MAY 01 - 08 VK CQ REPEATER CONTEST (Westlakes Club)
MAY 09 - 10 ZL SANGSTER SHIELD 80M CW

JUN 6 - 8 WORKED ALL VK SHIRES LONG WEEKEND CONTEST
JUN 20 - 21 MUSEUMS WEEKEND PART a
JUN 27 - 28 MUSEUMS WEEKEND PART b

JUL 04 NZART MEMORIAL CONTEST 80M

AUG 15 - 16 WIA Remembrance Day Contest
AUG 15 - 16 ILLW

Running till Dec 31 2009 is the 4th CQ DX Marathon



Scramble for 15-minutes and have fun

The monthly VK3 scramble on 2-metres that has been running for more than six
months on the last Sunday of the month.

The rules are simple:
Work each station only once, the exchange will be a readability and signal
report plus 4 digit Maidenhead locator grid square.

Each grid square worked will act as a multiplier, that is the total QSOs
times the number of grid squares, with the bonus station which counts as
two QSOs.

The next VK3 scramble:
Sunday the 29th March 8.30pm-8.45pm AEDT between 144.110 and 144.200 on
Upper Sideband, followed by a call-back on 144.150MHz.

For inquiries or more information contact Michael Coleman VK3KH

or 0417 392 378.

(Jim Linton VK3PC)



KIWI DIGITAL MODES GROUP
ZL/VK RTTY SPRINTS CONTEST

18 April 2009 - 80M Section

25 April 2009 - 40M Section

1000 UTC to 1100 UTC

Full contest information, including Rules and other operating information is
available from the Group's website:
www.zl2ko.org.nz

Allan,



2009 SANGSTER SHIELD QRP CW CONTEST

9 and 10 May 2009
2000 NZST until 2300 NZST
80m
CW Only

Please refer to the Contest Section of the NZART Callbook, or the NZART
Website:
www.nzart.org.nz/contests/



BEACON DX AND NET ADVICE
hf nets ON the net, www.timroberts-vk4yeh.id.au/

GB 40 WAB 40th anniversary of the WAB Till Dec 31


HA 130 HALLO Hungary 130 yrs of Telephone Until March 31

International Museums Weekend(s) 20 and 21 plus 27 and June 28


OZ 1658 ROS 350th anniversary of the Treaty of Roskilde Till Dec 31

VARIOUS SM STATIONS USING 1658 (Treaty of Roskilde) Till Dec 31


VP 9 400 /home call 400th Anniversary of Bermuda Till Dec 31



QRZ VK9LA, by late today this DXpedition should be on air from Lord Howe
Island. During the next 2 days the rest of the operators will arrive and
complete the set up of 7 hf stations as well as one on 6m.

On April 1st we have set up a special sked time for VKs on 80m.
For CW, 3.507 MHz at 08.45utc followed by SSB on 3.555mhz at 09.30utc.

On the web site www.odxg.org/vk9la.htm you will find live updates including
a online log search.

Cu in the pile ups-. This is VK4FW



Ganesh VU2TS is source for these following "DX-SPOTS".

Grand Manan Island - VE9

Heinz, VA7AQ will be active as VE9/VA7AQ from Grand Manan Island
(NA-014, CIsA NB-003, WLOTA LH-0082) between March 20-25th.
QSL via home call, direct or Bureau.

Grand Manan Island (also simply Grand Manan) is a Canadian island and the
largest in the Bay of Fundy, sitting at the boundary between the Bay of Fundy
and the Gulf of Maine on the Atlantic coast, part of Charlotte County in the
province of New Brunswick.

Coordinates: 44.42N and 66.48W.



ELLICE ISLANDS VX8

20/03/2009: John/VE8EV, Wally/VE8DW and Gerry/VE8GER will be active
from Ellice Island (NA-192), March 20-23rd, using the callsign VX8X.

QRV 40, 20, and 15 meter SSB/CW; 24 hours per day non-stop operation.
Expect to see them on CW, but most of the focus will be on 20 meter SSB on
14.260 MHz. QSL via the information at QRZ.com under VX8X.

Ellice Island located in the Canadian Northwest 69.133N / 135.750W



SOUTH COOK ISLANDS E51 (Update).

Tim, NL8F/VK4COF, will be active as E51COF for 14 days from Rarotonga Island
(OC-013) sometime between March 21st and April 4th. Activity will be on
80/40/20/15/10 meters SSB and possibly 17 meters.
QSL Manager for this operation is K8NA.

A NET of 15 islands smack in the heart of the South Pacific spread over an
area the size of India with a total population of about 16,000 souls.
Rarotonga is the capital.. it literally means "down south".

(Ganesh VU2TS)



WIRELESS WEATHER

Two New Sunspots ?

The SpaceWeather.com website says that two proto-sunspots are simmering near
the sun's equator. Could they be the start of the long-awaited upturn in
sunspot activity ?

SpaceWeather.com says the sun is blank, but maybe not for long.

The two proto-sunspots are simmering near the sun's equator.

Their locations are shown in a magnetogram at

www.spaceweather.com/



Speaking of Wireless Weather, if any listener would be prepared to supply us
with propagation news, ourselves along with in particular a listener,
Alex VK4TE, would love to hear from you!



BROADCAST MONITORING SWL AND SCANNER NEWS

http://www.scanaustralia.bigpondhosting.com
www.scanvictoria.com
www.tinyurl.com/BITS-026 (A receiver located in NY USA)

After being on 7190 / 7191 for about a month, AIR Mumbai is now back on its
original frequency 7195 from 13 Mar 2009 but will it vacate by March end?
Time will tell!



THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report -
(Measure twice - Cut once!)

Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club

The club purchase of squid poles has been incredibly popular, so much so that
the first lot of 20 sold out in days, and they had to order another 10 to
keep up with demand!

Read Phil VK7JJ's excellent construction article on the squid pole antenna.
Phil says that it works well on 80, 40 & 20 metres, and is no slouch on
30 and 15 metres with a little help from an ATU, is fast to erect and easy
to build. Phil also details the theory of operation of the antenna on each
of the resonant bands, and is a fantastic read.

If you visit the landing page at www.perite.com and then follow the links
to `fun' then 'bump in' to `ham radio', that is where you will find the link
to the VK7JJ squid pole multiband vertical.



MEDIA WATCH
http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WorldRadio.html

A record call-back for Phil VK6GX on 160 last weekend for this the WIA
National News Service. D despite poor conditions Phil puts it down to
the John Moyle Field Day.

On 160 meters from Perth he had a total of 18 stations, 11 metro 7 country,
with the furthest 240km away.



Real offshore radio returns to the Netherlands for two weeks

Dutch commercial stations Radio Seagull and Radio Waddenzee announce
after having challenged history by anchoring a radio ship 8 miles out in the
high seas last year, they are going to do it again in 2009 !!!

One of the only two radio ships left in the world, the LV Jenni Baynton,
will be anchoring in the Wadden sea off Holland from May 20th till June 6th.
Radio Seagull (together with her sister station Radio Waddenzee) broadcast
on the Medium Wave, 1602 AM.

The ship, home of both stations, is usually moored alongside a pier in a
small Dutch seaport called Harlingen.

Once a year the ship is towed out at sea, manned with DJ's and engineers
and broadcasts using the ship's transmitter.


and speaking of "ships that rock the world", Glenn A. Baker VK's
Rock Historian is to host an Ovation TV special called "The Pirates From Oz"
in the near future.

Last Tuesday in Balmain Sydney, filming took place that included the likes
of former Top 40 Greats Graham Webb, Dermot Hoy, Ian MacRae, Norman St John
John Kerr, Harry Vanda and Peter Clifton.



WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV (Every pixel tells a story)

REAST in Hobart have had yet another great ATV Experimenter's night with
both analogue 70cm and digital 23cm ATV going out from the domain.

They played the latest AmateurLogic.TV (episode 23) from the guys in the
deep south of the USA and this was well received both on analogue TV and
digital satellite ATV.

The group is getting the transmitting antenna higher up the ATV tower thanks
to Harvey VK7HK's ladder. (or is that "elevation device? hihi).

How do you receive ATV on an ATV night well, ATV goes out on 444.25MHz
(Channel 16) - just below SBS on the UHF TV Band. You will need an antenna
with some gain pointed toward the Domain to receive signals.

(Justin, VK7TW)



Brisbane Amateur Television repeater going digital

VK4RMG ATV repeater at Ocean View is to undergo a major refurbishment which
includes the instillation of an Australian standard digital transmitter on
446.5 MHz.

Three Brisbane based radio clubs are combining their resources to provide
the improved service; South East Queensland ATV Group, Brisbane Digital ATV
Group and Queensland Digital Group.

(Alan VK4YAR)



WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER

AMSAT-VK UNOFFICIAL HF Net.
2nd Sunday each month.
November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz
April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz


Cotswold School in Christchurch NZ has finally been scheduled for
Thurs,26 Mar. at 23:52 UTC, that's Friday at 10:52am Sydney time.

Because of the shuttle launch delay we have been working on this contact
for the last month. The timing of this launch meant that the crew on the
ISS had to change their sleep times and we wanted to get the NZ school
scheduled for a more friendly time. NZ being utc +13 hours means that
it's impossible to select a time that suits both the crew and the school
unless we can schedule them in one of these sleep shift periods. This
linkup will be telebridged through VK5ZAI.

This school will be Mikes 35th for this tour, 37 is the record held by
Bill McArthur and Mike looks like exceeding this.

The following week it's hoped to schedule Kalori Catholic School in
Wallaroo for their linkup.

Mike fence has had the cross band repeater in operation on the ISS for
several weeks now and every pass has seen increased activity. This is
very encouraging with many calls that I haven't heard before. Several
are accessing it with just handhelds which proves that you don't need a

sophisticated and expensive station to work the satellites.

Due to the number of schools that Mike has been speaking with the
waiting period has shortened and we need more Australian schools
applying so check with you local school and explain to them what ARISS
and Amateur Radio can offer them. Keep our hobby growing !!

Tony. VK5ZAI
National ARISS Co-ordinator
and Satellite Earth Station.



SOCIAL SCENE

2009

International Telecommunication Union's Telecom World 2009.


March 22 vk3
EMDRC Annual White Elephant Sale, 10am-4pm.Great Ryrie School, Heathmont.

March 22 vk7
MEET THE VOICE SEWING CIRCLE BBQ Held at Ross in Tasmania


April 4-5 vk4
Bunya Mts & District Amcom weekend get together at Somerset Dam
Details Contact Neil VK4NF 07 4662 4950 Email

April 11-12 vk2
Urunga Radio Convention held at the Senior Citizens hall Bowra street Urunga.

April 12 - 13 vk3
Radio, Electronics & Astronomy Expo, Old Fire Station View St. Bendigo.

April 18 WW
World Amateur Radio Day

April 19 vk2
Westlake clubs Mini Field Day.



May 1-3 vk3
WIA AGM Churchill Victoria

May 9 VK4
BARCFEST (the Brisbane HamFest) 9:30am Mt Gravatt Showground.



June 5 - 8 VK4
FNNQARG at Cardwell Village Beachcomber Resort book on 1800 005633
Contact FNNQARG co-ordinator Gavin VK4ZZ for site booking guidance.


June 6-7
South East Radio Group Convention
Margret Street Scout Hall in Mount Gambier behind the Police Station.



July 11 - 12 VK3
GippsTech 2009, the technical conference with a VHF, UHF & microwave focus.


July 18 VK3
Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club Hamfest 10.00 am
Cranbourne Public Hall


August 2 vk6
Northern Corridor Radio Group's WA Hamfest. Cyril Jackson Rec Centre
Fisher st Ashfield, WA email


SEP 13
Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society Hamfest 9:30am.
Goodwood Community Centre, Rosa St Goodwood.


OCT 12 - 16 ZL
14th IARU R3 Conference Christchurch 12 ? 16 October 2009.
Details at www.christchurch.org.nz/
The Region 3 Web Site: www.jarl.or.jp/iaru-r3/




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Thanks to 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,
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Material may be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form, a credit to
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Compiled by VK4BB on behalf of the National WIA.


************************************************** ***************************
- NEWS POSTING TO PACKET -
Courtesy Tony VK7AX VK7AX(AT)VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC


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SB QNEWS @ WW $QNEWS090322
QNEWS - MAR 22 - VK4 ON AIR
--------------------------------------------------
DID YOU TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?
--------------------------------------------------

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD IN QNEWS.MP3
FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICES
QNEWS -- ALL OF THE NEWS ALL OF THE TIME at www.wia.org.au/vk4
QNEWS available in Audio after 0400Hrs UTC Saturday.


----------------------------------------------------------------

Contact QAC by HF Radio 3.605 Mondays 7:30pm after QNEWS
QAC OVERSEES HAM RADIO MATTERS IN VK4
QNEWS newsroom USE TO SEND US YOUR NEWS STORIES!!
QTAC HANDLES TECHNICAL QUERIES
QTC AR MAGAZINE COLUMN


QAC office officers :-

VK4AHW Harvey Wickes
VK4AQ Ross Anderson
VK4BY Don Wilschefski
VK4UH Kevin Johnstone

====================

The wia office address is:
The Wireless Institute of Australia
P.O. Box 2042
BAYSWATER VIC 3153

Telephone: 03 9729 0400
Fax: 03 9729 7325



AR MAGAZINE—VK4 QTC COLUMN
Written by Chris Comollattie VK4VKR
news for ar magazine to


QNEWS BROADCAST MARCH 22 2009




VK4 SILENT KEYS @ 2008 - 2009 QAC YEAR

VK4HEL Stan Stan Sonter November 10 (advised by vk2va via summerland)
VK4NKA John Bourke November 19 (advised by vk4kd)
VK4FFJS John VK4FFJS February (advised by vk4aoe)
VK4DIC Dick Ettinger March 5 (advised by vk4bgt)


Silent Key Richard (Dick) Ettinger vk4dic

It is with regret that I advise that Dick Ettinger vk4dic became "silent key"
on 5th March 2009. Dick was a long time member of the Brisbane North Radio
Club, and was appreciated for his good humour and dedication as Treasurer of
the Club.

Dick was an American soldier from 1947 to 1968 and served with distinction in
Korea.

He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star for gallantry in action.

After leaving the U.S.Army, Dick settled in Brisbane with his wife Shirley
and son Robert.

Dick really enjoyed his hobby of Amateur Radio, making numerous contacts in
Australia and all over the World. He particularly liked chatting with his
many friends in the U.S.A. He will be sadly missed on the airwaves.

(Paul vk4bgt)



QNEWS BROADCAST MARCH 22 2009


DALBY AND DISTRICT


The Club has been operating for about 25 years and represents the areas of
Northern & western Darling Downs and the South burnett,

The club meets in person four times a year, in February, May, August and
November. usually at 1400 hrs on the first Sunday of the month at the
4DDD FM studios at 107 Drayton Street Dalby.

Sometimes they meet in other locations where members are represented such as
Chinchilla and Kingaroy,

On all other months except January they ON AIR meetings on the club's
Bunya Mts VHF repeater on 146.675 at 2000hrs on the first Sunday evening
of the month.

The club holds an 80mt net every other Sunday evening at 2000hrs, 3.585 mhz
and a 2mt net Friday evenings at 1900hrs on the club's Bunya Mts 2mt repeater
146.675mhz

Oh and they join with the Sunshine coast A.R.C. and hold a get-together at
Somerset Dam on the first weekend of April or there abouts. all are most
welcome to join for this weekend.


Dalby & District Amateur Radio Club, 15 Bunya Street Dalby.

(sourced to wia.org.au club pages)



GYMPIE
Geoff Emery vk4zpp

Mt Wolvi provided a green and leafy backdrop for the Gympie amateurs who took
part in the John Moyle Field Day. The first contingent had planned to
operate for 6 hours from the start of the contest and many members turned up
to get the various station equipment ready for the 11.00a.m. start. With the
inevitable hiccups that provide the good experience of portable operations,
the day proceeded to the close of operations at 5 o'clock. By that time other
Gympie group members had turned up to assist but then some of the groups's
newest members rolled up for an overnight stint and set up as the first group
was packing up.

For a look at the Gympie Group in action log onto the "Gympie Amateur Radio"
website and visit the photo page. (www.gceginc.org.au) Look out for
Jason, VK4MIH, hiding under a big black hat and Barry, VK4KKN, in the bright
red shirt during the antenna rigging process. By the signals heard over last
weekend, despite the fires, floods and cyclone that have beset the VK area,
in recent times, there was a great turn out and many good contacts made. Hope
you did well and we will contact you on air next year.

The interest in packet modes continues and Kevin, VK4KEV, has been chasing
the International Space Station on it's passes over this part of the globe.
The UI packet facility has been easy for Kevin to access and the ARISS
email facility has given an easy method of QSLing and provides a novel
experience to the recipient.

On another front, a number of members have been experimenting with Easypal,
Erik, VK4AES' digital slow scan tv software and Roger, VK4BNQ, is running the
store and forward repeater facility which Erik has now written into the
program. Erik has been experimenting and refining the routines within Easypal
in light of a local operation. All grades of licence holders are involved
with the F-call members being only able to receive the transmitted pictures.

The question that Bob, VK4MR, put to the Monday night net was "what is a
coherer and what component would you replace it with today?" A few people
got the answer to this question, some with the aid of Google. What about you?



ROCKHAMPTON

Attention All RADAR CLUB Members in Rockhampton! And maybe some Gladstone
Club members. The tilt train is running half price again so we are going for
another trip. The trip has been arranged for the 27th March ie next Friday.

The tilt train trip will be met by Bundy radio Club members . They will pick
us up and show us a good time! The train leaves Rocky early in the morning
and returns late in the afternoon. The Bundy Club will meet us and take us
for smoko and some other sites and return to RSL for lunch and back in time
to catch the train back to Rocky.

Nev is going in to try to save 8 seats in the same carriage .

This has been an excellent outing in the past and I am looking forward to
this trip.

More News: Rockhampton Club ( RADAR CLUB Inc ) had its AGM Wednesday evening.
I am pleased to announce that Jack VK4JRC became president with the rest of
committee remaining as per last year.

A large group of about 30 members turned up and celebrated at end of the
evening with a feed of pizzas and drinks.

Regards Clive Sait VK4ACC
RADAR CLUB Inc. SECRETARY



REDCLIFFE
www.redclifferadioclub.org.au/

Hello I'm Ray VK4CF with news from Redcliffe Radio Club.

With great fellowship, good food, kind weather and plenty of amateur radio
what more fun could you have than to be active in the bush on the
John Moyle Field Day.

With over a thousand contacts made on all HF bands, the Redcliffe AR club
assisted by members of the Caboolture AR club operated on all HF bands using
both SSB and CW.

With the campsite completely setup on late afternoon Friday, there was time
to have a really hot shower and a few cleansing ales and the glass of port
after tea before competition started in earnest.

With over 60% of club members either camping out for the whole weekend or
visiting throughout the weekend, all members were roped in to spend an hour
or two operating. John VK4BZ surprised all of us when he was called by a
JA station and John replied to him in very good Japanese and created a
pile-up on 10 metres.

The club operated on 12 volt deep cycle batteries all weekend topped up by
small inverter generators. Unfortunately Glen, VK4FZ, lost another generator
after it decided not to play the game. Glen said that each time he has taken
a generator on a John Moyle field day, it has died. Next year he wants to
take solar panels instead.

The Saturday night camp roast was the best yet and many thanks goes to
Peter VK4EA, Jayne, VK4FJAY, Charlie VK4YZ and many others for their work
in preparing a wonderful meal for some 60 people.

Planning for next year's John Moyle has already begun with a critical
debrief held at last Monday night's meeting detailing both good and not so
good aspects and highlighting areas of improvement for next year.

Congratulations to all the students that undertook exams at the field day
and there was one excited 9 year old who should be on the air with his own
call sign very soon. Well done Nicholas, and also to his Mum, Janette who
also passed her foundation theory exam. Well done to Dad and husband Shaun
VK4FY for the tutoring.

Until next week, this is Ray VK4CF.



TABLELANDS RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CLUB

www.treclub.org.au


The Henry Fullford and Tom Debel memorial net.

Our Thursday night net on 3588 Khz has been running for about 5 years.

It started as a Tableland Radio and Electronics Club project and the name,
Henry Fullford Memorial net was adopted. VK4TL has been net contoller except
when away on holiday. The name was later changed to include Tom Debel.

The net is open to all comers from far and wide. A strict procedure is
adopted where everyone takes their turn from the list compiled at the
call in. All get two turns. All matter of topic is disscussed and suprising
knowledge comes forward from the least expected sources. We encourage new
Queensland shires to come aboard so that netees can bag their contact.
Foundation hams have an important place in the net. Getting coverage from
Weipa VK4GUS new call, Julaaten Brendon VK4FBJK new call and David VK4NDX
new call Townsville is important as we try to be forward looking.

Look for VK4WAT/P at 7:30pm on 3588Khz on Thursday nights.

This has been the Henry Fullford and Tom Debel Memorial net VK4WAT with
John VK4TL



TOWNSVILLE
contacting theTARCinc
email address
phone contact 07-47731196 or 0408 001142
snailmail po box 333 Garbutt East, QLD 4814
homepage http://www.tarc.org.au

VK4WIT John Moyle Field Day 2009 Report

A great venue, some Friday Night thunderbumpers and 100mm of rain,
some excellent antenna placement and enough batteries to enable
operating without generators PLUS a surprise lift in conditions on 20 metres.

That more or less sums up the VK4WIT John Moyle weekend for TARCadians.

Those on camp had a fantastic time with the operating, the swimming,
the gastronomic delights from a bush kitchen, the discovery of unique fauna
at the site and a number of field experiments that went exceptionally well.

Over two and a half times the number of contacts made in 2008 were completed
during the 2009 operation and the first ever use of computer logging, dc
powered portable style, worked with a minimum of fuss.

A timely reminder has been given by WIA John Moyle Field Day National Contest
Co-ordinator Denis Johnstone VK4AE that the deadline for log submissions is
no later than 17th April. Already many stations are sending in their logs
electronically keeping Denis very busy yet very happy.

( Gavin VK4ZZ )



Ann Renton Memorial Ladies Net this Tuesday

One of the friendliest radio nets in the land happens
this Tuesday evening from 7-30pm on the Townsville
VHF 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
lets see if the YLs can outnumber the OMs !


Communications Support Events in the Townsville Region
Co-ordinator Eric "Blue" Collins VK4FBLU 47754184

Sun 29 March - TSASC King of the Hill Hillclimb Heat One - Mt Stuart

Sat 4 Sun 5 April - TERAHA Endurance Ride 80/40/20/5km - Bluewater Region

Sun 17 May - TSASC King of the Hill Hillclimb Heat Two - Mt Stuart



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**************************************************
- NEWS POSTING TO PACKET -
Courtesy Tony VK7AX VK7AX(AT)VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC

**************************************************



PAGE_END
/EX